Thumb sucking is a common habit that babies develop before they’re born. While most children naturally stop thumb sucking between the ages of two and four, some children might struggle to break the habit. If your child is still thumb sucking around the age of four, it’s important to help them stop. Thumb sucking puts excess pressure on the teeth,

Thumb sucking is a damaging habit that can cause tooth and surrounding skeletal structures to develop abnormally as your child grows. If your child has a persistent thumb sucking problem past the age of four to five, thumb and finger appliances, or thumb sucking appliances, can help your child stop this habit. There are a variety of appliances available, each

Because our smiles are the way we greet the world, even tiny imperfections in our teeth can cause self-consciousness. If you have a front tooth with an uneven edge, a canine that is too long or pointed, a slight overlap between two teeth, or any other minor cosmetic concern, tooth contouring might be the solution you’re looking for. During the

What is tooth decay? Tooth decay begins with the Streptococcus mutans bacteria. These bacteria join with food particles and fluids in the mouth to create plaque, a constantly forming biofilm which sticks to the surface of tooth enamel. The bacteria in plaque convert the sugars in our foods into lactic acid. When plaque remains on the tooth, these acids erode the calcium

Pain is a signal that something is wrong. Any tooth pain should be taken seriously, because ignoring this symptom can lead to more serious dental and medical consequences. Among the common causes of tooth pain are decay, erosion, infection, and trauma. Tooth Decay Tooth decay begins with the bacteria in plaque. These bacteria create acids that strip the minerals from

Drinking hot and cold beverages, eating sweet or acidic foods, brushing your teeth, breathing through your mouth, biting down—if any of these normal activities are causing you pain, you’re probably experiencing tooth sensitivity. Tooth anatomy helps explain why teeth can become sensitive: What causes sensitivity? Sensitivity is a symptom that the tooth is compromised. You should see your dentist promptly

Fillings can be used to restore teeth with small to mid-sized cavities as well as minor chips, fractures, and wear. Tooth-colored fillings are a popular choice for restorations because they complement the natural beauty of a smile. Unlike traditional gold or silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings blend in with tooth enamel to restore decayed or damaged teeth almost invisibly. While composite

As you know, your dentist recommends fluoride toothpaste because fluoride prevents cavities. Fluoride bonds with the calcium and phosphate ions in our tooth enamel, repairing weak spots. Even better, this new bond is stronger and more cavity-resistant than enamel alone. When it comes to preventing gum disease as well as fighting cavities, though, not all fluoride formulas are the same.

Traumatic dental injuries occur most often in children and teenagers, although people of all ages can experience them as well. Sports accidents, car accidents, and falls or trips are all examples of how someone can experience a traumatic dental injury. If you have experienced this type of injury, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. The longer

Elastics Elastics are small rubber bands that help move teeth into proper alignment. Typically, one side is connected to the top jaw and the other side to the bottom jaw, and are helpful in creating an ideal bite. Forsus™ Nitinol Flat Spring A Forsus is a small rod with a spring surrounding it, and is meant to replace or prevent