Implants give a natural look and feel, so you might forget that you have lost a tooth. It will bring back your confidence – personally and professionally. Dental implants may also help to prevent spaces from missing teeth, secure your dentures, and help you if you’re having difficulty chewing. Implants give you the feeling of having your own teeth. They can last a lifetime when performed properly, and with diligent maintenance by the patient. It is considered the best solution for missing tooth or teeth problems.

Uses for dental implants:

• Replaces tooth or teeth without affecting neighboring teeth.
• Provides support to the bridge, and prevents the need for partial denture removal.
• Provides support to the dentures making it more comfortable, safe and secure.

Dental Implants’ Benefits:

• Look. Dental implants gives you the look and feel of having your own tooth! While dental implants incorporate into the part of your bone, it prevents gum recession and bone loss that usually go with dentures and bridgework. No one will ever recognize that you have a dental implant.
• Tooth-saving. Dental implants will not sacrifice your other teeth like in a bridge because your other teeth are not modified to hold the implant. Most of your teeth are untouched, which is an important benefit for your oral hygiene and health!
• Confidence. Implants will let you speak again, eat, and smile with confidence and comfort! They are safe and secure and offer freedom from the clicks and wobbles of dentures. They’ll let you say goodbye to denture worries and problems and messy glues and pastes.
• Reliable. The success of dental implants is very predictable. They are considered the best option for tooth replacement.

It is a fact that porcelain veneers hide discoloration, improves smiles, and brightens teeth. One great advantage of porcelain veneers is that it gives a real tooth-like appearance. It provides an extremely natural look because both porcelain and enamel are white and translucent. They appear in light the same as real teeth, which results in a natural looking smile. Another advantage of porcelain veneers are that they are stain resistant. Because porcelain is ceramic, products that cause stain will not affect the veneers.  You do not have to worry, even if you are a coffee or red wine lover.

Uses of Porcelain Veneers:

• Porcelain veneers are used to repair minor decay and imperfections. Worn out tooth or a tooth that is chipped or misshapen can be helped by veneers.
• Porcelain veneers are used to conceal or cover fillings that are stained or discolored. Old fillings that have changed in color can be covered by porcelain veneers.
• Porcelain veneers are used to color teeth with permanent stains. Teeth that are naturally discolored are a perfect candidate for porcelain veneers. Some people also suffer discoloration due to the food and drink they like. Smoking is also a culprit.
• Porcelain veneers are used as alternative dental treatment. They can be used to close spaces in between gaps and to treat misaligned teeth.

Porcelain veneers can last for many years, as long as they are properly cared for. There are many things you should do to make them last longer than you expected. You should practice healthy oral care at home. Just like a real tooth, brushing and flossing daily is a must. Use non-abrasive toothpaste with fluoride for your porcelain veneers. Do not expose your veneers to excessive forces like heavy or sharp objects. Avoid biting fingernails and never use your teeth as a tool for opening something or whatever. This can break or dislodge your porcelain veneer. Also, avoid grinding and clenching teeth. This can also break your porcelain as well. Minimize staining factors to avoid changes in your veneers.

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Foods are broken down in tiny particles as you eat. If you don’t brush or floss your teeth regularly, these tiny particles will stay in your mouth, eventually causing bacteria to form on your teeth, gums and tongue. Dentures should also be cleaned regularly, as this may also cause bacteria build up in your mouth.
• Health Problems: Periodontal disease is a major cause of bad breath. Bacteria and plaque causes gum disease, which may harm the whole mouth and jaw if left untreated. Other serious diseases like cancer, liver and kidney failures, diabetes, and many others can also cause bad breath. The bad odor may come from the liver or other internal organs due to the chemicals and other drugs that may produce an unpleasant smell. Other medical problems like GERD, high blood pressure, respiratory, and gastrointestinal problems have also been linked with bad breath.
• Food: The food that you eat may also contribute to bad breath. Foods with strong odors like garlic and onion may leave a smell in your mouth causing bad breath. When digested, particles of these foul-odored foods are absorbed in your body through the bloodstream, it will be carried to your body including the lungs that produces the air you breath.
• Unhealthy lifestyle: Smoking is a big factor that causes bad breath. Too much smoking causes dry mouth, which leads to mouth odor. Smokers are also prone to periodontal disease, one of the main causes of bad breath. The tar and nicotine also attaches to your teeth, tongue, cheeks and gums and can also contribute to bad breath.

Bad breath can be prevented or reduced through good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth on a regular basis and flossing can prevent bacteria build up. It is also best to see your dentist at least twice a year for a proper dental cleaning. Drinking water frequently will keep your mouth moist and avoid eating unhealthy foods. Avoiding cigarettes is good to prevent bad breath.

• Serious tooth pain while chewing
• Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold
• Tooth discoloration
• Swelling of the gums
• Pimple on the gums

A root canal can entail one or two dental visits, and can be done by either a dentist or an endodontist. Endodontists specialize in working with dental pulp and tooth nerves. This naturally includes diagnosis and treatment of disease of tooth nerves. Your choice of dentist will depend on how serious your infection is and the procedure that it requires. Usually, the first step for root canal therapy is an x-ray to see the root of your tooth, and if there is an infection already present. The dentist may or may not give you anesthesia, depending on your tooth’s nerves. A rubber dam will then be placed on your tooth to keep it dry and prevent the build up of saliva during the procedure. The dentist will make a hole in your tooth to remove the bacteria, pulp, nerves and other debris. It will then be cleaned after the procedure and sealed as the final step.

There are many factors that cause teeth to turn yellow. Smoking is one of the biggest causes. Other culprits are red wine, coffee, tea, sodas, junk food, and many more. Time can also change the color of the teeth. As time goes by, teeth enamel becomes thinner and looks more transparent. The dentin, the inner layer of the teeth, can go darker. The teeth may also absorb the color of the liquids that you intake as you get older.

You can perform some teeth whitening methods in the comfort of your home. All you need is a little research, and you can go buy products that are readily available. Most whiteners use Peroxide. It is a bleaching agent that is safe to use. It removes the stains from the enamel. For better results, use a high peroxide concentrate and leave it on as long as you can. Just remember, this method can lead to temporary tooth sensitivity.

While anyone can do their tooth whitening at home, there are some people who need a professional to do the job. They are the people who suffer from pain due to teeth sensitivity, have fillings and crowns on their teeth, and have grayed tooth enamel. If your tooth looks gray, the discoloration may be on the inside rather than outside, and this situation needs a dentist’s help.

A good smile creates a good first impression, and to have a good smile means having a good set of teeth. They are one of the first things people notice when they meet you. Tooth whitening is very accessible nowadays, and is relatively easy. Whiter teeth do not just create a good first impression, but improves your appearance and self-confidence.

There are many factors that can lead to periodontal disease. Plaque that has developed inside the mouth can infect tissue that surrounds the teeth causing tooth decay and tartar. If untreated, these bacteria will infect the gums, tissues and teeth leading to disease. Other known causes include poor dental hygiene, illness, pregnancy and diabetes. Brushing vigorously, having misaligned teeth, and using unclean mouth appliances can also cause injury to the gums. A visit to a professional dentist can stop the formation of bacteria and prevent inflammation in the mouth.

The following are the early warning signs of periodontal disease:

1. Bleeding gums when you brush
2. Dark red or swollen gums
3. Bad breath
4. Bad taste within the mouth
5. Chewing difficulty

Risks for periodontal disease may increase due to heredity or genetic factors, stress, ulcers, smoking, diabetes, AIDS, psychological disorders, osteoporosis and even hormonal changes. To prevent this disease, you need to have good dental hygiene, and visit your dentist every 6 months. Proper brushing for 2 minutes should also be done after every meal, while flossing should be performed for 2 to 3 minutes. Anti-plaque or anti-tartar toothpaste may be recommended for people who show early signs. For severe forms of periodontal disease, a more extensive treatment may be necessary. Such treatment may involve the use of a dental apparatus, medications, and/or other surgical and non-surgical options.

Never underestimate the importance of having a clean and healthy mouth. Teeth and gums can affect your total health, and can lead to serious diseases. Do not take your teeth for granted.

For proper flossing technique for your teeth, see these tips:

• Wind a length of floss eighteen inches long around your middle finger on both hands;
• Clasp the floss with your forefinger and thumb of each hand making the floss one to two inches long and then pull it firmly so that it can floss the slit between the two teeth;
• Then in a gentle manner, you have to floss up and down the sides of the teeth and the gum areas;
• The circular motion of your fingers while flossing will prevent injury on the gum lines;
• This process should be repeated in each tooth gap;
• Uncoil the floss’ next section for each tooth and then wind the worn floss on your middle finger of the other hand doing the same procedure;
• By the round pattern process, make sure you have flossed every tooth;

It is healthy and proper to take care of your dental hygiene by regularly flossing your teeth.    At first, you will experience some minor difficulties such as bleeding or swelling of the gums.  But it is beneficial to floss the teeth to prevent the build-up of plaque, making your teeth and gums healthier and looking good.  In the event of severe bleeding due to flossing, an immediate consultation with your dentist is advisable.

You might think that traditional toothpastes are the best choice given that they are highly advertised and very commercial. But what we fail to see is that these toothpastes (when you look closely at the ingredients) might not be the best option. Why so? It is because they contain ingredients that are chemicals and synthetics. One of the ingredients that are potentially hazardous is propylene glycol, a chemical usually found in anti-freezes. Another ingredient that is toxic in large doses is fluoride. Sodium lauryl sulphate or SLS, is a foaming and cleansing agent and is not known to be toxic, but it can cause microscopic abrasions due to its irritating properties. Harsh abrasives could also damage the tooth’s enamel making it more susceptible to decay and staining. Additives can also be found in traditional toothpastes and they may cause an interference with the re-enamelizing of the tooth’s surfaces.

Natural toothpastes, on the other hand, do not contain these chemicals and synthetics. They are organically grown and processed. They may be derived from herbs, plants, or natural oils that are proven to remove bacteria and keep the mouth clean and feeling fresh. Natural toothpastes also don’t disrupt the balance of acidity and moisture in the mouth so they are less likely to cause problems such as bad breath, gum infections, canker sores, and cavities. Different companies or brands have different organic ingredients, but they all do not use chemicals and synthetics. There are many natural types of toothpaste to choose from on the market today. However, no matter what brand you choose, be sure to check the ingredients to be sure before purchasing your natural toothpaste.

Here are the different types of dentures. One of these may be just the solution for you:

• Complete, Upper and Lower Dentures - These are the dentures that most people think about when they hear the word “dentures”. They replace your entire mouth of teeth, both upper and lower levels. If you care for them properly, you will easily get 5 to 10 years of service out of this type of dentures.
• Immediate Dentures - This type is often applied right after tooth extraction. They enable the patient to continue having “teeth” to use during their everyday routines while the permanent denture is being crafted. You may find that these may need to be periodically adjusted while your bone and gums heal after the tooth extraction.
• Partial Dentures - These dentures are great for filling out any gaps in your smile that arise from partial tooth loss. They typically have metal attachments that anchor the denture to your real teeth. Partial dentures also keep your teeth from realigning, because they fill in the gaps of your real teeth.

Whatever solution will end up working best for you, don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to seek help when dealing with tooth loss. It doesn’t have to be a hardship, and we would be more than happy to walk you through the journey to a healthy mouth.

Personal hygiene is a very important factor if we want to insure the longevity of our teeth. Caring for your teeth at home entails brushing your teeth after each meal, followed by flossing in between your teeth. Both of these will clean the remnants of your meal that are still in your mouth. This prevents the accumulation of dental plaque and possible build up of dental calculus.

Be sure to always run your tooth brush on the surface of your tongue to clean the food debris trapped on your taste buds. The build up of plaque will cause bad breath, cavities and gingivitis. Gingivitis is simply the inflammation of the gums. The plaque will act as nourishment for the microorganisms that are harmful to your teeth and gums. Plaque can easily be remove by tooth brushing. Once it hardens and it becomes calculus, you need to visit your dentist for oral prophylaxis.

Eating food rich in fibers like fruits and vegetables will strengthen your body. These are rich in nutrients and vitamins like Vitamin C, which is needed for healthy gums and teeth. High fiber foods will not stick to your teeth, unlike processed foods. Fruits and vegetables have lower sugar content compared to candies. Drink milk instead of cola drinks, as dairy is a source of calcium and is essential for strong bones and teeth.

Our oral health is not dependent on expensive treatments from our dentist. Good oral health begins and ends by caring for your teeth at home.