Uncategorised

Plaque is the sticky substance that builds up over your teeth. If left to accumulate, it creates acid which attacks tooth enamel. It also irritates gums and can lead to gum disease, cavities and other complications. 

Key takeaways:

• Remove plaque by brushing and flossing teeth regularly.

• Keep hydrated with water during the day.

• See your dentist regularly so they can monitor your teeth and gums.

Sore, swollen gums is a sign of gum disease. It can be treated if caught early. 

“…plaque can harden into a substance called tartar, which will need to be removed by your dentist.

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-does-plaque-cause-gum-disease-and-decay/

Implants are a common procedure used to replace missing teeth. But there are other alternatives available to help restore your smile, as is the case of implant- supported bridges.

Key takeaways:

• This procedure allows the dentist to make personalised decisions about where to place the supporting implants.
• It can help distribute chewing and biting pressure in patients who grind their teeth.
• It can also help if missing teeth have caused jaw bone loss.

Your dentist can determine if this restorative procedure can benefit you.

Read the full story here: https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/what-is-an-implant-supported-bridge/

Caring for your teeth involves much more than regular trips to the dentist. Certain foods can also enhance your oral health and the good news is that there are more than you may realise. For instance, spinach provides additional calcium while the omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon will provide anti-inflammatory properties. Here are three other tasty treats to include in your everyday diet:

• Apples
• Almonds
• Sweet potatoes

“Whether you love kale or spinach, almonds or cheese, you can eat healthy to support your teeth and gums.”

More information can be found here:

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/these-5-foods-are-good-for-your-oral-health/

It is never a good idea to put off dental treatment if you know you have a cavity. If this condition is not promptly treated, you will be placing the health of your teeth and gums at risk. Here are three potentially serious scenarios:

• Symptoms such as pain, swelling around the gums and a bad taste in the mouth can occur.
• You may need root canal therapy, if the tooth becomes infected.
• In serious cases, the tooth could need to be extracted.

“Decay that has progressed to this point can also cause an abscess to form, which is a pocket of infection.”

Learn more below:

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/what-could-happen-to-an-untreated-cavity/

Restorative dental treatments can help fix the appearance of your smile and restore function to your teeth and gums. These treatments are recommended in the following scenarios:

• If your teeth have cracks or chips, bonding and veneers can help.
• Missing teeth can be replaced with bridges, implants, or dentures.
• If your teeth are damaged due to decay, fillings and crowns can be a good solution.

You can be sure there’s a restorative dentistry option to suit your needs. Why not get a personalised recommendation from your dentist?

Read the full story here: https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/what-is-restorative-dentistry-and-how-can-you-benefit-from-it/ 

Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth is one of the signs of gum disease. A deep cleaning is often necessary to control gum disease. Your dentist can advise you how to continue to treat your gum disease at home following a deep cleaning.

Key takeaways:

• Your dentist may recommend rinsing with saltwater to reduce inflammation and to help the gum tissue heal.
• Drinking green tea can also help protect against oral bacteria and reduce inflammation.
• Make sure you floss properly to remove plaque and food particles which can be trapped between teeth.

“Green tea, the non-oxidized version of black tea, has been shown to have many health benefits, from cognitive benefits such as improved mood and memory to protective benefits against cancer and heart disease.”

Read the full story here

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/treating-your-gum-disease-at-home/

Deep cleaning sessions treat more than just the teeth. This treatment is meant to address gum disease and stop it from progressing. Here’s what happens during this procedure:

Key takeaways:

• Your dentist will use local anaesthesia to reduce discomfort when working around the gumline.
• Tartar, bacteria and plaque will be removed using a scaling tool.
• Next, the dentist will do some root planing to encourage gum tissue to become attached to the teeth again.

You may also need medication post-procedure to reduce discomfort and inflammation.

Read the full story here: https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/what-to-expect-during-a-deep-teeth-cleaning/ 

Invisalign straightens teeth using a series of removable aligners which subtly push teeth into the desired position. Traditional metal braces are permanently attached to the teeth and gradually move teeth into place over time. 

The main differences between braces and Invisalign are:

• Cleaning: An electric toothbrush and flosser may be required to clean around metal braces while Invisalign can be removed and cleaned manually.

• Fitting: A dentist will have to adjust braces periodically whereas Invisalign consists of a series of aligners that are changed every couple weeks.

• Time: Braces work 24/7 while Invisalign aligners are removed during sleep.

Your dentist can help you decide if fixed or removable orthodontic devices are most suited to your needs. Find out more at https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/caring-for-metal-braces-vs-invisalign/

Porcelain veneers should last around 10 to 15 years. With care, they may last up to 20 years.

Key takeaways:

• Teeth should be brushed gently twice daily.

• Limit alcoholic drinks and soda as they can damage dental veneers.

• Never bite on inedible objects like ends of pencils, ice or nutshells.

Remember to see your dentist regularly. They can inspect your teeth and identify any problems at the earliest opportunity.

“If you grind your teeth, your dentist should be able to tell, and can talk with you about how to protect your teeth from grinding.”

More here:

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-often-should-my-veneers-be-replaced/

Sugary foods have a direct negative affect on your teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. The best solution is to reduce the amount of sugar that you consume. Here are three recommendations which can work wonders:

• Avoid eating artificially sweetened foods.
• Choose seltzer over soft drinks such as soda.
• Substitute candy for alternatives such as dark chocolate and nut butter.

“Knowing how much sugar you consume can not only help you make changes in your diet to better protect your smile, but to maintain a healthy weight as well.”

This article provides additional advice:

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/simple-swaps-to-reduce-your-sugar-consumption/