Category: Dental care

Maintaining oral hygiene while wearing braces is crucial for a healthy smile and preventing future dental issues. One common question that arises among individuals with braces is whether they can use an electric toothbrush. Well, using an electric toothbrush with braces can be tricky, and whether using it is a good idea is something people with braces should know. Let’s delve deep in and explore the benefits and considerations of using an electric toothbrush with braces while learning proper toothbrushing techniques.

Understanding Everything About Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes are powered or run by a battery or electricity and come with various features such as oscillating, rotating, or vibrating brush heads. These features help improve the cleaning process by effectively removing plaque and food particles from the teeth and gums.

What are the Benefits of Using an Electric Toothbrush With Braces

There are various benefits of using an electric toothbrush with braces. Electric toothbrushes are completely safe to use with braces and give good oral hygiene results when used properly. Below are some of these benefits you should know about:

• Efficient Cleaning: Electric toothbrushes can reach difficult-to-access areas around braces. This ensures a thorough cleaning of the teeth and brackets.
• Gentle on Braces: Many electric toothbrushes come with sensitive mode settings, which make them gentle on braces and reduce the risk of damaging wires or brackets.
• Timer and Pressure Sensors: Some models have built-in timers and pressure sensors that alert users when brushing too hard or when they need to move to a different area. This promotes proper toothbrushing techniques and good oral hygiene.
• Consistent Brushing: The consistent motion of electric toothbrushes helps maintain a consistent brushing technique, which is essential for effective plaque removal.
• Improved Gum Health: Proper oral hygiene with an electric toothbrush can contribute to healthier gums, reducing the risk of gum disease during orthodontic treatment.

Some Considerations When Using an Electric Toothbrush With Braces

Here are some considerations that you should keep in mind while using an electric toothbrush with braces:

Brush Head Compatibility: Ensure the electric toothbrush you choose has a brush head suitable for braces. Look for brush heads specifically designed for orthodontic patients.

Brushing Technique: Make sure to follow the recommended toothbrushing techniques provided by your orthodontist or dentist. Angle the brush head to clean around brackets and wires gently.

Regular Maintenance: You should clean and replace the brush head regularly to maintain optimal cleanliness and effectiveness.

Consult Your Orthodontist: Before using an electric toothbrush with braces, consult your orthodontist for personalized advice and recommendations based on your specific orthodontic treatment.

Tips for Effective Toothbrushing With Braces

Here are some tips for effective toothbrushing with braces:

• Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Choose a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay, especially around brackets.
• Floss Daily: Include flossing into your daily oral hygiene routine to remove plaque and food debris from between teeth and braces.
• Attend Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups with Rockdale Dentist TX to monitor your oral health and address any issues promptly.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush away food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of plaque buildup.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using an electric toothbrush with braces can be beneficial for maintaining optimal oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. However, it’s important to choose the right brush head, follow recommended brushing techniques, and consult your orthodontist for personalized guidance. By combining proper toothbrushing techniques and regular dental care, you can ensure a healthy smile throughout your orthodontic journey.

Dental crises can be unpleasant, but knowing how to deal with them can make all the difference. Thoroughly overviewing typical dental emergencies, emergency dentist services, and urgent dental treatment methods, we provide valuable insights into handling unexpected toothaches, knocked-out teeth, and damaged crowns for preserving good oral health.

Common Dental Emergencies

• Knocked-Out Tooth: A knocked-out tooth needs quick attention. We explain what procedures to follow in such an emergency, such as carefully handling the tooth, attempting to reinsert it, or transporting it in milk. The essay emphasizes the importance of taking quick measures to maximize the odds of tooth survival.
• Broken or Cracked Teeth: Fractures from various occurrences can cause aesthetic and functional issues. We investigate the multiple forms of tooth fractures and advise on appropriate activities, such as cleaning the mouth, applying a cold compress, and obtaining expert help immediately.
• Lost or broken dental restorations, such as crowns or fillings, can cause discomfort and harm oral health. We recommend interim remedies such as dental cement or sugar-free gum but emphasize the importance of making an appointment with an emergency dentist for permanent restoration.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the lips, cheeks, tongue, and gums, need rapid attention. We offer tips for dealing with bleeding, swelling, and pain while waiting for a professional diagnosis and treatment.

Addressing Oral Health Needs

We prioritize accessibility for emergency dentist treatments, providing prompt appointments to address urgent oral health needs. We reassure readers that obtaining immediate care can help prevent problems and quickly resolve dental crises.

• Comprehensive examinations: Emergency dentists undertake detailed examinations to diagnose dental emergencies and determine their severity. We emphasize the significance of these evaluations in developing suitable treatment programs, giving relief, and avoiding further issues.
• Prompt Treatment Solutions: We explore the many treatment options offered through emergency dentist services. From rapid pain treatment to temporary or permanent restorations, we promise readers that these services are tailored to meet the unique requirements of each dental emergency.

Urgent Dental Care Protocols: Empowering Individuals

• Immediate Action Steps: We emphasize taking fast action when dealing with a dental emergency. The article suggests practical methods for people to use while they wait for expert assistance, such as washing their mouths, applying cold compresses, or taking over-the-counter pain medicine.
• Effective communication with dental experts is essential during crises. We assist readers in transmitting critical information about the nature of the emergency, allowing for efficient and effective care upon arrival at the dental office.
• Preventive Measures and Preparedness: Despite the unpredictable nature of dental crises, we highlight the significance of taking preventative measures and being prepared. We explain how to maintain good oral hygiene, wear mouthguards during high-risk activities, and keep a dental emergency kit handy.

Patient-Centric Approach

We are committed to delivering accessible emergency dental care. The post reassures readers that prompt treatment is accessible, providing peace of mind and instant comfort amid unexpected dental difficulties.

We prioritize patient-centered emergency dental care. The article describes our commitment to recognizing individual requirements, addressing issues, and providing individualized solutions to guarantee the best oral health outcomes.

Conclusion

Finally, readers can confidently tackle unexpected dental challenges and protect their oral health by understanding the science behind emergencies and the available resources.

As a call to action, readers are encouraged to become acquainted with the information supplied, ensuring that they are well-equipped to face dental crises and swiftly seek the professional care required for a quick and efficient resolution.

Introduction:

Dental bridges are a favored solution for replacing missing teeth, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits. However, despite their effectiveness, bridges can fail due to various factors.

Understanding the reasons behind dental bridge failure and adhering to proper oral hygiene practices are key to maintaining your bridge’s integrity over time.

1. Poor Oral Hygiene: The Foundation of Bridge Failure

• Effects: Plaque and bacteria buildup can lead to tooth decay in supporting teeth and gum disease, both of which undermine the bridge’s stability.
• Prevention: Implement a rigorous oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day and daily flossing, particularly around and under the bridge. An antiseptic mouthwash can also help minimize bacterial presence.

2. Tooth Decay and Secondary Cavities: The Hidden Threat

• Effects: Decay in the teeth anchoring the bridge compromises its support, making the bridge susceptible to loosening or failure.
• Prevention: Regular oral hygiene, a diet low in sugary foods, and consistent dental check-ups are vital. Early detection and treatment of cavities can prevent them from affecting the bridge.

3. Structural Issues and Wear: Time’s Impact

• Effects: Normal wear and tear, as well as accidental damage, can lead to fractures, chips, or wear on the bridge, affecting its function and aesthetics.
• Prevention: Use of a night guard for those who grind their teeth, avoiding hard and sticky foods, and regular dental visits for bridge assessment can mitigate these risks.

4. Poor Fit and Adaptation: Precision Matters

• Effects: A bridge that doesn’t fit well can lead to discomfort, bite issues, and spaces that harbor bacteria, potentially leading to decay and gum disease.
• Prevention: Ensure your dental bridge is installed by a reputable dentist who will ensure a precise fit. Regular check-ups allow for adjustments as needed, and any discomfort should be addressed promptly to avoid complications.

Conclusion:

A dental bridge can significantly improve your quality of life by restoring your smile and bite. However, the longevity of a dental bridge largely depends on understanding and mitigating the risks of failure through proper care and maintenance. By focusing on thorough oral hygiene, addressing structural concerns early, and ensuring a proper fit from the start, you can enjoy the benefits of your dental bridge for years to come. Regular visits to your dentist for check-ups and maintenance play a crucial role in the health and stability of your dental bridge, ensuring that it continues to serve its purpose effectively.

Teeth grinding, or bruxism is a frequent disorder in youngsters that can cause dental issues and discomfort. Understanding the causes and implementing solutions to prevent children from grinding their teeth is critical to their oral health and overall well-being. This article looks at practical ways for parents to manage and prevent teeth grinding in their children, such as using sleep guards, stress reduction tactics, and frequent dental check-ups.

Stop Kids From Grinding Their Teeth

1. Introducing Night Guards:

a. Night Guard Basics: Night guards provide a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing direct contact while grinding.
Custom Fit: Dentists can develop night guards for youngsters that are both comfortable and functional.

b. Encourage regular use of night guards, particularly during sleep, to reduce the impact of teeth grinding.
Establish a ritual: Make wearing the night guard a part of your nighttime ritual to encourage consistent use.

2. Identify and address stressors:

a. Recognise potential stressors:
Observation: Pay attention to potential stressors in a child’s life, such as changes in routine, academic pressures, or family issues. Encourage open conversation to understand any underlying causes of stress better.

b. Stress-Reduction Techniques:
Relaxation Techniques: Teach children how to cope with stress and anxiety by doing deep breathing exercises.
Calming Activities: Before bedtime, engage in calming activities such as reading, painting, or listening to peaceful music.

3. Develop a Relaxing Bedtime Routine:

a. Set a Consistent Bedtime: Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine will help youngsters unwind and relax before sleeping.
Limit Stimulants: Avoid stimulating activities and screen time close to bedtime to establish a quiet environment.

b. Create a comfortable sleeping environment:
Comfortable Bedding: Use cozy bedding and dim lighting to create a comfortable and inviting sleep environment. Incorporating relaxing nighttime routines, such as reading a book or sharing a good night story, can help to develop pleasant connections with sleep.

4. Dental Examination and Monitoring:

a. Schedule frequent dental check-ups and professional evaluations for a child’s oral health. Monitoring Changes: Dentists can track changes in tooth structure and alignment, detecting bruxism early on.

b. Customised Dental Advice and Guidance: Consult the dentist for specialized interventions and recommendations based on the child’s unique needs.
Potential Orthodontic abnormalities: Address any emergent orthodontic abnormalities causing teeth grinding.

5. Encourage jaw relaxation exercises.

a. Simple jaw exercises:
Gentle Massage: Teach youngsters basic jaw relaxation exercises, such as gently rubbing the jaw muscles.
Chewing Gum: Use sugar-free gum to manage jaw muscles for brief periods.

b. Promote Awareness of Jaw Tension: Encourage youngsters to be aware of their jaw tension throughout the day and relax when not eating or talking.
Positive Reinforcement: Give positive feedback for conscious efforts to relax the jaw muscles.

6. Implement dietary changes:

a. Avoid Stimulants Before Bedtime: Limit caffeine intake, especially in the evening, as stimulants can contribute to teeth grinding.
Monitor nutrition: Monitor a child’s nutrition and avoid high-sugar or acidic foods that may affect tooth health.

b. Adequate Hydration: To maintain general health and reduce potential triggers for bruxism, encourage youngsters to drink enough water throughout the day.

Wrapping up

To address teeth grinding in youngsters, a comprehensive strategy should include preventive measures, stress reduction techniques, and expert coaching. Night guards provide a physical barrier to protect teeth while identifying and resolving stressors, which aids in managing the psychological components of bruxism.
Creating a calming sleep routine, encouraging jaw relaxation exercises, and incorporating dental check-ups into the child’s healthcare routine all contribute to a holistic approach. Parents can assist their children in overcoming teeth grinding and achieving good dental health by creating a supportive environment and remaining attentive to their needs.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by disrupted breathing during sleep that can affect children and adults. Recognizing sleep apnea symptoms in children is critical for early intervention and effective management. This blog will review four warning signals parents should know to detect potential sleep apnea in their children.
4 Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea

Snoring:

While occasional snoring is typical in children, loud and persistent snoring, especially when accompanied by pauses in breathing, can be a warning sign of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea alters the usual breathing pattern, resulting in snoring and airflow disruptions. If your child snores loudly and consistently, it is time to pay notice.

2. Frequent Breathing Pauses Importance:

Frequent pauses in your child’s breathing during sleep are a warning flag for sleep apnea.

Reasoning: Sleep apnea episodes are characterized by brief disruptions in breathing, known as apneas. These pauses can be minor, but they can cause your child’s body to react by gasping or choking due to the airflow disruption.

3. Restless Sleep and Sleep Disruptions:

Importance: Children with sleep apnea frequently have restless sleep characterized by tossing and turning. They may also show indicators of sleep disruption, such as waking up often during the night.

Sleep apnea can prevent children from accessing deep, restorative stages of sleep, resulting in restless sleep and frequent awakenings. If your child appears agitated or has difficulty falling asleep, this could indicate sleep apnea.

4. Daytime Sleepiness and Behavioural Changes:

Importance: Sleep apnea can be detected by excessive daytime sleepiness and significant behavioral changes such as impatience, mood swings, and difficulties concentrating.

Reasoning: Sleep apnea disturbs the usual sleep cycle, lowering sleep quality. Daytime weariness in children with sleep apnea can affect their mood, behavior, and cognitive ability.

Consider the following:

a. Mouth Breathing and Dry Mouth:

Sleep apnea patients may breathe via their mouths while sleeping, resulting in dry mouth and throat.

Reasoning:

Mouth breathing is a compensatory mechanism for maintaining airflow in the presence of an obstruction in the airway, which can be a sign of sleep apnea.

b. Significance of Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids:

Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are common contributors to sleep apnea in youngsters.

Reasoning:

These structures can restrict the airway, especially while sleeping, causing breathing difficulties and interruptions.

When to Seek Professional Advice:

If you notice one or more of the warning signs mentioned above in your child, you must get expert help. A healthcare expert, such as a pediatrician or sleep specialist, can evaluate your child’s symptoms and medical history and may propose a sleep study (polysomnography) to make a conclusive diagnosis.

Treatment and Management Options:

Once a sleep apnea diagnosis is established, treatment options may include:

a. Adenotonsillectomy:

Surgery to remove swollen tonsils and adenoids.
Applicability: This treatment is frequently indicated when enlarged tonsils and adenoids lead to airway blockage.

b. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP):

Treatment: A CPAP machine offers a constant airflow to keep the airway open while sleeping.
CPAP therapy is routinely used to treat moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea.

c. Orthodontic Intervention:

Treatment: Orthodontic procedures such as palatal expanders or mouth appliances may be advised to address specific structural abnormalities.
Appropriate in cases where orthodontic factors contribute to airway blockage.

d. Lifestyle and Positional Changes:

Interventions: Encouraging appropriate sleep habits, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and addressing variables such as obesity (if present) can all help alleviate symptoms.

Conclusion

Recognizing the warning signals of sleep apnea in children is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment. If your child exhibits persistent loud snoring, many pauses in breathing, disturbed sleep, daytime tiredness, or behavioral problems, it is critical that you get expert help. Early detection and therapy of sleep apnea in children can dramatically improve their sleep quality, increasing their general well-being and guaranteeing healthy sleep habits as they grow.

Dental composite bonding is a versatile cosmetic dentistry technique that addresses a range of aesthetic issues while offering a quick and efficient way to enhance the appearance of teeth. Composite bonding is a minimally invasive and aesthetically pleasing solution for correcting chipped, discolored, or misshapen teeth. Here are six essential things you should know about dental composite bonding.

1. What Is Dental Composite Bonding?

Dental composite bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that uses a tooth-colored resin material to enhance the appearance of teeth. The composite resin is applied, molded, and bonded to the tooth’s surface, allowing the dentist to address various aesthetic concerns. This method is commonly used for:

• Repairing chipped or cracked teeth, filling minor gaps, and crevices.
• Correcting tooth discoloration, matching stained or discolored teeth to the natural shade of surrounding teeth.
• Quick and straightforward: Dental composite bonding is notably efficient, often completed in a single visit to the dentist’s office.

2. Consultation:

The process begins with a consultation during which the dentist discusses the patient’s goals and assesses the teeth to determine the best approach.

3. Tooth Preparation:

Minor tooth surface preparation may be necessary in some cases, with the dentist gently roughening the tooth to ensure a secure bond.

4. Bonding Agent Application:

A bonding agent is applied to the prepared tooth surface, enhancing the adherence of the tooth to the composite resin.

5. Layering and Sculpting:

The composite resin is applied in layers, with each layer carefully sculpted to achieve the desired shape and appearance.

6. Curing:

A specialized curing light is used to harden the composite resin and securely bond it to the tooth.

7. Trimming and Polishing:

After the resin has been set, the dentist will trim, shape, and polish the bonded composite to create a natural and flawless finish.

8. Cosmetic Correction Versatility:

Dental composite bonding is a versatile solution for various cosmetic dental concerns, including preserving the integrity and appearance of slightly damaged teeth, filling gaps, disguising tooth discoloration, and reshaping uneven teeth.

9. Physical Appearance:

One of the primary benefits of dental composite bonding is its ability to achieve a natural look. The bonding composite resin is color-matched to the patient’s natural tooth shade, ensuring a seamless blend with the surrounding teeth. Skilled dentists can shape the resin to match the contours and characteristics of real teeth, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and lifelike result.

10. Durability and Maintenance:

While dental composite bonding is a durable solution, it is important to note that it may not be as resistant to discoloration or wear as other restorative materials like porcelain. Patients are advised to avoid habits that could lead to staining, such as smoking or excessive consumption of staining beverages like coffee or red wine.

11. Considerations and Limitations:

While dental composite bonding is a versatile and effective cosmetic treatment, there are several factors to keep in mind, including the potential for staining and the need for good maintenance. It may not last as long as materials like porcelain veneers, but with proper care, it can significantly enhance the appearance of teeth over the long term.

Conclusion:

Dental composite bonding is a popular and effective cosmetic dentistry technique known for its versatility and ability to enhance smiles. It offers a fast and minimally invasive approach to addressing minor imperfections or making more substantial cosmetic improvements.

Full mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive, customized dental treatment plan that addresses a variety of oral health issues, including severe tooth damage, missing teeth, and functional problems. This transformative approach extends beyond cosmetic enhancements to restore both the aesthetics and functionality of the entire mouth. We will explore the benefits and impact of full mouth reconstruction, highlighting the positive changes it can bring to an individual’s oral health and overall well-being.

Benefits and Impact:

Complete Oral Restoration:

• Full mouth reconstruction adopts a holistic approach, addressing multiple dental issues simultaneously. It involves restoring teeth, gums, the jawbone, and other supporting structures to rejuvenate overall oral health.

Enhanced Smile:

• This procedure improves the overall appearance of the smile, addressing issues like tooth discoloration, misalignment, and irregularities. Advanced dental materials and techniques ensure a natural and cohesive smile appearance.

Functional Restoration:

• It corrects biting issues, ensuring optimal jaw alignment and function, and allows for efficient chewing and digestion by replacing missing or damaged teeth.

Treatment of Multiple Dental Problems:

• Versatile in nature, it addresses a variety of dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and decay. The treatment plan is customized to the individual’s specific needs, ensuring a personalized approach to oral health restoration.

Improved Comfort and Oral Health:

• The reconstruction process can alleviate discomfort from decaying or damaged teeth and contributes to long-term oral health by addressing underlying dental issues comprehensively.

Long-Term Durability:

• Utilizing high-quality dental materials ensures the longevity of restorations like crowns, bridges, and implants, offering long-term results and minimizing the need for frequent procedures.

Functional and Cosmetic Harmony:

• The reconstruction process aims for a harmonious balance of functional and aesthetic improvements, often resulting in high patient satisfaction with the outcome.

Staged Approach:

• The reconstruction can be performed in stages, allowing for a phased treatment approach tailored to the individual’s comfort and preferences, prioritizing urgent dental conditions while planning for more extensive changes over time.

Key Outcomes:

• Restored Confidence: A healthy, attractive, and functional smile significantly boosts confidence.
• Improved Oral Hygiene Habits: Undergoing full mouth reconstruction often motivates individuals to maintain excellent oral hygiene, contributing to long-term dental health.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Restoring dental health and functionality enhances overall quality of life, from improved speech and chewing to a revitalized sense of well-being.
• Prevention of Future Issues: By resolving existing dental issues comprehensively, full mouth reconstruction helps in preventing future oral health problems.

Conclusion:

Full mouth reconstruction is a transformational dental procedure that comprehensively addresses various oral health issues and offers cosmetic benefits. Focused on complete restoration, it provides aesthetic improvements, functional upgrades, and long-term dental health benefits. 

The positive impact of full mouth reconstruction on an individual’s confidence, comfort, and overall quality of life extends far beyond the smile. If considering full mouth reconstruction, a consultation with a qualified dentist or prosthodontist can help develop a tailored treatment plan suited to your specific needs and objectives.

If you have undergone the alignment of your teeth with braces or clear aligners, it’s a significant step towards achieving that winning smile you’ve always wanted. However, you might be wondering how this decision will affect your diet. Fear not, because we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of eating with aligners and foods to avoid with braces while making it simple and practical!

Why Does Diet During Orthodontic Treatment Matter?

What you consume can directly impact the condition of your aligners and, most importantly, your overall orthodontic experience:

• Avoid Staining: Aligners are clear for a reason – they’re discreet. To keep them that way, you’ll want to stay away from foods and drinks that can cause staining. This includes things like red wine, coffee, tea, and dark-colored sauces.
• Prevent Damage: Certain foods can be abrasive and may damage your aligners. Think of hard or crunchy items like nuts, popcorn, and even hard candy. These come under foods to avoid with braces or aligners as they help prolong the life of your dental equipment.
• Oral Hygiene: A diet rich in sugar and carbohydrates can lead to an increased risk of cavities. Since aligners can trap food particles against your teeth, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine and mindful eating is essential.

What to Eat

Now that we know why diet matters, let’s explore eating with aligners. Here’s what you can enjoy without worry:

• Soft Foods: Foods that are gentle on your aligners are your best friends. These include mashed potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, and soups. They are not only easy on your aligners but also your teeth.
• Vegetables: Steamed or cooked vegetables are your allies. Opt for carrots, zucchini, and broccoli. These provide essential nutrients without posing a risk to your aligners.
• Fruit Smoothies: You don’t have to give up your fruit fix. Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie, but make sure to skip the seeds. Smoothies are not only brace-friendly but also delicious.
• Proteins: Lean proteins like chicken, fish, and tofu are great options—they’re less likely to cause damage to your aligners, and they contribute to your overall health.
• Dairy: Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are not only brace-friendly but also fantastic for your teeth. They are rich in calcium and can help keep your teeth strong.

• Soft Grains: Opt for softer grains like pasta, rice, and quinoa. These are less likely to get stuck in your aligners, making them a hassle-free choice.

What to Avoid

Now, let’s talk about the foods to avoid with braces or aligners:

• Sticky and Chewy Snacks: Stay away from sticky candies, gummies, and chewy snacks. These can get lodged in your aligners and are tough to clean.
• Hard and Crunchy Foods: Hard pretzels, nuts, popcorn, and chips are potential enemies to your aligners. They can damage or dislodge them, so it’s best to skip them.
• Sugary and Acidic Drinks: Soda, energy drinks, and fruit juices high in sugar and acidity can lead to tooth decay. Plus, they can stain your aligners, so it’s wise to limit your intake.
• Dark-Colored Sauces: Sauces like soy sauce, tomato sauce, and curry can stain your aligners. If you indulge, be sure to brush your teeth and clean your aligners soon after.
• Hard Bread and Bagels: Tough bread can be harsh on your aligners and may lead to warping or damage. Opt for softer varieties when possible.
• Chewing Gum: Chewing gum is a big no-no when you have aligners. It can stick to aligners and can be a challenge to remove.

Conclusion

Your journey to a straighter smile with aligners doesn’t have to be a restrictive one. While there are some foods and drinks you should avoid, there are plenty of delicious options to enjoy. Just remember to stay away from sticky, hard, and staining culprits, and you’ll be well on your way to success. 

In addition to watching your diet, keeping up with your oral hygiene routine is crucial. Your diet and hygiene practices during your aligner treatment play a significant role in the overall effectiveness of your orthodontic care.

The possibility of needing a root canal treatment can cause worry and anxiety, but understanding the signs and symptoms can help people seek timely dental care. When the pulp, the interior part of the tooth, becomes infected or inflamed, a root canal is required. In this article, we’ll look at the feelings and signs that may indicate the need for a root canal treatment, emphasizing the necessity of seeking dental care as soon as possible for optimal oral health.

Common Indications of the Need for a Root Canal Treatment:

1. Sensation: Persistent, acute tooth pain, particularly when chewing or exerting pressure on the affected tooth.

• Explanation: Pain is frequently caused by inflammation or infection of the pulp inside the tooth. It might range from throbbing to severe, shooting agony.

2. Prolonged Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures after the stimulus has been eliminated.

• Explanation: Sensitivity may indicate pulp irritation. If the tooth remains sensitive after exposure to temperature variations for an extended period, it may indicate the need for a root canal treatment.

3. Swollen Gums: Swelling and soreness in the gums surrounding the damaged tooth.

• Explanation: Infection or inflammation in the pulp can spread to the surrounding tissues, causing swelling and discomfort.

4. The formation of a pimple-like bump (dental abscess) on the gums near the affected tooth.

• Explanation: An abscess is an accumulation of pus caused by the body’s response to infection. It can appear as a noticeable lump frequently accompanied by pain and swelling.

5. Persistent poor taste or foul odor in the mouth, even after oral hygiene practices.

• Explanation: Bacterial infection within the tooth can cause the discharge of foul-smelling gases or fluids, which contribute to bad breath and taste.

6. Biting Discomfort: When biting down on the damaged tooth, you may experience pain or discomfort.

• Explanation: If the pulp is irritated or infected, the pressure from biting might aggravate pain. Even after the bite has been removed, discomfort may persist.

7. Pain that extends from the afflicted tooth to the jaw, ear, or neighboring teeth.

• Explanation: Referred pain can be caused by inflammation or infection, creating discomfort in the surrounding areas.

What is the sensation?

1. People may experience acute stabbing pain when the pulp becomes infected, especially when biting or applying pressure to the tooth. The pain may be localized or extend to different parts of the body.
2. Pulp inflammation frequently causes throbbing or aching sensations. The discomfort may be more severe at particular times of the day, such as at night.
3. Sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli, even after the stimulus has been removed, is a common sign. Teeth may react significantly to temperature changes, causing persistent discomfort.
4. Swollen gums around the impacted tooth may be painful to the touch. The presence of an abscess can exacerbate visible swelling.
5. Discoloration of the affected tooth can alter its appearance. Because of pulp damage or death, the tooth may seem darker than surrounding teeth.
6. An ongoing poor taste or foul odor in the mouth, despite good oral care, can be a sign of a tooth infection.

Seeking Immediate Dental Attention:

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above or feelings, you should see a dentist immediately. Delaying treatment for a tooth needing a root canal treatment can result in consequences such as infection spread, increased discomfort, and potential tooth loss. Dentists employ diagnostic technologies like X-rays and clinical examinations to evaluate the degree of the problem and propose the best course of action.

Conclusion

Understanding the feelings connected with the need for a root canal enables people to recognize indicators of dental problems and seek prompt treatment. If you have persistent pain, sensitivity, swelling, or other troubling signs, see a dentist for a complete examination. When performed promptly, a root canal treatment can relieve pain, save the afflicted tooth, and improve oral health and well-being. Regular dental check-ups and oral care are critical in preventing and treating dental problems before they worsen.

Dental anxiety is a common barrier that keeps many people from receiving necessary dental care. Sedation dentistry offers a solution by providing patients with a comfortable and stress-free experience. 

If you’ve been avoiding dental visits due to anxiety or fear, recognizing the signs that you’re a suitable candidate for sedation dentistry can be game-changing. In this detailed guide, we’ll examine five signs indicating sedation dentistry might be beneficial for you.

Severe Dental Fear or Anxiety:

• Signs: Avoiding dental visits due to extreme fear or panic, experiencing physical symptoms such as an elevated heart rate, sweating, or shaking during dental visits.
• Benefits: Sedation helps patients stay calm and comfortable during dental procedures, making it easier for both the patient and the dental staff to complete necessary treatments. It can be a valuable tool in assisting those afraid of the dentist to receive the care they require, breaking the cycle of avoidance.

Difficulties Obtaining Numbness with Local Anesthesia:

• Signs: Some people may have difficulties becoming completely numb with local anesthesia, making dental procedures uncomfortable or painful.
• Previous Discomfort: If you have previously experienced discomfort during dental treatments despite local anesthesia, sedation dentistry may be considered.
• Benefits: Sedation dentistry provides an additional layer of comfort and pain management for patients who struggle with the effectiveness of local anesthesia.

Extensive Treatment Plans or Complex Dental Procedures:

• Signs: Individuals who require sophisticated dental treatments or extensive treatment plans may benefit from sedation dentistry.
• Reasoning: Complicated or lengthy dental procedures can be mentally and physically exhausting. Sedation can help both the patient and the dental team relax during the procedure.
• Benefits: Sedation allows for extended periods of relaxation, making it possible to complete lengthy treatments without undue strain. Fewer appointments may be needed as multiple procedures can be combined into one session with sedation.

Gag Reflex Issues:

• Signs: Some people have a hypersensitive gag reflex, which makes dental treatments like impressions or X-rays difficult.
• Previous Gag Reflex Challenges: If you’ve had problems due to a sensitive gag reflex, sedation dentistry may be a good option.
• Benefits: Sedation can help reduce the gag reflex, making it easier to undergo otherwise uncomfortable procedures.

Previous Traumatic Dental Experiences:

• Signs: Individuals with a history of unpleasant dental experiences, such as painful procedures or poor interactions, may retain residual fear.
• Fear of Reliving Past Experiences: The fear of reliving past traumatic experiences can lead to avoidance of dental care.
• Benefits: Sedation dentistry allows individuals who have had traumatic dental experiences to break the cycle of fear and receive the necessary care.

Conclusion: Empowering Comfort and Wellness:

Sedation dentistry is an excellent tool for providing a positive and stress-free dental experience, particularly for individuals with the above symptoms. By recognizing these signs, you can empower yourself to take control of your dental health without feeling anxious or fearful. Discussing sedation options with your dentist can help you have a more comfortable and positive dental experience.

There has been a recent uptick in discussion on how one’s food and beverage consumption can affect oral health. The subject of whether or not using a straw is healthier for your teeth is a common one. The purpose of this article is to discuss the pros and cons of using straws, including their effect on dental enamel, acid erosion, tooth sensitivity, and their place in an oral hygiene practice.

Prospective Gains from Using a Straw:

Drinking using a straw reduces the amount of liquid in touch with your teeth since the liquid is diverted around your teeth. This can be helpful in some cases, like when drinking acidic or sugary beverages.

• Reduced Acid Erosion: Citrus juices, sodas, and sports drinks are all acidic liquids that can wear down dental enamel over time if used often. You may protect your teeth from the acid in these drinks by drinking via a straw.
• Using a straw when drinking coffee, tea, or red wine will help keep your front teeth from discoloring.

Contemplations and Negatives:

• Different Straws: Don’t assume that every straw is the same. Fast food restaurants frequently utilise single-use plastic straws, which are bad for the environment. Metal or glass straws, which may be reused multiple times, are more eco-friendly than plastic ones.
• Placing the straw incorrectly or sucking too hard might direct liquid to one or more parts of your mouth, increasing the risk of damage to your teeth. A straw with a larger diameter could assist in alleviating this problem.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Straw use is not a suitable replacement for water rinsing. You still need to brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly if you use a straw.

Affect on Tooth Enamel and Sensitivity:

Using a straw to drink acidic liquids might reduce the time your teeth spend in contact with the acid, which may help preserve tooth enamel. Some people with dental sensitivity find that drinking through a straw alleviates their discomfort while consuming cold or hot beverages because it reduces the amount of contact between the beverage and their teeth.

Methods for Comprehensive Oral Hygiene:

Even though protecting your teeth by using a straw is a good idea, it shouldn’t replace regular brushing and flossing. Here are some things to keep in mind if you want to keep your teeth in great shape:

• Use fluoride toothpaste and brush your teeth twice a day, every day. To avoid cavities and gum disease, this is a must.
• Flossing daily is recommended because it can remove food and plaque from between your teeth that a toothbrush could miss.
• Using fluoride mouthwash protects your teeth from acid erosion and improves your enamel.
• Reduce Your Intake of Sugary and Acidic Drinks: One of the best strategies to preserve your teeth is to limit your intake of sugary and acidic beverages.
• Visits to the Dentist Twice a Year: Visit your dentist often so they can keep an eye on your oral health and treat any problems as soon as they arise.
• Rinse with Fluoride: Using a fluoride mouthwash can fortify tooth enamel against acid attacks.
• Don’t Use Whitening Products Too Often: Too much use of teeth whitening products, while they can enhance your smile’s appearance, can also weaken your enamel and raise your risk of dental decay.

Conclusion:

You can protect your teeth from the harmful effects of acidic or staining liquids by drinking via a straw. It has the potential to lessen tooth sensitivity and aid in the preservation of tooth enamel. Straws are convenient, but it’s important to utilize them properly and consider more sustainable options. 

Remember that using a straw is not a replacement for a good oral hygiene program that includes brushing, flossing, fluoride mouthwash, and visiting the dentist regularly. One of the best things you can do for your teeth is to reduce your consumption of sugary and acidic beverages.

Most adults undergo wisdom teeth removal and typically experience a smooth recovery. However, some remain concerned about the post-operative phase. During the extraction, the area is numbed, ensuring no pain is felt. However, as the anesthesia wears off, one might experience discomfort, swelling, and occasionally, slight bleeding, which can be distressing.

Dentists commonly place gauze over the surgical site, instructing patients to bite down on it for about 30 minutes. As the numbness recedes, the site can cause pain, increased saliva production, and discomfort. The recovery process can span a week, and applying pressure to the extraction area might induce bleeding, making the recovery phase somewhat challenging.

However, there’s no need to be overly anxious about the recovery. A simple tea bag can mitigate many of these side effects. This article delves into natural remedies, emphasizing the benefits of using a tea bag post-tooth extraction. Our aim is to guide you towards a seamless recovery journey after your procedure.

Use of Tea Bags in Tooth Extraction

While many believe that gauze is the optimal solution to halt bleeding post-tooth extraction, tea bags emerge as an equally effective alternative. They not only help in clot formation but also protect the bone as the wound heals post-extraction.

Research suggests that tea bags, owing to their tannin content and antioxidant properties, serve as an excellent gauze alternative. These properties confer anti-hemorrhaging effects, significantly reducing bleeding. Black tea, in particular, is a recommended option.

Employing tea bags as a substitute for gauze is straightforward. Here’s a simple guide:

• Steep a tea bag (either black or green) in boiling water for two minutes.
• Remove the bag from the water and allow it to cool.
• Once cooled, place the tea bag on the wound.
• Let it sit for approximately five to ten minutes.
• If bleeding persists, it’s imperative to consult your dentist without delay.

Does The Tea Bag Remedy Work?

Positioning a tea bag on the extraction site of a wisdom tooth and biting down can effectively arrest bleeding. While gauze remains a viable option, tea, with its myriad antioxidant properties, also leaves a pleasant aftertaste. Opting for green or black tea over gauze is often preferred.

Post-extraction, it’s advisable to refrain from using straws or excessive spitting, as these actions can exert undue pressure on the surgical site, exacerbating bleeding. It’s crucial to adhere to the dentist’s post-operative guidelines and employ strategies for a swift recovery.

Final Overview

Extracting wisdom teeth is a routine procedure, and most individuals recover without complications. However, on rare occasions, due to unforeseen complications or infections, the recovery can be tumultuous. Symptoms such as pronounced bleeding, intense pain, and an unpleasant aftertaste might manifest. Some might even observe pus formation around the tooth socket, inflammation, and infections, potentially leading to fever, thereby necessitating emergency dental intervention.

Using tea bags post wisdom teeth removal can alleviate inflammation, reduce bleeding, and enhance the oral taste. Natural remedies, like tea bags, are laden with properties that expedite the healing process and alleviate pain in the surgical region. If symptoms become unmanageable, it’s crucial to consult your dentist and seek professional intervention, especially if medications are required to alleviate pain.

At times, wisdom teeth can be obstructive, and their extraction might inadvertently harm the surrounding nerves or tooth roots of adjacent teeth. A dentist can help pinpoint the underlying issue. Tea bags stand out as a straightforward yet potent solution for post-extraction pain relief. While the thought of a tooth extraction can be daunting, with tools like tea bags at your disposal, the recovery process becomes more streamlined and manageable.

Orthodontics addresses irregularities in teeth and jaw alignment. Children, teenagers, and adults alike can significantly benefit from addressing the issues below to enhance their quality of life and bite function. Addressing these issues early can prevent speech impairment, jaw pain, chewing difficulties, and even more costly dental procedures.

This blog will enlighten you about orthodontic problems in kids and teenagers. Addressing these problems early can prevent expensive surgical treatments in the future.

Crossbite

Crossbite occurs when some bottom teeth sit in front of some top teeth when the mouth is closed. If the back teeth are in front of the top teeth, it’s termed a posterior or back crossbite. If the front teeth are the culprits, it’s referred to as an anterior or front crossbite. When a child has a crossbite, they often shift their jaw to one side to compensate, which can lead to permanent changes in their facial and bone structure, jaw joints, and teeth alignment.

Crowding

Teeth crowding arises when the jaw lacks space to accommodate all teeth. Teeth might overlap, twist, or become misaligned to create space as they emerge. Crowded teeth are harder to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Treatment for crowded teeth using braces or Invisalign can yield excellent results during the teenage years.

Open Bite

An open bite is precisely as it sounds. The upper and lower teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed, leaving a gap between the upper and lower jaw. An open bite can hinder children from chewing food properly and may also lead to speech problems.

Overbite

An overbite or deep bite occurs when the upper teeth sit too far forward relative to the lower teeth. While most people have some degree of an overbite, a significant gap can lead to jaw pain, chewing difficulties, irregular wear, and increased vulnerability of the front teeth to injury.

Underbite

An underbite is when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. This condition is often skeletal in nature, and early detection is crucial to avoid corrective jaw surgery and extensive treatment in adulthood. If left untreated, an underbite can lead to chewing problems, uneven wear, jaw pain, and facial imbalance.

Protruding Front Teeth

When a child’s front teeth protrude or stick out, they are more susceptible to injury. In cases of significant protrusion, interceptive orthodontic treatment can help reposition the teeth, ensuring their safety.

Spacing

Spacing, or gapped teeth, occurs when teeth don’t occupy all the available space in the jaw, resulting in gaps between one or more teeth. These spaces can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and deterioration of the bones supporting the teeth.

Final Overview

Orthodontic problems arise from misalignments between sets of jaws or teeth, termed malocclusions. Untreated malocclusions can lead to speech difficulties, enamel wear, and permanent damage to teeth and jaw joints. 

Orthodontic issues can manifest from a young age, as soon as a child’s permanent teeth start to emerge. Early diagnosis and intervention can shield your child from discomfort and complex dental problems in adulthood. It’s advisable to visit a pediatric dentist to promptly identify and address such conditions.

Who doesn’t like a bright white smile? But isn’t it challenging to maintain the white shine? It may be a morning coffee or a can of soda, and your food choices can affect your teeth color significantly. So what are the foods that stain teeth and affect their shine? 

With time, tooth discoloration foods can cause your pearly whites to discolor due to dark pigments and high acidic content that eventually stains your teeth. Always rinse your mouth after eating dark-pigmented foods. Here are some foods and beverages responsible for your pale yellow smile.

Red Wine

Red wine is acidic and can react with enamel, allowing dark articles to affect the tooth surface and make it pale. Such drinks open up enamel pores and get embedded in the tooth surface. Regular wine consumption can rough your tooth enamel and cause your teeth to lose whiteness.

Coffee

Most people start their morning with a warm cup of coffee. With time, a morning brew can hamper your teeth’ color, and you will need a professional cleanup to maintain the color. Coffee contains a chemical compound called tannins which is a polyphenol. It sticks to your teeth and plays a role in discoloration.

Tea

Like coffee, tea also contains tannins. Tea is a drink that the whole world consumes daily. Some researchers believe that adding 2 percent milk can effectively help prevent the staining. Milk contains casein, which is helpful for the prevention of teeth discoloration. By using this technique, you can reduce teeth staining without reducing your tea consumption.

Dark Berries

All dark berries like pomegranate, raspberry, and blueberries contain dark pigment and affect teeth coloration effectively. Foods that stain teeth, like beet and grape, also affect the teeth’ shine and enamel color. Tiny organic particles can enter enamel pores and leave a purple-like hue when they come in contact. Highly porous teeth can have more discoloration than fewer porous teeth.

Dark Cola and Soda

Highly acidic cola or drinks with extensive sugar can erode your teeth’ enamel. Tooth discoloration foods like soda can affect your teeth’ color permanently. It will make teeth naturally pale or darker. High-sugar drinks can affect your enamel and harm it in depth.  

Soy Sauce

Foods that stain teeth include dark soy sauces and balsamic vinegar. Anything that can stain a linen napkin can stain your teen and make them discolored. The dark pigment in vinegar and sauces can erode your enamel and stain your teeth. 

Tobacco Product

Tobacco stains are caused due to smoking cigarettes or cigars. Chewing tobacco can affect teeth as they contain tar. Also, they have large amounts of nicotine that can stain your teeth yellow permanently. Nicotine reacts with oxygen and turns yellow. These two chemical compounds are the main reason that tobacco harms your pearly whites.

Final Thoughts

Food and drinks with high pigmentation, sugar content, or acidity are common teeth staining factors that can affect your teeth’ enamel over time. Regular brushing and good oral hygiene can maintain your oral health. You don’t need to give up all your preferred food choices to avoid discoloration. 

If teeth discoloration is present, you can visit your dentist for a tooth whitening procedure that will let you smile and stay white and bright. No one can choose your food choices for you. You can maintain a brilliant set of pearly whites with good oral care and avoid foods that stain teeth. Some preventive measures can also help you in the long run. Visit your dentist to brighten your teeth. Brushing twice a day is an excellent start to your oral hygiene journey.

We all know and understand that caring for our pearly whites is paramount to preventing tooth decay and gum disease and improving overall health. The rule of thumb says to brush twice daily for two minutes and floss once, along with regular bi-annual visits to your dentist. 

Some of us might feel that skipping any of the oral hygiene recommendations might not lead to anything serious and might get lax with it. But if you are well informed about the many dangers of not taking proper care of your teeth, you will be diligent in your oral regime. 

Your dental hygiene not just affects your dentition but may also cause other complications such as diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, pneumonia, and many other medical conditions.

This article will acquaint you with the importance of taking proper care of your teeth and some of the dangers of failing to do so.

Why Should We Be Diligent With Oral Care?

Good oral health means good overall health. If you think tooth decay just impacts your oral health, you will be in for a shock at how oral health is linked with many other functions of our body.

• Tooth decay causes enough pain to impair your ability to do daily activities.
• With pain in your teeth, you cannot eat or speak properly.
• Bacteria from your mouth can travel to other organs in your body, like the heart, and cause heart problems such as strokes or clogged arteries. 

Some Of The Obvious Side Effects Of Poor Oral Care

The most common result of improper oral hygiene is cavities which might lead to root canal treatment or tooth loss. Some other apparent effects are:

• Tooth decay – Decay of your dentitions occurs when the outer enamel is destroyed, causing you pain and sensitivity. If the decay is not treated, it could lead to tooth loss. Your dentitions decay due to sugar and bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria in our mouths eat the sugar, creating acid that erodes the enamel.
• Gum disease – When your gum is infected, it gets red, swollen, or starts bleeding. If this is not treated in time, it can lead to more severe periodontitis or tooth loss. Plaque (a thin film of bacteria) accumulation in our mouth is the main reason for gum disease.
• Bad breath – You get bad breath or halitosis due to bacteria buildup in your mouth. Bad breath could cause embarrassment and make you self-conscious.
• Low self-esteem – Due to poor oral health, your teeth would look stained, you will have bad breath, and you could even have missing teeth. All this leads to low self-esteem, and you would hesitate in laughing or talking to people.

Some Hidden Side Effects Of Poor Oral Hygiene

Apart from some of the apparent outcomes of poor dental care, there are a few severe implications for your health if you do not maintain excellent oral hygiene.

• Diabetes – When there is excess bacteria in the mouth, it can cause inflammation all through the body, which can impact how the body processes sugar. This implies people with gum disease are more prone to get diabetic. The opposite is also true, i.e., people with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease due to high levels of sugar in their saliva. The bacteria in plaque feed on sugar and give rise to gum disease.
• Pneumonia – In pneumonia, a patient’s lung gets infected due to bacteria. The excess bacteria in the mouth can travel to the lungs through the bloodstream and cause infection.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – This is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in joints resulting in joint pain and damage. Periodontitis can give rise to rheumatoid arthritis because this severe gum disease causes inflammation in our bodies allowing bacteria in our mouths to pass into the bloodstream.
• Heart disease – The excess bacteria in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream to the heart and attach themselves to the arteries, causing them to inflame. Inflamed arteries are at high risk of developing plaque deposits that increase the chance of heart attack. 

Tips For Excellent Oral Care

In order to maintain optimal dental hygiene and overall health, it is essential to minimize bacteria in the mouth. Some common oral care tips are outlined below:

• Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes.
• Floss once daily, preferably after your night meal, before brushing your pearly whites.
• Avoid smoking and tobacco intake.
• Limit intake of sugary foods and beverages.
• Visit your dental doctor once in six months for regular checkups and cleanings.
• Eat a healthy diet.

Summing Up 

In this post, we discussed some of the common and hidden consequences of not properly caring for your teeth. We have also provided tips to maintain excellent oral health, which results in improved general health. Follow the directions for a beautiful smile and a healthy body.

Most of us avoid going to a dentist for fear of pain associated with dental work. Some people are averse to the idea of someone else intruding inside their mouths and being in control of it. For people with such anxiety, sedation dentistry is a wonderful option to opt for while undergoing some formidable oral procedure.

Sedation dentistry is a method used in dental procedures where the patient is made more comfortable by administering some form of sedation. Another name for sedation dentistry is twilight sleep, as this creates a state of forgetfulness or short-term amnesia where the patient does not lose consciousness yet becomes insensitive to pain.

We will learn more about how this twilight sleep works and what are some vital things to keep in mind before considering sedation dentistry.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

With sedation dentistry, even the most anxious of patients will feel relaxed and comfortable while undergoing any dental treatment.

• The level of sedation is moderate, where you are technically awake but feel carefree.
• People opt for this short-term amnesia method while undergoing a lengthy or painful oral procedure.
• Twilight sleep can be achieved via many options, such as inhalation of nitrous oxide, IV or intravenous sedation, and oral conscious sedation.
• Dentists who can administer twilight sleep to patients need to have special certification to carry out this procedure.

Who Might Want To Undergo Twilight Sleep Before Oral Procedures?

People of all ages can take advantage of sedation dentistry (including children). Your dentist would recommend this option if you have any of the following considerations:

• Fear of visiting dentists.
• Fear of needles (also called aichmophobia).
• Dental anxiety.
• Low sensitivity to local anesthesia.
• Extreme sensitivity in teeth.
• You have a severe gag reflex.
• You have difficulty controlling movements.
• You feel claustrophobic in the dental chair.
• You have special needs, which could be physical, cognitive, or behavioral.
• If you need a lot of dental work, all of it can be done in one sitting if you go for twilight sleep.
• You have sensitive gums.
• You experience pain in the neck, jaw, or back.

Types of Dental Sedation

There are mainly three types of twilight sleep with different levels of relaxation that they provide:

• Nitrous oxide or laughing gas – This is the most common one and also the least invasive without any complications. It gives you a sense of euphoria, and you might feel silly and giggly with it.
• Oral sedation – This is also called conscious sedation and comes in pill form. Generally, your dentist would give you two doses of the pill; one to take the night before the procedure and another to take an hour or so before the appointment. Oral sedatives make you relaxed and drowsy.
• IV dental sedation – This is the most invasive and deep form and is given to only those who have severe dental anxiety. The drug is injected through an intravenous needle in the patient’s arm and monitored for the complete duration of the procedure.

Five Things To Keep In Mind When Going For Sedation Dentistry

Twilight sleep is a safe, tried, and tested practice in the dental world. It may sound appealing to you, but not all of us are a candidate for all types of twilight sleep. Here are a couple of things you must know about this practice when you are considering twilight sleep for your next dental treatment:

1. Anesthetics and sedatives are not the same – Anesthetics and sedatives are two completely different types of drugs. Anesthetics numb your senses, making you oblivious to pain during any procedure. On the other hand, sedatives merely relax patients. If you go for general anesthesia, you will be unconscious during the procedure, but with sedatives, you are awake but just in a relaxed state of mind.
2. Inducing twilight sleep is safe when done right – There are no significant risks with sedation dentistry, and many sedatives used in this practice have been around for quite some time, with lots of research verifying their safety and effectiveness. Based on the severity of your anxiety, your dentist would decide on what type of sedative to go for. S/he might prescribe you some drugs to take before the appointment, or s/he may consider IV sedation as a more apt choice for you.
3. Specific doses – Do not try to self-medicate to deal with your dental anxiety because you need very specific doses of these sedatives, which only an experienced dental professional can determine.
4. Schedule a consult with your dentist – You must talk to your dentist and give your complete medical history before deciding on twilight sleep.
5. Must have someone come along – Some of the sedatives can induce sleep, give a disoriented feeling, or slur your speech hence ensure you have someone to drive you back home after the procedure.

Summing up 

Sedation dentistry is a viable option for those with dental anxiety, but you must talk to your doctor about the various options to decide if you are the right candidate for it.

The initial fit of Invisalign aligners may not always be optimal, but as you progress through your treatment, they will gradually become more comfortable. However, there are situations where ill-fitting aligners can cause concern. Here are a few factors that can lead to improper fit:

When you start using a fresh set of teeth-aligning devices, it indicates progress in your treatment process. Failing to wear your teeth-straightening device for at least 22 hours per day can hinder your teeth’ movement, resulting in misalignment with the aligners as you transition to new sets. If your teeth-aligning device has been damaged or deformed, it may no longer fit properly and require attention.

How Can I Resolve the Issue of Poorly Fitting Aligners? 

To address ill-fitting aligners, follow these steps for optimal fit: 

• Gently position the device onto your frontal teeth, ensuring a firm fit, and exert pressure on the back teeth until they lock in position. 
• Use your thumbs to press along the entire surface of the aligners to ensure it has been sealed securely. 
• A gap may need attention if an aligner doesn’t fit properly over a tooth.

Enhance Aligner Fit and Placement with Invisalign Chewies:

An effective technique involves utilizing Invisalign chewies to optimize the fit of your Invisalign. These compact cylinders serve as valuable aids in familiarizing yourself with the trays. By biting on these chewies for a brief duration, the applied pressure assists in aligning the trays accurately onto your teeth. 

Typically provided by your dentist, these chewies resemble cotton rolls crafted from a soft, chewable material. After reinserting your Invisalign or teeth-aligning device, chew on these chewies for approximately 3-5 minutes. Biting down prompts the device to exert pressure on your teeth, even in cases where a tight fit is encountered. 

Chewies prove particularly advantageous when transitioning to a new set of teeth-straightening devices. If you encounter difficulty fitting your fresh trays snugly onto your teeth, employing Invisalign Chewies can effectively resolve the issue. Consequently, this ensures proper alignment. A desirable outcome is achieved after the designated chewing time, characterized by a seamless and gap-free connection between your aligners and teeth.

Ensure Optimal Treatment Progress by Wearing Your Aligners for 20 Hours Daily:

To maintain a successful treatment trajectory, it is crucial to adhere to the recommended minimum of 20 hours per day for wearing your aligners. Deviating from this duration will hamper your treatment progress, as insufficient time will be allocated for each set of the device to shift your teeth. Consequently, you may need help with the fit of subsequent sets.

While 20 hours is the absolute minimum requirement, wearing your aligners for 22 hours or more is advisable. Remove them solely during meals, beverage consumption, and oral hygiene routines for brushing and flossing. Falling within the 20-22 hour timeframe may compromise the alignment and fit of your teeth-straightening device.

Exploring the Option of “Backtracking” to Previous Aligners:

If your teeth do not comfortably fit within your new set of Invisalign trays, contact your dentist regarding the possibility of “backtracking” to your previous teeth-straightening device. Wearing an initial set of aligners for an additional week or two could prompt the desired movement of your teeth and help you regain progress in your treatment. Nevertheless, consulting with your dentist before considering this action is crucial. 

Collaborate With Your Dentist to Modify Your Treatment: 

If your attempts with chewies, correct aligner usage, or reverting to a previous set of teeth-straightening devices prove ineffective, you might need to collaborate with your dentist to modify your Invisalign treatment plan. By doing so, you can acquire a fresh set of aligners.

There is a chance that your initial treatment plan was not flawless or that your teeth are undergoing slower movement than expected. Your dentist has the expertise to evaluate the alignment of your teeth, provide you with a new teeth-straightening device, and ensure that your treatment progresses as intended. 

Resolving Alignment Issues- A Concluding Note: 

When Invisalign aligners do not fit correctly, several remedies can be pursued either at home or with guidance from your orthodontist. Maintaining an optimistic mindset and diligently adhering to all instructions for optimal results is crucial.

When you want to get straight teeth and a stunning smile, you have many options available now to have all of that. Earlier, you only had the option of wearing traditional braces, which came with a list of foods you could not eat during the treatment period. But this restriction is no longer applicable with the arrival of clear braces or Invisalign. Since you can remove these plastic trays as and when you want, there is absolutely nothing you can not eat during your Invisalign treatment. 

Invisalign has made it extremely comfortable and convenient for people to get perfectly aligned teeth without having to look funny with the metallic brackets jutting out. But there are a few do’s and don’ts that one must follow while wearing these invisible aligners so that you are on track in your journey towards straight teeth. 

In this article, you will find two lists, one telling you what dentists recommend while on Invisalign treatment, and the other one will tell you what you should avoid when you are aligning your teeth with clear aligners.

Things One Should Avoid During Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign works for most teeth alignment issues, such as crooked teeth, gapped teeth, etc. But you must wear the aligners for a minimum of twenty-two hours to achieve the desired result in the stipulated time. If you wish to have a dazzling smile as soon as possible with the clear aligners, avoid doing the following things:

• Do not leave your aligner out for long – You must remove your aligners when you eat anything but put them back immediately after you have finished eating. The aligners are less effective if you do not wear them as per the recommended hours. If you feel you might forget to wear your trays, put an alarm on your phone to remind you to wear Invisalign.
• Do not leave the trays out in the open – When you take out your aligners, store them in their case, as leaving them in the air exposes them to various airborne pathogens, which can build up bacteria in your aligners. You are also likely to damage or lose your trays if not securely placed in the case. If you have left your Invisalign out for a long time, you should soak and rinse it when you wear them back.
• Do not use toothpaste or other harsh materials to clean your trays – Any material with strong colors or scent is abrasive and can damage your aligners. It will also leave some residue on your Invisalign that could lead to discoloration in the long run. Another disadvantage of using soaps or toothpaste is the unpleasant taste it might give your trays. 
• Do not dirty your aligners – Your aligners must be clean at all times, and you can only drink water with your trays on. For eating or drinking anything other than water, you must remove your aligners first, and when you put them back, make sure you brush your teeth and rinse your aligners with an appropriate cleaning solution. This will prevent staining of your aligners and any chances of plaque or bacteria buildup. If your aligners are not clean, you might end up with cavities.
• Do not expose them to heat and air – If you drink any hot beverage or clean your aligners with hot water, or even leave them inside a hot car, your aligners can warp. This will harm your progress as warping will make the aligners ill-fitted. So do not expose your aligners to any kind of extreme heat, and for rinsing, always use lukewarm water. When you want to drink hot beverages, take your aligners out,
• Do not jump ahead to the next tray in case you lose your current aligners – If you lose your aligners, you must contact your dentist, who will instruct you on how to proceed. If you move to the next set of trays earlier than scheduled, it could cause tooth shrinkage or resorption. This could lead to unstable teeth, which can eventually fall off. Since each set of trays is pre-programmed to achieve a specific amount of tooth movement and plays a critical role in your overall results, you must stick to the prescribed plan without jumping to the next set.
• Avoid smoking – Since Invisalign requires you to wear them for twenty to twenty-two hours, you can find enough time only to eat and drink. Hence, a bad habit of smoking can not find a place during your Invisalign treatment period. If you think you can smoke with aligners on, remember that smoking would quickly discolor your trays due to the presence of nicotine in them.

Some Of The Things You Must Do While Wearing Invisalign

Now that we have seen things to avoid during your clear aligners are on, let us also learn about some do’s when you are on this treatment:

• Wear them for twenty to twenty-two hours – You will get desired results in the required timeframe only if you wear your aligners for twenty to twenty-two hours. If you fail to do so, your treatment might prolong, and in the worst case, your next aligner might not fit you, and you might have to get a new set made.
• Clean your aligners daily – Since Invisalign is removable, it is easy to clean them. Use a soft-bristled brush and lukewarm water along with any cleaning solution which is specifically suited for these plastic trays to clean them. You must clean them in the morning and also before going to bed. During meals rinsing the aligners should be good enough.
• Brush your teeth after any meal and before you put your aligners back – Your aligners fit on your teeth snugly, and if there is any food or debris on your teeth, your aligners can catch them. Since the saliva does not flow freely while aligners are on your teeth, the food would sit on them and can lead to tooth decay. Brush or, at the minimum, rinse your mouth after you eat anything and before you wear your aligners.

Invisalign is a revolutionary treatment for fixing crooked and gapped teeth; wearing aligners comes with a set of rules, and you could get great results if you follow the dos and don’ts outlined in this article.

It is common for children and teenagers to feel uncomfortable hearing the term “brace-face,” which describes how awkward their mouths and faces look when wearing metal braces. Earlier metal braces used to be the first line of treatment for straightening teeth for kids but off-late the trend has changed. Now, more than 5 million kids in the US wear Invisalign to correct their smile.

Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that consists of clear aligners that gently and gradually align your teeth in their proper places and give you a dazzling smile. At the same time, they are invisible, and people cannot make out you are wearing braces. Moreover, Invisalign trays are also removable so that you do not have to give up on your favorite foods due to aligners.

Most parents have likely had traditional braces fitted during their childhood, so they might be skeptical about the efficiency of Invisalign as a result of their own experience. If you are also someone in a fix about whether to go for Invisalign for your kids or not, then this article is for you as it will clear all your doubts about Invisalign for kids.

Why Invisalign for Kids?

Parents whose kids are using Invisalign like the treatment as it means fewer visits to the dentist, no need for emergency appointments, and happier children. Teenagers love this treatment as it is invisible so they don’t feel gawky in their social circle. The aligners also cause less discomfort and pain.

• These clear aligners are convenient

Your kid can remove the aligners which makes them very convenient. Since you need the aligners for twenty to twenty-two hours a day, you get two to four hours every day when you can take them out. So children get a lot of wiggle time which is great for them. 

If your child plays sports or is in a band, they can remove the trays and continue their normal activities without any issues. Kids can also eat anything they want to and will not have to go without having their favorite foods like popcorn, for the period of treatment. Braces can be more painful for kids which gives Invisalign another feather in the cap when it comes to teeth straightening options for your child.

• Less time at the dentist 

Teenagers and children have a much busier life than others. They are involved in a variety of spots and additional extra-curricular activities. Some of them could also be having part-time jobs. So for kids, it could be hard to squeeze in time for doing homework or relaxing which leaves very little time left to see a dentist. 

Fortunately, Invisalign needs your child to spend very little time at the dentist. With traditional braces, you must visit your dentist frequently since your teeth would move only when the wires are adjusted or changed. This could be quite often, such as once or twice a month. This would mean you need to take time off from work and your kid needs to miss his school time. Since you are given your entire set of aligners in one go, your kid can change the aligners at home.  The clear aligners need you to come either once a month or every two months to check if the aligners are working.

• It is easy to clean these removable trays 

Parents will get a big relief knowing that it is a breeze to clean Invisalign. When your kid brushes or flosses his/her teeth, they would remove the aligners and simply need to brush the aligners with a soft toothbrush and water. You should not use toothpaste on the aligners as they are too abrasive and might leave visible scratch marks on the aligners. In case your child isn’t able to clean his aligners properly, Invisalign comes with a cleaning system that can be purchased.

• Less chance of cavities 

The traditional braces have food traps but the clear trays can be removed and you can easily brush and floss your teeth. When wearing braces, your kid has to learn how to use new tools and spend a lot of time maintaining good oral hygiene. All this fuss can be avoided with Invisalign.

• Your kid feels confident 

Metal braces can surely give your child a beautiful smile but they come with their social concerns. This social stigma of wearing braces has been dealt with beautifully with these invisible aligners. Your child can remove the aligners at any time they feel like making them feel free and confident.

What Factors Determine If You Should Opt For Invisalign For Your Kids

Whether or not Invisalign is a great option for your child depends on your kid.

• Consider the age of your child and his or her maturity level to understand the responsibility associated with these removable aligners. If the child is apt to misplace or lose aligners, it can pose issues.
• The aligners are designed to be effective if worn for twenty to twenty-two hours, so your child needs to be responsible enough to not remove the aligners for long.
• Some alignment issues can only be corrected by braces, such as impacted teeth or severe misalignment problems. Since braces have more pull compared to Invisalign, children would need braces if their teeth need to move a considerable distance to get to their desired positions.

For children who are responsible and mature enough to handle removable braces, Invisalign can be one of the best options when it comes to straightening their teeth. Based on the specific teeth conditions, your orthodontist may advise you whether these clear trays are suitable for your child or not.

Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that may be necessary for various reasons, such as tooth decay, gum disease, trauma, or orthodontic treatment. After tooth extraction, following proper post-operative care, including dietary guidelines, is crucial to promote healing, prevent complications, and ensure optimal recovery.

Knowing what foods to eat and avoid after tooth extraction can significantly impact healing and help you return to normalcy faster. This article will discuss the recommended foods to eat and foods to avoid after tooth extraction to aid recovery.

Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction

Following a tooth extraction, choosing soft, easy-to-chew, and nutrient-rich foods that do not require excessive chewing or cause irritation to the extraction site is essential. Here are some examples of foods that are typically recommended to eat after tooth extraction:

1. Soft fruits and vegetables: Cooked or canned fruits and vegetables, mashed bananas, avocados, applesauce, and fruit smoothies are excellent options. They are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can help support your immune system and promote healing.
2. Protein-rich foods: Soft-cooked eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, protein shakes, and pureed beans are good sources of protein that can aid in tissue repair and regeneration after tooth extraction.
3. Liquid or pureed soups: Broth-based soups, pureed vegetable soups, and cream soups are nutritious options that can be easily consumed without much chewing. Avoid hot soups to prevent any burns.
4. Soft grains: Cooked oatmeal, cream of wheat, mashed potatoes, and pasta are examples of soft grains that provide energy and can be easily swallowed.
5. Soft, tender meats: Cooked and shredded chicken, fish, and ground meat are good protein sources and can be easily consumed without chewing.

Foods to Avoid After Tooth Extraction

In addition to knowing what foods to eat, it is equally important to know what foods to avoid after tooth extraction to prevent complications and promote healing. Here are some foods that are typically recommended to avoid after tooth extraction:

1. Hard and crunchy foods: Hard candies, nuts, seeds, chips, and popcorn can be abrasive to the extraction site and may cause irritation or damage to the healing tissues.
2. Chewy or sticky foods: Chewy candies, caramel, taffy, gummies, and dried fruits can get stuck in between the teeth and disrupt the healing process.
3. Spicy or acidic foods: Spicy foods and acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar-based dressings may cause discomfort, stinging, or burning sensation around the teeth.
4. Carbonated beverages: Carbonated beverages, including soda and sparkling water, should be avoided as the carbonation can create pressure in the mouth and potentially dislodge blood clots that form at the extraction site, leading to a condition called dry socket, which can be painful and delay healing.
5. Alcohol and smoking: Alcohol and smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications after tooth extraction. It is essential to refrain from alcohol consumption and smoking during the recovery period.
6. Hot foods and beverages: Hot foods and beverages can increase blood flow to the extraction site, potentially leading to bleeding or dislodging blood clots. Avoiding hot foods and drinks until the teeth and gums fully heal is recommended.

Some general eating tips to keep in mind after tooth extraction

1. Start with clear liquids: In the immediate hours after tooth extraction, it is recommended to start with clear liquids such as water, broth, or clear juice to prevent dehydration and help soothe the mouth.
2. Avoid using straws: Straws can create suction in the mouth, potentially dislodge blood clots and delay healing. It is best to avoid using straws for drinking after tooth extraction.
3. Take small, slow bites: When you are ready to transition to soft foods, take small and slow bites to avoid putting excessive pressure on the teeth. Cut food into small pieces and chew carefully on the opposite side of the extraction site.
4. Avoid excessive chewing: Minimize chewing on the side of the mouth where the tooth extraction has occurred to prevent irritation or damage to the gums and teeth. Opt for softer foods that require minimal chewing.
5. Follow your dentist’s instructions: Every tooth extraction case is unique, and your dentist may provide specific dietary guidelines based on your condition. Following your dentist’s instructions and recommendations for optimal recovery is essential.

Lastly, proper nutrition plays a crucial role in the healing process after tooth extraction. Following a soft, nutrient-rich diet and avoiding foods that can potentially irritate or damage the extraction site is essential for promoting healing, preventing complications, and ensuring a smooth recovery. 

You are talking to someone or eating, and you accidentally bite down on your lip. Biting down on the inside of your lips can be a painful experience, and it can happen to anyone. Biting lips is mostly accidental and could happen due to many reasons, such as during a fall, while playing sports, due to seizures, or even due to stress. 

This type of injury may hurt but does not require professional medical intervention. You can quickly treat your bitten lip with some self-care measures. The wounds in the mouth area heal quickly since our tongues have an excellent blood supply. But there could be instances when an injury on the inside of the lip may require professional help. 

This article will discuss how to treat a wound on your lips if you bite down on it and also know when to seek medical care.

What To Expect When You Hurt Your Lips By Biting

Your teeth press against your skin when you bite the inside of your lips. This area has many nerve endings and is very sensitive to pain, which could hurt a lot. If the cut punctures your skin, you could also bleed a lot since lips have a rich blood supply. When you have a bitten inner lip, you could experience the following:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Sensitivity.
• If the bite was forceful, you could also have cuts, canker sores, bumps, or mucus-filled cysts called mucocele.

How To Treat a Bitten Sore Mouth Area 

If the bite is on the outside, then you should first keep it clean. You could use water and a clean cloth to dab the area clean. You could even use a droplet of any mild soap, but be careful not to use a lot of it. But if the sore is on the inside of your mouth, then it is a little more involved and needs careful treatment.

The inside of your mouth has numerous bacteria that constantly try to infiltrate the wound. So it becomes essential to keep the area clean and follow good oral hygiene to prevent and minimize bacteria spread.

• Check the wound – Check if there is any debris or dirt on the scrape, especially if the lip was bitten due to any accident. If there is anything stuck to the cut, do not remove it. If this is the case, it is paramount that you seek medical attention instantly. 
• Clean the wound – Use clean and cold water with a clean cloth to clean the area. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the affected area. You could also use salt water to rinse your mouth.
• Apply pressure to control bleeding – Use a clean piece of medical gauze to apply firm pressure on the cut for five to ten minutes. You could also use a clean towel if you do not have gauze. If this still does not stop bleeding, continue to apply pressure but also call the emergency number or head to the closest immediate care or medical center.
• Reduce swelling – If the bleeding stops, use ice or any other cold compress on the area to reduce swelling. You could also use popsicles for injuries inside the mouth as they will keep the site cold and help in swelling reduction.
• Avoid spicy food – If the bite is raw and sore, avoid eating spicy, hot, or acidic foods. Such food can irritate the wound and cause more pain.

What To Do While Your Lip Is Healing?

You might need an OTC (over-the-counter) medicine for pain relief and discomfort after the injury. 

• After every meal or beverage, rinse your lips with water to help ease away the pain and expedite the healing process.
• While you are recovering from the bite on the inside of your lip, look out for any possible signs of infection, such as:
  • Tenderness
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Pus buildup
  • Fever
• If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, reach out to your physician or dentist at the earliest.

When Do I See A Dentist Or Doctor?

Mouth injuries heal on their own most of the time. But if there are any complications, as described below, then you must seek the help of a dentist or doctor.

• If debris is stuck in your wound, do not try to remove it yourself but visit your doctor as soon as possible.
• If the bleeding does not stop after applying pressure, it is a warning sign to go and see a doctor.
• You should see a doctor if the cut crosses the border between your face and lip. Otherwise, the jagged scar line would still be visible even after healing.
• If you have signs of infection, as explained above.
• If the cut is deep.
• If you have loose or broken teeth.

Biting the inside of your lip can cause tremendous pain. But the good news is such injuries are mostly superficial and can heal with just some home remedies. However, if you see signs of infection, dirt, or debris inside the cut, you must see a doctor and not do any self-care. Most wounds would heal within a few days, but if they last longer, then you should seek medical care as early as possible,

Crooked teeth can affect not just your appearance but also the quality of your life. Twisted, crowded, or overlapped dentition hamper chewing ability, which can cause heavy wear and tear of your teeth. Misshapen teeth are also difficult to clean, giving room for bacteria and plaque buildup. They could also result in chronic headaches, cracked dentition, and other health problems.

Misaligned teeth are common, and around seventy-five percent of us have some degree of crookedness in our oral setup. You might want to straighten your pearly whites for many reasons, such as to enhance your smile, improve oral health, and other health conditions. This article will acquaint you with the common reasons for crooked teeth and what you can do about it if you are unhappy with how you smile.

Reasons For Misshapen Teeth

Both baby and adult permanent dentition can come in misshapen. In the case of baby teeth, the crookedness can come due to the dentitions being too small to fill in the gum space available to them. Some of the common reasons for having misshapen teeth are:

• Genetics – It is very likely that if your parents have crooked teeth, you might end up with misshapen pearly whites too. The dental markers that lead to crooked teeth come from our parents, such as inheriting a misaligned jaw or too small mouth. A small mouth gives rise to overcrowded teeth; a misaligned jaw can provide us with underbite or overbite.
• Poor habits – If you have repetitive behavior that affects the function or muscles of the mouth, it can cause crooked dentition. Some poor habits include sucking your thumb past the age of three, using a pacifier beyond three years of age, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing.
• Jaw size – Our collective jaw size has altered and become smaller as the current population eats more soft and processed food that requires less chewing than the foods our ancestors ate. Scientists believe that our shorter, evolved jaw plays a role in misaligned, crowded, and twisted dentitions.
• Injury or illness – Your teeth can get displaced due to trauma or injury to the mouth or face, and most severe instances of crooked teeth are primarily due to such types of injuries. When we either lose our teeth or our jaw shifts due to the trauma, our other dentitions shift slowly to make up for the open space. 
• Illness – Certain diseases like osteoporosis lead to the deterioration of the bone that supports our pearly whites. Some autoimmune diseases also hamper saliva production, which can result in tooth loss. Your other dentitions will then shift to make up for the lost tooth.
• Poor dental care – Follow good oral hygiene and keep up with your regular dental appointments to avoid gums and cavities, and it could pose many dental health problems, including crooked teeth.
• Poor nutrition – If you do not eat healthy food, especially for kids, your dental development will be poor, a precursor to misshapen pearly whites.
• Losing baby teeth early – If you lose them before time, it could lead to the permanent detention being slanted rather than straight.
• Improper fit of dental restorations – If dental fittings like crowns and fillings need to be fitted, it could lead to crooked teeth.

Treating Crooked Teeth

Fortunately, there has been tremendous advancement in dental technologies that can fix almost all dental issues. Some of the most common treatments for misaligned and twisted pearly whites are:

• Braces – if you have otherwise healthy dentitions that are crowded or crooked, orthodontic treatments like braces offer the best long-term solutions. You could either go for traditional metallic braces or modern removable clear aligners. Braces do not give a quick fix, but the treatment can take months to years.
• Veneers – Veneers are a quick alternative to braces. They are a thin layer of porcelain that your dentist would place over your natural pearly whites to disguise any imperfection. Veneers can mask misshapen teeth, straighten them, and whiten badly stained dentition. They have some downsides, such as a part of your enamel would need to be removed to place them, and you might also need to replace them in case of some injury to your mouth.
• Crowns – For broken or severely decayed dentitions, crowns can help achieve a confident smile. Dental crowns are fitted on top of any twisted or damaged dentition to make them straight and whole. Your orthodontist might also use a combination of veneers and crowns to give you that perfect smile.
• Teeth contouring – If you have mildly crowded pearly whites, you can be a suitable candidate for dentition contouring. In this process, your pearly whites are reshaped to make them appear straighter and neater. 
• Dental bonding – Dental bonding is another minimally invasive procedure to help you give straight dentitions. This procedure uses tooth-colored composite to reshape and build up twisted detentions and make them straighter.

You would need to meet your orthodontist to understand which options for straightening your pearly whites are best suited for you. Based on your oral structure and conditions, s/he will be the best person to recommend the most suitable option.

When you have dental problems and need restoration, you may wonder if you can get crowns. Many patients choose crowns to address cosmetic issues and dental problems. Some problems like cracked or fractured teeth, badly discolored teeth, or misshapen teeth are addressed with artificial teeth. If you have unsightly dental problems, a crown offers a durable and long-lasting solution. The color will complement your natural teeth, so they won’t be noticeable.

There is no doubt that crowns can be an excellent solution to fix oral problems – but are they right for you? Ensure you are a suitable candidate for crowns before you undergo the procedure. Dental crowns are best placed on teeth that still have enough natural tooth structure above the gum line to support the crown. 

Here are some oral problems that make you a suitable candidate for dental crowns: 

• Tooth Decay

After a filling, crowns can cover decayed teeth. Nevertheless, there are limitations on how much decay you can have and still receive a crown. If your tooth is affected by severe decay, a dentist may recommend extraction rather than placing a crown. However, implants are topped with dental crowns if you need to have a tooth extracted for severe decay.

• Root Canal

Dental crowns are usually recommended after root canal treatment if you require one due to oral problems. There is a risk of infection after a root canal if bacteria get inside the tooth. Most importantly, these can reduce this risk and protect your teeth from damage.

• Cracked Teeth

Dental crowns can help protect a cracked or chipped tooth from further damage or infection. They also enhance the appearance of teeth, resulting in a more attractive smile. If you have a crooked or cracked tooth, you may consider a crown. Additionally, bonding and veneering are other options for restoring the appearance of teeth. In most cases, your dentist will discuss all of your treatment options with you to decide the best option for your teeth.

• Tooth Discoloration

When you have severe discoloration or stains on your teeth, crowns can cover them and make them look whiter. This solution is better suited to people with just one or two stained teeth. Additionally, these may be a good option for discolored teeth that cannot be bleached, such as grayish teeth. 

• Missing Teeth

A dental crown used in conjunction with an implant can restore the function of a missing tooth and improve the appearance of the patient. Having an implant placed requires healthy gums and adequate bone to support it. Most importantly, an implant crown is designed to look like your natural tooth in color, shape, and size, which can enhance the appearance of your smile.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are durable but not permanent. In the long run, you’ll have to replace these. The longevity of these depends on how well you care for them. If your dental crowns are properly cared for, professionally cleaned, and regularly checked, they can last many years.

Dental crowns can provide excellent protection for your teeth and restore their function and appearance. In most cases, they are highly effective at treating a variety of oral problems. During a dental examination and assessment, a dentist can determine if this option are suitable for your oral health. Schedule an initial consultation with your dentist if you think crowns might be suitable for you.

For more detailed information, visit the trusted clinic and book your appointment. 

While brushing your teeth, you notice blood in the foam you spat on your bathroom sink. You ignore it-something you have been doing for the past years! But now it’s time to stop and take a close look at your dental health. Many people complain about bleeding gums but never take them seriously or get them treated. 

A bleeding gum can lead to gingival infection, a severe dental disease. Inflammation of the gum tissue around the teeth causes it. Leaving this infection untreated can lead to periodontitis. Eventually, the patient’s condition becomes too complex for any treatment to be effective, resulting in tooth loss.

While it may seem like a minor issue, bleeding gums can be a sign of a more serious problem that, if left untreated, can lead to a range of potential health issues. This blog post will explore the consequences of not treating gum issues and why seeking treatment as soon as possible is essential.

Risks of not treating bleeding gums

Here are some of the risk factors that increase with gum issues: 

Gum Disease

Most often, bleeding gums result from gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. During gum disease, inflammation, and infection result from plaque buildup on the teeth. Symptoms of gum disease include redness, swelling, bleeding, bad breath, and tooth loss. Gingivitis can lead to tooth loss, significantly impacting your overall health and quality of life. Tooth loss can make it difficult to eat and speak and lead to changes in your facial structure over time.

Infection

You may also experience bleeding gums if you have an oral infection. This infection can spread to other body parts without treatment, leading to serious health problems. For example, gum disease has been associated with heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Bad Breath

Gum disease can cause bad breath, also known as halitosis. If left untreated, this bad breath can be challenging to get rid of and significantly impact your social life and self-esteem. Chronic bad breath can also be a sign of other health problems, so it is essential to seek treatment if you are experiencing this symptom.

Pain and Discomfort

Bleeding gums can cause pain and discomfort, especially when brushing, flossing, or eating. The severity of gum disease will determine how severe the pain can be. If left untreated, the pain and discomfort can worsen, making it difficult to perform everyday activities such as eating and speaking.

Increased Risk of Systemic Diseases

Recent research has linked bleeding gums to an increased risk of systemic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The exact reason for this link is still being studied, but gum disease is believed to cause inflammation contributing to these other health problems. If you are at risk for these diseases, seeking treatment for bleeding gums as soon as possible is essential.

Let’s see some prevention and treatment tips!

Prevention and treatment of bleeding gums are both possible. The most crucial step is to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. To ensure your teeth are healthy, you should schedule regular dental checkups.

If you are experiencing bleeding gums, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing as a deep cleaning procedure. Smoothing rough spots on the root of the teeth is a crucial part of this process, which involves the removal of plaque and tartar. 

In more severe cases of gum disease, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage to the teeth. It can include gum grafting, in which tissues from another part of the mouth are used to replace damaged gum tissue.

Lastly, bleeding gums may seem minor but can indicate a more serious underlying health issue. Therefore, it should not be left untreated.

As soon as your braces were taken off, your dentist gave you a retainer. Your retainer should be worn over a long period of time, as prescribed by your dental professional. You may not be able to straighten your teeth if you stopped wearing your retainer, lost it, or broke it and didn’t replace it when needed. 

Orthodontic treatment is most often needed to correct this problem. It’s estimated that 50% of adults who had braces in childhood did not wear retainers as adults. And it could cause dental issues or dental relapse in some cases. 

Most people go through teeth straightening treatments and wear orthodontic appliances for a long period of time. And once it is off they think they can enjoy their beautiful smile as it is. But that is not the case because to make that treatment fully successful you need to wear a retainer.

Retainers help keep your teeth in place once the braces are off. And you can easily fall into the dental relapse phase if you don’t do the same. So, to make sure that you do not face these issues here is some information about why you may need a teeth straightening treatment again. 

Reasons you may have to wear braces again

There are different reasons why wearing braces again may become necessary for you: 

• Incomplete treatment: The treatment you sought could not be completed. It could be for a variety of reasons. It’s possible that you moved to a new location and couldn’t continue seeing your dentist. Perhaps you were unable to afford the orthodontic treatment. It is also possible that you were a teen at that time and had a low pain threshold. It is likely that you will not get satisfactory results if you choose to stop treatment midway and it can result in dental relapse. 
• You aren’t wearing your retainers: You may not have worn your retainers adequately after getting your braces taken off. A retainer is designed to prevent teeth from shifting again, and not wearing one could result in unwanted consequences. Teeth generally shift back into their original positions once braces have been removed. Orthodontists call this process orthodontic relapse. It is for this reason that either fixed or removable retainers are given to us by our dentists.
• Lack of regular dental care: Regularly monitoring your orthodontic treatment is key to achieving that absolutely straight smile and pearly whites. If your teeth or gums change in any way, your treatment could be adversely affected, so it is extremely important that you attend every orthodontist appointment. Failure to keep in touch with your dentist or not monitoring your teeth consistently will lead to relapse. Hence, you should visit your dentist at regular intervals to avoid this. 
• Consistent bad habits: This is for sweet tooth sufferers and other people who negatively affect their orthodontic treatment by not following the necessary precautions after the treatment. Eating a lot of chocolate, sticky and hard food, gummies, missing dental checkups, and smoking all these habits may not seem like a big deal, but they do affect the treatment in a negative way. In addition to gum problems causing enamel erosion, irresponsible oral hygiene can even lead to the loss of teeth. Thus, to achieve straighter teeth, avoid these bad habits at all costs.

There can be more reasons apart from these that can cause you to suffer from a dental relapse. And if you don’t want to wear your braces again you must follow all these tips and stay away from habits that can hamper the quality and speed of your teeth straightening treatment. 

Dental exams and cleanings are essential for maintaining your oral health and preventing dental problems. The dentist will clean your teeth and check them for cavities during these visits. The dentist also inspects and monitors other aspects of your oral health to help detect, stop, and maintain any serious health issue.

Teeth cleanings are the best way to maintain a bright smile and fresh breath as well as help improve and support your overall health. But most of the time, people overlook this important aspect.

And we all know professional teeth cleaning is a procedure aimed at performing overall mouth cleaning at the dentist’s office. So, to get a better knowledge on the same, read further!

How many times should you get your teeth cleaned by a dentist? 

Properly brushing your teeth is part of the oral care routine but timely getting them cleaned by a dentist is a different thing. It can be a game changer for your overall health as well. Therefore, it is vital to visit your dentist often.

Dental cleanings should be performed every six months, according to some dentists. In this way, your dentist can check your teeth for cavities and gingivitis and recommend any treatments that are needed.

There are a lot of studies that show people who visit a dental clinic at regular intervals or twice in 6 months have better oral health than those who do not. 

Though, getting dental cleaning done also depends on your oral health insurance scheme. Most of these insurances cover six-monthly dental checkups. But if not, then you can visit your dentist to get your mouth cleaned whenever you feel it’s necessary. 

What to expect when you visit your dentist for a dental cleaning?

Below given are some points that show what exactly happens when you visit your dentist for oral cleaning sessions: 

• Examining your medical history: Dentists can develop a better picture of both your dental and overall health when they are aware of any current medical conditions, drugs, and illnesses.
• Analyzing diagnostic radiographs: Next is analyzing radiographs or x-rays, which is crucial for finding bone loss, tumors, and cysts. The position of the tooth and root can also be determined using X-rays.
• Screening for oral cancer: During this procedure, the dentist looks for any signs of oral cancer on the neck, face, tongue, lips, tissues, throat, and gums.
• Evaluation of gum disease: The bones and the gums around will be examined for signs of periodontal disease by your oral health care provider.
• Dental decay examination: With special dental instruments, the dentist will check all surfaces of the teeth for decay.
• Plaque removal: Plaque forms on teeth and is sticky and almost invisible. The organism consists of living bacteria, saliva, and food debris. Inflammation of the gums is caused by toxins produced by these bacteria. Symptoms of periodontal disease begin with this inflammation.
• Inspection of existing restorations: If you have any existing fillings, crowns, etc., your dentist will also check that to ensure it is in place.
• Teeth polishing: In this process, the dentist eliminates plaque and stains that are not eliminated by brushing and scaling alone.

Why do you need to get your teeth cleaned? 

The main reason to get your overall dental cleaning done are: 

• It brightens your smile
• Prevent any cavity or infection from happening
• Prevent tooth loss
• Controls bad breath
• Boost your overall health
• Prevent plaque or tartar build-up
• Prevent discoloration 
• Helps detect any oral care problem at an early stage etc.

Lastly, we hope after reading this article, you will be getting your dental cleaning done every six months or twice a year to prevent any oral care diseases. 

Before getting tartar removed, many people wonder: Does it hurt? There are several factors that contribute to determining whether the answer is “yes” or “no.” Don’t let fear of pain keep you from trying! A professional should be entrusted with the task of removing tartar from your teeth. Most importantly, a dentist or dental hygienist is equipped with the necessary tools and training to remove plaque effectively.

What is Tartar?

In simple terms, tartar, also known as calculus, occurs when plaque and minerals from your saliva accumulate and harden. It is possible for tartar to coat the exterior of teeth and invade below the gum line. Having tartar on your teeth feels like having a crusty blanket covering them. Due to its porous nature, tartar is easily stained by food and drink.

In most cases, tartar deposits are yellow or brown in color and tend to settle behind and in between teeth. The buildup of tartar, as well as its precursor, plaque, can cause significant damage to your dental health.

Why is Tartar Removal Necessary?

Despite brushing and flossing your teeth three times daily, plaque will still build up over time and may harden into tartar.

If tartar is not treated in a timely manner, it will have a detrimental effect on your oral health.

• Bad breath.
• Periodontitis.
• Damaged enamel.
• Bleeding from the roots.
• Toothaches when eating foods that are too hot or too cold.
• Loose teeth.

Furthermore, plaque and tartar also create an unpleasant appearance, making your smile look stiff and contrived. For this reason, it is important to have tartar removed periodically by a reputable dental clinic.

Does Tartar Removal Damage the Enamel?

It is unlikely that the removal of tartar will damage your enamel if you follow the instructions provided by your dentist. Tartar removal can result in enamel damage if performed more frequently (some people have tartar removed every two months or less).

It is widely believed that removing tartar weakens the roots, increasing the likelihood of loose teeth. This is a complete myth! By removing tartar, harmful bacteria are eliminated, which protects the roots. Furthermore, once plaque has been removed, bacteria will not be able to hide.

It is a very effective means of preventing gum inflammation, periodontitis, and bad breath, among other dental problems, all of which contribute to a bright and attractive smile.

How often should you have tartar removal?

As per your doctor’s recommendation, you should scrape your teeth on a regular basis:

• Maintaining proper oral health and flossing regularly, brushing correctly, and removing tartar less frequently: every six months to one year.
• Once every three to four months for lumpy enamel, easy accumulation of leftovers, eating sweets regularly, and smoking.

Is Tartar Removal Painful?

A tiny nozzle on an ultrasonic device will be used by your dentist to reach areas that are difficult to reach during the procedure. In order to break down tartar, this device uses ultrasonic waves and oscillates (without damaging the enamel). At the same time, another nozzle blasts water into those areas to wash away the pieces of tartar.

Tartar removal is affected by a number of factors, including:

The patient’s oral condition: Those with sensitive teeth or diseases such as gum inflammation or periodontitis will certainly experience more pain and ache during the procedure when compared to those with good oral health.

The extent of tartar buildup: It is easier to remove tartar build-up on the surface of the teeth, and it does not cause much pain for the patient. However, tartar that has hardened over time and becomes embedded in the gums will cause deep pain during the dental procedure. After a few days, however, the discomfort will subside.

When left unchecked, tartar buildup can have a very negative effect on the quality of your life. Hence, keeping this hardened plaque at bay requires daily brushing and flossing, as well as periodic dental cleanings and check-ups.

Based on the average scientific proof, a dental crown can last from 5 to 15 years, taking into consideration the durability of the crown, the vocal or mouth behaviors of the owner, and how frequently they take care of their teeth and gums through certain oral hygiene habits and practices. 

There are also temporary dental crowns – as the name suggests – where the crown/cap can either be removed or will naturally fall off after a short period of time. Permanent dental caps may or may not take quite some time to be fully made and ready to be used. Though not that common, temporary ones are used during this waiting period.

More importantly, the material of the crown also contributes significantly to its lifespan and durability. For example, dental crowns made out of metal (copper, bronze, gold, platinum, silver, etc.) have a higher chance of lasting for more than 10 years, whereas crowns made from resin, ceramic, and porcelain last for a maximum of 3 to 5 years.

Now that that has been said, let us go into more detail and see what exactly dental crowns are and their other necessary information, shall we?

What are dental crowns?

As time passes, one’s tooth can very well be damaged and/or go out of shape for various reasons such as age, calcium deficiency, any injury to the mouth, etc. A dental crown is a sort of like cap that is shaped like a tooth and is used to bring back the damaged tooth to its original shape by placing it on top of the said damaged tooth.

Dental caps are commonly used to restore a damaged or deformed tooth’s former appearance, shape, strength, health, and size. Moreover, during this restoration process, this cap also serves as a shield, protecting the tooth from further damage that might ruin the present texture of the tooth, making sure that the tooth grows into its original state and health.

Why and when does one need a dental crown?

One may require dental crowns for the following reasons : 

• Having a broken tooth.
• Having a tooth that is decayed due to any oral disease. 
• Any tooth that is partly or wholly damaged & requires protection as it is pretty sensitive.
• Covering a tooth that has undergone a root canal procedure.
• Used as protection to cover any implant or bridge.

Apart from the reasons mentioned above, a cap can also be used for other reasons apart from dental purposes, such as beauty and fashion, where most Hollywood celebrities and rappers can be seen sporting gold, diamond, silver, and platinum-colored dental caps and platings.

What are the types of crowns (material basis) available?

As previously mentioned, there are many kinds of dental crowns in dentistry that can be used, such as metal, ceramic, resin, etc. Let’s take a look at these materials and more:

Metal – Caps made out of metals such as gold, silver, aluminum, platinum, copper, bronze, nickel, chromium, etc., last longer than other materials as they have a higher capacity to tolerate the force of biting, chewing, and can withstand cold and hot food. They very rarely break, chip, fall off or rot. Likewise, they are priced accordingly.

Stainless Steel – This material is highly used in making permanent dental caps as they are more or less quite affordable. It is also frequently used for children as the material helps fall off naturally once their tooth starts to outgrow the dental cap.

Porcelain or Ceramic – This material is used for people allergic to metal and steel. This also provides a natural, creamy white color of teeth and can be used on the front, middle and back teeth in the mouth.

Resin – Crowns made out of resin are the cheapest and also deteriorate with time than other metals. They also have higher chances of falling off, so they are mostly used as quick, temporary caps.

With the information given above, one can know which dental crown to use as directed by the dentist and based on the requirements of their tooth.

Invisalign aligners are preferred over traditional braces by many adults and teens. There are various reasons why people have been choosing Invisalign treatment options for correcting misalignment and other dental issues. Many people go for Invisalign aligners because they are transparent which makes them an attractive option as compared to the traditional metal braces. In addition, it is easy to brush, floss, and eat with Invisalign aligners which you can not do properly with the metal brace. In most cases, Invisalign works perfectly for everyone but still, there are a few factors or reasons that this orthodontic treatment might not work for some people. And they have to for the traditional metal braces.

Invisalign is a perfect option to go for if you have minor dental issues. But there are some severe dental issues that Invisalign fails to correct. Nowadays doctors suggest Invisalign treatment instead of the traditional metal braces but if you are someone who is struggling with neuromuscular or severely misaligned or crooked teeth your dentist will suggest you opt for the traditional teeth straightening treatment which is the metal braces.

For which dental problem Invisalign does not work?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, more than 4 million Americans wear braces. 25% of these 4 million are adults. Once the most popular orthodontics treatment option, metal braces have slowly lost their sheen. The idea of metal braces did put people off, and in all honesty, Metal braces are quite a commitment.

That is why Invisalign dominated the scene and is now one of the most popular orthodontic treatments. Why? Because, unlike metal braces, Invisalign is clear, almost invisible, and the eBay part: You can take them out.

What is Invisalign?

How long does the treatment take?

Why are the Invisalign treatment durations different?

Dentures are synthetic appliances that fix dental anomalies caused by tooth decay, periodontal diseases, facial injury, and so forth. In simple words, dentures act as a replacement for missing teeth. There are various types of dentures, such as complete dentures, partial dentures, premium dentures, and so forth. We will attempt to gauge the differences between premium dentures and economy dentures so that you can make the right decision.

Economy Dentures and Premium Dentures: Differences
Economy dentures are the most affordable and pocket-friendly types of dentures available in the market right now. They require several visits and appointments so that the dentures can align as per your dental requirements. The intrinsic characteristic of economy dentures is that they are generic. That is, they don’t fit securely and comfortably, and they look garish and fake. It is in such a context that denture adhesive comes into the picture. They help in providing a decent fit to economy dentures.

Many people nowadays opt for premium dentures as they look indistinguishable from natural teeth. On the contrary, premium dentures are those that are digitally designed and milled using Computer Aided Technology. They are milled out of a pre-shrunk acrylic puck, and hence their fit is immaculate. Customization is an integral feature of premium dentures.

When we talk about the price, a premium denture costs three times more than an economy denture. But, it is noteworthy to remember that economy dentures come with several appointments despite their low price points, which elevates their overall cost. As such, in the long run, premium dentures are more profitable than economy dentures.

In conclusion, we can discuss the differences between economy dentures and premium dentures. The former is an archaic phenomenon and is not often used by people nowadays.

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!

If you have not had problems with your teeth, you most likely have not thought much about your gums. You feel that they fit snugly around your teeth and are not the cause of any dental troubles. But you are not aware of what issues might be lurking around your gums if the distance between your gum and teeth starts to widen depth-wise. Such a structural change can cause gum disease, further deepening spaces around your teeth, forming pockets called periodontal pockets. They usually occur when there is a destruction of supporting periodontal tissues and exfoliation and loosening of the teeth. When these pockets fill with bacteria, causing infections, they can become quite painful.

How does a Periodontal Pocket Form?

Teeth are mostly held snugly in the sockets by bones and gum tissues. When for some reason, bacteria in your mouth is not getting cleaned regularly, especially around the edges of your gum, it leads to plaque or biofilm built-up. These pockets could also happen due to some gum disease-causing tissue erosion. The bacteria, if not cleaned, start causing damage to the jaw bone as the plaque hardens into tartar. You cannot brush off this tartar on its own.

What is Gingivitis?

In case the plaque hardens and becomes tartar, you would need professional help to clean it up. But if left untreated, bacteria would continue to attach to the tartar on your gums, causing inflammation of the tissue. This problem is called Gingivitis – the first stage of periodontal disease.

Some Facts about Periodontal Pockets

Periodontal pockets are measured in mm (millimeter) and are approximately the size of the width of a credit card. Not all the pockets come into the harmful category; here is a quick look at what measurement of a pocket could damage your gum tissue:

• Width = 1 to 3 mm – Considered normal
• Width = 4 to 5 mm – Denotes gum disease and is in an early or mild stage of periodontitis.
• Width = 5 to 7 mm – Considered as moderate periodontitis.
• Width = 7 to 12 mm – Considered as severe or advanced periodontitis.

How is Periodontal Disease Diagnosed?

You could suspect periodontal disease if you have any of the signs mentioned below –

• Bad breath
• Bleeding of gums
• Red and swollen gums
• Receding gum tissue

Eliminating the Periodontal Pockets

• Professional cleaning – An aggressive oral hygiene and professional dental cleaning can reduce the pockets, which are of 4 to 5 mm size. You might be given an antimicrobial mouthwash and also asked to brush and floss twice.
• Scaling and root planning – Using laser or ultrasonic devices or hand instruments like scalers and curettes, the dentist would remove the tartar and plaque around your teeth. This kind of cleaning will give a chance for your gum to tighten its hold around your teeth.
• Flap surgery – If the pockets seem bottomless or there has been bone loss, then you might require surgery by a periodontist to save your teeth.

You must visit your dentist when you experience early signs of periodontal disease so that you can quickly eliminate these unhealthy pockets. You must also take at-home measures and administer proper oral hygiene like regular cleaning, flossing, using mouthwash, eliminating sugary food, etc.

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The two mortal enemies of healthy teeth and gums – plaque and tartar – are often interchangeably used. But, there are lucid distinctions between these two lethal depositions. Both plaque and tartar dramatically elevate the risk of cavities, gingivitis, and other dental conditions. Plaque is a soft, yellow or clear film of bacteria that a person can remove by brushing their teeth. Tartar, on the contrary, is darker in colour, and only a dentist or expert can remove it. It is noteworthy to state that if you allow plaque to build up and harden, you may be at the risk of developing tartar.

Knowing the differences between plaque and tartar can help identify early signs of many dental problems.

Plaque V/S tartar – knowing the differences

• Formation: Plaque is a collection of bacteria that live on the gums, teeth, tongue, and mouth. There are around 700 species of tiny organisms that live inside our mouth. Many of these living organisms or bacteria can join together to form a biofilm. A biofilm is a thick, sticky substance that protects bacteria, making them stronger and harder to remove. The slimy, yellow or clear film that a person sees on their teeth or between their gums is plaque. Plaque build-ups on your teeth throughout the day you have eaten. The formation of plaque is more potent after eating carbohydrates or sugary foods and beverages. If plaque is not removed, it calcifies by trapping calcium or other minerals from the saliva and hardens. Hardened plaque is called tartar or calculus. Tartar can blotch the teeth and make them look discolored.
• Appearance: Plaque is described as a fuzzy feeling when you rub your tongue across your teeth. It is generally colourless or very light yellow. Tartar may feel rough and have a solid yellow or brown appearance.
• Removal: Regular and proper brushing and flossing are ways to remove plaque. Regular dental appointments can help eradicate plaque as dental cleaning enables to find and remove plaque that a person usually misses. Moreover, dental scaling or deep cleaning removes plaque beneath the gums. A person cannot remove tartar or calculus at home. Tartar is hard, and attempting to scratch or pull can damage the teeth. Dentists and expert are trained to remove tartar via a professional cleaning. At times, scaling and root planing may be recommended to remove tartar.
• Signs: Some signs for plaque on the teeth are chronic bad breath as the bacteria that form plaque may stink, teeth may feel fuzzy or slimy, white or yellow goo on dental floss and bleeding or painful gums. On the other hand, discolored spots on the teeth, particularly along the gums and between the teeth, are vital signs of tartar formation. Hard, rough patches on the teeth and swollen, painful or bloody gums are some other signs of tartar.

Both plaque and tartar lead to dental problems. But, the extent of dental issues associated with calculus is much greater than that of plaque. As such, periodontal diseases are much more typical with calculi than dental plaques.

In case of discomfort in teeth or gums, visit your nearest dentist at the earliest.

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The Coronavirus pandemic has insidiously infiltrated across the world, and has become a major healthcare crisis. While we continuously monitor the latest update regarding COVID-19 and its impact on our community, the situation seems more distressing. The pandemic has caused panic among individuals, and visiting a dentist during this time may not be possible or very challenging. So, it is essential to maintain a proper teeth cleaning routine for children to avoid a visit to the dentist.

Why is it necessary to maintain children’s teeth cleaning routine?
Proper teeth cleaning routine is an integral part of a child’s overall health and development.

There is no evidence to suggest that Coronavirus disease can be avoided by engaging in proper oral hygiene. However, good oral hygiene ensures to have a positive impact on your overall health. Here is a list of do’s and don’ts during the pandemic to help you better navigate your child’s oral health.

Things you should do to ensure proper oral hygiene for children:

1. Clean or brush your child’s teeth twice (morning and night) daily. While you choose a toothpaste for your child, make sure that it contains fluoride.
2. Supervise your child while they brush. Also, take special care to use a soft toothbrush for your child. After using the toothbrush, clean it thoroughly.
3. Take special care to replace your child’s toothbrush once every three months. Also, replace toothbrushes while they recover from an infectious disease, like flu or Coronavirus disease.
4. Besides, brushing teeth, floss your child’s teeth every day to remove food trapped in between the teeth. Flossing prevents the formation of plaque.
5. Add healthy food like whole grains, fruits and vegetables in your diet. Also, drink plenty of water to flush out toxins.
6. Use a zinc-rich oral hygiene product. These products help to control plaque, reduce unpleasant odour and prevents the formation of calculus and caries.
7. Besides, brushing and flossing teeth, you must scrape or brush your child’s tongue for complete all-round oral hygiene.
8. Never let your child use someone else’s toothbrush. Likewise, never share your child’s toothbrush with anyone. Avoid sharing a toothbrush.
9. Usually, it is advisable not to keep your toothbrush near the toilet. If you keep your child’s or your toothbrush near the toilet, please close the cover of the toilet before flushing.
10. According to various studies, it is found that a virus can transmit through faecal matter. With the Coronavirus pandemic doing rounds it is advisable to close the lid of the toilet before flushing.

Finally, manage non-emergency dental ailments of children at home. You can ask your dentist to assist you over the phone.

Things you should avoid to ensure proper oral hygiene for children:

1. Do not brush your child’s teeth soon after meals. Brushing soon after having food may sometimes cause damage to the enamel of your little one.
2. Do not let your little one hog on sugary foods and soft drinks. We know kids love to have aerated drinks and sugar-laden food, but mostly these foods are acidic; thus, they tend to destroy the enamel. Additionally, sugary foods cause the growth of plaque, which can later cause a cavity.
3. Children, at times, can be agile and swallow the toothpaste. Swallowing excessive amounts of fluoride in the toothpaste may damage the enamel. You must take necessary care that your child does not eat the toothpaste.
4. While getting a toothbrush for your child, please select one which has a soft bristle. Toothbrushes with hard bristles can damage the enamel.
5. While administering toothpaste to your little one, take special care to administer the requisite amount of toothpaste. For children, it is advisable to apply a pea-size amount of toothpaste. Do not administer an excessive amount of toothpaste.
6. Do not eat sticky food as they may stick to the teeth and cause a cavity.
7. After brushing teeth at night do not let your children eat anything as crumbs of food tend to stick on the teeth, which may cause a cavity.
8. Do not feed your child with too much acidic food as acidic food causes sensitivity of teeth.
9. Avoid visiting a dentist until it is an emergency during the Coronavirus disease pandemic.
10. Please do not visit us if you have symptoms of coronavirus disease like fever, sore throat, cold.

While coronavirus disease has severely affected the United States of America, it is essential to fight the pandemic back together. By maintaining proper hygiene, we can defeat this pandemic. Apart from maintaining good oral health, it is vital to maintain overall cleanliness. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water at least for 20 seconds. Wear a mask while going out. Maintain social-distancing. Together we can fight and defeat the pandemic. And for all your dental complaints do visit us at https://www.rockdaledental.com/ alternately you can book an online appointment with us by calling 512.593.6298

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A new study out of the University of Helsinki found that one of the bacteria that cause periodontal disease may also affect a young woman’s fertility. This is the first study of its kind, and it really drives the point that taking care of your teeth is one of the most important things you can do for the health of yourself and your family.

The Study
The bacteria that cause periodontal disease have been making a lot of cautionary waves in dental studies. It’s been linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s, pancreatic cancer, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. Researchers at the University of Helsinki, Finland were curious how this disease affects young women’s odds of becoming pregnant. To test their hypothesis they studied 259 healthy women with a mean age of 29 years old whom had recently decided to become pregnant and ceased using birth control. Oral and gynecological exams were performed at the beginning of the study and the women’s saliva was tested for for periodontal bacteria. After 12 months the women then reported back to discuss whether or not they had become pregnant. After analyzing the data, they found that women who did not become pregnant had statistically significantly higher levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis, P. gingivalis, and higher levels of antibodies in their saliva. They acknowledge that this study does not question any other factors of infertility, but it does further the research into the far-reaching effects of periodontal disease. lt seems to add to the narrative of a systemic connection between periodontal disease and chronic conditions that affect the rest of the body.

A Note on Fertility
A woman’s reproductive years are very important if she desires to have children. A woman has the best odds of becoming pregnant between the ages of 20 and 35. After age 35, her fertility declines sharply. Unfortunately, a woman’s fertility is a very complicated biological rhythm. Many physical and hormonal factors must line up exactly right for a couple to conceive. These findings of periodontal disease’s effects only add to the stress of becoming pregnant. However, if we think about how detrimental low grade or chronic inflammation can be on the body, we can see that this disruption of the reproductive system makes sense. lf the body is constantly fighting off harmful bacteria like P. gingivalis, it may not have the physical energy to produce the exact cocktail of hormones necessary to facilitate ovulation and reproduction — which seems to be the case.

Preventing Periodontal Disease for Pregnancy
Although it must be mentioned that there is a lot of research to be done to discover the exact reason why the bacteria present in periodontal disease can affect the fertility of a young woman, taking care of your teeth is extremely important if you are looking to become pregnant. The presence of progesterone is powerful for women and can affect their teeth and bodies. It is within your power to protect yourself from developing gum disease and periodontal disease while your hormones are in flux. By brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing correctly every day you are effectively removing this bacteria before it has a chance to take hold of your immune system and cause chronic inflammation in your gums and elsewhere in your body. Speak with your dentist if you are trying to become pregnant and wish to keep your teeth as healthy as possible.

Source: https://www.artistictouchdentistry.com/general-dentistry/periodontal-disease-can-hinder-fertility/

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Tooth sensitivity and toothache is something people experience the most during winters. Just like any other part of the body, teeth are also quite porous and sensitive. When you experience tooth sensitivity during winters, you should always consider these useful tips to enjoy a healthy mouth and teeth.

Prevent Dry Mouth
When the nasal passage is blocked and you start breathing via the mouth, this results in dry mouth. Dry mouth results in the risk of dental decays and mouth infection. To prevent this issue, you must drink a lot of water regularly. Try to limit caffeine intake. It may help you reduce dry mouth problems.

Stop Overbrushing Your Teeth
It is one of the easiest technique to reduce sensitive teeth problems. Overbrushing your teeth results in losing tooth enamel. This actually protects your teeth’s surface. The un-required habit of brushing teeth can lead to serious teeth problems.

Rinse-gargle-rinse
Nausea and vomit are the common symptoms of flu. The bile collected in stomach finds its way out through the mouth. On vomiting, some of the residue of acid sits back in the cavity, this can significantly affect your dental health, if not cleaned on time.

Stay hydrated
Your body needs equal hydration in winters as well. When you are well-hydrated, proper saliva is produced which helps to protect your teeth against sensitivity.

Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste
Some toothpaste comes with abrasive ingredients that might turn harsh for those with sensitive teeth. Products like whitening toothpaste can worsen tooth sensitivity in winters. To protect teeth and gum against sensitivity, you must use a desensitizing toothpaste as recommended by your dentist.

Limit your time spent on outdoor activities
If you know that your teeth are sensitive to extreme low temperature, you should try to limit your time spent outdoors.

We hope you will love to follow these tips to protect your teeth from cold climate and side effects. These tips will help you to lower your risk of feeling pain during winters. If you still do not find a solution using the above-given tips, you must visit our office where our dentists will analyze your oral health and offer the best suggestion.

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CVD is an umbrella term for diseases of the heart and blood vessels. This includes diseases of the blood vessels that supply: the brain (such as stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases); the heart muscle (coronary heart disease); and the arms and legs (peripheral arterial disease).

It also includes other conditions that can damage the heart (such as rheumatic heart disease and congenital heart disease), as well as conditions in which blood clots form and block the blood supply (such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism).

CVD is the primary cause of death worldwide. In 2015, it claimed 17.7 million lives, including 7.4 million due to coronary head disease and 6.7 million due to stroke.

It was first thought that poor oral health might actually cause CVD, “through infection and inflammation.” However, more recently, scientists have concluded that poor oral health indicates the presence of— rather than causes — atherosclerosis and they therefore propose that it might serve as a risk marker of CVD.

For the investigation, Prof. Qi and his team focused on tooth loss and coronary heart disease. They pooled and analyzed data on thousands of men and women aged 45—69 who were followed in two large studies: the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS).

As the participants had been asked about their number of natural teeth when they enrolled, as well as about recent tooth loss in follow-up questionnaires, the researchers were able to assess tooth loss over a period of 8 years.

The team then compared this recent tooth loss pattern to incidence of coronary heart disease over a subsequent follow-up period of 12—18 years.

The scientists conclude that their results suggest “that among middle-aged adults, a higher number of teeth lost in the recent past may be associated with subsequent risk of [coronary heart disease], independent of the baseline number of natural teeth and traditional risk factors.”

Author: Catharine Paddock PhD

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The number of Americans that are overweight (having a weight 10%—20% above normal for your height) or obese (having a weight 50%—100% above normal for your height) has increased significantly throughout the past 20 years. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 67 percent of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. Greater than 34 percent are obese. Childhood obesity has tripled since 1980. As of 2008, the prevalence of obesity among children (6—11 years) was 19.6 percent and adolescents (12—19 years) was 18.1 percent.

It is well known that obesity is associated with many medical problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, elevated cholesterol, hypertension, arthritis, gastric reflux, infertility, gout and some types of cancer. In recent years, there has been research supporting a link between obesity and periodontal disease.

How Does Obesity Affect Periodontal Disease?
Overweight and obese adults have long been considered to be at high risk for many chronic inflammatory disease and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and arthritis. Likewise, obesity appears to be an independent risk factor for the development of periodontal disease even after controlling other risk factors such as smoking, age and other medical problems. A recent study (Khader YS, et al.J Clin Periodontol 2009;36(1):18-24) showed that overweight individuals had double the incidence of periodontitis while obese individuals had triple the incidence.

Fat cells were once thought of as having limited function energy storage. It is now known that fat cells produce many chemical signals and hormones. Many of these substances are thought to increase overall inflammation in the body. This may lead to decreased immune status, which increases susceptibly to periodontal disease. The inflammation may also decrease blood flow to the gums and cause disease progression.

Prevention of Periodontal Disease
Diet is very important for overall health, including dental health. Eating a low-fat, reduced sodium balanced diet of whole grains, vegetables and fruits is recommended. Limiting the time sugar is in contact with the teeth is advised. Avoiding sugary beverages (sodas, fruit juices, sweetened tea) and candies (especially ones that stick to the teeth like taffy) is helpful. Eating sugary foods in between meals and before bed is also discouraged. Regular dental visits are recommended for teeth cleaning and inspection.

Understanding the relationship between obesity and the risk factors that lead to periodontal disease is very important. With the increasing rate of child and adolescent obesity, the prevalence of periodontal disease will follow. Keys to prevention of periodontal disease are through proper oral hygiene, a balanced diet and routine dental visits.

Author: Shannon McShea—Johansson, PA-C

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LAS VEGAS, U.S.: Few discoveries hold as much promise of single-handedly expanding medical treatment options as stem cells do. Now, researchers have developed a new method for extracting tooth root pulp that quadruples the number of stem cells that can be harvested and replicated to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Miraculously able to act as transformers—either recreating or morphing into a variety of cell types found within the organisms they originate from—stem cells offer humanity hope for new, more effective therapies against a number of chronic and terminal diseases. And finding them is surprisingly easy.

“Stem cells can be extracted from nearly any living tissue,” said Prof. James Mah, Director of the Advanced Education Program in Orthodontics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). “In fact, stem cells can even be found in tissues of the deceased.” However, there is a catch: “The biggest challenges with stem cells are gathering enough of them to work with and keeping them viable until they are needed,” Mah explained.

Along with Prof. Karl Kingsley, Director of Student Research at UNLV, and a few dental students, Mah decided to take on this challenge and subsequently developed a new method for extracting large numbers of stem cells they could then preserve from a surprisingly abundant source: third molars.

“More and more adults—approximately 5 million throughout the country—have their wisdom teeth, or third molars, removed,” Kingsley said. “Extracting teeth is relatively common among patients undergoing orthodontic treatments. And the majority of those teeth are healthy, containing viable tooth root pulp that offers opportunities for reproducing cells that have been damaged or destroyed by injuries or disease.”

Recovering cells from the tooth root pulp was a difficult task, Mah remembered. Eventually, Happy Ghag, then a dental student working with Mah and Kingsley on the project, approached UNLV mechanical engineers Dr. Mohamed Trabia and Prof. Brendan O’Toole to discuss fracture analysis. Together, they invented a device that cracks teeth in half with a success rate of 100 percent.

Having solved the challenge of accessing the root pulp, the researchers sought to determine how many viable stem cells they could recover from the fractured teeth. To this end, Mah and Kingsley dyed 31 fractured teeth pulp samples to highlight any viable stem cells the teeth contained. Dead cells would turn blue when exposed to the dye and living cells would appear clear. Under the microscope, 80 percent of their extracted cells remained clear after the dye was introduced. Average pulp recovery rates employing common extraction methods (such as shattering and drilling) come in at around 20 percent, according to Mah.

“Saying the test results were promising is a gross understatement,” Mah said. “We realized we’d invented an extraction process that produced four times the recovery success rate for viable stem cells. The potential application is enormous.”

Next, the team isolated the stem cells from the rest of the root pulp. The researchers harvested cells from the pulp and cultured them on a petri dish. Once the cells had covered the dish, they split the culture in half and repeated the process between ten and 20 times. Normal cells within the body typically die after ten replications or passages, whereas stem cells can replicate indefinitely, according to Kingsley. By the end of the culturing, all nonstem cells had expired. Kingsley captured the remaining stem cells and collected their RNA, which is converted into proteins that become biomarkers his team could use to characterize each stem cell type and its respective rate of replication.

Kingsley indicated that the next logical step in this research would be to test stem cells in humans to treat chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. He added that the research team’s subsequent task will be to collect and store the stem cells in a reliable way so that they can be used when needed.

“The work Dr. Kingsley and I are doing is part of a paradigm shift,” Mah said. “Our fracturing process could hasten the collection and cryogenesis process, thereby preserving a high stem-cell count that furthers research into how using these cells can aid healing and potentially cure diseases.”

Editorial note: This study was published as a sneak preview of the 2017 issue of research magazine UNLV Innovation.

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Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is primarily a disease of older adults, occurring most frequently in patients older than 45 years of age. Epidemiological studies over last 20 years have shown a steady rise in the incidence of these cancers in younger adults (age 18-45 years), especially in cancers of the oropharynx and oral cavity.

Numerous early reports of Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) concluded that the disease was more aggressive and the prognosis poorer in young adults as compared to older adults. However, findings from more recent studies, such as those by Gilroy et al., Goldenberg et al. or Hafkamp et al. have not found any significant differences in outcomes between different age groups. Recently, superior survival of younger patients with oropharyngeal SCC was found to be related to a high-risk human papilloma vims (HPV) infection.

The global incidence and mortality rates for HNSCC are 540,000 and 271,000 annually, respectively. The increase of HNSCC has occurred concurrently with a decreasing prevalence of cigarette smoking in the general population; importantly, this observation would not be expected if the only primary risk factors for all HNSCC were alcohol and tobacco abuse. In fact, evidence suggests that oral cancer may now be considered a “new epidemic”. The majority of research on the changing epidemiology has focused on the HPV and its association with HNSCC, particularly in primary tumors of the oropharynx. Interestingly, although the rate of OCSCC is observed to be decreasing in young individuals, the incidence of oral tongue Squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) has been rising especially in young white women, age 18 44 years, what is more surprising given the fact that OCSCC, unlike OPSCC, are not typically associated with the HPV infection. Consequently, young white women form a unique subgroup of patients with no traditional risk factors of tobacco and alcohol abuse and who can not be associated with HPV infection.

Tobacco and alcohol have long been implicated as the traditional risk factors for HNSCC in adults, regardless of age. Interestingly, many patients under age 45 declare never having smoked or consumed alcohol excessively, as Kuriakose et al. reported.

The rising mortality and increasing incidence of cancer of the tongue amongst young patients in the U.S. has been attributed to the use of smokeless tobacco products. The first epidemiological study showing that marijuana smoking elevates the risk of head and neck cancers was published in 1999. Since that time, several case studies have been published that suggest an association between marijuana smoking and head and neck cancers, respiratory cancers and oral premalignant lesions.

It seems likely that there is a genetic predisposition for the cancer development at a young age, particularly in those patients with no recognized risk factors. It has been shown that patients younger than 30 years exhibit a significantly increased chromosome fragility following mutagen exposure when compared to older patients.

Even though Byers first suggested as far back as 1975 that HNSCC in young adults should be considered a distinct subgroup, the question as to whether age has a significant impact or not on treatment outcomes still remains unanswered. Nevertheless, one thing is clear. Although young people have a lower incidence rate for HNSCC, physicians need to be aware that the incidence is growing and these types of cancers must be suspected in any patient with worrying signs and symptoms, regardless of age.

Authors: Ewa Majchrzak, Bartosz Szybiak, Anna Wegner, Piotr Pienkowski, Jakub Pazdrowski, Lukasz Luczewski, Marcin Sowka, Pawel Golusinski, Julian Malicki, and Wojciech Golusinski.
Source: Oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in young adults: a review of the literature

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