Many people think all that’s required to maintain good dental health is to floss and brush regularly. Unfortunately certain oral habits can negatively affect teeth, causing substantial damage. Trying to quit or at least curb these habits will help keep your teeth healthy and strong. Habits to avoid include:
Chewing Ice Cubes
Most of us have crunched on an ice cube on a hot summer’s day and thought nothing of it. Teeth are covered in a hard substance called enamel, but continually biting on items such as ice cubes or chewing on pencils and pens can eventually cause tiny fractures in teeth. Over time these fractures will become larger and you might require costly restorative work.
Nail Biting
Nail biting damages your nails and your teeth. You risk chipping or fracturing teeth, especially if they have been bonded or veneered. In addition, every time you put your fingers in your mouth you are transferring bacteria, increasing the risk of illness and infection.
Over Brushing Teeth
Some people think the harder they scrub their teeth the cleaner they will become. In fact you don’t need to brush your teeth particularly hard, and it’s best to choose a soft bristled toothbrush. Ask your family dentist in Sicklerville if you’re not quite sure which brush is best.
Clenching and Grinding Teeth
Clenching and grinding is also known as bruxism and can cause teeth to become worn down, chipped and damaged, or may even lead to them becoming loose. The damage caused by bruxism can extend to your face, head and neck, and sufferers will often have headaches. Your general dentist in Sicklerville can provide you with a custom-made night guard to prevent your teeth from biting together while you sleep.
Overusing Whitening Products
Most of us want to have a healthy white smile, and tooth whitening is one way to achieve this. Unfortunately some people take this too far and will overuse whitening products, causing tooth sensitivity and damaging tooth enamel. It’s best to book a professional tooth whitening treatment for the brightest and safest results.
If you need a dentist in Sicklerville contact us today
Has your child been bothered by some issue with his or her teeth? Has there been bullying or teasing about a smile issue? Cosmetic dentistry may be the solution for these problems. Teens can benefit from a healthy, attractive, white smile. Benefits can include increased self-esteem and greater ease with public speaking and social interactions. Some cosmetic dental procedures can correct problems that began when teens were pediatric patients. Others can address issues of alignment or shape.
The most common cosmetic dental procedure pursued by young people is braces. Braces are so common now that in middle school, it seems as though more students have braces than do not. Even in elementary school, braces can be an option toward achieving a straight smile.
Some teens naturally have discolored teeth that can benefit from teeth bleaching or whitening. Medications and foods and drinks can affect tooth color. Most dental professionals prefer to whiten only permanent teeth that are fully erupted. The primary concern about whitening teeth for young people is that the teeth are also “young” and that the pulp is closer to the surface than in adult teeth, leading to heightened sensitivity to the products used to achieve whitening.
If your teen has suffered trauma to the teeth from playing sports or in an accident, bonding with resin composite or porcelain veneers could be the solution. Dentists can also provide mouth guards for protection while engaging in some activities, such as football or hockey. Be sure to contact your dentist immediately following any new trauma so your teen’s teeth can be properly evaluated.
If your child has a missing tooth, either from trauma, decay or congenital issue, your cosmetic dentist might recommend a dental bridge or dental implant. Bridges can be used at an early age, but dental implants are only for mature mouths with complete bone growth.
If your child has issues regarding the appearance of his or her smile, make an appointment with your dentist today to discuss what cosmetic dental treatments are best to treat those problems.
We treat patients from Sicklerville and the surrounding area
Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall health and well-being
Gingivitis is a common gum disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is the inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial infections due to plaque buildup.
Gingivitis can lead to more severe gum diseases, such as periodontitis, which can ultimately result in tooth loss and other health complications. Thus, understanding the causes and effects of gingivitis is crucial in preventing more severe dental problems.
Definition of Gingivitis
Gingivitis refers to inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial infection. Gums are pinkish-red tissues that connect teeth and jaw bones inside the mouth cavity.
When bacteria accumulate on teeth due to poor oral hygiene practices, it triggers inflammation in gums, causing gingivitis. The symptoms include swollen or tender gums that easily bleed while brushing or flossing.
Importance of Oral Health
Oral health plays a crucial role in maintaining overall good health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to many dental problems such as cavities, gum diseases, and bad breath (halitosis).
Moreover, gum diseases like gingivitis can also affect overall health by increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, avoiding sugary foods and beverages can prevent bacteria buildup on teeth that cause gingivitis.
Causes and Effects of Gingivitis
The primary cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene habits that lead to plaque buildup containing harmful bacteria on teeth surfaces. Other factors contributing to gingivitis include hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy; smoking; certain medications; underlying medical conditions such as diabetes; genetics; family history; stress; age-related wear-and-tear factors contribute too. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis causing tooth loss and other dental problems.
Therefore, it is essential to recognize the signs of gingivitis and seek treatment at an early stage. Regular dental check-ups, maintenance of good oral hygiene, and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent gingivitis and its complications.
Causes of Gingivitis
Plaque buildup
One of the primary causes of gingivitis is plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that forms on teeth when bacteria in the mouth combine with saliva and food particles.
If not removed by regular brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Plaque and tartar buildup can irritate the gums and cause inflammation.
Plaque formation
Plaque formation begins when we eat or drink anything that contains sugar or starches. The bacteria present in our mouth feed on these sugars and starches to produce acid.
This acid then dissolves the tooth enamel and eventually creates cavities. Moreover, this acid also irritates gum tissues resulting in gum disease.
Role of bacteria in plaque formation
Bacteria are one of the main culprits behind the formation of plaque. When we eat something sweet or starchy, bacteria feed on these foods and multiply rapidly inside our mouth. This results in an overgrowth of harmful bacteria that produce toxins which lead to gum irritation.
Poor oral hygiene: Neglecting brushing and flossing
Another major cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene practices such as neglecting to brush regularly or failing to floss properly every day. Without proper dental care, food particles remain lodged between teeth leading to bacterial growth eventually causing gingivitis.
Poor oral hygiene: Not visiting the dentist regularly
Not visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups & cleanings is another factor that contributes towards developing gingivitis. A dental hygienist or dentist can remove tartar build-up during routine cleanings before it leads to gum disease.
Hormonal changes: Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause
Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can also cause gingivitis. Hormonal fluctuations in women make them more susceptible to gum problems during these periods.
Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing gingivitis due to an increase in progesterone levels that promote bacterial growth in the mouth. Similarly, women undergoing menopause experience hormonal fluctuations that also contribute towards the onset of gingivitis.
Gingivitis is a common oral health issue caused by plaque buildup, poor oral hygiene practices such as neglecting brushing and flossing or failing to visit the dentist regularly and hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy & menopause. Regular dental check-ups & cleanings coupled with proper oral hygiene can help prevent this condition from occurring or progressing further.
Effects of Gingivitis
Swollen or Bleeding Gums
Gingivitis is primarily characterized by inflammation of the gums. This inflammation causes the gums to become red, swollen, and tender.
In some cases, the gums may also bleed easily when brushing or flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into more severe forms of gum disease.
Symptoms that Indicate Gingivitis is Present
Some common symptoms of gingivitis include bad breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing, red and swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, receding gums that make teeth look longer than usual and sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
How to Detect Swollen or Bleeding Gums
The best way to detect swollen or bleeding gums is through regular dental checkups. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums for signs of gingivitis during these appointments.
However, there are some things you can do at home as well. Check your mouth in a mirror regularly for any signs of gum inflammation or bleeding.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Bad breath is another common symptom of gingivitis. Although it may seem like a minor issue compared to other symptoms such as gum swelling or tooth decay caused by gingivitis; it can affect an individual’s social life drastically.
Causes Bad Breath in People with Gingivitis
Bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth that break down food particles and release unpleasant-smelling gases as waste products. The bacteria on your tongue and teeth are not only responsible for cavities but also how bad your breath smells.
How to Treat Bad Breath Caused by Gingivitis
The best way to treat bad breath caused by gingivitis is by treating the underlying condition. Brush and floss your teeth regularly to remove plaque buildup, which is the leading cause of gingivitis. Use mouthwash to kill bacteria in your mouth and rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation.
Tooth Decay & Tooth Loss
Gingivitis can cause tooth decay and eventual tooth loss if left untreated. The inflammation caused by gingivitis can damage the tissues that support teeth, leading to receding gums and eventual loss of teeth.
How Gum Disease Can Cause Tooth Decay & Loss
Gum disease causes tooth decay through a process called root exposure; when gums recede, they expose the roots of teeth, making them more susceptible to decay. Without proper treatment, this can lead to tooth loss.
The Long-Term Effects on Oral Health
The long-term effects of gingivitis on oral health are severe. In addition to gum disease and tooth decay, gingivitis can also lead to periodontal disease (advanced gum disease) which can result in bone loss around teeth or even tooth loss itself in severe cases. This highlights the importance of taking preventive measures such as regular brushing and flossing as well as visiting a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Prevention and Treatment Options for Gingivitis
Brushing, Flossing, & Rinsing Mouthwash Regularly
The best way to prevent gingivitis is to maintain good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste that helps fight plaque and tartar buildup.
Floss daily to remove any food particles and bacteria that may be hiding between your teeth. Additionally, use an antimicrobial mouthwash every day to help kill any leftover bacteria in your mouth.
The Importance of Brushing Teeth Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth twice a day is critical in preventing gingivitis. It removes the bacteria that cause plaque, which can damage the gums if left untreated.
Brushing also helps stimulate blood flow and oxygen to the gums, promoting overall gum health. Additionally, brushing regularly can prevent bad breath, tooth decay, and other dental problems.
Gingivitis is a common dental problem that affects many people worldwide
While it may seem like a minor issue at first glance, it can lead to serious oral health problems over time if left untreated.
However, with proper oral hygiene habits such as regular brushing and flossing combined with professional care from a dentist or dental hygienist, you can easily prevent gingivitis from developing or progressing further. Remember: prevention is always better than cure!
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Sicklerville dental office.
Movie stars and celebrities often have stunningly beautiful smiles that immediately catch your eye. In recent years cosmetic dentistry has become far more popular, and many people want to emulate the smiles of famous people to help boost their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Your dentist in Sicklerville can transform a perfectly ordinary smile into something spectacular, often using a combination of techniques. A smile makeover can involve teeth whitening, tooth colored fillings and porcelain veneers, and a skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist will restore damaged teeth, rebuilding a smile. Patients can invest as much or as little as they wish in updating their teeth.
When deciding on a smile makeover, it can help to define your idea of a perfect smile. Think about particular characteristics of your teeth you would like to change, for example teeth that are crooked or which have spaces in between them. Could your teeth look a little whiter?
Popular cosmetic dentistry treatments can include:
- Dental implants to replace missing teeth
- Invisalign clear braces to discreetly straighten teeth
- Porcelain crowns and fillings to replace old restorations
- Porcelain veneers to create a uniformly stunning smile
Deciding how you’d like to improve your smile will give you a good starting point for treatment. You can discuss your goals during your initial meeting with your cosmetic dentist in Sicklerville, and they can describe possible treatment options. Many people collect photographs of smiles they admire, and this can be helpful for your dentist to compile your treatment plan. Just remember everyone’s smile is unique, and treatment will be customized to fit in with your facial features, skin tone, gender and age.
Schedule your appointment at our Sicklerville dental office
Are you missing one or more teeth? Dental implants are among the best possible solutions for patients missing teeth. Dental bridges and dentures can fill the gaps left by acute decay or gingivitis, but dental implants have many advantages over these other techniques.
Dental implants are typically made of titanium and serve as an artificial root for a missing tooth. They are fused directly to the jawbone and become an excellent foundation for replacement teeth. They are the best possible substitute for a natural tooth that a dentist can provide.
Dental implant therapy has several benefits, among them:
- Dental implants are very convenient. Bridges necessitate cleaning carefully under and surrounding the bridged tooth, and dentures need to be removed and specially cleaned and can utilize messy adhesives to affix them to your mouth. Dental implants are cleaned exactly as you would clean your natural tooth. Brush and floss normally. There is no slippage or cleaning beneath or between the replacement tooth, which is permanently attached to the gum via the dental implant, which fuses to the bone in a process known as ossification.
- Dental implants look better than other replacement teeth. They are intended to appear and function as your natural tooth would.
- Because they’re fused to your bone, they are more secure than dentures or bridges that can slip in the oral cavity, causing pain, muddled speech and problems eating or drinking. Dental implants are incapable of slippage, leaving you to lead your life with confidence and security.
- Dental implants preserve bone by stimulating the bone in your jaw, something necessary for the health of the bone. Without this stimulation, the bone can begin to shrink.
- Dental implants are very durable and can last for decades, if not for a lifetime, when cared for properly.
- Because dental implants don’t require any alterations to the surrounding teeth, those natural teeth are able to remain intact, lending to your overall good oral health.
If you live in the Sicklerville area contact us today
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed or removable replacement teeth. They are an essential part of restorative dentistry and have transformed many people’s lives by returning their ability to speak, eat, and smile confidently.
Dental implants offer several benefits over other tooth replacement options such as bridges or dentures. In this article, we will explore the advantages of dental implants, the types available, the procedure for getting them, misconceptions associated with dental implants and why they are better than any other tooth replacement option.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants have become an increasingly popular solution for missing or damaged teeth. Not only do they provide a long-lasting replacement option, but they also offer a range of other benefits that make them a far superior choice compared to traditional options such as bridges or dentures. Here are some of the main advantages:
Improved Appearance and Confidence
The most obvious advantage of dental implants is that they can significantly improve the appearance of your smile. Missing teeth can cause embarrassment and discomfort, leading to low self-confidence.
Dental implants seamlessly blend in with your natural teeth, resulting in a more attractive and youthful appearance. Additionally, unlike other options, dental implants prevent bone loss and maintain facial structure by stimulating natural bone growth.
Enhanced Oral Health and Functionality
Dental implants are designed to mimic the function of natural teeth. This means that they restore full biting force and allow you to eat all types of food without any discomfort or restriction. Moreover, dental implants support neighboring teeth and reduce the risk of cavities or gum disease caused by decayed or infected roots.
Longevity and Durability
Dental implants are one of the most durable tooth replacement options available today. Their ability to fuse with the jawbone ensures that they remain securely in place for decades if properly cared for. Unlike traditional tooth replacements such as bridges, which require replacement every five to ten years, dental implants have been known to last a lifetime.
Convenience and Comfort
Dental implant surgery is minimally invasive compared to other dental surgeries such as root canals or extractions. Patients undergoing dental implant procedures report little pain during recovery, leading to minimal disruption in their daily lives post-surgery. Dental implants offer a range of benefits making them the ideal solution for those seeking a long-lasting, functional, and aesthetically pleasing tooth replacement option.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Initial Consultation and Examination
The dental implant procedure begins with a consultation and examination with your dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays or CT scans of your mouth, and discuss any concerns or questions you may have about getting dental implants. Your dentist will also review your medical history to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Preparatory Procedures such as Bone Grafting or Sinus Lifts
If necessary, preparatory procedures may be required before the actual placement of the dental implant. For example, if you do not have enough bone density in your jaw to support an implant, a bone grafting procedure may be necessary to build up the area.
Similarly, if the sinuses are too close to where the implants will be placed, a sinus lift may be required. These preparatory procedures can help ensure that the implants have sufficient support for proper fusion with the jawbone during healing.
Placement of Dental Implant
Once any preparatory procedures are complete and you are deemed ready for dental implant placement, it is time for surgery. The actual placement of dental implants involves making an incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone underneath.
A small hole is then drilled into this bone where an anchor post is inserted into it. After this post has been set into place, a temporary crown or bridge is attached while osseointegration occurs.
Healing Process and Osseointegration
The healing process after implant placement can take several months as osseointegration occurs. During this process, the implant anchors fuse with surrounding bone tissue which provides stability for long-term usage. Ossification happens gradually over time as new bone tissue surrounds each anchor post connecting it securely through out life.
It is important to follow all of your dentist’s instructions for aftercare during this period, including proper oral hygiene practices and any dietary restrictions that may be necessary. Once the process of osseointegration is complete, you will be able to return to your dentist for placement of a permanent crown or bridge on top of the implant posts.
Care and Maintenance of Dental Implants
Proper Oral Hygiene Practices
After the dental implant surgery, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent any risk of infection. As with natural teeth, brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is necessary.
Flossing at least once daily can remove any food particles or plaque that may accumulate around the implants. In addition to daily brushing and flossing, it is recommended to use an antibacterial mouthwash to rinse the mouth thoroughly.
Regular Check-ups with the Dentist
Regular visits to the dentist are imperative for maintaining good oral hygiene after dental implant surgery. The dentist will monitor the implants’ health by inspecting them during routine check-ups, cleaning them professionally, and assessing bone density around them. The hygienist will also clean and polish the implants using ultrasonic scalers or hand instruments if any plaque accumulation occurs around them.
During these follow-up appointments, X-rays may be taken periodically to ensure that there are no issues developing under the surface of the gums that cannot be seen by visual inspection alone. Your dentist may also recommend specific oral hygiene techniques or products tailored specifically for your implant’s needs.
It is essential to keep up with regular appointments as some complications relating to dental implants can arise without symptoms such as peri-implantitis (inflammation or infection of gum tissue around an implant), which can result in bone loss if left untreated. Proper oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing alongside antibacterial mouthwash use are crucial for maintaining excellent dental implant health while regular check-ups with your dentist can help identify potential problems before they become severe issues.
Common Misconceptions about Dental Implants
There are several misconceptions about dental implants that cause some people to shy away from this excellent tooth replacement option. Here we will tackle three of the most common:
Costly Treatment Option
Dental implants have a reputation for being expensive, and in many cases, they can be more costly than other options such as bridges or dentures. However, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits of dental implants.
Unlike bridges or dentures that may need to be replaced after a few years, dental implants can last a lifetime when properly cared for. In addition, dental implants can improve oral health and prevent further damage and expenses down the line.
Painful Procedure
The idea of having screws drilled into your jawbone may sound painful and intimidating. However, with modern technology and sedation options, getting dental implants is generally not painful at all.
Patients report feeling only mild discomfort during the procedure and manageable soreness afterward that can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication. Your dentist will work with you to ensure your comfort throughout the entire process.
High Risk of Failure
Some people believe that dental implant surgery has a high risk of failure or complications. While there is always some degree of risk involved in any surgical procedure, including dental implant placement, success rates are very high – between 95-98%.
Proper care and maintenance contribute significantly to the success rate as well as choosing an experienced professional who uses quality materials.
Why Dental Implants are Better Than Other Options
Comparison with other tooth replacement options such as bridges or dentures.
When comparing dental implants to other tooth replacement options like bridges or dentures, there are undeniable advantages that make the former a better option. One of the biggest drawbacks of traditional methods like bridges is that they require grinding down healthy teeth and placing crowns on them, which can weaken them in the long term. Moreover, it can be difficult to clean underneath bridges, which can lead to decay and gum disease.
Dentures, on the other hand, have a notorious reputation for being uncomfortable and slipping out of place. They also tend to cause bone loss in the jaw over time, which can change your facial structure.
Recapitulation of the advantages, types, procedure, care, maintenance, misconceptions.
Dental implants are a superior tooth replacement option due to their numerous benefits like improved appearance and confidence, enhanced oral health and functionality (including speech), longevity and durability (they can last for decades), convenience and comfort (since they feel just like real teeth). There are also different types of dental implants available including endosteal implants (which are placed in the jawbone), subperiosteal implants (which sit under the gum but above the jawbone) and zygomatic implants (which anchor onto cheekbones when there isn’t enough bone in the upper jaw).
The implant procedure involves an initial consultation/examination followed by preparatory procedures if necessary like bone grafting or sinus lifts. Then comes implant placement itself followed by a healing process known as osseointegration.
Maintenance involves proper oral hygiene practices along with regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure everything is functioning properly. common misconceptions including high costs (which may not be as much compared to other treatments in long-run), painful procedure (which can be easily managed with anesthesia) and high risk of failure (which is rare when the right precautions are taken).
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Sicklerville dental office.
