Treatment & Care
Dental health treatments and tooth care range from braces to dentures, implants, crowns, fluoride, and whiteners. Find out more about dental treatment and care here.
Treatment
need a gum graft, don't panic. Gum surgery sounds worse than it is. A gum graft may be necessary to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of gum recession, or you may choose to have one to improve the appearance of your smile.
From strips to gels to trays, there are many tooth whitening options out there. Find out who responds best to whitening, who should avoid it, and what each option involves.
If your child has crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw, it may be time to pay a visit to an orthodontist.
If your gums rest too low or too high on your teeth and you are unhappy with your smile, you may be a candidate for gum contouring surgery.
Two types of dentures are available -- complete and partial. Which is appropriate when? Are there alternatives to dentures? Find out more about dentures, their cost and more.
Braces and retainers: How can they help your teeth? Do braces hurt? Are there choices when it comes to braces? Find out what you want to know here.
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin is applied and hardened with a special light, which bonds the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person's smile. Find out if dental bonds are right for you.
Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored resin and a special light to improve your smile. Learn the pros and cons of this procedure, when it’s appropriate, how long bonding material lasts, and more.
Composites, gold and silver, and indirect fillings: Get the toothy facts on how fillings are done, your options for filling materials, and their pros and cons.
Wisdom teeth often have to go. How do you know if your wisdom teeth need to be removed? How are they removed and what should you do during the first 24 hours? Find out.
Lasers aren’t yet widely used, but some dentists treat tooth decay and gum disease with them. Learn how lasers work, other conditions they treat, and the pros and cons of their use.
Learn about various dental treatment options.
Air abrasion is a drill-less technique used by some dentists to remove tooth decay. Is air abrasion painless? Get the facts, and learn how air abrasion works, its pros and cons, and more.
Get tips for dry mouth treatment, how you can manage dry mouth, and suggestions for minimizing the irritation associated with the condition.
Recontouring or reshaping teeth changes a tooth’s length, shape, or surface. Who should consider recontouring? What does the procedure involve, and what are its risks? Find out.
Care
Want to improve your smile? See what braces, crowns, veneers, teeth whitening, bridges, gum reshaping -- or even a complete dental makeover -- can do for your smile.
Not sure if you need a general dentist, an orthodontist, or an endodontist? This article breaks down the differences between the specialties so you know the kind of care you need.
Brushing is only part of dental health. There’s more to consider: fluoride, snacking, examining your mouth. Learn the nine steps to take to keep your teeth and gums in top shape.
What makes a good toothbrush? Are there advantages to powering up with electric toothbrushes? How should you pick a toothpaste? Get these and other dental care questions answered here.
With a myriad of toothbrush, toothpaste, rinse, and other choices out there, how should you spend your dental dollars? Get expert advice on finding the best dental products for you.
Most people don’t brush and floss correctly. See how it should be done with these video tips.
Proper care can keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your life. How should you take care of them? These four tips for tooth and gum care show how.
What is fluoride? At what age is it most critical? If you drink bottled water, are you getting enough? Learn more about fluoride: the forms it takes, its risks, and more.
From flossing and brushing tips to coping with problems and foods to avoid, get hints for keeping your mouth healthy while you wear braces or retainers.
What’s the best way to remove and clean dentures? Will you ever need to replace them? How often should you visit the dentist when you have dentures? Get tips on these and more.
From a chipped tooth to a broken wire in your braces, do you know how to handle a dental emergency? Get tips on coping with 11 common dental problems here.
How Do I Measure Up? Get the Facts Fast!
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Only 18.5% of Americans never floss. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Try flossing just one tooth to get started.
You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for 3 more days!
You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily, but you're well on your way to making a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for all 7 days!
Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily, and good for you that you are one of them! Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Congratulations on your good oral health habit!
SOURCES:
American Dental Association, Healthy People 2010
This tool is intended only for adults 18 and older.
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