2019 on Listen to Your Dentist When They Recommend Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Should You Consider Dental Implants?

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 11:45:21 +0000

Dental implants are one of the true wonders of modern oral surgery. You may be curious to learn, though, whether they're a solid option given your situation. Let's take a look at who can and should get implants, why a person might not want them, and who absolutely shouldn't get them.

Filling a Gap

For many folks, dental implants are an ideal option because they fix the aesthetic problem of having a gap in their smile. Gaps also can cause speech problems, especially if they're in the front of the mouth.

Some people also get implants to replace molars and premolars due to chewing problems. This is a step many consider only after discovering the limitations of dentures and partials.

Top vs. Bottom Teeth

While implants are generally fairly successful, upper ones tend to have a few more problems than lower ones. There is a small risk, for example, that the post an implant sits on might protrude into the upper jaw or even the sinus cavity. Upper implants are also slightly more likely to fail due to the teeth being pulled down during chewing.

What Makes a Good Candidate?

The best candidates for implants are adults with fully developed jaws. In particular, they should still have significant dental bone structure left behind from the loss of their teeth. Doctors typically want to get dental implants done as soon as possible after extractions because this bone structure can atrophy. The posts that are used to secure the implants in place need this bone to be present so it can grow around the metal and provide a solid base.

Any dental health issues you may have might impact your ability to receive dental implants. First, any continuing gum disease issues have to be brought under control before an implant can be installed. You may have to work with a hygienist for several months in order to get such problems under control.

Second, people who smoke or chew tobacco at all are considered poor candidates. To put it simply, tobacco products seriously undermine oral health. Some heavy alcohol drinkers may also be discouraged from seeking implants.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Modern implant procedures are often completed in a single day. Even radical cases where all the teeth have to be pulled out can be treated using what's called an all-on-four process. This involves installing four posts that attach to a secure dental appliance that replaces the upper or lower teeth.

To learn more about dental implants, contact a dentist in your area.

4 Things Parents Should Do For Their Kids When It Comes To Dental Care

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 14:14:30 +0000

Many of the habits your child learns when they're young will follow them throughout the lives. This is particularly true when it comes to dental care. By giving your child a foundation of good oral hygiene, you will give them a gift they can keep throughout their lives. Here are four things every parent should do for their child when it comes to dental care:

1. Teach your kids how to care for their teeth.

As a parent, you're responsible for teaching your children many important life skills. You will also need to teach them how to care for their teeth. Take the time to demonstrate the proper method for brushing teeth. Make sure your kids don't use too much force but instead allow the bristles to do the work. You'll also want to show them how to floss. It's important to wiggle the floss gently beneath the gum line to dislodge any sticky plaque or food particles lingering there.

2. Buy your kids the right oral care tools.

Having the right tools makes any job easier, and this remains true when it comes to teeth care. Your children will need floss, toothpaste, and a toothbrush to properly clean their teeth. Some kids don't like the flavor of ordinary toothpaste; the mint flavor can be too spicy for some children's delicate palates. Fortunately, you can find toothpaste specially formulated to suit kids' tastes. You'll want to buy a children's toothbrush as well. These toothbrushes are smaller, so they can more easily fit into kids' smaller mouths.

3. Take your child to a pediatric dentist.

Pediatric dental care is the best option for children. Pediatric dentists work exclusively with kids, which means they're attuned to the concerns that kids have about the dentist's office. They have excellent bedside manners and can put nervous children at ease. Kids should start going to the dentist twice a year, starting from the time when they get their first tooth. Find a pediatric dental care service that works for your family, and your child will be able to take advantage of their expertise until they become an adult.

4. Fix dental problems as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, your child may develop a cavity at some point. Dentists can restore dental decay by drilling it away and filling the remaining gap with a resin composite. However, this is more effective when done sooner rather than later. Dental problems can become much worse if left untreated, so have any problems addressed as soon as possible.

Top Ways To Improve Your Smile At Your Dentist's Office

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 09:14:18 +0000

Finding ways to look your best may be high on your agenda. You'll want to enjoy life as much as possible, and feeling confident is the key to doing so. Being more attractive may have you wanting to get out in the world to do more things you love. However, this may mean taking action to improve your smile. Fortunately, there are numerous ways you can make this possible, and knowing what these are may be very helpful.

Dental bonding

Do you have a gap in your front teeth? If so, you'll want to act fast to get this fixed, and you'll be able to do so by getting dental bonding done.

This is a procedure that is typically completed in one visit to your dentist's office. This professional will put resin material in between the teeth to fill in the gap.

Fortunately, this provider will choose the material that best matches your existing teeth. Doing this will allow the area that's filled in to look just like your natural teeth.

Dental veneers

Looking like you have the straightest teeth possible may mean choosing dental veneers. This is a porcelain material that's placed over your existing teeth. You can look like you've straightened crooked teeth by getting these from your dental provider.

Some benefits of selecting dental veneers are that these don't stain and will allow your teeth to look much more attractive. Additionally, you'll be able to enjoy stronger teeth as a result of using these.

Dental crowns

If you have teeth that are worn down or that have a great deal of decay, you may need to get a dental crown. This is a process that can typically take one or two visits, depending on where you go to have this procedure.

The first visit will allow your dental provider to shape the tooth and take an impression of the existing tooth. This will then be sent off to a dental lab, and there will be a crown made that will improve the appearance of your smile. You'll then need to have the crown put in place.

It's entirely possible to make drastic changes to your smile when you know the right things to do. The first order of business is consulting with your dentist to determine which procedure is best for you. Making an appointment after you do so can allow you to get the final look and the perfect smile that you want.

For more information, contact a dental office.

Is It Safe To Use Baking Soda On Your Teeth?

Sun, 08 Sep 2019 07:26:21 +0000

Some people prefer using natural ingredients for personal hygiene care, and a common ingredient that people use for many purposes is baking soda. If you are thinking about using this ingredient to clean or whiten your teeth, you might be wondering if this is safe. Before you begin using it, here are several things you should know about the use of baking soda on your teeth.

The effects of baking soda on teeth

The first thing to understand is that baking soda can be an effective ingredient for cleaning and whitening teeth. Baking soda is something that can help remove stains from teeth, due to its abrasive qualities, and it has the ability to clean teeth too. One benefit of baking soda is its ability to remove plaque from teeth. Removing the plaque you have on your teeth will lower your risk of decay forming. People who use baking soda for this purpose mix it with just enough water to make a consistency similar to toothpaste, and they then brush with the mixture.

Baking soda alone is not enough

One thing you should know is that even though baking soda is safe to use, it is not the only thing you should use to clean your teeth. One major flaw of using only baking soda to clean your teeth is that it does not contain fluoride. Most toothpaste products do, though, and fluoride is essential for strong teeth and enamel. If you only use baking soda on your teeth, not only will your teeth lack fluoride exposure, but you might end up damaging your teeth from overuse of this ingredient.

Too much baking soda is not good for the teeth

Using baking soda to clean and whiten your teeth in moderation is safe, but you should not use this ingredient every single day for weeks or months, as it is an abrasive material. The abrasiveness in baking soda is what helps whiten and clean teeth, but too much abrasiveness also can lead to enamel erosion. In other words, using baking soda too often could strip your teeth of enamel. Because of this, you should consider using it only once or twice a week instead of daily. This would be a safe way to use baking soda and receive the benefits of it without harming your teeth.

If you are curious about finding other natural ways to clean or whiten your teeth, you should talk to a dentist in your city. Companies like Scott W. Murphy Dentistry can help.

How Thrush Impacts Getting Dental Implants

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 08:53:35 +0000

Do you plan on having dental implants installed but are currently dealing with thrush? Thrush is an oral health issue where your gums have open sores on them, which can make the process of getting dental implants difficult. You'll need to treat your thrush problem before you can move forward with getting implants. Here is what you need to know about thrush and how it affects the dental implant procedure.

Understanding Thrush

The best way to describe thrush is how it is similar to an oral yeast infection. They are painful patches that are white in color and that form on your inner cheeks, gums, and tongue. It is possible for the infection to spread further into your mouth and reach your throat or the soft and hard palate.

The type of yeast that causes thrush lives in your mucous membranes or skin surfaces, which include your throat and mouth. The yeast tends to grow more after you are sick or have an infection, and yeast from your stomach can even spread to the mouth and throat if you have a digestive issue. Thrush can go away by itself, but it can impact the process of getting implants if you still have it.

Dealing With Thrush

Your dentist may prescribe you an antifungal medication to help fight the thrush problem you are experiencing, but it is possible that your thrush may return after getting dental implants. The implants depend on forming a strong bond with your gums and jawbone, and thrush can cause complications with that bond.

The white patches caused by thrush cause your gums to become weak, and it has the capability to create an infection that spreads down to your jawbone by traveling through blood vessels. If the jawbone becomes weak, the implants can potentially fail and not form the strong bond that is necessary.

Treating Thrush

There are several things that you could do to treat thrush and prevent it from coming back. Try introducing healthy bacteria to your body by eating plain yogurt, and avoiding yogurt that has artificial sugar or preservatives. Those ingredients are known to reduce the health benefits of eating yogurt and cause aggravation to your body's immune system and digestive system. You should also continue taking any antifungal medications as prescribed by your dentist, and do not stop taking them after you notice the symptoms were gone.

Speak to a dentist at a clinic like Centre Family Dentistry for more information about dealing with thrush while getting dental implants.

Oral Hygiene Measures That Can Improve The Smell Of Your Breath

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 11:22:08 +0000

Bad breath can be offensive to others and embarrassing to the sufferer. Still, the condition can often be remedied with a few minor changes to your dental hygiene regimen.

Here are a few steps that you can take to improve the smell of your breath.

Use a Tongue Scraper

A tongue scraper safely removes bacteria from the tongue. Since the tongue does not have a smooth surface, it offers a large number of bumps and grooves on which oral microbes can accumulate. The scraper helps pull the bacteria from the lingual surface and gathers them for disposal.

Anaerobic bacteria frequently gather on the tongue. These microbes release volatile sulfur compounds that can cause halitosis. Thus, a decline in the number of anaerobic bacteria can have a positive effect on the smell of your breath.

Rinse With an Antimicrobial Mouthwash

After brushing and flossing, a final rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help rid the mouth of remaining smelly microbes. There are a large number of antibacterial mouth rinses that are available for purchase over-the-counter. However, some of these products contain alcohol, which can contribute to dry mouth. Since dry mouth is also associated with halitosis, it is best to look for mouth rinses that include chlorhexidine as the active ingredient instead of alcohol. Chlorhexidine kills oral microbes without drying out the mouth.

Use a Water Flosser

String floss is effective, but it can be difficult to navigate around the teeth. Leftover bits of food can become caught between the teeth and along the gum line, where it can start to decay. This will emit a foul odor.

A water flosser uses a concentrated stream of water to dislodge the food, along with plaque and bacteria that may have accumulated in the space. The flosser also helps clear debris from just below the gum line, improving the health of the gingival tissues. Poor gum health is also associated with bad breath.

Have Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned Every Six Months

Some people fail to schedule their routine dental visits twice a year. During these visits, the dentist scales the teeth to remove tartar, which is hardened plaque.

Tartar has a porous consistency, and bacteria and smelly compounds can become lodged in its pores. As the tartar is removed, the malodorous substances are also eliminated. The degree of halitosis may increase with the amount of tartar that has accumulated on the teeth.

If you suffer from bad breath, schedule a consultation with a dental clinic, like Milner Dentistry.

Three Safe Ways To Clean Your Mouth After Vomiting

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 16:44:28 +0000

When you were a child and were sick with the flu, there's a good chance that your parents compelled you to brush your teeth promptly after throwing up. They likely made this suggestion based on the logic that your stomach acid was harmful to your teeth and that brushing would eliminate this harsh substance from your mouth. Your parents meant well, but their logic was a little flawed. While it's true that the acidity of stomach acid is detrimental to your tooth enamel, brushing immediately after throwing up is a bad idea. This is because you're essentially distributing the acid around your mouth and even grinding it into your teeth. Instead, rinsing is your best approach. Here are three safe methods.

Rinse With Water

At the very least, you should rinse your mouth out with water after you've vomited. Doing so is easy, because regardless of where you find yourself when a wave of nausea comes over you, access to water is likely. A slight amount of water in your mouth, swished around thoroughly and then spit into the sink or even on the ground if you're outside, is enough to remove a considerable percentage of the acid that your vomiting has brought from your stomach into your mouth. Additionally, if you still feel queasy, the non-taste of water won't further nauseate you.

Rinse With Saltwater

If you're able to mix some salt into warm water, rinsing with this combination is a good practice to adopt after you've been ill. Obviously, you'll need to be somewhere in which you have access to salt and a method of warming water, but if you're in such an environment, you'll appreciate the ability of saltwater to cleanse your mouth not only of the acid that is present, but also of the unhealthy bacteria that is present in your mouth much of the time.

Rinse With Mouthwash

The sharp flavor of mouthwash might not be appealing if you've just thrown up and still feel a little queasy, but there's no disputing this product's ability to clean your mouth. If you're sick at home, you may have mouthwash handy. Even if you're traveling, you may have a travel-sized bottle of mouthwash in your toiletries kit. Whatever the case, you'll be able to remove the traces of stomach acid from your mouth without harming your teeth by brushing prematurely. For more information about post-throwing up oral care, consult your dentist or dental hygienist.

Visiting An Orthodontist At Different Stages In Life

Wed, 15 May 2019 21:30:51 +0000

There is no set age in which a person needs to go to an orthodontist, although there are benefits to getting treatment while still growing. The best time for braces is between 10 and 14 years old, but this doesn't mean that adults can't benefit from treatment as well. Children as young as 6 can go to their first appointment with an orthodontist, even when minimal treatment is provided. When teeth are tight in the mouth, crooked, or permanent teeth are coming in poorly, a visit to the orthodontist can set the stage for good oral health. If you or your child is having dental problems that need to be addressed, an orthodontist can help.

The Initial Orthodontic Evaluation

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, a child should see an orthodontist for an evaluation no later than 7 years old. Early intervention with an orthodontist can help prevent problems in the future. Orthodontists can detect subtle problems with bite and jaw growth, making it possible to correct issues before they become prominent. Early orthodontic care can improve appearance, guide permanent teeth as they are coming in, and promote better oral health.

Braces During Teenage Years

Most people who need braces will get them between the ages of 10 and 14. This is an ideal time to get braces, as the teeth are most responsive to straightening at this time. The length of time spent wearing braces will depend on patient compliance, how well the teeth move, and how bad the teeth were in the first place. An orthodontist will develop a treatment plan for your teenager and give you a timeline of what to expect.

Straightening Teeth as an Adult

Adults who never got orthodontic care are still decent candidates for teeth straightening, bite improvement and general care. If you are an adult that has crooked teeth and you are looking to improve your smile, you can visit an orthodontist to see what your options are. It may take longer for your teeth to straighten than if you were a teenager, but they are still able to be straightened over time. Many adults get straightening services to improve their appearance and get the smile they always wanted.

You can visit an orthodontist at an early age, and children should before the age of 7. No matter what your age is, you can benefit from orthodontic care when your teeth need to be straightened.

5 Things Will Take Place During A Dental Exam If It Has Been A While

Sun, 14 Apr 2019 07:19:19 +0000

Routine dental care is just as important as routine health checkups, but dental care is also oftentimes disregarded. If it has been a while since you have had a dental checkup, your first visit back can be a little more in-depth. Take a look at a few things to expect.

1. The dentist will examine your medical history.

Your medical history can give the doctor a good look at some of the things they may expect to see when they look in your mouth. For example, if you have diabetes, you may be more prone to bone loss that can cause your teeth to get loose and decay. During your exam, you will be asked a series of questions about your medical history and the family medical history that you know.

2. The dentist will take multiple x-rays of your mouth.

X-rays give dentists a peek at the condition of your teeth under the gumline and in between teeth where they cannot get a good look. Your first exam after a prolonged time with no dental attention will likely involve a series of x-rays from multiple angles of your mouth.

3. The dentist will check for signs of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a major threat to the health of your mouth and teeth, and it is common for people who do not get regular dental treatments. Most dentists can point out signs of periodontal disease simply by looking at your gums in several places. If there are any problems present, the dentist will explain what is going on and how the problem can be treated.

4. The dentist will check for calculus around the gum line.

Calculus is a form of hardened plaque that can accumulate around the gum line, especially for people who have not had regular cleaning. This plaque can be very hard to remove, so if there is a substantial amount, it will be measured and assessed for depth. Your dentist may pick at some of the calculus, but they will not try to remove all of it. Removal is usually done with local anesthetic.

5. The dentist will create a comprehensive treatment plan.

Once the doctor has examined all of your teeth and your x-rays, they will create a comprehensive plan of action for your next several visits. If you have to have fillings, extractions, or other treatments, your dentist will go over with you what the plan for future treatment looks like and what to expect. If you are ready to make an appointment or need more information, contact a dental services office in your area.

3 Things To Know About Braces For Correcting Bite Issues

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 10:53:52 +0000

If your child has relatively straight, nice teeth, you might wonder why his or her dentist is referring you to an orthodontist. Dentists often refer people to orthodontists when they are between the age of 12 and 14, and they do this when a child has issues that can be corrected with braces. Correcting misaligned teeth is one way braces help, but braces are also useful in correcting bite issues. If your child has bite issues, here are several things to know about taking him or her to a kids orthodontist for this issue.

What Are Bite Issues?

A person's bite refers to the way their upper and lower jaws touch when closing. In other words, your bite is the way your upper and lower teeth fit together. When a person has a perfect bite, it means their upper teeth rest just barely in front of their lower teeth when they close their teeth together. If a person's upper teeth extend too far in front of the lower teeth, the person has an overbite. If the upper teeth are behind the lower teeth, there is an underbite present. These bite problems can cause issues with the development of your child's mouth down the road.

How Can Braces Help With Bite Issues?

Braces, though best known for correcting misaligned teeth, can shift a person's bite. They do this through pressure on the teeth and jaw, and braces have the ability to fix most bite issues. If a child has a really major problem with his or her bite, additional steps beyond braces might also be needed. In most cases, though, braces work well for this purpose.

Why Is This Important?

Fixing a bite problem is just as important as fixing misaligned teeth, as bite problems can lead to the same types of problems as misaligned teeth. A bad bite can cause teeth to rub together in certain places too much. If this happens, it can cause the teeth to wear down. Bite issues can also interfere with speech, making it difficult for a your child to say certain sounds. When there is a bite issue present, it can also create high-risk areas in the mouth for cavities to form, and there are many other problems people can experience from having a bad bite.

Orthodontists help correct many types of issues that kids have with their teeth, including bite problems. If you would like to learn more about the services offered by a children's orthodontist, contact a clinic in your city to schedule a visit.

5 Reasons To Consider A Special Needs Dental Care Provider

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 18:29:58 +0000

When you have a loved one with special needs, extra care and consideration need to be made in everyday life. This can make your loved one feel more at ease and can make things a lot less stressful or uncomfortable. When going to see doctors and other medical providers, they may feel uneasy. The good news is some professionals are trained to help those with special needs. If it's time for a dental exam and cleaning, scheduling with a special needs dental care service is recommended.

Helps Patients and Their Families Feel Comfortable

A regular dental office is often busy and overstimulating for the average person with special needs. Choosing to go to a special needs dental provider can make a patient and their family feel much more comfortable with the experience.

The Dentist Is Calmer and More Patient

Dentists who have experience helping patients with special needs know how to act during the appointment. They're willing and able to be calm and relaxed, and they can take their time. Patience is so important and can make all the difference. A regular dentist may not know how to offer a calmer or more relaxed approach.

Help a Patient Learn Better Technique

Some special needs individuals struggle with good dental care. A special needs dental professional is able to guide each patient on an individual basis to help them improve their skills so they can keep up with dental care needs at home.

Sedation Dentistry Is an Option

For some patients, even a calm and patient dentist isn't enough. If there is a lot of dental work that needs to be done, it may make more sense to explore sedation dentistry. Many special needs dentists are capable of handling this and can help individuals explore options.

Eliminate Fears of the Dentist

Many people fear going to dental appointments. That is also true of many special needs patients. When you choose to visit a special needs dental provider, it can give more confidence and it can allow your loved one to eliminate fears that they have. As they develop a relationship with a trusted dental provider, keeping up with appointments is easier and less of a struggle.

It may make sense to start seeing a special needs dentist. A regular dentist isn't always the way to go because it can cause a lot more upset and stress. Reach out to special needs dental care providers in your area to learn more.

Three Reasons That Your Child Shouldn'T Pull A Loose Tooth

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 07:06:06 +0000

When your child gets a loose tooth, especially for the first time, this is a milestone that will likely be exciting for your entire family. Your child will likely be eager for the tooth to fall out, but may enjoy wiggling it in the meantime. There may come a point at which both you and your child are eager for the tooth to be out — the child will be eager for a visit from the tooth fairy, while you'll perhaps be relieved to see the child stop being distracted by wiggling the tooth. You might be thinking about pulling the tooth out with a string, which could have been something you did as a child. Here are some reasons that you shouldn't pull the loose tooth.

It Will Come When It's Time

While it's true that you can speed up the process of a loose tooth coming out by pulling it, it's important to know that the tooth will fall out on its own in time. Even if it seems as though the tooth has remained wiggly for quite a while, you and your child need to remember to be patient and to allow the tooth to further loosen. Without aggressively wiggling or pulling it, the tooth will eventually come out.

Pulling May Cause Pain

It might be fun to think of different creative ways to pull your child's tooth. Historically, some people would tie one end of a string to the tooth and the other end of the string to a doorknob, and then slam the door to hastily remove the tooth. If you and your child are excited to think about these different methods, you're probably overlook the fact that pulling the tooth could cause your child to experience pain. As a parent, the last thing that you want is to hurt yourself or allow him or her to do something that causes hurt, but this is exactly what can happen upon pulling a tooth before it's ready to come out.

The Tooth May Bleed

If you pull the child's tooth before it's ready to come out, it will often bleed. While minor bleeding will clear up promptly and isn't a major concern, there's little question that it may upset your child. No child likes to realize that he or she is bleeding, and it may be difficult to console an upset child upon such an even taking place. You're always better off just leaving the tooth in place and conferring with your pediatric dentist if you have any questions.

Contact a clinic, like Naas Family Dentistry, for more help.