What are orthodontists? These are the dentists who have taken postdoctoral training focusing on teeth positioning and jaw alignment. Using specialized techniques and oral appliances, orthodontists are able to correct many dental irregularities and can thus provide their patients with a better quality of life.
Does mouthwash help? Mouthwash may help when you use it with regular brushing and flossing, but it cannot replace daily cleanings. Mouthwashes are mainly used for cavity protection, fresh breath, and sensitivity.
Keep in mind that your health history can affect dental sedation techniques, so be sure to give your dentist all relevant information. The day of the procedure, it’s recommended that you stay hydrated and that you avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for 24 hours.
TMJ often responds well to a range of non-invasive treatments. To alleviate your immediate discomfort, the dentist may recommend temporarily switching to a soft diet, taking mild pain relievers and applying moist heat packs.
Just short of undergoing complete sedation from general anesthesia is deep sedation. During this, you hover on the edges of consciousness and do not experience any pain, but you can be awakened at any time.
Avoid putting carbonated beverages in your little one's bottle, even if it does not contain sugars or other ingredients. The carbolic acid it contains (it forms during carbonation) can cause permanent damage to your child's teeth and gums.
Ever wonder how soon you should brush your child’s teeth? It’s as soon as the first tooth shows! You can either use a soft-bristled brush or a muslin cloth wrapped around your finger topped with kid’s toothpaste.
Do you dislike the look of your teeth? Don’t let an unsightly smile keep you from enjoying life. Talk with us about cosmetic dentistry procedures that can improve your smile.
The varying wavelengths of the different kinds of lasers have unique effects on dental structures. Some lasers are only absorbed by blood and tissue pigments, while others are only absorbed by water and as hard tissue, like enamel, dentin, and bone.
Do you notice the teeth on people you are meeting for the first time? Surprise - it's part of being human! But, just like you notice the teeth of others, they also notice yours. For a perfect smile every time, see your dentist regularly.
One of the most painful conditions that one can experience is an abscessed tooth. It is marked by pain in the jaw, ear or neck which gets worse when lying down. The first treatment steps are draining the abscess and prescribing antibiotics.
What was the first type of dental floss made from? Silk. While Dr. Levi Spear Parmly recommended the use of silk floss as early as 1815, it was not until 1882 when un-waxed silk floss became widely available to the public.
Make your dentist proud at your next visit: Brush your teeth at least twice daily, for two minutes each time, to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Replace your toothbrush every three months, or when the bristles start to appear worn.
Your teeth are harder than your bones, but unlike bones, your teeth don’t heal themselves. Because tooth damage is irreversible, it’s important to see your dentist as often as you can.
When is the best time for children to receive dental sealants? In most cases, dental sealants – which protect teeth from cavities and decay – should be applied to permanent molars and premolars as soon as they finish erupting.
Children's primary teeth need as much care as their permanent teeth need. Otherwise, serious problems can develop as they grow, including speech impediments and health issues.
While TMJ disorders most often occur in women between the ages of 20 and 40 years, they can also occur at any age. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have a TMJ disorder.
Everyone is biologically different, which is why your dental needs may differ from others. As such, consulting your dentist regularly is crucial so they monitor your oral health and provide you with any special procedures you may need.
One of the most popular ways to administer sedatives is orally, which is great for people who are nervous about needles. The sedatives can either be swallowed whole or crushed and put under the tongue (sublingually) where they can be absorbed readily into the bloodstream.
Dentists recommend that children start visiting the dentist as early as 12 months old. Schedule regular visits after your child's primary teeth come in. This can help save your child from future dental problems by catching any developmental problems early.
To remove an impacted wisdom tooth, an oral surgeon will have to remove the tooth. However, this process will be quite more involved than a simple extraction as the surgeon will have to cut into the gum in order to get at the offending article.
Laser work harnesses the energy of a laser that comes in the form of light. It can be used as a tool for ‘cutting’, which is necessary for surgical purposes or for ‘curing’, such as strengthening the bond between a filling and the tooth.
Baltimore College of Dental Surgery was opened in 1840 in Maryland. It was the first dental college.
You should always clean your dentures over a basin of water or a damp towel. Use only lukewarm water and avoid gritty pastes or powders. You should clean your dentures after every meal using lukewarm water, denture brush and cleaner.