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Clear, current guidance on prevention, treatment and everyday oral health from Palo Alto Oral Health. Questions about your own care? We are happy to talk them through.

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Current guidance and practical oral health information

Kids Dental Emergency: What to Do First and When to Call the Dentist

A calm guide for parents on what to do first when a child knocks out, chips or hurts a tooth. Learn when to call the dentist and when to go to the emergency room.

Dental Sealants for Kids: How They Work and How Long They Last

Dental sealants are a quick, painless way to protect a child's back teeth from cavities. Here is what the evidence says about when to get them, how they are placed and how long they last.

Inlay vs Onlay: What Is the Difference and When Is Each Used?

Inlays and onlays are custom restorations that sit between a filling and a crown. Here is how they differ, what they are made of and when each may be recommended.

Crown Lengthening: What It Is, Why It's Done and What to Expect

Crown lengthening reshapes gum and sometimes bone to expose more of a tooth. Here is why dentists recommend it, how it is done and what healing involves.

Dry Socket: Symptoms, Prevention and When to Call Your Dentist

Dry socket is a painful but treatable problem that can follow a tooth extraction. Here is what the ADA and research say about its symptoms, how to help prevent it and when to call your dentist.

How Long Does Dental Bonding Last? What Affects Your Results

Dental bonding can last for years, but it is not permanent. Here is what the ADA and research say about how long bonding lasts, why it chips or stains and how to help it last.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last? What Affects Your Results

Teeth whitening does not come with a fixed expiration date. Here is what the ADA and current research say about how long results last, what affects them and how to help them last.

How Long Does a Root Canal Take? Appointments, Numbness and Healing

Most root canals are completed in one or two appointments, followed by a visit to restore the tooth. Here is what to expect at each step, how long numbness lasts and what healing usually looks like.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last? What Research Shows

Dental implants have a strong long-term track record, but they are not guaranteed for life. Here is what research says about how long implants and implant crowns tend to last and how to help yours stay healthy.

How Long Do Crowns Last? What Affects the Life of a Dental Crown

Dental crowns are durable but not permanent. Here is what research says about how long crowns tend to last, how material matters and how to help yours last longer.

How Long Do Veneers Last? What Affects the Life of a Veneer

Veneers are long-lasting but not permanent. Here is what research says about how long porcelain and composite veneers tend to last, why they fail and how to help yours last longer.

Deep Cleaning Teeth: What It Is, When You Need It and What to Expect

A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, treats gum disease by cleaning below the gumline. Here is how it differs from a regular cleaning, what to expect and how to care for your gums afterward.

Jaw Popping or Clicking: Causes, When to Worry and What Helps

Jaw popping or clicking without pain is common and usually normal. Here is what causes jaw sounds, which symptoms are worth a dental exam and what simple steps can help.

Dental Bridge vs Implant: How to Choose the Right Tooth Replacement

A dental bridge relies on the teeth next to a gap, while an implant is supported by the jawbone. Here is how the two options compare and what your dentist considers when helping you choose.

Wisdom Tooth Pain: Causes, Relief and When to See a Dentist

Wisdom tooth pain can come from a tooth breaking through the gum, inflamed tissue around it, decay or an impacted tooth. Learn what helps at home and which signs need prompt care.

What Is Teeth Shaving? Cosmetic Contouring, Veneer Prep and Who Needs It

"Teeth shaving" can mean small cosmetic reshaping of enamel or preparing teeth for veneers and crowns. Enamel does not grow back, so the right amount matters.

Is Your Tooth Going Numb? Signs the Nerve Is Dying

A tooth that used to hurt and now feels nothing, turns darker or becomes tender to bite may have a dying nerve. Feeling better does not mean the problem is gone.

Geographic Tongue: Causes, Symptoms and When to See a Dentist

Geographic tongue creates smooth, map-like patches that move around the tongue. It is benign and not cancer, but new or unusual tongue changes should be examined once.

White Spots on Teeth: Causes and Treatment Options

Chalky white spots on teeth can be early enamel damage, fluorosis or a developmental defect. The cause determines whether fluoride, resin infiltration, bonding or another approach makes sense.

Dental Fistula (Gum Boil): Causes, Treatment and Is It Serious?

A small pimple or boil on the gum that drains and comes back is usually a dental fistula, a drainage path from an infected tooth. It may stop hurting, but the infection is still there.

Cut Tongue: How to Stop the Bleeding and Help It Heal

Firm, steady pressure for 10 minutes is the first step for a cut or bitten tongue. Here is how to care for it, which cuts need stitches and when to see a dentist.

How Long After Brushing Your Teeth Can You Eat?

You can eat after brushing, but giving fluoride some time on your teeth helps. The timing that matters even more is how long to wait before brushing after acidic food and drinks.

Should You Put Aspirin on a Toothache? Why Dentists Say No

Placing an aspirin tablet against a sore tooth or gum can cause a painful chemical burn. Here is what works better for tooth pain and what to do if you already tried it.

Can You Use Salt Water as Mouthwash Every Day?

A warm salt water rinse can soothe sore gums, mouth sores and a sore throat while they heal. It is short term comfort care, not a replacement for brushing or a treatment for infection.

Allergy Medication and Your Teeth: Dry Mouth, Sinus Pain and What Helps

Many allergy medications reduce saliva, which raises cavity risk, and congested sinuses can feel like a toothache. Here is how to protect your teeth during allergy season.

Can Weather Changes Cause Tooth Pain?

Cold air, air pressure changes and sinus congestion can all make teeth hurt. In most cases, the weather is revealing a dental problem that was already there.

Can a Toothache Cause a Fever? When to Get Urgent Care

A toothache by itself does not cause a fever. An infected tooth can. Learn the warning signs and when a toothache with a fever needs same day or emergency care.

Do You Need Dental X-Rays Every Year? What the 2026 ADA Guidance Says

New ADA and AAOMR recommendations emphasize dental X-rays based on individual need, not a fixed annual schedule. Here is what patients should know.

Mouth Sore That Won’t Heal? When to See a Dentist

Most mouth sores heal on their own, but persistent changes deserve an examination. Learn when to call a dentist and what a careful evaluation involves.

Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards: What Actually Matters?

Custom, boil-and-bite or stock mouthguard? Learn how fit, retention, comfort and consistent use affect protection for athletes.

Can Toothpaste Irritate Your Mouth? What a New JADA Study Found

A 2026 JADA study describes 56 cases of toothpaste-induced contact stomatitis, including burning, peeling tissue and redness that resolved after the suspected toothpaste was changed.

FDA Warning on Direct-to-Consumer Clear Aligners: What Patients Should Know

The FDA has warned consumers about unauthorized direct-to-consumer clear aligners sold without a prescription and professional supervision. Here is what patients should know before starting treatment.

5 Practical Ways to Protect Your Teeth in Palo Alto

Palo Alto weather is not uniquely harmful to teeth, but dry mouth, sports, frequent snacking and everyday habits can affect oral health. Here are five practical ways to lower your risk.

Dry Mouth: Why It Matters and What You Can Do

Persistent dry mouth is more than an annoyance. Reduced saliva can raise the risk of cavities, oral infections and difficulty eating or speaking.

Exposed Tooth Roots: Why They Happen and What Can Help

Exposed tooth roots usually reflect gum recession. The cause matters because treatment may range from sensitivity control to periodontal treatment or root coverage procedures.

Missing Lateral Incisors: Causes and Treatment Options

Upper lateral incisors are among the teeth that can be congenitally absent. Treatment may involve orthodontic space closure, bonding, a bridge or an implant depending on age, bite and anatomy.

Oral Cancer Treatment: Where Dental Care Fits In

Oral cancer is treated by a medical and surgical oncology team. Dental care can still play an important supporting role before, during and after treatment.

Is Sugar-Free Chewing Gum Good for Your Teeth?

Sugar-free gum can increase saliva flow and may help reduce cavity risk when used after meals, but it is an addition to brushing and flossing rather than a substitute.

Cracked Teeth: Symptoms, Types and Treatment

Cracked teeth can cause pain when biting or sensitivity to temperature. Treatment depends on the location and extent of the crack, so early diagnosis matters.

Root Canal Treatment: Myths, Facts and What to Expect

Root canal treatment removes inflamed or infected pulp, disinfects the inside of the tooth and seals the space so the natural tooth can often be preserved.