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...

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...

Plaque is a clear, sticky substance made in the mouth. It clings to the teeth and gums. Plaque has bacteria that make acids and other chemicals that can damage the teeth, gums, and bone if the plaque is not removed. Plaque forms all the time, but it can be controlled by proper brushing and flossing. If plaque is not...

When you have diabetes, managing blood sugar levels and taking good care of your teeth and gums are both important. When blood sugar levels are high, there's a greater risk for: Gum (periodontal) disease. Tooth decay. Fungal infections in the mouth, like thrush. Dry mouth, or xerostomia (say "zee-ruh-STO-mee-uh"). The...

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...

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...

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.

Describes a test you can do at home that will show how well you're brushing and flossing your teeth. Covers over-the-counter products that can be used to identify plaque. Covers how to do the self-exam and what results mean.

Cut a piece of dental floss 18 in. (46 cm) to 20 in. (51 cm) long. Wrap one end around your left middle finger and the other end around your right middle finger, until your hands are about 2 in. (5 cm) to 3 in. (8 cm) apart.

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...

Briefly discusses toothache, its symptoms, and possible causes. Also describes gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontal disease. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Smokeless tobacco products are addictive. They are not risk-free alternatives to smoking. And they are harmful to your body. They can lead to: White patches or red sores in your mouth, called leukoplakia. They can turn into mouth cancer (oral cancer) involving the lip, tongue, or cheek. Tooth loss and other dental...

An endodontist is a dental health professional who specializes in treating damaged root canals in teeth. After dental school, endodontists complete specialized graduate education in endodontic care. Endodontists are licensed by the state in which they practice. And while it's not mandatory, endodontists may acquire...

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.

Looks at possible problems with wisdom teeth. Covers symptoms and how problems are diagnosed. Covers treatment options, including surgery. Offers home care tips.

A crown is a dental appliance that replaces and covers the entire part of a tooth above the gum line. A crown may be made of gold, porcelain, or a combination of other man-made materials. Crowns are used to: Repair teeth that have broken or decayed so much that they can no longer be treated with a filling. Improve the...

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...

Describes causes and symptoms of crooked teeth (called malocclusion). Covers treatment with orthodontics (braces) or surgery.

A mouth guard is used to prevent mouth and dental injuries while participating in sports, such as horseback riding, handball, rugby, karate, judo, gymnastics, football, baseball, ice or field hockey, soccer, wrestling, boxing, water polo, lacrosse, and basketball. A mouth guard is a device used to protect the mouth and...

What is dry mouth? Dry mouth, or xerostomia (say "zee-ruh-STO-mee-uh"), occurs when your mouth doesn't make enough saliva. Saliva helps you chew, swallow, and digest your food. It also neutralizes the acids that form in your mouth. Over time, dry mouth can lead to dental problems. What causes it? Dry mouth is most often...

If the fishhook is not deeply embedded, the string-pull method for removing a fishhook may be used. If removal of the fishhook is too painful, seek medical care. If the fishhook has more than one barb, cut all the barbs off or tape the other barbs so you do not get hurt again. Step A Tie a piece of string, dental floss...

Many babies and young children calm themselves by sucking their thumbs. While most children will stop on their own, some continue past the age of 4 or 5. Prolonged thumb-sucking can lead to dental and speech problems. With lots of love, encouragement, and a few simple steps, you can help your child break their...

You may need surgery for severe gum disease ( periodontitis) if it cannot be cured with antibiotics or root planing and scaling. A gingivectomy removes and reshapes loose, diseased gum tissue to get rid of pockets between the teeth and gums. A gum specialist (periodontist) or oral surgeon often will do the procedure...

You may need surgery for severe gum disease ( periodontitis) if it cannot be cured with antibiotics or root planing and scaling. A flap procedure cleans the roots of a tooth and repairs bone damage caused by gum disease. A gum specialist (periodontist) or an oral surgeon often performs the procedure. Before the...

If you have certain heart conditions, you may need to take preventive antibiotics before you have some dental or surgical procedures that could put bacteria or fungi into your blood. These antibiotics lower your risk of getting endocarditis. You may need preventive antibiotics if you: Had an endocarditis infection in...