A diastema is a gap between the teeth. It is not harmful, and it appears in children and adults. In children, the gap typically closes when their permanent teeth come through. A diastema is a gap between teeth that is wider than 0.5 millimeters. It can develop between any teeth. Treatment is not usually necessary for medical reasons. But if...
If you snore every night, you certainly aren’t the only one! Millions of people snore on a regular basis. Snoring not only disrupts sleep patterns, but it can also have significant effects on your oral and overall health. People who snore frequently are more likely to wake up feeling exhausted, causing additional fatigue and stress throughout th...
Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, commonly called "TMJ" are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Researchers generally agree that the conditions fall into three main categories: Myofascial pain involves discomfort or pain in the muscles that control jaw...
Overbites vs. Underbites: What are the Differences? To achieve strong oral health and a wonderful smile, your upper and lower jaws need to evenly meet. This allows you to do things like eating and swallowing with ease and avoid some very serious health risks to your jaw, mouth and teeth. A malocclusion is whenever the upper and l...
If your jaw protrudes, it’s known as prognathism. This trait is sometimes called extended chin or Habsburg jaw. Typically, prognathism refers to the lower jaw sticking out more than usual. However, there are several different types of prognathism: mandibular prognathism: your lower jaw protrudes maxi...
Tooth discoloration and stains on your teeth are common occurrences that can happen for a variety of reasons. The good news? Many of these stains are treatable and preventable. Here’s what you need to know about the causes of tooth discoloration and stains, and what you can do to keep your pearly whites looking their best. Types of staining...
Teeth tartar, also called dental calculus, is a crusty deposit that can trap stains on the teeth and cause discoloration. It creates a strong bond that can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar formation may also make it more difficult to remove new plaque and bacteria. Individuals vary greatly in their susceptibility to plaque and tarta...
Tooth decay is damage to a tooth's surface, or enamel. It happens when bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the enamel. Tooth decay can lead to cavities (dental caries), which are holes in your teeth. If it's not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss. Causes of tooth decay Our mouths are full of bacteria. Some...
Feeling out of breath after running a few miles is normal. Being out of breath while you sleep is not. But millions of people with sleep apnea are literally out of breath every night, according to the National Institutes of Health.If sleep apnea sounds Greek to you, that's because it is -- apnea is Greek for "without breath." People...
Trench mouth is a severe, painful form of gingivitis characterized by bad breath, bleeding gums and open sores. Also called acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis or Vincent's stomatitis, trench mouth is a rare sight in this day and age.Trench mouth gets its name from World War I, as it affected soldiers in the trenches who di...
