Friday, June 29, 2012

How to Avoid Pregnancy Gingivitis and Other Dental Issues When You're Ex...


If you're pregnant and concerned about your dental health, it is imperative that you visit the dentist regularly to help prevent pregnancy gingivitis, bad tastes in your mouth, and other oral hygiene issues.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

How To Brush Your Teeth


Learn how to brush your teeth properly with both manual and electric toothbrushes, including how to avoid brushing too hard.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

White Teeth: From At-Home Trays to Cosmetic Dentist Visits


Everyone knows that it is good practice to get your teeth checked regularly by a professional, but more and more people are considering the work of a cosmetic dentist to keep their teeth in optimum condition. Everyone wants their teeth to be clean and healthy, but many desire to keep their teeth looking good as well. One of the most common procedures that a cosmetic dentist performs is teeth whitening. If you're interested in brightening your smile with teeth bleaching, it's important to know what your options are and what each of them can do for you.

Over time, your teeth naturally change in color, but there are also some substances that can stain your teeth. Smoking is one of the biggest causes of yellowed teeth, but some drinks and foods can cause problems too. Coffee and tea are often the worst offenders, but soft drinks, wines, and even some fruits can leave stains that dull your teeth though they do not necessarily do any damage.

Discoloration also comes from tooth decay. Enamel makes out the outermost layer of your teeth and functions to protect the bone while chewing. The layer just underneath enamel is yellow-colored. As the enamel is eaten away by a film left behind by sugary foods, the yellow underneath shows and causes discoloration of the tooth. Whitening toothpastes help to decrease the substances that eat away at enamel, but it won't reverse the effects caused by missing enamel.

There are many whitening options for those concerned with the color of their teeth. Over the counter systems are available. For these methods, you apply plastic sheets with low concentrations of whitening chemicals to your teeth every night for about two weeks. While these products do work, they are much lower in strength than whitening that a cosmetic dentist can provide and often do not last for quite as long as a professional bleaching.

Professional bleaching consists of two basic types. In one case, your cosmetic dentist will make a mold of your mouth from which a tray is created. This tray is filled with a whitening agent and is fit into your mouth snugly, allowing the chemicals to reach all of the nooks and crannies in your teeth. Often these trays can also be used at home but are more effective than over the counter products. The other type of professional bleaching is done in-office. A protective substance is painted over the gums so that a high-power whitening agent can be applied directly to the teeth. This method is much faster than the others and often only requires two or three treatments.

In general, whitening done by a cosmetic dentist is more effective because a professional can determine what the cause of discoloration is and target it specifically. Knowing the specific problem can be incredibly useful in getting good results with little hassle. Any whitening is a simple and painless procedure though, and can cause dazzling results combined with a little more attention to what you eat and drink.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7124510

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Adults Considering Invisalign


Invisalign is a type of orthodontic product that provides an opportunity for adults to straighten their teeth. Just a few decades ago, the only options available to straighten the teeth of a fully-grown adult were limited. Most adults do not want to use wires in their mouths to fix their misalignments. Yet many people go through life not smiling because they are embarrassed of the condition of their teeth. This product offers a solution to these problems. It could be the best option available for adults who want to be proud of their smile.

What It Does

What makes it unique is the way it works and fits into your mouth. Invisalign is not your typical bracing product. Rather than using wires and metals to do this, a unique material that is clear is used. Dentists can customize the use of this material to create an exact image of your teeth. In short, these fit right over the top of your teeth creating a virtually invisible treatment option. It is hard to see and, even better, it works effectively to re-align the teeth to make them straighter. It works effectively. However, is it a good option for adults?

Why Adults Love It

There are many reasons adults are turning to this product to improve their smile. If you are considering it, just look at the many advantages this product offers.

• Some products only work on young adults and teens, not adults. This product can be effective for adults as well.

• It is impossible to see unless you tell someone it is in place. That means you can be at work and in important meetings without feeling as though your smile is suffering from braces.

• It is a cost effective solution. Though it can sometimes be more expensive than other products, it tends to be less expensive in the end because it works so well.

• It is easy to use. You do not have to worry about having tightens that are painful, unlike braces. Rather, you can see significant improvement to your smile without pain or discomfort during the process.

• It does not take long to see improvements. The length of time you will need to use it will depend on your unique condition but it can be just as fast if not faster than other options.

Overall, Invisalign works and it works well for adults. That is why so many adults have turned to this product as the way to fix their teeth. If you have any limitations in your smile, including misalignments of your teeth, it is a good time to get help fixing it.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7130791

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Funny Kids Talk Teeth


Ever wondered what kids really think of the dentist or the tooth fairy? Watch this video to discover the world of teeth from a whole new perspective!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Mouthwash: Why You Need It


Do you worry about malodorous breath? Halitosis can affect your social life. Bad breath is linked to improper oral hygiene and a symptom of possible medical conditions. The ironic part is that our nasal cells become immune to the smell after some time. Dental floss removes the plaque build-up between teeth as these areas are too tight for toothbrush bristles to penetrate. While flossing can remove bulk amounts of food debris, smaller particles may stick to the enamel pellicle. Mouthwash works by gently lifting off the remaining grime.

Mouthwash should be used right after brushing and flossing your teeth. It is the last step of the oral care regimen. It contains ingredients that freshen your breath while targeting remaining signs of plaque. This dental product is especially helpful for individuals who have sensitive gums and periodontal problems. Since vigorous brushing might cause them discomfort, mouth rinse helps prevents bacteria from accumulating in severely irritated areas. People who have undergone oral cosmetic surgery, deep scaling and extractions should use mouth wash to eliminate food debris.

People with dentures are at a higher risk of developing halitosis (bad breath). The appliance calls for denture adhesives to keep it in place. If the denture is not cleaned properly, the sticky areas will make a good breeding ground for bacteria. Edentulous people have to invest in an effective mouth rinse and keep their mouth well-moisturized throughout the day to control fetid mouth odor. It would be wise to buy a denture cleaning solution as well. This can be mixed with water for denture storage purposes. Do not soak the denture in mouthwash unless it is recommended by your denturist.

Mouthwash is a product commonly overlooked or put back on the shelf in favor of other items that are perceived to be much more important. There are many types of mouthwash formulations available in pharmacies, supermarket and online stores. Before you commit to a product make sure you take time to consult a licensed dental practitioner about mouthwash efficacy. You might also like to try some of the leading mouthwash brands, which are extremely helpful. They offer different types of mouthwash to fit your specific needs.

There are specific formulas available that work best on certain cases. Talk to your dentist about your concerns. If you have periodontal or gingival problems, your dental practitioner will usually prescribe a mild mouthwash that can eradicate bad breath without irritating your oral cavity. Remember to prioritize mouthwash efficacy when choosing a product. Pick a mouthwash that targets your oral problems and enjoy fresher breath all day long.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7102246

Monday, June 11, 2012

Which Foods and Drinks Are Beneficial to Your Oral Health?



Food is nutrition, and nutrition is necessary for good oral health, among other things. Like every other system in the body, the nutrition you bring into your body affects how well it performs, and how long it stays healthy. This includes your teeth, gums and mouth, and your oral health in general. You may not realize some foods are "mouth healthy", but some are.

What is Mouth Healthy in Your Home?

When selecting foods and drinks for maximizing your oral health, look for those that help to fight bacteria - the #1 bad organism that is in your mouth. Some foods can do it very well.

For example, enjoying cheese and other milk products, without adding sugar, is a great way to protect the enamel on your teeth. This outer layer of the teeth is the first to be destroyed by bacteria, but these dairy products help. They provide calcium and phosphorus that's necessary to bring minerals to the teeth. According to the WebMD website, making minerals available for teeth supports a natural process in which new minerals are deposited into tooth enamel after acids have removed them.

What Helps Improve Oral Health?

Some meats and most types of chicken will work to add minerals to your teeth in the same way dairy products work. Nuts, without a sugarcoating, offers similar benefit.

Other foods and drinks work in different ways. Eating crunchy or firm fruits, for example, can help to neutralize some of the effect of bad foods, like sugars. Apples, pears and crunchy vegetables have a high concentration of water within them, as such, they help to stimulate the mouth's natural production of saliva.

When it comes to finding something to drink that is good for your oral health, focus on water. Anything containing sugar is a bad idea and acidic drinks are right behind those sugary drinks, which are best left on your 'do not consume' list. Drinking unsweetened drinks, like tea, can also be helpful.

What about those sugar-free and sugar-substitute products? Avoid those that contain even natural sweeteners, unless afterward you plan to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth. Anything that is on the label ending with "-ose" is usually a poor choice, including sucrose and fructose.

In addition to these foods, eat an overall healthy diet of lean proteins, many types of vegetables and whole grains. These foods help you to keep your immune system working well. The immune system also contributes to your oral health because it fights off bacteria.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7087949

Friday, June 8, 2012

Don't Believe These Dentist Myths


Visiting the dentist can be one of the best experiences you have. Not only do you end up with clean teeth and a bright smile, but also you gain the assurance that your mouth is overall healthy. Even if there is a problem lurking there, the simple fact that you went in to see these providers makes a big difference in the long-term. For those who are looking for a solution to improving their overall experience, it takes finding the right dental care provider and then investing in the type of services you need. Do not put off going because you believe in any of these common myths.

What Myths Are There?

When you go in to see a dentist, you may believe that the experience will be a bad one. It does not have to be. In fact, with the aid of the right provider, you will feel far more comfortable than you think. The following are some of the common myths that people believe about dentists.

• Do you believe that every dental visit is going to be a painful one? It does not have to be. In fact, as long as you have good oral hygiene habits and your visit every six months, it is unlikely that any painful treatment will be necessary.

• Do you associated the dental visit with pain? Did you know that you can tell your dentists that you are feeling pain and they can adjust the treatments they give you? This means you do not have to be uncomfortable during most processes. You do need to tell the provider that you are feeling pain so he or she can make the adjustment.

• Did you know that your dentists are the best possible people to talk to about any dental health problems you have? Even if your mouth is wide open, before you leave, have a frank discussion with this provider about your needs and concerns. He or she will talk to you about any needs you have. You should feel comfortable enough with the provider to talk like this.

• Did you know that you can reverse many of the oral health problems you have through improved treatments and hygiene? If you did not know this, you are not alone. However, you do need to talk to your provider about your needs.

If you are unsure if your dentist is willing to offer you this type of service, it may be time to look for another provider. The right one can offer you the guidance you need to feel good about your appointments and to see value in having them. Do not put off turning to these providers when you have a problem or coming in for regular checkups.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7097472

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Porcelain Veneers for Restoring Your Natural Smile



If you are looking for a reason to smile, here is one!

The branch of dentistry that is purely concerned with the aesthetics of teeth is called cosmetic dentistry. Modern cosmetic dentistry offers us many solutions for restructuring and restoring our natural smile. A chipped, discolored or heavily damaged tooth is no longer a reason to hide your smile!

There are many ways of restoring a tooth including popular methods like teeth whitening, bonding, crown restoration etc. But they all have their set of disadvantages. The effects of teeth whitening are more often than not short lived and the staining tends to relapse. Bonding and crown restoration both require significant downsizing of the tooth enamel (3 to 30%), making your tooth vulnerable to germ attack.

Porcelain veneers has come to be regarded as the best option for non-invasive tooth restoration as it does not require any complex, surgical procedures and can be completed in as few as three appointments with the dentist. It has replaced crowns as the only option for severely damaged, discolored or chipped teeth. Veneers can also help you to reduce the gaps in between caused by germ built-up or if you have small teeth due to wear and tear. Damaged front incisors make excellent candidates for veneers due to their immediate visibility.

Veneers are also available in composite resin material. Though resin veneers are cheaper than the porcelain variety, they have a tendency of absorbing water and are more easily stained. They are unable to replicate the natural look that porcelain can give. Dental porcelain is the preferred material for restorations due to its pearl-like glow. Dentists can even shade the porcelain to match the rest of your teeth. It is also long lasting. Veneers are available in both permanent and removable models that you can use at home.

The procedure of installing porcelain veneers begins with the dentists taking an impression of your tooth. Followed by this, a thin portion of the enamel will be removed to occupy the veneer in its place. The veneer can be fabricated in the clinic by using a Dental Milling Machine that will take a picture of the tooth and simply grind it into the veneer material. The other alternative is to get the veneer made manually from a lab, which may take up to two to three weeks. As the veneer is being made, the dentist may give a temporary veneer to cover the scraped tooth. Once the veneer is ready, it can simply be attached to the tooth using resin.

If you follow all the instructions regarding oral hygiene for your teeth, your porcelain veneers can last up to 10 years or longer.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7094309

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Secrets to Maintaining a Youthful Smile


Many people become self-conscious about their smile because of poor oral health. Here are a few tips that can help reduce the decay of teeth and maintain a healthy looking smile. These tips will make trips to the dentist a breeze, because the dentist will be saying how wonderful those pearly whites look. Make sure to follow these recommendations and consult with a dental care provider, as they may not all fit every unique situation.
The first secret may not seem like such a secret, but it is surprising how many people do not perform the task regularly. Brush and floss at least twice a day and preferably after each meal. Flossing should be done at least once a day and preferably twice a day. Using un-waxed floss is the most beneficial. Additionally, make sure to change toothbrushes every 3 months or so, as to maintain prime effectiveness.
Next secret is to avoid soda as much as possible. This can be beneficial for a myriad of different reasons besides dental health, such as reduction in chance of diabetes and other diseases. Drinking milk (and also tea) is a great way to add beneficial liquids into a diet. Soda contains many chemicals besides sugar that are harmful to teeth and the body. The most consumed beverage in America is soda and the average consumer intakes roughly 45 gallons annually!
Another secret to a healthy smile is avoiding sugary gum. The average person chews 300 sticks of gum a year and most gums are loaded with sugar. All gum is not created equal and there are plenty of healthy alternatives to sugar-loaded gums. Gums sweetened with xylitol, a natural sweetener found in an array of gum brands, are a healthy alternative to the sugar-laden gums that mostly fill the store shelves.
Another greatly beneficial secret to maintaining a youthful smile is choosing toothpaste wisely. With a mind-boggling amount of brands of toothpastes on the shelves, all claiming to be recommended by your dentist, it can be hard to choose the one that is best. While many times natural toothpaste can be very good, actually consult a dental professional to find out which toothpaste fits the specific needs you may have.
Be sure to maintain a healthy diet, as this is crucial in oral health. Ingesting foods that are high in calcium, like yogurt and cheese can go a long way in keeping a beautiful smile for years to come. Also, foods rich in Vitamins A, D, and C are beneficial to gums and in preventing gum disease. Try to avoid overly sugary food or food that stick in teeth and can break down enamel over time. Additionally, avoid drinking acidic beverages slowly, as the prolonged exposure on your teeth can be damaging.
Finally, always remember to get regular checkups at a dentist. It is recommended to see a dentist every 6 months, in order to keep on top of the overall health of your smile. Many problems may not cause pain right away or be visible to the eye, so it is important to regularly see an oral care provider. In those cases where there has been some damage, seeing a dentist every 4 months can be recommended.
Following these recommendations will go a long way to keeping smiles youthful and beautiful for years to come. It is always recommended to ask a dentist about more tips to keep up with oral health. We only get one set of teeth and it is important to do anything necessary to keep them shiny and healthy

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7063921