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...
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 den...
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 prop...
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 una...
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 ...
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 ...
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 bri...
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...
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...
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 an...
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 ca...
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 developmen...
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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 treat...
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 t...
Illustration of the Mouth Illustration of the Mouth Click Image to Enlarge Illustration of a Tooth Click to Enlarge ...
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 activ...
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 s...
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 prov...
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 advic...
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 wi...
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, p...
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 - ...
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. Orthodontist...
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 dest...
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 measure...
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, b...
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 ...
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 specifical...
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 contribu...
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...
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 ...
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 sma...