Though not as urgent as other dental conditions, yellow teeth can cost you your confidence and willingness to smile every day. Luckily, improving the color of your teeth can be as simple as changing what you eat and drink while polishing your oral care routine. You may even benefit from whitening treatment by your dentist. Here are ten common causes of this undesirable tinge:
1. Genetics
Sometimes, tooth color runs in the family. If one of your parents' teeth are yellow, it's likely that yours are a similar hue. Reddish brown, reddish yellow, gray and reddish gray are the four natural shades of otherwise white teeth, and this depth of color varies across a spectrum from light to dark.
2. Dentin
Teeth look yellow when the enamel is thin and the dentin underneath shows through it. Dentin is a deep yellow to brownish material inside your teeth under the enamel, and it's often responsible for the yellow you see when you look in the mirror. Thick enamel covers up the dentin, but keep in mind it doesn't always block the stains that build up on the surface, another cause of yellow explained further down.
3. Wear
Teeth ultimately turn yellow as you get older, when enamel wears away from chewing and exposure to acids from food and drink. Most teeth turn yellow as this enamel thins with age, but some take on a grayish shade when mixed with a lasting food stain.
4. Smoking
Nicotine from smoking doesn't just develop an unhealthy addiction; it leaves yellowish or brownish surface stains on your teeth, too (one more reason to kick the habit).
5. Foods
A wide range of foods stain teeth. Tomatoes in pasta sauce, curry spices and berries all contain pigments that cling to tooth enamel and stain this surface. Even a healthy salad with balsamic vinegar dressing can leave an unsightly color on your teeth.
6. Drinks
Coffee and tea are two of the most common causes of yellow teeth, but red and white wine are also to blame. Other culprits include dark and light sodas and sports drinks with artificial flavoring.
7. Antibiotics
Tetracycline antibiotics stain teeth when they're developing in the gums. According to the National Intitutes of Health, if your mother took antibiotics in the second half of her pregnancy, or you took them before the age of eight, you may have permanently stained adult teeth that merit an in-office bleaching treatment.
8. Fluorosis
Fluoride is good for teeth, but excess fluoride can cause yellow or brownish yellow spots called fluorosis. Fluoridated water, fluoride toothpaste and prescribed fluoride tablets and treatments are your biggest sources of fluoride. Ask your dentist if you're concerned you or your child is taking too much through these means.
9. Accidents
Impact of an accident or physical trauma can crack tooth enamel and damage the tooth's interior, leading to discoloration that may indicate bleeding that needs professional attention.
10. Grinding
Tooth grinding is an unconscious habit some people have when they're stressed, especially while asleep. Also known as bruxism, it's quite harmful to tooth enamel, weakening it to the point of cracking and yellowing.
When it comes to the acidic erosion of our teeth because of what we eat and drink, there is good news and bad news. The bad news is that up to 80 percent of adults are at risk of the loss of tooth enamel because of the acidic food and drinks they consume.
So, what’s the good news? The good news is that you do not have to make drastic changes in your diet to protect your teeth. You simply need to be more mindful about what you’re consuming by making healthy choices and limiting, or possibly avoiding, the unhealthy ones.
Acidity and Your Teeth
Over time, the foods and beverages we consume on a daily basis can wear the enamel on our teeth, a process that is known as acid erosion. The enamel is the outermost layer of our teeth, and its basic function is to protect the more sensitive areas of our teeth while keeping them white and bright. As the enamel wears away, it leaves the dentin (the inner yellow layer) exposed, leading to tooth sensitivity.
To measure how acidic certain foods or drinks might be, health professionals use a pH scale to measure the acidity or alkalinity levels of substances. The scale of pH levels ranges between 0 and 14. Substances that fall below 7 are considered acidic, while those above are considered alkaline.
Dental Erosion
Saliva plays a very important role in protecting your teeth. When you’re not eating or drinking, the saliva in your mouth should be in the range of 6.6 to 7.5, a level that allows the calcium in the saliva to strengthen the enamel in a process known as remineralization. When your mouth becomes too acidic, however, remineralization cannot occur, and that leads to dental erosion. Some of the common signs of dental erosion include:
Sensitivity – Your teeth become highly sensitive to hot and cold foods, sweets that are strongly flavored, and even cold air.
Discoloration – As the enamel wears away, the dentin is exposed, giving your teeth a yellowish tint.
Dents – Your teeth may have small dents along the chewing surface.
Transparency – Your front teeth begin looking almost transparent.
Cracks – Tiny cracks or faults may appear along the edges of the teeth.
The Most Acidic Foods and Drinks
Here are a few of the more acidic beverages and foods to be wary of, including:
Citrus fruits and juices – Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit are loaded with vitamin C that’s good for you, but they also contain very high amounts of acid that can wear away enamel.
Berries – They’re not as acidic as citrus fruits, but the acid in them can weaken your enamel.
Tomatoes – Though nutritious, tomatoes and tomato sauces and ketchup are high in acid content.
Some dairy products – Because of fermentation, some dairy products like yogurt, sour cream, and aged cheeses are considered high-acid foods.
Protecting Against Dental Erosion
Now, back to our original piece of good news. You don’t have to make drastic changes in your diet to protect the enamel on your teeth and prevent dental erosion. You simply have to use good judgment and take a few steps to keep your teeth strong, white, and gleaming.
Never suck on citrus fruit like lemons and limes as this is a sure way to soften the enamel on your teeth.
When drinking fruit juices, use a straw to prevent the juice from coming into direct contact with your teeth.
Sip and swallow fruit juices. Do not swirl them around or let them sit in your mouth for too long.
After eating any acidic foods, try to rinse your mouth with water. And don’t brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes, allowing the enamel to resettle.
The underside of your tongue isn't something that you would typically think about if everything is functioning as it should. But imagine if one morning, as you're eating breakfast, you discover that these folds underneath your tongue are painfully irritated. You may also notice that saliva is pooling in the area. Immediately, you would be concerned about what might be going on. These small folds are called the plica fimbriata, and they are just one of the many structures that make up the tongue and salivary glands.
What Are the Structures Under the Tongue?
The plica fimbriata is an elevated crest of mucous membrane on the underside of your tongue. Here's a quick anatomy lesson to help you understand the exact location of these folds in your mouth.
Below your tongue is a horseshoe-shaped area of tissue known as the floor of the mouth. This flat area of soft tissue has a separate rising fold of tissue that connects it to the underside of the tongue, known as the lingual frenulum. The plica fimbriata consists of two raised folds located on both sides of where the lingual frenulum connects to the tongue.
Plica Fimbriata and Your Salivary System
The plica fimbriata is part of the salivary gland system in your mouth. The saliva produced near the floor of the mouth comes through the salivary glands and drains under the tongue through the sublingual and submandibular ducts. The plica fimbriata is one location where these ducts open to release saliva in the mouth.
What Causes Plica Fimbriata?
The salivary gland and duct system under your tongue can be disturbed by various oral health problems. If a salivary gland gets blocked by a calcified formation, also known as a salivary stone, the area can become painful and swollen leading to plica fimbriata.
How to Get Rid of Plica Fimbriata
If you think you have a salivary stone, you should seek immediate care from your physician or dental professional. Sialolithiasis can be diagnosed with an ultrasound or a computerized tomography scan. Often, applying moist heat and massaging the salivary gland can help to relieve this condition. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen can also help to reduce the swelling and pain associated with salivary stones.
If these first-line measures do not alleviate the condition, you may require surgery. Your doctor or dental professional may be able to remove it in a quick in-office procedure if the stone is located near the surface. This would involve using local anesthesia and making a small incision to the area. If the stone is deep in the tissue, your doctor would possibly need to use a technique called salivary sialendoscopy. This involves using a tiny scope to visualize the duct while using a special tool to retrieve the stone. In most cases, patients recover well with no further issues.
Now that you know more about the structures underneath your tongue, you can feel empowered to discuss any issues that develop in this area with your dental professional.
It’s normal to have bacteria in your mouth. But harmful bacteria have been linked to a host of health problems. Medical scientist Glenda Davison and microbiologist Yvonne Prince, who have researched the oral cavity, explain why it’s so important to practise good oral hygiene.
Can poor oral hygiene lead to serious diseases? Why and how?
Abnormal bacterial communities in the oral cavity have been linked to liver disease, renal failure, cancers, heart disease and hypertension.
The oral cavity is the door to the gastrointestinal tract and the rest of the body.
Like the gut, the mouth is home to several diverse colonies of bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa. It’s the second largest microbial community in humans, after the gut.
More than 700 species of microorganisms reside in the mouth. New technologies, such as 16S rRNA analysis, have allowed researchers to study their genetic makeup and family trees.
These microbes are found all over the mouth: in and around the teeth, the gums, tongue, palate and saliva. They usually remain stable during our lifetime but if the balance in the bacterial community is disrupted, harmful bacteria may become dominant. This can lead to bleeding gums and oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
How do problems in the mouth lead to other illnesses?
Changes in the pH (acidity or alkalinity), temperature and oxygen in the oral cavity are known to lead to abnormal growth of groups of bacteria which are usually harmless. When they become dominant, they can cause disease.
This disruption in the oral biota causes inflammation and the slow development of periodontitis, bleeding gums and tooth decay. As the gum disease destroys the gum and begins to erode the bone, inflammatory molecules called cytokines can enter the blood stream.
These chemicals activate immune cells and can result in low grade chronic inflammation with the development of diseases such as type II diabetes, atherosclerosis or thickening of the arteries and many others, even obesity. The bacteria themselves can also move from the gums into the surrounding tissue and release toxins which can move throughout the body.
Similarly, the gut hosts more than 1,000 species of bacteria which reside in the large intestine and play a vital role in digestion, absorption, immunity and protection against toxins and harmful bacteria.
Human beings cannot live without a healthy, diverse gut biota. If this well-balanced community of microbes is disturbed and not restored, gastrointestinal disorders can be experienced.
Recent research has linked an abnormal gut biome to diseases as diverse as autoimmunity, obesity, cardiovascular disease and even Alzheimer’s.
Where do bacteria in the body come from?
It all starts with our microbes, tiny organisms which share our bodies and are vital to the health of human beings. There are 39 trillion microbes in the human body, outnumbering the estimated 30 trillion human cells, and they inhabit almost every organ and crevice in the human body. They can be found in the gut, skin, lung, seminal and vaginal fluid, eyes, scalp and mouth.
Each of these habitats has its own environment, attracting different organisms which adapt to their surroundings and make it their home. They live in synergy with each other and the surrounding tissue. If this relationship is disrupted it can result in disease.
Most of these microbes come from our mothers and enter our bodies when we are born. The womb is sterile but as the baby moves down the birth canal and enters the outside world, bacteria and other microbes occupy the newborn infant and create a unique ecosystem called the human microbiome.
As we grow and begin to explore the world, these microorganisms become more diverse and varied and are influenced by our diets, lifestyles, interactions with animals and the environment. It is important to maintain this balance to reduce the risk of developing disease.
What should people do to avoid these risks?
Good dental hygiene includes regular dental check-ups, preventing the build-up of plaque by brushing your teeth regularly, and avoiding foods high in carbohydrates and sugar, which can lead to increased tooth decay and cavities.
To further support the balance of the bacteria in the mouth it is recommended that foods rich in antioxidants, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, are included in our diet.
Dentists also recommend avoiding the use of antibacterial mouth washes, which have been shown to disrupt the balance of microbes. Overuse can lead to disturbances and stimulate species of bacteria that could cause disease.
Elevated levels of stress and lack of exercise have also been linked to disruptions in the balance of the oral biota. So a well balanced diet with enough rest, accompanied by good dental hygiene, is recommended.
The mouth is the door to the gut and the rest of the body. Ensuring the harmony of the microbes that live there is important to reduce the risk of disease.
It can be difficult to remember to brush after every meal and floss every night, yet the reasons to take good care of our teeth are countless. Poor dental hygiene can lead to many problems that can be costly to treat like cavities, gum disease and discolored teeth. A healthy mouth also means a healthy and bright smile. The benefits of a good dental hygiene routine far outweigh the effort involved. Here are some tips on building better oral habits!
30 Days is Key
Did you know that studies show that it takes 30 days to build a habit? It may feel impossible that all the things you endeavor to do could simply feel natural and become an easy daily routine, but simple repetition of an action or task over time creates grooves in your brain so that it can almost seem to run on automatic. This works for both negative and positive habits, so the key is to keep practicing your desired habits for at least 30 days!
You’re Better at Building Habits Than You Know
You may have thought in the past that you weren’t very good at building habits, but we all build habits every day without knowing it. Have you ever been driving home from work and not known how you arrived home already, not been able to remember the last few landmarks or turns? That is because you have done this so many times that your brain has developed the grooves to make its processes more and more efficient.
The science behind how our minds develop habits is good news because it means that habits are not outside our control, we get to choose our habits to be the things we want to do, too. You’re better at building habits than you might have thought, so why not start building better oral habits? Here are some tips.
Remember, Don’t Forget!
The main thing we need when starting out with new habits is reminders. Set up some cues or reminders to help you remember to brush your teeth after meals, before bed, and to include all the habits you’d like to develop such as brushing for a full 2 minutes and using floss and mouthwash once a day.
Ideas for reminders can range from putting a note in your phone’s to-do list or calendar, setting an alarm on your clock, posting some sticky notes on the mirror in the bathroom, or wearing a reminder such as a bracelet to cue your brain to the task when you see it.
There are even more creative options, too, such as giving your cat or dog a treat at a certain time every day when you are also supposed to complete a task. Once they get used to this, they won’t fail to remind you if you forget!
It’s All About the Tools
If you’ve gotten discouraged in the past about building better oral habits, don’t lose heart! You may have just not had the right tools to build the habits you wanted to. There are options available that might make things easier like flossing picks and interdental brushes to use instead of regular dental floss. Better tools with advanced features such as an electric toothbrush with a brushing app for your phone can also help to ensure your habits really are improving, and give you daily feedback and tips to help!
Talking to your dentist at your next exam may be helpful as well for making a plan towards building better oral habits in the future. An exam and cleaning can be a great launching pad to help you get started with your new commitment because you will want to maintain the clean, smooth feeling of your freshly polished teeth.
Today is a new day, a great opportunity to build the habits you choose!
As hardworking and productive members of society, we all deserve a little reward from time to time right? Whether it be the daily grind of working nine to five, or the rigorous duties of parenthood, a well-deserved reward always makes seems to make thinks a little more enjoyable.
Snack Attack!
However, for many people this so-called guilty pleasure often takes the form of treating themselves to sweet tasting snacks or beverages. While it’s certainly okay to partake in enjoying a bit of sweet flavored candy every now and then, if this becomes a regular daily habit, you may find this habit causing a bit more pain instead of pleasure!
Did you know … sugar hurts teeth?
Sugar Hurts Teeth: A Truly Rotten Problem!
As its name implies, tooth decay refers to the condition in which the build-up of acidic material in a person’s mouth causes the outer layers of their teeth to slowly begin to dissolve. With the loss of its protective outer coating, the tooth is left vulnerable to the excess plaque and bacteria within the mouth, causing the tooth to break down and begin to rot. While the idea of a rotten or missing tooth may sound unappealing, what truly makes this an urgent problem are the infectious complications that can occur as result of tooth decay. When a serious oral infection occurs, there is always the potential for the excess bacteria to spread to the bloodstream reaching regions of the body. This can cause severe damage and can even be life-threatening if left untreated.
Sugar Hurts Teeth: Worst Snacks for Teeth
As you probably already know, there are certain types of foods that are worse for your teeth than others; however, there are indeed certain snacks that can absolutely decimate your oral health if consumed in excess.
Hard Candy: As strong as your teeth might be, excessive hard candy (such as lollipops, peppermints, and jawbreakers) can be the kryptonite to your pearly whites! In addition to being packed full of cavity-causing sugar, (and we know that sugar hurts teeth!) the candy’s hard material can also cause cracks and chips to form in your teeth, requiring an emergency visit to repair. This can also be said for ice, which although not candy, can very easily break or damage teeth. Heed our advice; please DON’T chew ice!
Soda/Soft Drinks: Although soft drinks such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi products are moderately priced and highly accessible, with their high acidity these various sodas can slowly eat away at the enamel of your teeth, making them increasingly frail and vulnerable to decay.
Citric Fruits and Juices: While fruits and their juices (oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruit, ect) certainly provide some great health benefits, their highly citric nature can be hazardous for your teeth and cause painful sores to form within your mouth. Although this surely doesn’t mean that you should avoid fruits all together, but just to be mindful of some of the negative affects that they can cause if consumed too often.
Hard or Crunchy Food: Although crunchy snacks like chips, pretzels, crackers and other assorted items are beloved snacks that have been enjoyed by people for many years; these starch-rich snacks are not exactly kind to your teeth. Due to their highly breakable composition, these snacks often find their way into the various crevasses within your teeth. Once the food particles have become lodged within your teeth, excess plaque begins to build and cause decay. If crunchy chips are your snack of choice, taking the time to floss regularly is a wise idea.
Coffee / Caffeinated Drinks: Okay, this is a tough one for many people to accept, but caffeinated coffee, tea, or energy drinks, are not good for your teeth. Although caffeine certainly helps you stay awake, it also dehydrates you, causing your teeth dry out and decay. While this might be unwelcome news to those who depend on their caffeine kick do get them through the day, our advice to caffeine users would be to reduce sugary add-ons and supplement your caffeine intake with plenty of water.
Sticky Candy: According to many industry insiders, chewy or sticky candy holds dubious distinction as the worst snack for a person’s teeth. Much like its harder-candy counterpart, sticky candy such as jolly ranchers, gummy bears, and taffy are rough on your teeth due to their extremely high amount of sugar. (Remember?!?! Sugar Hurts Teeth!!) However, what truly makes sticky candy the worst of the worst is its uncanny ability to get stuck in the small gaps and crevasses among your teeth, and its difficulty to be removed once caught there. Because of the sticky materials’ ability to get stuck within your teeth and the sugar within it to continue to harm your teeth, if you do choose to avoid any snack on this list, sticky chewy candy might not be best one to avoid (because it’s the worst one for your teeth).
Sugar Hurts Teeth: Keep Decay at Bay
While finding better alternatives to some of the previously mentioned snacks isn’t a bad idea, your best course of action is to schedule your routine dental exams with Dr. Kimes at Overland Park Dentistry, and of course to make a consistent effort in practicing proper oral hygiene techniques on a regular basis. And please remember while the above-mentioned snacks can certainly lead to their fair share of problems if consumed in mass quantities, its certainly okay to partake in the occasional snack if done so in moderation.
Life is stressful and hard sometimes, and there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself and taking joy in the little things. So if you choose to indulge in your guilty pleasure and enjoy the occasional snack or treat, just remember to do so in moderation, because if done too often, a little treat can turn into a big problem!
You've heard that sugary, overly processed diets and lax oral hygiene can damage teeth, but a lot of other factors (such as lifestyle, health, and even genetic factors) can also affect how healthy your teeth are. Here are four lifestyle factors that you may not have realized were affecting your teeth.
1. Sleep Position
Did you know that sleeping on your back may contribute to sleep apnea, a common cause of nighttime tooth grinding? Conversely, if you grind your teeth at night but don't have sleep apnea, sleeping on your back may be the best position to reduce grinding and clenching.So if you suspect you grind your teeth at night, you may want to get a sleep study done to find out if you have sleep apnea or not. This can help clarify so you can decide on the best sleep position for you.Some dentists will simply prescribe a night guard for grinding. But while a night guard protects your enamel from excess wear at night, it doesn't avoid stressing your gums when you clench and grind your teeth. So taking a multipronged approach to the issue may be best.
2. Stress Levels
Many people carry excess tension in their shoulders, neck, and jaw region. This often leads to clenched teeth throughout the day, which can transfer to teeth grinding at night as well. But even if you just clench your jaw during the day, you may still be unconsciously stressing your jaws and wearing down your enamel.Other ways high stress levels can damage your teeth include:
Making you statistically more likely to snack and less likely to cook healthy meals
Making you feel like you don't have as much time to spend on oral hygiene
Causing acid reflux, which can erode your teeth and cause cavities
Leading to complications such as dehydration and dry mouth
If you've noticed an influx of stress in your life recently, be aware that it could wreak havoc on your oral health. To avoid this negative impact, try refocusing on oral hygiene and adding de-stressing habits to your daily routine.
3. Caffeine and Beverage Habits
You likely already know that sugar-filled beverages are bad for your teeth. But even straight black coffee or a coffee or tea latte without sugar can damage your teeth if you sip it slowly all day (caffeinated or not). Coffee is acidic, so it can damage tooth enamel, and lactose (milk sugar) in a latte can feed cavity-causing bacteria. In fact, a cup of milk has 12 grams of lactose.Caffeinated beverages also have the potential to harm oral health in other ways. For example, caffeine is a diuretic so it can cause you to become slightly more dehydrated, and it can dry your mouth out slightly (meaning there's less helpful saliva to neutralize acids and carry minerals to teeth). Tannins in coffee and tea can stain teeth, and coffee can cause bad breath.
4. Gum Chewing Habits
Chewing gum can, in theory, affect oral health in either a positive or a negative way. First off, it can affect your oral health positively (assuming you're using sugar-free gum) because it helps get saliva flowing, which keeps your oral environment neutral in PH and rich in minerals. And if you use xylitol-containing gum after eating, it may even reduce plaque formation.On the other hand, if you chew gum constantly, it may contribute to jaw tension, which can translate into a negative effect: increased tooth grinding at night. And if you have TMJ, you should consult your dentist before taking up a chewing gum habit.These four lifestyle habits may not be as obvious as a sugary diet or a smoking habit or failing to brush your teeth, but they can still have decided repercussions on your oral health.
A beautiful smile relies on an optimal balance between your gums and teeth. If your teeth are very small or you have excess gum tissue, you can wind up with what’s known as a “gummy smile” — along with self-conscious feelings about your smile’s aesthetics.
Gummy smiles aren’t uncommon, and the good news is, we can fix them. Crown lengthening is a time-tested treatment for gummy smiles, creating the ideal ratio between visible gum and visible teeth, for a smile that looks healthy and attractive.
As a leading cosmetic dentistry practice in Queen Creek, Arizona, Goodman Dental Center helps patients achieve their ideal smile with crown lengthening treatments customized on a patient-by-patient basis.
In this post, Brian Goodman, DDS, and Tanner Goodman, DMD, explain the basics of crown lengthening to help you decide if it’s an option you’d like to explore.
Crown lengthening: The basics
The goal of a cosmetic crown lengthening treatment is simple: We expose more of your natural tooth by removing excess gum tissue, so your smile appears more balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
Technically, gum exposure of 1-2 millimeters is considered ideal, while exposures of 3 millimeters or more constitute what we recognize as a gummy smile.
Medically, we also perform crown lengthening to prepare a tooth that will support a crown or bridge — particularly, when the tooth is too small to provide adequate support and strength for a restoration.
As a cosmetic procedure, crown lengthening relies on a deep understanding of oral anatomy, along with an appreciation of smile aesthetics. Our team has significant experience combining the medical and artistic expertise necessary to achieve beautiful results.
What to expect during and after your treatment
For crown lengthening, we use a local anesthetic to numb the gum tissue and the tooth. Depending on your goals, we can perform crown lengthening on one or several teeth in one visit.
Once the anesthetic takes effect, we use special techniques to gently lift and cut away excess gum tissue. Once we remove the tissue, we contour the gums so they look natural. In some instances, we may need to reshape the bone underneath the gum for a satisfying result.
Afterward, it’s normal to have some swelling and discomfort; over-the-counter medications can help, and you can also gently apply ice to your cheek. Keeping your head elevated helps reduce swelling.
We provide you with complete care instructions for cleaning the area, as well as guidance on what to eat and drink during the initial healing period. You come back in for follow-up visits so we can monitor your healing.
Help your smile look its best
Don’t let a gummy smile make you feel self-conscious. To learn how crown lengthening can help, request an appointment online or over the phone with our team at Goodman Dental Center today.
From the time you’re old enough to know what “going to the dentist” is, you’ve probably heard about what you need to do to prevent cavities. Cavities are small holes in the enamel of your teeth, and they allow bacteria to enter and reach the soft dentin of your teeth.Eventually, those bacteria can cause infection, and that can lead to a host of health issues. Your best bet is to avoid allowing the cavities to form at all. At Goodman Dental Group, Dr. Brian Goodman and Dr. Tanner Goodman are happy to provide white fillings should you need them. However, we’d rather you not have cavities to begin with! Here are our best tips to help you prevent cavities.
Pay attention to how you brush
How often do you mindlessly brush your teeth, quickly, without paying much attention to what you’re doing? The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests you should brush for at least two minutes, at least twice per day, in addition to flossing once. Using a good technique to brush and using the right kind of brush are crucial in order for it to be effective in protecting your teeth.Scrubbing hard isn’t the way to go. Instead, hold your brush at a 45 degree angle to your gum line. Gently, brush back and forth. Focus on one tooth at a time, and try not to make sweeping strokes.When you brush the inside surfaces of your teeth, turn your brush vertical, and use a gentle up and down motion.Choose a brush that has soft bristles and that fits the size of your mouth. Replace your brush every three to four months or when you begin to notice signs of wear, like fraying.You may think brushing right after you eat could help protect your teeth, but the ADA recommends waiting at least an hour. If you do need to brush right after you eat, rinse your mouth with water first.
Avoid the harmful foods
Sugary foods are bad for your teeth because the bacteria that lead to cavities thrive on sugar. Limit the amount of sugary foods and beverages you consume to protect your teeth.Sticky candy that clings to your teeth for a long time after you eat it can be particularly damaging. Fruit juices, sodas, and other drinks high in sugar can also leave a film of sugar on your teeth.Bread, pasta, chips, and other processed, refined carbohydrates may also be harmful to your dental health. As those foods break down they become simple sugars and that, too, can raise your risk of developing cavities.
Eat more of the good stuff
Some foods naturally help prevent cavities. Eat more of these to improve your dental health.
Fruits and vegetables
Carrots, apples, celery, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables cause more saliva production. When you have more saliva, it washes away the food debris that can lead to cavities.
Calcium, vitamin D, and phosphates
Cheese, milk, and other dairy products may help fortify your teeth and help protect them. Aim for foods that contain calcium, vitamin D, and phosphates.
Phosphorus
Foods that are rich in protein, like meat, nuts, legumes, and eggs contain phosphorus. Phosphorus makes it easier for your body to use calcium, an essential nutrient for healthy teeth.
Enjoy chewing sugarless gum
Gum helps rinse away the harmful substances on your teeth, and can help you maintain good dental health. The xylitol in sugarless gum may also delay the growth of a specific bacteria that contributes to plaque formation.
Get professional cleanings regularly
Excellent dental hygiene at home is a key to good oral health; however, it can only take you so far. You also need regular professional cleanings to remove the plaque that builds up, no matter how often or thoroughly you brush.
In addition to keeping your teeth healthy, during regular cleanings, the providers at Goodman Dental Center check for any signs of problems and recommend any necessary preventive treatments. Schedule your next dental cleaning today, by phone or online.
A dentist or a dental doctor is a specialized healthcare professional dedicated to the perseverance of your oral health. From routine check-ups to advanced treatments, they ensure your teeth and gums are in the best condition. Dentists address immediate dentistry-related concerns and contribute to overall well-being, as oral health is intricately linked to systemic health. With their expertise and personalized care, dentists play a crucial role in helping you maintain a healthy smile and lasting wellness.
What are the subspecialties of a Dentist?
Depending on the specializations of a dentist, they are classified into the following types;
Orthodontist: An orthodontist is a dental expert in diagnosing and treating teeth and jaw misalignments. Orthodontists utilize braces, aligners, and other specialized appliances to correct dental irregularities and achieve proper dental alignment and occlusion.
Periodontist: The dentist specializes in this field in the supporting structures of the teeth; periodontists diagnose and treat gum diseases, gingival recession, and other conditions affecting the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. They may perform surgical procedures to restore periodontal health.
Cosmetic Dentist: To improve the smile’s aesthetics, cosmetic dentists offer dental procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, dental bonding, and gum contouring. Their focus is on enhancing the visual appeal of teeth while maintaining functionality.
Reconstructive Dentist: A reconstructive dentist focuses on restoring broken, chipped, or cracked teeth. They are proficient in restoring oral functions, appearance, and comfort for patients with extensive dental issues. They handle cases requiring comprehensive treatment, often combining various procedures to achieve optimal results.
Pedodontist: Specializes in pediatric dentistry, catering to the oral health needs of children and adolescents. They offer treatments suitable for each age, educate young patients on proper oral hygiene, and address developmental concerns.
It is recommended to consult a dentist based on their specialities to treat your dental health concerns.
What are the services offered by a dentist?
A dentist offers many services related to dental care. These range from diagnosis, treatment, and preventive oral care to maintaining oral health.
Diagnosis
Based on the signs and symptoms you present, a teeth doctor establishes a proper diagnosis of the disease. The diagnostic approaches include;
Visual Examination: A dental doctor examines the teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth to identify signs of infection, dental decay, gum disease, and other issues.
Dental X-rays: Dental issues that are not visible through visual investigation are diagnosed with the help of an X-ray. It detects issues such as cavities, impacted teeth, and bone loss.
Digital Imaging: For more advanced diagnosis of complex issues, advanced technologies like intraoral cameras are used for detailed images. These ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment
Dentists offer various treatments to address dental problems and restore oral health. You should see a dentist for various procedures, including;
Fillings: Teeth fillings are used to repair cavities caused by tooth decay. Fillings are made from materials like composite resin or amalgam.
Crowns: Dental crowns cover and protect damaged or weakened teeth and restore their strength and appearance.
Root Canal Surgery: A dental surgeon performs a root canal procedure for a severely decayed or infected tooth. It works by removing the infected pulp and sealing the root canal.
Extractions: Tooth extraction is performed when a tooth is too damaged, decayed, or crowded. It prevents the spread of dental cavities and caries to the nearby teeth.
Dental Implants: Implants are artificial tooth roots placed in the jaw to support prosthetic teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics.
In addition, other dental procedures performed by a dentist include scaling, polishing, treatment of gum diseases, etc.
Preventive Oral Health
Preventive health measures are important in maintaining good oral health and avoiding dental problems. Dentists offer several preventive measures, including:
Regular Cleanings: Professional cleanings (dental prophylaxis) remove plaque, tartar, and stains that cannot be effectively removed at home.
Fluoride Treatment: The application of fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Dental Sealants: These protective coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent cavities in vulnerable areas.
Maintenance of Oral Health
Dentists emphasize the importance of ongoing oral care to maintain optimal dental health. They guide on:
Oral Hygiene Education: Dentists teach patients proper brushing, flossing, and hygiene techniques. They also encourage to join various dental clubs to get education and awareness on the best dental practices.
Nutritional Guidance: Dental doctors advise how dietary choices impact oral health and recommend a balanced diet for strong teeth and gums. They also emphasize the importance of hydration and avoidance of sweetened
Customized Care Plans: Dentists create individualized plans for patients with specific needs, such as those with gum disease or a history of cavities.
