Dentistry On Fifth

Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. There are various causes, including microbial deposits on the tongue, certain foods, poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, dry mouth, tobacco products, dieting, dehydration, and certain medical conditions. To prevent bad breath, practice good oral hygiene, see your dentist regularly, stop smoking/chewing tobacco, drink water frequently, and use mouthwash/rinses. In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste. Floss daily to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Rinse your mouth with water after brushing and after meals if you are unable to brush.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), silver fillings are safe and studies have failed to find any link between silver containing mercury and any medical disorder. The general consensus is that amalgam fillings are safe, supported by the CDC, WHO, FDA, and others. Alternatives include composite, porcelain, and gold fillings.

You should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year, though your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more frequent visits. Regular exams and cleanings are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don't know it. Signs and symptoms include red and puffy gums, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, new spacing between teeth, loose teeth, pus around the teeth and gums, receding gums, and tenderness or discomfort. Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk.

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. It disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone. Proper flossing technique involves using 12-16 inches of floss, curving it into a 'C' shape around each tooth, and gently moving it up and down.

Cosmetic dental treatments can change the size, shape, and alignment of teeth, fill in unattractive spaces, improve or correct bites, lighten or brighten tooth color, repair decayed or broken teeth, replace missing teeth, and replace old, unattractive dental treatments. Procedures include teeth whitening, composite fillings, porcelain veneers, crowns, dental implants, and orthodontics.

Porcelain veneers are very thin shells of tooth-shaped porcelain that are individually crafted to cover the fronts of teeth. They are durable and will not stain. Veneers can restore or correct severely discolored or stained teeth, unwanted spaces, worn or chipped teeth, slight crowding, misshapen teeth, and teeth that are too small or large. Getting veneers usually requires two visits.

Professional teeth whitening is a simple, non-invasive treatment to change the color of natural tooth enamel. Home whitening systems use custom-fitted trays worn for several weeks, while in-office whitening provides immediate results. Touch-ups may be needed every several years. It's important to have your teeth evaluated by your dentist to determine if you're a good candidate.

Options for replacing missing teeth include removable bridges, fixed bridges, dentures, and implants. Implants are artificial roots surgically placed into the jaw bone, providing a stable and aesthetically pleasing solution. It is important to replace missing teeth to avoid cosmetic and dental problems in the future.

Options for replacing old, unattractive, or discolored fillings include composite (bonding) fillings, crowns (caps), inlays/onlays, and porcelain veneers. These treatments provide strong, natural, and long-lasting replacement solutions to enhance the health and beauty of your smile.

Research suggests that periodontal disease can allow oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs, potentially contributing to the development of heart disease, increasing the risk of stroke, compromising health of those with diabetes or respiratory diseases, and increasing a woman's risk of having a preterm, low-birth weight baby. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are important.

Sealants are recommended for children and teenagers as soon as the six-year molars appear, for infants with deep grooves and cavity prone, and for adults with deep grooves or depressions that are difficult to clean. Sealants are a thin plastic coating that covers and protects the chewing surfaces of teeth.

Locate the tooth and handle it only by the crown, not the roots. Do not scrub or use soap or chemicals. Rinse gently with saliva or milk if dirty. Get to a dentist within 30 minutes. Try to replace the tooth in its socket, or keep it moist in saliva or milk. Consider buying a 'Save-A-Tooth' storage container.

Straighter teeth perform chewing, biting, and speaking functions more effectively. Straightening teeth can prevent periodontitis, TMJ, tooth injury, and uneven wear. Options include orthodontic braces and aligning trays.