Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease. There are several factors that can cause gum disease, and there are also several ways to treat it. If you fear you may be suffering from periodontal disease be sure to make an appointment with your dentist to discuss your symptoms and to properly diagnose and treat the issue in your teeth and gums.
Our mouths are chockfull of bacteria that can cause harm to our gums and affect the health of our teeth. These bacteria can become sticky and form plaque on our teeth. Failure to remove plaque by not brushing and flossing can cause periodontal disease. Smoking is another cause of gum disease, as is poor diet and diabetes. In other cases, periodontal disease can be somewhat genetic, making some people more susceptible to gum disease than others. Some common symptoms of gum disease include chronic bad breath, swollen gums that may bleed and are tender, loose teeth and sensitive teeth. If you exhibit these symptoms, it’s important to talk with your dentist to rule out any periodontal disease.
Because gum disease is often considered an infection, certain types of antimicrobial or antiseptic gels or rinses may be prescribed in order to kill any of the bacteria in your mouth. Your dentist may also perform an extensive deep cleaning of your teeth to physically and immediately remove any visible plaque or tartar from your teeth. Additionally, your dentist will also recommend you brush and floss regularly, and make appropriate diet and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking. Don’t let periodontal disease affect the health of your teeth and gums. Properly clean your teeth daily and talk with your doctor about the health of your mouth. Periodontal disease is preventable, making it so important to practice daily tooth and gum hygiene.
What are Veneers?
If your teeth are cracked, broken, or if they are severely stained veneers are a viable option for you. Veneers are made from beautiful and durable porcelain and can completely transform the look of your smile. Your cosmetic dentist can work with you to find the right size and shade veneers to reveal your brightest and most confident smile ever.
Your dentist will work with you to find a shade veneer that will best suit you. It’s important not to go overly white, if your teeth are normally not that white because this will look unnatural. Match your veneers to remaining, untouched teeth in your mouth. When your veneers are applied to your teeth, a few of your teeth may require a root canal, to deaden the nerve, but this is not necessary in every case. Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth to be sure the veneers will properly fit, upon which your custom veneers will be ordered. Then, your bright veneers will be applied to your teeth using specialized cement. Your dentist will take extreme care to make sure your regular bite is intact, and that the veneers do not affect the rest of your mouth.
After your veneers are applied, your teeth will function normally, and you can care for them the same as you would your original teeth. Keep in mind that porcelain veneers can stain the same way regular teeth can, so acidic and deep colored food and beverages like soda, coffee and wine can stain veneers as they would regular teeth. Tooth grinding can also affect the integrity of veneers, so your dentist may recommend a night guard to prevent any unnecessary damage. Take care of your veneers and enjoy a confident and dazzling smile you will love.
Tooth Stains
Everyone is given a set of healthy, white teeth when they are born. However, over time our teeth can endure stains that make many of us feel self-conscious. Even if we take proper care of our mouths, stains can occur over time. Most of us aren’t aware of the fact that a lot of things we eat and a lot of the things we put in our mouths cause stains.
Smoking is the number one culprit of stained teeth. Other culprits include red wine, coffee and soda. However, many other foods like soy sauce, curry, and even fruits like blueberries can cause stains on our teeth if ingested over time, or if eaten without proper after care. Aging is another major cause of teeth stains. Over time, wear can cause the enamel to thin, and this can reveal an underlying layer of yellow colored dentin to show through.
While we can avoid a few of these things to keep our teeth clean and white, our mouths still may endure wear and tear. Many people choose to use an over the counter teeth whitening agent, or a whitening toothpaste. For minor to moderate stains, these products work well. For more persistent stains, you can enlist the help of your dentist. Stronger whitening products can be used under the supervision of your dentist, and these are often called cosmetic cleanings. In as little as thirty minutes you can leave your dentist’s office with a clean and white smile sure to impress. Avoid staining your teeth whenever possible, by avoiding acidic beverages and smoking, and by cleaning your teeth properly on a daily basis. If you do have stains on your teeth, talk to your dentist about the best way to remove them for a brighter smile.
Root Canals
A root canal is a common dental procedure that should not be feared. Every certified dentist performs countless root canals, and they are considered a valuable way to preserve a tooth in the event of extensive damage. There are many events that can cause the need for a root canal.
A root canal is used when a tooth is badly damage or has endured a lot of decay. If you require a root canal, the nerve and “pulp” of a specific tooth is removed, and the inside of the tooth is completely cleaned out and sealed off. If not properly treated this tissue can become infected. Contrary to what many think, the nerve of the tooth is not necessarily vital to the overall health and function of the tooth. In fact, removing the tissue will not disrupt the daily function of the tooth at all. You may need a root canal if the tissue and pulp begins to break down, because this can cause bacteria to build up inside the tooth. The result is often an abscessed tooth, which is painful and potentially harmful. In most cases, a root canal is necessary if the tooth is severely decayed, there have been multiple dental procedures on the same tooth, or the tooth has been cracked and chipped.
A root canal is a routine procedure that may require multiple visits to your dentist. A local anesthetic will be administered and you will likely feel no discomfort. If you have any questions about your root canal, it’s important to speak with your dentist before the procedure is performed. A root canal procedure is common enough that it is nothing to fear. In some cases, trauma to the face can make a root canal necessary. However, regular dental cleanings from your dentist, as well as proper personal dental hygiene can prevent the need for a root canal, making it very important to care for your teeth.