All Oral health Articles

CHEYENNE -- An unchecked infection anywhere in the body has the potential to spread. And few places are as vulnerable as the mouth. "The tooth is the only organ of the body that crosses the skin," local dentist Dr. Ed Clark said Tuesday. "It needs a tight seal or bacteria can get in." Members of the Wyoming Dental Association launched a statewide educational Read more...

HARRISBURG,Pa., Sept. 22, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Studies show that men are less likely than women to visit the dentist, often visiting the dentist only after a problem arises, rather than seeking regular, preventative care. As the link between oral health and overall health has been proven significant, the Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) encourages the public, regardless of Read more...

(ANUG, Trench Mouth, Vincent's Stomatitis)by Diana KohnleDefinitionAcute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is a serious infection of the gums that causes ulcers, swelling, and dead tissues in the mouth. Although a very painful condition, it can be healed with treatment.Causes Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis is typically caused by excess bacteria in the mouth. Too much bacteria can Read more...

(Unemerged Tooth, Dental Impaction) by Sid KirchheimerDefinitionAn impacted tooth is a tooth that is positioned against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue so that it is unlikely to fully erupt through the gums to reach its normal position in the mouth. Impaction typically occurs in the third molars, also called “wisdom teeth.” Left untreated, about one in three people with an impacted tooth Read more...

by Karen Schroeder, MS, RD Dental floss removes plaque from between teeth and at the gumline. Plaque is a sticky material containing germs that accumulates on teeth and can lead to gum disease (periodontal disease). The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss your teeth daily. The toothbrush cleans the tops and sides of your teeth. Dental floss cleans in between them. The Academy Read more...

by Laurie LaRusso, MS, ELS Coffee, cola, and cigarettes are the usual suspects responsible for discolored teeth. But many nonsmoking, noncoffee-drinking, moderate soda-drinking people find that their teeth become discolored over the years. Luckily there are several options for returning the gleam to your smile, but you’ll need to talk with your dentist to see if you’re a good candidate for Read more...

by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MDMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource Guide Symptoms of periodontal disease include: Red, swollen, puffy gumsTendency for gums to bleed, particularly with tooth brushing and flossingTender, sore gumsTooth sensitivity to temperature extremesPersistent bad breath (halitosis)Pain Read more...

by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MDMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource GuideAmerican Academy of PeriodontologyAddress:737 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 800Chicago, IL 60611Phone:1-800-356-77361-312-787-5518Internet Address:http://www.perio.orgDescription of Services Provided:This website has information regarding Read more...

by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MDMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource Guide The following steps can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease: Stop smoking.Eat nutritiously.Follow good dental self-care practices.Get regular professional dental care. Stop Smoking Smoking is a major risk factor Read more...

by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MDMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource GuideThe treatment and management of periodontal disease involves lifestyle changes, medications, other treatments, alternative and complementary therapies, and possibly surgery. The goals of treatment of periodontal disease include: Read more...

by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MDMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource GuideYou have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your dentist, doctor, or other dental healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and/or experience with periodontal disease. By talking openly and Read more...

by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MDMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource GuideThe purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.Screening TestsYour dentist will Read more...

by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MDMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource GuideA risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.It is possible to develop periodontal disease with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the Read more...

by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MDMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource GuidePeriodontal disease can be diagnosed during a regular dental examination. Your dentist will perform a careful survey of the appearance of your gums, check each tooth for looseness, and use a probe to identify and measure any spaces, Read more...

DefinitionTooth extraction is the removal of a tooth.Surgical Removal of a Tooth© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.Parts of the Body InvolvedTeethGumsBones in jawReasons for Procedure Although many teeth can be saved with modern dental techniques, some must be removed. Tooth extraction may be necessary in the following situations: The tooth is too badly damaged or decayed to be saved by root Read more...

by Editorial Staff and ContributorsDefinitionThe removal of dental pulp when it has become infected or died. Dental pulp is the soft core of the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It extends from the top of the tooth, called the crown, all the way down to the roots in branches called canals.Tooth© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc. Common signs of pulp problems include: Read more...

by Rick Alan While playing his usual weekly game of pick up softball, Dan slid into home plate and was inadvertently whacked in the nose by the catcher. Initially he suffered some bleeding and a blackened eye, but over the next few months he started to notice a bit of difficulty breathing through his right nostril. At first, he ignored it. Over time, though, he noticed a persistent stuffiness in Read more...

by Laurie B. Rosenblum, MPH Five years ago Stephen, a 40-year-old business manager, started having occasional pain in his jaw and the muscles of his face and neck. Sometimes he'd have trouble moving his jaw and would hear clicking sounds while he was chewing. His doctor and dentist told him to reduce the stress in his life and make sure he wasn't clenching his teeth. Despite his best efforts, Read more...

by Rick Alan True or false? You'll ultimately lose some or all of your teeth, and there's nothing you can do about it. The answer is false, even though tooth decay in later life is likely even with ongoing dental care. However, with good oral hygiene and proper dental care, seniors can retain all or most of their teeth. But the trick is that taking care of the gums is just as important as Read more...

(Teeth Grinding) by Michelle Badash, MSDefinitionBruxism is the chronic, involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth. It usually occurs during sleep, but may also occur while awake.Closed Jaw© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.Causes The exact cause of bruxism is unknown, but it is believed to be related to: Stress and anxietyAbnormal alignment of the teeth or jawsRisk FactorsA risk factor is Read more...