Black tongue is a condition that usually starts at the back of the tongue before progressing toward the front. It is characterized by a dark discoloration of the small thread-like elevations on the top surface of the tongue.

Dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia, is a subjective lack of saliva in the mouth or dryness of the mucosal membranes. The predominant cause of dry mouth is related to reduced saliva gland output, which is affected by diseases, trauma, medications and medical treatments.

When a localized area of pus, called an abscess, develops in or around the root of a tooth, this provides the opportunity for bacteria to enter nearby blood vessels. This can lead to a potentially life-threatening blood infection, especially in people with an impaired immune system.

Brushing the tongue when brushing your teeth has been touted as a cure for bad breath caused by bacteria that form on your tongue. This cleaning of the tongue is supposed to both improve bad breath and lessen the risk of infection in periodontal openings while reducing bacterial population.

Having an exceptionally dry mouth can be more than an annoyance: It can be uncomfortable and severe enough that even talking becomes difficult. Also called xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when saliva decreases substantially. The causes of dry mouth syndrome may be temporary or related to some underlying cause or disease.

A Sonicare is an electric toothbrush sold by the Philips company. A Sonicare uses a vibrating head that cleans teeth and gums. All models of the Sonicare come with the Easystart feature, where the power of the toothbrush increases gradually over your first 14 uses.

Sore and bleeding gums may be an early indication of periodontal disease and should be taken care of right away. A visit to your dentist is the first step. Adding certain foods to your diet also can help speed the healing process and improve the health of your gums.

Alcoholics often have bad breath. Alcoholism can cause a number of severe health problems, and bad breath can be a sign of damage to the digestive system and to the stomach. It can also indicate problems with the esophagus and with acid reflux, which can lead to cancers of the mouth and throat.

Straight teeth and perfectly meshed bites sometimes require orthodontic help. For most people, this help comes in the form of braces. Braces come in several varieties, from the traditional metal bands and wires to virtually invisible clear plastic or off-white ceramic braces.

Gums help to support the teeth, muscles, tissues and bones inside your mouth. Unfortunately, your gums might be prone to gum disease or being swollen.

Taking care of your mouth is very important for maintaining good overall health. Neglecting your teeth and gums can make them susceptible to problems such as cavities, gum disease, bacterial infections, impacted wisdom teeth and temporomandibular dysfunction, which is known by the acronym TMJ.

Nighttime tooth pain can be caused by a number of factors, not all necessarily related to a problem with your tooth. When you experience this pain, knowing its causes and when to seek help can help you find relief.