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Understanding Tooth Abscess

An abscess occurs when a particular tooth suffers from a lot of decay, resulting in an infection spreading to the pulp chamber. The pulp chamber refers to the inner chamber of the tooth. If the infection cannot be fought off, the bacteria will multiply in the pulp chamber and then spread from the root of the tooth into the bone. This can be a very dangerous situation because this bacteria or infection can then attack the jaw or lead to gum disease. In some cases, it could even spread to the neck and cause a swelling in the airway.

There are a number of ways in which a tooth can get abscessed. Slow decaying over time, sudden forceful injury to the mouth or continuous clenching and grinding of teeth can all damage the tooth and leave the root open to infection.

Signs of an Abscessed Tooth

The first sign for most people is the pain that they feel in their mouth. This pain could come on while eating or when you press your tooth. It may even be felt in the jaw (which means that the infection could already be spreading). The next sign is the darkening of the color of the tooth, which usually becomes darker than the other teeth surrounding it. Swelling is also a common sign of an abscess. The swelling can be of the jaw and neck or you may find a pimple on the gum that is usually filled with pus. This is an obvious sign of an infection.

Diagnosing and Treating an Abscess

The first person who has to realize that something is wrong is either the patient or the dentist. Those who go for regular check-ups will usually get diagnosed quicker. Tests are then conducted to determine whether there is an abscess or not. X-rays are usually taken to confirm the diagnosis. Once that gets done, the area needs to be cleared from the infection. Infection is cleared by draining the tooth and the surrounding areas.

Oral antibiotics are also prescribed to get rid of the infection. Once this is done, the dentist does a root canal so that the entire tooth gets cleaned out and then the open space is sealed with a rubber metal so that it is protected from any further infections.

If an abscessed tooth is not treated in time, it can get dangerous for the person. The infection can spread beyond the area and affect the jaw and the bone. In rare cases, it can even cause a swelling in the neck that can affect the airway. This will not only mean that you will need a lot of treatment, possible surgery and cosmetic surgery but it could also be life threatening. That's why it is necessary to see the signs early and get them checked as soon as possible.



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Generally people grind their teeth while they are sleeping but there are two other reasons why grinding occurs - Stress and Anxiety. The stranger fact is that when people grind their teeth they do not know that they are doing it intentionally as it happens when they are sleeping and because of this it results in headache and a sore jaw.

Although teeth grinding is harmless but still if it is done regularly it can result in fracturing and/or loss of teeth. This is called as chronic grinding. You need to be really cautious if in case you feel that you suffer from Chronic Grinding because then there will be need of Root Canal, Bridges, Crowns, Implants or complete dentures. It can not only result in tooth loss but it will also affect your jaws and the worst part - it may affect how your face looks like. Scary it is!!

Every problem has a solution. So there is a solution for Bruxism as well. The moment you feel that you suffer from Teeth Grinding see your dentist immediately. He/she can fit a mouth guard which helps in preventing teeth from grinding. But in case of stress you have nothing to do but attend some stress relieving sessions or start off with some sort of exercises. You can use some muscle relaxants but try to avoid getting into medications in case of stress. There are certain foods as well which if avoided can help in reducing teeth grinding. So let me take you through these:

1. Any food that contain caffeine such as chocolate, cola and coffee 
2. Alcohol is not good in any respect and it intensifies grinding even more 
3. As kids or even as adults we have an intricate habit of chewing on anything which is not even food. We tend to chew on pencils; pens etc. but avoid doing that. 
4. Before going off to sleep you can use a warm wash cloth on your face. This will relax your jaws.

It is not just we adults who have this problem. Our kids also face the same problem. As far as kids are concerned you will be surprised to know that nearly 15% to 35% kids grind their teeth and mostly during the time when their baby teeth are coming out or when their permanent teeth are developing. Why they grind their teeth? Well no one knows the exact reason but speculations say that it might be due to improper teeth alignment or improper contact between upper and lower teeth. In case your kid complains of headache or jaw pains immediately consult your dentist.

So try these simple hacks in your daily to avoid deformation of face and teeth. Maintain that beautiful smile always. Keep Smiling.




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Reinvent your smile

Smile is the ability of the person to express range of emotions and this also determines that how well a person function’ in the society. Smile design helps people to maintain good oral and physical health of the teeth. There are some cosmetic dentistry procedures that can help to design your smile. With composite bonding, tooth implants and teeth whitening, you can get the smile of your dreams. All you need to do is go for the smile designing cosmetic procedure. It is important that an organized and systematic procedure is followed to get a smile makeover. This is possible in the cosmetic dentistry field and one can take certain treatments to design their smile.

Goals of smile designing:

The final result will not just be about good looks but in proper smile designing treatment, the ultimate goal will be to achieve a pleasing composition in smile by creating appropriate arrangement of several esthetic elements. The teeth, muscle system, skeletal structures, etc, will move in harmony with each other after this cosmetic treatment. Achieving a successful and functional result, your dentist will need to have a proper understanding about the relationship between the supporting oral structures, occlusion, joints, bones, muscles, etc.

A few aspects of your smile that need to be reviewed by the cosmetic dentist:

There are various aspects of your smile and these can be improved with a smile makeover which includes the tooth color, alignment and spacing, missing teeth, etc. Teeth whitening will help to improve the color of the teeth. Tooth color is also considered for a number of preparations and procedures which includes putting the teeth braces, invisalign, crowns, bridges and much more. Dark or discolored teeth suggest an aged mouth. White teeth assure you have a well shaped and white smile and this will also improve you overall appearance.

Alignment and spacing of teeth is equally important like tooth color. The overlapping teeth, crooked or teeth with gaps can be aligned properly with orthodontic treatment and the use of veneers. Missing teeth also impacts the appearance of your teeth and this need to be fixed with the help of dental implants, bridges, etc. cosmetic design will need to work on the missing teeth so the bite is improved and there is no risk of tooth decay. So, all aspects of smile designing need to be considered appropriately by the dentist.

The gummy smile need to be re-contoured and uneven, chipped or cracked teeth should be bonded cosmetically. It improves the overall look of the smile. A cosmetic dentist will work closely on all the smile aspects which will also include fuller lips, smile and cheeks and thus redesign your smile aesthetically giving it a graceful touch.

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Knowing The Most Common Dental Problems

One of the most important things that you should take care of when you just relocated to a new place is to find a trusted and reliable dentist. Finding a dental clinic that you can go to whenever you have dental or oral problems is such a relief. A trusted dentist is just like a family who can certainly help you in times of need.

Your dentist can help you with the following which are listed as the most common dental problems:

- Stains and discolorations - Yellow or stained teeth are unpleasant to see and can definitely take away from an otherwise attractive smile. Teeth whitening offered in many dental clinics is very much in demand as it's the easiest thing to stain the teeth. You can suffer from discolored teeth just from drinking certain beverages like coffee, soda, wine and eating certain foods like ketchup, beets, berries and chocolates.

- Cavities - If you're besieged by tooth decay, you'll need to go to a dentist, probably for a filling if it only involves a minor case. In severe cases of tooth decay, an extraction may be necessary. A root canal is another option.

- Chips, cracks, and breaks - If there's structural damage to your tooth, you may go for a veneer for superficial issues or an outright crown for more substantial damage.

- Gaps - If you have missing teeth, you'll probably go for dentures. If you want something more long-lasting and low maintenance, dental implants would be the answer. What if it's just one tooth? A common solution for this is bridgework, which is like a combination of crowns and dentures.

- Malocclusions - Crooked teeth can be a turn off, but they can also cause problems other than the social kind. They could affect speech and cause discomfort. Malocclusions are normally corrected using braces, but treatment with braces has to be done by a dentist who has specialized in orthodontics.

Many of these issues could be interrelated as well. Dental crowns and bridges, for instance, may be called for in cases when tooth decay has led to bigger damage that necessitates caps to regain the normal appearance of the teeth. There are many other possible issues about which you could consult a dentist. It's certainly a good thing that we live in a time of advanced dental technology. And because of all these dental problems, you really need to find a reliable dentist to help you maintain your oral health.




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3 Ways To Whiten Teeth

Cavities, aging, coffee, drugs and tobacco are some of the main factors that stain teeth. The cool thing is that there are many ways in which you can get rid of the unsightly stains. Some of these ways include:

Whitening Toothpastes

There are many whitening toothpastes that you can go for. When making the purchase you need to ensure that you buy the right ones. As rule of thumb you should only buy a toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

You should carefully read the ingredients on the packet and ensure that the toothpaste has beneficial ingredients. One of the ingredients that you should look for is blue covarine. Blue covarine binds to teeth thus creating an optical illusion that makes teeth appear less yellow.

Visit Your Dentist

There are a number of things that your dentist can do to whiten your teeth. One of the things is to place a rubber guard on your gum to protect them from irritation. The dentist will then put peroxide gel into a tray and place it on your teeth in order to remove present stains.

Another thing that the dentist can do is to use laser or bright light to bleach your teeth. To protect your teeth the dentist places a rubber shield over your gums.

Whiten At Home

There are many ways in which you can whiten teeth at home. One of the ways is using baking soda. Although, the American Dental Association says that baking soda is too abrasive for teeth whitening, it has been shown to have stain-lifting properties.

You should create your own paste by mixing baking soda with water. You can also sprinkle a small amount of it on your toothpaste and use it to brush your teeth.

Research studies have shown that adding a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to baking soda increases the whitening effect. To avoid damaging your teeth you should only mix the two after consulting your dentist.

Conclusion

These are some of the ways in which you can whiten your teeth. After whitening your teeth you need to change your lifestyle in order to keep them white for a long time. One of the things that you should do is to avoid tobacco products. You should also cut on other liquids such as black tea, grape juice, red wine and coffee.

Dentists recommend that you should brush your teeth after every meal and floss once a day.

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When it comes to dental problems, one of the most common ones is wisdom tooth. Wisdom teeth are normally removed because they're located too far at the back of the mouth, making them a great source of discomfort. They are also often hard to reach with a toothbrush hence they're prone to developing cavities.

Anyway, most people want to have them removed even if the process can be quite complex because these teeth serve no real good purpose. The actual wisdom teeth removal is definitely a big production but since it's performed by highly trained dentists, patients simply rest in assurance that the procedure will go smoothly.

The concern is usually focused on the recovery period because that's when complications may arise and it's the responsibility of patients to prevent those. If you're up for wisdom teeth removal, dentists have instructions on how to manage the after-effects of the procedure and reduce the risk of complications.

To control bleeding which mostly occurs on the day of the removal but may also happen when food or outside objects makes contact on the affected area, rinse first with water, avoid spitting too much and then cover the "open" sockets with small cotton logs until bleeding stop and blood clots. Also to prevent bleeding, stay away from hot beverages and drinking with a straw within 24 hours since the extraction. If you smoke, abstain for as long as you can as well.

To manage the pain, take acetaminophen like Tylenol or the prescription medication provided by the dentist according to specified dosage instructions. A non-toxic option is to hold a cold pack against your jaw - this is usually effective in numbing the pain. For bruising and swelling, an ice pack will definitely help; just hold it over the area and your swollen cheeks will reduce in size in two to three days. Bruising takes longer to heal though but an ice pack will remain to be your trusty aid.

Drink lots of cold water as well for not only will doing so help wash away any food particles in your mouth but h2O also plays an important role in preventing infection and promoting speedy healing. Avoid physically exerting yourself too much - the rush of blood may loosen the blood clot from the socket. For a week after the procedure, rest as much as you can for a faster complete recovery. To prevent the sockets from getting "disturbed," eat soft food for the first 24 hours. Mashed potatoes, carrots, applesauce - mostly baby food and ice cream should comprise your diet for the day.

Lastly, avoid brushing your teeth 24 hours after the procedure; just use a pH balanced mouthwash. But, if you really need to brush, be careful not to disturb the wound and rinse using warm water with a pinch of salt.

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Can You Prevent Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer affects over 45,000 Americans every year, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. At least 8,650 people will die from it every year. The five-year survival rate after a diagnosis is 57 percent. As with most cancers, early diagnosis is key in receiving the appropriate treatment and reducing the mortality rate. How can you spot the early signs or even prevent it from occurring?

What Is Oral Cancer?

This type of cancer can strike the following parts of the mouth: the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, tonsils, interior surfaces of the jaw and salivary glands. The classification is a subgroup of head and neck cancers.

Risk Factors for Development

Those who smoke tobacco and drink alcohol on a regular basis are more likely to develop this cancer. The disease is also more prevalent in men than women. If you have been infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), you are more likely to develop the disease as well.

Spot the Earliest Signs

The early signs are often confused with other oral health issues. If you notice any of the following indications, talk to your doctor or dentist immediately:

  • An ulcer or sore inside your mouth that will not heal
  • Mouth inflammation persisting for over three weeks
  • Painful swallowing or lasting sore throat
  • Any unexplained lumps in the mouth
  • Jaw and neck pain
  • Loosening teeth
  • Red or white patches on the tongue or inside the mouth

The danger of this cancer type lies in its lack of early detection. The reason for high mortality rates in oral cancer diagnoses is due partly to patients not discovering the health problem until the cancer is in its later stages, after the primary tumor has metastasized.

If the dentist suspects oral cancer is developing, he or she may refer the patient to an oncologist or ear, nose and throat specialist. The medical professional will take a biopsy of the tumor or surface lining while the patient is under general or local anesthesia. Once it is diagnosed, further testing is required to determine how much the disease has spread. They may conduct an endoscopy of the throat or utilize X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to investigate the extent and stage of the cancer and decide on the appropriate treatment, which could involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, drug treatment or other measures.

Prevention Strategies

First, to reduce the chances of developing this disease, quit using tobacco and reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. Follow guidelines for general wellness, including eating a healthy, balanced diet including fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly. Wear sunblock on your lips and face and limit exposure to sunlight in general.

Take your dental health seriously. Follow through with your twice-yearly dental checkups and alert your dentist to any signs of discomfort or abnormalities in your mouth and the surrounding tissues. Brush and floss twice a day. Once each month, examine the inside of your mouth using a light source and a mouth mirror and tell your dentist if you see suspicious patches or bumps.

Neglecting your teeth only does your body a disservice in the long term. Always remember to schedule your twice-yearly examinations to identify and put a stop to any cancer development.




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How do you keep strong, functional, and good-looking teeth?

There is no short cut to attaining this goal. In order to retain your healthy teeth, you will need to follow a proper dental care guide. Something that helps you prevent the pains and diseases brought about by poor dental health and will avoid you the costly dental care.

Here are some easy and effective tips to care for your teeth:

Do the basics of dental care.

Healthy teeth and gums starts with good dental hygiene. Never forget the basics of dental care. Brush and floss as instructed and you can prevent your teeth from getting damaged.

  • Ideally, brushing should be done twice a day. The right technique is to brush gently in oval motions the inside and outside chewing surfaces of your teeth. Brush your tongue as well.
  • As for flossing, clean between the teeth in a rubbing motion but never snap the floss into your gums as it may damage this sensitive part of your mouth.
  • Rinsing with mouthwash every after meal can kill germs. Fluoride mouth rinse can reduce and prevent tooth decay.

Include calcium in your diet.

Your teeth and gums are healthy if you get enough calcium in your diet. Some foods rich in calcium are soybeans, yogurt and cheese. Including them in your meal every day not only will improve your dental health but your overall health as well.

Avoid too much sugar.

More sugar means more tooth decay and weaker teeth. Sodas, desserts, and other sweets are tempting but remember that these foods contain too much sugar. Sugar can convert acids in your mouth that cause decay so it is best to reduce you intake on this.

Eat fruits and veggies.

These foods have high water content and they are good as they promote saliva production. Did you know that bacteria in your mouth can be prevented by your saliva? Aside from that, it also cleans your oral cavity. So grab some fruits and veggies and include them in your diet.

Clean your teeth with natural toothbrush.

Firm or crisp foods like apple, raw carrots, and celery can clean your teeth. If you have no way of brushing your teeth, use this natural toothbrush.

Use your teeth for eating only.

Some people have the habit of using their teeth to chew ice, open bags of chips, loosen knots, and other actions that are actually bad for their teeth. Avoid using your teeth for anything else other than eating.

Give up alcohol and smoking.

Alcohol and cigarettes are bad for your teeth. You are at a risk of oral cancer with excessive alcohol. Smoking on the other hand increases your risk of gum disease and tooth loss.

Visit your dentist regularly.

Your dentist has the best dental tips and recommendations that will ensure good dental health.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9119703

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Oral Hygiene Advice to Live By

When it comes to good oral hygiene, following the basics is really all you need to do. There’s no need to follow gimmicks or new fads. Practicing the essential oral hygiene habits truly are all you need to do to enjoy good oral health for your entire life.

 

Below are what we believe to be the quintessential – and easy – oral hygiene habits everyone should follow:

1.      Brush twice a day, floss at least once a day. Repeat. Every day.

 

You know the drill: brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing your teeth once a day are the bedrock of good oral hygiene.  Doing so removes bacteria and plaque that could eventually erode your teeth, causing cavities, and/or lead to gum disease, possibly resulting in tooth loss. Your dentist is always telling you to brush and floss for one simple reason: they work!

 

Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and make sure you brush all surfaces of all your teeth, both on the outside and inside sides of the teeth.

 

2.   Get a professional checkup with your dentist at least twice a year.

 

Flossing and brushing get most, but not all, of the bacteria and plaque buildup from your teeth. Your dentist will get rid of the rest. If you tend to excrete more plaque than other people, your dentist may recommend that you have a professional checkup more than twice a year. If so, heed his advice if at all possible. The 70-year-old you will thank you.

 

3.  If you want whiter teeth, use some hydrogen peroxide.

 

Don’t use a lot and don’t let it get on your gums. Just pour a bit of the liquid into its bottle cap and dip your toothbrush in it. Brush your teeth (being careful regarding your gums) and then rinse the toothbrush and brush your teeth again with fluoride toothpaste.

 

4.   Get a tongue scraper and use it on your tongue.

 

Plaque and bacteria also build up on your tongue and a scraper will help get it off. Scrapers are pretty easy to find and aren’t that expensive. But if you can’t find one, brush your tongue with your toothbrush every time you brush your teeth.

 

5.   Brushing is best, but in a pinch, rinse your mouth after eating.

 

Not everyone can always brush their teeth after eating. But most of us can certainly rinse our teeth. Doing so will help remove sugars, food bits, plaque, and bacteria from our teeth. Follow up with brushing/flossing in the morning and evening.

 

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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The Scoop on Teeth Whitening

Everyone wants whiter teeth. When asked what the number one thing you would change about your smile, it almost always includes whiter teeth. People who whiten their teeth are often inspired to take better care of their teeth to maintain their new smile. Studies have even shown that whitening your teeth makes people more confident in themselves and to the people around them. To top it off, whitening your teeth can make you look 5-10 years younger because yellowing teeth is a sign of aging.

The first step in getting a brand new, whiter smile is to start with a professional cleaning! Brushing and flossing everyday has it's obvious benefits, but even still, calculus (hard deposits) builds up on your teeth in those hard-to-reach places that your hygienist can get off during a cleaning. At that appointment your dentist will usually check for any cavities and want to fill them and do any other work before moving on to the whitening process.

Why Do Teeth Get Darker Anyway?

To understand how whitening your teeth works, knowing why they get stained is a good place to start. Teeth have layers; the hard, outer layer being enamel. This layer of our teeth is porous allowing for staining agents to get down into the teeth and build up over time causing the teeth to appear darker. Hydrogen peroxide (or carbamide peroxide which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide) breaks up those particles by oxidation and makes the teeth appear whiter again. Whitening is completely harmless to the teeth, though it may make them a little hot/cold sensitive for a couple days.

Choosing Your Whitening System

  • Take Home Bleach (bleach trays): After any work has been completed on your teeth, impressions can be taken of your teeth and custom trays are made.
  • Tubes of bleach are available to buy for your trays and range in their potency.
  • The higher the percentage of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, the faster it will work, but may also cause more sensitivity
  • With this system, you can whiten your teeth as much or as little as you want until you get to your desired shade. The process may take a little time, so be patient. Take a before picture so you can compare. Because it can be a gradual change each time, it's hard to tell how much you really HAVE whitened over time.

In-Office Whitening

  • This type of whitening uses a higher percentage of hydrogen peroxide and lasts about 30-60 minutes
  • Depending on the amount of stain you have, you may need multiple sessions still, but stain is removed at a much faster pace
  • Patients stay in the dental office for this procedure

The Bottom Line

Everyone's teeth can be whitened, but everyone will whiten at a different pace. Both bleach trays and in-office whitening have pros and cons, but both will give you the same results. Bleach trays allow for you to do touch-ups down the road for years to come, but take longer at first to get white. In-office whitening is much faster, but is a one-time thing and is often more expensive than trays.

Decide what works better for you and you can be on your way to your new, pearly whites!

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Having your teeth straightened out through removable braces? Young people these days no longer opt for traditional metal braces. With the new dental technology, there are more treatment options for crooked or misaligned teeth. Two of the most popular braces today are:

  • Ceramic braces - clear but are held by wire. People wearing these would feel like they have their retainers on.
  • Invisalign - a completely transparent option. People would hardly notice that you are fixing your teeth.

More About Invisalign

  • These braces are not only invisible but also removable. Because of this, it is easier for you to maintain dental hygiene.
  • You have to undergo certain procedures be fully prepared for these removable braces and to ensure the best results.

Recommended Procedures To Ensure The Best Results

Young ones who had not been particularly kind to their teeth should consider the following recommended procedures before fitting clear braces. Note though that not all of these procedures have to be carried out. If your teeth are not problematic except for the misalignment that you want to correct, you may proceed without the following:

Cap On Chips

Invisalign hugs the teeth. To ensure better fit, chips on your teeth should be fixed first. This is usually done by placing caps on your teeth. Cavity formation as well is prevented if chips are taken cared off.

Fillings

Invisalign moves your teeth to achieve the desired alignment. During the course of treatment, cavities may cause toothaches or sensitivity. These have to be addressed properly. Cavities have to be filled and cured properly before having removable braces. Having your cavities filled will likewise improve fit and comfort.

Oral Prophylaxis

Putting liners on can worsen plaque. Brushing alone may not be enough to remove food deposits and plaque. It is recommended to undergo oral prophylaxis to make sure that your teeth are clean. This process includes scaling and polishing of teeth surfaces where food deposits usually accumulate. Scaling takes care of the hard tartar that causes cavity formation. Polishing will enhance the shine of the teeth and get rid of the sensitivity after scaling. With clean teeth, you are now ready to wear those clear braces.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

In most cases, growth of wisdom tooth causes dental trouble. In fact, these four back molars have no use and they are likely to rot. Before proceeding with invisible braces, have them extracted. Impacted or not, your wisdom teeth should be removed as this would create more space for your teeth to be lined up properly during the treatment.

Dentists offer Invisalign for teens in Corona as well. It is important though that you should know what to expect if you are interested with this invisible teeth straightening option.



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The Importance of Regular Flossing

Every time you go to the dentist you probably hear the same question: have you been flossing? If your answer is that you don't or that you only do sometimes then your dentist will stress the importance of regularly flossing your teeth. Your dentist will also probably give you complimentary floss. Still, though, many people don't floss their teeth at all, or they don't floss regularly. You probably know you should be flossing, but you don't realize how serious the repercussions can be. Dental care professionals don't say this because they own stock in a floss company!

What Exactly Is Floss?

Floss is a soft thread. It's either going to be made of a multi-filament nylon or mono-filament Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Nylon floss can be waxed or unwaxed and comes in assorted flavors to make the process more pleasant. Sometimes this type of floss will break or tear. PTFE is less likely to shred and break, but both varieties are effective when used correctly.

What Is Flossing?

Flossing, when done properly, reaches parts of your teeth that you toothbrush can't, like between your teeth and under your gum line. To floss, you should start with about 18 inches of your floss thread. Wind it around your middle fingers until you've got about 2 inches to work with. Hold the floss between your forefinger and your thumb, make sure that it's pulled tight and then just work it up and down between your teeth. Be sure to get the floss under your gum line gently, never forcing it. Your gums are very delicate, and if you floss too hard, you can actually cut them. Continue making your way around your mouth using clean sections of floss as you go. That's all there is to flossing.

Why Is Flossing So Important?

Your toothbrush only cleans the surface areas of your teeth. No matter how often you brush or what type of brush you use, it simply won't reach every part of every tooth. There's a tight space between each of your teeth and there's actually a small gap between your teeth and gums too. The tiny particles of food and tiny bacteria that contribute to the formation of plaque have no problem getting into these spaces. Mouthwash can help to kill the bacteria, but it won't help to remove the bits of food that get stuck there, and it doesn't get rid of plaque that has already formed.

Plaque, if left unattended, will eventually turn into tartar. Plaque is a sticky substance that brushing and flossing removes with little effort, but tartar is hard and crusty. Only special tools used by dental professionals and a process known as scaling can remove it. Tartar also makes it more difficult for your regular, at-home techniques to remove new plaque that builds up.

Fighting plaque is a lifelong battle, and it's the main goal of pretty much all dental care. Plaque starts to form between 4 and 12 hours after each brushing, which is why both brushing and flossing are both extremely important. Each time you brush you should also be taking a few moments to floss. The two go hand-in-hand, and they are two tools that work together to complete the job that is cleaning your teeth. When your plaque turns to tartar and you can't remove new plaque, then that new plaque is more likely to turn into even more tartar. This is a dangerous cycle.

Dental health not only keeps your smile looking its best, but it also prevents bad breath, gum disease, and periodontal disease. Tartar creates a home for even more bacteria leading to gingivitis, a gum infection. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. The final and most severe stage of gum disease is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is painful and all around unpleasant. It can even lead to the loss of teeth that have become too infected to save or that have become loosened by the condition eating away at your gums and roots.

Brushing keeps your teeth clean and looking great on the surface, but it's the places you can't see where plaque and tartar can really do the most damage. If your teeth look fine when you smile, but you have bacteria eating away at your gums and teeth below your gum line, then your mouth still isn't healthy. It's only a matter of time before you start experiencing the negative consequences. Simply flossing can save you a lot of trouble and money down the road.




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I dedicate this article to those who have been traumatized by dentists and still struggle withdental issues.

The problem is deeper than your broken, painful teeth. It is about how your previous dentists treated you and how they hurt your feelings.

Many people struggle with dental anxiety and stay away from dental procedures at all costs.

I also struggled with my teeth and got cheated and treated badly by dentists in the past. I got to the point where I started to analyze why it happened to me, and what's wrong with them.

In my opinion, dentists who behave nastily to their patients show greediness, pretend that they are on the top in their field, and leave their patients with pain because of their own inner fear of not being good enough specialists. They simply don't have the right personality and skills to work with people.

Dentistry is not only fixing teeth. It is something more: it is understanding and compassion of dental issues. It is also the ability to communicate and create positive, trustworthy, healthy relationships with their patients.

If your smile looks good and you have no pain, you are perceived differently, like a normal person. You feel normal and you are healthy, so you can keep going with life.

But the situation changes when you lose your teeth or the last remaining ones hurt.

Lots of people are ashamed about what happened to them, or they just feel ridiculed and not understood by the dentist.

Teeth are one of the most fragile, intimate parts of the body. When a person (here, the dentist) violates that important place and makes the condition of oral health worse, the emotional trauma begins.

From my own personal experience, I suffered from many dental problems and finding the right diagnosis took me two years of dental procedures.

During that time I met many specialists, many of whom didn't treat my teeth or me well.

Afterwards, during my own personal healing journey, I used a special process to remove toxic emotions. I felt emotionally devastated, but it was only temporary.

Toxic memories, fear, guilt, shame, stress, and low self-esteem are some of the many emotions related to dental PTSD, which drains your essential life-force energy.

People say, "It is OK, don't worry." But it is not OK! Emotions and your heart are great indicators of your inner truth.

Those people are afraid of questioning dentists' work. Dentists might be nice and treat you somehow OK, but only when you agree with what they say.

The situation changes if you start asking questions and looking for the truth.

Yes, the unbearable truth hurts.

Questioning a dentist's work may reveal their inadequacy, their own insecurities and their lack of important dental education.

Many people have been hurt by dentists and still suffer. But now, it is possible to remove all toxicity and bring your dignity and emotional resilience back to your life.

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Cosmetic dental implants replace damaged, broken and badly decayed teeth. They are not always necessary and that is why they are a cosmetic treatment. However, missing, broken or decayed pearly whites can greatly affect your appearance and equally your self-esteem and how people perceive you. Missing pearly whites also makes your jaws and cheeks collapse making your face look hollow and much older than your actual age. They are a great way to improve your appearance, make your face look fuller and younger, all while making your smile appear as natural as ever.

The procedure

The complete procedure is a three-stage process with periods of healing in between. First, the cosmetic dentist has to evaluate the pearly whites and determine the entire procedure. The dentist will take you through what to expect, how to prepare and the results you want to achieve with the procedure. The three-stage process involves:

#1: The Implant Dentist places the implant underneath the gum and allows it to heal. It replaces the old root of the tooth. 
#2: This involves reviewing the implant for successful healing. The dentist will next take an impression in order to fabricate the tooth. Sometimes stage one and two can be performed on the same day. 
#3: In the final stage, the crown is delivered and it will look and feel like your own teeth!

How to prepare

Just like any other surgery, you need to prepare in advance. The following are some of the things you can do to make sure the procedure go smoothly:

A comprehensive dental exam: You should get a comprehensive exam so the dentist can discuss the best options for replacing your teeth. The exam includes X-rays and making models of the teeth and mouth.

A treatment plan: The treatment plan should be elaborate before beginning the series of surgeries. You should be ready financially and mentally. Make sure you prepare to take some time off from work allowing for healing between the procedures, although many times patients return to work the next day. You should avoid getting implants too close to big events like weddings.

Prepare for surgery: You should avoid eating or drinking for at least 8 hours before the surgery to reduce post-surgical nausea. However, if you opt to go for a local anesthesia, there are usually no restrictions.

Oral hygiene: It is crucial to maintain excellent oral hygiene before and during the treatment in order to avoid the risk of getting infections. Your doctor may have you on a regiment prior to and during the treatment.



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Erase Your Shock From New Dentures Easily

Millions of people wear dentures. Many of these people say that they are happy they got new, good-looking teeth.

But what about those people who cannot accept their new reality? They used to have natural teeth, probably for many years, but during that time many dental problems appeared so in time their teeth deteriorated more than they expected.

Teeth are fully integrated to our bodies; they are part of ourselves. They are like our eyes, legs or arms. If you don't have any pain or any medical problems with them, you don't think about a potential loss.

You keep believing that your teeth will be with you forever. During that time, you might experience some issues with them from time to time, but I am sure that most people don't even think about losing them.

When problems start arising and chronic pain starts to show that something is wrong, glimpse the failure that might be coming arise.

You even might hear from the dentist that your teeth have to go due to overall infection in your mouth.

Many people who live with chronic pain do whatever it takes to be free from that.

I mean, you may be so overwhelmed and desperate to get rid of the pain that you decide to extract some or all your teeth, fast.

Dentists come from the medical field, and so they don't know so much about the human mind and the emotions coming from it.

Many of them don't understand why their patients are depressed. Some of them take on their patients' depression and suffer with them together because of their business failure.

What about you, then?

It's after your procedure, you come back home and you look to the mirror: no teeth!

Of course, you are in great shock. You feel like crying, and you are scared because your life won't look the same anymore.

Shame, guilt, fear, and feelings of hurt are getting you down. In a matter of time, you feel like you are dying inside; you feel like an outcast. This scenario is slowly putting you into the grave.

This is the grieving process, related to a great deal of sadness. Your feelings of great loss cause confusion because you don't know how and when you'll be finished with the emotional pain.

Many people, including the dentist, might say, "Just forget about it and keep living!

Life is so beautiful."

But such a traumatic incident as the loss of your teeth is also very traumatic to your mind.

Memories and, related to that, toxic beliefs about what you think about yourself and the shock you are holding inside can stay forever in a deeper subconscious mind.

It is still creating mental, toxic inner havoc, and you'll never know when a new life situation will trigger this pain again.

Today, there is solution to that situation. You can feel well again and accept what has happened to you before




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Are You Suffering from A Problematic Tooth?

In any one’s life, the most attractive thing is SMILE, it will be more attractive when our teeth is shining and white in color. Our Teeth is an attractive asset and provide us self-confidence and we can move freely whenever we talk or give speeches in a crowd. But, to have an attractive teeth we should maintain clean and hygienic. Although we take many precautions, we can be effected to many toothache problems due to Age, less gum in teeth etc.

Toothache can be caused to any one, it doesn’t depend on any particular age. Tooth pain is caused mostly when kids eat more chocolates, ice-creams etc. But, elders also will be affected for toothache problems, which are Dental infection, gum disease, plaque, injury, cracked teeth, poorly placed fillings or loss of tooth.

Causes of general toothache

1.Dental Infection:The general symptoms of toothache are throbbing toothache,Sensitive tooth with hot and cold temperatures,While chewing eatable items,Will get selling when tooth is infected.

2.Gum Infection:Gum infections are mainly caused due to less bone around the tooth and causes, less pain. It mainly effects at major stages in this type of categories.

3.Cracked Tooth:Sometimes while teeth is growing in early stage some are with minimal length or some may grow only half part, some get crack during any root canals, all these are causes for toothache due to the crack formed in a particular teeth.

4.Poorly placed fillings: Whenever your tooth is filled due to the problems caused by eating chocolates then your tooth will be effected by cavities, to avoid such cavities tooth filling process is implemented.

While doing this process, there should be taken proper care as tooth may be sensitive to bare pressure, and force. To avoid such complications, dentists should take proper care, and this process doesn’t make you feel so pain and very easy process. But, if the filling is not done properly then it may cause an increase in toothache.

Prevention:

Toothache problems can be caused to anybody, but we can prevent them to a particular stage and can take remedies, whenever pain occurs. The major steps for preventing toothache attack are:

To keep tooth hygienic and brush daily two times per day,Wash your teeth whenever, you consume chocolates, ice-creams, sweets or cold-drinks,For sensitive tooth, we should use such type of pastes which are available easily, now-a-days in market,Should avoid smoking and pan which spoil your tooth in appearance as well as they are unhygienic.

Remedies:                  

When such symptoms are occurred in any major situations, then we can follow immediate remedies for particular span of time, such as:

We can take Cinnamon piece under the tooth which is affected, by doing this pain will reduce within span of time.Drink salt water which is little warm.Use Olive oil in the affected area.All the above are the major causes for toothache problems and also preventive methods for toothache problems in our daily life.

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Many children dislike going to the dentist. As in, really dislike going to the dentist! They are worried about getting a shot and feeling pain. Having to sit in the dentist’s chair with their mouth open for several a minutes a time isn’t all that easy, either. What’s more, the dentist is poking and prodding in their mouth with tools that make some pretty loud noises.

 

While some children are very afraid of going to the dentist, most just don’t like it and feel uncomfortable going. Still, most kids are troopers and go the dentist relatively willingly.

 

But what if you could make a visit to the dentist fun? It is possible. Take a look below for four ideas on how to do so.

1. Don’t wait; start young.

 

Your child should visit the dentist at least 10 times before starting kindergarten. This is to ensure that her milk (baby) teeth come in well and allows your dentist to treat any issues as they come up.

 

In fact, it’s best if you bring your child to the dentist as soon as that first milk tooth erupts, and definitely by the time your child reaches her first birthday.

 

Starting young not only ensures that your child’s teeth receive the care they need, it also helps your child look at the going to the dentist as a routine part of her life.

2. Visit the office before the official visit.

 

Let the office staff give your child a tour of the facilities. Look at teeth x-rays, play with the tooth models, sit in the dentist chair, talk to the dentist and his staff. Doing this can go a long way toward helping your child look forward to seeing his new friends.

3. Be positive, but don’t lie.

 

Don’t provide too many details about the dental visit, particularly if it’s your child’s first time seeing a dentist or if your child will be getting a cavity filled.

 

Talk about how the dentist will help keep your child’s teeth white and shiny and that he’ll be wearing a coat like her friendly pediatrician.

 

Keep a positive attitude but do not say everything will be fine or that nothing will hurt because your child could lose trust in you and your dentist if it turns out that she does need some type of treatment. Still, you shouldn’t use words such as pain, shot or hurt, as this can cause undue anxiety in the child as she anticipates these sensations.

 

4. Try to schedule the visit before a special and fun activity.

 

Remind your child that you will be taking her there right after her visit with the dentist and how much fun all of you will have.

 

Scheduling all dental visits before a special, fun activity can help your child associate going to the dentist with the activity. Going to the dentist will be just a speed bump on the road to entertainment.

 

Image courtesy of artzsamui/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Who Qualifies for Invisalign?

When it comes to straightening teeth, Invisalign is the new way to do it. At least, two million people think so. Although it’s only been available since 1997, Invisalign has taken the orthodontic world by storm. Adults really love it, because it means they can go to a professional event or do that big presentation without showing a row of metal when they open their mouth. If you’re considering Invisalign for your treatment, but you’re still wondering if it will correct your teeth, here are some bite problems that Invisalign can correct.  More recently, Invisalign introduced Precision Cuts, which are elastic bands that can now be attached to your aligners to correct advanced cases. However, severe cases will still need to be treated with traditional braces.

1.Overcrowding

This occurs when your mouth is just too small to fit all of your teeth! Ideally, our jaw needs to be able to accommodate 32 teeth. When teeth do not have enough space, they can grow on top of each other, grow in crooked, or become impacted. Overcrowding can lead to an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Additionally, it can cause tooth decay, plaque problems, and a greater risk of gum disease. Sometimes, treatment involves tooth extractions.

2.Overbite

An overbite is any situation where the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. Orthodontists call this an overjet. An extreme example is buck teeth. Nearly 70 percent of bite problems in children are from overbite. Overbites are usually hereditary, but they can also be caused by tongue thrusting, prolonged pacifier use, thumb-sucking, or nail biting. Sometimes, the problem is in the way the teeth grew; sometimes, it’s because of a jaw problem.

3.Underbite

An underbite is where the lower teeth bite over the upper teeth. This is often caused when the lower jaw grows more than the upper one or the upper one doesn’t grow enough. Sometimes, both situations occur. An underbite can cause tooth wear and painful jaw and joint problems. Sometimes, surgery will be needed.

4.Crossbite

A crossbite results when both the upper jaw and the lower jaw are misaligned. This then causes some upper teeth to bite inside the lower teeth on one side of the mouth. This misalignment can create problems bone loss, tooth wear, and gum disease. Surgery may be necessary to correct a jaw misalignment of this sort.

5.Open Bite

This is a situation where the upper and lower teeth don’t meet in the center. This also tends to stem from genetics, excessive thumb-sucking, or the tongue’s resting position. Sometimes, an open bite can be treated with elastics or habit appliances, but if the issue is caused by jaw misalignment, surgery may be necessary.

6.Gapped Teeth

Sometimes, jaws continue growing abnormally and cause gaps between teeth. Gaps like this can leave individual teeth unprotected and cause a greater risk for periodontal pockets and gum disease.

These are six of the most common malocclusions (misalignments of the teeth) that Invisalign is capable of resolving if the situation is not too severe. Fortunately, many orthodontists offer both Invisalign and braces and can recommend the best solution for you needs.

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4 Things a Good Dentist Does

No matter if you've visited the dentist a thousand (though we certainly hope not!) times or only a handful, there are certain things you need to remember when visiting a dentist. Though these may not be directly connected with your mouth, these things are the characteristics that set a good dentist apart from the rest. These things can make or break a deal with a client and can help put him at ease as well. Here's a list of the four things that every good dentist does that can help a client tell them apart from the rest of the sea:

1) They're Interested in What You Want To Say:

A good dentist will always be interested in what you're feeling. They might have their hand in your mouth but they know that you know how that feels so they will always be interested in how you would like your teeth and how you're feeling about them.

2) They Will Put You At Ease:

Going to the dentist is a scary ordeal and often one associated with pain. A dentist will make sure that you don't have to suffer unnecessarily. They will guide you through the procedure and explain exactly what they will be doing. A dentist will also listen to your suggestion and discuss it with you because at the end of the day, you're the one who will go home with your mouth.

3) They're up-to-date With The Latest Technology:

Perhaps no field of medicine is progressing as quickly as that of orthodontics. This is why a dentist keeps up to date with the latest changes so they can treat you more efficiently than ever, meaning that you will heal quickly, more efficiently and with less time taken.

4) They're Passionate About What They Do and How They Do It:

A good dentist is not only passionate about dentistry; they're good at what they do. Their passion not only shows in their work or their testimonials but also in their office's environment. A dentist will employ friendly staff who will be glad to help you. Additionally, a dentist will keep care that his surroundings, his person and especially his tools and the equipment he will be using are clean and sterile at all time. Remember that though the office or your dentist might not be too glamorous, they might be clean and well-maintained and that is what matters the most.




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Does Your Child Need A Dentist?

Have you ever had the phobia of visiting a dentist, whether during your youthful years or even up to the time you were older? Perhaps, you still have that fear. If so, you would be glad to know that modern dentists are committed to eliminating such irrational fear in dental patients. This is particularly so for dental practitioners dealing with young children.

Ingraining in your child the habit of having regular dental visits from an early age is something that will set him/ her up for a future of good oral health. This is something that is so important that the Australian government set up the Child Dental Benefits Schedule in early 2014, to ensure proper dental care for all children between the ages of 2 to 17 years.

However, the only thing that could mess up this noble pursuit is if your child develops a fear of dental visits from the onset. Therefore, you must try as much as possible to prevent any incidence that would occasion such a fear in your child. Thankfully, your children's doctor can help you achieve this goal.

How To Handle Your Kid's Dental Visit

It's never a wise thing to rudely surprise your child with a sudden dental visit, which he/ she was never expecting. Even you wouldn't be too happy if someone gave you such a rude surprise.

The best way to go about it is to prepare your child psychologically for what is going to happen at the "strange" doctor's office. If your child has some fears or misgivings about it, you need to explain - in a manner the he/ she understands - that there is really nothing to fear. You can even try to get him/ her used to the idea of going to the "strange" doctor's facility, by organizing a prior tip to the area in which the facility is located, so as to create a bit of familiarity with the place.

Even after you manage to get your child into the dental facility without any protests, you should continue trying to make the whole experience an enjoyable one by offering rewards for good behaviour. Of course, an expert dental practitioner would always have a child-friendly facility. This is much more than just having an interesting and captivating layout of the health facility, but also having staff that know exactly how to treat children and put them at ease.

Paediatric dentists are well-skilled in handling young children, even those who don't have the capacity to respond to the simplest of instructions. Even if your child cannot comply with a simple instruction to "open up", such a health practitioner would have a few tricks to get your child to do just that. Such strategies involve aspects as playful distractions that can easily entice the kid or soothing conversations to put the little guy at ease.

Understandably, there are quite a number of things inside a dental office that would startle a young child. This could be something as simple as the doctor's strange white coat or the light which such a doctor intends to shine onto your child's open mouth. Moreover, kids are normally restless and playful; hence, they need lots of distractions to keep them occupied. A competent medical practitionerunderstands all these, and he/ she knows just how to deal with all these aspects.




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