If you extract a tooth, blood will clot on the extraction site and kick-start the healing process. In some cases, however, the blood clot fails, and the extraction site remains hollow and dry — hence the term dry socket. A dry socket causes pain, delays the healing process, and increases the risk of infection. Below are some of the risk factors and prevention tips for a dry socket.
Did you know that when your dentist looks inside your mouth, they are not just looking at your teeth? A dentist is concerned about all of your oral health. This is why routine dental checkups are essential. During these routine checkups, your dentist can catch oral health issues early on, which makes them easier to treat.
Here are three common oral health issues you should be aware of.
How well do you care for your toothbrush? A clean toothbrush leads to more than just a healthy mouth. Take a look at the top toothbrush hygiene tips that can help to reduce the risk of viral or bacterial infections.
You should know the difference between a standard dentist appointment and an emergency to help you decide when to call about specific dental situations. A prompt dental emergency appointment will help protect your mouth and heal problems quickly.
Many dentists have on-call staff available for dental emergencies. Learn about four serious reasons to call an emergency dentist and go in immediately as opposed to making an appointment in the future.
Getting a cold makes life miserable for a while, but when it starts to affect your teeth too, you may be wondering if it is something more serious. However, pain and discomfort are common side effects of suffering from the common cold. If you would like to know more about how a cold can affect your teeth, keep reading.
A positive cancer diagnosis is something no one ever wants to receive. Unfortunately, about 1.8 million Americans receive this diagnosis each year. Regardless of what kind of cancer someone has, the different treatment methods can affect your mouth and teeth. Here are issues to be aware of and tips on how you can best deal with them as well as protect your dental health.
Tooth discoloration can occur for a variety of reasons from surface stains to severe decay. But what if the discoloration occurs only at the gumline? The issue could be either with the teeth or with the gums, which can recede and leave tooth roots exposed. Here are some top reasons why your teeth could appear discolored or unusual at the gumline.
Going to the dentist can sometimes be a fearful experience for small children. A child’s fear can be caused by the uncertainty of not knowing what to expect or may be caused by negative attitudes a child learns from friends or family members. Helping your child develop a healthy attitude about going to the dentist will make trips to visit the dentist a normal part of life rather than something to dread.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious dental condition. If your gums get infected and you don’t get them treated, this disease can damage the bone that supports your teeth. This damage leads to tooth loss and the possible need for dentures or implants. The main cause of gum disease is plaque buildup, but other risk factors can increase your chances of getting the disease.
November is just around the corner, and with it, one of the biggest holidays of the year. This holiday of course, is Thanksgiving. During this time of the year, it’s normal to be thankful for friends, family, and other important people in your life.
What about the healthcare professionals that have kept you healthy throughout the year? When giving thanks for these people, remember to thank your dentist.
