Tooth Extraction A Few Simple Guidelines Sometimes teeth need to be removed due to decay, disease or trauma. Having a tooth removed or "pulled" is called a tooth extraction. When you have an extraction, it's natural that changes will occur in your mouth afterward. Your dentist may give you instructions

Wisdom Teeth Wisdom teeth get their name because they are the last teeth to come in, at about the time of young adulthood - the age when a person gains maturity and wisdom. Most of our permanent (adult) teeth come in by age 13. A few years later, between ages 17-21, our wisdom teeth usually push their

Your Child's First Dental Visit Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, are just as important as permanent (adult) teeth. Strong, healthy primary teeth can help your child chew and speak. They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums. When babies are born, they

Why Do I Need a Crown? What is a crown? A crown is a cover or "cap" your dentist can put on a tooth. The crown restores the tooth to its normal shape, size and function. The purpose of a crown is to make the tooth stronger or improve the way it looks. Why do I need a crown? You may need a crown

Dental Implants Dental implants are an effective way to replace missing teeth. When teeth are lost because of disease or an accident, dental implants may be a good option. You may want to choose dental implants if you: hide your smile because you have missing teeth wear dentures that are uncomfortable are

Improving Your Smile Smile Checklist Look in the mirror. Do you like the way your teeth look? Do you dislike the color of any of your teeth? Are there spaces between your teeth? Do you have any chips or cracks on your teeth? Are you missing any teeth? Do

Mouth Sores, Spots, Ulcers and Patches Mouth sores can be painful, annoying and unsightly. Some appear inside the mouth — on the gums, tongue, lips, cheeks or palate (roof of the mouth). Others, like cold sores, can appear outside the mouth, such as on and around the lips, under the nose and on

Teeth Grinding Bruxism is a habit of grinding or clenching the teeth. Clenching means you tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together. Grinding is when you slide your teeth back and forth over each other. Bruxism can happen in children and adults of any age. Many people with bruxism wake themselves

TMD - Temporomandibular Disorders Do you have frequent headaches, earaches, tender jaw muscles or a dull, aching facial pain? Does your jaw lock or stray to one side when you open your mouth? These aches and pains may be related to the jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint or "TMJ," and the

Periodontal Treatment Periodontal treatments depend on the type of the gum disease and how severe it is. If the disease is caught early (when it is gingivitis), and no damage has been done to the supporting structures under the teeth, you may simply need a professional cleaning. The dental team can

Baby Teeth: When They Come In, When They Fall Out A healthy mouth is part of a child's overall health. Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food, speak and smile. Your child's teeth also help give his or her face its shape. A baby's teeth start to come in (erupt) when the baby is about

Tooth Decay in Baby Teeth Did you know that tooth decay is the most common long-term childhood disease? Children of any age can get tooth decay, even babies and toddlers. And tooth decay is five times more common than asthma. The good news is that tooth decay can be prevented! What causes tooth decay? Bacteria

Dental Emergencies Be Prepared Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving and losing your child's tooth. Here are some tips to help you cope quickly and calmly with a dental emergency. Knocked-Out Tooth Baby tooth If something happens to any of a child's primary