What Does Saliva Do for Your Dental Health?

Your saliva is made almost entirely of water—over 98% of it, to be more precise. Along with its other ingredients, the high water content makes your saliva an important defense mechanism against the harmful bacteria found in dental plaque. Besides preparing your food for digestion by making it easier to bite and chew, a healthy flow of saliva is also vital to maintaining your dental health.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Good Dental Hygiene

Hopefully, you know by now that brushing and flossing your teeth, as well as visiting your dentist at least once every six months for an exam and cleaning, are the main tenets of what you should do to keep your mouth healthy. However, good dental health is as much about what you don’t do as it is what you do. To help make sure that you’re making the most of a good dental hygiene routine, we explain a few important do’s and don’ts in proper dental health management.

What Is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay occurs when plaque is allowed to buildup and cling to the tooth enamel. If plaque is not removed, it can combine with bacteria found in your mouth, forming acids that erode the enamel. Over time, the enamel becomes weak and a hole, or cavity, develops. Once a cavity forms, the layer underneath the enamel (dentin) becomes exposed and is susceptible to the spread of further decay. When bacteria are allowed access to the interior of your tooth, professional treatment may be necessary.

Is Gum Disease Present? Learn How to Treat It

For a large majority of people, gum disease is, or someday will be, a significant threat to their oral health. However, with consistently good hygiene and professional care, it doesn’t have to be a destructive influence. Gum disease is a progressive issue that, while common, is also highly preventable, and highly treatable if it is allowed to develop. While prevention is typically the same (daily brushing and flossing, along with routine checkups and cleanings), the secret of how to treat gum disease depends on how severe your condition is allowed to become.

How Teeth Whitening Can Improve Your Smile

Throughout your life, you may notice that some things begin to fade; memories, hobbies, interests, and even the color of your teeth. When the outer layer of a tooth (enamel) changes in color, it is known as extrinsic staining, and can typically be resolved with a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment. If staining goes beyond the tooth enamel and affects the layer underneath (dentin), it is known as intrinsic discoloration. This eliminates the possibility of a simple teeth whitening procedure, and further examination will be necessary.

Tooth Decay and How It Develops

The causes of tooth decay are numerous, but can usually be narrowed down to a handful of factors. A lack of proper preventive dentistry, too much of the wrong kinds of foods, and too much time in-between dental checkups are just some of the reasons tooth decay happens.

Dental Plaque and How it Develops

Anyone who has seen a mouthwash commercial has heard the term “plaque,” but how many really know what plaque is? Many people tend to think that brushing once or twice a day, along with some occasional flossing, will be enough to keep dental plaque away. However, is this enough to keep you from having to visit the dentist every six months? The answers may surprise you.

What's Causing My Toothache?

Aching in or around a tooth is caused by a nerve becoming irritated. A hit to the face, tooth decay, gum disease, and excessive plaque buildup are only some ways that toothaches may occur. In some instances, pain outside of the dental area can travel to the mouth, simulating tooth pain. Such issues can include problems with the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint or TMJ) or ears. Not all toothaches require a dental visit, as there are some at-home remedies for toothaches.