All Posts (4623)

Sort by

Swollen gums can have several causes like nutritional deficiencies, oral infections, pregnancy or hormonal fluctuations. If not treated on time, swollen gum tissues can cause inflammation, lead to loss of teeth and invite serious gum conditions like Gingivitis and Periodontitis. If your gum swelling is getting severe and painful with every passing day, using salt will alleviate your pain and provide instant relief. Follow these tried-and-tested home remedies and get rid of swollen gum tissues:

  • Salt Water

Rinsing your mouth with lukewarm salt water is one of the oldest and the most effective swollen gum treatments. Salt being a natural disinfectant eliminates all the bad bacteria and harmful microbes that are causing pain and inflammation.

Take a glass of lukewarm water and pour 1 teaspoon of table salt into it. Stir it well and pour some of it into your mouth and swish it all around for a few seconds. Repeat the same process till you finish the remaining water in your glass. Do this at least twice a day to get rid of swollen gums. 

  • Mustard Oil and Salt

The glucosinolate found in mustard oil has excellent anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. Mustard oil also has strong stimulant properties which improve blood circulation when massaged on the affected area.   

Take 1 teaspoon of mustard oil and add a pinch of salt to it and mix it well. Massage the paste gently on the swollen gum tissues for 4 to 5 minutes. Spit the mixture after the massage and rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. Repeat this remedy 2-3 times a day for faster results. 

  • Ginger and Salt

Ginger is high in antioxidants which are known to inhibit the production of inflammatory agents. All you need to do is make some ginger paste and add a pinch of salt to it. Then gently rub this paste on your swollen gums to get relief. Repeat this thrice a day to reduce the pain and swelling in your gums.

Other Home Remedies to Treat Swollen Gum Tissues 

  • Hot and Cold Compresses

Hot and cold compresses are very helpful in healing swollen gums. If your gums are not paining, it is recommended to use cold compresses but if your condition is painful, you should use warm compresses. If your gums are both swollen and painful, you can also use warm and cold compresses alternatively. Cold compresses will work to reduce the swelling while hot compresses will heal the pain effectively. Place the compress against the face pointing the affected area and hold it for a few minutes. Do this till the pain subsides.

  • Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an age-old Ayurvedic remedy that heals bleeding gums and strengthens them. It involves swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in the mouth every morning. This is to be done on an empty stomach for at least 20 minutes. Be sure to spit the oil and rinse your mouth before you brush your teeth. Oil pulling is an effective detoxification process that removes bacteria, prevents plaque and promotes healthy gums by creating a sterile environment. Do this daily to get rid of swollen gums naturally. 

  • Baking Soda

Being alkaline in nature, baking soda creates a hostile environment which makes the survival of bacteria difficult and creates an antiseptic environment inside the mouth. It effectively neutralizes all the acidic toxins and wastes that are produced by harmful microbes and promotes oral health. Make a consistent paste by adding water to baking soda and gently rub the paste along your gumline. You can also brush your teeth using this paste for brightening your teeth.

  • Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is highly effective in treating gum diseases and getting rid of swollen, painful gums. Rich in antioxidants, aloe vera gel has antibacterial properties that fight oral diseases and reduce the bleeding from swollen gums. Rub it gently all over the gum line twice a day to treat swollen gums. Aloe vera gel can also be used as toothpaste and as a mouthwash when mixed with water

Do’s and Don’ts to Ease Discomfort and Find Relief from Swollen Gums

Do:

  • Brush twice a day and floss regularly
  • Add fruits and vegetables to your daily diet 
  • If the gum swelling persists even after following these home remedies, see your dentist immediately

Don’t:

  • Don’t drink caffeinated beverages if you are suffering from swollen gums
  • Don’t drink alcohol or smoke as this may further aggravate your condition
  • Don’t  use a mouthwash that contains alcohol

Don’t ignore your swollen gums till they become painful beyond tolerance. Take action at home or consult a dentist to identify the underlying cause of your swollen gums. 

Read more…

Good oral hygiene plays the most important role in improving your overall health. It also helps in making your smile more attractive. Basically, it is the practice of keeping the mouth (Teeth, Gum, Tongue) clean to prevent dental problems like cavities, gum diseases and bad breath. These types of dental problems may create a critical situation for you if you ignore it. So, maintain your oral health to prevent dental related problems.

Some tips to improve oral hygiene:

  • Improve brushing habits.
  • Avoid Tobacco.
  • Avoid sweet beverages and sodas.
  • Add calcium and other vitamins in your diet.
  • Visit dentist on regular basis to prevent the future dental problems.

Read more…

For several years now, there has been an ongoing debate over the health risks associated with electronic cigarette use. And while there has been some research indicating that these products could be as much as 95% safer than combustible tobacco products like cigarettes, skeptics have continued to believe that they pose a serious threat to human health. Now, new research suggests that those skeptics may be at least partially correct – at least when it comes to dental health.

The Study’s Results

The new research involved a study that examined the types of chemicals found in the vapor produced by electronic cigarette devices. For those unfamiliar with the technology, e-cigs (as many users refer to them) are devices that heat a liquid solution – known in the industry as “e-juice” – to a temperature high enough to vaporize it. The user inhales the resulting vapor. That vapor is usually flavored and may or may not contain nicotine.

In studying that vapor, researchers found that many of the chemicals it contains are potentially as dangerous to the cells in the mouth as anything found in combustible tobacco smoke. In their study, these researchers exposed test subjects to the vapor by introducing it to the gum tissue of participants with no smoking habit. They used both tobacco-flavored and mentholated e-juice in their experiments.

The tests showed that the gum tissue responded in much the same way that it does when exposed to cigarette smoke. The cells that make up that gum tissue react by releasing proteins that cause inflammation. And where there is inflammation within the body, there is cellular stress and the potential for damage to tissue.

Are the Dangers Real?

Scientists say that this type of response can put vapers at risk for many of the same oral health complications that smokers experience. If so, the study would be confirmation of other research that exposed mouth cells to e-cig vapor – an experiment that resulted in a 53% mortality rate for those cells. Granted, that experiment involved cells that had been removed from participants’ mouths and exposed directly to the vapor over several days, but the results share some similarities.

The problem for vapers lies in the long-term impact that could be occurring. This type of damage to the cellular structure of gum tissue can weaken dental integrity and place the patient at higher risk for inflammation, infection, and various levels of periodontal diseases. Some of the researchers noted that it may even increase the risk of oral cancer.

Not Conclusive, but Cautionary

It is worth noting that nothing in these studies contradicts other research demonstrating that vaping is healthier than smoking. It does, however, sound an alarm about the risk to dental health – a risk that dental patients everywhere should take to heart. And while there are some in the medical and dental profession who have cheered patients’ use of electronic cigarettes to escape the tobacco habit, that response is not an endorsement of the vaping habit. If you’re a former smoker who’s turned to vaping to help you quit, the best way to preserve your teeth and gums is to continue that journey toward a nicotine-free lifestyle by setting aside the e-cig too.

At Ebenezer Dental, we recognize that the best decision is to not smoke at all. There are always risks associated with nicotine usage, since even smaller amounts of nicotine can pose a potential threat to the health of our patients’ teeth and gums. At the same time, the current research does seem to indicate that electronic cigarettes may offer a reduced health risk, which may make them valuable tools for those who are earnestly attempting to stop smoking. If you’d like to learn more about oral health from the best cosmetic dentist in New York City, give us a call today.

Read more…

7 Major Causes of Tooth Decay

If you have ever wondered what makes perfect, beautiful teeth rot away, the answer is tooth decay. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand what causes decay, which can cause them to make poor oral health choices that can damage their smiles.

Tooth decay starts whenever you sit down to eat or grab a fast snack on the go. As you chew, microscopic food particles accumulate on and around your teeth, forming a sticky substance called plaque. If plaque isn’t whisked away by brushing, flossing, and rinsing the teeth, it can harden into tartar, which is also called dental calculus. Tartar is exceptionally hard, and very difficult to remove with your at-home toothbrush. Instead, your Long Island periodontist will have to scrape it away from your teeth during your regular dental exam.

In addition to making your teeth look cakey and unkept, plaque and tartar buildup also harbor bacteria, which produce acids as they grow and multiply. Humans have around 25 different strains of oral bacteria in their mouths, which work to destroy different areas. The acids that these bacteria produce dissolve dental enamel, creating cavities and compromising the structural stability of the tooth. If plaque and tartar build along the gumline, they can spark inflammation in the gum tissue, which eventually creates gingival pockets and leads to periodontal disease.

Although you may feel powerless against the aggressive nature of oral bacteria, there is a lot you can do to keep your teeth safe. Here are some factors that contribute to tooth decay, and what you can do to prevent it.

Personal Habits

Oral Hygiene

Neglecting your teeth is the most obvious way to wind up with cavities. To prevent decay, focus on proper oral hygiene throughout your day. In addition to brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily, talk with your periodontist about using fluoride supplements or antibacterial mouthwashes. If you have early stage gingivitis, a few extra steps could help you to prevent problems from getting worse. Report problems, such as toothaches, discolorations, chipped teeth, or gum inflammation to your dentist right away to have issues addressed immediately.

Smoking

Most people realize that smoking is bad for their stamina and lungs, but few smokers understand just how damaging a few cigarettes a day can be to their teeth. Cigars and cigarettes contain lots of harmful chemicals, including tar. These ingredients collect on the teeth, creating a black, sticky film that makes them look yellowed and stained. The stark temperature changes that occur during smoking can also impact blood flow to the mouth, impeding healing. For this reason, smokers are much more likely to suffer from periodontal disease.

Alcohol

Alcohol can do more than impair your judgment and make it hard to remember to brush. Alcohol can dry out your mouth, decreasing levels of saliva that help to neutralize bacterial acids. Research has shown that alcoholics have more plaque on their teeth and are three times more likely to suffer from tooth loss than people who don’t indulge as frequently.

Diet

If you really want to keep your teeth clean and healthy, focus on eating well. Crunchy vegetables, such as celery, broccoli, and carrots, help to scrub grime away from your teeth as you chew. On the other hand, starchy, sugary foods, such as doughnuts, crackers, and other snack foods contain simple sugars that contribute to tooth decay.

Exercise

Keeping your body healthy through daily exercise is also beneficial to your smile. When you get your blood flowing, the body can cope with infections more effectively and remove built-up toxins expelled by oral bacteria.

Simple Genetics

Your genetics also play a role in your ability to fend off oral bacteria. Because physical characteristics, such as the alignment of your teeth, are inherited, you might have a harder time battling tooth decay than your friend or neighbor. Since crooked teeth are harder to brush and floss effectively, orthodontic care can help to correct these issues. Also, since people can inherit medical conditions such as osteoporosis or the tendency to grind their teeth, it is important to talk with your family about their dental health and be on the lookout for your own issues.

Medications

Certain medications can also put you at a higher risk for dental decay, since they can impact the way that your body metabolizes sugar or the amount of saliva you produce. For example, heart disease medications and antihistamines can reduce saliva levels, and tetracycline antibiotics can stain your teeth. If you are on medication to improve a chronic medical condition, talk with your doctor or periodontist as soon as possible to learn how it could affect your teeth.

The American Academy of Periodontology recommends visiting a periodontist yearly for a comprehensive periodontal exam, or CPE. During periodontal exams, your doctor will evaluate the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw tissue. If you have already lost teeth due to dental decay, your doctor will talk with you about dental implants in Long Island and recommend you to an implant dentist in Long Island.

Read more…

Effects Of Living With Untreated Gum Disease

Our risks of developing gum disease increases with age. It is not an unavoidable component of aging. Gum disease is a severe issue that can lead to tooth and bone loss, and it also may results in systemic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.

It is essential for patients to periodically monitor their gums for signs of concern, such as swelling, pockets, bleeding, bad breath, etc. and seek treatment after noticing any symptoms.

Gum disease does not show up in the initial stages. On the other hand, the longer you put off your gum disease treatment, the more likely you will end up requiring a more extensive treatment like Gum surgery.

Nearly 4 out of every 5 patients suffer from some type of periodontal disease in their lifetime. When advanced stage of this disease goes untreated, the condition eventually turns out to be irreversible.

It is a chronic and systemic infection in which the gums start to regress away from the teeth and the infection spreads all through the mouth. As bacteria and tartar begin to attack the roots of teeth, teeth start loosening up their natural support from gum tissue. The buildup of tartar along the roots of tooth is caused by untreated gum disease. It is actually the chief cause of tooth loss in adulthood.

The infection destructively attacks soft tissues and teeth, which ultimately reaches to bone. Patients with chronic periodontitis may require Gum Surgery in San Diego because their bone start getting degenerated, a condition which may also leads to tooth loss.

Many research studies have associated a connection between periodontitis and other health conditions affecting the cardiovascular and immune system. The explanation behind it is that once the infection spreads, it can go into the bloodstream, where the bacteria-ridden compounds can get attached to plaque in the arteries. For patients suffering with immune system suppression, periodontal disease can become difficult to manage.

In San Diego, dentists strongly recommend to seek treatment as the signs of gum disease appear. Some common symptoms related to periodontal disease are:

  • Bleeding of gums with slight aggravation (brushing and flossing)
  • Red and purple gum tissue
  • Pain and discomfort while touching gums
  • Pus and sores along the gum line
  • Recession of the gums

After analyzing your oral health and the stage of your gum disease, your dentist will develop a treatment plan according to your needs. Periodontal disease treatment often includes deep cleanings to eliminate tartar above and below the gum line, some sort of surgery, and medications to kill bacteria.

So, how can you defend against a disease that doesn’t always show up with obvious warning signs? To know more about your treatment options or schedule an appointment for Gum Surgery in San Diego, seek advice from experienced periodontal team.

Read more…

How to Overcome Bad Breath Problem?

Dental problems are becoming common among people of all age groups. Even a small problem relating to your teeth can cause lot of trouble and could lead to serious long-term health issues, if you do not take care of your teeth now.

One of the most common symptoms that all of us are well aware of is bad breath. You might have talked with someone that has bad breath.

Is that a fun experience?

On the other side of that, having bad breath is very embarrassing and can make you highly uncomfortable. Bad breath is the first warning that you get when there is a problem with your teeth.

Test for Checking Bad Breath

Are you really concerned about your teeth and want to take care of it?

Well,here is a simple test. You can test yourself and find out if you have a bad breath problem. To take the test, wash your hands clean. Put your finger in your mouth deep inside till it touches the back of your tongue.

Next, rub your finger over your tongue and scrap some saliva. Dab your finger on your palm and rub the saliva from your finger. Wait for half a minute and bring your palm close to your nose and hold it. You will smell any bad breath if you really have.

How Bad Breath Starts

If you are suffering from bad breath, you need to find cure for it. But first you have to know how bad breath starts.

There are a few things that can cause bad breath. There is bacteria in your mouth which keeps covering the mouth from inside.

The bacteria hang over your tongue, gums and reside between your teeth. Bacteriawill multiply over time and start producing toxins and chemicals which causes the bad odor smell in your mouth.

What causes bad breath?

  • Bad habits: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipe or chewing tobacco leads to severe harm to your teeth and mouth. 
  • Tonsils: Most people have their tonsils removed, but if you have your tonsils, they can also lead to bad breath.
  • Stomach problems: stomach problems such as ulcer, viruses and having an upset stomach can cause bad breath.

Tips for OvercomingBad Breath:

  • To avoid bad breath, the obvious is taking care of your teeth and health.
  • Brush your teeth after every meal. Use of tongue scraper to keep your tongue clean.
  • Gargle with mouth wash to reduce bad breath.
  • Drink sufficient wateras it reduces bacteria.
  • Digest your food well.
  • Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.

If you need some help with a bad breath problem, visit Friendly Dental Group of South Park, one of the best south park dental practices in South Charlotte North Carolina.

Read more…

Different Kinds of Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Your dentist might have recommended you to have your wisdom tooth removed, you must be looking at the options to follow the advice, but do you know the different procedures involved in extracting a wisdom tooth. The types of procedure will depend upon how your teeth are growing in. If you are considering a surgery, it is good for you to gain insight into its types.

Wisdom teeth start growing in at a very young age, but many parents make delays in taking their child to a dentist and getting them removed. It may be because they want to see if this set of teeth comes in naturally without causing any difficulties. Normally, they need to be extracted during teenage years or early adulthood.

There are numerous reasons to get these specific teeth removed. Normally, there is not adequate room for them in the mouth, which results in pushing other teeth forward. Moreover, they can become impacted, meaning that they grow in slanted. This can be painful and may lead to infection. In most of the cases, the extraction becomes necessary for the health of rest of the mouth. Below given cases are describing few types of extraction procedures:

  • If wisdom teeth have grown in normally, but are forcing teeth forward, the surgeon may be able to pull them out like an ordinary tooth. This can best be done when the tooth has started growing in straight. In this state, the tooth can be extracted with anesthesia without any oral surgery.
  • Usually, wisdom teeth are impacted to some degree or grow in sideways. They sometimes start growing beneath the gum line without breaking through the surface. This creates discomfort and hinders with any orthodontic work. Oral surgery becomes the necessary option in this case.

In San Diego, Wisdom Teeth Extraction is performed on a regular basis. Many oral surgeries and complex procedures are dealt with on a regular basis. The frequency with which the wisdom teeth extractions are performed at Irresistible Smiles makes them experts at it. They can perform the teeth removal surgery with negligible discomfort and complete precision.

  • In some cases of wisdom teeth surgery, an incision in the gums is made in order to make a flap.  This flap is then lifted up to expose the wisdom tooth. After this, dentists try to twist and shake the tooth so that it can come out of the place. Sometimes it lifts out of its place easily, but when the ligaments hold it down firmly, the tooth may need to be broken down and extracted in sections. It is the most extreme type of wisdom tooth removal and demands an expert professional to conduct the procedure. Else, the swelling may increase and the recovery time may prolong.

If you are worried about how your child’s wisdom tooth is growing, call and schedule an appointment with an expert dentist. In San Diego, Wisdom Teeth Extraction is performed after examining your teeth and gums. Sometimes, X-Rays is also taken if required so as to determine how your tooth is positioned and what the best course of action could be. Consider going to an expert dentist in San Diego to improve your oral health with every visit.

Read more…

Myths and Facts about Teeth Whitening

Myth is that fresh lemon juice can whiten teeth. However, Lemon juice, fresh or not, will not whiten teeth because it is very acidic and will erode your teeth. Make sure to consult your doctor before using lemon for teeth whitening. Good oral hygiene and healthy diet can help to whiten teeth and prevent further yellowing. 

Read more…

How to be a Successful Dental Practitioner?

Starting a career in dentistry is not an easy task. Just like any other career, it takes a lot of effort and determination, especially in this competitive market. Getting the first clients may be quite challenging and it needs a lot to build up trust. However, as hard as it may seem, there are several measures that you can take in order to make every clients’ visit worthwhile. When starting out, you ought to give your best of practice but this doesn’t mean that you should reduce your professionalism as you get more clients. You should maintain it. As the saying goes, it takes a long time to build a reputation but just one small mistake to destroy it. Below are some of the ways that can guarantee you success in your practice.

  • Your clients should have a reason to come back and recommend their friends.

Once you are established as a practicing dentist, there are many clients that will visit your clinic and it is upon you to make them return to your clinic. Your services ought to market themselves to both the potential and the current clients. Speaking of marketing, you can get posters printed at cheap cost, yet professional, and use them to reach out to the new clients. Once you get the patients coming to your clinic, you ought to give your level best service. A happy client will always act as your loyal brand thus recommending more people to your clinic.

  • You should have proper conscience.

Sometimes it is very hard to make decisions as a dentist especially when it comes to make the patient feel comfortable and reducing the anxiety that they may be having. A patient trust and believes what the dentist tells them and it is upon you to properly advise them. Dental care is a relationship that goes beyond the normal doctor-patient relationship. You should therefore give your patients confidence and security in the kind of decision that you make.  Another big consideration is that you should ensure that the staffs you have employed have clear knowledge and skills of the type of work you are conducting.

  • Are you treating others as you would like to be?

It has severally been said that this world is like a mirror and whatever you do to someone may at some point come back to you. In the dental practice, it is very important that you should treat your staff and patients well. For you to succeed you ought to listen, be cheerful and put yourself in the patients’ shoes. Treat them with utmost care because they will be your mouth piece.

The above ways can and will guarantee you so much success in your practice.

Read more…

While not as critical as health insurance, it is important to look after your teeth. To ensure the health of your teeth, look for these seven things when researching dental insurance plans.

1. Cost

Take the time to compare different annual maximum coverage every year, as well as procedure caps. You should be visiting your dentist twice a year, so determine how much will be paid each year for at least two annual visits.

2. Out of Pocket

You will have to pay out of pocket costs. Depending on how many people are being covered by the policy, you may want to go with a carrier who has low out-of-pocket deductibles.

3. Area

Most insurance coverage requires you to visit specific dentists in your area. Find out about the dentists covered within the plan and what their cost per visit is. You may be able to use your current dentist if you discuss it before signing up for the insurance.

4. Waiting Duration

All insurance carriers have waiting periods before you can make your first visit. Make sure you know the waiting period before committing to an insurance carrier.

5. Major Procedures

Hopefully, you will only need regular check-ups, but make sure that major procedures are also covered by the plan. You will need to find out from the carrier what is major and what is considered normal procedures.

6. Cosmetic Procedures

It is unlikely that many cosmetic procedures are covered by the policy. If you want your teeth bleached or whitened, look for plans which offer to cover part of the cost.

7. Review Rankings

Take the time to read the reviews about different dentists. If a policy only covers dentists who have numerous negative reviews, you should keep looking for better ones with more positive reviews.

An extra penny spent for the credibility and quality will be worth it. Be informed and make wise decisions for happy teeth.

Read more…

Diabetes and Gum Disease: A Clear Connection

Many people often ask what gum disease has to do with diabetes; but, research has proved that when diabetes is not under control, it can lead to the development of periodontal diseases.

Studies have shown that 1 in 3 diabetic patient develop periodontitis at some stage of this disease. Diabetes is a very common health issue today, which when not controlled properly can have many serious ill effects on body.

Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes in which the bloodstream has higher levels of sugar than normal. This is because the body is not able to make enough of the insulin. The Insulin hormone is needed to help cells take up sugar from the blood and store it in cells to be used as energy. In some cases, diabetes may occur when the body does not respond to its insulin. This type of diabetes commonly affects the middle aged people and is often related to being overweight and having an inactive lifestyle. It is very common in younger people and children. Diabetes affects all the populations and people of all ages. Its sufferers are more likely to develop problems like kidney and heart disease, leading in turn to a lower life expectancy.

Gum disease is also a very common oral disease. Periodontitis (the most severe form of gum disease), destroys gum tissues and bones supporting the teeth, eventually leading to the tooth loss. Dentists have identified that people with diabetes are more prone to gum problems than those who do not have. Also, the gum disease may get worse and harder to treat with time. The gum treatment is more likely to be successful when a person’s blood glucose levels are under good control.

The story does not end here. Now scientists are discovering that gum disease may also have an effect on diabetes, making control of blood glucose harder. However, the research is still going on it.

Let’s have a look at how periodontitis affects diabetes;

The exact cause is yet not completely understood, but scientists say that some of the microorganisms that infect the gums can pass into the bloodstream. This triggers a reaction from our body’s defense mechanism, which can lead to the release of some powerful elements that have detrimental effects on other parts of the body, leading to uncontrolled blood sugar levels.

Gum surgery in controlling diabetes

Luckily, there are many treatment methods available today for gum disease, such as professional cleaning, gum surgery, and regular care given by dentists. This means that improving your gum health is very important if you have diabetes. It could really help you control diabetes and lower other health related risks too.

Conclusion

One can easily comprehend after reading the above content that keeping the gums healthy is an important aspect to maintain the overall health of a person with diabetes. You must look for Gum Surgery in San Diego to get your periodontitis treated. Having healthy gums is a good step towards better overall health. The latest researches on gum disease and diabetes are showing the importance of keeping your gums healthy. One can achieve it easily by having regular dental check-ups. Any gum disease can be picked up in the initial stages and treated with Gum Surgery in San Diego.

 

Read more…

How Much Does Invisalign Cost

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment for teeth straightening. It is a  great way to treat many kinds of malocclusions or bad bites. The average Invisalign price is not that much higher than regular braces and the unique advantages Invisalign offers - like being able to take the aligners out to eat and brush your teeth - often outweigh the slight difference in price.

Read more…

Eating too much candy has the potential to “rot” your teeth .Americans still enjoy candy in moderation as part of a happy and balanced lifestyle. But it is a fact that chocolates and candies are delicious and hard-to-resist treats, still, they come in high sugar content and not good for oral health and overall health. They are known as one of the major contributors of tooth decay. 

Read more…

Eating too much candy has the potential to “rot” your teeth .Americans still enjoy candy in moderation as part of a happy and balanced lifestyle. But it is a fact that chocolates and candies are delicious and hard-to-resist treats, still, they come in high sugar content and not good for oral health and overall health. They are known as one of the major contributors of tooth decay. 

Read more…

Eating too much candy has the potential to “rot” your teeth .Americans still enjoy candy in moderation as part of a happy and balanced lifestyle. But it is a fact that chocolates and candies are delicious and hard-to-resist treats, still, they come in high sugar content and not good for oral health and overall health. They are known as one of the major contributors of tooth decay. 

Read more…

Eating too much candy has the potential to “rot” your teeth .Americans still enjoy candy in moderation as part of a happy and balanced lifestyle. But it is a fact that chocolates and candies are delicious and hard-to-resist treats, still, they come in high sugar content and not good for oral health and overall health. They are known as one of the major contributors of tooth decay. 

Read more…

Periodontal disease is a disease that affects the alveolar bone, gum line, periodontal ligament and cementum. These diseases are classified into two kinds, namely periodontitis and gingivitis. They affect a large number of people.

A successful periodontal treatment includes:

1. Involving patients: Including every patient in diagnosis and treatment procedure is necessary in achieving effective results. The level of importance that a patient gives to their oral health, and the related lifestyle choices they make, eventually decides the long-term outcome of the treatment. Therefore, dental specialists must enter a non-judgmental role to recognize the habits (causes) that lead to gum disease to help patients make necessary changes. This step has its own significance as if these contributory routines persist, no level of treatment can benefit a patient for long-term.

2. Using appropriate method to collect information: A system to collect data at each visit help dentist and trained staff maintain and interpret the data. The records should be compared with every visit; accentuating all the positives and working on necessary ways to neglect the negatives.

3. Using a disclosant: Not using an effective plaque control is a big limitation in achieving successful results. Some plaque control subjectively appears to be brilliant in eliminating a range of microbes but may found to be quite poor when measured objectively. Aim a plaque-free goal of 80% or more. There are a number of studies showing that periodontal therapy is very effective when a disclosant is used because the patient achieves 80-90% range of plaque-free level with it.

4. Focusing on inflammation: No marginal redness and no bleeding upon probing (BOP) are the best indicators that there is no longer infection. Surgical treatment on single rooted teeth can be avoided when scaling is performed successfully. With effective nonsurgical treatment (managing plaque control to 80% or more) and maintaining BOP at 5% or less, individual has an excellent chance of staying healthy.

5. Taking benefit of the latest periodontal technology: Advancements in the fiber optic technology today have made it possible to have access to plaque and calculus under the gums. Perioscope works as a real eye-opener. It is a tiny camera that let the hygienist have a vision of the root surface and get off all the hard deposits in deep pocket.

As the camera goes under the gum, the hygienist is able to see the shape of the root. Even the smallest portion of the infectious material can be magnified with its remarkable magnification and resolution, thereby, very effective in eliminating the inflammation. It also helps in avoiding surgery in areas that do not need regeneration, an improvement that patients truly appreciate. Furcation involves a great risk of recurrent inflammation and requires additional treatment or periodontal surgery to remove calculus.

6. Limiting the use of antibiotics: Antibiotics are seldom needed for the treatment of periodontal disease. Also, the trend in dentistry is to reduce antibiotic usage to prevent antibiotic resistance or C-dif (clostridium difficile colitis). The ultimate key to control inflammation is not antibiotics, but rather, the effective elimination of calculus and plaque. Patients can be healthy and inflammation-free even without the use of antibiotics.

The goal of successful Periodontal Treatment in San Diego is to prevent infection and this can only be attained through effective elimination of the cause of the inflammation, i.e. PLAQUE (Bacteria) AND CALCULUS (Tartar).

Read more…

How to Prevent Cavities on Halloween

Whether your kid eats one bit of candy or multiple pieces, it’s important to have them brush their teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste as soon as possible. This will help prevent tooth decay. It’s important to help your child avoid overloading on Halloween candy. You can do this by creating a candy plan, whether the plan is to hide the candy and let your child slowly eat it over time, limit the number of houses your child visits, give your child a smaller bag, or offer a no-sugar reward for their candy.

Read more…

There are numerous periodontal procedures that pay attention on the prevention and restoration of the gum tissue. These procedures help in improving the functionality, extending the long-term health of your teeth and improving the esthetic quality of your smile.

Receding gums can lead to a range of oral health issues including an exposed tooth roots, unsightly ragged gum line, and ultimately the loss of teeth with extensive decay or recession.

An irregular gum line may affect your self-confidence. It will have effect on sensitivity of the exposed roots and may further lead to tooth loss, which will eventually prevent your dental structures from functioning appropriately.

While gum disease and aggressive brushing have been considered as the most common contributing factors to gum recession, the periodontists should focus on identifying the root causes while providing the most effective possible treatment. This poses for the question that what is required to fix these receding gums?

Here are some of the treatment solutions for patients who are seeking to see results right away;

1. Routine Flossing is Essential

People who want to ascertain the ways to stop receded gums needs to begin with daily flossing. Maintaining basic dental hygiene is essential.

2. Consider Diet

Having a healthy and balanced diet is really important. So, what needs to be taken? Foods and drinks that are loaded with Vitamin C, B9, and D are really good for receding gums. There are several studies showing the significance of consuming these vitamins as well as the effects that they have got on the growth of gums. Having these food types will certainly start producing the results eventually.

3. Appointment with a Dentist

For cases, especially those concerning genetic issues, it is actually essential to talk to a dentist. Professionals have several years of experience in dealing with this concern and are able to suggest a solution that specifically caters to one's case and needs. They recommend solutions that can bring fastest results.

4. Surgical Solutions:

  • A soft tissue graft method repairs the damage and helps prevent additional recession and bone loss. The grafts are used to cover the exposed roots or support the growth of new gum tissue. In this, the tissue is taken from either your palate or from the tissue bank (external source). This procedure helps in reducing sensitivity and protecting against decays.
  • Bone grafting involves the replacement of damaged or lost bone structure due to extensive periodontal decay or an accident. Pieces of a bone (your own bone, donated bone, or artificial bone) are used during this procedure. These grafts help to boost bone re-growth, restoring stability, structure and functionality of your teeth.
  • In pocket reduction surgery, the gums are lifted back to remove the hardened tartar. Further, the smoothing of damaged surfaces is performed if required. After this, the periodontist replace the gum tissue around the tooth structure to eliminate any pockets for harmful bacteria to accumulate and grow.
  • Guided tissue regeneration is one of the options available, which is provided to patients whose existing bone structure has been destroyed. In this procedure, the periodontist folds the gum tissue back and remove harmful bacteria by inserting membranes or proteins. This process stimulates the surrounding tissues and encourages your body’s natural regenerative process.

An increasing amount of research has already linked gum disease to some chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and so forth. A person with gum disease is at high risk of getting other associated health issues. You can find an expert performing Gum Surgery in San Diego at Irresistible Smiles. Go ahead and get yourself treated today to prevent any further problems!

Read more…

3 Tips for Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are exceptionally common in the United States, with over five million Americans suffering from knocked-out teeth each year. Dental fractures, chips, and oral lacerations are even more commonplace, causing pain, bleeding, and swelling, and leaving the teeth and mouth open to serious infections. Here are three tips for dealing with dental emergencies, so that you can improve your chances of a successful restoration.

1. Stock Up On Emergency Dental Supplies

When emergencies happen, you might find yourself trying to evaluate the damage and repair the area temporarily. Unfortunately, without the right supplies, you might not be able to preserve that knocked-out tooth or stop the zinging pain from that exposed cavity. Although emergency dental instrument sets are available online for curious customers and doomsday-preppers alike, they won’t be much help unless you moonlight as a professional dentist. Instead, focus on stocking up on emergency dental supplies made for people who aren’t familiar with dentistry, such as:

  • A Dental Mirror

    The mouth is filled with tight space and difficult-to-see dental surfaces, which is why dental mirrors are so useful. Having one handy during a dental emergency can help you to evaluate the extent of any damage so that you know what steps to take next.

  • Tooth Preservation Kits

    When teeth get knocked out, it can be difficult to keep them alive until you reach the dentist’s office. Handling delicate tooth roots or dropping the tooth onto a dirty surface could affect its ability to reattach and lead to dangerous infections. To protect your rogue tooth, consider investing in a tooth preservation kit. These kits contain a small container filled with a balanced salt solution designed to keep blood from clotting within the tooth and to keep the tooth clean until it can be put back into place.

  • Temporary Filling Material

    When fillings fall out, the tooth can become incredibly sensitive, vulnerable to decay, and structurally unstable. To protect and seal the tooth, it is a good idea to keep some temporary filling material on hand. Available for under $10 at most drugstores, temporary fillings can be applied in a few minutes and will stay intact until your dentist can repair the area properly.

  • Numbing Ointment

    Chipped teeth can affect more than looks. Since the interior of the tooth contains nerves, dental fractures and chips can leave your tooth incredibly sensitive. Keep some numbing ointment, such as over-the-counter products like Anbesol, on hand to apply to sensitive areas.

  • Dental Wax

    If you don’t like the idea of applying medications to your teeth, consider using dental wax to cover fractures and chips instead. Dental wax can create a temporary but effective seal that alleviates sensitivity and protects the interior of the tooth.

2. Know Your Dentist’s Emergency Numbers

If your dental emergency left you searching the floor for a missing tooth, bleeding, or trying to numb pain, you might find it difficult to look for your dentist’s emergency phone number, which can delay your treatment.

To streamline your dental emergency treatment, do your research beforehand to find out how your dentist wants you to approach dental emergencies. Ask about emergency phone numbers and protocols, and don’t be afraid to switch to a dentist who offers his or her number after hours. Some dentists, such as this dental office in Boston, take dental emergencies very seriously and will make every effort to help you as soon as possible.

3. Understand Dental First Aid

A basic understanding of dental first aid is incredibly helpful during dental emergencies. If you know how to respond to different dental problems, you might be able to preserve blood flow around the affected area, keep the tooth or socket clean, and prevent infections. Here are basic first aid tips for different dental emergencies.

  • Chipped Teeth or Dental Fractures

    Save any pieces of chipped teeth, rinse them and your mouth out with warm salt water, and bring the chip with you to the dentist’s office. If your tooth is bleeding, stop the bleeding by applying clean gauze to the area.

  • Knocked-Out Tooth

    After you find your knocked out tooth, hold it by the crown (the white part of the tooth) and rinse it off with clean water. If you have one, deposit the tooth in a tooth preservation kit. If you don’t have one of these kits available, keep the tooth in a small container of milk or hold it in your mouth between your cheek and your jaw, so that it stays within its natural environment. Seek emergency dental treatment right away, as teeth are much more likely to be saved if they are treated within the hour.

  • Oral Lacerations

    For oral tissue cuts, use clean gauze and pressure to stop the bleeding. Oral lacerations in the gum or palate area may need to be treated by a dentist, while cuts in the cheeks or lips can be addressed by a general practitioner or plastic surgeon. Seek emergency medical treatment to stop the bleeding and to prevent infection.

By knowing how to prepare for dental emergencies, you’ll be better able to respond quickly and effectively for dental problems—and stay calm during the process. Contact your dentist in Boston Massachusetts for more information.

Read more…