Wisdom Teeth Wisdom teeth get their name because they are the last teeth to come in, at about the time of young adulthood - the age when a person gains maturity and wisdom. Most of our permanent (adult) teeth come in by age 13. A few years later, between ages 17-21, our wisdom teeth usually push their

Your Child's First Dental Visit Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, are just as important as permanent (adult) teeth. Strong, healthy primary teeth can help your child chew and speak. They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums. When babies are born, they

Tooth Extraction A Few Simple Guidelines Sometimes teeth need to be removed due to decay, disease or trauma. Having a tooth removed or "pulled" is called a tooth extraction. When you have an extraction, it's natural that changes will occur in your mouth afterward. Your dentist may give you instructions

Dental Implants Dental implants are an effective way to replace missing teeth. When teeth are lost because of disease or an accident, dental implants may be a good option. You may want to choose dental implants if you: hide your smile because you have missing teeth wear dentures that are uncomfortable are

Improving Your Smile Smile Checklist Look in the mirror. Do you like the way your teeth look? Do you dislike the color of any of your teeth? Are there spaces between your teeth? Do you have any chips or cracks on your teeth? Are you missing any teeth? Do

Mouth Sores, Spots, Ulcers and Patches Mouth sores can be painful, annoying and unsightly. Some appear inside the mouth — on the gums, tongue, lips, cheeks or palate (roof of the mouth). Others, like cold sores, can appear outside the mouth, such as on and around the lips, under the nose and on

Teeth Grinding Bruxism is a habit of grinding or clenching the teeth. Clenching means you tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together. Grinding is when you slide your teeth back and forth over each other. Bruxism can happen in children and adults of any age. Many people with bruxism wake themselves

TMD - Temporomandibular Disorders Do you have frequent headaches, earaches, tender jaw muscles or a dull, aching facial pain? Does your jaw lock or stray to one side when you open your mouth? These aches and pains may be related to the jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint or "TMJ," and the

Periodontal Treatment Periodontal treatments depend on the type of the gum disease and how severe it is. If the disease is caught early (when it is gingivitis), and no damage has been done to the supporting structures under the teeth, you may simply need a professional cleaning. The dental team can

Baby Teeth: When They Come In, When They Fall Out A healthy mouth is part of a child's overall health. Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food, speak and smile. Your child's teeth also help give his or her face its shape. A baby's teeth start to come in (erupt) when the baby is about

Why Do I Need a Crown? What is a crown? A crown is a cover or "cap" your dentist can put on a tooth. The crown restores the tooth to its normal shape, size and function. The purpose of a crown is to make the tooth stronger or improve the way it looks. Why do I need a crown? You may need a crown

Sipping, Snacking and Decay Do you sip soft drinks or other sugary drinks all day at your desk? Do you use breath mints or eat candy often? Instead of eating meals, do you snack all day? Do you often grab a sports or energy drink when you are tired? If you answered yes to any of these questions,

Three Tooth Replacement Options If you're missing one or more teeth, you may be all too aware of their importance to your looks and dental health. Your teeth are designed to work together to help you chew, speak, and smile. When teeth are missing, it is difficult to do these things. Even the loss of

Dentures If you have lost some or all of your natural teeth, dentures can replace your missing teeth and improve your quality of life. With a little practice, dentures can make eating and speaking easier. You can smile freely without feeling embarrassed. Dentures can be made to look like your natural

Mothers and Babies Pregnancy and the first year of your baby's life are very special and important. You'll want to take good care of yourself and get your baby off to a healthy start. Your dental health is an important part of your overall health. Good oral health habits not only help prevent problems

Orthodontic Treatment People with crowded or crooked teeth are said to have a “bad bite.” Even when the teeth look straight, the upper and lower teeth may not fit together properly. This could happen when the lower jaw and teeth are either too far forward or too far back to fit the upper teeth. Crooked

Dental Veneers If you want to improve your smile, dental veneers are a simple option. Veneers are thin coverings that are placed over the front (visible) part of the tooth. They look like natural teeth. Veneers can be used to correct a wide range of dental issues, such as: teeth that are stained

Tooth Decay in Baby Teeth Did you know that tooth decay is the most common long-term childhood disease? Children of any age can get tooth decay, even babies and toddlers. And tooth decay is five times more common than asthma. The good news is that tooth decay can be prevented! What causes tooth decay? Bacteria

Dental Emergencies Be Prepared Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving and losing your child's tooth. Here are some tips to help you cope quickly and calmly with a dental emergency. Knocked-Out Tooth Baby tooth If something happens to any of a child's primary

Tooth Whitening People generally think of teeth as being white. But tooth enamel can be many different shades. Over time, tooth enamel can change color or become stained. There are many reasons why teeth become discolored: genetics—tooth color can run in the family aging injury to the

Brushing A toothbrush is an important tool in the fight against tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Your toothbrush helps remove food and plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is always forming on your teeth. If plaque is not removed with regular brushing and cleaning between the teeth, it

Understanding Your Insurance Having dental insurance or a dental benefit plan can make it easier to get the dental care you need. But most dental benefit plans do not cover all dental procedures. Your dental coverage is not based on what you need or what your dentist recommends. It is based on how

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body Taking good care of your teeth and gums isn't just about preventing cavities or bad breath. The mouth is a window into the health of the body. It can show if you are not eating foods that are best for you or if you may be at risk for a disease. Diseases that affect the entire

Sealants A dental sealant is a special plastic coating that is applied to the tooth to protect it from decay. When teeth are treated with sealants, they are less likely to get cavities. Sealants can be applied quickly and painlessly. These are the reasons why so many dentists recommend sealants for patients. What

Bridges What is a Bridge? A bridge is a dental restoration that fills the space where one or more teeth are missing. The bridge restores your bite and helps keep the natural shape of your face. Before you get a bridge, your dentist wants you to know more about the steps involved. He or she can advise

Cracked Tooth A tooth that is cracked can be painful. It also can lead to disease of the tooth. How do you know if you have a cracked tooth? Look for these signs: sharp pain when biting down that quickly disappears pain that comes and goes pain when eating or drinking feeling that

Flossing There are many kinds of between-the-teeth cleaners to choose from. Flossing is an essential part of your oral care routine. It is one of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, it takes a little practice to floss well. Here are some tips to help. Brushing your teeth

Root Canal Treatment Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Years ago, diseased or injured teeth were usually pulled. But today, a tooth can often be saved through root canal (endodontic) treatment. Endodontics (en-do-DON-tics) is the branch of dentistry that deals with treating diseases or injuries