Month: July 2021

You must have come across the notion that certain drinks, black coffee, black tea, white wine, sugary cold drinks, etc., are harmful to your teeth as they lead to discoloration and teeth staining. But did you know some drinks are beneficial for your teeth and overall oral hygiene? Well, if you want to know which drinks are the best for your teeth, read ahead as you are at the right place. 

• Contrary to popular belief, beer is a widely held beverage that has positive implications for the teeth and gums. Certain scientific researches reveal that a compound called ‘hops’ present in beer is beneficial for the teeth. But, more studies need to back this claim.
• Water the universal drink – possesses neutral qualities when it comes to benefitting teeth and gums. In addition to providing the much-needed hydration for your body, water helps boost the salivary flow of the mouth, which keeps the overall oral health in check.
• Milk is a drink that is not only good for bones but also the teeth. It helps in enhancing the teeth’ strength and also makes them radiant and white. Milk is loaded with calcium, proteins, and other vital minerals that prevent dental decay and cavities. It also hinders the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth and keeps intact an appropriate pH level that keeps the teeth and gums hale and healthy. 
• Unlike black tea that potentially stains the teeth, green tea is excellent for the wellbeing of the teeth and gums. Green tea contains antioxidants that assist in maintaining the optimal pH balance in the mouth. Consumption of green tea prevents tooth decay and other related problems. 
• There is a widely held perception that red wine is not our best friend when keeping teeth immaculately clean and white. But, recent studies show that drinking red wine in moderation inhibits dental decay and other gum diseases. 
• Vegetable juices are exemplary for keeping teeth healthy and strong. Low sugar vegetable juices that are prepared from leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and so on are beneficial for overall oral hygiene. Vegetable juices with vitamin B and calcium are crucial in restoring and maintaining the strength and quality of the teeth and gums. 

Drinks That You Should Avoid

White wine is a major pet peeve for the overall health of our teeth and gums. It has a high acidic concentration which can erode the precious dental enamel with regular or uncontrolled consumption. Similarly, vodka is another alcoholic beverage that can potentially harm our teeth by reducing saliva secretion and disrupting the mouth’s pH. Carbonated drinks like soda can have adverse effects on the teeth and gums. It would help if you also avoided acidic fruit juices like those made from lemon and oranges as they can damage your precious enamel. Lastly, sugary drinks are the worst for our teeth as they can lead to the proliferation of bacteria and cause dental caries.

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Dentures are an amazing option for people who have missing teeth. On the other hand, a traditional denture is a time-consuming procedure. If you don’t have time for a regular denture treatment, same-day dentures or immediate dentures are an option. Same-day dentures, also known as immediate dentures, are similar to traditional dentures but do not require the patient to wait. If you have all of your teeth extracted, you may be asked to choose between a same-day denture (also known as an immediate denture) and the traditional technique. Both of these have their own advantages and disadvantages.

What is Traditional Denture?

These dentures are made using the traditional procedure, which involves having your teeth extracted and then waiting for healing and bone changes to settle. Two months is the shortest period of time that the dentist proposes. However, the longer you wait, the more secure your jawbone will be when your dentures are manufactured. This suggests that your dentures will be more comfortable to wear. They will also fit better after an extended period of time. You will also get the opportunity to examine and approve the appearance of the dentures in your mouth. The drawback of traditional dentures is that you will lack teeth for several months.

What is Same-Day Denture?

Same-day dentures are pretty identical to traditional dentures, except that you are given new dentures immediately following your appointment here. Dentures are instantly put into a patient’s mouth after their teeth are extracted. People who have already lost teeth and have healed gums are the best candidates for same-day dentures. With same-day dentures, your dentist generates a 3D picture or mold for the dentures, which an on-site denturist then makes the same day. The whole procedure is completed in a single visit.

Immediate Denture VS Traditional Denture

Many people are unaware of the distinctions between instant and traditional dentures. After all, they are both constructed of the same materials, have the same purpose, and are built using a mold of your mouth. The way the two types of replacement teeth fit is the critical distinction.

Immediate and traditional dentures are designed based on the size and form of your mouth after the extraction process. When you are entirely healed and ready for your permanent teeth, the swelling of your gums and the contour of your mouth will be considerably different. These temporary teeth are meant to move around with your mouth while you recuperate.

Another characteristic that differentiates these teeth from a standard set of replacement teeth is their color. If you have immediate dentures, they will be tailored to match the color of your natural teeth, and if you have complete dentures, they will be more natural-looking. At this time, your temporary partials or dentures may not be the proper hue for your teeth.

Same-day dentures are manufactured using the same technology as other types of dentures. However, immediate dentures, on the other hand, are less apparent than regular dentures.

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We can gauge the pertinence of the teeth whitening ‘movement’ from the fact that Americans spend nearly USD 11 billion every year on teeth whitening products. Out of the total, USD 1.4 billion is expended on home teeth whitening remedies. One of the most widespread at-home teeth whitening options preferred by the average consumer is hydrogen peroxide. If you are interested in grasping more about hydrogen peroxide and its utility, read ahead.

What is hydrogen peroxide? Is it safe?

Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that can be found in most homes and first aid boxes. The substance has diverse usages, and one of the most popular being teeth bleaching and whitening. Hydrogen peroxide is a typical ingredient in commercial teeth whitening toothpaste and strips. The safe concentration of the ingredient varies from 3 percent to 10 percent for over-the-counter products. But, dentists can, in fact, recommend hydrogen peroxide with concentrations of up to 40 percent. Studies have revealed that the long-term application of hydrogen peroxide can wear down our precious enamel. But, in controlled contexts, the ingredient can visibly lighten and whiten teeth. Higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can also be detrimental to teeth. 

Can hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth?

Research shows that 1.5 percent to 5 percent hydrogen peroxide is enough to lighten and whiten our teeth visibly. Most of the commercial teeth whitening strips and pastes with hydrogen peroxide can whiten teeth. In case you are on the hunt for an affordable at-home solution to get sparkly white teeth, hydrogen peroxide might be the perfect option. But, it is critical to exercise caution while dealing with the substance as it can cause enamel erosion and teeth sensitivity. It is imperative to use hydrogen peroxide products in small quantities and for shorter periods. A peroxide solution can also lead to inflammation of the gums and teeth roots, and it is vital to keep looking out for side effects of peroxide whitening. 

Ways to keep teeth dazzling and healthy

Precaution is better than cure, and this proverb holds unrivaled truth when it comes to dental health. Rather than being careless and allowing the teeth to be stained, it is crucial to take precautionary steps. Avoiding over-consumption of sugary foods and drinks is essential to prevent tooth decay and dental caries. Coffee, tea, red wine, and cigarettes are the mortal enemies of dazzling teeth as they lead to extrinsic stains. It is advisable to avoid such items to keep the teeth and gums hale and healthy. Eating foods with abundant calcium content, such as spinach, milk, tofu, etc., can help strengthen the enamel. Lastly, an excellent dental care regimen is indispensable when it comes to keeping teeth bright and shining. A toothpaste tube with sufficient fluoride content should be used regularly, followed by dental flossing and mouthwash. Timely visits to the dentist are essential if you are serious about gum and teeth health.

It is essential to understand that teeth whitening should not be the end goal of your daily dental regimen. Instead, the focus should be on clean gums and teeth.

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An excellent dental care routine during childhood paves the path for healthy teeth and gums in the future. But, ironically, it is a proven fact that children are more susceptible to dental decay. Hence, some additive steps are of paramount significance when it comes to children’s dental regimens. Toothpaste and dental floss are critical for children, but they may not be enough to keep cavities at bay. This is when dental sealants come to the rescue. In case you are keen on grasping more about sealants and how they can protect your child’s smile, you are at the right place.

A Brief Overview of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are the safety gear that keeps teeth protected from bacteria, plaque, and tartar formation. It is applied over the deep grooves on the chewing side of the teeth, particularly on the molars. The primary objective of sealants is to fill up the deep and inaccessible areas of the teeth to prevent debris accumulation. Statistics show that the use of sealants can reduce the risk of cavities by 80 percent among children. 

Is There a Right Time to Get Sealants?

Experts recommend that children should get sealants as soon as the first molars prop up, that is, approximately at the age of six. Furthermore, the second molars erupt by the age of twelve. Applying dental sealants the moment molars emerge is a great tactic to diminish visits to the dentist in the future. Sealants are durable and last for years without needing any replacement or repair. They are, indeed, the perfect investment for comprehensive dental health. 

Application of Dental Sealants

Despite the supposed complication, the process of applying dental sealants is easy, quick, and painless. To begin with, a dental cleaning is undertaken to rid the teeth of dental plaque and tartar. After that, the chewing surface of the child’s teeth is painted with sealant. Although sealants are made of plastic, they are unnoticeable. Dental sealants do not need frequent reparations, but it is essential to get them checked time and again. It is imperative to get a child’s dental checkup done every six months, and this is when the dentist can also examine the sealants.

The durability of sealants is what makes them exceptional for maintaining health. As a matter of fact, their durability can be extended even more through stringent dental care. Children need to engage in regular brushing of teeth, followed by dental flossing. They can also use a mild mouthwash for some extra protection. Furthermore, using a toothpaste tube with adequate fluoride concentration is crucial to strengthening children’s precious enamel. Lastly, it is essential to keep in check what a child consumes as over-eating sugary foods and drinks and cause irreparable harm to the teeth and damage the dental sealants way before they are due to expire. 

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The importance of a good bite often goes unnoticed by us – laypeople. Maintaining a good bite becomes vital for prolonged dental health as it promotes overall sound oral hygiene and prevents problems such as chewing, gum disease, and even tooth decay. A dental bite refers to a situation of the mouth wherein the upper and lower teeth fit together. In a good bite, the alignment of the teeth is straight. The upper set of teeth extend in front of and over the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. At times, permanent teeth can erupt abnormally or out of position from the gums. This misalignment is known as a poor bite or malocclusion. 

Common types of poor bites

Also known as malocclusions, poor bites can lead to severe problems such as difficulty in chewing, challenges in keeping teeth and gums clean, and so on. Moreover, the unappealing look associated with poor bites can lower the confidence and self-esteem of many people.

• Overbite is when the upper teeth hide the lower teeth when a person attempts to close their mouth. Another signal of overbite is biting the roof of the mouth with the lower teeth. 
• An underbite is when the lower teeth conceal the upper when they are trying to close their mouth. 
• An open bite is another symptom of malocclusion. It is when the upper and lower teeth do not precisely meet in front of the mouth when the person closes their mouth.
• Buck teeth overjet is a grave sign of malocclusion or poor bite. It is a condition in which the front incisors protrude or stick out over the lower set.

Benefits of correcting a poor bit

Correcting a poor bite has countless health benefits, and a newly emerging beautiful smile is the bonus. Malocclusion can severely impact the digestion of a person by hindering the chewing process. Thus, correcting a poor bite improves digestion. Numerous dental problems like tooth decay and gum issues can be swiftly tackled and prevented after correcting a poor bite. Crooked teeth are more susceptible to plaque buildup as there may be several nooks and corners inside the mouth that the toothbrush cannot reach. After correcting a poor bite and aligning the teeth, the risk of tooth decay, caries, and conditions like gingivitis are reduced. Lastly, a renewed confidence can be regarded as the best benefit of correcting a poor bite or malocclusion.

X-rays and teeth impressions can help us understand the extent of a person’s poor bite. They reveal the areas of misalignment in detail. Orthodontics usually recommends braces in case of poor bites that are menial. But, if a person requires advanced treatment, the dentist may suggest mouth implements, teeth removal, or jaw surgery. Teeth removal is applicable for children suffering from a poor bite. The dentist can pluck the milk teeth of children and uproot the problem of malocclusion altogether. 

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You may be debating whether or not now is the right time to get an electric toothbrush. After all, a toothbrush is a must-have personal care product. Right from the starting, we are taught the significance of brushing our teeth on a regular basis to maintain our teeth and gums healthy. Brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each, is recommended by the Indian Dental Association (IDA) to eliminate plaque and food debris from between teeth and under the gum line. This keeps your mouth healthy and prevents dental decay.

Oral hygiene is not only important for just dental health but also has an impact on your general health. Gum disease is a risk factor for the onset of serious health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. When the nylon brush was first invented, there were not many options available for brushes. But now, there are so many choices that it might be difficult to know where to begin. An electric toothbrush is among one such option.

What Is An Electric Toothbrush?

Electric Toothbrushes are typically considered to be more effective than manual toothbrushes, and many dental practitioners recommend the former to help their patients brush more effectively. You can remove more plaque with an electric toothbrush than with a manual toothbrush because of its rapid speed. If you are planning to invest in an electric toothbrush, there are many different varieties to choose from. every electric brush comes with its own set of functions and price range.

Evaluation Criterion for Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes are not all made equal, and which one you choose is primarily determined by your own tastes and comfort level. Understanding the different types of replacement brush heads and their technology might help you make a better judgment when deciding between different models

• Stiffness of the bristles
  When a toothbrush is classified as extra soft, soft, medium, or hard, it refers to the firmness of the bristles. Harder bristles can harm and remove enamel and root surfaces, so use them sparingly. The IDA recommends a brush with gentle bristles.
  

• Recommendation of Dental Practitioner
  Ask your dentist for a recommendation to check that your toothbrush has passed stringent quality control testing for cleaning efficacy and safety. Alternatively, search for the Indian Dental Association (IDA) Seal of Approval on manual or electric toothbrushes.
  

• Size
  The finest toothbrush head for you should provide you access to all of your teeth’s surfaces. A toothbrush head that is half an inch wide and one-inch height will be more convenient and effective for adults. Toothbrushes with larger heads heads are difficult to manipulate. It is hard-to-reach places like the sides and backs of your molars with such toothbrushes.
  

• Oscillating Motion
  Any electric toothbrush without an oscillating motion should be avoided. This implies that the bristles move a distance back and forth to dislodge plaque and particles. Many electric toothbrushes vibrate in your palm, but they don’t offer any additional cleaning benefits at the bristles.

Along with meeting these requirements, electric toothbrushes bearing the seal must also pass safety testing in an independent lab and demonstrate through clinical trials that they are safe to use on the mouth, as well as any dental hardware that may be present.

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Chewing gums have been a long-held solution for foul breath. According to the US Census Bureau, the average American chews 1.8 pounds of gum every year. Well, the numbers should not be startling as gums remain a consistent part of our lives, from the candy-yearning childhood days to the peak of adulthood where chomping on a gum becomes a stress-relieving mechanism. Furthermore, anecdotal evidence and grapevine suggest that gums may possess surprising benefits, such as memory retention and jaw-defining. So is the pile of goodness associated with gums factual, or are they simply a capitalist fad. Let us find out!

Health and chewing gums – are they compatible?

Gums can be good for oral health only if they are sugar-free. Constantly munching on gums with a high concentration of sugar will eventually cause dental caries and toothache. But, even with ‘sugar-free’ gums, it is essential to exercise caution. Experts have found that ‘sugar-free’ products contain a sweetener called sorbitol that may have some side effects. Also, chewing too much ‘sugar-free’ gums can lead to bowel problems. Chewing gum 30 minutes before a meal creates a feeling of being full; as such, we eat less, and there is a calorie deficit. People can go overboard with this habit, resulting in severe weight loss. Coming back to dental health, several whitening chewing gums available in the market can, indeed, whiten teeth because of their grittiness. The typical substance found in whitening gums – titanium oxide – is beneficial in reducing teeth discoloration. But, on the contrary, chomping on gums with a high concentration of sweeteners can make the teeth appear more yellow. Another ostensible advantage of chewing gums is defining the jawline. Munching on gum activates eight different muscles on the face and neck, thereby relaxing them. Therefore, the process of gum chewing aids in achieving a dream jawline and reducing the unwarranted double chin. 

How long should you chew gum?

Research corroborates that constantly chewing gum, at all hours of the day can create problems like jaw pain, headaches, diarrhea, and tooth decay. There is no ideal time frame for chewing gum. But, you should avoid regularity, and it should not become a habit. One gum a day or on alternate days is viable and beneficial. Choose a suitable, sugar-free variant that will keep the ill effects of gums at bay. 

Ways to keep teeth and gums after constantly munching on gums

If chewing countless gums a day has become part and parcel of your life, taking extra care of the gums and teeth is even more critical. If the gums contain high amounts of sugar, try to cut down on other sources like chocolates, candies, etc., to keep your oral health in check. Regular brushing of teeth, followed by dental flossing, and a premium-quality mouthwash are mandatory to stop bacteria accumulation and prevent plaque formation. Finally, regular visits to the dentist are vital to keeping those pearly whites in the best possible condition. 

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Pregnancy comes with a lot of responsibilities, including how you care for your teeth. Routine dental appointments are safe for most pregnant women, but let your dentist know what month you are in when scheduling your appointment. Your dentist and physician may recommend that treatment be postponed if you are pregnant at high risk or have another medical condition. Also, if your prescriptions have changed or if you’ve gotten any specific advice from your doctor, make sure to inform your dentist.

During pregnancy, your dental health is crucial to your overall wellness. It is also a vital element during pregnancy. It raises the risk of certain dental health issues, resulting in pregnancy difficulties such as early birth. In addition, pregnancy involves hormonal changes that increase the risk of gum disease, which can impact your unborn child’s health. One should attend regular dental checks and should inform the dentist regarding pregnancy. At such times, taking proper care of your mouth, teeth, and gums will help you have a healthy pregnancy and baby.

How may pregnancy affect your dental health?

Your gums and teeth may be affected by the following changes in your body during pregnancy.

• Your eating habits may change as, during pregnancy, you may eat more of certain foods than you did before becoming pregnant, which may affect your dental health.
• Brushing and flossing your teeth less frequently during pregnancy will harm your oral hygiene.
• You have higher amounts of various hormones in your body during pregnancy, such as progesterone and estrogen. These can put you at risk for a variety of oral health issues.

How to keep up with dental health during pregnancy?

• ADA Seal products should be purchased.
• Consume a well-balanced diet.
• Visit the dentist for a professional cleaning and examination regularly.
• Brush your teeth twice a day with ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste.
• If you’re suffering from morning sickness and are constantly vomiting, consider rinsing your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water to prevent stomach acid from harming your teeth.
• If you’re having trouble controlling plaque, your dentist may suggest washing with an antibacterial mouth rinse at night.

Symptoms of Dental Problems During Pregnancy:

Call your dentist if you see the following symptoms of dental disease.

• New gaps between your teeth.
• Red, swollen, painful, glossy gums or gums that bleed readily
• Toothache and similar problems
• Bad breath
• Loosening of teeth
• Shrinking gums (when your gums peel away from your teeth, and you can see the roots of your teeth) or pus along the gum line (where your gums meet your teeth)       

Visit the dentist immediately if you are experiencing discomfort or swelling. If you have an infection, you should seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid causing complications for your baby. Dental checks are essential during pregnancy so that your dentist can detect and treat dental issues early. Teeth cleaning is also crucial for maintaining the condition of your teeth and gums.

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A cracked tooth can arise due to chewing on hard foods, grinding your teeth at night, or even as you become older. It is a prevalent condition that is the primary cause of tooth loss in different individuals. Symptoms for cracked tooth syndrome might range from unpredictable pain when chewing to acute pain when the teeth are exposed to extreme hot or cold, depending on whether the tooth breaks due to an injury or general wear and tear. In many circumstances, the pain may come and go, and your dentist may have trouble locating the aching tooth, especially if it is minor.

Symptoms:

There aren’t always signs and symptoms of a cracked tooth. However, when it does, the following are some of the most common:

• a sudden sensitivity to sweetness
• sensitivity to hot or cold foods
• recurring toothache
• difficulty in determining the source of discomfort around the teeth and gums
• pain while chewing or biting food
• inflamed gums around the cracked tooth

Causes:

Teeth can be cracked due to a variety of reasons which includes:

• physical harm
• extreme teeth grinding
• an extensive filling that is causing the remaining tooth structure to weaken
• Sudden temperature change can also crack a tooth. For example, if a person burns their mouth while drinking tea and then drinks a glass of cold water to relieve the pain, this could happen.
• chomping down on a piece of food too hard

Treatment:
Cracked teeth come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The type, location, and amount of the crack determine the treatment and outcome for your tooth.

Craze Lines
Craze lines are minute cracks that only affect the outer layer of the enamel. Adult teeth are prone to such cracks. Craze lines are pretty shallow and painless.

Bonding
Your doctor fills the crack with a plastic resin in this treatment and restores its appearance and function.

Dental Crown
A dental crown is a prosthetic device composed of porcelain or ceramic that replaces a missing tooth. It covers or caps the injured tooth.

Root Canal
When the crack extends into the pulp, the dentist will propose a root canal to remove the damaged pulp and restore the tooth’s structure. This treatment can save the tooth from getting infected or worsening further.

Extraction
When the tooth’s structure and the nerves and roots beneath it are severely injured, extraction may be the only alternative.

Prevention:
Any discomfort caused by a cracked tooth is temporary. Anyone who feels they have a cracked tooth should schedule an appointment with a dentist right away. While cracked teeth cannot be totally avoided, there are some precautions you may take to make your teeth less vulnerable to cracks.

• Make sure you’re not clenching or grinding your teeth.
• Consult your dentist about acquiring a retainer or alternative mouth guard to protect your teeth if you grind your teeth at night.
• When participating in contact sports, wear a mouth guard or a protective mask.
• Hard things, such as ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, or pens should not be chewed.
• Teeth that are strong are less likely to crack, so maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and see your dentist for preventive care after every six months.

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