If there is one thing you need to be clear about to preserve your dental health, it is that you must carry out a daily and thorough oral hygiene. However, this type of cleaning, although necessary, is not enough to eradicate all dirt from the teeth. For this reason, today at Gross Dentists we want you to know what is dental detartraje and what is its importance.
Read on for more information!
What is dental detail?
It is likely that if we mention the concept of dental detail a priori does not ring a bell or you have not heard it. However, this action, as mentioned above, is very important in terms of dental health.
Dental detartraje corresponds to a technique used in the dental sector that aims to eliminate tartar and bacterial plaque remaining on the surface of the teeth, and which is difficult to remove with the usual daily brushing.
Specifically, it focuses on the area just below the gums. So, as good as your oral hygiene is, it is very difficult to get to this area without the technique of dental detartraje.
Benefits of this dental cleaning technique
To understand the importance of dental detartraje is essential to know the benefits of such a technique. Therefore, thanks to the dental detartraje…
You get a cleaner mouth
Se evita la aparición y expansión de las bacterias
Prevents the appearance and expansion of bacteria
Gingival or periodontal pathologies are avoided
A more beautiful smile appears
Dental loss is prevented
In which cases is it necessary to make a detail?
In any case, the dentist should be responsible for determining when it is necessary to perform a dental detartraje, although it is advisable to perform it once or twice a year. Likewise, it will also depend on the state of your own oral hygiene and your mouth.
At Gross Dentists we are at your disposal to perform this technique or any other technique you need to preserve your oral health optimally.
Steps to follow to perform this type of cleaning
Another important aspect to consider regarding dental detartraje is the process or steps to follow.
First, a clinical examination of the patient’s mouth should be performed to determine the state of their mouth. Secondly, you will be given appointment to perform the cleaning.
To take off the tartar is used an ultrasound device that vibrates and has water. With this, the tartar is successfully separated and the dental surface is completely clean.
Although the previous device is usually sufficient, sometimes it is necessary to use hand tools to improve the finish. Everything will depend on the oral situation of the patient in question.
Finally a dental polishing is performed so that the surface is perfect.
In our dental clinic we take care of your oral health in every way
You already know all the important aspects about dental detail. For this reason, we want to remind you that in our dental clinic, Gross Dentists, we have qualified specialists in the sector who take care of your oral health.
Our goal is to see you smile, with a healthy and radiant smile.
Dental health is important for everyone, but according to Dentaly, only 7% of Americans like their teeth. A large majority of people struggle with their dental health in some way. There are many reasons why people may not be happy with their teeth. Let's check out some of these reasons below.
1. Lack of Dental Insurance
One of the biggest reasons why people in the U.S. struggle with their teeth is because they lack dental insurance. Dental insurance helps to cover most of the costs of dental care. Without dental insurance, people have to pay for dental care out of their pockets, which can be expensive.
2. Poor Dental Hygiene Habits
Many people don't brush their teeth regularly, leading to dental problems. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. If you do not brush and floss your teeth, you're more likely to get cavities and other dental problems.
3. Eating Sugary Foods and Drinks
Eating sugary foods and drinks can also lead to dental problems. When you eat or drink something sugary, the sugar sticks to your teeth and can cause cavities. To avoid dental problems, limit the consumption of these sugar-filled items.
4. Smoking
Smoking is bad for your dental health. It can cause tooth discoloration, gum disease, and other dental problems. If you want to have healthy teeth, it's important to quit smoking.
5. Heavy Alcohol Consumption
While a few glasses of wine or the occasional cocktail is fine, heavy alcohol consumption can lead to dental problems. Heavy drinking can cause dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay. While wine can be healthy for the cardiovascular system in moderation, it can also stain your teeth.
6. Coffee Stains
Americans love to start the day with a cup of coffee, but coffee can stain your teeth. Tea can have the same effect. If you want a nice white smile, you may need to limit the caffeine drinks.
These are just some of the reasons why people in the U.S. struggle with their teeth. If you are struggling with your dental health, it's important to see a dentist and take steps to improve your dental hygiene.
There is a common misconception that you only need to go to the dentist when you have a problem. Unfortunately, that is the worst tactic you can take when it comes to dental care. It leads to more expensive and more extensive dental treatments, not to mention the pain and suffering that can result when you wait until something bothers you.
Some people have “good teeth” and think this means that they do not need routine dental care. Here are a few important reasons that everyone needs to see a dentist regularly.
Early Dental Problems are “Silent”
Without having consistent dental check-ups, you actually don’t really know if you have good teeth. Most people make that assumption because they do not experience pain in their teeth. The problem with that theory is that most early dental problems do not cause any symptoms. This means that cavities and gum disease can grow and worsen without your knowledge.
The only way you can be sure that you do, in fact, have good teeth is by seeing a dentist for a professional evaluation. The only way to keep them “good” is keeping up with consistent professional teeth cleanings and any preventive dentistry your doctor recommends.
“Good Teeth” Often Change with Age
Some people are banking on their historically “good” teeth lasting the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, just as with the rest of our bodies, the health of our mouths changes with age. Many people take prescription and over-the-counter medications that lead to a dry mouth, which greatly increases the risk for dental diseases like cavities and gum disease. Teeth that have functioned well for decades may become susceptible to cracking and chipping due to those long years of wear and tear.
Another risk factor that changes with time is your ability to properly clean the teeth. As we age, it becomes more and more difficult to perform consistently great oral hygiene. Investing in regular dental care helps counteract these negative side effects of aging.
Two Words: Oral Cancer
his is perhaps the most important reason to seek regular dental care: it could save your life. Oral cancer has a very high survival rate . . . when it is caught early. Without early detection by a dental professional, many people do not find oral cancer until it has already spread to lymph nodes. This metastasis greatly reduces someone’s chances of survival.
The Oral Cancer Foundation recommends that every single person receive an oral cancer screening at least once every year by a dental professional. With early detection, you not only increase your chance at survival; you also make less aggressive treatments more effective. In its earliest stages, oral cancer can be removed with surgery alone.
As it grows, more aggressive treatments are necessary to improve your chance of survival, including radiation and chemotherapy. Detecting oral cancer early may help you save vital parts of your jaws and facial structures.
Dental hygiene has a significant effect on the overall well being of a person. Not only does unkempt oral hygiene makes one look unattractive, but also can lead to major problems like tooth decay or tooth loss. Keeping up with oral hygiene becomes even more difficult with braces. They can hinder the daily cleaning routine and lead to stains on the teeth. The wires may trap food particles, which leads to plaque formation. Therefore, to avoid any damage to your teeth, it is important to devote time to properly clean them.
It is advised to brush your teeth after every meal. Since this may not be possible at all times, immediately rinsing the mouth with water to remove any leftover food particles helps in preventing the formation of plaque. It is also necessary to properly clean your teeth before going to bed to avoid any development of harmful bacteria.
Proper BrushingThe most effective way of keeping your braces clean is by brushing them properly. Soft-bristled brushes are recommended for people with braces. Electric toothbrushes can also help as there is no risk of the bristles getting stuck in the braces. Remember to brush all around the brackets and clean every part of your mouth. Begin by cleaning the exterior surface and then move slowly inwards. Changing a toothbrush frequently is also important as the metal wires in the braces may cause it to wear quickly.
FlossingTraditional floss can help remove any undesirable particle from between your teeth. Alternatives to the typical floss like water flosser or oral irrigator and waxed dental floss are available for people with braces. These methods make the process of cleaning between the teeth easy and hassle-free and also more convenient than the conventional ones. Flossing around the wire might take up some extra time.
MouthwashIf you are someone with braces, mouthwash can be your best friend. Using a mouthwash can clean off any remaining food particle left after brushing and flossing. A fluoride-containing mouthwash can be really effective in cleaning the mouth.
Tooth friendly dietAvoiding food rich in sugar and acidic substances can also help in maintaining your oral health. Sticky foods should be avoided at all costs as they cling to the wires and make cleaning even more difficult.
Other than these adopting habits like frequently brushing several times a day, flossing every day and using specially designed equipment to clean the braces can help in avoiding any possible damage to your teeth.
Precautionary measures like these can help in avoiding any major harm to your teeth. Routine checks up by a dentist are important to ensure that there is no potential harm being caused to your teeth. Following these steps will help your teeth stay healthy and look perfect when the braces finally come off.
Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.
A complete dental exam is an essential component of preventive dentistry. It allows your dentist to get conversant with your oral health. It also helps them set a plan to improve your oral health going forward. They will advise you on how to take care of your teeth and gums to prevent oral diseases.
When you first visit a new dentist, they will perform a complete dental exam to know how to proceed. After a few years, they may do another dental exam to update your records.
What Does It Include?
A complete dental exam looks at your oral history in detail. It also does diagnostics to examine your current situation. From there, the dentist can plan a long-term strategy for your oral health. It can happen every three to five years, depending on the need. The exam may take about 30 minutes for the dentist to complete a thorough checkup.
So, what does it involve?
Patient Interview
The dentist will discuss your medical and dental history with you. It will include the current records if you are not a new patient. The doctor will also want to know if you have any other concerns or issues. They will assess your diet, oral hygiene habits, and any other risk factors that pertain to your case. All this will help the dentist understand your overall dental health.
Oral Examination And Cleaning
The dentist will conduct a complete tooth decay and cavities check. They will check the existing dental work and evaluate your bite. The dentist will then clean your teeth, paying attention to each tooth.
They will note teeth that have chips and cracks, as well as those that are at risk of developing cavities. This part of the exam will help them identify any preventive or restorative treatments you may need.
Diagnostic Exams
The diagnostic exams include X-rays, radiographs, or other images the dentist may need. The dentist will protect you from radiation, have you bite on a piece of plastic, and take the X-rays. They will do a full-mouth series to check your overall health. Radiographs and other imaging diagnostics are not necessary. However, the dentist can perform them if there is a need.
Periodontal Exam
During this part of the exam, the dentist will examine the condition of your gum for periodontal disease. They will try to identify any early signs of gum disease. If they are present, they will take preventive measures against it to maintain your gum health. The gum is vital to the health of your teeth. Thus, it is crucial to ensure that it stays healthy.
Any signs of periodontal disease that you ignore could lead to the loss of your teeth. It could also cause other oral and health conditions. Early treatment will prevent complications in your kidneys, lungs, and heart. It will also save you hospital expenses that you may not be ready to meet.
Complete dental exams are not only vital to the dentist but also to you as the patient. They will help you take measures to maintain or improve your oral and overall health.
Your body has a way of sending you signals when it needs help. A headache is often the first indication of dehydration. Fatigue could be a sign of sleep apnea. As long as you pay attention to the messages your body provides, you can identify and reverse problems before they take control of your body.
Your oral health is no exception! We tend to think of our mouth as a separate entity from our body, but the truth is that oral health and general wellness are closely linked together. If you have an unhealthy mouth, these signals are trying to let you know.
Bad Breath… All Day Long!
Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, can develop for a few different reasons, but the main trigger is poor oral health.
As soon as you eat or drink, food particles breakdown all around your teeth. If you don’t brush and floss regularly to remove food remnants, they accumulate into a thick coating of plaque that spreads over your teeth, tongue, and gums. Odor-causing bacteria thrives inside this plaque and emits the foul odor we call “bad breath”.
Your eating habits have the power to reduce or aggravate bad breath because they directly influence the types of particles that cover your mouth until the next time you brush and floss.
Bad breath sounds like it would be easy to identify, but many people can’t assess the odor of their own mouths. If you suspect that halitosis is influencing your oral health, you can ask a close friend or spouse to check your breath and give honest feedback. You can also perform a breath test yourself by licking your wrist, giving the saliva time to dry, and then smelling it.
Your oral hygiene habits set the pace for your mouth health. If you’ve been slacking on your brushing and flossing, you can begin to improve your oral hygiene habits with these techniques:
Brush and floss at least twice a day
Scrape your tongue each morning with a tongue scraper
Replace your toothbrush every two to three months
Start oil pulling
Drink plenty of water
These simple yet effective steps will prevent bacteria from building up and generating a foul odor.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold Foods and Drinks
The sensation caused by sensitive teeth is nearly impossible to describe, but there’s no mistaking that awful zinging feeling whenever you drink something too cold or hot. In addition to the pain it causes, sensitivity is also a sign of an unhealthy mouth.
Factors like brushing too hard, overuse of acidic beverages like soda and coffee, and excessive use of whitening products all expose tiny canals that lead right to your dental nerves. As soon as anything hot or cold reaches the nerves, you experience a “zing”.
Gum disease is also known to cause severe tooth sensitivity since gums recede from the teeth and lose their support system. If you have gum disease, you also probably have excessive plaque in your mouth, which also erodes tooth enamel and exposes nerve endings.
There are a few ways to treat sensitivity teeth, but it’s important to ask for your dentist’s advice before you choose:
Desensitizing toothpaste
In-office fluoride treatment
White fillings or crowns
Root canal
Laser gum therapy
Chronic Sinus Infections From an Unhealthy Mouth
The bacteria that live in your mouth and gut are responsible for maintaining balanced immune responses throughout your body. This means that the health of your mouth directly impacts the strength of your immune system.
If you always seem to be coming down with a cold or sinus infection, that could be your body’s way of sending SOS messages Anything that harms or alters the microbiota communities in your mouth or digestive system has the potential to trigger immune dysfunction that leads to chronic sinus infections.
Improving your unhealthy mouth will create a direct improvement on your sinuses as well.
Dry Mouth
You have three main salivary glands and hundreds of minor salivary glands that are responsible for producing saliva in your mouth. Saliva is essential to the health of your teeth and gums, so when you develop dry mouth, it puts our oral health in danger.
Consider the roles that saliva performs:
Neutralizes acids in the mouth
Washes away food debris, bacteria, and other lingering toxins
Keeps the mouth moist and hydrated, even while eating dry foods or exercising
Breaks food down with enzymes and carries it from the mouth to the gut.
Bombarding your mouth with potent sugars and acids all day, every day compromises your mouth’s ability to produce saliva. This leads to a dry, unhealthy mouth.
Remain alert for these possible dry mouth symptoms:
Chronic bad breath
Cracked lips and inner cheeks
Difficulty tasting foods
Pain and inflammation on the tongue
Frequent tooth decay
Trouble speaking, swallowing, and chewing
The feeling of sticky or stringy saliva
Dry mouth can be treated in a few different ways. The first step is to improve your general oral health with more frequent brushing, flossing, and dental appointments. Adjust your diet to nutritious, wholesome foods, and switch to medications that don’t cause the side effect of dry mouth. If those changes still don’t resolve your dry mouth, ask your dentist about other professional treatments.
Tooth Discoloration From an Unhealthy Mouth
Poor oral care is a common cause of tooth discoloration. If you fail to brush and floss regularly, it’s all too easy for bacteria, acid, and plaque to accumulate and harden into tartar. Plaque and tartar both create an unsightly yellow coating around your teeth that leads to other issues like bad breath, decay, and tooth loss.
Fortunately, it can all be avoided with better oral hygiene! The simple actions of brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist twice a year help prevent discoloration before it begins.
Digestive Issues
The mouth is so much more than another part of the body. It’s where everything begins. There’s a direct and powerful link between oral health and whole body wellness.
As the entry point to the digestive system, the condition of your mouth directly influences your gastrointestinal health. This explains why poor oral health is shown to contribute to inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
When an unhealthy mouth becomes overwhelmed by pathogens, oral bacteria can constantly move into the gut and trigger serious complications. Some strains of bacteria found in unhealthy saliva are even resistant to antibiotics and believed to trigger intense gut inflammation.
Having healthy, strong teeth is one of the many benefits of consistently practicing good oral hygiene. It makes teeth less susceptible to chips, breaks and fractures, and it promotes good overall dental health.
A person's teeth are the strongest part of the body, but teeth are also bombarded with things that can damage their protective covering called enamel in time. Once the person's enamel becomes damaged, oral issues like cavities, tooth decay and infections will eventually develop. Properly taking care of the mouth leads to strong teeth, which leads to better dental and overall health.
4 habits that lead to strong teeth
1. Brushing twice a day
Brushing at least twice each day is one of the most effective things a person can do when it comes to keeping teeth strong. It serves a very important purpose, helping to remove food particles and plaque from the surfaces of the person's tooth. When left on teeth, these food teeth particles are broken down into acids that damage teeth enamel. The damage done by these acids is directly responsible for oral issues like cavities and tooth decay. These acids also weaken the integrity of teeth, making them more susceptible to breaks and fractures.
In addition, plaque left on teeth for prolonged periods of time turns into a calcified substance called tartar. This tartar gives teeth a yellow color, and it is a haven for acid-producing bacteria. Tartar is also more susceptible to staining than teeth enamel, so people with extensive tartar buildup are more likely to have unsightly stains and discoloration on their teeth.
2. Flossing daily
Flossing is the second half of brushing. Both tasks serve the same purpose: removing food particles and bacteria from teeth surfaces. Since the bristles of a toothbrush can reach the tight spaces between a person's teeth, dental floss is used to clean those areas. Flossing should be done at least once a day to ensure food particles and plaque do not build up between the tight spaces between teeth.
3. Using an antibacterial mouthwash
Using a quality mouthwash is not completely necessary, but it is exactly what some patients' need to give them strong teeth. Mouthwash helps to clean the tight areas even flossing cannot reach. It also helps to kills some of the bacteria that produce acids and lead to bad breath.
A quality mouthwash is also a good way to mineralize teeth since many are now infused with minerals like fluoride. A fluoride-infused toothpaste can also get the job done if the person does not spit after brushing, but mouthwashes often have a more pleasant taste.
4. Avoid sugary things
Sugar is the one of these biggest reason people end up with damaged teeth. It is very acidic in nature, and the bacteria that convert food particles into acids thrive on them. The consumption of sugary foods should be limited, and patients should rinse with water after having them.
We all have our favorite brands and flavors. It's crisp, refreshing, and zero calories. And that makes us feel good about our beverage choice. We're talking about sparkling water, of course! It's popularity right now is massively escalating, according to USA Today. But how does it affect your pearly whites? Is sparkling water bad for your teeth? We've got all the sparling water answers you need.
How Does Soda Affect Your Teeth?
If you asked your dentist for their thoughts on soda, they'd recommend avoiding it. Why? Two big reasons:
Sugar — soda has an abundance of it, leading to tooth decay and cavities
Acid — most sodas are highly acidic, contributing to tooth erosion
So now you know what not to drink. Some healthier alternatives to drink include water, milk, and you guessed it — unsweetened sparkling water.
What Are Sparkling Water's Effects on Your Teeth?
That fizzy refreshment in your sparkling water, it's caused by carbonation. And it's the carbonation that has some concerned. So is carbonated water bad for your teeth? A Journal of the American Dental Association study found that many popular sports drinks were "extremely erosive," while most sparkling carbonated waters ranked as "minimally erosive." So does minimally erosive equate to "bad"?
Sparkling water is much less erosive than other beverages. Which is good — so it's not bad for you. "For an average, healthy person, carbonated, sugar-free beverages are not going to be a main cavity-causing factor," according to the U.S. News & World Report article. However, it's not necessarily good for you. It's great to replace soda with sparkling water, but don't replace water with fluoride over its sparkling counterpart.
What Are Some Other Ways to Protect Your Teeth?
To battles against cavities and enamel erosion, there are a few things you can do.
Brush with specially formulated toothpaste to help strengthen tooth enamel, replenish natural calcium, and protect against tooth sensitivity
See your dentist regularly to detect signs of tooth decay early when it is easy to correct or reverse
Now you know the truth about sparkling water — it isn't bad for your teeth. You also understand what's needed to keep your teeth healthy while you enjoy something fizzy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 31% of US adults aged 20-44 have untreated dental cavities. The prevalence of tooth decay and gum disease is largely due to poor oral hygiene practices.
Oral hygiene, which includes daily brushing and flossing, is absolutely essential for preserving your smile and minimizing your risk for dental problems. Neglecting either of these aspects, even for a short period of time, can have serious consequences to dental health and the appearance of your smile.
In celebration of National Dental Hygiene Month, we’d like to encourage our Kingston patients to take a critical look at their oral hygiene routine and consider different ways they can improve dental care.
IS YOUR ORAL HYGIENE ROUTINE UP TO PAR?
Improving your dental hygiene should be specific to your smile and individual concerns. However, generally speaking, many patients can benefit from the following tips:
Switch Out Your Toothbrush: When was the last time you switched out your toothbrush? According to the American Dental Association, it’s best to switch out your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3-4 months. As the toothbrush begins to wear, the bristles can become frayed and less effective at removing plaque from your teeth. As a rule of thumb, we recommend switching your toothbrush at the start of each season to make sure you’re properly cleaning your teeth.
Use Mouthwash: Using mouthwash won’t replace brushing or flossing, but it’s an excellent additional tool to boost your dental health. Using a mouthwash can help wash away harmful plaque or food debris lingering in the mouth. As a bonus, mouthwash is also great for freshening your breath.
Upgrade Your Tools: Of course, if you find that a manual toothbrush and traditional string floss work well for you, there’s no need to upgrade your dental tools. But for patients that want to improve their oral hygiene routine, it may be a good idea to look into other tools. Investing in an electric toothbrush or a water flosser may help bring your dental hygiene routine to a new level.
Use Products Tailored for Your Smile: With a vast array of oral health products on the market, it can be difficult to choose what will work best for your smile. We recommend choosing products tailored to your own concerns. For example, patients worried about discoloration should opt for whitening toothpaste or patients with tooth sensitivity should opt for desensitizing toothpaste.
Schedule Routine Dental Cleanings: While there are plenty of at-home tools out there, you should never skip out on professional dental cleanings. Your dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth and remove tartar that is nearly impossible to remove yourself. Be sure to maintain great oral hygiene with the help of routine cleanings.
Toothaches can range from mildly unpleasant to downright nasty. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell whether a tooth is infected or if something else is causing your tooth pain. Our team at Troy Bartels, DDS is always available to answer your questions. Today we want to share the top 3 reasons for tooth infections to help you decide whether you need to seek immediate treatment.
Reason 1: Poor Dental Hygiene
One common reason for tooth infections is bad oral hygiene. Without proper care, the acid produced by oral bacteria can cause cavities, irritate gums, and result in a tooth infection. Without quick treatment, a tooth infection can cause tooth or gum loss. It can even become life-threatening by spreading through your bloodstream to the rest of your body.
Reason 2: A High Sugar Diet
A diet high in sugar can greatly increase your risk for tooth infections. Oral bacteria feed on sugar, breaking it down into acid. Over time, acid and oral bacteria can coat your teeth in a sticky biofilm called plaque. Without proper care, plaque can harden into tartar, a substance that is notorious for causing tooth infections and irritating gums.
Reason 3: Dry Mouth
Believe it or not, your saliva plays an important role in your oral health. Not only does saliva rinse the surface of your teeth, it contains enzymes that are important in the digestive process. Because people with dry mouth do not produce enough saliva, they are at an increased risk for developing a tooth infection.
Is My Tooth Infection a Dental Emergency?
Sometimes, our patients aren’t sure whether their toothache is a dental emergency. If you’re experiencing significant pain, you may be experiencing advanced tooth infection and should treat it as an emergency. Fever, swelling, or stomach pain may also indicate that your tooth infection needs immediate treatment.
