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Teeth grinding is a dental condition wherein people grind or clench their teeth from time to time. Medically known as bruxism, teeth grinding does not cause harm when done occasionally. But, if bruxism continues for prolonged periods, it can cause damage to the teeth and lead to other oral complications. But, before hopping on to the details of what teeth grinding can do to our teeth, let us explore the various causes of the problem.

Causes of Bruxism or Teeth Grinding
The medical community is not sure of the causes of teeth grinding. Still, there is a pervasive assertion that it is caused due to a combination of physical, psychological, and genetic actors. There are two types of bruxism:

• Awake Bruxism: It may be caused by intense emotions such as anxiety, anger, stress, frustration, and so forth. Awake Bruxism may also be a coping mechanism or a habit during deep concentration.
• Sleep Bruxism: It may be caused due to sleep-related chewing activity associated with arousals while sleeping.

After talking about the causative factors of the two main types of bruxism, some risk factors are also associated with the problem. As mentioned above, stress, anxiety, and frustration are some leading causes of teeth grinding. Likewise, bruxism is also common among children and goes away by adulthood. Moreover, in a few cases, teeth grinding may manifest as a side effect of medications. The problem is also associated with specific mental health disorders like dementia, night terrors, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, sleep apnea, and so forth. 

Now that we talked about the causes of teeth grinding let us examine the condition’s problems.

Teeth Grinding and its Impacts
It is noteworthy to highlight that bruxism does not cause severe complications in most scenarios. But, at times, it can damage the teeth, dentures, restorations, crowns, and so forth. Extreme cases of teeth grinding can also result in damage to the jaw. Teeth grinding can result in tension-type headaches as well. Intense facial or jaw pain may also arise due to bruxism. Lastly, disorders that occur in the temporomandibular joints can also manifest due to bruxism. Let us now move forward to the various treatments and symptoms of bruxism. Untreated bruxism can also cause the enamel to erode and result in cracks and chips on the teeth.

Symptoms and Treatment of Bruxism
The common symptoms of bruxism include:

• Grinding or clenching of teeth
• Worn, fractured, or chipped teeth
• Tired jaws
• Increased toothache and sensitivity
• Erosion of teeth enamel
• Sleeping problems
• Mild headaches that originate around the temples
• Neck, facial and jaw pain

The most common way of dealing with bruxism is to use a mouth guard while sleeping to don’t damage your teeth. Other methods include coping with stress and anxiety, counseling sessions, muscle relaxants, and so forth. Although mild bruxism is not harmful, it is essential to be vigilant as severe teeth grinding can cause significant disruptions to our oral health.

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!

Diabetes is a disease that has, unfortunately, engulfed the human population in its clutches. In the USA alone, 29.1 million people, 9.3 percent of the total population are diabetic. Furthermore, 1.7 million new cases are registered each year, and 8.1 million people living with diabetes are not even minutely aware that they have the disease. 

If defined in simple words, diabetes hampers the human body’s ability to process sugar. 
All the food that we eat is turned into sugar and then utilized as energy. But, in Type I diabetes, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin – the hormone that carries sugar from the blood to the cells. And, in Type II diabetes, the body stops responding to insulin itself. Both types of diabetes cause high blood sugar levels that can consequently result in problems related to the eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart, and so forth. It is essential to note that looking after teeth and gums is crucial for surviving diabetes. Dental problems are widespread among diabetic patients. Now that we have briefly discussed the nitty-gritty of diabetes let us examine how diabetes affects dental health.

Dental Health and Diabetes
It is undeniable that people who have diabetes and don’t control their blood sugar levels appropriately are more likely to deal with teeth and gum problems. The various dental issues that can increase due to a diabetic condition are – 

• Dry Mouth: Diabetes can slow down the production of saliva, thereby causing doctor mouth or xerostomia. The saliva and its enzymes attack bacteria, and in their absence, there can be a proliferation of plaque inside our mouth causing tooth decay. Moreover, dry mouth can also lead to sores and ulcers.
• Infection: A fungal yeast infection called thrush is also widespread among people with diabetes. The condition manifests as white or red patches on the tongue, cracking of the skin at the corner of the lips, and open sores. 
• Gingivitis: It is the initial stage of gum disease caused by an inappropriate oral health regimen. The condition is characterized by the presence of red, tender, and swollen gums that can bleed while brushing. 
• Periodontitis: Although gingivitis is a reversible condition and can be treated with a proper dental health routine and some help from the dentist, the prolonged presence of gingivitis can result in mild periodontitis. The conversion of gingivitis and periodontitis is typical among diabetic patients. In simple terms, periodontitis is a dental condition wherein the gums and bones supporting the teeth begin to wear away and recede. 

Therefore, the dental problems facilitated by diabetes are many. But, the good news is that by following a robust dental health regime, you can keep various teeth and gum diseases at bay. Also, it is crucial to maintain a proper diet and keep the blood sugar levels under control. Lastly, exercising and quitting smoking are essential if you have diabetes and want to keep it under check. 

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!

An attractive smile does not need to take months or years to achieve. The right kind of dental veneers can solve chipped, discolored, unevenly spaced, and misshapen teeth with ease. It is one of the best procedures performed in cosmetic dentistry. This is  because of the potential benefits offered by dental veneers. If you’re considering veneers, we can help you decide if they’ll be a good fit for you. 

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

A veneer is a simple and easy way to improve the appearance of teeth.
Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain bonded to the surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. They are custom-designed to achieve the most attractive look for each patient. A veneer is tooth-colored and reflects light just the way natural teeth would. They do not stain easily, making them a great choice for those who want to look perfect.

Veneers give a natural look to your teeth.
This type of dental restorations might take more than one appointment to complete, but the results look natural! An imprint of your teeth is taken at your first appointment. This impression is sent to a laboratory where veneers will be made. Veneers are custom-made to mimic the color and shape of natural teeth and match the enamel color.

A dentist sculpts each veneer exactly on the mouth to create a natural-looking smile when the veneers arrive from the lab, and it is time to place them. 

Porcelain veneers are minimally invasive.
A dental veneer is a less invasive restoration option than other options offered by a practitioner. To place them, the dentist first removes 1/2 millimeters from the surface of the treated tooth, instead of 20 millimeters needed for a crown. A special cement is used to set each veneer overlay after the tooth’s surface is shaved down. During the placement and management of the veneers, the dentist may make small adjustments to their size or color to ensure that the veneers look and feel as natural as possible.

A veneer is a long-lasting and durable material.
The porcelain veneers are permanent and resist decay and staining more effectively than normal teeth. Did you know this? Due to the non-porous nature of veneers, they are more resistant to staining and cavities compared to your natural tooth enamel. Dental veneers will typically last between 10 and 15 years as long as they are properly cared for.

In the case of enamel loss, veneers are a viable option.
Although your teeth’s enamel is extremely strong, it can still wear away by too much tooth brushing, acid reflux disease, or acidic foods. It is believed by most people that once the tooth enamel wears away, it can never be replaced. Using veneers to replace enamel is aesthetically pleasing and provides durability.

A dental consultation could be the best solution if you are conscious about your smile. You can receive porcelain veneers for many years, and they are easy to care for. Compared to your natural enamel, they provide your teeth with additional strength and durability. Plus, the benefits to your social and aesthetic lives are enormous. 

We can define a root canal as a dental treatment that entails removing the soft center of the tooth, also known as pulp. The pulp of the teeth comprises connective tissue and blood vessels that foster the growth of the teeth. A root canal treatment is needed when a tooth’s pulp is inflamed, infected, or compromised in one or the other ways. Some typical damage inducing factors to the pulp is:

• Deep dental decay because of an untreated cavity.
• A chip or crack on the tooth.
• Multiple products done on the same tooth over some time.
• An injury to the tooth that seeps into the pulp.

A root canal is a painful procedure. Depending on the person, the process can be mildly painful or excruciatingly painful. Therefore, many people are always on the lookout for alternatives to root canal treatment. In case you are one of them, then continue reading ahead.

Top 4 Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment 

1. Direct Pulp Capping: It is a dental treatment that can be utilized among people suffering from severe damage or decay exposing the pulp. The process involves placing some inert substances directly above the exposed pulp to produce a mineral barrier, which protects the exposed pulp and promotes tissue repair. Some of the common substances used in Direct Pulp Capping are calcium hydroxide and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).
2. Indirect Pulp Capping: It is a procedure that protects a decayed or damaged tooth that does not have any exposed pulp. The dentist treats the cavities and protects the dentin by using a protective lining. Moreover, the dentist may also remove decayed dentin and leave the decay that is near the pulp. 
3. Pulpotomy: It is a procedure wherein the pulp of a tooth is removed. It is done when the pulp has been exposed and overly compromised. The main difference between a root canal treatment and Pulpotomy is that the root canals and the tooth nerves are preserved in the latter. The infected pulp is removed during a Pulpotomy, and inert material is added inside the tooth to facilitate faster healing and prevent bacterial infection. After that, the tooth’s inside is filled, and a crown is placed on top to restore and protect it from damage. Pulpotomy is commonly done on children, and it is performed on adults as a temporary substitute for a root canal. 
4. Extraction: A dentist recommends extraction in cases of severe damage to the teeth or irreversible tooth decay impacts. Mostly, extractions are done when the root canal seems ineffective. Some extractions are simple, and we can do them at a dentist’s office. In contrast, others need to be overlooked by an oral surgeon. After a tooth is removed by extraction, some ways to deal with the space include dental implants, dental bridges, and partial dentures.

A root canal may be painful and seem intimidating, but it is a crucial procedure necessary for the long-term health of your teeth and gums. But, you can also go for the alternatives mentioned above if there is scope.

Book your appointment now and get your dental issues resolved!

Chewing gum can have positive or negative impacts on your health, depending on who you ask. As a result, chewing gum serves as an imperfect combination of health benefits for your teeth and overall health. Getting to the bottom of this important question, we will need to understand how chewing gum affects both your mouth and your entire body.

Chewing Gum Ingredients: Are They Safe?

Gums are generally considered safe to chew. A chewing gum can contain some ingredients that are controversial. However, some brands contain only a small amount. There are still many cases where the quantities are much lower than those considered to harm.

Chewing gum has the following effects:

• Artificial sweeteners most commonly found in chewing gum have a negative impact on health whether or not the gum contains sugar.
• According to a 2013 research study on eating habits, chewing gum reduces the consumption of healthy foods like vegetables and fruits and increases consumption of unhealthy foods like potato chips and candy. Tooth decay can result from eating less healthy foods.
• By chewing gum, mercury amalgam fillings can be released.
• The chewing of sugar-sweetened gum can also cause tooth decay and erosion. You are essentially soaking your gums and teeth in a bath of sugar when you chew sugar-sweetened gum for a prolonged period of time.

Dental health benefits of chewing gum

It has been proved that sugar-free gum can help prevent caries; however other benefits to oral health are less clear. By chewing sugar-free chewing gum, you can stimulate the flow of saliva, which is good for your teeth in many ways. 

• Sugars are more rapidly cleared from the body when the flow rate is higher.
• As a result of saliva’s high pH and buffering capacity, plaque pH is neutralized after a sugar challenge.
• Studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum enhances the remineralization of early caries-like lesions as well as reducing the incidence of caries in kids. 

What’s the deal with sugar-free gum?

It is helpful for parents to share this tip with their children and teens, as they often chew gum. It would be best if you only let them choose sugarless gum instead of sugary bubble gum, which can have the reverse effect and build up plaque. Many types of sugarless gums bear the American Dental Association seal of approval on their packaging. When buying gum for yourself or your family, look for the seal in case you are unsure about which gums promote oral health best.

It’s important to remember (and to remind children) that gum-chewing is not an alternative to a regular oral hygiene routine of twice-daily brushing and proper flossing using quality dental products.

Chewing gum comes in many varieties, including sugary, sweet candies. Rather than reaching for an indulgent packet of gum that could damage your teeth, be sure to read the package and look for one that is sugar-free and contains ingredients that can help fight plaque and tooth decay. It will be beneficial to your teeth.

A bad bite, alternately known as malocclusion, is a condition wherein the upper and lower teeth are not appropriately aligned. A poor bite is one of the most prevalent dental disorders, and ironically the most neglected as well. A bad bite can be congenital, or as a result from childhood habits like thumb sucking. There exist numerous adverse consequences of a bad bite, and some of them are:

• Speech difficulties
• Dry mouth
• Tongue biting
• Early wearing down of the enamel.
• Swallowing issues
• Cosmetic alteration of the face
• Interference with chewing
• Upper teeth bite into the lower gums, or the lower set of teeth may bite onto the mouth’s roof. Both of them can happen simultaneously, as well.

Types of Bad Bites

There are several types of bad bites. The most common ones are:

1. Overbite: It occurs when the top row of teeth extends beyond the booth row, resulting in a misaligned jaw. Overbite also manifests as the exaggerated protruding of the front teeth.
2. Underbite: It is a problem in which the lower set of teeth is not aligned with the top row.
3. Crowded Teeth: As the name suggests, it is a condition of inadequate space in the mouth for permanent teeth to grow straight.

Symptoms of a Bad Bite

The outward substantiation of a bad bite is expected but not universal. Many people may suffer from malocclusion and not experience cosmetic facial altercations. Therefore, it becomes essential to look out for other symptoms that may emerge.

Pain in a specific tooth is generally due to a cavity, but it could also imply that one tooth is bearing the brunt of your poor bite and consequent disheveled chewing. Furthermore, if biting and chewing cause pain in the jaw up to the ear, then it is a massive warning sign of malocclusion or a bad bite. It is noteworthy that a rapid and noticeable wearing down of teeth could be a strong indicator of a bad bit.

Treatments of a Bad Bite

There exist several dental procedures to correct a bad bite. From therapy to orthodontic appliances, the paths to achieve a healthy set of teeth are many.

Braces and clear aligners are the go-to solutions when it comes to fixing a bad bite. The dentist may also opt for retainers in case of a mild malocclusion. A procedure called neuromuscular dentistry is increasingly being utilized by experts to fix a poor bite. It is centered on the careful balance and cooperation of all the muscles and tissues that make up the mouth and jaw. Other standard fixing methods include surgery, teeth removal, etc.

It is noteworthy to mention that early treatment is always advisable in case of a bad bite. The chances of fixing the malocclusion inflate when treatment is meted out at a younger age. Although experts can resolve the condition among adults, it usually takes longer, and the procedure becomes more expensive. Furthermore, the chances of requiring surgery increase when an adult suffers from a poor bite.

Good oral health entails many things. If you thought restoring pearly whites, fighting tooth decay, preventing cavities, and aligning crooked or impacted teeth were the only things you needed to worry about, then you are missing out on something. 

Gums’ health is the most overlooked part of dental care. We mostly do not pay attention to the appearance of our gums or whether they are infected and inflamed. 

Most Common Gum Problem

Gum recession is one of the most common complications that can affect your periodontal health. There are many reasons for gum recession like aggressive brushing, orthodontic treatments, having thin gum tissues, etc.

If you have had a history of gum diseases due to bacteria resulting from poor oral hygiene or gingivitis, then gum recession could pose serious issues. If gum recession is left untreated, it will expose the roots of your teeth, which can cause sensitivity and make your teeth prone to decay and abrasion.

A gum graft can reverse these ill effects and restore the health of your gums. 

What Exactly is Gum Tissue Graft?

Do not panic if your dentist said that your gums need grafting, as gum surgery is simple. This dental procedure corrects the gum recession by grafting either your gum tissue (from the roof of your mouth) or a donor’s tissue to build back the receded gum line.

There are a couple of ways the gum graft procedure can be performed, which depends on the severity and extent of damage and the patient’s needs.

The periodontist will first administer local anesthesia before gum surgery so that the area is numbed and does not hurt. Your gum doctor might also require you to lift some of the existing decayed gum and clean your teeth.

• Connective tissue graft – One of the most common methods of treating gum recession is a connective tissue graft.
  • Dental professionals cut a flap of skin from the roof of your mouth.
  • Tissue is taken out from under the flap, which is known as subepithelial connective tissue.
  • This tissue is stitched to the gum tissue around the exposed root.
  • The flap which was removed, is stitched back.
• Free Gingival Grafts – This also involves tissue from the mouth’s roof and is needed by people with thin gums to enlarge their gums.
  • The periodontist removes the tissue directly from the roof of the mouth.
  • This tissue is attached to the gum area, which is being treated.
• Pedicle grafts – In this procedure, the tissue is taken from around the tooth, which is being repaired and can only be done for people who have a good amount of gum tissue near the affected tooth.
  • The flap (pedicle) is partially removed, with one end still attached.
  • Gum is pulled down to cover the exposed root and sewn.

Apart from the methods mentioned above, few patients prefer using graft material from a tissue bank. Your dentist might also use tissue-stimulating proteins that enhance your body’s ability to grow tissues and bones. The success of the gum grafting procedure depends a lot on the right grafting procedure for your needs. An experienced periodontist is critical in deciding which approach is suited for you. Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is popularly known as acid reflux and is a disease leading to chronic heartburn. But, how is this stomach-linked condition related to teeth erosion? During acid reflux, the stomach contents, including stomach acid, leak into the esophagus and reach the mouth, resulting in a burning sensation in the digestive tract. GERD occurs when the muscle at the lower portion of the esophagus does not shut correctly or randomly remains open for a while, thereby allowing the stomach’s contents to leech back into the mouth.

Can GERD cause tooth erosion?

The wearing down of tooth structure or enamel is known as tooth erosion. One very typical indication that a person may be suffering from severe acid reflux is tooth erosion. A dentist may be able to identify GER by examining the patterns of teeth erosion.

Although tooth erosion is dangerous, it is avoidable. Some of the ways to avoid tooth erosion by acid reflux are:

1. You must avoid brushing your teeth for an hour after an acid-reflux episode. The optimal alternative is to rinse your mouth with tepid water.
2. You should avoid highly acidic foods such as citrus fruits, spicy food, fried food, and very hot or cold beverages.
3. Avoiding enamel-corrosive food items such as vinegar
4. Products like chocolate and dairy can also aggravate tooth erosion by acid reflux. Hence, it is advisable to shun them.
5. You should always carry sugar-free antacids and dissolve them inside your mouth. Make sure that you do not chew the tablets.
6. Saliva is the best defense mechanism against acid reflux. Thus, chewing sugar-free gum encourages saliva production to neutralize and wash away the acids inside the mouth.
7. You can also opt for toothpaste with good fluoride content to strengthen the tooth enamel.
8. Avoiding alcohol and smoking and refraining from eating three hours before bedtime may considerably reduce the frequency of acid reflux episodes.

Steps to identify tooth enamel erosion

Acid reflux can wear down your precious enamel as well as the chewing surfaces of your mouth, and you may be completely unaware. Precaution is always better than cure within the domain of health. Some of the signs and symptoms of enamel erosion are –

• Sensitivity of tooth pain while drinking hot, cold, or sweet beverages.
• Yellowish discoloration of the teeth
• In case you have fillings, you may observe changes in them.
• Tooth loss, in extreme cases
• You may also develop abscesses in severe cases. 

After erosion grapples your teeth, you may require fillings, crowns, a root canal, or even tooth removal.

Acid reflux, indeed, causes tooth enamel erosion. The best solution is to avoid severe episodes of acid reflux by making positive dietary and lifestyle changes. Lastly, regularly visiting the dentist is an all-around answer to steer clear of any dental problems.

In case you have discomfort or pain in teeth or gums, please visit your nearest dentist at the earliest.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

A special needs child is someone who requires special attention and other related assistance that other children do not. In clinical diagnostic and functional development, children with special needs may have medical, mental, or psychological conditions. Special needs can range from autism, Asperger syndrome, Down syndrome, dyslexia, blindness, deafness, and so forth. Cleft lips and missing limbs are also included within the category of special needs. A student is engulfed within the umbrella of ‘special needs’ if their IG is between 20 and 35. The types of special needs differ in terms of severity, and provisions are made to support them in every domain of life. ‘Special Needs’ is also a legal designation in some countries and can be of significance during adoption and foster care procedures.

Obstacles In Dental Care For Children With Special Needs

Dental care for children with special needs is often challenging as their oral hygiene takes a back seat owing to other pressing health concerns. The mouth is very much a part of the human body and taking good care of it is vital. To understand the nuances of dental care for these special children, it is imperative that we first grasp the obstacles.

1. It is common to witness children with Down’s syndrome and other genetic disorders get delayed tooth eruption. The consequence is that their teeth are poorly aligned and crowded. Hence, extra care is needed while brushing.
2. Misaligned tooth results in several gum problems as a lot of pressure are put on the gums while chewing. The gums, therefore, are weakened, and gum bleeding is a common condition among special needs children. If ignored, gum issues cause bone damage and loosening of teeth. The habit of flossing can be hard to teach among special needs children but is very helpful in maintaining a good dental regimen.
3. Numerous children with special needs have dry mouth because of incomplete mouth closure. A dry mouth fosters bacteria to stick to teeth and attack them, causing cavities. As such, proper rinsing after a meal is essential to avoid tooth decay.

Dental Care For Children With Special Needs

Studies reveal that children with special needs are more likely to suffer from dental problems than children with any disabilities. But, some extra effort can go a long way to help these children achieve immaculate oral hygiene.

The dental visits of the child mustn’t be skipped or ignored. Moreover, sticking to one particular dentist or professional is crucial as it provides the child with familiarity and helps in reducing anxiety. Establishing a good dental routine is vital. Although making the schedule may be demanding, but once established, the child can adapt to it quickly. Flexibility is the key for children with special needs, so allow your child to brush wherever they want and do not adhere to the bathroom only. Lastly, making your child comfortable with oral and dental care is of paramount significance.

In case of discomfort in teeth or gums, please visit your nearest dentist at the earliest.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

We must understand the nexus between autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and dental conditions for a holistic outline of dental care for differently-able children and people. So, let us first attempt to grasp the meaning, signs and symptoms of ASD.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder, also known as ASD, is a developmental anomaly that influences a person’s communication skills and behavioural patterns. The disorder is known as developmental because its symptoms creep up during the first two years of a child’s life. As per the ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders’, people with ASD find communication and interaction with other people very challenging. They may be restrictive in their interests and showcase repetitive behaviours.

Signs And Symptoms Of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Some of the social communication and behavioural signs of ASD include:

1. Apprehension in making eye contact
2. Social awkwardness and an inclination to not listening to people
3. Slow response at being called or other verbal attempts of grabbing their attention
4. Unaware of what the other person might be feeling during a conversation
5. At times, a person with ASD may cohabit with facial expressions and gestures that do not align with what he or she is saying.
6. A flat or a sing-song like vocal tone

Some of the restrictive behaviours of people with ASD include:

1. Repetitive or unusual behaviours. For example, the person may repeat words or phrases.
2. An intense passion for specific topics 
3. A person with ASD may get upset by slight changes in a routine.
4. Possessing solid visual and auditory skills
5. They usually excel in mathematics, science, or arts.

Scientists and medical experts are unclear about the exact causes of ASD. Still, research suggests that genetic makeup and environmental factors can affect development in ways that may lead to ASD.

Autism Spectrum Disorder And Dental Care – The Obstacles
There is a consensus among dental experts that treating individuals on the Autism Spectrum can be complex yet adventurous. People with ASD have a higher probability of being affected by periodontal diseases and caries. The biggest problem is that many dental professionals lack the training and expertise required to deal with these patients and fail at making them feel safe. 

Things To Do
Studies reveal that the best way to take care of patients on the Autism Spectrum is to create a safe space with plenty of hands-on activities and visual stimulation approaches that are not overwhelming. Moreover, the patient must engage with the same dentist or expert as familiarity can help to lower the anxiety levels of the patient. There has been pressing demands for special training in dental schools that educate future dentists on the requirements of specially-abled patients. Lastly, universally prescribed guidelines of care and trained staff are vital in decreasing the high levels of periodontitis and caries in patients diagnosed with ASD.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

Even minute defects such as a chip or crack in the teeth can affect a person’s smile and thus confidence. Along with making a person conscious about how they look, such small defects can also pose certain functional problems such as bad bite. Such problems can be solved using tooth bonding techniques where a resin material resembling the tooth is applied. Variations in the resin material such as porcelain or composite are available and can be chosen based on the patient’s requirements. Composite resin is fixed to the outer surface of the tooth to help fix a variety of dental problems.

If you are troubled with any cosmetic problems related to teeth and are seeking a way to improve your smile’s appearance, here are the reasons why you should consider composite resins.

Composite Resins are inexpensive
The most significant advantage of composite resin over porcelain is that it is quite inexpensive. This is an affordable treatment option, and the amount spent would vary based on the number of teeth that have to be treated.

Quick treatment
Another reason why several people prefer cosmetic resin bonding is that the whole procedure is quite quick and painless. The installation can last from thirty minutes to an hour.

Blends well
Unlike silver amalgam fillings, the composite resin is prepared to match the colour of the patient’s teeth. This means that it blends well and does not appear out of place.

Other advantages
Some other benefits of composite resins that make it more popular than other restorations are:

• It is safe and less invasive than other types of restorations, such as veneers.
• It can reduce teeth sensitivity.
•  It is reversible, i.e. it can be removed as per requirement.
• It can be repaired if destroyed.
• It can help people get rid of stained teeth.

Caring for composite resins
With proper care and maintenance, cosmetic resins can last up to ten years. For this, you need to take care of your oral health and hygiene. Habits such as biting on hard objects, eating sticky food and grinding teeth during sleep can cause wear and tear of the resin since it is not as hard as original teeth. Therefore, you have to be careful about your eating habits and oral hygiene if you want the cosmetic resins to last for a long time.

Although the procedure is not much beneficial for treating major cosmetic problems, minor issues related to the appearance of the teeth can be solved effectively using composite resins. You should seek the consultation of your dentist to find out other advantages of composite resins and how to properly care for them. It is also advisable to visit the dentist regularly to monitor the condition of the teeth and find out ways to improve your oral hygiene regimen. If your restoration has been damaged as a result of grinding and clenching, you can seek the help of a cosmetic dentist to repair it back to normal.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

Getting rid of braces is a long-awaited moment for everyone. But as soon as you think you will now be free, the dentist tells you about retainers. While the thought of wearing it might frustrate you, since you recently got rid of the braces, it is important to provide you best results in the long run. After your braces are removed, the teeth require support to stay in their new position. This is achieved with the help of retainers. You can choose an invisible type to make it more discreet.

You can choose fixed or removable retainers as per your convenience. Fixed retainers are stainless steel wires that are present behind the teeth. They require you to be extra careful while brushing. Removable retainers can be taken out and put in as per your liking, though you should have them on for as long as possible. You might experience some discomfort in speaking for the first few days. Once your mouth adjusts to the retainers, you will be able to carry out your daily activities easily.

How long do you have to wear it?

You will need to wear the retainers throughout the day and night in the beginning. The only time you can remove it is while eating.

The longer you wear the retainer, the better chance for your teeth to get adjusted. You can wear it less often after some time has passed, but it is better to have it on for as long as you can. Reduce the time gradually as this will give your teeth the chance to adjust. You can start wearing it at night after wearing it full-time for a considerable amount of time.

Wear the retainer for a little while longer than you had to wear your braces. After that, you can start wearing it a few nights every now and then to ensure that the teeth remain straight.

Caring for retainers

Just like any other orthodontic wear, retainers have to be properly cleaned and maintained in order for them to function. When the food that you consume remains stuck in between your teeth, it can give rise to the formation of plaque which is a sticky layer formed by the action of bacteria in your mouth.

Use a dental cleaning solution to properly clean your retainers. Every time you take it out of your mouth, wash it using warm water. Do not leave any crevice any while cleaning as it could have some food particle stuck in it. Use a retainer case to keep it while you are not wearing it.

Retainers are useful in treating several other conditions, such as a gap in teeth or any other jaw-related disorder. You can learn more about the types of retainers from your dentist. While wearing it is not much fun, it is extremely important to keep your beautiful smile intact. If you are wearing retainers, you need to go for regular cleaning sessions to a dentist who can perfectly clean your retainers to keep your mouth healthy.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.

A lot of people require wearing partial or full dentures. These are prosthetic devices which help replace missing teeth in your mouth. Dentures can be worn for a single tooth or for an entire set. Although it significantly improves the way you look, wearing dentures comes with its own share of responsibilities. Just like plaque develops on normal teeth, dentures are also susceptible to it. Therefore, you need to properly care for your dentures in order to avoid any harm.

Some ways in which you can care for your dentures:

Always handle with care
Before you get the dentures, ask your dentists about ways to care properly for it. Learn the right way to put and remove the dentures to ensure that no harm comes to them during use. Be extremely careful not to drop the dentures while washing them as it can break them.

Rinse the dentures after eating
Just like some part of the food you eat remains stuck in the teeth, which leads to the development of cavities, the food stuck in your dentures can also cause harm to your oral health. It is crucial to remove the dentures and clean them with water after every meal.

Brush dentures daily
Proper care for dentures also requires brushing them daily using a soft brush. Don’t use toothpaste for cleaning the dentures as it can be abrasive and cause deterioration of the denture.

Soak overnight in water or cleaning solution
Special cleaning solutions are also available for dentures. You can also use water to soak the dentures overnight. This ensures that they remain clean. Using diluted vinegar is recommended if the dentures have undergone staining.

Remove dentures overnight
Removing the dentures while sleeping is also important for your oral health. It takes off the stress from the gums and gives them the necessary rest.

Regular check-ups
Visiting a dentist routinely is important for everyone, but it becomes even more crucial for people who wear some orthodontic device. A dentist can help find out if the dentures are being properly cared for ot not. The dentures also require to be refitted after a few years.

Never force them in
Wearing and removing dentures should also be done carefully. You should always be gentle with them and take time to fit them inside your mouth properly.

Be careful while eating
If you wear dentures, you also have to be careful while eating. Only take small bites of the food and gently chew it. This is important to ensure that the denture does not break due to too much pressure.

With daily cleaning with a cleaning solution and proper maintenance, you can keep your dentures clean and safe for a long time. If your dentures have stained or you are having problems with its fitting, immediately visit a dentist. You might need a replacement in case there is some inflammation under the denture, or it no longer fits, or if the denture has been a few years old.

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There are many tales and stories around wisdom teeth, in almost every culture around the world. But for most of the people who encounter it, it can only be explained as a “painful surprise”. Many people describe their experience of having a wisdom tooth as an unexpected series of pain, potential cysts, or tissue tear.

Now, all this makes one wonder whether the first and the most favorable alternative to having a wisdom tooth is to get it removed. Well yes, that sounds like a plan, but what if we tell you that not all wisdom tooth cases require its extraction? Sometimes wisdom teeth can be your unexpected but happy new neighbors, who don’t really do you much harm.

Read this blog to know all about wisdom teeth and what to do once you get them!

What are Wisdom Teeth?

The wisdom teeth are the last of the permanent teeth that are to appear in an adult’s jaw. In some cases this can be painful as the structure of the teeth in the jaw is already set, and to make space for the new one there is a painful re-adjustment.

What to do When You Get Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth can be unexpected, and the age at which one gets them varies from person to person. But the fact is that you need not get them removed until they are a real cause of worry. If your wisdom tooth is not concerning you with any issue, then you need to avoid getting them extracted.

Here are some of the plausible scenarios, where getting your wisdom tooth removed is the best alternative:

1. If your wisdom tooth has caused harm to your teeth, is damaging the ones that are nearby, or has the potential to harm them later, it is better to get it removed immediately.
2. If the wisdom tooth has appeared at a time the other teeth are in their development process as well, an analysis has to be made whether it is affecting the development of the other teeth. In case that is the case, extracting the troubled wisdom tooth is the best option.
3. In an alternative scenario, if the teeth have fully developed and the wisdom tooth came at a later stage, then it can interfere with the structure of the jaw, or other alignment or reconstruction procedures that would have been planned for a later stage. If your wisdom tooth has appeared amidst such a scenario, it is best to get it removed before you begin with further procedures.
4. The most important is to check whether the surgery procedures of getting the wisdom tooth removed are going to impact you in the long term.

Wisdom tooth extraction itself comes with multiple after-effects. Some of which are swelling and pain in the region where the tooth was extracted. A potential infection in the wound that occurred where the tooth was extracted. Or damage to the nerves and the blood vessels in the infected area. Therefore, it is essential to visit a dental practitioner and get an assessment of the position of your wisdom tooth and its extraction needs. The proper medical care and expertise can help make getting a “wisdom tooth” a truly enlightening experience for you!

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We want to give our kids the healthiest start to their lives. It is the same when it comes to their oral health. It is known that treating cavities is important, but preventing cavities is the best. Giving your kids a healthy smile is the biggest gift you can give them right from the start. But, to ensure this happens, we need to discuss the elephant in the room and that is “Fluoride.” Most of the water resources in the United States are devoid of natural fluorides present in them. But it is also an essential remineralizing agent for the tooth enamel. Complete absenteeism of fluoride from your child’s dental routine can be harmful to the upkeep and the overall health profile of their teeth.

Why Is Fluoride Important in Kids?
Cavities are most common in toddlers. Fluoride is essential in keeping this issue at bay and providing your teeth with the required protection they need. Studies have shown that swallowing the fluoride present in the toothpaste and other such alternatives can be harmful to your child. But, if taken in a small amount and in the medically prescribed quantities, that shouldn’t be a problem. This fluoride is important as it helps fight the acid that is created because of the food we eat.

Things to Keep in Mind While Using Fluoride for Your Toddlers:
There are some things to keep in mind while exposing your kids to fluoride in their daily oral healthcare routine.

• Use toothpaste with low fluoride content.
• While helping your toddlers brush their teeth, make sure you tilt their heads so that they automatically spit the toothpaste once done.
• Kids develop the ability to spit by the age of 3; in such a case, they can easily spit the toothpaste once done.
• In case the kids do swallow fluoride toothpaste in a large quantity, then there are chances that their stomach might get upset. Therefore, you need to see a medical practitioner as soon as possible.

How Will Fluoride Help Your Toddlers
It seems that most of the things that Fluoride does for your toddler’s oral health are positive. The protection that it offers so that the acid content built by the food eaten can be fought with easily. Although, in an ideal scenario, you should not expose your kids to soft drinks and sugary foods, but in case they are in the habit of eating sugar in some part of their diet, then fighting it with some exposure to fluoride is imperative.

Having said that, Fluoride is not the only element that can work to protect your toddler’s teeth effectively. Fluoride in union with Phosphate and Calcium is equally important. These elements can be incorporated into your child’s oral health not only through external support but also through food.

Speak to your dental practitioner to get an idea about what amount of fluoride is imperative for your child in the different stages of their age and how to introduce it in their oral health care routine.

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With the passage of time, your teeth lose their original white shine and get stained. This discoloration process gets speeded up with the consumption of food and beverages that cause staining like coffee or wine. Professional whitening treatments are not accessible to a vast majority of people as they are expensive. If you are looking for an affordable way of getting the pearly white teeth, read on.

Whitening is not recommended to children and people with some allergies. Sensitive teeth also require special treatments to whiten. Knowing which product is best suited for your teeth type is thus the first and foremost step of whitening. Many at-home products are available to give your teeth a whiter finish. Some brands have started using organic ingredients in these whitening products to improve their quality.

TOOTHPASTE
You might have heard of a lot of toothpaste brands using the term whitening. Such specially designed types of toothpaste have polishing agents that help remove stains from the teeth due to their abrasive action. They do not bleach the teeth but only whiten the outer surface. This is the least expensive out of all teeth whitening methods.

WHITENING GELS
Whitening gels are more effective in removing stains as they contain peroxide. These can be easily applied to the teeth using a small brush. It is important only to use the amount of gel specified to avoid any harm to your teeth. Some specially designed pens or brushes are available for applying the whitening gel on your teeth.

WHITENING STRIPS
Repeated use of whitening strips can help apply the peroxide-based gels easily. These effective strips are invisible. They can improve your teeth by many shades in just a matter of a few weeks. The effectiveness of this method comes from the fact that the teeth are exposed to the whitening agent for a longer time.

WHITENING TRAYS
Plastic trays or even molds are used to apply the whitening agent on your teeth. Readymade trays that can adapt to your teeth are also available.

WHITENING RINSES
These work just like any other mouthwash but have an added whitening formula. It is one of the easiest methods to whiten your teeth, but it takes the most time. These rinses have the additional benefit of helping in removing plaque and provide fresh breath.

LIGHT DEVICES
These use LED lights to increase the penetration of the whitening gel into the teeth. The process of whitening is quite effective and quick.

After the procedure, your teeth remain sensitive for some time and are more vulnerable to stains. Avoiding staining food and activities like smoking can maintain your bright smile. For people with sensitive teeth or some other existing dental conditions, it is better to take counsel from a professional before adopting any whitening regimen. Visiting your dentist regularly and taking proper care of your dental health can go a long way in delaying the staining or yellowing of your teeth.

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Oral hygiene is a part of a more significant spectrum of health. You need to understand its significance and take care of it accordingly. If not, it leads to much bigger problems like gum recession, hypersensitivity, cavity and many other unpronounceable medical terms.

Many times, in a hurry to get started with the day, you can brush your teeth too aggressively, or sometimes you forget to brush your teeth in the night. This practice leads to many serious problems. One of them is an exposed root of a tooth.

What is an exposed root?
Gums are protectively attached to your teeth. These gums can start to recede due to simple reasons like intense brushing, poor oral hygiene, or it could be caused by bruxism; i.e., tooth displacement. Another primary reason can be a gum disease, medically known as a gum recession or periodontal disease. The gum tissues slowly fade away wearing down the gum, exposing the roots of the tooth. An exposed root if left untreated and cause unidentified is an invitation to many other dental issues.

Why should you take care of an exposed root?
One of the most common oral diseases which follows gum recession is tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity increases simultaneously with gum recession. The severity of tooth sensitivity calls for a treatment as soon as possible. The gum disease can also lead to inflammation in the gum and aesthetic or functional deficiencies. You need to get them treated immediately before it gets severe and costs you big bucks and discomfort.

How can you treat it?
Since gum recession involves wearing off the gum tissue, the treatment requires covering up the exposed portion. Gum grafting or gingival grafting is the procedure applied for the same. It helps in restoration of gum tissues and treating exposed roots. There are three ways to go about this procedure.

• Pedicle graft: In this procedure, the dentist takes tissue for replacement near the area of treatment. A flap is partially cut and is stretched over to the exposed area.
• Free Gingival graft: Under this, a flap of tissue is taken from the palate or the roof of the mouth. It is then stitched over the exposed area.
• Connective tissue graft: This is a much more complicated process than the other two. At first, a flap of tissue is taken from the roof. The connecting tissues are removed and then stitched over the exposed area.

The kind of procedure a patient needs depends on the extent of the exposure of the roots.

How to prevent it?
The primary aspect is to take good care of your oral hygiene. It prevents any gum disease, which is the reason for exposed roots, followed by tooth sensitivity.

• Make a habit of brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and lighter chemical formula toothpaste to avoid sensitivity and gum recession.
• Floss every day followed by a thorough rinsing of the mouth with a mouthwash.
• Avoid sugary and acidic food for healthier teeth.
• Last but not least, don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly to keep a tab on your oral health.

A Simple set of a few practices done right avoids you suffering from severe dental issues and undergoing elaborate and expensive dental surgeries.

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Let’s be honest! No one likes a trip to the dentist. It is scary, and the pain is unimaginable, leave alone the cost of it. People often resort to home remedies and oral hygiene routines to avoid the same. In this digital world, everyone has a platform to put out health practices and habits. Most of the time, these practices don’t have scientific backing and can even carry severe long term adverse effects.

What is the Charcoal Teeth Whitening Trend?
One such recent trend is the substitution of regular toothpaste with activated charcoal powder or toothpaste containing the same. This very trend is catching up at a swift pace in countries like the UK, the US, Japan, India, Thailand, China, etc. Here, the production of charcoal induced toothpaste is at a high. Before getting into further details about the effects of activated charcoal on your teeth, you need to understand how this trend came about.

Activated charcoal has been in use from the time of Egyptians and Ancient Indians who discovered its antiseptic properties to treat intestinal ailments and purify the water. The 1800s brought out its medical usage. Its absorbent nature made it the primary ingredient for removing any toxins from the body. Since then, it has been used in cosmetics, medical facilities, and now toothpaste.

Even if you are not a so-called social media bee, you might have come across people boasting about whiter teeth by using activated charcoal. So, before you impulsively decide on falling for this trend, let’s dissect the reasons why you shouldn’t.

Your Tooth Enamel Protects You
Activated charcoal is abrasive. Yes, it’s been proven that it cleans off old stains of wine, coffee, etc. But, you also need to understand the underlying effects of its long term use. Your tooth enamel is a protective coating that is stronger than your bones itself. This protects your teeth from decaying. Regular use of charcoal can corrode this and leave your teeth unprotected, leading to more severe issues like plaque and decay.

One Way Ticket to More Yellow Teeth
As mentioned above, once the activated charcoal works, it charms and cleans the extrinsic (surface) stains off your teeth, it does leave them whiter. But, with regular use, it eventually spoils your tooth enamel, exposing the dentin; a calcified yellow tissue that lies under the enamel. Moreover, charcoal doesn’t work on cleaning intrinsic (internal) stains.

Your Teeth Need the Fluoride
Often people substitute the regular toothpaste with a charcoal one. It leaves teeth deprived of a vital mineral called Fluoride. This mineral helps in breaking off the enamel and forming a new layer of the same which is more resistant to acid—thus avoiding tooth decay. It also helps in the remineralization process.

Due to activated charcoal’s adsorbent nature, charcoal-based toothpaste often doesn’t contain Fluoride. This eventually leads to the cavity and permanent tooth decay and several trips to the dentist.

Reverses Its Short-term Benefits
Made of coconut shells, olive pits, slowly burned wood, and peat, activated charcoal can actually lead to staining of the teeth. It can fill up the crevices of older teeth and can also leave dental restorations like veneers, crowns, fillings, and bridges with a black outline.

Although activated charcoal has been the first choice of your ancestors, it doesn’t have to be ours. Moreover, there’s no scientific backing to the teeth whitening property of activated charcoal. Until then, try to stick to your regular oral hygiene routine of brush, floss, and rinse. When it comes to teeth whitening, refer to your trusted dentist, and stay clear of social media trends for healthier and stronger teeth.

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Managing your oral hygiene is one of the best gifts one can give to themselves. It not only does good for the teeth but also to the overall health of the person. Now, most people think dental hygiene covers only the teeth, but it will not be wrong to say that it’s also about the health of your gums. When you overlook your gums, you belittle a critical component of your dental health.

What are gum diseases?
To understand the importance of gum care, one must know about gum disease and its severity. Gum disease begins with the buildup of the plaque beneath and along the gum line. To be clear, plaque is a strict substance filled with bacteria. It is not at all useful and can cause pain and infection in the gum and bone, further leading to tooth decay and gingivitis( first stage of gum diseases.) Following are the symptoms of gingivitis:

• Inflamed gums
• Redness and swelling
• Pain
• Bleeding gums

In some later stages, constant bad breath and receding gums are inevitable signs of gums disease.

Top 5 ways to keep the gums healthy
Fortunately, gum disease is preventable and curable if diagnosed early on time. You only need to follow some healthy habits and be consistent with the periodic dental checkup. Nonetheless, the worsening conditions of the teeth and gums can be a leading cause of other health issues like heart problems, kidney disease, diabetes, and oral cancer. To prevent all these situations, go through the top 5 ways to take care of the gums:

Brush and floss properly
Proper brushing is always key to excellent dental hygiene. It is the primary demand of the dental routine and needs to be followed with utmost sincerity. These are the following points to keep in mind regarding the brushing:

• Brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes. It should have soft bristles and with the Fluoride toothpaste.
• Change the brush every 3-4 months.
• Make the brush movements short and gentle.
• Together with this, do not forget to floss once a day.

Get regular dental cleanings
The dentist can easily detect the symptoms of gum diseases if you visit them regularly. Moreover, having a dental checkup periodically helps you with cleaning the tartar, which can otherwise create severe dental problems.

Say no to smoking
‘Smoking is injurious to health’ has been a common saying amidst all. But what for mainly? So, it not only affects the lungs but also poses difficulty in the healing of any gum disease. It weakens the immune system, creating many related issues. Thus, it would be best if you quit smoking before it worsens the dental health.

Have a nutritional diet
Quality food and balanced diet can have a high impact on dental health. That is why you must include fiber-rich food, dairy products, foods containing Fluoride, etc. in your diet.

Use mouthwash
A mouthwash makes the dental cleanliness complete. Thus, it is good to good to keep a suitable mouthwash with us and rinse with it whenever required.

Only we are responsible for our dental health, nobody else. Thus, follow the above guidelines to give your best shot at maintaining dental hygiene.

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Allergies are annoying and painful at the same time. Literally! That is why such a beautiful spring season becomes unbearable for many of us. Also sore throat, itchy eyes, and stuffy nose- all these being the inevitable signs of the allergy seems to be the worst things. But some of us also experience sore teeth as part of the seasonal allergy. Are they connected?

Well, actually, they do have some connection, but this sore teeth problem is not the usual one that we face in the case of the regular dental issue. In fact, it creates a temptation to brush or floss the teeth again and again, which is very irritating. So, the pain is not actually caused by the teeth but somewhere around it.

Sinus Pain or Dental Decay?
Sinus pain is a common sign of the seasonal allergy, and it is misunderstood for dental pain often because of the proximity of the maxillary sinus and the upper molars. Now, if you want to find the truth behind the pain, check if it is paining in the nasal passage and the forehead area. If it does, it is the allergy that’s causing it.

Dry Mouth Due to Allergy
People who suffer through the allergy frequently complain of dry mouth, which again leads to dental issues. This is so because saliva is the natural guard against the bacteria and prolonged absence of the saliva, thus causing the accumulation of bacteria around the mouth. That makes us conclude the relation between the allergy and sore teeth.

Solution for the Discomfort
The common signs of an allergy are mentioned above, and it is apparent that allergy can somehow be related to the sore teeth. Now you cannot exactly put a ban on the allergies but still can own a few preventive steps for keeping the pain away. Let us thus have a look at the steps that can prevent us from the attack of such seasonal allergies:

• Avoid roaming out in the windy and dry weather.
• If you do, take a shower once you are back.
• Keep your windows closed on the night as well as the day, especially when the pollen count is high.
• Use anti-allergy medication or the antihistamines to treat the allergy.

Consult the Best Experts
If the irritating pain doesn’t stop even after these solutions, you must see your doctor and consult with him for the instructions. Moreover, it is understood that the throbbing effect is not at all pleasing, but before taking any medication, you must be sure about the true cause of that ache. This also applies to the sore teeth during the seasonal allergy attacks as a simple pain relief medication for the toothache might not treat this pain effectively. Thus, judge the pain with the help of the information written above and then take the required medication.

Nonetheless, your dentist and the doctor are qualified enough to assess the symptoms and make an accurate decision about the cure. Don’t be in a hurry about getting the medicine as the wrong set of medications may worsen the problem. Instead, consult with him on time and be on the safe side.

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The bitter truth about dental issues is that almost all the adults have cavities at some age, and most of them are left untreated, leading to severe issues. The most suffered age group 20-64 years. Now, amongst various ways to treat these cavities, the most common is getting the teeth filled with a solution. But, the choice of fillings becomes a huge dilemma at this point in treatment.

Basic knowledge about Amalgam fillings and white fillings
Silver-colored-fillings, popularly known as dental amalgams, are prepared with the concoction of Mercury such as silver, tin, copper, and mercury. It is a soft, malleable compound, and its surface matches the structure of the tooth. On the other hand, white fillings, also known as composite fillings, are prepared with Plastics and Ceramics. Both these types can be used to repair the cavities, but there are many who prefer silver amalgams above the other. So, what is the difference between the two?

Differences between Amalgam and White fillings
Well, even though any one of the two options can be chosen for the repair, however, the silver filling is comparatively more durable and can withstand a lot of force. The material that is used in these silver fillings toughens quickly, thus easier for the dentists to place them in the damp areas, like those beneath the gum line. In addition to this, the silver fillings are cheaper than the white filling, making them an affordable option.

After so many advantages, one would rightly ponder about the use of selecting the white fillings. Thus, it is to be noted that the main reason behind choosing white fillings is their color. They are tooth-colored fillings and are the best option to repair cavities in a visible part of the teeth. However, the problem lies with the durability of these fillings. People suffering through the issues of recurrent cavities should not go for the white fillings.

Choose the appropriate option
When it comes to the selection of the filling, you need to consider a few aspects and be clear on the myths and truth. Firstly, some people are concerned about the presence of Mercury in Silver fillings. However, you must know that these fillings have been in use for more than 100 years now. Mercury that is used in the filling varies from the regular one that is found in the Tuna or the other fish. Secondly, people are doubtful about the suitability of the silver fillings due to the color aspect. But, one considerable fact is the cavities generally at the sites which are not easily visible, making the color suitability a minor aspect.

Thus, amalgam fillings and white fillings, both are usable in the dentistry. However, if you are looking forward to a long-lasting treatment, you are advised to go for the former option. They are comparatively stronger, easy to place, and affordable. If you are not sure of the choice, let your dentist make this choice for you. He has been dealing with this for years and thus will be the best person to depend upon.

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Have you ever woken up with a pain in your jaws or a severe headache? If yes, this must be because your teeth have been practicing grinding overnight. Teeth grinding, also called Bruxism, may not be a critical dental issue, but in some, they can cause misalignment of teeth and even promote gum diseases.

What is Bruxism and what are the symptoms

Bruxism is a condition in which you grind and clench your teeth when you are sleeping or in the consciousness. Sleep bruxism may be accompanied by many other sleep orders like snoring or sleep apnea( pauses in breathing). Now you may be suffering from sleep bruxism and remain unaware of the complications until they become severe. Thus, to seek timely treatment, you need to be aware of the signs and symptoms.

Have a look at the common symptoms

• Teeth clenching and grinding, sometimes too loud to be heard by the one sleeping next to you.
• Wearing tooth enamel.
• Complaints of soreness or pain in the Jaw, neck, or face.
• Pain and sensitivity in the tooth
• Headache starting with temples.
• Sleep disturbances
• The problem in the opening and closing mouth
• Fractured, flattened, or chipped teeth.

Causes of Bruxism
Bruxism or teeth grinding is often seen as the main consequence of increasing stress levels in mind. However, there are a few more things like your lifestyle that can create room for it-

• Stress and anxiety
• The side-effect of some medicines
• Suffering through sleep disorders
• Smoking, drugs, alcohol or lots of caffeinated drinks

How can you treat Bruxism?

Bruxism can be treated, provided you take the desired steps on time. Visit your dentist as soon as you notice the symptoms; Your dentist will examine the symptoms and the reasons behind them and then treat them accordingly.

• He may give you a mouthguard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep. These mouthguards are similar to those used in boxing and rugby. They balance the pressure across the jaw and also act as a barrier between both jaws to prevent further damage. Another alternative to the mouth guard is mouth splints, which can last even for more than a year.
• On the other hand, if the stress is the leading cause, you can ask your doctor for methods to reduce your stress levels. An exercise program, attending counseling sessions, muscle relaxants can be a few methods to minimize the stress levels.
• Besides, if you are practicing teeth grinding when you’re awake, you can note the frequency or the reasons behind it and then put a check on it. There is no scientific evidence to suggest its effectiveness in preventing teeth grinding, but a simple idea of breaking the chain by simply being aware can work here.
• Habit reversal techniques can be practiced in the supervision of a therapist or without him, but with your firm determination.

So, the best part of Bruxism is that it can be treated, provided you diagnose it at an early stage, and take the necessary steps. Plus, it would be best if you always remembered to analyze the actual causes to find the best treatment.

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While brushing and flossing are mandatory to keep the teeth clean and healthy, you cannot belittle the importance of mouthwash for oral rinsing. Though mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing, it can help you deal with dental issues like cavities, bad breath, and much more. As you have so many options available, each promising to give useful results, it becomes challenging to pick the suitable one.

Why mouthwash?

Well, there are numerous reasons to make mouthwash part of your daily dental hygiene. Have a look on few of those:

• Treat lousy breath- Having bad breath can ruin your confidence and prevent you from meeting people and talking to them. So, cosmetic mouthwash is the best solution to treat it.
• Address plaque or gum diseases- The accumulation of food causes the formation of the plaque inviting later to the bacterias and infection. Thus, using a mouthwash together with regular brushing can be an assurance to avoiding plaque formation.
• Dry mouth problem- Mouthwashes are also recommended to the people who are suffering from dry mouth problems due to the medicines they are taking.

Types of mouthwash

Now, mouthwashes have several applications, as mentioned above. Thus, there is more than one kind of this mouthwash, each having the necessary ingredients to address the dental issues. There are two types of mouthwash: namely cosmetic and therapeutic.

Cosmetic mouthwash- These types of mouthwashes are generally made to address short term lousy breath and produce a pleasant taste in your mouth. These are best to use while going for an interview or a date to keep you fresh. Plus, they are not prescribed for addressing issues like plaque, gum disease, or cavities.

Therapeutic mouthwash- These antimicrobial mouthwash are an over-the-counter solution for plaque, bad breath, and Gingivitis. Moreover, therapeutic mouthwash having Fluoride can also be helpful in tooth decay.

How to pick the right mouthwash?

There are multiple brands and categories of the mouthwash in the market. No matter what your requirement is, you need to be clear about the ingredients it has so that you can have the best results for your teeth. Likewise, there are a few points you should consider before buying a mouthwash.

Look what the purpose is- Amongst various problems that a mouthwash can address, you need to be sure of what is your goal to get one. This will help you filter multiple brands and types of mouthwash, and you will be successfully selecting one.

Look for the ingredients- Every mouthwash has various elements to deal with the dental problems they are designed to address. However, there are some ingredients; you should definitely look for. Below are a few-

• Fluoridedini
• Cetypyrium chloride
• Essential oils
• Chlorhexidine
• Hydrogen peroxide

Price per ounce- Price may be another factor. Please do not make it the most critical factor, but it can be used to compare two products with the same ingredients.

Besides, mouthwash having Fluoride is a reasonable opinion for preventing tooth decay. After you get the right mouthwash, you need to be careful in its use. Make sure you don’t rinse with it, immediately after brushing your teeth, instead set some other time of the day for it.

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Most of you know your toothbrushes aren’t meant to last forever, but it can be tough to notice when your bristles are nearing the end of their natural lifespan. It’s quite easy to know when to replace worn-out shoes or faded clothes, but when it comes to toothbrushes, it all depends on your health, usage, and preferences. Before you brush again, check whether it is time for a new toothbrush or not.

When to Get a New Toothbrush?
Many dental experts recommended changing your toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months or sooner if the bristles are worn out. No matter what kind of toothbrush you utilize, its bristles can become frayed and worn out in time. A new toothbrush can remove more plaque compared to the worn out, assuring that your brush is working adequately to keep your teeth healthy and clean.

You can also consider getting a new toothbrush sooner if you get sick, particularly if the toothbrush is stored close to other toothbrushes. If you’re in doubt, check the bristles. Children brush more rigorously compared to adults, and they may require their toothbrushes replaced more frequently.

Types of Toothbrushes
There are mainly two types of toothbrushes available in the market; electric and manual. You should select what feels comfortable and makes you want to brush your teeth properly. A manual toothbrush is highly portable and ready to use any time you need it. It makes no noise, and you can have complete control over the pressure it puts against your teeth and gums.

An electric toothbrush needs changing and is slightly ponderous to carry along when you’re travelling. Although, the proper rotating movement of the bristles makes it quicker and easier to clean between your teeth and at the gum line. Most electric toothbrushes have in-built sensors to ensure your brush long enough and don’t press too harshly.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Usually, it’s common for toothbrushes to have a lot of bacteria in between their bristles. You are responsible for your toothbrush, but you don’t know how well other people care for their belongings. If you see your toothbrush touching another toothbrush, it’s better to change it and avoid swapping bacteria with someone else.

Sometimes you’re not genuinely aware when was the last time you bought a toothbrush, during such times, it’s better to get a new one. They are essential for your overall health and not that expensive so you can easily invest in a new toothbrush after noticing these signs, if not every 2 to 3 months.

Moreover, maintain your toothbrush no matter which kind you use and store it in a vertical position. Avoid storing your toothbrush in a closed container as it can lead to building bacteria. It is important to get into the habit of buying a new toothbrush, if you want keep good oral hygiene. Don’t wait for your current toothbrush to be worn out, and keep a new, fresh toothbrush waiting in the bathroom cabinet for every family member.

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Have you ever wondered what element is differentiating your teeth from those of others, the brighter one, all following the same routine of brushing and flossing? Even after taking care of dental hygiene as much, your parents have taught you, what remains is the inclusion of Fluoride in your oral care.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in the Earth’s crust in many forms like foods and water, varying in amount from area and area. As far as the relation of Fluoride with teeth is concerned, it is part of the remineralization process that means redepositing the minerals to the enamel layer through the foods and water intakes. Without this, the teeth get prone to tooth decay. The positive effects of Fluoridated water have been noted since the 1930s.

What are the benefits of Fluoride?
The basics of tooth decay lie in the formation of plaque and the accumulation of bacteria. These bacterias need to be restricted from the fundamental level, and the teeth have to be saved from any attack. This is where Fluoride comes into the picture. Once the Fluoride is in your mouth, it mixes with your saliva. Whenever your teeth are coated in that saliva, the teeth enamel absorbs the mineral. Then begins the real game, when this Fluoride bonds with the existing Calcium and phosphate and creates fluorapatite, which is a strong material known to combat the cavity-causing bacterias.

These are the ways Fluoride can be helpful:

• Fluoride makes the tooth withstand acid attacks.
• It opposes tooth decay at the early stages.
• Intake of Fluoride in children helps in the development of their permanent teeth.
• Taking Fluoride causes tooth sensitivity.

What Are the Sources of Fluoride?
Fluoride is safe and has shown the practical results, provided it is taken in the right amount. Like anything taken in an inappropriate amount is harmful, an excessive amount of Fluoride, especially in children, causes discoloration of teeth. The exact term for the results by overuse of Fluoride is dental fluorosis. Thus, you have to be careful about the amount of FluorideFluoride, your children receive.

Now, where can you get this Fluoride from? Apart from drinking water, Fluoride is found naturally in foods like tea, coffee, potato, shellfish, grapes, etc. you can also apply it directly to the teeth through fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash. However, the intake of a higher amount needs a doctor’s prescription.

In some places, your water has a natural amount of Fluoride, while at other sites, the suppliers add Fluoride to it. In any case, you need to take care that your child receives a small amount of fluoride toothpaste until he or she turns 7.

So, Fluoride is as essential as brushing and flossing to the teeth. Thus, make sure you take enough of it in any form. You can also ask your dentist to apply the Fluoride in the form of a gel, foam, etc. With this, you ensure healthy teeth and a brighter smile.

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Baby teeth are very important as they form the basis for the permanent teeth. Any issue with them may lead to a significant effect on adult teeth. The problems include impacted tooth, misalignment, tooth decay, and other life-threatening infections. Baby teeth are also important because they:

• Help the child to eat and chew comfortably.
• Help in child’s face formation
• Assist him in talking clearly
• Make room for the permanent teeth

So, you need proper maintenance to get shiny, healthy teeth for your baby. Thus, stay conscious and protect his teeth.

Basics of baby bottle tooth decay
It is no more an unusual thing to have a baby with decayed teeth. When the infants invite decay at such an early age, it is termed as baby bottle tooth decay. Well, the reasons leading to the baby teeth issues are many, but one significant cause is the long exposure of the baby to sugary liquids like milk, formula or juices, etc. When you let the baby sleep with the milk bottle in mouth, you are inviting bacteria in his mouth, to prepare acids and attack on the teeth. It is more dangerous at sleep time because of the flow of the decreased flow of saliva. Though the upper front teeth of your baby are more prone to baby bottle tooth decay, other teeth may also get affected.

Symptoms and causes of baby bottle tooth decay
As this baby decay affects adversely on all the teeth of your baby, this needs early attention. The very first symptoms may include white spots either on the surface of their teeth or on the gum line. These spots will be followed by pain. The teeth at this stage may also suffer through sensitivity towards a specific temperature. Severe symptoms in the further stages include:

• black or brown spots on the teeth
• bleeding in the gums
• swollen gums
• fever
• bad breath

Though the broad cause of baby bottle tooth decay has already been discussed, you need to know how it processes. It can start with cavity-causing bacteria that are passed through the saliva from a mother to the child when she takes a milk feeding spoon in her mouth. The bacteria may also develop on their own when the baby is left with a milk bottle in his nap time. Keep in mind; if your baby is not receiving an adequate amount of fluoride, he has an increased risk for tooth decay.

Possible preventions
The good news is that it is curable and also can be prevented with some simple rules and steps:

• Clean your child’s gums after every meal with a soft damp cloth. Make sure, it doesn’t hurt him.
• Start brushing his teeth as soon as the first teeth appear. Again, use the brush with soft bristles.
• Limit his exposure to sugary drinks from the very beginning.
• Don’t make them sleep with a bottle having milk or any other sweet fluid in their mouth.

Do not make any delays, if your child is complaining to you of tooth sensitivity and pain. Your prompt action can prevent him from lifetime pain.

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Proper dental care and oral hygiene are primary for your health. In a family of 5 or more members, the age group differs from a 6-year old child to probably a 70-year old. It is essential to familiarize a dentist about your family members’ dental needs beforehand. In this way, it becomes easy to explain your tooth issues to the dentist and also builds a trust-worthy relationship. The benefit of having a dental professional among families is that you can schedule various dental appointments at the same convenient time.

Role of a Family Dentist

Usually, everyone has a habit of dragging an ailment until it gets worse, thereby putting a toll on your health. If you have a family dentist, it can be easy to amend things quickly with a relaxed mind. As a family dentist manages both kids and adults, it is vital for him or her to have complete knowledge and proficient skills to handle various dental conditions related to age and maturity. He or she must specialize in both reconstructive and cosmetic dentistry to obtain your trust.

Benefits of Having a Family Dentist

• Finding a family dentist is the first step towards the process of enhancing your dental health. A family dentist understands the personalities of the family members and tries to build a relationship with each one of them. With them, you can open up about your dental fears and troubles easily. As kids are quite impatient, it is not that easy to understand their provocativeness, which is why you need a family dentist to bond up a friendly-relationship so that the child can submit to his dentist-friend in no time.
• Having a family dentist allows for early detection and prevention of dental issues in the best way possible. You can maintain your oral health without waiting for a dental problem to occur. At times, when something hurts in your mouth, solutions involve more extensive treatments such as extractions or root canals. A dental hygienist will work with you in enhancing and managing your gums and help you practice good dental habits.
• As older adults need a lot of support, care, and love, a family dentist will consider those factors in mind and will work with them with patience. To handle them and their ailments requirements, a family doctor can earn their trust easily as they are familiar with them. He or she will get them tuned to the rhythm of the treatment in no time.
• Moreover, it is vital to have a family dentist because it is consistent and maintains proper records. If you see the same dentist for a while, they will have a history of your dental health, along with other conditions that you may have experienced in the past like allergies, specialised care or needs, and sensitives. Such kind of patient history plays an essential part, especially when you plan to get a new treatment.

It is never too late to have a family dentist as he or she will nudge you and your dental health. He or she will act as a backbone to your bending teeth ailments, so before your teeth condition gets worse, consult a reliable and experienced dentist for a suitable treatment.

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Dental implant surgery is a process that is performed to replace tooth roots with metal, screw like posts and replaces missing or damaged teeth with artificial ones. They appear and function just like real ones. Implants offer a natural tooth replacement compared to dentures because they’re artificial teeth attached directly to your jawbone. For a successful surgery, you should be in good health apart from missing teeth and have a completely developed and healthy jawbone and gums to support the implants.

Dental Implant Procedure

As there are numerous surgical processes needed in dental implants, your chosen dentist or oral surgeon will perform a complete and thorough evaluation, including X-rays and teeth models to assure the dental implants will perfectly suit your natural teeth. However, the way the surgery is performed depends on the kind of implant and the condition of your jawbone.
If you’re missing one or two teeth and wouldn’t want to have a bridge or full or partial dentures, you should consider asking your dentist whether you’d be a reliable candidate for dental implants. On the other hand, if you have made your decision of getting a dental implant, it can be an intimidating and scary thought for some though it doesn’t have to be. Make sure to look up every aspect of dental implant before you get ready to get one.

What to Expect?

A dental implant is not a surgery where you go inside an operating room with missing teeth and come out with new shiny pearl-like whites. It needs outpatient care, attention and is performed in numerous stages and needs proper time to heal between processes. If the injured tooth is still in your mouth, the dentist will need to remove it. It will need anesthesia and is essentially its own process.

The procedure for placing a dental implant includes various steps:

• Injured tooth removal
• Jawbone preparation (grafting), when required
• Dental implant positioning
• Bone development and healing
• Abutment placement
• Artificial tooth placement

The whole process can take a few months from start to end. A lot of that time is committed to healing and waiting for the development of a new bone in your jaw. As per your situation, the particular process is performed or the materials employed, some steps can sometimes be mixed.

After your jawbone is healed (if you had a bone graft), your dentist will position the metal dental implants in your jaw. It’s normally screwed into the bone to offer the best possible strength. Next, you will undergo another healing period known as osseointegration, which can last a few months. Once you’re completely healed, the expert will attach the abutment to the implant and wait for the soft tissue to heal. Later, a mound of your teeth and jawbone will be made and finally, the placement of the artificial tooth i.e. the dental crown on top of the abutment will be done.

It is better to expect the process will carry for a few months because of the time required for your mouth to heal after every stage. So, make sure to prepare yourself accordingly.

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Teeth whitening is a procedure which cleanses your teeth and gives them a shiny white appearance. It is one of the most popular dental treatments and gives your face an aesthetic appearance. It is an ideal treatment for the people who have sensitive teeth.

Here, we have tried to unfold some myths and facts that people believe in while getting this treatment. Let’s bust these myths one at a time and see how they affect the treatment procedure as a whole.

Myth: If you want quick results, you need to minimize the duration of the treatment by using stronger teeth whitening agents.

Fact: Products that help in teeth whitening contain ‘peroxide’, which, if used, at a higher intensity can lead to sensitive teeth. Each tooth responds and reacts differently when it comes into contact with the bleaching agent. Known facts suggest that there is no guarantee if such an approach to the treatment will whiten your teeth sooner.

Myth: Teeth whitening products don’t have any risk attached with their usage.

Fact: Products that have less pH balance can result in the damage of the tooth enamel. The damage wholly depends on the type of product you are using. When you don’t use it in the correct concentration, it runs the risk of damaging the enamel. Studies have shown that this is the primary cause of sensitive teeth.

Myth: The whitening procedure is not permanent, so you do not need to treat the sensitive teeth during this treatment.

Fact: The toothpaste that you brush your teeth with contains potassium nitrate. It calms down the nerves before, after and during the bleaching procedure and helps take care of the sensitivity.

Myth: Fruits help in removing the stains on your teeth.

Fact: There is a lot of information, available on the internet, which talks about teeth whitening techniques such as rubbing fruits such as strawberries, peeled off layer of bananas, lemon on the teeth to them a bright shine. Contrary to this popular belief, the fact is that such a procedure can adversely affect the teeth and , infact, produce opposite results than what are desired. These fruits have a high citric content and are highly acidic. They scrub off the teeth’s enamel which can result in discolouration. This also opens up doors for the risk of tooth decay.

These and many more such popular beliefs about teeth whitening are outright myths and completely wrong. Always remember that your smile is the first thing that everyone notices when they see you. So, make sure that you get your facts straight by consulting a professional dentist before you place your trust on anyone for your teeth whitening journey. Make sure you leave a lasting impression the next time you meet someone for the first time!

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As parents, we have dozens of concerns when we think with regards to our kids’ future. All we want is to inculcate healthy habits in them and jeopardize them with concise development. Have you ever noticed whenever you see kids sucking their thumbs, their parents are after their life? Parents wonder if this habit continues to grow further, and therefore, they ask them to get away with it right away as to not seek help for the latter!

Yes, it does have adverse side effects if the child gets in perpetuate state of the habit. At one point or the other, you have to say, “Enough is Enough!” Some of the possible side effects explained by Victoria Pediatric Dentist, are mentioned below:

Openbite
Referred to as “Malocclusion” in categorical terms. This is the most severe side effects that can get permanent, and even the alignment is not correct. Another person can see even when the mouth is closed. It occurs when the front part of the top and bottom teeth becomes directly outwards. It requires orthodontic correction to cure the misalignment.

Overbite
As similar to openbite, overbite happens when teeth become directly outwards. This misalignment can affect the shape of your face, and For this, you need extensive orthodontic treatment so that teeth don’t overlap amongst each other.

Skin Problems
Children who suck their thumbs for a longer duration of time can experience serious skin issues. It may raise an issue with some infection or in a worst-case scenario; it may crack or bleed.

To get away, you may offer pacifiers to your child, and don’t forget to visit your child’s dentist regularly. Consult your pediatric dentist if you wish to break this habit as soon as possible and improve the biting habit of your child!

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Aren’t we all aware of what needs to be done to maintain proper hygiene? A few checks here and there such as brush-floss-regular checkups can work wonders! But little do we notice the gums that are placed inside, they need regular cleanings as well!

The cavities that follow in every mouth and it affects the gums as well. In the meantime, you can follow up with Victoria Pediatric Dentist and know the pre-symptoms that will help you be aware. Watch for the following signs:

• The primary stage of this disease is referred to as Gingivitis. An irritating plague is created underneath your gums, which further gives rise to many in-borne diseases.
• The second brutal stage of the problem affects your teeth and breath. This comes under the advanced stage – Periodontitis.

Other signs that should also be overlooked are as follows:

• Your gums are swollen! You’ve woken up one fine day and looked in the mirror that your gums are looking a bit darker than the usual color. It is due to the irritation caused by the bacteria that locates itself on your gums. The discoloration comes with the following plague.
• Ever heard of Halitosis? It is synonymous with chronic bad breath. The bacteria are dangerous for the gums and has the power to destroy. The cells get damaged and kicked off to produce a bad smell.
• Do your gums bleed after you’ve brushed your teeth? If the answer is YES, then you already have a red sign here that your gums are infected.

If you are able to spot any of the signs in the early stages, then it is easy to cure via suitable treatments. Don’t let any stubborn gum disease steal your spotlight from laughing out loud! Prepare yourself for regular cleanups.

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Uncertainty do persist! This is the most common question asked by many parents to an orthodontist: “When should our child first visit the orthodontist?” Many doctors suggest that it is rightful to say that tiny tots should visit the doctor no later than seven years old. This is the age when molars and incisors built-in. An orthodontist carefully looks and is trained to work on the misalignment of your child’s teeth.

The period of observation is there to monitor if the child has any adverse habits like thumb sucking or large/small bite problems. Yes, these irregularities can be corrected by Victoria Family Dentist. The orthodontist there builds a beautiful friendly relation with the patient, such that the child has no more woes! The thin line of trust is maintained at all costs.

What does early visit imply?
It’s that time of the year again! And it’s so important to make a visit to your doctor for the evaluation at a tender age. At this bare age, the alignment of the teeth can be looked upon. Even if your child has crooked, protruding teeth, it can be positioned in the right manner.

Is the visit necessary?
There are so many concerns that go behind the doors. The first visit is usually dreaded by the child and both parent and child have various concerns and questions pertaining to the fact if the treatment is vital for the child’s oral health. If the orthodontist dentist detects no issue, then he/she would suggest to go for periodical visits such that the growth is not hampered by any chance. Ensure that the permanent teeth come in the right sequence.

The best decision that you can make for your child is to talk it out and understand the core of the dental problems. Know what is the depth and what should be the best course of action suitable as per the severity.

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Dental cavities are infection that is caused with the combination of carbohydrate containing food and bacteria that reside in our mouth. This bacteria gradually develops as plaque. When bacteria come across carbohydrates, they eat them and produce acid. This exposure to acid causes pH on tooth surface to drop. The acid begins to dissolve the hard enamel that forms the outer coating of the teeth. As the cavity starts building, it attacks the softer dentin directly beneath the enamel. Cavities attack the teeth in multiple ways.

Pit & Fissure: These are grooves visible on top biting surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). Pits and fissures are thin areas of enamel that trap food and plaque and forms a cavity. Cavity starts building from a small point and starts spreading to the biting surface of teeth.

Smooth Surface: The second route of attack is from a smooth surface which is between, on the front or back of teeth. The area of attack is wide and converges as it enters the deeper layer of tooth.

Root Surface: The third attacks starts at the root surface after it is exposed to the oral cavity.

How to Identify If You Have a Cavity?
Cavities are generally painless. This happens because the outerenamle has no nerves. The most common symptom related to cavity formation are increased sensation to cold, sweet food or beverages. Cavity is often responsible for a broken tooth. It weakens the tooth, especially when it is formed under a tooth cusp.

Regular dental exams twice a year, will greatly reduce the likelihood that a dental cavity will go undetected and spread, causing toothache pain and infecting the dental pulp.

How Dentists Detect Cavities?
Cavities can be detected in multiple ways. The most common one is an X-ray examination. During clinical examination, our dentist will use a handheld instrument to probe the tooth surface for cavities. Visual examination is also used to detect cavities. Discolored teeth can also sometimes indicate a cavity formation. Regular dental examination prevents tooth decay. With the help of dental examination, one can easily detect hidden cavities that are impossible to detect visually.

Who Is at More Risk for Developing Cavities?
People having reduced saliva flow due to dysfunctioning of salivary glands, have undergone chemotherapy or someone smoking is likely to develop cavities. Saliva rinse away plaque and food debris and help neutralize acid. Some people have naturally low level of oral pH that makes them more likely to have cavities.

Consult San Antonio Dental Office TX to reduce the effect of cavities with the best treatment options available.

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With the objective to help your children smile big and bright, Victoria Pediatric Dentist work hard to promote an environment that encourages healthy habits, amongst your child. Their specialized focus on kids and teens enables them to identify and treat a variety of your child’s dental needs. Whether it’s cleaning, sealant, fluoride treatment or full orthodontic braces of different varieties and colors, our pediatric dentist in Victoria deliver the highest quality in dentistry and orthodontics for kids and adults.

Dentistry for Kids & Teens
Our pediatric dentist aim at spotting small dental problems before they transform into big issues. No matter what the circumstances are, we can offer a service that matches unique needs. Our team strives for helping children build up a positive relationship with outstanding dental care.

Right from the very first appointment, our dentists approach the treatment method in a very personalized manner.

Checkups & Cleanings
Our dentist strongly recommend that children attend regular checkups and cleanings every 6 months. During these visits, our team will thoroughly examine the mouth for any signs of decay and remove accumulation of plaque. They also educate your child about practicing brushing and flossing at home. This eventually offers them a strong and confident smile at every stage of development.

Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are made to offer an extra level of protection. This safe, plastic-based substance creates a tough barrier that stands up against infectious bacteria and food particles.

Fillings
Our tooth-colored fillings blend with a natural enamel for a comfortable feel and attractive look. It is a restorative procedure and is less sensitive to temperature changes. Helps in preserving the tooth structure and lasts longer.

Dental Bonding
Dental flaws like minor gaps between the teeth can deteriorate your child’s confidence with time. Our dentist can fix these issues quickly and effectively with the help of dental bonding. It just takes a single appointment during which our dentist will apply composite resin to the desired area. This sculpts into a pleasing shape and hides imperfections in place.

Our dentist aims at giving every child excellent oral care. So, schedule an appointment at our office to help children feel at ease and relaxed during the procedure.

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Tooth decay is one of the most common oral health issues in vogue these days. It is affecting children and adults at a growing rate. It occurs when plaque combines with sugar from the food we eat. The combination leads to the formation of acid that can damage teeth and weaken tooth enamel. There is no solution beyond a professional dental treatment that can be taken to prevent cavities. For the same, you need to consult Victoria Family Dentist who can help you get rid of tooth decay with the advanced professional treatment methods.

The earlier the intervention, the easier it is to fix. Therefore, it is important to opt for dental fillings which help to drill out the decay and insert some material into it. Other options like crown is also available, which is when our Victoria Family Dentist drills away the decayed part of your teeth and then places a custom-fitted cap. Root canal is another ideal fit that will allow your dentist to remove the diseased tooth pulp and apply some medication to clear the infection. This will replace the pulp with a filling. Last but not the least, when your tooth is so severely damaged that your dentist can’t fix it it has to be taken out. Your dentist will then recommend getting a bridge or a dental implant.

Reasons for Tooth Decay
Intake of sugary foods
This is the major cause of tooth decay. Sugary foods are the best friends of bacteria. The bacteria in your mouth feeds off sugary food and then start coating your teeth in damaging acid. This can happen several times over the course of a single meal. It is therefore required to brush your teeth after each meal and avoid acid intake.

Dry Mouth
Patients with dry mouth will likely to have dental issues leading to tooth decay. Dry mouth could either be genetic or caused by some medical conditions.

Teeth Grinding
Many people do not even realize while grinding their teeth. It typically occurs when you are asleep or under stress. It leads to tooth decay owing to the fact that it strips away the outer layer of tooth enamel.

In addition to getting the treatment mentioned above, it is recommended to see your dentist for regular visits. Your dentist will be able to guide you on how often you need to visit based on their knowledge of your oral health. The more you will visit your dentist, the more likely it is that they will resolve the issue before damage occurs.

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Source: https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/poor-oral-health-linked-to-75-increase-to-this-deadly-cancer

The latest study is preceded by research, albeit limited research, that has linked oral health and different kinds of cancer.

A massive new UK study uncovered an unsettling link between poor oral health and an increased risk for liver cancer.

“Poor oral health has been associated with the risk of several chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes,” commented Dr. Haydée WT Jordão, who is the lead author of the study. “However, there is inconsistent evidence on the association between poor oral health and specific types of gastrointestinal cancers, which is what our research aimed to examine.”

The new report pulls from brain imaging and genomic data from 475,766 people over a six-year study period. Analyzing self-reported cases of bleeding and painful gums, loose teeth and mouth ulcers, the researchers enacted an investigation of the correlation between these conditions and risks for gastrointestinal cancers, namely liver cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The study found zero notable associations with dental hygiene in all but one of the gastrointestinal cancers observed in the report.

The pervasion of hepatobiliary cancer
More than 800,000 people are diagnosed with liver cancer a year worldwide, making it one of the leading causes of death. Direct causes of hepatobiliary cancers are seldom able to be determined resolutely. Typically its development is factored by several underlying causes.

The latest study is preceded by research, albeit limited research, that has linked oral health and different kinds of cancer. A U.S study published back in 2017 found that women with a history of gum disease experienced a greater risk for tumors in the esophagus and in their breasts. Another independently conducted study observed a link between oral health and the development of pancreatic cancer in African American women.

Young people, women, individuals living in impoverished areas, and people that consumed less than two portions of fruits and vegetables a day evidenced the highest cases of poor oral health in the latest study conducted by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast. Although a high-risk increase was uncovered as a result of poor oral health, the researchers can only speculate as to why at the moment. Leading conjecture looks to the ever-perplexing gut microbiome. Since the liver is responsible for exterminating several harmful bacteria in the human body, it makes sense that bacteria could conversely play a role in inflicting prolonged damage to the body, in the event of the organ becoming compromised.

“One bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum, originates in the oral cavity but its role in liver cancer is unclear. Further studies investigating the microbiome and liver cancer are therefore warranted,”Jordão explained.

Another theory surmises that people with missing teeth, consume softer less nutritious foods to compensate, which ultimately makes the liver venerable to cell mutations. As it stands, of the 469, 628 participants studied, 4,069 developed gastrointestinal cancer during the six-year follow up, Thirteen percent of these expressed poor oral health at the start of the study period. More research needs to be conducted to support a causal influence behind the findings intimated in the United European Gastroenterology Journal

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Tooth decay or cavities are common in children. It generally develops when your baby’s mouth is infected by acid producing bacteria. It also develops when your child’s teeth is exposed to food other than water for longer duration. Tooth decay initially appears as white spots at the gum line or on the upper front teeth. This needs to be examined and treated early to stop decay from spreading.

The data by National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research suggests that 27% of children aged between 2-5 are infected with tooth decay. Some of the most common causes of tooth decay in babies and toddlers are:

Forgetting to Brush or Wipe Teeth
As soon as the first teeth appear, you should keep them clean to prevent the formation of cavities and plaque. By the time your baby’s teeth appear, you can simply wipe them with a wet cloth.

Too Many Sugary Drinks
When your child is young and relying on breastfeeding, it becomes impossible to avoid these drinks altogether. However, when they are old enough to take other solid food, it becomes essential to limit sugary food and drinks, including juice.

Not Visiting the Dentist
Not seeing the dentist for long can delay the development of good oral hygiene habits. It also prevents early detection of plaque buildup. The longer plaque isn’t removed, the maximum are its chances of leading to decay.

Also, if you keep waiting for long between subsequent visits, it can trigger dental anxiety at the next visit.

How a Dentist Identifies If There Is Cavity
At each visit, the dentist will examine your child’s teeth, tongue and gums for potential signs of dental decay. For a thorough examination, x ray or cleaning is done. This helps in detecting early signs of disease and other preventative recommendation based on their findings.

Cavities in toddlers can affect the permanent teeth as well. Small cavities need small filings whereas big cavities need big filings. Cavities close to the tooth nerve should be evaluated for root canal treatment. The whole objective behind is to restore the baby’s tooth and develop an infection free environment for the permanent teeth.

Decay in teeth should be diagnosed at an early stage and then followed by good oral hygiene habits, dietary guidance and 6 month regular dental appointment. Treatment and maintenance of dental health can lay a strong foundation for upcoming permanent teeth.

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If the thought of having dental treatment makes you nervous, sedation dentistry is the right answer. Sedation dentistry helps patients get rid of dental phobia. Sedation dentistry is used to calm a patient so that they can successfully go through dental treatment. Since the treatment is completely pain-free and does not require the use of needles, patients are inclined towards this form of treatment. There are multiple degree of sedation available that are prescribed on the basis of individual needs of patients.

Patient anxiety is easily controlled by using sedative medications that offer relaxation. It brings together a less stressful dental experience. Oral sedation makes you feel incredibly relaxed and at ease. It can help both children and adults who have anxieties about going to the dentist. Before going through oral sedation, our dentists do a thorough consultation to determine if you are an ideal candidate.

The treatment method calms your nerves but still allows you to be aware. Maximum comfort is ensured during the procedure. The type recommended will depend on the level of your anxiety, health and the length of treatment performed. With a light oral sedation, you will remain relaxed but still be alert, however, with moderate sedation, you stay conscious but your memory of what all occurred would fade. Patients may doze off a little but would wake up easily.

Our dentists make every possible effort to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable during the treatment. After the treatment is accomplished successfully, the recovery would start on the basis of medication that was prescribed. Some of the symptoms that are common after the treatment are temporary headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting. But this may lessen with time. If you are still concerned about the symptoms after returning from the treatment, do not hesitate to ask our dentists.

Schedule a consultation with one of our skilled dentists to understand and learn more about the oral sedation techniques. We will work with you to find an ideal option that matches your needs.

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Flossing is a very important cleaning process as its regular practice removes plaque, also prevents its build up, which can lead to tartar. Flossing works on areas which are inaccessible by the tooth brush( such as the in between areas of teeth and tight reaches of the gums, thus, it can make the teeth look brighter by removing plaque and excess food particles that are difficult to be seen in the mirror.

Flossing is to mouth just as a vacuum cleaner is to your carpet. Picture a carpet in your mind before and after it is vacuum cleaned. Initially the dust and dirt may not be visible, but once you vacuum and the dust and dirt is removed, the carpet looks brighter. The same purpose is fulfilled by flossing in the mouth.

What Does Flossing Do To Your Gums?

They say “cleanliness is next to godliness”, this statement is a universal truth. Absence of cleanliness is the root cause of a lot of diseases. Keeping your gums unclean makes them unhealthy. Even brushing your teeth twice a day might not be able to save you from that fate, unless you support brushing with flossing. Tooth brushing is essential for good oral hygiene but it alone may not be sufficient to protect you from gum disease and tooth loss.

Many people suffering from sensitive or bleeding gums may avoid flossing under the misconception that they would make their bleeding gums worse by doing it. But the fact is, flossing improves the health of your gums, thereby helping to cure their bleeding.

Even if you were not schooled about flossing during your childhood or teen years, don’t worry, start now. It’s never too late to form good habits . Good oral hygiene is of pristine importance and now you know how you can improve the health of your gums. Go and buy the right floss product.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It is very much treatable. Flossing is an important measure to keep your gums healthy.

Plaque is one of the biggest causes for gingivitis. Flossing helps in preventing accumulation of plaque and thereby, intercept the signs and symptoms of gingivitis before they occur. Together with brushing and rinsing, you could keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life. Thus, do take care of your oral hygiene. Now you know perfectly how it is done.

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With missing teeth, it often becomes difficult to eat a lot of food or speak correctly. To give you a smile that makes you proud, dentures act as an ideal choice. There are different types of dentures available based on the number of teeth that need to be replaced.

Removable partial dentures that comprise of a metal framework placed beneath the plastic base. It gives an appearance like a gum tissue. Artificial teeth are mounted on the base and the denture is attached to your own teeth with a metal clasp.

Complete dentures also have a plastic base that holds up the artificial teeth. Complete dentures come with a full set of upper and lower teeth. They are either placed via dental implants or are sealed. Dentists generally place complete dentures once all of the natural teeth have been lost, removed and gum tissue has been healed. Patients are able to undergo denture placement immediately after their teeth have been removed. It does not require a healing period.

Whether it is for single or multiple teeth, dentures are an effective tooth replacement option that are removable and easy to clean.

Taking Care of Your Dentures

• Dentures also need to be cleaned and brushed daily to remove food and plaque. Brushing prevents staining and helps your mouth stay healthy. A toothbrush with soft bristles should be used as it will prevent damage in the long run.
• Use a soft-bristled brush to clean your tongue, palate, and gums every morning. Clean your mouth thoroughly. This helps reduce the risk of developing bad breath.
• While sleeping, put your dentures in a safe place covered in water.
• Visit your dentist regularly even if you wear dentures. They will conduct an examination for signs of oral cancer or other diseases (if any). They will also ensure that you are comfortable wearing dentures all the time.

Why Dentures Are Better Than Ever
In the past dentures were disliked by people because they didn’t fit well and were quite uncomfortable. These days dentures are fitted and more secure. This makes them less likely to slip. They also offer better support to the jaw and cheeks.

No matter what denture type you choose, it is important to do your research beforehand. Dentures can offer you a great solution for restoring your smile. Not only they fit better and look more natural, but also allow you to wear them without knowing others that you have them.

Interested in dentures? Schedule an appointment with our dentists to get a better insight into denture placement and use.

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A missing tooth calls for declined oral health and self-confidence. This is the reason it becomes important to replace a missing tooth. Well, there are multiple options when it comes to replacing a missing tooth but dentures and bridges have emerged as a real saver. Replacing missing teeth is not only important for cosmetic reasons but also keeps existing teeth to move out of place. Dentures and bridges both have their own set of advantages and drawbacks based on the requirement of individuals. It is therefore required to do some research into what will work for you and your lifestyle.

What Are Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are composed of a molded plate that is attached to the replacement teeth. This plate clips onto the remaining teeth that surround the area where you have gaps. A partial denture is something that you wear during the day and take out at night. It is used when one or more missing teeth are in either upper or lower dental arch.

Our dentists place the metal framework across the roof of the mouth and extend them to the lower or back portion of teeth. The small attachment in partial denture connects them to nearby teeth. They are designed to replace multiple missing teeth.

Advantages

• Partial dentures are the best for people with misaligned and unstructured teeth.
• It works ideally for patients who are missing numerous teeth or teeth on both sides of the mouth.
• Partial dentures are recommended in case of gum disease.
• Partial dentures are also apt for patients with a certain medical history or smoking.
• Dentures are also preferred because they are easy to remove.
• They are also quite economical than permanent bridges.

Drawbacks

• Partial dentures last for around 5 years which means they need to be replaced frequently. However, with other permanent tooth replacement options, there are increased chances of durability and sustainability.
• When compared with other tooth replacement, dentures are less comfortable.
• Some patients may find embarrassing to remove dentures when sleeping or cleaning them.

What Is a Bridge
Bridges are considered the best solution in case of single-tooth replacement. A bridge is cemented to your teeth using the healthy teeth on both the side of gaps. They can be used when you have your natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by your missing tooth. Bridges fill a gap in teeth by using existing teeth or implants around the gap. This cements the artificial tooth in place.

Advantages

• Bridges are a more permanent solution since there is no risk of falling out.
• Bridges last often much longer.
• It allows patients to enjoy the new smile with ease of speech, chewing food better and so on.

Drawbacks

• Complete denture needs to be removed regularly for cleaning which can be time-consuming.
• It may deteriorate over a period of time.

Which One Is Better?
This question can be best answered by our dentists if you are only missing a single or two teeth, a bridge may be the right option but if you are missing several teeth, partial dentures can be the right fit. Consult our dentists today to find out an ideal solution for your overall oral health

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A dental filling is something that is done to get cavities filled. Our dentists use preventive procedures like dental sealants in the fissures of teeth to prevent food deposit. Professional dentists at our office will numb the decayed tooth using a local anesthetic. The use of anesthetic will also numb gums and jaws around the teeth. Once the areas are anesthetized, our dentist will use a dental drill to remove the decay.

Once the decay is removed, the next step is the placement of filing. Well, there are several methods that our dentist use to insert the filling. However, it depends on the type of filling you are getting.

Various Types of Dental Fillings

Amalgam Filling
This type of fillings are made of a mixture of metals and have been used by dentists for more than 150 years. They comprise about 50% of mercury with tin copper, zinc and silver as other metals. Compared to other types, amalgam fillings are strong and durable. Amalgam fillings aren’t aesthetically pleasing, so they do not work for a tooth that is highly visible.

Composite Filling
Composite fillings are comprised of resin and plastic. It is placed into the cavity when it’s soft and then hardened with a bright blue light. It is quite popular because it can be matched to the color of the patient’s existing tooth. Composite fillings should be replaced every 5 years as they do not last long.

Ceramic Cavity Filling
A ceramic filling is a favorable option because they are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. They are more expensive than any other types because they are resistant to staining, abrasion and also match the tooth color. It can be as expensive as a gold filling.

Resin
Also known as Glass Ionomer fillings, resin fillings are generally for children whose teeth are still in a growing stage. Their span is less than 5 years but they contain fluoride which prevents the oral health from further decay. They are comparatively weaker than composite and more likely to wear and tear. They also don’t match the tooth color as composite resin.

On an average, dental filling last for 3-7 years, however, require annual regular checkups. So, if you come across discoloration, darkening or chipping under the filling, you must consult your dentist immediately. This reflects the need for replacement. Talk to our dentists today to get an insight on how to take care of dental fillings.

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Tooth sensitivity occurs to patients who whiten their teeth. For some patients, it could be mild sensitivity and for others it could be severe. Sensitivity in teeth makes whitening a bit complicated process. This is the reason it is good to consult your dentist before starting teeth whitening. Our dentists develop the most effective and comfortable treatment option for whitening sensitive teeth.

For those who are unwilling to bear the pain whitening teeth can cause, here are some quick ideas that will get them long-lasting sensitivity protection:

Choose the Right Toothpaste
A good toothpaste for every day will keep your gums intact and teeth shining. Go for stain stopping toothpaste. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles because a hard one can damage your teeth and gums. Regardless of the toothbrush you choose, use a proper brushing technique. Brush your teeth’s surface gently and in a circular pattern.

Brush After Eating Foods That Stain
The most common stain inducers are food and beverages that you can’t live without. You can still eat and drink food staining products, but brushing soon after consuming darkening beverages will help. Flossing helps eliminate places for potential staining. So, it is best to practice flossing regularly.

Oil Pulling
Rooted in ayurvedic medicine, Oil pulling is an age-old remedy to detoxify teeth and gums. It not only whitens teeth but also beneficial for gum health. Oil pulling is the act of swishing oil in the mouth for 20-25 minutes. Once the mixture is spit out, it should have changed from a clear substance to milky white liquid. This method also minimizes plaque and leads to better oral hygiene.

Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a highly absorbent porous substance that binds tannins (a substance that causes staining and teeth yellowing). Mix a teaspoon of charcoal powder in water and swish with it for a few minutes. Hence, brushing with charcoal is another effective remedy for whitening sensitive teeth.

Avoid Food That Is Cold in Temperature
If you have sensitivity, you must avoid food like ice cream sandwich, ice water and popsicles. These items will irritate your sensitive teeth. So, it is advisable to avoid them.

Before trying any of these methods, we recommend a consultation with our dentists. They can easily guide you through the whitening process and suggest which method may be right for you. They can also let you know which products to use based on the level of sensitivity your teeth has.

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Overbite is one of the most common orthodontic issues that is seen when the upper teeth overlap more than half of the lower teeth while biting down. In severe stages, an overbite makes it difficult to properly chew food. It also results in damage to the teeth and gums. The lower teeth strike the back of upper teeth and gums causing discomfort along with other dental issues. Overbite is often associated with heredity. Other than this, it also stems from bad childhood habits like nail biting, thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier usage and so on.

Role of Braces in Fixing Overbite
When it comes to fixing an overbite in children, it is usually easier because the child’s jaws are not fully developed at a young age. Overbites can range from a forward positioning of the teeth to a severe overbite which is also known as retrognathic.

Based on the severity of an overbite, our dentists suggest a different level of treatment for our patients. To identify whether your child qualifies for braces, we take x-rays and impressions. The treatment begins immediately with traditional metal braces.

However, before beginning the treatment, it is recommended to consult the dentist to identify whether he/she is the right candidate for braces.

Treating an overbite in adults can be a bit challenging because adults have a developed jaw. The initial treatment starts with the fitting of the brace. Once the teeth have been straightened, the treatment extends to moving the lower teeth forward and upper teeth backward. This helps in achieving overbite correction in a perfect way.

It is observed that treatment with braces might take as long as 1-2 years to achieve correction. It can also be extended if the overbite is severe.

Problems Caused By An Overbite
Overbite leads to various issues related to eating, breathing, tooth decay, and speech deformities.

If you live in or around Victoria and looking for a solution to fix your overbite, our dentist can be of great help. Our dentists can help both adults and children treat overbite, underbite and crossbite issues. Give us a call today at our office to schedule your overbite evaluation.

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A healthy smile is a valuable asset which not only restores your oral health but also delivers a graceful introduction of your personality. To restore the aesthetic of your smile, a cosmetic smile makeover is the best thing that grants you a natural looking smile. With enhanced aesthetics of your smile, you will be able to find yourself free from low self-esteem that you might have had due to dental issues.

Smile makeover is customized around the unique needs of patients and includes various restorative and cosmetic treatment options. The only aim of a smile makeover is to map a patient’s journey from the current smile to achieving their goal smile. Smile makeover treatments can fix appearance-related and tooth structure flaws in a single visit.

Why You Need A Smile Makeover

• From teeth whitening to replacing lost teeth with dental implants, cosmetic dentistry services improve the aesthetic appeal along with functionality.
• With a smile makeover, you will have better self-esteem.
• If you have misaligned teeth, misshapen teeth, uneven gums, broken, chipped or crooked teeth or unsightly coloration, a smile makeover is the perfect fit for you.
• Smile Makeover successfully fills unsightly gaps in smile using dental implants, dental crowns, bridges, and dentures.
• It whitens teeth and is quite safer and effective than any other do-it-yourself remedies.
• Reshapes your teeth for a more pleasing look. Porcelain veneers are used because they can be shaped exactly as you want.
• Smile makeover restores crooked, badly damaged or decayed teeth.
• It is useful for moving teeth in the right direction.

For a completely natural and healthy-looking smile, dentists make use of tooth-colored fillings.

The appearance of your teeth greatly affects the way you feel about yourself. With a large number of cosmetic dentistry services coming up, we can help you redesign your smile to achieve the results that you have been looking for. The end result of a smile makeover would be a nice aesthetic smile that is straight and perfect in alignment. We are equipped with advanced cosmetic dentistry services like dental veneers, bonding, teeth whitening and many others discussed above. Connect with us today to get that smile you have always been dreaming of.

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Till now, you all are aware that Invisalign has an important role in giving you a smile you have always craved for. Being a much more appealing option, Invisalign is always chosen above those traditional metal braces. However, wearing Invisalign is one thing and taking care of them is another. Just like brushing and flossing is important for your healthy teeth and gums, cleaning your Invisalign tray is also important for good oral hygiene.

Having the right knowledge will help you keep your Invisalign trays unspoilt, clean and fresh. Let’s take a quick tour and see what best you can do to take care of your Invisalign.

Do’s:

Clean Teeth and Trays Properly
Take your trays out. Clean them every morning along with your teeth. Bacteria build up on the trays while sleeping so it’s better to start your day off right with clean teeth and trays. Make a note of doing this every evening as well.

Don’t Forget to Rinse
Rinse your aligners after removing them. Make sure to rinse your trays each time you take them out of your mouth. It helps you to avoid creating an environment for bacteria to grow. Always use a clean, antibacterial soap to clean your trays. Brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove some of the plaque.

Brush and Floss Your Teeth Before Putting Trays Back In
If you do not clean your teeth properly and there are still some food particles trapped in, it could result in cavities and other dental issues along the line.

Soak Your Aligners
Soaking your Invisalign trays in a denture cleaner keeps them away from dirt or bacteria. Once done with soaking, you can use a toothbrush to clean away any lingering plaque. Also, you need to rinse your trays again before putting them on.

Don’ts:

Avoid Eating or Drinking With Your Invisalign Trays In
Invisalign trays are not meant for chewing and can get damaged if you keep eating regularly by placing them in. Also, eating with trays in makes it easier for food particles to get stuck between your teeth. Food and drinks stain the trays as well. So, before sitting down for a meal, it is recommended to take the trays out.

Avoid Leaving Your Aligners in Open Air When Not in Use
Leaving your aligners exposed to open air could result in building up of bacteria. Keep them rinsed and soaked in water or cleaner, when not in use.

Avoid Using Toothpaste to Clean Your Aligners
Toothpaste can actually cause damage and discoloration to your trays. It causes a dull sheen to the trays and also makes them noticeable in your mouth. Toothpaste comes with some abrasive ingredients. Therefore, it is not the right choice for your aligners.

It is important to take care of your aligners. A lot of damage can be caused to them even in the shortest time span. Therefore, you should definitely see your dentist for regular cleanings during the Invisalign treatment.

To keep your Invisalign effective for long years, it is important to keep them in good condition. Keep looking up to your orthodontist on how to clean Invisalign trays and you will definitely have a brighter, wider and more beautiful smile.

To get better know-how about the Invisalign system and other orthodontic options, please reach us and schedule an appointment at our office. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve a smile that you have always dreamt about.

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Invisalign uses a series of custom-made aligners that are designed to fit tightly against your teeth. It is important that your aligners fit well so that your treatment processes as quickly as planned. Invisalign fits snugly to the shape of teeth with no gaps between your teeth and invisalign. Cleaning the teeth before placing invisalign makes sure that there is no food particle caught in your mouth that could change the contour of invisalign fit. It also makes sure that no bacteria is found underneath. Invisalign can treat most of the orthodontic issues like an overbite, underbite, gaps between teeth and crooked teeth.

Invisalign is an important procedure that will affect the quality of your life. Therefore, it is important to choose a dentist who has expertise in undergoing invisalign treatment successfully. You can connect with our dentist to find out how they proceed with the treatment. Your office visit will help our dentist determine whether Invisalign is right for you. Your treatment plan will be prescribed based on your specific needs.

The treatment involves scanning of the data that is collected by your dentist to create a unique 3D model of your teeth and mouth. This model will further be used by your dentist to guide further in the treatment process. In the latter stages, your dentist will start by moving the teeth step-by-step in the desired position.

The only reason patients choose invisalign over traditional metal braces is the fit that they offer. Secondly, they can easily be removed when brushing, eating or flossing. Oral hygiene is improved because food doesn’t get stuck in the braces. In general, Invisalign treatment is done faster than traditional braces.

Invisalign gets you straight teeth with a properly aligned bite. So, if you want to know whether you are the right candidate for invisalign and whether attachments are required for your treatment, connect with our dentists today. Schedule a consultation. We can help answer any question you might have and get you started with a smile that you have always wanted.

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We have been reading and listening a lot about how dental implants change the way damaged teeth look or function. But there’s much more to it. Dental implants share a bigger picture when it comes to the oral health. Listed below are some reasons that dentist suggest. These reasons clearly depict how dental implants affect our oral health. Let’s figure out how:

Improves nutrition
Eating your food should not be painful. If you still experience discomfort or pain when eating, it is recommended to contact your dentist. After tooth loss, patients are recommended to go for a light diet and this keeps them away from nutrient-rich food. Teeth, jaw bones and gums are an important part of your overall health and not being able to eat a balanced diet increases risk for tooth decay and jawbone deterioration.

Prevents tooth decay
A missing or damaged teeth puts you at an increased risk for tooth decay. Proper brushing and flossing also becomes difficult when teeth lean towards empty sockets. These empty sockets are great at trapping food particles, bacteria and plaque. There are multiple oral health issues like gum disease that is caused when a dental plaque is left untreated. The best way to maintain a great oral health is to replace a missing teeth by using dental implants and practicing great oral hygiene. Our dentists can help you in getting an implant done based on your tooth health.

Keeps away jaw deterioration
A tooth implant functions as a natural tooth replacement option that helps to stimulate the jawbone tissue. To stay healthy, your jawbone tissue would require pressure from the tooth roots. If this does not happens, your jawbone will start to dysfunctioning and might also lead to facial collapse. It also drastically modifies the shape of face along with overall appearance. So, the sooner you will opt for dental implant surgery, the greater will be chances of improvement.

Prevents further tooth loss
Teeth are held properly in place by the roots and surrounding teeth. This means on losing a single tooth, you are at an increased risk for losing subsequent teeth. The best way to prevent tooth loss from getting worse is to opt for a dental implant process.

Dental implants prevent tooth loss by supporting and strengthening the nearby teeth.

So, these are some top ways that show how dental implants affect your oral health. These proven ways have shown quite fruitful results in the long run. Dental implants are therefore responsible not only for the overall functioning but also play an important role in improving aesthetics and oral health. Still have questions about your oral health, get in touch with our dentists to find the right solution.

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A big, bright smile not only enhances your beauty but also boost up self-esteem. If your teeth have lost their luster, teeth whitening is something you should consider. Teeth whitening treatments are in vogue these days. This treatment can only be administered by a professional dentist and has gained huge popularity. Professional dentists are easily able to whiten your teeth via a process that involves fitting mouth for special trays. These trays have a safe whitening agent that whitens your teeth while wearing them. Professional teeth whitening treatment guarantees a dramatic change.

How to decide whether teeth whitening is right for you?
Before deciding whether teeth whitening is right for you, our dentists will do a thorough checkup or oral examination. They will go over your medical history along with any antibiotics or supplements you have taken over the last few years. Our dentist uses a small mirror to check for gingivitis, plaque, tartar or other signs of poor oral health.

There are some candidates who have great oral health but still need teeth whitening treatments. But, teeth whitening is not the only option. The kind of teeth whitening treatment your dentist opt for strictly depends on the type of staining, predisposition to sensitivity or how quickly you wish to acquire results.

The process of teeth whitening involves

1. Application of a special guard to your lips and gums. This helps to protect your teeth from a teeth whitening agent.
2. In the next step, our dentist will apply a teeth whitening solution and allow it to settle down for about 15 minutes.
3. UV light is passed that helps to speed up the chemical reaction and quickens the teeth whitening process.
4. In some situations, your dentist would like to repeat the process based on the shade you are looking to opt.
5. Once the desired shade is applied, our dentist will rinse away the product and instantly offer a whiter and brighter smile.

The entire process takes almost 1-2 hours. Results from the teeth whitening treatment are long lasting though you need to take extra care by avoiding stuff like coffee, red wine, dark beer or soda. To keep stains and tooth discoloration away, you must brush and floss regularly and avoid using over-the-counter whitening strips.
Being one of the most common cosmetic treatment, teeth whitening help patients achieve a brighter smile that magnifies the overall facial aesthetic. Connect with our dentists today and ask about the other teeth whitening options for a confident and beautiful smile.

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Dental implants act as a replacement for missing teeth and are comprised of 3 parts, namely:

Crown: Crown is the tooth-like part of an implant that is usually made of ceramic material. It is made to look like a natural tooth.

Connector: Also referred to as “abutment”, connector secures the tooth-like crown of the implant to its base. It is either hexagonal or octagonal in shape.

Base: A titanium screw fuses with the natural bone to offer a safe and stable base.

Titanium dental implants are successful when it comes to stability. They are known to function stronger and are also versatile. Titanium used in dental implants has the potential to be fused in the bones. The process is referred to as osseointegration. It helps the implant to function like a natural tooth. The new tooth is held securely in place and further stimulates the growth in the jawbone.

The section that is visible also called the prosthetic tooth is made of porcelain or another tooth-colored substance. Made of durable material, the prosthetic tooth still needs maintenance to ensure long term success. Therefore, dentists advise brushing and flossing on a regular basis. This keeps food particles away and keeps gums healthy. Visiting your dentist regularly is also something you should practice quite often. Your dentist will be able to evaluate the condition of your gums closely. Since gum disease is quite common amongst people with dental implants, therefore it is advisable to keep a check.

Our dentists also recommend staying away from food and beverages that stain your teeth, chips or breaks them. All you need is diligent hygiene and regular care to make sure that your implants last for long years.

Titanium or Zirconia Implants: Which Is a Better Choice?

Zirconia is not much in vogue in the dental industry. However, it is also a one-piece implant that is inserted in the jawbone. It is a metal-free crystal material and known for being aesthetically pleasing. There is no chance of a metal allergy with Zirconia implants.

When it comes to your dental implant, you should know which one to choose?

Cost: Zirconia is expensive than titanium and the overall cost including the actual procedure would go high with Zirconia implants.

Osseointegration: In this stage, implant fuses to the jawbone, thereby becoming as stable as a natural tooth. During this process, titanium implants fuse securely, lasting up to 20 years or more. Zirconia, on the other hand, is difficult to be judged since they are so new. Zirconia has also been known to crack.

Strength: Titanium is more durable and long-lasting. Zirconia is low-lasting, meaning it could fracture easily.

Aesthetics: Titanium implants fail to attract patients owing to its aesthetics. They leave a grey line under the gums. On the other hand, Zirconia is known for having a realistic color and natural look.

Safety: Both, Titanium and Zirconia are FDA-approved, biocompatible and safe to use for patients. With Titanium, the only concern is that small traces might be found in the bloodstream, however, the effects are nil. Titanium comes with a possibility of metal allergy but Zirconia is hypoallergenic.

Both Titanium and Zirconia dental implants come with a set of advantages or disadvantages, however, choosing between the two is entirely dependent on your situation. So, it is recommended to consult your dentist who can help you come up with the right choice.

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If you are someone who is involved in sports or athletics, you probably might be wearing a mouthguard. But there are many who do not have a fair idea about the functionality and benefit a mouthguard offers for maintaining your oral health. Yes, you have heard it right, Custom mouthguards do have an important role in restoring your smile. The major purpose of a mouthguard is to prevent the teeth from being chipped or dislocated. By acting as a barrier between the braces/teeth and your cheeks, mouthguards eliminate the risk of soft tissue damage.

Mouthguard is a removable soft plastic that is designed to cover the top teeth. It functions to protect the teeth from injury during athletic activities. They are quite helpful during contact sports and allow to speak and breathe clearly during sports games.

Type of Mouthguards:
Mouthguards are available in 3 different types:

Mouth-formed Mouthguards: They can either be of boil-and-bite kind or shell liner. Shell liner is lined with acrylic gel that molds around the teeth and keeps it in shape. On the other hand, boil-and-bite is made of thermoplastic. Before using, it is placed in boiling water and molded to the contours of teeth using tongue or biting pressure. Both the types can be reheated and refitted if they are not placed comfortably. They also offer a better fit and provide protection as a custom-fitted mouthguard.

Custom-fitted Mouthguards: Custom-fitted Mouthguards are a bit expensive than any other type but offer the highest degree of comfort, fit and protection. A dental impression done via custom mouthguards is relatively similar to getting an impression for dentures. They are made to cover all the teeth and are important for the prevention of oral and facial injuries.

Stock Mouthguards: They offer the least amount of protection and are made for use without any adjustment. This makes them uncomfortable to wear. Another drawback is that they are not custom fit for an individual’s mouth. The composition is quite bulky. Therefore, athletes may alter them, which, in turn, reduces the level of protection offered by them.

Importance of Mouthguards When Wearing Braces
The most common sports injuries affect areas like teeth, mouth and jaw. However, when you wear braces, the chances of getting injured gets minimized because braces prevent the loss or displacement of teeth. The risk of injury goes negligible if you wear mouthguards along with braces because they help to protect lips, cheeks and also tongue from mouth tearing.

The use of mouthguard also prevents damage to brackets. They are useful particularly when playing contact sports like volleyball, soccer, football, hockey, wrestling and so on. Mouthguard is also quite useful when indulging in recreation activities like mountain biking, horse riding, trampolining, martial arts and wrestling. Mouthguards are one of the most protective pieces of equipment for both the teeth and jaw.

Mouthguard For Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes a person to temporarily stop breathing while being asleep. This prevents the brain from receiving sufficient oxygen and increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. It also leaves you feeling dizzy or numb the next day. However, those suffering from mild sleep apnea can take help of custom-made mouthguard that pushes your lower jaw and tongue forward, thereby keeps the airway open.

So, whether you are suffering from a sleep disorder or active at playing sports, mouthguards offer the best possible solution. If you are not sure about choosing the right type, consult our dentists. They will suggest you a custom mouthguard based on your needs.

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Admit it or not, your smile is the first thing that people notice about you. Having a smile that is bright, healthy and appealing will make you feel confident about yourself. These days cosmetic dentistry is on the rise owing to which it has become quite simpler to improve the appearance of your smile. With the advancement in dentistry on the rise, cosmetic dentistry procedures have evolved from simple color correction to replacement of a missing tooth and so on.

Procedures Involved In Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental Veneers
Dental Veneers are the perfect solution for a cracked, chipped, misaligned or discolored tooth. The porcelain with which veneers are designed helps to hide these issues, thereby offering you a natural appearance of your smile. Veneers are highly resistant to stains. So, you get brighter and whiter teeth by choosing veneers for your teeth. So, if you are disheartened with the color of your smile, porcelain veneers turn out to be the right solution.

Tooth Bonding/Contouring
Are you unhappy with the way your teeth are positioned within your mouth? If yes, dental bonding is an ideal choice for you. Dental bonding is used for treating other issues as well like space irregularities, discoloration, chips in teeth and so on. It is a quick procedure that uses tooth-colored material to replace the damaged area. Our dental bonding services are relatively affordable and yield the best output.

Dental Crown
Also referred to as “Cap”, a dental crown fits over and replaces the entire damaged tooth above the gum line. This restores the shape, strength, size, and appearance. Crowns can be used cosmetically to cover badly colored tooth. Crowns are also composed of acrylic or porcelain. In cosmetic dentistry, a crown is also used to treat teeth that are poorly shaped, have large fillings, decayed or broken.

Dental Implants
Dental Implants are a permanent replacement for missing teeth. It helps to keep gum tissue and jaw bone healthy. The implant is secured in the jaw using a Titanium root so it looks and feels like a natural teeth. It also functions similar to natural teeth. There are no difficulties while eating or cleaning the teeth. Dental implants maintain the structure of your mouth. They are completely reliable. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants last lifetime.

Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the best cosmetic dentistry procedure that allows your dentist to perform whitening or bleaching after removing plaque. The debris and plaque is removed from the surface of your teeth to restore the natural appearance of your teeth. Teeth may get stained over a period of time due to food, drinks, medication and other personal habits like drinking or smoking. Teeth whitening helps to remove these stains and offer a shiny cover to your teeth.

Cosmetic Teeth Shaping
Also known as “Enamel shaping”, teeth shaping re-modifies the tooth by filling or removing the enamel. This process is not painful and offers immediate results.

Dentures
Dentures are used to replace a missing tooth. The motive behind using dentures is to protect your tooth the negative effects of tooth loss. It also eliminates issues like facial sagging that often occurs owing to missing teeth.

So, these are top options available in cosmetic dentistry. To know more about them, leave a message to our specialists.

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Here’s What You Need To Know
Jaw pain is one of the most common issues people are facing these days. The reason for the same could either be incorrect positioning of teeth or imbalance in the oral architecture. The extent to which pain occurs depends on its root cause.

Symptoms of Jaw Pain
Severe pain in jaws, morning headache, ear pain wherein the jaw pain radiated to the ear and causes a ringing sensation. This might result in a locked jaw.

Causes of Jaw Pain
The pain in your jaws can be very troubling. Identifying the issue is the first step towards treating jaw pain. Some of the common causes to look out for jaw pain are:

Abscessed tooth
Tooth abscess is an infection that occurs between the gum and a tooth. The most common cause of a tooth abscess is tooth decay. An abscess should be treated and diagnosed by a dentist. If left without treated, an abscess transforms into a worse infection that spreads elsewhere and puts you at a risk for tooth loss.

Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding is one of the known causes of jaw pain. Some people grind their teeth while sleeping and the other grind them when they feel stressed. When teeth grinding is left untreated, it results in other dental issues. Some of the ways to stop teeth grinding are wearing a mouthguard or practicing stress relieving exercises.

Nerve damage
Sometimes jaw pain is a result of nerve pain. Trigeminal neuralgia which is caused by compression on the trigeminal nerve arouses sensation to the face, including the upper and lower jaw. If you think you are experiencing such signs, consult your physician as soon as possible.

Dental conditions
Other causes of jaw pain may include cavities or tooth decay. Although these issues do not affect the jaw directly but the pain radiates to the jaw area. Individuals having gap in between their teeth or suffering from damaged teeth may also experience jaw pain while biting or chewing. Therefore, it is recommended to practice a good oral health care routine. To reduce the risk of developing such conditions, it is recommended to visit a dentist.

Sinus pain
Sinus allergies or infections can be one of the causes of jaw pain. You can try nasal spray for short-term, however, if the pain does not vanish, it’s time to see a dentist.

Wrong biting habits
In a “good bite”, all your teeth are lined up while chewing the food. However, with a “bad bite”, you only have a few teeth lined up. Bad bites can be in the form of an overbite or an underbite. An uneven bite means your jaw isn’t functioning the way it should. This results in wear and tear along with pain in jaw bones and muscles.

Are you also seeing any of these signs? If yes, schedule an appointment with us. Our experts will connect with you right away to get all your jaw pain issues treated.

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Getting a fresh breath along with maintaining the health of teeth and gums is equally possible at the same time. To make your mouth feel fresh and floss, we are presenting these simple tips. Try them and let us know if it works for you.

Rinse your mouth often
Using a mouthwash not only keeps your breath fresh but also adds an extra layer of protection, thereby helping you get rid of bacteria and germs. Be sure to choose a mouthwash that kills the germ causing bad breath. Rinse often on a regular basis to cure bad breath at its source. Other than this, you can try to swish your mouth with plain water after you finish eating. This helps to get rid of food particles that get stuck in between the teeth.

Avoid foods like onion and garlic
Such type of foods makes their way into the blood and travel to lungs from where they are breathed out. The best way to prevent bad breath is to stop eating or avoiding them.

Keep your tongue clean
Your tongue also makes space for bacteria, dead cells, and food debris. Therefore, it is important to keep your tongue clean either by using a tongue cleaner or a toothbrush.

Drink a lot of water
Dry mouth is caused when your mouth does not have enough saliva. The role of saliva is to keep your mouth clean and wash away any kind of food particles. Drinking a lot of water the entire day stimulates the saliva formation.

Brush and floss regularly
To come across with the best results, it is recommended to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. This will help effectively remove the food and bacteria trapped between your teeth and gum line. Similarly, flossing in the right manner cuts down on plaque, bacteria, and smell-causing food particles. Flossing also prevents periodontal disease, which is another cause of bad breath.

Stay away from the tobacco habit
Bad smoking habits not only lead to cancer but also damages gums, causes stains and eventually gives a bad breath.

Chew sugar free gum
Chewing gum leads to the production of saliva which acts as a natural defense against plaque or acids that causes tooth decay or a bad breath. So, instead opting sugar-filled mints, go for a sugar-free gum that reduces the risk of tooth decay and bad breath. Some experts have also suggested that a gum stick after each meal helps to maintain oral health.

So, these are some quick tips you can try at home, however, if you can still sense that foul smell. It’s time to ring up the doctor. It could be a sign of an advanced dental problem. So, hurry up and schedule an appointment soon. Our experts will get in touch for the best solution.

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Taking care of your child’s oral health is equally important. A good oral care must start even before the teeth appear. Babies and toddlers are at an increased risk of cavities and tooth decay. When it comes to protecting your child’s teeth, a bit of effort goes a long way. As a responsible parent, you should start giving attention to your baby’s oral care at an early stage. Babies with good oral hygiene stay healthier during the teething period. Pediatricians also recommend following a healthy oral care routine at the early stages of development. Without proper care, baby teeth can also host a lot of problems like painful teeth/gums, difficulty in chewing, eating and sleeping and gum disease.

Here are a few ways that can help your child with a beautiful and healthy smile:

Brush for, with and beside them
When your child’s teeth start growing, you will have to start by brushing their teeth for them. The best way to do is by putting your child in a reclined position while brushing their tooth. The most effective way to brush your child’s teeth is to hold the bristles of the toothbrush at the gumline and then sweep it down the tooth in a downward direction.

In the later stages, when the child is able to hold the toothbrush, you must guide them by moving the toothbrush around their mouth with your own hand. This will make them learn the proper technique.

Once your child starts brushing on their own, you can participate with them and do the same activity together. This way they will continue brushing the teeth and also enjoy doing so.

Keep them away from sugar
Making wise decisions with food choices is not easy for children. To help them in making the right choices, you should always offer them a healthy substitute. Limit sugar as much as possible and avoid putting sugary food drinks and juices in their diet.

Teach them the importance of flossing
Flossing prevents gum disease along with the other health complications associated with it. So, it is important to make them realize the importance of flossing.

Get rid of their thumbsucking habit
Many children suck their thumb. However, this habit can result in misaligned teeth and lead to malformation of the palate. Therefore, you need to ensure that thumb sucking does not become a long-lasting habit. To prevent this habit, you can use a pacifier to suck instead of thumb. Pacifier can be removed as the child grows and thumb sucking will not transform into a habit.

Healthy eating choices
Other than keeping your child away from sugary food items, you should also make a note of giving them healthier food options like Vegetables, Fruits, Nuts & Seeds, Meat, Cheese, Coleslaw, Plain yogurt, Eggs, Enriched or Whole-wheat bread.

Going for regular checkups
Detecting and preventing problems in the earlier stages can avoid painful and expensive procedure in the future. Therefore, investing in regular checkups is a crucial investment in your child’s overall health.

Putting oral health tips into practice is a little harder, however, if done in the right ways, it will definitely help your kids achieve a healthier smile in the long run.

If you are looking for a consultation, contact us. Our pediatricians will deeply analyze the root cause and suggest the best possible routine plan for your child’s dental health.

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Are you looking a replacement for your missing tooth or teeth? If yes, there are two best options you can trust blindly, one is dental implants and another is dental bridges. However, the question is which one of the two goes best with your needs. If you are confused between the two, let us help you by illustrating a quick comparison of the two.

So, let’s start with dental implants.

Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. The process involves inserting a manmade root inside the bone. A small titanium tooth root is anchored or fixed in place of a missing tooth. For protective covering, a screw is placed on the implant and it fuses with the jaw bone. This process is termed as osseointegration. The process ends up taking up to 6 months to attain stability. In the latter stages, this protective cover is replaced by a temporary crown. Over a couple of months, new bone grows around the implanted metal. Once the new structure is analyzed by your dentist, a crown is screwed on top of the implant and sealed.

How is a dental implant useful?

1. Dental implants have a lifespan of approximately 8 years which means they are longer lasting as compared to dental bridges.
2. The bone structure is entirely preserved using dental implants. They also prevent bone deterioration.
3. With dental implants, the need to grind down surrounding teeth gets eliminated.
4. With implants, the possibility of teeth damage is also reduced.
5. Implants also enhance your overall personality by allowing you to feel more confident while talking, eating or improving facial contours.
6. The costing is comparatively equal or sometimes lower to dentures.

Owing to its longtime duration, dental implant treatment is limited to a small number of people. However, there are some practices that use immediately using implants. It all depends on the requirement of patients.

Dental Bridges
Dental bridges do not involve replacing a tooth root. It is more invasive than a dental implant, however, it uses one or more surrounding teeth as a support to attach a crown that fills missing tooth space. The treatment process is not as long as the dental implant procedure but is more invasive because it requires alteration of adjacent teeth to support the bridge. Dental bridges the gap between teeth that results from a missing tooth.

Advantage:
Dental bridges are considered to be one of the economical treatment methods for a replacing or missing tooth. Secondly, they offer a quick healing time and does not require bone grafting as compared to dental implants.

Dental bridges are generally not preferred because they add greater strain on surrounding teeth. After a certain time period, bridges might result in discomfort. There is an increased risk of cracks forming in the underlying tooth. The surrounding teeth are also prone to decay, plaque and other periodontal diseases.

So, in the long run, dental implants are definitely going to be the best possible treatment for missing teeth. Owing to its economical and other valuable aspects, dental implants are gaining a wide popularity among a high percentage of users.

Besides, you can also consult our dentist at the office who will be glad to assist you in selecting the right treatment for your perfect tooth. Our dentists will offer the best recommendation based on your needs. So, what are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment today to get back that healthy and confident smile.

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Regular dental checkups along with brushing and flossing do a lot more than just maintaining a great oral health. Both men and women with a history of periodontal disease are at an increased risk for lung, esophageal, gallbladder, and melanoma skin cancers.

The exact relationship between gum disease and cancer is still under discovery but one of the major reason held responsible is the inflammation process that comes with periodontal diseases. It is also predicted that both the conditions develop because of the issues in the immune system.

Periodontitis results due to the bacterial infection which damages soft tissue and the bone supporting teeth. The initial symptoms of gum disease include blood on your toothpaste while rinsing or cleaning the teeth. In the latter stages, you may also experience bad breath as a sign.

It is recommended to treat gum disease in the initial stages to prevent any kind of risk. It is also seen that patients who developed extreme or severe signs were asked to have their teeth removed eventually. People who smoke and drink are at higher risk of developing risk factors for cancer.

The only way to reduce risk associated with gum disease is to follow an effective oral health routine that involves brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. Dentists recommend the use of Flouride toothpaste for brushing and interdental brushes for flossing the teeth. This helps to remove bacteria completely from the different areas of the mouth.

We have compiled a list of facts that will help you easily understand the correlation between gum disease and cancer.

1. Over 70% of Americans 65 and older have periodontitis. (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
2. Patients with a history of gum disease have been found to have a 14 percent higher risk of developing any form of tumour. (The Daily Telegraph)
3. Women with periodontal disease and/or missing teeth were 11 times more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than women with good oral health. (Journal Of Breast Cancer Treatment and Research)
4. Postmenopausal women with periodontal disease had a 14% higher risk of breast cancer. (University Of Buffalo)

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A new study out of the University of Helsinki found that one of the bacteria that cause periodontal disease may also affect a young woman’s fertility. This is the first study of its kind, and it really drives the point that taking care of your teeth is one of the most important things you can do for the health of yourself and your family.

The Study
The bacteria that cause periodontal disease have been making a lot of cautionary waves in dental studies. It’s been linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s, pancreatic cancer, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. Researchers at the University of Helsinki, Finland were curious how this disease affects young women’s odds of becoming pregnant. To test their hypothesis they studied 259 healthy women with a mean age of 29 years old whom had recently decided to become pregnant and ceased using birth control. Oral and gynecological exams were performed at the beginning of the study and the women’s saliva was tested for for periodontal bacteria. After 12 months the women then reported back to discuss whether or not they had become pregnant. After analyzing the data, they found that women who did not become pregnant had statistically significantly higher levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis, P. gingivalis, and higher levels of antibodies in their saliva. They acknowledge that this study does not question any other factors of infertility, but it does further the research into the far-reaching effects of periodontal disease. lt seems to add to the narrative of a systemic connection between periodontal disease and chronic conditions that affect the rest of the body.

A Note on Fertility
A woman’s reproductive years are very important if she desires to have children. A woman has the best odds of becoming pregnant between the ages of 20 and 35. After age 35, her fertility declines sharply. Unfortunately, a woman’s fertility is a very complicated biological rhythm. Many physical and hormonal factors must line up exactly right for a couple to conceive. These findings of periodontal disease’s effects only add to the stress of becoming pregnant. However, if we think about how detrimental low grade or chronic inflammation can be on the body, we can see that this disruption of the reproductive system makes sense. lf the body is constantly fighting off harmful bacteria like P. gingivalis, it may not have the physical energy to produce the exact cocktail of hormones necessary to facilitate ovulation and reproduction — which seems to be the case.

Preventing Periodontal Disease for Pregnancy
Although it must be mentioned that there is a lot of research to be done to discover the exact reason why the bacteria present in periodontal disease can affect the fertility of a young woman, taking care of your teeth is extremely important if you are looking to become pregnant. The presence of progesterone is powerful for women and can affect their teeth and bodies. It is within your power to protect yourself from developing gum disease and periodontal disease while your hormones are in flux. By brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing correctly every day you are effectively removing this bacteria before it has a chance to take hold of your immune system and cause chronic inflammation in your gums and elsewhere in your body. Speak with your dentist if you are trying to become pregnant and wish to keep your teeth as healthy as possible.

Source: https://www.artistictouchdentistry.com/general-dentistry/periodontal-disease-can-hinder-fertility/

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CVD is an umbrella term for diseases of the heart and blood vessels. This includes diseases of the blood vessels that supply: the brain (such as stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases); the heart muscle (coronary heart disease); and the arms and legs (peripheral arterial disease).

It also includes other conditions that can damage the heart (such as rheumatic heart disease and congenital heart disease), as well as conditions in which blood clots form and block the blood supply (such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism).

CVD is the primary cause of death worldwide. In 2015, it claimed 17.7 million lives, including 7.4 million due to coronary head disease and 6.7 million due to stroke.

It was first thought that poor oral health might actually cause CVD, “through infection and inflammation.” However, more recently, scientists have concluded that poor oral health indicates the presence of— rather than causes — atherosclerosis and they therefore propose that it might serve as a risk marker of CVD.

For the investigation, Prof. Qi and his team focused on tooth loss and coronary heart disease. They pooled and analyzed data on thousands of men and women aged 45—69 who were followed in two large studies: the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS).

As the participants had been asked about their number of natural teeth when they enrolled, as well as about recent tooth loss in follow-up questionnaires, the researchers were able to assess tooth loss over a period of 8 years.

The team then compared this recent tooth loss pattern to incidence of coronary heart disease over a subsequent follow-up period of 12—18 years.

The scientists conclude that their results suggest “that among middle-aged adults, a higher number of teeth lost Midlife Tooth Loss May Compromise Heart Healthin the recent past may be associated with subsequent risk of [coronary heart disease], independent of the baseline number of natural teeth and traditional risk factors.”

Author: Catharine Paddock PhD

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Typically, when a parent brings a young child to the dentist, the last discussion they’re expecting to have is one centered on braces and orthodontic appliances. Yet, even at ages three and four, a talk about braces, sagittal expanders, and retainers can indeed be front and center when a child is diagnosed with a crossbite. The question then is what to do about it, how soon should intervention take place, and what the complications are that can arise if nothing is done at all. Let’s get some answers.

What Exactly Is a Crossbite?
Imagine for a moment you’re sitting in front of a nice soup bowl with a wide flat brim, and inside that bowl is hearty chowder you’d like to keep warm until you’re ready to devour it. So, you grab another bowl designed exactly like the first, and hover it upside-down over the bowl containing the soup. As you slowly lower it, you try to line up the brims so when they rest together they form a nice even seal. Unfortunately, given the soup is hot, you don’t quite get the brims to line up perfectly, and the edge of the top bowl ends up resting just slightly to the left of the lip on the bottom bowl. The way these two bowls now rest unevenly atop one another is exactly what you would see in a person with a crossbite. A crossbite can affect several teeth, or a single tooth, and can occur on either one side of the mouth or both. Simply put, if any one tooth (or several teeth) lies nearer the tongue or cheek instead of coming together evenly, you’re likely dealing with a crossbite.

So, What To Do About It And When?
The dental community is split on when to initiate treatment for a crossbite, with some suggest-ing treatment should begin as soon as it is noticed (sometimes as early as age three), while others suggest parents should wait until a child’s sixth year molars have arrived. Despite the difference of opinion as to when treatment should begin, dentists and orthodontist are in agreement that the condition cannot be left untreated. Doing so presents a host of complica-tions for the child later in life including gum and tooth wear, uneven jaw development that can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and facial asymmetry – something no parent or child wants.

What Does Crossbite Treatment Look Like?
Crossbite treatment generally involves adjusting the spread of a child’s teeth with dental appliances so the bite pattern matches evenly on all sides. Depending on the type of crossbite a child has, this can be done with dental expanders that resemble orthodontic retainers, and include a screw that is tightened nightly to “spread” a child’s bite to the prescribed width. Additionally, dental facemasks, braces and clear aligners may be used – particularly when a single tooth is out of alignment.

Crossbites are generally regarded as genetic in nature, and they’re not overly common. It is, however, a condition that needs to be treated before permanent damage to a child’s facial and oral development occurs. So, if you find yourself at the other end of a discussion about having your little one wear a dental expander, be sure you listen and get however many opinions regarding that advice as you require. Your child, and your wallet, will thank you long into the future.

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The number of Americans that are overweight (having a weight 10%—20% above normal for your height) or obese (having a weight 50%—100% above normal for your height) has increased significantly throughout the past 20 years. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 67 percent of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. Greater than 34 percent are obese. Childhood obesity has tripled since 1980. As of 2008, the prevalence of obesity among children (6—11 years) was 19.6 percent and adolescents (12—19 years) was 18.1 percent.

It is well known that obesity is associated with many medical problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, elevated cholesterol, hypertension, arthritis, gastric reflux, infertility, gout and some types of cancer. In recent years, there has been research supporting a link between obesity and periodontal disease.

How Does Obesity Affect Periodontal Disease?

Overweight and obese adults have long been considered to be at high risk for many chronic inflammatory disease and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and arthritis. Likewise, obesity appears to be an independent risk factor for the development of periodontal disease even after controlling other risk factors such as smoking, age and other medical problems. A recent study (Khader YS, et al.J Clin Periodontol 2009;36(1):18-24) showed that overweight individuals had double the incidence of periodontitis while obese individuals had triple the incidence.

Fat cells were once thought of as having limited function energy storage. It is now known that fat cells produce many chemical signals and hormones. Many of these substances are thought to increase overall inflammation in the body. This may lead to decreased immune status, which increases susceptibly to periodontal disease. The inflammation may also decrease blood flow to the gums and cause disease progression.

Prevention of Periodontal Disease

Diet is very important for overall health, including dental health. Eating a low-fat, reduced sodium balanced diet of whole grains, vegetables and fruits is recommended. Limiting the time sugar is in contact with the teeth is advised. Avoiding sugary beverages (sodas, fruit juices, sweetened tea) and candies (especially ones that stick to the teeth like taffy) is helpful. Eating sugary foods in between meals and before bed is also discouraged. Regular dental visits are recommended for teeth cleaning and inspection.

Understanding the relationship between obesity and the risk factors that lead to periodontal disease is very important. With the increasing rate of child and adolescent obesity, the prevalence of periodontal disease will follow. Keys to prevention of periodontal disease are through proper oral hygiene, a balanced diet and routine dental visits.

Author: Shannon McShea—Johansson, PA-C

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LAS VEGAS, U.S.: Few discoveries hold as much promise of single-handedly expanding medical treatment options as stem cells do. Now, researchers have developed a new method for extracting tooth root pulp that quadruples the number of stem cells that can be harvested and replicated to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Miraculously able to act as transformers—either recreating or morphing into a variety of cell types found within the organisms they originate from—stem cells offer humanity hope for new, more effective therapies against a number of chronic and terminal diseases. And finding them is surprisingly easy.

“Stem cells can be extracted from nearly any living tissue,” said Prof. James Mah, Director of the Advanced Education Program in Orthodontics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). “In fact, stem cells can even be found in tissues of the deceased.” However, there is a catch: “The biggest challenges with stem cells are gathering enough of them to work with and keeping them viable until they are needed,” Mah explained.

Along with Prof. Karl Kingsley, Director of Student Research at UNLV, and a few dental students, Mah decided to take on this challenge and subsequently developed a new method for extracting large numbers of stem cells they could then preserve from a surprisingly abundant source: third molars.

“More and more adults—approximately 5 million throughout the country—have their wisdom teeth, or third molars, removed,” Kingsley said. “Extracting teeth is relatively common among patients undergoing orthodontic treatments. And the majority of those teeth are healthy, containing viable tooth root pulp that offers opportunities for reproducing cells that have been damaged or destroyed by injuries or disease.”

Recovering cells from the tooth root pulp was a difficult task, Mah remembered. Eventually, Happy Ghag, then a dental student working with Mah and Kingsley on the project, approached UNLV mechanical engineers Dr. Mohamed Trabia and Prof. Brendan O’Toole to discuss fracture analysis. Together, they invented a device that cracks teeth in half with a success rate of 100 percent.

Having solved the challenge of accessing the root pulp, the researchers sought to determine how many viable stem cells they could recover from the fractured teeth. To this end, Mah and Kingsley dyed 31 fractured teeth pulp samples to highlight any viable stem cells the teeth contained. Dead cells would turn blue when exposed to the dye and living cells would appear clear. Under the microscope, 80 percent of their extracted cells remained clear after the dye was introduced. Average pulp recovery rates employing common extraction methods (such as shattering and drilling) come in at around 20 percent, according to Mah.

“Saying the test results were promising is a gross understatement,” Mah said. “We realized we’d invented an extraction process that produced four times the recovery success rate for viable stem cells. The potential application is enormous.”

Next, the team isolated the stem cells from the rest of the root pulp. The researchers harvested cells from the pulp and cultured them on a petri dish. Once the cells had covered the dish, they split the culture in half and repeated the process between ten and 20 times. Normal cells within the body typically die after ten replications or passages, whereas stem cells can replicate indefinitely, according to Kingsley. By the end of the culturing, all nonstem cells had expired. Kingsley captured the remaining stem cells and collected their RNA, which is converted into proteins that become biomarkers his team could use to characterize each stem cell type and its respective rate of replication.

Kingsley indicated that the next logical step in this research would be to test stem cells in humans to treat chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. He added that the research team’s subsequent task will be to collect and store the stem cells in a reliable way so that they can be used when needed.

“The work Dr. Kingsley and I are doing is part of a paradigm shift,” Mah said. “Our fracturing process could hasten the collection and cryogenesis process, thereby preserving a high stem-cell count that furthers research into how using these cells can aid healing and potentially cure diseases.”

Editorial note: This study was published as a sneak preview of the 2017 issue of research magazine UNLV Innovation.

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Mind Your Mouth: How Oral Health Affects Overall Health
Good oral health means more than a mouth full of pearly whites and fresh breath; it can also be the difference between life and death. Your mouth is a hotbed of bacteria, which can be controlled with good oral hygiene. But neglect your teeth and gums, and it’s not just your mouth that will suffer. Studies suggest your overall health may also be on the line.

“Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by the more than 500 bacterial species found in plaque below the gum line,” says Joan Otomo-Corgel, president of the American Academy of Periodontology and associate clinical professor in the department of periodontics at University of California- Los Angeles.

Periodontal disease – a fancy term for gum disease, including gingivitis – can cause swollen gums, irritation and bleeding. The more advanced form, periodontitis, can lead to receding gums, damaged tissue and bone around the teeth, and even tooth loss.

“Periodontal disease is the sixth most prevalent chronic condition in the world, affecting 743 million people,” Otomo-Corgel says. “In the United States [alone], [it] affects one in every two adults and 2.5 times more people than diabetes.”

At the American Society of Nephrology’s Kidney Week meeting in November, a study was presented showing that within a population of African-Americans with normal kidney function, those with severe periodontal disease went on to develop chronic kidney disease at four times the rate as those without severe periodontal disease after an average of nearly five years. Research like this continues to strengthen the link between periodontal disease and various ailments affecting the body, including heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.

“Periodontal disease is now recognized by the cardiology community to be a direct risk factor for coronary arterial disease, peripheral arterial disease and stroke,” says Sam Shamardi, a dentist at the Boston Center for Oral Health and clinical instructor in the Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s division of periodontology. “The common link to these and other diseases is inflammation.”

Authors: Chai Woodham

This article goes on to discuss periodontal disease and its relation to stroke, cholesterol levels, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and even its /feels on unborn children. For complete article go to:

Source: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2014/12/22/mind-your-mouth-how-oral-health-affects-overall-health

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Increased Incidences of Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Young Adults
Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is primarily a disease of older adults, occurring most frequently in patients older than 45 years of age. Epidemiological studies over last 20 years have shown a steady rise in the incidence of these cancers in younger adults (age 18-45 years), especially in cancers of the oropharynx and oral cavity.

Numerous early reports of Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) concluded that the disease was more aggressive and the prognosis poorer in young adults as compared to older adults. However, findings from more recent studies, such as those by Gilroy et al., Goldenberg et al. or Hafkamp et al. have not found any significant differences in outcomes between different age groups. Recently, superior survival of younger patients with oropharyngeal SCC was found to be related to a high-risk human papilloma vims (HPV) infection.

The global incidence and mortality rates for HNSCC are 540,000 and 271,000 annually, respectively. The increase of HNSCC has occurred concurrently with a decreasing prevalence of cigarette smoking in the general population; importantly, this observation would not be expected if the only primary risk factors for all HNSCC were alcohol and tobacco abuse. In fact, evidence suggests that oral cancer may now be considered a “new epidemic”. The majority of research on the changing epidemiology has focused on the HPV and its association with HNSCC, particularly in primary tumors of the oropharynx. Interestingly, although the rate of OCSCC is observed to be decreasing in young individuals, the incidence of oral tongue Squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) has been rising especially in young white women, age 18 44 years, what is more surprising given the fact that OCSCC, unlike OPSCC, are not typically associated with the HPV infection. Consequently, young white women form a unique subgroup of patients with no traditional risk factors of tobacco and alcohol abuse and who can not be associated with HPV infection.

Tobacco and alcohol have long been implicated as the traditional risk factors for HNSCC in adults, regardless of age. Interestingly, many patients under age 45 declare never having smoked or consumed alcohol excessively, as Kuriakose et al. reported.

The rising mortality and increasing incidence of cancer of the tongue amongst young patients in the U.S. has been attributed to the use of smokeless tobacco products. The first epidemiological study showing that marijuana smoking elevates the risk of head and neck cancers was published in 1999. Since that time, several case studies have been published that suggest an association between marijuana smoking and head and neck cancers, respiratory cancers and oral premalignant lesions.

It seems likely that there is a genetic predisposition for the cancer development at a young age, particularly in those patients with no recognized risk factors. It has been shown that patients younger than 30 years exhibit a significantly increased chromosome fragility following mutagen exposure when compared to older patients.

Even though Byers first suggested as far back as 1975 that HNSCC in young adults should be considered a distinct subgroup, the question as to whether age has a significant impact or not on treatment outcomes still remains unanswered. Nevertheless, one thing is clear. Although young people have a lower incidence rate for HNSCC, physicians need to be aware that the incidence is growing and these types of cancers must be suspected in any patient with worrying signs and symptoms, regardless of age.

Authors: Ewa Majchrzak, Bartosz Szybiak, Anna Wegner, Piotr Pienkowski, Jakub Pazdrowski, Lukasz Luczewski, Marcin Sowka, Pawel Golusinski, Julian Malicki, and Wojciech Golusinski.

Source: Oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in young adults: a review of the literature

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