5 Dental Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Even with regular check-ups, things can go wrong when it comes to your teeth and gums. Know when to contact your dentist with these symptoms you should watch for.

THE BEST HEALTH

With regular dentist visits, we all should be able to keep on top of any problems that might affect our mouths. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be aware of those symptoms that warrant a quicker appointment especially for those of us who leave more time than we should between visits. 'It's not that hard for people to look in their mouths when cleaning their teeth to see if there's anything that wasn't there before,' says Dr. Edmund Peters, a professor in the school of dentistry at the University of Alberta. Just keep in mind that by the time the signs begin to show up in your mouth, the problem is likely advanced' so never hesitate to phone your dentist. Here's Dr. Peters' list of the dental symptoms you should never ignore.

Dental symptom #1:  Changing gums

Gum disease includes gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (a more advanced condition, which, if untreated, could lead to tooth loss) and is caused by plaque, an almost invisible sticky film containing bacteria that can form on a clean tooth within 24 hours. With time, this plaque can harden into tartar or calculus. The tartar can accumulate under your gum line, causing even more inflammation.

Contact your dentist if you experienced these symptoms:

• Changes in color, for instance from a normal pink color to red or bluish-red
• Swollen gums with a spongy feel
• Receding gums, making the teeth look larger' you may see some of the root
• Pus, odor, or new spaces forming between the teeth

Dental symptom #2:  White spots on teeth

Dental decay is essentially an infection in your tooth which starts in the hard enamel dissolving in response to acid produced bacteria. The first signs are white spots that form in the very early stages.

When decay begins, particularly if this is happening between the teeth, you probably won't be aware of it, which is why regular check-ups, including x-rays, are so important. At this point, you may be able to stop the process before it develops into an actual cavity that requires a filling. So if you notice any white spots that weren't there before, it's worth getting them checked out.

Dental symptom #3:  An increased sensitivity to hot and cold

Once decay moves through the enamel and into the center of the tooth, which contains the nerves and the blood vessels, you will likely begin to experience noticeable symptoms, such as new or increased sensitivity to hot and cold or to certain foods. If this occurs, make a dental appointment immediately, as the earlier you treat a cavity, the better.

Sensitivity to hot and cold could also be a sign of less serious problems, such as teeth grinding' which you maybe unaware you're doing, especially if it happens at night or a filling that needs to be fixed. It's always worth mentioning this to your dentist.

Read full story at:  http://www.besthealthmag.ca/

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Overcoming Your Dental Fear and Anxiety

Do you have specific fears or intense anxiety whenever you go to the dentist? Visiting the dentist can cause anxiety and this is a normal reaction. The need to listen and understand patient's concern is vital to help them find simple ways through noted experience. Whatever techniques, using breathing or distraction or even sedation, it will help increased or boost confidence of the patient when visiting the dentist.

The fear of dental treatment and anxiety during dental proceedings has considerable effect on the quality of life and the quality of dental services rendered.

Anxiety is but a natural reaction to stressful situations. It is rather flexible and beneficial when it enables us to be anxious and assure that we achieve our objective. Nonetheless, it becomes disarray when practicality, there is impairment. Even though anxiety disorders can be classified into several categories, it is relatively fair enough that specific diagnoses is out of the dentist's scope of practice. However, it is important to remember that anxiety disorders have common features and absolutely apprehend to behavioural and pharmacological management.

It is most crucial to know that avoiding regular check-ups can be seriously detrimental or may rather be harmful to your oral hygiene. Whatever apprehension you have for your discomfort, there are many ways to deal with your fear and most specifically overcoming it. Failing or neglecting to visit your dentist for a long time makes you fear it even more, creating an adverse cycle of poor oral health and neglect that can start or lead to serious health conditions. Dental phobia can be hereditary and therefore, can be pass on to their children.

Many patients who suffer from dental anxiety are far better when they are with somebody or let say with a friend. Even the dentists encourage the same for this is a popular way to boost confidence, bringing someone along for support. While it is best course of action to speak with your dentist before any treatment, try to prepare as many questions as you need for you to understand what to expect and what help is available in order to make the situations comfortable and clear.

Photo credit:  www.toothpick.com

What Is Good Oral Hygiene?

Bad breath cannot be a consistent problem. Gums don't bleed or hurt and especially appear in pink when you brush or floss. And when you want to keep your teeth as clean as possible and free of debris then that is what you call "good oral hygiene".

Good oral hygiene is a consequence in the mouth that looks and smells healthy. If you are undergoing constant bad breath, or your gums do hurt and bleed while brushing then that is a sign that you need to see your dentist. Any of these cases are implications to certain dental problems. 

Your dentist or any dental professional can aid in helping you learn the good oral hygiene techniques and approach that can help you identify that part of your mouth that may require or need extra consideration and care during brushing as well as during flossing.

Regular teeth brushing and cleaning between teeth is an important habit for good oral hygiene. Cleaning between your teeth after brushing once or twice a day is ideally better. Dental floss is commonly used to do this to remove plaque from between teeth. And for those who are unable to use a toothbrush in particular, regular rinsing with antiseptic help to clean the teeth and prevent gum disease.

Try to avoid sugary foods for they are the main source of bacteria in the mouth. They are broken down into acid which is the common cause of tooth decay and also, tooth erosion. 

Good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums and so it is very crucial maintaining the same. It will not only empower you by making you feel and look good, but also allow you to eat and speak the proper way. Practicing good oral health takes part into your overall well-being.

Photo credit:  statenislanddentist.com

 

Digital Impression Technique in The Dental Industry

Do you remember my latest blog article How Digital Dentistry Can Help Simplify The Digital Workflow, where you could read about how digital technologies take the dental industry by storm? In this blog article, I will dig deeper into the effects of intra-oral scanning and why the technique has earned its good reputation. I spoke to a dentist and a dental technician that use Elos Medtech’s digital dentistry solution about their, and more importantly, their patients’ experiences of the digital technique.

The digital development is on the rise within the dental industry

If you ask a dentist and a dental technician about the digital development within dental care, you will most likely get two different answers. From a dentist’s point of view, the development has accelerated only in the last few years, involving digital prints, 3D-printing and intra-oral scanning. For the dental labs, on the other hand, the digital development arose already in the early nineties, starting with the scanner. Since then, many new technologies have emerged on the market, creating a high level of competition. Today, many of the dental labs have up to 95 percent digital equipment, and within the coming five years, most of the dental labs will probably go completely digital. 

The dentists and dental technicians requested a modern and high-quality technique 

The dentist and the dental technician work in symbiosis with each other, one dependent on the other to do their job. Therefore, the need for a digital impression technique was just as big for both parties. The dental industry had a need for a smooth technique that would  produce a safe, high-quality product with a good fit. The need for a digital impression technique was also driven by pure health reasons, since the process of molding an object frees a lot of unhealthy gas. Today, the intra-oral scanning procedure is growing stronger and stronger within the dental industry.

“In the dental industry, it is important to work with open systems, and not be tied to certain production flows, which Elos Medtech’s solution enables. The cooperation with Elos Medtech was very successful”, says Björn Gjelvold, Dentist at the Swedish Public Dental Service.

Read full story at    elosmedtech.com

Photo credit:          elosmedtech.com

The Surprising Truth Behind Cough Syrup

It’s the season of sneezes and coughs, and the risk for colds and the flu is on the rise. At my dental office in Nokesville, we strive to keep our patients healthy, but even we don’t have a cure for the common cold. While many of us turn to over-the-counter medicines to put our pesky coughs to sleep, cough medicines can actually contribute to tooth decay and cavities.

Cough syrups and lozenges often contain sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, and alcohol. While these ingredients help relieve some symptoms and make managing a cold a bit easier, they can also cause damage to your teeth.

Sugars

Mary Poppins may have been on to something when she sang, “a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” Many cough medicines include sugar to make the liquid easier to take and not so awful tasting. However, sugar is a main contributor of tooth decay and cavities. Mouth bacteria consume sugars which are then broken down into acid. This acid attacks the enamel and leads to decay.

Read full story at:  www.bolildds.com

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When the World Smiles

Smiling is an awesome gesture and perhaps, a very potent action and much more impressive than you think. Did you happen to glance and catch someone's eye upon walking along the corridor and you smile? Well then let’s suppose the person smiles back or if not, there could never be one person who would not smile back upon looking somewhere a place where there are plenty of people.

A smile discloses happiness. Nevertheless, the same spreads through interactions like a virus, escalates fast and definitely contagious. A closed encounter with somebody else is absolutely not even necessary in order to be motivated by someone else's bliss. It passed on to anyone naturally with delightful euphoria.

Smile advances more like a flame. And it is quite good to know that more favorable concerns move fast, freely and with less effort despite of the current trend here in our considerably wacky world.

Keeping your smile at your best is keeping your smile healthy. Brushing and flossing everyday of course is another healthy habit and is a must to consider. However, be sure to visit your dentist on a regular basis to ensure proper care and professional cleanings. Do not forget that good oral health isn't just about teeth but the whole body health itself. And in case you have problems keeping you from sharing your smile, well, do not hesitate to seek the help of a dental professional. They can make you smile more and give back your confidence again. Another good thing is that, sharing your smile and laughter make you feel younger, regardless of your age. It is not really about how many times you shared your smiles but it is about how easy and convenient you are sharing it.

Try to unleash that imaginable power within your smile. Make this world a better place. For when you smile, the world smiles, too.

Photo credit:  www.evolvedental.com.au