Dental Blog - Professional Dental Care Advice

A peritonsillar abscess, a painful collection of pus near the tonsils, can cause severe throat discomfort and make swallowing or even breathing difficult.

Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are hardened collections of bacteria and debris in the tonsil's crevices. They can cause symptoms like bad breath and sore throat, though small stones may be asymptomatic.

Salivary gland stones are calcified structures that can block saliva flow, primarily affecting submandibular glands. They cause pain and swelling when they obstruct ducts.

Many medications, while beneficial for overall health, can have surprising side effects on your mouth and teeth. Understanding these potential oral issues is crucial for maintaining good dental hygiene and preventing complications.

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when salivary glands don't produce enough saliva, leading to discomfort and potential oral health issues. Fortunately, various treatments can help alleviate this common condition.

Bad breath can be an embarrassing and isolating problem, but often, it's easily remedied. Discover common causes, self-assessment tips, and simple steps to combat halitosis for good, improving your oral health and social interactions.

Gum recession, where gum tissue pulls back exposing more tooth or root, is a common issue often unnoticed until sensitivity or a "longer" tooth appears, potentially leading to serious dental problems if untreated.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common infection of the tissues supporting your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to severe issues, including tooth loss.

Wisdom teeth, emerging at 17-25, often cause issues like impaction, crowding, or decay, necessitating removal. The procedure is quick (<45 mins) under anesthesia. Recovery takes ~1-2 weeks with soft foods, pain management, and care to avoid complications like dry socket. Costs vary by case.

Plaque, a sticky bacterial film, hardens into tartar if not removed, causing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Prevent buildup by brushing, flossing, rinsing, eating wisely, and getting regular dental cleanings.

Tooth loss from gum disease has both uncontrollable (age, gender) and controllable factors (dental care, brushing, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis). Study of 1,775 patients highlights prevention through oral hygiene and health management.

Tooth enamel, the body's hardest tissue, protects teeth but can’t regenerate. Erosion from acids (diet, health issues, habits) causes sensitivity, discoloration, and decay. Prevent damage with good oral care, fluoride, and limiting acidic foods. Treat severe loss with bonding or crowns.

Cavities are tooth decay damages that erode enamel & dentin, often starting silently. Caused by plaque acids from carbs & bacteria, they lead to pain, sensitivity, or visible holes. Risk factors: sticky foods, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, acid reflux. Prevention: brushing, flossing, fluoride, diet control, dental checkups. Untreated cavities can cause abscesses, tooth loss.

Tooth discoloration, caused by extrinsic stains (food, drinks, tobacco), intrinsic factors (medications, aging), trauma, or genetics, can appear yellow, brown, or gray. Prevent it with good oral hygiene, avoiding stains, and dental cleanings. Treatments include whitening products, professional procedures, or cosmetic solutions like veneers.

Tooth sensitivity occurs when enamel wears away, exposing nerves. Causes include aggressive brushing, acidic foods, teeth grinding, whitening, gum recession, gum disease, or cracked teeth. Solutions range from gentle brushing, diet changes, desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatments, to dental procedures like fillings or root canals. Regular dental check-ups are key.

Toothaches range from dull to sharp pain, caused by decay, fractures, infections, or gum issues. Symptoms include throbbing pain, swelling, or fever. Prompt dental care is crucial to prevent complications. Treatment varies (fillings, root canals, antibiotics). Prevention includes good oral hygiene, regular check-ups, and limiting sugar.

Tooth decay, caused by bacteria converting carbs into acids that erode enamel, leads to cavities. Prevent it by brushing, flossing, fluoride rinses, balanced diet, dental sealants, and regular check-ups. Innovations like xylitol gum and fluoride-releasing materials offer future protection.

Tobacco harms oral health, causing bad breath, discoloration, gum disease, tooth/jawbone loss, and oral cancer. Even smokeless tobacco is dangerous. Quitting improves health, reduces risks, and aids healing. Support is available for quitting.