Dental Checkups: Preparing for Your Checkup Recent content on Dental Checkups: Preparing for Your Checkup Hugo -- en Tue, 13 Apr 2021 15:14:20 +0000 5 Ways to Improve Your Dental Hygiene Routine Tue, 13 Apr 2021 15:14:20 +0000 <p>Everyone has heard the dentist say it: brush, floss, rinse. The underlying meaning is that you need to do all three of these tasks on a regular basis to keep your mouth healthy and avoid cavities and gingivitis. Sometimes doing these things can be a hassle though; flossing is hard, getting the right amount of toothpaste on your brush can be annoying, and sometimes you just don't have the time to rinse or brush.</p> <p>However, they are important; brushing removes plaque that has built up on your teeth throughout the day, flossing removes plaque from between your teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach, and rinsing helps to remove particles from between your teeth so that you aren't brushing them out with each stroke. Here are 5 ways to improve your dental hygiene routine.</p> <p><strong>1. Use a timer</strong></p> <p>When you brush your teeth, you brush as long as it takes. However, most people are not as thorough as they should be when brushing. Instead of brushing for the amount of time that you have set aside for dental health, set a timer to make sure that you are brushing well enough. This will help to ensure that you are brushing evenly and for the full time that you need to be.</p> <p><strong>2. Use mouthwash more often</strong></p> <p>To rinse away any particles that end up in between your teeth from things like drinking or eating cold and hard foods, gargle with mouthwash daily in the mornings to further improve your dental hygiene routine and keep your gums healthy.</p> <p><strong>3. Use dental floss more often</strong></p> <p>Flossing is hard to do and, done incorrectly, can even be harmful to your gums. In order to ensure that you are flossing properly, first moisten the floss. This will allow the floss to move through your teeth easier and will pull out more particles than dry floss would.</p> <p><strong>4. Brush for at least 2 minutes at night</strong></p> <p>While brushing quickly in the morning before you head off to work or school is great for keeping your mouth clean, brushing for longer helps with further plaque removal and keeping a healthy mouth. In order to clean all of your teeth, it is recommended to brush for around 1 to 2 minutes once a day, at least three times a week. In addition, if you learn to brush well in the morning, the evening is the perfect time for you to continue and let your mouth relax.</p> <p><strong>5. Use a fluoride toothpaste</strong></p> <p>Fluoride is crucial to make sure that your teeth are as healthy as they can be. Fluoride is most effective when used daily; it strengthens teeth and prevents cavities from forming. Fluoride also fights against gum disease by strengthening the integrity of your gums so that bacteria cannot grow in them and create an infection.</p> <p>A <a href="" target="_blank">dentist</a> can advise you about any of these tactics for keeping your mouth clean and healthy.</p> A Less Invasive Way to Fix Receding Gums Tue, 02 Mar 2021 11:50:08 +0000 <p>Gum disease is an all too common complaint (with just under <a href="" rel="nofollow">23%</a> of the Australian population affected to some degree), and gum recession is a prevalent feature of gum disease. It's certainly unfortunate and requires treatment, but the very nature of this treatment might be enough to discourage sufferers from taking action. That being said, action is definitely needed.</p> <p><strong>Gingival Grafting</strong></p> <p>Gum recession can often be halted by changing (or stepping up) your oral hygiene measures. However, it cannot be reversed without help from a <a href="" target="_blank">dentist</a>. Severe gum recession is generally treated with gingival grafting. This involves the manual grafting of additional gum tissues to replace the portion of your gums that have been lost. The donor for these grafts is usually you, with your dentist taking a small sample from elsewhere in your mouth and grafting it to the portions of your gums that require attention. This cutting and subsequent grafting can sound a bit too invasive for some people, even though treatment is necessary.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>A Less Invasive Option</strong></p> <p>Gingival grafting is not your only option, so if the nature of this treatment discourages you from having the issue corrected, you should talk to your dentist about a less invasive alternative known as pinhole gum rejuvenation. It's a means of achieving the same result without the need to make incisions in your gum tissues. The only invasive part of the process is the pinhole puncture. How does it work?</p> <p><strong>A Pinhole</strong></p> <p>Your dentist punctures a small hole (a pinhole, in fact) in your gums. This strategic puncture then loosens the gingival tissue, allowing your dentist to gently stretch the tissues back to their pre-recession position. Your teeth are scaled prior to the pinhole rejuvenation, as this improves the success of the procedure.</p> <p><strong>Under the Gums</strong></p> <p>The success of the procedure also requires your gum tissues to be given a fighting chance. This means that your dentist will often apply a wafer-thin, dissolvable strip of collagen to your gums before readjusting their position. This collagen then stays under your gums, slowly dispersing, which helps to revitalise your repositioned gum line as it heals.</p> <p><strong>Tooth Decay and Pinhole Rejuvenation</strong></p> <p>Most patients with receding gums are candidates for pinhole rejuvenation, although tooth decay can present a problem. When gum recession has exposed an additional surface area of a tooth which has then decayed, this decay must be addressed. Your dentist can restore these teeth by applying a composite resin to the surface of the tooth (known as dental bonding). Once this has set, your pinhole rejuvenation can take place.</p> <p>Receding gums won't fix themselves, but if the invasive nature of the standard solution doesn't appeal to you, you should discuss pinhole rejuvenation with your dentist.</p> 5 Ways That Custom-Whitening Trays Are Superior to OTC Trays Tue, 26 Jan 2021 13:35:55 +0000 <p>A great way to make your smile stand out is to whiten your teeth. And while over-the-counter (OTC) options are cheap, they won't offer the same level of results as custom trays made by a dentist. So, although you can save money, ultimately, you may be disappointed with the results.</p> <p>Custom whitening trays are better than OTC options for several good reasons.</p> <p><strong>1. Stronger bleach</strong></p> <p>Store-bought whitening trays contain whitening gels with a weaker concentration than the gels provided by a dentist. This means that the weaker hydrogen peroxide in an OTC kit won't be as effective at removing stains from your teeth as a professional whitening kit. This could leave you disappointed with the results.</p> <p><strong>2. Tailored treatment</strong></p> <p>OTC whitening kits are designed as a one-size-fits-all solution. As such, they are often a poor fit. This is especially true for patients with multiple dental restorations like crowns and veneers, which can change the balance of your bite. But custom whitening trays are moulded to fit your mouth and all its unique features. Ultimately, this makes the whitening process more effective.</p> <p><strong>3. Faster results</strong></p> <p>Because professional whitening trays contain stronger bleach and are tailor-made to fit your bite, you can achieve the desired results faster than you would with an OTC kit. This helps you to avoid the time-consuming slog that comes from whitening with OTC trays.</p> <p><strong>4. Less gum irritation</strong></p> <p>OTC trays are ill-fitting. Not only does this lessen their ability to whiten your teeth uniformly, but it also means that your gum tissue is at risk. If your trays don't fit comfortably, the whitening gel could spill over onto your gum tissue. This is painful and could cause gum recession. But with custom whitening trays, there is less risk of the whitening solution splashing onto your gums.</p> <p><strong>5. Professional advice </strong></p> <p>One of the biggest advantages to whitening with custom-made whitening trays is that you also get the benefit of professional advice. A dentist trained in tooth whitening can help you whiten your teeth safely and effectively by teaching you how to whiten your teeth. Coupled with the other advantages, this makes custom whitening trays a superior option to OTC whitening trays.</p> <p>Are you interested in whitening your teeth? Then consider the advantages of having a dentist make custom <a href="" target="_blank">tooth whitening</a> trays designed specifically for your teeth. These advantages make professional tray whitening a far better option than OTC options.</p> 4 Reasons Why Regular Dental Check-Ups Are Essential Thu, 10 Dec 2020 09:27:58 +0000 <p>Many individuals visit dentists only when they have dental problems. However, it is important to see your <a href="" target="_blank">dentist</a> routinely to protect your dental and overall health. Here are four vital benefits of having regular dental check-ups:</p> <p><strong>Prevent Future Oral Problems</strong></p> <p>Most oral problems can be avoided if they are discovered earlier. When you visit a dentist, they will examine your teeth to check for any alarming signs. For instance, if they note a small cavity, they will treat it immediately before it causes further damage.&nbsp;</p> <p>Moreover, dentists are trained to screen for oral cancer, so they will do the necessary tests on you to detect any early signs. Oral cancer is on the rise in recent times, and early detection is the best defence. Therefore, everyone needs to see a dentist regularly to prevent dental problems.</p> <p><strong>Detect Poor Dental Habits</strong></p> <p>During your dental examination, the dentist will look for wear and tear on your teeth, which may be caused by poor dental habits such as grinding or clenching. These habits are involuntary since most of them happen when you are sleeping. Therefore, it can be hard for you to notice their effects.&nbsp;</p> <p>If your dentist notices abnormal wear and tear, they will help you learn about the causes. They will then offer you a customised solution for your problem, such as a custom-built mouth guard.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Achieve Clean and Healthy Teeth</strong></p> <p>It is vital to get your teeth professionally cleaned every six months. The dentist will get rid of plaque on your gum line that can cause gingivitis or periodontitis. The dentist will also clean any plaque attached to your enamel, which can lead to the production of an acid that can erode your enamel, causing cavities.</p> <p>Additionally, getting your teeth cleaned by a specialist helps in removing permanent stains that may lower your self-confidence. Teeth cleaning and whitening eliminate chronic bad breath or halitosis, which is usually a symptom of an underlying problem.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Enhance Dental Health Awareness&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Today, most individuals turn to the internet for information when they have a problem. It is a great strategy to get facts, but you can also encounter incorrect information. When you regularly visit a dentist, you will get the best dental health education.</p> <p>The dental specialist will advise you on the right products to use and the diet to observe to improve your oral health. Moreover, the expert will check your family's history and lifestyle to provide you with the best treatment and advice.&nbsp;</p> <p>Visiting your dentist often is crucial. However, it is advisable always to choose experienced, licenced and insured dentists for your family to enjoy high-quality services.</p> Three Signs Your Sporting Injuring Requires An Emergency Dentist Visit Tue, 27 Oct 2020 12:27:25 +0000 <p>The opportunity to get outside and involved in community sport every month of the year is one benefit of living in Australia. However, as a parent new to community sport, you must know about protecting your child's teeth during gameplay. Mouthguards are strongly recommended by the Australian Dental Association, but even when wearing a mouthguard, oral accidents do happen. So, if your child suffers a mouth injury while playing a sport, which injuries need emergency dentist attention and which ones can wait until Monday? Use these three tips to help you make this determination.</p> <p><strong>Displaced Tooth</strong></p> <p>A tooth which has been completely knocked from the mouth is not a situation that can wait. An immediate visit to an emergency dentist makes a difference in saving the tooth. If possible, ask your child to put the displaced tooth back into the socket it was ejected from. Get the child to place their tongue against the tooth to keep it in place while you drive to the dentist. If the tooth is dirty, place it into a container of milk to keep the tooth roots from drying out while you transport your child to the dentist's office. Once there, the dentist determines whether the tooth can be permanently reinserted or not based on the amount of damage sustained by the tooth and the socket.</p> <p><strong>Cracked Tooth</strong></p> <p>Another common sports injury is a cracked tooth. This is often caused by the tooth coming into contact with a ball or body part. A cracked tooth does need dental attention but can often wait until normal dentist hours. However, if the cracked tooth bleeds continually and the blood flow cannot be stopped, then a trip to the emergency dentist is warranted. Likewise, if the crack reaches up to the gum and there is pain emitting from this area, then it is important to have an emergency dentist check for any obvious nerve damage.</p> <p><strong>Jaw Pain</strong></p> <p>Jaw pain after gameplay is treatable by painkillers. But, if these are ineffective then a trip to the emergency dentist is worth considering. Jaw pain may be caused by an unseen dental injury and that injury is often only diagnosed after a professional examination. It may also be necessary for the dentist to take x-rays to discover the source of the pain. This is a grey area situation for an emergency dentist visit because it depends on how much pain is occurring. Use your parental gut instinct for this situation, but always err on the side of caution and make a weekend dental visit if intense pain is involved.</p> <p>Now that you have more knowledge about sports injuries, you know what to do if it happens to your child. Look for an <a href="" target="_blank">emergency dentist</a> now to be prepared.&nbsp;</p> 3 Signs That You May Have Periodontitis Thu, 27 Aug 2020 16:49:50 +0000 <p>A lot of people do not take their dental hygiene seriously. As a result, small problems you can easily solve when you brush your teeth fester until they result in serious oral and dental health complications. Periodontitis is a common dental health complication.</p> <p>The complication results from bacteria accumulating around the teeth inside the mouth, and gums, causing damage to them. It is possible to avoid the damage by adopting good dental hygiene and visiting the dentist at least three times annually for check-ups and intervention.&nbsp; Unfortunately, most people only visit the dentist after they experience serious teeth weaknesses, and by then, the problem is already advanced. Here early signs that you are developing periodontitis.</p> <p><strong>1. When Your Gums and Jaws Are Inflamed</strong></p> <p>Most cases of periodontitis begin when you get gingivitis, an oral problem marked by gum and jaw inflammation. One of the first ways you can tell you are developing gingivitis is the presence of blood inside your mouth when you brush and floss your teeth. Another early sign is tartar, a yellow discolouration caused by plaque coating your teeth.</p> <p>If you don't address the problem, the bacteria start eating your gums, and they recede. This may also create inflammation, soreness, and a lot of pain when brushing.</p> <p><strong>2. When You Experience Bad Breath and Bad Taste </strong></p> <p>Several oral health problems result in bad breath or halitosis. Halitosis is bad breath that does not disappear after brushing or eating a mint. It is usually an indication that you have unhealthy bacteria growth in your mouth.</p> <p>Excess bacteria are harmful, and they usually lead to tooth and gum decay. Chronic halitosis is, therefore, an indication of tooth decay. It is also common for people with this stage of periodontitis to experience extremely loose teeth and difficulties when chewing.</p> <p><strong>3. When You Start Losing Teeth</strong></p> <p>When periodontitis reaches advanced stages, most of the tissue that supports your teeth, holding them inside your gums, breaks down. At this point, you experience extreme pain when chewing and inflammation throughout the body.</p> <p>Unfortunately, a dentist can do little to very little to save your teeth, and options include dental reconstruction with implants and bridges.</p> <p>It is best to deal with the early symptoms of periodontitis before it becomes a complex problem. The best way to have excellent oral health is by creating a good relationship with a competent and reliable dentist close to you.</p> <p>For more information about&nbsp;<a href="" target="_blank">periodontal treatment</a>, contact a dentist today.</p> Five Teeth Brushing Tips for Better Oral Hygiene Fri, 27 Dec 2019 11:14:01 +0000 <p>Brushing your teeth is not the only way to keep your teeth healthy, but it's of utmost importance for good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth is a habitual action, and you could so easily be brushing incorrectly. Nevertheless, brushing your teeth regularly and properly will alleviate many dental disorders such as gingivitis and tooth decay. Here are some important tips you can use to improve your teeth brushing technique.</p> <p><strong>Use A Soft-Bristled Brush</strong></p> <p>Contrary to public opinion, a firm-bristled toothbrush not ideal and is as harmful as brushing your teeth very hard. Instead, opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle while brushing. Soft bristles are flexible enough to get around the middle of your teeth and remove any food substances.</p> <p><strong>Brush for at Least 2 Minutes</strong></p> <p>The time you take to brush your teeth matters when it comes to oral hygiene and is very easy to overlook. Dentists recommend that you stick to the 2/2 rule of brushing teeth for two minutes, twice a day. As a rule of thumb, spend 30 seconds for every quadrant of your teeth and a few more on your tongue.</p> <p><strong>Brush in Small, Circular Motions</strong></p> <p>It's important to brush your teeth properly; a poor job is as good as not brushing at all. Moving your toothbrush back and forth has been found to be counterproductive. Instead, focus on moving it in a circular motion gently around tooth surfaces and especially on the gum line. A clockwise or anticlockwise motion should help massively in removing food particles that get stuck under the gums and between teeth.</p> <p><strong>Use Toothpaste Containing Fluoride&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>When shopping for a toothpaste, your priority should be on fluoride and not on toothpaste flavors or 'whitening power.' Fluoride has been and still is a mainstay in oral health because it prevents the buildup of bacteria, reducing the risk of tooth decay. It also forms a protective barrier around your teeth.</p> <p><strong>Don't Forget Your Tongue</strong></p> <p>Don't forget to brush your tongue. The tongue builds up more bacteria than your teeth and is the chief cause for bad mouth odor or halitosis. Clean your tongue as part of your daily oral routine after brushing your teeth.</p> <p>Achieving good oral hygiene involves a lifetime of care, and the tips above demonstrate that it's the tools and small habits that matter most. In addition to brushing your teeth, other actions you can take to improve your oral health include flossing daily and using mouthwash. Contact your <a href="" target="_blank">dentist</a> for more advice.</p> Teeth Straightening: Why You Should Get Your Child's Crooked Teeth Fixed Immediately Mon, 25 Nov 2019 15:11:58 +0000 <p>Malocclusion is a common problem in children's teeth. It happens when the upper and lower teeth aren't aligned properly. This misalignment of the teeth can happen naturally as the teeth and jaws develop or can be triggered by childhood habits, such as tongue-thrusting, finger-sucking and prolonged pacifier use. If your child has misaligned teeth, you should get their teeth fixed immediately. This is because the treatments available for misaligned teeth work best when initiated as early as possible. Plus, crooked teeth can cause a range of oral health problems if not treated early enough.</p> <p>Find out why you should get your little one's misaligned teeth treated posthaste below.</p> <p><strong>To Help Children With Their Daily Oral Care Routine</strong></p> <p>As a parent, you are responsible for helping your little ones take proper care of their teeth and gums. This means you should teach them how to brush and floss properly.&nbsp;</p> <p>If your child has crooked teeth, then they might have a difficult time cleaning their teeth so as to achieve good oral health. This is because they may not be able to reach the nooks and crannies between misshapen teeth, which can lead to a build-up of bacteria-carrying plaque.&nbsp;</p> <p>Getting your child's teeth straightened is an effective way to make it easier for them to look after their oral health without facing significant challenges.</p> <p><strong>To Prevent Undue Wear and Tear on the Teeth</strong></p> <p>One of the major oral issues that arise in children with misshapen teeth is excess enamel erosion. The enamel is the white, outer layer of the teeth that helps to prevent tooth decay. While this part of the teeth is bound to erode with age, having crooked teeth tends to accelerate the erosion process.</p> <p>Crooked teeth tend to rub against each other more often than straight teeth do, thus resulting in unnecessary wear of the tooth enamel.</p> <p><strong>To Help Children Overcome Speech Difficulties</strong></p> <p>Nothing compares to hearing your child call you 'mummy' or 'daddy' for the first time. But frustration can set in easily when you realise that they are having a difficult time developing their language skills.</p> <p>While children develop at different rates, certain oral conditions can make it harder for them to develop language skills. Crooked teeth are one such condition. It can affect the way your child pronounces certain words, thus leading to speech difficulties.</p> <p><strong>To Give Children a Much-Deserved Confidence Boost</strong></p> <p>Children with misaligned teeth often feel unhappy with their smile. This hurts their confidence and makes them feel too self-conscious to interact with other people.&nbsp;Fixing your child's crooked teeth is a sure-fire way to boost their confidence and make them happier with their lives.</p> <p>There are a variety of treatment options available for children with crooked teeth. Schedule a consultation with a dentist near you today to find out more about <a href="" target="_blank">teeth straightening</a> options for your child.</p> Why You Should Drink Water and Snack on Vegetables After Your Morning Coffee Wed, 30 Oct 2019 17:12:42 +0000 <p>Australians, like most other nationalities, love a cup of coffee — or two! According to, <a href="" rel="nofollow">75% of Australians drink at least one cup of coffee per day</a>. That's understandable, since coffee gives you that alertness you need on work mornings, and it helps you focus on your work. However, since the morning is a crucial time for your oral health, your after-coffee habits matter a great deal.</p> <p><strong>Coffee Lowers Saliva Production</strong></p> <p>If you're a coffee drinker, you'll probably be familiar with the bout of dry mouth that sometimes follows a cup of coffee. It's especially obvious when you are in a rush and haven't had time to eat breakfast or drink a glass of water. Not only is the dry mouth that follows coffee unpleasant in sensation, but it is also conducive to tooth decay and bad breath.</p> <p>Normally, saliva is your mouth's natural protector against both tooth decay and bad breath. The powerful antimicrobial agents contained in saliva kill the bacteria that live and grow in your mouth. Since oral bacteria is to blame for bad breath <em>and</em> tooth decay, it's important that you keep your saliva levels high throughout the day.</p> <p>Unfortunately, <a href="" rel="nofollow">research shows that coffee reduces saliva production</a>. If you start your day with a dry mouth, your breath and teeth will suffer throughout the day. However, you can easily prevent this from happening. After every cup of coffee, make sure you drink a glass or two of water. Water hydrates you and helps to stimulate saliva production. It also washes bacteria away from your teeth.</p> <p><strong>Coffee Leaves Your Teeth Looking Yellow</strong></p> <p>After your morning brush, your teeth should be at their whitest. However, if you then drink coffee within an hour or two, all your hard work could be for naught, at least in terms of appearance. The tannins, which help to give coffee its bitterness, also cause chromogens, or staining molecules in foods, to cling to the surface of your teeth more easily. They do this by binding with the proteins you eat.</p> <p>On a morning when you are in a rush and your mouth is dry, those staining molecules may then penetrate the porous enamel layer of your teeth, leading to unsightly stains. Fortunately, you can prevent this by snacking on crunchy, fibrous vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and pumpkin. However, make sure these vegetables are raw to get the most benefit.</p> <p>In a sense, chewing raw veggies like carrots is a natural way of brushing your teeth, as the coarseness of the vegetable skin helps to remove staining molecules from your teeth without damaging your enamel.</p> <p>If you enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, remember these tips to keep your breath and your teeth in good shape for the day ahead. For more information about these and other healthy dental habits, reach out to your <a href="" target="_blank">dentist</a>.</p> What to Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit Fri, 27 Sep 2019 07:34:47 +0000 <p>One of the leading reasons that someone needs an emergency dentist is due to pain in the tooth. This pain can be due to infection, a broken tooth or a missing filling. Each of these issues can happen at any time and may require emergency or immediate care. If you have never had to have an emergency dental visit, there are a few things about the process you will need to know in order to be prepared for the visit. Here are a few of the key points of the process and what you need to know about each one.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Visual Examination</strong></p> <p>The first thing to expect during an <a href="" target="_blank">emergency dentistry</a> visit is a visual examination. This part of the process can include a visual examination by the dentist as well as an x-ray exam to determine if there are any root damages or further damage beyond the initial tooth issue. The x-ray may be one done with bite tabs, or it could be an advanced scanning option. Regardless of the type of x-ray that is used, you will likely have the results of that x-ray rather quickly so the dentist can determine what steps will be necessary next.</p> <p><strong>Infection Presence</strong></p> <p>In many cases, if you are having pain in the tooth that is not due to a broken tooth or missing filling, infection may be part of the issue. The dentist will examine the area to determine if there is an infection present. If they do find an infection, the next course of action may be to either prescribe medication to help reduce inflammation and stop the infection or to remove the tooth if the infection is caused by rotting or decay that could spread throughout the mouth.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Emergency Treatment</strong></p> <p>The final step to expect when you have an emergency dentistry visit is the actual emergency treatment. Depending on your needs, this treatment could be the extraction of a tooth. It could also be an emergency filling to replace a lost or broken filling. If the tooth is infected, a root canal is necessary, or if the issue requires cosmetic dentistry, the emergency dentist may refer to you a specialist or back to your normal dentist for further treatment options.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you do need emergency dentistry care, make sure to have your dental insurance card and contact your local emergency dentist. They can answer your questions about hours, location and payment. They can also direct you to a nearby clinic if they are unable to help you with your specific emergency dental need.&nbsp;</p> What Makes Implant Dentures a Better Choice for You Wed, 10 Jul 2019 14:00:33 +0000 <p>Despite the improvements dental care has experienced over the years, people continue to lose teeth, mainly due to periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury. For many years, people who experienced tooth loss could only undergo the dentures and bridges treatment. But, thanks to the advancement of technology, <a href="" target="_blank">implant dentures</a> have become easily accessible.</p> <p>Dental implants are tooth root replacements that provide a foundation for removable or fixed replacement teeth that match your original teeth. Unlike traditional dental implants that simply sit on your roots, implant dentures are firmly anchored in your jawbone, and this gives your replacement teeth an original look. Other reasons that implant dentures are a better choice include the following:</p> <p><strong>They Are Durable</strong></p> <p>Traditional dentures can sometimes cause the deterioration of the jawbone. The reason for this is that traditional dentures cause the jawbone to start to weaken because the teeth are gone. This is why individuals using traditional dentures have to replace them regularly. But with the use of implant dentures, the jawbone is stimulated. This helps to preserve your jawbone, and the dentures continue fitting. This makes the implant dentures more permanent and durable.</p> <p><strong>They Are Functional</strong></p> <p>One way dentists hold traditional dentures is with suction. But dentures can become dislodged and then fall out or slide around your mouth. This can make it hard for your teeth to function appropriately. Implant dentures are securely held in using dental implants. This makes it possible to laugh loudly or speak clearly without having to worry about your dentures falling out. You can also eat a wide range of foods and chew naturally.</p> <p><strong>Excellent Stability</strong></p> <p>Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants are anchored to the jawbone directly, like natural teeth. This makes it possible for anyone with implant dentures to stop having to rely on soft foods and start enjoying wide varieties of food like anyone else. Also, the stability these teeth offer makes it possible to speak with complete clarity, as they stay firmly in place.</p> <p><strong>Improve Your Quality of Life</strong></p> <p>People with implant dentures often suffer from numerous difficulties before they opt to pursue this type of treatment. With implant dentures, they can increase their self-esteem and confidence. Implant dentures also help them improve their jaw mobility and decrease the pain they feel in their mouth. This, in turn, helps them improve their quality of life.</p> <p>With implant dentures, you no longer have to worry about removing them at all. And this makes them perfect for your jaw and your life.</p> Clear Indicators of the Need for Root Canal Therapy Wed, 24 Apr 2019 12:12:12 +0000 <p>Oral problems are something everyone will have to experience and deal with at some point in their life. But when it comes to teeth, the source of the issue can be challenging to identify. And if you are unsure of what is wrong, you may chalk it up to a simple toothache and proceed to self-medicate. Nonetheless, some oral problems will not go away with some paracetamol. One such issue is when the pulp inside your tooth becomes compromised. Whatever the cause, endodontic treatment in the form of root canal therapy is imperative. This piece illuminates a few clear indicators of the need for <a href="" target="_blank">root canal treatment</a>.</p> <p><strong>Sudden tenderness </strong></p> <p>The thing most people take for granted regarding tooth decay is that it does not occur overnight. You may think that once you start feeling pain in your tooth, then it is the first sign of trouble, but you would be wrong.&nbsp; In fact, the bacteria will progressively spread through your pulp, and by the time you realise your tooth is infected, it may be too late to salvage it. One of the first signs that you will notice is that the gum around your tooth is tender to the touch. So if you begin to feel uncomfortable on that isolated area when brushing your teeth or chewing, then you should be concerned about the onset of decay, or dental caries, that could eventually lead to the need of root canal therapy.</p> <p><strong>Swelling and pus</strong></p> <p>The second symptom of a damaged tooth that should prompt you to visit a dentist is swelling of the gums around the tooth. The swelling come about from inflammation of the nerve endings that are close to the damage. If the swelling is accompanied by pus oozing out of the affected area, it is a definitive sign that you have an infected tooth that either needs to be extracted or has to undergo root canal therapy. In some cases, you may not notice the pus outright because it may be inside the damaged tooth. In these instances, be wary of any foul taste in your mouth since it could mean you are tasting the pus without locating the source.</p> <p><strong>Lodged food</strong></p> <p>Food debris, granted, always becomes stuck in between teeth, and that is why you need to brush and floss daily. However, when you start to notice food is continuously being lodged inside a particular tooth, it could mean that the pulp is deteriorating. When your tooth develops decay, the crown steadily degrades. The more degradation, the higher the likelihood of food particles making their way into the space left behind. It is critical to have a dentist examine the tooth right away since the decay will only become worse.</p> Want to Skip the Dental Chair? Try These 3 Out-of-the-Office Teeth Whitening Treatments Wed, 23 Jan 2019 12:52:17 +0000 <p>Teeth whitening is one of the most in-demand cosmetic dental treatments available today. The vast majority of people who opt for this type of treatment want to fix their stained or discoloured teeth, while the rest simply want a whiter shade for aesthetic reasons.&nbsp;</p> <p>If your pearly whites are still intact, you can retain their natural colour without sitting on the dental chair for professional teeth whitening treatment. Continue reading on below to discover what your best at-home teeth whitening bets are.</p> <p><strong>1. Whitening Toothpaste</strong></p> <p>If you want to keep your pearly whites white for many years to come, you should ditch your regular toothpaste for a specially formulated teeth whitening toothpaste.&nbsp;This type of toothpaste usually contains active ingredients, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate or low-doses of hydrogen peroxide, which scrub away any surface stains that may discolour your teeth.&nbsp;</p> <p>For whitening toothpastes to work effectively, they have to be used on a regular basis. However, these toothpastes aren't meant to change the colour of your teeth – they simply help to make your teeth look their best.</p> <p><strong>2. Whitening Strips</strong></p> <p>Made to take the shape of your teeth, teeth whitening strips work to whiten your teeth. But how do they achieve a whiter, brighter smile? These strips are coated with teeth whitening gel that usually contains a peroxide compound. The gel is applied onto the surface of the teeth when the strips are attached to the teeth.&nbsp;</p> <p>Whitening strips should be applied daily over a couple of weeks to see any noticeable results. But they have to be applied carefully to avoid uneven whitening. Areas of your teeth that aren't in full contact with the strip won't be as white as places where optimal contact was achieved.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>3. Brush-on Whiteners</strong></p> <p>Are you aware that you can whiten your teeth on the go? Thanks to the availability of brush-on teeth whiteners, that's exactly what you can do. Like teeth whitening strips, these pen applicators contain a peroxide-based whitening gel that's painted directly onto the teeth. The tips of the pens are designed to make it easy to keep the gel on the surface of the teeth.</p> <p>Once the gel has been painted, it solidifies and delivers a whitening effect on the teeth. After some time, it wears off. While the above out-of-office teeth whitening treatments may work well if administered properly, you can always see a cosmetic <a href="">dentist</a> if you want a whiter-than-white shade. Nothing beats professional treatment!</p> Mind the Gap! Braces and Missing Teeth Thu, 27 Dec 2018 16:11:45 +0000 <p>The road to your perfect smile has the potential to be a long one. In terms of <a href="" target="_blank">orthodontics</a>, an adult can expect to be wearing those braces for anywhere between <a href="" rel="nofollow"><u>18 months</u></a> and three years. This timeframe can vary for younger patients whose bodies are still growing, and again, it can be different depending on the braces you end up choosing. But what about when straightening your smile is only one aspect of the road to your perfect smile? When you have a missing tooth (or teeth) and yet your remaining teeth still need to be aligned, can you even get braces?</p> <p><strong>Traditional Braces and Missing Teeth</strong></p> <p>In short, yes, you can still have braces installed in your mouth when you have missing teeth. With traditional braces, a bracket is affixed to each tooth, with an archwire threaded through each bracket to create the desired level of resistance. This archwire is periodically tightened to slowly but surely manipulate your teeth into the correct alignment. When a tooth is missing, obviously there is nowhere to attach the bracket, so this tooth is essentially skipped, with the archwire simply running between the remaining teeth on either side of the gap.</p> <p><strong>Transparent Aligners and Missing Teeth</strong></p> <p>With a transparent aligner that is regularly switched to achieve the straightening effect, the aligner just sits over the missing tooth, although the transparent plastic over the gap can be more noticeable than when the aligner is positioned over a tooth. In some instances, you might require your teeth to be straightened before you can replace that missing tooth. But why is this?</p> <p><strong>Drifting Teeth</strong></p> <p>The missing tooth may have caused your remaining teeth to drift. No longer confined to a strictly upward growth, the lack of a tooth next to them can result in them shifting position sideways, which is known as a <a href="" rel="nofollow"><u>drifting tooth</u></a>. It can be the case that your teeth need to be correctly aligned before any replacement work can be undertaken, basically meaning that adequate space needs to be created before a dental implant or dental bridge can be fitted. When teeth have been absent for many years, it can be that this is what has caused your dental misalignment. Numerous teeth drifting into the space can cause your overall bite to be out of its original alignment.</p> <p>Sometimes misaligned teeth can be directly related to missing teeth, and it's necessary to fix one problem before addressing the other.</p> How to Prepare Your Autistic Child for Wisdom Teeth Removal Mon, 12 Nov 2018 17:46:46 +0000 <p>As the parent of an autistic child, you likely have already dealt with trips to the dentist. You may have even narrowed down the dentist to one that works well with autistic children. What you may not have dealt with are teeth extractions. This can be a huge issue if you are now facing an appointment, or series of appointments, for your autistic child's wisdom teeth removal. If this sounds like the situation you are in, here are a few ways to prepare them for the process.</p> <p><strong>Discuss Medication Options</strong></p> <p>If you do not think your autistic child will handle the procedure well, consider discussing the option of temporary medication for your child. This can be in the form of a medication given to the child directly before the appointment or at the start of the appointment. The medications can be used to soothe anxiety or to act as a way to help the child rest through the appointment. Before you choose this option, if it is available, make sure you understand how your child may react when the medication fades. This knowledge will help you prepare for their reaction leaving the office, in the car or when they get home.</p> <p><strong>Delay Discussion of the Removal&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Though you may be used to discussing appointments and events ahead of time, a surgical appointment can be different. Your child may understand the concept of what will happen with having their wisdom teeth removed. The problem may be the anxiety that is built up from having it discussed too often leading up the appointment. For example, if you discuss the appointment for just a day or so they may have less anxiety and fear over having a month-long build-up to be worried, anxious and in fear of what will happen.</p> <p><strong>Prepare for After Care</strong></p> <p>You may already know what types of foods your autistic child can eat following the wisdom tooth removal. Take the chance and go shopping with your child a few days before the appointment. Let them choose the foods they want to give them something positive to look forward to after the appointment is over. This can help with anxiety and help your child better cope with the appointment.</p> <p>These are just a few of the ways you can use to prepare your autistic child for wisdom teeth removal appointments. If you are still concerned about how your child may react before, during or following the procedure, consider a consultation with your child's occupational or ABA therapist. They can give you more insight into the things that may work for your specific child.</p> <p>To learn more about preparing your child for a wisdom tooth extraction, click here for&nbsp;<a href="">more info</a>.</p>