Unfortunately, certain medications have dry mouth as a side effect. While this may seem like a small thing on the surface, suffering from chronic dry mouth can put you at a higher risk for gingivitis and cavities if you don’t work with your dentist to prevent them.
Because an improper flossing technique can be problematic, it is important to ensure that your child knows the technique and the right amount of pressure needed so that they can floss properly.
When was the toothbrush was invented? While no one really knows, it’s speculated that the first tools used for cleaning teeth were chew sticks which were twigs with a thin end. Evidence of this was discovered in archeological sites in Egypt and Iraq dating back to around 3,000 b.c.e.
Do you have a condition that causes you to have pain in the temporomandibular joint of your jaw? Dental lasers may be used to quickly reduce pain and inflammation in this area.
Left untreated, cavities can cause significant pain. Once the bacteria eats through your enamel, the exposed nerves will begin to send pain sensations when in contact with hot or cold temperatures.
If your kids resist brushing and flossing, create a reward system to motivate them. Rewards help reinforce good behavior in kids and let you easily establish a routine of dental hygiene in them.
For many, the eruption of wisdom teeth is a painful process that can lead to many complications. Damage to other teeth, for instance, is quite common as the wisdom teeth will press in on an already crowded space. To prevent this, extraction is the recommended course of action.
If gum disease has progressed too far, scaling may be needed. This procedure requires tartar being removed from both above and below the gum line. While scraping used to be the standard process, laser technology has replaced it (and is much more comfortable).
When you have bad reactions to anesthesia, you may find that you frequently put off necessary procedures simply to avoid it. If the dental procedure you’ve been putting off can utilize a laser, it’s possible that you may not have to go under anesthesia.
Do you feel like it’s a silly waste of money to buy toothbrushes with cartoon characters on them? Remember, it may cost more, but anything that will engage your children in brushing their teeth regularly could pay off later.
Are you the type of person who can feel your jaw clench whenever you hear the sound of a dental drill? Since lasers can decrease the need for drills, your next trip to the dentist could be a more relaxing experience.
One of the reasons oral sedation has become a popular sedation dentistry option for many people is that it does not require the use of needles. Rather medications can be swallowed whole or administered sublingually (under the tongue) by the dentist.
What is an abscess? It's an accumulation of pus in the gum tissue beneath the root of the tooth. In most cases, antibiotics are an effective treatment, but there may be instances when more extensive procedures are needed.
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.
There are many benefits offered by laser dentistry technologies. These include reduced scarring, minimal swelling, and less post-operative sensitivity, as well as faster recovery times.
Normally, people are fitted with braces as children. However, this doesn't mean that adults can’t seek orthodontic treatments, too. In fact, there are many people who consult with orthodontists later in life to correct deficiencies they've had since they were young.
While brushing your teeth, you should also brush your tongue from the back towards the front to lessen any bacterial build-up. Never scrub the tongue too vigorously however, as doing so can damage your taste buds.
What is Optical Coherence Tomography? This is a technique that can be performed with laser dentistry that is used to actually view the inside of a tooth and surrounding gums. Optical Coherence Tomography is vital for assessing the current health of teeth and gums and pinpointing areas that need treatment.
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the center of a tooth caused by bacteria. Your dentist will remove the bacteria, fill the root canal and seal the tooth with a filling or crown. This is done under local anesthetic to ensure it is not unduly painful.
One of the more bothersome aspects of plaque is that it is always present. That's why it is important that you brush and floss at least twice a day, and visit the dentist for regular professional cleanings.
Do you know that the sequence that foods are eaten can determine the risk for cavities? For example, you can reduce the chance for cavities if you eat sugary foods after meals as opposed to eating sugary foods alone.
Although it is rare, a congenital jaw defect can be responsible for causing TMJ. However, in most cases TMJ is caused by a stress response that results in the patient grinding his or her teeth in sleep, leading to acute nerve pain.
While cavities on teeth are not uncommon, this doesn't mean that they should be ignored. In fact, they should be attended to as soon as possible as neglect will cause deterioration and ultimately, loss of the tooth.
By obtaining recommendations from family or friends, you can learn more about different dentists in your area and find one who will be best for you.
