Dental answers, made clearer
Clear, concise answers to common dental questions—written for people who want the essential information first.
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth, available as full sets for those missing all their teeth or partial dentures for those missing only some. They're commonly recommended for patients who have lost teeth to decay, gum disease, or injury and want a conservative non-surgical option as compared to implants.
Read the answerSmoking restricts blood flow to the gums, which weakens the tissue's ability to fight infection and heal, making smokers significantly more prone to gum disease and a slower recovery after dental procedures. It also contributes to tooth staining, bad breath, and a higher risk of tooth loss over time.
Read the answerScaling and polishing is a routine professional cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and along the gumline, followed by polishing to smoothen the enamel. It's a preventive treatment, generally recommended every six months, rather than a one-time fix for existing decay or gum disease.
Read the answerA dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are commonly required after a root canal, on a heavily decayed tooth, or to protect a tooth that has cracked.
Read the answerSigns of a gum infection include red, swollen, or tender gums, persistent bad breath, and sometimes a visible pimple-like bump on the gum. Fever or facial swelling can indicate the infection is spreading and requires urgent attention.
Read the answerGum recession is commonly caused by aggressive brushing, gum disease, teeth grinding, or genetics that make gum tissue naturally thinner. Once the gumline recedes, it exposes the tooth root, which often leads to sensitivity.
Read the answerNot always, but it's the most common sign, so it shouldn't be ignored. Other possible causes include a hard-bristled toothbrush, certain blood-thinning medications, or vitamin deficiencies, which a dentist can help rule out.
Read the answerGums that bleed during brushing are a result of inflammation most often inflamed due to plaque buildup along the gumline, a sign of early gingivitis. Brushing too hard or switching to a new flossing routine can also cause temporary bleeding that settles within a week or two.
Read the answerYes, research has linked periodontitis to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and complications in pregnancy, likely due to the chronic inflammation it causes. This is one reason why dentists treat gum disease as a health issue, not just a cosmetic one.
Read the answerGum disease is caused by plaque that hardens into tartar along and under the gumline, triggering an ongoing inflammatory response. Smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, and poor oral hygiene are risk factors that increase the rate of disease progression.
Read the answerTooth decay begins when bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and produce acid that gradually breaks down the tooth's enamel. Left untreated, this acid attack progresses from the outer enamel into the softer dentin layer, eventually forming a cavity.
Read the answerTooth decay is the ongoing process of enamel breakdown, while a cavity is the physical hole that results once decay has eaten through the tooth structure. In other words, decay is the disease, and a cavity is the visible damage it leaves behind.
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