Dental Dental Knowledge Hub

Many dental offices offer payment plans. You can also explore credit cards or personal loans.

Limit or avoid sugary snacks, sugary drinks, refined carbs (white bread, pasta), and processed snacks, as these can feed harmful bacteria and disrupt the balance of your oral microbiome.

Avoid sugary snacks, refined carbohydrates, and excessive alcohol, as they promote bacteria growth, plaque buildup, and dry mouth, increasing the risk of gum disease.

Oral probiotics are available in various forms, including lozenges, chewables, toothpaste, and mouthwash.

During the consultation, your dentist will assess your oral health, discuss your aesthetic goals, review your dental history, and may take X-rays or impressions to create a personalized treatment plan.

If left untreated, the tooth can be extracted.

Tooth pain could indicate a need for a root canal, but it’s essential to consult with your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Consider using floss picks or a water flosser, which can be easier to handle, especially if you have braces or limited dexterity.

If you have braces, brush after every meal to remove food particles trapped in the brackets and wires.

Some smart toothbrushes have simpler designs and are more user-friendly than others. Consider a less complex model if you’re concerned about tech overload.

Bleeding gums are often a sign of gum disease. See your dentist instead of cutting back on brushing.

If your pain worsens with exercise, stop immediately and consult with your dentist or physical therapist. They can assess your condition and adjust your exercise program as needed.

Key ingredients to look for include potassium nitrate, strontium chloride, fluoride, and hydroxyapatite. These help to calm nerves, block tubules, strengthen enamel, and rebuild enamel, respectively.

“Bleachorexia” is a condition caused by over-whitening, leading to unnaturally white or translucent teeth and potential enamel damage.

A smile makeover is a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan that involves one or more esthetic and restorative procedures to dramatically improve the appearance of the smile and bite function. It is not a single treatment but a strategic combination of services planned by the dentist. A typical smile makeover may involve teeth whitening to set a bright foundation, followed by placing porcelain veneers on visible teeth to correct shape and spacing. It may also include gum contouring to correct an uneven gum line, replacing old metal fillings with tooth-colored materials, and potentially some orthodontic alignment or dental implants to replace missing teeth, all working together to create a harmonious final result.

A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure to remove excess gum tissue, improving the appearance of gums and teeth, especially when there are no significant tooth alignment issues.

A gummy smile is when an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when you smile.

: They significantly reduce the risk of allergic reactions, especially for individuals sensitive to metals often found in traditional dental materials.

After a root canal, a crown is often needed to restore the tooth’s strength and appearance, acting as a protective cap.

A root canal is a procedure to save a tooth by removing infected or inflamed pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent further bacterial infection.

A smile makeover is a transformative dental process designed to enhance your smile through various cosmetic and restorative procedures, boosting confidence and overall appearance.

A tooth abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection, typically occurring at the tip of the tooth’s root (periapical abscess) or in the gum area next to the root (periodontal abscess).

Accelerated orthodontics uses advanced techniques to speed up tooth movement during orthodontic treatment, potentially cutting treatment time in half or more.

Baby bottle tooth decay, also known as Early Childhood Caries, is tooth decay in babies and toddlers caused by prolonged exposure to sugary liquids.

Bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.

: Early treatment typically starts around age seven. An evaluation at this age allows the orthodontist to identify developing issues early.

Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) corrects misaligned jaws to improve chewing, speaking, and breathing. It can also improve facial appearance. Oral surgeons perform this surgery.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the appearance of your teeth, gums, and overall smile. It aims to correct imperfections and boost your confidence.

Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to repair minor chips or gaps in teeth, offering a quick and cost-effective solution.

Dental tape is a wider, flatter version of floss, making it more comfortable for people with wider gaps between their teeth and less likely to shred.