Category: Dental Care

It is widely known that certain foods and drinks are detrimental to your teeth and gums. Hard, chewy candy, starchy foods, coffee, tea and soda are likely to pop into your head when you think of foods you should avoid to keep your teeth strong, healthy and pearly white.

Besides your diet, did you know that some of your innocent little habits can be just as detrimental, if not more so than those bad foods and drinks?

Here is a list of some of the worst habits for your teeth:

Biting your nails. This nervous or habit of boredom may seem innocent enough, but it is slowly wearing down your teeth. Nails can be hard and the constant gnawing of them causes the enamel of the teeth to crack, chip and weaken. When the enamel is weakened, the teeth become more brittle and are prone to breakage and cracking.

Using your teeth as tools. Similar wearing down of the teeth happen when you use your teeth as tools to open things. The teeth are exposed to a lot of force which can crack the enamel on the top of the tooth.

Chewing ice cubes. One may think chewing on an ice cube on a hot summer day is fun, refreshing and harmless. After all, the ice is easily broken into pieces. Surely teeth are stronger than ice.

Sure, the ice melts in the mouth, but the pieces of the ice can be sharp and jagged, scratching the enamel of the teeth.

Grinding or clenching your jaw. Your teeth weren’t meant to bear the consistent, extreme pressure that is in grinding the teeth and clenching the jaw. When you constantly grind your teeth, the rubbing of the two teeth surfaces causes the enamel of both to get worn down.

If you’re in the habit of clenching your jaw, the pressure exerted onto the teeth can cause them to crack and possibly chip and break.

Not using a mouth guard. For those who are active in contact sports or sports where injury to the face can occur, a mouth guard is highly recommended. When a permanent (adult) tooth is knocked out, it may be able to get reinserted by a dentist in a dental emergency. If the knocked-out tooth isn’t promptly treated, the tooth will die and won’t be able to be replaced. Unlike primary (baby) teeth, permanent teeth don’t have replacement teeth that grow into its place should it fall out.

Broken or chipped teeth also require prompt treatment or the damage is permanent and will need future dental work.

Constant snacking. Eating snacks throughout the day while at work or out and about without an adequate way to clean your teeth can increase your chance of tooth decay and gum disease. Carrying floss picks and rinsing your mouth with water after snacking are ways you can reduce the amount of trapped food particles stuck between teeth.

When the teeth aren’t washed and rinsed regularly after snacking, the lodged food particles break down and decay, producing an enamel-eating film on the teeth.

Cough drops. Cough drops are infamous sugar bombs though many people discount this as they associate them with medicine.

While they are medicine and they ease your sore throat and cough, their sugar content is disastrous for your teeth. The devastating effects of cough drops are also exacerbated when taken overnight as one’s saliva production decreases.

It is important promptly and thoroughly brush your teeth in the morning and in the evening before going to bed.

Mouth piercings. Okay, this is not a habit, but a reversible decision. While piercings of the lips or tongue may look cool, the metal of the stud or ring constantly bangs against teeth, which can slowly crack and chip them over time.

Smoking or using tobacco. It has long been known that tobacco products are bad for your teeth and gums. Tobacco destroys the tissues of the gums and inside of the mouth. Those who use tobacco risk severe gum disease which can lead to lost teeth. Tobacco also causes cancer of the mouth and throat which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

We all have little habits we do on a regular basis. Unfortunately, not all these habits are as innocent and harmless as we think. Some, like nail biting, snacking and jaw clenching can destroy teeth enamel, the protective barrier on the surface of teeth that keeps the teeth hard and white.

Going in to see your dentist on a regular basis helps you stay on top of any dental health issues and the bad habits you have that may be contributing to it.

Dental surgery procedures are varied and diverse. The one you need will be dictated by your condition and individual requirement.

Bonding: Bonding is the procedure you need for decayed, chipped or fractured teeth, as well for discolored teeth. The procedure is also useful for filling of gaps in the tooth. This is a procedure that can be carried out in the comfort of the dental office.

Braces: Defects in teeth alignment are corrected with the use of braces on the teeth needing to be aligned. These are used to exert a steady pressure on the teeth. This corrects the misaligned teeth. It usually takes a number of settings to slowly realign teeth.

Bridges and implants: A tooth that has gone missing due to decay or accident can be treated with bridges and implants. The difference between the two is that bridges are artificial teeth that are held in place by the surrounding dentures. The false tooth is placed between the supporting teeth and two crowns are placed it. Implants are the artificial roots used to support the supplemented tooth.

Crowning: When it comes to cracked teeth you need crowns or caps to cover and protect them. The crown covers the part of the tooth that is visible above the gum.

Dentures: When restorative and corrective measures cannot yield results, it becomes necessary to get dentures. These are prosthetics that are popularly known as false teeth. They can be partial dentures to replace a few teeth or a full set of dentures for the entire set of teeth.

Fillings and repairs: This procedure uses approved material to repair teeth damaged by due to cavities or through trauma. This is a restorative procedure that brings relief to patients.

Extractions: A severely damaged tooth needs to be removed totally. This is done through the procedure known as extraction. The damaged tooth is surgically taken out of its place.

Gum surgery: Gum disease affects both gums and the jaw. This is usually due to damaging infections. The two major stages of infection are gingivitis and periodontitis. The former is a mild infection but the latter is a serious condition and can only be treated with gum surgery.

Root canals: Root canalling is yet another procedure that is used to treat tooth ailments. It can treat both diseased and abscessed teeth. The procedure consists of opening the gum, cleaning and removing the dead and infected tissues. After cleaning the gap is filled and sealed.

Sealants: Dental sealants are applied to the upper surface of the teeth that is used for chewing. These act as a barrier to the bacteria that are likely to destroy the teeth in future.

Veneers: These are thin strips of resin ceramics and resin that are attached to teeth. They help to repair decayed, chipped and stained teeth.

The various procedures described are used to give your teeth a new look or to repair and restore them to health when they become diseased and traumatized.

Some dental issues are very common and they are treated with different methods.

While most people try to maintain a good oral hygiene and reduce the incidence of sugar consumption, there may be need to have a dental filling to restore broken or broken teeth.

To prevent tooth decay, it is recommended that you should floss at least once daily, brush twice daily, and limit the intake of sugar in the diet at most three times a day. Sugar is present in many different foods, such as fruits, processed foods, soft drinks and sweets. People who are at a high risk of developing tooth decay should also consider the use of fluoride mouthwashes or high fluoride dental flosses to reduce the risk of tooth decay development.

Some common dental procedures include root canals, repairs, fillings, crowns, teeth whitening, extractions, bridges, and implants.

Tooth damage and Fillings and Repairs

Teeth often get damaged due to tooth decay or trauma. Different methods are used to detect tooth decay including x-rays, laser fluorescent methods.

Tooth trauma occurs due to broken teeth, tooth grinding, and nail-biting, or opening things with teeth.

Dentists repair teeth with restorative materials including the composite fillings. A tooth-colored resin is used to fill the gaps or repair the teeth.

Root canal procedure

In this procedure, the tooth pulp is removed, cleaning the void and filling it. Infection may occur in the pulp due to tooth decay if it’s not removed. Doctors seal off the tooth during root canal procedure. This method prevents teeth extraction.

Dental restorations and crowns

This method is used to protect the cracks, broken and damaged teeth. Caps or dental crowns make the complete teeth structure over the gum lines. Crowns are made of the different material including metal, porcelain, or both. The crowns keep the dental bridges in place. Dental crowns enhance appearance and make the bridge strong.

Process of Bridges and Implants

This method is used to replace teeth that could be one or more than one. A fixed removable denture is called a bridge. The bridge has the false tooth with crowns on both sides. These bridges fill the gap due to missing tooth. Doctors support the bridge with either natural teeth or by implants. Dentists replace the tooth or teeth with implants, preserving the healthy teeth.

Tooth Extractions

It means removing the tooth from its socket and extraction becomes necessary when the tooth is fully damaged due to decay. However, dentists try to avoid extractions using different ways like tooth fixing, filling, and crown etc. Tooth extraction is also required during bracing. Similarly, we also have to remove wisdom teeth.

Teeth Whitening procedure

As we age the teeth get dark but sometimes teeth get stains due to certain foods like coffee, beverages, tea, smoking, berries, trauma, and drugs like tetracycline. Dentists use peroxide-based element for teeth whitening. This is the best way to enhance teeth appearance by treating the discolored teeth. New Technics are developed for teeth whitening. Now a day we have many dental problems, nothing worrying about that.

Explore the Best dentist. Now a days we have many dental problems, no worrying about that.

Not only will your 32 teeth they help you to speak and chew, but they play a crucial role in your appearance. Follow these 6 tips to see teeth sparkling white.

Tips how to have whiter teeth naturally

1. Change your diet

What goes into your mouth is reflected on your teeth. So if you drink red wine, black tea or if you smoke, do not expect to have a bright smile. Sauces, colas and dark juices are not less harmful. In fact, if you consume is dark, it is likely that your teeth are stained. First step: brush your teeth immediately after eating foods that stain. Step Two: regularly use a good bleaching agent recommended by your dentist. Third step: while recognizing the coloring power of foods and drinks, not only take if you have a toothbrush handy. If you do not have one, go for an apple for dessert.

2. Hum brushing your teeth

Ideally, it takes about 2 minutes brushing to remove all bacteria and tartar. Look at your watch or install a timer in the bathroom to brush your teeth for 2 minutes. If not, find a song with a duration of 2 minutes and hum it.

3. Hold your brush like a pencil

Your brush she has worn look as if she had washed the car? If this is the case, you probably brush with too much intensity. Contrary to the belief of some brushers happy, manipulate your brush with force is not the best way to remove calculus. The best way is to place your brush against your gums in a 45 degree angle and move it gently in a circular motion, rather than a back-and-forth. Hold your brush like a pencil so as not to rub too vigorously.

4. Drink tea every day

Flavonoids and other ingredients in tea prevent bad bacteria from sticking to teeth and block the production of a type of sugar that contributes to cavities. The tea also contains high amounts of fluoride.

5. Replace your brush

Take your toothbrush or change the head of your electric toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. Otherwise, you are just transferring bacteria from your mouth.

6. Use a mouthwash without alcohol

Most mouthwashes contain too much alcohol, which dries the lining of your mouth and makes it more vulnerable to bacteria. Some studies even suggest a causal link between mouthwashes containing alcohol and an increased risk of oral cancer. For safety, avoid alcoholic mouthwash.

7. Having yellow teeth

Yellow teeth, stained and irregular age your appearance. To date, there are many whitening options for all budgets. Now, everyone can see a bright smile without breaking the bank. You can choose a set with fast results at the pharmacy or visit your dentist. Get a whitening toothpaste containing silica to remove troublesome stains.

The dentist office may be the last place that you’d want to go. Maybe you have extreme fear of the dentist. The sound of the drills, the unpleasant smells and tastes, the impersonal treatment by the office staff.

You put off going to the dentist for many years because of this.

What’s the big deal of going to the dentist every six months?

You have a strict at-home dental oral hygiene routine. You take the health of your teeth and gums seriously. Your teeth and gums look and feel fine. You think going to the dentist is an optional oral care add-on.

A wisdom tooth usually does not grow in properly, resulting in impacted teeth. These can lead to several problems like chewing and damage to adjacent teeth. There are times when a tooth is only partially impacted, merely breaking into the gum surface but not growing into a proper position. Dentists are able to determine teeth that will not properly grow in.

An impacted wisdom tooth can hurt, and lead to infections, cavities, and periodontal disease. Some people do not really need surgery as their wisdom teeth can grow into the proper position, or stay in the jawbone and not cause any problems. Others do not need surgery while they are younger but might require one once the teeth cause problems later in their life.

When Should I Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Generally, it is best to remove wisdom tooth between ages 16 and 22. Just like other teeth, wisdom teeth develop into the jawbone. The tooth’s crown is first formed before it is pushed up once the tooth root is developed. Among young adults, root formation is not yet complete, so there are fewer risks and complications.

How is Wisdom Tooth Removal Done?

After sedation, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic. The procedure takes about 30 minutes before you are sent to the recovery room. Recovery time will greatly vary depending on your age and degree of tooth impaction. Among younger patients, any discomforts like swelling can last for up to 5 days. The dentist can prescribe you some pain medication.

What are the Risks of Wisdom Teeth Removal?

There are some risks for wisdom tooth extraction. There is a possibility that you will feel added discomfort when the blood clot that forms in your tooth pockets after surgery is dislodged. This is called dry socket and is a very common complication, particularly among smokers. Also, just like any kind of surgery, there is also a risk for infection.

A big potential problem with wisdom teeth removal is nerve injury. As time passes, the root of your wisdom teeth develops and your jawbone becomes denser. This is why the older that you get, the more difficult the surgery becomes. There is a nerve in the jawbone under the root of the tooth and injury to this nerve can lead to numbness in the lower lip.

Although wisdom teeth extraction has its benefits, it is important that we also look into its potential risks and problems. This is why it is important to get the procedure done by an experienced dentist to lessen the risk of any problems from developing. Schedule a consultation with a dental professional in your area now to learn more.

You’ve likely heard that it is crucial to brush your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each time. And you’ve likely used traditional toothpaste.

Toothpaste has become the teeth cleaning norm, yet, despite its touted benefits, it has many drawbacks that can but the health of your mouth and your overall health at risk.

Traditional toothpastes contain artificial ingredients and chemicals that are toxic to the body. These include: fluoride, glycerin, titanium dioxide, artificial sweeteners and sodium lauryl sulfate.

More patients and dentists are recognizing the health risks of traditional toothpastes and are prescribing and preferring toothpaste alternatives. These alternatives to toothpaste don’t have the dangerous ingredients and they are all-natural, being better for your body and health.

If you’re new to alternative toothpastes, you may be overwhelmed by all the options. Many patients experiment with different ones before settling on the one that works best for them. Here are some of the more popular toothpaste alternative options:

1. Sea Salt

What’s easier than brushing with some salt? While you may gargle with salt water when you have a sore throat, the antiseptic and healing properties of sea salt can also work in cleaning food particles and debris from the surface of your teeth.

For this method of brushing, dissolve some sea salt into warm water and periodically dip your toothbrush into the salt water solution.

Note: Use sea salt, not table salt. Table salt has most of its natural, beneficial components stripped away and replaced with chemicals and artificial ingredients.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda was used as toothpaste in the beginning of the 20th century before modern-day toothpaste was mass-produced. Even after the introduction of traditional toothpaste, baking soda remained a popular toothpaste alternative.

Like the sea salt, one simply dissolves a small amount of baking soda in warm water and dip your toothbrush into the solution.

With the great popularity of this toothpaste alternative, some patients have concocted their own homemade baking soda toothpaste, mixing in essential oils, such as peppermint. Some even add in a small amount of stevia to enhance the flavor.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has also been an effective way to clean and whiten teeth.

Simply dip your toothbrush in the hydrogen peroxide, then into a 50/50 solution of sea salt and baking soda.

This toothpaste alternative option, however, isn’t recommended for patients with amalgam fillings as the mercury can leach into the mouth.

4. Herbal Tooth Powders

Herbal tooth powders provide a good teeth cleaning as well as an effective pain reliever and antiseptic for inflammation and infections in the mouth.

5. Dry Brushing

What is easier than putting some salt water onto your toothbrush? How about nothing at all. That’s right. Some patients believe you don’t need any toothpaste. Just some water on a toothbrush.

The only downside to this toothpaste alternative is the lack of a fresh, clean feeling.

6. Brush With Pure Water

If dry brushing doesn’t quite cut it for you, try brushing with pure water.

This also works surprisingly well for clearing debris from the teeth, but you still don’t get that minty mouth feel.

7. Soap

Yes, you can use soap to brush your teeth. After all soap cleans the body, why not your teeth?

The soap does clean the teeth, but it leaves an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Be selective about what soap you use as many soaps contain harsh chemicals. Look for all-natural castile soap.

For those who want a clean mouth, but don’t want the awful soapy taste and harmful chemicals, there are not tooth soaps available. These specially designed mouth soaps don’t have the same negative effects of regular body soaps.

8. Oral Irrigation (Waterpik)

A Waterpik is a system that uses pressurized water to clean teeth along the gum line to prevent the accumulation of plaque build-up. The system has its own water reservoir from which the water comes out of the pick.

For optimal results, it is recommended to use sea salt water instead of plain water.

9. Essential Oils

With the rise of online essential oil brands such as DoTerra, Mountain Rose and the like and the increased inventory of essential oils at health food grocery stores, it is easier than ever to grab a bottle of your favorite essential oil.

Once you get the desired flavor of essential oil, simply add a drop or two onto your damp toothbrush and brush. Peppermint and spearmint are the most popular essential oils to use for teeth brushing.

10. Oil Pulling

While some people see oil pulling as a hip fad, others swear by its effectiveness in cleaning their teeth and mouths.

Oil pulling is a great pre-toothbrushing rinse. Coconut oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that get rid of germs and leave the mouth feeling fresh and clean.