Health Article description.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...

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

Health Article description.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. Fillings can...

Health Article description.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...

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

Health Article description.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...

Health Article description.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...

Health Article description.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...

Health Article description.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.

Health Article description.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...

Health Article description.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.

Health Article description.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...

Health Article description.There are many ways to help your baby who is teething. You can help relieve discomfort by offering your baby safe objects to chew or suck on. A wide variety of teethers and toys are made of nontoxic materials and are specially designed for teething...

Health Article description.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...

Health Article description.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.

Health Article description.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.

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

Health Article description.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.

Health Article description.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...