Gum disease also goes by the name "periodontal disease." This is caused when the bones and tissues that protect the teeth get infected. Excessive amounts of plaque, which carries bacteria and toxins, is the biggest reason why gum disease develops....
Your teeth are living structures, composed of durable tissue. They are important for biting and chewing food, and from an aesthetic standpoint, they can be pleasing to look at when you smile. But that can change quickly if you neglect your teeth...
You visit your dentist twice a year for teeth cleanings and brush your teeth daily. It's a good start, but it's not enough. Your oral health goes beyond your teeth and is incredibly important as it affects your overall health. Taking a preventive...
Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be more than embarrassing -- it can also be a sign of a serious medical condition. The MedlinePlus website of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health notes that halitosis...
Periodontal disease is caused by excessive plaque build up around the teeth. The two common forms of the disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Signs and symptoms include swollen, bleeding gums, bad breath and loose teeth. However, according to...
Practicing good oral care is of tantamount importance to preventing damage to your teeth and gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) cautions that the buildup of plaque on teeth releases harmful acids that eat away at the teeth, ultimately...
When teeth are crooked or stick out, this malocclusion can cause your entire smile or bite to appear abnormally shaped. Incisors that protrude greatly are sometimes called buckteeth. Crowding or crooked eruption of the permanent teeth may cause...
Taking care of your teeth is extremely important for overall health. As you get older, poor oral health could adversely affect your heart. Bacteria that adheres to your teeth and gums could get into your bloodstream and bond to the plaque in major...
Parents often wonder how to best care for their child's teeth and when to begin taking their child to the dentist. Starting a child in life with healthy dental habits can help when permanent teeth come in, setting in motion good dental care for a...
Your teeth are one of a kind. They not only sparkle when you smile, they serve an important purpose in your overall health. So, taking care of them just makes sense. But you may not be so sure about the need to buy dental insurance, so here...
No matter how old you are, toothaches hurt. Whether it's from an infection or a cavity, a toothache can stop you in your tracks, making everyday tasks-- such as eating, speaking, and even sleeping -- seem nearly impossible. Whether it's a dull...
A child should experience her first visit to the dentist between 12 to 24 months of age, according to HealthyChildren.org, a website associated with the American Academy of Pediatrics. If your child is fearful of going to the dentist's office,...
According to dentist Bill Wolfe, aloe vera is a plant that has nutrients in its leaves with the ability to heal and sooth. Aloe vera has been used since biblical times for various medical reasons. In 1976, Wolfe encountered Russian studies that...