Choosing a dentist A visit to the dentist can be a scary thing for children. The odors, the tools, the sounds, and the big person with the mask can all upset a child. When choosing a dentist for your child, think about the following to make the visit as pleasant as possible. Pediatric dentists specialize in the care of...

Dentists are health professionals who specialize in mouth and dental health problems. Dentists can diagnose and treat dental problems, such as cavities and tooth loss, and perform cosmetic procedures, such as whitening teeth. Dentists may further specialize in areas such as: Gum disease (periodontist). Straightening of...

A filling is a material that your dentist uses to fill a cavity after the dentist removes any tooth decay. To fill a tooth, your dentist will numb the area, drill out the decay, and put in a filling. There are many types of fillings. Types of fillings Fillings can be made from many types of material. Talk to your...

Orthodontics is a special type of dentistry for crooked teeth or a poor bite (malocclusion). Dentists who do orthodontic treatment are called orthodontists. They may remove teeth or use devices such as braces to move the teeth or jaw into the right position.

Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and dental cavities. It may be added to local water supplies, toothpastes, and other mouth care products. Pediatric dentists recommend that you use a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste up to age 3. Ask your dentist if this is right for your child. Use a...

Many people worry about going to the dentist. You may be very nervous and may actually feel sick to your stomach. Some people become so nervous that they just don't go to the dentist. But this can lead to serious problems, including infected gums and teeth, difficulty chewing, and lack of self-confidence because of bad...

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...

Root planing and scaling is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. Root planing and scaling cleans between the gums and the teeth down to the roots. Your dentist may need to use a local anesthetic to numb your gums and the roots of your teeth. Some dentists and dental hygienists...

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.

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...

A dental bridge replaces one or more teeth. To put in a bridge, the dentist will prepare and shape the teeth on both sides of the missing tooth. The bridge consists of the replacement tooth and two crowns (caps) on each side. The crowns will fit over the prepared teeth to support the replacement tooth.

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, include bite plates and mouth guards. They are custom-made by a dentist. They...

Oral surgeons (also called maxillofacial surgeons) are dentists who specialize in surgery of the mouth and jaw. Oral surgeons treat and reconstruct areas of the face, head, or neck after an injury or surgery. They prepare the jaw for denture construction, and they treat temporomandibular (TMD) joint problems. Also, they...

A filling is a substance that dentists use to replace a decayed or broken portion of a tooth. Commonly used substances for fillings include metal, alloy, plastic, porcelain, or a combination of materials (composite). Composite resins are made from plastic materials (glass and resin) and are usually similar to tooth...

Orthodontists are dentists with extra training who specialize in straightening teeth and correcting a poor bite (malocclusion). They can diagnose, prevent, and treat problems with teeth and jaws. Orthodontists are skilled in any combination of extraction, braces (fixed appliances), and removable appliances that move the...

All children need early and regular dental care. During well-child visits the doctor will check your child's dental health. A visit to a dentist is recommended within 6 months of when your child's first tooth comes in but no later than your child's first birthday. Some parents may worry about their child's first visit...

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 tooth with a crown. Crowns may be made of porcelain or a metal base...

Dental hygienists are licensed health professionals who focus on the prevention and treatment of diseases of the mouth and gums. Dental hygienists work under the direction of dentists and oral surgeons in private dental offices, schools, public health clinics, hospitals, managed care organizations, correctional...

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

Briefly discusses common injuries such as a chipped or broken tooth; mouth pain; and a puncture or tear in your lip, tongue, or inside your mouth. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.