Don't be offended if your dentist asks whether you bite your nails. Nail biting is a bad habit for many reasons. Besides the oral hygiene issues, biting your fingernails can affect your oral health and damage your teeth. Your dentist may be asking because he or she noticed some concerning signs.
Types of Damage
Damage to your teeth that nail biting can cause includes:
Cracked or chipped teeth—the result of tiny fractures that biting down on hard nails can cause
Read More
Gum disease begins as inflammation, often in response to the acid released by oral bacteria. If left untreated, the condition can eventually cause bone and tooth loss. Nevertheless, gum disease is treatable and even reversible in most cases. Here is some additional information about gum disease and how it can be treated:
Can gum disease affect anyone?
Gum disease is not reserved for a specific age group. It can affect anyone.
Read More
Metal braces are a popular option for correcting dental alignment issues. However, the appearance of the braces can be a turnoff to some. There is an alternative, though. Ceramic braces offer many of the benefits of metal braces with some added perks. If you are unsure whether ceramic braces are right for you, here is what you need to know.
Why Choose Ceramic Braces?
There are several advantages to choosing ceramic braces over metal, but the most beneficial is that they are hardly noticeable.
Read More
If you have anxiety associated with going to the dentist, don't let that stop you from getting regular dental care. Instead, talk to your dentist about nitrous oxide. This is a light form of sedation that takes the edge off your anxiety and helps with pain. Here is some more information about nitrous oxide, which is also known as laughing gas.
How It's Delivered
Nitrous oxide is inhaled through an oxygen mask that fits over your nose.
Read More
It's easy to assume that your dentist will spot information about your cavities, gum disease and whether or not you floss and that you and your primary healthcare provider will detect all other health concerns. However, you might be surprised to discover that sleep apnea can often be determined by your dentist, as can the possibility of developing cancer of the pancreas in the future. Therefore, if you're tempted to skip your next dental checkup, it's best to remember that your dentist might be able to spot troubling, early symptoms of serious health problems during a regular exam.
Read More
