Alina Lane, DDS
Board Certified Dentist
wikiHow's Editorial Process wikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.
Co-authored Articles (29)
6 Ways to Know If Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In
Look out for these symptoms before heading to the dentist Wisdom teeth are the molars found on each side of your upper and lower jaws. They are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth, which typically happens during the la...
How to Heal a Bitten Tongue Fast: Expert Advice
Medically-verified methods to promote healing and soothe a painful tongueOuch! Just bit your tongue? Whether it was from chewing too fast, a sports injury, or a fall, a bitten tongue isn’t easy to ignore. Fortunately, ...
How to Stop Clenching Your Jaw: Exercises, Relaxation Techniques & More
Reduce stress-induced tension & teeth grinding during the day or night While it’s normal to clench your jaw from time to time, persistent clenching can cause headaches, tooth damage, and other problems. The habit is mo...
How to
Clean a Plastic Retainer
There are a variety of ways to clean your plastic retainer. For basic cleaning, use castile soap or a mild dishwashing detergent and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also clean your retainer by soaking it in a vinegar...
How to
Eat After a Tooth Extraction
Getting a tooth extraction means you’ll have a tender wound in your mouth for at least a week. It may seem daunting to think of foods that won’t hurt to eat or irritate the wound, but it’s easier than you might thi...
How to
Heal Your Tongue After Eating Sour Candy
Sour candy is a delicious treat, but due to its highly acidic ingredients, it can leave your tongue feeling sore and uncomfortable when you eat too much. While there’s no miracle cure that will instantly get your tongu...
How to
Reduce Wisdom Tooth Swelling
There are lots of ways you can help reduce swelling after having your wisdom teeth taken out, and most of them involve things you likely have at home. Take pain medication, hold ice on your face, or do salt water rinses ...
How to
Whiten Teeth With Hydrogen Peroxide
Gleaming white teeth signal youth and vitality to many people. But as we age or consume products like tobacco or caffeine that can stain tooth surfaces, our teeth may look yellowish and dingy. Although using hydrogen pe...
How to
Get Rid of Bad Breath
There are many reasons to cover up bad breath (halitosis), but if you're tired of quick fixes and want to get rid of halitosis once and for all, take these instructions to heart... or should we say, mouth?
How to
Stop Drooling in Your Sleep
If you frequently wake up with an embarrassing puddle of drool cutely saturating your pillow, you may need to make some changes to your sleeping habits. For some people, only sleeping on your back can stop you from drool...
How to Heal a Sore Tongue
Having a sore tongue may result in symptoms such as pain, a burning sensation, or dryness of the tongue. There are different causes of a sore tongue, including biting or burning your tongue, infections such as the fungal...
How to
Sleep After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Getting your wisdom teeth removed is generally not a fun process, and the recovery period after the surgery is often even less fun. With bleeding and painful gums, not only are eating and drinking more difficult, but eve...
How to
Stop Grinding Teeth at Night
Natural remedies & medical treatments for bruxismGrinding your teeth at night, also called bruxism, is a common problem. It can lead to all kinds of nasty things like headaches, tooth or jaw pain, damaged teeth, and disr...
How to
Remove Food from Extracted Wisdom Teeth Sockets
Extracting wisdom teeth often leaves large holes in your gums and the bone beneath them. The hole is the space where roots have developed; in some cases the hole may be the size of an entire molar. Most surgeons will use...
How to
Brush Your Teeth With Braces On
Easy tips to brush, floss, and care for your teeth when you have braces Regular brushing and flossing is still super important when you have braces, but it can be a bit awkward at first if you've never done it before. Fo...
How to
Prevent Dry Socket After a Tooth Extraction
Dry sockets occur after a tooth has been extracted, when the empty tooth socket loses its protective scab and the nerves become exposed. The cloth that is placed over a tooth after extraction is also absent leaving an ex...
How to
Calm Your Nerves at the Dentist
We know that visiting the dentist can be a little nerve-wracking, even if you’re just going in for a regular check-up. Your dentist will do everything they can to help you relax, but it’s completely normal to still f...
How to
Clean a Bite Guard
If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw in your sleep, you probably use a bite guard.. Tuesday, April 21, 2020. Following a regular cleaning regimen will keep your bite guard in good repair and prevent harmful bacteri...
How to
Go to the Dentist
Oral health is an integral part of maintaining your overall well-being. Seeing a dentist regularly can help promote oral health and ward off potential problems or conditions. By scheduling an appointment and planning for...
How to
Clean Gold Teeth
Gold is a popular metal used for fillings and crowns. Gold is also popular for fake, removable teeth and grills. Taking care of gold teeth is just as important as taking care of your natural teeth. If you have a permanen...
