Oral Health Medical Reference

WebMD explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment of a dental abscess, an infection of the mouth, face, jaw, or throat that begins as a tooth infection or cavity.

With proper care, your teeth and gums can stay healthy throughout your life. The experts at WebMD tell you how to maintain good oral health.

Get tips from WebMD on the basic care of your teeth and gums.

There are certain risk factors for tooth loss. Are there any you can control? Read more about them now.

Information on tonsillitis diagnosis and treatment.

Get the basics on tonsillitis symptoms from the experts at WebMD.

Good oral health involves more than just brushing and flossing your teeth. WebMD tells you how to make an oral health plan.

Learn the risks of getting an oral piercing in the lip, cheek, or tongue as well as tips for taking care of a piercing at home.

Have all your questions answered here about dental care for older adults.

Seniors are at risk for a number of oral health problems. Learn about common gum and teeth problems that may affect you as you age.

Learn from WebMD how hormones impact a woman's oral health, including her risk for gum disease and tooth decay.

Learn the facts about latex allergy.

Sealants are a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth. Is this something you need? Learn more.

How do you find a new dentist? Are dental fillings safe? Get the answers to these and other frequently asked questions about your oral health from WebMD.

Learn terms associated with dental care and their definitions.

People with heart disease require special dental care. WebMD explains.

Root canals don't have a great reputation among dental patients. Get the facts on this common procedure.

WebMD provides an overview of dental diagnostic tests, including what they show about your oral health.

Canker sores are small, shallow wounds in your mouth that can make eating and talking uncomfortable. Learn more about canker sore causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, home remedies, and prevention.

Smoking and other tobacco use can cause oral health problems like gum disease and tooth decay. Get the facts from WebMD.

Get tips from WebMD on taking care of your teeth and gums before, during, and after pregnancy.

Your diet can affect your oral health. WebMD tells you what you need to eat - and avoid eating - to ensure a healthy mouth.

Experts offer tips for finding the right dentist for you and your family.

The mineral fluoride is very important for healthy teeth. Are you getting enough for optimal dental health?

WebMD's guide to gum disease, also called gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Learn what an underbite is, its causes, effects on oral health, and the best treatment options, from braces to surgery, for children and adults.

Learn about Ludwig’s angina, including signs and symptoms, causes, treatment options, and more.

Find out what you need to know about ceramic braces and discover their advantages and disadvantages.

Learn what pulp necrosis is, what causes it, and how it's treated.

Pericoronitis happens when the gums surrounding your back teeth -- usually the wisdom teeth -- become infected. Find out more from WebMD.

Here's a quick summary of what to do for some common dental emergencies.

Some dental procedures can trigger endocarditis, an inflammation in the heart. Find out who's at risk and how it can be prevented.

Dental fillings are used for cavities and more. Here's everything you need to know about fillings from the experts at WebMD.

Children's dental problems may arise from bottle feeding, thumb sucking, lip sucking, and tongue thrusting.

Dental implants may be an option for people with missing teeth. Learn more.

Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately bonds the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person's smile. Find out if dental bonds are right for you.

Dental veneers can improve the appearance of your teeth. Find out the pros and cons of veneers from the experts at WebMD.

Learn the facts about cleft lip and cleft palate, a common birth defect, from the experts at WebMD.

Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Learn more here.

Learn about tooth restorations, including fillings, implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures.

WebMD explains problems that can occur with dental fillings.

WebMD looks at the many available teeth whitening systems, along with products like toothpastes and gels, and compares home kits to professional office treatments.

Cavities happen as a result of tooth decay. Learn more about cavities and taking care of your teeth.

Learn helpful tips from WebMD on fighting tooth decay and cavities.

Dry mouth can be caused by a number of conditions -- and can lead to serious dental problems. WebMD explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment of dry mouth.

WebMD explains the reasons you may need root canal therapy and how the procedure is done.

Tooth discoloration changes the color of your teeth. Find out the causes for discoloration, tips to prevent stains, and how to whiten your teeth.

Leukoplakia, or white and gray patches inside the mouth, may be caused by irritation. Or the condition may be a sign of oral cancer. Learn more about how leukoplakia is treated.

Treatments for gum disease vary from medication to surgery. Learn more about the options.

Learn about air abrasion, a technique some dentists use to remove tooth decay without a drill.