Abingdon Box Hill Family Dentistry

04/01/2021

Tonsil stones are a type of secretion that can form around the tonsils. While they're generally harmless, persisting tonsil stones should be looked at by a dental professional. Learn more, below.

Tonsil stones, clinically called tonsilloliths, are small, white discharges that form in the crevices of the tonsils. They are typically found on the surfaces of the pharyngeal tonsils on either side at the back of the throat. They can be as small as a grain of rice or as large as a pea. They are qu...

03/31/2021

Dentistry Terms to Know: Papillae

Papillae are the numerous bumps that make up the rough texture of the tongue. A single bump is a papilla. These bumps are home to the tongue's taste receptors.

03/26/2021

Macrodontia is a condition in which teeth grow to different degrees than normal. Depending on the cause and severity, treatment can range from leaving teeth alone to medical intervention. Learn more, below.

Macrodontia is a condition where one or more teeth grow at a different rate from the others, and don't stop when they reach average size. Learn more here.

03/24/2021

Where do teeth shop?

At The Gap!

03/22/2021

A cusp of carabelli is a hereditary dental abnormality. Essentially, the cusp is an extra bump that forms on the inside of the upper molars. It is non-functioning and not harmful but can increase vulnerability to tooth decay. Here's what you should know.

What is a cusp of carabelli? Do you have one and does it affect the health of your smile? Learn more, here.

03/18/2021

Want to freshen your breath up on the fly?

If you wear Invisalign, you'll find yourself in a sticky situation if you go with gum. Stick to sugar-free mints for that fresh breath relief.

12/25/2020

Whether you're just interested in more details or you want to better understand dental care and conditions, knowing the anatomy of the tooth is a great starting place. Here are the basics!

Have you ever wondered what makes up a tooth? Each part of a tooth has unique functions and properties. Aetna's Simple Steps to Bette...

12/23/2020

It’s no secret that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect to brush our teeth at night. But don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth. Brushing before bed is very important because it gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.

12/21/2020

Ever taken a sip of orange juice after brushing only to be hit with an unpleasant taste?

Most of us have, and that reaction is perfectly normal, given the compounds in most toothpaste. Here's what's happening when we experience this.

If you've ever taken a sip of OJ after brushing your teeth, you know what a surprise orange juice and toothpaste can be. Learn why, here.

12/17/2020

Dentistry FAQ: Is it better to brush after every meal?

Not really. Your body is designed to care for itself. Saliva production limits the need to clean teeth after everything you eat. While brushing a third time each day isn't necessarily harmful, it isn't needed, and excessive brushing can have adverse effects over time.

12/15/2020

If you've gone in for a dental exam and been told you need debridement, odds are your teeth have been neglected. This process is a more intensive cleaning that is sometimes necessary to properly examine teeth and gums that have accumulated excess tartar. Here's what you should know.

Your dentist may recommend debridement before your routine cleaning. Learn about debridement and the impact periodontal debridement has on oral health.

12/11/2020

Oral Hygiene Myths: Firm-bristled toothbrushes are better than soft ones

No bristles are hard enough to remove hard tartar from teeth, but most bristles are effective against the formation of plaque. However, hard bristles do differ in that they can cause more damage to teeth and gums than soft bristles.