Dental problems can cause some of the most uncomfortable and debilitating pains in your teeth and jaw. If you’ve ever had a toothache, we’re sure you’ll agree with us! Oral pains can be distracting or at their worst debilitating, and it can be tempting to immediately contact a dentist to put your mind at ease. However, not all cases of oral pains are a dental emergency. It’s important to know which ones are emergencies and which ones can wait.

We’ve compiled a list of the major problems for which you should see a dentist straight away, as well as minor ones that can wait. You should still visit a dentist if you suffer with any oral pain, but these are minor issues that do not require immediate medical attention.

Along with our guide to what is and isn’t a dental emergency, we’ve included some tips on how best to look after your dental health, and keep your teeth looking and feeling their best. read more

Most people know that exposure to sugar is one of the greatest causes of cavities, however many of us continue to include it in our diet in large amounts. However, reducing the amount of sugar that you consume will go a long way towards helping to prevent the tooth decay that leads to stress, pain and a trip to the dentist’s office for fillings or even extractions.

While steering clear of sugar entirely is definitely the most effective way of preventing a cavity, it can prove surprisingly difficult to eradicate it from your diet completely. There are lots of foods with hidden sugars, and even those which are labeled as “sugar free” aren’t necessarily completely devoid of the sweet stuff. To determine which foods you should avoid, you need to understand the different terms used to describe sugar in ingredients lists so that you can make informed decisions.

Where Do I Find Sugars in Foods?

Get the Most Out of Your Floss Routine

You have probably been told many times in the past by various dental professionals about the importance of sticking to a good oral hygiene. While brushing your teeth is an essential part and you should be commended for your efforts, you also need to floss. Flossing whenever they brush their teeth, though, seems to be something that many people find it hard to form a habit of doing.

If you are one of those people, you need to train yourself to floss regularly. Flossing is an important part of keeping your teeth and gums clean and ensuring you have great oral health. While it is recommended that you use floss every day, it is just as vital to floss using the right techniques to successfully remove plaque. If you are not in the habit of flossing every day or just finding it hard to do it right; we have put together a list of tips that will help you to get the very best out of dental floss. read more

Non-Dental Medical Issues That Could be Uncovered in a Dental Checkup

While having your teeth examined by a dentist is essential for picking up on all kinds of dental problems, from cavities to gum disease, there are many other medical conditions which have nothing to do with the teeth which can be spotted by a dental professional. Getting regular tooth checkups is not only critical to the health of your teeth and gums, it is also critical to your overall well-being too. While you may not have noticed any signs or symptoms which have indicated that there is something wrong with your health, your dentist may well be able to see telltale signs that indicate that you should seek further medical treatment or testing. Here are just some of the non-dental medical issues which may be uncovered during your checkup.

Diabetes

People who suffer from diabetes may exhibit a number of symptoms inside their mouth, including dryness, receding, bleeding and dry gums or loosening teeth. read more