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Do you brush your teeth at least twice a day, every day? Or do you do so sometimes, when it’s convenient?

As you know, brushing your teeth provides you with a ton of benefits, not the least of which is preventing tooth loss as you get older. But so many of us just don’t brush twice a day. Sometimes we even skip brushing for an entire day or two.

So how can you get yourself to always brush your teeth twice a day, 365 days of the year? Take a look below for five tips we think will be helpful.

1.      Pay yourself to brush your teeth.

There’s little like the incentive of cash to get us to do something. Put a dollar in a jar every time you brush your teeth and in a year you’ll have saved $730. Spend it on something you normally wouldn’t buy, or go on long-weekend trip.

Think about it. Two dollars a day is nothing when it comes to your finances. But powerful when multiplied by 365 days of brushing twice a day. 

    Have a contest with your kids.

Make everyone participate in this contest. Make its duration at least two months. The person who brushes his or her teeth every day for the longest amount of time wins (you decide what the prize will be, and be sure to make it something both you and your children will enjoy).

To make sure everyone is brushing his/her teeth, do a breath test to make sure you detect the scent of toothpaste.

2.      Reward yourself with something inexpensive – but not cheap – each month you brush twice a day, every day.

Your reward needn’t be extravagant, but it should be something you normally don’t “allow” yourself, such as pancakes for dinner, a manicure with your pedicure, a three-inch-thick steak for dinner at the steakhouse of your choice.

3.      Brush your teeth at the same times every day.

In other words, make brushing your teeth such a routine that you do it at the same time every day. It soon will become a true habit and, like all habits, it will become something you don’t think about: it becomes something you just do.

4.      Regularly look at photos of people who don’t brush their teeth.

If these don’t make you want to grab a toothbrush right now, nothing will.

Image courtesy of nenetus/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Any dental treatment that improves the appearance of the person’s teeth or gums comes under cosmetic dentistry. It is not necessary the function will improve. The two specialties that come under this is Prosthodontics and Orthodontics.  From small repairs to big changes, dentists may need to perform a lot of procedures to improve your smile. A lot of these treatments can also improve oral problems also like your bite.

Some of the most common cosmetic dentistry options:

There are some of the most common cosmetic dentistry options which are addition of the dental material to the gums or to the teeth and the examples are gum crafts, crowns, bonding or porcelain veneers. The second type is removal of the tooth structure or gums and the example for this is, enameloplasty. Thirdly, it is straightening of the teeth that improves the face appearance and this comes under orthodontics and lastly, sometimes there is no addition or removal of the dental materials to the gums, teeth or tooth structure. The examples of these are gum de-pigmentation or teeth whitening.

Selecting the right cosmetic dentistry treatment:

Before you take any cosmetic dentistry treatment, it is vital to speak with your dentist. In Dubai, you can approach the best cosmetic dentists who have the right skills and knowledge to guide you about the right cosmetic dentistry options that can improve your smile. They will tell you about the techniques which can improve your smile and your teeth condition or the desired results you are looking for. You can always ask your dentist about the changes that the particular dentistry treatment will bring, what type of maintenance you will need and what you expect through the complete treatment course?

Choosing the right cosmetic dentist:

Before you choose the cosmetic dentistry treatment, it is important to verify a few things to get the right treatment. Firstly, you would need to see the before and after photos of the treatment they have done and how it has helped other patients. If something is similar to your case, then you can relate well and understand what you will get after the treatment. You must always ask for reference for these allow sensing the quality of treatment offered by the dentist.

Lastly, you must check the education proofs and is the dentist continuing with the education to stay up to date with the new cosmetic treatment available for the patients. The latest techniques in clinical cosmetic dentistry keeps getting updated and a cosmetic dentist must be aware about it. So, make a selection wisely and choose the right treatment by simply discussing with the dentist so you can achieve the desired result and enjoy a better smile.

Jay is a 15 year old passionate basket ball player. But one day, while playing, he slipped and broke his front teeth in the accident. His chipped tooth used to bleed and became quite sensitive. The half broken teeth made Jay feel quite conscious while smiling and interacting with friends. The result of which he started losing self confidence...

Image Credits: WebMD

"According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), soccer players are more likely than football players to sustain a dental-related injury."

Dentists come accross many such cases like Jay, since injuries to the teeth and mouth are common. Sometimes adults lose or break their teeth in accidents or sport injuries whereas young children may get an injury while learning to walk or while playing michief.

As per WebMD - “Approximately 80% of dental injuries affect one or more of the front teeth and may cause damage to soft tissues – the tongue, lips, and inner cheeks.”

Even biting on a piece of a hard food can cause teeth to crack. Mouth injuries resulting in broken, knocked out or dislodged tooth, needs medical attention. Such problems if left untreated can give rise to dental emergency and can lead to serious complications. Therefore, it is important to visit the dentist.

Here are few tips to prevent such trauma and some methods to restore injured or broken teeth.

Tips to Prevent Sports-Related Tooth and Mouth Injuries

Even if a tooth is broken, often times it can be saved if you get to a dentist quickly. Minor chips and cracks can be repaired by using tooth-coloured materials that are nearly as strong as the original tooth.

But dentists always recommend protecting yourself while enjoying sports or other high-risk activities.Here are few ways-

• Wear Mouth Guards to protect your teeth and mouth.
• When playing baseball catcher or hockey, wearing face cages protects against trauma to the face.
• Helmets will not only protect your teeth and mouth but also another important area – your head, to help protect against brain-concussion.
  

Can Knocked-Out Teeth Be Repaired?

Broken teeth can be repaired however, there is a good chance of saving your teeth if attented immediately by a dentist. If a tooth has been shaken out, gently rinse any debris from the root and attempt to place it back into the socket. If that’s not possible, hold it in the mouth on the way to the dentist. If everything fails, keep the tooth in milk until you get to the dentist's office. Do not worry if your tooth cannot be saved. You can still restore your smile due to advancements in dentistry. Dentist use dental implants or artificial tooth which is anchored directly onto your jawbone. The porcelain crown is attached to it which helps you in biting, chewing, and for other aesthetic reasons.

Seasonal Activities that Could Lead to Dental Injuries

Here are several seasonal activities that could lead to dental injuries and ways to keep your smile safe:

• Swimming
  Chemically treated water in the pool can form organic deposits developing yellowish-brown or dark brown stains known as "swimmers' calculus," on the teeth. So, frequent swimmers are advised to go for professional dental cleaning to get sparkling tooth back.

• Scuba Diving
  Due to the air pressure change involved in scuba diving and as the divers bit too hard on their scuba air regulators, Scuba divers can develop "diver's mouth syndrome”. This is usually caused due to change in air pressure, particularly if a diver has a big cavity, gum disease, a temporary filling, periodontal abscess or incomplete root canal therapy.

One of the best way to avoid these problems is to visit your dentist before and ensure your dental health before diving.

You can ask your dentist's advice about fitting the mouthpiece of an air regulator.

• Contact sports (Soccer, Softball, Basketball, etc.)
  Such sports carry more risks of facial and dental injury. When participating in such sports, make it mandatory to wear a mouth guard to prevent damage to braces or other orthodontic work, as well as prevent mouth cuts, jaw injuries and tooth damage.

There are several types of mouth guards.

• Stock mouth guard
• Mouth-formed protectors
• Custom-made mouth protectors
  

Ask your dentist about which of the above will be a perfect solution for you.

There is no denying the reality that taking care of teeth is not restricted to any age. Just like toddlers and growing teens, elderly women and men also need to take care of their teeth. With age, dental health deterioration takes place and it is natural as part of the aging. While it cannot be stopped, it does not mean tooth loss is inevitable in the elderly either. The age old concept of tooth extraction for solving dental problems prompts many senior citizens to opt for partial or full dentures.

While dentures are deemed convenient by a majority of elderly people, ill-fitting dentures can be a problem. It makes everyday tasks like eating, speaking and even smiling cumbersome in some instances. Fortunately, there is a better solution. Dental implants, invented by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon and scientist, Dr. P.I. Bran mark, have shown a new light of hope for the elderly suffering from various teeth-related issues.

• Nuances Of Dental Implants
• When To Opt For Dental Implants
• Types Of Dental Implants
• Cost Of Dental Implants
• Safety Factor Of Dental Implants

As a matter of fact, dental implants are basically titanium rods placed inside the jawbone. These small implants serve the purpose of human teeth roots. After the implant is performed, they get connected to jawbones within a few months. Then either dental crowns or permanent bridgework can be put on implants.

Dental implants can be particularly useful for securing loosened dentures. Elderly people often find their old dentures do not fit the gums well after prolonged usage. This is where implants come into the picture. Magnet-based attachments make implants all the more patient friendly. They need minimum maintenance and bind denture and implant well.

When to opt for dental implants

There are some situations when you can opt for dental implants:

• If you find dentures to be uncomfortable and convenient, opt for implants
• Dental implants may be used to replace the entire row of teeth on either jaw
• In some instances, doctors may advise using implants for a single tooth replacement. Dentistry has advanced to a stage where artificially installed crowns become hard for others to detect

Types of dental implants

Broadly speaking, you can opt for any of the two kinds of dental implants.

• Root-form implants: This is the most commonplace variant of dental implant. This is implanted on the bone directly. Available in varying heights and widths, Root-form implants resemble a screw.
• Ramus-frame dental implants: This is what the dentist suggests when the person has a very thin lower jawbone. Fix an appointment with your dentist as your dental health and jawbone condition plays a major role behind the selection of implants.
  
  

Cost of dental implants

The cost of dental implants is higher than convention dental procedures. The treatment cost also depends on factors like your dental condition and the dentist you select. Veteran dentists usually offer clients a consultation session prior to the treatment and inform them about any associated cost or follow-up procedure. The price of a single tooth implant will definitely be lower than the cost required for implanting an entire row of teeth. If necessary, you can seek the opinion of more than one dentist on this.

Safety factor

In the last decade, popularity and use of dental implants has increased by leaps and bounds, as per the data available from entities like the American Dental Association. Same can be said about its success rate. The implant process is often computer monitored for accuracy and ruling out risk of errors.

Teeth whitening is a procedure where the shade of the teeth is restored to its natural or even beyond natural shade depending on individual preferences. Highly sophisticated a process, it is done by experienced Dental professionals specializing in the area of Cosmetic dentistry. If you ever plan to whiten your teeth, it is very important to find a suitable professional for the purpose. Here are the top 5 reasons why you need to do so:

1.Beware of fraud:

Some professionals claim that they will give you the best set of teeth that you have had in years. Do not be fooled by such professionals who claim to give you extraordinary white teeth at shocking discounts or even highly overrated products. Many online fake sites have been found which contain false personalities declaring that they are best in teeth whitening procedures while also some may claim to sell products which may be fake.

2.You are different but unique:

The dental professional must be able to keep in mind the individual preferences and choices that you make. Also, he/she should be able to make the required changes in the teeth whitening procedures that has to be done based on your teeth. The professional must take into account what are the qualities of the patient’s teeth for example. Will the patient be able to tolerate the bleaching procedure or will I have to adopt an alternative method?

3.Make sure that your dental professional has a license to practice:

It is mandatory that all dental professionals procure a practicing certificate from a recognized board to practice. Consult only a professional with proper qualifications. Many quacks are present in this kind of field which makes it difficult for the patients to differentiate between the real and fake. Hence, one of the best ways is to check for their license.

4.Experience:

The experience of the dental professional has a lot influence on the services that he/she provides. An experienced professional will guide you to the techniques that you prefer along with telling you the advantages as well as the disadvantages. Always opt for an experienced professional to get better results.

5.Risk factors:

Teeth whitening can often have many risk factors like increased sensitivity or damage to the gums. Your professional must be able to provide you the best services along with keeping the risk factors at bay as much as possible. Visit UK’s most trusted directory of Teeth Whitening professionals to find the best tooth whitening professional near you.

Do you drink a lot of coffee or tea? Someone who knows this and meets you for the first time probably wouldn’t be surprised to see that your teeth are yellow. The same goes for red wine: if you drink it regularly, it could dull the brightness of your teeth.

Liquor drinker? You could see a bad case of periodontal disease, possibly even mouth or throat cancer.

Take a look below for more information on how your drinking habits can affect your teeth.

·    You worry when you spill red wine or coffee/tea on a white blouse. That stain it’s making on the blouse also means it can stain your teeth. In fact, the deeper the color of the beverage (hello, red wine!) the more it can stain your teeth because deeply colored drinks get that way because of chromogens, highly pigmented molecules that can – and often do – latch on to your tooth enamel, staining the tooth.

·         But wait, there’s more: the acidity found in beverages (even if not colored brightly) can stimulate tooth staining because they erode your tooth’s enamel, which softens your teeth briefly, making it easier for those chromogens to cleave to your teeth.

·         Coffee and tea also have a compound known as tannins within them and tannins also can help chromogens’ ability to stick to your tooth enamel.

·         Wine contains both tannins and acid. And you’re not safe if you drink “only” white wine, as these beverages also promote teeth staining.

·         If you think switching to tea will mean your teeth will stain less than if you were to continue to drink coffee, think again: black tea is quite rich in tannin. Aim to drink less black tea and more green, herbal and white tea; you’re less likely to see your teeth stain than if you drink primarily black tea.

·         We don’t have to tell you that colas and sodas have a lot of enamel-eroding acid within them, paving the way for staining. But don’t think you’re safe if you drink the sports drinks instead: they also can be highly acidic/enamel softening.

·         Heavy drinkers should know that alcohol irritates the mouth’s soft tissue and lessens the amount of naturally excreted saliva. Because the skin inside your mouth is very delicate, alcohol can easily corrode your gums, skin and cheeks. Heavy drinkers also have a greater chance of developing cancer in the throat or mouth because alcohol can change the way tissue cells divide.

To help your teeth stay bright, as you drink these beverages, if possible:

·         Use a straw.

·         Swallow promptly – don’t let the drink sit in your mouth.

·         Rinse your mouth as soon as you can with water.

·         Brush and floss your teeth as soon as you can.

Image courtesy of digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Whenever one hears the word dentist, the first three things that always come in mind is pain, shot and drill. These are the elements of fear. Very few people keep up with the recommended visits and as a matter of fact people wait until the circumstances force them to visit their dentists. What many people do not understand is the fact that the longer you stay without visiting a dentist, the huge the amount that you pay for the one-time visit.

One of the major reasons that you need to regularly visit your dentist, is the fact that it will reduce the risk of getting infected with teeth-related illness such as tooth decay, gum bleeding, cavities or better still oral cancer. It is very vital to deal with these problems as not only will you save on your health, but you will also save greatly on the amount spent during the visits. This is the case because the earlier the disease detection, the easier it is to treat.

For instance, if gum disease is left untreated, it may in the long run result to extensive and expensive treatment. Regular dental visits will help in removing tartar which is usually a hardened plaque. It is not enough to brush and floss regularly as it does not prevent tartar from building up. Visiting one of the best dentist  in Gainesville, USA for a regular cleaning and you will end up saving the money that you would end up filling the damage after it has occurred.

The bacteria that come as a result of periodontal disease can enter your bloodstream which might then attach to the heart’s blood vessels thus causing blood clots which may be quite dangerous. The plaque buildup, caused by periodontal diseases, can cause the swelling of the heart’s blood vessels.

The minimum time that is recommended to visit a dentist is once a year and you should ensure that your time frame does not exceed that. The most ideal time for dental visits is six months. It would be an added advantage if you have dental insurance as it covers twice a year visits thus you can always go for regular cleaning and check-up. Scheduling dental visits is a habit that needs to be prioritized thus reducing health risks which may result to greater pain and more money usage.

Having covered the above benefits of scheduling dental visits, you can visit Easy Dental Care, for proper guidance on health care and such related matter.

Our Postal Address:

Easy Dental Care
7522 Old Linton Hall Rd,
Gainesville, VA 20155
(703) 753-8600

Porcelain veneers can make dull, chipped or crooked teeth look like new. Place veneers on several of your teeth and your smile could look like that of a movie star’s.

Now that you have gorgeous teeth, it’s time to care for your veneers properly so that they’ll continue to provide you with a white and bright smile for years to come. In fact, you’ll need to continue to care for your teeth and gums just as you would if you didn’t have veneers.

To help you take care of your veneers properly, we’ve put together a short list of things you’ll need to do care for them. Take a look below for five tips to help keep your veneers looking great and your teeth and gums healthy.

1.   

b   Watch the “hard stuff.”

A porcelain veneer just covers the front of your tooth; it doesn’t replace it. Your real tooth is still there, sitting in your mouth, ready to bite and chew the foods you love. However, because the veneer doesn’t have “tensile” strength (it could still break under tension), it’s best not to eat chicken or rib bones, hard candies, pistachio nuts, etc. and you should never open things with your teeth.

2.      Use a non-abrasive toothpaste.

You’ll be able to eat and drink as before, but you also will need to brush and floss your teeth/veneers regularly in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

In addition, you can use toothpaste with baking soda, but you should stay clear of “extra whitening” toothpastes, as they can be very abrasive. Your dentist probably will give you a polishing paste to use on all of your teeth that have been covered by veneers.

3.      Stay clear of mouthwashes.

Mouthwashes tend to be high in alcohol, which can soften and weaken porcelain’s bond. Instead of using a store-bought brand of mouthwash, mix a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. You also could use a mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol.

4.      If you grind your teeth at night, be sure to tell your dentist.

If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), your dentist will give you a nightguard to wear over your teeth when you go to bed so that your tooth grinding won’t wear down the surface of the veneer as well as the enamel on your regular teeth.

5.      Whenever you visit a dentist, let the staff know you have veneers.

Veneers aren’t noticeable, often even to dental professionals.  So if you’re going for a routine cleaning from a dentist who didn’t place the veneers on your teeth, let the hygienist know. Yes, the veneers will be detectable on x-rays, but mouth x-rays are taken only every so often and certainly not always for “just” a cleaning.

Tell the hygienist about the veneers so that he or she can use a neutral serum fluoride to help protect the porcelain’s or resin’s bonding.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Dental care is important for the overall well being, and prevention of dental problems such as tooth ache or decay. Dental care should be a part of your daily routine. There are many basic things like regular brushing and flossing that will ensure a healthy smile.  Also, one must visit a dentist every 6 months for a routine dental checkup. Many people avoid going to the dentist fearing pain. However, technology advancement has made dental treatments relatively painless. Therefore, there’s no reason why one shouldn’t follow up with their dentists. There are a few important facts dental experts want you to know which will help you avoid dental problems as follows:- 

• Bleeding is never good - People have a misconception that it’s okay if you bleed a little while brushing or flossing. But the truth is your tooth should never ever bleed for any reason. If there is any bleeding, it’s a sign that something is not right, and you must get a checkup done with a dentist at a dental clinic. Whether it’s daily routine that is not being done well, or you have gum disease, bleeding gums need to be addressed, examined, and treated as soon as possible. 

• Bad breath could mean bad news - There are multiple reasons for bad breath. However, if your breath is chronically bad, there are chances that something is not right. The reasons for chronically bad breath are gum diseases, dry mouth and poor hygiene. Stop-gap measures like breath fresheners, mouthwash, mints or chewing gum cannot help fix it for a long term. Everyone should adopt the good habit of brushing twice daily for at least two minutes and flossing once daily. This is one way of fighting bad breath. However, there comes a time when doing these things is of no or little help into fighting bad breath. In such a situation, you need to visit your dentist as soon as possible. 

• Healthy Mouths = Healthy Bodies - Oral health is directly related to overall health. Dental problems like gum disease not only causes tooth loss or problems related to teeth, but also poses threat to heart and many other vital organs. It may lead to heart disease, strokes, dementia and many more diseases. Routine visits to a dentist will keep your smile intact. It is also helpful in identifying problems before they get really serious. 

If you face any of the above issues or want to have good oral hygiene, you can visit OraCare Dental Centre. We are located in 3 prime locations across Pune. For the best, technologically advanced and painless dental treatments, please book an appointment and visit OraCare Dental Centre at the earliest. 

12 Nov, 2015

Cost to Fix a Broken Tooth

Whether you've chipped a tooth due to impact or have cracked one right down the middle biting into an olive pit, fixing a broken tooth can either be a simple cosmetic procedure or an expensive structural repair. The difference in both price and complexity is largely determined by how close the damage is to the nerve, or pulp, of the tooth. Of course, an individual dentist's fees must be taken into account as well.

Cosmetic Repair with No Nerve Involvement

If the chip or crack in the tooth does not venture near the pulpy center, using white bonding material to replace and repair the tooth is a relatively simple matter. The remainder of the tooth is shaped with a drill and then specially-tinted dental composite is attached. It is then shaped, hardened with a infrared light, and polished. Depending on how extensive the work is, the average dentist only charges between $100 and $250 dollars to complete this repair.

Functional Repair With No Nerve Involvement

If you've cracked a molar but not damaged the roots, your dentist can use a similar technique to prepare your tooth to receive a porcelain or metal crown. This will allow you to chew normally and protect the nerves. The price of crowns typically ranges from about $830 to $1150. There are many options for crowns, including metal, resin, or porcelain. Metal tends to be cheapest while porcelain is on the higher end of the price range. The price will also depend on your area and the complexity of the restoration.

Any Repair with Pulp Damage

You will probably know right away if you have damaged the pulp because it will be extremely painful and will need immediate attention. In these cases, the dentist will have to first perform a root canal followed by a crown. The bill can total between $1500 to $2000. If you do not have insurance, you may be able to set up a payment plan or take out a line of credit.

Unattractive Option: Extraction

If you do not have the means to have a broken tooth repaired, having it pulled is the least-desirable and cheapest option. This usually costs around $150 to $200.

How much you will pay to fix a broken tooth is largely dependent upon whether or not the nerve is involved and where the damage is located inside your mouth. However, investing in a cheap dental plan can help cut those costs in half. If you have a broken tooth, seek out help to protect you from a financial disaster!

If you don't have cheap dental insurance, consider investigating discount dental plans, alternatives to insurance that can allow those in financial need to visit the dentist without breaking the bank.