Category: Dental care

A set of perfectly white teeth are a dream for many people. THis can be proved by the fact that even the slightest of imperfections can make us feel conscious. During such dire times, cosmetic dentistry treatments are here for the rescue. But, often, we tend to view them as inaccessible, expensive, and intrusive. But, dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry technique that is easy and affordable. Before hopping on to the benefits of cosmetic dental bonding, let us analyze what dental bonding is in the first place. 

Dental Bonding – A Brief Overview

We can define dental bonding as a cosmetic procedure that can cover and repair imperfections of the teeth. A tooth-colored resin is applied over the damaged tooth to produce an attractive look. Dental bonding is a straightforward process that we can use as an alternative to veneers and dental crowns. 

Dental bonding can be used in case of the following situations:

• To restore a cracked or chipped tooth
• To make a tooth look bigger by building up its sides
• To fill in minor tooth gaps
• To lengthen a tooth that is short
• Whiten a stained or discolored tooth

Now, let us understand the various benefits of dental bonding.

Benefits Of Dental Bonding

• It is a quick procedure that takes about 20 minutes.
• It is painless and does not require sedation dentistry.
• The composite resin is applied in layers over the damaged tooth. After that, it is hardened during a special light and then polished for future protection.
• Dental bonding is one of the most straightforward and most non-intrusive methods of correcting imperfect teeth.
• It is affordable as compared to veneers and other dental treatments.
• Less tooth enamel is removed in the process of dental bonding.
• Dental bonding immaculately matches your natural teeth, and the results are excellent.
• The binding material is solid and durable.

Therefore, if you are not willing to commit to veneers or other intrusive dental treatments, then opting for dental bonding can indeed be the right choice for you.

Ways To Take Care Of Your Teeth After Dental Bonding

Acknowledging that dental bonding is a simple process, you don’t have to dramatically change your dental hygiene routine. Your usual oral hygiene habits will help you maintain a robust and appealing cosmetic bonding for years on end. Nevertheless, there are few extra steps that you can take to keep your dental bonding for prolonged periods.

It can get discolored by dark and staining beverages such as tea, coffee, red wine, and so forth. So, it is essential to control the consumption of such drinks and also brush and floss regularly. Dental bonds are not as strong as natural teeth. So, it is necessary not to put extra pressure on them. But otherwise, dental bonding is an excellent cosmetic dentistry technique for minor imperfections on your teeth. If you want whiter, brighter, and perfect teeth, you can easily opt for dental bonding. 

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!

Dentures are a standard apparatus used to either replace missing teeth or any loss of functionality. Dentures come in different varieties, and your dentist will choose the correct one for you based on your needs. You may be given partial dentures or recommended dental bridges or replace your entire set of teeth with complete dentures.

Since each option has different functionality, costs, and appearances, you need to know which type of denture is right for you before making the final decision.

What are Complete Dentures, And Who Would Need Them?

Complete dentures are prosthetic devices that give full oral coverage. They replace an entire set of missing teeth. You would go for complete dentures if:

• A full arch of teeth has been removed.
• You cannot go for dental implants because of either financial constraints or dental professionals have deemed them inappropriate for you due to some medical complications. A medically compromised situation makes you unfit for surgeries or can cause other damages like affecting nerves, maxillary sinuses, vessels, etc.
• You have intraoral cancer, due to which you have lost gross intraoral tissue, which has resulted in an edentulous dental arch. In such a scenario, a complete denture would replace teeth and help fill parts of missing nerves, for example, hard palate, nasopharynx, etc.

Different Kinds Of Complete Dentures

Complete dentures come in a variety of forms, as indicated below:

• Conventional Complete Dentures – These dentures are created with acrylic resin, and their retention is dependent on saliva, alveolar ridge, and other supporting structures.
• Immediate Complete Dentures – These dentures are delivered as soon as all teeth of an arch are removed. This denture helps the healing process by remodeling the underlying ridge to the insides of the denture. This type of complete denture might need periodic realignment as the underlying tissues keep getting healed and remodeled. Mostly after six months of immediate dentures, a set of new conventional complete dentures would be recommended by your dental surgeon.
• Overdentures – These dentures are used when two or more roots have been salvaged and stabilized. They can also go over dental implants placed on your teeth. The overdentures might need locator attachments to be secured within the remaining roots or dental implants. Overdentures are supposed to improve retention. With dental implants and roots helping to preserve bones, the added retention due to overdentures is better than what the traditional complete dentures alone can provide.
• Metal-based dentures – These dentures are made of metal which is placed on the tissue-bearing side. Metal provides better conduction of heat from food which increases pleasure during food intake. These dentures also provide a better fit and added weight which helps to keep the lower denture (mandibular) in place.

Good-looking teeth not only make you feel confident but also give you better chewing and masticating power. If you lost your teeth for some reason, dentures are a great alternative to explore to preserve the look and function of your mouth. Based on your needs, your dentist will suggest the appropriate denture type.

Book an Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

We all aspire to possess sparkly, symmetrical, and aligned teeth. But, not everyone is naturally blessed with perfect pearly whites. It is noteworthy to mention that technology has been a moon when it comes to dental intervention. Nowadays, anyone can attain their ideal set of teeth within concise time frames. Using braces is the most typical method of correcting teeth malformation and misalignment. But, managing and taking proper care of braces may be tricky, and we have to be careful of our daily oral hygiene habits. Toothpaste is a fundamental part of our daily dental regimen and plays a crucial role in our overall oral health. But, braces can make things a little complicated. Let us find out which toothpaste works best with braces and why.

The perfect braces-toothpaste combination

The fact is that there is no Holy Grail toothpaste that we can use while wearing braces. Unless prescribed by an orthodontist, we can look for a toothpaste tube that ticks off the usual boxes. Toothpaste containing an optimal concentration of fluoride should be your first choice. It is an ingredient that protects our precious enamel and fights cavities. Fluoride reduces the probability of tooth decay around areas where the braces are in contact with the teeth. The lack of fluoride from our dental care may increase the vulnerability to caries.

White teeth are very desirable, and we may lean towards whitening toothpaste to achieve them. But, the general consensus is not to use them when using braces. The gritty content of whitening toothpaste, like charcoal-based toothpaste, comes in contact with only specific parts of the teeth that are not veiled by braces. The consequent result may be uneven tooth color, with the color being whiter in areas where the braces are not attached and vice-versa. Furthermore, charcoal-activated toothpaste and charcoal powder can be messy, and it may require some effort to remove all the traces of the black toothpaste or powder from the teeth and braces. Thus, a better solution is to wait till the braces are removed and then use whitening toothpaste.

Braces may cause some irritation and discomfort in the mouth. Thus, using moisturizing toothpaste becomes essential. Lastly, it is imperative to opt for a toothpaste tube or brand recommended by dentists or authorized dental associations.

Dental care with braces

While wearing braces, it is vital to take extra care of our teeth and mouth. The added effort is necessary because the surface area for plaque and tartar formation dramatically increases when using braces. The increase is because food may be trapped in between the nooks and crannies of the dentures.

We must brush our teeth post every meal – it is the best way to take care of the braces-clad teeth. Furthermore, meticulous strokes to reach every corner of the braces become crucial are significant. We can also utilize a gentle mouthwash along with dental flossing to help remove food particles and tartar. Furthermore, avoiding too many sugary foods like candies and teeth staining agents like coffee, tea, wine, etc., is also essential to prevent cavities and discoloration.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

Your toothpaste might not be as harmless as you think it is. From artificial sweeteners to chemicals that break down the teeth’s protective layer, there are several harmful aspects associated with its usage. If you have decided to give up using toothpaste for good or just want to switch things up, there are several alternatives that are healthier and produce the same results.

Now that you have finally decided to ditch the commercial toothpaste, here are some natural alternatives that work just as well without exposing your teeth to harmful chemicals.

Baking Soda
You might have heard about this already. Baking soda is a commonly used ingredient in teeth whitening and cleaning. You can brush your teeth using baking soda mixed with water.

Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an ingredient that provides several benefits to your body, from improving the quality of your hair to your skin. It can also be used along with baking soda as a substitute for toothpaste. Other oils like sesame and sunflower can also be used for oil pulling to keep your teeth clean.

Sea salt
Another effective substitute for toothpaste is sea salt. Sea salt can effectively clean all parts of your mouth and keep it free of harmful bacteria. Make sure that you dilute it with water before using it so as to avoid abrasion of the teeth.

Essential oils
Essential oils like peppermint, cinnamon and eucalyptus can work wonders for your oral health. Use a couple of drops of essential oil mixed in water for cleansing your teeth, and you will get an observable improvement in your teeth’s shine and health.

Hydrogen Peroxide
One of the popular ingredients used for cleaning teeth is hydrogen peroxide. It helps fight off the bacteria present in the mouth and also keep the teeth spotlessly clean. Hydrogen peroxide should also be diluted before using it as an alternative for toothpaste. It should be noted that hydrogen peroxide should not be used in case you have artificial fillings.

Natural Soaps
Natural soaps that are used to clean the body can also help in cleaning your teeth and keeping them free of bacteria. You can go for flavors like peppermint to avoid getting a soapy taste in your mouth after brushing.

It is important that you thoroughly rinse your mouth after using any of these natural ingredients instead of your toothpaste. There are several other substitutes that can help you move on from conventional toothpaste and keep your teeth clean and healthy.  Some herbal tooth powders are also available commercially. These generate results like toothpaste without putting your health at risk. You can learn more about ways to properly care for your teeth by visiting your dentist regularly. Getting your oral health checked routinely is extremely crucial. Make sure that you book an appointment with the dentist to find out how healthy and safe your teeth are and if you require updating your oral care routine.

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A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear. Now imagine yourself smiling; you wouldn’t want your teeth to look yellow. Do you? Our teeth comprise the outer hard enamel, The dentin underneath the enamel, The dental pulp that lies soft and encased within the dentin, and The cementum that lies over the dentin and helps attach the tooth to the jaw.

What is dentin?

The soft portion between the enamel and pulp is called dentin. They are formed from the odontoblasts of the pulp’s uppermost layer. It initially forms pre-dentin, which then matures into dentin.

Dentin is classified into two categories, the primary, the upper part of dentin near the enamel; the secondary, the part that is in contact with the cementum; and the tertiary, the one that forms when enamel corrodes.

Dentin’s function

Its primary function is to support the structure of enamel. Due to it’s softer texture than enamel, it helps in absorbing the pressure from eating. It is responsible for transferring the impulses from the enamel to the pulp, where the nerve ending in the pulp would receive the signals. It also acts as cushioning for the pulps.

Dentin and Decay

The moment we look at someone, we judge the health of their teeth based on its color. We know yellow would imply unhealthy teeth, and black or grey would indicate a cavity. Most of us would understand that Enamel degradation has a significant role in our teeth’ yellow coloring. When the top layer of teeth, enamel degrades, dentin’s layer would be visible. This dentin gives teeth a yellowish color. That’s the reason unhealthy teeth are associated with discoloration. The unveiling of dectin causes the teeth to be brittle; the edges of teeth would become rougher as enamel erodes. Moreover, dentin exposure would cause a condition, namely Dentin hypersensitivity.

What is Dentin hypersensitivity?

Dentin hypersensitivity is the condition due to dentin exposure to thermal, chemical, or osmotic stimuli, thereby causing extreme sensitivity and pain. It is one of the most reported dental issues. As the enamel corrodes due to cavity or acid imbalances, the dentin is exposed to various stimuli, and disparity in pH may cause sensitivity. Dentin is 70% mineral, 20 % organic matter, and 10% water, unlike enamel, 45 % mineral, 34 % organic matter, and 21 % water. The mineral that makes up dentin is called hydroxyapatite, which will not demineralize as much as enamel when it undergoes an acid challenge. The bulk loss of a layer is relatively much lesser in the case of dectin. This is also the reason why it is regenerative. But there is a negligible amount of dectin loss due to frictional forces.

The dentin contains tubules of cells and fluid. This gives the dentin a degree of permeability, which can increase painful sensations and accelerate the progression of tooth decay. As the pain and sensitivity affect one a lot, the consumption of hot and cold eatables would hurt.

Care and Prevention

As mentioned above, dectin is regenerative, but bacterial growth should be in control. To achieve that oral hygiene is the only solution. Coarse tooth brushing, Grinding of teeth, The overuse of abrasive agents for tooth whitening, Accumulation of plaque should be avoided. In Gum recession, fractured teeth, or any other dental problem, visit the doctor. Also, a regular appointment with the dentist would be helpful.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

You could lose teeth because of many reasons such as periodontal disease, tooth extraction, ageing, facial injury, poor oral care, etc. With missing teeth, your facial muscles sag over time. So one needs dentures to fill out the facial profile. Dentures are also a necessity for people with missing teeth as it helps them eat, chew, and speak normally.

A denture is a man-made removable set of teeth that you can put in place of your missing teeth. In this article, we will find out about all the different types of dentures and what differentiates them.

Types of Dentures
The common types of dentures are listed below:

• Complete or full dentures – These are traditional dentures that are suitable for a person who is missing all his teeth. These are removable replacements for the entire set of teeth. They are of two types:
• Conventional – These dentures sit on top of the gums and are typically placed 8-12 weeks after the teeth have either been removed or extracted.
• Immediate – These are made in advance and can be put in position as soon as the teeth are removed. These dentures require more adjustments as the bones and gums shrink during the healing period.
• Partial Dentures – These dentures are used for patients who still have a few of their natural teeth intact. Partial dentures prevent the other teeth from moving.
• Partial removable denture – This is a good option for those who prefer removable dentures. The denture consists of a gum-coloured plastic base that is attached to a metal framework that keeps the denture in place.
• Partial Fixed dentures – These dentures are non-removable.
• Implant-Supported Dentures – These are useful for those who need added retention because of bone loss. In these, a dental implant is used to support dentures stay securely in the mouth. The denture gives a lot of support for anchorage and a solid foundation. These implants look natural and blend without being conspicuous and last long.
• Snap-in Dentures – Snap-in dentures provide maximum stability amongst other dentures. They use dental implants or anchors to stay securely in place onto the existing teeth. They are unique because of the locator attachments that are embedded onto the tissue side of the denture. These locator attachments can snap into the locator receptors or dental implants. They are extremely convenient and removable. Snap-in dentures are used for patients who do not have any teeth, but their bones are strong enough to support an implant.
• Custom Dentures – These dentures are more expensive as they are made from more expensive teeth and give you a more natural-looking smile. These dentures are customized to suit your mouth and facial structure.
• Overdentures – It is a removable denture that sits on top of the gums. It is supported by dental implants and can be placed on either the upper or lower jaw, as needed by an individual.
• Economy Dentures – These are cost-effective dentures but very generic and do not usually fit comfortably or securely in the mouth. They also look fake and require denture adhesive to make them fit more securely.

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A very common condition that people experience is a white line on the inner side of their cheek. This is known as Linea Alba in medical terms. You might have come across this lining while brushing your teeth. Since this condition does not cause any pain, you do not have to worry about it. But what causes this white line? Think of it as a callous formed in your cheek. People who have a habit of biting their cheek are more likely to develop this condition.

Linea Alba is a condition in which the inner tissue of your cheek, also known as buccal mucosa hardens. This results in the formation of a white ridge in the pink tissue of your cheek. This hardening is due to the deposition of a material called keratin. The main reason behind this condition is the friction between the teeth and the soft layer of the cheeks. The condition in itself does not lead to any major discomfort or pain but needs to be managed to ensure that it does not get thicker over time.

Causes

Just like your fingers develop calluses when you play an instrument like guitar frequently, a similar callus is formed in your cheek with repeated biting and grinding. The condition could be a result of any of these:

• If your teeth are uneven and they constantly grind or slide against each other.
• People with dentures that rub against each other may also experience this condition.
• Wearing orthodontic gear could lead to the formation of this white line.
• People who brush or floss too hard and too much may end up with Linea Alba as well.
• If you have a habit of clenching your jaw too hard, you could be at risk of developing this white line.

Biting into the hard-line will only make it thicker. Therefore, you need to stay away from biting into the cheeks if you have Linea Alba.

Care

As long as you do not further bite into your cheeks and disturb the line, you would not have a problem. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, you need to get rid of it to prevent this ridge from forming. If the problem is arising due to dentures, get them adjusted by a professional to prevent them from rubbing against each other. You need to break the habit of chewing into your cheek as it will worsen the situation for you.

While this condition is not exactly harmful, you still need to get it checked by a dentist. They can ensure that the line is actually Linea Alba and not any other harmful condition like canker sores. Some conditions like leukoplakia that resemble this white line are actually quite dangerous. Therefore, you need to be sure that the white line is just a hardened layer of keratin. If you have recently discovered this white line, get the opinion of your dentist as soon as you can.

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“Oh! How horrified I felt that day when my son was in great pain. He couldn’t sleep all night.” When I asked his mother for knowing the reason behind the chronic pain in his teeth, she told me that Sam’s habit of chewing gum and frequent grinding of a molar tooth is behind it.

“As a father, I didn’t sleep that night and tried to avail online-consultation from the best dentist, but even this slight effort went in vain because the effect of pain took an entire night to go away.”

This is the plight of many parents who are experiencing their kids losing their teeth. This is due to gradual decay and damage that happens because of bad oral habits.

Why do kids clinch their teeth?

• Most kids are habitual of grinding and clenching the upper jaw or lower jaw tooth when the food particles get stuck at it. Owing to a vulnerable age and being a bit lazy, they perceive that grinding of the tooth deposited with food particles might let it go away. Perhaps this is the point where decaying of tooth and tooth pain emerges from this cause.
• In terms of medical sciences, Bruxism is the name given to teeth grinding that causes several oral health complications.

Reasons of Why Kids Grind their teeth

• In most adults, teeth grinding occurs due to anxiety and stress, but what it has to do with kids, because their life is carefree.
• Many reputed dental organizations have found that kids below 12 years of age grind their teeth because of the abnormal bite or crooked teeth.
• If your kid doesn’t sleep early at night and as a parent, if you have observed the disoriented pattern in his sleeping hours, then it might be the reason for causing sleep disorder.
• It is often assumed that kids grind their teeth while sleeping.

How To Find If Your Child Grinds Their Teeth?

• From the facts inscribed in the medical sciences, it has become quite evident that grinding usually occurs during sleep. Most kids aren’t even aware that to reduce/remove pain, they grind their teeth.
• In a few cases, children have shown early symptoms of Bruxism. For example, when children wake-up feeling a constant headache or find soreness in their jaws.
• Children are often told by their mothers or siblings that they grind their teeth as they hear the grinding at night.
• If you have been hearing the echo of grinding, then consult a dentist before it’s too late. It is crucial to early diagnosis and examination of mouth and jaws, and for analyzing the effects of Bruxism like jaw tenderness and excessive wear on teeth. This could save a child’s teeth from getting fixed with root canals.

Is Teeth Grinding Worrisome or Merely An Acute Pain?

• From the dental facts, it is revealed that fracturing of the teeth structure or even loss of the molar tooth is the impact of teeth grinding.
• The frequent grinding of teeth causes chronic pain responsible for wearing teeth down to stumps. During the time of occurrence of these events, bridges, crowns, dental implants, and even root canals to fix the teeth’s structure from further disorientation.
• Besides, loosening the tooth, grinding damages the jaws and often affects the appearance of the face too.

How to Combat and Limit Teeth Grinding

• Avail a mouth guard for your kid because it will protect your tiny tot’s teeth from getting ground further during sleep.
• For some time, avoid giving your kids all those foods and drinks that contain caffeine like colas, chocolate, and coffee.
• Stop your child from chewing on pencils, pens, or even nails because only then the jaw muscles of your child would not use more clenching.
• There is another alternative that can prove more helpful in easing the pain of the loss of teeth.

To accurately diagnose your child’s dental issues, always consult your nearest dentist and take timely care of your child.

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When you think of having dentures, you imagine the most common ones, consisting of an acrylic-pink palette covering your natural gums. Although they are an appropriate option to go for, having a whole set of teeth without having proper sensation as your gums are covered doesn’t make you feel too good about it. Horseshoe or Implant-Retained dentures can help you have both a natural look and sense receptors, which you don’t get to experience with other dentures due to the palette. There are various complications associated with the traditional dentures that make the horseshoe dentures even more desirable.

You might still have false teeth with horseshoe dentures, but you will have a more natural look in terms of gum sensation and taste buds that will make your food taste much better.

Now before we review the working of these dentures, let us also discuss what Horseshoe dentures precisely are. And how do they exactly fit into your mouth? Over time, the demand for horseshoe dentures has been increasingly high due to its stability and comfort factors.

What are Horseshoe dentures?

Implant-Retained Dentures or Horseshoe Dentures are the dentures that clip onto your dental implants, rather than leaning onto your gums. These are securely clipped on your gums, enabling you to have stronger and steady teeth. However, you have to remove them while cleaning. Implant-retained dentures take a while to set, yet are the most affordable solution for your denture difficulties.

Horseshoe Dentures Paired with Dental Implants

Usually, Horseshoe dentures are of a horseshoe shape for it to appear less bulky. They rest on the gums in the upper as well as the lower denture. Additionally, setting the implant-retained dentures on the upper denture demands an added number of dental implants juxtaposed to the lower denture for proper support. All the dentures need an acrylic palette to snap on to the jaws, whereas implant-retained dentures use dental implants for preventing the denture from knocking out of place. The reason behind it is that the dental implants clip into the jawbone, which gives the dentures its stability.

Moreover, due to its specific shape, it eradicates the need to have an acrylic palette capping the gums. The most significant advantage of this is having natural gums and its sensations without letting you be concerned about the artificial teeth. Besides the natural and steady look, another benefit that makes the horseshoe dentures stand out is that you can remove it for cleaning or while sleeping.

These are extremely helpful in the process of teeth loss because as the jawbones get weaker, you begin losing your teeth, and the only alternative you are left with is wearing a denture. Dental implants not just make the dentures feel comfortable but also protect your jawbones from any further bone density loss.

Concluding this, dental implants can make the procedure of horseshoe dentures comfortable and get rid of the difficulties that you encounter following teeth loss or with using other kinds of dentures.

Visit your dentist to get proper advice on dentures.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

Good habits are inculcated best when they start early! And what could be essential than making your kids adopt a healthy oral hygiene routine? Making them understand how important a healthy mouth is at a young age, makes sure that they always maintain oral health throughout their lives.

Here are some of the things children can do, right from their earliest days in order to inculcate a healthy habit of maintaining regularized oral hygiene.

• Use Video/ Reading Material:Teaching something becomes much more efficient when you are having additional support of audio/visual aids. These help you in accelerating the process of learning for your kids. These interactive measures can help you understand how your child will learn the benefits of keeping their oral hygiene maintained and in its upkeep.

1. Let Them Learn by Example: The best way to learn is by setting the right example. When you set a precedent for your children, they will follow suit with you. The best way is to brush and floss with them so that they can see the right way to do it. They will also learn the importance of doing the same when they see you do it and enjoy the whole process altogether.
2. Warn Them About the Potential Risk: The best stories that worked for kids, were the ones that had a clear good guy- bad guy anecdote. So when teaching kids the goodness of maintaining oral health, it is necessary to let them know about the flip side, when they don’t pay attention to their teeth. Although, let them enjoy brushing and flossing and don’t make it an activity they undertake out of fear. Therefore, learn to strike a balance.
3. Take One Thing at a Time: There are so many steps that are to be undertaken while taking care of your oral health. Take your time in teaching the procedure and importance of each step patiently. Start from brushing and then go on to flossing, each of these is imperative hence, making the child understand each is important.
4. Try Different Things for Toddlers and Different for Older Children: When your child is in the age group of 2-3 years, you need to try specific techniques with them. Use very soft-bristled brushes. Taking smaller steps, you need to maintain at least brushing twice-a-day routine. When it comes to older kids, use the same soft-bristled brushes that you need to replace every three months. Likewise, make sure that you make appointments with a dental health practitioner at least twice a year for your kids

•  Use Effective Rewards: Kids enjoy nothing more than being given rewards for good behavior. Rewards not only leads them to follow those practices but also helps in giving them positive reinforcement to continue those practices in life.

As they say, learning as a child is learning for life. So why should you let your oral health lag behind? If you have little kids, this is the right time to get them habitual to good oral health care routines. Make sure that you follow a schedule every day and you help them with it. Let it be the start to a great, shining, and radiant smile all their lives.

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Fluoride is the best way to prevent the development of cavities in your child. This mineral works like magic in fighting against harmful bacteria in the mouth, which may lead to the formation of plaque. Tooth decay or cavities can be painful and troublesome, especially for children. To save your child from this ordeal, make sure that they are getting an adequate amount of fluoride. It is a mineral with excellent benefits to you and your child’s health. Commonly found in soil, water and many food items, it is also incorporated in toothpaste, mouthwashes, etc.

Monitoring the amount of fluoride your child gets can go a long way in ensuring good dental health. Its main job is to provide strength to the enamel, which in turn prevents the development of cavities in teeth. It additionally reverses any damage that has already happened to your child’s teeth.

Sources of fluoride:

Fluoride is derived naturally from water, air and soil. It can also be found in certain food items. Consuming water added with fluoride can prevent and reverse many signs of tooth decay in both children and adults. Children can get adequate fluoride just from using the right toothpaste and mouthwash. Supplements of fluoride are also prescribed by healthcare professionals in case of its deficiency.

How to know that your child is getting enough fluoride:

The only way to know that your child is getting enough fluoride is to regulate the amount. Too much fluoride is just as harmful as too little.

Many countries add fluoride to their drinking water. This prevents the development of cavities or tooth decay in young children. Pick fluoride-containing toothpaste for your child. Make sure that they do not swallow it, as this can prompt difficulties in their oral health and wellbeing.

If your child consumes fluoride-free bottled water, they might be at risk of tooth decay. It has been observed that young children who drink bottled water develop more cavities than those who drink water containing fluoride.

Excess of fluoride can lead to a condition known as dental fluorosis in young children. Using high doses of fluoride when the teeth are still forming inside the gum can lead to their discoloration. This can be seen as several white spots on the teeth. To prevent this, ensure that the children do not swallow the toothpaste and only use minute quantities while brushing.

Fluoride is extremely vital in maintaining good dental health. To keep track of whether your child is getting enough fluoride through their toothpaste, visit a dentist. They can make sure that no cavities are developing and the enamel of your child’s teeth is healthy and intact.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

Out of many functional systems that exist in a human body, the masticatory system controls the process of chewing, swallowing and speaking. Broadly speaking, it comprises the jaw, teeth, temporomandibular joints, lips, cheeks and masticatory muscles.

Mastication, which is known as chewing in layman terms, is the process of breaking down the food particles into smaller pieces which makes it easier for the enzymes to act on them. This enzyme further causes the chemical breakdown of the food. The chewed food is turned into a bolus after mixing with saliva, which makes swallowing easier. It is a vital automatic movement that ensures that the body can easily digest the consumed food to generate energy.

Parts of the Masticatory System

The masticatory system can be divided into three broad categories, each with a separate function.

• The teeth – Humans have a set of 32 permanent teeth. These are made up of enamel which is the covering of the crown, cementum which comprises the roots, the inner layer of dentin and the pulp which has all the nerves and blood vessels. Teeth perform the main task of tearing the food particles into smaller pieces.
• Periodontium – It comprises the gums or gingivae, jawbone and a cushiony periodontal membrane. The function performed by periodontium is holding the teeth in place to ensure easy chewing.
• Articulatory system – This comprises the muscles of mastication, temporomandibular joints and occlusion. The masticatory muscles include masseter, temporalis, medial and lateral pterygoid. These muscles control the movement while the TMJ makes it possible for chewing to occur. Occlusion or how the teeth are arranged concerning each other is responsible for the grinding of food.

Role of the Masticatory System

This system aids in the first step of digestion. In the absence of this process, the food will have to be swallowed as a whole which would make the process of digestion or complete breakdown of food extremely difficult.

It is also relevant in the field of prosthodontics. The dental restorations are designed as per the chewing habits of the individual. This ensures that they can chew properly even after restoration.

The process of mastication is rhythmic. The opening and closing of the jaw make chewing possible. The lower brainstem regulates this rhythmic movement. The process can be fastened, slowed or even stopped voluntarily.

Disorders of the Masticatory System

Some of the major physiological problems associated with the masticatory system include-

• Limited ability to open the mouth
• Facial or ear pain
• Headaches
• Jaw joint noises
• Pain in jaw joints
• Pain in muscles of mastication

The masticatory system is thus a crucial part of the body that ensures that the food is easily digested by converting it to a smaller, more soluble form. This system has to function effectively to ensure the oral and overall well being of an individual. In conclusion, ensure to consult a trusted general dentist or orthodontist to avail suitable treatment for such conditions.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

If you have lost a tooth and are left considering some solution for it, then do not worry, there are several options for replacing it. The most commonly used are dentures, bridges and implants. But what is the difference between dentures and bridges? Deciding which method of replacement out of these will suit you the best is the first step in getting a full set of functional teeth. This can depend on several factors like the number of teeth lost, existing dental health, etc.

Why Dealing With Missing Teeth Is Important?
Replacing the missing teeth is crucial for your oral health. Not only is affects the way you look, but there are also several other harmful effects of having a tooth gap:

• The surrounding teeth can rotate into the empty space.
• Biting food is affected.
• It also has an effect on the speech of the person.
• Gives a displeasing look to the face.
• Makes your teeth less functional. The strain on the neighboring teeth increases.
• Food may get accumulated in the gap leading to tooth decay.
• Can be the cause of various diseases such as TMJ and gum diseases.

DENTURES:
Dentures or false teeth are removable replacements. They can be partial or complete spanning over an entire arch. Dentures are attached to the teeth temporarily by clasping them. They have to be taken out while sleeping and can also be removed to clean. They are attached to a plate making the removal easier.

People opt for dentures to have a natural-looking restoration of missing teeth which isn’t permanent. In case there are odds of losing more teeth, later on, dentures are preferred over other methods as they can be removed later.

BRIDGES:
Bridges are usually chosen when a few teeth have to be replaced. They are permanent artificial teeth that are held in place by bonding to the surrounding teeth. The neighboring teeth fitted with crowns help keep the new tooth intact. Bridges are custom made for individuals by measuring the tooth gap.

Various types of bridges such as those made up of metals, alloys and porcelain are available to choose from. Bridges are not preferred when the full set of teeth needs replacement.

What Method Would it be a Good Idea for you to Pick?
Understanding what is the difference between dentures and bridges makes it easier to decide which method is more suitable for an individual. If you are looking for a permanent and hassle-free solution to missing teeth, bridges are better. The drawback of having dentures is that they have to be regularly cleaned by removing them which can be time-consuming and cumbersome. Dentures come into use when the number of teeth needing replacement is high as bridges cannot replace a full set of teeth. Other methods like dental implants which are permanently inserted into the gums can also be used to replace lost teeth.

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Thumb sucking is a natural activity that is supposed to help the children, soothe themselves and feel relaxed. It’s also a kind of habitual behavior that teaches the infants to intake the nourishment. So, thumb sucking is familiar to babies, toddlers and infants. However, some continue it even in the school-going age, and that creates a problem.

In some cases, it is the result of the lack of intervention of the parents. While, in others, even continuous intervention doesn’t help. So, there are certainly some significant reasons for the continuation of this habit as mentioned below.

Causes and consequences of thumb sucking in Adults
While most children quit thumb sucking till the age of 5, some continue till adulthood. Not much is known of the actual reasons behind the different tendencies. Still, there are two possibilities for this: first, the children might tend to practice the activity in private, keeping it hidden from the parents. This will off-course prevent any intervention of the parents as they are unaware. Secondly, it may also be a disorder.

Now, thumb sucking is not a significant issue until the child has baby teeth. But, once the permanent teeth have erupted, thumb sucking will cause misalignment of the teeth. Then misalignment may also cause severe orthodontic issues in the long-run.

Besides this, the loss of oral health, drying of the thumb and cracks in it, speech problems, etc. are the other harmful consequences.

Methods to stop the habit of thumb sucking
The thumb sucking habit needs to be stopped to ensure excellent thumb growth and best oral care. There are various methods to break this habit in children, but a few for adults.

For Children:

• Ask a child: As many children may not realise that they are into this activity, so the parents must curiously ask them about the reason for thumb sucking. Does it feel good to them?
• Watch a show together: One unusual method then can be to watch a show which talks about breaking the thumb sucking habit and then discuss it with the child.
• Observe the pattern: To observe and identify the pattern and timing of the thumb sucking will let the parents have the clarity because then the child can be given some other distraction as per the requirement.
• Rewards and incentives: It may not work for everyone but can be tried. If the child is offered a toy for not sucking the thumb, he may gradually get distracted and leave it.

For Adults:
Adults are mature enough to make the correct choice. They will need to have strong will power and determination to stop the habit.

• Working with a therapist can work if anxiety is the reason behind the habit.
• Stress-relieving exercises, mediation and exercises may help.
• Setting reminders not to do so can help to improve.

Thus, thumb sucking tends to become a significant issue, especially in adulthood. So, the child and the parents will have to be careful and seek the appropriate method to get rid of this.

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Gummy vitamins are sweet and look like candy. They are extremely popular amongst the parents who give these to their children to meet their vitamin needs. They believe that these gummies can be accepted readily by the children, and thus they can deliver the right nutrients to them. Though these gummies are carrying some amount of vitamins, depending only upon them is not at all a wise idea as they may not be enough.

What are Gummy vitamins?
Gummy vitamins, as per the name, are the chewable candy-like vitamins. They come in a variety of flavors, shapes, and colors. Due to their attractive color and sweet taste, they are appealing to the children, especially to those who do hate the swallowing pills.

These gummy are made up of gelatin, water, corn starch, sugar, and food color, and the popular flavors include raspberry, lemon, orange, and cherry. Coming to the nutrients, they contain vitamins and minerals, specifically calcium and vitamin D. These are readily available online or physically available at the health food stores.

Importance of vitamin D and Calcium
Vitamins and proteins are the necessary minerals for the growth of the body. Amongst all those vitamins, Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that helps the children develop robust bones and also keeps the adults from Osteoporosis. Thus it makes it necessary for the kids so that they have proper growth. The children must, therefore, have a regular checkup for the amount of vitamin D in the body and then take the diet accordingly.

Well, these days, parents prefer beyond multivitamins, instead of just the vitamins or the proteins. This takes them towards the supplements, serving all in one.

Benefits and side-effects of gummy vitamins
Apart from the sweet taste and easy availability, there are some more benefits of the gummy vitamins:

• are loaded with the required nutrients.
• They are easy to chew and full of flavors.
• Acceptable to the kids.

Besides all these pros, the gummy vitamins have various downsides:

• Gummy vitamins may contain added sugars, colorings, or sugar alcohol.
• They tend to have a lot more nutrients than regular multivitamins, which may pose threats.
• May contain more vitamins than the listed.

Is it right to take them?
Many people prefer to take these gummy vitamins instead of other multivitamins. But one needs to understand that the person having a well-balanced diet does not need these gummy vitamins. However, these gummy vitamins may be beneficial for the population, including those who have nutrition deficiency, or absorption issues.

Gummy vitamins may also be beneficial for the children who do not consume a proper diet as well as who face difficulty swallowing pills. However, it is essential to prevent them from having too many gummy vitamins, as overconsumption may cause mineral toxicants. Thus, it is suggested to keep the gummies out of reach of the children or give them a regulated number. Otherwise, it may adversely affect their health.

So for a safe side, we must be cautious about it!

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There are lots of tools and methods widely used for the protection of the teeth and their shine. From the basic activities like brushing and flossing every day to getting a dental visit periodically, you try everything. One such tool is dental sealant! The concept of dental sealants was first introduced in the early 1900s. Now it’s been long, and a lot has changed in the application and materials used. However, these changes have made dental sealants more useful than they were before.

What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants, also called pits and fissure sealants are the thin plastic coating applied at the surface of the molar or premolar teeth. The coating quickly sticks to the chewing surface providing protection against decay and guarding the pits and fissures of our teeth. Now the sealants are not at all a substitution for brushing and flossing, but additional protection.

Procedure to place the sealants
Placing dental sealants is an easy procedure with a few necessary steps involved. If you are amongst those wanting an alternative to fillings, have a look at the steps below:

STEP1: Cleaning the tooth
First of all, the dentist will clean the tooth, so that the coating adheres to the surface. Cleaning is done with the help of a small brush attached to the dental drill.

STEP2: Conditioning the surface
This is a preparatory step and consists of applying an etching gel on the surface. This is done with the help of a brush, a cotton pellet, sponge, and other applicators. The etchant is allowed to rest at the surface for around 60 seconds and then washed.

STEP3: Evaluating step 2
After washing the tooth thoroughly, the dentist will use the air syringe to blow the tooth dry and check if the conditioning is done effectively. The conditioned part of the tooth must look frosty, white, and dull.

STEP4: Applying the sealant
The dentist will now apply the sealant, which is a liquid plastic coating on the grooves of the teeth. This is done with a brush or a syringe. You need to know that the sealant is filled only in those areas of the tooth where it has pits and fissures.

STEP5: Setting the sealant
After positioning the sealant, a blue cloured dental flashlight is shone on the applied sealant. The light acts as a catalyst to trigger its functioning.

Benefits of dental sealant
Dental sealants are mainly recommended for a child and teenagers who are prone to frequent cavities and decays. Apart from acting as a guard against the cavities, there are following benefits of fitting a high-quality dental sealant:

• Applying dental sealants is a painless procedure.
• Sealants provide an additional back to the oral care routine.
• Dental sealants last as long as 5-10 years.
• Sealants have an easy repair and maintenance process.
• Dental sealants keep away the severe dental issues.

Since their inception, the dental sealants have been widely used for the patients at the dental clinic. You only need to make dental visits to get the worn or chipped sealants fixed.

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Braces are the dental tools to straighten and correct the teeth. No doubt, they are worth making a future investment, but the only thing is the user has to know every detail about them before wearing, most importantly, the care it is to be given. After knowing the steps to take care, one can get committed sincerely to oral health even during the orthodontic treatment.

Why Should You Clean Your braces?
Braces are for the improvements in the teeth not to worsen their condition. Thus, it is very important to clean them from time to time and keep up the oral health. Moreover, not cleaning the braces invites decay. The process is very easy, starting with the accumulation of the small germs around and in between the teeth and the braces. These germs create large colonies of bacteria causing plaque, later leading to the damaged teeth.

Tips for Cleaning the Braces at Home
Well, cleaning the braces can be a challenging task because you cannot remove them each time you want. But the fact is it is essential to perform this task. The removal of the remaining pieces of food debris, germs, biofilms, and acids is necessary to keep the teeth away from any serious dental issue.

Thus, the proper procedure and tips to clean them are given below:
Right toothbrush: Whether it is a manual brush or the electric one, it should have soft bristles and a compact head. You are advised to hold the brush at an angle of 45 degrees and then take it back and forth, gradually taking towards the biting surface. The top and bottom surface of the brackets have to be brushed properly in order to remove the food debris. It is imperative to hold the lip with one hand while performing this step with another hand.

Cleaning tools: Patients can also use a few other tools available in the market like proxy brushes, woven dental floss, soft picks, etc. These can be used when he doesn’t have time for the actual flossing. Though they can do some part of the floss, it is still recommended to try doing the actual floss with the thread as it is more effective.

Waxed dental floss: Among all the methods to floss, the waxed dental floss is recommended to prevent it from snagging on the wires.

Use mouthwash: For convenient cleaning, you can use a therapeutic mouthwash and rinse with it regularly.

Fluoride treatment: As your teeth are more prone to the decay and damage when you are wearing the braces, you surely need to include Fluoride in the form of toothpaste.

Now, the fun and excitement of having a new and healthy smile after removing the braces can be snatched and replaced by the sorrow of being diagnosed with decays and cavities. But, fortunately, you can prevent this from happening and take the measures mentioned above.

Besides, your dentist can prescribe you the right set of tools and toothpaste for the time period and also guide you for the same. You just need to raise several questions during the treatment.

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Food becomes the worst enemy when it comes to maintaining dental health. There is a long list of food items which the doctor prescribes to avoid to manage healthy teeth and gums. Undoubtedly, sugary and sticky food makes the major part of that list. Moreover, you must have heard your parents telling you to avoid any remains of food to stay in the corners. They know how harmful these remains can be for your oral health. Now the thing is what comes in the category of healthy food when dental hygiene is included? Is a healthy meal like oatmeal safe for our teeth?

What are Oats Made Up of?
Oats make a significant part of our healthy breakfast. It is a quick and best recipe for most of us. Especially, people who are in a hurry to rush to their work find it an excellent breakfast as it is full of nutrients that are essential for growth. It contains fibre that we require to sustain. Now, oats are simply grains that are broken and processed to make it an easy cook. That makes it as healthy as the grains in the form of chapati. But you need to know that the presence of grains brings in it-phytic acid. No doubt, phytic acid has got several health benefits, but the concern is that the acid restricts the absorption of a few minerals, including Zinc, Iron, and Calcium.

Is Oatmeal a Reason for Decay?
Having known about the constituents of oatmeal, it becomes easy to create an idea for the relation between oats and tooth decay. Moreover, everyone knows the importance of Calcium to bind the teeth together, and above, we have discussed how phytic acid opposes the absorption of Calcium. So, the risk of teeth decay in the context of oatmeal depends on the amount of phytic acid in it.

What are the Other Sources of Phytic Acid?
Not only the oatmeal but almost all the grains, seeds, nuts, and legumes contain phytic acid. So, too much consumption of these will not help you have excellent oral health. They can be a cause to undermine all our efforts to develop excellent dental health and prevent our body from the gains of essential minerals like zinc, Calcium, and Iron.

Now the point to be noted is oatmeal is a healthy food, and there is no great harm when it’s taken. The only thing is one must avoid too much consumption of the meal with a massive amount of phytic acid as it may lead to the deficiency of the required minerals.

Take Proper Dental Measures
It would be best if you remembered all the dental rules, so that you can compensate for the little harms you cause. The first thumb rule is the two minutes brushing twice a day and flossing once in a day. Secondly, you need to use mouthwash if you ever feel the brushing and flossing are not doing enough.

One must be preventive in approach when it comes to dental health. A periodic dental check will help in this case. You can also discuss with your dentist the amount of food you have been taking and their effects on oral health.

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Painful gums can have many reasons behind it. They can either be the consequence of hard brushing and flossing or the result of wearing dentures or braces. This pain can even be a sign of upcoming severe gum diseases. For women, the list is quite longer having hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, etc. as additional causes. Whatever be the reason, it is always so annoying and disturbing, which is why you need to be aware of a handful of remedies for the same.

Have a look on top 5 tips for soothing sore gums:

• Rinse with lukewarm salt water- Take 1 cup of lukewarm water and pour it into a cold glass. Add one tablespoon of salt in that, mix well, and rinse with it. Spit it after 20-30 seconds; do not swallow. The salt in the water helps to kill the bacterias and thus prevent gum diseases.
• Apply warm and cold compresses- One of the best ways to deal with these painful gums is compresses- hot and cold both will do.

For hot compress- Heat up some water, dip a clean cloth in it, squeeze to remove the extra water, and then place it on the painful area.

Note- Make sure you don’t overheat the water, and it is bearable to your skin.

For cold compresses- Enfold the ice packs in a clean cloth and place it in the spring area. Repeat till the swelling comes down.

• Oral anesthetic gels- There are various oral anesthetic gels available in the market. They help to numb the gums and treat the pain. You only need to follow the instructions printed in the packaging.
• Hydrogen Peroxide- It is excellent to remove the bacterias and germs. Take equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide, then mix them well. After that, swish the mouth with the solution for about 20 seconds and then rinse it with warm water.
• Teabags- Take a small tea bag( tea like green tea, black tea, or hibiscus tea) having astringent properties or the anti-inflammatory properties, dip it in the boiling water for around 5 minutes as you do for making tea. Then let it cool for a few minutes and place it on the sore gums after it becomes bearable.
  If the solutions mentioned above do not help to heal the pain and the pain turns stubborn, you can take the pain killers but take the dosage as per the directions only. These pain killers are meant to give you immediate relief.

One primary reason behind such painful gums can be the negligence towards proper oral hygiene, which is why you need to be careful towards maintaining the appropriate routine and visit your dentist for periodic checkups. This will not only ensure the excellent health of the teeth and the gums but also soothe the sore gums.

However, when the pain is long-lasting, you definitely need to see your doctor get the actual cause behind it. Your doctor will examine the condition of the gums and may ask you several questions regarding the same. Be true to answer them and follow the instructions accordingly.

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Food has a vital role in making or ruining your teeth enamel. This is the food ingredient that can invite the accumulation of Bacteria’s and then lead to decaying teeth. That is why it becomes essential to take care of what you eat or drink. Now, many people have given up on the sugary drinks as they are aware of the harmful effects, but what about the acidic drinks?

So, sports and energy drinks that are highly acidic can cause irreversible harm to the teeth.

The popularity of sports and energy drinks

We have been noticing the upsurge in the popularity of sports and energy drinks and its rapidly rising market value. These are taken to enhance efficiency while playing games and maintain stamina. The same benefit has made these drinks so popular among youngsters, especially amongst those who are involved in strenuous activities. Moreover, on average, an energy drink contains 55 grams of sugar, making double the amount recommended to take in a day.

How are energy drinks bad for your enamel?

Most of you may not clean your teeth after eating some food, which makes your mouth prone to plaque formation and the accumulation of bacteria’s. It leads to the gradual depletion of enamel. When this hardest substance of your body (enamel) gets damaged, your teeth are no longer safe. Same happens during the intake of energy drinks as they have a significant amount of acid in them.

After your enamel gets damaged, you become susceptible to sensitivity, followed by pain and discomfort. Plus, the damaged enamel is hard to treat thereby making the decaying severe.

What should you do: preventing dental erosion?

Now that you are aware of the harmful effects of these acidic drinks, you need to care about their consumption. You can reduce the frequency of the use of all the acidic beverages. In addition to this, there are a few tips that you must follow:

• Switch to healthier alternatives like green juices, protein shakes, green tea and water.
• If you are determined to take the acidic drinks, take them after the meal so that the saliva maintains the balance.
• Try to avoid taking any acidic food before bedtime as the saliva production decreases during sleep.
• Do not brush immediately before or after consuming acidic food and drinks, including sports and energy drinks.
• Revitalize the production of saliva by chewing sugarless gums.

Follow a proper dental hygiene routine

So, yes, the intake of sports and energy drinks is really harmful when it comes to calculating their effect on the teeth enamel. If you or any close one of yours is addicted to them, you need to make them aware about its consequences and suggest they go for a periodic dental check-up and consult with the dentist about the condition of the teeth.

At the same time, you need to adhere to the prescribed dental hygiene and make sure that you don’t get addicted to any food that weakness the enamel.

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Are you struggling to choose the right food, or are you confused about the parameters for selecting the food and drinks? Well, your diet is the deciding factor for your dental health, thus a significant contributor to your overall well-being. Knowing the do’s and don’ts regarding the food make the task of maintaining the health of teeth easier. Below are few foods that can be harmful to the enamel, if taken into excessive amounts.

Acidic food

The foods with low ph ratings can make a disaster in your mouth if consumed excessively with no precaution. How? Acids from any source, in the form of food or converted from sugars, erodes the teeth enamel, leading to decay. Not only this but if the enamel turns weak, many problems may happen to you, including tooth sensitivity and discoloration.

Examples of such highly acidic foods include pickle, lemon, alcohol, coffee, etc.

Foods with high sugar

This is a common one. Almost everyone knows that too much sugar can harm the enamel. But what is the exact reason and process? Now, sugars are the best thing for the bacteria to feed upon. They create acids from these sugars and then pave the way for cavity formation.

Even though the sugar is so harmful to the teeth, you cannot eliminate them from your diet. However, you can minimize their amount to an extent. Together with this, you can at least make sure that the sugar does not stay in your mouth for long. For this, brush your teeth after the meals and drink a lot of water.

Examples of food high in sugar include soft drinks, candies, dry fruits, jams, etc.

Food that sticks to the teeth and gums

The extended presence of the food can offer a home to bacteria’s. This is so because they will be releasing the acids for a longer time. Thus, you need to ensure you floss your teeth after you have any food, especially the sticky ones.

Starchy foods, for the same reason, are supposed to pose threats. Examples include potato chips, bread, corn chips, etc.

Foods drying your mouth

An important fact is that your saliva is the best remedy against oral health issues as saliva stops food from sticking to the teeth. So, any reduction in the saliva will lead to increments in decays and cavities. Now, the foods and drinks that dry your mouth are sure to invite problems. Avoid consuming them. Examples include alcohol, coffee, energy drink, etc.

Hard to chew foods

Though the enamel is the hardest substance in the body, it will weaken, if you chew hard materials regularly. Hence, eating the hard elements like ice, unpopped popcorn, etc. can invite problems like cracks, chipping off your teeth and much more.

Your teeth are assets for you. Healthy teeth will not only assist you in eating and chewing but also offer you beautiful smiles and looks, boosting your confidence. Thus before picking anything to eat or drink next time, do consider the consequences, only then proceed!

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Chalkiness is a situation where the teeth appear to be whiter than the normal. In other words, these teeth show discoloration and the formation of patches and spots. The color after discoloration is off-white in many, yellow or brown in others. It can happen in both baby teeth as well as adult teeth. Chalky teeth need to be addressed like a severe concern, whether it is occasional or a constant issue. You need to have a complete awareness of the symptoms and cause so that you provide timely treatment to your aggrieved teeth.

What are the symptoms?
Few signs of this problem are identifiable, while others cannot be detected easily. You may not realize it, and the issue might grow significantly. The tooth which is falling under chalkiness may show the following signs

• Color change from white to off-white
• Irregularity in the enamel surface
• Cracks
• Pits and depressions
• Sensitivity for food and temperature
• Yellow-brown enamel
• Wearing of teeth
• Vulnerability to cavities and decay
• Post-brushing toothache
• Pain while eating

If you see any of the symptoms, see a dentist for the checkup to prevent further damage to your teeth.

What causes chalky teeth?
Well, a particular reason behind chalky teeth is still a mystery. Nonetheless, various factors together lead to this issue. As per a few types of research, chalkiness is more familiar with infants having poor health. The causes may be many, including malnutrition, metabolic disorders, low birth weight, etc.

Few prominent reasons causing chalky teeth are-

Genetics- Your genes have an essential role in the development of your teeth. Poorly developed enamel will invite chalkiness.

Harmful habits and health during pregnancy- Hypomineralisation(the technical term for chalky teeth) can also take place due to poor prenatal habits like smoking or using drugs. Weight gain and vitamin D deficiency can also contribute to it.

Existing diseases- If you are suffering from various other ailments like jaundice, cerebral palsy, lever teeth, vitamin deficiency, etc. during your infancy, you are more prone to chalky teeth.

Find the right treatment
If you very often experience chalkiness, it may not be alarming for you. This may be after consuming some acidic food or a particular vegetable. In that case, rinse your mouth immediately after eating. But if your child has a constant issue of chalkiness, he may lose his teeth soon, as a child’s chalky teeth are prone to decay and break easily.

Unlike other dental issues, chalky teeth are not easily treatable. Also, it gives you distressing pain. Thus, early detection and treatment are necessary to avert any significant effect. Furthermore, treatment depends upon how serious the problem is. Depending upon the type, you can avail any one of them. Few treatment options include Resin-bonded sealant, crown filling, dental amalgam fillings, etc.

Though it is challenging to avoid chalky teeth in a few cases, you should always take some preventions-

• Brush your teeth two times a day
• Avoid too much sugary or acidic food
• If the teeth are sensitive to cold water, use lukewarm water.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

Are you facing a problem with having your favorite food? If yes, you are probably suffering through tooth sensitivity. In simple words, tooth sensitivity is a common problem that includes severe pain and uneasiness in teeth when consuming a few substances and at some temperatures. The problem can grow over time, as a consequence of enamel wear and retreating gums.

Common Causes

Consuming acidic food: Highly acidic foods and beverages erode the enamel that guards your teeth. This tooth erosion leads to changed appearances of your teeth and allows the bacteria to cause infection or cavities, further causing tooth sensitivity.

Hard brushing: Apart from the food you are having, a few daily rituals like brushing your teeth can be harmful, if you are doing it very forcefully.

Clenching your teeth: Even though tooth enamel is the hardest substance of your body, clenching your teeth knowingly and unknowingly can harm your teeth. Grinding the teeth will expose the dentine for the damage, which is undoubtedly an invitation to damaged teeth.

Having excessive plaque: The very goal of brushing your teeth is to remove plaque that always appears after you consume food. This is important as excessive plaque can easily ruin your teeth. The remedy is to focus on following good dental care and get your teeth cleaned frequently.

A dental procedure: It’s ubiquitous to face some amount of sensitivity after a dental procedure. May it be a root canal, extraction, or any other dental treatment; it may end up giving you some pain. If the pain and related symptoms last longer, fix a meeting with your dentist, as it might be signaling to the tooth infection and sensitivity.

Decay around the edges of fillings: With your increasing age, your filling may enfeeble the edges. And the weak edges welcome the bacteria to amass in the little fissures which lead to the breakdown of enamel. Make sure to see the doctor, if you make out any such thing happening with you.

Teeth bleaching products: Any teeth whitening procedures can be dangerous for the health of your teeth. Whether it is the whitening strips, any bleaching gel or any other chemical, it will leave at the risky end. Also, keep in mind, the pain due to these bleaching products is temporary and should be relieved as soon as you stop using them.

Preventions

Sensitivity pain is not something anyone should have to live with. Thus, it’s better to take precautions for it e.g.

• Gently brush your teeth twice a day to prevent gum loss.
• Make sure you clean all parts of your mouth, including the spaces along your gum line.
• Avoid too many acidic foods and drinks.
• Use a mouthwash containing fluoride to rinse daily.
• Do not consume so many carbohydrates like bread, pasta, candy, and chips, etc. They create a problem as they remain on the surface.

Now, if you suffer through the severe pain for a longer time, you should see your doctor and ask him to evaluate the reasons for the painful condition. Remember, your right actions timely can save you from further pain.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

As your body is a complex machine, the food you consume and how frequently you eat them can impact your overall health and the health of your teeth. When it comes to the health of your teeth and gum, consuming too many sugar-filled drinks, sweetened candies and food items contribute to tooth decay. It is the single most common chronic childhood disease, though; the good part is that it is entirely preventable.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay?

To lead a healthy lifestyle and maintain oral hygiene, think before you eat and drink. It’s not only what you eat, but when you eat, that can impact your dental health. Eating a well-balanced diet, and consuming fewer snacks can prevent serious diseases. Make sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily, as it is essential for a bright smile and dental health. If you are on a special diet, consult your physician and choose food accordingly.

Foods for Optimum Oral Health

Starchy and sugary foods that we love are also loved by the bacteria in your mouth and lead to tooth decay and gum disease. You need to understand that eating a range of nutrient-rich foods from various food groups encourage healthy teeth and gums. Have a mix of fruits, vegetables, protein-based foods, calcium-rich foods, and whole grains that offer the needed nutrients for optimum oral health and overall body health.

• Calcium-rich foods like fat-free or low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt, fortified soy beverages and tofu, almonds, canned salmon, and dark green leafy vegetables assist in enhancing healthy teeth and bones.
• Vitamin C improves gum health, so consume a lot of citrus fruits, peppers, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, and broccoli.
• Phosphorus found in fish, eggs, dairy products, lean meat, beans, and nuts is perfect for getting healthy teeth and gums. Moreover, chewing on crunch food items keeps the saliva going, which, together with water, assist in washing away plaque resulting in bacteria and food particles.

Limit Your Snack Time

Putting a restriction on the number of snacks you eat will also positively affect your oral health. Smart snacking will keep your mouth in good shape. Hold out against the urge to snack often as the more frequently you eat, especially between your meals, the more likely you are to invite acid attacks on your teeth. However, if you snack, make sure to select wisely. Go for healthy snacks such as fruits or vegetables or a piece of cheese.

Food consumed as a part of a meal leads to less harm to teeth than eating several snacks throughout the day as more saliva is released during a meal. Saliva allows the wash foods from the mouth and reduces the effects of acids that can harm teeth. Try to give up on sugary treats like hard or sticky candies and go for nutritious options. Make sure to brush after snacking to keep cavities away.

Moreover, if you’re caring for a baby, avoid pacifying your toddler or young child with a bottle of formula, juice, or milk. Sucking on the bottle puts the teeth and gums in liquid for longer than necessary and contributes to tooth decay from a young age.

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Are your teeth facing “winter-blues”?
Do your happy teeth turn upon you during the winters?
Do you feel the sensitivity during the cold season?

THEN THIS BLOG IS FOR YOU!

In a recent study suggested by the Academy of General Dentistry, the study found out that 40 million adults have sensitive teeth in the United States. But, Elgin Family Dentist has good news for you! This can be treated by an effective dental implant.

Generally, when teeth are exposed to cooler weather temperatures, it can cause a critical situation and havoc in your mouth!

What problems will this cause if you don’t take action?

• Your teeth become porous and sensitive.
• You have problems biting the food.
• Your gums will be infected.
• It may also cause missing of a tooth.
• Cavities are a big YES!
• You may have bridge margins because of the acids produced in the mouth.

Try to avoid the pain by simple steps:

• Make sure you consume a hot drink when you are outside. This will release some pain.
• Breath from your nose instead of the mouth so that the air is released and taken inside from your nose only and the cold air does not come directly in contact with your teeth.
• Desensitizing toothpaste will help with the sensitivity and the unnecessary pain.
• Don’t forget to rinse your mouth by using a mouthwash that contains Fluoride.

If you want to cure yourself from the pain of sensitive teeth, then you must upgrade it with a dental implant appointment today itself. If you are having a consistent ache in your teeth then you should consult a good dentist.

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Is your smile ready for all those social events? Or Is the condition of your teeth making you dread the thought of showing your face? If that’s the case, you need not worry, We can help turn things for you. One of the simplest ways to boost the appearance of your smile is with a teeth whitening treatment.

Big Benefits of Teeth Whitening
If you drink coffee, sauce, curry and tea regularly, these items will put a mark on your tooth enamel. The process is gradual. At first, you won’t notice anything because the stains will come in small amounts, but as the time goes by, they would get worse until your teeth looks dark colored and stained.

But, All thanks to the professional Teeth Whitening Treatment that can reverse the effects of stain. Also, you can look younger for years. This comes with professional teeth whitening only.

Problems Encountered With OTC Solutions
Professional grade teeth whitening solution cannot be taken without a prescription. To sell them in store, manufacturers must dilute the agent substantially. Teeth whitening solution deliver disappointing results when taken without a prescription.

Bleaching agents are designed to lift stains off tough enamel. It is definitely not supposed to come in contact with your gums. If the trays are not made to custom fit your mouth, you tend to get too much spillover on your gums that could irritate and damage them.

Professional Teeth Whitening Is The Right Choice
Our dentists have extensive experience in the dental industry. They deliver professional-grade teeth whitening services. All you have to do is call and schedule an appointment. We are ready to help you anytime.

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Tooth pain becomes unbearable especially during the winters. The freezing temperature and cold air can affect your teeth and cause them to become extra sensitive. Listed below are some tips that will help you protect your teeth and reduce the risk associated with uncomfortable tooth pain.

Avoid Over Brushing: Brushing teeth too often wears away the enamel and also damages the surface of tooth. Instead, brush your teeth twice a day for 2-3 minutes.

Use a Different Toothpaste: Using a toothpaste with fluoride is specifically instructed for teeth sensitivity. Before buying a fluoridated toothpaste, check for ADA seal which assures that the product has been evaluated for safety.

Reduce the Amount of Acids and Sugar in Your Diet: Acids and sugar can damage the surface of your teeth and break down enamel that protects them. Teeth are frequently are under attacked by acids, however, the good news is that the damage can constantly be reversed.

Limiting your sugar intake is crucial if you want to give your mouth a chance to fix the damage.

Use a Fluoride Mouthwash: A fluoride rich mouthwash cleans away debris, rinse them and kills odor causing bacteria to help protect the sensitive enamel.

Taking Warm Beverages: Sipping warm beverages keeps the teeth from becoming too cold, especially if you are going to be outside for several hours.

Use a Clean Toothbrush: Keeping your toothbrush clean and replacing it every few months reduces the exposure to bacteria and eventually reduces chances of gingivitis or tooth decay.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular visit to your dentist for checkups and routine fluoride treatment will help to protect your teeth throughout the winter.

Use a Mouthguard: Wearing a Mouthguard when you are outside for longer time period prevents you from forcing your teeth together while you work and also keeps them away from clicking together.

Wear a Scarf: If you keep wearing a scarf, you will be able to keep your lower jaw and neck warm. This will help you cover your mouth if necessary.

Following these tips will help you prevent your teeth from dental problems during the winters. If you are still unable to identify your dental issues and tackle them at ease, schedule an appointment with us today. We strive to offer the best services and make your beautiful smile everlasting one.

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Celebrations are all around the corner! The spookiest month of the year, Halloween is here and the countdown has already begun. The festival is known for Halloween treats but you never know when these treats turn into a nightmare, thereby leading you to cavities. Our pediatric dentists suggests Halloween to be the right time to teach children good oral health habits. Listed below are some of the best tricks your child must follow for healthier teeth:

Choose Candies Carefully
The acidic sugar in sweet snacks often lead to cavities. The best that can be done is sorting out the candies that are most sticky to swallow or dissolve. They not only cling to the teeth but also create an acidic environment for an extended period of time.

Drink Water in Excess
Drinking fluoridated water prevents tooth decay. Choose the one. Also try to minimize sugary beverages throughout the day which include soda, sports drinks and flavored water. The risk of tooth decay is automatically increased once the teeth are exposed to sugary beverages.

Timing Matters
When trying to limit the chances of cavities, it is not only about what you eat, but when you eat that also matters. When you want to eat your Halloween candy, try to eat it with a meal. You can also have it shortly after having a meal. The secretion of saliva increases during meals and it eliminates all the harmful acid that tends to build up into a plaque. It is also good to monitor how much candy your child eats to limit the consumption.

Schedule Your Visit
Schedule your cleaning and checkup with us so that we can catch potential problems early and prevent them from getting worse. Have a safe and Happy Halloween. Please call us for any of your family’s dental needs. To know more about how we can help you, schedule an appointment with us today.

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The month of National Gum Care, September is here. Now is the time to raise awareness for healthy gums everywhere. No matter what age you are, you should always be looking for a great oral care routine. However, a comprehensive oral care routine goes far beyond just your teeth. Your gums are also equally important to maintain a great smile.

According to the recent development, we see how medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy and much more are related to infected gums. This is the reason it is important to prevent gum disease. The inflammation caused by bacteria not only destroys gum tissue but also affects the bloodstream. This can be prevented by taking care of your gums excellently.

Difference Between Healthy Gums & Diseased Gums
Healthy gums look firm and pink with no bleeding and no discomfort. However, a bad gum includes loose or shifting teeth, bad taste in mouth, redness along with bleeding and pus around the teeth. If you wear dentures, they may not fit properly in diseased gums.

If your gums become paler, you need to contact your dentists soon. It is important to get treatment at the first sign of gum disease.

Preventing Gum Disease
You can easily take care of your gums by following the tips below:

Healthy Brushing: It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least 30 min after your meal. Brushing right away leads to corrosion from leftover food.

Correct Flossing: Floss at least once a day to help eliminate the debris between teeth and near the gums. It is therefore advised to floss before brushing so that your toothbrush will be able to wipe away the leftover bacteria and debris. Flossing gently between the tooth using clean sections of floss also helps. It is also recommended to snap the floss down on the gums.

Visiting Your Dentist: A dental examination and cleaning every 6 months is recommended. You need to inform your dentist if you have concerns about your teeth and gums. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, it’s always good to inform them.

Healthy Diet: A healthy diet plays an important role in keeping your gums healthy. If you take more sugar in your diet, chances are it will lead to lingering and sticky bacteria. Rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking other beverages.

Limiting Drinks and Sugary Snacks: A great way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is by avoiding substances like tobacco and alcohol. Try to avoid drinking too much soda and energy drinks, fast food etc.

Other Tips: Replacing your toothbrush every 2-3 months also helps. Exercise regularly to maximize blood flow. Go for a toothpaste that matches your dental requirements.

Treating Healthy Gums
One is still vulnerable to gum disease, even if they never had cavities in their entire life. Other than home dental care, there are alternatives available too that can help get rid your mouth of infection. These include the following:

• A professional dental cleaning
• Pocket reduction
• Soft tissue graft
• Gum grafting
• Scaling and root planing
• Root canal therapy
• Prescribed medication like toothpaste, mouthwash or medication

These treatment methods will keep your smile healthy in the long run. We care about your gums, therefore, we recommend that you consult our dentists and get the best treatment for yourself.

Still have any queries about your oral health? Feel free to consult our experienced dentists at Elgin.

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We all know that brushing and flossing is extremely important for your overall oral health. It is therefore important to keep practicing these habits daily to maintain healthy smile in the years to come. Visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleaning at least twice a year is an important habit one should incorporate. This helps you in creating an optimal oral environment for lifetime.

Dentists near me recommend typical cleanings twice a year. However, patients suffering from gum disease or any other kind of dental illness should visit more frequently. Dental cleanings are just one part, oral examination is another. Professional dentists also recommend an oral examination that includes taking dental x rays to evaluate the condition of teeth, jaw and gums. They look for signs of decay, gum disease and oral cancer. On the first visit, you will be interrogated about your health history, medications you take and allergies or adverse reactions in the past. If you had any dental anxiety that kept you away from seeing a dentist before, you should immediately tell your dentist. This will help to minimize the discomfort and help you feel more relaxed.

Professional Dental Cleaning
By taking regular professional dental cleanings, you will be able to get rid of plaque, tartar that accumulates the areas of the mouth that are difficult to clean. These areas are not easily accessible by your daily brushing and flossing habits. Our dentist in Elgin may use a special instrument that removes tartar from around or below the gumline. Once this has been removed, your teeth will be polished with abrasive paste that helps in clearing away tooth stains. After the final evaluation, you can resume.

You shall be able to feel the clean and smooth surface of enamel if you run your tongue along the surface. Plaque does not gets attached on a surface that is smooth. To make sure that you are taking better care of your teeth, our dentist will also review any kind of hygiene issues that you may face.

To know more about dental checkups, feel free to give us a call. We will be more than happy to help you attain the best smile and have a great dental experience. So, call us today to set up an appointment.

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Brushing your teeth is an ideal way to maintain healthy gums and teeth. It is something we do everyday. However, there are most of the people who will commit mistakes at least once. Listed below are some common brushing mistakes you should avoid for an improved oral health in the long run.

Brushing Only for a While
The average person’s brushing time is ONLY 45 seconds. Not brushing your teeth for an extended duration means inviting cavities, tooth decay and other oral health issues. Therefore, it is recommended to brush teeth for at least 2 minutes. This is when fluoride acts on your teeth effectively. Initially, you can start by setting a timer when you start to brush. Another option is using electric toothbrushes that comes with timer.

Brushing Too Rough
The quality of cleaning teeth is independent of the strength, however, it is strictly dependent on the movements made. So, horizontal, vertical and circular movements are the most picked angles to take into account.

Not Changing Your Toothbrush for a While
It is ideal to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. So, as soon as your toothbrush starts degrading, you need to replace it immediately. A worn brush not only damages your gums but also quite inefficient.

Using Wrong Toothbrush
It is better to choose a toothbrush that ideally suits your needs and preferences. With different types of handles, filaments, size and head available, choose the one that fits your needs.

Our dentists at Elgin Dental Office TX recommends using an easy-to-hold, flexible toothbrush that is the right size for you.

Wrong Choice of Bristles
Angled bristles are considered the best as they clean the teeth irrespective of the position. Hard and stiff bristles could damage the gums. So, it is advisable to use soft ones. Frayed or broken bristles won’t clean your mouth properly. Change your toothbrush once the bristles lose their flexibility.

Rinsing Your Mouth With Water After Brushing Your Teeth
The moment water mixes with the toothpaste, it cuts down the efficiency of fluoride from your toothpaste. Instead use a mouth rinse that contains fluoride. Rinse, gargle and spit the mouthwash and that is sufficient. But don’t use water.

If you still have any queries, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help.

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According to a recent study, athletes have higher rates of oral disease despite brushing their teeth frequently. As per the British Dental Journal, 94% of athletes report brushing their teeth at least twice a day whereas 44% reported regular flossing.

Comparatively 75% of population brush their teeth daily and 21% of them just floss. The reasons identified were regular intake of sports drinks, energy bars and gels, all of which are known to damage teeth. The sugar in these products increases the risk of tooth decay and acid erosion. This could be contributing to the high levels of tooth decay and acid erosion observed during dental check-ups.

Studies in the past have also confirmed that athletes may have a higher risk of oral disease because of having a dry mouth. Other explanations include the mouth becoming dry due to breathing heavily during exercise so there is less protection from saliva in the mouth.

The researchers surveyed data from 352 Olympics and professional male and female athletes across 11 different sports including swimming, cycling, soccer, rowing, hockey and sailing.

Even after practicing good oral hygiene, the researchers reported that the athletes had substantial amount of dental problems. One of the problems is diet. Athletes often rely on heavy carbohydrate intake to boost their energy when training or competing. They intake carbs in the form of sugars mixed with acidic sports drinks or slick gels. This gives oral bacteria a boost the same way it boosts the athlete.

However, in an attempt to improve oral health, athletes are willing to adopt behaviour change like additional fluoride use from mouthwash, reduction in the intake of sports drinks and frequent dental visits.

Therefore, it is not only important to brush and floss regularly. There are other factors like diet, lifestyle and psychology to make sure your teeth are healthy and free from gum disease.

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No matter how much prepared you are, accidents happen. Dental emergencies are no exception. A dental emergency is sudden and unexpected. Some emergencies are relatively obvious in their urgency, like an infection, tooth decay, trauma, toothache, knocked out tooth, or facial swelling and so on.

Here are a few common reasons to utilize emergency dental care:

Forcibly Removed Tooth
Whether it was knocked out, pulled out or any other force exerted that resulted in the teeth coming out, it definitely requires immediate dental care. If you keep practicing good aftercare and visit the dentist, the tooth can actually be reinserted. This includes cleaning the tooth properly.

Tooth That Is Out of Aligned
If something happens and your tooth gets out of alignment, you will have to visit an emergency dental care office as soon as possible. Meanwhile, you can just try to put the tooth back to its original position. Make sure not to force it back or use too much pressure.

Chipped Tooth
If one of your teeth becomes chipped, it constitutes a dental emergency. If it does not hurt, you don’t need to see an emergency dentist. If your tooth is cracked or fractured or you experience intense pain, you will need an emergency dental care. Some fractures are so severe that the tooth is unable to be saved and need to be pulled and replaced.

We strive to keep our patients comfortable and free from injuries. So, if your tooth has been damaged or you are in pain, contact us today so that we can schedule your appointment and treat the issue quickly.

Our friendly staff will put in their best efforts to schedule the appointment. We also provide suggestions to avoid dental emergencies by teeth cleanings twice a year. You need to arrive before your appointment. Whatever emergency dental treatment you receive, it is advisable to have a follow-up appointment. We would be more than happy to assist you with all your dental emergency needs and provide you with long term dental care. All you need to do is let us know your requirements so that we can suggest an ideal treatment option for you.

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Your search to a comprehensive family dental care stops here. We have been providing high-quality dental care services in a warm and comfortable environment. With a focus on patient-centered care, we make your experience pain-free. Our comprehensive range of family dental services are committed to give patients beautiful smiles.

Elgin Family Dentist has extensive experience in all the aspects of modern dentistry. Whether it’s preventive education to maintaining oral hygiene, we help to reduce dental problems of any type.

General and Preventive Dentistry
Our preventive dentistry services comprise cleanings, routine check-ups, restorative and cosmetic services like fillings, veneers, bridges and more. We offer our patients the most comfortable procedure for a visit that is pain-free as much as possible.

At your checkup, we will inspect your soft tissues for oral cancer, periodontal disease and other problems. Our dentist will also look at each tooth to analyze problems like tooth decay, cracks etc. We also replace old dental work like fillings, inlays, crowns and other alternatives to break off additional problems in the future.

We are also on the lookout for changes to your gums and teeth or early signs of abnormalities that could signal oral cancer. The earlier we detect issues, the better chance we have to fix the problem before it’s too late. This is the reason we recommend our patients to stick to checkup schedule and not miss cleanings. If you are in need of general or preventive dentistry services for your oral health, please schedule and appointment with us today.

Restorative
Restorative procedures repair damaged teeth to create a natural smile. This includes crowns, bridges, dentures and implants for a smile you have always dreamed of. We restore damage to your teeth and gums by providing services for specific areas in your mouth.

We will check on your oral health at every step of the way, ensuring that you are getting the right treatment for individually shaped gums and teeth.

Cosmetic
Our cosmetic dentistry services are aimed at addressing discolored and different shaped teeth. From whitening to dental bonding and veneers, you can have a beautiful smile for years. If you have been considering a smile makeover, we can help you by remodeling your look, filling you with confidence and restoring you both physically and emotionally.

We can transform your dull stained teeth to bright, eye-catchy smile. Reshape teeth that are crooked, gaped or overlapping with natural looking veneers.

Sedation
Our dentists at Elgin are committed to changing the fear associated with dentistry into a positive affirmation. Sedation dentistry will make your treatment more enjoyable and help you relax in a comfortable environment. They type of sedation we use depend on your condition. When you visit, we will discuss the sedation options and recommend the appropriate method for you. If you have struggled with dental anxieties, please let us know.

Request for a consultation at our office now!

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Dental health plays an important role at every stage of life. No matter what our age is, it is important to practice great and healthy oral habits to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Just like adults, a good dental care plays an important role for young and growing children too. Parents often wonder how early they should start with infant dental care. If you have very young children, it becomes often unclear how to start with their oral care. However, it’s really never too early to start thinking about practicing good dental practices.

When thinking about infant dental care, you should start keeping the phases in mind. The first starts with pregnancy, teething, and then your consultation. Let’s take a look at each of them in-depth.

Phase 1: Pregnancy
Infant dental care actually need to start even before your child’s birth. During the 9 months of pregnancy, your child develops within the womb. This development includes every part of the body including teeth. Some babies are born with teeth, known as natal teeth. If your baby has teeth upon birth, you should definitely consult your dentist on how to handle them. If required, you can also ask them to get removed.

A mother needs to maintain a healthy diet during pregnancy keeping the oral health development of their child in mind. The best infant dental care should start with taking good care of oral health, diet and hygiene. A good oral hygiene for the mother during pregnancy can directly affect the health of baby. As your newborn grows, they will also be able to take good care of their teeth and gums.

Phase 2: Teething
The second phase of infant dental care starts with teething. Children actually develop teeth during pregnancy, so, at the time of birth, they will have 20 of their teeth under the gums. The next phase involves bringing teeth through the gums.

Teething usually starts occurring in young children between half and a year and a year old. There are some symptoms that indicate teething has begun. They include excessive fussiness, excessive drooling and increased irritation. These signs should not bother much. However, if issues like diarrhea, rash forming, or fever occur along with teething, you should immediately consult your doctor.

Once your baby starts teething, you can calm them by gently rubbing their gums or by giving them a clean hard teether to chew on. You can consult our Elgin Pediatric Dentist on the best teethers to choose from.

A great infant dental care involves cleaning the teeth and gums with a wet washcloth at least once a day. As more and more teeth starts coming in, you should start cleaning more regularly. Start with early cleaning practices to ensure that the first teeth coming through stays healthy as your baby continues to grow.

Phase 3: Dental Consultation
As your child starts to have teeth come in, you should start talking to your dentist about it. Even if your child is very young, you must talk to their pediatric dentist about the dental history. So, infant dental care should start as soon as your child is born. Before starting. It is important to consult a pediatric dentist.

Having a know-how of your family’s dental health history will help your dentist to plan the treatment accordingly.

Phase 4: First Dental Visit
The next step of your child’s dental care involves actually going to see the dentist for the first time. According to the dental experts, parents should take their young children to the dentist between 6 months to 1 year of age. You should see a dentist when the first teeth comes in and the child’s first birthday. Considering the dental history, your doctor might recommend an earlier visit.

Take your child to the family dentist who takes care of all members of your family. This way both the dentist and you will equally be knowing about each other. First visit involves cleaning and checking for flaws, if any. After the first checkup, you can also discuss with the dentist when the next visit should be and how best to prepare your child for each visit.

After seeing the dentist, you would feel safe about your child’s health. When your child is born, make sure to consider early infant dental care into consideration. Planning ahead makes the process easier as your baby grows. The more you involve your pediatrician and family dentist, the better will be your child’s dental health.

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The older we get, the more susceptible we become to oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay. Our immune system isn’t able to fight off infections and we may not find much time to visit to the dentist. If oral health issues are left untreated, they can result in serious complications.

Listed below are some of the most common dental problems for older people:

Oral Cancer
Oral Cancer is spotted the most in elderly people. According to American Cancer Society (ACS) more than half of all oral cancer patients are 65 years of age and older. So, the older you get, the more you are at risk and the more important it becomes for you to take care of your oral health.

Oral cancer is easily detectable by lesions found on your tongue. If a lesion or sore is found in your mouth, it is recommended to consult Elgin Dentist TX to have it checked out.

To reduce the risk associated with Oral Cancer, it is important to get regular oral cancer screenings. Oral cancer is treatable only if detected early.

Gum Disease
Gum disease is quite common in older people. It does not have any obvious symptoms. This is the reason people fail to realize until it reaches an advanced level. At the advanced stage, the disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, thereby resulting in tooth loss.

People who smoke, or are stressed are more susceptible to developing gum disease. If you notice that your gums are puffier than usual or bleed while brushing, you should see your dentist immediately. They will be able to determine the severity and recommend a treatment based on your needs.

Cavities
According to the research 9 out of 10 elderly people have cavities. Older people are at an increased risk of developing cavities because they take medications that result in dry mouth. When the mouth does not produce enough saliva, it fails to neutralize the acids inside mouth.

Additionally, older people with arthritis also suffer from cavities. Pain in fingers is generally reported while holding onto a toothbrush, thereby preventing them from brushing their teeth accordingly. Wrapping a washcloth along the toothbrush makes it easier to grip.

Tooth Discoloration
As people age, it’s common for their tooth enamel to wear away which leads to tooth discoloration. Tooth discoloration not only affects one’s confidence but also forms plaque and tooth decay. People should opt for professional teeth whitening treatment to brighten their smile.

To minimize the risk of these oral health problems, it is important to take good care of teeth and gums by visiting the dentist regularly.

Contact our dentist at Elgin to know about some of the other ways that can fix these issues in the long run.

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Source: https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/poor-oral-health-linked-to-75-increase-to-this-deadly-cancer

The latest study is preceded by research, albeit limited research, that has linked oral health and different kinds of cancer.

A massive new UK study uncovered an unsettling link between poor oral health and an increased risk for liver cancer.

“Poor oral health has been associated with the risk of several chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes,” commented Dr. Haydée WT Jordão, who is the lead author of the study. “However, there is inconsistent evidence on the association between poor oral health and specific types of gastrointestinal cancers, which is what our research aimed to examine.”

The new report pulls from brain imaging and genomic data from 475,766 people over a six-year study period. Analyzing self-reported cases of bleeding and painful gums, loose teeth and mouth ulcers, the researchers enacted an investigation of the correlation between these conditions and risks for gastrointestinal cancers, namely liver cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The study found zero notable associations with dental hygiene in all but one of the gastrointestinal cancers observed in the report.

The pervasion of hepatobiliary cancer
More than 800,000 people are diagnosed with liver cancer a year worldwide, making it one of the leading causes of death. Direct causes of hepatobiliary cancers are seldom able to be determined resolutely. Typically its development is factored by several underlying causes.

The latest study is preceded by research, albeit limited research, that has linked oral health and different kinds of cancer. A U.S study published back in 2017 found that women with a history of gum disease experienced a greater risk for tumors in the esophagus and in their breasts. Another independently conducted study observed a link between oral health and the development of pancreatic cancer in African American women.

Young people, women, individuals living in impoverished areas, and people that consumed less than two portions of fruits and vegetables a day evidenced the highest cases of poor oral health in the latest study conducted by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast. Although a high-risk increase was uncovered as a result of poor oral health, the researchers can only speculate as to why at the moment. Leading conjecture looks to the ever-perplexing gut microbiome. Since the liver is responsible for exterminating several harmful bacteria in the human body, it makes sense that bacteria could conversely play a role in inflicting prolonged damage to the body, in the event of the organ becoming compromised.

“One bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum, originates in the oral cavity but its role in liver cancer is unclear. Further studies investigating the microbiome and liver cancer are therefore warranted,”Jordão explained.

Another theory surmises that people with missing teeth, consume softer less nutritious foods to compensate, which ultimately makes the liver venerable to cell mutations. As it stands, of the 469, 628 participants studied, 4,069 developed gastrointestinal cancer during the six-year follow up, Thirteen percent of these expressed poor oral health at the start of the study period. More research needs to be conducted to support a causal influence behind the findings intimated in the United European Gastroenterology Journal

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A pediatrician has a very important role in taking care of your child’s oral health needs. Research shows that children who visit the same pediatrician have better health in the long run. Selecting the right pediatrician for your little one is an important decision. The first years of life are very crucial for the overall foundation of healthy permanent teeth. Several studies conducted in the past have shown that factors like poor diet, wrong habits of food intake and inappropriate tooth brushing habits have a major role in tooth decay. This is the reason it is important to have a proper oral hygiene routine followed in the earlier stages of life to develop strong and healthy teeth.

If you have a pediatric dentist taking care of your child’s oral health routine, you will be benefited with the following:

As discussed above, preventive care starts with the first tooth. Dental visits in the earlier stages of life improve the chances of preventing dental disease and helping your child with cavity-free teeth. An early start means less expense for your child later on. An experienced pediatrician gives all the support your child needs to develop good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.

Our pediatrician takes extra care time with your children to ensure that they are in a secure environment. We offer a comprehensive range of restoration services in a kid-friendly environment. The services covered under the same are fillings, crown and other dental issues like an abscessed teeth.

Plaque build up can happen even if you brush and floss your child’s teeth regularly. The bacteria in plaque create an acid attack that infects your child’s tooth enamel. When enamel gets decayed, your child gets a cavity. Dental cleanings every 6 months help to wipe off the bacteria. Our pediatricians use professional tools to remove plaque build-up and prevent it from getting worse.

By taking regular appointments with a pediatrician, you will be able to identify potential issues and provide early detection.

It’s never too early to start visiting the dentist. Once you start child routine dental care, you won’t be developing problems and also be instilling good oral hygiene habits in your children. Child dental care doesn’t have to be complicated. To help your children be well-versed with great oral hygiene habits, it is important to see your child to a pediatrician.

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While prioritizing physical and mental well being, people often forget to pay attention to their oral or dental health. There are many who think dental work is more of cosmetic, however, it is important to understand the real mouth-body connection for overall well being. Oral health is the door into your overall health. Neglecting your mouth’s health can be fatal and this is something, right from dentists to patients needs to know right now.

Oral Cancer Awareness month has just passed and it is expected that more than 50,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year, seniors being more at risk.

What Is Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is the cancer occurring in the oral cavity, be it floor area of the mouth, cheeks, teeth, gum or lips. The other affected areas are middle region of throat and back of the mouth.

Signs of Oral Cancer
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, consult our dentist for screening now:

1. Soreness
2. Difficulty in jaw movement
3. Numbness
4. Trouble in swallowing
5. A thick patch of skin
6. Irritation

Senior citizens who are diagnosed with oral cancer are aged 55 and above.

There are factors like irritation from poorly fitted dentures, consistent use of tobacco and smoke and family history that multiplies the risk. However, patients can greatly reduce the risk by early detection. Also, control over lifestyle habits and regular visit to the dentist would solve the purpose.

How Is Oral Cancer Screening Done
Oral cancer screening does not require special preparation and is performed during a regular dental appointment. During the screening session, our dentist will look inside your mouth to hunt for sores or red patches of tissue.

They will touch and inspect the lymph nodes in neck and jaw, around ears, salivary glands. They will also look for signs of swelling if any.

Examination of tonsil is yet another step. Our dentist uses a dental mirror to look for redness, enlargement or unusual bumps.

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The Mouth Joint Connection

Tooth loss, technically known as periodontal disease (PD), not only refrains you from enjoying your favorite food but also shares a strong relationship with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Yes, you have heard it right! Patients suffering from RA are likely to have an increased risk of gum disease. Both the disease are linked to severe inflammation and that is your body’s immune response to prevent bacteria and virus. Owing to its association with strong inflammation, periodontitis increases the risk for diseases like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Both RA and periodontitis also appear to share a genetic link.

RA is an enervating condition that causes joints to become inflamed, thereby leading to pain, stiffness and swelling. The findings held Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) responsible for gum disease. P.gingivalis is one of the major protein causing periodontal disease. Studies by the Journal of Periodontology show that patients with rheumatoid arthritis are eight times more likely to have periodontal disease as compared to people without RA.

The Inflammation Link
As discussed above, both RA and periodontal disease have inflammation in common. Inflammation is a protective immune system to virus and bacteria. However, with an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system triggers inflammation even when there are no bacteria and virus. It is therefore understood that inflammation is a common figure between RA and gum disease.

Immune system and chronic inflammation play an important role in rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease.

According to John Hopkins study (2016), bacteria responsible for chronic gum infection triggers the development of citrullinated proteins. These proteins develop auto antibodies which have a major role towards RA.

Oral Complications Caused Due to RA

• Swelling gums is the first indication. Other symptoms can also contribute to dental problems. Patients suffering from RA in jaw joints may find it difficult to open their mouth properly. Similarly, having pain in the hands, elbows and shoulder can make brushing difficult. If your body starts taking control of your ability to take care of your oral health, you will see cavities building up and inflammation in the gums.
• Treating RA with medication improves joint functioning and also makes it easier to take care of your teeth. Medicine that reduce inflammation may be advantageous for your mouth as well.
• Patients with RA experience dry mouth as a side effect. This is a condition characterized by dry eyes and mouth that occurs with RA. Saliva helps in fighting bacteria against the mouth. Without enough saliva, you will get more cavities and gum disease.

Treating Gum Disease Helps RA
The treatment of gum disease is the only cure that helps get rid of RA and neutralizes its impact on the overall health. Patients who get periodontal disease treated professionally can have significantly less pain, stiffness and less painful joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis can be disastrous, however, taking care of your oral health can possibly reduce the impact of disease. A research done by Case Western University School of Dental Medicine revealed that patients who received non surgical treatment for gum disease reported significant improvement in RA. There is yet a lot of research to be done for identifying whether treating gum disease helps with RA. Therefore, it is important for patients suffering from RA and their physicians to work in collaboration with dentists and get rid of periodontal disease.

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One of the most common causes of toothache, tooth sensitivity refers to the discomfort associated with toothache in one or more teeth. Tooth sensitivity affects the exposed root surfaces. It occurs when the enamel gets thinner.

Patients suffering from tooth sensitivity should avoid consuming hot and cold food items. If you are suffering from tooth pain, you might find difficulty in biting, chewing and even sleeping at night. The source of tooth pain can be decay, injury or an infection in the tooth.

Our dentist will do an oral examination to identify the real cause. Below are a few things you need to be aware of:

Diet: Eating hard or acidic food can harm your teeth. Other contributors to tooth sensitivity you must be aware of are juice, citrus fruit, sports drinks and so on.

Brushing Harsh: This is an abrasive technique that leads to tooth sensitivity. Using a hard bristled toothbrush aggressively contributes to teeth sensitivity.

Tooth Decay: A small cavity in tooth eats away the enamel. In this case, a crown or filling could be of great help.

Sinus Infection: Sinus infection hurts your teeth because of the inflammation of sinus swelling. A sinus infection can be suspected in your teeth.

Cool Temperature: Cold air over the teeth triggers a sensitive cramp. Our dentist will be testing the sensitivity by blowing air on your teeth.

Stress: Stress is another cause of tooth damage. If you consistently grind your teeth due to stress, you might be a victim of tooth damage. Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding generally happens when you are asleep. Right from tooth damage to headache and other hearing disorder may occur as a result of teeth grinding.

Treating Sensitive Teeth
Sensitivity in teeth can be really dull. Having sensitive teeth prevents you from enjoying your favorite ice cream or using your favorite whitening toothpaste. However, there are better ways to desensitize your teeth.

There are a large number of over the counter medications and toothpaste available that can help with sensitivity when used regularly. Our dentists recommend the use of fluoride gel to help fight sensitivity.

Sensitivity in teeth is a big inconvenience. However, being candid with your dentist about any side effect can help your provider evaluate the situation. So, whether you are suffering from tooth sensitivity, decay or infection, it must be addressed properly by your dentist.

Schedule your appointment today. We look forward to helping you with restorative care in case of sudden tooth sensitivity.

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Cancer is a fatal disease, it promotes uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and cause damage to surrounding tissue. Oral cancer is a cancer that gets formed in the mouth and appears as a suspicious growth of tissue or sore that does not wane away but gets enlarged with time.

Certain factors that may cause oral cancer are:

• Tobacco used in any form, be it cigarettes, cigars, pipes or chewing it
• Heavy alcohol abuse
• Previous oral cancer diagnosis
• Significant exposure to sun, which increases the risk of lip cancer

Why its screening is important?
Oral cancer screening can be explained as a visual and physical exam of the oral cavity and its connected tissues. It can reassure a patient that there are no apparent lesions or other problems that give signs of cancer.

Cancer or for that matter any deadly disease can be invoked in our body without being summoned from our side. Many times it is seen that such diseases are diagnosed when we least expect them. Thus, regular screening of the mouth enables the doctor or a dentist in case of oral cancer to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions.

Early detection is half the battle won. It is often seen that cancer in any part of the body is detected way too late for any effective treatment to be availed. The possibility or chances of cure wanes out with the advancement of the stage of cancer. Thus, chronology of detection is of pristine importance here.

Most dentists examine your mouth as a matter of precaution during your routine dental visits to screen out possibilities of oral cancer. Some dentists may perform additional tests to locate areas of abnormal cell growth in your mouth.

Medical organizations are divided on their opinion on whether healthy people without inherent risk factors for mouth cancer require oral cancer screening. As a matter of fact, oral exams or oral cancer screening tests have not proven to have reduced the number of cases where people die of oral cancer.

Oral screening have some limitations though, such as:

• Oral cancer screening often lead to additional tests. Many people who report sores in their mouths, are often found to have non-cancerous sores. An oral exam is unable determine completely which sores are cancerous and which are not.
• If your dentist finds an unusual sore, he may advise you to go through further testing to determine its cause. Biopsy is the only way to definitively determine whether you are suffering from oral cancer or not. Under biopsy some tissue from the lesion is removed and studied under the microscope to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.
• It is not easy to detect areas of abnormal cells just by looking at your mouth, so it’s possible that a small cancer or a precancerous lesion may go undetected.
• Oral cancer screening hasn’t proved to be a potent measure to save lives. No evidence supports that routine oral examinations for detection of signs of oral cancer have reduced the number of deaths caused by oral cancer. However, screening for oral cancer may detect early cancers — when cure is more likely.

How is such screening done?

1. Visual Exam: The face, neck, lips, inside of the nose and oral cavity are all examined for oral cancer. Before the screening, the patient is asked to take out all removable dental appliances like dentures so that every place inside the mouth is properly exposed for the doctor’s ease.As per the guidelines of Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF), a doctor or dentist looks for swellings, asymmetries, bumps, ulcerations, patches of color or other abnormalities. To have a sneak peak inside the nose and mouth, the doctor or dentist uses a light torch and mirror to see things clearly. A tongue depressor is used to hold down the tongue and examine at the back of the mouth. The patient may be asked to open his/her mouth as wide as possible so that areas in the throat that are otherwise difficult to see are properly examinable. These days a dentist can even float a nano-camera attached to a string down your throat to get pictures of the insides for better clarity of the case.
2. Physical Exam: The visual exam is complemented by a physical exam wherein, the dentist also touches the inside of the oral cavity like cheeks, places around the jaw, under the chin etc for unusual growth formations or lesions. An important sign of a potential threat is immobility in otherwise mobile tissue, and the patient is asked whether physical contact at such places causes any pain or discomfort. Oral cancer is generally painful, but a painless swelling can still indicate a sign of problems elsewhere. As per the OCF, the patient might also be asked to swallow while the throat is under examination.
3. Additional tests for oral cancer screening: Some dentists use special tests in addition to the visual and physical exams to screen for oral cancer. It’s not clear if these tests offer any additional benefit over the conventional exams though.

Special oral cancer screening tests may involve:

• Rinsing the oral cavity with a special blue dye before an exam. Abnormal cells in the mouth may absorb the dye and appear blue.
• Throwing light in your mouth which makes healthy tissue appear dark and abnormal tissue will appear white.

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Dentures are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth.

Whether you are considering getting dentures, already have them, or know someone with them, it’s very likely that you may have some questions about them. What follows is information on what dentures really are, what kind of care they require, and how dentures can improve your oral health. We hope to help you find the answers to all your denture queries and to find out, if necessary, whether dentures might be right for you.

What are dentures?
Dentures are artificial teeth and gums that are formed to your mouth and created by your dentists to replace lost or removed natural teeth. Dentures can either be full or partial, meaning they can either replace all teeth on either the top or bottom gum line, or just a few that are missing. Regardless of what kind of dentures you may need, they will be custom designed to fit your mouth, and visually matched to your existing teeth.

What are they made out of?
In the past, the artificial teeth that make up dentures were made out of porcelain or plastic, but more modern dentures are generally made out of a hard resin. The materials used to make denture teeth are known to be more fragile than natural teeth and can easily chip or crack if dropped or otherwise uncared for. This material also wears down much quicker than natural teeth and thus must be replaced with a new set of dentures every five years or so.

The supporting structure of dentures that holds the artificial teeth in place and resembles the natural gum line is often made out of a similar resin used for the teeth, or a more flexible polymer material that fits snugly on the natural gum line.

Why wear dentures?
Dentures not only improve the appearance of a smile that has multiple missing teeth, but they also keep the structure of the mouth sound by supporting the structures around the cheeks and lips. Dentures also make it possible to eat foods that require chewing, making it possible to keep your diet the same and ensure that you are properly nourished. Lastly, dentures are a viable solution to replace teeth that are causing serious pain and oral health issues, such as those with rotted roots or severe damage. Having dentures fitted means that troublesome teeth are eliminated and replaced with a strong and beautiful alternative.

Partial dentures
Partial dentures are often used instead of other tooth replacement methods when the surrounding natural teeth are not strong enough to support structures such as dental bridges, or when more than one or two teeth are missing.

Classic partial dentures
The partial dentures are fitted to the part of the gum line that they will sit on, and fasten to nearby natural teeth to keep from falling out of place. They are not permanently fastened, however, and can be easily taken out at any time for cleaning and while sleeping.

Full dentures
Full dentures, otherwise known as complete dentures, are dentures that replace all of your natural teeth. You can have them fitted for your top or bottom gum line, and are held in place by suction and/or the help of an oral adhesive. Just like partial dentures, they are easily removable

Immediate dentures and overdentures
There are some other kinds of full and partial dentures that differ from traditional permanent dentures including a type called immediate dentures. These dentures are created before the teeth that are being replaced with dentures have been removed and are used immediately after tooth extraction and during the healing process, which can be up to six months long. These dentures can be more easily refitted than permanent dentures to accommodate for mouth changes as the swelling in the gums and jaw subsides while healing. The immediate dentures will be disposed of once the healing process is complete and your mouth is ready for permanent dentures.

Overdentures are an alternative that can be used if traditional dentures prove to be extremely uncomfortable or if you have a few natural teeth left. Overdentures are fitted over the roots of natural teeth and either rest on these or on dental implants, if there are no natural teeth to fit over. Some find this type of denture more comfortable and they are also easily removable.

Implant-supported dentures
As the name seems to imply, these are dentures which are anchored by dental implants. A dental implant is a permanent fixture that is anchored to the jawbone and can be used to replace any number of teeth. They’re comprised of the implant itself, a metal post (usually titanium), and a custom crown which looks just like a natural tooth.

Implant-supported dentures have a couple of different ways in which they can attach, but should be cared for and treated like traditional dentures. It’s more common to have them done on the lower jaw since the upper has fewer problems with fitting securely, but plenty of people have implants on both.

How to clean dentures
Regardless of what kind of dentures you may have, all dentures need to be cleaned daily, just like regular teeth. Even though dentures are made up of artificial teeth, bacteria, plaque, and tartar still build up on them and can harm existing teeth and gums.

To clean your dentures, take them out of your mouth and run clean water over them to dislodge any food particles that may be stuck between teeth, along the gum line, or underneath the structure. Then brush the dentures all over with a denture brush or very soft toothbrush using a mild soap or denture cleaner. Be sure not to use any other cleaners, regular toothpaste, or electric toothbrushes as these are all too abrasive and can damage and wear away the denture materials. After cleaning, make sure to rinse them well.

While your dentures are out of your mouth, be sure to clean your gums and any natural teeth with a very soft and wet toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste if needed. If your toothbrush is too harsh, wrap your finger in a wet, soft washcloth and gently rub your gums, making sure to cover all surfaces.

Preserving your dentures
Always remove your dentures before sleeping to avoid damaging them, dislodging them, and to give your gums some time to relax. Submerge your dentures fully in warm, but not hot, water to keep them from drying out and becoming misshapen. Only use denture soaking solution if your dentures do not have metal components as the solution can tarnish the metal.

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