Thursday, May 29, 2014

What You Need to Know About Tooth Enamel Erosion



Mark L. Waltzer, D.M.D., F.A.G.D., a participating Delta Dental dentist, tells of the causes, symptoms, and how to prevent tooth enamel erosion.

Monday, May 26, 2014

How Can I Prevent My Teeth From Turning Yellow?

In these days of wanting to have super white teeth, preventing your teeth from turning yellow is not an easy task. Enamel is the hard surface that covers the outside of teeth, and it is thick and translucent when you are born. Underneath the enamel is dentin, which is yellow. Unfortunately, enamel does not regenerate over your life, and eventually teeth become yellower as different problems thin the enamel layer and make the dentin layer become more visible.

What Speeds Up Yellowing?

(1) Sugary sweets that you chew and hard candies that stay in your mouth, together with their high sugar content, are big problems. If it stains your tongue, it is also staining your teeth.

(2) Drinks: Tea, coffee, red and white wines, sports drinks, colas and other sodas stain. Black tea is full of tannins; green tea is less likely to cause problems and is healthier as well. Citric and phosphoric acids along with massive amounts of acidic sugar and ammonia based caramel coloring, especially in colas, wear down tooth enamel.

(3) Fruits and vegetables: Although very healthy, those with bright colors such as blueberries, pomegranates, beets are others are loaded with compounds known as polyphenols.

(4) Fruit Juices: Commercial fruit juices are quite acidic; freshly made juices aren't as much of a problem, but don't let them linger on your teeth.

(5) Sauces: Tomato sauce and curries can attach to porous enamel. Have a starter of salad greens or steamed vegetables to create a protective layer over your enamel to lessen the chance of staining.

(6) Condiments: Ketchup, soy sauce and balsamic vinegar are thought to contribute to teeth staining.

(7) Smoking or chewing tobacco are obvious stainers.

(8) Medications: Some antibiotics can discolor teeth, especially in children. Antihistamines, drugs for high blood pressure, and anti-psychotic drugs are culprits.

(9) Mouth washes contain cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine.

(10) Inadequate brushing and flossing to remove plaque are stain-producing.

(11) Advancing age causes the outer layer of enamel to wear away, revealing the natural yellow dentin.

(12) Excessive fluoride can be caused by high levels in water or from the excessive use of fluoride toothpaste, rinses, applications and supplements taken by mouth.

How Can You Slow Down the Yellowing?


Irreversible enamel destruction is a scary situation, so we need to know what we can do to slow it down.

(1) Cut down on the effects of acidic foods and drinks by having a big sip of water after you finish your meal or drink. Swirl it around your mouth to clear away any acids or staining compounds.

(2) Do not reach for your toothbrush right after eating. Weakened dental enamel becomes softer for at least half an hour. It should harden within an hour, so you can then brush with a soft bristled toothbrush.

(3) Try to get more saliva into your mouth after eating and let it move over your teeth.

(4) Cut back or cut out smoking and the other staining items outlined above.

(5) Consult your family dentist for teeth whitening procedures and suggestions, and have your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist at least every six months.


If your teeth are not as white as they used to be, or for that matter as white you want them to be, give Shumway Dental Care and call and make an appointment to see one of their Chandler AZ dentists. Their family dentists are experienced in all types of cosmetic dentistry, and can tell you the best route to take to get your teeth up to par. Visit the site at http://www.mychandlerdentists.com.
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Friday, May 23, 2014

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity, and How Is It Treated?

Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints among dental patients, and approximately 40 million adults in the United States suffer at some point from sensitive teeth. So you are not alone if you get pain when you eat or drink certain foods and beverages.

Sensitivity is also aggravated by heat, cold such as ice cream or soft drinks, citrus fruits and juices, brushing, flossing, acid reflux and other factors that result in the erosion of the teeth's hard enamel. Exposed areas of the tooth that cause pain can even affect or change your drinking, eating and breathing habits.

Tooth sensitivity is caused by fluid movement within the exposed microscopic tubules located in the dentin, which is the layer of tissue underneath the hard enamel outer layer and contains the inner pulp, and that results in nerve irritation when the hard enamel has worn down, teeth are fractured or chipped, or the gums have receded and the items that cause pain come in contact with the nerves inside your teeth.

Visit your dentist for a diagnostic evaluation so he or she can rule out that the pain is being caused by a cavity or need for a root canal or a suggestion that fluoride or a protective coating be applied to the sensitive areas to strengthen the enamel and cover any exposed tooth roots. A mouth guard may be needed If you grind your teeth because tooth grinding (bruxism) can cause sensitivity and fracture teeth.

If you do not have those problems, your dentist may recommend one of the following:

1. Use a desensitizing toothpaste to help block the pain. After brushing, you might want to massage the special paste onto your gums with your finger. Don't be discouraged by the fact that this special toothpaste must be used on a regular basis twice a day for approximately a month before any therapeutic benefits are noticed.

2. Ingredients found in some tooth whitening toothpastes used to lighten and/or remove certain stains and the main ingredient in toothpastes for tartar control may increase sensitivity.

3. Floss daily with a comfortable floss designed especially for even the most sensitive gums. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush to remove up to 90 percent of plaque from even hard to reach areas while being gentle on gums. You should avoid harsh or vigorous scrubbing and highly abrasive toothpaste. A hard bristled toothbrush wears down the tooth's surface, exposes sensitive areas and can cause gum recession and root exposure. Are you guilty of brushing too hard? Find out by looking at your toothbrush. If the bristles are pointing in different directions, you are.

4. Avoid brushing immediately after eating or drinking acidic substances because the acid softens enamel and makes it more vulnerable to erosion during brushing.

5. Limit acidic foods such as citrus fruits and drinks, wine and others, all of which can gradually remove tooth enamel. If you drink acidic liquids, use a straw in order to limit contact with your teeth. After you eat or drink something acidic, drink a glass of water or milk in order to balance the acid levels.

Do you have a problem with tooth sensitivity? Give Shumway Dental Care and call and make an appointment to see one of their Chandler AZ dentists. Dr. Andy Shumway and his son Dr. Joel Shumway are experienced in all types of cosmetic dentistry, and can tell you the best route to take to get your teeth up to par. Visit the site at http://www.mychandlerdentists.com.
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Tuesday, May 20, 2014

How Long Do Dental Crowns and Bridges Last?

Quality-made dental crowns and bridges are the solution if you have damaged or discolored teeth and need their appearance and shape to be improved. Another good reason is if you have gaps where teeth have been removed, and you don't want the remaining teeth to spread out into those areas and create a bad bite.

Crowns also are needed for a variety of reasons, including

  • keep teeth strong for biting and chewing
  • help to prevent a tooth from fracturing
  • restore a tooth that has fractured
  • cover a tooth that has previously had a root canal
  • protect a discolored tooth,
  • cover a broken one
  • hold a dental bridge in place
  • cover a dental implant

Cosmetic dentists are trained for this specific work and are ready to professionally correct such problems and make you and your mouth smile!

Dental crowns, often commonly called "caps", provide a tooth-like shape and structure that covers the entire tooth, strengthen the tooth, and are very functional. They are made by a special machine in a dental laboratory or sometimes right in the dentist's office if he or she has the equipment and staff.

Ceramic and porcelain crowns are meticulously matched to the color of your natural teeth so that they easily blend in and are not obvious. Porcelain fused to a metal shell is both attractive and strong. However, other materials such as metal and gold alloys, ceramic and acrylic are stronger than porcelain and are often especially recommended for back teeth.

Bridges replace one or several missing teeth and are cemented to natural teeth or implants, which serve as anchors for the bridge. Replacement teeth are attached to a crown that covers the abutment.

Crowns Can Last 15-20 Years With Proper Care

Research has shown that approximately 90 percent of crowns will not require major treatment within five years, and 50 to 80 percent of crowns will last between 15 and 20 years, which is a long period of use.

The length of time varies greatly depending on a multitude of factors including the most important of all, which is good oral hygiene. The failure of crowns and bridges can be due to the formation of a cavity where the crown and tooth meet. A bridge may lose support if the bone or tooth that is holding it in place gets damaged from dental disease. If you tend to grind or clench your teeth, ask your dentist how this could affect your crown and what you can learn to do about it.

Another factor is good nutrition. Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugars because they promote an acidic environment in the mouth. Instead, stick to a diet which is anti-inflammatory, alkalizing and rich in antioxidants.

You need to keep your teeth and gums healthy and follow the good dental hygiene practices of brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily including under your bridge, avoid chewing sticky and hard objects, and seeing your dentist and hygienist at least twice a year for examinations, follow-up care and professional cleanings.

The Chandler AZ dentists at Shumway Dental Care are experienced with cosmetic dental procedures and can help you determine the best route for you to take when fixing your teeth. Visit the site at http://www.mychandlerdentists.com to learn more.
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Saturday, May 17, 2014

Looks Forward To Visiting The Dentist - Regency Dental



Hannah talks about how she loves Regency Dental, and been going there her whole life. She actually looks forward to going to the dentist. See more at http://www.regencydentalgroup.com

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Oral Hygiene 101: Understanding And Preventing Tooth Decay

Tooth decay or dental caries is the second most common problem for kids and adults alike. Although not life threatening, understanding this common problem can help protect your teeth and prevent you from experiencing pain when eating or drinking. Regular dental maintenance can also prevent the teeth from discoloring and the individual from experiencing toothaches as well.

How

Tooth decay happens when the bacteria from the food that we have eaten turns into acid and becomes plaque. It later turns into tartar when not removed and sticks to the person's teeth. The acid destroys the outer layer called the enamel causing it to become brittle and creating a hole in the teeth resulting to cavities. When the enamel completely erodes, the cavities will then attack the dentine which is the softer area inside the teeth. If the person fails to have any treatment, the bacteria will eat up the dentine exposing the pulp area of the tooth which contains the nerves and blood vessels and cause dental abscess or bacterial infection in the tooth area and this can affect the gums as well.

Risk Factors

Tooth decay is preventable. However, most of us fail to do so due to busy schedules or unhealthy diets or lifestyles. One risk of tooth decay is the food that we eat specifically those carbohydrates that are rich in sugar or starch. Another factor is unhealthy lifestyle such as smoking which hinders the body's ability to produce saliva and poor oral hygiene or infrequently brushing one's teeth after a meal. People who have dry mouth also are at risk of developing tooth decay as the saliva in the mouth acts as a clean-up for the teeth.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of developing tooth decay, it is best to maintain a regular oral hygiene habit. Plaques tend to build up twenty minutes after one finishes eating and as such it is best to brush one's teeth during this time interval. Regular flossing removes food stuck in between teeth and prevents bacteria from developing in the area. If you like to eat sweet and starchy food, it is best to drink some water to flush away the sticky materials especially if you are dining out. For those who are under medication or experience dry mouth, sipping water regularly can prevent the mouth from drying up. Regularly visiting your dental health provider to check on your teeth's health is also imperative especially if you feel pain or toothache. This would treat the problem area and prevent it from infecting other healthy teeth.

Treatments

If the tooth problem already progresses into cavities, your dental health provider can provide you several solutions such as fillings, crowns or root canals. A filing replaces the decayed part of the teeth and materials such as porcelains, gold or resin are used. A crown on the other hand fits over the weaker tooth and protects it from further damage. Root canal is the last resort and involves the removal of the nerves, roots and decayed portion of the teeth. After treatment, the tooth is filled in and crowned to prevent further damage to the area.

7 Day Dental in Orange County, CA provides dental care 7 days a week, including weekends, holidays and after hours. For more information, please visit us at http://www.7daydental.com.
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Sunday, May 11, 2014

Nu Calm - Regency Dental



Dr. Burton demonstrates NuCalm. It is a revolutionary relaxation treatment to make your dental experience stress free and calm. See more at http://regencydentalgroup.com/

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Best Habits for Ensuring Healthy, White Teeth

Everyone knows it's important to brush twice daily, in the morning and at night, and regularly floss, too. But what else can you do to make your teeth their brightest, whitest and all-around healthiest? Here are easy tips that will make you smile.

Don't Brush After Every Meal

You may think you're benefitting your teeth by brushing every time you finish eating. But you can actually be doing more harm than good. Certain foods can leave acid behind on the teeth, weakening the enamel. If you brush right after eating, while the enamel is in a weakened state, you can actually scrub it away, leaving your teeth more vulnerable. Instead of brushing to remove leftover food particles after a meal, swish (and spit!) with water.

Skip the Soda

Soda can cause damage to your teeth in just the first few sips. There is research that relates drinking soda to drinking battery fluid. The sugar in the soda leads to cavities and the phosphoric acid in the drink erodes enamel on the teeth and also causes hypersensitivity in the mouth. Soda also tends to stain the teeth, leaving them dull and dingy. Instead of soda with your meal, chose water with a squeeze of lemon or other fruit for a bit of flavor. Your teeth will thank you!

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

You may think your doctor is conspiring with your dentist to get you to eat healthier in the name of achieving healthier, whiter teeth. But really, crispy, crunchy fruits and vegetables (like apples and carrots) are a great way to naturally whiten your teeth because their abrasive consistency serves as a natural toothbrush without damaging your teeth's sensitive enamel. Strawberries, though not crunchy, also help whiten teeth through its astringent, which removes surface stains, and vitamin C that clears plaque away.

Chew Gum

If you love to have something sweet after a meal, skip the sugary treats and instead chew a piece of sugar-free gum. Make sure the gum you chose has Xylitol, a natural sweetener that has been proven to help prevent plaque (because plaque cannot digest xylitol as it can sugar), neutralize the mouth's pH levels and increase saliva production, which helps naturally rinse plaque away. Dr. Oz even suggests eating raisins to increase saliva production. Who knew?

Don't Buy into the Baking Soda Hype

Many people are looking for more natural solutions to their beauty and health routine than drugstore remedies and, with that in mind, baking soda has become a popular method for brushing teeth. However, it is too abrasive for the teeth to be used as a long-term solution for whiter teeth because it can actually damage the enamel, making them appear - gasp - darker, not whiter in the long run. Ask your dentist to prescribe a teeth-whitening toothpaste or have an in-office professional whitening treatment and get ready to flash that beautiful smile.

Jillynn Stevens is a writer and researcher. She is the Director of Digital Content Marketing for Be Locally SEO where she enjoys helping clients expand and improve their businesses through articles, blogs, website content and more. No one wants unsightly teeth. Consider your oral health at all times and talk to your dentist about available teeth whitening treatments if you want a brighter smile.
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Monday, May 5, 2014

Cosmetic Dentistry - What Treatments Are Available?

A smile almost always leaves a lasting impression on any individual a person meets and therefore, oral hygiene maintenance is paramount for every individual. There are a variety of dental services you can access depending on your preference or need. Some dental services are for purposes of correcting defects in dental growth, while others may be used for purposes of enhancing aesthetics. These may include orthodontic treatments and cosmetic dentistry respectively.

Orthodontic treatments

Orthodontic treatments help in straightening or moving the teeth in order to improve their appearance. This also helps the teeth, gums and jaws a great deal to grow healthy and strong while making them even easier to clean. Generally, such treatments are performed on children although more adults are also getting this done. This may involve taking x-rays or plaster models of your teeth and discussing possible treatment for the problem with your orthodontist. In some instances, some teeth may have to be removed in order to make room for others to grow while in others, other alternatives are sought to create space. A good example of alternative treatments is braces.

Cosmetic dentistry

These types of dental treatments focus more on aesthetics, such as when an individual wishes to have alterations made to the teeth in order to improve his or her appearance. While they may not be as necessary as orthodontic treatments, individuals may find them instrumental in making their smiles perfect. Some popular cosmetic treatments include bleaching, bonding, crowns, veneers, contours and reshaping.

With time, stains may accumulate on teeth and one may need a dentist to help remove the stains. Bleaching is a process that may be used to remove such stains or whiten teeth, and this may be done by the dentist, whether in the office or at home under supervision.

Bonding is the use of material colored like teeth to change the color of your teeth. It requires only one visit to the dentist and can last for a good number of years. Bonding may also be used as a filling for cavities that are small, or to close spaces between teeth.

Crowns or caps are used to cover teeth in order to help them get back to their original shape. They are costly and are often used when other alternatives fail. Of all cosmetic dental treatments, they stay on the longest and also tend to take a lot of time when fixing.

Veneers are thin porcelain or plastic pieces that are fixed over the teeth in order to alter the shape or color of your teeth. They are mainly used on unevenly surfaced teeth, chipped, crooked or oddly shaped teeth. They are also used to fix some of the problems that might be fixed by bonding. Veneers are usually custom-made from tooth impressions.

Contouring and reshaping involves correcting teeth that are either unevenly or irregularly shaped, usually altering the shape, height or even the position of the teeth. Sometimes, there are instances in which bonding and contouring are used simultaneously. This procedure is used for minor alterations.

Cosmetic dentistry can really help to enhance your looks and give you back your self-confidence. For professional general and cosmetic dentistry services, visit http://www.bewelldental.com.au/service/cosmetic-dentistry/.
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Friday, May 2, 2014

10 Keys to a Healthy Smile at Every Age and Stage

Everyone wants a healthy smile they can show off to friends and acquaintances. However, a healthy smile doesn't come naturally. You need to take care of your teeth and gums to ensure that your smile remains healthy.

1. If your mouth hurts, you have waited too long to visit your dentist. Most dental issues will not cause immediate pain. Cavities and gum disease are silent. If you are experiencing pain, you may have bacteria and infection. Get to a dentist as soon as possible, of course, but don't wait that long next time.

2. You probably don't visit your dentist as often as you should. Twice a year is actually not enough visits for an adult. Every 90 days is ideal. After three months, bacteria cleaned out by your dentist are recolonizing. 90-day visits may seem expensive but, ultimately, they are worth it.

3. Seeing your dentist regularly can save your life. Really? Yes, says WebMD. Gum disease can be a sign of heart disease. Inflammation in your gums and in the arteries of your heart can be linked. So can bacteria in your gums and plaque in your arteries. Red and inflamed gums may be indicative of diabetes. Seeing your dentist regularly will benefit your smile and your health, too.

4. If you are afraid of your dentist, because you know the treatments will hurt, you need to find another dentist. Every aspect of dental discomfort can be managed with a specific medication. Find a gentle family dentist, and discover that taking care of your teeth doesn't have to be painful.

5. Your mouth tells your dentist the whole story. Your dentist can tell if you have issues or habits like coffee or soda drinking, and past drug problems. People who experience stress may clench or grind their teeth. Even bad breath can tell a lot about you.

6. Not everyone has the same shade of white teeth. Your tooth color and hair color both tell your dentist about the shade of white that is natural for you. Each person has a different whiteness potential.

7. Nothing could replace dental floss. You can buy toothpicks or sharp devices for picking your teeth, but they don't get all the way in between teeth, like floss does. Most bacteria hides between your teeth, and brushing only attacks 50% of it. Flossing gets the other half.

8. How often should you buy a new toothbrush? This should be done every 90 days, right after your 90-day dental check and cleaning. If you use mechanical toothbrushes, just swap in a new head.

9. There are times when you can't brush. At these times, it's a good idea to rinse with a mouthwash, to kill off bacteria. If you don't have mouthwash available, rinse your mouth with warm water.

10. Is there really one "best" time for brushing? After meals works quite well, since three times a day is essential. You should floss three times a day, too.

Once you find a friendly, family dentist, you'll be happy to stick with these keys to a healthy smile. Going to your dentist should not be like going to the dungeon. Dentistry doesn't hurt if it's done correctly.

Dr. Curt Ringhofer is a family dentist who provides exceptional dental treatment that is tailored to your specific needs. His ability to put patients at ease makes it simple for him to maintain their optimal health. We at complete dentistry of Orland Park provide you comfortable dental services to make your visit a happy experience.
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