A missing tooth is more than just a hindrance to normal chewing, and more than a cosmetic bother. It's a threat to the entire architecture of your mouth. The mouth is dynamic. Where there is a missing tooth, neighboring teeth drift, gum disease may crop up, even the unprotected bone ridge is susceptible to damage. [...]
Or something else... While most people think a toothache automatically means a cavity (or the need for a root canal), several other conditions can also cause temperature sensitivity, pain during chewing, and other symptoms typically associated with a toothache. Here are some of those causes: Gum Recession. When patients experience gum recession (which can be [...]
Dehydration and Dry Mouth can Affect Oral Health If you only occasionally find yourself with a dry mouth, then it's probably nothing to worry about. It's just a natural sign of being thirsty. However, if a lack of saliva flow becomes a chronic condition, then it can become a dental issue. That's because saliva has [...]
What is the difference between Inlays, Onlays, and Crowns? They all strengthen and repair a damaged tooth, but generally, the type of restoration we use is determined by the extent of the damage. Inlays - Inlays are used when a cavity has grown too big to be treated with a traditional filling. Made of porcelain [...]
Common Problems in Mouths Over 40 Some oral health problems occur more frequently with age. Here, we list some of the most common and what can be done about them: Dry Mouth It's one of the most common problems associated with the older mouth. First, make sure you are staying properly hydrated, especially if exercising [...]
Bad breath (or halitosis) happens to all of us from time to time, and nobody likes it. As well as being a social embarrassment, bad breath can also be a warning sign of more serious dental problems. By analyzing the type of bad breath patients complain of, we can help determine its cause. What Causes [...]
If It Ain't Broke, Why Fix It? Patients are sometimes surprised when they have a cavity or two and wonder, "How can I need a filling when I haven't been in any pain?" Unfortunately this is common because cavities often don't give any warning signs at all. Teeth can become extremely broken down and even [...]
If there's anything good to be said about a broken tooth, it's that the cause of the problem is pretty obvious. The same can't always be said when a tooth develops a crack, which are sometimes too small to even be seen with the naked eye. In fact, researchers have compiled case histories to develop [...]
Options are Available to Improve an Aging Smile Are you at the point in life where most everything still works, but there's just no denying that you're getting a little older? Maybe you hear your joints creak, and you've started wearing glasses to read. Your hairstylist suggests new ways to cover the gray... The same [...]
Is TMJ causing my pain? TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. Located just in front of the ear, it is the joint that connects your lower jaw to the rest of your head, allowing the jaw to move freely while biting, chewing, and speaking. Problems related to the TMJ can affect jaw muscles, teeth, and nerves [...]
