Conditions

5 medical conditions that can harm your mouth

From diabetes to stomach ulcers, a number of illnesses can wreak havoc on your oral health.

6 myths and facts about oral cancer

Learn the facts behind six top myths about this deadly disease.

All about gum disease

Gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Regular brushing, flossing, dental exams and diet can help keep gums healthy.

Aloe vera soothes mouth sores

Aloe vera can treat common oral health conditions, including cold sores and fever blisters (outside of the mouth) and canker sores (in the mouth), according to the Academy of General Dentistry.

Anxiety disorders and your oral health

People are anxious about going to the dentist for different reasons, including worrying about the effectiveness, feeling dentist is rushed, neglecting concerns, anticipation of pain, negative past experiences, or atmosphere.

Are oral health issues genetic?

Dental problems can run in the family. Here's a look at five oral health issues that have a genetic link.

Cavities: Not just for kids

The threat of cavities is something that you never outgrow. The contributing factors may be different for adults (receding gums, weakening fillings) and children, but cavities can be a problem at any age.

Diabetes and oral health

Studies show that diabetics are more susceptible to the development of oral infections and periodontal disease. Oral infections tend to be more severe in diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients.

Don't let a toothache turn into sepsis.

If you have a sore tooth that just won't get better, don't put off seeing your dentist. It could lead to a dangerous health issue if left untreated.

Got dry mouth? What you should know

Did you know that medications are the most common cause of dry mouth? Learn how to relieve the symptoms.

Jaw-dropping facts about TMJ

Many Americans experience pain related to their temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Learn the symptoms of TMJ/TMD and how your dentist may be able to treat them.

Kidney disease and oral health

Learn how to manage the challenges of oral health and kidney disease, as well as how dialysis and diabetes can affect your oral health.

Nail biting can lead to bruxism

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is the unintentional grinding or clenching of teeth that may cause facial pain. Your dentist can determine whether you may have bruxism and, if so, can suggest the best method of treatment.

Oral cancer: What you need to know

Your dentist can perform a screening for oral cancer, which is most frequently found on the tongue, the floor of the mouth, soft palate tissues in back of the tongue, lips, and gums. Early detection and treatment is essential.

Overbrushing: Watch out for too much of a good thing

Brushing too long, using too firm a toothbrush or brushing improperly can injure your teeth and gums.

Sensitive teeth: Do hot and cold bother you?

If a taste of ice cream or a sip of coffee registers tooth pain, you may have sensitive teeth. This condition is common and it is treatable.

Stop acid erosion

Carbonated beverages, fruit juice and acidic foods can harm teeth. Acid in our food can cause enamel to wear away.

'Tooth squeeze' — Your teeth under pressure.

Your teeth can feel pressure too. "Tooth squeeze," or barodontalgia, is tooth pain caused by air or water pressure in extreme environments.

What causes a toothache?

Learn what causes toothaches and how to treat them.

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath or halitosis is something almost all of us suffer at one time or another. Possible causes to watch are infected gums, dirty teeth, foul tongue, empty stomach, and smoking.

Why your teeth hurt in cold weather

Learn why sensitive teeth can get worse in winter and find out what you can do.