Head back to class with a fresh new smile when you whiten your teeth. Here’s what you should know about professional tooth whitening, as well as the side effects and people who shouldn’t use tooth whitening.

Teeth Need Treatment Before Tooth Whitening

When you schedule you a consult for teeth whitening at your dental office, your dentist will examine your teeth thoroughly. The dentist looks for problems with your teeth that can affect the success of your whitening procedure.

When you have a cavity, your dentist repairs it with a restorative process that most patients call fillings. The decayed portion of your tooth is removed, and then the remaining space is filled with a substance that bonds to your tooth without compromising the overall health of the tooth. Fillings are the most common dental-restoration procedure.

However, people can make the mistake of thinking that dental fillings last forever. While the replacement portion that fills the gap is hardwearing and long-lasting, it is not the same as the strength of your natural enamel. Fillings do not last forever, and when they do fail, they leave the rest of your tooth open to further decay. 

Gum disease isn’t just a problem endured by adults. Children can suffer from gingivitis and other periodontal diseases, too. If you suspect your child has gum disease — or if your child’s dentist has diagnosed the condition after examining your child — here are four things you should know.

Cavities are one of the many dental problems that people can experience throughout the course of their lifetime. Knowing what a cavity is, how to tell when you have a cavity, and what you can do if you get a cavity can help you take care of your teeth. Here’s what you need to know. 

Sometimes, problems in a child’s mouth cause their baby teeth to be retained and/or their permanent teeth to erupt improperly. Here’s what you should know if your child has issues with baby-tooth shedding or permanent-tooth eruption.

E-cigarettes, or electronic cigarettes, are becoming a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes. Fewer chemicals are in e-cigarettes, but that doesn’t mean they won’t have a negative impact on your health, including your oral health. This is because e-cigarettes still contain nicotine, which will damage your gums and teeth.

Here is some important information about the impact of electronic cigarettes on your oral health.

Increased Risk of Oral Cancer

Traditional cigarettes contain tobacco leaves, which are treated with a variety of chemicals. Many of these chemicals, such as arsenic, benzene, and ethylene oxide are linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including oral cancer.

Dental implants use modern medical technology to enhance smiles. Implants can replace one tooth or a whole row of teeth — but only if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. Learn what you should know about patients who receive successful dental implants.

Implant Candidates Have Thorough Preliminary Exams and Treatment

A dental implant consists of a metal anchor, an abutment, and a replacement tooth made of metal alloys, ceramic, resin, or another material. The anchor is surgically placed into the jawbone. The replacement tooth is fastened to the abutment and anchor for a secure hold when you chew and talk.

Another year is reaching its end. Plan the parties and stock up on the confetti, but also remember that it’s time to review your health care coverage. If your dental insurance plan resets on January 1, schedule your needed dental work now to maximize your benefit. Here’s how to make the most of this year’s dental plan.

Check Your Coverage

The calendar year ends on December 31 for most dental coverage. Whether your coverage is through an employer-sponsored or individual plan, you generally can’t roll over unused benefits when the year is over. Now is a great time to discover how much dental coverage you have remaining before the year runs out.

In 2012, researchers estimated that around 91 percent of adults between 20 and 64 suffered from some level of tooth decay on their teeth. Tooth decay is an epidemic that if left untreated can lead to cavities. While a lot of information about preventing and treating cavities is out there, this information might not be accurate unless it came from your dentist.

Here are a few of the most common myths and misconceptions associated with dental cavities.

Everyone has heard the term root canal. However, many patients are confused about the what, why, and how of root canal therapy.

You may be advised to undergo root canal therapy, or you may have a family member who needs the treatment. Here are four quick facts about root canal treatment to help you understand a bit more about the procedure.

1. Root Canal Treatment Fixes Issues Inside the Tooth

Teeth have more than what you see on the surface. An intricate endodontic system is tucked inside the hollow center of each tooth, and this area is also called the root canal.

The endodontic system is made up of a material commonly called pulp. Pulp provides a cushioned pathway for nutrients and sensation to reach the tooth.