DR Meenu Giri Family Dentistry in Fremont, CA is a dental practice for patients to improve their smile’s health, appearance, and function. If complications such as loss of the tooth occur, patients need to work proactively with a dentist to recover the smile. Dr. Meenu Giri frequently recommends that dental implants be placed and restored, titanium restaurations made to function once as a natural tooth root. Implants are popular, and when replacing missing teeth, our team discusses the top five reasons why dental implants are an excellent investment for patients.
Longevity. Dental implants during oral surgery are placed in the jawbone. If the treatment is successful and patients keep their smile properly looked after, they will enjoy it for a lifetime. Many patients prefer a more permanent restoration without daily removal or special care. Dental implants stay in the mouth if the bone below holds them firmly in place.
Bone maintenance. Restorations such as dentures can contribute to bone resorption. This is the loss of bone caused by the lack of teeth in the smile. By placing a dental implant, a patient can maintain the bone and continue to appear youthful.
Versatility. Dental implants are used to remove one or more teeth in many different ways. For example, when teeth are not available, a dental implant can be used on one or both ends of a dental bridge to act as an anchor. For maximum stability and strength, many dental implants mounted along the bridge keep a denture in place. This versatility makes dental implants right for many more patients than those replacing just a single tooth
Natural appearance. With a denture, dental bridge, or dental crown, dental implants are repaired over the top abutment. Such restorations are made of porcelain, a material that closely mimics the natural tooth enamel’s appearance and strength. Dr. Meenu Giri is responsible for ensuring that the restorations suit the actual teeth so that the restoration of porcelain blends in.
High success rates. When dental implants are placed by professionals such as Dr. Meenu Giri of Meenu Giri Family Dentistry, the success rate is often remarkably high. Most dental implants have a success rate of over 98%. Patients must visit the dentist to determine if they are a proper candidate with sufficient bone before moving forward. Not enough bone of the jaw can cause the implant procedure to fail. Patients without adequate bone structure for the successful placement of the dental implant may want to speak to their provider about preparatory procedures. This may include bone grafting to prepare for implants later.
Many patients who are looking for a permanent restore to fix
missing teeth are advised to book a Dr Meenu Giri Family Dentistry. Visit to
learn more about these repairs and how they work. Patients will havex-rays
performed to enable the dentist to evaluate the jaw bone to determine whether
the procedure is going to succeed. Some patients might still prefer removable
restaurations like partial dentures, and that’s all right! Not every patient is
suitable for dental implants, and they are not the only solution available.
Partial dentures, full dentures, or dental bridges may be alternatives. During
a consultation appointment, all these options will be discussed.
For many of our patients, dental implants entail an initial
upfront investment, because dental insurance sometimes covers a portion of the
operation, but not the full amount. However, in comparison with other options
that require routine replacement, the long-term benefits of dental implants
make them a smart investment. No other tooth replacement option provides the
same stability and strength as a dental implant, making it an obvious solution for
patients taking permanence into consideration.
Root canals aren’t as scary as you think. Keep reading for the importance of getting root canal treatmen
Every year, more than 15 million root canals are done. And yet, despite how common these treatments are, the reality is that they contain a lot of misinformation.
The fear of pain and scientifically disproved claims that getting root canal treatments will lead to other health issues scare countless people away from seeking the medication they urgently need to make them feel better — and protect their overall health.
So, is a root canal really as terrifying as everyone says?
In a word: “no.”
In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know
about getting a root canal, from the signs that the treatment is right for you
to exactly what to expect during and after your procedure.
Then, we’ll let you know where you can go to get expert root canal treatment and superior care for all of your dental needs.
First, let’s make sure that you understand the basics of root
canal treatment and why it’s performed.
Your teeth contain pulp, a soft tissue filled with nerves,
blood vessels, and other connective tissues that secure your teeth’s roots as
it develops.
Once you have fully developed your permanent teeth, you no
longer need the pulp, because the surrounding tissues support the tooth.
Inside your tooth, the pulp may become contaminated or
inflamed over time, affecting the health of the tooth problem and those around
it.
The inflamed and infected pulp is safely removed by a root
canal treatment, as well as remove other debris and decay within the root
canal.
Signs You May Need a
Root Canal
Now, let’s take a look at some of the most common signs that
you may be in need of root canal treatment.
You need to see a dentist if you experience extreme pain when
you chew, or even occasional pain in a tooth throughout the day. The same goes
if your teeth are highly sensitive to food and beverages that are hot or cold.
Blood vessels and roots may have been damaged, as well as nerve endings
exposed. Such things are definitely not going to get better on their own— in
fact, they are going to get much worse.
Another sign that may be needed is darker tooth discoloration, particularly when accompanied by swelling and gum sensitivity. As a result of decay and inflammation, people even seem to develop pimple-like spots on their gums.
Even chips and cracks in the teeth can require a root canal
to fall, play sports, or eat hard foods. This is because these cracks can
expose your nerve endings readily, making you much more susceptible to a severe
infection that can spread quickly.
You should still make an appointment with your dentist if you do not believe that any of these symptoms can involve a root canal. Even if you don’t need a root canal, these symptoms may be another, equally serious, dental issue.
But why is it so important to seek immediate treatment and
dental care?
We know that the thought of having any kind of dental work done
can make many people cringe and decide to put off the treatment for even
longer.
But that’s an incredibly dangerous choice to make, both for
the infected tooth and for your health as a whole.
So, what happens when you delay a root canal?
Tooth Loss
First of all, there’s a good chance that you’ll have to have
the tooth completely removed in order to keep the infection from spreading.
This is costly, time-consuming, and often painful.
Even if you don’t lose your tooth, you’ll be in pain every
time you chew or eat something.
Is it really worth it?
Dental Abscess
You’ll also be at an increased risk of having a dental
abscess if you put off having a root canal done.
A dental abscess is a serious bacterial infection that, if
left untreated, can spread to the rest of your body. You may even develop
sepsis id the bacteria from a dental abscess spreads to your jaw, neck, and
other parts of your body.
It can even eventually spread to your brain, which will
require serious surgery and could potentially be fatal.
Dental abscesses can cause blood infections, meningitis, and
even Ludwig’s Angina, which can result in suffocation.
In short?
A root canal is absolutely not something you should put off.
An Increased Risk of Stroke/Heart Attack
Perhaps you’ve heard of the old-fashioned expression,
“Good health starts in the mouth.”
Many people simply don’t realize the impact that your oral
health can have on the rest of your body.
The scary reality is that if you let dental problems and decay
go on for too long, you are at an increased risk of having either a stroke or a
heart attack. While yes, it’s rare, it can happen and it does.
This is because mouth inflammation means that clots, one of
the leading causes of strokes and heart attacks, are much more likely to form
your blood.
In addition to getting dental issues looked at as soon as
possible, we’d like to mention here that quitting smoking is also one of the
best things you can do for your overall oral health.
First of all, it prevents all of the serious consequences of
delaying treatment that we mentioned above from happening to you.
But beyond that, it’s also an excellent way to save your
natural tooth — and it’s much more affordable than most of the cosmetic dental
work that you’d need to replace a seriously damaged or lost tooth.
Plus, a root canal also ensures that your teeth maintain a
natural look. No one will be able to tell that you even had one done.
Additionally, the procedure is relatively quick. In most
cases, it only takes about an hour and a half to complete a root canal.
Root canals also protect the other teeth around the infected
area. Because dental debris and disease spread so quickly, the sooner you can
have a root canal performed, the better off you’ll be.
Above all, once you have the root canal done, you’ll be able
to return to a comfortable, normal life that’s uninterrupted by tooth pain.
It’s natural to feel nervous about having to undergo a root
canal treatment.
In fact, most people do — and this public anxiety is often
what makes the thought of having a root canal even more stressful. (If you
experience dental phobia, check out these valuable coping techniques to help
calm you down on the day of your treatment.)
We find that knowing what to expect from the procedure itself will make things a bit more manageable.
Depending on the severity of your decay and your specific
condition, you may need more than one appointment to complete the root canal
process.
The First Steps
During an initial appointment, your dentist will take an
x-ray of your teeth and mouth. This makes it much easier for them to find the
signs of infection in the bone, and to determine where exactly the problem
tooth is located.
The good news is that you’ll receive local anesthesia and
other numbing agents during your root canal even if the nerve is dead, as it
makes patients much more relaxed. Then, the dentist will put a small rubber
barrier around the tooth, so that the area stays dry during the root canal.
Then, it’s time for the dentist to get rid of the bacteria,
old nerve tissue, pulp, and other debris in the infected tooth.
To do this, the dentist will need to drill an access hole in
the tooth and clean out the area using a series of special root canal files
that vary in size. This makes it easy for the dentist to scrub out your root
canals, and to ensure that they’re able to get everything out.
Throughout the root canal process, your dentist will wash out
the debris with sodium hypochlorite or water.
Sealing the Tooth
Once your dentist has removed all of the debris from your
root canal, they need to seal your tooth back up.
Depending on the specifics of your case, your dentist may
wait for about a week before they seal the tooth. Usually, this happens when
there’s an infection in the tooth, and medication needs time to fully clear it
up.
Even if you don’t get a permanent seal on your tooth during
your first appointment, your dentist will, of course, use a temporary filling
to close off the access hole.
Then, the dentist will need to fill up the hole in the tooth
using a special paste and rubber compound. Then, you’ll get a permanent filling
to close everything off once and for all.
In most cases, you may need a bit more restorative or
cosmetic work done to the tooth that received the root canal treatment.
Things like crowns and posts further strengthen the tooth and
help to ensure that you’ll be completely comfortable when chewing.
Now, let’s move onto what you should expect during the
recovery process.
Your recovery process is an incredibly crucial part of having
a root canal done.
You want to be certain that you follow all of your dentist’s
specific instructions so that you don’t end up infecting the tooth or causing
other issues.
Most dentists will advise you to stick to soft foods in the
first few days after your root canal treatment. (This is especially key if you
need to wait a few days to have the tooth permanently sealed.)
You should expect to feel a bit of sensitivity in the first
few days after your appointment — and you will likely feel a bit more pain if
the tooth had a severe infection.
You will be able to take OTC pain medications, and the pain
usually doesn’t last longer than a day.
Above all, it’s important to understand that having a root
canal treatment done is far less frightening — and far less painful — than
delaying the proper treatment.
Plus, if you don’t take an infected tooth seriously, you
could put yourself at risk for serious health problems.
The quality of care that you receive, and the experience of
the dental professionals you work with, will make all the difference when it
comes to putting you at ease and giving you excellent results.
When it comes to your oral health, don’t settle for anything
less than the best.
At Dr Meenu Giri Family Dentistry, we offer a wide variety of
dental treatments, emergency procedures, and other services. We’re committed to
providing you with compassionate care every step of the way.
Reach out to us today to book an initial consultation for a
root canal, and start getting your smile back on track.
Cavities in
children aren’t a big deal, right? Kids are losing those baby teeth, anyway, so
what’s the point in looking for early signs of cavities?
Okay,
there’s a big reason you should think about cavities in any and all of your
teeth, according to your child’s dentist. It doesn’t matter whether or not
those teeth were intended to fall out of the mouth of your baby.
Your oral
health and the oral health of your child is directly related to your overall
health. And ignoring the early signs of cavities, even in a baby tooth, means
you’re ignoring a potential health problem later.
We’re sure
that’s not a price your willing to pay. So, let’s get off that train and let Your
Dr. Meenu Giri, Family Dentistry teach you some important info about cavities
and your kids.
Cavities in children are common. As a matter of fact, the numbers are staggering.
The National
Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH) states that nearly 42
percent of children ages 2 to 11 have either full-blown cavities or tooth decay
in their mouths.
That’s
nearly half of all children.
And that
doesn’t even include the millions of families who can’t afford to pay for
dental care or choose not to bother.
That means
nearly half of all children suffer a higher risk of life-threatening health
problems in adulthood simply because they’re not receiving the oral health care
they need.
Do not ignore those baby teeth
Yes, those
teeth are falling out of your children’s mouths, but cavities aren’t just about
rotten or unsightly teeth. That’s something many people forget.
Cavities can become dangerous.
As the decay
becomes worse, it can spread to the gums. When that happens, it can also spread
into the blood. That places your children at risk for more serious health
issues. It also has the potential to cause problems years down the road.
So, please
don’t ignore cavities. Those teeth are falling out, yes, but your child’s
future health depends on having healthy teeth throughout their childhood.
Make an
appointment for your child with Dr. Meenu Giri, Family Dentistry and start them
off on the right track.
You may be
wondering what causes cavities in children. Knowing the cause is the first step
to the power against cavities.
After all,
knowledge is power.
And it’s not
just eating a sugary diet or not brushing correctly. It’s a culmination of many
factors, and it would benefit you to know them all.
Bacteria and the early signs of cavities
The mouth
contains a lot of bacteria. Some are good, and some are bad.
Good
bacteria work to fight off the bad stuff and prevent illness as well as other
unfortunate health conditions. But some of the bacteria in the mouth work to
break down foods that contain starches and carbohydrates.
These foods
then turn to acids that cause plaque. And when plaque is not removed from the teeth,
it causes teeth to decay.
Lack of proper oral health care
If your
children are not brushing and flossing their teeth properly, the plaque in
their mouth has time to sit on the teeth and break down the enamel.
As it breaks
down the enamel, it causes the teeth to rot. That’s what causes cavities.
You see, the
plaque is an acid that eats the tooth a little at a time, and it’s not
something you want to have on your teeth.
Lack of dental care
Here’s the
thing about dental care: your children can brush correctly and floss regularly
and still not remove all the plaque from their teeth.
Plaque is
often found in very hard to reach areas of the mouth, and it requires special
dental tools that can reach into those places to properly remove it. If your
children are not seeing the dentist every six months for professional cleaning,
they’re at risk for allowing their plaque to stick around longer and cause more
damage.
Here’s the truth:
Your child’s
dentist can find a cavity quickly, and they can stop it before it has time to
turn into a more serious problem. Not only that, they can identify the early
signs of cavities and hit the issue head-on.
That’s why
you’re encouraged to see the dentist every six months, and the same rule
applies to your children.
Early signs
of cavities in children can help you prevent your children’s cavities from
causing gum disease or affecting their oral health.
It’s
important for you to remember that a cavity doesn’t mean your child will
develop health issues. And it also doesn’t mean that they’re not doing their
very best to brush and floss.
It might
just mean your child produces high levels of the bacteria that causes cavities.
It also might mean your children drink water without fluoride or they don’t
have as much saliva in their mouths as other children do.
As we said,
cavities don’t necessarily reflect yours or your children’s oral health care or
habits. Cavities happen. And you can spot the early signs of cavities in
children to stop them in their tracks.
A poor diet
This isn’t
always an early sign of cavities as some children eat a poor diet and never
experience cavities. However, cavities in children are more prevalent and more
common when a child eats food rich in carbohydrates and starches.
Sugary
foods, sugary drinks, and other items that are generally viewed as unhealthy
are a sign your child is more likely to suffer from cavities as they age.
Lack of proper oral health care
While you
might assume that white spots on teeth mean they’re just clean, that’s a
misconception.
Spots that
are whiter than the rest of the tooth indicate that the enamel on that area of
the tooth has already begun to break down, which is bad news.
Sensitivity is one of the early signs of cavities
Are your
kids complaining that their teeth are sensitive or that they hurt? It might
happen when they are chewing a meal or when they are eating or drinking
something cold or hot.
This could
be one of the most common early signs of cavities in children you should look
for. It can mean their enamel is eroding.
Look at the teeth — again
If you see
any stains that are black or brown, it’s a sign that a cavity has already set
into the tooth. This is the moment you call the dentist and don’t make another
excuse to miss an appointment.
A cavity may
have already formed, and you must have it treated right away to prevent it from
becoming deeper and affecting your child’s gums.
Pain in the mouth
If your
child is in pain, call the dentist. Period.
It might be
one of the most telling early signs of cavities in children, but it might also
be another oral health issue. Any time your child’s mouth hurts or they are in
pain; it’s a sign that the dentist needs to take a look.
It’s one of
the early signs of cavities you can’t be too careful about.
Prevention
is the key to keeping your child’s mouth healthy, which is why it’s essential
to take note of the things you can do to help your child prevent cavities.
Remember
that even the most conscious and careful parents and children cannot prevent
cavities in certain instances. It’s not a reflection on your oral health care
abilities.
Brush with fluoride toothpaste after meals and beverages
Reduce the number of carbs and starches your children consume
Your dentist
can discuss other preventative measures with you as well. Some of these include
dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and even a list of foods you can eat.
These will consist of foods that aren’t as likely to cause issues in your
mouth.
Here are a few to add to yours and your kid’s diet:
Calcium
Fruits high in fiber
Whole grains
And remind them to rinse after they’re done eating, no matter what.
Here’s the good news:
You and your
children can all benefit from this information, and you can thank your dentist
when you have healthy teeth.
Get the kids involved
Not only
should you teach your children good oral care, but you also need to show them
the early signs of cavities.
Empower them!
No one sees
your kid’s teeth more than they do, and by teaching them what to look for,
you’re giving them tools they can use for the rest of their lives.
Have you seen the early signs of cavities in your kids? The staff at Dr. Meenu Giri, Family Dentistry is here to help. Tell us about your experiences in the comments!
The team at Dr. Meenu Giri, Family Dentistry in Fremont, CA is here to help if you’re looking for solutions for missing teeth! Dr. Meenu Giri is our dentist who is pleased to offer clients, including dentures, a range of tooth replacement options.
As patients think of dentures, the false teeth of their
grandparents can come to mind. Patients can think of fake-looking restaurations
or dentures that do not remain in place, leading to many awkward social
situations. Dr. Meenu Giri and her professional team want patients to know that
over the years dentures have come a long way. They are more natural-looking
than ever, and they can stay in place without getting loose if they fit
properly.
At Meenu Giri, Family Dentistry, we are pleased to provide
the following variations of dentures:
Partial dentures – Partial dentures are acrylic restorations of missing teeth that can be used if one or more dental arch teeth are missing. The partial denture is made with an acrylic and metal frame, similar to a retainer that uses existing teeth as reinforcement to snap into the smile. The partial denture has false teeth that slides where they are required, enabling patients to complete their smile appearance even after tooth loss occurs.
Full dentures – Total dentures are plastic acrylic restorations used when the whole arch of teeth has been lost to patients. This can be caused by periodontal disease or extreme deterioration. In some cases, to prepare their smile for total dentures, patients will have the remaining teeth removed. Dr. Meenu Giri uses top laboratories to create beautiful smile replications of a person, enabling patients to have a hand in the development of their new teeth.
Implant-supported dentures –Implant-supported dentures may be the way to go for certain patients who are worried about fit and function. Implant-supported dentures are full dentures that can cover all the smile’s teeth. In conventional complete dentures, however, which require suction or dental adhesives to remain in place, this approach uses a number of strategically placed dental implants along the dental arch. These must click into contact with the implants, providing a solid and stable foundation for optimum usability.
It is important for patients to work with a dental
professional to determine the best denture replacement option for their needs.
There is no one size fits all option, as every patient’s situation is unique.
It is best for patients to book a consultation appointment at Dr. Meenu Giri,
Family Dentistry in Fremont, CA with Dr.
Meenu Giri and her staff to allow her the opportunity to examine the patient’s
smile and see their special needs to provide recommendations that can be used
to help. We treat each patient like the individual they are and offer services
accordingly.
HOW MUCH DO DENTURES COST?
The type of denture a patient purchases will play a role in
the overall cost of tooth replacement. In most instances, however, dentures are
often less expensive than other options such as dental bridges and dental
implants. Additionally, it is important for patients who have dental insurance
to bring their information in regarding their plans, as our front office team
can often apply dental benefits to the overall cost of dentures. In most cases,
the implant-supported dentures are often the most expensive, because of the
oral surgery required to place the implants before moving on with the dentures
themselves. On top of applying for dental insurance benefits, we can also work
with patients in finding an affordable payment plan. This can help patients in
obtaining the services they need while ensuring they are affordable for even
the tightest of family budgets. We want to make the necessary treatments
attainable for everyone who needs them.
Don’t let missing teeth impact the appearance and functionality of your smile! Now is the time to connect with Dr. Meenu Giri of Dr. Meenu Giri, Family Dentistry in Fremont, CA to discuss your options for tooth replacement. Dentures and other solutions are readily available in her practice, located at 37259 Fremont Boulevard. Call 510-790-0700 to request your consultation appointment today!
Happy October, all of you! It’s one of the year’s spookiest
seasons, and one of the most appalling things we can think of is having
problems with our teeth and gums. Because October is the National Dental
Hygiene Month, by recognizing the importance of your daily hygiene activities,
we want to promote a healthy mouth for everyone. A healthy, beautiful smile is
built on good teeth and gums!
Plaque
The mouth is full of living bacteria, some of which feed on
carbohydrates and sugar drinks and survive on them. To build a sticky bacterial
film (plaque), these can release acids mixed with saliva and food particles.
When plaque builds up, it damages and weakens the enamel of the tooth, causing
decay and cavities through the softer dentin and tooth pulp below it.
Teeth with significant decay also require treatment with the
root canal to save the tooth from the serious root-taking infection. A root
canal eliminates bad bacteria and dead tissue that may otherwise cause the
tooth to be extracted.
Did you know that China invented the first known bristle
toothbrush in 1948? The original toothbrush used boar hairs attached to bamboo
or bone handles, unlike the smooth nylon-bristled brushes we use today. We
don’t know about you, but we appreciate the toothbrushes of today!
You’ll want to begin by shielding your mouth from plaque to
avoid damaged teeth. Drinks such as soda, fruit juices, sports drinks,
carbonated water, and other acidic or sweetened foods, for example, are almost
a lifeline for oral bacteria that bind your teeth. Restrict these drinks to
minimize plaque, and when you drink them, use a straw to reduce tooth enamel
contact. Tea, milk, low-sugar vegetable juice, and unsweetened black and green
tea are the best choices.
This year’s National Dental Hygiene Awareness Month focuses
on four habits you need to practice daily:
Brush
Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush (no boars
hair!) twice a day for two minutes every session. You want to wash them gently
without damaging the tissues of the enamel or soft gum. Make sure the head and
form of the brush fit securely in your mouth so that bacteria and food
particles can be extracted from the back areas. Hold your brush in your gums at
an angle of 45 degrees. Use quick strokes, move the toothbrush back and forth
to wash all tooth surfaces where the food is chewed–outside, inside and top of
the molars. Make sure the grooves and crevices are polished. Clean the inside
of your front teeth with up-and-down-strokes.
Floss
Clean your teeth once a day with a variety of flossing tool
(one that makes you want to floss every day) to get rid of your toothbrush’s
dental plaque. Plaque accumulation may cause it to harden into tartar or
calculus to be removed using special tools by a dental hygienist.
Rinse
Through brushing or flossing alone, certain parts of the
mouth can not get rid of plaque. Regular mouthwash rinsing kills bacteria to
prevent tooth decay and gum disease (oral tissue infection) from taking
control. A non-alcoholic antimicrobial rinse that is appropriate for your needs
can be recommended by your dentist.
Chew
Talking of dry mouth, did you know that 20 minutes after you
eat sugarless gum chewing reduces the chances of deterioration of the tooth?
That’s because chewing encourages balanced saliva production by stimulating
saliva glands. When rinsing off food particles and bacterial waste, the saliva
plays a vital role and neutralizes the toxins from oral bacteria.
This month is a good time to toss out your old worn-out
toothbrush and find a flossing method you will enjoy using every day. You’ll
also want to thank your dental hygienist the next time you see them for all
their efforts to make your smile the best it can be!
There are a range of teeth whitening products you can attempt
when it comes to having a whiter and brighter smile. Bleaching in-office or
at-home is your main options. (Look for an ADA Seal of Acceptance whitening
item.) You should talk to your dentist before beginning any whitening therapy. Your
dentist will tell you what, if any, whitening procedures will work best for
you.
A crown is a nice way to cover discolored or poorly formed
teeth. A crown can strengthen your tooth and enhance its appearance. Crowns can
also be used to connect bridges, safeguard against breaking a fragile tooth, or
restore one that has already been broken.
Veneers are thin shells made of colored tooth products
intended to cover the teeth’s front side. Unlike bonding, to accommodate the
shell, a small amount of enamel must be removed from your tooth. They are
intended to look like your natural teeth based on a model of your mouth.
Not satisfied with the look of your teeth? The response may
be bonding. For some, it can assist restore your teeth’s natural appearance.
Bonding is a method in which the dentist directly attaches products to your
tooth or “bonds.” In order to produce a powerful structure that looks
good, your natural tooth enamel and dentin are combined with bonding products
such as porcelain and resins.
While orthodontic job that starts as a kid grows helps to
generate ideal outcomes, this does not imply that adults are unable to hold
braces. Metal brackets are not your only choice thanks to developments in
orthodontic treatments. It is possible to use removable aligners, or
“unseen braces,” or transparent plastic brackets to straighten
crooked or crowded teeth.
To replace missing teeth, dental implants are a common and
efficient way. They act as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth, surgically
positioned in the upper or lower jaw. Implants made of titanium and other
materials are intended to hold restaurations such as crowns or bridges that mix
in with your other teeth and are a long-term choice to restore your smile.
It may seem apparent, but the most significant instruments
for maintaining a good mouth are brushing and flossing. To avoid cavities and
enhance your oral health, brush twice and floss at least once a day.
One of the simplest things you can do to enhance your smile is to go to your dentist twice a year. In addition to checking for cavities and oral illnesses and routine cleaning, your dentist can also provide other alternatives to make your smile brighter.
If only once a day you were to brush when would be the best
time? Naturally, night time! The longest period of the day when you’re not
eating when you’re sleeping, and therefore feeding the bacteria that cause
decay of the tooth and gum disease. Another mistake I encounter as I speak to
people every day is that many people brush up the morning before breakfast. It’s
okay to freshen your morning breath, but remember to brush after eating. After
all, before exercising in the gym, you wouldn’t have a shower and not after!
You use the wrong brush
Anything but a soft brush can harm not only the teeth, but
also the gums. Plaque is smooth and easy to remove. Remember, not how hard you
are brushing, it’s how deeply you are brushing. Use a smooth brush at all
times.
You ignore the rest of your mouth
In the tiny crevices between the “papillae” on the
back of the tongue, your tongue harbors food and bacteria. To get rid of these
harmful bacteria, use a tongue scraper or your brush. (Your breath can also be
improved!)
Not using proper technique
Believe it or not, I spent 2 years in dental practice before
learning how to properly floss! Many people have never really learned how to
properly brush either and many dental professionals are guilty of paying
“lip service” for proper oral hygiene without showing their patients
how to do it properly. If you have any doubts, always check with us. Never
“scrub” and don’t apply too much pressure.
Not brushing long enough
The American Dental Association recommends for 2 minutes each
time brushing twice a day. If you watch the clock, two minutes is a long time!
That’s one reason I’m a fan of electric toothbrushes is because they’re running
2 minutes on a timer so you don’t have to think about it.
You don’t replace your brush
If the bristles get worn, you should probably replace your
brush every 3-4 months, more often. Worn bristles will not remove plaque and
bacteria effectively. And don’t forget to immediately replace your brush if you
were sick! In the bristles, bacteria and viruses from a disease can reside and
potentially re-infect you.
