Teeth and Gums

Find out about conditions that can affect your teeth and gums.

Teeth Problems
1. Prevent Tooth and Mouth Injuries Learn how to protect yourself from tooth and mouth injuries.
2. Smoking and Oral Health Smoking and other tobacco use can cause oral health problems like gum disease and tooth decay.
3. Tooth Decay Prevention Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth structure and can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin layer of the tooth.
4. Toothaches Toothaches and jaw pain are common but can have different sources. Learn more from the experts at WebMD.
5. Sensitive Teeth Tooth sensitivity is tooth discomfort in one or more teeth that is triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks, or even by breathing cold air. The pain can be sharp, sudden, and shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth.
6. Tooth Discoloration Learn here how to prevent and treat tooth discoloration.
7. Plaque WebMD explains tooth plaque and why it can harm your teeth.
8. Abscessed Tooth An abscessed tooth is a painful infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth. Learn what causes this condition and how it is treated.
9. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Do you or a loved one grind teeth at night? Find out what can be done for teeth grinding (bruxism), as well as causes and consequences.
10. Cavities Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as breads, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth.
11. Tooth Enamel Erosion and Restoration What does tooth enamel do? WebMD explains what tooth enamel is, what causes it to erode, how to prevent enamel loss, and how to treat it.
12. 9 Risk Factors for Tooth Loss There are certain risk factors for tooth loss. Find out what they are and if any are in your control.
13. Tartar Plaque and tarter can threaten your oral health. Learn more about them, including tips for keeping them away from your teeth.
Wisdom Teeth
1. Wisdom Teeth Removal: What to Expect What are wisdom teeth and why do they sometimes require removal? Learn more from the experts at WebMD.
2. Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Always Necessary? Read about the times it isn't necessary to remove your wisdom teeth.
3. Dry Socket Dry socket is a painful complication that can happen after having a tooth pulled.
4. Pericoronitis Pericoronitis happens when the gums surrounding your back teeth -- usually the wisdom teeth -- become infected. Find out more.
Gum Problems
1. Gum Disease Prevention Learn how you can prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing regularly, having regular dental visits for exams and cleaning, and eating a balanced diet.
2. Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease) WebMD's guide to gum disease, also called gingivitis and periodontal disease.
3. Receding Gums Why do gums recede? WebMD discusses causes of gum recession and treatment, including surgery.
4. Gum Problem Basics: Sore, Swollen, and Bleeding Gums WebMD examines common problems with the gums, including soreness, swelling, and bleeding. Learn possible causes and find remedies to help keep your gums healthy.

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