Frenotomy and frenectomy are procedures used to release or remove a restrictive frenulum, the small fold of tissue that connects structures inside the mouth. They may recommend these procedures for children with tongue-tie or restrictive lip or oral frenulum attachments. The main difference is how much tissue the dentist treats. A frenotomy cuts or releases…
A dental resource center gives parents one place to find helpful information about their child’s dental health. It can help you learn how to care for your child’s teeth, understand dental problems, explore treatments, and know when your child needs to see a dentist. Your child’s dental health changes as they grow. From their first…
Every parent wants their child to have a healthy smile. Sometimes, children also have concerns about how their teeth look. A chipped tooth, tooth discoloration, uneven teeth, or gaps can affect a child’s confidence and make them feel uncomfortable when they smile. Cosmetic dentistry can address some of these concerns. However, children have developing teeth…
Your child’s smile changes a lot during the early years. First, those tiny baby teeth begin to appear. Then, they slowly fall out and make room for permanent teeth. Many parents assume that baby teeth do not matter much because they eventually fall out. That is not true. Primary teeth help children chew food, speak…
Do your child’s front teeth stay apart when they close their mouth? Maybe you notice a small gap between their upper and lower teeth. Your child may also struggle to bite into certain foods. These signs can point to an open bite. An open bite is a type of bite problem that affects how the…
The disadvantages of clipping a tongue-tie in adults may include temporary pain, swelling, bleeding, speech discomfort, risk of infection, scar tissue formation, and tongue soreness during recovery. In some cases, adults may also require speech therapy or tongue exercises after treatment to support proper healing and improve mobility. This article is based on guidance from…
Yes, purple toothpaste works but only by making your teeth look whiter for a short time. It doesn’t actually remove stains or change the real color of your teeth, and it won’t harm them if used the right way. Now, if you have seen those viral videos where someone brushes with purple toothpaste and suddenly…
Popping a gum abscess will not kill you instantly, but ignoring the infection behind it can lead to serious, and in rare cases, life-threatening complications. A gum abscess is a bacterial infection, and when that bacteria spreads beyond the gum tissue into the jaw, neck, or bloodstream, the situation can escalate quickly. The danger is…
You can use expired toothpaste, but it is not recommended. Over time, toothpaste can lose fluoride strength and is less effective at preventing cavities, plaque buildup, and tooth decay. It may also change in texture, taste, and overall quality. Like other dental care products, toothpaste has an expiration date because its active ingredients are only…
You can temporarily reduce the pain and swelling of a dental abscess at home, but you cannot fully treat or cure the infection without a dentist’s help. Bacteria that infiltrate the soft tissue inside or surrounding a tooth can cause a tooth abscess, a dangerous dental infection. It causes discomfort, swelling, and occasionally fever in…
Experts say you should swap your toothbrush out every 3 to 4 months. Though this advice sounds simple, many people forget to make the change on time. Your toothbrush is essential to your daily health, serving as your primary tool for scrubbing away plaque, food particles, and harmful bacteria from your teeth and gums. Over…
A tongue tie can have an impact on speech, especially if it restricts the tongue’s motion to the point where some sounds are difficult to pronounce. While some cases are mild and cause no problems, others can lead to noticeable speech issues, feeding challenges, or even social discomfort if left untreated. Tongue-tie is more common…
