The Facts about Teeth Whitening

Everyone wants white shiny teeth. Often regular brushing is not enough to prevent the buildup of stains and discoloration. That is why teeth whitening is such a popular option. Years ago it was a procedure that was performed in a dentist’s office using an array of chemicals and cleaning equipment. Today, technological development means that there are a number of ways of whitening teeth. Some are still done by the dentist and others are things you can do yourself at home.

The Methods

• Teeth whitening strips and gels are applied directly to the teeth with a brush or using a thin strip that is part of the packaging. These products are usually peroxide based and work by bleaching the teeth. They typically have to be applied twice a day for about two weeks for best results. The process usually has to be repeated every four or five months.
• With tray based teeth whitening systems a tray similar to a mouth guard used for sports is filled with the bleaching agent and placed over the teeth for several hours a day for a few weeks. The trays are available over the counter but a better option is to have one custom fitted by a dentist. A custom fitted tray will ensure that the right amount of the whitening agent is used and that the teeth are exposed to the agent in a controlled and uniform manner. Custom fitted trays can be made to be as inconspicuous as possible.
• Whitening toothpastes are used like ordinary toothpastes. All pastes have a mild abrasive action that helps to get stains off the teeth. Whitening toothpastes usually have extra chemicals or polishing agents in them to enhance the stain removal.  These pastes are less effective than other over the counter options and can typically whiten teeth by about one shade but not more than that.
• The best and most effective method of whitening teeth is done in the dentist’s office using a laser. This offers the maximum whitening and produces instant results. It is possible to achieve significant whitening in about an hour and there is no risk of the structure of the teeth being affected.

Keeping Teeth White

Once teeth have been whitened, it is important to maintain the results with proper oral hygiene and the avoidance of foods and beverages that stain the teeth. Your dentist will be able to answer any questions on oral care and the foods that can discolor your teeth.

The number of over the counter teeth whitening kits available make it seem like the process is a simple one. In many ways it is, but there could be complications involved. In some cases using these kits could even lead to tooth or gum damage. It is always advisable to consult a dentist before trying any tooth whitening procedures. If you get the go ahead to try an over the counter option, you can ask for a recommendation on which brand to use. And if you are advised that an in clinic whitening treatment will produce better results, you will have saved the money spent on the kit and the frustration of the bad results.

What Is Preventive Dentistry?

Until a generation ago, the focus of dentistry was on repairing damage to the teeth and mouth as effectively as possible. That meant developing new materials for fillings that would last longer, creating better dentures and so on. Strides were also made in making dental work as painless as possible. The focus has now changed to keeping the mouth healthy to reduce the amount of dental treatment a person may require. By reducing the traditional cycle for extractions and fillings, the aim is to enable people to retain and use their own teeth for life.

Is Preventing Problems Really Possible?

There are two main causes of tooth loss – dental decay and diseases of the gums. The constantly evolving dental technology coupled with the development of newer and better oral hygiene products is making it increasingly possible to significantly reduce, if not completely prevent, the incidence of gum and teeth related conditions. Preventive dentistry can benefit even those who have lost many of their own teeth because it will increase the chance of their being able to retain those that are left.

The Process

The process begins with your dentist doing a detailed assessment of the health and condition of your teeth and gums. If required your teeth will be cleaned, existing problems treated and any developing problems attended to. Based on this you will be given an oral health plan to follow. This can include everything from any special brushing and flossing procedures to be followed, the types of dental products that will be best for you and the effects of diet on your oral health. This is an often overlooked aspect. What you eat contributes to your oral health as it does to every other aspect of your wellbeing. The idea is to get your teeth and gums physically fit and then to maintain them in that condition.

The Dentist – Patient Partnership

Your dentist can only start you off on the road to dental wellbeing by giving you a healthy mouth. Staying on track is your job. Between the two of you preventive dentistry can pay huge dividends. The American Dental Association recommends a minimum of two dental checkups every year. Start with this and build up on this partnership to keep your teeth and gums and as healthy as possible.

Preventive dentistry focuses on maintaining oral health and hygiene. It is a 3 stage procedure that is simple and easy. A regular visit to your dentist is the first stage. He will repair any existing damage and fix any incipient problems. The next is to obtain the dentists guidance on how to look after your teeth and gums. Following an oral hygiene regimen will help to prevent any problems from arising. And if you feel that you do have a cavity or some other issue developing, do not delay consulting your dentist. The earlier a problem is identified and treated, the simpler is the solution. By minimizing the possibilities of dental problems, you minimize the pain and downtime that is caused and the need for time consuming treatment.

Periodontal Disease and Treatment

Periodontal disease, or gum disease as it is commonly called, is a generic term for conditions that affect the teeth and gums. The conditions can manifest themselves in many forms and some of them are painless and often difficult to detect until the problem has reached an advanced stage. In its early stages it is often referred to as gingivitis. In the advanced stage is it known as periodontitis. Periodontal disease affects, in varying degrees of severity, over 47% of the over 30 population of the United States. Although the condition is one that usually affects adults, it can occur at any age.

The Warning Signs

• Bleeding gums
• Gums that are tender, painful to the touch, red or swollen
• Gums that are receding from the teeth
• Teeth that are loose or which have gaps developing between them
• A feeling that the way the teeth come together when biting is different
• A persistent bad taste in the mouth
• Persistent bad breath
• If partial denture are fitted, the fit feels as if it has changed

The Causes

There are a number of causes for periodontal conditions to develop. Among the most common are:

• Poor oral hygiene
• A family history of gum problems
• Taking medications that affect gum tissue
• Systemic diseases
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes

Even if none of these are relevant to you, the risk of periodontal disease is always present.

The Consequences

If the disease is allowed to go untreated, gum and bone tissue is damaged which can lead to both bone and tooth loss. Once the bone is lost, it cannot grow back. In addition, other complications that affect other parts of the body can arise.

The Treatment

Your dentist will be able to diagnose and treat you if you suffer from his condition. The type of treatment will depend on the specific nature of the condition. Among the most effective treatments are:

• Placing antibiotics directly on the affected areas to stop the disease from spreading and promote damage repair.
• The use of soft tissue lasers focused directly on the affected tissue to provide for a quick and lasting recovery.

Recurrence

Thinking that once you have been cured of periodontal disease you can forget about it is a common fallacy. It is not a condition where a person develops immunity. Without proper oral hygiene and tooth and gum care, the condition can develop again.

Periodontal diseases are among the most common of dental problems. As said in the beginning, there are often no warning signs until the condition has reached an advanced stage. Following a regular oral hygiene regimen will help to prevent the condition from developing. The only way to catch these problems in the early stage is to have regular dental checkups. The earlier a condition is diagnosed, the quicker the cure. If you suspect that you are suffering from a dental problem, even if it does not cause any discomfort, do not wait till your next checkup to have it examined. Have it checked now and the treatment could be quick and simple.

Foods That Stain Your Teeth

No one wants stained or yellow teeth. That’s why we brush and floss regularly and know that we should avoid smoking.  While these are important aspects of oral hygiene and keeping your teeth white, there is another factor that could cause your pearly whites to not be so white. That is the food we eat.

Strongly colored food and drinks are the worst offenders. The more highly colored, the greater the potential for staining the teeth. A good thumb rule to follow is that if something can stain a white tablecloth, it could also stain your teeth. Obviously you cannot limit your diet to only those foods that will not cause tooth discoloration. But by knowing which ones pose the most risk, you can control the problem.

• Wine: It’s not just red wine that stains teeth – white wine does it too. Also remember that according to a study done by the New York University School of Dentistry, after teeth are exposed to wine, they are more susceptible to other staining agents.
• Tea: We know that coffee stains teeth, but the fact is that tea is an even bigger stainer. While all types of tea pose a staining risk, white, green and herbal teas are less of a problem than black tea.
• Cola: Cavities are not the only danger that colas pose. They are highly acidic and like wine, they not just cause staining on their own but also leave teeth open to increased staining from other foods and drinks. It is a fallacy that only dark colored colas are dangerous. Even light colored soft drinks pose a risk. Those in the habit of keeping a can of cola at their sides and sipping all day long are the most at risk.
• Sports Drinks: Because these are supposed to be healthy, people tend to consume them without a second thought. While the jury is still out on the benefits of these drinks, most of them are highly acidic and this can cause the tooth enamel to soften, which in turn leads to increased chances of staining by other foods.
• Sauces: Tomato, soy and other highly colored sauces, along with many curries, are thought to be major factors in the staining of teeth.
• Berries: While cherries, grapes, blackberries, cranberries and the like are known to have significant health benefits, they are also causes of stained teeth. Juice, jams, pies and other foods made with berries all pose a similar risk.
• Candies: Sweets of any type be it a hard candy or chewing gum or a popsicle containing coloring agents, can stain teeth. If your tongue turns the color of the sweet you are eating, there is a chance that your teeth will also be affected.

Keep checking your smile regularly. The process of staining is slow and often the loss of whiteness is only noticed when someone else comments upon it. If you notice any signs of teeth discoloration, contact your dentist immediately. The earlier the problem is treated, the sooner you will see the results. Remember your dentist is a professional who will see discoloration and other problems before you notice them. That’s why regular dental checkups are so important in keeping your teeth shiny white and healthy.

Why Dentures Are Good for Your Health

Although the loss of teeth is more common in older people, it can happen to anyone at any age due to disease or injury. This not only affects a person’s appearance; it can be a cause of embarrassment resulting in a loss of self-confidence which in turn can affect the overall quality of life. The inability to speak clearly is just one of the issues that arise. In addition, the loss of teeth also has a direct impact on your health. Without a full set of teeth, it is not possible to chew food properly. This ingestion of partially chewed food can lead to all kinds of digestions and gastric complications. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is also much more difficult. Dentures offer a solution to these problems.

The Two types Of Dentures

Both complete and partial dentures can be fitted. When all the teeth have been lost, complete dentures are used. These come in several shapes, sizes and shades and look natural. The teeth are processed into a customized based that fits comfortably over the gums. Partial dentures are meant for those who have lost only some teeth and want the gaps to be filled for either functional reasons or to improve their appearance.

The Benefits

Both complete and partial dentures can benefit you in many different ways:

• By being able to chew your food properly, you will be able to digest it better. This in turn will lead to improved nutrition and better overall health.
• Dentures will give you a natural smile and improve your appearance by providing support for your lips and cheeks. This will give your face a fuller and more natural look.
• You will be able to speak more clearly as the dentures will improve your pronunciation and the clarity of your speech.
• The renewed self-confidence you will feel will enable you to interact with others with greater comfort and ease, both in personal as well as professional relationships.

Your Dentist Knows Best

While the need for dentures when all the teeth have been lost is obvious, not all cases of some missing teeth can be fixed by using partial dentures. Your dentist will be able to advise you on what type of denture are right for you. He will be able to answer all your questions about the functionality, appearance and care of the dentures. Once you decide to go ahead, he will make the necessary molds of your gums and to the other measurement needed to get you dentures that fit you best so that there is no discomfort, the dentures look natural and you are able to do all things that you could with your natural teeth. Dentures are more than just about being able to smile. They will improve your appearance, health and the joy you get from life.

Cavities: The Myths and the Facts Part – 1

Cavities are the most common of dental problems. Even with the best oral hygiene practices, cavities can happen. One of the biggest problems with dental cavity prevention is the number of myths that surround the subject. Many of them are so common and well accepted that people tend to believe in them blindly, resulting in ignoring the real causative factors or in following the wrong teeth care procedures. To help you separate fact from fiction, here are a few of the myths and facts about cavities and related issues you need to know.

Sweets and Sugary Foods are a main cause

This is only partially true. The fact is that cavities are caused by acid in the mouth. This acid is in turn, caused by the bacteria that exist there. Bacteria produce the acid by digesting carbohydrates and sugar, along with bread, potatoes, rice, fruit and vegetables, is one of these. Whenever you eat carbs, the bacteria produce acid. What is important is not the amount of carbs you eat, but the length of time your teeth are exposed to the acid. For example, if you sip sugary drinks all day long, your teeth are constantly exposed to bacteria related acids.

Acid Foods Cause Tooth Decay

Again this is partially correct. Acidic foods like lemons and oranges do not directly cause cavities. But the acids in them can erode the enamel that forms the hard outer layer of your teeth. When the enamel becomes eroded, the underlying tissue becomes exposed and is more prone to cavity formation.

Children Are More Prone To Cavities

This is a myth. Yes, children do get more cavities than adults, but this is due to their careless attitude towards dental hygiene. If children are taught to care for their teeth properly, the likelihood of their getting cavities is the same as for adults.

Medications Can Cause Cavities

Partially true. Medicines do not directly damage the teeth. But many of them cause the mouth to become dry by affecting the production of saliva. Saliva is important in fighting tooth decay because it has disinfectant qualities, neutralizes acids and helps to wash out bacteria from the teeth.  Less saliva means more chance of cavities.

Aspirin on a Tooth will stop a Toothache

Myth. Aspirin is an analgesic that works to reduce sensation of pain when ingested. Placing it on or next to a painful tooth will not help in reducing the pain. In fact, since aspirin is acidic in nature, direct contact with the teeth and gums can cause abscesses to develop.

Fillings need to be replaced regularly

Not always. An amalgam or composite filling can last a lifetime. They normally need to be replaced only if they become damaged, the tooth breaks or cavities form around them. If none of these happens there should not be any reason to replace them. It all depends on how you care for your teeth.

In the next blog we will look at more myths and facts about cavities you need to know.

The Top Reasons for Tooth Loss

Losing a tooth (or teeth) does not mean just an embarrassing gap when you smile. It has more serious implications. Your ability to chew is affected and this limits what you can eat. Poor nutrition can affect your overall health. Your face could sag and over time, you speech become impaired. There is no need to place your teeth at risk when a few simple precautions can prevent their loss.

1. Bad oral hygiene results in acid producing bacteria to form layers of plaque on your teeth. This eats away at the enamel and causes cavities. In addition it increases the risk of periodontal disease and bad breath. Ask your dentist for an oral hygiene regiment that will protect your teeth.

2. The early signs of future tooth loss are often difficult to detect or notice. Regular 6 monthly visits to your dentist for checkups will enable incipient problems to be found and treated early, before your teeth are lost.

3. A tooth cavity is not just unsightly. Over time the inner pulp of the tooth can become infected resulting in pus formation and the death of tissue. If not treated in time and a filling put in place, the tooth will be lost.

4. You know what smoking does to your body, but do you know that research shows that smokers are twice as likely to lose teeth as non-smokers?  Smoking increases the risk of gum diseases which leads to tooth loss. It also can affect the flow of blood to your gums, weakening them and making them more prone to disease.

5. Teeth that are not correctly aligned (malocclusions) can cause tooth loss. Improperly aligned teeth cannot be effectively cleaned so there is more chance of tartar developing and this can lead to a variety of tooth and gum problems. In addition, the pressure and wear on other teeth increases, affecting their life.

6. A trauma to the mouth may not result in an immediate tooth loss. But a root fracture that goes unnoticed at the time can cause infection and weakness of the tooth later on which will lead to tooth loss.

7. What you eat affects your teeth. A diet that does not contain enough calcium and other nutrients that the teeth need to stay healthy will result in their loss.

8. Not replacing a lost tooth, even if it is at the back and not visible, can cause problems to the adjoining teeth. The adjacent teeth can become displaced because of the lack of support and this leads weakness and loss of tooth.

Tooth Loss Is Not Inevitable

Yes, teeth and gums do weaken with age and as you get older, the chances of losing some or even all of your teeth increase. However, it is not inevitable. With proper care your teeth can last your lifetime. Regular visits to your dentist play an important role in this. Even those who do go for regular dental checkups tend to ignore problems that arise when a visit to the dentist is not due. This is how small issues become major ones and lead to tooth loss. When in doubt, consult your dentist. It’s the best way to keep a happy smile on your face.