Dental

The chewing regions of the posterior molars have ridges and fissures. even though your child brushes and flosses meticulously, it is difficult to clean the small pits and grooves thoroughly. Food, dental plaque, and bacteria may build up in these crevices and lead to tooth decay. A dentist in Waikiki, Honolulu can help.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that children receive sealants when their permanent back molars erupt, usually between six and twelve, to reduce the risk of dental decay.

Dental sealants are a firm plastic coating placed on the chewing regions of the molars to form a barrier against acid and plaque, thereby reducing the risk of tooth decay.

Sealants are simple, innocuous, do not necessitate drilling or numbing, and typically last between two and five years. They can be extremely effective at preventing cavities and should be inspected by your child’s dentist during routine exams.

It is essential to remember that dental sealants do not safeguard the flossing surfaces within the teeth or the surfaces adjacent to the cheek and tongue. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is still crucial for your child’s dental health.

How does one maintain dental sealants?

Even though dental sealants are made of plastic, they may break and fall off if not maintained correctly. The more time your dental sealant lasts, the more effectively it prevents cavities.

Ensure you brush every part of your teeth, even if you have sealants. Pick a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste. Brush the crowns and sides of the teeth just as you would without sealants. Although sealants safeguard your teeth, tartar accumulation near the gum line can still cause gum disease.

Avoid these foods after having dental sealants

It may take sealants a day or two to completely conform to the tooth’s contour, but once they have, the newly treated teeth feel identical to the others. They do not hinder consuming, chewing, speaking, singing, playing an instrument, or smiling.

Although sealants do not require significant dietary adjustments, there are certain foods that should be avoided after receiving them. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods may trigger them to chip, crack, or slide off.

• Crunching and chewing on hard foods such as ice, jawbreakers, and other hard candies can damage chip sealants.
• Sticky and chewy foods like fruit treats, gummy candy, caramel, and toffee can adhere to and remove the sealant.

By avoiding these foods, the sealants will last longer and provide optimal tooth protection.

For most people, brushing their teeth is the first self-care activity they learn. It starts from your childhood and continues till your hair becomes gray. Dental hygiene is essential and should not stop at any age. You should not slack off as you get older. Practicing oral hygiene in your old days is as important as doing it as a kid.

Old people’s teeth are perhaps in greater danger of developing problems because of their other medical problems. For example, heart disease can impact your teeth and gums. Therefore, old people need to take care of their teeth. If you or your elder loved one is experiencing dental problems, visit a dentist in Northeast Philadelphia. 

Tips to take care of aging teeth 

•  Brush and floss daily. 

Your duties towards your oral health should not decrease just because you are getting old. Caring for your teeth in your old age is just as important as caring for them in your youth. Brush at least twice daily to remove food particles from the difficult corners of your mouth, and use floss to clean between your teeth. Bacteria and food particles can be removed from the oral cavity using a soft cloth for people with no teeth. 

• Maintain regular dental visits. 

It becomes more difficult for aged people to maintain dental visits and travel often. However, there should not be any excuses for dental care. You should visit the dentist at least once in six months, and if you cannot travel to their clinic, plenty of dentists will be willing to visit you at home. While you may have to go to the clinic for treatment, routine check-ups can be done at home. 

• Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. 

Mouthwashes are as important as brushing and flossing, even though many people seem to skip this step. After you are done brushing and flossing, some bacteria may still linger in your mouth, waiting to cause your teeth damage. Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash to completely rinse off the remaining bacteria in your mouth and prevent plaque buildup. 

• Use fluoride. 

Fluoride is an important ingredient to strengthen your tooth enamel, the hard protective top layer of your teeth. Cavities are common in older people and form when your enamel gets damaged. You may be able to remineralize the enamel using fluoride toothpaste and in-clinic fluoride treatments. You can also buy a fluoride mouthwash for additional help. Your dentist may prescribe your fluoride toothpaste, with much better strength than OTC toothpaste. 

A root canal is a dental procedure that can save your tooth from a painful tooth extraction. During the procedure of root canal therapy, the dentist in Tampa, Florida, will remove the pulp from your tooth with special instruments and then fill the tooth with a sealant to prevent infection.

Although an invasive procedure and a root canal often cause discomfort for patients, it’s worth it because it can help you avoid losing your tooth. 

Is root canal therapy right for you? 

Here are the main signs that you need root canal therapy.

• An abscess or pimple on the gums

An abscess or pimple on the gums is a clear sign that your tooth is infected. If this problem persists for a long time, it will damage surrounding tissue and nerves. So, you should consult a dentist at the earliest and discuss the scope of root canal therapy to save your tooth.

• Sensitivity to hot and cold

If your tooth is sensitive to the hot and cold, it means that the nerve is damaged. In this case, root canal therapy can protect the tooth from infection and help it heal. In fact, root canal therapy will seal this tooth completely after removing the damaged nerve. This procedure is an effective way to save your tooth and prevent further damage.

• Severe toothache 

A severe toothache can be a warning sign that the tooth has started decaying and you need root canal therapy. In that case, if you delay treatment, the pulp or nerve of your tooth will become exposed to bacteria that could cause an infection. So, it’s important to consult a dentist in order to save the core of your tooth from further damage.

• Sometimes no symptoms are present

There are times when you don’t see any symptoms at all. In that case, the infection enters your tooth without any warning signs. So, it is advised to have routine dental check-ups to avoid any infection.

• Swelling or tenderness

Swelling and tenderness are signs that your tooth has an infection. As the infection grows and spreads, it will damage the nerve of your tooth. If left untreated, this can lead to inflammation of tissues around your tooth, loss of tooth structure, and even spreading infections. So, consult a dentist at the earliest to prevent further damage to your tooth.

Regardless of how you feel about a dental professional, there are signs you must see a dentist as soon as possible. If you have a dental emergency, you may have to visit a dentist right away. Sometimes, your situation cannot wait, and because a lot of dentists must be booked days or weeks in advance, you must find an emergency dentist in Glenview, IL can see you immediately, especially if you are in serious pain. 

When to See an Emergency Dentist

Not all dental problems are emergencies. However, the situations below require seeking emergency dental care:

• Severe dental pain. Dental pain that is quite serious must be addressed right away. Hurting or throbbing tooth pain will not allow you to sleep or radiate to your jaw, neck, or ear. And when you lie down, the pain can become worse. This kind of pain indicates you have a serious dental issue, such as a cracked tooth or a tooth infection that must be treated immediately.
• Compromised dental filling. After losing a dental filling, you may not feel discomfort or pain immediately. However, such a loss means the inner part of your tooth is exposed. Also, the filling may have fallen out due to cracks and fissures. Thus, you must have a dentist check the tooth immediately so it can be filled, eliminating the possible problems that may happen. 
• Swollen jaw. Often, mouth swelling indicates an infection that must be dealt with right away. Mouth infections happen for different reasons; however, they can quickly become dangerous when not addressed right away. When these infections get into your bloodstream, they can wreak havoc on your bodily organs, such as your heart and lungs. 
• A dental fracture. Dental fractures can occur due to an accident or injury or because of teeth clenching and grinding. A dental fracture must be checked by an emergency dentist. Treatment for a dental fracture depends on the kind and seriousness of the fracture. Sometimes, a filling, crown, or bonding can repair the tooth. For more serious cases, a root canal treatment or tooth extraction may be necessary. 

Finding an Emergency Dentist

Not all dentists offer emergency dental services. However, the first thing you must do after requiring emergency dental care is to contact your regular dentist. If they cannot see you immediately, they may be able to refer you to one who can. Also, you can look for an emergency dentist online. 

Keeping your mouth healthy by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is important to keeping a healthy and beautiful smile. Otherwise, you could end up sitting in a dental chair already suffering from oral health issues you could have prevented. If you want to have a flawless life throughout your life, you must keep your teeth as healthy as possible now. You must visit your Buffalo Grove dentist regularly as they can guide you through your oral health care journey. The following lifestyle tips can help you maintain healthy teeth:

Reduce Your Sugar Intake

Are you addicted to caffeine or a sweets lover? Usually, people rely on sweets to keep them energized throughout a work day. However, sugar tends to feed mouth bacteria that cause tooth decay. Thus, consuming anything sweet means feeding the bacteria that might be living in your mouth. Reducing your sugar intake can go a long way in avoiding tooth decay. If you cannot completely avoid sweets, make sure to brush your teeth after you eat them. Avoid sipping on soda or other sweet beverages all day long.

Brush Your Teeth Two Times Every Day

You probably know that your teeth have to be brushed every day. But are you doing this consistently? To keep your mouth healthy, brush your teeth every morning and at night before bed. This helps prevent dental plaque from forming. Such formation occurs when food particles are mixed with your saliva. 

Use a New Toothbrush

Toothbrushes should be changed every 3-6 months. Old toothbrush bristles cannot effectively clean your teeth surface. Thus, you won’t be able to get the full benefits of brushing when you use an old toothbrush. You can improve your dental care by getting an electronic toothbrush or a manual one with soft bristles. 

Floss Your Teeth Once Every Day

Flossing your teeth can get rid of food particles stuck between your teeth. Everyday flossing can help prevent gum disease and protect your overall health. You can use regular floss or something like dental picks that have floss. 

Get Your Teeth Cleaned by a Dentist Every Six Months

While consistently daily dental habits can keep your teeth healthy, you still have to go to your dentist for regular cleanings and examinations. This allows your dentist to discover any oral health issues early and treat them promptly. Also, a thorough teeth cleaning will get rid of the plaque that brushing may not be able to eliminate. 

Dental hygiene is a necessity, and if you’re not taking proper care of your teeth, it can lead to major health concerns. The first step is finding the right dentist in Palm Harbor. You need to find an experienced and knowledgeable dentist if you want to get quality dental care in Palm Harbor. 

Here are some tips to help you find the right dentist in Palm Harbor.

What to Look for in a Dentist in Palm Harbor?

• Experience

Numerous dentists practice in Palm Harbor. The thing is, not all dentists are the same. You need to find a dentist who has enough experience in dealing with all kinds of dental problems, from basic checkups to complex oral surgeries. A good dentist should have at least 5 years of experience and be accredited by the American Dental Association.

• Personality

It’s important that you feel comfortable with your dentist in Palm Harbor. One of the best ways to determine if you will have a good experience with a dentist in Palm Harbor is to see how they communicate with you. Do they listen to your concerns, or are they too focused on the procedure? You don’t want a dentist who is too focused on his or her next appointment and neglects you.

• Technology and equipment used

Most of the dentists in Palm Harbor use modern equipment, but not all of them. You need to make sure that the dentist you choose uses state-of-the-art technology when doing your checkup and oral surgery. It’s a good idea to see the dentist’s office before you commit to it. 

• Insurance, Payment options, and location

You need to check if the dentist you choose in Palm Harbor accepts your insurance plan. You also need to know how they bill you, what payment options they accept, and how far they are from your home or office.

• Credentials

A good dentist in Palm Harbor should have all the right credentials. A great way to find out about a dentist’s credentials is to ask for an initial free consultation.

• Cleanliness

A good dentist will make sure that they are clean and well-groomed. They should also wear gloves and dispose of them in the trash can after each patient leaves. You should also check how their staff deals with patients and if their equipment is well-maintained and sterilized.

A person with chipped teeth could feel uneasy and be reluctant to engage in social activities where a friendly smile is necessary for building trusting relationships with others. Thankfully, the days of worrying about such things are long gone, and these embarrassing situations can be avoided with the continual advancement of several cosmetic procedures. And we say this because people can now recover their ideal smile by speaking with the best dentist in Hollywood, FL, about their concerns and needs. 

Dentists frequently recommend dental bonding as a way to fix chipped teeth and enhance the appearance of the teeth in general. However, some people might be concerned about the durability of this particular cosmetic dental operation. But no matter what your concerns are, this blog will walk you through the basics of dental bonding. 

Understanding dental bondings:

To put it in the simplest way possible, in layman’s language, dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that uses composite resin, typically in the shade of the tooth, to help improve your smile. Most patients want these treatments to correct any dental abnormalities, including chipping, gaps, shape, and color. What we feel is the best thing about these procedures is that they are entirely reversible, in contrast to other cosmetic dental procedures that cannot be.

So, how do you tell if it is the right time to get dental bondings? Moreover, should you even be considering it? 

Dental bondings, which are tooth-colored, as we’ve previously discussed, can help you hide chips and cracks in your teeth without drawing attention to the fact that you had work done. Dental bonding can also aid in the treatment of tooth discoloration. Additionally, after the procedure, your teeth will appear longer and have a different form since all of the crevices and gaps between them have been filled. 

Even more fascinating is the use of the same composite dentistry material in restorative dentistry operations like cavity filling and tooth root protection. 

Final thoughts:

The main distinction between porcelain veneers and bondings is that veneers are manufactured specifically for each patient, using ceramic shells to cover the teeth’s surfaces. Your original teeth’s enamel is slightly removed by the dentist in order to place these veneers. It’s crucial to remember that veneers cannot be reversed, in contrast to dental bondings, and must be changed at an interval of seven to eight years.

Orthodontic braces can help correct crooked teeth, malocclusions, and other dental problems. While they can provide significant benefits, braces require careful maintenance to ensure they work effectively and maintain good oral hygiene. One can also consider contacting a dentist in Springfield, VA, for professional assistance in maintaining oral hygiene with braces. 

Food particles, plaque, and bacteria can get trapped in and around the brackets and wires, making it challenging to keep teeth clean. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay. It will be helpful for you to be aware of tips and techniques on maintaining good oral hygiene with braces, including proper brushing, flossing, and dietary recommendations to help keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Tips for maintaining good oral hygiene with braces: 

• Brush regularly

When you have braces, it is crucial to brush your teeth regularly. Aim to brush at least twice daily, ideally after every meal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and brush thoroughly and carefully around the brackets and wires. 

You may also want to use interdental brushes or a water flosser to help clean the wires and teeth. Good oral hygiene with braces can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems.

• Floss daily

Flossing can be more challenging with braces, but removing food particles and plaque that brushing alone cannot reach is crucial. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to get underneath the wires and between teeth, and do it at least once a day. 

• Avoid hard and sticky foods.

Flossing can be more challenging with braces, but removing food particles and plaque that brushing alone cannot reach is necessary. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to get underneath the wires and between teeth, and do it at least once a day. 

• Wear a mouthguard

Wearing a mouthguard during sports and other physical activities is essential when you have braces. A mouthguard can protect your braces and mouth from damage during impact, helping to prevent any oral injuries that can negatively impact your oral hygiene routine. Wear a properly fitted mouthguard, and replace it regularly to maintain good oral hygiene with braces.

• Attend regular dental checkups.

Regular dental checkups are crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene with braces. Orthodontic treatment can create more spaces for food debris and plaque to accumulate, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. 

Your dentist or orthodontist can check your teeth and gums, clean your braces, and ensure they are correctly adjusted. They can also spot problems early and provide the necessary treatment to prevent complications. Therefore, make sure to schedule your checkups as your dental professional recommends.

You might not think a lot about your missing tooth or teeth, but that can become the reason behind several other issues. A missing tooth can happen due to various reasons, like an accident, tooth decay, gum disease, or some other genetic condition. However, regardless of the underlying reason, there are different treatments available to improve the overall appearance and functioning of your mouth. 

If you have a missing tooth, it is important to get it treated and replaced with an artificial tooth as soon as possible. A missing tooth can ruin the alignment of your teeth and cause other problems down the road. It can also affect your speech, ability to chew, and integrity of the jawbone. Consult with Dedham dental restorations today. 

Restorative dental care options for missing teeth 

• Dental implants. 

Dental implants are a popular dental procedure that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth in several areas of your mouth. The process involves mounting a titanium metal post or frame in your upper and lower jaw, and then an artificial but natural-looking tooth is mounted to the implant. The titanium metal post allows the tooth to remain fixed in its place and not move while chewing or speaking. 

• Implant-supported bridge. 

An implant-supported bridge is an ideal dental restorative option for people who have an entire row of missing teeth. This option is better than dental implants because replacing each tooth can be costly as well as time-consuming. The procedure of implant-supported bridges is similar to that of dental implants but not exactly the same. 

Here, only the two teeth at the two ends are fixed and mounted with a titanium screw, whereas the other teeth in between are not. The other teeth are held in place without the need to screw them into your jawbone. 

• Removable partial denture. 

You may already know what dentures are. These are a set of man-made, natural-looking teeth which people with multiple teeth missing can wear. Dentures can be both removable, non-removable, partial, or in a complete set. Removable partial dentures can work when you have a small section of missing teeth and wish to remove the dentures whenever you want. This is the least expensive tooth replacement dental procedure. 

• Flipper. 

A flipper is a temporary and removable denture that you can fix in your mouth when you need to and remove at other times. It does not require any type of metal clasp, adhesive, or surrounding teeth to remain fixed. 

Dental implants are medical procedures that aim to replace your damaged or decayed tooth with artificial ones that are fully functional. Dental implants are highly effective as they replace the traditional techniques of bridges. Moreover, these are considered more natural and do not give an artificial look. 

One can reach out to a dentist in Scottsdale, AZ, for dental implants and to learn more about the procedure and how it’s done. However, individuals have several misconceptions and queries about the procedure. So, we aim to clarify that for you in this post.

How is a dental implant done?

The process of a dental implant involves several steps that the doctor will conduct. It will involve the doctor assessing your teeth and gums to understand your dental structure and find if you are a perfect fit for the procedure. This may involve X-ray scans and general procedures for assessments as well.

Later, if you are fit for the procedure, your dentist will perform a procedure in which your dentist will place a titanium post in the jawbone of the missing tooth, which will later fuse with your bone to make a complete jawbone. Then your dentist will place an abutment on this titanium post, which will connect your titanium post and the prosthetic tooth that will come above it. 

Finally, the dentist will place the crown or the artificial tooth that will be made in accordance with your teeth’s size, shape, and structure.

The benefit of doing a dental implant

The benefits of doing a dental implant are numerous. Primarily, they are durable and long-lasting, which means you do not have to worry about your tooth being broken or loosening up after a while. Additionally, dental implants are natural looking and allow you to do all sorts of work that a natural tooth does, meaning you can speak, eat, and smile without pain. 

Overall dental implants are the best pick for someone looking for an alternative to typical bridges and wanting to get rid of the dying tooth. Although this might hurt a little, it Is worth the pain. Dental implants have been successful for a very long time and have helped several individuals with their smile with a success rate of 95%. To get a dental implant, reach out to our nearest dentist, and they will consult you with the best call to action.