Tartar is one tough substance. When plaque forms, and is not removed in time, it hardens into tartar. While your daily oral care can help eliminate plaque from your teeth, tartar can persist through your brushing and flossing attempts. One reason routine dental checkups matter is because you undergo a professional cleaning, where tartar can be removed. Without that cleaning session, the continued presence of tartar will increase your risks for tooth decay, and for developing gingivitis, which can worsen to periodontitis, a serious periodontal issue. It is recommended that you come in for a dental appointment every six months. That being said, if your dentist feels you should operate on a different schedule based on your individual needs, they will discuss it with you. (more…)
What Bruxism And TMJ Problems Can Do To Your Smile
Without intervention, both bruxism and TMJ dysfunction can cause real trouble for your oral health, and affect your daily life. Bruxism refers to a habit of clenching your jaw, a habit that can be especially frequent while you sleep. TMJ dysfunction refers to problems with your jaw joints that can cause functional issues, and leave you in pain. With your dentist’s help, you can address these concerns with a special oral appliance, and prevent dental problems related to these issues from causing more worries. However, if you ignore the need for treatment, you can suffer regular discomfort. The impact of bruxism on your teeth can also lead to damage calling for restorative dental care. (more…)
Will A Dental Crown Alter My Smile?
You need to be able to count on your dental restoration. Restorative dental work is important for making sure your tooth is fully protected after it is compromised. This can mean responding to the loss of material because of decay, but it can also involve protecting a damaged tooth after an accident. Many people who receive restorative care will have a dental crown placed over a tooth. Your crown will be prominently featured, as it covers the entire area of your tooth above the gum line. However, thanks to modern, cosmetically-friendly materials like porcelain and zirconia, your crown does not have to alter your smile. That being said, you might find that your smile looks better after covering a problem tooth! (more…)
Quiz: Tailoring Dental Care To Your Child’s Needs
What distinguishes children’s dental care from the regular professional oral care you enjoy? One important service your dentist provides during your child’s visits is to educate them on the value of good oral health. Essentially, because children are still learning the how’s and why’s of oral hygiene, they can be more at risk for problems. Your dentist will spend a routine visit taking care of their teeth, and watching out for problems that demand restorative dental care, but they can also offer guidance on how your child can take better care of their smile. Children also often receive fluoride treatments and dental sealants, which offer an added measure of cavity defense. (more…)
What Is Stress Doing To Your Oral Health?
How are you feeling lately? If you have been putting up with stress, you may have already noticed effects on your body. You might be struggling to sleep, you could be irritable – stress may even impact your physical health. While everyone has moments in their lives that feel stressful, extended periods can cause problems. One particular problem for your oral health is the tendency to clench your jaw. If you develop bruxism, a habit of teeth grinding, you could wind up with jaw problems, or potentially serious dental damages. Let your dentist know if you have recognized any of these symptoms. Without help, teeth grinding can have a serious negative impact. (more…)
Are You Ignoring Symptoms Of An Oral Health Problem?
Have you been shrugging off a persistent toothache? Are you trying to tune out chronic pain in your face or jaw? You may feel that whatever issue you are facing will pass, but you should know that you could be ignoring a potentially serious oral health issue. If your tooth hurts, and there is no apparent cause, you could be dealing with a cavity that has formed, and has started to cause endodontic problems. Facial pain, jaw pain, and even chronic headaches can be a sign of TMJ troubles, and those troubles could be accompanied by a teeth grinding habit you need to address. Your dentist can restore your oral health, and stop these problems before they cause more significant concerns. (more…)
A Better Smile Through Dental Bonding And Contouring
Your dentist wants you to enjoy a healthy smile. Of course, if you are looking for ways to make your smile more attractive, they can help with that, too! Dental bonding and contouring provides a means of addressing a range of different problems with teeth. You can enjoy improvements against discoloration, as well as against dental damage. Even congenital flaws that affect a tooth’s appearance can be addressed, providing a dramatic, though natural-looking, improvement. In many cases, a patient can have their bonding and contouring treatment completed in a single appointment. (more…)
