Is bottled or tap water better for your teeth?

With many people concerned about the taste and purity of tap water, the sales of bottled water have increased significantly in recent years.

Tap water goes through a process of purification designed to eliminate suspended materials, remove tastes and odors and kill microorganisms.

Fluoride is added to most tap water supplies with the aim of reducing cavities.

Fluoride becomes incorporated into our teeth as they develop and makes them more resistant to decay. It can reverse the progress of early cavities and reduce the need for dental treatment.

Mass water fluoridation has played an important role in reducing tooth decay.

The problem with bottled waters is that they usually don’t contain fluoride.

So there is a risk that drinking bottled water can increase the risk of cavities for some people.

If you drink a lot of bottled water, you can make up for this by using fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse.

Your dentist may even suggest a fluoride supplement if they notice an increase in cavities.

Making the most of your smile

Your smile is a major factor in the impression people get when they meet you.

And the good news is that you now don’t have to settle for a smile spoiled by stained, chipped, or misshapen teeth.

Advances in dental treatment mean there is a wide range of choices to help you get the smile that you want. Here are some of the options:
– Tooth whitening (bleaching) can help brighten teeth that have become discolored or stained. It can be done in the dental office or with a system the dentist can give you to use at home
– Bonding improves the appearance of teeth that have become chipped, broken, cracked or stained. This is done by bonding tooth-colored materials to the tooth surface
– Enamel shaping involves modifying teeth to improve their appearance by removing or contouring enamel
– Veneers are thin custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. They are used to treat spaces between teeth and teeth that are chipped, stained or poorly shaped.
– Braces may be needed if teeth are crooked, crowded or do not meet properly – and not just for kids

Even small changes can have a big impact on your smile and so make a huge difference to how you look and how you feel about yourself.

If you’d like an even better smile, your dentist will be able to give you information about the options available.

What to expect when having a tooth extracted

The process of having a tooth extracted may seem worrying but you’ll find it much easier if you know what to expect on the day and afterwards.

Your dentist will make the process as comfortable as possible for you by numbing the area around the tooth to be extracted.

In most cases, a small amount of bleeding is quite normal and your dentist will advise you what process to follow to allow healing as quickly as possible.

Generally, you should avoid anything that might prevent normal healing.

For example, it’s best not to smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously or drink through a straw for 24 hours afterwards as these could delay healing.

For the first few days, if you need to rinse your mouth, do it gently. If you are suffering pain or swelling, apply a cold cloth or an ice bag.

If necessary, your dentist will recommend something for any pain.

At the beginning, don’t clean around the socket where the tooth has been removed but you should brush and floss the other teeth as usual.

Modern procedures make having an extraction and the follow-up more comfortable than ever before.

Making your teeth look better with veneers

Everybody wants the best smile possible and there’s no need to have it spoiled by gaps in your teeth or by teeth that are stained or badly shaped.

Whether the problem was caused by nature or by an injury, you may be able to have a veneer placed on top of your teeth to restore or improve your smile.

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth.

Your dentist will usually make a model of your teeth and the veneers will be made by a specialist dental technician.

A small amount of enamel has to be removed from your teeth to accommodate the shell so having veneers is usually an irreversible process.

In order to make the most of your veneer, your dentist may suggest that you avoid foods and drinks that could discolor them, such as coffee, tea or red wine.

It’s also possible that veneers might chip or fracture.

But, for many people, veneers are well worth it as they give them a completely new smile.

How Osteoporosis medications can affect your dental health

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures.

It affects about 10 million Americans – of whom 8 million are women – and another 34 million are at risk of developing it.

So this is a disease that affects more women than cancer, heart disease and stroke combined.

But what does it have to do with your dental care?

Well, many people in these categories are treated with a group of prescription drugs called oral bisphosphonates. Studies have reported that these drugs reduce bone loss, increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.

But some people have been alarmed and confused by recent news reports about oral bisphosphonates because of uncommon complications that have been linked to these drugs.

The drugs have been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a rare but potentially serious condition that can cause severe destruction of the jawbone.

The true risk posed by oral bisphosphonates remains uncertain, but researchers seem to agree that it appears very small.

Given the risks associated with osteoporosis and the proven benefits of oral bisphosphonate therapy, you should not stop taking these medications before discussing the matter fully with your physician.

If your physician prescribes an oral bisphosphonate, it’s important to tell your dentist so that your health history form can be updated.

In this case, some dental procedures, such as extractions, may increase your risk of developing ONJ, so your dentist needs to be able to take your full health picture into account.

Make your visit to the dentist easier: Sedation And General Anesthesia

While local anesthetics are often used in dental treatment, there is sometimes a need for anti-anxiety agents – such as nitrous oxide – or sedatives to help people relax during dental visits.

Dentists may use these agents to induce “minimal or moderate sedation”.

In this case, the patient reaches a relaxed state during treatment but can respond to speech or touch.

Sedatives can be administered before, during or after dental procedures by mouth, inhalation or injection.

More complex treatments may require drugs that can induce “deep sedation”.

This reduces consciousness and causes a loss of feeling which helps to reduce both pain and anxiety.

Sometimes patients undergo “general anesthesia” where the drugs lead to a temporary loss of consciousness.

A dentist may recommend deep sedation or general anesthesia for certain procedures with children or with adults who have severe anxiety or for people who have difficulty controlling their movements.

While these techniques to control pain and anxiety are used to treat tens of millions of patients safely every year, its important that you let your dentist know anything that might affect your ability to benefit from them for example, tell them about any illnesses or health conditions, whether you are taking any medications and if you’ve had any problems with allergic reactions to medications.

What to do if you have problems with your dentist

Choosing the right dentist for your needs is an important part of giving yourself the best oral health possible.

Sometimes you may find that things are not working out for the best and it’s important to take steps to resolve any problems rather than just put off your dental care.

First, talk to your dentist about any concerns. They will probably be able to accommodate your needs if you tell them what you are looking for.

In some situations, you may feel that you want to look around at alternative options – maybe there are other dentists who meet your needs better, taking into account factors such as location, office hours, fees and emergency arrangements.

If you are comparing fees, ask for estimates on full-mouth x-rays and a preventive dental visit that includes an oral exam and tooth cleaning.

If you have any doubts about treatment your dentist has recommended, it may be a good idea to set your mind at rest by getting a second opinion from another dentist.

However, even in the best dentist-patient relationship, problems can sometimes occur. If your dentist is not able to resolve your concerns, you can contact your state or local dental association.

They have established systems of peer review that provide an impartial and easy way to resolving misunderstandings regarding the appropriateness or quality of care.

If you are not completely satisfied with the dental treatment you are getting, it’s important to take steps to put it right – whether you sort it out with your own dentist or find another one.

The difference between canker sores and cold sores

 Although canker sores are often confused with cold sores, there is a difference.

Canker sores occur inside the mouth, and cold sores usually occur outside the mouth.

Canker sores are small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. There can be one or more sores in the mouth. They are very common and often recur.

They usually heal in a week or two and rinsing with antimicrobial mouthrinses may help reduce the irritation.

Cold sores – also called fever blisters – are composed of groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters that often erupt around the lips and sometimes under the nose or chin.

Cold sores are usually caused by herpes virus type I and are very contagious. They usually heal in about a week.

Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can provide temporary relief and prescription antiviral drugs may reduce these kinds of viral infections.

Treating facial pain and jaw problems

Chronic facial pain is a problem faced by millions of Americans.

Common symptoms can include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth or even head and neck aches.

If you are suffering from this type of pain, your dentist can help identify its source with a thorough exam and appropriate x-rays.

Sometimes, the problem is a sinus or toothache or it could be an early stage of periodontal disease.

But for some pain, the cause is not so easily diagnosed.

There are two joints and several jaw muscles which make it possible to open and close the mouth. They work together when you chew, speak, and swallow.

These structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints, the TMJs.

Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.

There are several ways the TMJ disorders may be treated.

Diagnosis is an important step before treatment.

Part of your clinical examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving.

Your dentist may take x-rays and may make a cast of your teeth to see how your bite fits together.

To help you deal with this pain, your dentist will recommend what type of treatment you need and may refer you to a specialist.

How dentures can replace your smile

If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay or injury, complete dentures can replace your missing teeth and your smile.

Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health.

Without support from the denture, facial muscles sag, making a person look older. You’ll also find it harder to eat and speak things that people often take for granted until their natural teeth are lost.

There are various types of complete dentures.

A conventional full denture is made and placed in the patient’s mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed which may take several months.

An immediate complete denture is inserted as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. The dentist takes measurements and makes models of the patient’s jaws during a preliminary visit. With immediate dentures, the denture wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

Even if you wear full dentures, you still must take good care of your mouth. Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque.

And even if you wear full dentures, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly to maintain your overall oral health and get early warning of serious issues such as oral cancer.

Symptoms of TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)

 The symptoms of TMJ can range from mild to severe, and they may include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or around the ear
• A popping or clicking sound when opening and closing the mouth
• Limited movement of the jaw or locking of the jaw in an open or closed position
• Headaches
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Dizziness
• Difficulty in chewing or biting
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Causes of TMJ

The exact cause of TMJ is not well understood, but it is believed to be the result of a combination of factors, including:

• Arthritis
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Stress
• Dislocation of the disc between the jawbone and the skull
• Trauma to the jaw or face
• Jaw misalignment
• Diagnosis and Treatment of TMJ

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ, it is important to seek the advice of a doctor or dentist. They may refer you to a specialist, such as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a physical therapist, for a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment for TMJ will depend on the underlying cause of the condition and the severity of symptoms. In some cases, simple self-care measures, such as avoiding hard or chewy foods, practicing stress management techniques, and applying ice to the jaw, may be enough to relieve symptoms.

The Advantages of Implant Dentistry: Why Dental Implants are the Best Option for Missing Teeth

If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be wondering what your options are for restoring your smile. While there are several options available, including dentures and bridges, dental implants are considered by many to be the gold standard in restorative dentistry. Here are just a few of the advantages of implant dentistry:

1. Stability and Durability: Unlike dentures and bridges, which can shift or move around in your mouth, dental implants are anchored directly into your jawbone, providing a stable and secure foundation for your new teeth. Additionally, dental implants are made from durable materials such as titanium, which means they can last a lifetime with proper care.
2. Improved Oral Health: Dental implants not only replace missing teeth but also help preserve the surrounding bone and prevent further bone loss. This is because implants stimulate the bone tissue, just like natural teeth do, which helps maintain a healthy jawbone.
3. Aesthetics: Dental implants are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth, so you can smile, speak, and eat with confidence. Unlike dentures, which can look artificial or bulky, implants blend seamlessly with your existing teeth and can be customized to match your natural tooth color.
4. Convenience: Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth, which means you don't have to worry about removing them for cleaning or maintenance. You can simply brush and floss them like you would your natural teeth.
5. Improved Quality of Life: With dental implants, you can enjoy all the foods you love without worrying about your teeth slipping or falling out. Additionally, many people report feeling more confident and self-assured after getting dental implants, which can have a positive impact on their overall quality of life.

While dental implants may require a more significant investment upfront, many people find that the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial cost. If you are considering implant dentistry, be sure to speak with a qualified dentist who can guide you through the process and help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

The Benefits of Choosing a Dental Crown for Your Damaged Tooth

If you have a damaged or decayed tooth, a dental crown may be the best option to restore your smile. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of choosing a dental crown over other dental restorations, such as fillings or inlays/onlays.

Protection and Restoration of Tooth Structure

Dental crowns are designed to cover and protect a damaged or weakened tooth, preventing further decay or damage. They can restore the tooth to its original shape and size, allowing you to use it for biting and chewing as normal. Crowns are also helpful for supporting teeth that have undergone root canal therapy or for anchoring dental bridges.

Aesthetic Improvement

Dental crowns can improve the appearance of a damaged or discolored tooth, restoring the natural look of your smile. Crowns can be customized to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, creating a seamless and natural-looking result. This makes dental crowns an excellent choice for front teeth, where appearance is particularly important.

Durability and Longevity

Dental crowns are a durable and long-lasting dental restoration, with a lifespan of 10 to 15 years or more. With proper care and maintenance, a dental crown can last for many years without needing to be replaced. Compared to other restorative options, such as fillings or inlays/onlays, dental crowns offer superior strength and durability.

Improved Oral Health

By restoring a damaged or decayed tooth with a dental crown, you can improve your overall oral health. A damaged tooth can lead to further dental problems, such as gum disease or tooth loss. A dental crown can prevent these issues, ensuring your teeth and gums remain healthy and strong.

In conclusion, dental crowns offer many benefits for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. They provide protection and restoration of tooth structure, aesthetic improvement, durability and longevity, and improved oral health. If you have a damaged or decayed tooth, speak with your dentist about whether a dental crown is the right choice for you.

Teeth Whitening Treatments, Benefits, and Risks

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment that can enhance the appearance of your smile by brightening and removing stains from your teeth. In this blog, we'll explore the different types of teeth whitening treatments available, their benefits and risks, and how to maintain a bright, healthy smile.

Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments

1. In-Office Teeth Whitening: This is the most effective and quickest teeth whitening method. Your dentist will apply a powerful bleaching agent to your teeth and use a special light to activate the agent. The whole process takes about an hour, and you'll see immediate results.
2. At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits: There are many at-home teeth whitening kits available in the market. These kits typically include a whitening gel that you apply to your teeth using a tray or strips. They can be effective, but it may take a few weeks to see noticeable results.
3. Natural Teeth Whitening: Some natural remedies can help whiten your teeth, including brushing with baking soda or using hydrogen peroxide. However, these methods may not be as effective as professional treatments, and there is a risk of damaging your teeth or gums if used incorrectly.

Benefits and Risks of Teeth Whitening

The main benefit of teeth whitening is improving the appearance of your smile. A brighter smile can increase your confidence and self-esteem. However, there are some risks to be aware of. Overuse of teeth whitening treatments can cause tooth sensitivity and damage to your enamel. It's essential to follow your dentist's instructions or product guidelines carefully.

Maintaining a Bright, Healthy Smile

After undergoing teeth whitening treatment, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene to keep your teeth looking their best. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Avoid smoking and limit your consumption of coffee, tea, and other staining foods and beverages.

In conclusion, teeth whitening can be an excellent way to enhance the appearance of your smile, but it's important to choose the right treatment and take good care of your teeth afterward. Talk to your dentist to determine the best teeth whitening method for you, and enjoy your brighter, healthier smile!

How Dental Implants Can Restore Your Smile and Confidence

If you have missing teeth, dental implants can be a life-changing solution that can restore your smile and confidence. Dental implants are a popular and effective option for tooth replacement because they are durable, long-lasting, and look and feel like natural teeth. Here are some of the ways that dental implants can restore your smile and confidence:

1. Improve Appearance: Dental implants are designed to look and function like natural teeth. They are custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your existing teeth, resulting in a natural-looking smile that can boost your confidence.
2. Restore Function: Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat and speak properly, and can cause discomfort and pain. Dental implants can restore the function of your teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with ease.
3. Preserve Bone Density: When teeth are missing, the jawbone can start to deteriorate over time. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preserving bone density and preventing further bone loss.
4. Long-Lasting Solution: Dental implants are a long-lasting solution that can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Unlike dentures or bridges, which may need to be replaced or adjusted over time, dental implants provide a permanent solution that can save you time and money in the long run.
5. Improve Self-Confidence: Missing teeth can cause embarrassment and low self-esteem. Dental implants can improve your self-confidence by restoring your smile and allowing you to feel comfortable and confident in social situations.

If you are considering dental implants, it is important to consult with a qualified dental professional to determine if they are the right solution for your dental needs. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can restore your smile and confidence for years to come.

 

How to Maintain Your Beautiful Smile after Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Congratulations on your new beautiful smile! Cosmetic dentistry can do wonders for your confidence and self-esteem, but it's important to remember that maintaining your new smile requires ongoing care and attention. Here are some tips on how to maintain your beautiful smile after cosmetic dentistry procedures:

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Proper brushing and flossing are essential to maintaining good oral health and preventing future dental problems. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.

2. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health and catching any potential problems early on. Your dentist can also check your cosmetic dental work to ensure it is still in good condition.

3. Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages: Foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries can stain your teeth over time. Limit your intake of these items, or rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.

4. Use a Straw: When drinking beverages that can stain your teeth, using a straw can help minimize contact with your teeth.

5. Quit Smoking: Smoking not only stains your teeth, but it can also lead to gum disease and other oral health problems. Quitting smoking can improve the appearance of your teeth and overall oral health.

6. Wear a Mouthguard: If you participate in contact sports or grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth and any cosmetic dental work.

7. Maintain a Healthy Diet: A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods can help maintain strong teeth and overall oral health.

By following these tips and maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you can help ensure that your beautiful smile lasts for years to come.

How sugar in your diet affects your teeth

The sugar content in the food you eat has a big effect on your teeth and gums.

When bacteria (plaque) come into contact with sugar in the mouth, acid is produced, which attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more. This can eventually result in tooth decay.

That's why drinking sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks can take a toll on teeth.

This is particularly true for children as their eating patterns and food choices affect how quickly they develop tooth decay.

Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to tooth decay. However, almost all foods, including milk or vegetables, have some type of sugar. Many of them also contain important nutrients that are an important part in our diet.

To help control the amount of sugar you consume, read food labels and choose foods and beverages that are low in added sugars. Soft drinks, candy, cookies and pastries often contain added sugars.

The secrets of avoiding gum disease as an older adult

Gum disease also known as periodontal disease often progresses slowly, without pain, over a long period of time and that's one reason it is common among older adults.

The longer the disease goes undetected and uncontrolled, the more damage it causes to gums and other supporting tissues.

Although periodontal disease is caused by plaque, other factors can increase the risk or severity of the condition, including:
– Food left between the teeth
– Tobacco use smoking and smokeless tobacco
– Badly aligned teeth
– Ill-fitting bridges or partial dentures
– Poor diet
– Systemic diseases such as anemia

Although periodontal disease is common, it can be controlled and, if caught in its early stages, it can be reversed. However, in advanced stages, it may require surgery.

Look out for the following warning signs and see your dentist if you notice any of them:
– Bleeding gums when you brush
– Red, tender or swollen gums
– Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
– Pus between your teeth and gums when the gums are pressed
– Loose teeth or teeth moving apart
– Any change in your bite
– Any change in the fit of your partial dentures
– Constant bad breath or bad taste

Keeping an eye out for these problems and having regular dental checkups can help you stop gum disease becoming a major and expensive problem.

How mouth protectors can save your teeth

If you take part in sports that carry a significant risk of injury, you should wear a mouth protector.

Accidents can happen during any physical activity and, if you participate in sports such as football, hockey, basketball, baseball, gymnastics and volleyball, you might be grateful for the extra protection one day.

Something as simple as a misdirected elbow in a game, or a spill off a bicycle, can leave you with chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth or even tooth loss.

Mouth protectors usually cover the upper teeth and they can cushion the effect of a blow to the face, reducing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth.

In addition, if you wear dental appliances such as braces on your lower jaw, your dentist may suggest a mouth protector for these teeth as well.

A properly fitted mouth protector will stay in place while you are wearing it, making it easy for you to talk and breathe. The three main types of mouth protectors are:

Stock: These are inexpensive and come ready to wear. But they often don’t fit very well and they can be bulky making breathing and talking difficult.

Boil and bite: These can also be bought at many sport stores and may fit better than stock mouth protectors. You first soften them in water, then insert them and allow them to adapt to the shape of your mouth.

Custom-fitted: Protectors that are specially made for you by your dentist are more expensive but are likely to fit better than one you buy off the shelf.

Choosing to wear the right mouth protector can help you avoid serious long-term damage to your teeth and mouth.

Understanding your wisdom teeth

Many patients ask whether wisdom teeth are really necessary since so many people have them removed.

The fact is that wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned.

However, problems can occur that sometimes make it better to have them removed.

For example, when the jaw isn’t large enough, the wisdom teeth can become impacted – misaligned or unable to grow in properly. They may grow sideways, emerge only part way from the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

The reasons wisdom teeth may have to be extracted include:
– The teeth have only partially erupted. This leaves an opening for bacteria which cause infection.
– There is a chance the wisdom teeth will damage adjacent teeth.
– A cyst forms which may destroy surrounding structures such as bone or tooth roots.

Ask your dentist about the health and positioning of your wisdom teeth.

Your dentist will tell you if there are any issues and will recommend any steps needed.