DDS - doctor of dental surgery DMD - doctor of dental medicine There is no difference between the two degrees; dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. Universities have the prerogative to determine what degree is awarded. Both degrees use the same curriculum requirements set by the American Dental Association's Commission [...]
Wipe your baby's gums with a clean gauze pad or washcloth after each feeding. Start brushing your child's teeth with water as soon as the first tooth appears. Children over two should use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Floss your child's teeth as soon as two teeth have erupted side-by-side. Continue brushing and [...]
Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by prolonged exposure of an infant's teeth to liquids that contain sugar-like milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice and other sweetened drinks. Never dip a pacifier in sugar or honey; only put water in your child's naptime or bedtime bottle and always wipe your baby's gums and teeth [...]
Oral cancer can occur on the tongue, lips, floor of the mouth, soft palate, tonsils, salivary glands or in the back of the throat. If detected early, the cure rate for oral cancer is better than 75-80% after five years. Signs of oral cancer include: A sore in the mouth that bleeds easily and does [...]
Experts have recommended the mouth guard as an important piece of safety equipment for quite some time now. For an athlete to play without one is a significant risk. Coaches and players realize that mouth guards cushion blows that would have caused injuries to the lips and face, broken teeth and even sometimes jaw fractures. [...]
In the case of a tooth that has been knocked out, follow these steps: Calm the injured person and determine the extent of the injury. Locate the tooth that has been knocked out. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently in warm running water. Do not scrub it. Gently insert and hold the tooth [...]
The Illinois State Dental Society suggests these tips if you're looking for a dentist: Ask trusted friends and family members for their recommendations. This is one of the best ways to find a dentist you'll be comfortable with. If you're moving, your dentist may be able to refer you to another dentist in your new [...]
When a dentist graduates from dental school, he/she receives a DDS or DMD degree depending on the school. Once licensed to practice by the state, such a person with one of these degrees may practice general dentistry. In this type of practice, the dentist may perform all areas of dentistry. Some dentists choose to pursue [...]
For more than 150 years, amalgam (or silver fillings) has been used to treat dental decay. Amalgam is a combination of copper, tin, silver and mercury and is strong enough to tolerate the pressures of grinding and chewing. It is one of the most effective and widely used tooth restoration materials, serving the oral health [...]
Fluoridation of public water is considered one of the most significant public health success stories of the century. Since its introduction more than 50 years ago, half of children ages 5-17 never have had a cavity in their permanent teeth. That compares with 37% in 1980 and only 28% in the early 1970s. Fluoride is [...]