Living with an incomplete smile means putting up with difficulties with eating, and possibly speaking. It can also mean feeling self-conscious about how you look when you smile. Over time, there are other problems you may begin to deal with. Your risk for losing more teeth will go up if you leaving missing teeth without a replacement, and you may develop problems with your jaw joints. Your dentist can restore your incomplete smile, and help you once again enjoy the functional and cosmetic benefits of a complete set of teeth. Many patients can count on expert support from a dental bridge, but those who have suffered a total loss of upper or lower teeth can require dentures. (more…)
Putting A Stop To Chronic Pain Stemming From TMJ Issues
Different patients will experience problems with their temporomandibular joints (TMJs) for different reasons. An injury may have affected the alignment of these joints, or they may be arthritic. It is possible that malocclusion has left you with an improper bite alignment, which can lead to problems. If you are suffering TMJ dysfunction, make sure you alert your dentist. They can provide you with care that will help you alleviate discomfort. If you have related teeth grinding issues, your dentist can help protect your smile against the harm this habit can cause. (more…)
Staying Hydrated Can Help Prevent Tooth Decay
How confident are you that you do a good job staying hydrated? If you fail to consume an adequate amount of water, you can put yourself at a disadvantage when it comes to your well-being. You may not realize it, but the benefits of staying hydrated also extend to your smile, as drinking more water can actually improve your preventive dental care. People who are dehydrated can produce less saliva. Why would this affect your oral health? A person’s saliva provides natural protection throughout the day. It can help keep your smile clean, while also neutralizing harmful bacteria. Water is also beneficial as a substitute for flavored beverages, which can be higher in sugar. (more…)
Routine Dental Checkups Benefit Patients Of All Ages
Routine dental care can help you enjoy a lifetime of good oral health. Of course, no matter how regular you are with dental checkups, and how much care you put into your daily dental cleaning regimen, your needs will change over time. For instance, children who come in for dental care can benefit from care that also includes instruction, to help them learn how to properly care for their smiles. These early visits are also important because your dentist has a chance to watch for issues that affect their oral development. As you grow older, your smile needs can change. This can be because of less common issues, like the taking of a certain medication, but your needs can also change simply due to how natural friction over time can affect our teeth. (more…)
Quiz: Breaking Down Your Experience At A Dental Checkup
If you have failed to keep up with regular dental visits, you can may be unaware of how your absence from the dentist’s chair can put you at an oral health disadvantage. One big issue is that when you skip out on checkups, potential problems are going unnoticed. That allows them to grow more severe, which can lead to your needing more involved restorative dental care to remedy the situation. You also miss out on regular dental cleanings, which make you less likely to suffer from tooth decay. (more…)
Can Cosmetic Work Effectively Address A Damaged Tooth?
If you have unsightly dental damage that is hurting your smile, you may be eager to find a way to address the matter. If your focus is on improving how you look, you may assume that cosmetic dental work will be the right answer for you. Will you be able to cover up damages like chips or cracks in a way that looks natural? What if your dentist feels your tooth needs more than just cosmetic support? If your tooth is only superficially affected, a dental bonding treatment can be ideal. However, a more serious injury may call for restorative dental care instead. (more…)
How Your Dentist Provides Lasting Restorative Care
When you see your dentist for restorative dental work, you should feel confident that the care you receive will offer lasting support. Unfortunately, our teeth do not heal from cavities, or from significant damage. When you receive a dental filling to support a tooth, or have a dental crown placed over a tooth, you should be able to trust that you will have enduring protection. These restorations help make it possible for you to bite and chew confidently, while protecting your tooth from future issues. Of course, some restorative work goes beyond protecting teeth, and effectively replaces them. If you receive a dental prosthetic in order to replace missing teeth, these should also provide long-term support. (more…)
