A gum graft involves replacing lost or damaged tissue that leave the roots of the teeth exposed. Depending upon the individual in question, a dentist will choose one of three procedures. Let’s briefly list the available options. – A connective graft uses tissue from underneath the surface of the roof of the mouth. – Gingival […]

Sealants comprise a thin plastic coating that is bonded to the chewing surface of your teeth (like a raincoat). In summary: – Sealants are particularly useful for preventing decay in back molars as the uneven surface makes them more prone to food particles getting stuck, causing decay. – Sealants can be very effective in children

A dentist will usually prescribe braces to correct misaligned or crooked teeth. However, braces come with the problem of how to thoroughly brush and clean in and around the wires and brackets which can be somewhat challenging. A soft-bristled toothbrush, interdental cleaner and waxed floss are required to clean the teeth properly and there are

Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) can cause a significant amount of pain and discomfort within the jaw. If a child has been diagnosed with this condition, parents have a number of treatment options at their disposal. A handful of common suggestions include: – Wearing an appliance in order to discourage grinding the teeth. – Specially designed

Although we all try to take care of our teeth, a cracked or chipped tooth can occur from time to time. What are some of the main signs that you need to see a dentist? – Noticeable pain when you bite down on foods. – Sensitivity to hot or cold substances that did not previously

It may be possible to analyse the chemical content of baby teeth to diagnose autism at an earlier stage. Zinc and copper levels found in baby teeth could predict which infant may develop the developmental disorder. Key takeaways: – Researchers found differing levels of zinc and copper in children with autism compared to infants without

Even the most experienced dentist can have difficulty detecting a cracked tooth as the damage can often be microscopic and invisible to the human eye. If a cracked tooth appears to be the cause of pain, tooth sensitivity or discomfort, the dentist has several ways of locating the crack such as: – Using a high-powered

Novocaine is the common name for a local anaesthetic known as procaine and is used to numb oral cavity during surgery or teeth extraction. So, how long does it take for novocaine to wear off? Main points: – The administered amount depends on the concentration of nerves and the type of oral surgery. – The

Babies and infants can suffer from gum disease and even tooth loss, just like adults. The first year of an infant’s life is when the first teeth begin to appear. Proper care should be taken when cleaning the mouth even before these teeth start to come through. An infant’s dental care includes: – Wiping the