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Managing overdue payments can be a huge challenge for dental practices. So it's important for dental providers to have an effective patient payment collection strategy in order to reduce bad debt and protect their practice’s financial well-being. An effective way to drive timely patient payments is to send reminders via automated text communications.

Text to pay is a payment solution that allows consumers to make a payment via texting on their smartphones. This is a huge opportunity for dental providers to start incorporating text reminders into their patient payment collection strategy leveraging the same automated technology that dental providers use to send appointment reminders. 

Benefits: Convenience, Speed & Personalization

Empower your patients with the easiest way to pay their balances so that your dental practice can collect more payments in less time; improving the revenue generated!  

Read more about it Here!

A toothache can be difficult to deal with, but a lot of children experience this. Toothaches in children can be caused by emerging teeth, tooth decay, broken or chipped teeth, plaque buildup, cavities, swollen gums, tooth grinding, or food that get stuck between teeth. However, you can ease your child’s tooth pain and help them get temporary relief with these home remedies.

Flossing

Flossing helps to remove food particles that may be stuck between their teeth. Help your child floss with dental floss or a water flosser. Your child’s gums may be sensitive, so you should be careful while flossing.

Cold Compress

Apply an ice pack or store-bought cold compress on your child’s outer cheek near the swollen or painful area and leave it on for 15 minutes. The application of cold compress constricts the blood vessels which slows blood circulation to the affected area. This helps to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Saltwater Rinse

Your child can rinse their mouth with the warm salt water solution for 30 seconds and then spit out. This will help loosen the food particles stuck between the teeth and reduce swelling.

Clove Oil

Cloves have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to combat gum and tooth infections. Soak a small cotton swab with clove oil and apply it to the affected area.

Whole dried cloves can be used in older children. Have your child chew a whole clove and ask them to hold it in place against the painful area for about 30 minutes. Cloves or clove oil can help with pain relief.

Pain Medication

You can use anti-inflammatory or over-the-counter pain medication to help ease your child’s tooth pain. However, you need to make sure the safety of the medication before giving it to your child.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Dentist

These home remedies are to provide temporary pain relief. It is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist to address the underlying cause of the issue, especially if your child’s tooth pain lasts more than 24 hours. Your dentist can identify and treat potential long-term complications before they impact your child’s oral health and provide additional treatments like fillings.

If tooth pain is not treated on time, it can lead to more serious complications, like a dental abscess or gum disease. Even if your child’s tooth pain is resolved on its own, they can develop a cavity which can cause infection and eventually tooth loss.

Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist, especially if you suspect that your child’s toothache is caused by:

• Cavities
• Cut or injury to the mouth
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Swollen gums

Contact us today or schedule an appointment with our dentist in Scottsdale, AZ, if you are looking for the best oral care for your child.

As we all age, the nerves in our teeth shrink typically and even more so if there is an atypical enamel wear issue that can make teeth more vulnerable to additional dental problems. This is not a normal aging process but unfortunately, is a common issue.

Improper occlusion (how your teeth come together), any grinding or clenching issue and minor general use combined with certain medications and medical conditions can adversely impact your oral health.

Today and don’t delay” is the best time to take ideal care of your teeth, routine care is essential. Prevention is always most comfortable, least costly, and it preserves your teeth! Being able to eat normally with a full set of teeth helps one have the best nutrition for one’s only oral health and overall health.

There are many myths regarding dental conditions in older people or in an aging population. For example, many people still think that losing one’s teeth is common when you get older. This is not true. Losing teeth is a disease process. If cared for properly, teeth can and will last a lifetime.

How Age Can Affect Teeth:

Certain changes in your body may occur gradually over time as you get older:

• Cells can renew slower than usual.
• Weaker immune systems can increase the risk of infection.
• Tissues can become less elastic and thinner.
• Bones can become weaker and less dense.

These changes can impact the bone and tissue in the oral cavity and may lead to future dental problems.

Common Oral Problems in Older Adults

1. Dry Mouth

A dry mouth is a typical oral health issue in the older adult population. Saliva helps clean and wash away food debris and bring your mouth back to a neutral pH after eating; therefore, your saliva helps protect teeth from decay and damage and keeps gums healthy.

However, saliva production can decrease with age, and one of the most common reasons for this is medication use. The results can be anywhere from replacing the decreased flow of saliva by simply drinking more water throughout the day to fully life-altering issues where xerostomia (a condition with no saliva flow) can put one’s teeth in dire risk of rampant decay and tooth loss.

Common causes of dry mouth are:

• Certain medications that can decrease your saliva production
• Health conditions including stroke, diabetes, and Sjogren syndrome can affect saliva production
• Cancer treatment may cause dry mouth

Dry mouth can increase your risk for:

• Yeast infection(s) (thrush)
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay
• Difficulty tasting, chewing and swallowing
• Mouth sores

2. Gum Disease

It is estimated at least 75% of the adult population has gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue that holds and protects the teeth. A major reason for this is that gum disease or gingivitis is not painful! If you have ever seen any bleeding (even just a little) with brushing and flossing, that is a visual sign that you have gingivitis. Oral bleeding is NEVER normal. Gingivitis is highly transmissible, and the bacteria that cause gingivitis is unfortunately shared between partners. It has two stages:

• Gingivitis: It is an early stage of gum disease that can be reversed with good oral hygiene and professional treatment. It is mostly caused by bacteria found in plaque, which irritates the gums and makes them red and more likely to bleed. If not treated, it can lead to periodontitis. Please note, one may have gingivitis, you may not see any bleeding on your own. As your dental care provider, we are readily able to explain all your oral conditions and needs specific for your mouth.
• Periodontitis: It is when the bone and supporting structures around teeth have been affected since the gingivitis had not been treated for a period of time. On a dental film or X-ray, bone loss is visualized, and often, the first sign of a problem for a person is that tooth roots are starting to show in the mouth. It is not attractive but still doesn’t hurt until it often is very advanced, and teeth are mobile. Your gums may begin to recede, and if not treated, it can lead to tooth loss. The thing is periodontal problems have a particular odor. Usually, the person affected cannot smell it because the smell is always with them. Sometimes one can feel embarrassed to discuss this issue as well as other specific issues, but we assure you, we are professionals & we provide a number of periodontal treatment options to help you look and feel your very, healthiest best!

Factors that can increase your risk for periodontal disease are:

• Poor oral hygiene- Remember, we are in charge of our own oral care.
• Poor dental care - Routine dental care will help keep you in excellent overall health.
• Weak immune system - Eat right, sleep right, and get exercise daily!
• Smoking and Vaping – Quit tobacco use to protect your oral health.
• Uncontrolled Diabetes - Eat right and take your medication, follow all directions.
• Dry mouth - If on medications, ask your medical doctor if there are alternatives.

3. Cavities

As one ages, your gums may recede from improper brushing, bite issues or illness, and exposed root surfaces of your teeth, making them more vulnerable to decay and cavities. Also, if one suffers from decreased saliva production, this creates a more acidic environment that is necessary for bacteria to cause decay and attack teeth causing cavitation and holes. People with dry mouth have an increased risk of developing cavities.

4. Oral Cancer

The chance of oral cancer increases with risk factors. These are some of the risk factors that can increase your risk for oral cancer:

• Smoking and tobacco use
• Drinking Alcohol
• Poor oral hygiene
• Taking medication that can weaken your immune system
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection - ask your medical doctor about the vaccination that is available to protect your teen and young adult child.
• Rubbing soft tissues (on the cheeks and gums) from rough teeth, fillings, or dentures for a long period of time. When you have a sore, consult your dentist for advice and solutions.

Tips to Protect Your Teeth and Gums

The following tips will help you protect your teeth and gums:

• Brush twice a day minimum and floss at least daily
• Using an electric toothbrush
• Limit the intake of sugary foods and beverages as they can produce an acidic environment in your mouth.
• Limit the intake of sticky foods as they can contribute to bacterial growth.
• Avoid (even artificial) sweeteners, as they can increase the risk of diabetes.
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Quit smoking
• Visit your dentist regularly

When to See a Dentist

A dental exam is advised at least every six months to help prevent extensive issues.

You should schedule an immediate appointment with your dentist as soon as you experience:

• Tooth pain
• Mouth sores
• Poorly-fitting dentures
• Bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Loose teeth
• Dry mouth
• Red or white patches in the mouth

Age-related dental problems are not typical. They are a part of a disease process and can impact your quality of life and cause problems with your speech and self-esteem.

Contact us today or schedule an appointment with our dentist in Scottsdale, AZ to diagnose and treat you routinely. Catching problems early is the key to quick and the most economical fixes!

One of the most common childhood nightmares was going to the dentist. Who would not understand it? You have to sit in a huge chair by all-seeing light. You have to endure that someone looks inside and pokes around in your mouth using edgy and frightening devices. And finally, when the torture is over, that same someone tells you not to eat your favorite sweets and brush your teeth regularly. 

Besides, the first nylon bristle toothbrush was put on the market less than 80 years ago. That means people were driving cars before they were using an effective toothbrush. But dentistry grew and advanced to such a greater pace that we are at cloud dental solutions and virtual offices.

Teledentistry is quickly becoming a popular option for dentists seeking to stay open and see emergency dental patients during the coronavirus outbreak. While it’s hard to predict what dental technology will look like down the road, one thing is certain: The future's looking bright, just like a healthy smile. 

Dentists can perform virtual dental consultations for patients both in their geographic area and outside of it. Dentists can also sign up with The TeleDentists to have emergency dental patients forwarded to their practice. Another dentist may be the one that performs the remote dental consultation and recommends the patient get seen quickly, and then The TeleDentists receptionist will provide the patient with the contact information for a dentist in the patient’s demographics.

Dental consultants are adapting online platforms and upgrading their services to the latest practice management software. Since the prevalent situation requires safety and a lot of awareness hence to keep the dentistry on running the entire system is made “TOUCH-FREE”. Starting from setting expectations for patients, ensuring patients remember their appointment and understand your new check-in procedure, communicating with patients when they show up for their visit, walking a patient back for their visit, and payment through online gateways its all taken care of virtually. 

Setting up the best customer experience possible through Virtual Office implementation which saves expense over the help desk employees and safety concerns.  

The main features to expect from Virtual Office package is:

Online Scheduling

The patients will be provided the provision to  Schedule appointments, reschedule. The automated system will send patients reminders, track missed appointments, and much more in one interface.

Online Forms

The process is digitalized and flexible, It also Saves paper, saves money. Welcoming the new age of paperless practice.

Pay by Text

Text to pay, also known as an SMS payment, is a payment solution that allows consumers to make a payment via texting on their smartphones. This process can make a seamless experience for both your customer’s business as well as for their clients.

Prescription

Post consultation the prescriptions will be sent across to the patient making the entire system fast and effortless.

Virtual Office can be one of the most cost-effective solutions to get a premium office address without having to pay for hefty deposits, bills, and maintenance expenses of a regular office.

You won't notice much sensitivity and pain until tooth decay moves throughout the enamel and into the dentin layer, the Academy of General Dentistry notes.

Dentin is composed of tiny nerve endings that become irritated and cause increased sensitivity when exposed to cold, hot, sweet, sticky, and sour foods. You might also feel pain when biting down, and quickly discover that meals are frequently getting trapped between your teeth. Decay spreads quickly through our dentin because it's quite a bit softer than enamel. Decay throughout the tooth root also spreads rapidly, since the cement coating on the root isn't near as heavy and thick as enamel. 

Be cautioned that as tooth decay continues, your pain can be more frequent and extreme. It's important to keep in mind that infection develops when decay and bacteria reach the pulp of your tooth, which contains the vast majority of nerves and blood vessels. The pain of an abscessed tooth is persistent, severe and will probably keep you up at night. Other symptoms include fever, swelling of the face, and a bad taste in your mouth. You might see pus draining from a red swelling along your gum line and near the root tip. Consequences might be serious if the infection spreads into your jaw or through your entire body.

Tooth decay treatment

If your Nu Dentistry detects a little field of erosion along with your enamel before it reaches the dentin, they might suggest an approach that will help repair the area. This process could include using potent mouthwash, kinds of toothpaste, or filling materials that contain fluoride, calcium, and phosphates. Ask your dentist about using specific products for the treatment of early cavities, as well as cavity prevention. When tooth decay reaches the dentin, there's no turning back. A small cavity might be repaired with either an amalgam filling or a tooth-colored resin material. In case the tooth has lost too much of its original structure, however, your dentist might need to do a crown.

Crowns strengthen and restore form and function to your tooth, but they can end up costing quite a bit more than a simple filling. An abscessed tooth is a worst-case scenario, and the treatment options are limited. You may either choose a root canal treatment or extraction, although our Nu Dentistry will usually only pursue tooth extractions when there is no other way to save the tooth. Should you need a root canal, your dentist or endodontist in Nu Dentistry will remove the infected pulp before cleaning and sealing the pulp chamber. After receiving root canal treatment, the tooth can sometimes become more brittle and break easily. If you have lost a great deal of external structure due to tooth decay, your dentist can also recommend a crown for your tooth.

If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, either from periodontal disease, tooth decay, or injury, dentures can replace these teeth along with your smile. Replacing missing teeth in Nu Dentistry can quickly and easily benefit your appearance and your overall health. Without support from teeth or dentures, facial muscles sag, which can make an individual look and feel much older. You might also struggle with things like eating and talking, which we tend to take for granted until our natural teeth have been lost.There are several types of false teeth: A conventional full set of dentures is made and put in the patient's mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and the tissues have healed, which might take up to a couple of months.

An immediate and temporary full set of dentures are inserted once the remaining teeth are removed. Your Dentist Houston Texas takes measurements and makes models of the patient's jaws during a preliminary visit. With instant dentures, the denture wearer doesn't have to be without teeth throughout the recovery period. Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove plaque and food deposits. Brushing helps prevent false teeth from becoming permanently stained and assists your mouth in remaining healthier. It is best to use a brush designed for cleaning dentures. A toothbrush with soft bristles may be used, but avoid bristled brushes which may damage the material. Even in the event that you wear complete dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth.

Brush your gums, tongue, and palace each morning with a soft brush before you fit your prostheses to stimulate blood circulation in your cells and help remove plaque. The dentist will advise you on how frequently to make an appointment. Regular dental checkups are significant, allowing your dentist to effectively examine your mouth to see if your false teeth continue to fit properly. Our  Nu Dentistry dentist examines your mouth for signs of diseases, including cancer. With regular professional care, a positive attitude, and perseverance, you can become one of the millions of individuals who utilize their dentures with a giant grin.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/  

Clinical research has shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can greatly assist with preventing tooth decay in Nu Dentistry. Chewing gum increases the flow of saliva, which helps wash away food and other debris attached to the surface areas of our teeth. Increased saliva flow even carries with it more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel. Look for gum with the ADA seal in order to be sure it is sugarless. All gums with the ADA Seal are sweetened by non-cavity causing additives like aspartame, xylitol, sorbitol or mannitol.

Not All Gum Is Created Equal

Of course, gum that contains sugar also increases saliva flow, however, the sugar it contains is utilized by plaque bacteria to create corrosion inducing acids. Further research must be done to ascertain the effects of sugary gum on pre-existing tooth decay. Do not let sugarless gum replace brushing, it isn't a substitute. The ADA still advocates brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning plaque from between your teeth once per day with floss or other interdental cleaners. The ADA seal is your assurance that the sugar-free gum has met the ADA criteria for safety and efficacy. You can always trust the claims made on packaging and labeling for ADA approved goods are true because companies need to confirm all the info with the ADA first. Products with the ADA seal state what they do and do what they say.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

You have finished your cold drink and start crushing frozen cubes when suddenly CRACK! This little piece you just broke is not a cube of ice; it is a tooth!

A chipped tooth is common in adults and children. It is straightforward to chip a tooth, although the enamel is the hardest and most mineralized tissue in the body. Dental issues, such as teeth grinding or tooth decay, can cause tooth chipping.

If you have a recently chipped tooth, it is essential to understand the possible problems with a chipped tooth.

What happens if you don't repair a chipped tooth?

A small chip on the tooth doesn't seem to be much of a problem, especially if it's a molar tooth that no one can see. More minor chips are generally not a problem unless they are sharp so they can cut your mouth. However, if your chip is large enough, it can lead to more severe issues, such as pain, swollen glands, sensitivity to heat or cold, bad breath, and even infected roots.

The sharp edges can cut your cheeks, gums, and tongue.
Deep chips can affect the root of the tooth and cause infections or pain in the teeth.
Deep chips will cause tooth decay resulting in bad breath.
Chips of all sizes can grow larger, and there may be more problems because root canals or extraction may be required.

When should you repair a chipped tooth?

You should always see the dentist if you have a chipped tooth. Small chips generally do not require significant repairs. Usually, the chipped area can be removed or filled with a dermal bond to give it a healthy appearance. However, larger cracks may require extensive dental care and treatment.
If the chips are enormous, they can damage the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is the inner part of teeth, which consists of nerves, living tissue, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Damage to the pulp can be excruciating and, if left untreated, can become infected. In this case, you may need crucial dental work.

How does a dentist repair a damaged tooth?

For small chips, the dentist may have to trace the rough edges or fill them with a dental filling suitable for your tooth. When there is no damage to the root or pulp, a crown may be necessary to protect the tooth from future infections. For example, when root or pulp is damaged, a root canal is essential before placing a crown on the tooth.

How to prevent a chipped tooth?

The first step is to maintain good oral hygiene to avoid a chipped tooth. Make sure you have no tooth decay or cavities to keep the tooth enamel healthy.

The dentist can also help you find a mouth guard during training. Athletes are prone to injury, especially on the face. Protective devices can help protect your teeth from damage.

If you have nervous habits like chewing on your pen cap or biting your nails, you may want to switch to something less prone to accidents, such as squeezing a stress ball.

Finally, it would help if you tried to avoid chewing hard candy. If you can't resist a sweet tooth, avoid the temptation to break and bite the candy.

Sometimes it may not be easy to prevent chipping a tooth. But with good oral hygiene, some changes in your nervous habits and even in your diet can help keep your teeth active and chip-free.

Possibly, your broken or chipped tooth does not cause pain, but you should see a dentist 24 to 48 hours after the injury to preserve your natural tooth and get the best possible result.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

I Want All My Teeth Removed and Replaced: What Are My Options?

Losing your teeth can sometimes be an unavoidable occurrence as you go through life. Sometimes teeth are lost to decay or disease. Other times we lose a tooth due to trauma.

Do you have a missing tooth? Do you want to find a tooth replacement option that works without compromising the quality? This article will help you discover the best options used in tooth replacement, such as dentures and surgical implants, and how to decide between your choices.

When all your teeth are gone, and you want them replaced, you have two main options available:

• Dentures (temporary fill in for lost teeth)
• Dental implants (permanent teeth replacement option)

Dentures

Dentures are removable frames used to replace a missing tooth or the entire mouth of teeth. They are specially made to replace an individual’s missing or diseased teeth. It has the function of giving the teeth a pleasant appearance, boosting your confidence, and restoring your smile.

Dentures are durable and are optimal if you like a removable solution for your missing teeth. Dentures are less expensive for patients with missing teeth, and this is arguably one of the most common reasons that people consider it. If you are considering dentures for your tooth replacement, please keep reading so you are aware of the potential disadvantages that come with this option.

The part of the disadvantages of denture is when eating; dentures will not allow the consumption of sticky or hard foods such as caramel. When getting full-mouth dentures, you will have all teeth pulled to accommodate the new teeth, which can be a painful process. Also, they may not be tightened to your gums, so they can move and shift around, and this can be frustrating.

Are you considering implant-supported dentures for your tooth replacement but often wonder how they work or the best dentist to visit for the procedure? Knowing the necessary steps to take in having your tooth replaced will be much easier once you know the essential details.

 Types of Dentures

• Bar retained dentures: This is a thin metal bar that gets aligned with the curve of the jaw. It is fixed to two to five dental implants that are attached to the jawbone.

• Ball retained dentures: In this type, the dental implant gets attached to the jawbone with post topped by a metal ball. This metal ball gets fixed into another attachment on the denture.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are the dentures that are fixated in your mouth through the help of implants. Just like any other type of implants, they will be inset into your gums to provide support, thus preventing the teeth from falling out. It is done when you no longer have any teeth in your mouth or if your teeth are not healthy enough and you want them removed and replaced by dentures.

However, one must know that the shortest time frame for the procedure for implant-supported dentures is five months if it is done in the lower jaw and seven months if it is done in the upper jaw.

Moreover, implant-supported dentures processes may be painful, but once it’s done, you will get comfortable with it.

The main downside of the implant-supported dentures is daily removal for cleaning. You will need to remove the dentures at least once every day to thoroughly clean them. These dentures should also be removed before going to bed. If you don’t want to have to remove your teeth continually, you can ask your dentist if your gums are healthy enough to support full-mouth implants with dental crowns. However, these are not removable without a dental procedure; many prefer the simplicity of having implant-supported dentures.

All-on-4 Implants

If you want all of your teeth removed and to undergo a one-time teeth replacement, All-on-4 implants may be the best solution to restore your smile. All-on-4 implants can bring back your natural look and your teeth function by using four strategically-placed dental implants as the foundation.

All-on-4 implants are quite different from other tooth replacement options such as ball retained and bar-retained dentures. An all-on-4 dental implant is not removable. All the teeth are permanently fixed to the dental implants.

One of the benefits that make all-on-4 implants better than other tooth-replacement processes is that the operation can generally be carried out in a day. Meanwhile, the individual tooth replacement with traditional dentures can take several appointment days in weeks or months to complete.

By comparison, all-on-4 implants can be virtually an instant full-mouth restoration. Though situations and patients' body response to the procedure may differ, the average result for all-on-4 implant surgery is to have functional and beautiful teeth the same day. You will be able to eat and smile fairly well immediately after the process.

If you are being stuck on the affordability to replace an entire set of teeth or a missing tooth, the good news is that you can now restore your beautiful teeth at a fraction of the cost. This may sound too good to be true, but we’ve helped hundreds of patients do just that thanks to this innovative treatment.

At Walnut Hill Dental Group, we are experts in both simple dentures and an implant stabilized dentures. Our specialist prosthodontists will be able to advise which type of replacement will be best for you, and ensure they are both comfortable and pleasant looking.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

Veneers and crowns are both dental restoration techniques which will improve the appearance and function of the teeth. The primary difference is the fact that a veneer addresses only the front side of the tooth, and a crown covers the whole tooth.

Dental restoration procedures can be costly, so it is crucial that you know which one might be ideal for you. While the methods are different, both have exceptional success rates. Here is a glimpse of the differences between crowns and veneers, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and how they are used.

What is the big difference between a crown and a veneer?
A veneer is an extremely thin layer of composite materials or porcelain, approximately one millimeter (mm) for thickness, that is bonded to the front side of your current tooth.

The actual inner thickness of the crown is about 2 mm, covering the entire tooth. A crown is placed in order to recover the form and function as well as in order to strengthen the tooth affected by cavities, only after root canal therapy, or even to go over the abutment of an implant.

Whether a crown or a veneer is right for you, you are going to depend on the state of the teeth and what you are attempting to correct.

Common reasons for restoration are:
· Discolored teeth
· Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
· Decayed or weakened teeth
· Crooked tooth

What's a veneer?
A veneer addresses only the front surface area of the tooth. About half a millimeter of this enamel on the front side of the teeth is ground down to roughen the surface area for bonding the veneer. You might need a local anesthetic for this, due to the fact that the grinding could be bothersome.

What's a crown?
A crown covers the whole tooth. With a crown, much more of the teeth has to be filed or may be ground down to get ready for the crown placement. If you have tooth decay, the dentist is going to remove the decayed element of the teeth prior to making the crown.

How can you know which one is appropriate for you?
When your tooth is intact as well as the restoration is actually for aesthetic purposes, a veneer could be the most effective choice. Veneers may also be used for small shape corrections.

What's better: a crown or even veneer?
A crown encases the whole tooth. It may be made of metallic, porcelain, or maybe a mix of both. It's typically around two-fold the thickness of a veneer, which makes it resistant and durable more to cracking compared to a veneer. Veneers are regarded as a far more traditional treatment than crowns. Veneers are also a bit easier to replace since they don't cover your whole tooth

Do crowns & veneers look exactly the same?
Crowns and veneers aren't the same, though they work in ways that are similar. They both present an artificial covering for an actual tooth, which was damaged. Veneers handle the front side of the teeth and could wrap around based on the method used as well as the patient's requirements, while crowns protect the whole tooth.

Are crowns much costlier compared to veneers?
While veneers are less expensive than crowns, keep in your mind that they're a lot more apt to chip, break, or perhaps wear out compared to a crown.

Pros and cons of Veneers and Crowns

Veneer Pros
· They might be a lot more visually pleasing compared to crowns in the long run since they do not demonstrate a gum margin after several years, as crowns sometimes do.
· Some veneers do not need a great deal of trimming, so a lot more of your healthy organic tooth stays.
· Teeth with veneers have little movement.

Veneer Cons
· Veneers leave additional aspects of the tooth subjected to brand new decay.
· Composite veneers cost much less but might only last 5-7 years. Other components run longer but might have to be swapped out.
· Veneers are not reversible.

Crown Pros
· All the teeth are covered, so the tooth is much more protected from decay.
· Porcelain crowns look as well as feel the same as your natural tooth.
· Dental insurance might cover a percentage of the price of a crown.

Crown Cons
· More of one's healthy tooth is actually extracted to make space for the crown.
· Your crowned tooth could be much more vulnerable to heat and cold at first and you might feel gum pain.
· Porcelain is delicate and could be harmed over time.
· Porcelain fused to a metallic alloy (PFM) crown may reveal a slim dim line between your organic tooth as well as the crown.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can be defined as the grinding of teeth for non-functional purposes. Bruxism is the habitual grinding of teeth when an individual is not chewing or swallowing.

· Daytime: Teeth grinding during daytime is called diurnal bruxism or bruxomania. It can be conscious or subconscious and may be associated with other habits like tongue-thrusting, nail-biting, etc.
· Nighttime bruxism: Nighttime teeth grinding is also called nocturnal bruxism. It is the subconscious grinding of teeth characterized by rhythmic patterns of facial muscles.

As bruxism or teeth grinding often occurs during sleep, individuals are mostly unaware of their habit.

Possible causes
· It can be caused due to underlying psychological or emotional stress. A tendency to grind the teeth has been often associated with the feeling of anger, aggression, over-enthusiasm, or anxiety.
· Teeth grinding or bruxism can be a manifestation of lesions in the central nervous system.
· Occlusal discrepancies or teeth interferences.
· Genetic.
· Systemic factors: magnesium deficiency, chronic abdominal distress, intestinal parasites, etc.
· Periodontal pain or pain in gums and tooth-supporting structures may also trigger teeth grinding or bruxism in some individuals.
· Other factors: an over-enthusiastic student and compulsive overachievers may also develop the habit of bruxism or teeth grinding.

Effects of bruxism on your teeth
The effects of bruxism or teeth grinding on your teeth depend on the frequency, intensity, and to some extent, the age of the patient. The forces of bruxism are transmitted to the muscular apparatus which is involved in chewing food.

· Trauma to your teeth: this includes tooth mobility, toothache mainly in the morning.
· Trauma to your tooth structure: extreme sensitivity due to loss of enamel, atypical wear facets, vital tissue or pulp may get exposed, and multiple teeth fractures can be caused.
· Muscular: pain and tenderness of jaw muscles, muscular fatigue on waking up in the morning, inflamed facial muscles can also be observed in individuals who experience teeth grinding.
· Joint pain: Joint pain around the ears, clicking on opening or closing the mouth, restricted jaw movements are often seen in individuals with bruxism.
· Referred pain or headache can also be observed in such individuals.

Diagnosis
History and clinical examination in most cases is sufficient to diagnose bruxism or teeth grinding. Teeth prematurity can be diagnosed with biting or chewing strips. Electro myographic examination is a process to record over-activity or hyperactivity of muscles involved in teeth grinding.

Treatment
· Many cases of teeth grinding are associated with emotional and psychological disturbances. Thus, appropriate psychological counseling by a psychiatrist can be initiated.
· Hypnosis, relaxing exercises, and massage can help in relieving muscle tension.
· Teeth prematurity should be adjusted and eliminated.
· Nightguards or other teeth splints that cover the chewing surface of teeth help in eliminating occlusal interference, prevent teeth wear and break the habit of bruxism.
· Physiotherapy has shown some promising results in treating teeth grinding.
· Drugs: local anesthetic injection, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants are often used in combination with other treatments to correct bruxism.
· Acupuncture therapy
· Orthodontic correction of teeth can be advocated to correct misaligned teeth.
· Electrical method: electro galvanic stimulation for muscle relaxation.

Conclusion
If you suspect you are having the above signs and symptoms consult your dentist today and get your teeth checked. Your dentist will examine your teeth and mouth to look for signs and symptoms of bruxism. However, early morning pain around your ears, jaws, and constant dull headache on the side of the head may be the first indicating symptom of teeth grinding. Many times, individuals get informed about this habit by their loved ones who notice teeth grinding at night. Teeth grinding is not only seen in adults it is also seen in children. Bruxism in children is often noticed when their deciduous teeth emerge, and the period when their deciduous teeth are replaced by permanent teeth. No treatment is generally required for preschool children as this habit gets corrected by itself however in severe cases mouth guards or splints can be considered.

Referral
If your habit of bruxism or teeth grinding is related to some other underlying cause like a sleep disorder, central nervous system abnormalities, etc your dentist may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.

 Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

Best practices to keep your teeth healthy

“A genuine smile comes from the bottom of the heart, but for a healthy smile you need good dental care.”

It is not about just having a beautiful smile, but good oral hygiene keeps the gums healthy and the teeth strong.

They last longer and gives you the enjoyment of life.

What are the best practices to achieve good oral health? What can you do to avoid gum problems and premature loss of teeth?

The blog talks about a few practices recommended by the top 10 dentist in Mumbai.

Brush the teeth well

Many people misunderstood it by brushing the teeth aggressively. It is not needed. In fact, it causes more damage than benefit.

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. It is essential to brush the teeth twice a day.

Gentle, circular motions and strokes clean the surface without damaging it. Go to a good Dental Clinic in Mumbai to understand the right way of brushing if you feel so.

Always use fluoride toothpaste

It is important to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, an element that prevent cavities. Read the ingredients of the paste to find out whether the paste contains fluoride or not.

Don’t forget the floss

Most of the people ignore dental floss which is, in fact, equally important to brushing. Floss removes plaque and food particles accumulated in between the teeth.

Gently push the floss down to the gumline. Use up and down motions hugging the side of the tooth. Don’t snap the floss up and down between the teeth.

It removes plaque and doesn’t cause pain.

See a dentist

People go to a dental expert when there is some problem with the gums or teeth. It is often too late. Even the Best dentist in Mumbai can’t do much if the damage has already been happened to the teeth.

Hence, it is better to be proactive instead of reactive.

Most of the problems can be diagnosed and treated before they get severe. Ideally, one should have a checkup every six months.

Stop smoking

Any form of tobacco is bad for teeth as it increases the risk factor for not only gum disease but more severe ailments like Cancer.

It has been found that smoking reduces the speed of healing after a dental procedure.

Use mouthwash

Mouthwash benefits oral health. It contains antibacterial ingredients and plaque resisting elements.

Thus, it reduces the risk of gingivitis significantly.

These easy tips will save your teeth and gums.

Our team at Dr. Krinita Motwani’s Dental Clinic excel in providing a complete oral prophylaxis for a healthy and   longlasting dental health

Call us : 9820280343

Email us : drkrinitamotwani@gmail.com

Visit us : www. drkrinitamotwani.com

Sleep apnea is a very common and serious sleeping disorder that happens when your routine breathing is interrupted during sleep. Snoring is common among patients with sleep apnea, although not all snorers suffer from this disorder.

There are basically two types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive - The more common form, it's the consequence of obstructed air flow through sleep, usually when the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses while you’re sleeping. Health factors, like obesity, might contribute.

Central – This results from an issue with how our brain signals the breathing muscles. The airway isn't blocked, instead the brain fails to signal the muscles to breath. This type of sleep apnea may happen with conditions like heart failure, brain tumors, brain infections, and stroke.
Sleep apnea may influence anyone at all ages, though men are more prone to develop the disease.

The risk is also higher for those who: 

• Are over 40
• Are overweight
• Have large tonsils, large tongue or a little jaw
• Have a family history of snoring
• Have a nasal obstruction because of sinus problems, allergies or a deviated septum.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can result in a number of health problems, such as: 

• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and myocardial infarction
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Worsening of ADHD.

Sleep apnea patients in Bellflower can be medicated, and there are various options: 

Adjusting sleeping habits - This might imply just not sleeping on your back

Continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) - This is a system that improves breathing as you sleep. The device supplies air throughout the nasal passages and the air pressure keeps the airway open while sleeping.

Oral appliances - Certain devices can shift and support the jaw to prevent blockage in the airway. Research demonstrates that appliances can prevent sleep apnea in some mild to moderate cases.

Surgery - In accordance with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, upper airway surgery could be recommended when other treatment alternatives are ineffective in eliminating the signs of sleep apnea. Depending upon the location and nature of the airway obstruction, the procedure can be minimally invasive or complicated. It might be necessary to remove the tonsils or other portions of the soft palate or throat.

If you believe you have sleep apnea, make sure to speak with your doctor or dentist in Houston Texas for much more info and evaluation.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

A dental implant is a process which involves replacing an extracted tooth with a metal stud or post screwed directly into the bone that remains as an anchor to the crown or false dental replacement that would somehow or another not have anything to keep it arranged directly into the tooth attachment of your missing tooth. That is the primary purpose of a dental implant procedure. The false teeth, dental replacement, or crown, is placed right on the stud. Then, the post itself makes your new teeth work like genuine teeth. It is the best alternative used for dentures with loose attachment or those who have a high tendency to fall out (because they are not attached to the gums. Implants look more like real teeth as compared to the detachable dentures or crown attached atop dental bridges which can damage the adjacent teeth of both sides. This helps to place the artificial tooth in between the teeth or hanging the tooth like a bridge in the gap present between the teeth.

The procedure of a tooth implant can be broken into seven steps

1- Remove the Tooth- The tooth should be removed as soon as possible just for the care of the buccal plate or to protect the bone surrounding the tooth. A fine diamond bur is used during removal to trace the root. Periotomes may be located between the bone and root helping in tooth removal. After the removal of the tooth, it is necessary to examine the exact site of the bone and try to find out any bony defects.

2- Attach the Socket- It is necessary to graft the socket in the bone just to preserve and protect the bone for the implant. A surgical curette should be used to clear the socket from granulation material. Then irrigate the site using a scaler to scrape the wall to start bleeding. Grafting material (either synthetic or allograft) is used to fill up the socket to the crest of the bone.

3- Allow the Attached Extraction Site to Heal- Next, the crest preservation process, the grafting material assists to keep the bone volume that is necessary to an easy, expected implant placement process and anesthetic, practical result. The extraction site takes four months to heal and the graft to establish. At this time local bone cells develop and replace the grafting material and function as a perfect place for implant placement.

4- Flapless Surgery- The implant is placed after the healing of the socket site. The site should have adequate ridge width and height. The site should be examined properly intraorally and radiography is used to confirm the bone volume for implantation. After the administration of anesthesia before surgery, a periodontal probe is used to further confirm the occlusal and lingual bone, this must be confirmed before implant placement. The best option for implant placement is the flapless implant process due to its benefits like it is less insidious, decreases disturbance of the blood supply, and assists a smooth healing procedure. During the flapless surgical method, an opening is created for osteotomy with the help of a tissue punch at the exact location and to make sure the implant is located 1.5mm from the adjacent teeth. Radiographs are used to validate the precise positioning and angulations. Multiple surgical drills are used to adjust the diameter and length of the implant. Once the surgery has been completed the implant is placed. A torque wrench is used to achieve the final implant placement, and stability can be confirmed.

5- Placing Healing Abutment- After the confirmation of primary stability, a healing abutment is placed at the site of the implant placement. It is essential to make sure that the healing abutment is out of occlusion in centric. This will protect the implant against applied forces during the healing time.

6- Get a Final Impression- Three months after the implant placement, a healing abutment is detached. This will expose a healthy soft-tissue collar around the insert site, which has been guided by the healing abutment. Vinyl polysiloxane material is used to take a closed impression and a final fabrication sent to the lab.

7- Deliver a Screw-Retained Crown- The dental laboratory constructs the perfect restoration based on the final impression. In the case of a single tooth implant, screw-retained crowns are the best option because these are esthetic, predictable, and easy to place. The crown directly attached to the implant is better than fixing the abutment with cement. The shape, fit and contour are designed digitally for a screw-retained crown which is perfectly aligned to soft tissue.

 Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

Regardless of whether the dental issues are because of heredity, a physical issue, or long negligence, in the event that you are sick of managing these issues, at that point you may be thinking about having every one of your teeth removed and getting full-mouth teeth replacement. Teeth can be a significant headache from when they first begin to grow up, during getting teeth. As you develop you may experience more dental issues, for example, chipped teeth and toothaches. You may arrive where you are simply tired of them and then you need to have your teeth removed. Before you remove all your teeth try to fix dental problems and repair your natural teeth. Dental fillings are the best treatment for preserving your teeth. If the problem involves one tooth, extraction is an option. But sometimes dental conditions are so bad and it becomes difficult to maintain proper hygienic conditions so people prefer to extract teeth.

If you want to remove or replace all your teeth you have two options, dentures or dental implants.

Dentures
Dentures look like original teeth and make your smile more elegant. Economically, the cost of dentures is less which is why people choose this option for teeth replacement. The fundamental drawback of dentures is they are NOT generally strongly bound to your gums so they can shift and move around. This can cause trouble biting, eating, and talking and it can get bothersome. There are approaches to help improve the attachment of your dentures so it's essential to remember. A few people really think that it's simpler to remove their denture when eating, yet this can be awkward openly and can cause genuine digestion related problems long term. Remember that dentures should be removed every night and cleaned routinely. Dentures do keep going for 5-10 years so they have an entirely decent shelf life of realistic usability.

The greatest drawback to missing every one of your teeth is that your jawbone starts to gradually erode after some time when it doesn't have teeth connecting with it and keeping its strength. Dentures don't fix in the jaw in a similar way that teeth do which brings about your face getting that "saggy" look the longer you are without teeth. Another issue that begins to occur, when dentures are utilized as a teeth replacement, is that gums begin to shrink in size as they never again have teeth set up to assist them with keeping their shape. It's easy to understand that dentures are not a perfect choice for replacing missing teeth, though wearing them is far better than having exposed gums for a large number of people.

Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most enthusiastically suggested tooth replacement choice since they act like genuine teeth and prevent jawbone disintegration. The implant enters the jaw and mingles with the bone so as to excite the jawbone as genuine teeth do. No ‘saggy face’ with dental inserts – that is a major plus!

There are different options in the implant process like all on 4 or All on 6, which refers to the insertion of 4 or 6 implants to upper and lower jaws with a dental appliance attached. An overdenture (a kind of permanent denture) attached to implants looks just like natural and original teeth. You can eat with them, lay down with them, talk with them and everything else without worrying about the dentures slipping or dropping out. So this is a good choice since you get the advantages of implants and the affordability of dentures without the normal drawbacks and grumblings individuals have about dentures.

Dental implants prevent the deterioration of gums and firmly fuse with the jaw. They replace the natural teeth and preserve the gums. In the event that there is a need to remove all, or a few, of your teeth, your dental specialist will examine the process with you. They will likewise converse with you about the best choice for replacing your teeth. This fluctuates from individual to individual as dental implants are not appropriate for everybody. When you have had this conversation, you can advance with the course of treatment that has been chosen. If you are really having problems dealing with your teeth, you should speak to your dentist.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

Dental health problems majorly involve tooth decay and dental cavities. Tooth decay refers to the deterioration of tooth structure and may affect the dental layer of teeth and enamel, the outer covering of teeth. Dental cavities are the holes or tiny openings developed in the interior hard shell of the teeth due to permanently damaged areas of teeth. The terms tooth decay and tooth cavity are replaceable. There are a lot of reasons responsible for these problems including bacteria residing in the mouth, frequent use of sugary drinks and sweet snacks, poor oral hygiene practices and not cleaning your mouth so well.

Good oral and dental health practices can prevent tooth decay and cavities. Following these practices, you can easily prevent cavities and reduce the risk of tooth decay. You need to consult your dentist to ask which practice is best for you.

Brushing- It is recommended that you should brush your teeth twice daily, even better after each meal. Try to use fluoride-containing toothpaste. The interdental cleaner can be used to clean your teeth. Also, try to brush your tongue and roof of your mouth before you rinse.

Flossing- There are areas in between the teeth where the brush can't reach where food particles can be trapped. Flossing is the technique used to remove those food particles and plaque. A thin thread of nylon is used for flossing which reaches below the gum line and cleans the teeth. It is necessary to floss your teeth once daily.

Rinsing- It is recommended you should rinse your mouth regularly if your teeth are at a high risk of cavity formation. It is better to rinse your mouth with fluoride mouthwash.

Sealants- A sealant is a protective covering that is applied on the surface of the chewing teeth to guard the enamel against plaque and acid and covers the grooves that collect food. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that sealants should be placed in school-aged children for several years but should be checked repeatedly.

Avoid frequent sipping and snacking- If you frequently drink fluids other than water, bacteria in your mouth tend to produce acids that damage enamel and destroy teeth. If you snack the whole day continuously, your teeth are at very high risk of attack.

Drink tap water- Nowadays, most public water supplies provide fluoride water, which is very helpful to reduce the risk of tooth decay. If you drink normal water without added fluoride you missed out on the benefits of fluoride.

Antibacterial treatments- If your teeth are prone to decay due to some kind of medical condition, it is recommended to consume antibacterial oral rinses or some other medication to reduce harmful oral bacteria.

Fluoride treatments- If you are not taking enough fluoride in your diet or drinking water it is recommended to consume extra fluoride or use fluoridated toothpaste. If your teeth have an extremely high possibility of decay it is preferable to apply custom trays on your teeth for application of recommended fluoride.

Diet- Dental health is affected by the food we consume daily. As a result, our oral health affects our food intake. It is necessary to clean your gums, mouth, and teeth regularly if you want to remain healthy. So it is important to select food that is beneficial for oral health. A lot of foods cause tooth decay like sugary foods or drinks, candies, desserts, pastries, pure fruit juices, honey, and dried fruits. As you increase consumption of sugar and sugary foods the chance of tooth decay also increases.

Some foods are helpful in preventing tooth decay like cheese and dairy products. The proteins present in milk and dairy products bind to the outer surfaces of the tooth and prevent the sticking of tooth decaying bacteria to the enamel. A very good amount of calcium is present in dairy products which is necessary for dental health. There are many foods whose consumption prevents early tooth decay like fresh whole fruits, whole vegetables, cereals, meats, pasta and bread. Good eating practices lead to a healthy smile. Eating a variety of foods provides all types of nutrients which maintain oral and dental health. Do not eat sugary foods and beverages, but if you must, then only occasionally consume them.

Always try to clean your teeth after each meal. Do not eat snacks before going to bed because at that time saliva flow is low due to less production of saliva. Try to care for your teeth and meet your dentist regularly.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

When Should I Take My Child to the Dentist?
That is the most common dental question among parents. Many parents often wait for years before they visit a children's dentist, some of them either hold off for insurance even when in a hurry to take their child to the dentist right after birth. Depending on the timing of enrollment and dental coverage, it may beat back the initial appointment.

Although doctors and parents might differ on when dental exams and care should begin, early screening is the best. For kids, the first dental visit is a big moment and experience as it can set the stage for proper oral health care throughout their lives.

However, the AAPD (Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) and ADA (American Dental Association) have predicted that a child's first visit to a children's dentist should be within six months of the erupting of the first tooth, but no later than age two.

Generally, a child's first visit is more or less like an introduction to the children's dentist office to learn about the significance of taking care of their teeth. The dentist checks inside the child's mouth to check whether the developing teeth are coming out correctly and there are no issues, but the first is generally to build trust and awareness.

Recommendation for Making a Child's First Dentist Appointment
It is better to schedule the child's first visit between the age of 6 months and their first birthday celebration. This is when the first primary tooth has erupted. Tooth decay is possible in infants, making it necessary to protect the child's dental health from the beginning.

It is crucial to teach proper oral hygiene habits from the start so that kids can get used to visiting a dentist. If kids have positive experiences in a dentist's office, they tend to enjoy brushing and take good care of their teeth. When they get acclimated to it, they will keep up with routine visits and be less prone to cavities, if the first appointment is completed between six months and a year old.

How to Prepare a Child for First Dentist Appointment
Here are the things to consider in helping a child prepare for the first dentist visit:
Encourage excitement about the new experience. An infant often cannot communicate verbally, but understands body language and tone of voice. If parents are mirth filled about the first visit, so will be the child. Parents must be ready for unhappy reactions from their child by towing along comforting belongings to put the child at ease.

Consult the pediatric dentist before the appointment to have a clue of what will happen during the initial visit. All children's dentists have ways of doing things; it makes the parent feel relaxed and prepared ahead of the first visit.

What Happens During a Child's First Dentist Visit?
Each professional dentist has a unique way of handling infants; the first visit is typically the same across the board. Much cleaning is not needed when only a few teeth have erupted. A thorough exam is performed by a children's dentist on the first visit to determine whether the child is developing at a reasonable pace healthily.

The parent has a crucial role to play during the first visit. They have to be with the child throughout the appointment because they look up to their parents for comfort. And infants squirm around and fuss sometimes. This is common at that age. The dentist and the parent should work together to make the child feel at ease, comfortable, and secure.

The first visit typically includes:
Exam to check the teeth, gums, bite, jaw, and look for any oral health problem
Cleaning and polishing of the child's first tooth or teeth
Digital X-rays may be taken if there's any visible decay
Patient education and advice about dental care tips at homes

What Happens After a Child's Dental Appointment?
It is highly recommended to visit the children's dentist every six months after the child's first visit unless there are reasons to come more often. The dentist begins to work on the child's teeth once the child is ready for a second appointment. The second visit includes counting of the child's teeth and brushing and polishing.

An infant's first dentist visit is mostly brief, 15 to 30 minutes long. The little ones can be intimidated or overwhelmed by dentists, and it is best to make appointments brief and short. This is to build trust and make the child grow an understanding that each visit has a start and an end.

When is a Child Due for Full Dental Exams?
At the age of 3 years, a child is due for full dental exams. This is where fluoride treatments begin and they learn more about the importance of thorough flossing and brushing of the teeth. Here, the parent should participate, so the child brushes appropriately at home. The dentist will educate the parents on how to help floss a child's teeth and teach the technique to ensure a child brushes thoroughly.

The dentist also recommends the appropriate toothbrush, and that children brush their teeth two minutes twice a day. They may also recommend fun games and songs a child can use to help them reach the two-minute goal. The child is old enough and due at 5 to receive X-rays.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

Tooth decay, also named caries or cavities, is the breakdown of a tooth due to the acid produced by bacteria. The bacteria produce this acid as a by-product when interacting with carbohydrates present in the food that we consume. The pain and severity of tooth decay depend on how far it is spread, from enamel to dentine, and then to the pulp.

The mouth is an important part of the body that usually expresses or reveals many chronic diseases, directly or indirectly in the form of dental, gum, and soft tissue diseases. Tooth decay, or cavities, are warning signs of having an underlying chronic disease that needs to be taken care of in addition to the dental treatment.

Following are the few of the known diseases that are usually linked to the tooth decay/cavities

1) Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the sugar levels in the blood are elevated due to a decrease in insulin levels. It affects dental health in two ways

- The bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acid. Greater levels of sugars in the blood, the higher the supply of sugars to the mouth, and the higher the degree of bacterial activity as well. The acid produced by bacteria then dissolves the tooth layers one by one causing cavities.

- One of the symptoms of diabetes is dry mouth. Dry mouth is a condition in which there is less production of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is of great importance when it comes to cleaning and cleansing the bacteria. It washes away the bacteria and its by-products decreasing the risk of tooth decay. If the production of saliva is less as in diabetes, the acid produced by bacteria freely destructs the tooth structure.

Not only does diabetes limit the capability of the body to fight against the oral bacteria, but it also increases the chances of destroying the gums (with help of plaque build-up and calculus) surrounding the teeth and bone. Moreover, gum disease triggers the increase in blood sugar levels, which in turn worsens the severity of diabetes. It is hence a cause and effect cycle that needs to be addressed and managed properly.

2) Sjögren’s syndrome
Sjögren’s is an autoimmune syndrome that is commonly identified with symptoms such as the dry mouth and dry eyes. This syndrome affects the mucous secreting glands of eyes and mouth and results in significantly low production of tears and saliva. The decreased levels of saliva in the mouth result in less cleaning of the mouth hence greater bacterial activity, which then eventually leads to initiation of caries, which turns into tooth decay if not taken care of.

3) Bulimia and Anorexia
Bulimia and anorexia are severe forms of eating disorders. These eating disorders are connected to psychological disorders where individuals fear being fat or overweight. Bulimic and anorexic individuals either eat less, binge or purge the food, mainly unhealthy food. Eating less food means less intake of nutrients that are essential to keep the body healthy and strong. This less intake of nutrients causes low immunity and hence less capability to fight against oral bacteria that cause cavities. Also, during the process of binging and purging, the acids from the stomach flow into the mouth affecting the teeth. The acid wears away the teeth surface making them more susceptible to tooth decay over a while.

4) Cancer
Although there is no direct relationship between cancer and tooth decay, individuals going through radiation are at greater risk of getting cavities known as radiation caries. One of the side effects of radiation is dry mouth (transient xerostomia). The radiation affects the salivary glands, due to which the mouth is unable to produce a sufficient amount of saliva necessary for cleansing effectively and lowering the mouth PH that eventually leads to radiation caries. Therefore, it is necessary to consult the dental professional and the concerned oncologist before going through the phase of radiotherapy. The dental professional will evaluate the preexisting condition of the mouth and teeth and suggest suitable actions accordingly.

In addition to all the above-mentioned diseases, dental home care plays a crucial role in the development of tooth decay. The dental plaque formed on the gingival margins continues to multiply and grow beneath the gums (gingival pockets) and onto the tooth surface. This dental plaque contains various types of bacteria and food particles that mineralized to form tartar/calculus. This plaque and tartar destructs the tooth structure and gums to form cavities and gum diseases respectively. The good news is, regular oral hygiene regimens decrease the amount of plaque and tartar build-up. Brushing twice a day and flossing following a proper technique significantly reduces plaque and tartar load. Besides, regular dental checkups should be followed to treat tooth decay at its earliest stages.

It is best to provide a thorough and inclusive medical and dental history to the dental professionals to rule out the cause of tooth decay and then treat it subsequently.

Article Source:- https://houston-texas-dentist.blogspot.com/

Practice management software in dentistry propounds a much-facilitated set of software functionality in similitude with generic medical software for surgeries and check-ups. While there are few common features in regards to administration, dentists and orthodontists require their own set of clinical management framework. 

Integral factors of dental practice management will include the ability to cover administration, such as a calendar and a way to schedule, track, and manage appointments. An In-voice software section records fees and automates claims with insurance companies, as well as track payment status and automate billing reminders as required.

There will often also be a patient portal for self-service and provide a direct point of contact with customers. However, the main need is the ability to work with patient records and charts, and often include some form of graphics or modeling software to plan and record treatments. This will often need to be integrated with imaging equipment and x-ray sensors to make it simpler to keep patient records comprehensive and up to date.

As with a lot of other modern software, most of the best dental practice software runs as Software as a Service (SaaS), meaning that it runs in the cloud as an app, that is we can access it through a browser regardless of your device, and also validates it should be mobile-friendly.

The basic choice of software needs to be based on three factors:

1. The website has to have enough information about the product, pricing, and support to allow users to make an informed decision before reaching out to the company for a demo that ensures transparent policy communication.
2. The software must be HIPAA compliant because most importantly, the patient’s privacy is the top priority.
3. An efficient and integrated suite of features with single subscriptions can be a great time saver.

Various types of software can help dentists manage their new practices and set them up for long-term success. Some budget-friendly options are even excellent choices for cost-conscious practices just starting out. Plus, some types of software can be useful down the line once your practice has become more established and you’re looking to take things to the next level.

Email Marketing Software

Opening a new practice, attracting new patients is more critical than ever. As your practice grows, retaining the patients that you’ve worked so hard to attract will become just as crucial. One very low-effort way to stay connected with your patients is by regularly communicating with them through newsletters.

Systems  for Online Appointment Scheduling

Right now, many patients expect to be able to book appointments immediately online, 24/7. A high percentage of appointments scheduled through online systems are booked outside of business hours. By forcing patients to call your office to make an appointment, you may be missing out on many opportunities. In addition, by having your staff spend less time on the phone, they can focus on other tasks, including providing the best patient experience possible.

Depending on your choice, you also may be able to solicit more patient reviews to build your online reputation and gain additional exposure to new patients. Therefore, the result and reward of this type of software extend beyond the immediate ability to offer your patients a convenient way to schedule appointments and check availability. 

Practice Management Software

Present, dental health care is delivered mainly by private practitioners all around the globe. More importance was given on the design of the dental treatment rooms than on the design of business management. 

The planning of the business office workspace is also a key factor and such an area should be carefully designed as the business staff can deliver its tasks with maximum efficiency. Any patient who arrives the first time in the dental clinic is the most important person for the dentist.  The infrastructures can improve practice efficiency, reduce administrative costs, and improve communication with other providers. Also, there are various software’s that are available in the market for dental  practice management.

Insurance Verification

Policy updations and consistent communication about the insurance policies and pending payments have to be taken care of and automated. It's a very crucial part of the practice and needs much care and attention.

Patient Communication Software  

Automated patient communication software is useful for reducing no-shows and cancellations, improving patient recall, and soliciting patient reviews. Typically, it works by integrating with your practice management software so it can automatically message patients who are overdue for appointments or who require appointment confirmations.

Membership Programs

There are many benefits to creating a membership program for your company. An in-house membership plan will give your practice recurring revenue every month while helping patients gain access to the dental care they deserve and become more likely to say yes to easy and affordable dental care. However, these plans involve some setup and ongoing maintenance.

The choice of the right dental plan will be the gateway to progress and it can be the most important choice throughout the business.