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Diseases & Conditions- Adult Health Library
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Oral Health
Bleaching
Bleaching Teeth bleaching to whiten teeth There are many products currently on the market that promise whiter, brighter teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that if you are a candidate for a procedure, your dentist may suggest a procedure that can be done in a dental office. Other options include at-home products, which may be dispensed by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter. But, dental professionals, and the ADA, issue a word of caution about the improper use of such over-the-cou...
Bridges
Bridges What is a dental bridge? A dental bridge is an appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth. These appliances are cemented into place and cannot be removed by the patient. How is a dental bridge constructed? As the name of this appliance implies, the bridge is made out of three pieces that fit into the open space in the mouth, "bridging" the gap. Most bridges are made of a pontic tooth (or false tooth), held together by two crowns (a "cap" that covers the tooth, approximating its normal s...
Brushing and Toothpaste
Brushing and Toothpaste The importance of brushing The single best way to remove harmful plaque -- a thin, sticky film loaded with bacteria -- from teeth and gums is to brush teeth regularly and properly. What is the proper technique for teeth brushing? Because every mouth is different, there is more than one technique of brushing that has proven to be effective. Deciding which technique is most appropriate for you depends largely on your teeth position and gum condition. Consult your dentist to determi...
Bruxism
Bruxism What is bruxism? Bruxism is the term that refers to an incessant grinding and clenching of the teeth, unintentionally, and at inappropriate times. Bruxers (persons with bruxism) are often unaware that they have developed this habit, and often do not know that treatment is available until damage to the mouth and teeth has been done. Damage caused by bruxism often includes the following signs and symptoms. However, each individual may experience signs and symptoms differently. Signs and symptoms m...
Dental Care for Infants and Children
Dental Care for Infants and Children When should dental care begin? Most pediatric dentists will agree that regular dental care should begin by one year of age, with a dental check-up at least twice each consecutive year for most children. Some children may need more frequent evaluations and care. In accordance with this recommendation, the following dental checklist for infants and toddlers has been provided by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD): Birth to six months of age: Clean the in...
Dental Implants
Dental Implants What are dental implants? An alternative to dentures, dental implants (small dental appliances that are inserted into the upper and lower jaws) help to restore the mouth by replacing individual missing teeth or supporting a bridge or denture. Dental implants are slowly replacing dentures, as they provide many advantages over traditional dentures. Advantages of implants over dentures For some people, particularly persons with loose or poor fitting dentures due to flat ridges, or persons w...
Dental Procedures
Dental Procedures Many dental procedures are performed by a general dentist or other oral health specialist. Listed in the directory below are some of the procedures, for which we have provided a brief overview. Braces / Orthodontics Bleaching Bridges Dentures Implants Fillings Root Canal Sealants Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Dental Sealants
Dental Sealants What are dental sealants? Dental sealants are thin, plastic films bonded to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth--molars and premolars--and are highly effective in the prevention of tooth decay (caries, cavities). Dental sealants are particularly effective on the back teeth, as the back teeth contain more hard-to-reach pits and grooves that serve as a host to food debris and bacteria. How effective are dental sealants? Because the sealants act as a physical barrier to decay and bacteri...
Dentures
Dentures What are dentures? Dentures replace missing teeth and their adjacent tissues with a removable dental appliance made of acrylic resin and, in some cases, a combination of metals. What are the different types of dentures? There are four primary types of dentures: Complete. This type of denture replaces all of the teeth and their adjacent tissues. Partial. Partial dentures act as dental bridges as they "bridge" the gap between a missing tooth or teeth. Conventional. Conventional dentures allow a r...
Diabetes and Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Diabetes and Periodontal (Gum) Disease Diabetes that is not properly controlled can lead to periodontal (gum) diseases in both young and old people. Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums and bone that hold the teeth in place. Because of blood vessel changes that occur with diabetes, the efficiency of the flow of nutrients and removal of wastes from body tissues may become impaired. This impaired blood flow can weaken the gums and bone, making them more susceptible to infection. In addition, if...
Flossing
Flossing The importance of flossing Brushing teeth properly and consistently helps to remove most dental plaque, but brushing alone cannot remove plaque that is located in places that a toothbrush cannot reach -- particularly in between teeth. In addition to removing plaque, flossing also helps to: Remove debris that adheres to teeth and gums in between teeth Polish tooth surfaces Control bad breath Flossing should be done at least once a day for two to three minutes each time to be most effective. What...
Fluoride
Fluoride What is fluoride? The fluoride ion comes from the element fluorine. Fluoride, either applied topically to erupted teeth, or ingested orally (called systemic fluoride) during tooth development, helps to prevent tooth decay, strengthen tooth enamel, and reduce the harmful effects of plaque. Fluoride also makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage is even visible. Where is fluoride found? Topical Flu...
Glossary - Oral Health
Glossary - Oral Health | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [return to top] Abutment teeth - the surrounding teeth of each side of the gap where teeth are missing. B [return to top] Bruxism - the condition of incessant grinding and clenching of the teeth, unintentionally, and at inappropriate times. C [return to top] Composite resins - also know as white fillings, a composite resin is...
Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Halitosis (Bad Breath) What is halitosis? Halitosis is an oral health condition characterized by consistently odorous breath. Often, identifying the cause of bad breath is the first step toward treating this preventable condition. What causes bad breath? There are just as many causes of bad breath as there are sources of bacteria in the mouth. Halitosis may be caused by the following: Certain foods. The things you eat contribute largely to your oral health, including your breath. Items such as garlic an...
Home Page - Oral Health
Topic Index Illustrations of the Mouth Oral Health / Dental Specialists Prevention of Oral Diseases / Dental Problems Specific Oral Health & Dental Problems Dental Procedures Glossary According to the CDC, approximately 500 million Americans visit the dentist each year. An estimated $102 billion was spent on dental services in 2008. Yet, many children and adults needlessly suffer from oral diseases that could be prevented. According to the American Cancer Society, 35,720 Americans will be diagnosed ...
Mouth Guards and Dental Emergencies
Mouth Guards and Dental Emergencies The importance of mouthguards A mouthguard, usually a flexible piece of plastic that fits into the mouth, should be worn during all recreational and athletic activities to protect the mouth and teeth from serious injury -- especially activities where there is contact or potential contact with another person, piece of equipment, or the ground. In particular, mouthguards should be worn during the following sports: Football Soccer Rugby Wrestling Baseball Softball Lacros...
Mouth Infections
Mouth Infections What is the herpes simplex virus? Some people call it a cold sore, others a fever blister, but this annoying and often painful chronic condition is caused by the same virus: herpes simplex. About 50 percent to 80 percent of US adults have oral herpes. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), by age 50, approximately 90 percent of adults have been exposed to the virus. Once infected, a person will have the herpes simplex virus for the rest of his/her life. When inactive, the...
Mouth Rinse
Mouth Rinse The facts about mouth rinse Although mouth rinses may leave your breath feeling fresh, some mouth rinse formulas may actually be doing your mouth more harm than good. Mouth rinses do provide a fresh, crisp feeling after use, and many help to prevent cavities and plaque buildup, but, for some people, mouth rinses can be harmful. They may actually be masking the symptoms of an oral health disease or condition. With some conditions such as periodontal disease, bad breath and a unpleasant taste ...
Online Resources - Oral Health
Online Resources - Oral Health This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your health care provider. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page contains ...
Oral Cancer
Oral Cancer What is oral cancer? Oral cancer is cancer found in the oral cavity (the mouth area) and the oropharynx (the throat area at the back of the mouth). Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer will be diagnosed in 35,000 U.S. adults in 2012, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Anatomy of the Mouth (Click to Enlarge) The oral cavity includes: The lips, teeth, and gums The front two-thirds of the tongue The lining inside the lips and cheeks (buccal mucosa) The floor of the mouth (under the...
Oral Cancer and Tobacco
Oral Cancer and Tobacco What is the link between tobacco and oral cancer? Tobacco use is known as a major risk factor for oral and other cancers. All tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff, contain toxins (poisonous substances), carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), and nicotine (an addictive substance). Each tobacco product is linked to an increased risk for specific cancers: Cigarettes Cigarettes, the most common form of tobacco used, cause 90 percent o...
Oral Health / Dental Specialists
Oral Health / Dental Specialists What is a general dentist (DDS or DMD)? Upon graduation from dental school -- to become a general dentist -- a dentist is awarded either a DDS or a DMD degree: DDS - doctor of dental surgery DMD - doctor of dental medicine There is no difference between the two degrees -- both dentists have received the same education and completed the same curriculum requirements set by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. The difference is merely semant...
Orthodontics/Braces
Orthodontics/Braces What is orthodontics? Orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaws. Orthodontists also have specialized training in facial abnormalities and disorders of the jaw. A patient may consult an orthodontist after receiving a referral from his or her general dentist – recommending orthodontic treatment to improve the patient's physical "orofacial" appearance. However, the American Dental Assoc...
Periodontal Diseases
Periodontal Diseases What are periodontal diseases? The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal diseases, also called gum diseases, are serious bacterial infections that destroy the gums and the surrounding tissues of the mouth. If the inflammation is left untreated, the disease will continue and the underlying bone around the teeth will dissolve and will no longer be able to hold the teeth in place. Generally, periodontal disease isn't painful, so it is possible to have it and ...
Prevention of Oral Diseases / Dental Problems
Prevention of Oral Diseases / Dental Problems Many disorders of the mouth require clinical care by a dentist or other oral health specialist. Listed in the directory below are some preventive measures that may reduce and possibly eliminate the occurrence of oral health disease. Dental Care for Infants and Children Brushing and Toothpaste Flossing Fluoride Mouthguards and Dental Emergencies Mouth Rinse
Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal Therapy What is root canal therapy? Root canal therapy is designed to correct disorders of the dental pulp -- the soft tissue inside the center of the tooth. Dental pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Teeth with abscessed, or infected, nerves were once removed with corrective therapy. But now, in 95 percent of these cases of pulpal infection, the natural tooth can be saved through modern endodontic procedures. Also called pulp specialists, endodontists have undergone s...
Specific Oral Health and Dental Problems
Specific Oral Health and Dental Problems Many disorders of the mouth require clinical care by a dentist or other oral health specialist. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Bruxism Halitosis (Bad Breath) Mouth Infections Oral Cancer Oral Cancer and Tobacco Periodontal (Gum) Disease Diabetes and Oral Health Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) Tooth Decay (Caries and Cavities)
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) What are the temporomandibular joints (TMJ)? Simply stated, the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull. More specifically, they are the joints that slide and rotate in front of each ear, and consist of the mandible (the lower jaw) and the temporal bone (the side and base of the skull). According to the American Dental Association, the TMJs are among the most complex joints in the body. These joints, along with several muscle...
Tooth Decay (Caries or Cavities)
Tooth Decay (Caries or Cavities) What is tooth decay (caries or cavities)? Tooth decay is the disease known as caries or cavities -- a highly preventable disease caused by bacteria with many contributing factors. Who is at risk for tooth decay? The answer is that everyone who has a mouth is at risk for tooth decay. We all host bacteria in our mouths which makes everyone a potential target for cavities. Risk factors that put a person at a higher risk for tooth decay include: A diet high in sweets, carboh...
Tooth Fillings
Tooth Fillings What are fillings? Teeth that have been affected by tooth decay (caries or cavities) might require a filling or other treatment. Advances in dental materials and techniques provide new, effective ways to restore teeth. There are several different types of restorations, including: Direct restorations - require a single visit to place a filling directly into a prepared cavity. Materials used for these filings include dental amalgam, also known as silver fillings; glass ionomers; resin ionom...
Topic Index - Oral Health
Topic Index - Oral Health Oral Health Home Illustrations of the Mouth Oral Health / Dental Specialists Prevention of Oral Diseases / Dental Problems Dental Care for Infants and Children Brushing and Toothpaste Flossing Fluoride Mouthguards and Dental Emergencies Mouth Rinse Specific Oral Health & Dental Problems Bruxism Halitosis (Bad Breath) Mouth Infections Oral Cancer Oral Cancer and Tobacco Periodontal (Gum) Disease Diabetes and Oral Health Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) Tooth Decay (Caries an...
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom Teeth Extraction What are wisdom teeth? Also called third molars, wisdom teeth usually make their first appearance in young adults between the ages of 15 to 25. Because most mouths are too small for these four additional molars, an extraction (removal) procedure, sometimes immediately after they surface, is often necessary. When should wisdom teeth be removed? The following symptoms may indicate that the wisdom teeth have erupted and surfaced, and should be removed before they cause more serious ...
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SEARCH HEALTH LIBRARY
FIND A PHYSICIAN
WELLNESS LECTURES & EVENTS
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Visit Us
2170 South Ave.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
96150
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