Flossing may seem like just an extra step you can skip while brushing your teeth, but beware, it’s not. Flossing can help reduce your risk of gum disease and prevents tooth decay.
Flossing your teeth can make them look brighter by removing plaque and build up you may have missed. Also, be gentle while flossing, no one wants bleeding gums. Getting down to your gum line doesn’t require force.
Flossing Secrets
Every time you visit the dentist they probably ask you, “Do you brush and floss twice a day?” You may shrug them off and claim that your dental routine is the best one out there. While flossing may be tedious, it helps protect against gingivitis. No matter your age, flossing keeps your smile happy and healthy.
‘I Don’t Know How’
Claiming you don’t know how to floss your teeth is the lamest excuse in the book. Now, you don’t want to just slide the floss back and forth between your teeth, but rather gently get into your gum line and make a ‘c’ shape to follow along with your tooth. Get into the gum lines on both sides of your teeth to keep that smile happy!
‘How Much Do I Use?’
Typically you want to use about 18 inches of floss. This leaves enough room for you to wrap the floss around your fingers to give you more control. You always want to use a different section of floss for each tooth. This is so you don’t spread new germs to different areas.
‘I Can’t Reach my Back Teeth’
You sure can reach your back teeth. Although it may take a little more effort, it is possible. Most excess food particles hide in your back teeth so you want to make sure you’re flossing back there. Ask the holistic dentist in Durango, CO about a floss holder, it may be an easier solution.
‘I Don’t Have Time’ or ‘I Forget’
Flossing isn’t a super long process that takes hours out of your day, so you definitely have a minute to spare. Flossing can be the difference between healthy gums and gum disease or sensitive gums. If you’re the person to just ‘forget,’ post a sticky note on your mirror. “Don’t forget to floss!”
Mouthwash is NOT an Alternative
Mouthwash kills bacteria and can freshen your breath, but it cannot remove that sticky plaque hiding in between your teeth. You have to floss to remove that sticky stuff.
Floss is the Boss
Flossing isn’t on the top of the fun list but it is crucial in keeping your teeth clean. Make sure you take the extra time in the morning to clean those pearly whites! Flossing will keep that smile looking nice and white!
It’s important to consistently take care of your teeth and general oral health between appointments. Preventative care, here, is the process of taking care of your teeth and gums through regular maintenance to prevent problems before they start.
A lot of people assume it’s just as simple as brushing and flossing, but there’s more to it, you also need to visit the best dentist in Durango, CO positively for overall checkup. By keeping your health in your priorities, you’ll be able to avoid dental disease and decay easily.
Practicing preventative dental care is crucial for a number of reasons. Most forms of periodontal and dental care should be part of your daily hygiene routine, meaning the benefits are both short term and long term.
You’ll look good, you’ll feel good, and you can rest assured that your next check-up is going to come back as clean as possible – free of cavities and disease.
Ways to Care For Your Teeth
As mentioned before, the first line of defense for keeping your teeth and gums healthy is to keep up your daily maintenance. Brushing 2-3 times a day, flossing to clean between your teeth, and a light rinse/brush after sugary snacks or drinks is a massive first step.
Gum disease is normally caused by neglecting to care for your teeth, so naturally maintaining that practice is the best way to combat it. Make certain your toothbrush itself is kept in good condition too – they usually need to be replaced every 3-4 months as bristles wear out or become dirty.
Of course, it is possible to over-care for your teeth, as well. The enamel layer on your teeth is delicate, and wearing it away with harsh chemicals or abrasives can do more harm than good.
This is the case with hydrogen peroxide and charcoal cleaners – two remedies commonly cited as an “easy fix”. Regular habits like brushing your teeth too aggressively or grinding your teeth (usually while you sleep) also have the potential of destroying your enamel.
On a level even before your daily routine, though, paying attention to what you eat can also help immensely!
Tooth erosion is when the food or drink you consume can physically weaken or wear down the protective coating on your teeth – making even the most studious of brushing habits not enough to keep your smile strong.
Strong acids and sugars are the most prominent causes of acute dental decay. Sweets, sodas, sour foods, and certain medications are first and foremost in the list of concerns.
When Correction Needs to be Taken
If the problem has already started, though, it’s a fast track before the problem gets worse and worse. The best thing you can do if you find that your teeth are developing problems is to get the problem corrected as soon as possible.
Your oral health is critical, regardless of your age. Although regular dental exams and good oral hygiene can prevent most dental diseases, 100 million Americans fail to visit their dentist each year. Continue reading for some frequently asked questions about visiting a dentist.
Why Do Regular Dentist Visits Matter?
Dental visits are essential because they can allow a problem to be caught sooner when treatment is likely to be simpler and much more affordable.
Dental visits can also help prevent many issues from happening at all. You should also visit your dentist regularly because some diseases and medical conditions have symptoms that can appear in the mouth.
What Are Some Signs I Should See a Dentist?
Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
Puffy gums that bleed when you brush or floss
You have crowns, fillings, dentures, dental implants, etc.
You’re not happy about the way your smile or teeth look
You have persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
You’re pregnant
You notice pain or swelling in your mouth, face, or neck
You experience difficulty chewing or swallowing
You have a family history of gum disease or tooth decay
You have a medical condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, or are HIV positive
You often experience dry mouth
You smoke or use other tobacco products
You are undergoing medical treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy
Your jaw sometimes pops or is painful when opening and closing, chewing or when you first wake up; you have an uneven bite
You have a spot or sore that doesn’t look or feel right in your mouth and doesn’t seem to be going away
If I’m Not Having Any Symptoms, Should I Still See a Dentist?
Yes. Whether or not you’re showing any symptoms, you can still have oral health problems that only a dentist can diagnose. Regular dental visits can also prevent problems from developing in the first place or stop issues from getting worse.
Continuity of care is critical to any health plan, and dental health shouldn’t be viewed differently. Oral health is an integral part of your overall health. Keep in mind that it’s also essential to notify your dentist of any changes in your overall health since many medical conditions can also affect your oral health.
What Can I Expect During a Dental Checkup?
The dentist or hygienist will most likely ask about your recent medical history, examine your mouth, and decide whether or not you need x-rays. Depending on your specific treatment plan, the hygienist may or may not use special dental instruments to check your gums for gum disease.
Your dentist will evaluate your overall oral health and conduct an oral cancer screening by holding your tongue with gauze, checking your tongue and your whole mouth, then feeling your jaw and neck.
Depending on if you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort, your dentist may do a more comprehensive checkup or remove teeth. Your experience may vary depending on your specific circumstances.
How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?
There isn’t a cut and dry question. Everyone’s situation is different. Some people need to visit the dentist once or twice a year; others may need more visits. However, if you have no pain, discomfort, or specific needs, it is recommended that you visit the best dentist in Durango, CO at least once a year.
How Do I Find a Dentist?
Google is a fail-safe approach to finding a dentist. Also, the American Dental Association offers some suggestions for finding a dentist. These suggestions include:
Visit ADA Find-a-Dentist to search for dentists in your area.
Word of mouth. Ask family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers for recommendations.
Recommendations. Ask your family physician or local pharmacist.
If you’re moving, your current dentist may be able to make a recommendation.
Call or write to your state dental society.
What Should I Look For When Choosing a Dentist?
You should shop around when choosing the right dentist for you. Dental care is a personalized service. As such, a good relationship between you and your dentist is strongly recommended. During your first visit, you should determine if this dentist is the right fit for you. Consider the following when choosing your dentist:
Is the appointment schedule convenient for you?
Is the office easy to get to from your home or job?
Does the office appear to be clean, neat, and orderly?
Was your medical and dental history recorded and placed in a permanent file?
Does the dentist explain techniques that will help you prevent dental health problems? Is dental health instruction provided?
Are special arrangements made for handling emergencies outside of office hours? (Most dentists make arrangements with a colleague or emergency referral service if they cannot tend to emergencies.)
Is information provided about fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled?
Is your dentist a member of the ADA? All ADA member dentists voluntarily agree to abide by the high ethical standards reflected in the member code of conduct. You and your dentist are partners in maintaining your oral health. Take time to ask questions and take notes if that will help you remember your dentist’s advice.
So you go to the dentist and he/she says it’s time to remove your wisdom teeth. Depending on the complexity, the dentist in Durango, CO may refer you to an oral surgeon who will perform the surgery in his/her office.
The healing process should only take a couple of days. Getting your wisdom teeth removed is very common. Continue reading to find out more about wisdom tooth removal.
Reasons to Remove Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars in the back of your mouth. They usually start to come in between the ages of 17 and 25, and they’re typically noticed on X-rays. The reasons wisdom teeth are typically removed are:
They’re impacted. Since wisdom teeth are so far back in your mouth, they may not come in naturally. They can get trapped in your jawbone or gums, which can be painful.
They come in at the wrong angle, which may cause them to press against your other teeth.
Your mouth isn’t big enough, and it has no room for an extra set of molars.
You have cavities or gum disease. It might be difficult for you to reach your wisdom teeth with your toothbrush or dental floss.
Before Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
Before surgery, you’ll meet with your oral surgeon to discuss the process. At this appointment, you should:
Talk about any of your possible medical problems.
List drugs you take regularly.
Ask any questions you may have about the surgery.
Discuss the type of anesthesia you’ll receive. You can be numb or asleep during your surgery. Of course, the different kinds of anesthesia also come at extra costs. Keep in mind that the surgery’s complexity may also affect the type of anesthesia recommended.
Plan time away from work or school for your surgery and recovery time.
During Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
Your surgery should take less than an hour. You’ll receive one of these types of anesthesia, so you don’t feel any pain during the procedure:
Local anesthesia: Your doctor will numb with a local anesthetic shot like novocaine, lidocaine, or mepivacaine. Your doctor may also administer nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to help you remain relaxed or even make you doze off during surgery.
IV sedation: The doctor will numb your mouth, then administer drugs through a vein in your arm to make you drowsy. This will probably make you sleep during the entire procedure.
General: You’ll either have drugs administered through your vein or breathe the gas in through a mask. This will put you to sleep throughout the entire procedure, and you probably won’t wake up until about an hour after the surgery.
The oral surgeon might have to cut your gums or bone to remove the teeth. If so, stitches will be required to ensure quick healing. These stitches typically dissolve within a few days. Gauze pads might also be stuffed into your mouth to help soak up some of the blood.
After Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
Not everyone reacts similarly to anesthesia. The procedure’s complexity and the type of anesthesia you received will play a role in your experience after surgery.
If you received local anesthesia and feel alert, you may be able to drive home and possibly even return to work or school the next day. If you had general anesthesia or still feel drowsy, you’ll need someone to drive you home, and you’ll probably need at least a day or two to recover.
Most people usually experience little to no pain after surgery. Swelling and slight discomfort are typical for the first three days or so. However, your mouth may take a few weeks to fully heal.
If your teeth were simply removed (common with top wisdom teeth removal), you’d probably take less time to recover. Your recovery time will typically be between one and three days.
If you had to have your gums or bone cut (common with bottom wisdom teeth removal), you’d likely take more time to recover, usually about a week or two.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for a quick and successful recovery. Continue reading for some tips for the first three days after surgery.
The Dos:
Use an ice pack on your face to control swelling or skin color changes.
Use moist heat for your sore jaw.
Exercise your jaw by gently opening and closing your mouth.
East soft foods such as pasta, rice, or soup.
Drink a lot of fluids.
Start brushing your teeth on the second day. Don’t brush against any blood clots you may have.
Take your prescribed drugs to ease the pain or swelling.
Call your doctor immediately if you notice a fever or if the pain and swelling don’t get better.
The Don’ts:
Don’t drink through a straw. Sucking through straws may loosen the blood clots that help your mouth heal.
Don’t rinse your mouth too harshly. You can also rinse your mouth gently with warm saltwater.
Our bodies can tell us a lot about our underlying health status. To assess our health, we can look closely at our skin, throat, and… tongue?
That’s right, the tongue gives us many important clues about our health.
Western doctors and acupuncturists alike examine the tongue for an indication of overall health and for signs of medical conditions.
In this post, let’s explain what your tongue can say about your health and its importance for holistic medicine.
What does a healthy tongue look like?
Before you can understand what your tongue says about your health, you must know what it should look like. A typical tongue is pink with a thin white coating.
The shade of the pink can vary based on the person. Additionally, the healthy tongue has papillae, or little bumps, on the top and sides. The papillae give the tongue a bit of a coarse texture.
What the Color of Your Tongue Says About Your Health
Western medicine examines primarily the color of the tongue for an indication of certain problems. The common colors and associated problems with the tongue include:
● Black: black tongue can suggest poor oral hygiene. It is also related to some medications or tobacco use. Dark liquids, diabetes in rare cases, and HIV in some situations may also cause a back tongue.
● White: A pale tongue with white patches can signify a fungal infection, like oral thrush. Leukoplakia is another potential issue, as well as a rash that is known as lichen planus.
● Purple: A purple tongue can develop as a result of a heart condition or poor blood circulation.
● Red: If the tongue is red and bumpy, it suggests vitamin B deficiency or scarlet fever. It can also turn red as a result of an allergic reaction, or because of inflammation associated with Kawasaki disease.
● Gray: Eczema or a rare geographic tongue can produce grayish-white spots on the tongue.
● Yellow: Bacteria growth often causes a yellow tongue. The tongue may also first turn yellow and then become black and hairy due to an overgrowth of papillae.
● Orange: In addition to the factors that make the tongue yellow, antibiotics or certain food can also turn the tongue.
● Green: Bacteria buildup often causes a green tongue.
● Blue: A blue tongue indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood.
If you are having issues with your oral health, then it is suggested to reach out to holistic dentist in Durango, CO for overall checkup.
A root canal infection is a debilitating oral condition that happens when bacteria invade the inner chamber of the teeth due to untreated dental decay or trauma.
Patients with a root canal infection should seek treatment immediately because the infection can spread quickly once the bacteria attack the soft pulp material of the interior layer of the tooth. Root canal therapy is an effective treatment done to clean out the infected pulp and restore the tooth.
To ensure you visit the dentist who offers holistic dentistry in Durango, CO within time for dental attention and treatment, you need to be familiar with the signs of root canal infection. This article focuses on the warning signs of the condition.
Warning signs
1. Pain
Pain is the main sign that pushes people to seek dental care when faced with root canal infection. A root canal infection brings severe pain in its wake. The pain intensifies when you bite down or place pressure on the affected tooth. Additionally, you may experience tooth sensitivity when you eat hot or cold food and drinks.
The pain can also originate from inflammation of the gums. The swelling causes the gum to turn red and tender. In most situations, the swelling and discomfort occur in the area around the affected tooth.
2. Tooth darkening
When the inner layer of the tooth is infected, the tooth may appear brown or yellow. When the infection reaches the pulp tissues, they change to dark brown, and that alters the tooth color.
During the root canal procedure, the dying or necrotic pulp material will be extracted and the space filled up with gutta-percha. The tooth will also get a dental crown to improve its appearance.
3. Dental abscess
A dental abscess occurs when the bacteria and dying pulp material create deep pockets full of pus around the tooth root. This causes severe unease and bad breathe and is visible via an enlarged or persistent red bump or pimple on the gum. A foul-smelling liquid may also start to seep out of the abscess.
A periodontist will drain the painful abscess during the root canal procedure and clean out the bacteria to alleviate the pain.
4. Chronic bad breath
Patients suffering from root canal infection usually have chronic bad breath. If the bad breath is persistent despite brushing, flossing and using dental washes, then an infection is probably present.
The bacteria responsible for a root canal infection gives off an odor. This causes bad breath and a bitter taste in the mouth. The development of an abscess can further worsen the situation.
In conclusion
Typically, our body is highly efficient with combating infections. However, it is impossible for the body to deploy antibodies to the tooth. Once the root canal is infected, chances are that the nerves inside the tooth will die.
If the dead nerve is not treated in time, it will accommodate the bacteria that cause infection. In some situations, the dentist may have to remove the dead tooth or conduct a root canal treatment to eliminate the dead pulp and treat the infection.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed every aspect of daily life, including our oral health. Many Americans are baking to pass the time — others may forget to floss because, understandably, it’s the last thing on their minds right now.
As such, dentists across the country have seen a rise in cavities and oral health issues in their patients.
They’re also seeing an increased number of cracked teeth. In this article, let’s break down the common causes and symptoms of cracked teeth and exploring what treatments are available.
Do You Have a Cracked Tooth?
A cracked tooth is simply a tooth that has become broken somehow, and these fractures can take a variety of forms. For example, a full-fledged cracked tooth occurs when a crack runs down the surface of the tooth, below the gumline, and deep down into the root.
If left untreated, a cracked tooth can become a split tooth, where the tooth splits into two distinct parts. Craze lines, on the other hand, are tiny cracks that only appear on your tooth enamel and don’t cause any pain.
Cracked teeth are usually caused by excessive teeth grinding or clenching over time, which is a common response to stress. But conditions like gum disease can also make you more susceptible to cracked teeth because it causes bone loss and makes your teeth more fragile.
Finally, taking a hard hit to the jaw or accidentally biting down on something hard like a meat bone can crack your teeth very suddenly. Symptoms of cracked teeth include:
Pain when chewing or biting
Newfound sensitivity to sweets and hot or cold foods
Swollen gums around the cracked tooth
General discomfort around the teeth or gums that’s hard to identify
If your cracked tooth is severe and needs immediate attention, you’ll be able to identify it by sight or the painful symptoms you experience. If the crack isn’t visible but you still suspect something is wrong, your dentist will have to make a diagnosis by examining your teeth under a magnifying glass.
How to Treat a Cracked Tooth
Cracked teeth can be serious and keep you from putting your best smile forward, but there are many treatment options available.
If the crack is tiny, you might not need any treatment at all or your dentist may simply buff, round, and polish the sharp edges of the tooth to blend away the crack.
Other treatments for cracked teeth include:
Bonding — Your dentist fills the crack in your tooth with a plastic resin, restoring its shape. This treatment is best for small chips off the biting edge of the tooth.
Veneers — Your dentist places a thin layer of porcelain over the front surface of the tooth, concealing the crack and preventing it from getting bigger. Veneers are long-lasting, and your dentist won’t have to remove most of the damaged tooth.
Crowns — Your dentist places a crown over what’s left of the damaged tooth to strengthen it and give it the appearance of a healthy tooth. If your nerve has been damaged or the tooth has become infected, you might have to have a root canal first. The holistic dentist in Durango, CO will only recommend a crown if your cracked tooth cannot be repaired with a veneer.
There’s no surefire way to stop your teeth from cracking in the future, but you can take preventative measures. If you grind your teeth at night, invest in a mouthguard. Avoid clenching your teeth during the day.
You can do this by making sure you’re not holding any tension in your jaw — your teeth should only touch when you’re eating. Finally, get rid of any habits that could damage your teeth like biting pen caps or chewing ice.
Dental bonding is a procedure in cosmetic dentistry that can be a cost-effective way to regain confidence in your smile. Everybody wants to ensure their teeth look healthy and strong.
For people who are self-conscious about their smile — whether it’s because of discoloration, misshapen teeth, or another minor flaw — dental bonding offers a long-lasting solution.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding uses natural-looking resin to improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth. Because dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure, it isn’t used to correct severe dental damage that may require a crown.
Some common reasons for dental bonding include:
Chipped teeth. A minor chip in your tooth may not be painful, but it can certainly be an annoyance. Dental bonding is a common solution for chipped teeth that aren’t severely damaged.
Discoloration. If you are self-conscious about yellowing teeth, your dentist’s first suggestion will be a variety of teeth-whitening procedures. However, if teeth whitening fails, dental bonding can be used reliably to whiten your smile.
Gaps in your teeth. With dental bonding, gaps can be easily filled by adding a small amount of resin that blends in with the natural color of your tooth.
Misshapen teeth. If your teeth appear too small or spaced out, dental bonding can quickly add to the mass of your teeth for larger, more natural-looking teeth.
Dental bonding isn’t the solution to every dental concern. For serious crookedness, your dentist will likely recommend a corrective solution like braces or Invisalign. However, for minor tooth-related concerns, bonding can be an effective and satisfying solution.
How does dental bonding work?
The process of dental bonding is quite simple. First, your dentist will select a color of resin that matches the color of your tooth. Then, your dentist will apply a chemical to etch your enamel, a painless process which will allow the resin to attach easily to the surface of your tooth.
Once your enamel is ready for dental bonding, your dentist will apply soft enamel to the surface of the tooth, and sculpt the enamel until your dental bonding looks natural. After the resin is shaped, your dentist will harden the resin with a UV light, and file down any minor flaws.
Dental bonding is an efficient process that takes less than an hour per tooth. There will be no major anesthetics involved — although your dentist may need to inject a local anesthetic if the bonding occurs at a sensitive spot.
What happens after dental bonding?
Once you have undergone dental bonding, you can enjoy a bright and natural-looking smile. Resin-based bonding will often last for over five years — sometimes much longer.
Of course, the lifespan of dental bonding will depend on how well you take care of your teeth. Make sure to avoid biting hard objects that could chip your resin, and refrain from adopting a highly acidic or sugary diet. If you are prone to teeth grinding, talk to your dentist in Durango, CO about acquiring a mouth guard.
Dental Filling Care: How to Make Cavity Fillings Last Longer
Although dental fillings are absolutely essential for repairing any cavities, cracks, and chips, they will not necessarily last forever. Naturally, a filling cannot stay there for the rest of your life, however, there are some things and methods that will maintain them, as well as ensure that they stay in place for as long as possible.
If you are interested in learning how you can make your dental implants last longer, you might find this article extremely helpful. The text below will feature some of the things you can do to maintain and keep your fillings longer. The tricks that ensure that they last longer include:
First Things First – Speak With Your Dentist About Different Materials That They Can Use
The very first thing – and the most important one – is for you to understand the different types of fillers you can actually choose to have in your mouth. People often passively nod and agree with their dentist when they explain in detail the entire procedure, as well as the filling options. However, by doing so, you are missing out on important information. The ones you can choose include:
Gold – gold ones are not as common as they once where, however, they are still an option that people opt for. Gold is extremely durable, but, naturally, it is the most expensive option out there – which is probably why people avoid getting these dental fillers when they need to repair their teeth.
Amalgam or Silver – if you are looking for a mixture that will not take a big chunk out of your budget, but one that is still quite durable, you can choose silver or amalgam fillings. These options can last you from 10 to 15 years since these materials are durable, hence, it is a good investment in the long run.
Porcelain – if the surface that needs to be treated is wider, porcelain fillings are something that a lot of people choose. This material is also quite good for matching the teeth color and it is quite stain-resistant, meaning that you can smile without hindrances with them. However, the biggest disadvantage is the cost since it is almost as expensive as gold ones.
Composite Resin – this material is suitable for smaller holes. It is cheaper, the color can be exactly matched with the shade of your teeth, and when maintained properly, it can last for more than 10 years. But, you should keep in mind that it can stain or chip if not maintained effectively and properly.
Of course, your decision will depend on the extent of the damage to your tooth or teeth, your budget, and, of course, the opinion of your dentist. This is why it is important to listen to them when they are explaining the entire process.
Caring For The Fillings And Upkeep
The maintenance of the filling generally aligns with normal dental care and common sense, however, if you want to entirely keep your fillings healthy, you can follow these general rules:
1. Use Fluoride Toothpaste And The Right Toothbrush
By often using fluoride toothpaste, it will help your teeth repair and restore over a period of time. You should brush them and floss at least two times every day. Another thing that you should ask your dentist is whether or not you should use a harder or softer toothbrush.
2. Keep Your Sugar Intake to a Minimum
We are all aware of the harmful impacts high amounts of processed sugar can have on our teeth, however, it can impact our general health as well. Sugar can cause the breakdown of enamel, meaning that it can cause your cavities to become worse, hence, you should avoid consuming too much sugar.
3. You Should Limit Alcohol, Caffeine, as well as Cigarette Consumption
By regularly indulging in coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, as well as cigarettes will not only damage your teeth but your overall health too. Hence, you should definitely try to limit the intake of these things, not only because it will keep your fillings maintained, but because you can improve your overall health.
4. Treat Teeth Grinding And Refrain From Biting Down on Hard Foods
Grinding your teeth or biting down on your fillings is one of the easiest ways to cause them to either crack or get dislodged. If you are aware that you grind your teeth during the day or during the night, you should consult your dentist about getting a mouthguard that will protect your teeth, or you might want to look for other ways to reduce stress in your everyday life.
5. Water, Water, And More Water
Before choosing to have soda, juice, energy drinks, coffee, or alcoholic beverages, think about the importance of water. Water will help your teeth heal, however, it will also help with dislodging any food residue that might be stuck between your teeth. Hence, if you want to improve your health and teeth condition, always opt for drinking more water.
6. Visit Your Dentist Regularly For a Checkup
Finally, you will need to be diligent about going to the best dentist in Durango, CO regularly for a checkup. This will ensure that your fillings remain in good condition, however, it will also help with preventing future cavities and problems, especially since your dentist will notice and problems early on. Hence, do not forget to visit your doctor at least once in three months.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is a wide range of things that you can do to maintain, protect, as well as ensure that your dental fillings last longer. This will not only help with your dental hygiene but with your overall health – since bad teeth can cause additional health problems.
Everyday life tends to expose teeth to some gnarly wear and tear. You might find your teeth and gums affected by trauma like sporting accidents or taking a spill in the tub. Sometimes your smile changes because of medical conditions or ageing.
And, of course, tooth decay and gum disease are the most notorious culprits in wearing down the ol’ pearly whites.
Regardless of the underlying cause, the dentists in Durango, CO can advise ways to change both the look and function of your smile. Here are six common treatments that can change the look of your smile – many of them can even improve your oral health.
1. Crowns
Dental crowns can change your smile by repairing or strengthening damaged or discoloured teeth. They’re fitted over existing tooth structures, helping to restore the tooth’s natural appearance and function. Crowns may also be placed following a root canal treatment or to support a dental bridge.
Crowns are generally made from porcelain or ceramic that’s colour-matched to the rest of your teeth for a natural-looking finish. They can also be made from metal with an outer layer of porcelain, or metal alloys.
It normally takes two visits to your dentist to get a crown fitted, not counting any other treatments that may be needed such as a root canal. If your dentist offers same-day crowns, these can be manufactured at the dental clinic and may be placed during a single appointment.
2. Implants
This is a big one because an implant essentially replaces an entire tooth. Replacing a missing tooth can impact a lot, including your ability to speak and chew, the look of your smile, and your overall health.
So what is a dental implant, exactly? It’s a titanium post placed into your jaw, acting as an artificial tooth root that supports a crown. It offers a more fixed solution compared to something like dentures.
Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. They may not be suitable for you if you have an oral health condition such as gum disease or medical conditions such as diabetes. Smoking can also cause complications with implants and affect recovery times.
3. Bridges
Like implants, bridges can be a way to replace missing teeth. Bridges are basically false teeth attached between two crowns. The teeth on either side of your gap need to be prepped for the crowns, with the bridge cemented into place between them.
While these tend to be less permanent than implants, bridges can be a good option if the teeth near your gap have fillings or will need crowns anyway.
If you’re looking to change your smile by replacing missing teeth, a dentist can help you understand whether you should go with bridges, implants or another option.
4. Veneers
Dental veneers are thin restorations added to the front of teeth. A dentist might recommend them if you’re looking to correct small gaps, chips or cracks, discolouration or slightly crooked teeth.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit over the teeth, while composite resin veneers are built up in the mouth.
Veneers can be an alternative to teeth whitening or if you also want to change the shape of your teeth. Your dentist can select the veneer material in a colour that matches your natural teeth or in a lighter shade.
While they can be an answer for minor crookedness, your dentist might recommend orthodontic treatment instead if you have more serious alignment issues.
5. Orthodontics
You probably knew lots of kids in high school who had braces, but did you know that plenty of adults get orthodontic treatment too? Correcting crooked teeth and misaligned jaws can make it easier to clean your teeth and can have a number of roll-on effects. Plus, visibly straighter teeth can have a big impact on your smile’s appearance.
Braces and aligners move your teeth and jaw into desired positions over time, with regular adjustments being made by your dentist or orthodontist over the course of your treatment.
Clear aligners can be a solution for adults who want to change their smile without altering their lifestyle or getting noticeable metal braces.
Your dentist or orthodontist will set the length of your treatment based on how much your teeth and jaw need to move and the type of braces or aligners you choose. Some treatments may be completed in a few months, while others can take a year or more.
6. Whitening
While teeth whitening doesn’t have the same functional or health benefits as other treatments, it’s still one of the most popular services.
Teeth whitening treatments use bleaching gels that help to lift stains and remove discolouration from the surface of your teeth. You can receive the treatment in a dental clinic, or your dentist can prepare a take-home kit for you to use over a period of time.
Take-home kits usually include a whitening gel and a tray that should be placed over your teeth for the specified time. Depending on how much whitening you want, you should see results after one to two weeks.
Your dentist will examine your mouth during your appointment and tell you whether whitening would be right for you. Bleaching isn’t effective on all types of discolouration, and your discolouration might be caused by a more serious underlying issue that needs to be treated first. That’s why it’s important to talk to a dentist even if you intend to use an over-the-counter treatment.
Anthony Alfonso 