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Please choose a section to review: Basic Flossing Brushing your teeth twice a day is important, but there are places between your teeth that trap bits of food and plaque, a sticky film of decay-causing bacteria. It's difficult, often impossible, for toothbrush bristles to do a good job cleaning these usually tight spaces between teeth. Dental floss is an "interdental cleaner" that can help keep these tooth surfaces clean and helps reduce the likelihood of tooth decay. Begin by choosing a brand of floss that displays the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance. The seal is your assurance that the product has met the ADA's criteria for safety and effectiveness. Basic Brushing Confused by all the oral hygiene choices that line the store shelves? Smart shoppers look for a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste that display the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The seal is your assurance that the product has met the ADA's criteria for safety and effectiveness. Unless your dentist recommends otherwise, select a soft-bristled toothbrush in a size and shape that will fit your mouth comfortably. With regular use, toothbrushes generally wear out in about three or four months. Because worn bristles do not clean effectively, get a new one when your toothbrush shows signs of wear. Dental Cleanings - Prophylaxis and Periodontal Health The dental profession refers to the dental cleaning appointment as a dental prophylaxis, or prophy. It's most significant functions are prevention of dental disease and patient education. It is likely the most important and valuable visit a patient may ever make to the dentist.
The dental prophylaxis is the cornerstone for a lifetime of dental health. Ultrasonic and Hand Scaling Plaque is the colonization of natural oral bacteria on food debris that remains on the surface and in the crevices of the teeth and gums. Combing with minerals in the saliva, it ultimately forms a hard, rough sediment known as dental tartar or calculus which attracts further plaque buildup. Calculus must be removed by a dental professional for the prevention of periodontal disease. Removal of calculus may be performed by a licensed dental hygienist or dentist, either by manual scaling of the teeth, or with an ultrasonic device. The choice of technique is a personal preference by the hygienist or wishes of the patient. Most states permit trained dental hygienists to administer local anesthetic and nitrous oxide (laughing gas), often necessary for deep periodontal scaling and root planing. Light or moderate tartar buildup is commonly removed by manual scaling instruments of various shapes and sizes The skills of the hygienist are especially important for this procedure. The ultrasonic scaler, commonly called by the brand name, Cavitron, is often indicated for the efficient removal of heavy, tenacious tartar and stain The hygienists may follow its use with hand scaling for a more finite smoothing of tooth and root surfaces. Caution is warranted for people who wear pacemakers, as the ultrasonic sounds may interfere with the function of the pacemaker. Root Planing Accumulation of plaque causes inflammation of the gums and an ensuing breakdown of the periodontal attachment (the fibrous connection of the teeth to the supporting structures). Pockets between the teeth and soft tissue become deeper, and the underlying bone recedes Increased pocket depth encourages the formation of more calculus, plaque and further tissue breakdown. The ongoing bacterial colonization byproducts, perpetuate the disease process. Root planing is a procedure to treat periodontal conditions (moderate to advanced gum disease) by thoroughly scaling the roots of teeth to establish a smooth, calculus free surface. The process may be performed by a dental hygienist, dentist or periodontist (gum specialist), and usually requires local anesthesia to prevent pain. Thorough periodontal scaling customarily involves several dental visits. More advanced conditions may necessitate periodontal surgery for complete debridement of the roots and recontouring of the hard and soft tissue to arrest the disease process or to restore, in select situations, lost bone. Polishing The dental prophylaxis is refined by a final polishing of the teeth to remove stain and create a sensation of fresh breath and a clean mouth. It may be accomplished by spraying high pressured water mixed with baking soda paste onto the surface of the teeth (prophy jet polishing), or a rubber cup and polishing paste. Many states permit a certified dental assistant to polish teeth with a rubber cup and to apply fluoride for children. The Dental Recall Appointment Patients should schedule their recall appointments on a regular basis for the early diagnoses of dental disease. The hygienist or dentist may recommend a prophylaxis visit every two to six months. Even if your dental insurance plan only covers the procedure twice a year, its money well spent. Recall frequency depends on many factors and should be determined on an individual basis. Some people tend to have more buildup of calculus than others and some may be more prone to periodontal inflammation or the development of tooth decay. Patients with inadequate oral hygiene practices will require more frequent cleanings. Dental Cleaning for Children The dental prophylaxis is especially important for children to establish good oral hygiene practice and to appreciate the importance of dental health. Easy dental prophy appointments help create self esteem and will lessen anxiety should dental restorative care become necessary in the future. A child's first dental visit should be around age 2-3 years old. The regular application of topical fluoride, early detection of orthodontic (bite) problems, and an evaluation for pit and fissure sealants are part of preventive dental health. Dental Conditions and Patient Concerns - Halitosis (Bad Breath) Halitosis may be caused by many factors, the most common of which are dietary predilections and inadequate oral hygiene. If dietary adjustments do not resolve the issue, one should first consider a visit to the dentist, improved oral hygiene, and gastrointestinal or systemic disorders, such as diabetes. Poor oral hygiene, advanced tooth decay or periodontal disease may result in bad breath that may range from offensive to fetid. For many, bad breath is caused by the accumulation of bacteria lodging in the ridges of the tongue. Incorporating a small plastic rake (tongue scraper) into a regular oral hygiene program will prove a godsend to those who experience this problem. Poor dental hygiene may result in acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG). Once called trench mouth, the condition is fairly uncommon in advanced countries, but may develop in teenagers and young adults. Though not contagious, it can, and should be treated. Perhaps the best gift you can give a loved one is a visit to the dentist. Dental Conditions and Patient Concerns - Discolored & Crooked Teeth Perhaps no aspect of dental care has been so far advanced in the past decade as aesthetic dentistry. With the introduction of adhesive restoration treatment and conservative tooth reduction techniques, cosmetically appealing restorations are often routine and less invasive. Dental bleaching has become a popular and successful approach in the management of extrinsic stains on enamel. It does not affect previously placed restorations. Porcelain veneers have taken the place of bonding in most instances, and may offer a dynamic alternative to crowns (caps). The technique is often indicated for managing crooked or extensively discolored teeth, sometimes instead of adult orthodontics. Find out what modern aesthetic dentistry has to offer! Teeth are a valuable asset, so protecting should be just as much of a concern as protecting your knees, elbows, hands and head in any sport. Let us help you find just the mouth guard that you need for keeping your teeth safe from harm. Play Safe! Fluoride and Fluoridation - Facts About Fluoride Cavities used to be very common, but over the past few decades, tooth decay has been reduced dramatically thanks to fluoride. Studies have shown that fluoride reduces cavities in both children and adults and helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before the decay is visible. Fluoride is a nutrient, which is safe and effective when used appropriately. Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in all water sources, even the oceans. The fluoride ion comes from the element fluorine. Fluorine, which is the 17th most abundant element in the earth's crust, is never encountered in its free state in nature. It exists only in combination with other elements as a fluoride compound. Fluoride is effective in preventing and reversing the early signs of tooth decay. Research has shown there are several ways in which fluoride achieves its decay-preventive effects. It makes the tooth structure stronger, so teeth are more resistant to acid attacks. Fluoride also acts to repair, or re-mineralize, areas that acid attacks have begun. The effect of fluoride is important because it reverses the early decay process as well as creating a tooth surface that is more resistant to decay Fluoride is obtained in topical and systemic forms. Topical fluorides strengthen teeth making them more decay-resistant. Topical fluorides include toothpastes, mouth rinses and professionally applied fluoride therapies. Systemic fluorides are ingested in the body and become important in forming tooth structure. Systemic fluorides can also give topical protection because fluoride is present in saliva, which continually coats the teeth. Systemic fluorides include water fluoridation or dietary fluoride supplements in the form of tablets, drops or lozenges. Topical Fluorides
Community Water Fluoridation Fluoride is present naturally in all water sources. Community water fluoridation, has been in affect for over 50 years, and is the process of adjusting the fluoride content of fluoride-deficient water to the recommended level for optimal dental health. The recommended level is 0.7 - 1.2 parts of fluoride per million parts water. Water fluoridation has been proven to reduce decay in both children and adults. While water fluoridation is an extremely effective and inexpensive means of obtaining the fluoride necessary for optimal tooth decay prevention, not everyone lives in a community with a centralized, public or private water source that can be fluoridated. If you do not have community fluoridated water, consult your dentist for alternative sources. Cosmetic Dentistry [Top] What causes dulling and discoloration of teeth? Discolorations can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Tooth dullness or staining is an indication that whitening should be considered. Smokers and those who drink coffee and/or tea on a regular basis accelerate the discoloration and require cleaning more often. This is among the most common reasons for teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is usually the first solution to try due to its lower cost. What is Bonding typically used for? Bonding is a tooth-colored composite resin (similar to an enamel) that is bonded to the tooth surface to repair and/or change the color or shape of a tooth, then sculpted into shape, hardened, and polished. When teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice. Bonding also makes a great tooth colored filling for small cavities and broken or chipped surfaces. It can also be used to close spaces between teeth. Additionally, it is used to cover the entire outside surface of a tooth to change its color and shape. What can be done for missing teeth? Bridges are designed to replace missing teeth. Not only do they fill the unsightly spaces left by lost teeth, but they also help support the teeth adjacent to, and directly opposite, the missing teeth. Often a dentist will recommend an Implant to fill in the space as well. How can jagged teeth be corrected? In some instances, simple reshaping (contouring) of the front teeth, even without anesthesia, may produce a dramatic result to correct jagged, chipped or slightly uneven teeth. The cosmetic dentist simply utilizes sanding discs and creativity, to create a natural look with existing teeth. How do I know what color my veneers, crowns, caps, bridge or implants should be? Usually, the answer is to whiten your natural teeth to either the level of whiteness you want or to the brightest they can be. Your cosmetic dentist will then have the veneers made to that color. Teeth are of course not monochromatic, so typically more than one color is used to create a very natural look. This color variation is critical in avoiding fake or artificial looking teeth. It is the internal contrast of colors that help create vitality. The internal play of light on the porcelain in the restoration helps to create this vitality. Surface texture is also very important, and helps to break up light reflections and make the veneers, crowns, caps, bridges or implants look more natural. Can Crowns be used to improve a weak biting surface? Crowns are used when making cosmetic improvements to the teeth is the goal, and serve an additional purpose. A crown is placed over a tooth, replacing most of its enamel. It surrounds the tooth, giving it strength and providing a strong, durable biting surface. What are Porcelain and Ceramic Inlays? Porcelain inlays are considered durable, with a manufacturing process that enables a high degree of accuracy in placing the inlay. Porcelain inlays bind onto the tooth and increase the overall strength of the tooth. These inlays may cost more than other types of filling procedures. Ceramic inlays are used to repair somewhat damaged back teeth. They are made of very strong and durable industrial ceramics. Glued into place with special adhesives, they hold the damaged parts of the tooth together. These inlays are quiet durable, and look exactly like a tooth in every way. They are also significantly stronger than regular filling materials. Why is Orthodontics a specialty in dentistry? Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry that addresses occlusal problems, or the mouth's ability to close with the teeth in the proper position. Orthodontics brings the teeth, jaw bones, and facial profile into proper alignment. An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional two to three years of continuous study in an ADA approved, university affiliated graduate orthodontic program. What are Veneers? Veneers can easily correct gaps in your teeth or with teeth that are stained, badly shaped or crooked. Today a veneer placed on top of your teeth can correct nature's mistake or the results of an injury and help you obtain a beautiful smile. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. Typically veneers are designed by a dental technician, working from a model of the patient's teeth provided by your dentist. Usually Veneers is an irreversible process, because it's necessary to remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth to accommodate the Veneer shell. The dentist may recommend that you avoid some foods and beverages that can stain or discolor your veneers such as coffee, tea or red wine. Sometimes a veneer might chip or fracture, but for many people the results are more than worth it. To find out if Veneers are right for you, consult your dentist I have Porcelain Laminate Veneers, why are they so special? Many times, the demands of cosmetic changes in the mouth are too great for simple bonding. This is when porcelain laminate veneers may be used. Porcelain veneers (sometimes referred to as laminates) can change an entire smile. Porcelain laminate veneers are quick, painless, and dramatic. They can change shape, color, size, and arrangement of teeth or any combination of these factors. They can be used as an alternative for orthodontic treatment. The best part about porcelain laminate veneers is that they can be placed in two visits. When are Porcelain Jackets recommended? When there is not enough tooth structure left, or the chewing demands in the mouth are too great for laminates, a stronger, more extensive restoration is needed. In this case, porcelain jacket crowns are used. Porcelain jackets are pure porcelain crowns placed on a fully prepared tooth. They are the most life-like of all full crown type restorations. What if Porcelain Jackets are not enough? When biting pressure is too great for porcelain jackets, teeth are loose due to periodontal disease, or gaps from missing teeth must be filled in, metal alloy must be placed under the porcelain for strength. This is the porcelain fused to metal crown technique. More tooth structure is removed to accommodate both metal and porcelain. Once an impression is taken, a metal coping is made on the prepared tooth. This is then covered with porcelain. Porcelain fused to metal crowns do not have the translucency of pure porcelain crowns. However, a talented ceramist with experience in custom staining can usually overcome this limitation. When individual back teeth are broken down but some good healthy tooth structure remains, porcelain fused to gold inlays are used. This is the strongest and longest lasting back teeth restoration procedure. Once the tooth is properly prepared, the technique is similar to the porcelain fused to metal crown technique. The benefit of this restoration is the advantage of gold underneath which supports the tooth during heavy biting, therefore protecting the tooth and the nerve Are there alternatives to tooth replacement besides a bridge? Dental implants are a source of artificial teeth that look natural and feel secure. Dental implants can also be used to attach full or partial dentures. However, Implants are not an option for everyone, because implants require surgery. Patients need to be in good health, have healthy gums, and have adequate bone to support the implant. The patient must also be committed to meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits. If you are considering implants, a thorough examination by your dentist will help determine if you would be a good candidate.
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