The American Association of Orthodontists reports that in the United States 4.5 million people are wearing braces or other dental appliances to straighten teeth and provide a healthy, beautiful smile1. As many of us know, an orthodontist is a dentist with additional clinical training to treat malocclusions (improper bites), which may result from tooth irregularity and [...]
Many medications have side effects, and some can even affect oral health. In most cases, the oral side effects of medications resolve shortly after you stop taking the medication. However, the American Dental Association encourages patients to talk to their dentists about prescription and over-the-counter medications to learn more about how to limit the side [...]
You may have heard of the mind-body connection, but what about the mouth-body connection? To many people, a dental visit is about getting their teeth cleaned, having a tooth pulled, or getting a filling. However, a dental visit is not just about teeth. It is also about your overall health. What goes on in your [...]
The term “bruxism” refers to tooth grinding and tooth clenching that many children and adults experience throughout their lifetime. Bruxism occurs when the teeth contact each other in a forceful fashion, this can be silent or cause a loud sound especially when sleeping. Why Does it Occur? Many medical and dental professionals may not always [...]
It takes more than just brushing. OK, so you know about brushing and flossing. But there are other steps you should take if you want to keep your teeth for a lifetime. Some people assume they will lose their teeth as they age. That doesn’t have to happen. David A. Albert, D.D.S., M.P.H., suggests these [...]
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and the bacteria infect [...]
What Is It? Unlike teeth with obvious fractures, teeth with cracked tooth syndrome usually have fractures that are too small to be seen on X-rays. Sometimes the fracture is below the gum line, making it even more difficult to identify. Cracked tooth syndrome more often occurs in molars, usually lower molars, which absorb most of [...]
For many people, bruxism is an unconscious habit. They may not even realize they’re doing it until someone comments that they make a horrible grinding sound while sleeping. For others, a routine dental checkup is when they discover their teeth are worn or their tooth enamel is fractured. Other potential signs of bruxism include aching [...]
A drug used to regenerate bone in patients with osteoporosis might also be a useful therapy for those who suffer from bone wounds and bone loss because of gum (periodontal) disease according to researchers at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. The study, published online and in print by the New England Journal of [...]
Women who go to the dentist have healthier hearts. That’s according to a new study from University of California, Berkeley researchers, who published their findings online Sept. 29 in the journal Health Economics. The study suggests that women who get dental care reduce their risk of heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular problems by at [...]