By studying the anatomy of a tooth and learning about the functions of the many structures, we can better understand the basics of maintaining good oral health and why it is so important to avoid cavities. Let’s take a look at... The crown is the part of the tooth you see when you look in your mouth. The crowns of your back teeth have pointed cusps and depressions. When you chew, the cusps of the teeth in one jaw fit into the depressions of [...]
One of the simplest preventive hygiene exercises you can do for yourself is something you've heard of before. It bears repeating: floss. Every 24 hours, bacteria contribute to a new batch of plaque. Brushing, no matter how well or how long, won’t get all the “bugs,” especially between teeth and where your teeth meet gum tissue. Flossing before or after brushing should be a part of everyone’s home care program. The kind of floss—waxed, unwaxed or tape—doesn't matter. Just choose what you’re comfortable with [...]
Why Early Detection is so Important Wouldn't you say that the best dental treatment is the one you never had to undergo in the first place—because it was caught and corrected in time? We sure would! We’re always on the lookout for a potential problem that can be avoided. That’s why during any checkup, we specialize in early detection to let you know about any problem areas we might see, and are of course happy to demonstrate proper brushing/flossing techniques anytime. Often, you can [...]
During the course of a day, you’re likely to have a look inside your mouth and briefly survey the landscape. We hope so, anyway. Aside from the stray loose filling or that crown that will need repair soon, fuss over the soft tissues in your mouth—the mucous membrane, the skin. Are there any red or white spots you haven’t noticed before? Maybe you have taken a wait-and-see approach to a small sore you found last week. Any unexplained swelling? Discoloration that doesn't hurt a [...]
Whether it's to mask bad breath, fight cavities or prevent the buildup of plaque, the sticky material that contains germs and can lead to oral diseases, mouthwash serves a variety of purposes. Or so we think. Though they may leave your mouth with a clean, fresh taste, some washes can be harmful, concealing bad breath and unpleasant taste that are signs of periodontal diseases which cause inflammation and degeneration of the supporting structures of the teeth and tooth decay. Your dentist will tell you, [...]
Flosses and picks Plaque is a sticky layer of material containing germs that accumulates on teeth, including places where toothbrushes can't reach. This can lead to gum disease. The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss your teeth carefully every day. The toothbrush cleans the tops and sides of your teeth. Dental floss cleans in between them. Some people use waterpiks, but floss is the best choice. Should I floss? Yes. Floss removes plaque and debris that adhere to [...]
Why do I need X-rays? X-rays, or radiographic examinations, provide us with an important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, its roots, jaw placement, and the overall composition of your facial bones. X-rays can help determine the presence or degree of periodontal disease, abscesses, and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. X-rays also can show the exact location of impacted and unerupted teeth. They can pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible [...]
What is Bruxism? Bruxism is the technical term for grinding and clenching that wears down teeth and may cause facial pain. People who grind and clench, called bruxers, unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times, such as in their sleep. In addition to grinding teeth, they also may bite their fingernails, pencils and chew the inside of their cheek. People usually aren't diagnosed with bruxism until it is too late because so many people don't realize they have the habit. Others mistakenly believe [...]
What is fluoride, and why is it good for my teeth? Fluoride is a compound of the element fluorine, which is found universally throughout nature in water, soil, air, and in most foods. Fluoride is absorbed easily into tooth enamel, especially in the growing teeth of children. Once teeth are developed, fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage is even visible. "Systemic" fluoride is ingested when added to public [...]
There’s a lot we can learn from looking into your mouth during a routine oral exam. Not only is the oral cavity a mirror of your overall health—it’s a sort of early warning system that helps diagnose everything from malnutrition to diabetes to cancer. If you’re not getting enough Vitamin C or B complex in your diet, there’s a clue: tiny cracks in the lips. Insufficient iron? A burning sensation in the tongue. A painful red tongue is a tip-off to lack of Vitamin [...]
