You might be one of those lucky people who seems to never have a cavity. You could be the opposite, and find that you frequently hear your dentist telling you about how you will need a filling to address tooth decay. Everyone has something to gain when they reduce their risk for a cavity. If you struggle to keep your teeth in good health, making small changes can have a real benefit. If you have had few to no cavity issues in the past few years, making smart choices now can help you keep that streak alive. Choices that help you prevent dental problems mean keeping your teeth healthy. (more…)
Treating Bruxism Can Put A Stop To Chronic Headaches
You might not realize it, but something like chronic headaches can be the result of problems with your jaw. TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues can make it harder to speak, bite, and chew, while also creating regular pain in your face, neck, and head. While no single issue is attributed to creating every instance of TMJ problems, bruxism (frequent teeth grinding) is capable of creating problems with your jaw joints. The pressure you generate when you clench your jaw can be great enough to strain the joints, and eventually cause irregularities. In addition to chronic discomfort, bruxism can cause you to suffer dental damage that needs to be restored by your dentist. (more…)
Taking Care Of A Dental Emergency
No matter how effectively you care for your teeth, no matter how consistent you are with your regular dental checkups, dental troubles are still only an accident away. Emergency dental services are services no one plans to undergo. That being said, if you find yourself dealing with a tooth that has been knocked loose, or dislodged, or a tooth that is otherwise damaged, your dentist is available for assistance on short notice. They can also help if some harm comes to a dental restoration – for instance, a broken or dislodged dental crown can require prompt treatment. (more…)
What You Should Know About Root Canal Treatment
What happens when you need a root canal treatment? You may be familiar with the name of this restorative dental procedure, but you might have questions about what it is, or why it is performed. A root canal is performed by your dentist when you have an endodontic problem – a problem in the interior of your tooth. Your dentist will remove just enough dental material to access the living tissue in your tooth, and remove any infected or damaged tissue. While this procedure is often associated with cavities, you may find yourself in need of a root canal after a physical tooth injury. (more…)
Quiz: Teeth Whitening And Other Cosmetic Services
Your dentist can make sure your smile is healthy, and thanks to a range of cosmetic dental treatments, they can also make sure its appearance makes you happy. One common reason for people to feel self-conscious when showing their teeth is the color. Over time, you could find your teeth looking dull, or yellowed. While store-bought products can help, a professional whitening treatment can make for a terrific improvement. Other treatments can also help with teeth that look worn or aged, damaged, or otherwise physically unappealing. (more…)
Planning Regular Dental Visits
Do you see any point to visiting the dentist when you do not have a problem with your teeth? You should – regular checkups with your dentist make it easier to go without problems, and are your dentist’s chance to catch problems at their early stages. The standard recommendation is to see your dentist every six months. At each of these appointments, you will enjoy a professional cleaning, and an inspection of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Along with effective care at home, and a diet that protects your teeth, you can prevent dental problems effectively, and enjoy your oral health. (more…)
Are Bad Habits Hurting Your Teeth?
While people (hopefully) are not setting out to try and hurt their teeth, there are many habits that can do just that. Some of these actions are unconscious – people who suffer from bruxism may not even realize that they grind their teeth during the night. Unfortunately, that lack of awareness is not protecting their teeth from harm. You can also hurt your teeth by making poor diet choices, smoking, or avoiding your dentist’s office. Being smart about your daily habits can help you prevent dental troubles, and avoid oral discomfort. (more…)
Kids’ Dental Visits Can Encourage Good Oral Health Habits
What does your child gain from seeing the dentist regularly? One answer you might not expect – good habits. In many ways, children’s dentistry involves many of the same procedures as a checkup for adults. Their teeth will be examined for problems (like cavities), and they will undergo a professional teeth cleaning. However, these visits are also a means for your dentist to educate your child on how to effectively take care of their teeth at home. These instructions, coupled with your making trips to the dentist a priority, can help reinforce the idea that teeth need to be cared for. (more…)
Quiz: Putting A Stop To Tooth Pain
Few situations can motivate a person to seek out their dentist like tooth pain. Discomfort can come from many different situations. If your discomfort is rooted in advanced tooth decay, you could be overdue for restorative work on a cavity. That pain indicates a threat to the tooth’s living tissue, which could eventually make extracting the tooth necessary. If your pain stems from some sort of trauma, different approaches could be called for. An injury could put you in sudden need of treatment, and you may need help in saving part – or all – of the tooth. You could also be dealing with the prolonged damage caused by bruxism, a condition where a person regularly grinds their teeth. (more…)
How Composite Resin Has Changed Dental Services
Dental fillings have long been important to cavity treatment. Thanks to composite resin, the procedure can have less of an impact on how you look, while also effectively restoring your lost tooth structure. In the past, amalgam fillings were used. The material looked less like your natural tooth, and could also leave some space between the filling and your tooth, which could become a spot for bacteria to gather. However, composite resin is not just a benefit to restorative dental work. It can also be used to correct visual problems with your teeth, through a process called dental bonding. (more…)