What are early signs of dental trouble?
Visit a dentist if you have any of these issues or see your child having trouble chewing or complaining of soreness:
• Redness
• Jaw pain
• Dry mouth
• Mouth sores
• Broken teeth
• Bleeding gums
• Tooth sensitivity
• Swollen face or gums
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Getting an appointment right away prevents more serious problems and infections.
Do teeth need fluoride?
Fluoride helps make teeth strong and prevents decay. The American Academy of Paediatrics, the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) all agree that kids should use fluoride toothpaste for brushing, taking care, and not swallowing it. Adults benefit from using fluoride to protect their teeth, too.
Are sweets and ice really bad for my teeth?
Yes, sweets and foods with acid, like candy and soda, could stick to teeth and lead to cavities. While teeth are strong enough to chew ice and tear open packages, this can break them and stress your jaws. Gritting or grinding down on teeth when you’re stressed may crack them.
Biting your nails is another bad habit. It pulls your jaw out of position and changes how your teeth fit together. Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause oral cancer and gum disease.
What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should I use?
Buy toothbrushes with soft bristles. Medium and firm ones can damage teeth and gums. Use soft pressure, for 2 minutes, two times a day. Both powered and manual toothbrushes clean teeth well. Manual brushes with mixed bristle heights or angled bristles clean better than those with all flat, even bristles. Powered toothbrushes may be easier if you have trouble using your hands.
Set a reminder to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Toss it sooner if the bristles look bent or splayed out. Bent bristles don’t clean as well. (They’re also a sign you may be brushing too hard.)
Most kinds of toothpaste will clear away bacteria growth and acids from food and drinks. Toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance always has fluoride, which strengthens and protects teeth. If you want a non-fluoride option, stores carry toothpaste and powders made with natural ingredients that don’t have ADA testing and approval. If cold or hot food or drinks make you cringe, pick toothpaste for sensitive teeth and let your dentist know.
What's the best way to whiten my teeth?
Stores sell many whitening products, and you can get take-home gels and trays from your dentist, but neither is as strong as procedures done in a dental office.
If you want to try an over-the-counter whitener, look for one with an ADA seal. Check with your dentist for advice before you buy, especially if you have dental work or dark stains. And don’t keep using them, or you could damage your teeth.
How do fillings work?
Cavities break through the surface enamel of teeth, and they’ll probably get bigger unless you close them off with fillings.
Your dentist will numb your mouth before drilling around the cavity to prep it. A combination of strong materials or a white mix called a composite goes into the cavity soft and then hardens as it dries. You may feel pain or pressure when getting the numbing shot and during the drilling. Once set, fillings can last a long time but need replacing if they break or wear down.
Why does my mouth feel dry?
Dry mouth can be a symptom of many different problems and can happen as you get older. Quite often it is a side effect of medication – especially heart, blood pressure, and depression tablets. If you have a dry mouth, this can be very uncomfortable and it can make eating certain foods very difficult.
Many prescription medicines can cause a dry mouth, if you are taking any regular medication from your doctor, it may be worth discussing these symptoms with him to see if there is an alternative that does not have the same side effects.
If you think that you are suffering from a dry mouth, you should discuss this with your dental team. They may recommend one of the many products that are available over-the-counter to help to alleviate this problem.
Are dental X-rays safe and needed?
Medical and dental experts study the use of X-rays and set limits for their safety. Your dentist should take as few as possible. Sometimes dentists may recommend X-rays to diagnose a special problem. Advancements in technology mean today’s digital X-rays release much less radiation and are safer than in the past.
Expect to get them during a first exam after not seeing a dentist for a while. This helps check tooth and gum health. If you have gum disease, the dentist may want pictures every 6 months. For regular check-ups, it’s about every 2 years, depending on your dentist’s plan.
Kids have more X-rays done than adults because their teeth are changing and because they get cavities more easily.
What Are the Best Ways to Practice Good Oral Hygiene at Home?
In addition to daily brushing and flossing, take your oral hygiene to the next level by following a few steps to good dental health. These include:
• Using products that contain fluoride.
• Limiting snacks that are high in sugar.
• Eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables.
• Avoiding tobacco in any form.
• Talk to your dental professional, and they will examine the affected teeth and recommend treatment to reduce your sensitivity.
When Should I Consider Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the ideal way to replace missing or weakened teeth. Implants are permanent and serve as an excellent alternative to dentures for anyone with an otherwise healthy mouth and jaw. Most adult patients are good candidates for dental implants because they can help prevent the remaining teeth from moving or loosening.