Signs of Imminent Tooth Decay In Children and Adults

Decay is a reasonably straightforward process, and the signs of it are the same in adults and children. The difference is that an adult is more likely to notice the onset of decay before a child. However, you can help your children know what to look for. This will keep them on track to maintaining good oral health and help them alert you when they first begin to appear.

The first stage of dental decay is the appearance of white blemishes on the surface of the teeth. These blemishes represent areas where the enamel has begun to weaken due to demineralization. If caught at this stage, it’s possible to reverse the process and avoid lasting damage. These blemishes, known as white spot lesions, can be easily identified and treated by your dentist. Make sure to schedule a visit immediately if you notice them appearing. During your visit, the dentist may offer:

• Fluoride supplements to help strengthen teeth
• new oral hygiene techniques to improve coverage
• Fluoride treatments that can help strengthen your teeth
• Professional cleaning to eliminate plaque and tartar responsible for the decay

Gum disease is another clear sign that serious oral health concerns are happening. Gum disease symptoms appear as red, tender, and puffy gums. They also tend to bleed when brushed. In severe cases, the gums can begin pulling away from the teeth. The resulting pockets expose the more sensitive enamel of the gums and create pockets for biofilms and food debris to hide. This condition is harder to reverse but can be done with the assistance of your dentist. The process generally involves getting a professional periodontal cleaning, root scaling, and planning. During this treatment, the plaque and tartar are removed from the dental surface, which is then polished to discourage regrowth.

Speak To Your Dentist For Next Steps

Reaching out to your dentist is an effective way of getting tips for handling tooth decay at any age. They’ll let you know other indicators to watch for and what to do when they appear. They can also help you and your family ensure everyone is brushing properly and thoroughly. You can provide your family with the toothbrushes, dental floss, and mouthwash they need for a complete dental care routine. Don’t wait to start protecting your family’s smiles! Call for a consultation today.

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What CBCT Brings To The Realm Of Dental Care

When planning treatment, your dentist needs to know as much about your current oral health. Oral health involves every part of your orofacial area, including the bony structures typically hidden by soft tissues. Previously the only way to view these regions was by taking multiple images from different angles using x-rays. While x-ray technology is still at the heart of dental imaging, a new process has been developed that improves the resulting images. The patient is positioned with their chin on a platform to hold their head steady. A camera on a swing-arm then passes in an arc in front of them, taking hundreds of images in a few seconds.

These images will then be stitched together using advanced software to produce a digital image of the patient’s orofacial structures. The resulting image is highly precise and rendered in a 3D format that allows the dentist to view the result from any angle. This imaging technique provides numerous benefits to the patient and dentist alike, including:

• Enhanced diagnostic ability resulting from greater visibility of the orofacial area
• Better treatment planning as a highly-realistic depiction is available based it on
• Improved visualization of the nasal cavities, sinuses, and nerve canals
• Immediate identification of infection, abscesses, and other oral health concerns

There is another benefit due to the digital nature of the image. It can be easily passed from practitioner to practitioner, to your insurance company, and even to you with ease. Your dentist can achieve this without the risk of losing the original image. Sometimes, your dentist may even use the digitally scanned image to produce a 3D model of your orofacial area to aid in diagnosis and treatment.

Learn How Your Dental Clinic Uses CBCT

Every dentist has unique approaches to providing dental care and applying their available technology. Reaching out to your dental health provider is a great way to learn how they’ve taken advantage of this new advanced dental imaging technology. Some use it as their primary form of imaging, while others continue to combine it with traditional imaging methods. You may find that your dentist uses it as the primary form of dental imaging in all their oral care. Schedule your next bi-annual appointment to get a chance to ask them about the technology in use at their clinic. You may find more treatment options available than you previously thought!

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Introducing The Power Of Conservative Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic treatments can significantly improve the appearance of dental patients’ smiles. They often address the most common concerns, such as dental staining and slight imperfections in our oral cavity. Even though these treatments are largely cosmetic, they can also have beneficial therapeutic effects. Correcting dental alignment not only makes your smile look amazing. It also eliminates gaps where plaque and tartar can hide. Addressing imperfections in the shape of our teeth can help prevent issues developing from an improper bite.

• Dental Whitening – Lightening the shade of our enamel can help our teeth look bright and beautiful. This is easily the most frequently requested cosmetic treatment on the market today. The dentist will apply a special peroxide solution to your enamel that breaks down the proteins causing the stains. In many cases, your dentist will use a special lighting device to help stimulate the action of the solution, producing greater results.
• Clear Aligners – One of the newest tools available in the dental market is clear aligners. These are special trays that work to apply precise pressure that adjusts the placement and orientation of your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, these can be removed for up to 2 hours daily. This makes it easy to enjoy your favorite food and properly clean your teeth.
• Dental Bonding – The process of dental bonding using a special composite resin affixed to your teeth. This material is used to correct chips, close gaps, and cover areas of staining that your dentist can’t address with peroxide treatments.

Each of these treatments addresses common concerns brought to dentists. They can improve our smiles, improve our dental hygiene, and aid our oral health. Other forms of treatment available are more invasive, but these stand as the most popular.

When Non-Conservative Cosmetic Dentistry Works

Non-conservative approaches to cosmetic dentistry are necessary when significant changes are needed. This can happen due to excessive gum recession or when too much gingival tissue is present. There are also times when it’s necessary to reduce the amount of enamel visible. These treatments remove tissue using various techniques. The typical approach involves using scalpels and stitches for the gums or a rotary drill to reduce excess enamel. Modern approaches use laser dentistry which has better results, shorter recovery times, and less chance of complications.

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 Easing Discomfort After Orthodontic Care

While the majority of those who receive orthodontic care don’t report discomfort afterward, it does happen. The discomfort experienced is often mild, involving some soreness and inflammation. However, this discomfort doesn’t persist throughout the entire period of care. The exact degree of discomfort and its nature will vary with each patient and treatment. When present, it is generally treatable with over-the-counter medication.

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: When patients are reporting inflammation or swelling, NSAIDs are a common solution. These medications, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are excellent at easing swelling. Ibuprofen, Aleve, naproxen sodium, and Motrin are familiar types of NSAID for many patients.
• Analgesics: These medicines ease the sensation of pain, making them an excellent companion for NSAIDs in pain relief. Aspirin is a well-known brand of analgesic found in pharmacies everywhere. Your dentist may prescribe this to help control your discomfort.
• Cold Therapy: Cold has a soothing effect on many forms of dental pain, especially inflammation and swelling. Eating cold drinks, sucking (not chewing) on ice, or using a cold pack can help reduce your discomfort.
• Gargle Salt Water: This practice can help ease the soreness that impacts the cheeks and gums following treatment. Just take a sip of warm salt water, swish it around, and spit it out in the sink.
• Gum Massage: Gently rubbing your gums can have a soothing effect on the discomfort as well. It stimulates circulation to the area, helping reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Targeted Nutritional Guidance: Certain foods can cause discomfort when wearing an orthodontic appliance. You should avoid particularly crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods during your treatment.

It’s essential that you communicate any pain you’re experiencing to your dentist. Patients who are experiencing discomfort after receiving an orthodontic appliance generally have nothing to worry about. However, if the pain persists for a period longer than two weeks, it may indicate something more concerning. This is why your dentist must be alerted of any new symptoms, even if it’s immediately after the initial treatment.

Consult Your Dentist For Orthodontic Pain Relief

Orthodontic care has many benefits for the patient, even beyond the aesthetic results. It can improve the effectiveness of dental hygiene practices. This boost comes from eliminating spaces where bacteria can hide in your teeth. It also helps your brush and mouthwash reach every tooth surface, especially when combined with flossing. Call your orthodontist to learn more about controlling post-orthodontic care discomfort.

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The Products That Make For Outstanding Results

There are a number of products and procedures that may become familiar to you when you’re receiving restoration or cosmetic dental care. These procedures are performed to restore both function and appearance to your smile. To accomplish this goal,, they have to be good at what they do, producing attractive and durable results. Even so, it’s your dentist’s skills and expertise that get the process started. Long before you arrive for the procedure, they’re considering which products they use that will best suit your needs. The first part of the process is often decided for them, as they have learned to rely on products approved by the FDA and ADA. These organizations are responsible for rating products and ensuring that they meet certain minimum quality and safety standards.

• Composite Systems: A tooth that has been damaged needs to be restored, and composite systems are often the tool required. While there is a certain amount of variation in technique from dentist to dentist, the products used tend to be fairly universal. Omnichroma flow is one example, a material known for its exceptional color matching and longevity. Another option is Venus Pearl One, which blends in with the neighboring teeth well.
• Universal Bonding Systems: Bonding systems work to ensure that the restoration or cosmetic material put in place stays there. Rely Universal Resin and Adhesive and KaVo Kerr Optibond Universal Solution are the ones used most often. They both have an exceptional reputation for longevity and effectiveness. Kerr Optibond, in particular, is well-liked for its compatibility with a range of composites and cement.
• Temporary Cement: When setting a temporary restoration in place, a unique concern arises. There is a need for cement that holds the restoration in place firmly while also being temporary in nature. Provincial QM Aesthetic temporary cement fits the bill perfectly.
• Bioceramic Restoratives: Ceramic products that are able to integrate well with the body’s natural systems are known as bioceramics. Pulpdent Active Bioactive Restorative is one such restorative that is used. Ceramir Restore Quickcap is another.

Speak To Your Dental Professional About Their Products

When it comes to selecting dental care products, there’s no one better than your dentist. They spend their entire career exploring new dental brands and products, looking for the best ones to treat their patients. Ask yours for their advice on how to improve your dental hygiene practices through products available at home.

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How Teleorthodontic Care Makes Dental Visits Easier

It was somewhat surprising how quickly dental services adapted to using teledentistry in their practices. It started out with simple phone calls, but soon dentists started taking advantage of options such as video calling. Teleorthodontics was a bit trickier. Traditionally dental care required a visit to the office to take measurements and get imaging in preparation for the treatment. Innovation and a reimagining of the process made it possible to accomplish these goals remotely.

While receiving x-rays still requires a visit to the office, applying older technology to get molds remotely was possible. Patients are sent a dental impression kit that they use in the comfort of their own homes. These kits are then sent back to the dental office and used to create a physical model. This model is examined for any obvious concerns and is then applied to developing an effective treatment plan. In the best-case scenarios, these models are used to design clear aligners that are then sent to the patient. Your dentist can accomplish all of this without the patient needing to visit the office.

If traditional braces or other orthodontic care forms are required, your care may require a physical visit. However, teledentistry helps with this by reducing the foot traffic into the dental office. Once the braces are put in place, this new technique comes into play again. Your dentist can perform check-ups on the progress of your orthodontic adjustment via video call. You can communicate any concerns you have, such as dental pain, and still visit the office if it’s deemed necessary.

There are some notable benefits to using teledentistry for your care. For example:

• There’s a reduced need for visits to the office
• Appointments can occur at times that are convenient for you
• It’s easier to get care while living in remote areas
• Most follow-ups no longer require an office visit

These are some of the reasons that have made teledentistry become an increasingly popular option among patients and dentists. Even insurance providers are finding teledentistry to be beneficial for their coverage. This has led to an ever-increasing number of policies, including teledentistry under the plans.

Connect With Your Dentist About Teledentistry

Contact your dentist if you’re wondering if teledentistry will work for you. They’ll be able to inform you of the options they have available and how they implement telehealth practices in your care.

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How Orthodontic Anchorage Works In Treatment

The first form of orthodontic anchorage was developed by Henry Albert Baker. Baker’s anchorage continues to be used to the present day. Many new processes and styles of anchorage have been developed to handle varying orthodontic conditions. These processes are classified in the following manner:

• Site-Based Classification
  • Intraoral – These are anchorages that are placed inside the mouth.
  • Extraoral – A term for external anchorages that rely on headgear and face masks. Three forms of headgear are available, cervical, occipital, and combination headgear.
  • Muscular – When muscle-based anchorages are used to secure the teeth.
• Number of Treated Teeth 
  • Simple/Primary – When only a primary, meaning single, tooth is involved.
  • Compound – More than one tooth is involved in this anchorage.
  • Reinforced – When appliances or other teeth are used to secure the base anchorage in place. The supporting anchorages are often extraoral or muscular.
  • Reciprocal – When two teeth need to move towards each other an equal amount.
  • Stationary – When one tooth needs to be moved from one location to another, a stationary anchorage is used.
• Space-Based Classification
  • Group A – When anterior (front) teeth need to be moved towards the back.
  • Group B – When both anterior and posterior (rear) teeth need to be moved.
  • Group C – When posterior teeth need to move towards the front.
  • Absolute Anchorage – When all of the teeth involved are being moved towards the rear of the mouth. In all the other forms, there is some portion or posterior and anterior teeth being moved.

These three types of classifications represent those most commonly used and referenced. There are two other types of classification, which refer to the implants being used or the bone being used as an anchor point. In all types of anchorages, there is one singular goal, to ensure that only the desired teeth are moved while the rest remain stationary. If these teeth should move unexpectedly, there can be consequences for the orthodontic treatment.

Work With A Specialist For Orthodontic Care

These classifications demonstrate just how involved the orthodontic process can become. With the rising tide of mail-order orthodontics and DIY braces, it’s important that patients understand what’s involved. Each stage of your orthodontic care requires active oversight from a specialist. Without it, you encounter the risk of poor results or even dangerous complications that can endanger your oral health. Ensure your teeth are getting proper care by speaking to a professional orthodontic specialist about your treatment.

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Understanding The Increased Difficulty Of Oral Hygiene With Dementia

With the rising number of diagnoses of Alzheimer’s has come an increasing rate of those who die as a result of it. In recent years it has risen to be the sixth highest-rated killer of Americans. Their ability to stick to a schedule, keep plans, and maintain routines is difficult. Among the areas impacted by their condition is their oral health.

The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health printed a study that demonstrates the effect on those with dementia. One of the important things that has stood out is that their oral hygiene tended to suffer. Almost ten million new diagnoses of dementia-related diseases are recorded each year. Of these patients, nearly half of them have been indicated as having Alzheimer’s. This number seems to increase with each passing year, in part due to lengthening lifespans. The medical industry continues to improve the duration of our life and their quality. Other causes continue to be researched, but it’s clear that these patients need oral health care.

Dementia Patients Can Get Help From Their Dentists

All members of the dental and medical industries strive to provide good accommodations for those with this condition.  Their efforts to provide this kind of accommodation have included new techniques and modifications of care. Among these changes can be found:

• Fluoride and sealant treatments that provide extended protection
• Coordinated dental care for those with dementia
• Alternate treatment plans from insurance providers
• Appointment dates and times aimed to accommodate periods of good focus

These efforts are the result of the dental industry’s dedication to providing effective treatment for all patients. By coordinating with caretakers and family members, they can improve the oral health care of these patients. The solutions that are provided work to take the reality of these patients into account. An ongoing developing plan of care is necessary to provide greater quality of life for these patients.

Coordinating with your dentist is the first step in the journey of getting the care needed. They’ll provide you with information about the accommodations they can give to you and your family. These options will be more effective if you start sooner than later. When working with your dentist, be sure to connect them with your physician. They’ll work together to develop an oral health care plan that will address the needs of the patient. Don’t wait until gum disease has taken hold; get started on developing a care plan for your loved one today.

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Black Mold and Oral Health Concerns

Part of learning how mold affects your oral health comes from understanding its life cycle. Like most forms of fungi, black mold reproduces through the use of spores. Unlike most forms of fungi, they aren’t typically airborne. Black mold spores don’t usually enter the air unless they’ve been disturbed. At this point, they attach to particles in the air, which can find their way into your lungs and mouth. When these particles attach to your gums, they can cause irritation similar to gingivitis.

These spores can also settle in your sinuses and lungs and cause additional problems. Congestion is one shared experience of black mold sufferers. Bleeding lung disease is a more severe condition resulting from the irritation the spores cause to the tissues. There are other ways they can affect your oral health, including:

• Dry Mouth – When congestion occurs as a symptom of black mold, we often start breathing through our mouths. This additional airflow can cause the saliva in our mouths to dry up. Saliva is one of the frontrunners in defending our teeth from decay. Without it, our teeth become more susceptible to bacteria. Halitosis is another common side effect of dry mouth.
• Amalgams – Amalgams are a form of filling that contains various metals. The alloy they’re made from contains mercury, for instance. Research has shown that molds and fungi often consume heavy metals like mercury. Black mold can flourish between the warm, dark, moist interior of our mouths and an ample food supply.
• Mycotoxins – The spores are just one concern caused by black mold. The particulates of black mold also contain mycotoxins. These toxins can cause severe reactions in some people, including nose bleeds, bleeding gums, and lungs from inhalation.

When dealing with black mold, these are the primary concerns you should consider. Homes that have a black mold infestation require immediate action to protect the health of those within. If possible, find a safe place for your family to be. Then hire professionals to clean and remove the black mold. In the meantime, schedule a visit to your dentist to address oral health concerns related to black mold.

Speak To Your Dentist About Black Mold Concerns

If you have black mold infesting your home, a talk with your dentist may help. They won’t be able to address the infestation itself. They will, however, be able to provide advice and guidance on protecting your oral health. It may become necessary to replace your dental hygiene products once the mold has been removed. Talk to your oral health provider for more details.

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But can periodontal disease increase your risk for cancer? To best understand this, we’re here to look at the effects of periodontal disease, how it affects your oral health, and what current research says about periodontal disease and cancer. 

The Risks of Periodontal Disease To Your Health 

The harmful strains of bacteria that infect our teeth and gums can be drastically harmful to our health, but when it turns into periodontal disease, it often leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness. For those who don’t know about periodontal disease, this disease often develops in multiple stages:

• Gingivitis: When plaque develops along with the enamel of your teeth, the bacteria within that plaque can begin to infect the gums. Once it reaches the gums, the tissues and ligaments become inflamed and tender, often showing mild signs of redness. However, as the mildest form of this disease, it can easily be treated through regular brushing sessions, mouthwashes, and visits to your dentist. 
• Gum Disease: As the more moderate form of this disease, the gums will increase in redness, tenderness, swelling, and bleeding. Once it reaches gum disease, it can be difficult to manage to brush and floss your teeth, and having a professional cleaning can help remove the strains of bacteria that infect the gum line and tooth enamel. However, it can easily shift from gum disease to periodontal disease at this stage. 
• Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease often causes the gums to progress to the point where the gum tissues and ligaments have a difficult time maintaining the teeth and jawbone, as the bacteria has progressed to the point where it eats away at the tissues themselves, causing degradation. The bacteria also infect the bloodstream and cause an immune system decline, and infects the jawbone, causing the bone to degrade as well. 

Why Getting Treatment For Periodontal Disease Matters

Periodontal disease often connects to cancer because of how the bacteria within the bloodstream affects the immune systems’ response to bacteria cells. Studies from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute cite that periodontal disease increases the risk of cancer by 14 to 20%. Within this study, researchers report that the risk of lung and colorectal cancer is elevated and that they did not observe any associations with other cancers, such as breast cancer and lymphatic cancer. 

Even while the link between periodontal disease and cancer needs more citing behind it, getting treatment for periodontal disease is ever more important for your oral health. Finding a dentist for treatment is the best solution towards removing periodontal disease for good. 

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