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TMJ refers to the jaw joint, where the jaw connects to the skull. These are located near each ear. These joints are heavily used in speaking, facial expression and in eating. Chronic ear pain, sore or stiff jaws, popping or clicking, headaches and trouble opening your mouth are typical symptoms of TMJ disorder. Pain may…

There is a wide variety of toothbrushes available. Many have bristles organized in patterns that reach the greatest possible area of the tooth surface. Different kinds are designed for cleaning between the teeth and along the gum line. Even others are designed with a row of colored bristles that fade with use, letting you know…

Brushing your teeth a minimum of once a day, along with flossing and regular cleaning, are the foundations of good oral hygiene. It only takes approximately two minutes to do a complete brushing. You may think you don’t have the time, or don’t want to spend your time on something as boring as tooth brushing. …

In recent years, it has become possible to supply fillings that exactly match the color of your teeth. You end up with fillings that are nearly invisible instead of an obvious mouth full of metal. These are made of a kind of resin and so are in fact metal free. They are as long lasting…

What is Tooth Wear? Attrition: How teeth can be worn down by other teeth. What is Bruxism? What is the treatment for severe attrition? Abrasion: How teeth can be worn away by brushing. How is abrasion repaired? Erosion: What is tooth erosion? How can acid in food and drink affect teeth? How does acid from…

Oral health is important for everyone. In addition to giving you healthy gums and teeth, good oral health is good for your overall health. Poor oral hygiene has been associated with heart disease, low birth weight babies, diabetes, osteoporosis and more. Everyone should be aware of what to do in order to maintain good oral…

Sucking is a normal, natural behavior for babies. This is how they receive all of their nutrition in the first months of life. Some babies will even begin sucking on their fingers or thumb in the womb. Babies will also suck for other reasons. It is a soothing behavior that can help them relax and…

“Oral facial pain … is a major source of diminished quality of life. It is associated with sleep deprivation, depression and multiple adverse social outcomes.” U.S. Surgeon General’s Report Pain is controlled in dentistry in four different ways: Local anesthesia Conscious sedation General anesthesia Analgesics or pain relievers 1. Local anesthesia There are two methods…

When the tissues that support your teeth become infected, it is known as periodontal disease. In its milder, early stages it is known as gingivitis, or gum disease. This is reversible. Later stages, called, periodontitis, can involve permanent damage, bone and tooth loss. Periodontal disease occurs just below the gum line, where your teeth attach…

Plaque is a thin sticky layer of bacteria naturally forms on all tooth surfaces. These bacteria consume sugar in anything you eat (and there is some sugar in most foods). The bacteria then produce an acid that softens and dissolves the hard protective surface of the teeth (enamel). Since enamel doesn’t contain any nerves, you…