It’s an unfortunate fact – and one that most dentists bemoan – that most people just don’t take gum disease very seriously. It doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort in its early stages and it doesn’t get as much attention in popular media as cavities. And that’s too bad because gum disease is a very serious inflammatory disorder that causes bleeding gums, chronic bad breath, tooth loss, and even a heightened risk for cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disease, and diabetes. Learn the truth behind these three gum disease myths and learn how preventive dentistry can help you enjoy a healthier smile. (more…)
How to Cope with Dental Anxiety
If you get a little nervous before going to the dentist’s office, that’s normal. Most people might feel somewhat on edge about the prospect of having someone inspect their mouth. However, if that nervousness feels intense or prevents you from seeking regular dental care, you may suffer from dental anxiety. This issue affects millions of people across the U.S. and, like most types of anxiety, can stems from a wide range of factors, from a bad experience at the dentist as a child to a generalized discomfort with clinical spaces. Luckily, you have the power to cope with dental anxiety so you can seek the professional dental care you need for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. (more…)
Childhood Cavities: Causes and Prevention
You might be surprised to learn that the #1 chronic childhood illness affecting U.S. children isn’t allergies or asthma . . . it’s tooth decay. Over one-quarter of American children between the ages of 2 and 5 and half of children ages 12-15 have tooth decay and although a cavity doesn’t sound like a big problem, poor oral health in children is associated with pain, loss of school days, and problems speaking, eating, learning, and interacting. This guide is designed to help parents learn how tooth decay happens, why children are particularly susceptible, and how to prevent cavities in children. (more…)
Smart Sips for a Sparkling Smile
It’s summer time and on a hot, sunny day, there’s nothing better than finding a comfortable seat in the shade and enjoying a cold drink or frosty frozen treat. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with quenching your thirst and cooling off on a hot day, some summertime sips can cause serious damage to your teeth. Use our helpful guide to determine which drinks are good for your teeth, and which ones should be consumed with caution. (more…)
The Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening
Are you considering a smile makeover? One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve the appearance of teeth is teeth whitening. You may want to consider the pros and cons of teeth whitening before you make the decision to try professional teeth whitening treatment. While there are some drawbacks to consider, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that there are many positives to whitening as a way to improve your smile and increase your confidence. Whitening treatment has become popular for a reason: It provides a noticeable smile boost quickly. (more…)
What Are Dentures & Do You Need Dentures?
You don’t have to lose your smile because you’ve lost your teeth. You can restore your confidence and restore the function of your teeth by replacing lost teeth with dental prosthetics like dentures. What are dentures and do you need dentures? Dentures are a form of dental prosthetics, artificial teeth that replace your missing teeth to restore the function and appearance of your teeth. Whether you are missing all your teeth, all your top or all your bottom teeth, or missing some teeth, a form of dentures could be the solution to restore your smile. (more…)
What Everyone Should Know About TMJ Disorder
Because it is the most common dental health issue, most people are aware of tooth decay, its relation to cavities, and its potential effects if not treated. However, many issues besides decay and cavities can affect the integrity of your oral health, even if few people are aware of how serious such issues can be. If you’ve ever experienced pain or discomfort in your jaw, or had trouble opening and closing your mouth, then you may have exhibited symptoms of TMJ disorder – a dysfunction with your jaw’s joints. Though you might not know a lot about TMJ disorder, it could be a significant factor in your quality of life if the condition develops.
What TMJ Stands For
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, and your lower jaw (or mandible) hinges on two of them, located in front of each ear at the temporal areas of your skull. TMJs are responsible for your jaw’s movement, and are located near the dominant nerves of your head and face – known as trigeminal nerves. TMJ disorder describes a dysfunction in your jaw’s joints that can inhibit your ability to bite, chew, and speak comfortably.
How TMJs Become Damaged
When you bite and chew, the pressure that your jaw exerts is absorbed by your teeth and TMJs. Normally, the stress is distributed by the motion of your jaw and the alignment of your teeth, minimizing the amount of pressure each component is exposed to. When the pressure is imbalanced (due to crooked teeth, a jaw injury, or a jawbone deformity), your TMJs can become exhausted, damaged, and/or swollen. In the midst of TMJ disorder, the afflicted joints can disturb the trigeminal nerves next to it, causing a wide range of discomfort and issues with your jaw’s function.
ABOUT YOUR GARY, IN, DENTIST:
As a native of northwest Indiana, Nicholas Cain, DDS, is dedicated to providing excellent general, preventive, and family dentistry services to the community that raised him. To schedule your appointment, call Healthy Smiles today at 219-938-2637.
Are Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings Better?
If you experience a cavity, it’s important to have it repaired with a dental filling to restore the health and structure of your tooth. The two most common options for dental fillings are traditional amalgam fillings with a metal appearance and all-composite fillings with a tooth-colored appearance. Are tooth-colored dental fillings better? At our dental office, we only use all-composite fillings for our patients. A tooth-colored filling blends in seamlessly with your smile, so no one has to know you had a cavity at all. The cosmetic benefit makes it the preferable choice. (more…)
How to Handle a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies happen all the time, and fortunately, most of the time a dental emergency is not something to stress or panic about, because the situation can often be remedied quickly with your dentist. From lost teeth to damaged dental prosthetics, there are several forms of dental traumas that can cause you pain and discomfort that requires immediate dental attention. Dental emergencies are not life-threatening, but situations that requires quick care. How to handle a dental emergency: Remain calm, act fact, and follow these helpful steps. (more…)
Is Teeth Whitening Right For You?
Throughout your life, you may strive for advancement with anything that you do. This can be applied anywhere in your life, from doing well at a job, to brushing and flossing your teeth daily to maintain proper dental health. Along with providing you with a healthy and clean smile, brushing your teeth will also remove minor surface stains, providing you with a whiter smile. However, if you notice that some stains are not disappearing, there are other ways to go about whitening your teeth to obtain a smile ready for the red carpet.
Different Ways to Avoid Teeth Stains
Along with teeth brushing, there are a few at-home tactics to ensure a pearly-white smile. For instance, a diet containing foods and drinks rich in color dyes can stain the enamel of your teeth. Avoiding these dyes will not only protect your teeth from high amounts of sugar, but will also prevent teeth stains. A few other ways that teeth become stained include smoking or using tobacco products, or even the environment you live in. For more set-in stains, your dentist may recommend a teeth whitening procedure to whiten your teeth.
What If the Inside Of a Tooth is Discolored?
When dealing with teeth stains or discoloration, it is important to remember the difference between the two. Teeth stains are generally along the surface of your teeth and are known as extrinsic stains. If the stains are minor, they are generally removable through regular brushing, along with routine dental checkups. However, if stains are still apparent, no matter the efforts put in from brushing and dental checkups, the inside of your tooth may be discolored. This is known as intrinsic discoloration and is typically a sign of infection or damage and can indicate a variety of issues, such as tooth decay, dental damage, or other severe dental complications. Discoloration is not removable through teeth whitening and will require further analysis and treatment.
ABOUT YOUR GARY, IN DENTIST:
As a native of northwest Indiana, Nicholas Cain, DDS, is dedicated to providing excellent general, preventive, and family dentistry services to the community that raised him. To schedule your appointment, call Healthy Smiles today at 219-938-2637.