Friday, August 31, 2012

Regular Dental Cleaning - Why It Is Important


While many fail in paying attention to oral healthcare, it is an undeniable fact that oral health is linked to your overall health. It is absolutely imperative for you to pay attention to dental care, since brushing your teeth twice a day is not enough. Most people wrongly consider going to the dentist only when they have an obvious dental problem. This, however, should not be the case. Professional dental cleaning is something that every individual should regularly get. You should not wait for a cavity or a gum problem to pay a visit to the dentist, since it is better to be safe than to be sorry! Here are a few reasons why getting a regular dental cleaning is important.
Prevention from oral diseases - Generally, it is believed that oral problems can, at maximum, be cavities or tooth decay. Unfortunately, the bacteria in your mouth can cause conditions that are a lot more serious than these. Healthcare experts have recently reported that several people die every year due to serious conditions like Oral Cancer. By going for dental cleaning, you would be preventing these. This is because while a dentist examines your teeth, he or she also looks for symptoms of Oral Cancer, so as to be able to prevent it beforehand.
Also, your oral health can directly effect your overall well-being! While it may seem far-off, oral problems may actually lead to problems like strokes. Therefore, you must stay away from such dangers by getting professional dental cleaning once every few months.
Keep your teeth healthy for long - As your ageing process starts, your bones tend to lose power. These bones include teeth, which tend to start rotting or falling once you hit old age. Not taking care of your teeth while you are still young will cause hassles later in life, like looking for dental implants and having to manage dentures. It is better to get your teeth professionally cleaned, so as to ensure that you will not have to live with weak and rotten teeth later in life!
A fresher mouth - While this may seem quite obvious, it is undeniable that having a fresh and clean mouth can greatly effect your persona. Getting a dental cleaning will ensure that you do not have to deal with embarrassing problems, one being bad breath. Also, a dental cleaning will leave your teeth whiter! Since your smile can greatly alter your personality, this is bound to make you look a lot better while ensuring optimum health.
Regular dental cleaning, therefore, has its benefits. You must ensure getting one regularly, since waiting for problems to arrive may cost you the healthy and original teeth you might never get back!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7257271

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Cosmetic Dentistry and Transforming Smiles


You and your dentist may be keeping your smile healthy, but that does not mean your pearly whites are as white as they could be. Regular dentistry helps with the overall health of your teeth but does not improve appearance. If your teeth do not look their best, then you do not feel your best. Cosmetic dentistry turns your crooked, dingy teeth into a bright, happy smile. There are many cosmetic procedures that could help transform your teeth.

Consider your smile and any areas that make you feel insecure. There have been many technological feats in the past decades that make it possible to give teeth a makeover. Some procedures include bleaching, shaping, repairing, bonding and more. Be realistic about your budget and what you need to have done. Look for doctors in the area that are knowledgeable, friendly, and can work with your schedule. Ask your dentist about your options and become informed about the procedures you want. Some dentists can use computer imaging to show you what certain changes would look like, so you can be sure about the procedure.

Bonding helps repair a tooth by binding resin to the surface. If you have chipped, decayed or discolored teeth, then this cosmetic procedure helps to correct the appearance of problem teeth. Bonding can be applied in a single visit, there is no medication required and it is a low cost way to repair teeth. Dentists use the tooth colored resin to shape and polish the material to make one tooth appear whole and matching the others. If you want to elongate teeth or change the color and shape of many teeth, then bonding can also useful.

Veneers achieve similar results as bonding but are ceramic material that is specifically made for a person's mouth to correct imperfections. The process takes more time than bonding because the dentist must make a mold of your teeth and have the veneers developed. Veneers are often preferred over crowns because they are undetectable. They are more expensive than bonding but last much longer.

Crowns also cover up imperfections by placing a cover over decayed and damaged teeth. Consider this procedure if your teeth are badly decayed because crowns can help give teeth strength and keep them from falling apart. A crown does not usually match the appearance of the tooth like veneers or bonding. Crowns are made of metal or alloys. A ceramic crown can match teeth but are not as strong. Metal or alloy crowns are recommended for back teeth where the crowns will not be visible. Crowns are long lasting, and some have been known to last for decades.

One of the most common cosmetic procedures is teeth whitening. This process can be noninvasive and helps produce cleaner looking teeth. Having the process completed by a professional is more costly but most effective. Cosmetic whitening bleaches teeth and can last for one to three years with proper care. Your dentist will remove stains by bleaching them away in one visit. You can also select the whiteness you desire or only whiten certain teeth to match the look of others. This cosmetic procedure should be done by a dental professional. Your dentist will be aware of any health concerns, ensures you do not ingest chemicals and uses a stronger method than at home products provide.

Your mouth can look and feel great when you use cosmetic dentistry to enhance your smile. Any change you can imagine can usually be applied to your teeth. You can correct imperfections, coloration and gaps that used to cause stress. Start looking for dentists today, and transform your smile.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7239307

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Links Between Diabetes and Dental Care


There is a close connection between dental health and normalized blood sugar levels.
Why Is It Important to Visit a Dentist Immediately Upon Diabetes Diagnosis?
In short, the reason is because periodontal disease is the 6th major complication of diabetes.
Diabetes causes the human body to be more prone to bacterial infections, leaving diabetic individuals to have a decreased capacity to fight any foreign organisms (bacteria's or viruses) that invade the gums and the dental bone. Unfortunately, the average diabetic has had no idea about this relationship... , until now.
Due to the presence of higher levels of blood glucose (sugar) for longer periods of time than non-diabetics, diabetic patients suffer from tooth and gum problems much more often. Higher blood sugar levels cause bacteria to thrive. A person will soon have red, sore and swollen gums that bleed easily when brushed. This almost always leads to a condition known as Periodontitis (inflammation around the gums and bones of the teeth).
Periodontitis is a severe infection of the gums and the bone that hold our teeth in place. If the infection worsens, a person's gums begin to pull away from your teeth, forming what are known as pockets. These pockets get larger as the gum disease is left untreated.
A person who has been diagnosed with diabetes you should immediately visit a dentist to begin preventative, or even reactionary measures to deal with the eventual development of harmful bacteria that leads to infections.
Prevention is always better than necessitating a cure!
Dental Home Care and the Diabetic Patient
The management of periodontal disease for a diabetic or a non-diabetic is thankfully very similar. One very important difference is that for a diabetic the disease can be more destructive so therefore it has to be treated more aggressively. An interesting situation to be noted is when a patient with periodontal issues will ask why they simply can't just have a regular cleaning. This is done when the patient has not yet suffered bone loss or when no infection is present. Once the patient is dealing with a solid symptom such as bleeding gums, there is an indication of disease and this needs to be addressed immediately before other treatment can commence.
Once treatment of the initial infection is successfully completed, the patient can come back and have a regular cleanings. Regular cleanings are vital to the control of many gum/teeth issues. The small oversight of prolonging the time between cleanings (prophylaxis) could lead to massive long-term consequences. Sometimes a dentist will recommend that a patient have scaling and root planning performed as an alternative.
This is done once a complete periodontal evaluation has been conducted. If any bone loss is detected the treatment options/course will certainly change in this respect and if left untreated the combination of gum decay and bone loss will lead to inevitable tooth loss. This can happen in the absence of pain. This is the problem with this condition. Pain is absent!
For many people, it's the dental care that takes place in the home that becomes more difficult to consistently follow. What I have found to be true is that if a patient is given an easy yet effective method of performing home dental care then they will be more consistent and compliant. This compliance and consistency leads to better results, both in a preventative and reactionary treatment form, causing the patient to further prioritize their dental care.
There are all sorts of devices, gadgets, and machinery to help a patient with their daily plaque removal (the number one maintenance concern). I find that electric toothbrushes (one that is especially soft and mouth friendly) work significantly better than manual brushes, and this simple change can have drastic differences in results. In addition, it is very important that the brush head be "soft." When the brush head is soft the gums are better protected from erosion (when toothbrush wears the root of the tooth) caused by brushing, resulting in less damage over time. In my practice I see that many patients simply use oral irrigators and do not follow through with physical removal of the plaque (brushing).
Imagine taking your car through a car wash without having the wash brushes make any contact with the vehicle itself. How effective could that car wash be? I'm sure you can imagine how dirty the car would be after its' dry. The dirt would still be present right? That is how plaque remains consistent on your teeth.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7208521

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Signs That You Need Root Canal Treatment


Ever wondered what Root Canal Treatment is? Or what it involves?
Why are RCT carried out?
Root canal treatment is used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The treatment is also known as Endodontics.
What is happening to the tooth?
The tooth structure is made up of a number of parts. The crown is visible part of the tooth in the mouth and the root is the part beneath the surface that anchors the tooth in position and extends into the jaw bone. The main part of a tooth is a soft material called Dentine which supports the harder enamel on the outside. The root has a hard surface called Cementum but at the centre of the root is the softer pulp layer.
When the blood supply or nerve tissue referred to as pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begins to multiply within the pulp chamber or canals. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head if left untreated.
How does the tooth get infected?
Nerve and pulp can become irritated, inflamed and infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth and/or large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face
What does RCT actually involve?
During the procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.
What are the signs that treatment is needed?
Usual signs to look for include:- 
  • Severe toothache, pain upon chewing or application of pressure
  • Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures (after the hot or cold has been removed)
  • Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
  • Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
  • A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums.
However, sometimes no outward symptoms are present and it is only when the infection gets worse and the pain increases that a patient notices and gets it checked out.
Treatments are usually performed in two visits and are generally not felt to involve any more discomfort than a filling as anaesthetic is administered by a dentist prior to treatment. In cases where there is already an abscess, the dentist may recommend a course of antibiotics which will reduce the swelling in the week before the root canal treatment. This allows the dentists to then use anaesthetic for the actual root Canal treatment itself.
The work is normally covered with a crown to ensure the best seal possible. If the root canal leaks then this can eventually lead to failure of the root canal. You can expect root canal work to last an average of around ten years but often longer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6459467

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Understanding Gum Disease and the Causes


Many patients attending dental practices will already have a fairly good understanding of tooth decay but they are often somewhat unclear when it comes to gum disease. This article will give you a better understanding of the subject and explain a few basic facts about what is known in the profession as periodontal disease - gum disease to most of us.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria, which is present in our mouths. For various reasons the quality of mouth bacteria can vary. The bacteria stick to the tooth surface. If our brushing and cleaning between each tooth is not very effective, the bugs will irritate the gums and eventually find their way below the gum line. As a result, the fibres of ligament that hold the tooth in the socket will be affected - and the formation of a "periodontal pocket" will begin. It is important to remember that very potent bacteria, which do not require oxygen, can survive below the gum line for a long time and destroy not just the ligament but subsequently the bone, which is structurally needed to hold the teeth in their place. In the long term some teeth can become loose and tooth loss can also occur.
What are the main factors contributing to this process?
As mentioned before, poor oral hygiene, ie not brushing or flossing regularly or using a mouth wash, stress, genetics, smoking (though non smokers can also develop very severe disease), and diabetes (especially if not controlled well).
Gum disease is considered by many to be a silent disease. There is often no pain involved to begin with. That is why regular checkups with the dentist are recommended. In many cases, the dentist will probably refer the patient for a more thorough assessment. This will involve a very detailed examination of the patient's gums and sometimes even x-rays.
It is very common amongst dental practices to see patients who have been referred to a hygienist by the dentist for treatment and probably a good 80% of them would say: 'I never knew I had this problem'.
Symptoms may include the following: bleeding on brushing, blood on the pillow, or in case of advanced disease it would be pain or mobility or even some visible tooth movement.
Can the disease be treated?
Yes, it can in the vast majority of cases. The treatment will focus on controlling the bacteria responsible for the damage to the ligaments or the supporting bone. The treatment objective is to arrest the disease - and to prevent it from causing any more damage. It is not possible to replace the missing bone.
One of the benefits of seeing a hygienist is that not only will they help clean teeth and remove bacteria from under the gum line but they can help with teaching patients techniques to clean their teeth really effectively. It is extremely important to remember that the success of the treatment will depend on your home care. Initially this process may seem daunting, however, even patients with some limitations in their manual dexterity can manage fairly well with the right help from the professional oral health educators.
Once the initial phase of the treatment is completed, patients are usually advised upon appropriate recall times for their maintenance appointments. Periodontal disease must be monitored and support therapy delivered periodically to prevent it from fairing up.
Specialist periodontists agree that the impact of not having treatment will depend upon the severity of disease.
In moderate to advanced cases, no treatment could mean developing pain, disease getting worse or premature tooth loss.
Main Points to remember
If you notice the following: blood on brushing, gums appear swollen or red, there are signs of gaps between the teeth, a tooth appears looser or there is persistent bad breath, then you should contact your dentist and tell them about your concerns.
It is also important to tell your dentist about any problems with your general health or medication you are taking, as this might have an effect on your gums.
Gum disease is treatable!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7207410

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Learn the Early Signs of Tooth Erosion


Tooth enamel is the strongest substance within our bodies. Enamel is the hard, semi-translucent outer layer on our teeth. It does more than just make our teeth look nicer. It protects them against food temperature extremes and wear resulting from chewing and biting. Enamel also prevents chemicals and acids from eroding teeth. When enamel erodes, underlying dentin is exposed. Tooth erosion can result in issues ranging from mild to severe.

What Causes Teeth to Erode

Several things can cause loss of tooth enamel. Consuming a lot of sugary or acidic foods combined with poor dental hygiene are contributing factors. Bacteria love sugar and they increase acid levels that erode tooth enamel. A reduced amount of saliva or a dry mouth decreases acid neutralization and prevents leftover food from being washed away, leading to decay.

Medical conditions like alcoholism, bulimia, and other issues resulting in frequent vomiting expose teeth to acids from the stomach. Heartburn and acid reflux disease carry stomach acids to the mouth where they can erode tooth enamel. Vitamin C, aspirin, and other supplements and drugs with a high content of acid can cause erosion. Even vigorous tooth brushing can result in erosion of enamel.

Symptoms of Enamel Erosion

General tooth sensitivity or tooth pain when consuming something sweet, hot, or cold is a common symptom of tooth enamel erosion. Teeth may develop irregular or rough edges that can chip or crack or they may have a smooth, shiny surface resulting from mineral loss. Thinned enamel can make teeth appear yellow. Chewing and biting surfaces of teeth may develop dents. Teeth are more likely to decay and develop cavities once their enamel has eroded.

Preventing Tooth Enamel from Eroding

Proper dental care is the key to preventing erosion of tooth enamel. Start by replacing acidic beverages and foods with modified versions. If you must consume regular citrus drinks, carbonated drinks, or citrus fruits, do this while eating a meal to minimize effect on tooth enamel, drink with a straw to bypass teeth, finish the meal with cheese or milk to neutralize acids and rinse the mouth with water.

Strengthen teeth by using fluoride toothpaste and wait an hour after consuming acidic beverages or foods before brushing with a soft toothbrush, to limit erosion. Tooth erosion can be treated through processes like tooth bonding or crowns. A dentist will recommend the best approach based on the type and severity of enamel loss.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7213743

Monday, August 13, 2012

Reasons to Get Dental Cleaning


Dental care promotes positive oral hygiene and helps prevent dental emergencies and diseases. Having teeth cleaned regularly helps preserve the beautiful smiles most people work so hard to achieve. Daily flossing, brushing twice a day, and using mouthwash are important parts of the dental care routine, but regular visits to the dentist are also recommended. There are several reasons that everyone should have their teeth cleaned on a regular basis.

Daily Benefits of Regular Teeth Cleaning

During a preventative exam, a dentist detects early signs of tooth and gum issues. Finding broken fillings and cavities early may make tooth removal, gum surgery, and root canals unnecessary. A visual inspection during the cleaning exam also ensures that good oral health is being maintained. The dental professional will recommend techniques to address identified issues.

According to dental studies, approximately 85 percent of people who have persistent bad breath have a dental issue to blame. Regular examinations and cleanings are the best ways to ensure maintenance of good oral hygiene, which can prevent bad breath. During the cleaning, stains are removed and teeth are polished, creating a bright, white smile.

Teeth Cleaning Prevents Serious Health Issues

A professional cleaning does more than just keep the mouth looking and feeling fresh-it can prevent oral cancer. In the U.S., someone dies from oral cancer each hour of every day. Oral cancer is typically curable if it is diagnosed early, so people should attend their preventative dental appointments. During each exam, the dentist conducts an oral cancer screening.

Gum disease is another serious health condition arising from poor dental care. This infection of the gum tissues and bones is a leading contributor to tooth loss in adults. Gum disease has also been linked to strokes and heart attacks. Early diagnosis and treatment can reverse the condition, preventing it from reaching an advanced stage. Daily flossing and brushing teeth at least twice a day will also help.

Keeping teeth in the mouth can also help prevent heart disease. A study published in the December 2005 issue of the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found "a significant association" between heart disease and tooth loss, especially in adults ages 40 to 59. Of the 40,000 adult participants, 6.8 percent with between one and five missing teeth were likely to have tooth-loss associated heart disease. The figure increased to 10.2 percent for those with six to 31 missing teeth and 11.5 percent for participants with complete tooth loss.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7170735

Friday, August 10, 2012

Tips for Good dental health


We all know that good oral care can lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Reporter Joe Carter has some tips.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Teach Me How To Brushy


The video is aimed at communicating the importance of establishing healthy dental habits at an early age.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Flossing Properly to Prevent Gingivitis


Gingivitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the gums. The primary cause of gingivitis is the accumulation of plaque and tartar around the base of the teeth. When plaque hardens, it turns into tartar, which usually remains along the base of a tooth. The bacteria present in plaque and tartar produce gases and toxins which irritate the gums and cause bad breath. The condition starts out as mild redness of the gums, so some people may already have gingivitis without being aware of it. Prompt treatment is necessary in order to prevent the condition from becoming any worse.

Oral Hygiene to Prevent Gingivitis
Proper and regular hygiene is important to prevent gingivitis. This includes brushing and flossing. However, it is not enough that you brush and floss on a regular basis. You also need to know how to floss property in order to ensure that you are removing all traces of food and other debris from between the teeth.

You can do this using 18" of floss, with each end wound around the middle fingers of each hand. Leave about 1-2" of floss in between your fingers which you use to floss between the teeth. Floss using a zigzag motion between the teeth. Curve the floss around the curved edges of the tooth, and gently move the floss over the gum line. Do this for each tooth, making sure to be extra gentle in sensitive areas which may already be inflamed to prevent bleeding. It is important to use a clean section of floss for each tooth until you use up all the floss that is wound in your hands.

Brushing and Mouth Rinsing

The two other important elements of oral hygiene aside from flossing are brushing and mouth rinsing using a good mouthwash. Brushing should be done regularly, in order to remove most of the debris around and on the teeth, followed by a good flossing. The final step would be rinsing with a good mouthwash. There are mouthwash brands formulated for sensitive gums, which are suitable for those who are already suffering from mild gingivitis.

Good oral hygiene is your primary defense against gingivitis and other oral diseases. Keep your mouth clean and free from tartar and plaque buildup by brushing and flossing on a regular basis. Knowing how to floss properly is also essential in order to remove all the plaque and tartar that are present on your teeth.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7202500

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

A Cerec Dentist Creates Aesthetically Appealing Smiles


A cerec dentist is a professional who helps to improve the look of people's teeth. Some of the procedures these specialists are responsible for include crowns, veneers, bonding, onlays and inlays. Many people are not aware that this type of dentist even exists. Of course, they are aware of the procedures they perform, but they may not be familiar with their title. Whatever the case may be, a cerec dentist makes huge contributions to the dental field by providing a much-needed service. There are people everywhere who have benefited from their services. There are also a number of people who could use their help.

Take dental crowns for example. This dental procedure helps people in a number of ways. For example, crowns can hold cracked teeth together. There are many ways someone could end up with a cracked tooth. They could fall off of a bike. They could be playing a rough sport. They could even be horsing around with their children or grandchildren. Having a cracked tooth can not only be painful, but it can also be embarrassing. Therefore, crowns are a great way to hide the issue, while also helping to keep the tooth intact.

Crowns are also beneficial in covering up severely discolored teeth. Tooth discoloration is a common occurrence among people of all ages. This can be brought on by drinking too much coffee or even acidic drinks. It can also be the result of eating the wrong foods. No matter the reason, this issue is something that many people dread having to deal with. So, it causes them to retreat and become anti-social. It isn't because they have nothing to say or they don't want to be friendly. Rather, they are just afraid that someone will see their discolored teeth. This is why crowns are so vital.

A cerec dentist is also responsible for installing veneers. Veneers also help to hide discolored teeth. They are also capable of changing the shape of a tooth, however. This is a great option for anyone who doesn't want an entire tooth replaced but may still be unsatisfied with the way his or her teeth look. For instance, one of a person's front teeth could be shorter than the one next to it, causing an abnormality in his or her appearance. Someone could look at them and think that they don't take care of their teeth. However, this is not necessarily true. Some people are just born with abnormally shaped teeth. The good news is they don't have to live that way.

A cerec dentist plays an important part in the dental field. These specialists are capable of helping people get the smiles they truly desire.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7207982


Dr. Donna Burton is here to help you smile! Regency Dental Group now offers the newest in permanent restoration technology! With the new CEREC™ system, we can do crowns, onlay and inlay restoration procedures in just one office visit saving you both time and money! Our Vacaville dental team specializes in treating people the way they tell us they want to be treated. Dr. Burton and team strive to take away the fear. We want you to obtain the beautiful smile you have always wanted. Give us a call today!
(707)453-1776