April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Oral cancer is a type of cancer not discussed enough in the news and on social media. According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, “This year an estimated 51,550 new cases of oral and oropharyngeal cancers will be diagnosed in the US. Of those individuals, 40 percent will not survive longer than five years, and many who do survive suffer long-term problems, such as severe facial disfigurement or difficulties with eating and speaking.”

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There are several things on a list of to-dos in order to maintain a regimen for good oral health. Brushing and flossing are top priorities along with using a fluoride toothpaste and selecting a toothbrush that is the right size and quality for your individual purposes but doesn’t forget to take care of your tongue. Not only does your tongue allow you to speak but it lets you chew and swallow your food which in turn will aid in digestion.

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Good oral health is the result of a combined effort. Regularly scheduled professional checkups along with diligent home care will help you to avoid or control oral diseases like caries or gum disease.

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The acids in the bacterial plaque that covers our teeth eat away at our tooth enamel and cause decay. Tooth enamel is a hard protective coating that keeps bacteria at bay, without it the inner layers of our teeth which are not nearly as resistant are open to infection. When you look at it from this perspective it makes sense that the foods and drinks that you put in your mouth make a difference when it comes to the maintenance of your oral health.

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Some people enjoy the tingly feeling that they get after swishing with a minty mouthwash, they even look forward to it. Anything that encourages us to adhere to a home routine for the maintenance of our oral health has to be good, right? Well, just like with most things there are pros and cons associated with the regular use of mouthwash.

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Besides the fact that every dental practice is officially required to record and maintain patient files dentists want to keep these records up to date so that they can provide safe and successful treatment for each and every patient. Every file contains a dental history including treatment procedures, examinations, x-ray technology and more.

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Sensitivity can involve one or more teeth and can be a constant problem or sporadic and only triggered by the exposure to certain sensations like hot or cold. There are specific causes and treatments that your dentist will discuss with you if you have been diagnosed.

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If you’ve had a lot of dental fillings you should know that they aren’t expected to last forever but do you know what to look for in determining that it may be time for a replacement?

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Keeping up with your regular six-month dental appointments is necessary to maintain your dental health and to protect your general health but what about the time in between those appointments? There are various things you can do to increase the odds that your next checkup will be a good one.

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There is a natural space between your gums and your teeth. The space is too small to be noticeable until it isn’t. As gum disease progresses what were once small spaces now become “pockets” that increase in depth and collect tartar and bacteria.

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