MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND ORAL HEALTH
Can medications have an effect on my oral health?Yes, medications can cause side effects in the mouth - dry mouth being the most common. Be sure to tell your dentist about any medications that you're taking,...
What is dry mouth?Dry mouth means you don't have enough saliva, or spit, to keep your mouth moist. Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while, especially if you're nervous, upset or under stress…
Eating disorders and oral health problemsAnorexia and bulimia can damage your teeth in several ways. A bulimic individual engages in a cycle of binge eating and vomiting. The stomach acids in the vomit pass through the mouth and can erode tooth enamel...
CHECK-UPS AND DENTAL PROCEDURES
Finding a dentistA good place to start is by asking for a referral from people you trust - your friends, family, acquaintances, work associates, pharmacist or family doctor…
The dentist visit and what to expectFirst, it is important to find a dentist with whom you feel comfortable. Once you've found a dentist you like, your next step is to schedule a check-up - before any problems arise…
What is fluoride?The most common preventive treatment performed is a simple dental cleaning. Here the dental professional uses special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from all surfaces of the teeth.
What is a filling?A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. When a dentist gives you a filling, he or she first removes the decayed tooth material, cleans the...
What are crowns and bridges?Both crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, which you can take out and clean daily, crowns and bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants, and can only be removed by a dentist.
What is root canal treatment?Root canal treatment is the removal of the tooth's pulp, a small, thread-like tissue in the center of the tooth. Once the damaged, diseased or dead pulp is removed, the remaining space is cleaned, shaped and filled.
What are dental implants?Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums. Once in place, they allow your dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them...
What are dentures?Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as one's natural teeth, today's dentures…
Tooth removal/extractionMany dentists recommend extracting impacted teeth that are only partially erupted. Bacteria can enter around a partially erupted tooth and cause an infection, which can may extend into the surrounding bone and become serious.
What are wisdom teeth?Wisdom teeth are the last molars on each side of the jaws. They are the last teeth to emerge, or erupt, usually when a person is between 16 and 20.
Grin and bear it: overcoming your fears of the dentistNone of us really looks forward to a trip to the dentist, but for some people the very thought is enough to keep them away for good, which can spell disaster for their teeth. But things are changing. Recent studies...
What’s new in dentistry?If for some reason you have not been to the dentist during the past five years, you would be very surprised to see how far dental care has advanced in such a short period of time.
ORTHODONTICS
What is orthodontics?Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean, are at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay...
Fun braces and alternatives to bracesEveryone wants to have great-looking teeth, but sometimes we need a little help to get the kind of straight, beautiful teeth that give us confidence and a winning smile. Still, no one should be shy about wearing braces.
FOR THE PROFESSIONAL
