Teeth grinding and clenching, also called bruxism, is associated with stress and sometimes caffeine and stimulants. As bruxism most often occurs at night, some people may not realize they do it, but the signs and symptoms show in the teeth. Teeth grinding and clenching are common habits that can have

If you experience ongoing pain in the area near your ear, your jaw or the muscles on the side of your face, possibly accompanied by a clicking or popping sound or restricted jaw movement, you may be suffering from TMD — an abbreviation for Temporomandibular disorders. Sometimes people incorrectly use

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect the temporal bones on each side of the skull to the mandible, or lower jawbone. These complex, hinge-like joints allow the mouth to open and close, move back and forth, and slide from side to side. Muscle, bone, and cartilage work together for easy and comfortable

Teens should begin orthodontic treatment between the age of 11 and 13, especially if they experience oral problems such as a bad bite, tooth gapping, or misaligned teeth. During adolescence, the body is still growing and developing, making it more malleable to work with. Today, there are a variety of

It's hard to imagine anything more appealing than a sparkling, white smile. Yet our teeth rarely stay as white as we'd like them to without a little help. Fortunately, that help is available at the dental office. Teeth whitening done in a professional dental setting is a safe, effective way to brighten

Over time, stain-causing foods and beverages, smoking, and thinning enamel can dim the brightest smile. If you are feeling self-conscious about your teeth, your dentist can help you discover the whitening treatment that is best for you. At-home Whitening Home treatments can be helpful in reducing surface

New parents sometimes anticipate their baby's first tooth with a mixture of excitement and worry. While reaching a new developmental milestone is always a cause for celebration, this particular one can come with considerable discomfort. However, teething is different for each baby, and need not be painful

Temporary anchorage devices (TADs), also known as “mini implants,” are titanium devices that are screwed into your gum and jaw. TADs act as anchors to support the movement of your teeth. They can be positioned in different areas of your jaw, depending on what anchorage and movement you need. Since

Every so often, in dentistry and other fields, a new technology comes along that promises to change the standard practices. TADS (Temporary Anchorage Devices) aren't exactly new — orthodontists have used them since the 1980s — but they're gaining widespread acceptance today. The benefits they offer

Is there any image that illustrates the comforts of babyhood better than a sleepy infant sucking his or her thumb? Ultrasound pictures have shown, to the joy of many prospective parents, that this behavior can even occur in the womb. The thumb- or finger-sucking habit seems to relax and comfort toddlers

Sucking on a thumb or finger is a completely normal habit that some babies develop even before they're born. It's soothing, and it also helps babies make contact with and explore their environment. If sucking habits go on much past the age of 3, however, it's possible that bite problems may arise. In

Thumb sucking is a common habit that babies develop before they’re born. While most children naturally stop thumb sucking between the ages of two and four, some children might struggle to break the habit. If your child is still thumb sucking around the age of four, it’s important to help them stop. Thumb

Thumb sucking is a damaging habit that can cause tooth and surrounding skeletal structures to develop abnormally as your child grows. If your child has a persistent thumb sucking problem past the age of four to five, thumb and finger appliances, or thumb sucking appliances, can help your child stop this

Cavities are little holes in teeth that can eventually cause big problems. They form when tooth-eroding acid attacks a tooth's protective outer covering (enamel). This acid mainly comes from two sources: your diet, and certain oral bacteria that thrive in the absence of effective oral hygiene. If cavities

Because our smiles are the way we greet the world, even tiny imperfections in our teeth can cause self-consciousness. If you have a front tooth with an uneven edge, a canine that is too long or pointed, a slight overlap between two teeth, or any other minor cosmetic concern, tooth contouring might be

Sometimes little defects in teeth can attract more than their fair share of attention. The eye often seems drawn to the tiny chip in a front tooth; the slight mismatch in tooth size among adjacent teeth; the extra-pointy canine. If you find yourself staring at these subtle yet distracting features in