Oral health is an umbrella term encompassing the conditions, disorders, and diseases affecting the oral cavity and jaws. Oral health concerns are much more than just the teeth. While the health of the teeth play an important role in oral health, they are not the only factor affecting it.
Oral health includes the health of the anatomical structures surrounding the teeth, also known as the periodontium. These periodontal tissues include the alveolar bone of the upper and lower jaws, the gum tissues covering the bone, and the ligaments connecting the teeth to the surrounding bone. You can have perfectly healthy teeth and yet lose them to an unhealthy condition of the periodontium.
Oral health also involves disorders or conditions of the soft tissues of the mouth. Many people suffer from sores, cysts, and tumors in the lips, cheeks, palate and tongue. This includes temporary ulcers, like canker sores and fever blisters. It also includes painful oral disorders like lichen planus and pemphigus.
Salivary function is an essential part of a healthy mouth. A dry mouth will have impaired oral health, and your dentist will help you manage this condition. A dry mouth cannot be a healthy mouth!
What Expecting Moms Should Know If you’re expecting a baby and wearing braces or considering orthodontic treatment, you might wonder whether pregnancy changes your dental care routine. The good news? You can safely continue or even start orthodontic treatment while pregnant. However, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Pregnancy Hormones Can
Can It Replace a CPAP Machine? If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you already know how exhausting the nights—and days—can feel. And if you’re someone who’s struggled to adapt to a CPAP machine, you’re not alone. For some patients, oral surgery becomes more than just an option—it becomes a lifeline. What Is
Tooth pain can be alarming, especially when your dentist starts talking about pulp treatments like pulpotomies and root canals. Although the explanation may sound similar, these procedures serve distinct purposes and are used in different situations. Understanding the difference can help you feel more confident about your care. Pulpotomy: A Simpler Solution for Early Intervention
How to Manage Anxiety Before an Oral Surgery Procedure Feeling nervous before oral surgery is normal, especially if it is your first time. However, you don’t have to let the anxiety take over. With a few simple strategies, you can feel more in control and prepare for your procedure. Communicate with Your Dental Team Keep
The Role of Endodontists in Treating Dental Trauma When dental trauma strikes, whether from a sports injury or accident, it’s not just the surface of the tooth at risk. The inner pulp, home to the nerves and blood vessels, can be compromised. It can lead to pain, infection, or tooth loss. However, an experienced endodontist
Oral tori are harmless bony growths that develop in the mouth, often on the roof or along the lower jaw near the tongue. While they typically don’t cause issues, some patients may need them removed for comfort or dental treatment. Understanding the tori removal process can make treatment more manageable for you. Why Remove Tori?
Wearing braces or clear aligners is an investment in your smile, but orthodontic treatment also comes with added responsibility. Protecting your teeth and appliances from injury is essential to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey to a straighter smile. Here are some key ways to safeguard your teeth during orthodontic treatment. Wear a Mouthguard for
If you suffer from chronic migraines, you know how disruptive they can be to your daily life. But many people don’t realize that the source of recurring headaches might be your jaw. For some, corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, can provide lasting relief. How Jaw Alignment Affects Headaches Your jaw is connected
When you think of orthodontics, straight teeth and a confident smile come to mind. But did you know that orthodontic treatment can also improve your sleep, especially if you suffer from sleep apnea? What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. The most common type, obstructive
What You Need to Know About Root Fracture A root fracture is one of the more frustrating dental issues because it can develop without obvious symptoms and is often discovered during treatment. If you’ve been told you have a root fracture, you may wonder what it means for your tooth and your options. Here’s what
