Dental Health Teeth

First Aid For Knocked Out Teeth

March 31, 2020 No Comments

A tooth can get knocked out from a blow or an accident. It happens to children all the time but knowing how to handle a dental emergency is very important. When the entire tooth is knocked out, it is said to have avulsed. Avulsed tooth needs immediate and prompt treatment .If action is taken quickly preferably within 30 minutes there is a chance to save the tooth.

Emergency action can save the avulsed tooth so that it can be replanted successfully and last for years to come. What can be done if a tooth gets knocked off?

  • Locate the tooth at the accident site and pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface) and NOT the root.
  • If dirty, gently rinse the tooth with water. The tooth should never be scrubbed or washed with any soap or chemicals. It should be very gently handled to preserve the cells on the root surface.
  • Try to reposition the tooth into the socket immediately, if possible. Push it in with your fingers slowly and hold it in place by biting down on it.
  • If repositioning is not possible, or you are unable to do it, store the tooth in cold milk (do not use flavored milk). When milk is not available, place the tooth in the child’s mouth (between the cheeks and gums). Be very careful and do not let the child swallow the tooth.
  • Milk teeth cannot be replanted. This holds good only for permanent tooth.
  • Do not use regular water for storage of the tooth as the root surface cells gets destroyed.
  • See a dental surgeon within 30 minutes of the injury.

If you cannot find a knocked-out tooth, it is still important to see a dentist as soon as possible. The tooth, whether permanent or milk tooth, might be pushed up into the gums and would need to be re-positioned.

Health Teeth

Tips to Fight The Urge To Smoke

March 31, 2020 No Comments

Craving to light a cigarette despite taking a pledge not to? Everyone faces hurdles on their quit smoking journey and we will tell you how to surpass them and score a goal for a healthy you! Situations that can increase your desire to light a cigarette:

  • Stress and Anxiety

Stress is one of the most common reasons for a person on a quit smoking journey to start smoking again. But when was getting rid of a bad habit so easy? Seek support from friends and family to overcome stressful times and engage yourselves in activities and hobbies that you enjoy. These times always pass and you just have to hang on patiently without letting it get the better of you.

  • Alcohol

Smoking and alcohol are pretty good friends and every time you settle down to enjoy a glass of alcohol, it might let your guard loose and you would want to take a puff. Once you’ve downed a couple of drinks, your cognitive behavior is affected and your self-control goes for a stroll. The nicotine in the cigarette will increase your urge to drink more and you’ve got entangled in a vicious circle. If you are on a quit smoke plan, we suggest you to stay away from alcohol too. Completely cutting out alcohol could be difficult for many, for those we suggest you to limit your consumption before your rationale thinking dwindles off.

  • Cravings

Fight cravings with physical activities like exercise, going for a run or to the gym or playing your favorite sport. Literature says that withdrawal symptoms and cravings for cigarettes decrease during exercise and up to 50 minutes after exercising. How wonderful is that? Pull yourself out of that chair, wear your running shoes, play your favorite music track and just get rid of that sick craving!

  • Nicotine Withdrawal

Your body and brain gets addicted to nicotine while you smoke and when you stop smoking‚ your body hates it. That’s withdrawal and withdrawal symptoms might bother you. It is maximum in the first week of quitting smoking. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) will help you overcome this time and trick your body and mind by giving them the nicotine it craves. Nicotine patches, gums and lozenges are available over the counter and can be safely used. Your doctor could prescribe medications to help with the withdrawal symptoms. Discuss your NRT with your doctor and choose one that works best for you.NRT will only help with the withdrawal symptoms but your self-control and determination is what is needed most. Quitting Smoking is tough but you are tougher. Meet your doctor, make a quit plan and take your first step to a healthy and happy life!

Health Teeth

Can dental cavities occur due to acid reflux?

March 31, 2020 No Comments
Have you heard of acid reflux? It is fairly common today among children and adults. But what exactly is it? The food pipe (esophagus) carries food from your mouth to your stomach. The muscle at the end of the esophagus opens during swallowing to allow food to pass and then closes to prevent food from going back. When this muscle randomly opens up or does not shut properly, the acidic contents of the stomach, including highly acidic digestive juices, gush back into the food pipe, resulting in a burning sensation in the chest or throat known as heartburn. When these symptoms are experienced often, the patients is said to be suffering from acid reflux. The incidence of this condition increases markedly after the age of 40. Not just adults are affected; even infants and children can have acid reflux. But what does acid reflux have to do with teeth? The refluxed acidic content of the stomach leads to loss of the enamel of the tooth resulting in tooth erosions, decay and hypersensitivity. Did you ever guess that your teeth were getting decayed and worn out due to acid reflux? The condition can cause a dry mouth, which increases the bacterial count in the mouth and can lead to an increase in tooth decay. What are the signs and symptoms of acid reflux?
  • Heartburn
  • Regurgitation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Chronic cough
  • Hoarseness of voice
  • Non cardiac chest pain
  • Acidic taste in the mouth
  • Belching
  • Unpleasant odor in the mouth
  • Tooth Erosion

A gastroenterologist can diagnose and help treat the condition. To prevent tooth surface loss, few precautions that can be taken are:

  • Refrain from brushing your teeth immediately after a reflux episode. Brushing may damage enamel that has already been weakened by acid.
  • Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva and reduces acid content in the mouth.
  • The dental surgeon would prescribe mouth rinses and toothpastes containing fluoride to make the teeth resistant to demineralization.
  • Refrain from drinking carbonated drinks.

Unexplained tooth surface loss can indicate the possibility of acid reflux and medical and dental management of this reflux disease is necessary. With proper medications, the condition can be treated, but relapses are occur. Regularly scheduled dental and medical appointments will help reduce the episodes of reflux and allow you to live a reflux free comfortable life!

Dental Health

CAN SINUSITIS GIVE A TOOTHACHE?

March 31, 2020 No Comments

The roots of the top back teeth (premolars and molars) lie just beneath the maxillary sinus. As we age, our sinuses grow and push against the roots of our upper back teeth. An inflamed maxillary sinus exerts pressure on the nerves that enter the roots of the upper teeth resulting in a toothache. This toothache is often confused with other causes of tooth pain like gum disease, tooth decay, or an impacted wisdom tooth. Every winter, allergy sufferers find themselves in dismay with a stuffy nose and a vague pain all over their head and cheek. Many a times, this is accompanied by a persistent toothache of the upper teeth. What does sinusitis have to do with your teeth? Are they related? Yes they are and a sinus infection can bring along with it, a nagging tooth ache. How do you know if the pain you’re feeling is from a sinus infection or a tooth that needs attention? What kind of pain occurs in sinus toothache? These toothaches are intense, continuous, and in the upper back teeth. Sometimes the toothache will be on one side and sometimes it may be on both. It is also possible for the toothache to jump to the lower teeth, causing what is known as a referred pain. What can be done if you have a sinus toothache? Tooth pain related to sinusitis will often diminish or disappear within a few days as the sinusitis is treated. If the pain persists, the cause could be related to the tooth itself. Persistent tooth ache may indicate the presence of other factors such as:

  • Gum disease
  • Bruxism, or tooth grinding
  • Dental decay
  • Dental abscesses

What is the treatment of a sinus toothache? Any kind of discomfort should not be ignored. There are chances that the toothache is not related to the sinus infection which is why a dental consult should be sought. The dental surgeon will investigate to determine the cause of the pain. A clinical examination, patient’s history and radiographs would be taken to look for the source of pain. If a dental issue is not found, the pain is attributed to the inflamed sinus for which treatment for the sinusitis would be advised. The physician would prescribe antihistamines, decongestants or/and antibiotics, nasal sprays to treat the inflammation and provide relief from the sinusitis and sinus toothache. Sinusitis induced toothache is a relatively common complaint for patients who develop a sinus infection due to a cold or other reasons. Accurate diagnosis is important for the effective treatment of the sinus toothache and the underlying infection that is causing it.

Children Dental

WHY ARE MILK TEETH IMPORTANT?

March 31, 2020 No Comments

Primary teeth, also known as “baby teeth” or “deciduous teeth,” or “milk teeth”, begin to erupt approximately six months to one year after birth. Typically, preschool children have a complete set of 20 baby teeth. While the front baby teeth will be shed for permanent adult teeth between 6-8years of age, but the back teeth (canines and molars) aren’t replaced until age 10-12.

Frequently in pediatric dental practice we find parents ignorant about the primary tooth, its function and importance. They often question the necessity of treatment to save and maintain the milk tooth in function since primary teeth will eventually shed.

Maintaining healthy primary teeth is essential to a child’s overall oral and general development. The primary teeth are important in a child’s life as they help in mastication/chewing, in speech & pronunciation, contribute to aesthetics and preserve the integrity of the dental arches, finally guiding permanent teeth into their correct positions. Primary teeth hold the place open for permanent teeth, so that when your child’s adult teeth begin to push through the gum line there is a place ready for them, and the chances of crowded or overlapping teeth and improper eruption are minimized. Your child’s baby teeth also help in the proper growth of jaws.

Untreated carious/decayed teeth in young children frequently lead to pain and infection, necessitating emergency visits to the dentist. Carious teeth in early childhood are not only indicative of future dental problems, they also adversely affect growth and cognitive development by interfering with nutrition, sleep and concentration at school. In addition, they may have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life.If left untreated, primary teeth can drop out completely – causing health and spacing problems for emerging permanent teeth.

Thus there is no logical reason for leaving primary teeth decayed and untreated in a child’s mouth. Early recognition and timely referral of infants and young children with dental caries is critical in preventing the unpleasant complications.So taking care of your child’s SMILE starts right NOW!

Cosmetic Dentistry Teeth

What are Dental Veneers

March 31, 2020 No Comments

Dentists commonly use dental veneers for smile designing. Aren’t you happy with your smile? It has stains or is chipped or oddly placed? If yes, dental veneers are the perfect treatment option for you. The longevity of dental veneers has drastically increased and it is possible to retain the beautiful smile for a long time. Dental Veneers are very natural and do not look artificial.

But what are dental veneers and where is it of use?

Dental veneers are very thin, tooth-colored materials and custom-fit and stick to teeth by means of special dental adhesives. They can recommended by dentists to address the following complaints:

  • Spaces between the teeth:
  • Chipped teeth
  • Yellow teeth/ Stained teeth
  • Crooked teeth
  • Uneven or undersized teeth

Veneers are a great option for patients who are not happy with their smile. For instance, those who have the above mentioned problems. They make an effective and durable method of smile designing.

What are the types of Dental Veneers?

There are two types of dental veneers, direct and indirect. Let’s look at each separately.

Indirect Veneers

Indirect Veneers require multiple appointments with the dental surgeon . It offers better results as compared to Direct Veneers. These are thin shells of ceramic which bond to the tooth surface and give lustre and shine to the teeth. We usually do a mock up and show you the final outcome prior to placing the veneers. We reduce the tooth by approximately one half of a millimeter or even less. An impression taken of the teeth and sent to the laboratory fr creation of the custom-made veneer. Ceramic veneers are custom-made in a laboratory and glued to the teeth with the help of dental cements. They resist stains better than composite or direct veneers. And better simulate the shine of natural teeth. With routine care and good oral hygiene, ceramic laminate veneers can be a conservative and ideal treatment option.

Direct Veneers

Direct Veneers is made of composite which is a tooth colored material and directly bond to the tooth. It is fast and cost effective and small defects can be beautifully restored with composite. The dentist will match the shade of composite to your teeth to get the perfect natural result. Composite veneers are thinner.Therefore, require less removal of the tooth surface before placement. The dentist clinically examines the teeth and takes radiographs if necessary. We understand the expectations of the patient and the extent of correction and recommend the treatment plan.

How should you care for your veneers?

  • Brush and floss your dental veneers regularly like normal teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene is paramount for maintaining the luster of the veneer. Use non abrasive toothpastes .
  • Chewing on hard items like ice and hard candy might cause chipping and wearing out of veneers over time. For instance, this is also true for natural teeth.
  • Frequent intake of wine, coffee, tea and tobacco can cause direct veneers to discolor with time. Indirect veneers are more resistant to discoloration.
  • Polish dental veneers periodically to allow you enjoy longer results.
  • Protect the teeth by using mouth guard while playing. Similarly, use a night guard if you are a night grinder.

What are the risks associated with dental veneers?

These are very safe and minimally invasive. However, do take the following facts into account before you decide to plunge for them.

You can not remove veneers

A thin layer of enamel is removed to make room for the veneer. And the enamel lost will not repair itself which makes the porcelain veneer procedure irreversible. The veneers must be maintained or replaced to avoid tooth decay.The protective enamel is no longer covering the tooth. Ceramic veneers may not last a lifetime as they wear down over time, break, chip, or fall off. If a veneer gets damaged, replace it to protect the tooth from decay.

Conclusion

A beautiful smile can do wonders for your confidence and well-being. With proper oral care and regular dental visits, long lasting success can be achieved with veneers. Book an appointment to discuss veneers for a smile makeover with your dentist and take your first step to a beautiful smile!

Children Dental

CAP THE MILK TOOTH

March 31, 2020 No Comments

Why do dentists advise dental caps in children?

Pediatric dentists use metal crowns in children to seal the decay on primary molars and prevent tooth decay from progressing. These are stainless steel crowns and are biocompatible and relatively cheap. An extensively decayed baby tooth needs more than simply filling up the tooth. And therefore, we advise restoring the milk tooth with a metal crown. And especially if the tooth has received pulpal therapy (root canal therapy).Your child’s back teeth are the most used for chewing, and therefore require a restoration that will hold up under pressure until it is time for the milk teeth to fall out .Parents believe that the baby teeth will not remain in their child’s mouth for long. But the truth is that those molars remain around 12 years of age which means those teeth need to be preserved till then as the baby teeth help in guiding the permanent teeth in its proper position and maintains the space for them.

The most commonly used crowns for milk teeth in children are stainless steel crowns. Ceramic tooth coloured crowns are available nowadays . Primary teeth that have extensive decay over multiple surfaces, teeth that are broken or have a significant defect need capping. The crowns are durable and sturdy having full coverage protection for the tooth and less likely to need retreatment. The crowns function like a natural tooth. They allow the child to chew and speak comfortably and stay in place until the milk tooth falls off.

How are metal crowns made in children?

These pre-formed metal crowns are available in different sizes and are easily customizable for any tooth. The pediatric dentist will remove the decayed/damaged part of the tooth making the tooth decay free. We need accurate fit of the crown over the tooth. We check to see if it fully covers the tooth or not. The dentist will advise if the tooth needs to undergo root canal therapy. In such a scenario, the doctor will place the crown after the root canal is completed. Post crown placement the child may feel a little uncomfortable to bite down. But however, the discomfort will go away in 1-2 days.

Our aim is to go for the best treatment option for the milk teeth and the permanent tooth underneath it. Stainless steel metal crowns in children are a long-lasting and cost-effective way to preserve teeth . They preserve a primary tooth and can guide the permanent tooth in its correct position.

Cosmetic Dentistry Teeth

The Invisible Way to Straighten Teeth

March 31, 2020 No Comments

Would you believe me if I told you that I can straighten out your teeth with invisible braces to? You can say goodbye to traditional braces. These look ugly and unappealing to some of us and for those, we have clear aligners. Clear aligners or invisible braces substitute traditional metal or ceramic braces. These use a gradual force to bring about tooth movement. But did you know? It is done without the use of wires or brackets like conventional braces.

What are clear aligners (invisible braces) made of?

The aligners are basically a strong plastic material. They are transparent and snugly fit into your mouth. These are easy to use and are literally invisible. The dentist would clinically examine the patient. We record the teeth alignment and tale full-mouth X-rays and facial and intraoral photographs. We digitally scan the teeth to record details to make 3D models. This helps us to decide the number of aligners needed to correct the malocclusion. Initially, we give a set of aligners. Each aligner moves the teeth in increments until the desired movement is achieved.Wear each aligner for two weeks before you move onto the next one. In addition, a number of tooth ‘attachments’ which appear as small white bumps ia placed on the teeth. They help the aligners to grip properly and shift the teeth gradually into position. In conclusion, you need to also understand that not every case can be treated by clear aligners. Depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of correction required, aligners will be recommended. If major corrections are required, the use of aligners alone is not sufficient to achieve the desired result.

How long will I need to wear clear aligners(invisible braces)?

Firstly, wear each aligner for at least 20-22 hours a day for maximum effectiveness. Secondly, each set of aligners is worn for three weeks before you go onto the next one. The length of treatment with aligners depends upon the severity of each case. Aligner treatment time is variable ranging from as short to three weeks or as long as six months. Aligners offer a much shorter treatment than traditional braces.

What are the advantages of orthodontic treatment with clear aligners?

  • Esthetic
  • Clear aligners are removable.Therefore, it is easier to maintain oral hygiene
  • Very comfortable and less likely to irritate your gums and cheeks
  • Clear aligners can prevent tooth wear from grinding

What are the disadvantages with clear aligners?

  • We can not do major corrections with clear aligners
  • The success of the treatment heavily relies on the patient compliance. If you fail to wear them regularly, treatment will be delayed by weeks.
  • Few foods and spices can stain and discolor the aligners.
  • The buttons or tooth attachments on the teeth put by the dentist can sometimes bother the patient.
  • It is expensive.

The orthodontist monitors and supervises the entire treatment.Clear aligners easily correct mild spacing, dental irregularity and mild crowding. To know if you can get your teeth straightened invisibly, book an appointment with us today

Uncategorized

Do You Clench Your Teeth?

March 31, 2020 No Comments

Do you clench teeth in anger or at times of stress? Some individuals unknowingly clench or grind their teeth against each other, which leads to tooth wear and sore facial muscles. We call clenching or grinding of teeth bruxism and bruxism is very common among children and adults today. Some people grind their teeth while asleep and unknowingly. Others grind their teeth during the daytime as well, most often during anxious situations. Severe teeth clenching can explain mysterious morning headaches, facial pain, tired jaw muscles and worn out teeth. Bruxism is linked to stress, and can also occur in patients on anti depressants.

What do we call a bruxer?

  • Some one who makes a grinding sound at night, which may disturb the sleep of someone who shares a bedroom
  • Complains of a dull morning headache
  • Has sore or painful jaw muscles, especially in the morning
  • Damaged teeth, fractured dental fillings

How is bruxism diagnosed?

The dental surgeon can ascertain whether you are a bruxer or not by examining your teeth and palpating the ear joint and facial muscles. A complete history of your medical issues, medications, lifestyle and diet would be taken. We ask around, your partner or family members (anyone who shares the room with the patient at night) for any unusual grinding sounds. Missing teeth, broken teeth, worn out teeth, poor tooth alignment would be looked out for. A bad bite brings disbalance and disharmony between the teeth, ear joint and facial muscles causing a plethora of symptoms. Treatment is recommended after analyzing the clinical features. Bruxism can last for many years if it is related to a stressful life situation that does not go away.

How do we treat Bruxism ?

A night guard is given to the patient. This is to be worn at night and will prevent tooth damage. However, if bruxism is being caused by a dental problem, it should stop when the teeth are repaired and realigned .

  • Stress —Professional counseling and psychotherapy is advised for stress related bruxism. Muscle relaxant medications would be prescribed for sore muscles.
  • Dental problems — If your bruxism is related to tooth problems, your dentist will probably treat it with occlusal therapy (to correct tooth alignment). In severe cases, your dentist may need to use onlays or crowns to entirely reshape the biting surfaces of your teeth.
  • Medication — If you develop bruxism as a side effect of antidepressant medications, your doctor either can switch you to a different drug or give you another medication to counteract your bruxism.

Bruxism can also occur in children but they usually stop grinding their teeth by 13 years of age. A night bite plate to prevent excessive tooth wear can be worn by the child till then. Grinding of teeth should not be ignored and left untreated. Excessive forces on teeth damage and weaken them leading to premature tooth loss. Treatment of excessively worn out teeth requires a comprehensive treatment consisting of root canals, fillings, onlays and crowns to rehabilitate the damaged teeth. Prevention is always better than cure, hence visit your dental surgeon today if you think you could be a bruxer and save future complications.