Chipped Dental Crown? What to Do, Repair Options, and When to See a Dentist
TL;DR If your dental crown has chipped, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater, avoid chewing on that side, save any broken pieces, and call your dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist will smooth the edges, repair the crown with composite resin, or replace it entirely. Ignoring a […]
Bonded Dental Bridges: Types, Benefits & What to Expect
TL;DR Bonded dental bridges are a minimally invasive tooth replacement option that uses adhesive resin to hold an artificial tooth in place, requiring little to no preparation of the surrounding teeth. There are three main types: the Maryland bonded dental bridge, the cantilever bridge, and the resin-bonded bridge, each suited to different clinical situations. Key […]
Sensitive Gums: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments Explained
TL;DR Sensitive gums are a sign that the gum tissue is irritated or under strain. Symptoms include soreness, bleeding while brushing or flossing, redness or swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, gum recession and persistent bad breath or taste changes. Sensitivity often develops due to plaque build-up, brushing too hard, poor flossing habits, early […]
How Can Dental Sealants Protect Your Teeth from Cavities?
TL;DR Molars have deep grooves that trap food and bacteria, making cavities common even with regular brushing. Dental sealants are thin coatings applied to chewing surfaces to seal grooves. Common types of sealants are resin, glass ionomer, compomer, self-adhesive and colored. Teeth are isolated, etched with acidic gel to create micro-pores and a bonding agent […]
Can You Use Veneers for Missing Teeth? Options, Alternatives & Expert Guidance
TL;DR Dental veneers are customized thin shells cemented to the front surfaces of the teeth that are chipped, discolored, or cracked. Although they restore the tooth structure aesthetically, they cannot offer functional restoration in case of missing teeth. Dental veneers have limitations because they require adequate tooth structure for adherence and are not strong enough […]
Misaligned Teeth: Symptoms, Types and Treatment Options
TL;DR Misaligned teeth are teeth that don’t sit in the right position and affect chewing, cleaning and overall oral health. Signs to watch for include: Difficulty chewing and accidentally biting cheeks or tongue. Uneven tooth wear Pain, popping or clicking in the jaw Speech issues, mouth breathing and headaches Trouble cleaning Gum recession Teeth can […]
Dental Caps Explained: Types, Benefits and When You Need One
TL;DR Dental caps, or crowns, cover weak or damaged teeth to restore shape, size, strength, and appearance. Metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, resin, and zirconia crowns are some of the main types of dental caps. Dental caps protect fragile teeth, rebuild a chipped or worn-down tooth to its original form, improve the appearance of discolored teeth, and […]
Natural Teeth Whitening: 10 Safe and Effective Home Remedies
TL;DR Stains can either be surface/extrinsic from smoking or foods/drinks, or deep/intrinsic within the teeth, due to aging, trauma, or medications. Natural teeth whitening removes mainly surface stains safely at home. Common remedies include baking soda, coconut oil pulling, orange or lemon peel, apple cider vinegar, bananas, charcoal, strawberries, hydrogen peroxide, and turmeric. Use with […]
Can Teething Cause a Runny Nose? | Understanding the Link
TL;DR Teething usually starts around 6 months and can cause fussiness, drooling, and tender gums; a runny nose around this time is often coincidental. Increased saliva and gum changes during teething may slightly irritate nasal passages, but teething does not directly cause a true runny nose. Common causes of a runny nose in children include […]
Swollen Gums: Causes, Treatments, and When to See a Dentist
TL;DR Swollen gums can appear red, tender, or puffy and may bleed while brushing or flossing. Common causes for swollen gums include poor oral hygiene, gum disease, infections, hormonal changes, trapped food, and certain medications. Home remedies like gentle brushing, warm saltwater rinses, and cold compresses can help with mild swelling. Persistent swelling, bleeding, or […]