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Adolescent Problems of the Teeth and Mouth There are many problems that may affect an adolescent's teeth and mouth that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Malocclusion Periodontal Disease

Anatomy and Development of the Mouth and Teeth Anatomy and development of the mouth and teeth: Children's teeth begin developing in the fetus. Good nutrition from the mother during pregnancy is important in the development of the teeth. The mother's diet should have adequate amounts of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Certain medications, such as tetracycline, should not be taken by the mother while she is pregnant as this can cause harm to the developing teeth of the embryo. There are fou...

Aphthous Stomatitis What is aphthous stomatitis? Aphthous stomatitis is an illness that causes small ulcers to appear in the mouth, usually inside the lips, on the cheeks, or on the tongue. Aphthous stomatitis is also known as "canker sores." What causes aphthous stomatitis? The exact cause of this disease is not known. There are many factors that are thought to be involved with the development of canker sores, including: weakened immune system allergies to food such as coffee, chocolate, cheese, nuts, ...

Brushing and Toothpaste for Children Brushing your child's teeth should begin at an early age, around 24 months, or as directed by your child's physician. Children will need help brushing their teeth until they are around the age of 7 to 8. Even before your child actually has teeth, it is important to perform mouth care. Using a damp washcloth or piece of gauze, gently rub it over your infant's gums to help clean the mouth. A soft toothbrush, wet with water, may be used after your infant has developed s...

Cleft Lip / Cleft Palate What are cleft lip and cleft palate? Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth abnormalities of the mouth and lip. In the United States, nearly 6,800 babies are born with oral-facial clefts annually. These abnormalities occur less frequently among African-Americans. Cleft lip and cleft palate occur early in pregnancy when the sides of the lip and the roof of the mouth do not fuse together as they should. A child can have cleft lip, cleft palate, or both. Cleft lip and cleft palate to...

Dental Emergencies The following are some general guidelines to follow for common dental problems: If your child's baby tooth gets knocked out, apply pressure to the area if there is bleeding. Contact your child's dentist as soon as possible. If your child's permanent tooth gets knocked out, if possible, locate the tooth and rinse it in cold water. Place the tooth back into the socket, or area in the mouth, where it came from and hold it there. If this cannot be done, place the tooth in a clean holder w...

Dental Health Overview Most pediatric dentists will agree that regular dental care should begin by one year of age, with a dental check-up at least twice each consecutive year for most children. Some children may need more frequent evaluations and care. In accordance with this recommendation, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has provided the following dental checklist for infants and toddlers: Birth to six months of age: Clean the infant's mouth with gauze or use a soft infant toothbrush afte...

Fillings What are fillings? Teeth that have been affected by tooth decay (caries or cavities) require a filling. Advances in dental materials and techniques provide new, effective ways to restore teeth. There are several different types of restorations, including: direct restorations - require a single visit to place a filling directly into a prepared cavity. Materials used for these filings include dental amalgam, also known as silver fillings; glass ionomers; resin ionomers; and some composite (resin)...

Flossing and Children Flossing should be started when your child is around two to three years of age, under the direction of your child's dentist. Prior to this age, flossing is not necessary. Children usually need assistance with flossing until they are eight to 10 years of age. The importance of flossing: Brushing teeth properly and consistently helps to remove most dental plaque; however, brushing alone cannot remove plaque that is located in places that a toothbrush cannot reach, particularly in-bet...

Fluoride and Children What is fluoride? The fluoride ion comes from the element fluorine. Fluoride, either applied topically to erupted teeth, or ingested orally (called systemic fluoride) during tooth development, helps to prevent tooth decay, strengthen tooth enamel, and reduce the harmful effects of plaque. Fluoride also makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage is even visible. Where is fluoride found...

Glossary - Dental and Oral Health | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [back to top] anterior - the front side. asymmetry - lacking symmetry; parts of the body are unequal in shape or size. B [back to top] bilateral - affecting both sides. bruxism - the condition of incessant grinding and clenching of the teeth, unintentionally, and at inappropriate times. C [back to top] cleft lip - ...

Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease What is hand-foot-mouth disease? Hand-foot-mouth disease is an illness caused by a virus that results in a distinctive rash - small, blister-like bumps in the mouth, hands, and feet. The blisters may also appear in the diaper area and on the legs and arms. The lesions in the mouth usually appear on the tongue, the sides of the cheeks, or near the throat. What causes hand-foot-mouth disease? Hand-foot-mouth disease is caused by a virus. The most common viruses that cause hand-foot...

Herpangina What is herpangina? Herpangina is an illness caused by a virus, characterized by small blister-like bumps or ulcers that appear in the mouth, usually in the back of throat or the roof of the mouth. The child often has a high fever with the illness. What causes herpangina? Herpangina is caused by a virus. The most common viruses that cause herpangina include the following: coxsackie virus echovirus Herpangina is a very common disease in children and is usually seen in children between the ages...

Topic Index Anatomy and Physiology of the Mouth and Teeth Oral Health and Dental Specialists Prevention of Oral Problems Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate Infant Problems of the Teeth and Mouth Toddler Problems of the Teeth and Mouth Preschool and School-Aged Problems of the Teeth and Mouth Adolescent Problems of the Teeth and Mouth Dental Procedures Dental Emergencies Glossary According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 500 million Americans visit the dentist each year. An est...

Infant Problems of the Teeth and Mouth There are many problems that may affect an infant's teeth and mouth that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Natal Teeth Thrush or Candidiasis Teething

Malocclusion What is malocclusion? Malocclusion refers to any degree of irregular contact of the teeth of the upper jaw with the teeth of the lower jaw. This would include overbites, underbites, and crossbites. There is no specific system of deciding how much misalignment is too much. Your child's orthodontist will decide whether your child's bite will need correction. Malocclusion can cause problems with the child's bite, gum tissue, jaw joint, speech development, and appearance. Orthodontists are spec...

Mouthguards The importance of mouthguards: To protect the mouth and teeth from serious injury, a mouthguard, usually a flexible piece of plastic that fits into the mouth, should be worn during all recreational and athletic activities - especially activities where there is contact or potential contact with another person, piece of equipment, or the ground. In particular, mouthguards should be worn during the following sports: football soccer rugby wrestling baseball softball lacrosse field hockey ice hoc...

Natal Teeth What are natal teeth? Natal teeth are teeth that are present when the infant is born. About one in every 2,000 newborn infants have natal teeth. These are not the same as neonatal teeth that erupt in the infant's mouth during the first month of life. Natal teeth are usually the infant's primary teeth (or baby teeth) that have come in early. The teeth are often loose because the root is not completely developed. Problems that may occur as a result of these teeth include the following: problem...

Nursing Bottle Caries What are nursing caries? Nursing caries, or tooth decay, can be caused by children sleeping with bottles. This is also called baby bottle tooth decay. It is caused when a child goes to bed with a bottle filled with milk or juice - anything except water. It usually affects children between the ages of one and two years. Breastfed infants who fall asleep while breastfeeding are also at risk. What are the symptoms of nursing caries? The following are the most common symptoms of nursin...

Online Resources - Dental and Oral Health This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page cont...

Oral Health and Dental Specialists What is a general dentist (DDS or DMD)? Upon graduation from dental school - to become a general dentist - a dentist is awarded either a DDS or a DMD degree: DDS - doctor of dental surgery DMD - doctor of dental medicine There is no difference between the two degrees - both dentists have received the same education and completed the same curriculum requirements set by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. The difference is merely semanti...

Orthodontics / Braces for Children What is orthodontics? Orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaws. Orthodontists also have specialized training in facial abnormalities and disorders of the jaw. A parent may consult an orthodontist after receiving a referral from their child's general dentist. However, the American Dental Association recommends that every child receive an orthodontic evaluation by the a...

Periodontal Disease What are periodontal diseases? The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal diseases, also called gum diseases, are serious bacterial infections that destroy the gums and the surrounding tissues of the mouth. Dental caries, or cavities, in the tooth affect only the tooth. Periodontal disease affects the bones around the tooth, the gums, the coverings of the roots of the teeth, and the membrane of the tooth. Generally, periodontal disease isn't painful, so it i...

Preschool and School-Aged Problems of the Teeth and Mouth There are many problems that may affect a preschooler or school-age child's teeth and mouth that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Aphthous Stomatitis Tooth Decay (Caries or Cavities) Toothache (Pulpitis)

Prevention of Oral Problems With proper preventive care, such as regular check-ups, brushing, flossing, fluoridation, and dental sealants, the risk of dental disease can greatly be reduced. Dental Health Overview Brushing and Toothpaste Flossing Fluoride Mouthguards Thumb Sucking

Sealants What are dental sealants? Dental sealants are thin, plastic films painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth - molars and premolars - and are highly effective in the prevention of tooth decay (caries and cavities). Dental sealants are particularly effective on the back teeth, as the back teeth contain more hard-to-reach pits and grooves that serve as a host to food debris and plaque build-up. How effective are dental sealants? Because the sealants act as a physical barrier to decay and p...

Teething What is teething? A baby's first tooth usually appears between the ages of five and seven months. Some babies get their first tooth a little earlier and others a little later. Often, the two middle bottom teeth come through the gums first, followed by the middle four upper teeth. By the time children are 30 months (two and one-half years) of age, all 20 baby teeth are usually present. Teething is the process of teeth moving and breaking through the gums. This is a normal developmental stage for...

Thrush or Candidiasis What is candidiasis or thrush? Candidiasis (sometimes called moniliasis or a yeast infection) is an infection caused by yeast on the skin and mucous membranes. When the infection occurs in the mouth, it is called thrush. If an infant has thrush, there is a chance that the infant also has a yeast infection in the diaper area. What causes thrush? Thrush is caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. It occurs mostly in the neonate and infant. The following are some of the factors tha...

Thumb Sucking Thumb sucking is one of the most common habits of children. The habit starts early in life, with 90 percent of newborns showing some form of hand sucking by two hours of age. Thumb sucking is normal in infants and young children and should cause no permanent problems if it is not continued past the age of five. Likewise, it is generally harmless for infants to use pacifiers. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that most children stop thumb sucking on their own between the ag...

Toddler Problems of the Teeth and Mouth There are many problems that may affect a toddler's teeth and mouth that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Nursing Bottle Caries Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease Herpes Simplex Virus (Cold Sores) Herpangina

Tooth Decay (Caries or Cavities) in Children What is tooth decay (caries or cavities)? Tooth decay (destruction of tooth enamel) is the disease known as caries or cavities. Tooth decay is one of the most common disorders, second only to the common cold, and is a highly preventable disease caused by many factors. It can occur when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), such as milk, soda, raisins, candy, cake, fruit juices, cereals, and bread, are left on the teeth. Bacteria that normally ...

Toothache (Pulpitis) What is pulpitis or toothache? Toothaches are caused by an inflammation of the pulp inside the tooth. The pulp is part of the inside of the tooth that has tissue and nerves. A toothache usually follows injury to the tooth. The most common form of injury to the tooth is from dental caries, or a cavity. This is often a result of poor dental hygiene. What causes a toothache? Most toothaches are a result of a cavity. Sugar and starch in foods are the substances that cause damage to teet...

Topic Index - Dental and Oral Health Dental and Oral Health Home Anatomy and Development of the Mouth and Teeth Oral Health and Dental Specialists Prevention of Oral Problems Dental Health Overview Brushing and Toothpaste Flossing Fluoride Mouthguards Thumb Sucking Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate Infant Problems of the Teeth and Mouth Natal Teeth Thrush or Candidiasis Teething Toddler Problems of the Teeth and Mouth Nursing Bottle Caries Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease Herpes Simplex Virus (Cold Sores) Herpangina Presch...

Oral Health There are many different oral and dental conditions that affect adolescents and require the clinical care of a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Orthodontics and Braces Wisdom Teeth Extraction Periodontal Disease

Bleaching Teeth bleaching to whiten teeth: There are many products currently on the market that promise whiter, brighter teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that if you are a candidate for a procedure, your dentist may suggest a procedure that can be done in a dental office. Other options include at-home products, which may be dispensed by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter. But, dental professionals, and the ADA, issue a word of caution about the improper use of such over-the-co...

Bridges What is a dental bridge? A dental bridge is an appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth. These appliances are cemented into place and cannot be removed by the patient. How is a dental bridge constructed? As the name of this appliance implies, the bridge is made out of three pieces that fit into the open space in the mouth, "bridging" the gap. Most bridges are made of a pontic tooth (or false tooth), held together by two crowns (a "cap" that covers the tooth, approximating its normal s...

Brushing and Toothpaste The importance of brushing: The single best way to remove harmful plaque - a thin, sticky film of bacteria - from teeth and gums is to brush teeth regularly and properly. What is the proper technique for teeth brushing? Because every mouth is different, there is more than one technique of brushing that has proven to be effective. Deciding which technique is most appropriate for you depends largely on your teeth position and gum condition. Consult your physician and/or dentist to ...

Bruxism What is bruxism? Bruxism is the term that refers to an incessant grinding and clenching of the teeth, unintentionally, and at inappropriate times. Bruxers (persons with bruxism) are often unaware that they have developed this habit, and often do not know that treatment is available until damage to the mouth and teeth has been done. Damage caused by bruxism often includes the following symptoms. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: abraded teeth faci...

Dental Care for Infants and Children When should dental care begin? Most pediatric dentists will agree that regular dental care should begin by one year of age, with a dental check-up at least twice each consecutive year for most children. Some children may need more frequent evaluations and care. In accordance with this recommendation, the following dental checklist for infants and toddlers has been provided by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Birth to six months of age: Clean the infant's ...

Dental Implants What are dental implants? An alternative to dentures, dental implants (small dental appliances that are inserted into the upper and lower jaws) help to restore the mouth that has little or no non-restorable teeth. Dental implants are slowly replacing dentures used by some people, as they provide many advantages over traditional dentures. Advantages of implants over dentures: For some people, particularly persons with loose or poor fitting dentures due to flat ridges, or persons with mult...

Dental Procedures There are many dental procedures performed by a general dentist or other oral health specialist. Listed in the directory below are some of the procedures, for which we have provided a brief overview. Braces / Orthodontics Bleaching Bridges Dentures Implants Fillings Root Canal Sealants Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Dental Sealants What are dental sealants? Dental sealants are thin, plastic films painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth - molars and premolars - and are highly effective in the prevention of tooth decay (caries and cavities). Dental sealants are particularly effective on the back teeth, as the back teeth contain more hard-to-reach pits and grooves that serve as a host to food debris and plaque build-up. How effective are dental sealants? Because the sealants act as a physical barrier to deca...

Dentures What are dentures? Dentures replace missing teeth and their adjacent tissues with a removable dental appliance made of acrylic resin and, in some cases, a combination of metals. What are the different types of dentures? There are four primary types of dentures: complete This type of denture replaces all of the teeth and their adjacent tissues. partial Partial dentures act as dental bridges as they "bridge" the gap between a missing tooth or teeth. conventional Conventional dentures allow a reco...

Flossing The importance of flossing: Brushing teeth properly and consistently helps to remove most dental plaque, but, brushing alone cannot remove plaque that is located in places that a toothbrush cannot reach - particularly in between teeth. In addition to removing plaque, flossing also helps to: remove debris that adheres to teeth and gums in between teeth polish tooth surfaces control bad breath Flossing should take place at least once a day for two to three minutes each time to be most effective. ...

Fluoride What is fluoride? The fluoride ion comes from the element fluorine. Fluoride, either applied topically to erupted teeth, or ingested orally (called systemic fluoride) during tooth development, helps to prevent tooth decay, strengthen tooth enamel, and reduce the harmful effects of plaque. Fluoride also makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage is even visible. Where is fluoride found? Topical Flu...

Glossary - Oral Health | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [return to top] abutment teeth - the surrounding teeth of each side of the gap where teeth are missing. B [return to top] bruxism - the condition of incessant grinding and clenching of the teeth, unintentionally, and at inappropriate times. C [return to top] composite resins - also know as white fillings, a composite resin is...

Halitosis (Bad Breath) What is halitosis? Halitosis is an oral health condition characterized by consistently odorous breath. Often identifying the cause of bad breath is the first step toward treating this preventable condition. What causes bad breath? There are just as many causes of bad breath as there are sources of bacteria in the mouth. Halitosis may be caused by the following: certain foods The things you eat contribute largely to your oral health care, including your breath. Items such as garlic...

Topic Index Illustrations of the Mouth Oral Health / Dental Specialists Prevention of Oral Diseases / Dental Problems Specific Oral Health & Dental Problems Dental Procedures Glossary According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 500 million Americans visit the dentist each year. An estimated $102 billion was spent on dental services in 2008. Yet, many children and adults needlessly suffer from oral diseases that could be prevented. According to the American Cancer...

Illustration of the Mouth Click Image to Enlarge Illustration of a Tooth Click Image to Enlarge

Mouth Guards and Dental Emergencies The importance of mouthguards: A mouthguard, usually a flexible piece of plastic that fits into the mouth, should be worn during all recreational and athletic activities to protect the mouth and teeth from serious injury - especially activities where there is contact or potential contact with another person, piece of equipment, or the ground. In particular, mouthguards should be worn during the following sports: football soccer rugby wrestling baseball softball lacros...

Mouth Infections What is the herpes simplex virus? Some people call it a cold sore, others a fever blister, but this annoying and often painful chronic condition is caused by the same virus: herpes simplex. About 50 percent to 80 percent of US adults have oral herpes. By age 50, approximately 90 percent of adults have been exposed to the virus. Once infected, a person will have the herpes simplex virus for the rest of his/her life. When inactive, the virus lies dormant in a group of nerve cells. Some pe...

Mouth Rinse The facts about mouth rinse: Although mouth rinses may leave your breath feeling fresh, some mouth rinse formulas may actually be doing your mouth more harm than good. Mouth rinses do provide a fresh, crisp feeling after use, and many help to prevent cavities and plaque build-up, but, for some people, mouth rinses can be harmful. They may actually be masking the symptoms of an oral health disease or condition. With some conditions such as periodontal disease, bad breath and a unpleasant tast...

Online Resources - Oral Health This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page contains links to other World W...

Oral Cancer and Tobacco What is the link between tobacco and oral cancer? Tobacco use is known as a major risk factor for oral and other cancers. All tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff, contain toxins (poisonous substances), carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), and nicotine (an addictive substance). Each tobacco product is linked to an increased risk for specific cancers: Cigarettes Cigarettes, the most common form of tobacco used, cause 87 percent o...

Oral Health / Dental Specialists What is a general dentist (DDS or DMD)? Upon graduation from dental school - to become a general dentist - a dentist is awarded either a DDS or a DMD degree: DDS - doctor of dental surgery DMD - doctor of dental medicine There is no difference between the two degrees - both dentists have received the same education and completed the same curriculum requirements set by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. The difference is merely semantics...

Orthodontics / Braces What is orthodontics? Orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaws. Orthodontists also have specialized training in facial abnormalities and disorders of the jaw. A patient may consult an orthodontist after receiving a referral from his/her general dentist - recommending orthodontic treatment to improve the patient's physical "orofacial" appearance. However, the American Dental Associ...

Periodontal Diseases What are periodontal diseases? The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal diseases, also called gum diseases, are serious bacterial infections that destroy the gums and the surrounding tissues of the mouth. If the inflammation is left untreated, the disease will continue and the underlying bones around the teeth will dissolve, and will no longer be able to hold the teeth in place. Generally, periodontal disease isn't painful, so it is possible to have it an...

Prevention of Oral Diseases / Dental Problems There are many disorders of the mouth that require clinical care by a dentist or other oral health specialist. Listed in the directory below are some preventive measures that may reduce and possibly eliminate the occurrence of oral health disease. Dental Care for Infants and Children Brushing and Toothpaste Flossing Fluoride Mouthguards and Dental Emergencies Mouth Rinse

Root Canal Therapy What is root canal therapy? Root canal therapy is designed to correct disorders of the dental pulp - the soft tissue inside the center of the tooth. Dental pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Teeth with abscessed, or infected, nerves were once removed with corrective therapy. But now, in 95 percent of these cases of pulpal infection, the natural tooth can be saved through modern endodontic procedures. (Also called pulp specialists, endodontists have undergone s...

Specific Oral Health and Dental Problems There are many disorders of the mouth that require clinical care by a dentist or other oral health specialist. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Bruxism Halitosis (Bad Breath) Mouth Infections Oral Cancer Oral Cancer and Tobacco Periodontal (Gum) Disease Diabetes and Oral Health Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) Tooth Decay (Caries and Cavities)