Oral Health Medical Reference

A visit to the dentist doesn't have to be something to dread. Find out what usually happens, what you can expect at that first visit, what care you may need, and how to make it easier on yourself.

Skimping on dental care can be more expensive and painful in the longer run. Here are smart ways to save money without harming your oral health.

Ouch! The most common reasons why your jaw might be in pain. Common causes of jaw pain include injuries to your jaw or mouth, dental problems like gum disease, infections like mumps and tetanus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Your sense of taste can be affected by your age, an infection, medicine you’re taking, or other things. Something that affects your sense of smell can also affect your taste.

Good bacteria and bad bacteria live side by side in your mouth, just like in your gut. If they get out of balance, you can get gum disease.

Learn how to tell if you have an abscessed tooth, the causes and the symptoms, and what to do about it.

When bacteria gets into the root of a tooth, it can cause an infection. Find out what to do if you have an abscessed tooth.

Adults have their tonsils taken out, too. WebMD explains why you might need a tonsillectomy and how the recovery differs between kids and their parents.

Find out why your bleeding gums may be signs of conditions like gingivitis, diabetes, or leukemia.

WebMD explains how a strawberry tongue, one that is swollen and bumpy, can be caused by many different conditions or disorders.

Perk up your pearly teeth and keep them white with these quick tips.

Sometimes, your doctor needs to use a special tool to look deep into your throat to diagnose a problem. That’s called a laryngoscopy.

It’s not as common as it used to be, but in some cases, your doctor may suggest having your tonsils taken out. Find out when surgery might be the best option for you or your child.

Sometimes, strep throat can lead to other complications, including ear and skin infections. Very rarely, it can lead to life-threatening infections. Antibiotics can kill the bacteria that cause strep.

Strep throat is caused by bacteria, which means you or your child have antibiotics you can take to treat it. And there are things you can do at home to feel better, too.

If you choose to have your or your child’s tonsils removed, it helps to know what to expect. Learn how to get ready, what happens during the surgery, and home care during recovery.

Strep throat is easily confused with other causes of sore throats. How can you tell if it’s strep? You look at the symptoms.

Can you catch strep throat? Learn how this infection passes from person to person.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by group A streptococcus. Learn the causes of streptococcal pharyngitis and how to tell strep from other sore throat conditions.

There are many reasons why your gums might hurt. Some are minor, while others are more serious. WebMD explores what the cause of your painful gums may be.

Gum pain is common but can often be treated at home. WebMD tells you how to soothe sore gums and when you should see a dentist.

A throat culture can help your doctor find out why you have a sore throat. WebMD tells you how and when it’s used to identify germs.

You can get thrush if you have too much yeast in your body. You can also get it if you have poor oral hygiene.

WebMD describes burning mouth syndrome -- mouth pain that has no known cause.

WebMD explains how recreational drug use and abuse can harm your teeth and mouth.