Facts and myths about cavities

Cavities are dental caries that cause damage to the tooth, resulting in tooth decay.  Here are some of the most common myths and facts about cavities most people are unaware of:

The only things that causes cavity is sugar

Myth: The main cause of cavities is acid producing bacteria inside the mouth. Decay can be instigated by any carbs you eat. This includes sugar as well as potatoes, rice, fruits, bread, and vegetables.

Kids are more susceptible to cavities than adults

Myth: Due to the presence of fluoride in tap water, decay in school-aged children has reduced by half in the past two decades. On the other hand, cavities in seniors are on the rise due to medicines that tend to make the mouth dry. They decrease saliva, which is known to protect your teeth.   

Acid can cause tooth decay

Fact: Acidic food items have the ability to break down the outer shell of your tooth, weaken it, and make it prone to decay. 

The bacteria that cause tooth decay generate acids inside the mouth. Consuming foods such as soda and juice can enhance that process. Hence, it’s important to follow healthy eating habits.

Aspirin helps a toothache when placed next to the tooth

Myth: Aspirin needs to be swallowed if you want it to work. Since it is acidic, it can burn your gum tissue and may also cause an abscess if you put it next to your tooth.

You’ll know as soon as you have a tooth cavity

Myth: When you see a tooth cavity it has normally spread to a great extent. To avoid such instances, it is best to undergo routine dental screening. With regular checkups, your dental expert can find a cavity before it may cause damage.

All Fillings have to be replaced

Myth: There is no life expectancy to filings, but it may depend on things such as oral hygiene and tooth wear. If you keep good oral habits then you become less likely to have dental problems, and your fillings also last longer.

Decay stops once a tooth is treated 

Fact: As soon as you get your cavity filled, the decay spot gets removed. From here on forward, if you take good care of your teeth, the decay from the filled spot will certainly stay clear.  

Grinding and clenching can create cavities

Myth: As mentioned above, cavities are mainly caused by acid-producing bacteria. However, grinding and clenching are some of the worst things that you can do to your teeth.

With normal chewing, our teeth tap for a tiny millisecond, which creates little stress. But grinding and clenching can put a lot of pressure on your teeth. The tension can eventually create fractures and cracks on your teeth, speeding up tooth decay. 

Cavities generally happen between the teeth

 Fact: Places where bacteria can hide or areas that are hard to clean with a floss or toothbrush are likely to cause decay. It is best to use a mouthwash to reach those tough spots.

Tips for safe tooth whitening

The booming teeth-whitening business has made dazzling smiles within everyone's reach. From DIY strips to in-office treatments, you have a variety of options for polishing up darkened or stained teeth. Fortunately, side effects aren't that common when you use over the counter products, but they may happen. Hence, before beginning a do-it-yourself teeth whitening routine, make sure you know how to keep your teeth safe.

Talk to your dentist:

It is wise to get a mouth exam and professional cleaning before whitening your teeth at home. Your dentist will also check the over-all health of your gums and look for cavities during the examination. Treating any oral problem before the whitening procedure is good for your dental health.

You can also ask your dentist for advice on which over-the-counter treatment to use.

Be wise when shopping

At-home whitening agents contain peroxides in quantities ranging from 10 to 20%.Select a product that has a peroxide level anywhere in the middle of the aforementioned range. If the item doesn’t irritate your mouth but does not offer the shade you want, you can buy a higher level. However, it is best to show the product to your dentist to be on the safer side.

Do as instructed

Do not leave the gels or strips on longer than instructed -- you may end up with sore gums and other oral problems.  Also, few hours after whitening, avoid sports drinks, soda, or other acidic drinks to keep your teeth protected.

Protect sensitive teeth

Teeth have the tendency to become sensitive after undergoing whitening. However, sensitivity may be less if your teeth and gums are healthy. Remember, if whitening treatment aggravates gum irritability, stop the process right away and speak to your doctor.

Ill-fitted gel-filled trays that have to be worn like a mouth guard can also trouble your gums. Hence, be careful of the fitting. 

When to avoid teeth whitening?

Nursing and pregnant women should avoid teeth whitening. Also, patients with composite and porcelain bondings and dental crowns should avoid in-home teeth whitening. It is best to consult a professional to ensure there are no side effects or uneven smiles.

Avoid overdoing it:

How much is too much? If you get good results by following the instructions, a once-a-month session is normally enough. Once your teeth reach the whiteness you like, you will have to repeat the bleaching session twice a year.

There are a variety of teeth whitening products and systems including over-the-counter gels, whitening toothpastes, rinses, trays and strips, available in the market. Teeth whitening is perfect for those who have unrestored, healthy gums and teeth. People with yellow shades of teeth respond well, but this procedure is not advised for everyone. It is best to talk to your dentist before taking any step. It is also recommended to go for in-office treatment under the supervision of a professional rather than using DIY products. This ensures that your oral health remains intact and protected at all times. The best way to find out about professional teeth whitening procedures is to research online.

Signs you need to see an orthodontist

Most people see orthodontists as professionals who provide cosmetic treatments that help straighten teeth. However, their role in our lives is much larger. An orthodontist plays a very important part in rectifying crowded and crooked teeth, as well as under bites and overbites that can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.

When to see an orthodontist?

It is important to see an orthodontist if you have a question about the quality of your bite or the alignment of your teeth. At times, problem in these areas is painfully obvious. For instance, you may have a hard time chewing, biting, or speaking, or some of your teeth may be protruding, misplaced or crowded. If this is the case, then it is time to consult a specialist. An orthodontist has all the training and special skills needed to diagnose and treat such issues.

Clenching, mouth breathing, inability to close your lips comfortably, or grinding your teeth are also signs that orthodontic treatment is required. Likewise, if your jaw makes sounds as it moves, or if you feel your jaw is shifting positions, you may be facing an orthodontic problem.

Kids and orthodontics:

Experts recommend regular visits to an orthodontist after age 7, even if the child’s teeth are in perfect shape. This is because a youngster’s jaw is still developing and can be easily molded, if required. One fine example is treating a cross-bite. A palatal expander appliance can treat a child’s cross-bite effectively because the jaw is still growing. However, if left untreated, oral surgery may be required later to correct this condition.

There are several other problems that can also be rectified through timely orthodontic treatment. For example, late or early loss of baby teeth, tongue thrusting, persistent thumb sucking, and mouth breathing. If you see your child displaying any of such symptoms, it may be time for you to visit the office.

Adults:

Orthodontic treatments are successful at almost at any age — and in adults, compliance is usually not an issue. Moreover, with the availability of translucent ceramic brackets, clear aligners, and lingual braces, older people no longer have to shy away from the treatment. If the thought of metal braces clashing with your professional image worries you, make sure you ask for less-visible alternatives.

Of course, it is not only about looks. Teeth that are well aligned are also easier to maintain and clean, and less likely to undergo abnormal wear. A healthy bite keeps you from having trouble speaking and eating, and helps your projections stay healthy. However, before undergoing treatment, make sure the orthodontist you choose has the experience and qualification to handle your case. Do not settle for a clinic just because it’s close to your house or it offers attractive discounts. It is wiser to spend more money at a reputed orthodontist and enjoy healthy teeth for a lifetime than spending less on the treatment and regretting your decision for the rest of your life.   

Different uses of laser in dentistry

Lasers made their debut in dentistry almost five decades ago when an American physicist developed the first laser and exposed an already extracted tooth to it. The results sparked an interest in researching different ways to incorporate this light emitting devise in dental treatments. Over the passage of time, scientists have been able to create lasers that are smaller and better suited for a variety of dental treatments.

The various uses: 

Here are some dental problems that can be treated by the use of lasers:

• Gum disease. Lasers are utilized to remove bacteria or reshape gums during root canal treatments.
• Tooth decay. Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation can be used to get rid of tooth decay and prepare the enamel for filling. The radiation can also be utilized to harden or "cure" a filling.
• Biopsy. Laser can be used to take out small fragments of tissue for the purpose of examination.
• Teeth whitening. Lasers can accelerate teeth whitening. Several bleaching solutions, coated on the tooth surface, are ''activated" by laser to achieve the desired whitening results quickly.
• Lesion removal: These light emitting devises are also used to get rid of lesions inside the mouth and to lessen the pain produced by canker sores.

How do lasers work in dentistry?

These devises work by emitting light energy. When used for dental and surgical treatments, they act as tissue vaporizers or cutting instruments. When utilized for the purpose of "curing" a filling, lasers help in strengthening the bond between the tooth and the filling. Apart from this, lasers can also generate heat to increase the effect of bleaching agents.

There are different kinds of lasers that can be found in dental clinics, including lasers for gum resurfacing, Argon lasers to cure fillings and carbon dioxide lasers to perform oral surgery.

Pros of using lasers:

In comparison to traditional dental tools, dental lasers:

• Cause less pain in some procedures, in turn reducing the need for anesthesia
• Help reduce nervousness in people who are scared of dental drills
• Reduce swelling and bleeding during treatment of soft tissues
• Preserve the healthy part of the tooth during the process of cavity removal

Lasers are being used for almost a century to treat a variety of dental problems. Yet, in spite of FDA approval, these devises have not received acceptance from American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA, however, affirms that it is carefully optimistic about the role of laser in the field of dental technology.

While the future for lasers in dentistry looks bright, for now, you must continue to do your own research before choosing this form of treatment. In fact, when it comes to taking the final call, it is best to discuss the pros and cons with your dentist. California boasts of a swarm of dental-laser treatment clinics that offer comprehensive consultation to potential clients. It is best to discuss your options with a professional to make sure you take the right decision. 

How to get a confident smile?

Confidence is fickle – one day you’ll feel on top of the world, the next day, not so much.

It’s human nature to go to extra lengths to look and feel attractive. This includes using a range of cosmetics, and specialized skin treatments. Most Americans agree that a confident and attractive appearance helps them secure better jobs, life partners and promotions. If you too are interested in enhancing the way you look, then the first thing you should consider is cosmetic dentistry. Remember, beautiful teeth reflect radiant beauty, good health and confidence, three crucial qualities in successful people.

Here are some of the most common cosmetic treatments used to enhance the aesthetic value of your teeth:

Orthodontic treatments:

Crooked teeth are teeth that are misaligned and at a higher risk of being lost early because of periodontal disease or tooth decay. Cosmetic orthodontics is a division of dentistry that fixes such issues for aesthetic reasons.

The most standard form of treatment for crooked teeth are braces. These prosthetics help treat overcrowding, protrusion, irregularity, and other related issues. There are various types of braces available, including:

• Fast acting adult braces
• Invisalign
• Damon braces
• Simply clear aligners
• Inman aligners

Invisalign:

Invisalign braces are made out of transparent plastic material and are hardly noticeable to the naked eye. They tend to fit over the teeth easily and move the choppers gradually into position.

Fast acting adult braces:

These braces are specially created to be worn by adults. They comprise of a gum-shield with vibration causing miniature motors. This vibration tends to start once the person bites down on the gum-shield, in turn loosening ligaments and initiating new bone to grow. This, in turn, moves the teeth into the correct place and holds them there.

Damon braces

These are no-friction, metal free braces comprising of wires and a slide mechanism that enables misaligned teeth to move into position.

Inman aligners

These are similar to Invisalign braces except that they comprise of a metal bar that is visible across the front teeth. But they utilize the same principles as Invisalign. The combination of a coiled spring pressing against the teeth and the metal bar causes a ‘push-pull’ movement that shifts the teeth into their correct position.

Simply clear aligners

These are a set of plastic aligners that are worn to fix mild cases of crooked teeth or other orthodontic problems. Such prosthetics do not contain wires, metal bars, or brackets and are opted by those patients who are looking for a mild cosmetic correction.

Apart from braces, there are several other cosmetic treatments that can help you achieve that perfect smile. Discuss all your options with your orthodontist or dentist. He or she should be able to recommend the right method for you depending on your oral health and personal preferences. Do not let a chipped or crooked tooth stop you from achieving your goals or shying away from social interactions! Book an appointment with your dentist now and see your life change for good.

Seven Foods that help fight cavities

Whether you call them dental caries, tooth decay or cavities, they all refer to one thing –damage of tooth enamel. And if you’re not proactive, you may end up losing a tooth or suffering from nasty gum disease.

How do cavities actually start?

Cavities are a result of simple sugars sticking to the teeth for a duration of time and promoting the growth of damaging mouth bacteria that corrode tooth enamel. Unfortunately, cavities are not restricted to kids alone. Aging disposes adults to this problem due to receding gums. This puts older people at risk for plaque and consequentially they become prone to tooth decay. However, the good news is tooth decay can be prevented by following some simple rules:

• Brush two times a day
• Floss regularly
• Get oral examinations and professional cleaning every six months.
• Eat healthy foods and limit your sugar intake

Apart from this, here are some foods that should help you keep the dentist’s drill away:

Cheese: experts believe that eating cheese improves oral health by preventing loss of minerals. In addition, the protein found in cheese assists in countering the acids that lead to tooth degeneration. As less as five grams of cheese is enough in countering tooth problems.

Apples: apples act as natural cleansers for the mouth. They have the ability to generate saliva that cleans the teeth while the flavonoids restrict bacterial growth inside the mouth.

Cocoa: cocoa contains polyphenol, a unique nutrient that plays an important role in cavity prevention because of its capability to fight bacteria.  Polyphenol reduces the formulation of acid, which in turn helps the teeth remain healthy.

Peanuts: peanuts help decrease plaque build-up. They are the least cavity causing food items that a person can eat.

Cranberries: cranberries are rich in organic acids and flavonoids, known for their decay-preventing qualities. The flavonoids in blueberries and cranberries constrain bacteria from sticking to teeth surfaces, in turn helping them remain clean.

Yogurt: yogurt combined with fresh fiber-rich fruit acts like a natural toothbrush. It contains phosphorus and calcium, two minerals required to re-mineralize the teeth. A recent study has shown that adults who drink yogurt have less acidic pH levels which helps to keep cavities at bay.

Black tea: flavanols are abundant in black tea and have been shown to reduce the breeding of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Apart from this, tea leaves also contain fluoride, a mineral that sustains oral health by strengthening the mineral composition in the teeth.

Gum and tooth problems are less common today, in comparison to the yesteryears. But they still affect almost one out of ten Americans by the time they reach sixty. If you do not take care of your mouth by brushing, flossing and eating right, you are at a very high risk of developing gum disease. One of the best ways to find out how to take care of your mouth is to ask a qualified dentist. There are several good dental clinics in California that will help you handle your teeth by giving your personalized advice and treatment.

5 facts you did not know about your teeth

You make use of your teeth to chew, talk, and smile. You even plan meals, play sports, and grab drinks without giving any thought to your pearly whites. It may not occur to you, but beverages, activities and food can damage the health of your teeth considerably. Twenty-five percent of senior Americans lose almost all their teeth due to bad habits. Here are a few interesting "teeth facts" you may be surprised to know.

Tooth enamel is considered to be the hardest substance inside a human body, but it is fragile:

Popcorn, ice, and lip/tongue piercings can lead to chipping of the teeth, and unlike skin our teeth cannot re-grow. A metal ring pierced across your lip is especially bad because every time you talk, the ring hits your teeth. This can lead to wear and tear and tooth fractures.  

You can have missing teeth at almost any age:

Did you know that there are people who are born with missing choppers? The most common missing teeth are the wisdom teeth. The second most common are the lateral incisors, located right next to the front tooth. Interestingly, there are a lot of people who inherit missing teeth.

Large quantities of fluoride is bad for your teeth:

Fluoride is essential for healthy teeth. However, children who ingest extreme amounts of this element when they’re developing permanent teeth can suffer from a condition called fluorosis. Normally, fluorosis starts out by creating white spots that eventually turn brown. Unfortunately, the stains caused by fluorosis are “intrinsic,” and cannot be polished off by the dentist.

To make sure your children don’t use excessive toothpaste, supervise them when they are brushing. Squeeze out a small quantity (pea-size amount) so that they do not swallow too much accidentally. You can also use a fluoride free paste for your kids until they are old enough to understand.

Braces can cause cavities:

Bacteria, food and acid stuck around dental braces can damage the enamel. They start to form cavities around the brackets. Even if the degeneration does not completely turn into a cavity, it can create “demineralization.” One of the best ways to prevent it is to make sure you visit your orthodontist for regular cleanings.

Sour is as bad as sweet:

Sweets are not the only villain that damage healthy teeth. Sour candies, fruit juices can soften teeth and make them prone to enamel erosion.

Your choppers play an important role in the overall health of your body. Hence, it is important to follow good habits and keep these facts in mind the next time you plan to indulge in some candy.  It is also a good idea to visit your dentist regularly. During a dental check-up, your expert can uncover several clues about the overall health of your body. For instance, if the enamel of your tooth is worn down, it could be a sign that you may be suffering from mental stress. Receding or swollen gums may be an early sign of diabetes, while sores that don’t heal can sometimes mean oral cancer. A little caution and care can go a long way in helping you live a healthy life.