Arm & Hammer produces a line of toothpastes that promote oral health by using baking soda as the main cleaning ingredient. Baking soda has natural deodorizing properties that neutralize unpleasant odors and bad breath.
Periodontal disease is a collective term used to describe two related gum diseases called gingivitis and periodontitis. They occur when a material called plaque builds up on the surfaces of your teeth and triggers destructive changes in your gums...
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...
When gum tissue is healthy, a shallow groove that is no deeper than 3 millimeters should be between the teeth and gums, according to the American Dental Association, known as the ADA. Periodontal disease can cause the gum to develop a pocket that...
Periodontal disease is a severe form of gingivitis or gum inflammation, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. With periodontal disease, gums separate from the teeth, leaving an open space that can lead to...
The early stages of gum disease are characterized by redness and inflammation of the gingiva. It is important to arrest the problem at this time because, if not, the inflammation will extend to the bone surrounding the tooth. This can lead to...
The plaque on your teeth is made of invisible masses of harmful germs. These live in your mouth and stick to your teeth. Some types of plaque can cause gum disease, and others can cause tooth decay, advises the National Institutes of Health....
Tartar begins as plaque, a soft white substance made up of both living and dead bacteria that is formed when food particles mix with saliva and adhere to the teeth. If you use your fingernails to gently scrape the surface of your teeth and a...
Periodontitis is a gum infection that causes inflammation of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth. When the bones and ligaments become infected, the bones begin to erode, and they lose their ability to support the teeth. The decreased...
"Periodontal" literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal diseases are chronic bacterial infections that affect the gums and the bones that hold the teeth in place. Periodontal disease begins when plaque, which is a sticky, bacteria-laden...
Periodontal diseases -- such as gingivitis and periodontitis -- can cause pain and swelling of the gum, underlying tissues and your jaw bone. As a result, you may experience pain and bleeding at your gums. This condition can make eating painful....
Regular care of the teeth and gums is important for health. A gum infection can produce symptoms that are difficult to manage and may result in permanent damage if left untreated. Periodontal disease, another name for gum infection, is treated...
Teeth and gums require constant care to stay healthy. Unfortunately, these are often the most neglected parts of the body. Neglecting your teeth and gums can lead to a host of painful and often preventable oral health problems.
Sinus infections affect millions of Americans annually, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. A sinus infection is usually the result of allergies, the common cold or a physical complication such as nasal polyps....
Tooth pain is an unmistakable sensation. Tooth pain is typically the result of dental problems such as cavities, bacterial infections, impacted wisdom teeth and injury from trauma to the face. The severity of tooth pain can range from a tiny...
Healthy gums and unoffensive breath odor have a close connection. Bad breath is a classic sign of gingivitis, a formative stage of gum disease that can progress if left untreated. Before gingivitis come the bacteria that cause unpleasant breath...
If your gums hurt while you exercise, you may have a cavity or you may be experiencing some level of gum disease. Regular dental visits, proper dental hygiene and a healthy diet can prevent most causes of gum pain. Make an appointment with your...
Neem, a tree native to Asia and India, is used for a variety of ailments and everyday uses; ranging from treating diabetes and inflammation to improving soil and lighting lamps. All parts of the tree are utilized, and its oils are commonly sold in...
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that results when bacteria, food particles and saliva form a sticky plaque on the teeth that hardens into a form of tartar that brushing and flossing cannot remove. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress...
Scurvy is a condition characterized by general weakness, anemia, gum disease and skin bleeding due to a deficiency of vitamin C, according to MedlinePlus. The symptoms associated with prolonged vitamin C deficiency take approximately four to eight...
Many people delay trips to the dentist because they dread the discomfort of dental treatments. However, tooth and jaw pain associated with untreated oral health problems can be far more severe than the discomfort of preventive procedures. The...
While piercings are painful, the pain should end when the piercing heals. A labret piercing is positioned in the center of the area below the lower lip and is in a precarious spot, poised for complications and danger. Speak to a reputable piercer...
Most people know that smoking is bad for health, causing heart disease and high blood pressure; but smoking can be bad for the mouth as well. The structures of the mouth together are called the periodontium, which include the teeth and gums....
Over the course of time, the teeth are subject to acquiring a colorless, sticky film called plaque. The bacteria that plaque contains can build up and cause inflammation, infection and extensive damage to the teeth and gums. This is called...
Body piercing has become so popular and common that many people don't even think twice about the decision to get a tongue ring. However, it should be considered very carefully for more implications than just looks. Extended wear of a tongue...
Oral antiseptics are used to stop or slow the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, and some viruses and fungi. Many of these microorganisms can be responsible for causing disease, making oral antiseptics a common part of health treatments...
Teeth are normally white or yellowish-white. Baby teeth tend to be whiter than their adult successors. Discoloration of the teeth can affect just one tooth, some teeth or even all of the teeth in the mouth, depending on the cause. Determining the...
Teeth are very important yet very vulnerable structures that people often neglect. Neglect makes your teeth more susceptible to problems like tooth decay that can give you a toothache. Toothaches can cause head pain as well as pain in the affected...
The gums support the teeth so they can function properly. Healthy gums have a light pink color, no swelling and no tenderness. When the gums are healthy, they do not bleed during routine dental care. In some cases, infection develops in the gums...
