Anatomy of a Tooth
How much do you know about your teeth? For one thing, they’re surprisingly strong.
Where's the Wisdom in Wisdom Teeth?
Although they're called wisdom teeth, many people don't see any wisdom in them. Often these teeth are troublemakers that decide to turn crooked, refuse to grow in completely, or become misshapen.
Brush Up on Oral Health
Good oral health means more than having pretty teeth. It includes your teeth, gums, jawbone, and supporting tissues. Here's how to keep your mouth healthy.
Understanding Dental Degrees and Specialties
To become a general dentist, usually three or more years of undergraduate college plus four years of dental school are required. Additional post-graduate training is required to become a dental specialist. There are several dental and oral health specialties.
A Question of Taste--Or Is It Smell?
Sometimes when we talk about taste, we’re really talking about smell. Our taste buds are important, but smell seems to play a bigger role. Most people who complain of loss of the sense of taste are surprised to learn they are actually having problems with their sense of smell.
Don't Let Tartar Tarnish Your Smile
The naturally occurring, sticky film on teeth, known as plaque, can build up and harden over time. This hardened pileup of plaque at your gum line is called tartar.
Enamel: Your Teeth’s Natural Defense
Your teeth are protected by a hard shell. This coating is called enamel. To maintain a healthy smile, you need to protect your enamel from wear and acid erosion.
How to Protect Your Teeth
When you drink sugary beverages and eat starchy foods, you’re not only feeding yourself, you’re feeding the plaque that can cause problems in your mouth.
Tooth Troubles
Toothaches are no fun. But a toothache is a sign that something isn’t right. If your child is suffering from the pain of a toothache, it could be a cavity or another dental problem.
Healthy Teeth Quiz
True or false: Brushing your teeth with an up-and-down or side-to-side motion cleans your teeth most effectively.
Lips Quiz
Lips are for ... talking and smooching and eating. Yes, they're important, but do you know how to take good care of your lips? Take this quiz to find out.
Glossary of Dental Terms
Dentists use a lot of terms to describe problems and procedures. They would be glad to explain any term you don't know, of course, but here are a few.