Archives: Conditions

Dry mouth is a condition where the salivary glands in your mouth don’t create enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. Saliva helps to prevent tooth decay by neutralizing the acids produced by bacteria in your mouth. Saliva also helps digestion by softening food and adding enzymes. For help finding a local dental professional, search… Read more »

While loose teeth are common for children whose adult teeth are growing in, they may be a cause for concern for adults. For help finding a local dental professional, search for a dentist near you. Loose teeth in children Most child start losing baby teeth around age 6 when their middle teeth, called incisors, become… Read more »

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull on each side of your jaw. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders that develop from a variety of issues that can arise with the relationship between the upper and lower jaw and where they connect at the temporomandibular joint.  Temporomandibular disorders… Read more »

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a harmful oral disease that occurs when the ligaments and bones that support the teeth become infected. Gum disease can spread throughout the mouth and throat and possibly make its way through to your bloodstream if not properly treated. As gum disease progresses and more bone tissue is… Read more »

When you grind, gnash or clench your teeth together, you have a condition referred to as bruxism. The grinding and clenching are often done subconsciously, either when sleeping or when awake. In some people, bruxism can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other problems. People who clench… Read more »

Yellow teeth are very common and have different causes. There are simple ways to brighten your smile quickly and easily, depending on the cause of the discoloration. Remember, the best way to keep your smile sparkling is to take good care of it. People have many reasons to whiten their teeth, including to have: Improved… Read more »

Enamel, the outer part of a tooth, is one the strongest parts of the human body, but its strength has limits. It is the first defense for your teeth against acidic foods and drinks that can wear away the enamel. Tooth erosion happens when these acids wear away the enamel on teeth. Once enamel is… Read more »

Gums are the pink tissue surrounding your teeth and that protect your jawbone. They may become swollen from irritation from certain foods, flossing or poor oral hygiene. Don’t ignore your swollen gums; if your gums have been swollen for a long period of time contact your dentist. It may be a sign of gum disease,… Read more »

Do you have trouble getting a restful night’s sleep? Snoring and feeling tired may be due to obstructive sleep apnea, a common condition that causes breathing interruptions throughout your sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax and you can’t breathe in enough air. Your brain senses your… Read more »

Enamel, the outer part of a tooth, is one the strongest parts of the human body, but its strength has limits. When enamel wears down, nerve endings become exposed and your teeth can become sensitive.  Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, is something that almost everyone experiences at least one time in their life.… Read more »

Receding gums are a condition in which the gum tissue surrounding your teeth gradually wears away, revealing a portion of the root of the tooth. Pockets can begin to form between the teeth and gums, which hold bacteria and plaque. The formation of the pockets will make the gum recession more severe, since more bacteria… Read more »

Oral trauma is an injury to the mouth and/or teeth. Oral trauma may be caused by an accident or sports injury and is common in early childhood when babies and toddlers are unsteady on their feet. If left untreated, oral trauma like chipped, cracked and missing teeth can lead to infection and result in serious… Read more »

Gum disease, tooth decay and oral trauma are common causes of missing teeth. It is important to replace a missing tooth rather than leaving the empty space. Your teeth are designed to work together, and the teeth and jaw will often adapt and compensate if a tooth is missing. This means your teeth will involuntarily… Read more »

Many things can cause jaw pain including the jaw structure, sinus issues and infection. TMJ disorders are also one of the most common reasons for jaw pain. This pain is often not a cause for serious concern, but it should be evaluated by a dentist to prevent further damage and pain. In most cases the… Read more »

Each tooth has a nerve that is attached to the root of it and if the nerve becomes damaged, the tooth and surrounding tissues can become infected. Bacteria will spread to the surrounding bone and tissue as the infection spreads.  Untreated dental infections can lead to life threatening problems. If you have any symptoms of… Read more »

Crowded teeth are teeth that are very close together. It usually occurs when there is insufficient space in your mouth for all your teeth, but it can also be caused by the growth of extra teeth (hyperdontia) or a jaw that is too small to accommodate all of the adult teeth. The problems caused by… Read more »

Tooth discoloration is very common and has many different causes. There are simple ways to brighten your smile quickly and easily, depending on the cause of the discoloration. Remember, the best way to keep your smile sparkling is to take good care of it. For help finding a local dental professional, search for a dentist… Read more »

Enamel, the outer part of a tooth, is one the strongest parts of the human body, but its strength has limits. A hit, fall, or biting down on something hard, especially if your tooth has been weakened by decay, can cause a tooth to chip. Afterward, your tooth may have a sharp or jagged edge… Read more »

Bone loss is a common result of tooth loss and chronic gum disease. Bone loss around teeth can affect anyone but is more common in older people. It can affect the underlying jawbone, which contains the sockets of the teeth, as well as the roots and tissue that connects the tooth to the socket. It… Read more »

Bleeding gums can be caused by various health problems but are most often caused by dental issues. It is the most common symptom of gum disease. While bleeding gums are the most common symptom of dental issues, it could be a sign that something else is wrong. If your gums bleed regularly or enough to… Read more »

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can make you self-conscious. It can be the result of poor dental hygiene, certain health conditions, and can be exacerbated by the foods you eat, certain medications and other lifestyle choices. Bad breath may also be a sign of gum disease. Only a dentist can determine the cause of and… Read more »

About Tooth Sensitivity Tooth sensitivity, also known as “dentin hypersensitivity,” is something that almost everyone experiences at least one time in their life. For some, sensitivity is a part of their daily lives, and for others it is an on and off kind of situation. Tooth sensitivity is when there is frequent pain or some… Read more »

Tooth pain is caused by the nerve in the root of a tooth or surrounding a tooth becoming irritated. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, also known as a toothache, you may have trouble when doing normal everyday things such as eating, concentrating or trying to fall asleep. Sharp and throbbing or dull and achy, tooth… Read more »

Inside each tooth is an area called the pulp. The pulp contains the blood vessels and nerves for the tooth. Pulpitis is a condition when the pulp of the tooth becomes inflamed due to bacteria invading the pulp and causing it to swell. Pulpitis can cause a tingling sensation or a sharp pain when eating… Read more »

Oral cancer are cancers of the mouth and the back of the throat. They can develop on the tongue, the tissue lining the mouth and gums, under the tongue, at the base of the tongue, and in the back of the mouth. Oral cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 45 and… Read more »

For a healthy and long-lasting smile, your teeth need to be properly aligned with each other. The alignment of your bite affects everyday tasks including the way you speak and eat. When teeth are not aligned with each other, bacteria, plaque and tartar have more opportunity to grow and invade the teeth and gums. If… Read more »

An impacted tooth is one that cannot erupt because it does not have room or may be coming in the wrong direction or position. They can be painful and tend to cause damage to the roots and surrounding connective tissues. Impacted wisdom teeth in older teenagers and young adults are common, but other teeth can… Read more »

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, usually caused by a bacterial infection or buildup of plaque on the teeth. If it is left untreated, it can become a more serious infection known as gum disease, which is more difficult to treat and can have more harmful effects. In mild cases of gingivitis, you may… Read more »

Crooked teeth are a common concern for both children and adults. They can bring self-consciousness along with dental health problems. It is important to have your teeth checked by a dentist to make sure that they are healthy. For help finding a local dental professional, search for a dentist near you. Common Problems With Crooked… Read more »

Cavities are caused by damage from tooth decay. Decay is caused when sugary or carbohydrate-heavy foods stay on your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth turns leftover food into acid, which then becomes plaque that dissolves the enamel of your teeth, creating cavities.  Many people think only children get cavities, but people of any age… Read more »

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a complex condition where you experience ongoing burning in the mouth. It is a highly uncomfortable and painful syndrome and without proper treatment, it can lead to a more serious infection. Burning mouth syndrome can last up to months or even years so it is important to get checked as… Read more »

Abscessed Tooth An abscessed tooth, also called a dental abscess is a pocket of pus in the mouth caused by a bacterial infection. It is similar to having a pimple, but on the sides of your teeth and your gums and it can be extremely painful. Abscessed teeth, if not treated properly by a dental… Read more »