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What is Biomimetic Dentistry?

Biomimetic dentistry is a practice of dentistry that applies the concept of biomimetics.

This treatment approach strives to preserve intact tooth structure and restores the function and biomechanics of natural teeth.

Biomimetic dentistry is typically applied to restorative and aesthetic dentistry, but it can be applied to any dental discipline.

How is Biomimetic dentistry different from traditional dentistry?

Traditionally dentistry focuses on restoring damaged teeth by fixing the problem but sacrificing other parts of the tooth which otherwise is healthy.

This, in turn, can create side effects like prolonged sensitivity, weaker areas prone to recurrent decay, and sometimes inflammation in the gums.

The critical difference between biomimetic and traditional dentistry is that it aims to keep the teeth strong and seal them off from bacterial invasion. It emphasizes prevention and maintenance instead of the reactive approach conventional methods typically focus on.

Biomimetic dentistry focuses on preserving the foundation and natural structure of teeth, so instead of replacing teeth, biomimetic dentists work to preserve your teeth as they are.

What treatments do biomimetic dentistry do?

Biomimetic dentistry can treat a wide range of oral conditions, including tooth decay, fractures, or cracks.

Today we have a much better understanding of how to bond composite resins or porcelain conservatively to the remaining tooth structure without sacrificing the remaining tooth foundation.

In addition, we have modern materials and techniques that apply predictably to biomimetic dentistry.

Make an appointment with us today to experience biomimetic dentistry.

Who is the health care provider you see more than any other? For many people, the answer is your family dentist. You may already know that you’re supposed to visit the dentist at least twice a year, but do you know exactly how those routine visits help keep your smile in top notch condition? And did you know that your general dentists can also help you avoid disease, fix cosmetic problems and even provide emergency care for your teeth. Let’s look a little closer at what a general dentist can do for you. These days, it’s entirely possible for you to keep your natural smile for your whole life, but to do that, you need to give your teeth proper care, and that’s one of the main services your general dentist provides. Preventative dental visits offer one of the best values in healthcare for adults and children alike. You’ll get a professional teeth cleaning, the kind you just can’t do at home, and a thorough exam. This can help prevent disease and keep your mouth healthy. If any problems are found, they can be treated right away before they get more severe and more costly. In fact, a routine dental visit could also benefit your overall health, because your dentist may be the first to notice signs of oral cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and other potentially serious problems. When your smile needs a little help to look its best, your general dentist is the first person you should call. Your dentist can fill cavities before they turn into root canal problems. Repair broken teeth with special bonding materials, veneers or crowns, and brighten your smile with professional strength whitening treatments. Your general dentist can even help you get a tooth replaced or an entirely new set of teeth. Your family dentist is also the person you should see if you suffer a dental injury. Dentists have special training, equipment and experience not always available in the er. If your oral injury isn’t potentially life threatening, call your dental office for the best advice and the best outcome. So, as you can see, there are plenty of good reasons to visit your general dentist. You’ll get a brighter smile, better health and maybe even a free toothbrush.

Does this setting look familiar? I hope so. Its where excellent dental health happens, and it’s a place you should visit at least twice a year for exams and professional dental cleanings. The thorough cheap cleaning received at your dentist’s office is not something that you can duplicate at home. That’s because dental instruments are specifically designed to remove hardened deposits of dental plaque from between your teeth and just beneath the gum line. These deposits, called calculus or tartar, can inflamed your gums and lead to a downward spiral of oral health problems, even tooth loss. So you see, it’s not just people prone to cavities who should see the dentist regularly. It’s everybody. Let’s take a look at what goes on here. The first thing your dental hygienist will do when you’re comfortably seated in your dental chair is ask you whether anything changed since the last time you had your teeth cleaned. For example, have you noticed any bleeding when you brush? Have any of your teeth become sensitive? Are there any changes in your medical history? Are you taking any new medications or dietary supplements? If so, it’s important to let your hygienist know. If your dentist has required x-rays, they’ll be taken with your consent. Now it’s time for the clinical exam. The hygienist will screen for oral cancer and assess your general oral health. Afterward, the actual teeth cleaning, known as prophylaxis, will take place. If your teeth are particularly sensitive, your hygienist can apply a topical agent before beginning the cleaning process. To clean your teeth, she’ll likely use an ultrasonic instrument that vibrates rapidly to break up tartar and dispenses a stream of water to flush it away. She may finish the job with a hand scaler. Once the hygienist is satisfied that your teeth are plaque free, she’ll polish them with an electronic instrument that has a little rubber cup on the end to hold a slightly gritty toothpaste, called prophy paste. It’s an excellent way to remove surface stains. Polished teeth feel smooth and clean and look brighter too. If your hygienist noticed any signs that you may need to improve your brushing or flossing techniques, she’ll give you a refresher course. You may even get some party favours. This visit is all about disease prevention and keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible, maybe forever. A professional dental cleaning is a great value when you think about it.

It’s hard to feel confident when your smile is in ruins. Worn, damaged teeth, or teeth missing altogether can make you feel self-conscious. The good news is, modern dentistry can restore your smile beautifully, with crowns and bridgework. When a significant amount of tooth has been lost from decay or injury, yet it’s still worth saving, a crown maybe your best option. Crowns fortify and restore damaged teeth, allowing them to function normally again and look like completely natural teeth. So what are the steps involved in crowning a tooth first? Your dentist will numb the area to make you comfortable. Then your tooth will be shaped to fit inside its new covering. After the tooth is prepared, your dentist will take an impression. What happens next will depend on whether your dentist makes the crown right in the office or, more commonly, has it made in a dental laboratory. There, highly skilled technicians will create a crown made of porcelain metal, or a combination of the two that looks great and functions perfectly within your bite. This might take a few weeks. So, before you leave the office, your dentist will attach a temporary crown to your tooth to protect it.

At the next visit, your permanent crown will be cemented or bonded to your tooth when the truth is beyond repair or missing, you have two x on options. A dental implant with a crown is considered by most professionals to be the best solution. Your next best option is a three-unit fixed bridge using the natural teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth there crowned and then used to support another crown in between, bridging the space like a bridge spanning a river. Longer bridges can be created to span larger gaps for multiple missing teeth. There are other types of bridges as well. All of them have advantages and disadvantages which you’ll need to discuss with your dentist. Your crown, or bridgework, should feel comfortable and blend with your natural teeth. Restored teeth require the same conscientious care as the rest of your teeth. Be sure to brush and floss. Every day to reduce the buildup of dental plaque. This will help keep your smile looking great for years to come. To find out if crowns or bridgework can restore your smile, make an appointment today to learn more.

Helping teeth look great and last as long as possible are the central goals of dentistry, and one of the ways dentists do that is by restoring damaged teeth with dental crowns. A dental crown is a covering that replaces most of the tooth structure above the roots. So, when would you need one? Your dentist will recommend a crown when a tooth has been weakened, yet is still strong enough to save. This can include a badly decayed tooth, a tooth that’s broken off near the gumline, a cracked tooth, or a root canal treated teeth. A crown might also be recommended to improve the appearance of a dark tooth, that can’t be easily white and with bleach, but is structurally weakened beyond what a porcelain veneer can handle. Whatever reason it’s needed, a crown is always custom made just for you. To match your existing teeth and fit in with your bite. So as you can see, restoring a tooth this way is a blend of art and science. When done by experienced dental professionals, it may be very hard to tell that crown didn’t grow there naturally.

Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way in the last several decades. Tooth coloured fillings are a perfect example. Once upon a time, having a cavity filled meant a very noticeable and not too attractive metal filling. How times have changed. Today dentists have an impressive array of tools and materials to work with, and repairing a tooth has become a lot like sculpting a fine piece of art. Tooth coloured fillings are made of composite resin or porcelain. Composite resin is a mixture of plastic and glass that is not just good looking, but also better for your teeth. Here’s why. Metal fillings may require your dentist to remove healthy parts of your tooth with a drill to create a little ledge or undercut that locks the filling in place. Modern filling materials don’t need those undercuts to stay in place. In fact, today’s tooth coloured filling materials physically attach or bond to natural tooth structure. Composite resin can be applied directly onto your teeth, sculpted, and then hard and with a special light. It’s really amazing how artistic and lifelike tooth restorations with composite resins are. Here’s something else to consider. Metal fillings are very strong, but they’re also stiff. Which can actually stress the teeth and make them more susceptible to cracking. Tooth coloured fillings are strong, yet flexible. When you bite or chew, they absorb and transfer the force is similar to natural teeth, so they mimic your teeth not only in colour but also in function. When your cavity is deeper or too large to use composite resin, your dentist may suggest a porcelain filling with the use of new digital technology, the dentist can fabricate the porcelain filling as you wait. More often it is crafted in a dental laboratory and then deliver to your dentist to place in your tooth during a subsequent visit. Either way, it will be virtually impossible to tell that your tooth hands of filling. If you want to find out how tooth coloured fillings can improve the look and health of your teeth. Schedule an appointment today.

Do you have a cracked or chipped tooth? Are your teeth stained? Perhaps you have some teeth that don’t match in size, shape, or spacing. One of the most significant advancements in dental technology is cosmetic bonding, an effective way to correct aesthetic problems and give you a great natural looking smile. Bonding materials come in a wide variety of shades to match your existing teeth. Compared to other cosmetic or restorative procedures, dental bonding is relatively inexpensive. The procedure is comfortable and doesn’t generally require anaesthesia. It affects your natural teeth very little and has great versatility. First, your dentist prepares the tooth surface by conditioning it with an etching solution and may reshape it slightly. Next, a durable tooth coloured composite resin is applied to the tooth and hardened with a curing light. More layers are added, sculpted and polished for a realistic finish. It really is amazing how artistic and life like 2-3 pair with cosmetic bonding can be these days, and the results are most often accomplished in just one visit. Cosmetic bonding can be a permanent solution to restoring your smile. It can also serve as a temporary restoration while more advanced procedures such as porcelain veneers or crowns are planned, and it’s a particularly great solution for kids who chip or break their teeth. A good thing since tooth related injuries are so common among young children and teenagers. Are there any disadvantages to bonding? Well over time composite resins can absorb stains just as natural teeth do. The more coffee, tea or wine you drink or cigarettes you smoke, the more discoloured your composite restorations maybe come. If you have these habits, porcelain veneers or crowns which don’t stain and are longer lasting maybe a better choice. For you, avoid nail biting as this habit, along with any others that place excessive force on your teeth, can cause the bonding material to chip. How well your bonded teeth hold up overtime is largely up to you. Adults, teenagers and children have all enjoyed the many benefits of bonding with composite resin. Is bonding right for you? Schedule an appointment to find out.

Beautiful smile is a wonderful asset, both personally and professionally at any age. It radiates health, happiness, personality and warmth. Are you happy with your smile? If not, you’re not alone. A recent dear doctor poll found that 80% of us are dissatisfied with our smiles. It’s actually quite normal for your smile to fade overtime. As teeth age, they wear and discolour. Small chips and cracks accumulate in old fillings become unattractive. If you’re interested in improving your smile, see an experienced cosmetic dentist. They are the true artists of the dental profession. Today there are many options for enhancing your smile. Maybe you have all of your teeth, but a tooth has a large chip or crack. Tooth bonding my beer answer. Do you have some minor irregularities and staining. Tooth reshaping, and whitening may do the trick. More dramatic changes may incorporate orthodontics or porcelain veneers as part of the solution. So how do you get started? Ask yourself these important questions. You dislike. Colour of your teeth? Do you have chips, cracks, or areas of tooth wear that make. You look older than you are. Do you have a gummy smile. Are you self-conscious about crooked teeth or do you have gaps between your teeth? If you answered yes to any of these questions, communicate the changes you’d like to see. It may be helpful to bring notes detailing your objectives and photos that show how you have looked in the past or how you’d like to look in the future. Communication between you and your dentist is an important part of this process. Your cosmetic dentist will explain your treatment options. Estimate how long it will take and of course what it will cost. There are even ways for you to preview your new smile before the final work is done. Regardless of which procedures you choose, changing your smile is bound to change your life. It’s a transformation that will open up all kinds of new possibilities that you can only truly realize when you share your dazzling new smile with the world.

It’s an empty space from a missing tooth, preventing your smile from looking its best. Are you having trouble chewing? Is your self-confidence affected? If so, there are ways to replace missing teeth, restore lost function, and enhance the beauty of your smile. Today the optimal tooth replacement method, supported by decades of research and preferred by dentist is a dental implant. So, what is a dental implant? Basically, it is a small titanium replacement for the root part of your tooth that fuses to the bone and attaches to a crown. Because this is a two-part procedure, one or more highly trained dentists may be involved in your implant treatment. Here’s how it works. Your dentist will examine you to see if there is enough space and bone in the area of the lost tooth. The longer the tooth has been missing, more likely it is that the bone that once supported, it has deteriorated. A major advantage of implants is that they prevent further loss of bone. If you don’t have enough bone, don’t worry. A relatively routine procedure known as bone grafting, can regenerate bone where it has been lost to ensure the success of your implant, when there is sufficient bone, your dentist will insert the implant. It’s usually done at the dentist office using the type of anaesthesia that’s right for you. After the surgery, your dentist will give you a temporary tooth replacement while you wait for the implant to fuse to the surrounding bone, a process that can take several months. Once your implant fuses to the surrounding bone, your dentist will attach your final crown. It might go directly onto the implant, or more often onto another piece called an abutment, positioned between the implant and the crown. You now have a sturdy tooth replacement that visually indistinguishable from a natural tooth. What’s also great about dental implants is the variety of ways they can be used to replace missing teeth. From a single tooth to implant supported bridge work, they’re very versatile. Implants can even be used to help support and retain dentures, so they are more stable and function better. Research studies have shown a success rate well over 90% making implants the most economical long-term solution available. Your dentist will evaluate any risk factors you may have, which in rare cases may prevent dental implants from properly fusing to your bone. Keep in mind that dental implants require the same care as your natural. Teeth keep up good oral hygiene at home with brushing and flossing. Regular check-ups and professional cleanings will ensure the health of your gums and supporting bone an important part of long-term implant success. If you have any missing teeth, schedule a consultation with your dentist to learn more about this life changing treatment that can help you eat and smile with confidence.

It might happen on the playing field. It could be on the highway, or even when you’re lying-in bed at night. Dental emergencies can happen almost anywhere, and in many cases, how you respond to an emergency can have a big impact on your oral health and your smile. Would you know what to do when an emergency occurs? We’re going to give you some basic guidelines, but first, please be aware that if there are symptoms of a life-threatening emergency such as severe pain, uncontrollable bleeding, shortness of breath, dizziness with chest pain, or loss of consciousness, it’s important to go to an emergency room right away. Fortunately, most dental emergencies aren’t quite that serious, but many still need prompt care. Let’s take a look at exactly how fast you have to act to get the best results in different emergency situations. With a knocked out permanent tooth, for example, minutes count, the missing tooth should be quickly located, rinse gently with water and if possible, placed back in its socket. If that isn’t possible, the tooth can be placed in saliva or milk. Then you should rush to the dental office or emergency room. The sooner a tooth is properly reinserted, the better the chances of saving it. Baby teeth are not put back in the socket because this could harm permanent teeth developing beneath the gum. In some urgent situations, you have a little more time to act. If the tooth is still in the mouth, but has been displaced or moved or if it is deeply fractured, you have a window of about 6 hours to get treatment. For this type of injury, it’s often better to seek treatment at the dental office instead of an emergency room. That’s because dentists have the ability to use a wide range of tools and techniques from special root canal instruments to stabilizing splints that can be bonded to teeth, which may not be available in an emergency room. Many common dental injuries respond well when treatment is given, up to 12 hours later. These include teeth that are chipped, cracked, loosened, or painful. In these cases, there’s usually time to make an appointment at the dental office. In many cases, chipped and cracked teeth can be successfully restored via cosmetic bonding. If possible. Save any broken pieces of the tooth and bring them with you, when you come in. Loose teeth may not require. Our treatment right away, but will be closely monitored. What about severe tooth pain, the kind that strikes in the middle of the night and doesn’t let up. This is often a sign that decay causing bacteria have infected a tooth, but it could also result from several other causes. The only way to know for sure is to have an examination as soon as possible. You never know when a dental emergency may strike, but a little preparation can go a long way toward ensuring that you get the best outcome.

Having a great smile isn’t just about healthy, sparkling teeth. You also need good periodontal health. So, what exactly is periodontal health? Peri means around don means tooth. What’s around each tooth? Your gums, of course, and if your gums aren’t healthy, your smile is at risk. Lots of people have one form of gum disease or another. About half of the population over age 30. Yet many don’t realize it because there aren’t always obvious signs. Particularly, and people who smoke, even when signs of gum disease do become apparent, they’re often ignored or considered no big deal. For example, if your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you most likely have a form of gum disease. Bleeding gums is a warning sign that bacterial plaque is building up on your teeth, and that you need to spend a little more time on your oral hygiene, particularly flossing. To be safe, a professional dental cleaning and exam would also be helpful in this situation. What if my gums are just a little red, swollen, or irritated? Does that mean it’s time for my dental check-up. Yes, it’s important to bring any early gum disease under control before you start to experience bone loss from around your tooth roots, which can cause your gums to gradually separate from your teeth. Your dentist can check whether this is happening by measuring little gaps between the tooth and gum, called periodontal pockets. If pocketing is significant, you may need to have gum treatment, also called periodontal therapy. The goal of this treatment is to stop the progression of gum disease before it causes teeth to come loose, or even fallout. So, what are my best options for treatment? There are two broad categories of periodontal therapy, non-surgical and surgical. Non-surgical therapy starts with a thorough professional cleaning of the tooth surfaces, just below the gum line to remove disease causing bacterial plaque and tartar. You may also be given topical antibiotics or antibacterial rinses to further cleanse the area. If gum disease is moderate to severe, periodontal surgery may be recommended. This treatment is often focused on rebuilding last bone. Periodontal surgery is an outpatient procedure performed in a dental office, usually under local anaesthesia. What can I do to maintain my periodontal health? You have a very important job to do at home. Keep up a thorough, effective oral hygiene routine. By staying on top of the situation and maintaining your periodontal health, you can look forward to a lifetime of strong teeth, healthy gums, and beautiful smiles.

Do you remember that tv show about Steve Austin, the bionic man and how they were able to rebuild him because they had the technology to give him new body parts that would make him better than he was. Well, in the decade since that show first aired, dentistry has come up with a replacement for missing teeth that is positively bionic. It’s called the dental implant, and it’s arguably the most important dental technology to date. Let’s take a closer look at this remarkable innovation that unlike steve austin new legs only requires a minor in office surgical procedure. A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root part of your missing tooth and is positioned inside your jawbone just as natural tooth roots are. Attached to the implant is a connecting piece called an abutment, which is capped by a lifelike prosthetic crown. Working together these precision parts for my tooth replacement system that offers unparalleled advantages. Besides replacing a single tooth, dental implants can also be used to. Support a group of teeth, or a full set of teeth. They can even support and stabilize removable dentures. Best of all, implants help prevent the loss of surrounding bone. This type of bone loss is inevitable when you lose even one tooth, much less, multiple teeth. As tooth loss increases, so does bone loss. Losing bone decreases support of your facial structures and can make you look older than you are. The longer a tooth is missing, the greater the deterioration. This can make placing implants more difficult, though not impossible, thanks to relatively routine procedure known as bone grafting, a technique that can regenerate bone where it has been lost to ensure the success of your implant. Bone loss can actually be halted by dental implants. That’s because the implant actually fuses to the bone, becoming one with it over a period of weeks or months. Once fully integrated, dental implants can last a lifetime, saving you money and time in the dental chair over the long term. In fact, dental implants are the most reliable and cost-effective way to replace missing teeth, achieving success rates of over 95%. You deserve today’s best tooth replacement technology. Make an appointment today to learn more about restoring your smile with dental implants.

Decades of research have established the dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. There’s simply no other option that will give you longer lasting, higher functioning, better looking results. Are you a candidate for this state-of-the-art tooth replacement method. It’s likely that you are. Thanks to advances in technology that have made the procedure suitable for a wide variety of situations. Let’s take a look at what’s required for successful treatment with dental implants. Implants are placed into the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure done at the dental office. To achieve success, there needs to be sufficient bone volume and density in the jaw to support the implant. Bone is a living tissue that rebuilds itself constantly. To do so, it needs a particular type of stimulation, which comes from the teeth. When even one tooth is lost, the bone that surrounded it begins to melt away or resorb. The longer the tooth is missing, the greater the bone loss. In the past individuals who waited too long could not have implants because they lack the bone volume and density to support replacement teeth. Today, bone grafting has become quite common. We don’t necessarily mean the traditional method of taking bone from one part of the body and moving into another, most of the time, dentists use laboratory processed material that stimulates the body’s own ability to regenerate. Bone grafting material is often added to an extraction site when a tooth is removed, just to make sure implants remain a viable option. There are some situations where the use of implants might have to be delayed, for example in a child. It would be ideal to wait until growth and development has been completed or, in the case of individuals with diabetes or osteoporosis, the underlying medical conditions would need to be controlled before proceeding. Once that is accomplished, these individuals can achieve outstanding success with implant replacement teeth. The best way to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants is to schedule a consultation. Why not make an appointment today?

You probably know that there are consequences to living without teeth. Perhaps your smile doesn’t look as attractive as it once did. Maybe you instinctively put your hand in front of your mouth to hide your teeth or avoid smiling and talking whenever possible. Missing teeth can affect your self-confidence and the way that you interact with others. Does this sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. About 35 million people are missing teeth in one or both jaws, and the problems that result from tooth loss are not just cosmetic. When you don’t have a fully functional set of teeth, eating can be difficult, sometimes next to impossible. In fact, nutritious foods such as raw fruits and vegetables tend to be more difficult to bite or chew. That’s why poor dental health can lead to compromised nutrition, but there’s another serious consequence that’s not as obvious as those we’ve been talking about. You may not know it, but tooth loss leads to bone loss. When you lose your teeth the bone in your jaw that used to surround and support them begins to melt away. The longer your teeth are missing, the greater the bone loss. Why does this matter? First of all, your teeth and the bones of support them also hold up your facial features. When cheeks and lips lose that support, the whole face begins to take on a collapsed, aged look. That’s why toothless people often look sad. Secondly, as you lose bone, it may become more difficult for your dentist to successfully replace your missing teeth with dental implants. Substantial bone loss can increase costs and the amount of procedures needed. So, what can be done about this? Plenty, whether you’re missing one tooth, several teeth, or all of your teeth, dental implants can be used to fully restore your smile in the most natural way possible. Not only do implants look, feel and function just like natural teeth, they are the only method of tooth replacement that can halt bone loss. This is because dental implants are usually made of titanium, which has a unique ability to fuse with living bone and delivered the needed stimulation your natural teeth once provided. Decades of research have confirmed that dental implants offer the best long-term solution for tooth replacement with a success rate over 95%. Make an appointment today to learn how dental implants can give you back your smile and improve the quality of your life.

Dental implants are the tooth replacement option most preferred by doctors and patients alike. If you’ve been thinking about replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, you probably have some questions. Let’s start with the basics. What are dental implants? Dental implants are small posts, usually made of titanium, that replace the roots of missing teeth. They’re inserted into your jaw during a minor surgical procedure that takes place right in the dental office. After the implant has been placed in your jawbone, a completely lifelike new tooth is attached, either that day or after a healing period. Can all of my teeth be replaced with dental implants? Absolutely, you can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all your teeth with implants. You don’t even need one implant for every missing tooth. As few as two implants can support or stabilize a removable denture, while as few as four implants can provide a full set of top or bottom teeth that are totally permanent. Regardless of which option you choose, only you and your dentist will know you have dental implants. Is the dental implant procedure painful? Surprisingly it isn’t. Any postoperative discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. Are dental implants expensive? At the outset, implants are more expensive than other tooth replacement methods such as dentures or bridgework, but they also last many years longer. In fact, it is likely they will never need replacement. So, they offer the best value by far when viewed as a long term investment in your health, well-being, and comfort. How do i care for dental implants? Just like you care for natural teeth with daily brushing and flossing and regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Although implant teeth will never decay, the gum tissues around them can become inflamed or infected without good oral hygiene. Properly cared for, dental implants should last a lifetime. Am i a candidate for dental implants? There’s a good chance that you are a candidate for dental implants, but only a dentist can say for sure, after complete oral exam with x-rays. Dental implants have been called the most significant dental innovation of our generation. Have more questions? Schedule a consultation today.

No one wants to go through life with a visibly missing tooth. It’s not just that it looks unappealing, it can also make it harder to eat and speak properly. And may lead. To further oral problems. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers three options for replacing a tooth. Partial dentures, bridgework and dental implants. The most basic system of tooth replacement is the removable partial denture. It’s also the least expensive method. However, it comes with some real disadvantages. A partial denture usually hooks onto existing natural teeth, which can become loosened by the added stress over time. Plus dentures don’t always look or feel natural. Most people find that non removable tooth replacements are a better choice. Here, there are two options, traditional bridge work and state-of-the-art dental implants. What’s the difference? Let’s take a look. Dental bridgework consists of a series of artificial tooth crowns joined together as one piece. The crown in the center replaces the missing tooth. The crowns on either end fit over the natural teeth on each side of the gap. They provide a firm support for the whole bridge. Bridgework is a natural looking method of tooth replacement that can last for years, but it too has some disadvantages. For one thing, potentially healthy teeth on either side of the gap must be ground down to fit inside the crowns of the bridge work. The extra stress is placed on these support teeth can cause them to weaken over time. They also have an increased chance of developing tooth decay, root canal problems or gum disease. Getting bridge work isn’t cheap either, and 10 years is considered a good life span for a dental bridge. But there’s a longer lasting alternative, the dental implant. Today’s gold standard for tooth replacement, the dental implant doesn’t rely on other teeth for support. Instead, it’s inserted directly into the jaw bone in a minor surgical procedure. The titanium implant becomes fused with the bone itself, providing a solid support for a natural looking crown. So there’s no need for any dental work on nearby healthy teeth. Dental implants look and feel just like your own teeth. The procedure has a success rate of around 95% and with proper care they can often last the rest of your life. It’s true that dental implants usually cost more than their alternatives at first, but overtime they often prove to be the most cost-effective option. So if a missing tooth is getting you down, don’t wait another day. Talk to your dentist about which tooth replacement option is best for you.

Do you avoid smiling because you’re hiding a gap from the tooth that was removed? If so, you might want to consider replacing that missing tooth with a dental implant. This is a state-of-the-art treatment in which a small titanium post is placed in the bone beneath your gums and a natural looking dental crown is attached to it. A dental implant is the closest thing to having your natural tooth back. You can smile with confidence and eat all your favourite foods. Best of all, a dental implant is designed to last for many years. Are you a candidate for dental implants? Well, that mainly depends on the quality and the quantity of the bone in your jaw that will support the implant. If your tooth has been missing for a long time, it’s normal for the bone that once surrounded it to shrink. This might leave you without sufficient bone to support an implant. If this is the situation, your dental surgeon can place laboratory processed bone grafting material to increase bone dimension. After a few months of healing, the bone will be strong enough to allow for an implant to be placed. This is a good way to ensure a successful outcome because it gives the implant more stability. Your dentist will place the implant during a minor in office surgical procedure. Then the implant will either be covered by gum tissue or attached to a healing abutment that can be covered with a removable prosthetic device or attached to a temporary crown. A few months later, your final crown will be placed. You might be wondering, why can’t the final one be placed the same day as the implant? Because your new implant must be protected from the force of biting. If it moves even a small amount, it could fail to attach to the bone and might have to be removed. That’s why dentists use especially designed temporary crown. It’s made just a little bit shorter than the final tooth will be, so that it won’t contact the teeth directly opposite. You’ll also be instructed not to chew near the implant. All of this helps keep it out of harm’s way during that crucial healing period. Of course, your final replacement tooth will match your other teeth beautifully, and no one but you and your dentist will ever know it didn’t grow there naturally. Could you benefit from this innovative solution? Schedule a consultation to find out.

Your dentist number one goal is to help you keep your natural teeth for life. But sometimes the tooth is just too far gone to be saved, and it must be removed. What then? But fortunately, there’s a way to replace an extracted tooth that looks and feels so natural, you’ll forget the tooth was ever lost. It’s called a dental implant, and sometimes you can get one immediately after a tooth is removed. A dental implant is small titanium post that serves as an artificial tooth root. It attaches to a natural looking dental crown. Together for these precision parts form a great looking replacement tooth that’s designed to last for life. What’s more, a dental implant can often be placed the same day a tooth is extracted, meaning you’ll only need one surgery instead of two. In order to determine whether an immediate implant procedure is an option for you, your dentist will consider the condition of the bone that surrounds your teeth, as well as what your gums are likely to do as they heal, before going ahead with your treatment. As your immediate implant procedure begins, you’ll be made completely comfortable, with a local anaesthetic and very often a form of conscious sedation. The dentist performing your surgery will then carefully remove your failing tooth. If the surrounding bone that held your extracted tooth is in good shape, your new implant may be placed immediately. Laboratory process bone grafting material may be used to help fill in the remainder of the space. After an implant is immediately placed, what about the visible part of the tooth, the crown. Will like the implant itself, there are different ways this part of the tooth replacement process can go. The options include placing an immediate temporary crown or a healing abutment, which is a small metal cylinder that covers the implant as it heals. The abutment can then be covered by one of several types of removable prosthetic devices, so you’re not without a tooth during the healing period. The final crown is usually attached after the implant joins to the bone 6 to 12 weeks from the day your implant was placed. Your dentist can tell you which scenario is most likely the best for your implant treatment, based on a complete examination and review of x-ray. But whether you get a replacement tooth immediately or after a few months, it will lead to many years of happy smiles.

You’ve probably heard of dental implants, today’s state-of-the-art tooth replacement method, but you may not know that in some cases, it’s the smallest implants that can give you the biggest benefits. Let’s take a look at how dental implants work and some situations in which less can actually be more. Dental implants perform the same function for prosthetic teeth as tooth roots do for natural teeth. They anchor the tooth in the bone beneath the gum, because they mimic this function so well, the replacement teeth they support look and feel completely natural. Dental implants can be used to support one tooth, a group of teeth, or a full set of teeth. They can also be used to hold a removable denture in place, so it doesn’t slip while it’s being worn. Let’s talk for a minute about removable dentures. They can be an economical choice for tooth replacement, but wearing them can also accelerate the gradual loss of bone in the jaw, that occurs after tooth loss. A person who has experienced a lot of bone loss, but who also wants to keep wearing removable dentures might benefit greatly from having those dentures secured by implants that are as small as possible. How small can dental implants be? Most have a diameter of about four millimetres. That’s about the thickness of a birthday candle. But sometimes a person doesn’t have enough good quality bone in their jaw to support an implant of that size. In that case, a small diameter or mini-implant might be recommended. These implants are only about half the size of a traditional implant small diameter implants can also be used to help secure a denture that will stay in the mouth 24/7. A combination of standard size and mini-implants may be used, with the smaller implants being removed once the larger ones have healed completely or you might get a mini-implant if you’re having just one tube permanently placed in an area where the space is too narrow to fit a standard implant. Using a mini-implant here might prevent you from having to get a bone grafting procedure to create more bones, and that can save you time and money. Sometimes good things really do come in small packages.

If you’re missing most or all of your teeth, you know how it affects your day-to-day life. Sometimes it’s hard to speak properly. Eating becomes a challenge and you may not feel like smiling at all. Over the years dentistry has developed different ways to deal with this problem, including removable and fixed replacement teeth. Let’s take a closer look at your options. Removable dentures have been around for many years. These familiar false teeth fit over your gums, and they’re an inexpensive way to replace missing teeth, but they have some disadvantages. Removable dentures can take quite a bit of getting used to. They often slip when you’re not expecting it. And they must be taken out and cleaned every night. They can also cause problems for your oral health, such as accelerating the loss of bone in your jaw that always follows tooth loss. Fortunately, there are now much better options. You’ve probably already heard people talk about dental implants. These small titanium posts mimic the function of natural tooth root by anchoring replacement teeth to the bone beneath your gums. They’re inserted into the bone in a minor surgical procedure that takes place right in a dental office. Overtime, implants will become solidly fused with the surrounding bone, making them very reliable, and they can be used to support both removable dentures and non-removable replacement teeth. As few as two dental implants can secure a removable denture, so it won’t slip. This system, sometimes called an overdenture, has a great advantage over standard dentures. Teeth won’t come loose when you’re eating, talking, even kissing. While implant supported overdentures are a big improvement, you still need to take them out at night. So it’s not exactly like having your own teeth back. Is there a better option? The answer is yes. It’s possible to replace an entire set of teeth with natural looking prosthetic teeth supported by dental implants that never need to be removed. You don’t even need an implant for every tooth. Usually a complete upper or lower set of teeth can be supported by 6-5 or even as few as four dental implants. This custom made set of non removable replacement teeth is fabricated especially for you, and it’s held in place with dental implants. So you’ll never have to worry about what you can eat or feel uncomfortable about smiling again. Implants also helped stop the natural erosion of bone that follows tooth loss. What’s more, you won’t have to take your teeth out at night or ever. No one should have to go through life without teeth, but not all replacement teeth are the same. If you’re looking at options, ask your dentist which option would be right for you.

Lots of people feel a little bit nervous when it’s time to sit in the dentist chair, but for some, that feeling isn’t just a case of the jitters. It’s real fear. In fact, around one in 10 people avoid getting any dental treatment at all due to these feelings of dread, and that’s a shame, because putting off needed care can seriously affect health and self-esteem. Modern dentistry has developed a number of ways to bring that fear under control, to help you relax beforehand, to make time in the chair seem to pass quickly, and to ensure that you have little or no memory of the procedure when it’s over. Sound good? Well, that’s what sedation dentistry is all about. One of the simplest and most effective ways of easing anxiety in the dental chair is nitrous oxide. We don’t call it laughing gas anymore. Inhaled through a mask that fits over your nose, nitrous oxide is a short acting but very effective way to bring on feelings of well-being and to let your anxiety dissolve away. Safely used by dentists for over 100 years, it’s appropriate for children and adults. And because it’s so easy to control the dose, its effects are tapered off right after your dental work is done, with no hangover feeling afterward. Another widely used sedative is oral sedation. This is medication in pill form you take before a procedure, proven safe and effective, oral sedation gives you a feeling of peace and tranquillity, and later you may have just a hazy recollection of what took place. Oral sedation is often used for longer or more complicated dental appointments, but it can also help you get through routine appointments, exams, and professional teeth cleanings, and because the medication is taken by mouth, it’s especially good for people who don’t like needles. For more complex procedures, or for those who need a deeper level of relaxation, another option is intravenous conscious sedation. Here, precise levels of medication are delivered right into your bloodstream. You’ll still breathe normally and respond to verbal commands, but you’ll probably have no recollection of the procedure at all. Health professionals who use this method must have special training. Monitoring equipment is also used to ensure that you are safe at all times. Before using some types of sedation, your dentist will evaluate your overall health and take a complete medical history, including any prescription or non-prescription drugs or dietary supplements you’re taking. When the procedure is over, you’ll need a ride home and take the rest of the day off from work. With help from sedation dentistry, your fear of the dentist can become a thing of the past.

There is nothing like a good night’s sleep to make you feel relaxed, refreshed and ready to go. But for many people, getting truly restful sleep can seem like an impossible dream. Millions of people have a potentially serious condition called sleep Apnea. People with this condition can’t get restful sleep because they may awaken 50 or more times every hour. This can cause fatigue and depression and increase the risk of accidents, stroke, and heart disease. The most common type of sleep Apnea is called obstructive sleep Apnea, or OSA. In this condition, tissues in the back of the throat, such as the tongue, tonsils, or soft pallet, collapse and block the flow of air through the windpipe. Temporarily unable to breathe, the restless, the sleeper wakes up briefly, gasps for air, and repeats the cycle again and again. More men than women have sleep Apnea, and most people with OSA are overweight. Loud snoring, and daytime sleepiness or common symptoms, but only a medical professional with experience and sleep disorders can diagnose and treat this condition. So, what does this all have to do with dentistry? Your dentist can provide custom made oral appliances which can effectively treat sleep Apnea, in many people. These oral appliances are used to reposition your jaw and prevent soft tissues from blocking the airway. There are other treatments for sleep Apnea. In fact, the most common is a machine with a face mask that supplies a constant flow of air under mild pressure to keep the airways open. It’s very effective when used correctly, but it can be difficult to get used to. Some OSA patients have even compared it to sleeping in scuba gear? Surgery to unblock the airways can be another option. However, most doctors recommend trying a conservative approach before surgery is considered in choosing. In choosing among non-surgical approaches, many people find that an oral appliance is much easier to tolerate than a machine with a face mask, and after wearing an appliance for a while, people often say they feel dramatically better, almost as if they have a new lease on life. These appliances work really well for people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep Apnea. If you think you may suffer from sleep Apnea, be sure to have it checked by a medical specialist, and if you are diagnosed with OSA, don’t forget that your dentist can offer a non-invasive treatment that works well for many people.

If you’ve been told you need to have a tooth extracted, it’s natural to feel a little apprehensive, but you don’t need to worry. The old phrase it’s like pulling teeth no longer really describes how dentists carry out this routine procedure. We’ll take a look at how tooth extraction is done in a moment, but first let’s talk about why you might need one. Dentists always try to preserve your natural teeth, but sometimes that isn’t possible. If tooth decay has gone untreated for a long time, it may have damaged or destroyed most of the structure that holds a tooth together. A tooth like this may not be salvageable. Severe gum disease can cause the tooth to separate from the tissues in the mouth that’s around and support it. When this happens, removing the tooth is sometimes the best option. A deep crack or a fracture in a tooth that reaches below the gum line will generally lead to serious infection if the tooth is not removed. If a tooth is emerging in the wrong position in the jaw, or if the jaw is too small to accommodate all of the teeth that are present, extraction may be needed to prevent damage to adjacent teeth. A simple tooth extraction is an in-office procedure that may be done by your general dentist, or, if it’s a little more complicated, by a specialist called an oral surgeon. It all depends on how many roots the tooth has and where it’s located. You might think it’s very hard to remove a tooth because it’s firmly attached to the jawbone, but that’s not really the case. In fact, the tooth is held in place inside its bony socket by a set of elastic fibres. Your dentist will use special tools to gently manipulate the tooth, causing those fibres to loosen and disconnect. Once the tooth is removed, the extraction site may be filled with processed bone grafting material to minimize the shrinkage of surrounding bone tissue. This allows you the option to replace the tooth with a dental implant if you so desire. The extraction site is then sutured to prevent bleeding and aid healing. You won’t feel any of this because you will be given a local anaesthetic and if you would like a sedative to help you relax. After the procedure, you’ll be advised to take over the counter or prescription pain relievers as needed for any temporary swelling or tenderness. External ice packs can help ease soreness and prevent swelling. By the next day, you should be able to enjoy most of your usual activities. Tooth extraction isn’t something most of us look forward to, but if it’s your best treatment option, remember that with the help of modern dentistry, it isn’t like pulling teeth.

Ever wonder why the last four teeth to grow in our called wisdom teeth, well, it’s because they usually don’t arrive until the late teens or early 20s. By then, we’re supposed to be wiser, and speaking of wisdom, it’s often wise to remove one or more of these teeth, even if they aren’t causing pain. Let’s examine why. A wisdom tooth, also called 3rd molar, is supposed to grow straight up through the gum, the same as any other tooth, but that often doesn’t happen, and a wisdom tooth can become impacted, meaning it remains partially or totally surrounded by bone and gum tissue, and is possibly blocked by a neighbouring tooth. What causes this? Well, the jaw may simply be too small to accommodate more teeth, which forces a wisdom tooth to push against its neighbour. Sometimes the wisdom tooth itself causes the impaction by growing in a direction other than straight up. In either case, the constant pressure of an impacted wisdom tooth can cause the root of the adjacent molar to deteriorate through a process called resorption. The second molar tooth root is literally dissolved by the pressure of the wisdom tooth. What’s more, an impacted wisdom tooth may create a passageway for the bacteria that cause gum disease to reach both the second and third molar tooth roots and attack the bone around them. That’s why it is often better to be proactive and remove the wisdom tooth before any problems occur. X-rays and a clinical exam are the best way for your dentist to determine whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed. At this time, the benefits and any possible risks of the procedure can be discussed. If it turns out that removing the teeth is in your best interest, please be assured that this is a very routine dental procedure, carried out millions of times each year. Wisdom tooth removal is usually done in a dental office under local anaesthesia to numb the area and conscious sedation to relax you. After the procedure you may experience some swelling and mild soreness. This can often be relieved with cold compresses and over the counter medication. You’ll be given post operative instructions tailored to your individual situation. If your impacted wisdom teeth are not removed, it will still be necessary to monitor them periodically to make sure that they’re not affecting the health of your other teeth. While it’s best to take out wisdom teeth before their roots are fully developed, they can also be removed safely later in adulthood, and you’ll still be just as wise even without your wisdom teeth.

Gum disease can threaten your teeth, and according to the US centers for disease control, about half of American adults have it in some form. Fortunately, gum disease is easy to treat in its early stages. Do you, have it? Here’s what to look for. Number 5 bad breath or a bad taste? Bad breath or unpleasant tastes could be caused by what you ate last night or they could result from gum disease. If this is a persistent problem, mention it during your appointment. Number 4, tooth sensitivity or pain when chewing. Many things can cause tooth pain or sensitivity. An old filling, tooth decay, even a cracked tooth or a root canal problem. Gum disease can also cause this unpleasant sensation. Number 3, gum recession. When you have gum recession, the healthy pink tissue surrounding the teeth begins to shrink or reseed. This exposes more of the tooth structure and makes the teeth look longer. Number 2, redness and irritation of gums. Having red, swollen or sore gums could result from brushing your teeth too vigorously or using a brush with hard bristles, but if you’re using the right tools and techniques and still have these symptoms, disease may be the culprit. Number one, bleeding when you brush. Despite what you may think, bleeding when you brush is never a normal occurrence. If your gums. Regularly bleed after brushing it’s usually an indication that gum disease is present, so don’t let it go. If you have any of these symptoms, let your dentist know. Remember, the earlier you treat gum disease, the better.

Both diabetes and periodontal disease, a moderate to severe form of gum disease, are chronic inflammatory conditions that have a major impact on the health of millions of people worldwide. Here are five things to know about the link between these diseases. Starting off with number 5, sugary diet, worsens, periodontal disease, and diabetes. Dietary sugar plays a major role in dental diseases and diabetes. Next number 4, diabetes can increase risk of periodontal disease. People who have poorly controlled diabetes appear more susceptible to infectious diseases, including periodontal disease, and here’s number 3 periodontal disease can affect blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled periodontal disease can worsen blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Next number 2, periodontal disease can increase risk for heart and kidney problems. Research has shown that diabetic individuals with periodontal disease have a greater risk for cardiovascular and kidney problems than diabetic people without periodontal disease. Number one, your dentist can help. There is a bright spot in all this. Periodontal disease can be treated effectively, reducing your risk for diabetic complications. So if you have diabetes, make sure to see your dentist regularly.

When you hear the word surgery, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s a hospital stay, general anaesthesia or an uncomfortable and drawn out recovery period. The fact is, most common oral surgery procedures are done in a dental office. They usually require only local anaesthesia and they won’t interfere with normal activities for more than a day or two. Let’s take a look at how oral surgery can help restore your smile and your health. Sometimes oral surgery is needed to remove teeth that are deeply decayed, fractured, or damaged beyond repair. This is a more gentle procedure than you may be imagining. That’s because your teeth are not rigidly fixed in the bone of your jaw. They’re suspended in a network of fibres called the periodontal ligament. A skilled dental professional can gently free the tooth from these fibres with the utmost care. There are a couple of situations where a healthy tooth might also need to be removed. For example, your wisdom teeth may not be diseased or damaged, yet they can harm other teeth by remaining in the jaw, if there’s not enough room for them to grow in properly. A wisdom tooth that is blocked from coming in correctly by a neighbouring tooth, for example, is said to be impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth are frequently removed. Tooth extractions might also occur during orthodontic treatment, if the teeth are severely crowded. Sometimes you need oral surgery for the opposite reason, to get a new tooth. Today’s dental implant technology mimics the form and function of a natural tooth, so that your replacement tooth will feel as great as it looks. Other types of oral surgery focus on the structures that surround the teeth, rather than the teeth themselves. For example, if you have gum, recession periodontal plastic surgery may be recommended to protect tooth roots that have become exposed and are in danger of decay. If bone loss is an issue tooth supporting bone can be rebuilt with routine grafting techniques. In dental bone grafting laboratory, processed materials are generally used rather than bone from your own body. This procedure has allowed many people to get dental implants when they wouldn’t have otherwise been good candidates for this life changing tooth replacement technology. So, as you can see, there are many ways that oral surgery can give you back your smile or even improve it.

Well, I’d rather have a root canal. You’ve probably heard that phrase before. Why are so many people afraid of root canal treatment because they mistakenly believe it’s painful? Want to know the truth? Root canal treatment doesn’t cause pain. It relieves it. In fact, millions of teeth are saved each year this way. When you look a little closer, it’s. Easy to see, why there’s no need to fear a root canal. Besides being the name of a procedure. Root canal is also what we call the tiny passageways found deep inside your teeth. The nerves, blood vessels and other soft tissues they contain, are important for the tooth development, but not needed in full grown teeth. Sometimes because of deep decay or cracked tooth and infection may develop in the tissues of the root canal. This is what may cause the intense pain people associate with root canal problems. Even if the infection doesn’t cause pain or the pain, eventually goes away, the infection deep in your tooth never will unless it’s treated. Eventually the infection can spread into the jawbone, causing further problems and possibly leading to tooth loss. Root canal treatment helps you avoid the situation by stopping the infection at its source. Let’s take a closer look at the procedure, which may be done by your general dentist or by a specialist called an endodontist. Just like getting a filling, the first step is to numb the area, so you won’t feel any discomfort, but if you’re apprehensive about dental procedures, you may also be given anti-anxiety medication or conscious sedation. Next a small hole is drilled to give access to the root canal itself. Tiny instruments are used to remove the dead and diseased tissue. The root canal is then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and filled with an inert biocompatible material. Finally, the hole in the tooth is sealed up and the procedure is over. Later, the tooth will usually need a permanent restoration, such as a crown. So, is a root canal procedure painful? Generally, the answer is no. It’s no more uncomfortable than having a filling, though it may take a little longer. Any discomfort you may feel for a day or two afterwards can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen. The good news is, after a root canal procedure, the infection is gone, along with the pain, and the tooth is out of danger. In most cases, the restored tooth can last as long as any of your natural teeth. Have you ever had a root canal? Actually, yeah. I just had a root canal the other day, it was easy. So if you’ve been told you need a root canal, there’s no reason to be fearful. This treatment not only relieves pain, it can also help save your smile.

Some people are afraid of getting the root canal treatment they need because of old myths that they may have heard. Here are some facts about root canals. Number 5, root canal treatment relieves the pain. Contrary to what you may have heard root canal treatment doesn’t cause pain. It’s what relieves your tooth pain. Here at number 4, it stops the infection in your tooth. When the soft living tissue deep inside a tooth becomes infected with bacteria, it starts to throb and ache. That’s when it’s time to stop the infection with root canal treatment. Number 3, it helps your body fight disease. Some things get better when they are left alone. A root canal problem isn’t one of them. If left untreated, the tissue inside the tooth will become inflamed and die and that’s when bigger trouble can start. Looking at number 2, it prevents further damage. Like a smouldering fire, bacteria from an untreated root canal infection can spread beyond the tooth roots and into the gums, the jaw and other parts of the body. This can lead to a painful abscess, or even systemic inflammation. And most importantly, at number 1, it saves your teeth. If you wait too long, you are at serious risk for losing the affected tooth. So don’t put it off. If you need root canal treatment, sooner is better. Your teeth will thank you for years to come.

Many adults realize that investing in a dental makeover can have significant benefits, both socially and professionally, and straight teeth can be an important part of that smile, enhancing confidence boosting process but not everyone is aware that orthodontics the branch of dentistry that deals with straightening teeth has no age limit. So if you think you’re too old to improve your smile, think again. Today, one out of every five orthodontic patients is an adult, and older patients actually have the same kinds of orthodontic problems as children and adolescents. As many as 3/4 of adults have some form of malocclusion the technical term or a bad bite. That’s why so many are getting their teeth straightened. It makes sense when you consider, that 90% of people recently surveyed said an attractive smile is an important social and professional asset. Common orthodontic problems include crowding of teeth, space between teeth, excessive overbite or drifting of teeth after extractions if the spaces are not filled. If you have any of these problems, orthodontic treatment offers solutions, and there are options available today that simply didn’t exist when you were kid. Besides traditional metal braces we have newer alternatives, including clear braces that are hardly visible braces that attach to the back of the teeth and clear aligners, which are removable and virtually invisible. Your dentist or orthodontist can discuss all of these options and also make sure your gums are healthy and important requirement for successfully moving teeth. The science of moving teeth is the same regardless of the orthodontic appliance used. Gentle forces are applied to your teeth in a carefully controlled direction. This moves them slowly over time into proper alignment. Straight teeth allowing you to smile, bite, chew, and even speak more. You may also find that they are easier to clean, leading to better oral health. To make sure your teeth are stable in their new positions, you may also need to wear retainers, as specified by your dentist or orthodontist. Make an appointment today to learn more about how the magic of orthodontics can give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

From the moment you start wearing braces, you’re on the road to a better, healthier smile, and it’s natural for that road to be a little bumpy at first. So here are a few tips that can help you adjust to life with braces. Lots of people experience some temporary soreness or inflammation when braces are first foot on or when they’re adjusted. Here are some things that can offer relief. Over the counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, an ice pack on the outside of the jaw, a heating pad or warm wet washcloth, rinsing your mouth with warm salt water, and orthodontic wax to prevent brackets and wires from scraping against the soft tissues of the mouth. You can still enjoy many of your favourite foods with braces, but there are a few that can cause problems. Avoid food that’s sticky, hard, or crunchy like liquorice, crusty bread, whole apples, and popcorn. The soft part of pizza is okay and fruits and vegetables are even better. Just cut them into bite sized pieces first or cook them to make them softer and remember, but limiting sugary foods and drinks can help you avoid dental problems during your orthodontic treatment. Now that you’re wearing braces, it’s even more important to take good care of your teeth with daily brushing and flossing. Although it may be a challenge, there are some special tools available to help you get the job. A floss threader makes it easier to get dental floss under wires and brackets. You could also try an interdental brush, a tiny disposable brush that can reach into small spaces. A water flosser or water-pik is another way to remove food particles in hard-to-reach areas, and using a mouth rinse with fluoride can help keep your teeth cavity free. Also, if you play sports, it’s a smart move to protect your smile from accidental damage with a custom-made mouth guard. Ask about it at your next appointment. Wearing braces isn’t a race, it’s a journey that takes time, but as. You get more comfortable, you’ll find that living with braces isn’t hard, and in the end, your beautiful smile will make the journey worthwhile.

With braces, you’re on your way to a beautiful smile. Even so, meal times are more challenging because the wrong types of foods can damage your braces, which are made-up of brackets, bands and wires. If hardware is damaged, it could interfere with how treatment progresses. So, you’ll need to pay special attention to what you eat. As a general guideline, stay away from foods that are hard, chewy, crunchy, or sticky. Popcorn can get wedged in braces between teeth and below gums. Hard un-popped kernels may bend wires or damage brackets. Chewy foods like bagels and hard, crunchy foods like pizza crust, hard nuts and thick pretzels may harm wires and pop off brackets. Even healthy foods that require biting with the front teeth can damage braces. These include apples, corn on the cob, carrots and many raw veges. No need to ditch these fruits and vegetables completely, but you might. Have to go about eating them differently. Try cutting them into small pieces and chewing carefully, or cooking veggies to soften them. You can cut corn off the cob, although it’s still likely to get stuck in your braces. If this happens, try an interdental brush or water-pik to free food particles. Caramel, taffy, and gummy candies can coat your teeth with sticky sugar and can even pull off your brackets. Hard candy can also dislodge brackets and bend wires, and the sugar can invite plaque to form under and around braces or cleaning is difficult. Acidic drinks are especially hard on teeth with braces. These include sports strings, energy drinks, lemonade and sodas including diet sodas. The good news is that there are still plenty of foods you can safely eat with braces. Just make sure they’re soft enough that they don’t vote wires and brackets at risk. If you’re not sure about a certain food, you can always ask your dental team.

Sparkling white smile appeals to all who see it. Having attractive teeth can also give yourself confidence a boost, but our teeth don’t always look as white as we’d like them to. Sometimes the foods and drinks we like cause staining. Smoking is another culprit and simply aging can cause your teeth to yellow. It happens to everyone eventually, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept it. Did you know that teeth whitening is a relatively inexpensive way to enhance a faded smile? You’ve probably seen many different over the counter products. They claim to whiten teeth to varying degrees, but the strongest and fastest acting whitening solutions are only available in your dentist office. Through a process known as power bleaching. This process can lighten teeth 3 to 8 shades in a single hour and can last from six months to two years. First, your dentist will protect your gums and, if necessary, the roots of your teeth to ensure your safety. Then a professional strength bleaching solution is applied. Often a special light or laser will be used to make the bleach work faster. Another way to whiten your teeth take home kit prescribed by your dentist. First your dentist makes moulds of your teeth, then thin plastic mouth trays are created to fit your teeth, exactly, allowing you to apply the bleaching gel. In order to see the desired results, you’ll need to stick with your dentist prescribed course of treatment. While this process takes longer, it can also be very effective and less expensive. There are a few things you need to know, before whitening your teeth. Potential side effects include tooth sensitivity or gum irritation, which are usually minor and clear up in a short time. Your dentist can tell you if you are likely to develop sensitivity based on the condition of your teeth and gums. Be aware that tooth sensitivity or gum irritation can become more serious if you use over the counter ill-fitting trays or if the bleach is applied by untrained personnel. Keep in mind that teeth whitening will not affect existing crowns, veneers, or fillings. Whitening is not permanent, but it is possible to slow the fading process by avoiding foods and habits that cause staining and by doing a minor touch up every so often. Most importantly, studies have found teeth whitening to be safe when used as directed. Teeth whitening is the most popular and cost-effective way to dramatically enhance your smile. If you’re considering teeth whitening, talk to your dentist. Together, you can come up with the best plan to return your smile too it’s better, brighter days.

Everyone has heard of wisdom teeth, but how much do you really know about them? Here are five wise facts about these sometimes-misunderstood molars. First stop, number 5 wisdom teeth are technically called third molars. Wisdom teeth are the last molars to develop, usually appearing between the ages of 17 and 25, around the same time that a moderate amount of wisdom is said to appear. Fantastic four, most adults have four wisdom teeth. The wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth on the left and right sides of the upper and lower jaws. Number 3, many people don’t have enough. Room for wisdom teeth. Human evolution has decreased the size of our jaws, but not the number of our teeth, creating a tight squeeze. When there isn’t enough room for these teeth, when they emerge, they are said to be impacted. Up next, number 2, impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant problem. Pain, bacterial infection, periodontal disease, and damage to adjacent teeth can result from impacted wisdom teeth. They can also cause cysts, which can eventually lead to bone loss in the area surrounding the wisdom teeth. And finally, number one, removal of. Impacted wisdom teeth is a routine procedure. Impacted wisdom teeth may be extracted by a dentist or an oral surgeon. This routine in office procedure is often performed under local anaesthesia with conscious sedation, so when it’s all done, you won’t even remember it.

Going to the dentist regularly made all the difference for my diagnosis and it absolutely saved my life. When I was 26, I noticed some white spots under my tongue while I was brushing my teeth. The spots were kind of white and rough in about a centimetre in diameter each. I had a routine dental cleaning coming up within about a month of noticing the spot, so I decided I was just going to wait until that point and bring it up to my dentist to see what his recommendations would be. The dentist told me that it was probably nothing serious just due to my medical history and age, but he recommended having a biopsy done just to be on the safe side. I wasn’t honestly very worried because for the same reasons that as the dentist I don’t have any medical history of anything like this and I was assumed I was too young for anything serious. My biopsy came back as precancerous and at that time I was referred to my oral surgeon. That surgery was primarily just to remove what they thought were the precancerous spots. However, about two weeks after that initial surgery, my surgeon called and said they had the pathology report back, from the portions they extracted, they found a 1-millimetre tumour that was stage one squamous cell carcinoma, and they were recommending a second surgery to widen the margins around where they took the initial portions off my tongue, and then also to extract lymph nodes from the left side of my neck. If the cancer came back, it would help prevent it spreading further into my body. All of my scans since then have come back clear with nothing concerning, so I’m hoping to keep on this path. Going to the dentist regularly made all the difference for my diagnosis and it absolutely saved my life. I got off very easy considering I only had to have the surgeries, I never had to undergo any chemo or radiation and it was the best-case scenario for the situation. Don’t assume that you know it can’t be because it can and catching it early is absolutely the best route.

With modern sedation dentistry, a trip to the dental office can be more relaxing than you might think. This may come as especially good news to people who have been putting off needed treatment because of dental anxiety. For people who are anxious about dental procedures, iv conscious sedation may be an excellent option. A combination of anti-anxiety and pain blocking medicine is administered directly into the bloodstream. So, it works very quickly to make you feel deeply relaxed and not bothered by what’s going on. You may doze off, but most people can still understand and respond to the dentist during treatment. Yet they often have little or no memory of the procedure after the fact and may feel as if they have slept through it. With iv sedation there are few side effects and quick recovery time. Even when you have no recollection of your procedure, iv conscious sedation is not the same as general anaesthesia. Whereas iv conscious sedation provides a moderate level of sedation, general anaesthesia acts on the central nervous system and renders a patient unconscious. General anaesthesia may be necessary for complex surgeries such as jaw reconstruction performed by oral surgeons, who are extensively trained alongside anaesthesiologists in a clinical setting. Dentists who offer in office sedation are required to complete rigorous training in the latest techniques and technology for the safest and most effective treatment. People who suffer from dental anxiety often say that if they had known about iv sedation earlier, they would not have put off their dental treatment for so long. Talk with your dentist to find out more about sedation options that may be right for you.

A brighter smile can make you look years younger, and the best way to whiten your teeth is with professional whitening treatments at the dental office. Here’s why. Number 5, custom approach. There’s no such thing as one size fits all. Smile, you and your dentist can work together to achieve the shade of brightness that’s perfect for you. Number 4, safety. Your dental team will make sure your gums and other sensitive oral tissues are protected during the whitening process. Number 3 better whitening products. Professional strength whitening agents are not available over the counter. Number 2, faster results. Only the whitening solutions applied by a dental professional can lighten your teeth by up to 10 shades in a single hour. Number one, professional supervision. Having discoloured teeth could be a sign of dental disease. Your dentist can make sure whitening is appropriate in your own unique situation and most importantly, safeguard the health of your teeth for many years to come.

A healthy and great looking smile is within your reach if you follow just a few simple tips for daily oral hygiene, here are our top five. Number 5, an antibacterial mouth rinse. An antibacterial mouth rinse will help reduce oral bacteria that can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Number 4, use a very soft toothbrush. Using a soft toothbrush helps prevent gum recession and tooth wear. Some brushes that are labelled as soft are not as flexible as they should be. Number 3, floss. No matter how thoroughly you brush, you simply can’t reach all the areas in between your teeth where bacterial plaque can hide. Number 2, don’t brush too hard. Being thorough doesn’t mean roughly scrubbing the teeth and gums, which can damage both. Two full minutes of gentle cleaning is all that’s needed. Number one, see your dentist regular. Just like there’s no substitute for flossing, there’s also no stand in for regular professional cleanings. Your dental hygienists can clean below your gumline to remove bacterial plaque and tartar. What’s more, your dentist can notice and take care of small problems before they become more complex and costly to treat. It’s a minimal investment with a major return.

Today we’re going to talk about porcelain veneers. Did you know that a recent dear doctor survey found that over 80% of people are dissatisfied with their smiles? If you’re unhappy with your smile, porcelain veneers. May be right for you. Unlike demo crowns, porcelain veneers are wafer thin layers of super strong porcelain. When bonded to your teeth, they can create a natural looking, beautiful new surface, or some veneers do for your smile what replacement siding does for your home. Sometimes the surface of a house becomes weathered and worn, and a makeover with new siding can do wonders. The same is true for your smile. To increase your curb appeal, you can simply replace the visible surface of your teeth. An instant improvement that makes a big difference. How do you achieve? This you first need a consultation with the dentist who performs cosmetic procedures to decide whether porcelain veneers are right for you. This will include a discussion of your goals and objectives, and what you like and dislike about your smile. Porcelain veneers can correct many cosmetic problems. They can improve the size, shape, and colour of teeth. They can also close spaces between teeth, as well as lengthen or shorten teeth. Not bad for such a tiny layer of material. There are two types of veneers, traditional and no prep. Traditional veneers are extremely versatile and the most commonly used technique. Your dentist will prepare the tooth. For the veneer by removing a small portion of the surface enamel, creating room for a new layer of porcelain because an enamel is removed. This treatment is not reversible. No prep or prepless veneers do not require any surface removal and are therefore reversible. These ultra thin coverings are bonded onto your existing tooth enamel. However, there are limitations to this procedure. Your dentist will advise you on which type is best for you? Sometimes a combination of both techniques is required. Minor orthodontics and oral whitening may also be helpful to achieving the optimal result. Your dentist will explain your treatment options, estimate how long it will take, and of course what it will cost. There are even ways for you to preview your new smile before the final work is done. Once you and your dentist have agreed upon a plan of action, the dentist will work with the skilled laboratory technician to artistically create each veneer. Rest assured that either procedure. Virtually painless and can be completed in as little as two visits. Best of all, your new veneers should appear completely natural. Although they are super strong, porcelain veneers are not indestructible. You should avoid hard and sticky foods. If you grind your teeth at night, wear a night guard to protect your beautiful new smile. With proper care, your porcelain veneers can last 20 years or more. Schedule an appointment with the dentist to learn more about the exciting possibilities of a smile enhanced with veneers.

Vitamins are organic compounds essential to life. They control a variety of crucial processes in the body. Yet it isn’t always a good idea to take vitamins in pill form. Here are the top five things to know about vitamins. Number 5, it’s best to get them from your diet. Vitamin pills have not been shown to have the same health promoting properties as vitamin rich fruits and vegetables, which also contain fibre and thousands of biologically active chemical compounds that pills lack. Next up, number 4 taking too much is dangerous. Mega dosing on vitamins can be toxic. This is particularly true of vitamin stored in the liver and fat tissue such as vitamins a,d & e. Now for number 3, they’re often added to foods and drinks. Because vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements are being added to a growing number of foods and beverages, you may be getting more than you realize. Number 2, they can be sold without proof of safety and effectiveness. While drugs must be proven both safe and effective through clinical trials before they are sold, no such proof is required for dietary supplements and number 1, your doctors need to know if you take them. Some vitamins and herbal supplements can interact with drugs you may be prescribed by your dentist or doctor. For example, saint john’s wort, used as an herbal antidepressant, is especially prone to drug interactions. So just as you would disclose any medications you’re taking, please do the same for vitamins and herbal supplements.

Bottled water companies would like you to think their product is better for you than tap water. Is it? Let’s examine the top five things you should know about bottled water. First up, number 5, it causes environmental problems. Plastic water bottles are the fastest growing form of municipal solid waste in the United States, and it takes an estimated 2000 times more energy to produce bottled water, than to produce an equivalent amount of tap water. Next, number 4. Its source can be a mystery. Not all bottled water companies print the source of their water on the label and they’re not required to. Here’s number 3. It’s less regulated than tap water. Municipal water sources are required to do annual quality testing and make the results available to the public. Bottled water companies are not. Next up, number 2. It’s not necessarily better than tap water. Bottled water is not a miracle product. It is subject to the same environmental contamination pressures as tap water and. Quality can vary and number 1, sometimes it is tap water. Some water sold in bottles actually comes from municipal water systems. So you may just be paying to drink someone else is tap water. There are times when buying bottled water is unavoidable, but if you have the choice, opt for filtered tap water. After all that pure mountain spring may exist only on the label.

At one time or another, everyone has experienced some mouth dryness, but if your mouth is often dry for long periods of time, you may suffer from a persistent condition called xerostomia. Many factors, including certain medications and diseases, can cause dry mouth. What can you do about it? Number 5 use a humidifier. A cool mist humidifier can be soothing, particularly if you were in a dry environment. Increasing moisture in the air can help relieve symptoms, especially at night. Number 4, avoid irritating substances. Alcohol, tobacco and caffeine are all known to dry out the mouth and often worsen this condition. Toast, crackers and spicy or salty foods should be avoided as well. Number three, try a saliva stimulant. Chewing sugarless gum or mints, especially if they contain xylitol, stimulate the production of saliva. Several saliva substitutes are also available in both over the counter or prescription formulations. Number 2, sip fluids frequently. It sounds obvious, but many people don’t drink enough water. This is important both during meals and throughout the day, but it’s best to avoid sodas and other sugary or acidic drinks, including some juices. Number one, practice good oral hygiene. Be sure to brush and floss every day to give your teeth and gums the care they need, and don’t forget to come in for regular check-ups. It’s the best way to prevent small problems from becoming big headaches.

Obstructive sleep Apnea is a potentially deadly condition that is thought to affect tens of millions in the us alone. But many people don’t realize they have it. Here are. Five symptoms that might indicate you suffer from OSA. Number 5. Persistent snoring. Everybody snores from time to time, but if you snore constantly and if your partner regularly notices it, then you might have this disorder. Number 4, daytime sleepiness and irritability. People with obstructive sleep Apnea may awaken hundreds of times a night, yet have no memory of it. This can prevent you from getting relaxing sleep, leading to exhaustion and a short temper. Number 3, obesity. People who are obese are more likely to suffer from obstructive sleep Apnea. In turn, the condition can cause weight gain, possibly because constant sleepiness may diminish your metabolism. Making it easier to put on weight. Number 2, depression and personality changes. It’s not clear exactly why, but depression is significantly associated with OSA. The ongoing lack of restful sleep can also trigger confusion, fatigue, memory loss, and other noticeable changes in the personality. Number one. Episodes of stopped breathing. Perhaps the scariest symptom of all, gasps and short pauses where breathing seems to stop may signal this dangerous disorder. Many dentists are able to diagnose and treat obstructive sleep Apnea. If you think you may suffer from this condition, ask your dentist for help.

Many people experience chronic facial pain, difficulty chewing, and limited jaw function resulting from a condition known as temporal mandibular joint disorder or TMD. But what exactly is TMD and what do you do about it? Here are five things to know. First up, at number 5, TMJ versus TMD. TMJ is the abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint, where the lower jaw hinges to the skull. Problems with this joint are called temporomandibular joint disorders or just TMD’s. Next up at. Number 4, TMD can cause serious problems. TMD can cause severe pain, making it difficult to eat, speak or use the jaw normally. The jaw may also become locked in the open or closed position. Looking at number 3, it can be difficult to diagnose TMD. Many other conditions tooth aches and sinus problems, for example cause similar symptoms. That’s why it’s best to consult a medical professional, such as your doctor or dentist if you have TMD symptoms. Number 2, a range of treatments is available. Treatment should start with conservative therapies such as heat or ice packs, soft foods, and gentle stretching exercises. Later, it may progress to medications and or bite appliances. Orthodontics or oral surgery is rarely needed. And finally, number 1, support and education are important. Because treatment protocols are evolving, people who suffer from TMD’s need to become educated healthcare consumers. Support groups also have many resources to offer.

Bad breath is an issue that affects millions of people, including up to half of middle-aged and older adults. You may have experienced this problem yourself, or noticed it in someone you care about. Here’s what you can do. First up, number 5, change some personal habits. Need another reason to stop using tobacco and reduce alcohol consumption? Both are known to cause bad breath. Eating strong foods like cheese and onions can also contribute to the problem next up, number 4. Control dry mouth certain drugs or medical conditions may cause persistent dry mouth. Without adequate saliva flow, bacteria can multiply in the mouth, resulting in unpleasant odours. As a remedy, try drinking plenty of water or chewing xylitol gum to stimulate saliva production. Here’s number 3, get a professional cleaning. If it has been a while since you’ve had your teeth professionally cleaned, it may be time to let an experienced hand remove hardened layers of bacteria rich biofilm, that can cause a malodorous mouth. Take a look at number 2, improve your oral hygiene. On a day-to-day basis, it’s up to you to keep bacteria in your mouth under control. And help keep your breath smelling fresh. That means proper brushing, flossing and use of a mouth rinse every day and number 1 come in for a check-up. Persistent bad breath can have many causes. When you get a complete examination, your dentist can find out exactly where the problem is coming from and help you control it. Those breath mints are just a cover up. When you’re serious. About fighting bad breath, ask your dentist for help.

If you’ve had bad breath that can’t be explained by which you just ate or drank, or habit like smoking, one of these other reasons may be to blame. Bad breath, often results from bacteria in the mouth. So, it’s important to make dental hygiene a priority. This means brushing twice a day for full two minutes and flossing every day, and don’t forget the tongue. Brush your tongue with the two fresh, or use a specialized tongue scraper that you can buy in your local pharmacy. Chronic bad breath is associated with advanced gum disease. So, make sure you keep up with regular dental cleanings and exams to help keep gums healthy and give your dental team a chance to monitor your gum health. Bad breath can be a by-product of weight loss dieting, especially when severely limiting carbs in ramping up proteins. When the body burns, fat breath can take on a sharp, foul odour. If this is your situation, try drinking more water, and think twice before eliminating an entire food group from your diet. People with allergies or sleep Apnea may breathe through their mouth at night. This can try out the mouth, leading to increase oral bacteria. Seek treatment if you suffer from a condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult. Hundreds of medications can cause dry mouth, resulting in bad breath. If a change in medication is not an option, try chewing sugar free gum to encourage saliva production or talk to your dentist about an over the counter or prescription remedy for dry mouth. Everybody gets bad breath once in a while, but if it happens to you more than you like, be sure to tell your dentist.

This is an exciting week for our little Susie. She’s going to have her first birthday. She’s also going to visit the dentist for the very first time. Susie doesn’t have a lot of teeth yet, but we know it’s important to start her out early on the path towards good oral health, the American academy of paediatric dentistry recommends every child had their first dental visit by their first birthday. So off we go. So, the dentist said he do everything possible to make Susie relaxed and comfortable. That’s an important part of this visit. Just getting her used to sitting in the chair and being examined. So far, so good. It’s also important for us to know if Susie is showing any signs of decay. Even though Susie won’t have her baby teeth forever, she will rely on them for eating, speaking, and most importantly, holding the necessary space for her permanent teeth. Believe it or not, Susie permanent teeth are already forming beneath her gums, so if we don’t take care of her baby teeth and she loses them prematurely, we could be setting her up for orthodontic problems later. Besides, tooth decay can be painful for a child, and we want no part of that. I’d also like to make sure I’m cleaning Susie teeth correctly? I’m glad I’ll get a chance to go over that while we’re here. What a great first check out Susie. I’m so proud of you. Let’s go home and tell daddy. But first, there’s one we need to make along the way. Sure, birthday girls need pretty teeth, but they also need balloons. You schedule an appointment for your child today.

Toddlers sure can be a handful. Their endless curiosity leads to lots of exploration. That also means they’re ready to soak up all sorts of information. So it’s a great time to teach them habits that promote good oral health. Here are a few tips to do exactly that. Tip 1 brush every day with fluoride. Fluoride helps make teeth more resistant to decay. Use just a thin smear of fluoride toothpaste for children under three and a pea sized amount for older toddlers. Let them try to brush after they turn to, but make sure you finish the job. They’ll need your help until about age 6. Tip 2. Don’t share germs. Children aren’t born with the bacteria that cause tooth decay. The bacteria are transmitted to them from adults. That’s why it’s never a good idea to share a cop or spoon with your children, lick a pacifier to clean it, or even kiss them on the lips. Tip 3. Limit sugar. The sugar your child eats also feeds oral bacteria. In the process of eating that sugar, the bacteria produce acids that dissolve tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay. Saliva can neutralize those acids, but only if it’s given enough time to work. That’s why it’s important to limit sugar intake, especially between meals. Tip 4, no bedtime bottles. Don’t let your child go off to sleep sucking a bottle. Juice, milk, even breast milk contains sugars that can promote tooth decay, especially during sleep. Tip 5, discourage thumb sucking when it’s time. Sucking for comfort is a completely normal habit for babies and toddlers, but when children constantly suck a thumb or pacifier past the age of three, it can affect the alignment of their teeth and the development of their jaws. Tip six, visit the dentist. Toddlers can benefit. Tremendously from regular dental visits, the most important being the age 1 dental visit. The dentist can check for tooth decay, evaluate brushing technique and get little ones accustomed to the dental office. Regular visits will keep their teeth healthy for years to come. If you start practicing these tips now, your child will benefit long after that wobbly walk becomes a confident stride.

Let’s review three important things to know about your child first set of teeth. Your baby first tooth will usually come in between six and nine months of age, though it may be as early as three months or as late as one year. The two lower front teeth generally come in first, followed by the upper front teeth. By age 3, most kids have a complete set of 20 baby teeth. Second, believe it or not, babies can get tooth decay, especially when they’re routinely put to bed with a bottle or nurse to sleep. That’s because formula and breast milk contain sugars that can encourage bacterial growth when allowed to remain in a sleeping baby’s mouth. So, if your baby teeth have started to grow in, only put water in that bedtime bottle and make sure to clean your baby teeth each day. Your dentist or hygienist can show you how. Around age 6, baby teeth are loose and, and, pushed out from below by the new permanent teeth growing in. In fact, each baby chooses acts as a guide for its permanent replacement by not letting go until the adult tooth is correctly aligned. If a baby tooth is lost too early, there’s a chance that it’s permanent replacement may end up out of alignment. So, it’s important to care for baby teeth the same way you would take care of grown-up teeth. Also remember that your child will have a mix of primary and permanent teeth until about age 12. During all these years those baby teeth will help your child eat, speak and smile with confidence. Keeping baby teeth healthy will make a huge difference in your child quality of life. If you have any questions about how to do this, don’t hesitate to ask your dental team.

It’s never too early to help your child develop daily routines that will help prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems. Here are some tips. Teach kids proper brushing techniques. Even when children are too young to brush well on their own, they can practice brushing their teeth while you brush yours. Have them mimic what you do, after you brush together, brush your child’s teeth again to make sure all surfaces are clean. Help children feel invested in their oral health. Let your child pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste. They may find their favourite character on the toothbrush handle or the toothpaste tube, and they can choose from a variety of toothpaste flavours. Make time fly. Brushing teeth should be a 2-minute task, but this can seem like a long time. Try playing a favourite song or downloading a toothbrushing app that keeps kids brushing the full 2 minutes. In addition, electric toothbrushes can have entertaining lights and sounds, and often a 2-minute timer as well. Reward your child for a job well done. Give your child a sticker every time they brush their teeth. They can put them on a calendar or a wall chart and feel proud as they see their progress. Your child oral hygiene habits can make the difference between good dental health and a mouthful of cavities. So, make toothbrushing fun and set a positive tone for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.

Meet Johnny. He and his mom had just gotten some bad news at the dentist office. Johnny has a cavity, but wait a minute. Johnny brushes his teeth twice a day, just like his mom taught him to. Do? How can this be? Well, it has to do with those tiny grooves on Johnny back teeth. All have them and they are. Hard to clean with a toothbrush. The bristles often glide right over leaving food debris and decay causing bacteria sitting on the tooth Johnny, like any child, is vulnerable to decay on those back teeth. Oh no, what can be done? Johnny dentist has a plan. He is going to put sealants on Johnny teeth. These quick and easy tooth coloured plastic resin coatings will fill those little grooves so that bacteria have nowhere to hide. Johnny’s mom says let’s do it. Johnny wants to know, will it hurt? No way. The process is really very simple. Johnny dentist will clean his teeth, then apply a solution that will allow the sealant to stick tightly to the tooth. The dentist will then paint the sealant on in a liquid form that hardens. In about a minute, sometimes with the help of a special light that makes it strong. That’s all there is to it. Best of all, studies have shown that sealants reduced decay by up to 70% and can last for a decade. Take that bacteria. Talk to your dentist today about dental sealants.

The appearance of the first little tooth is an exciting milestone in your baby’s development. It also means that from now on, you’ll need to pay special attention to your child oral health. But don’t worry, it’s easy to do and the sooner you start the better. Even new baby teeth can decay if not properly cared for. Newly emerging teeth can be wiped with a clean damp washcloth after feedings. Things teeth that have grown in all the way should be brushed gently twice each day with a very soft child sized toothbrush, and just a thin smear a fluoride toothpaste. Once your child turns 3, increase the amount of toothpaste to a size of a pea. Fluoride is a very important aid in the battle against tooth decay, but you don’t want your child to swallow too much. Another great way to prevent tooth decay and babies and toddlers is to make sure. They don’t go to sleep while nursing or drinking a bottle unless it contains just water. Milk, juice, formula and even breast milk all contain sugars that can promote decay, especially if they’re left in contact with teeth for hours at a time as a child doses. Here’s another great tip. Schedule your child first dental visit by their first birthday. Though it may sound early, an age 1 dental visit has many benefits. Your baby can be checked for any signs of early childhood tooth decay, and you can ask questions and get demonstrations on caring for your baby teeth. Most importantly, your child can get used to visiting the dental office, a place where essential preventive services are performed throughout life. As your child gets older, those routine dental visits will likely include cavity fighting topical fluoride treatments. If your dentist thinks your child may be particularly susceptible to decay, dental sealants may be recommended. These are plastic coatings that fill the little grooves in the back teeth, where bacteria often hide. Your child dentist will also keep an eye out for potential orthodontic problems and refer you to an orthodontist if necessary. If your child does end up wearing braces, regular dental visits will be more important than ever. No matter how conscientious they are, kids often have trouble getting teeth really clean while they’re wearing orthodontic hardware. Regular professional cleanings during this time are a must to prevent tooth decay and gum problems. By getting regular paediatric dental check-ups and practicing good oral hygiene at home, your child can look forward to a lifetime of healthy teeth and happy smiles.

If you are pregnant, congratulations. This is an exciting time with many changes to your life and your body. But did you know that changing hormone levels can lead to new dental problems? Approximately half of all pregnant women experience red, puffy and tender gums that may bleed easily. This is known as pregnancy gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can be controlled with good oral hygiene. So, pay special attention to your dental hygiene routine at home while you are expecting. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis, which affects the tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. Fortunately, many dental problems can be safely treated during pregnancy. So don’t put off seeing your dentist. Be sure to tell your dentist that you are pregnant and about any medications you are taking. For the best oral health during pregnancy, follow these tips. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily. Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse, eat a healthy diet, take your prenatal vitamins and see your dentist for cleanings during your pregnancy. Think of a dental check-up as an important part of your prenatal care.

Having good oral health gives you sparkling teeth, fresh breath and the ability to smile with confidence, but it also means so much more. Medical research has established a link between the health of your mouth and the health of your whole body. We call this the oral, systemic connection, and it’s the reason why you can’t have good overall health without taking care of your teeth and gums. Let’s delve a little deeper into this connection between oral health and general health. You probably know that when you don’t take care of your teeth with regular brushing and flossing, you can get cavities. But a lack of good oral hygiene, particularly flossing, also leads to gum disease which is the largest cause of tooth loss in adults. Gum disease starts out as an inflammation of the gums called gingivitis if this isn’t taken care of, it can progress to a more serious infection known as periodontitis, where bonus last from around the team. This loss of bone can cause gum tissue to separate from the teeth, forming little spaces between the tooth and gum called pockets. You may not even notice this is happening, but your dentist can spot it right away. Now, here’s where the oral, systemic connection comes in. Scientific researchers found links between periodontal disease and other health conditions heart problems, for example. It seems people with periodontal disease have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, which leads to heart attacks and strokes. Periodontitis may also increase the chance that diabetes will progress. There’s even evidence of a link between gum disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Scientists believe that what may connect these different conditions is inflammation, an immune response that can help the body heal, but chronic inflammation in one area of the body, such as the mouth, seems to trigger it elsewhere, and too much inflammation throughout the body can actually become a destructive force. Now here’s the good news. Maintaining good oral health and all the benefits that go along with it, is not difficult. You just have to commit to it. That means flossing your teeth at least once a day and brushing them twice a day. It also means seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams. It’s a great feeling to walk out of the dental office with a freshly polished smile. It’s also good to know that you’re doing all you can to live a strong, healthy life.

There are so many reasons to maintain good oral hygiene, But one thing studies show that reducing the amount of dental plaque in your mouth will help you avoid tooth decay and gum disease. So, what’s the key to effective oral hygiene? You just need to learn the basics and stick to a daily routine. Let’s start with flossing, because it’s the single most important factor in preventing gum disease. In fact, if you don’t floss, you’ll miss cleaning more than 1/3 of your tooth surfaces. So take the time to clean between every tooth, once a day. Remember that each space has two sides to be cleaned. So move your floss up and down one side and then the other. The front back and chewing surfaces of your teeth can be cleaned with a toothbrush. Always use a brush with very soft bristles and some fluoride toothpaste. Why fluoride? The essential mineral, actually becomes incorporated into your teeth, strengthening them and helping them resist decay. Brush gently for a full 2 minutes, twice each day. Scrubbing hard won’t get your teeth any cleaner, but it can damage your gums. Of course, your daily oral hygiene routine will be a lot easier if you don’t eat sticky sugary between meal snacks. Stick to the good stuff. There’s another important part of your oral hygiene routine, but you only have to do it about twice a year, and that’s to visit your dentist’s office. Your hygienist will use special tools, to clean any hardened plaque deposits that may have formed between your teeth or at the gum line, and your dentist will make sure any minor problems are addressed quickly before they become big, expensive headaches. None of these things will take up a big part of your day, but they’ll sure make a big difference to your health and your smile.

Let’s talk about one of the best values in healthcare today, preventive dentistry. The routine services your general dentist provides can help save your teeth and even your life. It’s true, dentists are often the first to detect signs of dangerous health conditions such as oral cancer, aids and anorexia, to name a few. Also, medical research has established a link between untreated gum disease and systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. By visiting your dentist regularly, you’ll make sure any oral health problems are caught early when they’re easiest to treat. The core of preventive dentistry is a check-up and professional teeth cleaning. Your dental hygienist will use special tools to remove disease causing dental plot from places you can’t reach with your toothbrush and floss. If left on the teeth for too long, these bacteria filled plaque can harden into tartar, which is particularly irritating to your gums. Your dental hygienist will then polish your teeth, so they’re sparkly and smooth. After the cleaning, your dentist will examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay. Small cavities can often be filled to prevent decay from reaching deeper into the tooth and creating more painful and costly problems. Your dentist might also recommend specific oral hygiene aids to use at home, such as a floss holder or antiplaque mouth. Hence, preventive dental visits are important for everyone, but particularly children and seniors’. Children. Can receive tooth strengthening topical fluoride treatments as well as dental sealants to keep bacteria out of the little grooves in the back teeth. If your child plays sports, your dentist can make a custom fitted mouth guard that will protect against dental injuries. Seniors are particularly prone to tooth decay because many take medications that can dry out the mouth as a side effect. This leaves them without the natural cavity fighting protection of saliva, and believe it or not, even seniors who were false teeth need regular preventive dental visits because dentures need to be adjusted from time to time to maintain a comfortable fit. Your comfort, health and quality of life are the main concerns of preventive dentistry. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen your family dentist, make an appointment today.

Brushing your teeth makes your mouth feel clean and fresh. It also helps protect you from tooth decay and gum disease, but in order to get the most benefit from brushing, you have to do it properly and at least twice per day. Let’s go over the basics. There are only two things you need. A toothbrush and toothpaste. Choose a brush with very soft, flexible bristles. Some brushes that have the word soft on the label really aren’t as flexible as they should be. If you’re unsure what to buy, ask your dentist or hygienist for advice. If your brush looks like this, it’s time to get a new one. Your toothbrush should be replaced at least every three or four months. If the bristles are splaying before that, you’re probably brushing too hard. Always use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. This mineral actually becomes part of the tooth enamel covering strengthening it and even reversing microscopic cavities that are starting to form. There are a number of techniques for brushing teeth. Most people have been taught to move the brush around in small circular motions, directing the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line. Some use a sweeping motion. Others go side to side. What’s important is to be thorough, yet gentle. No rough sign. Brushing harshly will not get your teeth cleaner. It will only cause damage by promoting gum recession and tooth wear. Slow and gentle is the way to go. In fact, brushing your teeth should take about 2 minutes. Set a timer to get a sense of how long this really is. Brushing for two minutes will give you enough time to clean all the surfaces of your teeth. You need to brush, the front surfaces that you see in the mirror. The box surfaces that face your tongue, and the chewing surfaces along the top. Research has shown that wherever you start brushing is the area you’re likely to spend the most time, so remember to give each tooth equal time. After brushing every surface of every tooth you may want to remove bacteria from your tongue with a tongue scraper. This will remove more bacteria from your mouth and brushing alone and help freshen your breath. When you have finished, rinse your mouth and. Your brush with water. You can even follow up with a mouth rinse with fluoride that’s specially designed to prevent tooth decay and whiten your teeth or prevent gum disease. Effective daily oral hygiene is your best route to a beautiful, healthy smile.

If you want to keep your natural teeth for life, make sure to floss them every day. Flossing is the best way to remove bacterial plaque and food debris from the tiny spaces between your teeth and under the gum line that toothbrush bristles just can’t reach. The bacteria that live in dental plaque, also called biofilm love these hard-to-reach places, and are a big threat to your teeth and gums. That’s why it’s important to floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime and before brushing your teeth. Here’s how it’s done. Tear off a piece of floss about 12 to 18 inches long. Wind it around your middle fingers, leaving a gap of three or four inches between them. This will allow you to vary the combination of fingers you use to work comfortably and position the floss properly in each area of your mouth. Now guide the floss between your teeth while relaxing your facial muscles, so that you can easily reach around your mouth. Gently curve the floss around the tooth while moving it up and down the surface. By curving the floss, you get below the gum safely. If you are using unwaxed floss, you’ll hear it make a squeaking sound once the tooth is clean. When you have finished the first side of the space, clean the other. Repeat the process between each of your teeth as well as the tooth surfaces behind the last teeth. If you find this technique difficult, try products designed to make the job easier, such as floss holders and interdental brushes. Discomfort while flossing is a sign you may be doing it too hard or incorrectly. So ask for a demonstration at your next dental appointment. If your gums bleed when you floss, make an appointment to see your dentist, as this is a common sign of gum disease. Flossing effectively takes practice. But you’ll soon get the hang of it. Remember, you don’t have to floss all your teeth. Only the ones you want to keep.

Some people who wear dentures may wonder, why see a dentist if i don’t have natural teeth. But there are several good reasons to schedule regular appointments with your dentist. For one, dentists monitor your oral health. They check for oral cancer and other diseases of the mouth, which can occur with or without your natural. Teeth in addition, your dentist can check the fit and condition of your dentures. After tooth loss, the gums and jaw bones shrink due to bone loss and begin to change in shape, eventually dentures become less comfortable. When ill-fitting dentures move around in your mouth. They can cause sore spots and if dentures become scratched, cracked or chipped, they can damage your mouth tissues even more. Your dentist will know when it’s time to have your dentures, relined or replaced. Relining is a simple procedure to reshape the underside of your dentures, so they fit more snugly. Dentures may need to be realigned every couple of years, and they typically need to be replaced after 5 to 10 years. To ensure the most comfortable fit for the life of your dentures, and for your best oral health, be sure to see your dentist for regular check-ups.

Good dental hygiene isn’t just for natural teeth. If you have removable dentures, proper care can help protect your investment and your oral health. To keep your dentures looking good and serving you well, follow these tips. Before you put in your dentures in the morning, brush your gums, the roof of your mouth, the inside of your cheeks, and your tongue. This will safeguard against germs getting trapped beneath your denture. Just as with natural teeth, it’s important to brush your dentures every day. Traditional denture material has tiny pores that can collect bacteria, causing bad breath and putting you at risk of infection. So remove your dentures and clean all surfaces with a soft bristle toothbrush or a special denture brush. Don’t use regular toothpaste which is too abrasive for denture material. Instead, use denture cream or liquid dish soap. After meals, rinse your dentures with warm water to remove food particles. Make sure the water doesn’t get too hot or it could damage the denture. Soak removable dentures while you sleep, either in water or a denture cleaning solution. Not only does your mouth need a rest, dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape. If dentures, dry out completely, they may become brittle or warped, and one last tip, be sure to schedule regular dental visits to check the condition and fit of your dentures and examine the overall health of your mouth with proper care, your dentures should last for many years.

We’ve all seen that classic image of a set of false teeth sitting at a glass of water on a night stand. But you know what? Those dentures don’t ever have to belong to you. If you take good care of your teeth, they can last a whole lifetime. The keys to get into some good oral hygiene habits and get out of some bad ones. Here’s how. Many of us brush our teeth daily, but skip the flossing. Big mistake. Flossing just once each day removes bacterial plaque from the places your toothbrush just can’t reach. Otherwise, those bacteria just sit there promoting tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing should be done twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You need to brush all three surfaces of every tooth. The front side that you see, the back side that faces your tongue, and the biting or chewing edge. But don’t brush too hard. Harsh scrubbing can damage teeth and gums. If you have any questions on proper brushing and flossing techniques, ask for a demonstration at your next dental appointment. Speaking of which, seeing your dentist regularly is another important habit for good oral health. You can do a lot to maintain your oral health at home, but you can’t do it all. Even with excellent oral hygiene, you will still build up tartar below the gums. You still need professional cleanings and exams to keep your mouth healthy. Bacterial plaque isn’t the only thing that harms your teeth. They can also suffer from injury. If you regularly participate in sports, be sure to wear an athletic mouth guard. Your dentist can custom make one for you that fits perfectly and it’s comfortable to wear, and if you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a custom-made night guard to protect your teeth and any existing dental work. Now let’s talk about some things to avoid, soda. Even diet soda has harmful assets that can a road your tooth enamel and promote decay. Smoking besides all its other ill effects, smoking, increases your risk of oral cancer and gum disease and hides the early warning signs of gum disease. Sugary or starchy between meals snacks nibbling carbs all day promotes tooth decay. If you need uh between meal snack, try raw fruits and veggies, cheese or yogurt with no added sugars. Oral piercings, tongue bolts and lip rings can chip teeth and cause gums to recede. That’s a high price to pay for fashion. After all, trends may come and go, but beautiful, healthy teeth are always in style.

When your braces come off, you’ll want to see straight, beautiful teeth that are free of cavities, surrounded by healthy gums. And you will, as long as you brush and floss daily. It’s challenging to clean your teeth with braces, but you can do it. Let’s review the best techniques. Always use fluoride, toothpaste and a soft brush to clean your teeth. Start by cleaning the area between your gums and your braces. This is the most likely place that plaque, a sticky film that contains bacteria will collect. Angle your brush toward the gum line and brush gently with small side to side or circular motions. When you finish these areas, you can move to the other side of the braces and brush there. After all the front surfaces of your teeth are clean, brush the back surfaces that face your tongue using the same gentle side to side or circular strokes with the brush angled towards your gum. Finally, brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Small interdental brushes are ideal for cleaning around each bracket and beneath the arch wire that runs between them. These brushes are inexpensive and you can find them in any drugstore. When you’re done brushing, rinse your teeth with water. Flossing is an important way to clean food debris and bacteria from between your teeth, but it may not be easy to thread the floss under the archwire of your braces. There are, however special tools to help you do this. An example is threader floss, which has a rigid tip that is easy to slide between your teeth after threading. The floss beneath the arch wire gently curved the floss around the tooth while moving it up and down the surface. By curving the floss you get below the gum safely. Then do the other side. Remove the floss and move on to the next tooth. After you have brushed and flossed, it’s helpful to rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to help remove food particles as well as bacteria. Fluoride rinses are also helpful to help strengthen your teeth against decay, which is an even greater concern when you’re wearing braces. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy now we’ll ensure you get the best result from your orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions on how to go about this, make sure to ask at your next appointment.

Wearing a retainer is a very important step in orthodontic treatment. Here are five things you should know about orthodontic retainers. We start with number 5. They need daily cleaning. Retainers should be brushed each day with a soft toothbrush and any liquid dish detergent or hand soap. Number 4, they’re not all the same. There are different types of retainers, including clear retainers that are almost invisible and others that contain metal wires. On to number 3. They may be worn less often overtime. At first, retainers are worn all the time, but as time goes on they can be worn less and less. Think of it as a way of easing teeth out of braces while keeping all the benefits. Number 2. If they’re not worn, the teeth can move. Braces gradually move the teeth into better alignment. If a retainer is not worn, the teeth could move right back, then the braces could have to be put back on, and number one, they offer the best chance of keeping a beautiful smile. Whether you’ve recently had orthodontics or you already have a nice smile, wearing a retainer offers the best chance of keeping your teeth straight and beautiful.

Like many athletes, our friend vince here feels invincible. He connects on every jump shot, always gets passed the defence and hammers every pitch. In fact, vince dives head first into everything he does. It’s great for the team, but maybe not so great for his teeth. Good thing vince is wearing a custom fitted mouth guard, made by his dentist. Mouth guards are designed to absorb and distribute the forces of impact and minimize traumatic injury to both the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. In fact, an athlete is 60 times more likely to suffer harm to teeth when not wearing a mouth guard. The American dental association recommends the use of a properly fitted mouth guard for any sport that carries a risk of injury. Not just for contact sports but also for non-contact sports like skateboarding and gymnastics. While there are many different types of off the shelf mouth guards you can buy in a pharmacy or sporting goods store, their fit and level of protection leave a lot to be desired. Even boil and bite mouth guards, which are softened by heating at home and then shaped by the teeth as they’re bitten into, fall short. The best mouth guard remains the one that is custom made by your dentist just for you. It’s. Design is based on a model of your own teeth, so it fits perfectly and offers significantly more protection, than off the shelf mouth guards. Just think of what it can save you in terms of risk, anxiety, pain and suffering, not to mention years of dental treatments. It’s a small investment with big rewards. Ask your dentist today about a custom-made athletic mouth guard, one of the most important parts of any uniform.

When I was a kid, I had a real sweet tooth, and a lot of cavities. It was no fun. I think my tooth aches, even made it harder for me to concentrate in school. I’m going to make sure that my kid doesn’t go through that. I’ve already talked to Danny dentist about what I can do to help prevent him from getting cavities. Here’s the plan. No kid can resist sweets all the time, but I’m going to make sure that Danny only has them at mealtimes. Snacking on sweets throughout the day would only help the bacteria that cause tooth decay, and since he still uses a Sippy cup, I’m going to be real careful, about what I put in it and when no soda ever, even fruit juices and milk. Contains sugars that can promote tooth decay if he sips them all day. Water is best between meals. Our dentist showed me how to help danny brush his teeth with a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and a soft child sized brush. Danny likes doing it himself, but I still need to make sure we clean every tooth. Okay, big guy, now it’s your turn. Don’t forget to spit. Danny actually likes going to the dentist. I’ve been taking him two times every year since his 1st birthday. He gets fluoride treatments there to strengthen his teeth. In a few years, when his permanent molars grow in, the dentist may want to put sealants on them to smooth out those little grooves that can trap bacteria in food particles. I sure wish I had gotten sealants when I was a kid. I enjoyed danny dental visits too. I like talking to the dentist about what’s going on in my son’s mouth and how to take care of his teeth. So far, danny has not had a single cavity. Who says history always repeats itself? There are better ways to be like father, like son.

Thumb sucking is a natural, comforting behaviour in infants and young children that’s related to nursing, but if it goes on for too long, it can create problems in the mouth later on. Here’s what you need to know. Let’s start with number 5. Thumb sucking usually goes away on its own. Most children stop between the ages of two and four years, but if this habit lasts much beyond the age of three, your child may need extra help. Moving on to number 4, persistent thumb sucking can cause bite problems. Constant thumbsucking can change the growth pattern of the jaw, as well as move the upper teeth forward, this can result in an open bite or other problems which may require orthodontic treatment. As far as. Number 3 positive reinforcement can help break the habit. Tell your child why it’s time to stop sucking his or her thumb and give a reward for not doing it, but not a sugary treat. Praise and positive support work better than nagging. Up next is number 2, dental appliance can discourage thumb sucking. If the habit proves difficult to break in, oral appliance called a tongue crib can be effective. This helps discourage the habit and retrains the tongue to rest in a better position. Finally, number one, ask your dentist for advice. Young children are growing and developing rapidly, and that’s why it’s so important to bring them in for regular check-ups. If you need help with this issue, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist.

Benny is usually a very happy baby, but lately he’s been a bit cranky. He’s drooling an awful lot and he wants to chew on everything. I have a feeling he’s teething. Good thing I’ve already gotten some tips from my dentist on how to relieve his discomfort. Let’s see what will help. I have some chilled teething rings and pacifiers in the refrigerator. I didn’t put them in the freezer because my dentist says ice can burn the sensitive tissues inside a baby’s mouth, but cold can be very soothing. Here you go, benny. Cold wet washcloths are also great for gnawing on. I’ll go get a clean one. I should also make sure I have some baby ibuprofen and acetaminophen on hand in case he needs it. I’ve already asked my dentist for the correct dose. He said to make sure not to rub any medicine on benny gums and no whiskey, no matter what they used to do in the olden days. I left part of this washcloth dry so then it can hold it without getting cold and wet. He seems to like that. Another thing that might feel good is a gun massage. This can help counteract the pressure from an erupting tooth. I can use my finger because I just washed my hands. Does that feel good benny, what a relief. We will have to remember to a send the dentist a thank you note.

Most people are aware of the dangers of breast, lung and colon cancer, but oral cancer, though just as serious, is less well known. Here are the top five things to know. About this disease. First up number 5 oral cancer is deadly. In the us alone, about 43,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. One person will die of the disease every hour, every day. Yet many haven’t heard about it. Next up, number 4. It affects people of all ages. Most people diagnosed with oral cancer are over 55 years old, but the fastest growing segment of the oral cancer population today is young people. Here’s number 3 alcohol and tobacco use are significant risks. Smokers and drinkers are more likely to get oral cancer, but a particular strain of the human papilloma virus, a common sexually transmitted disease, is also associated with the disease, especially in younger people. Number 2 if found early, your odds are bad. When detected in its early stages, the five-year survival rate is over 80%. If found in a later stage, the survival rate is just over 50%. And here’s number one, an oral exam can detect early signs of cancer. Your dentist can perform an oral cancer screening right in the office. It’s painless and it only takes a few moments. Yet it could make a big difference to your health.

Not long ago, I lost my husband to a disease that we knew very little about. Oral cancer. I wish we had known more. Most Americans have heard little about this disease, yet it kills more people every year than cancers we hear about frequently. One person every hour of every day will die from oral cancer in the us alone. In its early stages, this disease frequently doesn’t reveal itself with symptoms that are painful or obvious, and that’s where oral cancers true danger lies. Undetected, it will have time to develop into an advanced stage killer. Early detection of oral cancer is possible. I wish we had known this when bruce developed what we considered a simple chronic hoarseness. A quick, painless screening will take less than 5 minutes of your time. Believe me, you never want to say I wish we had. Ask your dentist for a screening today.

In a world where cancer is almost a daily part of the news, one cancer isn’t heard about enough. Oral cancers are increasing in the us and is in my own case, most people know little about them. Like many, i thought that this was a cancer that impacted much older people who had used tobacco most of their lives. While that’s still a problem, the fastest growing segment of the people developing oral cancers are young non-smokers. A very common virus, one responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers, is now identified as a cause of this rapid rise in oral cancers. Thankfully in a fast, inexpensive and painless visual and tactile screening, a medical or dental professional can often identify early-stage disease. So please, the next time you visit your dentist or your medical doctor asked for this simple screening. Finding oral cancer in its earliest stages may save your life.

Do you want to improve your smile? Are you self-conscious about smiling around your friends or in your business environment? Cosmetic dentistry can offer you a solution to build your confidence and self-esteem. Using the right dentist is the most critical step in obtaining your desired results. Exceptional cosmetic dentistry doesn’t happen accidentally. It’s an art form that requires a talented professional. So how do you choose the right dentist for cosmetic work that requires such a high level of artistry and skill, and what question should you ask a dentist who performs cosmetic procedures? A good place to start your search is by talking to people you know who’ve had cosmetic dentistry. Don’t forget to check credentials, even if dentists recommended to you. Keep in mind that all dentists can call themselves cosmetic dentists. Research where they went to school and what continuing education courses they’ve taken. Most importantly, view before and after photos of their work. We throw from other dental professionals can also be helpful. Most cosmetic dentists are eager to showcase their best work. They do so with an album of before and after photos or an online smile gallery, just as an artist would display masterpieces in an art gallery. Be aware that commercially produced before and after examples do exist. So verify that the photos you are seeing are actually patients. Fortunately, there’s an objective, professional source to verify claims of expertise in cosmetic dentistry. The American academy of cosmetic dentistry, the leading organization in this field, has established different levels of membership the dentist can achieve based on their education, training and demonstrated skill. So don’t hesitate to ask the dentist you are considering if they are members of the AACD. Once you found a well-qualified cosmetic dentist with a track record of achieving the results you’re looking for, schedule a consultation. When the two of you sit down together, clearly explain your objectives and listen carefully to your dentist recommendation. Communication is extremely important to achieve the smile of your dreams. Finally, cosmetic dentistry involves the work of skilled laboratory technicians, state-of-the-art materials, and multiple office visits. Expect higher fees in general industry as art requires time and talent and be careful about going with the lowest bidder. After all, you’re making a significant investment in yourself and in your future. It will surely pay off as long as you have the right professionals by your side.