It’s important to remember that coming in every six months for a cleaning and check-up is the best way to keep your teeth healthy. Left unchecked, a cavity can eventually turn into a crown, root canal or even tooth loss.
Though both bones and teeth are made of calcium, teeth cannot repair or regenerate themselves like bones. In fact, the tooth is the only part of the body that can’t heal itself. So, be sure to take good care of them.
If you want the whitest teeth possible, consider the things you eat and drink. Dark liquids like red wine, black tea, and coffee will stain teeth, as will dark fruits and gravies. Smoking cigarettes or cigars will also contribute to yellowed teeth.
Dentists can use dental lasers during a professional dental cleaning to remove tartar, and may also use them as a replacement for the traditional root planing procedure, which is typically performed using a surgical instrument called a "curette," which can actually damage surrounding tissue.
It’s important to remember that your teeth aren’t just important for chewing and aesthetics. Maintaining healthy teeth can also help secure the structural integrity of your mouth and jaw.
Can you really whiten your teeth on your own? Somewhat. Over-the-counter whitening products may lighten stains like coffee and tea, but the color of the tooth will not change. That's a job for a professional.
If you have smaller spaces between your teeth, a thin floss instead of a dental tape would be the preferred option.
Remember, dark liquids like coffee, tea and soda can discolor and darken the enamel of your teeth. If you can’t cut these beverages out, cutting back or using a straw when you drink them can help.
Your saliva is your best line of defense against tooth decay and bad breath. To stimulate your salivary glands, it’s important to drink plenty of water, chew sugarless gum, and avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw, or if you can’t open or close your jaw completely.
Even if you are conscientious about your oral health, it’s important to see your dentist at least twice a year because professional cleaning is something you cannot do. Dentists use specialized instruments and substances that work very well and leave your mouth thoroughly clean and fresh.
Regular visits to the dentist aren't just good for your smile - they are good for your heart! Twice yearly cleanings can reduce your risk of heart attack - by nearly 25%.
Did you know that, according to a 1997 Gallup poll, dentists placed fifth as the most trusted medical professionals in the United States?
Do you suffer from headaches or persistent jaw pain? The cause could be a number of problems with your teeth. If your doctor's remedies aren't working, schedule a visit with your dentist for a diagnosis (and have a teeth cleaning while you're there).
When brushing your teeth, there is no need to rush. Take your time to make sure that your teeth are properly cleaned using the right technique.
Stress is hard on your health in more ways than one! It can increase your susceptibility to canker stores and may decrease saliva production, leading to oral health problems - and bad breath.
Tired of how toothpaste makes food and drinks taste? Try using baking soda instead. Put a small amount into your palm, dip dampened toothbrush bristles into it and brush and rinse as normal.
Most people will feel calmer and more relaxed after taking sedative medication prior to a dental procedure. These types of drugs are used to produce sedation along a continuum, ranging from mild to moderate to unconscious.
According to a recent poll, 50% of people listed someone's smile as the first thing they notice when meeting new people. We can make sure your smile will leave a good first impression.
To become an orthodontist, a person must first earn a degree in dentistry. After becoming a general dentist, he or she must then undergo more specialized education in order to gain the knowledge and skills needed to practice orthodontics.
It is often the job of the dental hygienist to complete the cleaning of a patient's teeth during a visit to the dentist's office. If you have questions about your brushing technique, for example, a dental hygienist should be able to help you.
Good oral health helps you make a better impression. In fact, in a survey, 72% of respondents agreed that people of all ages with regular and healthy teeth receive better treatment in social situations than those with poor teeth.