OralTalkWithMariam

 How Does a Dental Bridge Replace a Missing Tooth? Patients Ask Series: Part 4 By Mariam from OralTalkWithMariam 💙 A dental bridge fills the gap left by a missing tooth with an artificial tooth. Depending on the type of bridge, it can get its support from your neighbouring teeth or from dental implants placed in your jawbone. This support keeps your bridge fixed in place, which means it stays in your mouth while you clean around and underneath it. The way a dental bridge is supported can affect what happens to the teeth around the gap. I'll explain how the different types of dental bridges work, what the procedure may involve and what your dentist checks before recommending one. What Is a Dental Bridge? A dental bridge is a fixed replacement for one or more missing teeth. It includes an artificial tooth to replace what is missing and support to hold it in place. The replacement tooth (pontic):  This is the artificial tooth that takes the place of your missing natural too...

What Are Dental Implants and How Do They Replace Missing Teeth? Patients Ask Series: Part 3 By Mariam from OralTalkWithMariam  Hey Smile Squad! 😁 A dental implant is a small post placed in your jawbone to support a replacement tooth. The post is usually made of titanium and shaped like a screw. For one missing tooth, a crown can be attached to the implant after a period of healing. Dental implants may also support a bridge or denture when several teeth are missing.In Part 2 of the Patients Ask series , we looked at how your jawbone may change after a tooth is removed. Because an implant relies on your jawbone for support, your dentist will need to examine the area before deciding whether implant treatment is suitable for you. What Are the Parts of a Dental Implant? A completed dental implant replacement usually has three main parts: the implant post that sits beneath your gum, the abutment that connects the post to the replacement, and the replacement tooth or teeth that you ...

What Happens to Your Jawbone After a Tooth Is Removed?  Patients Ask Series: Part 2 By Mariam from OralTalkWithMariam  Hey Smile Squad! 😁 After a tooth is removed, the jawbone in that area begins to change as the extraction site heals. The bone that once supported your tooth may gradually become narrower and shorter. How much it changes differs from person to person, but it may affect your options if you decide to replace the tooth later. In Part 1 of the Patients Ask series , we looked at whether every missing tooth needs to be replaced and what may happen around the gap. This time, we are looking beneath the gum to understand what happens to your jawbone after a tooth extraction. Your gum may appear healed before the changes beneath it are easy to notice. Because changes in the bone may not be easy to see or feel, you may assume that the entire extraction area has finished healing. Why Does the Jawbone Shrink After Tooth Extraction? Your jawbone may shrink after tooth ...

I Already Removed the Tooth. Do I Really Need to Replace It?  Patients Ask Series: Part 1 By Mariam from OralTalkWithMariam  Hey Smile Squad!😁 Not every missing tooth needs to be replaced. Your dentist will consider which tooth was removed and examine how the gap affects the surrounding teeth. This assessment will help your dentist decide if tooth replacement is recommended. At the clinic, I often hear patients ask why they need to replace a tooth that has already been removed. The pain has stopped, and they can finally sleep again. That relief can make tooth replacement seem unnecessary because the extraction has solved the problem they could feel. Tooth extraction may remove the immediate source of pain or infection, but changes can still develop around the gap even when the area feels fine.  What Happens If a Missing Tooth Is Not Replaced? Nearby Teeth May Move Into the Gap If a missing tooth is not replaced, the teeth beside the gap may slowly move towards ...

  Why Does My Tooth Hurt If I Don't Have a Cavity? 6 Surprising Causes  By Mariam from OralTalkWithMariam 💙 Hey Smile Squad! 😁💙 We have all been taught that toothaches are caused by cavities . You feel a sharp twinge, you run to the bathroom mirror, open wide, and flash a light inside, expecting to see a classic dark brown or black hole. But instead, you see nothing. The tooth looks perfectly white, intact, and smooth. Yet, it won't stop throbbing. It can be incredibly frustrating (and a little scary) when your teeth hurt but there is no obvious visual explanation. You might start wondering if the pain is just in your head. As a dental professional who spends every day working chair-side, let me reassure you: your pain is completely real. The short answer: Yes , a tooth can absolutely hurt even when there is no visible cavity. Hidden cracks, gum recession, sinus pressure, teeth grinding, nerve damage, and failing old fillings can all cause real tooth pain without an obvious...

  No Pain, No Problem? The Biggest Lie About Wisdom Teeth 🤫🦷 ​By Mariam from OralTalkWithMariam 💙 ​ Hey Smile Squad! 😁💙 ​We have talked about the pain. We have talked about the age factor. ​( If you missed the last post about why your 20s are the "danger zone," read it here: [Why Your Mouth Acts Up in Your 20s ]) ​But today, I want to talk to a specific group of people. ​The " Lucky " Ones. ​You know who you are. You have wisdom teeth, but you feel absolutely fine. No pain. No swelling. No drama. ​You might be thinking, " Mariam, if it’s not broken, why fix it? I’ll just leave them alone." ​I hear you. But as a dental professional, I have to tell you the hard truth. ​Silence is not always safety. ​This doesn’t mean something is wrong for everyone, it just means pain is not the best judge. ​Just because a wisdom tooth isn't hurting you right now, doesn't mean it isn't quietly harming your mouth. ​ The "Bad Neighbor" Effect ​Imagin...

🦷 Why Toothache Hurts More at Night (and Why Chewing Makes It Worse) By Mariam from OralTalkWithMariam 💙 Hey Smile Squad! 😁💙 It’s your girl Mariam, and welcome back to OralTalkWithMariam — your friendly space for easy, honest, and fun dental-health chats! 🪥✨ In my previous post, we talked about how a simple toothache can turn dangerous if ignored — leading to swelling, headaches, and even difficulty opening your mouth. But here’s something many people wonder about (and don’t fully understand): 👉 Why does a toothache hurt more at night — or when you chew? Let’s break it down together in the simplest way possible. 👇 🌙 Why Toothache Feels Worse at Night 1️⃣ More blood flows to your head when lying down When you lie flat, blood pressure in your head increases slightly. That extra pressure can irritate an inflamed tooth or infection, making the pain feel stronger. 2️⃣ Fewer distractions at night During the day, you’re busy and your mind is occupied. At night, in silence, your brai...

 🦷 The Link Between Diet & Oral Health: Foods That Boost Your Smile (and the Ones That Destroy It) Hey Smile Squad! 😁 I’m so glad you’re here at OralTalkWithMariam , where we make dental talk simple, fun, and full of “aha!” moments. Today, we’re brushing up on something that’s on everyone’s plate — food ! 🍎🥦 Did you know your diet can make or break your smile? From crunchy carrots to sneaky sodas, every bite you take tells the story of your teeth. Ready to find out which foods build a stronger smile and which ones secretly attack it? Let’s dive in together — grab your toothbrush, your curiosity, and a healthy snack, and let’s get glowing! ✨ 🌈 Meet the Smile Squad! Because learning is way more fun with friends… Welcome to the Smile Squad , where two cheerful cartoon pals are ready to brush, laugh, and teach us how diet shapes our dental destiny. 💚 🪥 Why Diet Matters for Oral Health Every meal you eat either strengthens your smile or weakens it. Think of food as your mouth...

 👋 Hey there, I’m Mariam! Welcome to OralTalkWithMariam, your friendly space for simple, fun, and practical oral health education. 💙 Today, we’re talking about one of the most common dental problems ever — cavities! Let’s uncover what they really are, what causes them, and how to keep your teeth healthy and strong. 😁 🦷 What Exactly Are Cavities? Cavities are tiny holes in your teeth caused by bacteria. When you eat sugary foods or snacks, bacteria in your mouth feed on that sugar and produce acid. That acid attacks your tooth enamel — the shiny white layer that protects your teeth — and over time, tiny holes appear. That’s what we call cavities! 🍭 The Sneaky Role of Sugar Sugar is not your direct enemy — but the bacteria that eat it are! Every time you sip soda or chew sweets, those bacteria throw a little acid party in your mouth. This acid softens your enamel and leads to decay. 😁 How To Cavity-Proof Your Smile Here are simple ways to keep your teeth strong and cavity-free...