A tooth abscess, or small pocket of infection, results when a tooth or other dental infection is allowed to become serious. It is also a common cause for some of the more severe forms of discomfort. Unlike many other causes of toothaches, however, dental pain is not the only problem that an abscess can generate…. Read more »
Category: Tooth Decay
What the PH Scale Says About Your Dental Health
Literally, pH stands for the potential of Hydrogen, and it measures the hydrogen-ion concentration of a substance. Empirically, the pH scale measures and classifies a substance’s acidity or baseness (opposite of acidity). A healthy mouth usually hovers around a pH of about 7.1, which is slightly above the neutral pH of seven. However, acids introduced… Read more »
The Trouble with Tooth Abscesses
From stains to cavities, your teeth can go through a lot in a lifetime. When a tooth is cracked or infected, it can sometimes develop an abscess, or pocket of pus, on its root. The trouble with tooth abscesses is that they can make restorative treatment more difficult than usual. When one develops, the symptoms… Read more »
Tooth Extraction Is Not Extinct
Tooth extraction may seem like a thing of the past with modern dental technology. The numerous dental procedures for saving teeth seem to no longer warrant tooth removal. Add to that, the philosophy of minimally invasive dentistry–the belief that saving as much natural dentition is optimal for the patient’s future dental health. Tooth removal, however,… Read more »
What’s Causing Your Toothache?
Your tooth right? Not so fast. Toothaches are usually caused by deep decay reaching into the pulp of the tooth, commonly referred to as “the nerve.” Other sources of a toothache are inflammation of the gums due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. But, what if you are experiencing a toothache without apparent decay or other… Read more »
The Debate over Silver Amalgam Fillings
For years, experts have heatedly discussed the use of silver amalgam dental fillings. Somewhat misleadingly named, silver amalgam contains far more mercury than it does silver, and mercury has been linked to a number of serious health concerns. The issue is far from settled, and the debate will most likely continue to rage for years…. Read more »
A Geography of Tooth Decay
Tooth enamel is a fascinating substance. With a 96% mineral content (primarily crystalline calcium phosphate), tooth enamel can withstand up to 200 pounds of pressure. Thanks to your saliva, tooth enamel can heal itself to a degree through remineralization. However, if an area of tooth enamel loses enough mineral content, bacteria can invade and infect… Read more »
