Dentistry
Dentistry is the branch of medicine that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating medical problems of the mouth, teeth, and gums. If you brush and floss your teeth regularly and have biannual checkups, you can greatly reduce your risk of dental disease.
Diseases & Conditions
Amelogenesis imperfecta
Amelogenesis imperfecta is a tooth development disorder. It causes the tooth enamel to be thin and abnormally formed. Enamel is the outer layer of the visible crown portion of the teeth.
Diseases & Conditions
Bruxism
Bruxism is when you grind your teeth (slide your teeth back and forth over each other).
Diseases & Conditions
Canker sore
A canker sore is a painful, open sore in the mouth. Canker sores are white or yellow and surrounded by a bright red area. They are not cancerous. A canker sore is not the same as a fever blister (cold sore...
Diseases & Conditions
Dental cavities
Dental cavities are holes (or structural damage) in the teeth.
Diseases & Conditions
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums.
Diseases & Conditions
Gingivostomatitis
Gingivostomatitis is an infection of the mouth and gums that leads to swelling and sores. It may be due to a virus or bacteria.
Diseases & Conditions
Glossitis
Glossitis is a problem in which the tongue is swollen and inflamed. This often makes the surface of the tongue appear smooth. Geographic tongue is a type of glossitis. Geographic tongue
Diseases & Conditions
Impacted tooth
An impacted tooth is a tooth that does not break through the gum.
Diseases & Conditions
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia are white patches on the tongue, in the mouth, or on the inside of the cheek.
Diseases & Conditions
Malocclusion of teeth
Malocclusion means the teeth are not aligned properly.
Diseases & Conditions
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth.
Diseases & Conditions
TMJ disorders
Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJ disorders) are problems that affect the chewing muscles and joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull.
Diseases & Conditions
Tongue tie
Tongue tie is when the bottom of the tongue is attached to the floor of the mouth. This may make it hard for the tip of the tongue to move freely.
Diseases & Conditions
Tooth abscess
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection.
Diseases & Conditions
Trench mouth
Trench mouth is an infection that causes swelling (inflammation) and ulcers in the gums (gingivae). The term trench mouth comes from World War I, when this infection was common among soldiers "in the trenches...
Special Topics
Brushing Your Child's Teeth
Special Topics
Dental care - adult
Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by plaque, a sticky combination of bacteria and food. Plaque begins to build up on teeth within a few minutes after eating. If teeth are not cleaned well each day...
Special Topics
Dental care - child
Proper care of your child's teeth and gums includes brushing and rinsing daily. It also includes having routine dental exams, and getting necessary treatments such as fluoride, sealants, extractions, fillings...
Special Topics
Dental sealants
Pit and fissure sealants
Special Topics
Denture problems
A denture is a removable plate or frame that can replace missing teeth. It can be made up of plastic or a combination of metal and plastic. You can have full or partial dentures, depending on the number...
Special Topics
Pharmacogenetics
Pharmacogenetics is the study of how genes affect the way medicines work in a person. Your health care provider can use the information from pharmacogenetic testing to prescribe medicines that will work...
Special Topics
Plaque and tartar on teeth
Plaque is a sticky film that coats teeth and contains bacteria. If plaque is not removed on a regular basis, it will harden and turn into tartar (calculus).
Special Topics
Tooth anatomy
Surgery
Dental crowns
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that replaces your normal tooth above the gum line. You may need a crown to support a weak tooth or to make your tooth look better.
Surgery
Root canal
A root canal is a dental procedure to save a tooth by removing dead or dying nerve tissue and bacteria from inside a tooth.
Surgery
Tooth extraction
A tooth extraction is a procedure to remove a tooth from the gum socket. It is usually done by a general dentist, an oral surgeon, or a periodontist.
Tests
Dental plaque identification at home
Plaque is a soft and sticky substance that collects around and between teeth. The home dental plaque identification test shows where plaque builds up. This helps you know how well you are brushing and flossing...
Tests
Dental x-rays
Dental x-rays are a type of image of the teeth and mouth. X-rays are a form of high energy electromagnetic radiation. The x-rays penetrate the body to form an image on film or screen. X-rays can be either...
Tests
Gum biopsy
A gum biopsy is a surgery in which a small piece of gingival (gum) tissue is removed and examined. biopsy
Tests
Pharmacogenetic testing
Pharmacogenetic testing provides information about your genes and how they control your response to certain medicines. Your genes can affect the desired result of a drug. Your provider can use the information...
Diseases & Conditions
Amelogenesis imperfecta
Amelogenesis imperfecta is a tooth development disorder. It causes the tooth enamel to be thin and abnormally formed. Enamel is the outer layer of the visible crown portion of the teeth.
Symptoms
Bleeding gums
Bleeding gums can be a sign that you have or may develop gum disease. Ongoing gum bleeding may be due to plaque buildup on the teeth. It can also be a sign of a serious medical condition.
Symptoms
Breath odor
Breath odor is the scent of the air you breathe out of your mouth. Unpleasant breath odor is commonly called bad breath.
Injury
Broken or knocked out tooth
The medical term for a knocked out tooth is "avulsed" tooth.
Special Topics
Brushing Your Child's Teeth
Diseases & Conditions
Bruxism
Bruxism is when you grind your teeth (slide your teeth back and forth over each other).
Diseases & Conditions
Canker sore
A canker sore is a painful, open sore in the mouth. Canker sores are white or yellow and surrounded by a bright red area. They are not cancerous. A canker sore is not the same as a fever blister (cold sore...
Special Topics
Dental care - adult
Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by plaque, a sticky combination of bacteria and food. Plaque begins to build up on teeth within a few minutes after eating. If teeth are not cleaned well each day...
Special Topics
Dental care - child
Proper care of your child's teeth and gums includes brushing and rinsing daily. It also includes having routine dental exams, and getting necessary treatments such as fluoride, sealants, extractions, fillings...
Diseases & Conditions
Dental cavities
Dental cavities are holes (or structural damage) in the teeth.
Surgery
Dental crowns
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that replaces your normal tooth above the gum line. You may need a crown to support a weak tooth or to make your tooth look better.
Tests
Dental plaque identification at home
Plaque is a soft and sticky substance that collects around and between teeth. The home dental plaque identification test shows where plaque builds up. This helps you know how well you are brushing and flossing...
Special Topics
Dental sealants
Pit and fissure sealants
Tests
Dental x-rays
Dental x-rays are a type of image of the teeth and mouth. X-rays are a form of high energy electromagnetic radiation. The x-rays penetrate the body to form an image on film or screen. X-rays can be either...
Special Topics
Denture problems
A denture is a removable plate or frame that can replace missing teeth. It can be made up of plastic or a combination of metal and plastic. You can have full or partial dentures, depending on the number...
Self-Care Instructions
Dry socket
Alveolar osteitis; Alveolitis; Septic socket
Diseases & Conditions
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums.
Diseases & Conditions
Gingivostomatitis
Gingivostomatitis is an infection of the mouth and gums that leads to swelling and sores. It may be due to a virus or bacteria.
Diseases & Conditions
Glossitis
Glossitis is a problem in which the tongue is swollen and inflamed. This often makes the surface of the tongue appear smooth. Geographic tongue is a type of glossitis. Geographic tongue
Tests
Gum biopsy
A gum biopsy is a surgery in which a small piece of gingival (gum) tissue is removed and examined. biopsy
Symptoms
Gums - swollen
Swollen gums are abnormally enlarged, bulging, or protruding gums.
Diseases & Conditions
Impacted tooth
An impacted tooth is a tooth that does not break through the gum.
Diseases & Conditions
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia are white patches on the tongue, in the mouth, or on the inside of the cheek.
Diseases & Conditions
Malocclusion of teeth
Malocclusion means the teeth are not aligned properly.
Symptoms
Natal teeth
Natal teeth are teeth that are already present at birth. They are different from neonatal teeth, which grow in during the first 30 days after birth.
In-depth Report
Periodontal Disease - InDepth
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of periodontal disease.
Diseases & Conditions
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth.
Tests
Pharmacogenetic testing
Pharmacogenetic testing provides information about your genes and how they control your response to certain medicines. Your genes can affect the desired result of a drug. Your provider can use the information...
Special Topics
Pharmacogenetics
Pharmacogenetics is the study of how genes affect the way medicines work in a person. Your health care provider can use the information from pharmacogenetic testing to prescribe medicines that will work...
Special Topics
Plaque and tartar on teeth
Plaque is a sticky film that coats teeth and contains bacteria. If plaque is not removed on a regular basis, it will harden and turn into tartar (calculus).
Symptoms
Prognathism
Prognathism is an extension or bulging out (protrusion) of the lower jaw (mandible). It occurs when the teeth are not properly aligned due to the shape of the face bones.
Surgery
Root canal
A root canal is a dental procedure to save a tooth by removing dead or dying nerve tissue and bacteria from inside a tooth.
Diseases & Conditions
TMJ disorders
Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJ disorders) are problems that affect the chewing muscles and joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull.
Diseases & Conditions
Tongue tie
Tongue tie is when the bottom of the tongue is attached to the floor of the mouth. This may make it hard for the tip of the tongue to move freely.
Symptoms
Tooth - abnormal colors
Abnormal tooth color is any color other than white to yellowish-white.
Symptoms
Tooth - abnormal shape
An abnormally shaped tooth is any tooth that deviates from its regular shape.
Diseases & Conditions
Tooth abscess
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection.
Special Topics
Tooth anatomy
Self-Care Instructions
Tooth decay - early childhood
Bottle mouth; Bottle carries; Baby bottle tooth decay; Early childhood caries (ECC); Dental caries; Baby bottle tooth decay; Nursing bottle caries
Surgery
Tooth extraction
A tooth extraction is a procedure to remove a tooth from the gum socket. It is usually done by a general dentist, an oral surgeon, or a periodontist.
Symptoms
Tooth formation - delayed or absent
When a person's teeth grow in, they may be delayed or not occur at all.
Symptoms
Toothaches
A toothache is pain in or around a tooth.
Diseases & Conditions
Trench mouth
Trench mouth is an infection that causes swelling (inflammation) and ulcers in the gums (gingivae). The term trench mouth comes from World War I, when this infection was common among soldiers "in the trenches...
Symptoms
Widely spaced teeth
Widely spaced teeth can be a temporary condition related to normal growth and development of adult teeth. Wide spacing can also occur as a result of several diseases or continued growth of the jawbone.