A tooth is divided into two parts – the crown and the root. The crown is the visible part of the tooth and is made up of two layers – the enamel which is the outer layer and dentin which is the inner part of the tooth. Enamel is said to be the hardest body tissue. It can be described as thin outer layer of tooth which is translucent. Thus the visible color of your tooth is that of dentin and not of enamel. It acts as a protective shield for the tooth.

Although enamel is the hardest tissue, it is still susceptible to damage and erosion. Yellowing of teeth and sensitivity of teeth to hot, cold or sweet substances are signs of enamel erosion as they occur when dentin which is protected by enamel gets directly exposed. Dentin has lot of nerve endings that trigger quick response in terms of pain when it comes in contact with external substances.

Some of the main reasons for enamel erosion are:
    •    Increase in acidic levels in the mouth: The saliva produced it the mouth acts as neutralizer to the natural acids produced in our mouth thereby protecting tooth enamel and also repairing it. But when the acidic levels in the mouth increase beyond certain limit the erosion caused to the enamel becomes faster and thus non-repairable. Most common reasons for increase in acidic levels in mouth are:
    •    High intake of aerated drinks and alcohol that contain high levels of citric and phosphoric acids. Excessive intake of certain fruit drinks containing citric acid also cause enamel erosion.
    •    Gastrointestinal ailments that result in increased production of acidic fluids in body. Vomiting too increases the acidic level in the mouth.
    •    Lower production of saliva in mouth
    •    Excessive use of certain medications like aspirin
    •    Eating excessive sweet food.
    •    Bacteria and plaque buildup on teeth.

    •    Clenching or Grinding of teeth or bruxism which creates friction between teeth also causes enamel erosion. Nonaligned teeth can also cause friction between teeth when you bite.
    •    Wear and tear of teeth enamel also occurs during routine activities like brushing if done with too much pressure, by using hard brushing bristles or eating too much of hard food. Constantly chewing a gum or a tobacco can also cause enamel erosion.

Preventing Enamel Erosion:

Utmost care needs to be taken to prevent enamel erosion as it is an irreversible process. Tooth enamel that is eroded cannot be rebuilt naturally. Thus, one should maintain teeth hygiene, use fluoride tooth paste, and monitor the food consumed. Foods and beverages containing too much sugar and acidic substances should be avoided. Drink plenty of water to keep mouth adequately salivated. If your problem is genetic, you can consult your dentist and undergo regular and appropriate fluoride treatments. In any case, regular dental checkups are essential since we may not always identify the problem before it is too late.

Treating Enamel Erosion:

Severe enamel erosion may lead to further damage and decaying of teeth. Systematic treatments like tooth bonding, crowning of teeth and veneering may be then administered by your dentist.

Why Need Professional Cleaning of Teeth?

Have you been pondering on the question why need professional cleaning every time you visit you dentist? Well don’t simply follow what your dentist says and what your elders have been saying forever. Look up the various sources on dental hygiene and do some studying for yourself.

Dental hygiene is very important for everyone, be it man or woman, rich or poor. A good personality stems from good physique and good health, which includes dental health. Having nice set of germfree teeth and gums will increase your confidence and will make your smile beautiful and confident. And to make your teeth appear attractive all the time professional teeth cleaning is required.

Professional teeth cleaning in medical terminology is also known as prophylaxis. This is a process which involves removal of tartar as a preventive measure for dental condition. The tartar may accumulate on teetheven after you brush your teeth carefully everyday. Flossing also does not help always because certain areas are difficult to clean even during routine brushing. A dental hygienist performs professional tooth cleaning. This involves processes like tooth polishing and tooth scaling. Sometimes surgical measures are taken like debridement as and when too much of tartar gets accumulated on the teeth.

Why need professional cleaning– Some reasons –

Professional teeth cleaning can prevent many types of health problems. Any kind of infection inside the mouth can cause heart disease. Living healthy starts from the mouth, since we take our food through it. Therefore, it is essential to keep your teeth clean.

Undergoing professional cleaning once in a while can prevent gum diseases. Gum diseases are caused due to some kind of infection in the tissues that surround our teeth. It is also one of the key causes behind loss of bones if it is kept untreated. Professional cleaning at regular intervals and also taking good care of dental health at home can prevent this.

Everyone likes a beautiful and healthy smile on one’s face. If you have a beautiful smile, your confidence will increase and you will be satisfied with your appearance. When you feel confident about yourself, you will have a great social life. Often a positive smile opens new vistas for people. A smile can light up your day and brighten your future. Professional cleaning will keep your teeth clean which in turn will help you gain better self-confidence. 

A large number of people die from oral cancer in US. Early diagnosis can sometimes save the patient’s life. Oral cancer can be diagnosed during professional teeth cleaning sessions. Like any other serious disease, the faster you get to know the better are the chances of saving yourself.

Last but not the least, maintaining overall wellness is the answer to your query on why need professional cleaning. Going for regular cleaning will help you to maintain good dental condition. Lack of germs in your mouth will help in avoiding other ailments. Generally dentists advise to get your teeth cleaned professionally at least once in 6 months. During a cleaning session, a hygienist or a dentist will not only clean your teeth but examine your entire dental condition. If any problem is detected you can get cured quickly. Plaque, cavities and other deformities can be detected and cured through professional teeth cleaning.

Don’t believe all that you hear. And when it comes to teeth there are no end to tales and advice. Some have come down the generation and are believed and followed despite the fact they are not true. Some are avoided even though they do not cause harm. Your dentist is the right person for guidance of course. But there are some myth busters you can be aware of even before you get there.

MYTHS

Myth busters: cavity – #1 –

MYTH: Regular cleaning of teeth like brushing and flossing is enough to fight decay.

Fact: Yes, though regular cleaning is imperative it does not prevent cavity totally. Brushing and flossing will not eliminate the bacteria that causes of tooth decay but regular cleaning helps to keep it at bay for a while and maintain good dental health once your dentist treats the cavities. The usual rule is to brush twice and day and floss once a day.

Myth busters: cavity – #2 –

MYTH: Cavities are not contagious.

Fact: This is definitely not true as the bacteria that cause cavities are transmitted and spread easily. Treating one cavity is not enough. Regular checkups are needed to see whether others have developed or not.

Myth busters: cavity – #3 –

MYTH: Sugar causes cavities.

Fact: This is not an easy deduction. Sugar definitely has a negative effect on teeth. But the cavities are usually formed from acidic pH which comes from bacteria. However, the presence of sugar makes the bacteria react faster. It feeds on them and creates more bacteria-producing acid causing further cavities. Foods that have sticky sugars like candies and soft drinks are to be avoided even more. If you need to snack more frequently make sure you have healthy options like oats and granola bars handy. Avoid fruits which have more sugar and less fiber like Apple. In this case, an apple a day (also) keeps a dentist away!

Myth busters: cavity – #4 –

Myth: Acidic foods cause cavities

Fact: Acidic foods such as lemons, citrus juices, or fruit-ades do not cause cavities directly. But they can cause erosion to the tooth enamel and wear it down, thereby weakening the teeth as a whole. Making it more prone to problems like cavities and decay.

Myth busters: cavity – #5 –

Myth: Children are more prone to cavities than grown-ups

Fact: It is much easier to keep a child’s teeth healthy than an adults. Their diets are usually more carefully monitored and teeth regularly checked by pediatric dentists. Preventive dental care and easy application of dental irrigation with fluoridated water and sealants make caring for young teeth easier. But people age other factors come into consideration. Apart from more junk food intake, various medications in adults and senior people adversely affect their teeth. In some cases, the vital saliva is dried away as an after effect of such medicines leading to increase in acids and therefore cavity and decay.

Myth busters: cavity – #6 –

Myth: Fluoride helps in reducing cavities.

Fact:  Numerous studies show that use of fluoride – fluoride washes or brushing with fluoride toothpaste will help keep your teeth clean better. But in no way can it be proven that fluoride will eliminate cavities or tooth decay completely. It may be good preventive care and good hygiene practice, but once you have cavities you need professional help to fight them rather than fluorides.

Myth busters: cavity – #7 –

Myth: Cavity once filled is permanent and no more diseases can occur.

Fact: Even if you take care of your filling, another cavity around it or a chip in your teeth nearby will result in complete replacement. You cannot protect one filling by avoiding the other cavities around it. Ignoring the problem could lead to bruxism and need for root canal. And you cannot stop spreading bacteria just by filling one cavity.  Serious cases in fact need treatments like chemotherapy.

Your child’s smile is precious. Wouldn’t you do anything to keep the smile that brings so much joy to your heart, intact? And this smile can only be enhanced with great teeth. Keeping yours kids teeth healthy is an important part of parenting. It is a long term process and needs regular care and overseeing.

·      #1 - Tips for keeping yours kids teeth healthy - Dental Care before birth

·      Caring for the dental health of your baby starts way before your baby is born. From the six month of the pregnancy expectant mothers should include daily calcium doses and healthy foods in her diet. Food such as soy products, dairy products, calcium rich supplements and green leafy vegetables would go a long way to ensure healthy teeth in a healthy baby.

·      #2 - Tips for keeping yours kids teeth healthy - Dental care for our newborn

·      Dental care of the kids should begin before she /he is teething. Proper gum care leads to healthy teething. This is the first and most vital step to caring for your child’s teeth. Wipe your baby’s gum with sanitized and recommended gauzes after feeding. This is to ensure that there is no bacterial residue in the cavity. Continue this from six months till your baby is a year old. Start his or her regular dental check-ups the moment they are a year old.

·      #3 - Tips for keeping yours kids teeth healthy - Dental care for growing kids

·      Keeping your growing infants teeth clean is important. You can swipe and clean with wipes and soft baby toothbrushes. But the regular use of toothpaste should not begin before your child is at least 18 months old. Once he ir she has reached this stage, start giving the baby a tiny drop of toothpaste on the brush once a day. Their teeth should be washed with clean water and with little pressure of the fingertip. This will ensure better shape of denture and the soft gums will not be affected by the brushing. It is necessary to clean baby’s tongue on a regular basis to maintain oral hygiene.

Brushing and flossing

Teach your kids the best ways to brush. They should know that this cannot be hurried or avoided. As they grow up get them into the habit of unsupervised brushing. Ask your pediatric dentist for the right kinds of toothpaste and brush for your child. Regular flossing is mandatory for gum care. Dentists often recommend fun tricks for flossing to make sure children floss regularly. They need to know the importance of dental care but enforcing the same on the

Dental implant is a type of artificial tooth-root mostly made of titanium which a dentist places into the jaw in order to clutch a bridge or tooth. It restores the look or appearance by replacing a missing tooth or filling a gap. They are very life like and to maintain this they have a root form which is placed within the bone. Once placed inside your mouth they need some maintenance to carry one being effective. This is why it’s important to know how to care for implants.

The process of receiving a dental implant is lengthy and it takes time to adapt to the new adjustments to the denture. These implants would work well and last as long as you take care of them.

How to care for implants– Tip #1 – Maintain oral hygiene – The first rule of dental hygiene is cleanliness. Brush at least twice a day. With implants you need to be very careful about the kind of brush that you are using. Also, careful brushing is called for. Rough handling or rushing can dislodge them. If you have had very rich food try and brush sooner instead of waiting for the night.

How to care for implants– Tip #2 – Regular removal of plaques and tarter – To remove plaque use a soft bristled tooth brush which reaches in deep ends and cleans well. Plaque and tartar can also be prevented if you floss your teeth regularly. A mouthwash containing essential oils or medical oral irrigation product will help keep these away. Ask your doctor on which brand would suit your best.

How to care for implants– Tip #3 – Regular check-ups - Maintaining regular visits to your dentist is imperative for maintaining proper health of your dentures. Your dentist will know best whether your dentures need better care or change. Go in for an annual X-ray to get verified status reports on your implants.

How to care for implants– Tip #4 – Avoid bad oral habits – Addictions like smoking, drinking and even drugs harm more than your organs. One of the first things to be affected is your teeth. And with implants the process of decay is faster. Once you have had implants make sure that you curb your excesses including spicy food

How to care for implants– Tip #5 –  Use recommended dental products – No matter how attractive the ads sound or how good the product looks on the supermarket store, don’t buy any new dental product without your dentist’s advice. When it comes to your implants you can’t be too careful. Sensitivity of implants may cause bleeding and swelling at times. Ask your dentist for advice. But usually regular cleaning with recommended products and special cleaning aids help in rectifying the problems.

One of the key things to do before you go in for implants is to read up as much as you can about their benefits and care. Awareness helps in making lifestyle changes easy, and make no mistake, there will be changes in your lifestyle post dental implants. You can still party and enjoy as much as you can but will soon find yourself giving up your bad habits voluntarily. You will be more focused on how to care for implants and automatically your food and drink tastes and habits will get adjusted.