Common Concerns
Expert answers to everyday oral care concerns.
Cavities and Tooth Decay
All About Cavities
What's in Your Mouth?
Read "All About Cavities" article
Illustrations: How a Tooth Decays
Illustrations: How a Tooth Decays
Read "Illustrations: How a Tooth Decays" article
Plaque and Tartar
What is Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria and sugars that constantly forms on our teeth.
Read "What is Plaque?" article
What is Tartar?
Tartar, sometimes called calculus, is plaque that has hardened on your teeth.
Read "What is Tartar?" article
Plaque: What is it and How do We Get Rid of It?
People used to think that as you got older you naturally lost your teeth. We now know that’s not true.
Read "Plaque: What is it and How do We Get Rid of It?" article
Gum Disease
What are the Stages of Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth.
Read "What are the Stages of Gum Disease?" article
What is Gingivitis? Signs and Symptoms
What is Gingivitis? Gingivitis — an inflammation of the gums — is the initial stage of gum disease and the easiest to treat. The direct cause of gingivitis is plaque - the soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms constantly on the teeth and gums.
Read "What is Gingivitis? Signs and Symptoms" article
Gingivitis
Gingivitis — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention of this gum disease.
Read "Gingivitis" article
Canker Sores, Cold Sores and Infections
Canker Sores (Aphthous Stomatitis or Recurrent Mouth Ulcers)
About 20 of every 100 people get canker sores. Smaller canker sores usually heal within a couple of weeks. They do not leave scars.
Read "Canker Sores (Aphthous Stomatitis or Recurrent Mouth Ulcers)" article
Cold Sores and Fever Blisters
What Is It? Cold sores and fever blisters are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This virus is passed from person to person by saliva (either directly, or by drinking from the same glass or cup) or by skin contact.
Read "Cold Sores and Fever Blisters" article
New Treatments for Cold Sores
If you suffer from cold sores, you are not alone. Nearly 70% of Americans ages 12 and older test positive for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1),
Read "New Treatments for Cold Sores" article
Sensitivity
What is Tooth Sensitvity?
Tooth sensitivity is a common name for dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity. If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks.
Read "What is Tooth Sensitvity?" article
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is something that affects a number of people. It is often caused by eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet or acidic.
Read "What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?" article
Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is due to the exposure of dentin, the part of the tooth which covers the nerve, either through loss of the enamel layer or recession of the gums.
Read "Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity" article
Bad Breath
Halitosis
Bad breath is breath that has an unpleasant odor. It's also known as halitosis. This odor can occur from time to time, or it can be long lasting, depending on the cause.
Read "Halitosis" article
TMJ/TMD: Temporomandibular Disorders
What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)?
TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, means that the hinge connecting the upper and lower jaw isn't working properly. This hinge is one of the most complex joints in the body, responsible for moving the lower jaw forward, backward and side-to-side
Read "What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)?" article
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs)
What Is It? Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are problems that affect your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or jaw joint. They also can affect the muscles of the face that help you to chew.
Read "Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs)" article
Dislocation of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), located just in front of the lower part of the ear, allows the lower jaw to move. The TMJ is a ball-and-socket joint, just like the hip or shoulder.
Read "Dislocation of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)" article
Bruxism/Tooth Grinding
Bruxism: Signs and Symptoms
What is Bruxism?
Read "Bruxism: Signs and Symptoms" article
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Bruxism is clenching or grinding your teeth, often without being aware that your are doing it. In the United States,
Read "Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)" article
Wisdom Teeth
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last molars on each side of the jaws. They are also the last teeth to emerge,
Read "What are Wisdom Teeth?" article
Dry Mouth
What is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth means you don't have enough saliva, or spit, to keep your mouth moist. Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while, especially if you're nervous, upset or under stress. But if you have a dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to more serious health problems or indicate that a more serious medical condition may exist.
Read "What is Dry Mouth?" article
Dry Mouth
Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while — if they are nervous, upset or under stress.
Read "Dry Mouth" article
Tooth Discoloration
Fluorosis
What Is It?
Read "Fluorosis" article
