Help! I Think I Damaged My Dental Crown!
If you believe your dental crown may have cracked, don’t panic! Call your dentist for a repair or replacement. Dental crowns are made of durable metal, porcelain, ceramic, or a combination of materials. And they can last a long, long time. In fact, one study found dental crowns had a nearly 90 percent survival rate…
Nine Tips to Overcome Dental Anxiety
If you fear going to the dentist, you are not alone. But don’t let your anxiety stop you from getting the oral care you need. Suppose you’ve been dealing with a toothache for months, yet the mere thought of going to the dentist makes you anxious. You picture a dentist’s office in your mind and…
What’s the Link Between Smoking and Gum Disease?
Gum disease has many causes, but smoking is a major (and preventable!) one. Here’s what you need to know. The link between smoking and heart disease is well-documented. The American Heart Association estimates that 20 percent of the roughly 800,000 cardiovascular disease deaths yearly can be traced to tobacco. Smoking not only damages your heart…
Are There Home Remedies for Cavities?
Just because cavities are so common doesn’t mean you can properly treat them at home. Only your dentist can do that! No one wants a cavity, but chances are high that you will have one during your lifetime. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out, 90 percent of people age 20 or…
Is there a Link Between Cavities and Gum Disease?
Cavities and gum disease are connected — learn how to prevent each condition. Cavities and gum disease are the top two oral health problems in the U.S., with 90 percent of adults having at least one cavity and four in 10 people aged 30 or older having gum disease (periodontitis). But could these two common…
How Common is Periodontitis in Children?
Gum disease is more common among children than you think. But it can be treated if caught early. Unfortunately, cavities are a rite of passage for most young children. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than half of children aged six to eight have had a cavity in their primary…
What’s the Difference Between a Root Canal and Tooth Extraction?
Root canals and extractions are performed routinely. Either one will improve your oral health by removing decay. Learn the difference between the two below. Your natural teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Unfortunately, teeth sometimes become so decayed or damaged that advanced dental treatment is needed. But the good news is your dentist has…
When is it Too Late to Treat Periodontal Disease?
It’s never too late to treat periodontal disease. In fact, gum disease will only worsen the longer you delay treatment. Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. over 30 exhibit some form of periodontal disease or periodontitis. But the percentage skyrockets to 70 percent for those 65 and older. Is it too late to…
Can Cavities Go Away Without Fillings?
Cavities don’t always need a filling if you catch decay early. Almost everyone gets a cavity at least once during their lifetime. In fact, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, 90 percent of the population will have one tooth treated for tooth decay by age 20. The standard treatment for cavities, or…
How Long Does Root Canal Last For?
Root canal treatment has a high success rate and will keep your tooth healthy for a very long time. A simple filling cures a cavity. But if the decay spreads into the tooth’s inner pulp, you’ll need a root canal. Although most people may fear a root canal, the procedure isn’t painful and can restore…