Health Article description.If a tooth or dental appliance breaks, take the following steps: Remove loose dentures and the parts of broken dentures. Find the pieces. Find any pieces of tooth or the broken dental appliance and take them with you when you go to see your dentist. Your dentist will want to check for missing pieces of tooth or dental...

Health Article description.Chewing disclosing tablets stains the plaque on your teeth. The stain lets you see how well you are brushing and flossing your teeth. Dental plaque is a film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth, the spaces between the teeth, and under your gums. Plaque can harden into tartar.

Health Article description.What is an abscessed tooth? An abscessed tooth is an infection in or around the tooth. It can be very painful. If the infection isn't treated right away, it can spread and you can lose your tooth or have other health problems. What causes it? Damage to the tooth, an untreated cavity (tooth decay), or gum disease can...

Health Article description.Provides links to information about mouth and dental health. Includes info about toothaches, thrush, TM disorders, canker sores, wisdom teeth, and dental care.

Health Article description.A dental sealant is a strong liquid-plastic material that helps protect teeth from plaque. Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that sticks to teeth. The bacteria in plaque use sugars in food to make acids. These acids can damage the tooth's surface and cause tooth decay. The sealant is put on the chewing surfaces of the...

Health Article description.Explains what dental X-rays are and why they are done. Covers commonly used types of dental X-rays, including bitewing and panoramic X-rays. Includes info on risks. Also covers what results mean.

Health Article description.Discusses tooth decay and cavities (dental caries). Covers preventing decay by brushing and flossing. Discusses increasing risk of tooth decay by letting a child sleep with a bottle in their mouth. Discusses reversing slight decay by using fluoride.

Health Article description.Dental splints are the most common dental treatment for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). These splints are used for short periods of time. They don't cause permanent changes in the teeth or jaw. Dental splints, also called occlusal splints,

Health Article description.Here are some tips for children's dental care. Use a soft cloth to clean your baby's gums. Start a few days after birth, and do this until the first teeth come in. Start caring for your child's teeth as soon as you see the first baby (primary) tooth.

Health Article description.Teeth whitening uses a bleaching product or an abrasive to make teeth whiter. Teeth whitening isn't a medical procedure—it doesn't result in healthier teeth. But it can result in a brighter smile. This in turn can make people feel better about themselves. Teeth whitening works better for some types of stains than...

Health Article description.Dental care for older people is much the same as for younger adults. But older adults do have concerns that younger adults do not. These may include: Caring for dentures. Having trouble holding a toothbrush. Having gum disease. Having tooth decay on the roots of teeth. Replacing missing teeth and broken fillings...

Health Article description.A dental implant is an artificial tooth. Your dentist may suggest it if a permanent tooth fell out from an injury or was taken out because of bad tooth decay. An anchor and post will be placed in your jawbone. Your new tooth will attach to the post. Implants look natural. They can provide support for dentures, and they...

Health Article description.Wisdom teeth are the upper and lower third molars. These teeth are at the very back of your mouth. They are the last teeth to surface in the mouth. They are called wisdom teeth because they usually come in when a person is between 17 and 21 years...

Health Article description.Provides info on basic dental care like brushing and flossing regularly, seeing your dentist or dental hygienist for regular checkups and cleanings, and eating mouth-healthy foods. Offers info on dental care for children.

Health Article description.Your child's primary teeth usually begin to break through the gums (erupt) at about 6 months of age. This is called teething. Teeth break through the gums in a certain order, typically from the front to the back of the mouth. Lower teeth often...

Health Article description.Discusses teething and what to expect during teething. Covers symptoms and common concerns. Offers home treatment suggestions and tips for keeping your child's teeth healthy. Explains when to call the doctor.

Health Article description.A crown (often called a cap) fits over and replaces the entire part of a decayed tooth above the gum line. It encases the tooth and becomes the tooth's new outer surface. You may need two or more visits to your dentist to repair a severely decayed...

Health Article description.It's important to take care of your body when you are pregnant. This includes your teeth and gums. A healthy mouth—and good dental habits—will help you and your baby. Taking care of your teeth while you are pregnant helps prevent cavities and other dental problems. Brush, floss, and try to limit sugary foods and drinks...

Health Article description.Tooth decay and cavities are caused by bacteria eating away the outer protective layer (enamel) of a tooth. You can help prevent tooth decay in your child with these healthy habits. Teach your child to brush and floss every day. When your child's...

Health Article description.Gently work the dental tool floss between your teeth toward the gums. Curve the floss around each tooth, and gently slide it under the gum line. Move the floss firmly up and down several times to scrape off the plaque. Popping or snapping the floss in and out between the teeth without scraping will not remove much...

Health Article description.If your baby is teething, you may have questions that many other parents ask. When teething, many babies drool. Drooling can cause a rash on the chin, face, or chest. Some babies may seem cranky when teething. This may be from soreness, swelling,

Health Article description.Describes surgery to remove a tooth that is damaged. Discusses why surgery is done and how well it works. Covers what to expect after surgery. Covers possible risks. Offers home care tips.