Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia have racked up some solemn statistics across the globe. These conditions, which can impair memory, problem-solving skills, and self-care habits, trouble another 10 million people each year. A variety of underlying factors can influence their development, including dental problems.

Whether you care for someone who has dementia or you simply want to reduce your risk for this disease through smart lifestyle changes, you can benefit from learning about the complex relationships between dementia and dental health. Take a moment to study the following frequently asked questions on this important issue.

Swollen lymph nodes can appear all over your body and are typically a sign that your body is trying to fight something off. In many cases, swollen lymph nodes may appear when you go through dental issues. The lymph nodes could swell up on the neck or the back of the head. The swelling is typically temporary, especially when you’ve recently gone through dental issues.

Learn about some of the dental causes of swollen lymph nodes, your treatment options, and when to seek a dentist for professional help. The sudden appearance of a swollen gland may seem alarming, but knowing the direct connection will help you feel better until the swelling goes away.

Dental health is so important, but dental insurance is not always included in a regular health insurance package or it costs extra to include. Instead of getting your own dental insurance, you have the option to pay for an annual dental plan. You purchase a dental plan directly from the dentist of your choice, and the plan includes set appointments, cleanings, and other perks.

As you make a decision between dental insurance and a dental membership, look at all of your options and the advantages that come with a membership plan.

A generous amount of healthy gum and bone tissue can help keep the teeth firmly anchored in the jaw. However, sometimes people can do with a little less of this tissue, especially when they face a potentially challenging dental procedure or show more gum than teeth when they smile.

Fortunately, a type of oral surgery known as crown lengthening can literally eliminate this obstacle by safely removing just the right amount of tissue to help you address your dental challenge without compromising the stability of your teeth. If you think you might benefit from crown lengthening, check out these frequently asked questions.

On paper, diet soda seems to have a lot of advantages. The zero-calorie and sugar-free drink will help you cut down on consumption and provide you with a lot of the same features as a regular soda. Unfortunately for your mouth, diet soda will cause potential dental issues. Even though the elimination of sugar is positive, certain dental risks still come with these drinks.

A lot of things are OK in moderation, but education and knowledge will help you make the best decisions and prevent dental issues in the long run. Learn all of the ways diet soda is just as bad for dental health as regular soda.

When you experience the dull or stabbing pain of a toothache, you may (quite rightly) schedule an immediate appointment with your dentist to get that painful tooth fixed. Imagine your surprise, then, when the dentist tells you that your tooth shows no signs of damage or disease and that the pain must come from another problem.

Many injuries or ailments in one part of the body can transmit pain signals along your nerves to another part of the body, a phenomenon called referred pain. Teeth can fall prey to referred pain from a variety of non-dental sources. Take a look at four possible health challenges that might translate into a toothache.

Amusement park resorts and vacations offer memorable experiences, exciting rides, and lots of great food. While on vacation, you also want to consider your dental health. While you do not need to brush your teeth between rides, amusement parks offer a lot of temptations and possible hazards to your oral health.

At the same time you book an amusement park vacation, you should book a dental appointment for the days following the trip. Learn about the various factors a dentist will look for and how an exam can benefit your oral health for the long haul.

1. Sweet Treats & Cavities

Amusement parks are known for a variety of sweet treats like ice cream, cotton candy, and packaged candy. Many locations have their own signature desserts loaded with sugars. While sugar is alright in moderation, the sweet treats at an amusement park can quickly add up and impact your oral

Whether you plan to undergo dental implant surgery in the future or you simply want to maintain a strong, healthy set of natural teeth for as long as possible, you need healthy bone in both your upper jaw and your lower jaw. However, certain conditions and circumstances can threaten that jawbone’s health.

Fortunately, once you understand the factors involved, you and your dentist can work together to keep both your teeth and their supporting bone tissue in good shape. Take a look at the following key considerations about bone loss and your dental health.

How Your Jawbone and Teeth Support Each Other

Your teeth and the bones of your jaw share an interactive relationship, with each component supporting the health of the other. Healthy teeth that are held in place by strong ligaments stimulate the jawbone to repair and replenish itself. Meanwhile, a healthy base of bone maintains the sockets surrounding the tooth roots.

For this reason, problems that threaten your teeth may also threaten your jawbone and vice versa. Thin or weak bone in your jaw can contribute to tooth loss. Without the constant stimulation provided by tooth roots, the bone tissue grows thinner and weaker, potentially setting up an ongoing cycle of dental problems.

During a normal cleaning routine, X-rays and oral exams will often highlight signs of cavities or soft spots on the teeth. While cavities are often the main objective in an exam, dentists will look for many other ailments inside your mouth.

Learn what to expect from your next dental cleaning and educate yourself on all of the mouth issues a dentist will look for. When you know what a dentist looks for, you can ask more questions and receive instructions to improve your oral health in the future.

1. Teeth Grinding

Medically known as bruxism, a dentist can almost immediately tell if a person has been grinding their teeth. Teeth grinding can wear away teeth, expose enamel, and chip teeth. Constant jaw clenching can also result in jaw issues and pain for long periods of time.

In many cases, people will grind in their teeth. The extra stress applied to your mouth could impact your sleep as well. If a dentist does notice excessive grinding, they may recommend that you use a mouth guard while you sleep. A mouth guard will protect your teeth and prevent further damage.

If you have cracked, chipped, or decayed teeth, then one of your options for repair and restoration is a crown. A crown completely covers the tooth without replacing it. As you consider your crown options, a dentist may offer a traditional crown or a CEREC crown. CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.

Both options come with benefits, so a patient’s decision on the crown is typically on their personal preference. The more you educate yourself about the different treatment options, the more confidence you will build for your final decision. Learn about what sets CEREC crowns apart, how each crown works, and how they protect your teeth.