If a patient experiences tooth pain over a long time period for no apparent reason, most dentists would likely attribute it to the tooth's pulp. When the tooth becomes severely painful, has become very sensitive to changes in temperature or has an exposed tooth pulp, dentists generally recommend an endodontic treatment for the patient. Endodontic treatment is basically a "rescue attempt... read more »
We've all seen, heard or read them many times before. Let's sort things out once and for all. Here are nine simple ways to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Brush Regularly: You should do this at least twice a day in the morning and right before bedtime. The use of fluoride products is highly recommended. Also, use a toothbrush with... read more »
Dental X-rays are used much more than just for detecting tooth decay and cavities. Dentists also use them to survey teeth or bone anomalies, diagnose dental disorders and or prepare orthodontic treatment. With dental X-rays, dentists can now perform these oral surveys without the need of direct visual exam, making the procedure comfortable and convenient for the patient. But did you know... read more »
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, many adults in the US are suffering from gum disease. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. They become swollen and red and can bleed easily. This mild gum disease, however, can still be remedied by brushing and flossing daily to eliminate plaque and bacteria. Antibacterial mouthwash and/or regular cleaning by... read more »
Brushing and flossing are ideally the best steps to protect your kid's teeth from decay as well as gum disease. But without a well-balanced and healthy diet, brushing and flossing won't do much. Dr. Courtney Chinn, DDS, MPH, of the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, stresses the importance of sensible food choices. "What parents allow their children to eat... read more »
Toothpastes containing less than 1,000 parts per million of fluoride concentrations are as ineffective at preventing tooth decay as toothpastes with no fluoride at all. This finding, published in the Cochrane Database of research group Cochrane Collaboration, is taken from 79 clinical studies involving 73,000 children worldwide. Children's toothpastes are in the range of 100 ppm to 1,400 ppm fluoride... read more »
Patient anxiety or fear of going to the dentist has been one of the predicaments dental practitioners face when providing dental care in El Paso TX. One in 20 patients or 5% of patients in the US and Europe have odontophobia, or extreme dental fear, while up to one-third experience some degree of anxiety. A new study, tested on 20 patients... read more »
Dentine hypersensitivity is a sudden, sharp shooting pain in the teeth triggered by hot, cold or acidic foodstuff. Pain is also felt with touch, such as from chewing or tooth-brushing, and with air pressure, such as when one is breathing through the mouth. Cracked teeth, cavities, worn tooth enamel (outer layer of the tooth), worn tooth fillings and exposed tooth... read more »
Mouth sores are any open blisters found in the oral cavity. They are commonly seen on the lips, the tongue, the gums, the palate and the inside of the cheeks. Examples include canker sores, cold sores and fever blisters. There are myriad reasons for mouth sores. Many are caused by infectious organisms, bacterial, viral or fungal. Cold sores or fever... read more »
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, thus aptly called gum disease. Bacteria are the primary culprit in periodontal disease. A bacterium produces sticky, colorless plaque on the teeth. Brushing and flossing will help eliminate plaque. However, plaque that is not removed will form tartar, a harder substance to clean. Tartar harbors bacteria that make it easier to invade... read more »