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 you have any crooked teeth? Do
read moreTreating Gum Disease Your gum disease treatment will depend on several factors, including your personal health history and the stage of your gum disease. Professional Cleaning In the very early stages – when it is gingivitis – you may just need a professional cleaning from your dental team. They can also give you some great
read moreGum Recession: Causes and Treatments When your teeth are healthy, your gum tissue tightly hugs each of your teeth. But, when your gums pull away from your teeth, it is called gum recession (re-SESH-un). Gum recession can happen at any age. Even if you take good care of your teeth, it is possible that gum recession may
read moreWhat Is Periodontal Disease? Periodontal Disease Is Also Known as Gum Disease Periodontal (perry-o-DON-tal) Disease is an infection and inflammation that affects the tissues and bone that support your teeth. It’s also called gum disease. A surprisingly wide variety of bacteria are normally found in your mouth. When certain types of bacteria outgrow the others, this starts
read moreBrushing Good oral care is part of a healthy lifestyle. It’s easy to keep your teeth and gums in good health. A simple routine of daily teeth cleaning, good eating habits and regular dental visits can help prevent tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease. What causes tooth decay and gum disease? Your teeth are covered
read moreDental X-Ray Exams: Answers to Common Questions Dental x-rays provide important information about your dental health. They are used to create images called radiographs. Your dentist uses the images to see your jawbones, the roots of your teeth, teeth under your gums, and the areas between teeth. Why Are Dental X-Ray Exams Needed? X-ray images
read moreWhy You Should See Your Dentist Visiting the dentist is about more than getting clean, shiny teeth. Regular dental visits can help you prevent dental disease and find signs of disease early. This helps you keep your mouth healthy, which can save you both time and money. Stop Tooth Decay from Causing Bigger Problems Decay
read moreUnderstanding Your Insurance Having dental coverage can make it easier to get the dental care you need. But, it’s important to understand that most dental benefit plans do not cover all dental procedures. When deciding on your treatment, dental benefits should not be the only thing you consider. You should know what your dentist insurance
read moreTooth Erosion: The Harmful Effects of Acid What is Tooth Erosion? Tooth erosion (ee-ROW-shun) happens when the protective, outer layer of your tooth (enamel) begins to wear away, exposing the layer beneath it (dentin). When the enamel thins out, your tooth protection is weakened and the inside layers can be exposed to more acid and bacteria.
read moreDry Mouth Dry mouth — also called xerostomia (zero-STOW-me-uh) — is often caused by a lack of saliva. Saliva coats and moistens oral tissues. It cleanses your mouth and helps digest foods as they are chewed. But if you do not make enough saliva, harmful germs can grow in your mouth. Dry mouth can be the result
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