Geographic tongue, also called benign migratory glossitis, is an inflammatory condition in which red patches appear on your tongue resembling continents on a globe. The patches can appear on the top and sides of your tongue and sometimes other parts of your mouth. The shape and location of the patches

It’s important to take good care of your teeth as you age. Elderly patients often need more frequent visits to stay healthy, as they are at a higher risk of oral complications, including extraction, tooth decay, and periodontal (gum) disease. Electric Toothbrush One of the best things you can do for

Tooth loss can be caused by gum disease, deep decay, and trauma. Certain congenital genetic conditions can result in teeth which never develop. Some medical conditions can contribute to tooth loss. But no matter what the cause, missing teeth should never be ignored. A missing tooth is not just a cosmetic

Nutrition goes hand in hand with oral health. It can affect the speed at which oral diseases may progress. Such diseases include caries, periodontal disease, erosion, cancer, ulcers, and dry mouth. For some people, good nutrition may not be a possibility due to age, specific medical conditions, or socioeconomic

Our bodies are home to bacteria which are common in our mouths, but which can be dangerous elsewhere. For some people, especially those who have chronic medical conditions, specific cardiac conditions, or whose immune systems are compromised, bacteria that spreads throughout the bloodstream and into

What is Halitosis? Halitosis, also known as chronic bad breath, is often the result of improper care of your oral health. When you eat, food particles gather throughout your mouth, sticking to the surfaces of your tongue, in between your teeth, and on your gum tissue. Your oral bacteria break down these

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is important for diabetics, as they have an increased risk of developing oral infection and periodontal disease. Diabetes is a health condition that makes it difficult to manage blood sugar levels, and as a result, can lead to high levels of sugar in the blood and saliva.

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, can have devastating effects on your health, including your teeth. Anorexia is marked by an extreme restriction on how much is eaten, while bulimia is associated with binging and purging, or vomiting after eating. The effects on teeth and oral hygiene

Oral cancer screenings check for any precancerous or cancerous conditions in the mouth. An oral cancer screening is completed with an ultraviolet light that allows your dentist to view issues that cannot be detected with the naked eye. Precancerous lesions identified under this light are much easier

If you experience high blood pressure, it’s vital that you discuss possible medications with your health care professionals, including your dentist. Some blood pressure medications cause the usual variety of side effects, such as drowsiness, upset stomach, or minor aches. But for some patients, particular

Brushing and flossing at home to keep up your oral health is great, but it’s also important to visit the dentist for checkups and professional cleanings at least twice a year. These checkups allow your dentist to identify any problems in your mouth that you cannot see just by looking in the mirror,

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when the salivary glands can’t produce enough saliva to maintain a healthy oral environment. Symptoms of Dry Mouth Saliva helps us swallow, speak, taste, and digest. If you have a dry mouth, you can experience symptoms such as: A dry mouth and tongue A tingling or

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay. We can get these benefits from fluoridated drinking water and by using over-the-counter fluoride toothpastes and rinses. For superior protection against cavities, your dentist might recommend a professional

Oral piercings can be found on the tongue, lip, cheek, or other soft tissue around the mouth. It’s important to consider potential complications stemming from oral piercings so that you can maintain your best oral health. Common problems associated with oral piercings: Swelling, bleeding, or infection Piercings

Our bodies keep our bones strong by absorbing old bone cells and replacing them with newer and stronger bone material. Osteoporosis is a condition that occurs when we absorb more bone than we replace, resulting in weakened bones. Osteoporosis can affect any part of the body, including the jawbone, and

Due to changes in hormones, pregnant women might be more susceptible to oral health conditions, like gingivitis, tooth decay, and pregnancy tumors. Pregnancy gingivitis affects nearly 40% of pregnant women and looks like: Red and swollen gums Sensitivity of gums and teeth Bleeding after brushing or

Preventive care is one of the best—and easiest—ways you can maintain your healthy smile for a lifetime. Practicing good oral hygiene helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Protecting your teeth helps prevent dental trauma. Seeing your dentist regularly helps you discover any dental issues, and

Teeth grinding and clenching, also called bruxism, is associated with stress and sometimes caffeine and stimulants. As bruxism most often occurs at night, some people may not realize they do it, but the signs and symptoms show in the teeth. Teeth grinding and clenching are common habits that can have