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Archive for June 2016

Comments Off on The Ultimate Cheat Sheet To Reversing Gingivitis
Steps to reverse gingivitis

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet To Reversing Gingivitis

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Gingivitis is a common medical condition that dentists often diagnose each day. If that’s a diagnosis you’ve recently received, the news isn’t all bad. Did you know that there are plenty of practical ways you can fight back against gingivitis?

It’s important to remember that gingivitis is reversible. That means you can take actionable steps to restore your gums to their former healthy selves. Here is what you need to know about gingivitis and the steps you can take to reverse it:

What is Gingivitis?

Gum disease is an umbrella term that includes all kinds of specific issues. One of them is gingivitis, a mild form of bacterial infection of your gum tissue. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more severe form of gum disease. In those cases, you could end up with periodontal disease or “periodontitis.”

In a nutshell, gingivitis occurs because there is a build-up of bacteria in your mouth. It’s important to note that it’s not an overnight thing that happens. It is a medical condition where bacteria builds up over a period.

For most people, a regular oral hygiene regime will prevent gingivitis from occurring. When you stop taking care of your teeth, bacteria will start to build up in your mouth. The bacteria get stronger by feeding on small bits of food that stay in your mouth after eating.

If bacteria doesn’t get removed on a regular basis, your teeth start to have a build-up of plaque and tartar. In case you didn’t know, plaque is a sticky yellow substance. It forms due to a reaction between the bacteria and saliva in your mouth.

Over time, plaque can calcify and turn into tartar. When that happens, only a dentist can remove it.

What are the Signs of Gingivitis?

It’s quite easy to spot the symptoms of gingivitis. The most common ones are as follows:

Bleeding gums, usually after brushing your teeth;
Constant bad breath;
Receding gum lines;
Loose and wobbling teeth;
Changes to the way your teeth “bite” and how they sit together.

If you suspect that you’ve got gingivitis, it’s crucial to have a proper diagnosis done by a dentist. That’s because, in some cases, you could have already developed periodontitis.

How to Reverse Gingivitis

Now you know about gingivitis, what it does and how to spot it. But, how do you reverse it? The good news is there are several simple and actionable steps you can take.

The first is to ensure you have regular visits to your dentist. That way, you can take action on any dental problems before things get out of hand. It also means you are less likely to need any dental work including surgery.

The next step is to set up a good oral hygiene regime at home. Brushing your teeth each day is an important task. If possible, you should do so after each meal. But, brushing just twice a day (once in the morning and again before bed) is a good start. Consider using an electric toothbrush with an oscillating head for the best results.

Next, you need to make sure you get rid of food particles stuck between your teeth. You can do that by flossing. Last, but not least, rinse your mouth out with mouthwash to get rid of any remaining bacteria.

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Comments Off on How To Achieve The Perfect Smile: Not As Difficult As You Think
perfect smile healthy dental hygiene

How To Achieve The Perfect Smile: Not As Difficult As You Think

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Are you someone that will often shy away from smiling at people? If that’s the case, it’s likely that you feel embarrassed about your teeth. Perhaps some of them look misaligned. Or your teeth don’t have that bright white appearance they once had.

You will no doubt want to stop hiding your teeth and start smiling again. However, you might assume that “fixing” your teeth is a lengthy and expensive process. It might shock you to learn that achieving the perfect smile is easier than you think!

Moreover, improving the appearance of teeth is well within most people’s means. Here are some examples of how you can transform your teeth into something to be proud of:

Make Sure Your Home Dental Health Hygiene is Good

It doesn’t matter how much work you have done to your teeth. Nor does it even matter what you spend on that work. If you don’t look after your teeth, you’ll never have the perfect smile.

The key to achieving your ultimate goal is by starting with good dental hygiene. For a start, your daily routine should including brushing your teeth after each meal. Doing so ensures you get rid of the bacteria that can cause gum disease.

Each day, you should floss your teeth to remove any food stuck between them. It’s important to note that bacteria grows on food lodged in your mouth. Getting rid of their source of energy will kill them!

And when you’ve cleaned your teeth, don’t forget to rinse your mouth out with mouthwash. It ensures that any remaining bacteria gets destroyed from your mouth. Carrying out the above routine without fail each day will make your teeth strong and healthy.

Teeth Whitening

Are you embarrassed by your yellow and discolored teeth? If so, you can do something about it! Perhaps the easiest and most common step is by having teeth whitening carried out.

There are many teeth whitening treatments that you can have performed. You can opt for a solution that gets done by a dentist. Or you can use a treatment that you carry out at home. In both cases, the results will guarantee the improvement of your smile!

Fix Small Chips on Your Front Teeth

Some people don’t like smiling because of chipped teeth. Those problems can occur for various reasons. Examples include sports injuries and biting too hard onto a hard piece of food!

Dental bonding is a cosmetic treatment you can have applied to fix minor chips on your front teeth. It’s a painless process that involves the use of special composite resins. When they get applied to your teeth, they get buffed and polished to achieve a uniform look. Dental bonding is the ideal way to improve your smile and boost confidence from chipped teeth.

Repair Larger Chips and Broken Teeth

Veneers are an excellent treatment for those seeking to fix larger chipped teeth. It’s also the perfect way to fix broken or discolored teeth. Veneers are thin, translucent porcelain coatings that attach to the front of the teeth.

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Comments Off on 8 Things Many People Don’t Know About Bleeding Gums
8 things you need to know about bleeding gums

8 Things Many People Don’t Know About Bleeding Gums

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It doesn’t matter whether you are disciplined with your teeth cleaning regime or not. Almost everyone will have bleeding gums once in a while. But, if that happens on a regular basis, it’s likely you may be suffering from gum disease.

Believe it or not, some people aren’t aware of gum disease, how it occurs, and what it can do. The good news is that it’s possible to do something about the problem. If you’re not sure why you’ve got bleeding gums, these eight reasons might be the cause:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

It might sound like we are stating the obvious here. But, if your oral health is poor, you’re more likely to suffer from bleeding gums. There are many ways to reduce the likelihood of that happening. For instance, use an electric toothbrush for brushing. And use a water pick for flossing.

2. Unhealthy Food and Drinks

It’s both easy and convenient to eat and drink processed foods. Plus, there is an abundance of drinks with high sugar content in them. Apart from making you fat, they can also cause you to have bleeding gums. Why? Because you aren’t boosting your immune system with the right nutrients.

3. Smoking

We all know that smoking can cause all kinds of health problems, one of which is lung cancer. Smoking can also do bad things to your teeth too. It can cause fibrous and enlarged gums. And that allows bacteria to thrive and cause bleeding gums. What’s more, that bacteria can attack your body’s vital organs through the bloodstream.

4. Stress

We all know that stress can make us feel unproductive, depressed and exhausted. What you may not know about stress is that it can impact the health of your teeth too. Stress can prevent your immune system from being strong enough to fight gum disease.

5. Genetics

One fact that surprises many people is that genetics can play a part in people having bleeding gums. More than a third of us have a genetic “marker” that makes us predisposed to bleeding gums and gum disease. It’s possible to get DNA testing to check for that marker. And the good news is there are many treatments to lower the risk of bleeding gums.

6. Misaligned Teeth

It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a strict teeth cleaning regime. Some things beyond your control can cause you to have bleeding gums. One of those is misaligned teeth. They can affect supporting gum tissue and bones, causing your gums to bleed.

7. Side Effects from Medicine

Have you ever looked at the notes that come with your medication? They will list a whole host of side effects that you could have. Some drugs can affect blood flow to tissue. As a result, it means your gums could have less protection against bacteria.

8. Gum Disease can get Transmitted through Saliva

Last, but not least, kissing someone with gum disease could cause you to have it too. That’s because the bacteria can get transmitted through saliva! Another way you could get infected saliva is if you share a toothbrush with someone.

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Comments Off on Whitening Your Teeth is Actually Easy When Done by A Professional
Teeth whitening done by a professional dentist

Whitening Your Teeth is Actually Easy When Done by A Professional

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Having a bright, white smile is something that many of us desire. As teeth whitening has become more accessible to the masses, it has seen a dramatic rise in popularity. You can go to any beauty counter and find affordable teeth whitening kits you can apply at home. Unfortunately, some teeth whitening products are being sold without the right safety information. They can also include harmful chemicals that are not always safe for use. This can lead to permanent damage to your teeth and gums. Read through this guide to see just how easy and beneficial a professional teeth whitening session can be.

They Have Training and Experience

As stated above, some whitening kits use harmful chemical and don’t contain safety precautions. If you use these products incorrectly, you can cause some issues. For instance, if the whitening gel is placed on the gums it can cause irritation and inflammation. This can be painful and make it uncomfortable to eat and talk. Regularly, using too much gel on the surface of your teeth can also cause irreversible damage which could lead to tooth loss. The expertise of a trained professional means you get fantastic results while keeping your teeth and gums in a healthy condition. They can also recommend when your next session should be to ensure minimum damage is caused.

They Can Offer Advice

Having a professional carry out this procedure means you can ask them questions and gain informative information. You might be unsure how white you want your teeth to be or what the process entails. They can put your mind at rest and discuss your options with you. You might experience some minor side effects afterward, which they can also prepare you for. Some people try to use whitening to mask other dental issues they have such as gum disease and dental cavities. But they don’t realize that whitening is often less efficient on damaged teeth, and the chemicals use can make these conditions worse. So if your teeth are painful or damaged, your dentist can advise you on what dental treatments you should have before you whiten your teeth.

They Tailor the Service to You

Many home whitening kits use universally sized trays and strips. No two mouths are the same as our teeth are all different shapes and sizes. This means that these methods many not provide you with the results you expected. It can also mean the chemicals reach sensitive areas such as your gums and tongue. A professional at your dental practice should have custom sized equipment that fits perfectly. This tailored approach will not only make you feel more comfortable but ensures they chemicals are used in the right place.

There’s no denying that home teeth whitening kits are convenient. But getting this procedure carried out by a professional can give you better results and keep you safe. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to ask them any questions you may have. They should be able to clearly talk through the process and show you examples of their previous work.

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Comments Off on 3 Things About Dental Implants You Need to Know
dental implant benefits

3 Things About Dental Implants You Need to Know

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If you need to have one or multiple teeth replaced, there’s a good chance your dentist will recommend dental implants. These are often the first choice as they are a long term solution that can provide function while still looking natural. While they are considered the most efficient form of tooth replacement, it’s important to do your research. Knowing what the procedure entails and the benefits of having them can help you determine whether they are a suitable option for you. So before you make a decision, use this guide to find out more.

They are as Strong as Your Natural Teeth

One concern that many patients have is that their new dental implants won’t last or break easily. Unlike other tooth replacement treatments, dental implants are built to last. With good oral hygiene and regular checkups with your dentist, there is no reason why your dental implants shouldn’t last a lifetime. Dental implants are inserted into the hole where your missing tooth used to be. It is then fixed directly onto the jawbone in the place of the original tooth’s root. This bonding with the jaw bones means that the dental implant has the same amount of function and strength as the rest of your teeth. So you can bite into foods such as apples without being concerned of a breakage.

They Can Be Color Matched

Another concern for patients is that the implant will stand out and look unnatural next to their other teeth. Many feel that this will affect their confidence and make them less inclined to show off their smile. Advances in dental implants have provided more colors than ever before giving you plenty of options. You and your dentist can look at the current color of your teeth and use that to color match the artificial tooth that is attached to the implant. This will give you a natural looking result that complements the rest of your teeth. The color matching of dental implants has improved so much that it’s hard for people to tell the difference.

They Will Require You to Stop Smoking

It’s important to know before you have this procedure that your dentist may ask you to stop smoking. This can often come as a shock to many patients, but it is for a good reason. Dental implant success rates are usually 90% and above. But recent studies have found that smoking increases the risk of the implants failing. This is because smoking cigarettes hinder the healing process. It can also cause infections after the procedure. This prevents the dental implants from working effectively while also causing pain and discomfort. So if you are a smoker and intend to have implants fitted, it might be wise to join a quit smoking group beforehand.

Hopefully, this guide will have provided you will some useful dental implant information. If you are still unsure whether this is the right procedure to solve your tooth loss problem, talk to your dentist. They can answer any questions you may have, as well as talking through alternatives you can also consider.

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Comments Off on Will a Smile Makeover Be Right For You?
Can a smile makeover be right

Will a Smile Makeover Be Right For You?

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A lot of people think about getting work done on their smile. Usually, this decision occurs when you’re older. You might have avoided getting braces when you were in your teens. Only now, you’ve started to notice your teeth and smile a lot. You care more about the way you look. You could consider getting a smile makeover. Smile makeovers can be extensive or only cosmetic. It might include getting your teeth whitened or even removing some of those pearly whites. You might find that you need a type of braces that are either noticeable or completely hidden. The procedure can take months or even just a couple of weeks, depending on the work that is needed. We realise we’ve just snowed you under with information. You’re probably wondering whether a smile makeover is for you. Well, let’s find out.

Are You Happy With Your Smile?

If you’re happy with your smile, there’s probably no need for a makeover. If you can look in the mirror and smile without feeling miserable, you probably don’t need one. However, if you constantly feel self-conscious about your smile, this could be the right option. Many people don’t like their smile for a variety of reasons. You might think that your teeth are crooked. A best kept dental secret is that teeth are rarely every naturally completely straight. That’s why we have braces. Or, perhaps you damaged your teeth when you were younger. That might be a chip in a tooth at the front of your mouth. This can seem unsightly, and you may want it fixed.

Can You Commit?

If you get smile therapy, it’s probably not just going to be one appointment or treatment. You’ll be back for a few over a couple of months at least. So, you can’t get a smile makeover unless you’re prepared for this type of commitment. Though, we think you’ll agree the results will certainly make this sort of commitment worth it.

Can You Afford It?

Usually, a smile makeover will cost in the region of a few thousand. But it does depend on what type of procedures and treatment you need. If it’s only going to take a couple of weeks, you might find it’s only a couple of hundred. You’ll be able to get an opinion from an expert, and they’ll let you know about the cost. Typically, you can pay in instalments rather than provide the entire cost upfront.

Can You Handle Looking Different?

You must understand you will look different throughout the difference phases of a smile makeover. First, you need to think about a home renovation and what it will look like halfway through. A home improvement half completed won’t be pretty and neither will your smile. You might have a tooth missing before the gap has been closed. Or you could have braces for a short period. But again, it will be worth it once the treatment is complete.

Do you think a smile makeover is a right decision for you? Patients are always happy with the final results, even when they’re nervous at the start of treatment.

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Comments Off on You Need to Learn to Love Going to Your Dentist
Happy patient who loves going to the dentist

You Need to Learn to Love Going to Your Dentist

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So many people these days hate going to the dentist, and a lot of it might be out of fear. It’s easy to worry that getting work done on your teeth is going to be painful. However, consider how painful it’s going to be if you don’t go. You need to learn to love going to the dentist, and here’s why.

Tooth Problems Can be Agonising

If you’ve ever had painful teeth, you will know how agonizing it can be. That’s because the roots of your teeth are linked to your nerves. So, when you get a toothache or decay, you know about it. Severe tooth problems can generate pain that borders on unbearable. So, you need to learn that the dentist is the best place for you. You’ll be able to get the right treatment and stop the pain before it becomes debilitating.

You Need to Keep Your Teeth Strong

One of the main reasons you need to learn to love going to the dentist is that your teeth matter. You have to keep your teeth strong and ensure you have good oral hygiene. You can do this from home by regularly and thoroughly cleaning your teeth. But, going to the dentist gives you that extra bit of security. It’s like a safety net to fall back on that can help you preserve your teeth and gums as much as possible.

Catch Problems Early

Think of your body in the same way you would think of your home. There is always maintenance to be done, and you’ll need to get repair work sorted from time to time. And, importantly, you need to make sure you catch problems early. This is vital when it comes to your teeth and gums, and that’s why you need to learn to love going to the dentist. Catching problems early means they can be sorted out and dealt with. If you leave them the problems will only get worse, and this can lead to severe pain, tooth decay and damage. By visiting your dentist more often, you will get the problems fixed much quicker.

You’ll Be Glad You Did It!

It might seem unpleasant, or even nerve-wracking, but dental work is essential. It’s something you can’t get around. You’re not going to be able to put it off for too long. Eventually it will get to the point where you will have to go and get some treatment. And when you come out you’ll always be glad you made the journey. You’ll no longer be in pain, and your mouth will feel cleaner, fresher and healthier. No one ever regrets getting their teeth sorted out, but they often do regret leaving it so long to go for treatment.

Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. Once you realise how important it is, you will learn to love doing it. It’s something that can be made a lot more bearable with frequent visits that will help you get used to it. At the end of the day, you’ll be glad you took these trips to the dentist.

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