Characteristics of an Ideal Dentist

The mouth is the ultimate gateway to the body and the ultimate introductory statement in every new encounter. For that reason, it is important to keep the mouth healthy and to ensure that the teeth and gums are healthy too. The doctors to work with to ensure a healthy mouth that has healthy teeth and gums are called dental hygienists. Dental hygienists will not only help you understand the best hygiene habits to maintain a healthy mouth, such as brushing and flossing, but they will work with you when your mouth needs dental work. 

There are many D.D.S (Doctor of Dental Surgery) in most states and there will likely be one near you. However, dentists are almost like a personal hairdresser and you need to find one who will help you maintain the best mouth hygiene possible. Dentist in the US may have several certifications. Some qualified dentists have a certification from the American Board of General Dentistry. Others will have a certification from the American Dental Association. While yet others will have a certification from both organizations. What is important is that the dentist has certification in accordance to the standards set by the law in your state. 

Important Knowledge Base of a Qualified Dentist 

The mouth is a complex part of the body. The factors that affect dental hygiene range from ones diet, their daily habits, all the way to existing health conditions seemingly unrelated to ones teeth and gums. A qualified dental hygienist will understand how these factors act together to create a healthy or an unhealthy dental environment. 

The various teeth in the mouth have different roles. The molars and the bicuspids help in ensuring food is ground properly before it gets to the stomach. The incisors and the cuspids at the front of the mouth help in tearing into foods. These teeth also aid in speech. A qualified dentist will help you to identify how to stay away from unhealthy conditions that may lead to cavities, periodontal disease (gum disease), tooth aches, as well as mouth and gum infections. 

Healthy gums are a critical part of dental health. When the mouth has unhealthy gums, one easily develops periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a painful inflammation of the gums that starts at its earliest stages with bleeding gums. In its advanced manifestation, bleeding gums will lead to tooth aches and eventual loss of teeth. 

A qualified dentist will give you important information to help you stay clear of periodontal disease, which is an easy condition to avoid. To find out if all these factors are true of the dentist in your locality, there are basic ways of finding out. 

How to Tell if Your Dentist Will Help You Maintain Optimum Dental Hygiene 

One of the fastest ways to tell whether a dentist is offering optimum services, is to find out if their existing clients are satisfied. When in discussion with the dentist near you, ask if they have other clients that they have worked with. Unlike other medical practices where patient doctor confidentiality is critical, a dentist will not shy from telling you if they have made dentures, or have done cosmetic surgery on someone else. If you can get the contacts of one or two people, you can find out if the dentist suits your standards or not.

Common Habits that Harm Your Dental Health

Common habits that we think little of can cause tremendous damage to the teeth. One such habit is using teeth in place of common household items such as bottle openers and scissors. There are people who open bottle caps, tear off plastic wrappers, or snip off tags with their teeth. The cuspids and the incisors, the front cutting teeth in the mouth, are the teeth most commonly used for such habits. Over time, this habit eventually affects the teeth, weakening them and leading to tooth ache. 

Some people enjoy the crushing sensation or sound produced by the teeth when they are crushing hard items such as pen tops, and hard stuff such as ice and some types of candy. This habit causes irreparable damage to both the enamel that covers the teeth and to the gum too. When these habits continue over a lifetime, the eventual loss of teeth is almost inevitable. Loss of teeth requires dental hygienists to carry out dental work to create dentures to replace the missing teeth. 

Eating Sugary and Acidic Foods Harms Teeth

Sugar creates an environment conducive for bacteria that cause cavities to multiply in the mouth. Since sugar is acidic, it causes the mouth to be acidic too. The acid erodes tooth enamel making teeth sensitive. With time, enamel erosion leads to cavities that cause tooth ache. Consistently eating and drinking sugary foods and beverages will destroy your teeth. 

Many people enjoy candies and soft drinks that have a high concentration of sugar. Certain candies are exceptionally bad for tooth health as they are sticky and the sugar in them tends to remain in the mouth long after one has eaten the candy. The ideal way to protect your teeth from sugar related corrosion, is to avoid sugar altogether. However, for most of us, that is a tall order. Therefore, regular brushing and flossing can help to keep the mouth free of sugar and acid. 

Other Habits That Harm Dental Health 

Cigarette smoking and alcohol are two common habits that affect the health of the teeth. Alcohol is acidic and therefore enhances corrosion of the tooth enamel. Besides discoloration of the teeth to an unattractive yellow hue, cigarette smoking also raises the acidity level in the mouth. 

When the teeth are continuously in an acidic and corrosive environment, the mouth also becomes susceptible to the multiplication of harmful bacteria. Harmful bacteria cause medical conditions such as periodontal disease (gum disease). In some cases, one may actually lose their teeth. When that happens, a D.D.S (Doctor of Dental Surgery) administers various corrective dental therapies. The most common dental work is filling tooth cavities. 

When tooth damage from a cavity is too extensive, the dentist performs dental extractions. The naked hole left behind after a tooth extraction can be uncomfortable and unattractive. To restore the beauty of the face that comes with a complete set of teeth, dentists provide dentures. Dentures are artificial teeth made to look and work like natural teeth. 

There are two main types of dentures: those that replace all the teeth in the mouth, and those that only replace the exact teeth missing in the mouth. To get the best counsel on dental treatments, tooth extractions and dentures, it is important to consult with a qualified dentist. 

Personal Dental Hygiene to Keep Teeth Healthy

Unhealthy teeth can lead to multiple health problems. Yet, keeping one’s teeth clean and healthy is easy to maintain with simple personal hygiene habits. The simplest hygiene habit to maintain is brushing the teeth. A toothbrush is readily available at a retail store for as little as a dollar and up to a few dollars. Regular cleaning of the teeth will help save the teeth from infections and cavities. The primary goal of brushing teeth is to remove food particles that lodge between the teeth. To clean the teeth using a toothbrush hold the brush at a comfortable angle in the mouth, being careful to ensure that as much of the toothbrush bristles are touching the teeth while applying short back and forth strokes as though scrubbing the tooth. 

Cleaning Different Teeth 

Always pay special attention when cleaning the different types of teeth. On the innermost part of the jaw near the throat, the mouth has three molars. The third, which is also the last tooth in the mouth, is the largest while the one in the middle is medium and the first one is the smallest. After the molars come two bicuspids and have a similar look like the molars. The molars and the bicuspids have a groove at the middle. It is important to ensure that you scrub this groove thoroughly to remove any particles that may lodge inside. 

After the bicuspids is the cuspid tooth. It is one tooth and it has a sharp edge. In vampire illustrations, this tooth is shown as an elongated fang. The cuspid teeth tend to host food on the underside. It is therefore important to scrub the inner part of the mouth to ensure that that surface is completely clean. Always ensure that you take time to clean all the three surfaces of each tooth thoroughly to get a particle free mouth. Once done with the teeth, use the bristles of the toothbrush to scrub the tongue and ensure the white coating comes off. This cleaning, especially with toothpaste, leaves your mouth smelling fresh and it becomes unfriendly to cavity causing germs. 

The Danger of Irregular Personal Dental Hygiene 

Another common teeth-cleaning habit is flossing. Dental floss is also widely available from retail shops. Some people have teeth that fit tightly against each other. For these, flossing is not always necessary. However, routine flossing every six months done by a D.D.S (Doctor of Dental Surgery) removes any lodged food particles. The danger of food particles that remain in the mouth for too long is that the bacteria in the teeth create an acidity leading to toothache, cavities, and possible infections. Once cavities start in the mouth, besides a toothache, one requires periodontal therapy to repair the damaged teeth. Infections can also spread to the gums causing periodontal disease (gum disease). 

Dental hygienists treat damaged teeth in several ways. Using sealants, fillings, and crowns, they cover the tooth and restore the ability to chew with it. When too damaged, the dentist extracts the tooth. Tooth extractions leave one with a gaping hole in the mouth, but the dentist can cover the gap with dentures. Some dentures look very much like the original teeth. For this reason, dentures and veneers are common in cosmetic dental surgery and in fluoride treatment. When you visit your dentist, they will advise on which of the therapies will work best for your dental condition. 

A Brief Description of Dental Hygiene

Dental hygienists are doctors who have studied dental work. Most dentists do specialized training to become a D.D.S (Doctor of Dental Surgery) qualifying them to carry out dental work. The mouth has a four types of teeth and each has specific roles. The four teeth in the front of the mouth are incisors and they are the scissors of the mouth as they cut through food. These are followed by cuspids, a single tooth on either side of the mouth that is critical to tearing through food. Two bicuspids that have a ridge in the middle follow. They are important in helping us chew our food. We crush solid and harder foods with the molars. These three teeth are at the extreme back of the mouth. 

Dental Hygiene Habits and Common Dental Conditions  

Taking care of the teeth is simple. A daily habit of brushing the teeth after a meal keeps the mouth free of food particles that would play host to disease causing bacteria. People with teeth that are slightly apart tend to have food particles stick between the teeth. Flossing is a good habit to clean out those food particles and keep the mouth clean. 

It is important to keep the mouth clean to avoid common problems with the teeth and in the mouth. Daily brushing can keep the teeth from developing cavities or holes in the enamel of the teeth. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is another painful condition resulting from poor dental hygiene. When food particles are not removed after every meal through brushing of the teeth, bacteria in the mouth causes infections that affect the gum. Gum disease makes the gums bleed, is painful, and when left untreated, causes the teeth to fall out. 

Common Dental Procedures

Some dental procedures treat dental conditions, others are cosmetic, while yet others serve both roles. Brown teeth, or fluorosis, is a common tooth condition that occurs when a person takes in excess fluoride. To correct the discoloration or fluorosis, a dentist performs fluoride treatment and may cover the teeth with veneer to restore the white coloring. Putting veneers on the teeth can also be done for cosmetic reasons to give the teeth extra whitening. 

Periodontal therapy covers many aspects of dentistry including procedures done to correct diseases and conditions in the mouth. When a tooth develops a cavity, a dentist may cover the tooth with sealants or crowns or fill the hole with fillings. This stops the cavity from extending further, and stops the pain caused by the exposed nerves in the tooth. Most dentists prefer to fill cavities and it is usually possible if one seeks medical help as soon as they develop a tooth ache. However, if the tooth decay is too extensive a filling cannot reverse the damage. In such instances, the dentists performs root canals to remove the nerves in the tooth and stop the pain. 

Sometimes when neither a filling nor a root canal can solve the tooth problem, dentists perform dental extractions and remove the tooth completely from its root. Dental extractions are final and leave a gaping hole where the tooth once was. The gap is unpleasant to look at, and is uncomfortable too. To solve that, dentists will give dentures, which are artificial teeth that look very similar to real teeth. 

Restorative Dental Work Can Help Preserve Teeth

A lot of the work carried out by local dentists or D.D.S (doctor of dental surgery) is aimed at preserving teeth and trying to avoid the need for dental extractions. Most people will suffer one or more cavities during their lifetime that requires fillings to replace the area lost to dental decay. 

Choices of dental fillings

In past the only choice for dental fillings used to be amalgam, but this material has fallen out of favour during recent years. It has received quite bad press due to the mercury content, even though numerous studies have proven it to be safe for use. Amalgam is still a good choice for large areas of decay in molars as it is extremely hard wearing and cost-effective. In spite of this most people would prefer to have tooth coloured fillings that are either made out of a composite resin, referred to as being direct fillings or they can be made out of porcelain which is a type of indirect filling. Direct fillings are those fillings that are able to be completed in just one visit to your dentist, while in direct fillings require an impression to be taken which is then sent off to a dental laboratory for the filling to be made. These fillings can then be fitted at a subsequent visit.

Root canals are excellent at preserving teeth

Root canals are an incredibly common treatment, and this dental work can almost certainly be carried out by your local D.D.S. Before root canal therapy was invented the only alternative was to have dental extractions, as this treatment is excellent at helping to preserve teeth. It is one of those treatments that people tend to fear, but is generally no more unpleasant than having dental fillings. Root canals are necessary whenever the central part of a tooth has become infected, and this area is called the pulp. The pulp contains all the nerves of the tooth, but the tooth is able to function perfectly well without it as it's only used for sensing hot and cold foods. The D.D.S. will first anaesthetise the affected area before drilling into the crown of the tooth to access the pulp. They then use a series of specially shaped files to clean out the infection. Sometimes it's necessary to place antibiotics topically, and it's not uncommon for the dentist to seal the tooth using a temporary filling to make sure all the infection is cleared before finally restoring the tooth. The final restoration process generally involves having crowns, as this helps protect the tooth against any further infection and decay.

Dealing with toothaches and infections

Suffering from toothaches and infections can be very unpleasant, and is essential to seek treatment from the local DDS. Even if the infection seems to clear up it's still a sign that something is wrong, and it's well worth booking a checkup especially if it's been awhile since the last dental visit. In general having teeth professionally cleaned by dental hygienists, combined with regular brushing and flossing should be enough to avoid most infections and toothaches as any early signs of disease can be quickly picked up and treated before they present a problem.

Tips on Avoiding Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

Periodontal disease is an extremely common condition that is estimated to affect around three quarters of the American population at any one time. It is a serious condition that has considerable ramifications for oral and general health. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection and is often caused by poor oral hygiene. Plaque bacteria are present in everyone's mouth and the numbers gradually multiply throughout the course of the day. These bacteria are generally removed through proper brushing and flossing, but if left will quickly harden into a substance called tartar. Tartar can only be removed by dental hygienists, or by a D.D.S. (doctor of dental surgery). When left to build up plaque bacteria will irritate and inflame the gums, causing gum disease.

Early symptoms of periodontal disease (gum disease)

The earliest symptoms of gum disease include noticing that gums feel more tender than normal, and they may look slightly red in colour. Sometimes the gums can look a little puffy, and they are far more likely to bleed when brushed or flossed. These early symptoms of gum disease are called gingivitis, and catching this condition at this stage is vital. Gingivitis is relatively easy to cure, and simply involves making an appointment with dental hygienists to have teeth professionally cleaned. 

Professional teeth cleaning from dental hygienists

Professional cleaning has been proven to be one of the best methods of keeping teeth and gums healthy. It is the job of dental hygienists to scrape away the tartar that builds up in between the teeth, removing the source of inflammation and infection. In addition to professional cleaning it is essential to pay extra attention to brushing and flossing. Teeth need to be brushed twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time, and it's vital to floss once a day. Following a good daily oral hygiene routine should be enough to see significant improvements in gum health in just a couple of weeks. It's important to continue flossing even if it makes the gums bleed to begin with, as things will begin to improve after a few days or so.

Periodontal therapy to treat periodontal disease

If the symptoms of gum disease aren't caught fast enough then the condition will quickly progress into periodontal disease. This is a much more serious condition and can be significantly more difficult to treat. Periodontal disease causes the gums to retract from the teeth, creating pockets around the base of the teeth. People with this condition frequently look as if their teeth have become longer as more of the root area is exposed. Sometimes periodontal disease can become chronic, meaning it can only be held in check and cannot be cured. One of the most popular periodontal therapy treatments for this disease is scaling and planing. This is a deep cleaning treatment whereby the teeth are scaled or scraped to remove all the tartar, before the root area is smoothed or planed to help clear up infection. Planing the roots helps make it more difficult for plaque bacteria to adhere to the smooth surface. Some people are more susceptible towards developing periodontal disease, especially if they have a compromised immune system and suffer from conditions such as diabetes or AIDS-related illnesses.

General Dental Work Available at Your Local Dental Office

The majority of dentists are general dentists, and will often have the letters D.D.S. (doctor of dental surgery) after their name. General dentists tend to carry out a wide range of treatments aimed at servicing the majority of the public. These include offering professional cleanings with dental hygienists, wisdom teeth extraction and dental extractions. In addition they deal with cavities and replace fillings, fit crowns, dentures, and veneers and carry out preventative treatments such as fluoride treatment and sealants. Most people will find this range of dental work sufficient for their needs, but sometimes it may be necessary to seek out specialist help. 

Having Special Dental Work 

This is especially true for anyone looking for a smile makeover and who requires cosmetic surgery. The very best cosmetic dentists combine artistry with dental expertise to create naturally perfect smiles. And those unlucky enough to suffer from periodontal disease (gum disease) may need periodontal therapy. At the very least it may be necessary to have a full assessment from a periodontist who specialises in this disease as it is vitally important to treat this condition as effectively as possible. Luckily a lot of people won't require this type of specialist treatment and will be able to stick to seeing their local dentist.

Preventative Dental Work Can be Well Worth the Effort

Obviously prevention is always better than cure, and the local dental office is likely to offer several treatments that can help preserve teeth and keep them in the very best of health. Nowadays children and teenagers are likely to be offered dental sealants. These sealants are a type of protective covering that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of bicuspids and molars, helping to prevent decay. These areas are especially susceptible towards cavities as it can be quite tricky to clean all the little fissures and grooves in these teeth. Sealants can be painted on to any teeth that are free from disease and decay, although sometimes they can be painted on to teeth that have very small areas of decay as they help to seal in the bacteria, effectively killing them. Although this treatment is generally carried out on children, there's no real reason why it can't be carried out on the healthy teeth of adults. Sealants tend to last quite a few years, but their condition is checked at every appointment and renewed whenever necessary. The actual process for sealing the teeth is pretty quick and straightforward and can be completed in just one visit.

Fluoride Treatment Can Help Strengthen Teeth 

Fluoride treatment is one of the most popular methods of helping to protect teeth from cavities and decay, and is very effective. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in a lot of foods and many public water supplies, and plays a vital role in strengthening tooth enamel. Teeth come under attack every time we eat or drink something sugary or which is full of carbohydrates. This is because the plaque bacteria present in the mouth feed off the remains of the food, and in doing so create acid. This acid attacks the tooth enamel, weakening and softening it. Having fluoride treatment helps to re-harden it. Fluoride treatments can be administered at the local dental office, but it can also pay to use products containing fluoride such as toothpaste and mouthwash to help give a little extra protection.

Getting the Perfect Smile through Cosmetic Surgery

There is a lot more pressure these days to have a perfect smile, as the media is full of images of people with perfect teeth. However most of them weren't born this way, and will have required at least a little bit of work to perfect their pearly whites. Cosmetic surgery covers a huge range of dental work, and some dental treatments can be regarded as being both restorative and cosmetic. The most popular dental work for perfecting a smile includes having veneers fitted, having white fillings, getting new crowns, and of course having teeth whitened. 

Choosing the best dentist for cosmetic surgery

Anyone contemplating cosmetic surgery to perfect their teeth should choose their dentist very carefully. All dentists are referred to as being a D.D.S. (doctor of dental surgery), but some have chosen to specialize in cosmetic surgery. It is well worth asking a lot of questions and asking to see before and after photos or testimonials from satisfied patients. It's essential to pick a dentist who is willing to answer all questions, and all dentists should provide a written plan detailing the costs of each individual treatment involved in a smile makeover. 

Getting veneers to perfect a smile

Dental veneers are one of the most popular methods of perfecting a smile, and are an excellent way of hiding minor imperfections. They can be used to mask tiny chips or cracks in teeth, or they can modify the shape and size of teeth and can even hide discolorations. Veneers can be fitted on the front teeth, including cuspids, but can also be fitted to bicuspids and even molars. Veneers are also very good for straightening out slightly crooked teeth. In cases where a lot of veneers are being fitted on all the front teeth they can be used to completely change the colour. Most veneers require a small amount of tooth structure to be removed as the average veneer is between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm in thickness. They are incredibly thin but once cemented into place should last a considerable number of years before needing replacing. Some types of veneers require no healthy tooth structure to be removed, and it might be worth asking your dentist if you are suitable for these types of veneers. It is always worthwhile trying to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as you can, as once removed it is lost forever.

Using dental crowns to get a better smile 

Dental crowns can also significantly improve a person's smile, and modern dental technology uses very sophisticated materials that can look incredibly lifelike. Crowns used for cosmetic surgery are most likely to be tooth coloured, and can be made out of porcelain fused to a metal substructure, or can be entirely made out of porcelain, or they may have a substructure made out of a material called zirconia. The advantage of having all ceramic crowns is that they allow the light to be transmitted through in a way that is very similar to natural teeth. Porcelain fused metal crowns still give a good result, but can sometimes look a little opaque due to the porcelain used to mask the colour of the metal.

Brushing, Flossing, and other Oral Care Maintenance

Maintaining a healthy smile, takes time, and a true effort.  Taking proper care of your teeth and gums will prove to be a wise decision as your dentist visits will be less stressful and potentially even less painful.  Everyone should visit their dental office on a regular basis to have the needed dental work done, such as a cleaning, fluoride treatment and x-rays.  Along with the diligence of having regular dental work check-ups, following a strict routine of good oral health practices every day will set you up for a stress free life (well, that is when it comes to your oral health anyways).

Brushing your way to good Oral Health

Brushing your teeth is by far one of the most important things you can do to help maintain a healthy mouth.  However, many of us don’t take the proper time to brush our teeth as much as we should.  Brushing should be done at the minimum twice per day.  One of those should be before bed.  Brushing before bed removes the sticky build up of the day’s food from your teeth and gums which will eventually turn into plague, once your mouths bacteria is mixed with it.  It is a good practice to brush your teeth after each meal, so the bacteria doesn’t find your teeth and gums which could lead to cavities or even worse periodontal disease (gum disease).  As well as getting into a habit of brushing your teeth regularly throughout the day, eating healthy food can also help contribute to a healthy mouth.  Staying away from sugary food and drinks, along with high carbohydrates is recommended.  

Flossing shouldn’t be forgotten

Flossing your teeth is another way to prevent tooth decay and other horrible oral problems.  Unfortunately, flossing often does get forgotten, even though it is so important to your oral health.  Flossing is recommended to be done once a day.  It is an age old question whether to floss before or after brushing.  It depends on what dental professional you ask.  Just remembering to get into the habit of flossing daily is what is most important.  Most people find it the easiest to do so at night, as that is when they have more time to put into their oral to health and don’t feel as rushed as they would in the morning.

The Outcome to Neglecting your Oral Care Needs

When you haven’t been attentive to the needs of your teeth and gums, problems can and will arise.  When brushing and flossing has been neglected along with poor eating habits, you might find yourself in for a dental nightmare!  Cavities and periodontal disease (gum disease) can be the direct result of poor oral hygiene habits.  Cavities appear when the outer layer of your tooth’s enamel has been eaten away by harmful bacteria and plague that hasn’t been removed.  Cavities can be painful and can cause your tooth to ache.  You tooth could become sensitive to hot and cold and hurt when pressure is applied when chewing.  Cavities need to be filled with a filing, as leaving it untreated will cause the cavity to grow deeper within the tooth, regrettably causing even worse problems.  Periodontal Disease (gum disease) is an agonizing condition and is the leading cause of tooth loss.  It is definitely not something you want to deal with and trying your absolute most to prevent it, should be in your best interest.

Dental Work can be performed by Various Dentistry Professionals

Dentistry is a type of health care that involves oral prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.  It is a very crucial part of health care.  Poor oral health can be linked to various health problems, such as: strokes, lung disease and diabetes.  Doctors that work in the dentistry field are called Dentists.  They usually also have a team of other professionals that help them, which include: dental hygienists and dental assistants.  When visiting your dental office any of these professional may perform your dental work.  

Dentists care about your Oral Health

Dentists are specially trained to care for your teeth and gums.  At dental appointments, your dentist will look at your teeth and gums to ensure there are no problems or diseases developing.  In addition, with children dentists keep a close eye on their teeth to monitor that they are developing properly.  It is recommended that you visit your dentist every six months.  Finding a dentist that you feel comfortable with is essential, because if oral problems do arise you need to be able to communicate and trust him.  Dentists will perform many procedures such as extractions, filings, root canals, and crowns.  Knowing you are in safe hands will help alleviate additional stress.

Dental Hygienists help with Education and Prevention  

Dental hygienists are licensed professionals who specialize in preventative oral care.  Their focus in on oral hygiene.  Such as how to prevent certain oral diseases and how to maintain a clean and healthy mouth.  They have three main areas they focus on.  The first is providing preventative services to promote and maintain good oral health.  Secondly, they educate on oral health and how to develop good behaviours and the importance to being diligent with your oral health.  Thirdly, they will treat the mouth and help stop disease, helping patients maintain a healthy mouth.  Dental hygienists do a lot of hands on treatment, but also a main part of their job is to teach about proper oral care.  They treat people of all ages; young children all the way to the elderly.  Dental hygienists work under the supervision of a dentist.  When you go to a dental hygienist for an examination, she will examine you teeth, and gums strip the tartar, plague, and stains, clean your teeth and may even give you a fluoride treatment.  

Dental Assistants lead a Helping Hand

Dental Assistants, assist the dentist.  They don’t have as high of level of training and knowledge as Dental Hygienists so they do not work alone with patients.  Nonetheless, they still play a vital role in the dental office.  By giving their assistance to the dentist, the dentist’s time is more productive with the patient and less time is wasted because literally the dentist has an extra set of hands to help with procedures.  Dental Assistants are responsible for many task including: preparing the patient for their examine and treatment, sterilizing the dental instruments and laying them out for the dentist, passing the instruments to the dentist when hey are needed, as well as holding the suction device as procedures are taking place.  Dentists are able to focus completely on the task at hand. 

Knowing the facts of Periodontal Disease

There are not many people who you talk to that look forward to getting dental work done.

In actuality, becoming a victim of dental problems probably rates high on the fear scale.  However, needing to get dental work done at some point in your life is unavoidable, since as we age our teeth also wear.  The best way to be able to keep the fear factor low is to know what you are up against, know the facts, and know how to treat it.

Periodontal Disease is a treatable disease

Periodontal disease, also know as gum disease is unfortunately a common problem many adults face.  One reason it is so common is because when it begins to slowly develop there is no pain.  If you haven’t been to the dentist to have any dental work done in a long time, the gum disease will have no way of being detected until it has become a more serious problem.  Gum disease attacks the area where your gums and teeth attach.  Everyone has plague on his or her teeth and around their gums.  This plague will be removed if you are conscientious about brushing and flossing your teeth regularly throughout the day.  If not, this plague will turn to tartar which can only be removed by your dentist or dental hygienist.  When the tartar sits in the area of where the gum and tooth attaches, gum disease can begin to develop. Thee good news is that is can be treated and it can even be reversed it found early enough.  Then again, even better news then that is finding out how to prevent it in the first place.

Periodontal Therapy

There are various methods to try to help gum disease turn less serious if it has developed, or better yet eliminating it altogether to be free of gum disease again.  A non-surgical method is to remove the plague and calculus which is called scaling and root planing. The plague and calculus is removed just below the gum line to help clean the root surface so it can reattach to the tooth surface.  Along with this procedure, antibiotics may be prescribed to help control the harmful bacteria that is in the mouth encouraging the growth of the plague.  Periodontal Therapy has also expanded to laser treatment as well.  Some experts feel that the use of lasers to remove the plague and calculus may be a better option, as it seems to cause less bleeding, swelling discomfort. 

Brushing and Flossing can help prevent periodontal disease

Taking the appropriate measures to properly take care of your teeth and gums will ultimately save you unwanted pain and stress.  Brushing your teeth removes the plague from the tooth’s surface that eventually will turn into the horrid tartar, which gets so much negative publicity.  As well, flossing regularly will help get down in-between the teeth to remove the plague and food deposits that have been left from brushing.  Some experts also recommend using an antibacterial mouth wash after you brush and floss for one last effort to rid your mouth of any unwanted and bad bacteria.  Ultimately, if you are mindful of your oral health and do all precautionary work to keep it healthy, you are on the right track and should feel confident that you are taking good care of you mouth and gums.

Oral Infections Cause Discomfort

Taking the time to properly take care of your teeth and gums is extremely beneficial to your oral health.  Brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly can help lead you down the path of a healthy mouth and teeth.  When your oral health becomes neglected, negative repercussions may follow.  Infections in your mouth are a nasty consequence of poor dental hygiene, which can not only become an inconvenience but also a quite painful experience.  Dental work should never be avoided or some of the following could become an issue.

Tooth aches are a Pain

The pain from a tooth ache usually originates from inside the tooth or from the jaw bone.  The pain is usually caused by a tooth problem, such as a cavity, cracked tooth of even a root from a tooth that has been exposed.  The pain of the tooth ache can vary from mild to severe.  Tooth aches can become even more painful and irritated with chewing or when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold.  If the pain persists for a few days or if the pain becomes excruciating an appointment should be made to your dentist as soon as possible.  Your dentist will need to find the root of the problem before treatment can begin.  Always following good oral hygiene will ultimately help prevent tooth aches.

Tooth Infections are Risky Business

Infections in your mouth are serious business and need looked after immediately by your dentist.  There are many types of oral infections.  Infections inside the tooth are formed from tooth decay.  This type of infection can’t be healed on its own or with medication.  The main reason for root canals are to treat an infected tooth.  As well, infections can begin around the bone and end of the tooth which is called an abscess.  The infection can be treated with antibiotics, but ultimately the tooth will need a root canal.  An abscess is very serious and should be treated immediately.  If the abscess goes untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the tooth and jaw bone; as well, the infection could also spread into other parts of the body and cause other serious health problems.  The third type of infection is a gum infection.  The infection can be treated by having dental work to remove the tartar around the tooth and a deep clean done around the tooth and surrounding gum.  

Periodontal Disease (gum disease) attacks your Gums

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is caused by bacteria in the mouth that damage the gums.  Bacteria will start to grow along with other particles in your mouth which forms to create the dreaded plague.  If the plague is regularly removed by brushing and flossing, gum disease is less likely to develop.  However, if preventive measures are not taken and the plague is not removed it will begin to harden and form into tartar.  Tartar can only be removed by a dentist.  A method called “scaling” is used to remove the tartar.  The tartar is scraped from the around and below the gum line.  If an infection appears from the gum disease medication may also be prescribed to help rid the inflammation.  

Understanding Dental Terms

Going to the dentist does not have to cause anxiety, though it does for some people. Understanding some of the basic dental terms and procedures may alleviate some of the stress. If you hear the dentist say that a bitewing is required, don’t worry, it’s just a name for a single x-ray showing upper and lower teeth. Some of the common terms that are used in the dentist’s office, by dentists and dental hygienists, are listed below.

Names of Your Teeth

Beginning from the front of your mouth, the incisors are the first four lower and upper teeth. They are used for cutting and biting food, along with the cuspids. The cuspids are the third from the center and are sometimes called canines. The bicuspids are the next teeth in line, the fourth and fifth ones that have only two cusps (points). They are mainly for chewing and grinding food. They are positioned right in front of the molars. The molars are the three back teeth that grind the food. They are located in the upper and lower quadrant. Wisdom teeth are the last molars that erupt through the gums in the back of your mouth. As these teeth come in last, usually around ages 18 to 25, they are sometimes positioned in a way that requires an extraction for the health of the surrounding teeth.

Dental Procedure Terms

Dental extractions are the removal of teeth by a D.D.S (Doctor of Dental Surgery). Wisdom teeth will sometimes need to be removed by extraction methods, but not always. Teeth that cannot be saved will need to be extracted, but the teeth that simply have small cavities will only need to have a filling. Fillings are used when there are cavities present inside or around a tooth. The dentist will clear out the decay with a drill or other tool and then fill the hole with resin or porcelain material. A root canal is a procedure that saves an abscessed tooth from an extraction, if it is possible to save. The pulp chamber is disinfected and cleaned, and then a permanent filling is placed inside the tooth. Root canals do not involve pain for most patients since local anesthetic is injected around the area in which the dentist will be working. Dentures are necessary when the teeth are unable to be saved. It involves replacing your natural teeth with artificial teeth. Dentures come in two forms, partial and complete. Partial dentures are used when some of the natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used when none of the teeth can be saved.

Preventative Maintenance Terms

Your dentist may tell you to brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. This means to use toothpaste with fluoride properties added. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel to avoid decay. It is naturally ingested through water and food. An important procedure during annual cleanings is the fluoride treatment because it is applied directly to the teeth. Floss is a waxed, thread-like material to clean between all of the teeth. Dental hygienists can teach you the proper way to hold the pieces of floss and the correct amount of pressure to use when flossing.

Tips for Maintaining the Best Smile Possible

The future of your happiness and your smile depends on several factors that include taking care of your teeth, getting annual checkups, fluoride treatments, and seeking solutions for cavities and tooth ache pain. The first tip for maintaining the best smile is to visit the dentist at regular intervals. The dentist can keep your smile healthy by taking preventative measures and correct possible issues if they arise. Even small children should be taught the maintenance tips to ensure a lifelong healthy smile, and pediatric dentists can give further advice for young children. It is advised to take your child to the dentist when their teeth have erupted fully. When you practice good oral hygiene on a daily basis and the following maintenance advice, your child will follow your lead.

Proper Oral Hygiene

Beginning in infancy, teeth require proper oral hygiene in order to stay healthy. Even before your child has his first tooth, you should be cleaning his mouth with a soft cloth. Your baby should never be put in bed with a bottle. This would allow the liquids to sit on the teeth for extended periods and could lead to cavities and dental issues. From age six months to sixteen years old is approximately the most important time frame for preventing problems, though good oral hygiene is vital at any age. Dentists recommend daily routines of flossing and brushing for the best smile possible. Morning and evening are the best times to get into the habit of brushing your teeth; although after chewing candy or sweets would be another pertinent time.

Annual Fluoride Treatments

The American Dental Association recommends flossing daily and brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, along with having fluoride treatments regularly.  Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens your teeth enamel. It allows the teeth to be less susceptible to issues like cavities and gum infections. Water and some foods that are ingested contain fluoride, but the dentist needs to apply the gel directly to the teeth for best results. When you visit the dentist for your cleaning, the fluoride may be applied by either brushing it on or by inserting it into a mouth guard for application. It is also important to continue fluoride treatments into adulthood, to avoid having other dental problems.

Consult your Dentist for a Tooth Ache

Having tooth ache pain could be an indicator that there is infection from simple decay or cavities, or something more serious like an impacted tooth. Gum disease can also cause pain that feels like a tooth ache. Emerging wisdom teeth can also create this type of pain. A visit to the dentist is important in order to correct the problem or the affected tooth could die and be lost. Sometimes, the tooth ache pain will feel like all of your teeth are affected, but the dentist will be able to pinpoint the exact tooth, whether it is one of your bicuspids, cuspids, or molars. The proper solution might never be determined without the help of the dental professional. Sore and bleeding gums, along with jaw pain are other good reasons to see the dentist for maintaining the best smile possible.

Overcoming the Fear of Dental Work

Fear of visiting the dentist is quite common, however, it can be overcome when you know what to expect once you arrive. Everyone feels differently about a dentist visit, and some have even avoided visiting the dentist because of fear. Some people may have even had past traumatic experiences during dental work, which increases their fear. Preparing for the dental appointment will include knowing the facts and procedure steps that will be taken. The fear will subside when you know exactly what will occur while you are there. Many dentist offices will offer headphones for the patient if the drilling sounds scare you. You can check with the office when you arrive for your appointment. Some of the common procedures are listed here for alleviating fears and gaining precise knowledge before your appointment begins.

X-rays

The first thing that will happen during the dental appointment is a visual inspection of your mouth, teeth, and gums by the dentist. The dental hygienists may be the ones doing this initial part, depending upon the dentist. The inspection will show some of the possible problems, but x-rays will be necessary for other issues like impacted wisdom teeth and bone loss from periodontal disease (gum disease).  In addition, the small decay in between teeth isn’t visible without taking x-rays. The dental hygienists will place a plastic device between your molars and ask you to bite down to hold it in place for the x-rays. This procedure is painless, so there should be no fear involved with the x-ray and visual inspection portion of the appointment.

Anesthetic

When there is a problem that requires dental work like root canals, dental extractions, crowns or fillings, the area will be numbed with local anesthesia. The anesthetic is injected into the gums around the area where the dental work will be performed, so that the patient will not feel any pain during the procedure. Some dentists offer nitrous oxide for calming patient anxiety before the anesthesia is injected. A slight discomfort may occur upon insertion of the anesthesia needle, but will quickly subside as the numbing takes effect. Within about ten minutes or so, you should be numb in the area where the dentist will be working.

Drilling and Filling

If your dentist finds cavities, you will need to get a filling in order to get rid of tooth ache pain and prevent further dental work. The decay needs to be removed with a drill or other tool before the filling material is applied. This is normally the area that most patients fear the most. However, the fear is unnecessary after the numbing has taken affect. The patient may feel a slight amount of pressure, but there’s no reason to be overly concerned about pain. As stated earlier, if the drilling sounds scare you, ask if they have headphones available to calm your fears. After the dentist rids the tooth of the decay, a porcelain or resin material will be packed into the hollow tooth for restoring the tooth structure. Polishing the tooth will complete the procedure and you will leave the office with a repaired tooth and a smile on your face.

Dental Symptoms to Discuss with Your Dentist

Everyone knows that it is important to maintain a good relationship with their dentist and have annual checkups and cleanings, but some symptoms may not seem important enough to make an additional appointment. However, there are several symptoms that your dentist should be consulted about, in order to prevent bigger dental issues. A few of them are listed here for your review, but anything that causes pain or concern should be discussed with your dental professional. 

Frequent Bad Breath

Bad breath doesn’t just affect your personal relationships; it can also indicate medical or dental conditions. It can be caused by smoking, not keeping your mouth clean, things you eat, or dry mouth, but it can also be an early sign of periodontal disease (gum disease). You can reduce the amount of bad breath that you get by brushing and flossing daily. Both practices are vital in preventing gum disease. You can also brush your tongue to get rid of lingering bacteria. If your family has a history of gum disease, it is even more important to follow a strict regime of brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. Breath mints can only improve the smell of your bad breath, but the dentist can correct what is causing it. 

Sore Gums or Sensitive Teeth

Both of these symptoms, sensitive teeth and sore gums, can be caused by conditions that may require dental work. If your teeth bother you when eating hot or cold foods, it is safe to say that you have sensitive teeth. This should be discussed with the dentist to see if it could be the result of gum disease, worn fillings, fractured teeth, tooth decay, or worn tooth enamel. Exposed tooth root from gum recession can also cause sensitivity to cold and hot. Sore gums would also be an area to discuss with your dentist. Bleeding gums could be a sign of early gum disease or it could be from brushing or flossing incorrectly. The diagnosis and treatment will depend upon the source, and the dentist will examine areas to determine the best avenue of correction. 

Tooth Ache

Any type of tooth ache should be discussed with the dentist on your regular checkup appointment, if it isn’t severe enough to make an emergency visit. Having a tooth ache is an indicator of dental issues, but sometimes you can’t tell which of the teeth is affected. It may just feel like your whole face and jaw is hurting. The dentist will be able to pinpoint the exact tooth and the reason for the pain. It could be anything from cavities to gum disease. Impacted wisdom teeth or other problems under the surface could also cause the pain. Your dentist will examine your teeth by taking an x-ray to locate the source of the issue and then determine the course of action to correct the problem and alleviate the pain. If you have any of the above symptoms, call your dentist for an appointment before it’s too late. Some dental work may need to be performed immediately. If you wait too long, you will take the risk of allowing the tooth to die before getting treatment.

Brushing and Flossing helps prevent Periodontal Disease

Everyone is aware that in order to maintain proper oral hygiene you are to brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis.  However, how many people actually know just how critical it is to keep up this regular routine with your teeth and mouth and exactly why it is so important?  You always hear the terms plaque, periodontal disease (gum disease), and cavities, but how many of us actually know what is and how it can be truly prevented?

The Low Down on Plaque

Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on your teeth when it has came into to contact with sugars and starch.  Acid is then produced and it will attack your tooth’s enamel, causing the dreaded tooth decay.  Unfortunately, plaque can and will irritate not only your teeth, but your eventually your gums too, if not properly taken care of.  When plague irritates your gums, causing periodontal disease (gum disease) the symptoms are not pretty.  It can cause your gums to become extremely tender, red, swollen, and even bleed.  

The After Affects of Periodontal Disease (gum disease)

Gum disease is not something you want contend with.  It is a painful condition that will make eating difficult and cause you a lot of dental work.  Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss.  When the gums become inflamed from the disease the gums will begin to pull away from the teeth, ultimately resulting in needing dental extractions.  Depending on how serious your gum disease is, you may need to have many teeth removed, leading you to need dentures.  Periodontal disease (gum disease) generally will not appear until you are in your 30’s or 40’s.  Taking the necessary precautions beginning at a young age will aid you in a life free of this horrible condition.

The Importance of Brushing and Flossing

Brushing and flossing your teeth is something you do without even thinking.  Every morning and every night before you head off to bed and for some that are extra diligent, every time after they eat.  Taking these precautionary measures prevents a host of problems, but most importantly periodontal disease (gum disease).  Even though you think you are doing the right thing by brushing regularly, you need to ensure you are always brushing correctly, in order for the effects to be noticed.  Always remember to brush your teeth for at least 3 minutes.  This will guarantee the plaque is being removed.  Being mindful that you tooth brush is in good condition is also essential.  It is recommended you replace your tooth brush every 3 months, or before if you notice the bristles of the brush are worn or damaged.  Making sure your tooth paste has fluoride will also help with the proper maintenance of your teeth.  You can also request to have a fluoride treatment the next time you are at the dentist having dental work done.  Flossing is something that maybe doesn’t get done as regularly as brushing, even though it should.  Brushing and flossing should go hand and hand.  Brushing helps prevent plaque on the surface of your teeth, where as flossing removes the plaque between your teeth and gets in places your tooth brush can’t reach.