Tools & Resources

• 9 Tips for Fresh Breath
• Natural Remedies for Dry Mouth
• 17 Common Mouth Problems
• Habits That Wreck Your Teeth
• Secrets to Whiter Teeth
• Your Mouth and Your Health

Teeth Tests

• Teeth X-ray films: X-ray pictures of the teeth may detect cavities below the gum line, or that are too small to identify otherwise.
  
• Teeth examination: By viewing and gently manipulating the teeth, a dentist can detect potential teeth problems.

Teeth Treatments

• Brushing teeth: Daily brushing of the teeth removes plaque and prevents cavities.
• Flossing teeth: Using floss or an approved dental gum cleaner cleans teeth below the gum line, where brushing cannot reach.
• Teeth cleaning: Professional teeth cleaning every six months may help prevent teeth and gum disease.
  
• Tooth filling: Drilling out the diseased part of a tooth and packing the space with a mineral filling can prevent a cavity from destroying the tooth.
• Root canal: The deep pulp of a tooth is drilled out, cleaned, and filled. A root canal is done when damage to the teeth has affected the deep pulp.
• Tooth extraction: If a tooth is too damaged to repair with a filling or root canal, it may be removed. Wisdom teeth are often extracted to prevent displacement of the other teeth.
• Braces: An artificial device or system that places teeth under tension for a long period of time. Eventually, braces can help crooked teeth become realigned.
• Mouth guard: A plastic mouthpiece can provide protection from teeth grinding and injury during sports.
• Dental sealants: A plastic sealant applied to the teeth can help block bacteria from hiding in crevices on teeth surfaces. Sealants can help prevent cavities.
• Teeth whitening: Over-the-counter and professional chemical treatments can bleach teeth to a brighter white. Tooth sensitivity is the most common side effect.