Trending Oral Health Topics
Toothache
Toothache usually refers to pain around the teeth or jaws. In most instances, toothaches are caused by tooth or jaw problems, such as a dental cavity, a cracked tooth, an exposed tooth root, gum disease, disease of the jaw joint (TMJ), or spasms of the muscles used for chewing.
Cosmetic Dentistry Slideshow: See the Difference
Watch this slideshow on how cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile? See before & after pictures of what braces, dental implants, crowns, veneers, teeth whitening, bridges -- or even a complete dental makeover -- can do for your smile.
Read more about Cosmetic Dentistry Slideshow: See the Difference »
Dental (Oral) Health Quiz
Take the Dental Health Quiz to test your IQ of oral hygiene, cavities, and common tongue and gum diseases. This quiz covers healthy mouths and teeth from brushing to flossing and everything in between check-ups!
Canker Sores
Learn about canker sores (aphthous ulcer) causes, like allergies, immune disorders, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, smoking, stress, and female sex hormones.
Dental Bonding
View a picture of dental bonding and learn more about cosmetic dentistry.
Brighter/Whiter Teeth
Want brighter, whiter teeth? Watch this slideshow to find out which teeth whitening strategies perk up your smile and how to avoid future stains.
Related Disease Conditions
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Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is an infection within a tooth that has spread to the root. Symptoms of an abscessed tooth may include pain,...
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Are Canker Sores Contagious?
Canker sores or aphthous ulcers are one of the most common causes of painful sores in the mouth. The actual cause of canker sores...
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Are Cold Sores Contagious?
About 20% of cases of cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and approximately 80% of cold sores are...
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Are Dental Implants Worth It?
Dental implants are worth it if you need to replace a missing tooth. They can improve appearance, speech, eating, etc. and are...
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Bad Breath
Bad breath can result from poor oral hygiene habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath, also called...
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Can a Tooth Abscess Go Away on Its Own?
A tooth abscess does not resolve on its own like other infections and, if left untreated, can cause the infection to spread,...
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Can I Put Hydrogen Peroxide Straight on My Teeth?
Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid (when undiluted) that has a slightly pungent smell. Yes, you can put hydrogen peroxide...
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Can Rotting Teeth Be Saved?
In the initial stages of decay, teeth can be saved through various diet choices and oral care routines. However, once decay...
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Can You Fix Rotten Teeth?
There is no cure for rotten teeth, however, treatment options can help limit further decay. When a tooth is badly decayed, the...
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Can You Make Your Own Tooth Filling?
Many online sources show how to mix and fill a cavity with an at-home solution. This is not recommended because improper fillings...
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Canker Sores
Canker sores are a common complaint, and are small ulcers on the inside of the mouth. Canker sores aren't contagious (as opposed...
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How Long Do Canker Sores Last and How Do You Get Rid of Them Fast?
Canker sores are small lesions in your mouth. Canker sores usually last between 1 and 2 weeks and you get rid of them fast by...
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Cavities
Learn more about cavities including symptoms, treatment, and prevention. See how tooth decay, plaque, and bacteria contribute to...
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Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip
Cleft palate and cleft lip are facial and oral defects that occur early in pregnancy. A cleft lip is a split of the two sides of...
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Dental Braces
Find out more about how orthodontic braces and retainers can provide proper alignment to crooked teeth. Get information about the...
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Dental Injuries
Dental injuries range from a chipped or fractured tooth to a knocked-out tooth. Treatment depends upon the severity of the dental...
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Do Tongue Lacerations Need Stitches?
A laceration is a wound that is usually irregular in shape and has jagged margins, which is produced by tearing of the soft body...
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Do Tongue Scrapers Damage Taste Buds?
Tongue scraping is a process where you drag a tool from the back of your tongue to the front to remove small particles and...
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Do Tonsil Stones Go Away?
Tonsil stones often go away on their own. If they bother you, the only way to get rid of them is through surgical removal or...
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Do White Spots on Teeth Go Away?
Whether white spots on teeth go away or not depends entirely on their cause. Some conditions, such as dehydration will resolve...
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Do You Really Need to Floss?
Dental floss is a flexible strand made of nylon filaments or plastic monofilaments. Dentists recommend flossing once a day to...
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Does a Lip Tie Need to Be Corrected?
Experts differ on whether to correct a lip tie or not, which means treatment largely depends on its severity and presenting...
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Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription and non-prescription drugs and certain medical conditions. Symptoms of dry...
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Dry Socket
A dry socket is a potential complication that can occur when a blood clot in the gums becomes dislodged after tooth extraction....
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How Do You Get Rid of Bumps on the Back of Your Tongue?
Bumps on your tongue can be caused by a number of factors. Find out what can cause these bumps and how you can treat them....
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Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused by plaque and may result in tooth loss without proper treatment. Read about symptoms, stages, treatment,...
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Gum Problems
Gum problems may be caused by improper brushing and flossing, gum disease, canker sores, treatments and hormonal changes....
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Home Remedies for Toothache
Toothache generally manifests as a sharp or shooting pain, which may be so severe that it doesn’t allow an individual to eat,...
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How Can I Heal My Teeth Naturally?
Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly are the best ways to keep your teeth healthy. Mouthwash can also help. Try these...
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How Can I Permanently Get Rid of Bad Breath? 10 Causes & 10 Tips
Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, is usually perceived as a sign of bad oral hygiene. To understand if you can get rid of...
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How Do You Fix a Dry Socket?
Learn what medical treatments can help ease your dry socket symptoms and speed up your dry socket recovery....
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How Do You Get Rid of Salivary Gland Stones?
Here are 6 home remedies for getting rid of salivary stones. If these remedies do not work, then surgery may be required....
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How Do You Get Rid of Tonsil Stones?
What are tonsil stones and how do you get rid of them? Learn more about tonsil stone problems and what you can do about tonsil...
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How Do You Know if You Have Gingivitis or Periodontitis?
Gingivitis is an inflammation that is limited to the gum line. Periodontitis always begins with inflammation of the gums....
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How Do You Stop Bad Breath on a Low-Carb Diet?
Bad breath caused by a low-carb diet is called keto breath or ketosis breath. Keto breath typically has a fruity odor or an aroma...
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How Do You Treat a Cold Sore in Your Nose?
Cold sores are a type of blister that may show up clear and then become cloudy. Treat a cold sore under your nose with home...
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How Do You Treat a Sensitive Tooth?
Treatment for sensitive teeth may include using certain toothpaste or dental products, as well as maintaining good oral hygiene....
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How Does a Waterpik Work?
Waterpiks are a type of flosser that uses a high-pressure jet to eliminate plaque and oral particulars from between the teeth....
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How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
Dental fillings are hard filling substances (such as gold, silver, ceramic) used to repair decayed or damaged teeth. They fill...
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How Long Do Gum Grafts Last?
Gum grafts are long-lasting and are expected to last a lifetime. Check out the center below for more medical references on dental...
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How Long Does Oral Thrush Last Without Treatment?
Most people with good immunity can rid themselves of oral thrush within a week to 10 days....
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How Much Does it Cost to Get Your Teeth Whitened By a Dentist?
Getting your teeth whitened is a way to brighten your smile and make yourself feel better about your appearance. The cost of...
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How Much Do Teeth Veneers Cost?
Depending on the type of dental veneer used, the cost may range from $250 to $2,500 per tooth. Check out the center below for...
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How Often Should You Scrape Your Tongue?
Scraping your tongue is a quick way to remove unwanted, unneeded material that can cause bad breath and other side effects....
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How Painful Is a Tonsillectomy?
Tonsillectomy is the removal of two oval-shaped tissue pads, named tonsils, from the back of the throat. Tonsillectomy is a...
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How to Cure Mouth Ulcers Fast Naturally
Learn what medical treatments can help ease your mouth ulcer and blister symptoms and speed up your recovery. What to know about...
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Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe or Harmful for Your Teeth?
Hydrogen peroxide is a versatile product with many uses, from home cleaning to medical applications. Hydrogen peroxide should...
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Hyperdontia
Hyperdontia is a condition in which a person has an excessive amount of teeth (more than 20 primary teeth or 32 permanent teeth),...
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Is a Tongue Scraper Bad for You?
A tongue scraper is a tool that is usually made from copper, stainless steel, or plastic and it helps to keep the tongue clean....
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Is Gingivitis Contagious?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Poor dental hygiene, stress, smoking, some medications, and a poor diet can cause...
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Is It Bad to Have the Tonsils Removed?
Tonsils are the two protruding tissue masses at the back of your throat. Tonsillectomy means the removal of the tonsils from the...
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Is It Bad To Scrape Your Tongue With A Spoon?
A tongue scraper removes odor-causing bacteria more effectively from your tongue than a toothbrush. Tongue scraping is good for...
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Is Scraping Your Tongue Safe?
If done correctly, it’s a harmless technique — but using too much pressure or the wrong tool can have some side effects....
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Is Thrush Contagious?
Thrush is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. An infant with thrush can infect his/her mother with thrush during...
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Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
There is a fair amount of pain after wisdom tooth removal. The procedure is done under local anesthesia. The pain peaks six hours...
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Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia causes white patches on the inside of the mouth and is typically harmless. Check out the center below for more...
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Oral Health Problems in Children
In addition to dental caries, common oral health problems in children include thumb sucking, tooth sensitivity, and gum disease....
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Pericoronitis
Pericoronitis is inflammation of the gum tissue around the molars that often occurs in young people when the wisdom teeth erupt....
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Protect Your Teeth: 19 Bad Dental Habits to Avoid
Bad dental habits can wreck your teeth. Teeth grinding, chewing on ice, playing sports without a mouth guard, and eating and...
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Chewing Tobacco (Smokeless Tobacco, Snuff)
People absorb more nicotine into their systems by chewing tobacco (snuff or smokeless tobacco) than by smoking a cigarette....
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Teeth Grinding
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. Bruxism may be caused by stress or anxiety and often happens during sleep....
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Teething
Teething in babies typically starts between 4 and 10 months of age. Symptoms and signs of cutting teeth include rash, drooling,...
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Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is a disorder that causes symptoms like pain, clicking, and popping of the jaw. TMJ is...
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Tongue Problems
There are a variety of diseases and conditions that can cause tongue problems, discoloration, and soreness. Though most tongue...
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Tonsil Stones
Tonsil stones are small clusters of calcifications that form when food, dead cells, mucus, and bacteria get stuck in the nooks...
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Toothache
A toothache is a pain on or around a tooth. It may have a variety of causes, including a cavity, abscess, or even sinusitis....
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What Are 5 Oral Health Diseases?
Oral health is important for your overall health and quality of life. Common oral problems include tooth decay, gum disease,...
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What Are Causes of Blisters in the Mouth?
What causes blisters inside the mouth? Learn why they appear and what to do if you have mouth blisters....
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What Are Some Taste Disorders?
The most common taste disorders involve phantom taste disorders, hypogeusia, ageusia and dysgeusia. Taste disorders may be...
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What Are the Causes of Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are also called canker sores, aphthous ulcers, and are a form of mouth sores. They are small, round ulcers that may...
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What Are the Most Common Oral Surgeries?
The most common oral surgeries include tooth extraction, dental implants, root canal, wisdom teeth removal, and bone grafting....
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What Can I Give My Child for a Toothache?
Here are 6 tips to relieve toothache in your child, which include saltwater rinse, over-the-counter medication, and changing...
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What Causes an Abscess in Your Throat (Peritonsillar Abscess)?
An abscess in your throat is a collection (or pocket) of pus in the space (peritonsillar space) that lies between each tonsil and...
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What Causes Blisters on Lips?
What are blisters on lips and what causes blisters on lips? Learn about these mouth sores, what causes blisters on lips, and how...
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What Causes the Uvula to Swell Up?
Uvulitis, or a swollen uvula, can be caused by viral and bacterial infections, allergic reactions, inhalation of harsh chemicals,...
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What Do Early Signs of Tongue Cancer Look Like?
Tongue cancer is a serious form of oral cancer. In most patients, there may be a few to no symptoms in the early stages of tongue...
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What Gets Rid of Toothache Instantly?
Here are 19 simple methods to ease toothache pain; however, many of these only provide short-term comfort while you seek further...
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What Is an Epstein Pearl?
Epstein pearls are whitish-yellow cysts seen on the gums and roof of the mouth in a newborn baby. These white bumps are harmless...
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What Is Child Orthodontia?
Child orthodontia aims to guide proper jaw growth and prevent future tooth problems. Check out the center below for more medical...
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What Is Laser Treatment in the Mouth?
Laser dentistry is the use of a laser during dental procedures to remove or change hard or soft tissues....
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What Is Stomatitis Caused By?
Stomatitis is a general medical term used for an inflamed or sore mouth. The condition can cause pain and discomfort. Stomatitis...
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What to Do If Nothing Is Helping a Toothache
Here are 16 tips for managing a toothache at home, as well as when to seek help from your dentist....
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What’s Causing My Tooth Pain?
What's causing my tooth pain? Learn the signs of tooth pain and what might be causing it....
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When Should I Be Concerned About Oral Lesions?
Oral lesions are generally noncancerous; however, they may cause cancer over time, which could manifest in the following nine...
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When Should I Start Cleaning My Baby’s Mouth?
Maintaining infant oral hygiene is very important because it maintains oral health, clears milk and food residues and avoids the...
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What Does It Mean When You Have Bumps on the Back of Your Tongue?
Getting bumps on the back of your tongue is common and usually harmless, but they can be a sign of an underlying issue. Learn the...
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Why Do Gums Get Black? 10 Causes
Black gums or gum discoloration is often due to an underlying health issue, such as the following....
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Why Do I Have Yellow Teeth?
Teeth naturally begin to discolor with age, as enamel wears and yellowish dentin underneath begins to show through. Here are 11...
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Why Do I Keep Getting Canker Sores in My Mouth?
Canker sores are small open ulcers that usually appear on the inside of your mouth. Causes include stress, hormonal changes,...
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Why Do People Get Tonsil Stones?
What are tonsil stones and what causes them? Learn the signs of tonsil stones, what causes them, and what you can do to treat...
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Why Is Peroxide Good for Your Teeth and Gums?
Hydrogen peroxide is a clear liquid oxidizing agent. Hydrogen peroxide is good for your teeth and gums because it whitens teeth...
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Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that people get in their late teens or early twenties. Impacted wisdom teeth that only...
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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What Your Tongue Says About Your Health
Colors, spots, patches, and lumps can all give you clues about your health. Find out from WebMD what your tongue is telling you....
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Picture of Actinic Cheilitis
Actinic cheilitis is a precancerous condition that usually appears on the lower lips. See a picture of Actinic Cheilitis and...
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What Causes Bad Breath (Halitosis)? 17 Causes & Medical Solutions
Do you know what causes bad breath (halitosis)? Learn how drinking alcohol, gum disease, poor health, smoking, certain foods like...
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Treatment for Whiter Teeth and a Brighter Smile
Want brighter, whiter teeth? Brushing up on these photo tips can help keep your teeth white. Discover which smile-whitening ideas...
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Picture of Cold Sore and Canker Sore
Cold sores and canker sores aren't the same. See a picture of Cold Sore and Canker Sore and learn more about the health topic....
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Picture of Cold Sore Between Nose and Mouth
Can a cold sore appear somewhere other than your lip? They are not as common, but cold sores can appear anywhere on the face,...
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Picture of Cold Sores Treatment
You can't cure HSV or a cold sore, but you can alleviate the pain it causes by avoiding spicy or acidic foods, applying ice, and...
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Picture of Composite Fillings
Existing fillings sometimes need to be replaced due to wear, chipping, or cracking. See a picture of Composite Fillings and learn...
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Cosmetic Dentistry Before and After Photos
How can cosmetic dentistry improve your smile? See before and after pictures of orthodontics (braces), dental implants, crowns,...
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Picture of Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin is applied and hardened with a special light, ultimately "bonding"...
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Picture of Dental Bridge
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. See a picture of Dental Bridges and learn more...
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Picture of Dental Crown
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a tooth covering the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength,...
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Dental Problems: Tooth Decay, TMJ, Mouth Pain Causes & Treatments
Do you have a toothache? What is oral cancer? Symptoms like mouth pain and sensitive teeth can indicate dental problems. Learn...
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Picture of Dental Implant
Dental implants are replacement tooth roots made of titanium. See a picture of Dental Implants and learn more about the health...
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Picture of Dental Makeover
A combination of dental techniques can be used to achieve a great smile. See a picture of Dental Makeover and learn more about...
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Dental (Oral) Health Quiz: Test Your Dental Hygiene IQ
Take the Dental Health Quiz to test your IQ of oral hygiene, cavities, and common tongue and gum diseases. This quiz covers...
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Why We Have Wisdom Teeth: Surgery, Pain, and Treatment
Should you get your wisdom teeth removed? When does the pain and swelling stop after wisdom tooth removal? Wisdom teeth come in...
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Picture of Dental Veneers
Veneers (sometimes called porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of teeth, changing...
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Picture of Dentures
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. See a picture of Dentures and learn more about...
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Dry Mouth Causes, Treatments, and Remedies
What causes dry mouth (xerostomia)? How do you get rid of and cure dry mouth? Learn about dry mouth symptoms as well as natural...
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Picture of Enamel Reshaping
Recontouring or reshaping is a procedure in which small amounts of tooth enamel are removed or shaped to change a tooth's length,...
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Oral Health: 19 Habits That Cause Bad Teeth
Is chewing ice bad for your teeth? How do you avoid rotten teeth? Learn how chewing ice, eating snacks, teeth grinding and other...
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Picture of Herpes Blister (Cold Sore)
Cold sores (fever blisters) are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), passed on through contact with infected skin or body...
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Oral Care: All About Canker Sores
Canker sores can make talking or eating harder than usual. Learn more about their causes, symptoms, and treatments....
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Oral Health: What Bad Breath Says About Your Health
Bad breath causes include snoring, gum disease, acid reflux, respiratory infections, tonsil stones, diabetes, liver failure,...
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Picture of Orthodontics (Braces)
Braces can correct crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, and can improve the health and appearance of anyone's smile, adult or...
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Picture of Strep Throat
Strep infection often produces a distinct pattern of white patches in the throat and on the tonsils, as well as red swollen...
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Top Tips for Beautiful Teeth and Gums
Explore tips for beautiful teeth and gums. Brighten your smile and keep healthy gums with these easy and simple tools....
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Picture of Teeth
The teeth are the hardest substances in the human body. See a picture of the Teeth and learn more about the health topic....
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Teeth Whitening: Facts, Types, and Products That Work
What is the best teeth whitening option for you? Learn about different teeth whitening products such as teeth whitening strips,...
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Picture of Teeth Whitening
Many teeth-whitening systems are available, including whitening toothpastes, over-the-counter gels, rinses, strips, and trays,...
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Picture of Tongue
The tongue is a muscular organ in the mouth. See a picture of the Tongue and learn more about the health topic....
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Picture of Tonsil Stones
Tonsil stones (also called tonsilloliths) form when bacteria and mucus get trapped and calcify in your tonsils' nooks and...
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Picture of Tonsils
The tonsils (palatine tonsils) are a pair of soft tissue masses located at the rear of the throat (pharynx). See a picture of the...
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Mouth Problems: TMJ, Canker Sores, Painful Gums and More
Sores, painful gums, bad breath -- what's going on in your mouth? Find out with our slideshow of the most common mouth problems....
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The Ugly Truth About Your Toothbrush & Germs
How many germs are on your toothbrush? See how to store and keep your toothbrush clean from the millions of bacteria that can...
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Picture of Types of Braces
Metal braces are still used, but many other options are available. See a picture of Types of Braces and learn more about the...
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Dental Health: Diseases Caused by Unhealthy Teeth and Gums
Is your mouth healthy? Teeth and gums can warn you about diseases like diabetes, anemia, and osteoporosis. Find out why gum...
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Picture of Yeast Infections (Thrush in Babies)
Thrush is a yeast infection that causes white patches in the mouth and on the tongue. See a picture of Yeast Infection (Thrush)...
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Caring for Teeth With Braces or Retainers
- Caring for Your Dentures
- Choosing a Toothbrush
- Choosing a Toothpaste
- Dental Bonding
- Dental Care for Babies
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Implants
- Dental Sealants
- Dental X-Rays: When to Get Them
- Dentures
- How Do You Give a Mandibular Nerve Block Injection?
- How Long Does an Oral Biopsy Take to Heal?
- Lasers in Dental Care
- Mouth Guards
- Root Canal
- Taking Dental Medications
- Teeth and Gum Care
Medications & Supplements
- allogeneic cultured keratinocytes/fibroblasts in bovine collagen
- artificial saliva
- benzydamine (oral rinse)
- carbamide peroxide oral
- chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse (Peridex, Periogard, Periochip)
- cocaine hydrochloride
- docosanol - topical, Abreva
- fluoride
- glycerin oropharyngeal
- lidocaine viscous
- pilocarpine, Salagen
- Side Effects of Peridex (chlorhexidine gluconate)
- Side Effects of Oralone (triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% dental paste)
- sodium fluoride 1.1% dental gel - topical, Karidium, Karigel, Prevident
- sodium fluoride 0.02% rinse - dental, Phos-Flur
- sodium fluoride 0.2% rinse - dental, Nafrinse, Prevident
- sodium fluoride gel - dental
- sodium fluoride 1.1% toothpaste - dental
- sodium fluoride topical
- stannous fluoride gel - dental, Flo-Gel, Gel-Kam
- stannous fluoride 0.63% oral care rinse - dental, Gel-Kam
- tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron)
- triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% dental paste (Kenalog Orabase, Oralone)
Prevention & Wellness
- 15 Soft Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Can Hydrogen Peroxide Damage Your Teeth?
- Do You Brush Your Teeth Before or After Oil Pulling?
- What Is the Fastest Way to Stop a Toothache at Home?
- How Do You Fix Dentin Hypersensitivity?
- How Do You Stop Drooling While Awake?
- How Long Do You Leave Mouthwash In?
- How Long Does It Take for Hydrogen Peroxide to Whiten Teeth?
- Is It Safe to Rinse Your Mouth With Hydrogen Peroxide Everyday?
- What Are Some of the Biggest Mistakes That People Make When Brushing?
- What Are the Different Parts of the Roof of Mouth?
- What Does It Mean When You Bite Your Lips a Lot?
- What Foods Trigger Geographic Tongue?
- What to Do When Enamel Wears off Teeth
- When Is the Best Time to Brush Your Teeth?