Dentists Journal

Top Ten Stories of the Week
6/29/2024

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Signs You Need to Make an Appointment With Your Dentist Fast

Have you been putting off making that dentist appointment for awhile? Maybe you’ve got a nagging suspicion that you’ve got a cavity, and don’t want to deal with it.

That’s not a good idea. Your tooth decay will only get worse, leading to a more painful root canal down the line.

You also might be experiencing symptoms, without even knowing it, that should land you right in that dentist’s chair straight away.

Want to make sure your teeth are as healthy as can be?

Read on to make sure you’re not avoiding dental issues (accidentally or otherwise) that should be taken care of now!

Set A Dentist Appointment For Bleeding Gums

This is probably a familiar scene to you: you’re feeling the self-love today, so after brushing your teeth, you decide to take a whack at flossing. You guiltily pick the plastic floss container and tear a piece off, knowing you don’t do it as often as you should.

As you start flossing in between your teeth, the floss comes back red with blood.

Should you be worried? Have you ever wondered why your gums bleed when you floss?

It may seem like it’s not a big deal, but bleeding gums can actually be a sign that you need to make a dentist appointment, pronto.

Remnants of the food you eat eventually decomposes into bacteria in your mouth. That bacteria can get stuck in between your teeth. It’s incredibly irritating to your gums, making them sensitive to pressure.

Flossing provides just enough pressure to bother those inflamed gums. If you don’t floss twice a day, or your gums bleed when you floss, you may be at risk for gingivitis. This can lead to periodontitis or tooth loss down the road, so it’s best to make that dentist appointment now.

Translucent Teeth

Take a look in the mirror, and flash those pearly whites. Do you notice that they’re a little translucent around the edges?

If so, you might be suffering from bruxism without even knowing it. Bruxism is the medical term for grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw. Frequently, this happens at night while you’re fast asleep.

That’s why it can take awhile to get diagnosed. If you don’t realize you’re doing it and don’t know what to look for, how could you ever know there’s a problem?

Translucent teeth are a result of grinding your enamel down from bruxism. If this sounds like you, you should see a dentist ASAP.

Bad Breath

Dealing with bad breath can be annoying and embarrassing. Do you brush regularly, but your breath still reeks? Does it seem like minty gum just does nothing for you?

There might be something more going on. Bad breath can be a sign of tooth decay, tooth infection, or gum disease.

If you’re growing more and more frustrated with chronic bad breath, head to a dentist. They may be able to find out what’s really going on, and help you find a long-term solution. No more gum!

Pain in the Jaw

If you’re experiencing pain in your jaw, especially when you wake up in the morning, you might need to see a dentist. Pain in your jaw can be a sign of temporomandibular joint disorder or TMJ. TMJ is easily treatable, though, if you seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.

Jaw pain can also mean that you’re grinding your teeth at night. It can be a sign of an abscessed tooth that will need to be removed. It can even be a sign of a misaligned bite.

All of these things are treatable! Don’t wait to take care of them.

Insecurity

Let’s face it: insecurity over your teeth can sometimes affect your mental health pretty drastically. It doesn’t have to be this way.

If you’re insecure about crooked teeth, there’s a solution. Try Invisalign to straighten them out. You don’t have to be an adult with braces!

You can also have your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist if they’re starting to yellow. It’s that, or give up coffee! And who can give up coffee?

Professional whitening is also safer than at-home whitening treatments. At-home treatments can sometimes mask dark spots that a dentist might need for a potential diagnosis. They can also cause tooth sensitivity that can be painful!

Plaque Buildup

You’ve probably heard that you should be going to the dentist twice a year for cleaning. You’ve also probably blown it off at least a couple of times.

The reality is that it’s as important as ever to get your bi-annual cleanings. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease and tooth infection.

It’s also important to get checked up by your dentist at least this frequently to maintain your oral health. At your cleaning appointment, your dentist can check for cavities. They can also keep their eye out for early signs of disease to head it off before it becomes a problem.

Wisdom Teeth

If you’re a teenager or young adult and your wisdom teeth are growing in, make a dentist appointment to assess whether or not they’ll need to be pulled.

If you let them grow in without this advice, there might not be room in your mouth for all your new teeth. That can lead to an impacted wisdom tooth, which can lead to a really painful infection called pericoronitis.

If your wisdom teeth have already grown in, check them out in the mirror to see if your gums are beginning to grow over them. Sometimes, a gum flap will develop. This is the leading sign of pericoronitis.

If you see these signs and symptoms around your wisdom teeth, make a dentist appointment soon to avoid infection!

Make Your Dentist Appointment

If you’re suffering from any of the above signs, it’s crucial that you make a dentist appointment soon to avoid long-term teeth and gum damage. Diseases like Gingivitis are avoidable if you make your health a priority now.

(06/23/2024)
by Dee Kay Dental

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Views: 180
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Toothache, Bad Breath Or Teeth Decay?

Dental problems are common today and the blame often goes to poor lifestyle choices and inadequate dental care practices. It is a fact that many people believe that poor lifestyle choices are to be blamed for the poor dental health of an individual. Lack of a dental healthcare regime and improper eating habits are believed to be the leading cause of tooth decay.

However, a recent study indicates that the genes may also have a role to play in our oral health. According to recent research by Anthropology and Dentistry, genetic factors are involved in a whopping 60 per cent of tooth decay cases.

While the researchers still have to come up with a comprehensive study regarding this but certain recent reports are indicating that there is a close relation between tooth decay and genetics in several essential ways.

Oral diseases may be inherited

Several factors such as the shape of our head, face, jaw, and mouth are governed by our genes. In many instances, children inherit the same jaw line or jaw size as their parents. Therefore, it is a possibility that the children may have same oral health issues astheir parents. Some such issues are

Oral cancer

Gum disease

Misaligned teeth

Genetic oral abnormalities such as cleft palate like their parents.

A little care can go a long way

While genetics does have a role to play in our dental structure and put us at a high risk for a few diseases but most oral health issues are preventable. Shedding more light on this, Dr. Mohender Narula, Dental expert & Co-founder, MyDentalPlan Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. says, ""Oral disease such as gingivitis can be hereditarily transferred and needs extra attention if the family has a history.

Although, regardless of our genetic makeup, oral problems like cavities are preventable." Further, speaking about maintaining good oral health, Dr Narula says, "Following a good dental health regime and avoiding certain foods can go a long way in ensuring perfect teeth and oral health."

A few tips for you

Remember to brush twice a day for two minutes.

Use a soft dentist recommended brush.

Use toothpaste that has fluoride.

Drink enough water to stay hydrated.

Visit a dentist twice a year. It helps in receiving targeted approach towards oral wellness and can also recognise significant issues at very initial stage.

(06/24/2024)
by the Health Site

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Views: 181
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Five Facts You May Not Know About Wisdom Teeth

People have many opinions when it comes to wisdom teeth. Most times, they visit the dentist with notions regarding the eruption and extraction of wisdom teeth, some of which are incorrect.

Five important facts you may not know about wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth have outlived their usage in modern adults

Our mouth has the structure to hold 28 teeth. However, wisdom teeth or the third molars were vital for humanity's ancestors. Due to the nature of their diet, they needed additional teeth to chew and process foods in the mouth. They also did not have good oral hygiene and dental care, which often caused tooth loss while they were still young. When they reached teenage years or adolescence, the wisdom teeth would erupt. The extra set of teeth would be vital for normal oral functions.

Nowadays, wisdom teeth are not as important. Our diets are different, and the additional set of teeth are no longer needed to process foods. Experts recommend you go for a wisdom teeth extraction once you notice any issue with their eruption, such as impaction.

Wisdom teeth eruption can cause halitosis

You already know that erupting wisdom teeth can be accompanied by a great deal of pain. However, you may not know that they can also cause halitosis or bad breath. During the process of breaking out from the gums, they can cause tears that trap food particles and bacteria. As the particles decay and the bacteria grow, the patient may start to notice persistent halitosis, even after brushing the teeth. This may be an excellent reason to consider wisdom teeth extraction.

Wisdom teeth can disrupt normal teeth alignment

You may have worked tirelessly to achieve a beautiful smile through orthodontic treatment and teeth whitening. However, once wisdom teeth start erupting, they can disrupt the position of other teeth, especially if there is not enough space on the jaw to accommodate them. This could hamper the beauty of your smile and cause teeth crowding. The wisdom teeth may need to be removed to restore normalcy.

Impacted wisdom teeth hardly ever erupt

Not all wisdom teeth make it out of the gums. Some get impacted, meaning they are trapped in the jawbone or blocked by other teeth. This often happens when the wisdom teeth come in at an awkward angle. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe pain and will need to be removed through a surgical procedure.

Wisdom teeth extraction is not as painful as you thought

Many people may have mentioned that the process of extracting wisdom teeth is painful and debilitating. That is not always so if you undergo the procedure with a professional and experienced dentist. The dental expert will ensure maximum comfort during the procedure by administering anesthesia and other forms of sedation dentistry.

Final note

If you suspect that your wisdom teeth are coming in, you should book an appointment with your dentist to have them checked. If they are bound to cause trouble, the dentist will suggest extraction to prevent the pain of eruption and impaction.

(06/26/2024)
by Facial Spectrum

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Views: 166
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Signs Your Mouth Is Healthy

Oral health is more important than you may think. Your mouth mirrors the condition of your body and can provide you with signs of potential disease and illness. That’s why keeping your teeth, gums, and tongue healthy is essential. If you’re not sure how to determine if your mouth is healthy, read on as we provide you with some signs you should be looking for. 

Firm and Pink Gums

When it comes to having a healthy mouth, you should check that your gums are both firm and a pale pink colour. Healthy gums also won’t normally bleed when you brush or floss your teeth – they should be able to withstand normal oral care. So if you’re experiencing white or red puffy or bleeding gums, you should talk to your dentist right away.

Fresh Breath

If you’ve noticed a bad taste or some unpleasant odours coming from your mouth you may have reasons to be concerned. Bad breath is a tell-tale sign of bacteria and gingivitis. Even though you can cover it up with gum and mints as a temporary solution, make sure to see your doctor if it persists for longer than a few days. Avoiding the symptoms could lead to gum disease, enhanced odour, or other complications for the body. 

Healthy Tongue

Your tongue is often used by healthcare professionals to indicate other health problems throughout the rest of your body. And if your tongue is discoloured it could be a sign of auto immune disease, diabetes, cancer or nutritional deficiency, among others. Your tongue should be pink, smooth and covered in papillae which are tiny nodules. Anything different should be reported to your doctor and dentist. 

No Signs of Pain

Aside from canker sores or accidental burns from eating hot food, pain or sensitivity in your mouth may be early signs of mouth disease. You can first try over the counter treatments to help reduce the symptoms you are experiencing but if it persists for longer than a week, call your dentist immediately for a check-up. 

Proper Alignment

Having straight teeth won’t just improve the appearance of your smile, it can also ensure proper oral health. Having unaligned and crowded teeth can impact your oral hygiene and make it difficult to get a proper cleaning. Plus, if you don’t fix the alignment issues you could end up with jaw problems as well, like grinding teeth at night, and soreness in the head, neck, and ear area. So ensure to get a regular check up and talk with your dentist about your options for alignment.

The health of your mouth is a reflection of your entire body’s well-being. If you notice any of the above issues mentioned, or just feel like something is not right, contact your dentist. They have the knowledge and expertise to help you achieve optimal health.

(06/25/2024)
by The Teal Umbrella Family Dental

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Views: 173
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The Most Common Problems with Your Teeth

For most of your life, you’ve heard you need to brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and visit your preferred dentist at least twice a year. Neglecting even basic dental care can turn into a nightmare for your smile, your gums, and your teeth. Of course, sometimes, even when you do everything right, you might still have problem teeth – or lose a tooth or two.

Take a look at the most common problems you can experience with your teeth, and make sure to contact your dentist if you’re experiencing any of them.

Toothaches

Toothaches are caused by a variety of problems. In all cases, you’ll want to seek dental or medical treatment as soon as possible. Your teeth or mouth may ache due to a broken or cracked tooth, an abscessed tooth, cavities, or having a tooth knocked out in an accident. Do not delay in seeing your dentist when you have a toothache as it will only get worse and cause more problems over time.

Tooth Decay

You may not always be able to see tooth decay but you can feel it. It’s the reason you get a cavity, but it can also lead to other, more serious problems later. Tooth decay is caused by plaque that forms on your teeth combining with the sugars or starches from the food you eat to form an acid. This acid sits on your teeth and damages the enamel, leading to cavities and other problems. The best option is to prevent tooth decay before it starts by brushing and flossing regularly and having your teeth cleaned at least twice a year.

Gum Disease

While gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, isn’t an illness or injury in your teeth, it affects your teeth a great deal. Gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults. Symptoms include bad breath, sensitive teeth, painful chewing, and red, swollen, tender gums. There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Regular check-ups with your dentist and good dental hygiene will help prevent gum disease, but it’s also important to treat it during the early stages to avoid tooth loss.

Tooth Erosion

Tooth erosion means that you experience loss of tooth structure. It happens most commonly when acid attacks the enamel and wears it down. This causes multiple other issues like cracking of your teeth and tooth sensitivity. Because this is directly impacted by what you eat and drink, it’s important to reduce your intake of sugary or carbonated drinks, use straws while drinking, and rinse your mouth out with water after you eat or drink anything. Proper care and cleaning of your teeth can help prevent tooth erosion as well.

Tooth Sensitivity

Having sensitive teeth makes even the most basic function – like eating or drinking – extremely painful. When your teeth are sensitive you may experience pain while eating sweets or ice cream, drinking hot or cold beverages, and even feeling cold air on your teeth. It’s important to see your dentist because there are treatments for tooth sensitivity that are available. Plus, tooth sensitivity can also be a sign of something more serious like a cracked or abscessed tooth.

Missing Teeth

You may lose a tooth for any number of reasons – an accident, gum disease, and tooth decay are just a few. Missing teeth lead to multiple problems including difficulty eating or speaking. The remaining teeth you have may also shift and move in your mouth, impacting your smile. Dental implants are a long-lasting solution to replace a tooth or multiple teeth to avoid bone loss in your jaw and other problems caused by missing teeth.

Unattractive Smile

A smile you don’t like isn’t always caused by a dental health problem with your teeth, but missing, decaying, or eroding teeth definitely impact your smile. This causes problems with self esteem and confidence which affects your relationships and career. Depending on the reason for why you don’t love your smile, there are plenty of options to give you a smile you can be proud of, including dental implants or other cosmetic procedures.

Conclusion

Proper dental hygiene and regular dental check-ups can prevent most problems with your teeth. Even with the best preventative care, though, you can still experience pain, sensitivity, or missing teeth. Depending on what’s wrong, there are multiple options to correct your smile and make sure you’re pain-free, including dental implants. If you’re unhappy with your teeth or in a lot of pain, talk to a qualified dentist and find out what treatment options are available.

(06/21/2024)
by Dental Brothers

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Views: 142
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