Teeth Discoloration

Ever wonder what causesmakes your teeth lose their whiteness and tooth discoloration? Oftentimes, it has a lot to do with your diet. Here’s a list of foods commonly known to stain teeth or cause some discoloration.

To Replace or Not to Replace Silver Fillings? That Is The Question

For a good amount of years, silver fillings were a common sight in children's mouths. For many adults, those fillings from childhood are starting to deteriorate, as fillings often do. Since silver fillings are still offered today, they must choose whether to keep the same material, or switch to a composite filling. Here are some things to consider to help make the best choice for you.

The Pros and Cons

The main advantage to silver fillings is that they cost less money. For instances where the fillings won't be obvious, like the molars, people tend to pick the more affordable option. This is where the benefits of silver fillings end though. Over the years, silver linings have been found to:

· Interfere with dental x-rays, hiding decay in the teeth.

· Put pressure on teeth, increasing chances of fractures and chips to the area.

· Contains mercury, which is considered no longer toxic by the time it is placed in the mouth, but still makes some people uneasy.

Tooth-colored, or composite fillings are generally considered better because:

· They are less obvious.

· Don't hide tooth decay.

· Strengthen teeth structures.

There are a lot of things to consider, aside from cost. When replacing a filling, dentists must completely remove the old one. It is not a situation where the dentist will just add more silver to the existing filling. The entire filling is sucked out before replacing it with whatever material the patient chooses. Some people prefer to just stay with the familiar choice and repeat what was already there.

Other Determining Factors

Dental hygiene plays a big part in what dentists recommend to their patients. All fillings will break down, but with poor dental habits, it is harder to protect the fillings and the teeth they strengthen. If proper brushing and dental techniques are part of your routine, your teeth and fillings will last longer. This is especially true of composite fillings. They deteriorate faster when proper care is neglected, meaning you replace your fillings more often.

The cost of composite fillings might be a bit more at first, but the cost eventually evens out. For instance, when you pay a little more for composite, your teeth are stronger. Instead of paying to fix cracked or chipped teeth, you put a little bit more into the tooth now to protect it from further damage and expense later.

Other things that influence the filling options are the size of the cavity and where it is located. For molars with larger cavities, many dentists will recommend the silver colored fillings because they are a bit stronger and resistant to deterioration than the composite option. If this is the original reason for your filling, the dentist is likely going to recommend that you replace your silver fillings with the same material. Smaller cavities don't require one material over another, so the dentist will usually ask for your preference.

Once fillings start to deteriorate, it is important that you replace them. No matter what type of filling material you use, ask questions and pick the type that you feel good about. Continue to practice healthy brushing and flossing habits to keep decay under control and you will have a long and happy life with whatever filling you choose.

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5 Amazing Benefits of Getting Dental Crowns

If your teeth are damaged or poorly shaped, this is likely to affect your smile and confidence. Such an unfortunate situation will prevent you from experiencing life to the fullest. In order to conceal unsightly dental flaws, scientists have invented an amazing solution that will give you the exact look that you've always desired. A dental crown is an artificial prosthesis, which is placed over implants or damaged teeth in order to improve their aesthetic appeal and durability. Below are some of the incredible advantages of getting dental crowns.

1. Concealing flaws

Dental crowns can be made to match the color, size and shade of your natural teeth, thereby enabling them to blend in with your unique dental structure. For those who may want to add some extra glam to their look, gold and silver crowns can be installed as well. Regardless of your individual style, a dental crown is the best way to effectively conceal a damaged or cracked tooth.

2. Fast and easy procedure

For most people, going to the dentist is unavoidable. Not only can it be extremely time-consuming, but it could also result in excruciating pain during the procedure. Unlike other dental procedures, getting a crown requires about two visits only and furthermore, the process of installation usually takes less than an hour. As long as you find a qualified dental expert, getting dental crowns is as easy as ABC.

3. Increasing the durability of false teeth

If you have dentures or implants, a dental crown can greatly increase the longevity of your artificial teeth. This is because dental crowns provide an extra layer of protection, which aids in reducing wear and tear. This helps your dentures to last longer and remain in good condition. Due to the cement used when installing them, dental crowns are also immovable thereby giving you more anchorage when chewing food.

4. Diversity in material

No matter what your budget may be, there is a wide range of crowns, which have been specifically designed to meet your needs and budget. Due to the many different materials that could be used to make crowns, these dental prosthetics have continued to increase in popularity among people from all lifestyles. From gold to porcelain, there is a huge variety of options for you to choose from. You can be sure that you will find the right crown to suit your unique needs and budget.

5. Strengthening weak teeth

If your tooth has been weakened because of severe trauma or a dental illness, it is very important for you to seek appropriate medical attention lest a fracture develops. In order to prevent this, your dentist may recommend a dental crown that aids in strengthening your tooth by providing an additional layer of covering and protection.

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Crest Pro-Health with Protection Against Acid Erosion

Crest Pro-Health is the only toothpaste with the ADA seal of acceptance for protection against acid erosion. It protects against acids in everyday food and drinks better than regular toothpaste.

Four Ways That Porcelain Veneers Can Give You The Smile Of A Cover Model

Porcelain veneers are often the last hope for someone who has severely damaged teeth and has exhausted all other dental options. Dental technicians create them from impressions of a patient's natural teeth that were taken by a cosmetic dentist. Porcelain replacements are then crafted and fitted over teeth that are thought to be beyond any other type of dental repair, creating a beautiful new smile.

Do you think this option is right for you? Let's evaluate who makes a good candidate for this treatment.

1. Stained Teeth

Veneers can be a lifesaver if you have stains and discoloration. If your teeth are so far damaged that regular bleaching or laser whitening are no longer options, or they did not help you to achieve the results you desired, these are an excellent alternative. Because they are shaped and shaded to match the surrounding teeth, they are just as natural in appearance as your originals.

2. Misaligned Teeth

If you are dealing with misaligned or uneven teeth, you probably feel quite embarrassed every time you are asked to smile. This can lead to low self-esteem and avoidance of social situations where others would see your mouth up close. Why hide yourself? If regular orthodontic work such as braces or retainers did not work for you in the past, ask your cosmetic dentist if these porcelain alternatives can balance out your pearly whites.

3. Chipped Teeth

Veneers work very well on people with cracked or chipped teeth. Not only do they offer the cosmetic advantage of supplementing the missing portion of the tooth and making it look much better, but the hard coating can protect the already-weakened tooth, preventing further damage.

4. Spreading Teeth

Over their lives, some people may be susceptible to embarrassing spacing between teeth that tend to grow apart. These awkward gaps are usually treated with invasive surgical procedures such as dental implants, but having porcelain veneers placed over your natural teeth can create a similar look without the excess pain or recovery time.

Remember, however, that since these porcelain options are bonded to the natural teeth, they must only be used when there is no other alternative. After all, the preparation for bonding can permanently damage your given teeth, so the treatment should only be used as a last resort.

However, for those that have the need for the treatment, it can be a godsend. Imagine living years of your life afraid of opening your mouth and then having the beautiful smile of a cover model overnight! Ask your dentist if porcelain veneers are the right option for your dental problems.

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Could Humans Ever Regrow Teeth?

98% of American suffer from tooth decay, but scientists may have found a way to fix that. Is there a way to regrow your teeth?

Signs That You May Need a Root Canal Treatment

A decaying tooth can destroy your gums and if not caught earlier, leads to tooth extraction. The best way to treat a decaying tooth is undergoing a root canal. During RCT, the nerve and infected pulp are taken out and the dentist cleans and seals the interior of the affected tooth. Without this procedure, the surrounding tooth's tissue will become inflamed resulting an abscess formation.

All the teeth in your mouth contain nerves and blood vessels that are located in the center passageways, or canals, deep down in the root. When your teeth form initially, these blood vessels and nerves give them all the key nutrients needed. Eventually, your teeth will no longer need these nerves and blood vessels, and this is where a dentist will need to take them out without causing any damage to your teeth. This procedure is known as a root canal. However, you may or may not be aware of whether you need the treatment, and if so, when exactly should your get it. In light of this, listed below are 6 signs indicating that it is time to visit your dentist for a RCT.

1. Severe pain - whenever you feel a toothache, which is not a definitive indicator that you require extraction or you need to undergo a root canal. It all depends on the severity of the pain. When the pain becomes unbearable enough to prevent you from eating or drinking, then you should see your dentist as soon as possible. He will check whether or not there are any cavities and if a cavity has caused the inflammation or infection in the tooth's blood vessels and nerves.

2. Swelling - If your neck or face starts to swell - it is definitely a sign that you need an RCT.

3. Gum boils - Also known as fistulous tracts, gum boils are a pimple-like lesion in the gum tissues, which becomes a drain for pus. The size of these gum boils may increase or decrease depending on the waxing and waning of the infection. You are most likely to detect a bad taste because gum boils act as a drain for pus. The lesion will also feel tender when touched and the tissue will become swollen.

4. Sensitivity to hot and cold foods - Drinking hot beverages like tea and coffee and eating cold foods like ice creams shouldn't usually a problem. However, when you constantly experience a dull ache after the consumption of these foods, then this may be a red flag.

5. Problems with biting and chewing - If you are experiencing constant discomfort and pain when biting or chewing your food, and also seeing signs of swelling in the region then you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately.

6. Darkening of the tooth- this is not a sign that RCT is needed immediately unless your dentist says so. But darkening of one or more teeth happens when the tooth has experienced trauma, has been decayed, or if a filling has deteriorated.

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How to Brush Teeth Correctly

Are you brushing your teeth the right way? Brushing your teeth the wrong way and with the wrong kind of toothbrush can mean that you’re not properly cleaning your teeth. Avoid common mistakes while brushing and find out the proper way to brush your teeth and tongue for fresh breath, and better oral hygiene.

Ready, Set, Rec!

Recreation Manager Reggie Hubbard tells us about some of the fun activities taking place for everyone in the City of Vacaville, from kids to adults and seniors!

Flossing Teeth Properly, How to Floss

Do you floss every day? Do you know how to floss properly? If you’re not flossing your teeth, you can be missing out on cleaning 40% of the tooth’s surface. Flossing is an important part of your oral health routine and helps to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. Whether you choose waxed or un-waxed dental floss, the process is the same.