4 Reasons Why Oral Bacterial Infections Can Be Painful!

Bacterial infections are not particularly ordinary but when it occurs, it can often be speedily progressive and critical which can turn to be deadly without prompt diagnosis and remedy. The human mouth contains around 500 to 1000 types of bacteria that have various functions. While some of the bacteria in our mouths are harmful and can cause serious illness, much of our oral bacteria are actually beneficial in preventing oral infections and diseases. Oral infection most frequently causes tooth decay and cold. Here dentist tells us about the different kinds of oral infection one can suffer from.

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Oral cavities

Bacteria convert sweet and starchy foods, into acid, which affects the enamel of teeth. The bacteria and bits of food in the mouth combine into a thin film known as plaque over a period of time it can lead to cavities. A person with cavities experiences ache and sensitivity in the affected tooth, usually when eating cold, hot, or sweet foods. If left untouched it may lead to long-term tooth sensitivity and weakened teeth that may result in tooth loss.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a common chronic bacterial infection of the supporting structures of the teeth gums and jaws.

Gingivitis

Bleeding gums, swollen gums and mouth sores indicates possibilities of gingivitis. Gingivitis is treated with meticulous dental cleaning process. Gingivitis can lead tosolemn periodontal disease that in the due course of time affects the ligaments that hold the teeth in the gums leading to tooth loss. It is very vital to treat it at the earliest.

Causes of gum irritation that leads to gingivitis include:

• Poor dental care and habits
• Misaligned teeth
• Poorly controlled diabetes or such other continuing illnesses

Foci of infection

Such infections can affect many other vital systems, such as the cardiovascular and renal systems. Yes, this is why it is necessary to have good oral hygiene.

Thrush

Thrush is an augmentation of candida, a fungus that can thrive in moist areas around body openings such as the mouth. It causes cracks at the edges of the mouth, lips, tongue, and palate. Thrush generally is not contagious, but newborns may come in contact with the fungus during birth if the mother has a vaginal yeast infection. People with weakened immune systems, may be more vulnerable to thrush.

source: thehealthline

Women And Dental Health: Looking After Your Teeth Through The Years

To maintain good dental health, all individuals need to know about the dental issues that might affect them. Here is how a woman should take care of her dental health through the years.

Visit our dental clinic in viman nagar, SmyleXL dental facility to discover progressively about dental problems.

If you thought the ebb and flow of your hormones is limited to fluctuations in your mood, think again. It turns out, hormonal changes at different stages of a woman’s life also have an impact on their oral health. Dentist explains that hormones play a very important role in the mental, social, physical and oral health of a woman at every age group.

“Every age group is a new challenge for a woman as the body goes through a lot. Their health is affected differently at every stage,” he continued. This article shed light on how important it is for women to take care of their dental health through the years.

Dental Health Of Women At Different Ages

dentist explains how age affects the oral health of a woman at different ages.

Teenage Girls (Ages 13-15 years)

Puberty hits you badly and takes a toll on your health. Your appearance changes, your face, your body changes, and so does your teeth. While you might not see a big difference when it comes to the appearance of your teeth but you may experience problems like swelling and bleeding. If left untreated, it can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis.

“Gums are the foundation of teeth. If these problems are left untreated, it can lead to problems which cannot be controlled,” he said.

he further explained that this age is the right time to check for braces. Timely treatment can help one avoid extraction and have the best results.

Under 40

This is a healthy age for your teeth, and women are less likely to face dental problems from 20 onwards. However, a proper dental care regime is required to avoid dental problems in the future. This is also the time when a woman goes through some major changes in her life. He conceives and becomes a mother can cause so many hormonal changes. It is vital to check on gums and teeth during this phase as you might face problems like teeth sensitivity, enamel loss, constant bad breath due to gingival changes.

Above 40 (The Premenopausal And Menopausal Stage)

When a woman hits the age of 40, her body undergoes yet another change which causes a major hormonal change in her body. After the age of 40, a woman does a natural cessation of her menstrual cycle, which marks the end of fertility. This phase is known as menopause. Perimenopause refers to the time during which a woman’s body transitions to menopause.

dentist explains that these major hormonal changes can affect your gums, hence it is essential to take for your teeth during this period.

“Full mouth X-rays, known as OPG (Orthopantomogram), which is a panoramic scanning dental X-ray of the upper and lower jaw. This X-ray can help you understand if you have any bone loss around the teeth as it may even lead to tooth loss at a later stage,” he said.

Some women also complain of enamel loss and unhealthy teeth that need to be taken care of immediately.

A Word From The Expert

Just like any other body part, taking take of your teeth is equally as important and should be given a priority. Women should be more careful of dental issues as they go through some drastic changes throughout their life. You should always plan at the right age instead of waiting for the disaster to happen.

source: thehealthsite

Want To Take Care Of Your Teeth? Follow These Smart Tricks

You should follow a good oral hygiene and visit your dentist our dental clinic in sinhagad road regularly if you wish to maintain healthy gums and teeth. This will help you to keep those annoying tooth problems like cavities, tooth decay and so on, at bay.

We often fail to recognize the importance of a good oral hygiene due to which we tend to neglect it. This, in turn, can invite many tooth problems like tooth decay, periodontitis, bad breath, swollen gums, cavities and many more, which can rob your peace. So, in order to keep the tooth problems away, you should follow a good oral-care routine with the help of your expert. Furthermore, you must also go for regular check-ups and follow-ups, which can help you to get a timely treatment if you are suffering from any tooth problems at all. So, say hello to a good oral-care hygiene which will help you to keep your pearly whites intact and healthy. You can these fool-proof tips and save your teeth.

• You should brush twice a day: Yes, you have heard it right! See to it that you don’t skip this one. Brushing your teeth twice is essential as it will help you to eliminate the bacteria in your mouth. Also, speak to your dentist regarding the right brushing technique and about which brush you should use.
• You should floss your teeth daily: This will help you to get rid of those annoying food particles which tend to stick between your teeth. Thus, you will be able to keep cavities and tooth decay at bay.
• You should limit acidic drinks and fruit juices: Acidic foods and drinks can be harsh on your teeth and can soften tooth material and dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel, due to which your enamel gets eroded and it can cause cavities too.
• You should limit your intake of sugary foods: They can cause plaque so avoid candies and so on.
• You should avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing the food: Yes, most of the people commit this crime! Don’t remove those bottle tops or open packaging of your food items with your teeth. It is a strict no-no. This can cause chipping and breaking of your teeth. Hence, don’t try doing it ever!

source: thehealthsite

Want To Keep Your Heart Healthy? Don’t Forget To Brush And Floss Daily

Researchers say those who have healthier gums and little tooth decay have lower blood pressure and benefit more from their hypertension medications.

One of the cheapest and effective ways to keep your heart healthy is by brushing and flossing them regularly. No, we aren’t saying it because we want to preach good hygiene habits but a recent study claims that maintaining good oral hygiene is the key to maintain good heart health. Researchers say those who have healthier gums and little tooth decay have lower blood pressure and benefit more from their hypertension medications.

Visit our Dental Clinic in Rahuri, SmyleXL dental facility to discover progressively about dental problems.

It is seen that patients with hypertension and inflamed gums are 20 per cent less likely to have their blood pressure in a healthy range compared to patients with no signs of periodontal disease. The team, from the University of L’Aquila in Italy, says the findings show those with gum disease might need to have their blood pressure monitored more regularly and those with hypertension may benefit from routine dental care.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is when the force of the blood flowing through your blood vessels is always high. It is estimated that one in three US adults, the equivalent of 75 million Americans, have high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attacks, kidney disease and strokes. Hypertension is known as a ‘silent killer’ because most Americans with the condition do not know they have it. It is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the number one killer in every country including the US.

If the data has to be believed then according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 54 per cent have their high blood pressure under control from medication, exercise, diet or a combination. For the study, the team looked at the records of more than 11,700 Americans who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2009 and 2014 and were checked for periodontal disease. Almost 4,100 people were diagnosed with hypertension. About 88 per cent were taking medication to treat the condition and around 11 per cent were not.

The researchers found that people who had periodontal disease were 20 per cent less likely to fall in healthy blood pressure ranges compared to those with good oral health. Additionally, patients with untreated hypertension but no gum disease had blood pressure readings similar to those on medication for hypertension but with gum disease. This means that poor oral health nullified the benefits of medication for high blood pressure.

source:thehealthsite

Five Fast Facts About Dental Implants

Our teeth do a lot of work for us over our lifetime. Eating, stress-induced grinding and plain old wear and tear means that over time we may lose some, for a variety of reasons. The good news is that, thanks to advances in technology, there’s no need to live with any unsightly gaps in your smile. In fact, the accessibility and affordability of options nowadays means that dental implants are becoming very commonplace.

Visit our dental clinic in viman nagar, SmyleXL dental facility to discover progressively about dental problems.

Like any procedure, it’s important that you find the best dentist in viman nagar, there is an extensive list of professionals to consult with. But before you begin, let’s delve into a few interesting facts about dental implants that can ease any worries you may have.

The surgery is safe

When considering this procedure it’s easy to assume that surgery on the jaw means it’s complicated. However, implants are routine surgery that is performed by dentists all the time. Nevertheless, it’s still important to find the best dentist in viman nagar for you and your needs. It’s normal to have questions and concerns and speaking with an expert is the most effective way to determine whether this is the right path for you.

They’re made to last a lifetime

Did you know that these new teeth are made from titanium? That’s the same material used to make space shuttles and rockets – it’s one of the strongest materials found on the planet. Your dental implant acts as a replacement root for the missing tooth and, with proper care, you can expect them to last a lifetime.

Say goodbye to cavities

Another useful feature of using titanium is that it’s impossible for you to get cavities. However, as the best dentist in viman nagar will tell you, that’s not an invitation to neglect general hygiene. It’s still important to follow a regular flossing and brushing routine to maintain overall mouth health. Plus, it prevents bad breath!

They can strengthen your jaw

When a tooth is lost, there is no need for the bone supporting that tooth to hang around anymore, which means that the jawbone reabsorbs and recedes. This can lead to misshaping of the jawbone and mouth, creating a sunken appearance. However, since dental implants function as normal teeth, they can help strengthen the jawbone and preserve the bone.

They’re like natural teeth (almost!)

As mentioned previously, implants are virtually the same as your natural teeth, which is why it’s often the preferred option when resolving the problem of tooth loss. They’re just as strong (if not stronger) and have the added benefit of remaining cavity-free.

These are just a few of the interesting facts concerning dental implants that might help you decide whether they’ll be the right procedure for your circumstance. The most important thing to remember is that it’s a safe and very common surgery – however, finding the best dentist in viman nagar to carry out the procedure should be at the top of your list when beginning your journey.

source: amazines

Dental myths about dental braces

Everyone is conscious of their appearance. And we know that teeth play a critical role in it. Properly aligned teeth are a blessing for some people, and they’re fortunate. But everyone is not that fortunate.

Misaligned teeth hamper our personality and smile. In this case, we have to go to a cosmetic dentist. He is the person who knows the methods to align the teeth and make them presentable.

To learn more about dental braces visit us our Dental Clinic in Rahuri.

Dental braces are the major tool used for teeth alignment. As there is a drop in the dental braces price in general, more people undergo the treatment and correct their smiles.

Aligned teeth not only improve appearance but also have many health benefits. For example, oral hygiene improves significantly when the teeth get aligned. It is because the toothbrush reaches every corner and cleans the teeth properly.

Also, there is an improvement in speech and pronunciation when teeth get aligned.

Though the treatment of misaligned teeth using braces is simple and effective, still many people hesitate to undergo the treatment. It is because they get confused by various misconceptions prevailing about dental braces.

The fact is that all these misconceptions are just myths. Let’s understand a few of them.

Myth: Braces are painful and awkward

Even if dental braces become affordable, many people do not opt for them because they think it is uncomfortable and painful to wear braces. The mouth aches the entire day.

However, you will be surprised to know that you do not feel anything unusual while wearing braces. You forget them most of the time. They become a part of your life and daily routine.

Myth: Braces are suitable when you are a kid

Again, it is just a myth. The fact is that more than one-third of braces are used by people more than 18 years of age. As dental braces price is getting low every year, more adults are thinking about using them for teeth alignment.

Whether you are a kid or an adult, braces are just right for you if orthodontic treatment is required. Do not get embarrassed by your misaligned teeth anymore. Meet a specialist cosmic dental expert.

Myth: Braces are required for cosmetic reasons only

Do you think that braces are required only if the front teeth are misaligned because they are visible? No, you are mistaken. Indeed, the cosmetic benefits are more when you align the front teeth, but the alignment of the inner teeth is equally important.

Remember, aligned teeth are always healthy teeth. It is because your toothbrush would reach every corner of the mouth when the teeth are correctly aligned. You can floss them well.

Myth: Only when you want straight teeth, do you need braces

dentistry treatment concept. Happy smiling woman showing her dental braces on teeth

People use braces to align their teeth and make them straight. However, it is not only the reason you need braces. They are useful for treating crowded teeth when the gap is uneven or when there is no gap at all.

Braces can correct a range of complex problems and resolve several issues. Orthodontists treat several problems with the help of braces. You need to contact an expert and get the dental brace’s price.

Myth: Any dentist can provide braces

Dental treatment can be obtained from an expert but there are many different types of expertise. Braces are provided by Orthodontists. He is an expert that can align the teeth. You can contact the nearest orthodontist and learn more about the benefits of braces. You should call the doctor and request an appointment.

source: sabkadentist

Aging and Dental Health

As you age, it becomes even more important to take good care of your teeth and dental health. One common misconception is that losing your teeth is inevitable. This is not true. If cared for properly, your teeth can last a lifetime.

Your mouth changes as you age. The nerves in your teeth can become smaller, making your teeth less sensitive to cavities or other problems. If you don’t get regular dental exams, this in turn can lead to these problems not being diagnosed until it is too late.

If you want to feel good, stay healthy, and look great throughout life, you might be surprised what a difference a healthy mouth makes.

Call Our Dentist in Viman Nagar, SmyleXL Dental Clinic to Learn More about dental care.

• Tips for Maintaining and Improving Your Oral Health
  Brush twice a day with a toothbrush with soft bristles. You may also benefit from using an electric toothbrush.
• Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or another flossing tool.
  If you wear full or partial dentures, remember to clean them on a daily basis. Take your dentures out of your mouth for at least four hours every day. It’s best to remove them at night.
  Drink tap water. Since most contains fluoride, it helps prevent tooth decay no matter how old you are.
• Quit smoking. Besides putting you at greater risk for lung and other cancers, smoking increases problems with gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss.
  Visit your dentist. Visit your dentist regularly for a complete dental check-up.
  By adopting healthy oral habits at home, making smart choices about diet and lifestyle, and seeking regular dental care, you can help your teeth last a lifetime—whether you have your natural teeth, implants or wear dentures.

Caregiving for a Disabled or Elderly Loved One
You may have a parent, spouse or friend who has difficulty maintaining a healthy mouth on their own. How can you help? Two things are critical:

Help them keep their mouth clean with reminders to brush and floss daily.
Make sure they get to a dentist regularly.
These steps can prevent many problems, but tasks that once seemed so simple can become very challenging. If your loved one is having difficulty with brushing and flossing, talk to a dentist or hygienist who can provide helpful tips or a different approach. There are dentists who specialize in caring for the elderly and disabled. You can locate a specialist through the Dentistry Association’s referral directory. For those who wear dentures, pay close attention to their eating habits. If they’re having difficulty eating or are not eating as much as usual, denture problems could be the cause.

When you’re caring for someone who is confined to bed, they may have so many health problems that it’s easy to forget about oral health. However, it’s still very important because bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs and cause pneumonia.

source: mouthhealthy

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Even though they are temporary, your child’s baby teeth are important, and are still susceptible to cavities. Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is often referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, or Early Childhood Caries. Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food, speak and have a good-looking smile. Their first teeth also help make sure their adult teeth come in correctly. It’s important to start infants off with good oral care to help protect their teeth for decades to come.

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What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth may also be affected.

There are many factors which can cause tooth decay. One common cause is the frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby’s teeth to drinks that contain sugar. Tooth decay can occur when the baby is put to bed with a bottle, or when a bottle is used as a pacifier for a fussy baby.

Tooth decay is a disease that can begin with cavity-causing bacteria being passed from the mother (or primary caregiver) to the infant. These bacteria are passed through the saliva. When the mother puts the baby’s feeding spoon in her mouth, or cleans a pacifier in her mouth, the bacteria can be passed to the baby.

If your infant or toddler does not receive an adequate amount of fluoride, they may also have an increased risk for tooth decay. The good news is that decay is preventable.

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

• Try not to share saliva with the baby through common use of feeding spoons or licking pacifiers. After each feeding, wipe your child’s gums with a clean, damp gauze pad or washcloth.
• When your child’s teeth come in, brush them gently with a child-size toothbrush and a smear (or grain of rice sized amount) of fluoride toothpaste until the age of 3. 
• Brush the teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste from the ages of 3 to 6.
• Supervise brushing until your child can be counted on to spit and not swallow toothpaste—usually not before he or she is 6 or 7.
• Place only formula, milk or breast milk in bottles. Avoid filling the bottle with liquids such as sugar water, juice or soft drinks.
• Infants should finish their bedtime and nap time bottles before going to bed.
• If your child uses a pacifier, provide one that is clean—don’t dip it in sugar or honey.
• Encourage your child to drink from a cup by his/her first birthday.
• Encourage healthy eating habits.

When your child’s first tooth appears, talk to your dentist about scheduling the first dental visit. Treat the first dental visit as you would a well-baby checkup with the child’s physician. Remember: starting early is the key to a lifetime of good dental health.

source: mouthhealthy

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in permanent human dentition. Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical process to remove unwanted third molar teeth which are causing pain or damage to the gums.

Inappropriately positioned wisdom teeth pose damage to the adjacent teeth or surrounding structures, hence, they require surgical removal.

Call Our Dentist in Viman Nagar, SmyleXL Dental Clinic to Learn More about dental care.

Indications for the removal of wisdom teeth

There are many potential reasons why wisdom teeth need to be removed. Below is the list of various situations when the extraction of these teeth is recommended:

Frequent pain, infection or pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is referred to as inflammation of the gums/gingiva surrounding the partially erupted teeth. Pericoronitis can manifest in both acute and chronic forms. Partially erupted third molars usually lead to chronic recurring episodes of pericoronitis.

Patients usually experience excruciating pain and analgesics and antibiotic therapy alone fail to relieve symptoms of pericoronitis. Removal of wisdom teeth is a permanent cure for recurring pericoronitis.

A deep pocket leading to gum damage

A partially erupted the third molar makes a room for the food particles to reside in between the gum and the tooth, which leads to the formation of a periodontal pocket.

Periodontal pockets usually develop on the distal side of second molar teeth and a recurrent pocket formation can lead to pain, bleeding and at times also result in potential problems like bone loss. Hence, it is advisable to remove partially erupted third molars.

To create space in the dental arch for aligning the misaligned teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth acquire space in a narrow dental arch. Misaligned teeth are usually corrected with the help of braces. An orthodontist (a dentist who specializes in aligning the misaligned teeth) may recommend the removal of third molar teeth prior to an orthodontic treatment. Removal of impacted teeth creates more room for proper alignment of misaligned teeth.

Prevention of tooth cavities and root resorption

Third molar teeth lie at the back of the mouth. During brushing it becomes difficult to access and clean them. This makes third molars more predisposed to cavities and can also lead to the root resorption and cavity formation in the adjacent tooth. To prevent such complications it is advisable to remove partially erupted third molars.

Management of associated pathologies

Impacted third molars may give rise to odontogenic cysts and tumors; however it occurs rarely. These cysts and tumors are usually asymptomatic and are usually discovered accidently during an X-ray or during histopathological examination. To prevent any further complication it is advisable to remove third molar.

Before fabrication of a prosthesis

Impacted third molars may hinder the proper fitting of the prosthesis such as dentures. A prosthodontist may recommend the removal of impacted third molars before fabricating prosthesis in such patients.

For a removable prosthesis, at least 1 to 2 mm of bone is required between the tooth and the prosthesis to prevent irritation and resultant infection. Hence, it is advisable to remove third molars before fabricating a denture.

Prior to orthognathic surgeries

Orthognathic surgeries are done to correct the skeletal deformities. These surgeries are performed to correct mastication, speech, aesthetics and overall symmetry of the jaw bones. Dentists usually remove impacted third molars prior to such surgeries to avoid any interference during the surgical procedures.

Steps and procedure in wisdom teeth removal

Preparation prior to surgery

Complex wisdom tooth extractions are performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Patient’s medical history is studied before the surgery and a careful evaluation of the target tooth is done with specialized radiographs like intraoral periapical (IOPA) and orthopantomogram (OPG).

Diagnostic tests like a complete blood count, clotting and bleeding time are checked to prevent any complication and blood loss during surgery. Prior to the surgery, vitals of the patient are observed, and a local anesthetic is administered in minute amounts to check for allergic reactions.

1. Isolate the operative site

It is a three-step procedure and involves scrubbing and painting the skin oral mucosa (lining) with a cetrimide and povidone and iodine solution. However, scrubbing is done only on the skin, rinsing the skin with a normal saline solution to remove any soap residues, and painting the skin with a povidone-iodine solution to prevent the growth of microbes.

2. Administer anesthesia

Post the isolation process, the dentist injects anesthesia. There are two types of anesthesia namely local anesthesia and general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is the most common form of anesthesia injected to remove impacted teeth. This form of anesthesia is injected into the nerve supplying the tooth or around the area surrounding the tooth. The patient remains conscious during the surgical procedure.

Under some medical situations general anesthesia is given either via an intravenous route or by inhalation. The patient is unconscious at the time of surgery.

3. Incision of the gum tissue

The gum tissue is incised and the flap is raised to expose the bone and the tooth. This allows visibility of the impacted tooth to be removed. Dentists employ different types of flap designs for a speedy post operative healing, to minimize pain, swelling and infection. For removing mandibular (lower jaw) third molars mucoperiosteal flap is raised. Some other types of flaps are a buccal envelope flap and a triangular three-cornered flap.

4. Post-incision

Overlying bone above the impacted third molar is done either with chisel and mallet (hand instruments) or with dental burs. Usually a round bur is employed for gross bone removal. The alveolar bone overlying the tooth is shaved in way to create an appropriate groove; however it is ensured that minimal bone loss should occur during the process as it promotes faster post operative healing. Bone removal allows the access to the target tooth.

5. Sectioning of the tooth

Once the tooth is accessed it is divided into sections. Sectioning the tooth is important as it safely removes the tooth with minimal trauma. The number of sections in a tooth usually depends on various factors such as number and shape of the roots. At times the anatomy of nearby nerve is also considered while sectioning the tooth. Tooth sectioning easily removes the tooth from the socket.

6. The surgical site is cleaned

Surgical site is more susceptible to various infections, which may further complicate the healing process. Post closing the surgical site with stitches surgical site is properly cleansed to minimize the chances of infection. The patient is also advised not to touch the site to prevent any infection. Finally, gauze is placed over the stitches to manage any bleeding.

source:news-medical

Dental care – adult

Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by plaque, a sticky combination of bacteria and food. Plaque begins to build up on teeth within a few minutes after eating. If teeth are not cleaned well each day, plaque will lead to tooth decay or gum disease. If you do not remove plaque, it turns into a hard deposit called tartar that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame the gums. Bacteria and the toxins they produce cause the gums to become:

• Infected
• Swollen
• Tender
• By taking good care of your teeth and gums, you can help prevent problems such as tooth decay (caries) and gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). You should also teach your children how to brush and floss from an early age to help them protect their teeth.

Call Our Dentist in Viman Nagar, SmyleXL Dental Clinic to Learn More about dental care.

Plaque and tartar lead to a number of problems:

• Cavities are holes that damage the structure of teeth.
• Gingivitis is swollen, inflamed, and bleeding gums,
• Periodontitis is the destruction of the ligaments and bone that support the teeth, often leading to tooth loss.
• Bad breath (halitosis).
• Abscesses, pain, inability to use your teeth.
• Other health problems outside the mouth, ranging from preterm labor to heart disease.
• Information

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH

Healthy teeth are clean and have no cavities. Healthy gums are pink and firm, and do not bleed. To maintain healthy teeth and gums, follow these steps:

• Floss at least once per day. It is best to floss after brushing. Flossing removes plaque that is left behind after brushing from between the teeth and on the gums.
• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush for at least 2 minutes each time.
• Use fluoride toothpaste. The fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner if needed. A worn-out toothbrush will not clean your teeth as well. If you use an electric toothbrush, change heads every 3 to 4 months as well.
• Eat a healthy diet. You are less likely to get gum disease if you eat healthy foods.
• Avoid sweets and sweetened drinks. Eating and drinking a lot of sweets increases your risk of cavities. If you do eat or drink sweets, brush your teeth soon after.
• Do not smoke. Smokers have more teeth and gum problems than non-smokers.
• Keep dentures, retainers, and other appliances clean. This includes brushing them regularly. You may also need to soak them in a cleansing solution.
• Schedule regular checkups with your dentist. Many dentists recommend having the teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months for optimal oral health. Seeing the dentist every 3 to 4 months may be needed if your gums become unhealthy.
• Regular teeth cleaning by a dentist removes plaque that may develop, even with careful brushing and flossing. This is very important for getting at areas that are hard to reach on your own. Professional cleaning includes scaling and polishing. This procedure uses instruments to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth. Routine exams may include dental x-rays. Your dentist can catch problems early, so they do not become more serious and expensive to fix.

Ask your dentist:

What kind of toothbrush you should use, and how to brush your teeth well. Ask if an electric toothbrush is right for you. Electric toothbrushes have been shown to clean teeth better than manual toothbrushes. They often also have a timer to let you know when you have reached the 2 minute mark.
How to properly floss your teeth. Overly vigorous or improper flossing may injure the gums.
Whether you should use any special appliances or tools, such as water irrigation. This may sometimes help supplement (but not replace) brushing and flossing.
Whether you could benefit from particular toothpastes or mouth rinses. In some cases, over-the-counter pastes and rinses may be doing you more harm than good, depending on your condition.

WHEN TO CALL THE DENTIST

Call your dentist if you have symptoms of a cavity that include:

Pain in the tooth that occurs for no reason or is caused by food, beverages, brushing or flossing
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks
Get early treatment for gum disease. Call your dentist if you have symptoms of gum disease that include:

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding in the gums when you brush your teeth
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Drifting teeth

source: medlineplus