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...

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...

Looks at the importance of good dental health habits. Suggests when and how to brush and floss.

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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.

Covers symptoms and causes of gum disease (also called gingivitis, periodontitis, or periodontal disease). Covers what increases your risk. Discusses home treatment. Covers treatment with medicines, root planing and scaling, and surgery.

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...

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.

Answers questions about organ transplants. Covers becoming an organ donor and getting on a waiting list. Covers tests used to see if you'd be a good candidate. Looks at medicines that you might take after a transplant. Offers tips for staying healthy.

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...

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

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.

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...

Provides links to how-to information about teen health. Includes info on acne, bullying, depression, headaches, and tobacco use. Covers talking with your teen about sex and responding to substance use. Also covers anorexia and bulimia.