Like most people, when you discover you have a cavity or pain in your teeth, the first thing you do is make an appointment with your dentist as you think that fillings are the only way to fix cavities. However, what most people fail to realize is that tooth decay and cavities can be reversed and fillings aren’t the only option available.
This article will explain the basic principles behind how you can heal cavities naturally and prevent tooth decay.
1. Change your diet and reduce your sugar intake. Studies in the British Medical Journal suggest that a change in diet can actually reverse tooth decay. Easy adjustments can be made to your diet immediately like:
Consuming more calcium rich foods (i.e. kale, collards, broccoli rabe and dairy) which can help strengthen your bones and teeth.
Avoid drinking pop, juice and drinks with high carbonation as the sugars cause excessive plaque and tartar build up which may result in cavities.
2. If you want to protect your teeth from early decay or heal existing tooth decay, include the following steps in your oral care routine.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day ensuring you reach all the surfaces, crevices, pockets and corners.
Floss at least once daily. This helps remove any remaining food from underneath your gums and prevents bacteria from forming.
Use mouthwash; it has antibacterial properties and helps you get rid of any remaining bacteria in your mouth.
3. Add vitamins and supplements to your diet. Micronutrients are essential to bone health and keep inflammation under control to prevent or reverse cavities. Certain vitamins help produce saliva which helps to prevent bacteria from staying on your teeth and certain vitamins make your teeth a lot stronger. Foods that help promote salivation include bananas, Brussels sprouts, and peas. Vitamins you should consume include Vitamin B, D, magnesium and iron. If you’re not interested in taking supplements, eat whole grain foods and seafood (i.e. salmon, canned tuna and sardines are all great sources of vitamin D).
4. Eat foods with natural probiotics. Because bad bacteria associated with infection look for places to hide in the small areas between the teeth, consuming probiotics helps to offset the acidic pH. Foods rich in probiotics include kombucha, kefir and fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut. These foods stimulate the production of healthy bacteria in the mouth needed to prevent plaque buildup and dental decay.
5. Be aware of the pH values in the foods/drink you consume. Imbalanced pH levels can create an environment for bacteria to thrive. Drinks such as coffee create pH imbalances (like some citrus fruits and sugars), and act as the perfect environment for harbouring infectious oral bacteria. If you’re a daily coffee drinker and suffering from tooth decay, a great alternative to coffee is green tea as it contains a polyphenol (known as catechins) which acts as a powerful antioxidant and has several anti-inflammatory properties which hinder the growth of harmful bacteria and improves oral health.
6. Develop a new oral care regime. Have you heard of a technique called oil pulling? Oil pulling is believed to create a soap like cleansing on teeth with moisturizing and antiseptic capabilities. It consists of swishing an oil (i.e. sesame, sunflower or coconut oil) for about 10-20 minutes in the mouth to reduce plaque buildup. It’s important that you don’t swallow the oil and to brush your teeth afterwards. Oil pulling has been shown to reduce plaque and gingivitis in one month’s time.
Remember, if a cavity has already struck, a trip to the dentist may not be avoidable. However, you can limit the damage by following these simple steps and paying a little extra attention to your pearly whites.(09/24/2022)
More Information: NViews: 6
Cavities happen all the time. They’re an extremely common problem that most everyone faces when they’re a child, teen, or adult. When you sit in the dentist’s chair and find out you have a cavity, it can put a damper on your day. Cavities are often minor inconveniences, and annoying toothaches and tooth sensitivity are often associated with cavities.
Cavities are simply no fun at all. Nonetheless, with quick treatment by your dentist and oral hygiene diligence, cavities don’t have to form into bigger problems. If left untreated, however, cavities can form into much bigger oral complications, such as tooth loss, broken teeth, and gum disease.
Don’t forget, your dentist also performs an oral cancer screening during your dental exam as well!
Cavity Formation and Risk Factors
Cavities form because of tooth decay – often due to excess bacteria and plaque in the mouth. Once the tooth begins to decay, a cavity forms over time and creates little holes in teeth. Sometimes, when a cavity forms, you can experience a toothache or sensitivity to hot and cold. Some people may not experience any pain or discomfort from a cavity and that’s why it is so important to see your dentist for regular checkups and cavity checks.
Bacteria is a destructive force in the mouth. When bacteria are present, they begin breaking down enamel, causing a build-up of plaque and tartar, and irritate the gums. Everything in connected with your oral health and if bacteria begins affecting a tooth and causing a cavity, it could also be causing gum disease.
Here’s a deep dive into Gum Disease.
Gum Disease Causes and Treatment
Cavities are a tell-tale sign of excess bacteria in the mouth. This means that you probably need to up the amp on your oral hygiene routine. Maybe you need to spend more time brushing, add in more flossing, and so on. Talking with your dentist will help you pin-point what you can do to eliminate the risk of cavities and gum disease. When cavities are present and bacteria is left untreated in the mouth, your gums can begin to get inflamed, which is the basis of gum disease.
According to WebMD, gum disease begins with bacteria in the mouth and can lead to tooth loss because of the loss of gum tissue. Gum disease attacks the gums, making them recede and not hold on to your teeth as well as they should. Look for these signs and symptoms:
Swollen or sensitive gums
Pockets between the gums
Catching gum disease early is key to recovery, much like cavities. Proper plaque and bacteria control are key to eliminating gum disease and cavity risk! So, talk with your dentist to see what works best for you, and remember that proper oral healthcare is the best defense against bacteria.(09/24/2022)
More Information: NViews: 9
Practicing great oral care not only involves brushing twice a day and flossing daily—it also means visiting your oral care provider for a professional cleaning every six months. While these visits usually are painless and quick, they can sometimes leave your teeth feeling sensitive, especially if you received a deep cleaning. Luckily, over time these sensations will fade and do not indicate anything serious. Here’s a look at why you have sensitive teeth after a cleaning and what you can do if this feeling lasts longer than expected.
Why Are My Teeth Sensitive After A Cleaning?
Teeth sensitivity happens when the dentin, which is the layer beneath your enamel, becomes exposed due to receding gums. Remember—your roots don’t have enamel to protect them, so anything that comes in contact with them may cause sensitivity, like dental tools. While several factors contribute to tooth sensitivity, dental cleanings are a known cause, as your dental care professional may probe your gums and use tools that contact-sensitive areas of your teeth.
Not every dental visit will involve a deep cleaning, but your teeth may also feel sensitive afterward if you do receive this procedure. According to the University of Michigan Health Library, you may need a deep cleaning when your gums have started to pull away from the teeth and create pockets where plaque can get trapped. When your oral care provider performs this procedure, which is also known as scaling and root planing, they’ll remove tartar and rough bacteria that have calcified on your teeth in these pockets. According to the American Dental Association, scaling is when your oral care provider removes the plaque and tartar above and below the gumline using special tools. Planing is when they smooth out your teeth’s roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth.
Before a deep-cleaning session, the gums may be inflamed and swollen or have deep pockets infected with bacteria. Both scaling and root planing help treat these problems, but this treatment can hurt your teeth after the cleaning due to natural discomfort and bleeding. The dentist may offer a local anesthetic if your deep cleaning is likely to be more irritating.
What Happens Next?
It’s normal to experience sensitivity after a deep cleaning, which can last up to a week. Soreness and pain may also linger for a few days as your gums may be swollen or bleed. Your oral care provider may prescribe an antibiotic or mouth rinse to manage any pain and fight any possible infections.
Caring for Deep-Cleaned Teeth
Taking good care of your teeth after a deep cleaning treatment helps your gums heal by reducing the common triggers of pain and sensitivity. Wait at least a day before flossing, and brush your teeth carefully with a soft-bristled toothbrush while your gums are still sore. Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth to help treat and prevent tooth sensitivity, and avoid eating foods or drinking liquids that set off your sensitivity. If your teeth are sensitive three or four weeks after treatment or you have other concerns, contact your dentist for a follow-up visit. He or she can check that your gums are healing well.
How to Avoid Teeth Sensitivity
One way to avoid teeth sensitivity after a deep cleaning is to look for ways to improve your current day-to-day oral care routine. In addition to brushing twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, avoid aggressive or hard scrubbing when brushing. You should also try to avoid acidic foods and drinks, which can lead to enamel deterioration (though using a straw can help mitigate that risk, as well as drinking water after an acidic beverage). If you grind your teeth, your oral care professional can provide you with a mouthguard that can protect you from grinding down your teeth and causing sensitivity.
While the sensation of feeling sensitivity in your teeth feels uncomfortable, it’s normal to feel it after a cleaning, and it’s usually temporary. But if your symptoms last longer than a few weeks, you should contact your oral care provider to talk about your concerns.
Remember—teeth cleanings (and deep cleanings) are easy & excellent ways to maintain great oral health and prevent cavities. Even though your teeth might be sensitive after a cleaning, don’t worry. It’s normal and temporary, and soon you’ll be on your way to a healthier smile.(09/23/2022)
We all have our favorite brands and flavors. It's crisp, refreshing, and zero calories. And that makes us feel good about our beverage choice. We're talking about sparkling water, of course! It's popularity right now is massively escalating, according to USA Today. But how does it affect your pearly whites? Is sparkling water bad for your teeth? We've got all the sparling water answers you need.
How Does Soda Affect Your Teeth?
If you asked your dentist for their thoughts on soda, they'd recommend avoiding it. Why? Two big reasons:
Sugar — soda has an abundance of it, leading to tooth decay and cavities
Acid — most sodas are highly acidic, contributing to tooth erosion
So now you know what not to drink. Some healthier alternatives to drink include water, milk, and you guessed it — unsweetened sparkling water.
What Are Sparkling Water's Effects on Your Teeth?
That fizzy refreshment in your sparkling water, it's caused by carbonation. And it's the carbonation that has some concerned. So is carbonated water bad for your teeth? A Journal of the American Dental Association study found that many popular sports drinks were "extremely erosive," while most sparkling carbonated waters ranked as "minimally erosive." So does minimally erosive equate to "bad"?
Sparkling water is much less erosive than other beverages. Which is good — so it's not bad for you. "For an average, healthy person, carbonated, sugar-free beverages are not going to be a main cavity-causing factor," according to the U.S. News & World Report article. However, it's not necessarily good for you. It's great to replace soda with sparkling water, but don't replace water with fluoride over its sparkling counterpart.
What Are Some Other Ways to Protect Your Teeth?
To battles against cavities and enamel erosion, there are a few things you can do.
Brush with specially formulated toothpaste to help strengthen tooth enamel, replenish natural calcium, and protect against tooth sensitivity
See your dentist regularly to detect signs of tooth decay early when it is easy to correct or reverse
Now you know the truth about sparkling water — it isn't bad for your teeth. You also understand what's needed to keep your teeth healthy while you enjoy something fizzy.(09/23/2022)
A build up of plaque in hard to reach areas may be your problem.
Tooth decay causing bacteria that accumulate in these areas produce acid, demineralising the tooth enamel. This is the first stage of tooth decay and without further action, may lead to a hole in your tooth. We recommend daily flossing along with brushing your teeth twice a day as an excellent preventative measure.
There are several characteristics of the oral environment that, when imbalanced, can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay. Saliva is your most important protective factor. Adequate production, consistency and buffering capacity of saliva is essential for the prevention of tooth decay.
Next time you visit your dentist you should ask to check your saliva’s characteristics. If you need to improve your saliva’s quality simple methods like chewing sugar-free gum are great ways to stimulate salivary flow and maintain the saliva’s pH.
A look into your daily diet to identify excessive intake of sugary or acidic foods and beverages is also important. Consuming a healthy diet is important to your oral health. Your dentist can provide you with further advice you on this.
If you are prone to tooth decay, regular dental visits are advised to detect and restore small problems before they become too large and treatment becomes complicated. The best treatment we can provide is prevention.(09/22/2022)
It almost never fails; you go to the dentist, and no matter how well you think you’re doing, they tell you that you need to brush more or floss or use more mouthwash.
Is there any way to brush your teeth so that your dentist will be satisfied? It turns out there is, and most experts recommend a few steps to brushing teeth. We’ll tell you more about them in the paragraphs below.
1. Use a Fluoride Toothpaste
Most dentists will recommend using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is useful because it works in tandem with saliva. Saliva protects your teeth by putting a layer of calcium and phosphate on top of your teeth, both of which are active ingredients in enamel.
Fluoride combines with these elements to strengthen the defense. It’s like taking armor and then wearing another suit of armor over it. For this reason, it’s one of the most important steps to brushing teeth.
You have to brush every day to keep it working, but it adds a layer of protection. One thing to note, you should never swallow fluoride. It’s not dangerous in small amounts, but almost everything is poisonous if you take in too much of it.
2. Brush in Circles
You may have heard before that you’re supposed to brush in circles, but why is that? The primary reason is to get rid of the plaque and its components.
Plaque is a substance known as a microbial film, which is a substance that provides a home for several different types of bacteria. Plaque is made up of four main ingredients: saliva, tiny bits of food, carbohydrates, and bacteria.
So how does this relate to brushing in little circles? It turns out that brushing in straight lines can lead to holes being worn into the enamel, which can trap food or other ingredients of plaque.
Brushing in circles pushes many of these ingredients away from your gums and off your teeth altogether. Keep in mind, you’ll need to angle the brush away from the gums to get the full effect.
3. Brush the Back of Your Teeth
It’s easy to forget, but you need to brush the back of your teeth as well. In this case, out of sight does not mean out of trouble.
Try to brush the backs of your teeth the same way as the fronts, in circles and pushing away from the gums.
4. Brush Your Tongue
It’s a good idea to brush your tongue after you finish with your teeth. Some would also suggest brushing the sides and roof of your mouth.
Not only can these areas also hold bacteria and other plaque ingredients, but brushing them might also freshen your breath.
5. Floss, Rinse and Clean Your Toothbrush
Not everybody flosses and not everybody rinses with mouthwash, but either one can do your teeth some good. One thing you should always do, however, is clean your toothbrush.
A dirty toothbrush can expose your mouth to even more germs, so it needs to be kept clean and dry. You can’t keep a toothbrush clean forever, though, so you should be replacing it about twice per year.
The Best Steps to Brushing Teeth
In the paragraphs above, we’ve listed five important steps to brushing teeth. Keep in mind that while brushing teeth isn’t that complex, a lot of the science behind it and dental health as a whole is. If you’re interested in this subject, we encourage you to do more research on your own.
One great place to start is on our website. We can give you advice about tooth sensitivity, what it is and how to treat it.(09/22/2022)
We’ve all been told time and time again, since the time our first milk teeth were popping out, to brush our teeth twice a day. Dentists recommend brushing twice a day for at least two minutes for optimal dental health for good reason. Now apart from the obvious benefits of keeping your breath fresh, keeping harmful bacteria from building up and preventing gum infections, good oral hygiene can have positive health benefits for you beyond just your mouth.
Here are three unusual ways brushing your teeth can help you stay healthy!
It Can Prevent Heart Disease
Having good oral hygiene by regularly brushing your teeth keeps bacteria from building in your mouth. Should you for some reason wake up one morning and decide to stop brushing your teeth altogether, the bacteria that slowly begins to build up can travel down to your bloodstream and increase the likelihood of cholesterol build up in your arteries. This can lead to an increased chance of heart attacks.
It Can Help You Deliver a Healthier Baby
Yes, you read that right. Brushing your teeth can actually help your soon-to-be-born-baby! Gum disease can increase the chance of premature, low weight babies. The build-up of bacteria in your mouth not just puts your health at risk, it can risk your baby’s too. If that isn’t convincing enough, then might we mention that poor dental hygiene is also linked to delayed conception and impotence?
It Can Prevent Chances of Dementia
Studies have shown that the chances of developing dementia increase 30-40% in individuals who have poor gum health.
Want To Take Better Care of Your Teeth?
If you want to start paying more attention to your teeth, here are a few tips;
Brush your teeth every day for at least two minutes.
If you can, try to brush after meals.
Use a fluoride toothpaste
Don’t forget to brush your tongue to get rid of any extra bacteria and keep your breath fresh!
Floss every day; preferably, before bed.
But while taking the measures above may improve the overall quality of your health and dental hygiene, it is still strongly advisable to visit your dentist regularly or at least twice a year to get checkups and get a deeper cleaning done.(09/21/2022)
There's more to a sparkling smile than just brushing and flossing. So for World Oral Health Day, we're getting to the root of dental care best practices with these to-dos that can help ensure your teeth are as healthy as can be.
Say "Ahhh!" It might reveal more than you think.
As you've likely heard, your oral hygiene can have a major impact on your overall health. Gum disease, for instance, has been linked to a variety of health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, preterm labor and even Alzheimer's.
That's why it's so important to take care of your teeth. But simply brushing and flossing on schedule, and visiting your dentist on a regular basis, might not cut it.
But with these 9 simple steps, you can help improve your dental hygiene—and the rest of your health. And who wouldn't smile about that?
1. Wait Before You Brush
In the habit of starting your morning off with a glass of orange juice? You're going to want to hold off on brushing for a while afterwards.
Foods and drinks with a low pH—that is, acidic foods—temporarily soften the enamel of the teeth. If you immediately follow up with brushing, the action could remove some of the enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay over time, says Michael Lynch, D.M.D., Ph.D., Global Director of Oral Care and Fellow Global Scientific Engagement for Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.
So your best bet is to delay brushing after you’ve had citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, soda and wine. One study found that people who waited 30 to 60 minutes to brush after drinking soda had less wear on their teeth than those who brushed sooner.
2. Switch to a Soft-bristled Brush
You likely already know you should change your toothbrush every two to three months (or sooner if the bristles are frayed), but if you’re using a hard brush, consider replacing it now. Medium- and firm-bristled toothbrushes may leave your teeth feeling cleaner, but they can be very abrasive—and damaging over time.
“Most people would be perfectly fine with a soft-bristled brush,” Dr. Lynch says. And there’s no need to brush too vigorously, either. It’s not good for your teeth or gums. Instead he advises using a gentle amount of pressure; tilting the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line; and brushing in a short, circular motion.
3. Start by Brushing in the Back
This good habit may mean that you do a better job cleaning those hard-to-reach spots—which is essential because all of those nooks and crannies in your molars make them more susceptible to gum disease and cavities.
Beginning your brushing routine in the rear (at least sometimes) is a good way to give the back of your mouth the attention it deserves. “Every time I brush my teeth, I start in the upper right side in the back," Dr. Lynch says. "And I always follow the same method, so I know I won't miss any spots."
4. Add Mouthwash and Gum to Your
If you’re doing twice-a-day brushing and flossing, you may feel that’s good enough. But rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash, like Listerine® Antiseptic Mouthwash, afterwards will kill more oral bacteria, helping to fight plaque. After you brush and floss, swish vigorously for 30 seconds twice a day.
Another recommendation is to chew gum. Sugar-free gum can help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, and it stimulates salivary flow, which bathes the teeth with calcium and phosphate ions that help replenish tooth enamel, says Dr. Lynch.
5. Snap a Video Selfie
It may feel silly, but filming your toothbrushing sessions could help improve your technique, according to research published in the Indian Journal of Dental Research.
After study participants recorded themselves brushing their teeth to establish a baseline, they were given demonstrations and pointers until they achieved the proper technique. Over a two-week period, they used their smartphones, propped on a stand, to record themselves while brushing.
At the end of the study, researchers found that though people brushed for the same amount of time as before, they did increase both the accuracy and number of brush strokes, improving their toothbrushing skills overall.
Dr. Lynch seconds the idea, noting that recording yourself brushing can help make you more aware of what you're doing, plus you’ll probably perform better knowing that you're in front of the camera. Afterwards, you can view the footage to see where you need to improve.
6. Don't Brush Too Often
The recommendation used to be to brush after every meal. Brushing too often can damage your gums and the enamel on your teeth, and because of that, twice a day is enough, advises Dr. Lynch.
What you can do after every meal and snack is rinse with plain water. "Do some vigorous swishing, forcing the liquid in between the teeth to disrupt and dislodge any food particles,” Dr. Lynch suggests.
7. Don't Linger Over Sipping Sugary Drinks
While you should limit the amount of sugary drinks in your diet, if you are going to have a beverage like soda, sweet tea or coffee with sugar and cream, it’s better to have it all at once, rather than sipping it throughout the day.
"When you constantly expose your mouth to sugar, certain bacteria uses that sugar as a food source and metabolizes it into lactic acid," Dr. Lynch explains. "The lactic acid starts to dissolve the minerals in your teeth and that’s how cavities are formed."
8. Eat Teeth-whitening Foods
It's true: Some foods can actually help keep your pearly whites, well, white.
Raw, coarse, fibrous foods—such as celery, cucumbers, apples, pears, carrots and lettuce—help scrub tooth surfaces and remove some of the plaque that’s accumulated, which can make teeth appear yellow, Dr. Lynch explains.
Also, these crunchy foods require more chewing time, so they also stimulate saliva, which helps neutralize acids that can erode your teeth.
9. Wash Your Toothbrush Holder
When was the last time you gave your toothbrush container a good scrubbing?
It doesn’t just hold your brush—it also holds onto many of the germs that occupy your bathroom. A study by the National Sanitation Foundation found that toothbrush holders are the third germiest household item (your dish sponge and kitchen sink take the first and second spots).
So run it through the dishwasher, or wash it in hot, soapy water, then use a disinfecting wipe, once or twice a week, advises the National Sanitation Foundation.(09/21/2022)
More Information: NViews: 12
Summer season is synonymous with warm weather, vacations, endless fun time for kids along with illnesses like heat stroke. Everyone aware of the impacts hot weather can have on our bodies. Do you know that the heatwave will hurt your teeth and gums? Apart from chickenpox, measles, sunburn, and other summer diseases, various annoying dental problems also arise during the summertime.
With little precautionary actions, you can overcome dental irregularities like summer-related seasonal toothache, teeth sensitivity, and so on.
In this article, our dental doctors and oral hygienists have described how the sunny season causes teeth problems.
Dehydration often occurs in summers because of the increased body temperature due to heat. Hydrating yourself with fluid consumption is the best way to balance the depletion of water in your body and its side effects like dizziness, dry skin, fever, etc.
Such chronic dehydration reflects in your oral health also with many devastating effects. The reduced moistness in the body affects the salivary glands which in turn, lessens the salivary flow. Low salivation levels will make your teeth, gums dried out to make the oral tissues a breeding ground for bacteria to thrive and tend to various dental diseases.
2) Acids present in soft drinks
Many people prefer soft drinks like soda, fruit juices, sparkling water for hydration. Despite reducing the body heat and helps in moisturizing ourselves, these fluids contain excessive sugary and acidic components that are detrimental to teeth. This is because the acids and sugars in foods we take feed bacteria to corrode the teeth.
In simply, if you take carbonated drinks for hydration, it means you are providing a way for microbes to breed in your mouth. It will eventually lead to dental illnesses like cavities, toothache, etc.
Your tooth will react to extreme heat temperature if it has underlying problems. For instance, the bacteria present in a decayed tooth take advantage of the warm weather and is followed by chronic inflammations in tissues around the tooth. It will trigger a severe toothache.
To be precise, the hot weather activates the untreated infections in a tooth and increases the pain in the tooth to a greater extent.
4) Increased risk of Micro injuries in teeth
The micro injuries that happen while playing or doing some physical activities will become worsen with the warm weather.
As it is vacation time, kids are interested in playing. Whether it is indoor or outdoor, they might fall and injure themselves. When they get micro injuries in teeth like chips, cracks over the teeth surface, it will not cause serious aftereffects in most cases.
In contrast, the repeated micro injuries over the teeth surfaces accompanied by hot temperatures will trigger problems like sensitive teeth.
In most cases, the summertime weather does not hurt our teeth directly but what you put your teeth in the increased heat temperature will increase the risk of such seasonal dental discomforts.
Keeping your teeth healthy in summer is also possible with activities like dehydrating yourselves with natural drinks instead of sugary drinks, keeping your teeth and gums clean, neglecting acidic foods along getting a mid-summer dental checkup.(09/20/2022)
More Information: NViews: 20
If you are struggling with stubborn acne on your face, poor oral health may be to blame. New studies show a relationship between your oral health and the formation of acne. This is due to the presence of propionibacterium in your mouth and throat, which is a bacteria commonly found in pimples. When bad bacteria from cavities, gingivitis, and infected teeth transfer to your face, new pimples can form. Therefore, it’s important to take proactive steps to improve your dental hygiene and minimize the transfer of bacteria to your face.
How Infected Teeth, Periodontitis, and Gingivitis Exacerbate Acne
Acne that is resistant to basic treatment may be caused by an infection in your mouth. The buildup of harmful plaque and tartar in your mouth can also trigger an inflammatory response and exacerbate inflammation, skin irritation, and acne breakouts around your lips, chin, and lower cheeks. Some patients report that their acne improves once their dentist removes an infected tooth. A basic dental exam will allow your dentist to see if your teeth show any signs of infection.
The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Other Skin Diseases
Poor oral hygiene not only impacts the health of your mouth, but also the health of your skin. Periodontal disease has an impact on many skin diseases, including dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. In one study, 30 percent of patients with dermatitis showed skin improvement once their tooth infection was treated. Another study of children ages 0 to 17 years old found a strong correlation between bleeding gums and eczema. Lastly, a large study of women showed that risk of psoriasis was greater in patients with periodontal bone loss. To protect your skin from potential skin diseases, practice good oral hygiene and schedule regular appointments with your dentist.
Oral Hygiene Tips to Reduce Your Acne
Maintaining healthy teeth is essential to protecting your skin from bacterial infections and breakouts. With these five simple steps, you can be proactive about achieving a healthy smile and clearer skin.
Brush twice a dayIt’s important to brush your teeth regularly to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. According to a study by Delta Dental, 31% of Americans fail to brush their teeth at least twice a day. Brushing your teeth helps remove food and plaque that contain harmful bacteria.
Floss once a dayKeep your teeth and gums healthy by flossing once a day before bedtime. Flossing helps clean out food or debris that is stuck between your teeth and prevents bacteria from accumulating under your gum line. It also makes it less likely for you to get gum disease or cavities from bacteria buildup.
Use fluoridated mouthwashFluoridated mouthwash helps prevent and reverse early signs of tooth decay by protecting your teeth from acids produced by bacteria. It also allows your teeth to remineralize, making your teeth more resistant to future decay.
Remove toothpaste residueToothpaste can burn and irritate your skin. To prevent oral bacteria from getting on your face, make sure to wash your face after you brush your teeth to remove acne-causing particles.
Schedule regular dental visitsDuring your dental visit, your dentist will be able to spot potential dental concerns early on before they worsen into more serious problems. Your dental professional will also give you a dental cleaning to remove any plaque and tartar buildup.
If you are wondering if your acne is linked to your oral health, schedule an appointment with your dentist who will be able to evaluate the overall health of your mouth, detect if you have gum disease, cavities, or a tooth infection, and recommend appropriate treatments to get your oral hygiene back on track. I(09/20/2022)
Sure, you know that taking care of your teeth is important, but be honest—how often do you really floss? Yep, that’s what we thought. And your dentist knows it, too. Here, nine things your dentist would really (really) like you to stop doing.
1. Lying About Your Flossing Habits
“We pay a lot of money to go to school and assess the health of your gingiva (i.e., gums),” a New York City dentist tells us. “So, when you tell us that you floss every day, but really you mean every day for the last three days…we can tell.” Oops, guilty as charged. You’re better off being honest, the doctor tells us. “If you don’t floss or don’t know the proper way, we are here to teach you,” she adds.
2. Using At-home Whitening Kits
“DIY whitening kits are generally useless,” says Beverly Hills dentist Dr. Matt Nejad. “The only one I would use is Crest Whitestrips, but even that has limitations, such as difficulty whitening between the teeth, which can result in dark stains remaining in that area.” Not only that, but going the DIY route could also do some serious damage. “Bleaching your teeth with over-the-counter products can lead to thinning enamel, gum irritation and recession, and sensitive teeth,” Dr. Steven Davidowitz (who you can find on RealSelf) tells us. For a mouth full of pearly whites, make an appointment with your dentist instead.
3. Infusing Your Water With Lemon And Lime
We get it—plain old H20 is boring. But that extra twist of lemon or lime contains acid—a big no-no when it comes to oral health. “Acidic mouths lead to tooth decay, gum disease, enamel (aka the outer protective layer of your tooth) damage and bad breath,” says Dr. Davidowitz. To keep your teeth (and dentist) happy, stick to plain water instead.
4. Brushing With A Hard Bristle Toothbrush
A hard brush combined with too much pressure is bad news. (Think recession and potentially brushing off the enamel.) Always stick to soft bristles to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
5. Or Manual Ones
“An electric toothbrush allows for a more consistent and purposeful brushing,” says Dr. Davidowitz. “With manual toothbrushes, you’re more inclined to over brush certain areas and completely miss other areas. In addition, electronic toothbrushes have a two-minute timer built right in so that you are able to give every tooth the TLC it needs,” he adds.
6. Chewing On Hard Objects
That includes acrylic fingernails, pens and ice. And never, ever use your teeth to open things.
7. Freaking Your Kids Out
“I see many children that are doing well in the dental chair, only to lose it when they see their parent getting nervous or telling them to get ready for pain,” a Brooklyn-based dentist tells us. “I feel like I need to be in charge of that setting and parents sometimes get in the way of that.” Got that, Mom?
8. Replacing Good Old-fashioned Toothpaste With Weird Fads
Looking at you, oil pulling (“not scientifically proven to do anything to your teeth,” says one doc) and charcoal powder (“not well regulated and therefore too abrasive, which can strip tooth enamel,” says another).
9. Not Taking Prescription Antibiotics As Directed
A typical prescription might require you to take a tablet every six to eight hours for a certain number of days. What irks your dentist is when you take antibiotics until you feel better and don’t complete the full course. It’s actually a dangerous move, one dentist tells us, because while you may have suppressed the infection, you haven’t actually completely eliminated the bacteria. Stick to your dentist’s order next time, OK?(09/19/2022)
More Information: NViews: 24
Surprisingly, more than 10 million Americans alone are currently affected by severe eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, eating disorders affect many and need immediate attention.
While anyone can suffer from an eating disorder, they are prevalent in young adult women and even teenagers. In addition to having a negative impact on your health and quality of life, eating disorders affect your self-image.
The disorder can also affect your social life, like your relationships with friends and families and your performance in school or at work. If you suffer from an eating disorder, it is essential to talk to your dentist.
Eating disorders can also severely affect your oral health. Keep reading to find out more about how eating disorders can affect your oral health.
Types of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are dangerous psychological conditions in which a person’s negative feelings, often about their food or body, affect their eating behavior. An individual with an eating disorder might eat too little food or have sessions where they overeat and then eliminate what has been eaten.
At other times, some individuals with eating disorders may overeat. All of these abnormal eating behaviors can create a host of severe health problems, including oral problems. Indeed, the state of the mouth might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the term eating disorder. But people must be aware of the risks.
This anorexia disorder typically involves an extreme fear of gaining weight or a person’s dread of becoming fat. Even though these people may be very thin or even extremely underweight, they see themselves as fat.
These people may even attempt to reach or maintain what they think is their perfect body weight. They can even achieve this by literally starving themselves. You might also find these people exercise excessively.
Others might eat excessive amounts of food in one sitting. Such people may even attempt to get rid of the calories from their bodies by forcing themselves to “throw up” or by the misuse of enemas or laxatives. It is a very extreme case and you might need to consult a doctor immediately.
2 Binge Eating or Compulsive Overeating
This may affect anyone, men as women. Such people are sometimes described as ‘food addicts’. These people overeat or binge eat but do not regularly try to get rid of the food immediately. They do not try throwing up or misuse laxatives or enemas. Feelings of guilt may make it easier for the person to overeat again.
Like anorexia, bulimia is also a disorder that includes the fears of being overweight. But this condition also includes hidden periods of overeating quite similar to binge eating. Overeating may occur several times a week or even several times a day.
When overeating, individuals often may feel entirely out of control. They may gulp down hundreds of calories, often high in fat and carbohydrates. The amount of food they eat would be greater than what an average person would eat in a meal.
After they overeat, they are guilty and try to “undo” that they ate too much. They quickly force themselves to “throw up” or try using drugs like laxatives or enemas. This is often called – binging and purging.
Why is Binge Eating Disorder Harmful?
Binge eating is quite similar to bulimia nervosa. It involves the compulsive eating of large quantities of food in a short period but without subsequent purging. The disorder involves periods of excess food intake followed by feelings of shame, guilt, and depression. This negative feeling leads to further binge eating.
Such people actively seek methods to rid themselves of the excess calories eaten during binge eating episodes. If not treated, the process can lead to a gain in weight despite frequent dieting. Finally, the person will become clinically obese.
Moreover, binge eating disorders can also affect your self-image, relationships with family members and friends. If you suffer from this disorder, talking to your dentist in detail is essential. Binge eating can lead to dental health problems.
Binge eaters were previously classified as food addicts. Such people usually take in large quantities of food or beverages without feeling like they are in control of what they are consuming. These binges are most of the time planned ahead when the person buys “special” foods to binge on, or they could also be spontaneous.
Multiple studies have proved that binge eating disorders can have an adverse effect on oral health. Hence Oral Health Foundation is supporting Eating Disorders Awareness in its mission.
One important aspect is that binge eaters do not “overindulge” in foods. Or they do not simply just have large portions of food items. These are not enjoyable experiences. Instead, they often cause a lot of embarrassment and distress to the eater.
Another noticeable characteristic of binge eating episodes includes eating faster than usual. The disorder also includes eating until feeling uncomfortably full. Moreover, binge eaters eat alone and feel embarrassed at the amount they eat. They also have a feeling of shame, disgust, or guilt after the binge.
Binge Eating Disorders Lead to Dental Problems
The disorder includes conditions when the binge eater eats large amounts of food when not feeling hungry. Without the proper nutrition, your gums and other soft tissue inside the mouth might start to bleed easily. The glands producing saliva might swell, and individuals might experience chronic dry mouth.
If you throw up frequently, it can affect teeth too. That is because when strong stomach acid repeatedly flows over teeth, your tooth’s enamel can be lost. You might also notice a change in shape, color, and length. The condition is know as as acid reflux. The edges of teeth can become thin and break off easily. Eating hot or cold food or drink might become uncomfortable.
Binge eating disorder can badly affect your oral health. Sensitive teeth, tooth erosion, and bad breath are just a few of the signs that your dentists might notice when you are suffering from an eating disorder.
Here are a few of the problems that might arise.
1 Tooth Decay
Binge eaters intake sugary foods or carbonated beverages. As a result, their teeth and gums are exposed to increased acid and plaque, resulting in tooth cavity and tooth decay.
2 Tooth Erosion
Binge eaters tend to have symptoms like the thinning of the enamel on the front teeth due to tooth erosion. When you purge, the stomach acid travels through the mouth. This acid erodes the backside of your front teeth heavily.
3 Tooth Sensitivity
The high acid levels in the mouth can wear away the tooth enamel leading to tooth sensitivity. This sensitive teeth issues will makes your teeth more sensitive when exposed to hot or cold drinks.
4 Insufficient Calcium
Calcium plays a role in building strong and healthy teeth. Lack of calcium causes teeth to loosen up and possibly fall out. If you do not get enough calcium from a nutritious diet, your body will draw calcium from your teeth and bones, making them weak.
Recommended Treatment – Binge Eating Disorders
Your dentist is the right person to recognize any early warning signs of binge eating disorders. During your dental examination, they generally carry out checks on the soft and hard tissues of your mouth.
They also look for signs of tooth decay and tooth erosion and any possible injuries to your mouth. Mouth injuries might have been caused by forcing food into the mouth to make yourself vomit.
Your dentist can also detect any tooth erosion through stomach acid. They can also identify tooth decay from excessive sugar consumption and signs of nutrient deficiencies, if any.
If your dentist suspects that you are suffering from a binge eating disorder, they will talk to you calmly. Your dentist will prescribe a high fluoride toothpaste or varnish to protect your teeth from further decay.
One of the most helpful things your dentist can do is offer detailed instructions about proper oral hygiene. Additionally, your dentist can provide a customized treatment plan for your existing oral problems related arisen due to binge eating disorders.(09/19/2022)
More Information: NViews: 22
Cracked teeth can happen due to a variety of circumstances: trauma due to an accident, chewing on hard food, a weak tooth structure. Sometimes, those cracks result in a type of damage called longitudinal fractures. While these fractures don’t always cause symptoms, they can cause pain and grow bacteria, which can lead to irritation and infection. Luckily, dental professionals can treat longitudinal tooth fractures, and the process to recovery will depend on the type of fracture. Here are the four types to be aware of.
Types of Longitudinal Fractures
1. Craze Lines:
While craze lines are considered a fracture, they’re not considered a dental emergency and generally do not need treatment. That’s because these lines only affect the tooth enamel and do not cause pain. Teeth grinding, nail-biting, or changing temperatures in the mouth may cause these types of fractures. While these cracks should not cause concern, some adults seek out cosmetic fixes like teeth whitening.
2. Fractured Cusp:
Fractured cusps occur when a piece of a tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, typically near a filling. This type of fracture usually does affect your pulp or cause pain and typically can be repaired through a filling or crown.
According to a report in the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research, fractured cusps are the most common type of longitudinal fracture. A number of conditions may cause them:
Teeth weakened by restorations
Abnormal biting habits, such as teeth grinding
If you do have a fractured cusp and experience pain or sensitivity to cold fluids, reach out to your dental professional for immediate attention.
3. Cracked Tooth:
A cracked tooth is when a crack extends from the crown of the tooth toward the root, though the tooth is not split into pieces. This fracture is more extensive than a fractured cusp and, therefore, more likely to affect the nerve of the tooth. There are several possible causes for a cracked tooth, including:
Dental work that weakened the tooth
Trauma to the tooth
Treatment will vary based on the location and extent of the crack, which your dentist may need to investigate. If the nerve of the tooth is affected, an endodontist might perform a root canal treatment. If the crack extends down below the gumline, the tooth may need to be extracted.
4. Split Tooth:
A split tooth is a complete fracture from the crown that extends below the gumline through the middle of the tooth. This is usually the result of an untreated cracked tooth, as the fracture extends over time, it can happen either suddenly or due to the long-term growth of the crack. The tooth may require extraction, but in some cases, an endodontist may save a portion of the tooth and complete a restoration to make the tooth functional.
Who Treats a Longitudinal Fracture?
Depending on what causes a longitudinal fracture and what kind you have, different specialists may be required to diagnose and treat your problem. For example, endodontists have additional training in finding the cause of tooth pain and performing procedures on the interior of the tooth, according to the AAE. They may diagnose a longitudinal fracture or perform root canal treatment.
Alternately, prosthodontists work on tooth restoration to maintain its health, function, comfort, and appearance. They do so by saving and restoring natural teeth or replacing missing teeth with crowns, veneers, bridges, or dentures. When it comes to longitudinal fractures, they would be involved in restoring the tooth with a filling or crown.
Longitudinal Fracture Treatment
If your dentist diagnoses you with one of these longitudinal fractures, rest assured that treatment options are available to help make your mouth healthy again. While more severe cases might call for a root canal procedure or extraction, smaller fractures might be solved by a filling. If you experience any sudden pain in a tooth, see your dental professional as soon as possible for a diagnosis.
Longitudinal fractures might seem frightening or unfamiliar, but don’t worry—the sooner you contact your dental professional, the sooner you can get examined and start treatment. While longitudinal fracture causes aren’t always preventable, maintaining excellent oral health in the meantime can help prevent decay and enamel weakening. That includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristle toothbrush and cleaning between your teeth daily with floss or another interdental device. Also, be sure to visit your dental professional every six months for regular checkups. The more you maintain your teeth’s health, the more long-lasting strength and sparkle they’ll have!(09/18/2022)
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem described as sharp, shooting pain in the teeth, usually experienced while consuming cold food and beverages. Tooth sensitivity occurs when the middle layer of the teeth (known as dentin) gets exposed due to wear, tear, and erosion. The dentin carries nerve endings and is protected by a strong calcified layer (enamel).
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
People develop sensitivity due to thinning or wearing of the enamel. The reasons may include:
Consumption of foods that create acid in the mouth
Vigorous brushing of teeth
An injury that may have caused chipping or cracking of the teeth
Grinding teeth at night (bruxism)
Which Foods Can Increase Tooth Sensitivity?
Acidic foods: Regular consumption of foods with high acids, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles and tea, can cause enamel erosion and result in tooth sensitivity.
Cold drinks: Carbonated beverages such as colas and sodas are loaded with sugar and some acids such as phosphoric and citric acids, which can gradually wear away the enamel of the teeth. Excessive consumption of cold drinks can also increase the risk of sensitivity and cavities.
Sticky candies: The mouth is home to millions of bacteria. Candies such as refined sugar candies, lollipops, and caramel chocolates stick on the surface of the teeth, and the bacteria present in the mouth use this sugar to form acids, which destroy the enamel resulting in cavities.
Alcoholic and sugary beverages: Cocktails are alcoholic drinks mixed with sugar syrups, soda, and fruit juices. Excessive consumption of cocktails allows the oral bacteria to grow and form acid, thereby increasing the risk of enamel erosion. Moreover, the consumption of alcohol reduces the flow of saliva, which is needed to prevent bacterial buildup on the surface of the teeth.
How to Deal with Tooth Sensitivity?
Avoiding the consumption of acidic foods and carbonated beverages is a necessary first step, as they can expedite enamel depletion. Meanwhile, measures that can help deal with tooth sensitivity include:
Visiting a dentist: A dentist can refill the damaged part of the enamel with tooth fillings to treat sensitivity and prevent further damage to the tooth.
Maintaining oral hygiene: Brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush will help prevent the growth of bacteria on the surface of the teeth.
Adding fibrous foods to the diet: Fibrous foods such as cucumber, celery, and apples involve rigorous chewing, which increases the flow of saliva.
How is the consumption of carbonated or acidic drinks related to tooth sensitivity?
Dr Vipul Goel, a dentist associated with Apollo 24|7, states that “Consumption of carbonated or acidic drinks can erode the enamel (the outer layer of the tooth) and expose the dentine (the part of the tooth with nerve sensations), increasing the risk of dental caries or sensitivity.”
Continuous use of carbonated beverages and acidic foods can cause irreversible damage to the teeth. Therefore, to reduce sensitivity and avoid cavities one must follow proper oral hygiene measures such as brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning regularly. Furthermore, regular visits to the dentist can help keep sensitivity in check and prevent further damage to the tooth.
Your oral hygiene routine is your smile’s first line of defense when it comes to protecting your teeth from the harmful effects of gum disease and tooth decay. While rinsing your mouth out with water can sometimes be good for your dental health, in some cases, patients should avoid rinsing.
If you’ve recently undergone an invasive dental procedure, saltwater rinses may be an essential part of your aftercare instructions. A saltwater rinse is when patients are instructed to make a homemade solution combining 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Once the salt is fully dissolved, patients should gently swish the rinse around in their mouths, avoiding swallowing it. Saltwater rinses are usually recommended to keep any incision sites or soft tissue abrasions clean while they heal. Because the affected area may be tender for a few days following the procedure, saltwater rinses are a good alternative to brushing or flossing.
The rinse will keep the area clean, helping patients avoid infection. Once the affected area is healed, you may return to your regular at-home oral hygiene routine.
AFTER MIDDAY MEALS
While patients should brush and floss twice a day to maintain their dental health, these activities are not always convenient when you are outside of your house. If you spend most of the day outside of your home, working, or at school, consider rinsing your mouth out with water following midday meals or snacks.
This will help prevent dry mouth as well as wash away food residue left behind on your teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum may also help dislodge any food particles stuck between your teeth. The goal is to keep your breath fresh and your smile free of food residue to avoid plaque and tartar buildup and dental discoloration while on the go. Once you return home, you should brush and floss as usual.
AFTER BRUSHING OR USING MOUTHWASH
Many patients utilize kinds of toothpaste or mouthwashes that contain active ingredients that combat plaque and tartar buildup, tooth discoloration, and dental sensitivity. These ingredients are essential for these products to perform as intended. When you rinse your mouth out with water immediately following brushing or using mouthwash, these ingredients get washed away as well.
Because these ingredients are meant to remain on your teeth, this may impact your overall dental health. Patients are advised to avoid rinsing their mouth out with water immediately following brushing or using mouthwash.
How can something so tiny be so annoying and painful? Cuts inside your mouth can happen to anyone. They can make your lips or cheeks swell, and they burn when you eat citrus fruits or drink hot beverages. Thankfully, because they are so common there are clear and easy tips to help them heal. We'll give you the rundown of why these little injuries can be a real pain and answer your questions about how to treat inner lip or mouth wounds.
Why do mouth wounds happen?
Cuts on the lips, tongue and the inside of the mouth happen to almost everyone. These areas have the softest, thinnest skin on your body, so the smallest bump or scrape can break the skin. You may have gotten wounds from your teeth cutting the inside of your mouth or bruised your lips from accidentally biting down. Some inner lip wounds can be canker sores or cold sores.
Most inner lip or outer lip wounds are minor. Sometimes injuries can be more serious, such as injury to the face in a fall or car accident. In these instances, you should call your dentist to examine the wound.
It may be scary at first to feel or see a wound in your mouth because they tend to bleed more than a cut on another part of your body. Not only is that skin soft and vulnerable, but it's close to blood vessels, increasing the amount of bleeding. It's important to clean this area with good oral hygiene which will help it heal.
How do you treat cuts on your lips?
If the cut or wound is on the outside of the mouth like on your lips, you can easily keep it clean with mild soap, warm water and a clean cloth. Apply pressure with the towel to stop or slow any bleeding.
What should you put on cuts inside your lip or mouth?
You can easily do inner lip wound care at home. Rinse with salt water or a 1:1 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water multiple times a day, like after meals. Salt water rinses have been shown to help your body heal. Don't swallow these solutions, especially not hydrogen peroxide. Don't worry if putting hydrogen peroxide on the lip or mouth wound makes your wound foam up a little, that's normal when peroxide meets skin. Cleaning the wound with these solutions will ensure there's no dirt or debris in the cut and allow your body to heal itself even faster.
The best way to heal a cut in your mouth in 3 steps
Often small wounds in the mouth can heal quickly with good hygiene and time. The American Dental Association (ADA) says minor sores or irritations like these can heal within a week or two. Follow these three steps from the University of Rochester Medical Center:
Do salt water rinses or hydrogen peroxide and water solution rinses after meals to clear bacteria and food debris
Make sure you aren't touching the cut with your tongue or fingers. It's tempting to check on it, but touching it may get the wound dirty and slow down healing. Wash your hands regularly just in case you do touch it.
If your inner lip wound has caused swelling or bruising, you should press gently on the wound with an ice pack or crushed ice wrapped with a clean cloth.
If your at-home care is not helping and you're worried about it, you may need to see the doctor.
When should you call your doctor about a mouth wound?
Here is where it may be scarier than a little cut. Pay attention to your body and if any of the following are true, contact your doctor:
Bleeding does not stop even after putting pressure with a cloth
The cut on your inner lip is deep
The cut extends from your mouth to the face
The cut in the lip is a puncture or hole
You develop any of these signs of infection:
Redness that expands to the surrounding area
Tender and painful
A pimple-like swelling with pus
Swelling increases and bruising of skin or hematoma may occur
If your mouth wound is around a tooth and the tooth is loose or broken, call your dentist. While you are waiting to see your dentist, the ADA suggests cold compresses and rinses in the meantime for sores and mouth injuries.
How do you prevent cuts in your mouth or on your lips?
If you've developed an injury from sports or other physical activities, a mouth guard could prevent your teeth from scraping your cheeks. Mouth guards provide a solid yet soft surface for your teeth. Your teeth can clench down on it instead of the inside of your mouth! They will also prevent you from biting your lips and accidentally breaking the skin. Mouth guards can be found in stores or customized for you by your dentist.
Be patient and let your cut heal
By keeping your wound clean, you are letting your body focus on healing the wound. If you are still concerned about the pain or swelling, call your doctor or dentist, and they can assess if you need further treatment. Until then, rinse with salt water or a mix of hydrogen peroxide and water, stop yourself from touching it and use cold compresses to help with any swelling or bruising. With these tips, the injury is on its way to healing.(09/16/2022)
More Information: NViews: 35
Keeping a great smile is largely made possible by practicing healthy dental habits. Many dental and oral issues may be prevented from developing if you just practice good oral hygiene and other habits that are good for the teeth. Of course, you will still need to go the dentist for regular checkups. But at least you will prevent any possible dental problems at the onset and be able to maintain healthy teeth.
Dental Habits You Should Always Keep Up
You should keep up dental habits so that you will maintain and achieve that perfect smile you’ve been dreaming of. These habits are very easy to develop if you just practice them. Aside from regularly going to the dentist, other healthy dental habits include brushing, flossing, staying away from tobacco, and limiting sweet intake.
How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy
The following are some of the basic but helpful habits that you can incorporate in your daily life to your teeth healthy:
Brush your teeth two to three times a day. Everybody brushes their teeth, but not everybody does it right and regularly. Dentists advise that a person must brush his teeth at least twice a day. And it’s not enough that you brush your teeth, you must do it properly. You can also ask a professional or your dentist on what toothbrush and toothpaste are best for you. Also, you need to replace your toothbrush at least every three months to ensure the best results.
Floss daily. Brushing alone is not enough. There are spaces and parts of your teeth that brushing can’t reach, particularly space in-between your teeth. The most effective way to clean the spaces in-between the teeth and between the teeth and gums is flossing. This helps prevents tartar and plaque build-up. You must at least floss once or twice a day.
Limiting your snack intake. You must avoid eating foods that contain high amounts of starch and sugar. These snacks are usually the cause of plaque build-up. Minimizing your sugar intake helps reduce the development of tooth decay. Instead of eating unhealthy snacks, better eat vegetables and fruits. But if you ever eat sugary and starchy foods, don’t forget to rinse your mouth after and drink plenty of water.
Stay away from tobacco as much as possible. Smoking or chewing tobacco and other tobacco-based products can lead to gum and dental problems, not to mention the risk for oral cancer.
Healthy Dental Habit #1: Visit the Dentist!
This is the most important habit that you should keep up: visiting the dentist for a dental cleaning and regular check-ups. While the other habits help you prevent dental issues, there are things that you cannot just control without proper intervention from the professionals. Plaque build-up is bound to happen despite the fact that you regularly floss and brush your teeth. To make sure that you achieve and maintain healthy teeth and smile, it’s highly advised you visit the dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleaning.(09/15/2022)
More Information: https://www.evdp.net/dental-blog/how-keep-teeth-healthy/Views: 24
What is an abscessed tooth?
An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus that can form in different parts of a tooth as a result of a bacterial infection. It’s sometimes called a dental abscess. An abscessed tooth causes moderate to severe pain that can sometimes radiate to your ear or neck.
Left untreated, an abscessed tooth can turn into a serious, life-threatening condition. Read on to learn more about the different types and how to recognize them.
What are the different types?
The different types of dental abscesses depend on location.
The three most common types are:
Periapical abscess. This is an abscess at the tip of a tooth’s root.
Periodontal abscess. This is an abscess on the gum next to the root of a tooth. It might also spread to the surrounding tissue and bone.
Gingival abscess. This is an abscess on the gums.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of an abscessed tooth is throbbing pain near a tooth or in your gums. The pain usually comes on suddenly and gets worse over time.
Other symptoms include:
pain that radiates to your ear, jaw, or neck
pain that gets worse when you lie down
pain when chewing or biting
facial redness and swelling
swollen, red gums
discolored or loose teeth
foul taste in your mouth
tender or swollen lymph nodes in your neck or under your jaw
If an abscess ruptures, you’ll feel almost immediate pain relief. You might also notice a sudden bad taste in your mouth as the pus drains out.
What causes it?
Bacteria getting into your teeth or gums leads to a dental abscess. However, the way this happens depends on the type of abscess:
Periapical abscess. Bacteria enter the pulp within your teeth, usually through a cavity. Pulp refers to the soft, inner part of your tooth. This is made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels.
Periodontal abscess. Gum disease usually causes this type, but it can also be the result of an injury.
Gingival abscess. A foreign body, such as a popcorn hull or toothbrush bristle, gets embedded in your gums.
How is it treated?
Treatment for an abscessed tooth focuses on clearing up the infection and relieving pain. Depending on your symptoms, your dentist might start with a dental X-ray. This will help them see whether the infection has spread to other areas.
Depending on the type and severity of your abscess, treatment options include:
Draining the abscess. Your dentist will make a small cut in the abscess to drain the pus. They’ll follow up by cleaning the area with a saline solution.
A root canal procedure. A root canal involves drilling into the affected tooth to drain the abscess and remove any infected pulp. Next, your dentist will fill and seal the pulp chamber, which holds pulp, and the root canal. They may also cap your tooth with a crown to strengthen it. A crown procedure is usually done during a separate appointment.
Tooth extraction. If your tooth is too damaged, your dentist might remove it before draining the abscess. Your dentist may pull the tooth if it can’t be saved and then drain the abscess.
Antibiotics. If the infection has spread beyond the abscessed area or you have a weakened immune system, your dentist might prescribe oral antibiotics to help clear the infection.
Removal of foreign object. If your abscess is caused by a foreign object in your gums, your dentist will remove it. They’ll finish up by cleaning the area with a saline solution.
If you can’t get in to see your dentist right away, you can take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to help with the pain. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water may also help.
You can purchase over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication online.
Are there any complications?
It’s important to have any abscessed tooth treated by a dentist. Even if it’s already ruptured, you’ll want to have the area examined and cleaned by your doctor to make sure the infection doesn’t spread.
Left untreated, an infection can spread to your jaw and other parts of your head and neck, including your brain. In rare cases, it can even lead to sepsis. This is a life-threatening complication of an infection.
Go to the emergency room if you have an abscessed tooth accompanied by:
rapid heart rate
These are all signs of a serious infection that needs immediate treatment.
What’s the outlook?
An abscessed tooth should clear up within a few days of treatment. Even if it seems to drain on its own, it’s important to follow up with your dentist to make sure the infection doesn’t spread to another area.
You can reduce your risk of an abscessed tooth by practicing good oral hygiene and having regular dental checkups every six months.(09/14/2022)
More Information: https://www.healthline.com/health/abscessed-toothViews: 26
Oral and gum inflammation are not only indications of decreased oral health, but they can also gauge or affect larger health problems. According to an article on the Mayo Clinic's website, "Your oral health might affect, be affected by, or contribute to" heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's, diabetes, pregnancy, and other conditions.
No direct link between gum disease and heart disease has been proven yet, but the possibility is always being explored. An abstract published on the American Heart Association's website in 2012 suggests that inflammatory gum disease may be related to the way bad cholesterol affects the body. And of course, as Ann Bolger, M.D. states, "People with periodontitis often have risk factors that not only put their mouth at risk, but their heart and blood vessels, too."People who smoke, are sedentary, or have problems controlling their weight or blood pressure tend to be candidates for both health issues, so the connection is certainly one worth considering.
So, in addition to a good diet and exercise, like hiking or nightly walks, consider taking good care of your oral health part of your heart-healthy routine. There are products that fight germs for 12 hours, can help keep your gums, and maybe even your heart, healthy.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, "new research suggests that tooth loss – a marker for periodontal (gum) disease – may predict rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its severity. The more teeth lost, the greater the risk of RA."Before periodontal disease becomes acute, one major indicator is gum inflammation. However, the good news is that periodontal disease is treatable with regular dental checkups, oral care and attention to your health. The earlier you start attending to this kind of discomfort, the greater your chances of preventing serious gum disease.
It may surprise you to find out that oral inflammation is also associated with the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. Periodontal disease can be a factor in how Alzheimer's Disease gets worse. The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease says certain kind of oral bacteria "are implicated in the development of a number of inflammatory pathologies at remote organ sites, including Alzheimer's disease (AD)."Start taking preventative measures early on by brushing and flossing regularly to ensure periodontal disease is one less factor in negotiating good health as you age.
Make a Habit of Good Oral Care
If you're not sure where to start, be sure to brush and floss twice a day, and make an appointment with your dentist to learn how best to care for yourself, and your teeth, through the years.(09/14/2022)
More Information: NViews: 27
We are painfully aware what potholes do to our cars and trucks. They are the result of high usage and high impact on our roads which lead to cracks in the pavement. If the cracks are not fixed, they turn into large holes. This analogy plays out similarly with decay in your teeth. “Dental potholes” are small perforations in the enamel that become sensitive and are prone to tooth decay. Over time, the potholes in your mouth will get bigger and deeper unless you take care of the problem.
HOW DO YOU GET THEM?
The food and drinks you consume impact the health of your teeth. Acidic food and drinks can gradually wear down the enamel and make your teeth soft. Another leading cause of tooth erosion is heavy clenching or grinding. There are people who unconsciously, grind their teeth while asleep and others do it subconsciously, perhaps while they’re working. The grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety but also by sleep disorders.
For people who drink alcohol or smoke, consider this 2016 study by the Journal of the American Dental Association. Researchers discovered that people who drink or smoke are about twice as likely to grind their teeth.
HOW CAN YOU TREAT THE POTHOLES IN YOUR TEETH?
Dr. Alejandro Cavazos at Advanced Smile Care said there are several treatment options. One is a sealant that protects the chewing surface of the back teeth, where potholes typically arise. The sealants help avoid further decay or fillings. He said if you do have potholes, it’s best to take care of the decay when it’s small. There are several safe materials available for fillings. As for the grinders at night, ask your dentist about getting fit with a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
Cavazos says anyone who is experiencing mouth pain should visit the dentist office immediately. Do not wait any longer. This is a sign of nerve damage, which may require more extensive treatment such as a root canal, a crown or perhaps an extraction.
“The level of predictability goes up and better treatment outcomes can occur by catching potholes before they become sinkholes,” said Cavazos. “We can help in this way and other ways by addressing dental issues that are relatively small and straightforward before they become large problems, more involved and more costly.”(09/13/2022)
More Information: https://advancedsmilecare.com/how-to-avoid-potholes-in-your-mouth/Views: 37
Experts have revealed a host of oral health symptoms which you should never ignore.
Experiencing problems with your teeth, gums or mouth can be an indicator of an underlying condition which develops silently in your body. While looking after your teeth is important in order to maintain that bright smile, it is vital to keep an eye out for any other warning signs that could signal serious disease, HullLive reports.
From kidney disease to iron deficiency - your teeth can reveal if there are any other health issues. Experts at ExpressDentist.com have listed five health signs that your teeth can reveal and stressed that anyone who experiences them, should seek medical advice.
These are the five different warning signs that you should not ignore:
1. Eating disorders and tooth enamel
When suffering from an eating disorder such as bulimia, repeated vomiting can lead to stomach acid flowing over the teeth and wearing away enamel. This can cause enamel to appear translucent and subsequently increase the risk of tooth decay.
Extensive tooth brushing or rinsing after vomiting can also contribute to tooth decay.
2. Anemia and pale gums
Pale gums may indicate that someone is suffering from an iron deficiency, meaning your body does not produce enough red blood cells. Healthy gums are usually a relatively consistent shade of pink but for those suffering from anemia, the colour may appear more faded or white.
This paleness can also impact the tongue and mucous membranes inside your mouth. Anemia can also cause inflammation of the tongue, known as glossitis. This will cause the tongue to turn into a beefy red colour and can make it feel sore and tender.
3. Osteoporosis and tooth loss
Osteoporosis impacts all the bones of the body, including the jawbones. When the jawbones become less dense, those suffering from osteoporosis may find that their teeth move around more than average.
Osteoporosis can lead to tooth loss and gum disease or affect dental implants. People with untreated coeliac disease may also develop osteoporosis.
4. Oral Thrush and HIV
Oral thrush is usually not a serious cause for concern, however patients who already have a weakened immune system might be more susceptible to developing the condition. Oral thrush is often among the first symptoms of HIV and can also be a sign that you're at risk of developing more severe infections.
5. Tooth Loss and kidney disease
People who suffer from kidney disease often develop mouth sores or experience changes in taste. Due to a lack of saliva and subsequent dry mouth, acidity increases and can cause tooth decay and eventual tooth loss.
Research also suggests that people with kidney disease and those on dialysis are at higher risk of developing periodontal disease and other oral health problems.(09/13/2022)
The Top Dental Apps for Adults
Brushing your teeth is the most important step of your dental hygiene routine, and dentists recommend doing this at least twice a day. Since bacteria is all around you, including in the food you eat, your teeth are vulnerable to decay. That’s why it’s essential to not just brush your teeth, but to brush them thoroughly.
Dentists such as Dr. Kenneth Troutman in Huntingburg, IN, suggest brushing for two minutes each time you brush. This ensures that you’re reaching every area of your teeth and removing all of the plaque that might be stuck to them. If you’re struggling to brush for at least two minutes every time or just need more motivation to brush, check out these helpful dental apps that you can download.
1. Brush DJ
Unless you’re already using a timer app when you brush your teeth, you probably just brush your teeth for a certain length of time and assume it’s been two minutes. With the Brush DJ app, you’re able to know exactly how long you’re brushing without having to guess.
This app lets you choose a song from your own personal library or online and plays exactly two minutes of it. That way when the song stops playing, you know you’ve brushed long enough. The app also allows you to set reminders to do things like buy a new toothbrush, schedule a dentist appointment, or even let you know when it’s time to brush.
An important part of brushing is making sure you brush every inch of your teeth — even the hard to reach areas that are hard to see. Brushy is an app that helps you remember to do this. It shows you a diagram of a mouth and indicates which section of your teeth to brush and for how long.
The app also features a simple timer that counts down from two minutes so you know how long to brush for. Thanks to the visual aid it offers, Brushy is perfect for people who need a reminder to brush more thoroughly.
3. Teeth Whitener
Having a white smile can boost your confidence and oral health as well. According to dentists like Dr. Randy Allain in Highland, MI, the whiter your teeth are, the more motivated you are to maintain them. On the other hand, having a dull smile will likely make you want to improve it by brushing regularly with whitening toothpastes.
Teeth Whitener is an app that allows you to upload a picture of yourself to see what you would look like with whiter teeth. It also allows you to track your progress and compare your current smile to past versions of your smile. Download this app to receive motivation to brush daily so you can achieve the smile of your dreams.
4. Colgate Connect
If you’re looking for a more advanced, personalized brushing app, try the Colgate Connect app. While it does require you to purchase the compatible toothbrush to use the app, users have found that it dramatically improves their oral health.
This app has a wide variety of features to help you improve your brushing. Not only does it include a two-minute timer, but it also allows you to upload a diagram of your own set of teeth. It even shows you spots that you missed and highlights areas that need extra attention.
The app also includes a fun game that lets you unlock new characters while you brush, making it a great app for children as well.
Seeking Additional Dental Care
Mobile apps are a great way to make sure you’re brushing your teeth consistently, but there are other important aspects of maintaining good oral health. Some of these include flossing frequently and choosing a good, alcohol-free mouthwash. It’s recommended that you floss and rinse your mouth with mouthwash at least once a day.
Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups is also crucial.(09/12/2022)
Men and women have the same mouth structure, consisting of the teeth, gums, tongue, and jaw. Anatomically speaking, men and women are pretty much the same when it comes to their mouths. However, many studies have proven that women's oral health is far superior to men.
Most of us know how necessary bi-annual dental appointments are; however, women are much more likely to attend regular cleanings and exams. Below you will find other common reasons women are thought to have better oral health than most men.
Periodontal Disease Increases With Heavy Drinking
Plaque accumulation on the teeth and gumline happens quickly without regularly seeing a dentist for check-ups and cleanings. People who fail to see their dentist every six months often suffer from hardened plaque, which leads to periodontal disease. As soon as bacteria accumulate between the teeth and gums, visible side effects, including swelling and bleeding, begin. Men are more likely to develop periodontal disease, mouth sores, and tooth decay due to heavy drinking.
Men Are More Likely To Suffer From Dry Mouth
Certain medications, including antidepressants and those for high blood pressure, can significantly impact natural saliva production. Saliva plays a critical role in controlling cavity-causing bacteria and protecting your enamel. Because men are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, they should be mindful of common side effects associated with certain medications.
The Risk of Dental Trauma Is Greater
Men are more likely to suffer from dental trauma because they are much more involved in contact sports than women. Mouth injuries like knocked-out teeth, fractures, cracks, and other trauma-related issues can significantly affect the health of your smile. Using a mouthguard can help protect the teeth while participating in contact sports.
Men Use Their Teeth More as Tools
Using your teeth as tools to open things is never a good idea, and men are much more likely to suffer from damage because of this. From opening bottles to ripping open a snack bag, using your teeth as tools can result in a cracked tooth or damaged enamel.
Routine Cleanings and Exams Aren't a Priority
Dentists recommend visiting a dental clinic once every six months for routine dental cleanings and exams. During these appointments, accumulated tartar and plaque are removed, and your mouth is checked for potential issues. A study published by the CDC showed that women are more likely to schedule routine dental appointments than men. Women are also more likely to follow a dentist's recommendations than men.
Men Are More Prone To Oral Cancer
Males over the age of 40 are more prone to oral cancer than any other demographic. The most commonly affected area of the mouth where oral cancer develops is the lips, gums, tongue, and floor of the mouth. Oral cancer spreads quickly and can cause chronic pain, loss of function, facial disfiguration, and even death.
Chewing or smoking tobacco increases the chances of being diagnosed with oral cancer. Men who are tobacco users should make a strong point of seeing a dentist regularly to perform oral cancer screenings.
Routine Hygiene Isn't as Much of a Priority
In general, women are thought to pay more attention to their body's overall health. When it comes to oral hygiene, women are 26% more likely to floss daily, and 57% of women commit to brushing twice a day vs. 49% of men.
When was the last time you visited your dentist? If it's been longer than six months, it's been too long.(09/12/2022)
More Information: NViews: 37
It’s easy to get into a routine when you brush your teeth, but have you ever wondered if you’re spending enough time on this important task?
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH?
You should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time to make sure you’re removing enough plaque. It can help to set a timer for this amount of time since most people only brush for about 45 seconds.
WHAT ARE THE BEST PRACTICES FOR BRUSHING TEETH?
It’s best to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Use short strokes and gentle pressure to move your toothbrush along the outer surfaces of your upper and then lower teeth. Do the same with the inner surfaces of your teeth but hold your toothbrush vertically and brush up and down. Brush the chewing surfaces using a back-and-forth motion and brush your tongue by moving your toothbrush from front to back.
IS IT OKAY TO BRUSH TEETH ONCE A DAY?
Brushing your teeth only once a day allows harmful bacteria to quickly build up in your mouth or in between teeth.
SHOULD I FLOSS BEFORE OR AFTER I BRUSH MY TEETH?
There’s not a strong consensus either way on whether you should floss before or after you brush your teeth. The important thing is that you floss and brush thoroughly.
IS BRUSHING YOUR TEETH 3 TIMES A DAY TOO MUCH?
It’s OK to brush your teeth 3 times a day if you’d like. Whether you brush 2 or 3 times a day, it’s important to not apply too much pressure. This can damage the enamel and gum tissue, which can make your teeth more sensitive.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T BRUSH YOUR TEETH IN THE MORNING?
As you sleep, your body produces less saliva, making it easier for bacteria in your mouth to multiply without getting rinsed away. If you don’t brush your teeth in the morning, the bacteria have a chance to multiply and eat away at the enamel in your teeth.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU CAN’T BRUSH YOUR TEETH?
If you’re in a situation where you can’t brush your teeth, you can rinse your mouth with water and swish it around.
To be more thorough, wash your hands and rub across your teeth and gums with your wet finger. Then wrap a wet paper towel around your fingers and rub it over your teeth. Rinse well and swish water around in your mouth.
HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT BEFORE BRUSHING MY TEETH AFTER EATING?
In general, you should brush your teeth as soon as possible after eating. But if you eat acidic foods, like oranges or grapefruits, you should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing since your enamel can become temporarily weakened.
IS IT HARMFUL TO BRUSH TEETH WITHOUT MOUTHWASH?
A bacteria-fighting mouthwash can help prevent gum disease, and one that prevents fluoride can help prevent tooth decay. However, it’s not harmful to brush your teeth without using mouthwash.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN TEETH?
Brushing for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended. You should also floss once a day and talk to your dentist about which type of mouthwash he or she recommends for your needs.(09/11/2022)
As a parent, you care about your child’s oral health habits. But you may be wondering if they need to go so far as to take a toothbrush to school. Here, we’ll discuss a few tips to promote superb oral health for your child this school year.
Teach Them to Care for Their Teeth at Home
If your kids properly care for their teeth every day while at home, there is no need for them to bring a toothbrush to school. Teach them that they should brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes every day in the morning before school. Then at night before going to bed, they again need to brush their teeth for two minutes and to floss between their teeth, moving the floss in a C-motion to reach under the gums and scrape around each tooth.
Provide Your Kids with a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet will not just benefit your child’s overall health, but their dental health too. Limit foods and drinks that are high in sugar and carbohydrates, like candy, white bread, cookies, crackers, and potato chips, which all contribute to an increased risk of tooth decay. Sugar feeds the bad bacteria in your child’s mouth. In turn, the bacteria accumulate into a sticky film of plaque and produce acids that destroy tooth enamel, causing decay. Instead of packing their lunchbox with prepackaged treats, pack nutritious foods that are good for their teeth, like string cheese, whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, send them to school with a refillable water bottle so they can stay hydrated throughout the day. Sufficient water allows for a healthy flow of saliva, which will help clean and remineralize your child’s teeth, and prevent bad breath and mouth dryness.
Bring Your Kids to Helotes Family Dentistry for Routine Dental Visits
Another vital part of your child’s oral care routine is bringing them in for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend your child’s first trip to the dentist to happen around their first birthday, followed by visits every six months. Adhering to this schedule allows us to track your child’s oral development, and to make sure their mouth and teeth stay clean and healthy.(09/10/2022)
More Information: https://helotesfamilydentistry.com/blog/toothbrush-school/Views: 38
Do you floss your teeth on a daily basis? The importance of flossing is most likely stressed to you by your dentist or dental hygienist each time you go in for cleanings. Why is flossing so important to your oral health?
The Importance of Flossing
You probably know that one purpose of flossing is to remove food particles from between your teeth. But it also helps to scrape tartar and plaque out from between your teeth and along the gum line. Flossing can reach parts of your teeth that brushing can’t. It even strengthens your gums, making them more resilient to plaque, bacteria, and infection.
Benefits of Flossing:
Prevent tooth decay. Removing food and plaque from in between your teeth can help to prevent cavities from forming in areas that are hard to reach with your toothbrush.
Prevent gum disease. Flossing removes food and plaque from along and under the gum line, which helps to prevent gum disease.
Prevent bad breath. Preventing tooth decay and gum disease helps to keep your breath more fresh.
Save money. By avoiding cavity fillings and other dental procedures you can save money on your dental care.
How To Floss Your Teeth
Follow these basic steps to effective flossing:
From your spool of floss, break off a piece about 18 to 24 inches long.
Wind it around your middle fingers until they are a few inches apart.
Use your index fingers to pull the floss tight and slide it in between each of your teeth. Make sure the floss rubs against both of the teeth.
In each space between your teeth, curve the floss, slightly wrapping it around the sides of each tooth so that it is able to reach the space between the tooth and the gums.
Repeat this process in each space between your teeth, using a clean part of the floss each time.
Tip: If you have a particularly tight spot between any of your teeth where it’s hard to get the floss between and back out, simply unwrap one end of the floss from your finger and pull it out from the side.
Flossing and Brushing: Which Should You Do First?
In your personal oral care routine, which do you normally do first, the brushing or the flossing? It is actually recommended that you floss your teeth first. The reason is that flossing loosens food and plaque from your teeth, making it easier to brush it away. Also, it is easier to remember to floss if you do it first. You are much less likely to skip brushing than you are to skip flossing, so once you get in the habit of flossing first you won’t forget.
How Often Should You Floss?
Dentists recommend that you floss at least once a day and brush at least twice a day. Flossing too often may irritate your gums and make them more susceptible to gum disease.
Different Types of Floss
Standard floss. This is your typical floss made of nylon. It comes waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavored.
Dental tape. This is a flat strip of floss that is shaped more like a narrow ribbon. It is helpful if you have any larger spaces between your teeth.
Super floss. This floss is specially made for flossing with braces, bridges, or other dental work. It has one end that is stiffened (like the end of a shoelace) to make it easier to thread under braces wires, spongy floss to clean around your brackets, and regular floss for getting between your teeth.
Other Flossing Tools
Waterpik. Basically a water flosser, this is a motorized tool that sprays water with force. It can be used to clean out the spaces between your teeth. It is especially useful when you have braces or dental work.
Plackers. If you have trouble maneuvering floss or you just need a faster method for flossing on the go, floss picks or plackers are a bit easier to use. These consist of a small piece of floss stretched between the ends of a plastic stick in a U-shape. You simply push the floss between each of your teeth. Rinse it off a few times as you go.(09/10/2022)
More Information: NViews: 45
Unless you're a dental trivia champion, the term "crown lengthening" probably isn't familiar to you. Even though it's perhaps a new term to you, a crown lengthening procedure is actually relatively standard. Think of it as the dental treatment you need to make the next dental treatment possible. Your dental professional may tell you that you'll need this procedure because you don't have enough exposed tooth surface for them to place a crown or bridge appropriately. If so, you're probably very curious about what crown lengthening is.
Crown lengthening surgery involves removing gum tissue, bone, or both to expose more of a tooth. It's done for therapeutic and sometimes cosmetic reasons. Let's go over why you may need it and what to expect from pre-op to recovery!
Why Would I Need Crown Lengthening?
Imagine this: your dental professional has examined your teeth and determined you need a crown. But what if there is not enough tooth for a crown? A periodontist may then suggest a crown lengthening procedure to support a dental crown or tooth bridge. There are a few reasons why you may not have enough tooth for a recommended treatment:
Your tooth may have broken off at the gumline.
Your gumline extends too far along your tooth for it to receive the restorative treatment it needs.
Your tooth structure isn't strong enough for restoration.
A crown or filling has fallen off, and there is decay underneath.
Is There a Cosmetic Reason To Get Crown Lengthening?
According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), a "gummy smile" is a common reason for getting a crown lengthening procedure. You may hear this term about short looking teeth. But did you know that "short" teeth aren't actually short? They may just have an excess of gum tissue! It's important to note that every smile is different, so some people are just born with more gum tissue. However, we believe you deserve to feel great about your smile! So we recommend having a conversation with your dental professional if you are self-conscious of your smile and would like to consider crown lengthening as a cosmetic option.
How Do I Prepare?
A periodontist will review your medical history and X-rays before setting a date for the procedure. You may also have a dental hygiene appointment done right before crown lengthening, as this will decrease your infection risk by clearing out any bacteria, plaque, and tartar.
If your dental professional performs a crown lengthening procedure to reveal enough tooth for a crown, there's a chance they will put a temporary crown on your tooth to protect it before surgery. This allows your periodontist to see how a crown will fit on your tooth once the tooth has "lengthened" and the gums around it have healed. After three months of healing, a final crown will fit onto your lengthened tooth.
Another way to prepare for crown lengthening and to determine if it's the best option for you is to consider the cost. The price of your procedure will depend on several factors, such as whether or not you have dental insurance, what type of surgery you're having performed, how many teeth need it, your location, and whether it's for a restorative or cosmetic reason. Dental Treatment Guide estimates crown lengthening costs between $1000 and $2,000, while Cost Helper Health estimates it between $1,000 and $3,000.
What Can I Expect From a Crown Lengthening Surgery?
There are three types of crown lengthening surgery: a gingivectomy, surgical extrusion, and apically repositioned flap surgery. Your dental professional will know which type of surgery is best for you, based on the following considerations, noted by Medical News Today:
The appearance of your tooth's root
The crown to root ratio
If there is any bone loss
The position of the tooth that needs crown lengthening
What type of reconstructive surgery is necessary (like a filling or cap)
Crown lengthening surgery is usually done with a combination of local anesthesia and a sedative. Your periodontist will use a scalpel, laser, or a combination of the two tools, depending on the type of surgery. The amount of time your crown lengthening surgery will take will depend on the number of teeth that need treatment. It will also depend on if both bone and soft tissue need removal. You may only have one tooth that needs crown lengthening, but neighboring teeth are often also included in the treatment. This means that the tissues reshape gradually.
What comes next?
You can take anti-inflammatory medication and use a cold compress to help with any pain or swelling after your surgery. While you recover, we recommend consuming soft, healthy foods and rinsing your mouth after meals. Staying away from hard, sticky, and sugary foods will guarantee you're only introducing the most gentle and nutrient-rich ingredients into your mouth, letting your teeth and gums heal.
During the first few days of healing, your gums will continue to shrink as the swelling comes down. If the crown lengthening procedure was on a tooth in the back of your mouth, full recovery might take 6-12 weeks. You can expect the healing timeframe to be 3-6 months if the crown lengthening procedure occurred in the front of your mouth.
Are there possible complications?
The two main complications, bleeding and infection, can occur after any surgery. If you experience any symptoms beyond the expected, such as bleeding that doesn't stop, signs of infection, or pain that doesn't lessen, call your periodontist. Specific to crown lengthening surgery, you should watch for:
Sensitivity to hot and cold: This should go away with time or when your periodontist places the crown on your tooth.
Appearance: The affected tooth may look longer than the teeth next to it after the tissue and bone removal.
Looseness: It's a possibility that removing bone from around a tooth can make it feel looser
Regardless of the reason for you needing or wanting this procedure, maintaining a vigorous oral care routine before and after surgery is essential for the best possible outcome. You should brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth with floss, a water flosser, or another interdental cleaning tool.
Everyone deserves a bright and healthy smile they're confident about. Whether your dental professional has told you that you'll need crown lengthening for a restorative dental procedure, or you personally feel it's a cosmetic surgery that will improve your smile, understanding the process is vital. Your dental professional can help you decide on the right course of treatment, so you feel confident showing off your healthy, gorgeous smile!(09/09/2022)
More Information: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/gum-disease/crown-lengtheningViews: 34
Your dentist has recommended that you see a periodontist, a dental specialist who treats periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that infects the gum tissue causing inflammation, redness, swelling and loss of bone around the teeth. It can affect one tooth or many.
The National Institute of Health reports that 80 percent of adults in the United States have some form of periodontal disease.
How did I get Periodontal Disease?Periodontal disease begins with bacteria present in the mouth attaching to the teeth. The bacteria collect and multiply, forming a biofilm called dental plaque. If this plaque is left on the teeth, the adjacent gingival tissues can become inflamed, resulting in the development of gingivitis, an early form of gum disease.
Daily flossing and twice-daily brushing with a toothpaste that fights bacteria can help prevent gingivitis. Plaque and food debris are removed by oral hygiene practices and thus clean the surface of the teeth and eliminate bacterial plaque at the gum line of the teeth. [It needs to be clear from this section that gingivitis is an early form of gum disease that can lead to periodontitis, a serious form gum disease, if left untreated] However, if plaque and food debris are not removed and oral hygiene practices are not maintained, then gingivitis will get worse and the gum tissue can become more inflamed, bleeding can occur, the area between the tooth and gum tissue can become deepened to form a periodontal pocket and periodontal disease can develop.
A periodontal pocket develops as the plaque bacteria from the biofilm continues to accumulate and moves below the gum line. At this point, home care is not very effective in removing the dental plaque. If it is left untreated by the dentist or dental hygienist, the biofilm will continue to spread below the gum line and infect the inside of the pocket. The bacteria in the plaque produce by-products that cause the adjacent soft and hard tissue to degrade, forming a deeper pocket in the process.
This type of advanced periodontal disease can affect the roots of the teeth and they can become infected, too. The teeth may become loose or uncomfortable and the patient will require gum surgery. The patient would be required to have initial therapy to treat diseased periodontal pockets through scaling and root planning. The dental hygienist would utilize an ultrasonic scaling device to remove plaque, tartar and food debris below the gum line and would hand scale the tooth and root surface to make it smooth and disease free. Scaling and root planing can be completed in two to four sessions depending on how much oral disease the patient may have. Thorough oral hygiene procedures would be reviewed with the patient to improve oral care cleaning techniques at home.
Types of Gum Surgery
1. Gingival Flap Surgery – If pockets are greater than 5 millimeters in depth, the periodontist would conduct this procedure to reduce the periodontal pockets that were noted in a patients chart. Most patients who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontitis would go through this procedure. The periodontist would cut the gum tissue to separate the gum tissue from the teeth, conduct a thorough deep cleaning with an ultrasonic scaling device as well as hand instruments to remove tartar, plaque and biofilm below the pockets.
2. Gingivectomy – This procedure is conducted to remove excess gum tissue that may be overgrown on the teeth to provide a better area to clean the teeth. The periodontist would numb the patients gum tissue and cut and eliminate the extra gum tissue in the mouth.
3. Gingivoplasty – This type of gum surgery is used to reshape healthy gum tissue around the teeth to make them look better. If a person has tooth recession where the gum is pushed away from the tooth, a gingivoplasty can be done. A gum graft can be done where the tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth (this is called a graft) and then stitched into place on either side of the tooth that is recessed.
After gum surgery, it is important that the periodontist or dental hygienist inform you how to clean the teeth and gum tissue with a toothbrush and an antimicrobial fluoride toothpaste, floss and antibacterial mouth rinse. Please consult your periodontal specialist or dentist for more information of how to care for your gum tissue and teeth after gum surgery.(09/09/2022)
More Information: NViews: 30
Eating and speaking are things people generally take for granted, but millions of Americans who don’t take proper care of their teeth can affect their ability to do both. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 26% of United States adults are dealing with untreated tooth decay, and nearly half (46%) of adults over 30 demonstrate signs of gum disease.
Not only can the complications from poor dental hygiene lead to significant problems with your teeth, gums, and jaw, but they can cause issues that severely compromise your overall health. Let’s look at how neglecting your dental hygiene can affect your body and what you can do to improve your teeth.
Residents in Mamaroneck, New York, and Stamford, Connecticut, looking for relief from gum disease and tooth decay can get help from Dr. Gennadiy Kravets and the compassionate team at All Bright Dental. We provide comprehensive preventive, restorative, and cosmetic care for a wide variety of dental problems for patients of all ages.
Defining poor dental hygiene
The mouth is the starting point of the digestive system, an environment that contains many harmless bacteria to help in breaking down food particles. To keep harmful bacteria from collecting in your mouth, cleaning your teeth regularly by brushing and flossing helps to keep food particles and bad bacteria from collecting in between your teeth and gums.
Neglecting this can cause infections in your teeth and gums that can lead to tooth decay, gum disease (periodontitis), tooth loss, dry mouth, mouth ulcers, and other problems that can create the climate for worsening dental health.
How it can affect your body
Infections that affect your teeth and gums can spread to other parts of the body and create other significant complications, such as:
Endocarditis: bacteria in your mouth can get into your bloodstream and attach to areas of your heart
Cardiovascular disease: while the link isn’t entirely understood, research indicates the inflammation and infections in the mouth can lead to many types of heart disease
Birth complications: research also shows premature births and low birth weight are tied to gum disease in mothers
Pneumonia: bad mouth bacteria can be drawn into your lungs, putting you at risk of pneumonia
Conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and HIV/AIDS can affect your body’s defense against infection and bone loss, which can increase the risks of complications from dental problems.
Best habits for proper dental care
Daily habits to help maintain proper dental hygiene include:
Brushing twice daily
Brushing is one of the essential tools in protecting your teeth, so don’t rush through it. Also, remember to clean your tongue, either with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper.
This is essential for cleaning particles and bacteria that can get trapped in areas your brush can’t reach, such as between your teeth. Use about 18 inches of floss and grip tightly between your thumb and forefingers. Gently guide the floss between teeth until it reaches the gum line, making a ‘C’ shape.
Using the right equipment
Be sure to use a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to maximize the quality of each brushing, and be sure to replace your brush at least every three months.
Poor dental care can lead to many other health issues. If you take care of your teeth now, you can avoid these complications and keep your body healthier. Routine dental visits will help you gauge how well you’re caring for your teeth, so if you need to get a checkup or have dental concerns.(09/08/2022)
When it comes to a healthy mouth, start with the basics. These simple steps will help keep you healthy from head to toe.
Poor oral health can have a dramatic affect on our lives. Pain, infection and broken or missing teeth not only dictate our day-to-day ability to eat and function, but can also have a deep emotional effect. What’s more, dental researchers have gone a step further to discover that the bacteria that reside in our mouths can enter the bloodstream and may be linked to diabetes, heart disease and stroke as well as pre-term and low-birth-weight babies.
The Canadian Dental Association recommends these five steps to help reduce the risk of oral disease:
1. See Your Dentist Regularly
Every time you visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning you’ll be thoroughly checked for any signs of oral disease.
2. Keep Your Mouth Clean
Brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day and floss once a day. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush and you’ll remove the plaque and bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.
3. Follow a Healthy Diet
An overall healthy diet will definitely contribute to your oral health, but it’s especially important to limit how much sugar and acidic food you consume as they are the main causes of dental problems.
4. Check Your Mouth Regularly
According to the Canadian Dental Association, nine out of 10 Canadians will develop gum disease at some point in their lives. In-between visits to your dentist, check your mouth yourself for signs of gum disease such as red or sensitive gums, bleeding when you brush or floss, loose or sensitive teeth or a change in the appearance of your teeth and gums.
5. Avoid Tobacco Products
Cigarettes and chewing tobacco are dangerous to both your oral health and your overall health. Stained and missing teeth, infected gums and bad breath are just some of the problems they can cause, but mouth, tongue and lip cancer and heart disease are also related to tobacco consumption.(09/08/2022)
More Information: NViews: 30
If you smoke cigarettes, use e-cigarettes, or other tobacco products, they can affect your oral health. Not only can smoking have adverse effects on your oral health, but it can also cause damage to your teeth and gums. At our Philadelphia dentist office, we offer a full range of treatment for patients with cavities, including dental fillings. Dr. Pamela Doray will perform a full evaluation to determine the most appropriate solution for your needs.
Smokers and e-cigarette users have a higher chance of developing severe oral health issues like cavities, gum disease, and infection. Being aware of the symptoms that you may experience is essential to improving your oral health.
Some common symptoms of cavities may include:
Visible holes or pits in the teeth
Pain when chewing
Swelling in the gums
SMOKING AND DENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Cigarettes and e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which prevents the body from producing saliva. Reduced saliva flow can lead to dry mouth, increased risk of tooth decay, and bad breath. Tobacco and nicotine use can also increase your risk of gum tissue damage, receding gums, and gum disease. Patients who smoke have a more difficult time healing after gum disease treatment. Using cigarettes and e-cigarettes restricts blood flow to the gums and mouth, which increases your risk of infection, decay, inflammation, and other oral diseases.
WHEN TO VISIT THE DENTIST
Being aware of the risk associated with smoking and tobacco use is important. Undergoing routine dental visits and dental cleanings can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. It is also crucial that you maintain a proper oral hygiene routine to help reduce your risk of serious oral health issues.(09/07/2022)
Gingival hyperplasia is an overgrowth of gum tissue around the teeth. There are a number of causes for this condition, but it’s often a symptom of poor oral hygiene or a side effect of using certain medications.
If left untreated, this oral condition can affect the alignment of your teeth and increase the risk of developing gum disease. Gingival hyperplasia can be resolved by improving oral hygiene habits. In more severe cases, surgical treatment is necessary.
Gingival hyperplasia is also referred to as:
Gingival hyperplasia symptoms
Gingival hyperplasia can be painful and can affect your oral health. One of the more common characteristics of this condition is having red, bleeding gums.
Other symptoms associated with gum overgrowth include:
plaque buildup on teeth
In more severe cases, the gums can completely cover the teeth, affecting hygiene and teeth alignment. If your teeth are covered, they will be difficult to clean. This could increase your risk of developing gum disease. If you develop gingival overgrowth at a younger age, it could affect tooth eruption or the process where your teeth grow in and become visible.
3 Causes of gingival hyperplasia
Gingival (gum) overgrowth is often caused by inflammation. It can also be drug-induced, as a side effect of prescribed medications. Common medications that can cause this overgrowth include:
calcium channel blockers, or drugs used to treat high blood pressure and other heart-related conditions
This condition often resolves once a person stops taking the prescribed medication.
Other causes can be categorized into groups: inflammatory gum enlargement, systemic causes, and hereditary gingival fibromatosis.
1. Inflammatory gum enlargement
Gingival hyperplasia can occur as a direct result of inflammation. The inflammation is often caused by plaque buildup on the teeth from food, bacteria, and poor hygiene practices.
The inflammation can make the gums tender and red, and it can trigger bleeding. Proper hygiene techniques, such as daily flossing and effective brushing, can improve this condition.
2. Systemic causes
Other causes of gingival hyperplasia are more physiologic. Pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, and some diseases such as leukemia can trigger gum overgrowth. Other diseases or conditions that could cause gum overgrowth include:
The condition usually improves once the underlying cause has been treated. In the case of pregnancy, gum enlargement improves once the baby has been delivered.
Proper oral hygiene can improve symptoms and reduce the risk of developing this condition.
3. Hereditary gingival fibromatosis
Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare oral condition that causes slow, progressive gum enlargement. It often begins in childhood, but it may not be noticeable until adulthood.
The gingival overgrowth from this condition is caused by an overproduction of collagen. In some cases of this condition, the gums will cover major parts of the tooth surfaces or cover them completely.
Treating gingival overgrowth
Treating gingival hyperplasia often depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, improved oral hygiene can prevent or improve symptoms and resolve this condition. However, if gum overgrowth is a product of medication or disease, doctors may recommend surgery.
Gingival hyperplasia can be a recurrent condition despite improvements in oral hygiene, professional treatment, and drug substitutions. In such cases, overgrown gums may need to be surgically removed. Periodontists can perform this surgery with a scalpel or laser.
Some procedures used to remove overgrown gums include:
Laser excision. A periodontist will use lasers to remove inflamed gum tissue. Once the gums are removed, the periodontist will scrape any plaque buildup around the roots of your teeth.
Electrosurgery. In electrosurgery, your periodontist applies electric currents to your gum tissue to cut or remove what has overgrown.
Periodontal flap surgery. This procedure separates the gums from the teeth. The gums are folded back temporarily to allow the periodontist access to remove inflamed tissue and clean any plaque or tartar.
Gingivectomy. A gingivectomy removes a portion of your gums from around your teeth. A periodontist will trim and remove diseased gums, and then repair your remaining gums with stitches.
Gingival hyperplasia is an oral condition that causes your gums to overgrow. In more severe cases, your gums can completely cover your teeth, making it difficult to maintain effective oral hygiene habits. Improved oral hygiene can often resolve this condition and improve symptoms. In other cases, treatment depends on the underlying cause.
If you’re experiencing irregular symptoms or if you’re worried about your oral health, make an appointment to see your local dentist.(09/06/2022)
More Information: https://www.healthline.com/health/gingival-hyperplasiaViews: 46
One of the most serious and painful types of gum disease is called trench mouth. According to Healthline, the name dates back to World War I, the first war in which soldiers experienced prolonged periods of trench warfare. Because they were under significant stress and did not have time to take care of their teeth or seek treatment, they often developed painful and bleeding gums.
Who Is Affected By This Condition?
Trench mouth can affect anyone who does not practice proper mouth care, or who cannot or does not access regular dental cleaning, though it is quite rare in nations with modern healthcare. It is still sometimes observed in younger males, possibly due to the reluctance to seek treatment until it becomes very painful. Other factors include a poor diet and a lack of knowledge about oral hygiene.
What Additional Factors Put a Person at Risk for Trench Mouth?
The disease can be caused or exacerbated by factors such as a compromised immune system, a history of smoking, infections in the mouth or existing health conditions like diabetes or HIV/AIDS. A history of gingivitis (gum disease), especially in combination with poor oral hygiene and missed dental appointments, can greatly increase the chances of developing this condition. Inadequate nutrition and diet choices can also be contributing factors.
What Are the Symptoms of Trench Mouth and How Is It Diagnosed?
Patients may experience a combination of several different symptoms, says The New York Times.
Bleeding gums and pain caused by touching or brushing the teeth
A metallic taste or smell coming from the mouth
An increase in swelling of the gums
Flu-like symptoms, including fatigue and fever
A simple oral exam by a dentist is enough for a diagnosis with the above symptoms, and the condition can be initially treated with a cleaning of the gums and teeth by a dental hygienist.
To decrease infection, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics, along with an antibacterial rinse. The rinse can also be used by the dental hygienist during the cleaning to help relieve the pain caused by the infected gums.
Once the patient is relieved of the symptoms of this painful condition, regular visits to a dentist and dental hygienist will help prevent it from occuring again, and ensure a lifetime of healthy gums.(09/06/2022)
Some say the eyes are the window to the soul. But if you really want to know what someone’s about, check their smile. A welcoming show of pearly whites makes a great first impression, while a tight-lipped smile or whiff of bad breath does the opposite.
Read on for tips on how to make sure you’re giving your teeth the care they deserve.
1. Brush two times a day for two minutes
Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, says the American Dental Association (ADA). This will keep your teeth in top form. Brushing your teeth and tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste cleans food and bacteria from your mouth. Brushing also washes out particles that eat away at your teeth and cause cavities.
2. A morning brush fights morning breath
The mouth is 98.6ºF (37ºC). Warm and wet, it’s filled with food particles and bacteria. These lead to deposits called plaque. When it builds up, it calcifies, or hardens, on your teeth to form tartar, also called calculus. Not only does tartar irritate your gums, it can lead to gum disease as well as cause bad breath.
Be sure to brush in the morning to help get rid of the plaque that’s built up overnight.
3. Don’t overbrush
If you brush more than twice a day, for longer than four minutes total, you could wear down the enamel layer that protects your teeth.
When tooth enamel isn’t there, it exposes a layer of dentin. Dentin has tiny holes that lead to nerve endings. When these are triggered, you might feel all sorts of pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 20 percentTrusted Source of American adults have experienced pain and sensitivity in their teeth.
4. Don’t turbocharge
It’s also possible to brush too hard. Brush your teeth like you’re polishing an eggshell. If your toothbrush looks like someone sat on it, you’re applying too much pressure.
Enamel is strong enough to protect teeth from everything that goes on inside your mouth, from eating and drinking to beginning the digestive process. Children and teens have softer enamel than adults, leaving their teeth more prone to cavities and erosion from food and drink.
5. Make sure you floss every day
Want to avoid minimal scraping at your next checkup? Flossing loosens the particles that brushing misses. It also removes plaque, and in so doing prevents the buildup of tartar. While it’s easy to brush plaque away, you need a dentist to remove tartar.
6. It doesn’t matter when you do it
You finally have an answer to the age-old question: “Which comes first, flossing or brushing?” It doesn’t matter, according to the ADA, as long as you do it every day.
7. Stay away from soda
“Sip All Day, Get Decay” is a campaign from the Minnesota Dental Association to warn people of the dangers of soft drinks. It’s not just sugar soda, but diet soda, too, that harms teeth. The acid in soda attacks teeth. Once acid eats away at enamel, it goes on to create cavities, leaves stains on the tooth surface, and erodes the inside structure of the tooth. To avoid drinking-related tooth decay, limit soft drinks and take good care of your teeth.
Beyond regular teeth cleaning, dental care may occasionally include getting a tooth or teeth pulled. While not exactly fun, it’s also nothing to be afraid of. Think of it as a means of ending chronic pain and risk of infection — while laying the foundation for a better-looking and healthier smile.
Top 5 Reasons for Tooth Extraction
There are many reasons why a tooth extraction may be required for dental health (which, let’s face it, also impacts general health), but here are the top few:
Severe tooth decay can render a tooth unviable and cause infection. Depending on where it is located, the safest solution may be to extract it.
Advanced periodontal disease (gum disease) can compromise your health and further imperil your dentition. Again depending on the circumstances, the best solution may be extracting one or several teeth.
Broken teeth due to injury cannot always be repaired. If the integrity of the tooth and its root are destroyed, extraction may be necessary.
Impacted wisdom teeth, causing damage to adjacent teeth or pain.
In preparation for orthodontic treatment, when there is severe crowding and not enough room to align teeth properly.
How Is Tooth Extraction Performed?
Anesthetic via injection will numb the area surrounding the tooth and make the actual extraction procedure fairly painless.
Once numb, the tooth will be loosened and gently removed. Depending on the complexity of the extraction, sutures may be necessary.
Once the anesthetic wears off, a persistent dull ache may require pain medication, but how much will vary from patient to patient.
Dental implants or other tooth restoration options usually follow tooth extractions to preserve your smile and the functionality of your teeth.
What Is Recovery From Tooth Extraction Like?
Depending on the location of the tooth extracted or how many are removed, there may be some post-procedure downtime required. Patients often follow a liquid or soft food diet following dental work, but your oral surgeon will outline in detail what post-operative protocols to follow for both health and comfort.(09/05/2022)
More Information: https://www.drsalamati.com/blog/5-reasons-you-might-need-tooth-removal/Views: 36
If you have never visited a dentist for a dental filling, you might have heard that filling tooth cavities involves a lot of drilling. Some people feel that the amount of drilling work done is not proportional to the size of the tooth cavities. This article will explain why dentists have to drill wide and deep before filling tooth cavities.
How are tooth cavities formed?
To understand why drilling is needed, it is essential first to understand how tooth cavities come about. Tooth cavities result from tooth decay. Sugary food substances may build up on your teeth over time. When these substances combine with saliva and bacteria, they release acids. These acids gradually dissolve the enamel. If the enamel is eroded at a faster rate than it is replaced, cavities form. Tooth decay can also originate from the inner layers of the teeth. This happens when food substances build up at the root of the tooth. Gum disease can also cause tooth decay.
Why must there be drilling?
When you visit a dentist for a dental filling, the dentist will first numb the gums to reduce pain. After that, the dentist cannot just go ahead and fill the cavity. If they do so, the bacteria causing the decay will remain in the tooth and cause further decay. Furthermore, the parts of the tooth that are in the early stages of tooth decay will eventually dissolve and create another cavity.
Filling a tooth cavity seeks to achieve two goals. First, it should replace the damaged parts of the tooth. Second, the dental filling should prevent the decay-causing bacteria from damaging the remaining sections of the tooth. The dentist is therefore forced to drill to remove any traces of bacteria. They must also remove any portion that has started decaying.
Not all drilling involves removing bacteria and decayed tooth parts. Sometimes, dentists are forced to drill healthy portions of the tooth. For example, when the cavity is tiny, the dentist is forced to dig to create a sufficient working space. Furthermore, some cavities lie deep inside the tooth. This is common for tooth decays that start at the root of the tooth. Such decays erode the inner layers of the tooth. The dentist will, therefore, have to drill to access the cavity.
It is almost impossible to conduct a thorough dental filling procedure without drilling. The amount of drilling done depends on the extent of the bacterial attack and the location of the cavity.
How to take care of your teeth
The build-up of sugary food substances is the primary cause of tooth cavities. You can prevent this by brushing your teeth regularly using fluoride toothpaste. If tooth decay is discovered in its early stages, it will be easier to treat. It is, hence, advisable to visit a dentist frequently for dental check-ups.(09/04/2022)
More Information: https://www.smilemountainview.com/why-dentists-drill-teeth/Views: 41
Year after year, tooth decay is one of the most common diseases that people face. Indeed, tooth decay, also more commonly known as cavities or caries, plagues mouths across the world. Tooth decay happens when plaque, which is the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with sugars from the food we eat. This combination produces acids that can damage and weaken tooth enamel. While there is no cure for tooth decay beyond professional dental treatment, there are actions you can take to prevent cavities. Let’s get into more detail about tooth decay.
What is Tooth Decay?
Food and bacteria can cause tooth decay. Plaque is always forming inside your mouth. This sticky substance is getting on your gums and your teeth, and it contains the bacteria that feast on the sugars from the food we eat. When bacteria feed, they make acid. And that acid can attack your teeth well after you are done eating, and over a long enough period of time they can start to destroy tooth enamel. Left untreated, decay will work its way throughout your entire tooth and all of its layers.
You may not notice pain or sensitivity until decay goes through your tooth enamel and into the dentin layer, which can become irritated by hot or cold foods and drinks.
There are more factors and behaviors that can make you more likely to get tooth decay.
First and foremost, not brushing your teeth can be the biggest factor. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and be sure to floss regularly. Book appointments with your dental office for cleanings and checkups to stay on top of your teeth and stay ahead of cavities. Another important factor is the type of food you eat. If you eat foods that are high in sugar, you are giving the bacteria in your mouth more to feed on. You may have heard it before, but try to avoid candy, soda, juice, and cookies. Limit the number of snacks you consume between meals, as increased consumption of sugary foods can elevate the risk of decay.
Other factors can be dry mouth syndrome and not having enough saliva in your mouth. Saliva acts as natural protection for your teeth, washing away food and the harmful sugars from your teeth.
Incorporating fluoride-based toothpaste in your oral care routine can make your teeth more resilient to the acids. In addition to toothpaste, several oral rinses or mouthwash also include fluoride.
How does a cavity happen?
If you often consume sugary drinks or foods, a cavity can occur if a tooth is frequently exposed to acid. Over time, acids that continuously attack your teeth may lead to the demineralization of your tooth enamel. Reversible white spots on your teeth mean you have lost some minerals, and that’s a sign you might be heading towards tooth decay.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay from Getting Worse
While not curable, you can try to stop it early with a good oral care regimen. This includes buying an electric toothbrush to help remove plaque better and help prevent cavities from forming in the first place. It’s also important to be aware that enamel is able to repair itself by using saliva’s minerals, and this is greatly assisted by the fluoride sources like toothpaste.
How to Treat Cure Tooth Decay
While there is no true tooth decay cure, there are treatment options. While this depends on the severity of the cavity, a dentist might need to drill to remove the decayed portion of a tooth and use a filling to replace it. If a tooth is in very bad shape, a dentist might need to remove the extensively damaged tooth structure and replace it with a crown, which is fitted around whatever remains of the tooth. If it's so bad that the nerves of a tooth are dead, a root canal treatment might be necessary. That involves removing nerves and tissue along with the decayed tooth, and placing a crown on top.
Avoid tooth decay and make sure you keep smiling!(09/03/2022)
More Information: NViews: 32
Don’t let stinky breath give you the blues. It is normal, and it happens to all of us from time to time - so, let us leave the judgement at the door. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can occur due to many reasons - food, lifestyle choices, dry mouth, or simply because it is morning and you have just woken up. Bad breath can occur more frequently than you’d expect, but there are things you can do to have fresh breath all day - and no, simply popping a piece of gum is not enough.
These 6 steps can make your breath smell fresh all day:
Lack of a good oral hygiene routine can significantly contribute to bad breath. But the good news is, halitosis can be self-treated and, in most cases, with simple tweaks in your oral hygiene routine. Let us look at how to avoid bad breath for good. Here are 6 easy steps to keep your breath smelling fresh all-day -
Use a proper toothbrush: Just brushing your teeth is not enough; you need to use a good toothbrush that can remove all the plaque, and leftover food particles that cause bad breath. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush that preserves the enamel of the teeth and yet removes plaque expertly. Try the Oral-B toothbrushes for best results, twice a day.
Take care of the technique: When in doubt, go back to the basics. Brushing teeth, even twice a day, isn’t enough if you don’t do it properly. The first thing to remember is to use circular motions. Clean the inner surfaces thoroughly and make sure you brush all sides of the teeth well. Also, use lighter, back and forth motions on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to remove all the leftover food particles.
Clean your tongue: This is an essential step if you want your breath to smell fresh. Despite brushing your teeth, there are still some bacteria left in the mouth, especially on the tongue. Because of the bacteria, very often there is a sticky white coating on the tongue, which commonly accompanies and contributes to halitosis, especially in the morning. So make sure to use a tongue scraper to thoroughly clean the tongue and remove this white coating. If you do not have a tongue scraper, then you can use a soft-bristled Oral-B toothbrush to gently peel-off this layer.
Use a mouthwash: After you are done brushing the teeth and cleaning the tongue, it is time to rinse your mouth with a dental-approved mouthwash formula. Not only will it go the extra mile to clean and protect your teeth but will also prevent many oral and gum diseases. Furthermore, depending on the flavor of the mouthwash, your breath will smell fresh and pleasant.
Floss after: This is a step you might want to skip but try not to if you don’t want your breath to smell bad. Sometimes pesky little food particles can enter any cavities or gaps in the teeth and get stuck there, often stinking up the breath. So, give your floss a chance once you’re done brushing your teeth and rinse with a mouthwash. Simple, waxed floss can help remove all the plaque and keep the breath super fresh.
Chew sugar-free gum: When you are out and about, especially when you haven’t eaten for a while, do not shy away from chewing a piece of gum. This is not a quick fix, but it works to keep bad breath at bay. This is because when you haven’t eaten for a while, the saliva production in the mouth goes down, and so does the moisture, which can lead to bad breath. So, go ahead and chew some gum- but make sure it is dental-recommended and sugar-free (because sugar is bad for the teeth!)
Additional tip: Advanced oral care - do not forget those dental appointments! Visiting the dentist periodically for cleaning and check-up can go a long way in preventing bad breath. Certain gum diseases such as gingivitis can contribute to bad breath, and not just in the mornings. So, take that dental appointment and get a thorough dental health check-up. If you want to know more about how to keep your breath fresh all day, your dentist may have a few extra tips to improve your oral hygiene routine.
So, these are some tips that will help you keep your breath minty fresh every day. Tweaking your oral hygiene routine can help keep bad breath at bay. But most importantly, make sure you use superior-quality dental products such as Oral-B electric toothbrush to get that pleasant breath and maintain dental hygiene for good!(09/03/2022)
Brushing our teeth is the first thing we do in the morning and the last thing we do before going to bed at night. Since brushing is the foundation of a good oral hygiene routine, an average person spends around 82 days brushing teeth, in their lifetime. Not to mention the amount of money and time that we spend on maintaining our oral hygiene.
But did you know that brushing incorrectly can cause more damage than good? All of our time, money, and efforts go down the drain if we commit these common mistakes while brushing.
Hard brushes are harsh on your teeth
It’s a myth that harder bristled brushes clean more effectively. Hard brushes are meant for people with perfect teeth and brushing habits. Overzealous uses of hard brushes cause loss of enamel and gum damage. So stick to a soft or medium bristle brush.
Fast and furious brushing
In this one-click world, does brushing teeth for more than 30 sec feels like a waste of time? Well, your teeth need to deserve at least 2 minutes of your time, twice a day to stay healthy. Brush aggressively will erode your enamel, no matter how soft or expensive your brush. Similarly brushing fast and calling it day will not clean your teeth and lead to mistakes. So be gentle and brush for 2 minutes.
Wrong brushing method will wrong your teeth
Brushing from side to side or horizontally is the most common and wrong way of brushing. It only spread germs from one tooth to another. Place your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, then move your brush in small circular strokes and then sweep away from the tooth. So use small sweeping strokes to clean your teeth and gently massage your gums.
Forgetting your inner teeth surfaces
The world sees the front of your teeth, but your body sees the back. Brushing your teeth only from the front will leave your inner tooth surfaces vulnerable to cavities and considered brushing mistakes. The back surfaces tend to accumulate a lot of food debris and bacteria on the account of being ignored. So brush the front, back as well as chewing surfaces of your teeth to avoid cavities.
A wet toothbrush is an open buffet for bacteria
Almost all of us are guilty of dumping our just used toothbrushes into our cabinets. Wet toothbrushes are bacteria magnets and the dark warm conditions of your cabinets will encourage bacterial growth. Allow your toothbrush to air dry completely before storing it away. Once they dry, keep them away from damp sink counters.
Brushing too often is just as bad
Overdoing is always overkilling. Just like brushing too little is harmful, brushing too much is also just as bad. Do not brush your teeth after every meal thinking that it will avoid cavities. It in reality will weaken your enamel. So stick to brushing well, just twice a day.
Not rinsing after brushing
Do you just spit out the paste after brushing and sit down to have breakfast? Rinsing well after brushing is a must to expel all the dislodged bacteria and food debris from your mouth. Fluoride-the anti-cavity component of your toothpaste needs some time to work in your mouth after use. So rinse well and do not have anything for half an hour after brushing your teeth.
Forgetting to floss
When was the last time you flossed like a boss? Brushing is just one-half of a good oral hygiene routine. Flossing is important to remove all the food stuck in between your teeth. Our interdental area is the prime cavity-causing location of our teeth with about 1/3 of all the cavities starting there. So floss regularly to avoid cavities.
Ignoring your tongue
Do you brush well but still have a stinky breath? A dirty tongue is the cause of the mouth odor in about 45% of the cases. Our tongue hoards a lot of bacteria and small food debris under its rough surface and requires regular cleaning. So clean your tongue well with a tongue cleaner or simply use your brush to clean it.
Using a frayed brush
Do you remember the last time you changed your brush? A frayed brush is ineffective in cleaning your teeth and will do more harm than good. The frayed bristles not only damage your enamel but also cut into your gums and damage them. So replace your brush regularly every 3 months.
Using whitening/anti sensitivity toothpastes for long
Are you still using an anti-sensitivity or whitening toothpaste that your dentist prescribed 2 years ago? Then you are damaging your teeth. These kinds of toothpaste are meant to be only for a short period of time.
Sensitivity toothpaste only masks the symptoms and does not cure the underlying causes like decay, bone loss, or gum damage. So long-term use will not do you any good. Whitening toothpastes are meant to be used under supervision. Prolonged use of these strong, specialized ingredients will irritate your gums and weaken teeth in the long run. A good toothpaste only needs fluoride (1000ppm) which protects your teeth from cavities and keeps your mouth healthy.
So remember that dentistry is not expensive, ignorance is; so brush right and save not just your teeth, but your money time, and effort. Visit your dentist every 6 months to catch and treat dental problems early. And do not repeat these brushing mistakes.(09/02/2022)
More Information: https://dentaldost.com/common-brushing-mistakes-you-tend-make/Views: 37
Getting food stuck in between the teeth may be one of the biggest annoyances to deal with. It seems to always happen when a person is eating with somebody, enjoying a nice steak, or even just casually having a dinner that includes talking and eating.
It is very common for food to get wedged in between the molars in the back of the mouth, or maybe a piece of popcorn kernel wiggled its way in a small crevice. In these instances, having food trapped in between the teeth is completely normal.
There are plenty of reasons why a person may think that food gets stuck in between their teeth, but there are simple underlying reasons why this could be a common occurrence for someone.
Teeth alignment could be one of the simplest reasons why food is always trapped in between teeth. Spacing in between the teeth, which is known as open contact, is when there is a gap or opening between two adjacent teeth.
Spacing in between certain teeth could be from how the teeth naturally grew into place or from a chipped or missing filling. Having braces to close gaps or a general dental visit can assist with the upkeep of fillings to avoid food continuously getting trapped.
If a person is noticing food becoming trapped in the same area constantly, there is a probability that there may be a hidden cavity. Cavities are notorious for trapping food particulars in between the teeth, which ultimately grows bacteria and worsens the cavity.
Cavities are caused by tooth decay from the formation of a film of sugars and starches from not brushing the teeth well. The formation of this type of plaque eats away at the enamel of teeth, creating crevices and openings in or in between teeth.
If a person does not suspect gapping or cavities to be the cause of food getting trapped in between teeth, a mouth disease may be the roof up the problem. Periodontal disease is the loss of bone, gums or teeth in the mouth, which is the cause of multiple dental problems.
Periodontal disease includes sore gums, gums receding in size, and poor tooth alignment - just to name a few of the main symptoms. All of these symptoms, in combination, can lead to particles becoming trapped which will accelerate spacing and tooth decay.
Getting regular dental check-ups can pinpoint the exact cause of food being trapped in between the teeth and the dentist can offer treatment plans or tips to avoid this problem from occurring in the future.
Worried about food constantly being trapped in teeth?
If you are concerned about why food is becoming trapped in between the teeth, schedule an appointment with us! Having a thorough examination of your teeth with help identify the reasons why food particles are constantly stuck in between the teeth. Also, it will help identify which care plan our staff should set in place for you to have a nice healthy smile and set of teeth again!(09/02/2022)
Does your tooth hurt after flossing? Not only you, but many people are also experiencing this problem especially if you are a beginner. It is important to understand that you do not quit flossing simply because your teeth start to hurt afterward.
While minor swelling, bleeding, or discomfort is common, serious tooth problems may be a sign if your tooth hurts too much after flossing. Always remember, flossing gives you only benefit.
Read some of the following reasons behind this problem and book an appointment accordingly.
1) You are new to flossing
People who undergo pain during or after flossing are usually new to this habit. Following improper techniques and improper usage of tools can result in damage to your gums.
You should floss gently and carefully between your gums and teeth. Do not apply too much pressure which may hurt your gums and lead to bleeding.
As already said, don’t just stop this habit as it is hurting. Instead of stopping this habit, go for an alternative tool like a Waterpik. This is a great tool to replace traditional flossing that eliminates debris in the teeth and gums.
2) Tooth Decay
Flossing and brushing definitely reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth. In case, if your tooth hurts only in a particular area after flossing, check that area and look for any cavity. Because bacteria settle in the cavity and may hurt your teeth exactly where you are flossing regularly.
Consult your dentist immediately if you notice tooth decay or experience persistent pain.
3) Gum disease
The main general cause of tooth discomfort after flossing your teeth is gum disease. The buildup of plaques below the gumline is the cause of this problem. Even though if it hurts, flossing continuously can help prevent gum disease of early stages.
If you are experiencing discomfort after flossing, remember you are starting to clean and eliminate plaque from the areas of gums and teeth that were not exposed before. So continue flossing your teeth gently and take care of your gums without damaging them.
Consult with your dentist if you have this problem persistently and get other modes of treatment like deep cleaning which can eliminate plaques quickly and effectively and helps to relieve pain.
4) Sensitivity in the tooth
If you have teeth sensitivity, it hurts your teeth when you brush or floss. Sensitivity in the tooth may occur due to the result of gum disease or tooth decay. If you are not sure about tooth sensitivity, check whether you are getting any pain when drinking cold or hot liquids. Hence, tooth sensitivity may be a reason for discomfort ness in the tooth post-flossing. Consult your dentist immediately to find the underlying cause of tooth sensitivity and get treated before a further problem occurs.
There can be many reasons what make your teeth feel weird or hurt after flossing. If you are experiencing persistent discomfort while flossing book an appointment with your dentist.(09/01/2022)
More Information: NViews: 47
Everyone loves that fresh, clean feeling after their dental cleanings. Yet, if other sensations are felt, such as tingling, it often causes people to worry.
While the source of the tingling may not be serious, it can be a sign that there is something that needs correction, like you are brushing your teeth too hard.
You Have Nerves And Blood Vessels In Your Teeth
The enamel of your teeth—the hard outermost layer of your teeth—is the hardest substance in your body. However, just because the enamel is hard doesn’t mean that everything inside the structure of your tooth is equally tough.
Under the dentin—tooth layer directly below the enamel—you have your dental pulp, which includes highly sensitive nerves and blood vessels to keep your teeth alive. These nerves help you determine how much pressure you need when biting food, assist with speech as you move your mouth and tongue around your teeth to shape words, and more.
So, temporary discomfort, tingling, and other responses to doing things like scraping your teeth on a fork are to be expected due to the nerves in your teeth. However, if your teeth tingle with no clear indicator or will sporadically start and stop tingling, it may be time to visit our dental clinic for a checkup.
Reasons Why Your Teeth May Tingle
There can be many reasons why your teeth may start tingling. Some of these issues can be resolved at home, but for others, you will need to access dental services to fix the source of your dental discomfort.
Hard teeth brushing – When you use a hard-bristled toothbrush or simply brush your teeth too hard, you can wear down the enamel of your teeth. The more worn-down your enamel, the more of your sensitive dentin is exposed, and the more likely that your teeth will tingle. There is no way to replace the enamel, but you can work on using a more gentle toothbrush and toothpaste that is formulated for sensitive teeth.
Teeth grinding or clenching – Often an unconscious action, bruxism—grinding your teeth in your sleep—or clenching your teeth can make your teeth tingle. Repeated clenching or grinding of your teeth can wear them down, exposing your sensitive dentin and potentially developing cracks in your teeth with the excess pressure. Using a custom nightguard can help protect your teeth in your sleep.
Cavity – Pain is a common response when a cavity develops; however, it is not the only response you may feel. For a small cavity, your tooth may just tingle initially. As the cavity progresses, the tingle can change to pain until the issue is addressed.
Acidic foods and drinks – Foods and drinks that are highly acidic can erode the enamel of your teeth, leaving them more sensitive and prone to tingling. Rinsing your mouth with water after consuming acidic foods and drinks can help reduce the impact.
An issue with a dental filling – A dental filling can become loose over time, especially as your tooth expands and contracts around it. Your tooth may start tingling when a filling becomes loose and starts to move, which can only be corrected by having the dental filling replaced.(09/01/2022)
“Beauty is power. A smile is its sword!” said infamously by John Ray.
Of course, a smile is so much better with a healthy and beautiful set of teeth. Dental health and regular visits to your family dentist can ensure you have a bold and proud worn smile.
Going to the dentist alone will not keep dental decay, stained and cracked teeth away. There are many things one can do to help improve taking care of your teeth between visits to the dentist.
Below I will give you some, not all tips to help with oral hygiene.
6 Tips to Improve Your Dental Health in Between Visits to the Dentist
Of course, regular visits to your family dentist are imperative to dental care. However, you can help keep your smile shining through in between dental checkups with these 7 tips to improve your dental health.
Suppose a person were to ask you. What are some tips that you can give me to help improve my oral hygiene?
1. Flossing Daily
Flossing daily is an important part of your dental hygiene routine. Flossing helps dislodge food and plaque stuck in between your teeth, while brushing removes the dislodged food.
If you brush first and floss afterward, it kind of defeats the object as the plaque remains in your mouth until the next time you brush.
2. Regular Brushing of Teeth
Plaque is a layer of bacteria that coats your teeth. If you don’t brush your teeth in a proper manner, this can cause a build-up, and this is the main cause of gum disease and tooth decay.
Tooth brushing stops plaque from building up. Try to make sure you brush every part of all your teeth.
You do not have to be over the top with this routine. It is sufficient to have a regular brushing routine. Perform this ritual twice a day, once before going to bed and again when you get up in the morning. Each brushing session should last at least 2 minutes.
It is of equal importance to use fluoride toothpaste as this helps protect your teeth.
How Should you Brush Your Teeth?
Keeping your toothbrush at an angle will ensure that you reach the areas between the teeth
Squeeze a small amount of fluoride toothpaste onto the bristles of the toothbrush
Use small gentle circular motions brushing outer and inner areas
Use back and forth motion on the chewing surfaces
Spit out any excess toothpaste, try not to rinse your mouth out with water as this will help the absorption of the fluoride, which strengthens the tooth surface
3. Change Your Toothbrush at Regular Intervals
Regular use of a toothbrush will tend to splay the toothbrush bristles. Old and worn toothbrushes are not as effective as a new strong toothbrush.
A toothbrush should typically be changed every 3 to 4 months to ensure good oral hygiene.
4. Avoid High Sugar Content Foods and Drinks
The phrase you are what you eat can be true for teeth and gums. Plaque is a thin film of bacteria and remains which covers the whole of your mouth.
Avoid food and drink with a high content of sugar as well as processed and acidic foods. Without significant nutritional value as this will increase the probability of cavities and bleeding gums.
Some foods that will help keep your oral health in check are
Milk, cheese, and yogurt are some dairy products that are healthy and contain calcium and phosphates. These foods help put back minerals your teeth might have lost due to other foods.
Fiber-rich Fruits and Vegetables.
They say that foods with fiber help keep your teeth and gums clean. They also get saliva flowing. This is your best natural defense against cavities and gum disease. This is why it is advisable to east something with natural sugars such as fruits after a meal.
Eating fatty fish such as salmon can also help with your dental health as it is high in vitamin D. This vitamin is necessary for every system in your body. Still, one of its lesser-known benefits is its ability to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
There are many more foods that help with oral health. Try to focus on foods that are low in sugar, particularly processed sugars and carbohydrates, high in fiber, and contain nutrients your mouth needs, such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
5. If You Are a Smoker Quit
Smoking is a leading cause of periodontal and gum disease. How does smoking affect gum disease, you ask?
Gum or periodontal disease causes inflammation around the tooth. This irritation can affect the bone and supporting structures by loosening the tooth from its base, thus causing the tooth to fall out.
When you go for any type of surgery, do you remember the Doctor asking if you are a smoker? Over a period of time, smoking weakens your body’s immune system, which can result in a reduced ability to recover after surgery.
Limiting or even avoiding your tobacco intake will help save you from periodontal and gum disease and even oral cancer.
6. Regular Dental Check-Ups
Last but not least, schedule regular check-ups.
Having your dentist regularly examine your entire oral condition and taking x-rays will help in the early detection and prevention of any future issues with your oral hygiene and keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Keep Your Smile Bright
Good oral hygiene between dental health check-ups and regular visits to the dentist will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Also, remember, prevention is better than a tooth extraction. If you begin to feel some sort of sensitivity in a tooth or you damage a tooth, don’t wait until it’s time for your check-up to do something about it. Getting in early can help you get on top of a bigger problem.(08/31/2022)
It is everyone’s desire to look good all the time. A great smile will undoubtedly contribute to that, and we cannot avoid smiles at all times. When you have yellow teeth, it may not be so pleasing to offer smiles to everyone you comes across. Therefore a discolored smile can be undesirable to look at, and at times you may not get the same smile. This condition can make you lose your confidence and become irritated by your smile.
This may even prompt someone to keep on hiding his/her teeth. And this might not be possible a hundred percent, and that is why we should know what causes yellow teeth so that we do not fall into that category.
Some people have naturally discolored teeth while others obtain them from various kinds of food. These may include tea, coffee, and wine which may contribute entirely to yellowing of your teeth. Smoking is also a leading cause because of the large puffs of smoke which emanate from the smoker’s mouth and this is a primary cause of yellow teeth.
Poor oral hygiene maintenance is another cause of discolored teeth, and those who fail to take good care of their teeth may fall into this category. Teeth can also become yellow with age. As you age up, your teeth do not appear as white as when you were a small child with milk teeth. Aging even results to wearing down of the enamel of the teeth and this increases the change in teeth color.
Even as we try to find out more about what causes yellow teeth, the consumptions we make daily may also be a leading factor in change teeth color. Medications may be another factor resulting in this condition.
Elements such as tetracycline, antipsychotic and those of high blood pressure are a good example of the drugs which aid in yellowing our teeth. This is because they contain certain chemicals which speed up teeth decay and as we consume these drugs time by time, the chemicals accumulate more resulting to yellowing of the teeth. Even chemicals found in mouth washes and mouth rinses also contain elements which may result to yellowing of teeth. These may include elements of chlorhexidine and also cetyl Pyridium which constitute of the chemicals in these mouth washes. A little bit of usage is not wrong but regular usage over an extended period may cause your teeth to start turning color.
Visiting the dentist is a proper mechanism for controlling our teeth from turning yellow. We should always start by proper hygiene and take good care of our teeth. This will make them look healthy most of the time.
Proper brushing technique should be adopted because improper brushing may damage the gums and when the gums are damaged, bacteria tend to get a healthy living environment, and this may also contribute to the effect of yellow teeth. Brushing should be done twice a day, and without brushing, we risk ourselves by exposing our teeth to bacteria.(08/31/2022)
More Information: https://glensupremedental.com.au/yellow-teeth-causes-and-effects/Views: 50
Since childhood, we have been taught of brushing the teeth twice on daily basis. Although most people brush their teeth at least once in the morning, there are some people who do not brush at night. On some occasions, people who do brushing twice in a day also forget to brush at night or whenever they feel lazy. However, since childhood at some point, we had a question in mind: What will happen if I don’t brush my teeth for a few days? Well, hardly we might have got in the detail to find the answer. If the question is still unanswered then here we are revealing some of the aspects about it.
Most people know that cavity development on the teeth is the first thing that will happen if they do not brush for 3 days. However, there is more severity in the cavity development and other hazards too for your oral health, if you do not brush for 3 consecutive days. The risk can be seen among people of all age groups. The children and teens are more prone to the risk when they do not brush for 3 consecutive days. Cavity development starts at this point where the bacteria developed from the food eating starts eroding the teeth. This is the prelude to the decaying of the teeth that gives a lot of trouble later. However, there are more bad effects of not brushing for consecutive days too.
Repercussions of not brushing teeth:
Here are some of the bad effects of not brushing the teeth for 3 days continuously:
1. Tooth loss
This is the primary thing that happens later when you do not brush continuously. Here, due to non-brushing, the cavity starts developing on the teeth due to bacteria growth. The cavity start increasing which erodes the teeth and the enamel of the teeth is worn out. The cavity thus increases deteriorating the tooth making it painful and loose. Ultimately after some duration, the tooth loss occurs.
2. Gum disease
When you do not brush for a few consecutive days, the bad effect is seen on the gums. The bacteria start developing on the gums and nearby teeth. After some while, the gum disease of Gingivitis occurs. It shows the symptoms like reddish gums, swollen gums, bleeding while brushing, and plaque development. Gingivitis is a milder form of gum disease and if not treated properly then it leads to Periodontitis. Now, Periodontitis is the later stage where the gum disease problem is more severe. Here, the symptoms observed are tooth loss and jaw-bone loss. Apart from that, the problems in the gums also make it difficult to eat harder food items.
3. Bad breath
Not brushing for a few days will immediately give the bad breath problem. The food particles get stuck up on the teeth and gums. It leads to bacteria development that gives bad breath. Also, the tongue gets coated without brushing which causes the bad breath. Most of people can easily observe this effect when they skip brushing for even a single day.
The bad pathogens that lie on your mouth go directly into the lungs that cause the problems. These pathogens are responsible for problems like pneumonia. The studies have found that brushing the teeth regularly can reduce the pathogens to some extent. The people who maintain good oral hygiene hardly get problems like pneumonia.
It is observed that the problems of gum disease lead to diabetes problems too. If the dental health is not good the insulin resistance is very low. Also, the sugar level increases in the body due that cause the problem of diabetes. Here, it becomes difficult to treat the gum disease too.
6. Heart disease
Various studies around the world have observed that there is connection between heart disease and gum disease. The pathogen bacteria caused due to the Periodontitis leads to coronary heart disease. Also, the bacteria accelerate the bad cholesterol development that causes blockage like problems to the hearts. It is observed that a person having heart disease problems also has bad oral health.
The plaque that forms on the gums during the Periodontitis phase causes the growth of Helicobacter pylori. Different researchers have come to the conclusion that bacterial pockets developed on the gums cause problems like ulcers too. The ulcer problem requires some days to get completely treated. Also, if the gum problem is grave then the ulcer healing process gets slower.
These are some of the commonly observed bad effects when you do not brush for3 days. You suffer from both oral health and other health problems too. So, to avoid such smaller to major problems later, it is always better to take a few minutes and brush twice daily. Good oral health will make it possible to achieve a healthy lifestyle easily.
More Information: https://thechampatree.in/blog/health-and-fitness/brushing-teeth/Views: 79
When you are feeling under the weather, caring for your oral health might slip your mind, which is completely normal as even the smallest task may seem daunting when you aren’t feeling well. But, it is important to maintain your brushing and flossing routine as illness can often impact your oral health. Our Gainesville dental clinic has outlined some oral health tips for you to follow when you are feeling sick or unwell.
Contact our Gainesville dentists today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our many cosmetic and general dentistry services.
Use Sugar-Free Medicine
While over-the-counter medicines can help provide you some relief from any coughing that comes with being sick, many of them have ingredients that can be harmful to your oral health. We recommend reading the label to check for any citric acid or high-fructose corn syrup, as these can increase your risk of tooth decay.
The common cold and various other illnesses can lead to dry mouth, which can greatly impact your oral health. Not only is dry mouth uncomfortable, but it can also promote cavity development as saliva is the main way that your body washes away any food or bacteria in your mouth. We recommend sipping water throughout the day and staying away from excessively consuming drinks with high amounts of sugar, such as sports drinks or ginger ale.
Rinse Your Mouth With Water After Vomiting
Vomiting is often a common symptom with many illnesses and often leaves you with a disgusting taste in your mouth. As tempting as it is to brush your teeth right after vomiting, this can rub any residual stomach acid into your teeth and gums, which can damage the enamel of your teeth. We recommend rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash rather than immediately brushing your teeth after vomiting.
Don’t Cancel Your Dentistry Appointment
We understand that the last thing you would want to do when sick is to go to a scheduled dental appointment, but skipping your appointment could leave you feeling sick longer. If your illness is related to a dental issue, such as sinusitis, a dentist might be able to help provide you relief and get you on the path to recovery. Even when sick, make sure you are maintaining your oral hygiene routine of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
Get A New Toothbrush
Keeping a toothbrush too long, especially after being sick, can allow bacteria to grow and can result in perpetually reinfecting yourself with the same illness. Cold viruses can live on your toothbrush for up to 24 hours, and the flu virus can live for up to 48 hours, so it’s important to swap out your toothbrush after you’ve recovered from being sick.(08/30/2022)
More Information: https://comprehensivedmd.com/5-oral-health-tips-for-when-youre-sick/Views: 48
From hot food burns to infections, gum injuries have several possible causes—but sometimes they're self-induced. Luckily, you can prevent gum irritation by identifying activities and habits that are causing them. Read up on four causes that might be damaging your delicate gums – and get tips on changing your habits to prevent future irritation.
1. Overly-Aggressive Brushing
Using excess pressure when brushing may feel like it keeps teeth and gums cleaner, but the opposite is true – aggressive brushing irritates your gums, which can cause more severe infections. As long as you're thorough, gentle pressure is sufficient for food and plaque removal. Use short, precise strokes to clean each tooth's entire surface. And chose soft-bristled toothbrushes, as they're best at effectively cleaning teeth without aggravating delicate gum tissue.
2. Improper Flossing Technique
Overzealous flossing is also a no-no. Avoid using high pressure or vigorous back-and-forth movements to dislodge food and plaque, as this can lead to further gum irritation or even bleeding gums (as well as being uncomfortable).
Prevent irritating gums while flossing with a gentle approach.
Slowly move the floss back and forth, up and down, and gently against the sides of your teeth.
With this level of pressure, flossing around the base of your teeth ensures that you reach food beneath your gum line – too much force can make this easy to overlook.
Avoid pushing the floss into this area abruptly or snapping it into place, as doing so can cut or bruise your gums.
Not a fan of traditional flossing or just can’t get into the habit? Try using a water flosser, an interdental cleaning device that emits a steady stream of water to gently clean hard-to-reach places between your teeth.
3. Home Whitening Treatments
Peroxide-based agents will whiten teeth but can cause irritation if they come into contact with gum tissue. Because OTC whitening strips or trays aren't designed to fit the contours of your mouth, they may allow peroxide to touch your gums.
A dental professional can help you whiten teeth at home without irritating your gum line by creating a custom-fitted whitening tray. This tray will ensure that the bleaching products only come into contact with your teeth and not the delicate tissue beneath them.
4. Dietary Choices
The foods you eat are can also contribute to gum irritation. Hard candies or crunchy items like potato chips can scrape against gums and cause irritation as you chew. Can't give up the crunch? Reach for healthy alternatives like celery or carrots. Crunchy natural foods act like teeth cleaners by stimulating saliva flow while scrubbing away bacteria and food particles.
Treating Your Irritated Gums
If your gum irritation feels or looks serious, make an appointment with a dental professional, as it could be symptomatic of a different oral health condition. But if one of these four self-induced causes is the culprit, home remedies can ease gum irritation. Health Link BC suggests over-the-counter pain killers, topical gels, hot or cold compresses, and warm salt water rinses.
Irritated gums are no fun, but making small changes to daily habits and can make a difference. The sooner you get to the root of the cause, the sooner you’ll be able to treat your irritated gums and get back to a pain-free, confident smile.(08/29/2022)
White spots on your teeth are certainly no fun. They can range from a barely noticeable annoyance to an embarrassing obstacle that keeps you from smiling and enjoying yourself properly. The good news is you don’t have to suffer with white spots permanently. There are some simple ways you can begin to address the white spots on your teeth and greatly improve your smile satisfaction.
What Causes White Spots on Teeth?
It can help to understand why you develop white spots on your teeth as you seek to treat them. There are several underlying reasons that can cause white spots on the teeth; some are easier to control than others.
Very young children who are exposed to extremely high levels of fluoride while their teeth are developing can have white or brownish spots called fluorosis. White spots caused by fluorosis are generally considered a cosmetic condition rather than a serious structural concern. Recent changes in the amount of fluoride added to drinking water may make this less common, but spitting (not swallowing) toothpaste is important for children under 8 who are still developing permanent teeth.
In older children, teens, and adults, the spots are generally areas where minerals have been stripped away, leaving weakened enamel. This process is called demineralization. Demineralization itself has multiple possible causes.
Demineralized white spots can be related to diet and nutrition. A malabsorption condition like celiac disease can cause problems with the tooth enamel surface. The body cannot absorb the nutrients it needs to build healthy enamel because of the disease, so it ends up growing unhealthy enamel. Poor nutrition choices that leave you deficient in minerals can damage enamel similarly. A lack of nutrients, particularly proteins or certain vitamins,can cause weakened, demineralized enamel. After all, the body can’t build mineral rich enamel if the minerals are not present to use in the first place. Even after enamel is formed, a good diet remains essential for healthy, spot free teeth. Highly acidic conditions in your mouth that strip away the enamel that make up the tooth surface will leave white spots on the teeth. Diets high in sugars are the biggest culprit when this type of white spot develops.
White spots also can be caused by poor dental hygiene. Poor brushing and flossing techniques and habits allow acid-rich tartar to build up and strip away the minerals from the tooth surface. Frequently, these types of white spots can be found after braces are removed, indicating poor oral care habits while braces were worn.
How to Remove White Spots on Teeth
1. Improve Oral Care Habits
Sometimes, a very mild case of white spots that occurs right after braces are removed can be alleviated by improving oral care habits in general. Proper and regular brushing with a high-quality toothpaste and flossing, particularly when combined with xylitol chewing gum designed for oral health, can improve the look of minor white spots over time. At the very least, it can keep current white spot lesions from getting worse and prevent new ones from appearing. It bears mentioning that an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure here. Excellent oral hygiene habits can potentially keep white spots from ever appearing.
2. Use a Remineralizing Toothpaste
The minerals that are missing from your teeth need to be added back to strengthen and remove the look of white spots. Unfortunately, even if a dietary deficiency caused the spots, eating more calcium alone can’t restore your tooth enamel. Because enamel is not constantly refreshed the way other body tissues are, remineralizing enamel requires getting the needed minerals right to the enamel surface. This is why remineralizing toothpaste is so important.
Toothpastes that contain fluoride alone can add some mineral strength back to teeth, but they also can leave those white spots looking brownish. However, a toothpaste with nano hydroxyapatite contains the minerals that are missing from your teeth. Bio-identical minerals can build both strength and beauty when added to your teeth. Learn more about remineralization here.
3. Visit Your Dentist
Although not as simple as at-home treatment of white spots, your dentist can fill white spots with resin like that used for tooth-colored fillings. This procedure provides immediate cosmetic improvement. However, it may be much more expensive and invasive than treating spots at home. It does provide immediate strength and cosmetic improvement. For more severe cases, veneers—thin strips that cover the tooth completely—may be recommended.
Regardless of the method you choose to improve the look of your smile, treating white spot lesions can greatly increase your satisfaction with your teeth.(08/29/2022)
You are well aware that an average human mouth has 32 permanent teeth, counting your wisdom teeth as well. But there are exceptions here too. Some individuals are born with fewer teeth. Disturbances during the early stages of tooth formation may result in the congenital absence of one or more teeth, known as Hypodontia or Congenitally missing teeth.
What Is Hypodontia?
Hypodontia is a developmental abnormality wherein one or more permanent teeth fail to grow. Missing teeth are present in a list of some of the most commonly occurring developmental oral health conditions. People suffering from CMT have six or fewer teeth missing. The most common congenitally missing teeth are wisdom teeth, upper lateral incisors, and the second premolars(source).
What Are the Causes of Hypodontia?
The condition is associated with genetic or environmental factors during dental growth. Missing teeth are the results of increased maternal age, low birth weight, multiple births and early exposure to certain infections, trauma, or drugs.
Hypodontia or CMT (Congenitally Missing Teeth) usually is the result of genetic disorders such as ectodermal dysplasia or Down syndrome. Yet, people with cleft lip and palate also have a risk of missing teeth.
What Are the Problems Associated With Hypodontia or Missing Teeth?
CMT generally affects the healthy growth of permanent teeth. Missing teeth can affect your ability to chew, pose problems with speech, gum damage, and cause insufficient bone growth. They also pose functional concerns when the other teeth in your mouth move into the empty spaces and shift the positions of the teeth.
What Are the Treatment Options for Hypodontia?
In this treatment, metal brackets get fixed onto your teeth with connecting wires to move your teeth to the correct position. One can choose Invisalign and other invisible braces for a more transparent and convenient treatment option to move the teeth.
These are removable plates with attached artificial teeth. Children can start wearing dentures for assistance in speech development. Periodic replacement of children’s dentures is necessary to match the changes in their jaws during growth. One can rely on dentures until the child is old enough to get permanent teeth implants.
It is an expensive permanent method. A bridge is an artificial tooth fixed between two permanent teeth to assist in filling the gap. Bridges are porcelain-based dental products blended with metal or ceramics. Bridges help in correcting your bite problems by reinstating the lot of missing teeth, in turn, blocking the drifting of other teeth out of position.
The process of inserting an implant consists of safely placing a metal root inside your jawbone. A crown that looks like your teeth is attached to the exposed part of the implant. If the missing teeth are far apart, the process is to place an implant between each of the missing teeth.
Bonding and veneers
Patients of microdontia who have a small part of some of their teeth erupted can get the rest of the tooth built up with composite or a veneer. Remember, both these options are effective, only in situations where there is an existing tooth. These treatments are less invasive than bridges and implants but may not last long.
You don’t have to be overly concerned if you are missing a tooth or two, in addition to your wisdom teeth. That is because this situation is manageable. For this, it is essential to identify the symptoms of missing teeth early on and begin an appropriate treatment to prevent any long-term oral health issues.(08/28/2022)
Perhaps you've recently chipped your tooth and noticed that it's scratching the inside of your mouth. Or you've lived your whole adult life with uneven teeth that you'd now like to get fixed. Regardless of the reason for your jagged teeth, you should feel assured in discussing them with your dental professional! It's a common problem - sometimes from a natural cause or an accident or injury. Whether your tooth is naturally jagged or just recently chipped or broken, your dental professional has many potential ways to make it straight and even again. Regardless of the cause, you should feel confident there's an appropriate treatment option that works for you!
Natural Teeth Shape
Not all of us have a neat, even line of pearly whites. If you were born without one, you might be wondering, "Why are my teeth jagged?" Teeth can grow unevenly, and some of them, specifically our canines, can develop in a pointed and protruding manner. Anyone can have uneven teeth. In rare cases, extra cusps, which are the sharp parts of your teeth, may cause their jaggedness.
As noted by the Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects, these cusps are referred to as talon cusps because they resemble an eagle's talons. Your dental professional can remove talon cusps by grinding down or removing a section of enamel and sealing your tooth with a desensitizing agent. Crooked or pointed teeth can also sometimes benefit from orthodontic treatment. Your dental professional will be able to tell you if this applies to you.
Broken and Chipped Teeth
When you break or chip your tooth, this can leave it looking jagged. And if your tooth's nerve becomes exposed, you might feel pain. Accidents happen! And a fall, getting hit in the mouth, or biting something hard are common accidental causes of a broken or chipped tooth. Your teeth can also break when cavities or large, old fillings weaken them, making them more susceptible to injury. We recommend that to prevent nerve damage; you should see your dental professional right away if one of your teeth breaks or chips.
Jagged Teeth Treatments
How to fix jagged teeth will depend on your dental professional's suggestion. But the good news is, there are a variety of options! The most straightforward treatment for a jagged line of teeth involves shaping the existing tooth enamel for a more even appearance. Contouring, smoothing an irregularly shaped tooth is a procedure that involves gently grinding away a small part of your tooth enamel. Did you know it's a conservative cosmetic dentistry treatment and usually doesn't even require anesthesia? While contouring is a great solution, you should never attempt it at home. Shaving your own teeth can cause permanent damage and severe pain.
If you have a chipped tooth, your dental professional might suggest bonding. This procedure involves a small amount of dental resin added to your tooth to replace the missing part. The resin will match your original tooth in color, so it's not noticeable. It's one of the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures but isn't as strong as your natural tooth. So continuing a strong oral care routine will be essential for its long-term success.
Your third option is a veneer. These thin shells that fit over your entire tooth above the gumline come in two kinds: traditional and minimally invasive. Fitting porcelain veneers involves removing some tooth enamel, and it's an irreversible procedure. Veneers made of composite material are now available. Your tooth will not need shaving because the composite placed over your tooth is so thin. There are pros and cons to each of these options, so having a conversation with your dental professional about them is key.
Sometimes the damage to your tooth is occasionally so severe, a repair to its jaggedness isn't possible. The best treatment for this situation is to extract your tooth and replace it with a dental implant, partial denture, or bridge. In most cases, the recovery time for all of these treatments is minimal. If your tooth needs extraction, you may require more than one visit to your dental professional. Replacing your tooth with a natural-looking prosthetic can take several months but will be well worth it for a healthy smile!
While you may experience some initial shock when you break or crack a tooth, or you've always felt discouraged from showing your smile in-full because of jagged canines, you've got plenty of treatment options! Jagged teeth don't have to be embarrassing or painful. Your dental professional can even them out or replace a missing part. If you decide to keep your teeth the way they are, your dental professional is still a valuable resource! They can instruct you on proper care and brushing so your issue doesn't worsen or cause pain. Regardless of what you decide, visiting your dental professional is your first and most important step to a confident smile!(08/27/2022)