Healthy Fluids

The cosmetic dentistry industry has removed all barriers to owning a beautiful smile. Increasingly, cosmetic dentists offer a wide range of services as more and more men and women take pride in their smiles.

There is nothing impossible with a dental professional's wand - no matter what the cause or effect or whatever kind of problem it is - it can all be remedied with one (or more) swishes of that cosmetic dentist's wand. Keep in mind that it is not always inexpensive. The cost of the treatment may vary considerably, and you may feel that you have a lighter pocket.

Bonding of front teeth, teeth whitening, and tooth-colored fillings are some of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments. Other treatments exist as well. These are some of the key cosmetic dental procedures you can undergo to make your smile dazzling:

Whitening - There is usually some discoloration of the tooth enamel as well as its underlying dentine (the underlying structure). Depending on the severity of the stain or the tarnish, teeth whitening could be a viable option. A "mouth tray" is a custom-made mold created by the dental practitioner.

Dental professionals use tooth-colored resin to 'bond' onto a tooth that has been worn, fractured, or broken. In addition to covering discolorations on teeth, you can use this procedure to close tiny gaps in between some teeth. The bonding liquid is applied to the tooth, and afterward, the tooth is sealed with a light. After preparing the tooth with a laser, the laser seals the tooth. An adhesive is then applied to the tooth and then shaped to fit the desired shape. The completed item is almost ready to steal your heart after it has been trimmed and polished. The best part is that the bonding won't need to be fixed for 3 to 5 years.

Veneers - Veneers made from porcelain laminates are used to fix damaged teeth the same way bonding does. But porcelain laminate veneers are stronger than bonding. Additionally, veneers can be used to cover stains and even change the appearance of a tooth. An added benefit of veneers is that they keep their brilliance.

Recontouring uneven teeth - This is a treatment for improving an unbalanced tooth to better match the whole set.

In orthodontics, braces are prepared and attached by a dentist who is trained in diagnosing, preventing, and treating issues associated with poorly placed teeth. Using this device, teeth and bone will be moved carefully until the desired position is achieved.

Cosmetic dentistry is now a multi-billion dollar industry for a reason. People love to look good, and for a few thousand dollars, cosmetic dentistry can make you look like a star.

Dental veneers types Veneers can be made of either porcelain or resin. The benefits of porcelain over resin are that it resists stains better, and it mimics the way teeth reflect light. Talking to your dentist is the best way to get veneers, especially for you.

What types of problems do dental veneers fix?
Using a veneer, you can repair:
- Dental treatment for root canals
- Teeth that are chipped or broken
- A worn-out set of teeth
- Replacing large resin fillings
- The presence of excessive fluoride
- Stains left behind by drugs
- Uneven teeth, crooked teeth, or teeth that don't look like a normal tooth.
- Teeth with gaps between them

Veneers for the teeth In this procedure, three visits to the dentist are required: one for consultation, one for creating the veneers, and one for applying them. There are so many steps involved in veneering a single tooth or many teeth in a row.

Planned diagnosis and treatment Begin by telling your dentist what you hope to achieve. During your appointment, your dentist will check your teeth to see if veneers are suitable for you. You will then be told by a dentist about the limits and process of veneers after they determine if you are eligible. If necessary, x-rays will be taken and impressions will be made of the teeth and jaw.

Prepare The dentist must reshape the tooth surface to prepare it for the veneer. The amount of reshaping is nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer added to the tooth surface. Before trimming any enamel, your dentist will decide whether or not to numb the area. Your dentist will then trim any enamel after creating an impression. Once the dental lab has received the model, veneers are made. From the lab, veneers usually take 2-4 weeks. In the meantime, the dentist will recommend temporary veneers to keep you comfortable while you wait for the permanent veneers.

Bonding To determine whether your veneer fits and is the right color, your dentist will place it on your tooth. Performing multiple trimmings and removals to ensure it fits properly before permanently cementing it to the tooth. It can be colored by shifting the shade of cement. It is necessary to clean, polish, and etch the tooth before it is ready for the veneer. In order to make teeth stronger, etching roughens them, and this makes them more apt to bond together. Veneers are then attached to teeth with a special type of cement. Using a special light, the dentist activates the chemicals within the cement to make it harden faster after it is positioned properly. Finally, we will remove the excess cement, do a final bite check, and adjust your bite if necessary. It will be necessary to return for a follow-up visit at some point after the procedure to ensure that your gums are healthy and the veneers are properly placed.

Benefits of dental veneers Veneers give teeth a natural-looking appearance They can be very effective at dealing with gum problems. They are stain-resistant because they are made of porcelain. The color of your teeth will influence how white they appear. In comparison to crowns, these are considerably stronger and have a more attractive appearance because they require much less shaping.

The Risks of Placing Veneers Veneers have a number of disadvantages
- It is impossible to undo an operation
- Costs are very high
- The chips or cracks cannot be simply repaired
- Having had the enamel removed, the tooth can be a lot more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
- It's also possible that your veneers might not match your other teeth.
- A veneer's color cannot be changed once it is installed.

Occasionally, veneers become dislodged and fall out. Don't chew on hard objects that would stain your teeth if you apply vast amounts of pressure, as this would decrease the risk of falling out your veneers.

One of the worst situations that can arise is the loss of a tooth, or several teeth. Whether it was due to an accident, or some form of gum disease, losing a tooth can be devastating. In the past, the dread was amped up even more so when the realization sunk in that dentures were probably in your immediate future. See, fifty years ago, dentures,and bridges were the only real solution to replacing teeth.

Bridges worked well for single teeth that were missing. However, if you had multiple teeth missing, then dentures were your only real solution. And for some people, that felt almost as bad as walking around with a missing tooth - because even though dentures hid the truth of the situation, the reality was they were still missing a tooth.

But in a time when those were your only real options - what was one to do? Well, people had to deal with what was available, and then realize there were at least a few benefits to wearing dentures. They were as follows:

1) Having Dentures Created Specifically For Your Mouth Enhanced Your Appearance When dentures are created by a master of their craft, they are near impossible to detect. And once the set were properly fitted, the appearance they gave the person was 10x better than if they did not have them on. These results caused the denture industry to explode. With no other real options, dentures became a multi-billion dollar industry.

instead of covering up whenever they smiled, or being overly cautious when they talked, people began opting for dentures en masse.

2) Dentures Assist With Your Ability To Properly Pronounce Words For some people, missing out on teeth can affect the pronunciation of some words and letters. This happens to people who are missing their front teeth. The tongue presses up against your teeth to help pronounce certain words. Without the teeth there, it is difficult to get those words said where someone can understand you.

3) Dentures Aid In The Chewing Process Dentures can help masticate food so it digest better. The challenge begins when you try to eat certain cuts of meat, or breads that are hard. Beef jerky is tough to chew properly with dentures. And this is where implants come into play. Implants are rooted into your jawbone, so they don't move - ever. A denture implant is when an implant specialist drills four to six holes in your jawbone.

They then have a set of dentures created specifically for your notu that click into place with the implants. This causes the dentures to be "fixed" in place. These kinds of dentures are more commonly known as "All-on-4 Implants" or "All-on-6 Implants," depending on which procedure you decided upon.

Dentures are still being used to this day, and are still a growing industry - albeit at a much slower pace than implants. Dentures are a great solution, when you have no other options. But if you can afford them, implants are definitely the way to go.

With dental health becoming more important, people are looking for quality dental advice online. There is so much information available online that one can never run out of it. So if you are searching for dental advice, here are a few places that you can visit, and get some answers.

Most dentists will provide dental health tips on their website, which includes information about the dental services available to patients. Many of these services are free to their patients as well, so check them out for yourself. In addition to this, many dentists also offer free dental check ups at local community centers. If you have trouble finding a dentist that offers these types of services, you should definitely check out your local area dentist.

You can also find dental health information online by contacting local agencies or organizations that provide dental services and/or education. Many local organizations offer free or low cost dental services for their members. So if your local dental offices does not offer dental advice, this might be a great place to start.

If you do not know where to look for dental health advice, you can always use the internet. There are many different dental health sites out there to browse through that you can get dental advice from, but you have to be careful. There are several bad sites out there that are trying to take advantage of people who have dental problems.

Dental health is very important, especially if you are getting any type of dental treatment. So keep up with your regular cleanings and dental treatments to keep your teeth healthy. Many people will use dental insurance if they have dental insurance because they want to save money. It is important to have dental insurance to pay for the cost of dental services in case you need them.

Even though dental care can be costly, it is well worth it in the end. Many people who are missing teeth due to cavities or other problems do not realize that the money that they spent on treatments could have gone toward getting preventive dental care.

Once you have found a reputable source for dental advice, make sure that you read the articles thoroughly before you act on them. This way, you will be able to get the best dental care possible without putting yourself at risk. Even if it seems like you are saving money, you do not want to end up paying for bad dental care later on.

A tooth infection, also called an infected tooth or an infected cavity, occurs when a pus-filled sac forms in the pulp of a tooth. Depending on the cause of tooth infection, it can be known by any of the following terms: periapical infection - a painful tooth abscess which typically occurs at the front of the tooth root. The disease may spread to other areas of your mouth, as well as the back of your tongue, throat or gums, but usually the most visible symptoms are the presence of pus in the infected area of your tooth.

Tooth abscesses can be mild and subclinical or severe and debilitating. It is usually treatable with antibiotics and proper oral hygiene. If your dentist suspects that you have a tooth infection, he will usually examine you closely and take X-rays to determine whether he has found any signs of infection. If the X-rays reveal a possible tooth infection, he may recommend you see a dentist who specializes in treating dental infections.

Tooth abscesses are generally treated in three different ways. One is through surgery, and the second involves the draining of pus from the abscessed area. These treatments are all done under general anesthesia and can be dangerous, if not fatal, if not treated immediately.

The surgical method is done with an incision to remove the infected area. The surgeon then makes an incision in the mouth to drain the pus and tissue from the area where the infection has occurred. The pus is drained and the area is closed with stitches.

The second treatment involves draining the pus. The infected area of the root is first punctured with a needle. The pus is drained through this needle, and then the area is wrapped with gauze and sutures. The area is covered and left to heal for several days.

Treatment involves the removal of bacteria which are present in the infected area. There are several medicines that can be taken orally to kill bacteria. Antibiotics may also be taken orally, and will help to eliminate the bacteria that are present in the infected area.

Oral surgery may also be recommended to treat infected teeth. This procedure will involve the removal of the infected teeth and the root. The infected root will be replaced and the tooth will be put back into the jaw so that it can be used again.

Treatment involves more than just removing the infected tooth. In some cases, the infected tooth must be removed because it is permanently scarring. This is often a result of infection which has spread to nearby teeth. New teeth can be replaced through cosmetic dentistry after the infection is eliminated.

A lot of people attribute having good oral health to being successful in life. Having perfect teeth and healthy gums are vital to the overall well-being of an individual, and gives them confidence in everyday life.

Although taking care of teeth is not rocket science, some people still suffer tooth-loss. Losing one or more teeth is aggravating and affects just about anyone. A person can lose teeth for various reasons, like an accident or injury, dental caries, and periodontal disease. Fortunately, there is a solution to losing a tooth known as dental implants.

Dental implants are metal posts that are surgically placed into the jaw under the gums. It is a long-term solution to missing teeth, and can fix problems with dentures, bridges, and bite issues. There are three kinds of implants: artificial bone substitute, endosteal, and sub-periosteal. All three must be done by a professional periodontist.

There are many advantages to getting dental implants. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, thus giving someone the confidence to smile without being self-conscious about missing a tooth. Dental implants are also comfortable, and will not slip or shift in your mouth. Getting surgical dental implants is quick and results in little pain. Unlike bridges, dental implants do not need to be anchored to other teeth and can be done even with dentures. Dental implants also protect oral health by stimulating bone growth and preventing bone-loss.

On the other hand, having dental implants presents a downside. It is a costly procedure depending on the type of implant, and the extent of damage to the oral cavity. One must also shell out more cash if the surgery involves another licensed professional like a maxillofacial surgeon. It pays to have good dental coverage if you are planning to get dental implants. Additionally, not everybody is a candidate for dental implants. One has to have healthy gums, and enough jawbone to support the implants.

Care and maintenance of dental implants is not at all difficult. One is usually advised to avoid chewing on hard and gummy foods after the surgery so as not to wear down the tooth crown. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is a good start to ensure good oral health. It also helps to avoid any activities that can destroy teeth, like smoking. A regular visit to the dentist is a must to guarantee good oral hygiene. Additionally, it pays to avoid getting into accidents that might damage your teeth.

People have come a long way in terms of advancements in dental care, and are fortunate enough to have these options to recover missing teeth. Following these tips will ensure a lasting and certain path toward excellent overall health. Practicing good dental hygiene and proper oral care is essential to human well-being.

A dental implant is used as a replacement for a missing tooth that has already decayed because of cavities. Dental implants come in two different types: individual and bridge. These implants are shaped like screws and are made of synthetic titanium stubs. They are designed to go well and match with the rest of the natural teeth. They are carefully made to fit inside the jaw by means of surgery , so that an artificial tooth or set of teeth can be attached. Once the implants are already fixed, the crown or the artificial tooth will be added.

Procedure

Whether a patient has a tooth or a set of teeth missing, the method by which dental implants are attached is the same. As mentioned, minor surgery is needed in order to replace a missing tooth or a set of teeth with dental implants.

Impressions are initially taken by the implant dentist to make sure that the crown to be installed matches the shade of the patient's existing teeth and that the crown looks like a natural tooth.

The jaw bone where the implant is going to be placed is then exposed by cutting open the gum area. Then, a special post is attached to the dental implant once the exposed gum tissue is ready. More specifically, the crown is slid into place and then cemented over the post. The purpose of this post is to provide support to the new porcelain crown.

However, in special cases wherein the bone structure is not enough, implants dentists recommend that a procedure called bone grafting be done. This method, also known as transplanting of the bone tissue, is done to fix damaged bones by repairing or rebuilding them. After healthy bone material has been placed, implant dentists use a special kind of drill to prepare the bone. A dental implant can then be inserted. Once the dental implant has been placed, the gum tissue is sealed. Then, seven days to two weeks after the surgery, the stitches are ready to be removed.

Last is the healing phase which is also called osseointegration. This process usually takes about three to six months. During the healing process, the dental implant which was installed becomes part of the jaw.

Benefits of Dental Implants

By replacing missing teeth, dental implants provide patients with various advantages, such as the improvement of one's speech, bite, and appearance. Thus, once they are installed, they help make patients more comfortable with flashing their beautiful smiles. And though they are more expensive than dentures, dental implants do away with the hassle and inconvenience of putting on and taking off dentures. In addition, they help make it easier for patients to chew and eat. Most importantly, dental implants help improve a patient's self-esteem.

It is interesting to discover that there are millions with hundred kinds of germs living in your mouth. You most likely believed these bacteria are the cause why foul breath develops. But though they location quickly regarded as the one doing the works to cause that shameful mouth condition, not all of them are bad actually. Most of them work hard to continue keeping your mouth healthy by helping you absorb food you intake and keep hazardous germs from making themselves in your home.

If it is not the germs, what are the causes of bad breath?

Halitosis is the condition which produces foul odor and can be an awkward condition which can result in psychological and mental setback to a private with such case. It is not triggered by all the bacteria living in the mouth, but specific things can trigger them to turn into bad bacteria and jointly produce foul smelling substances. Food and beverage particles that blend with the saliva are developed into bad germs particularly if these are not applied with appropriate oral care.

Some of the common causes why bad breath happens are:

Dry mouth-- this is the reason that it is suggested that you take great deals of water to ensure you keep damp in the mouth and inhibit germs from growing bad compounds. The saliva inside the mouth is thought about the cleaning representative naturally produced, but if this went dry plaque has much better possibilities of gathering on the teeth. The bacteria around the mouth are then fed into this plaque and ultimately develop foul smelling breath. Drinking lots of water then through the day cleans your mouth and as well as your breath.

Improper oral hygiene-- if you can't keep practice oral health , it is so simple for the bad bacteria to collect in your mouth. Plaque and tartar are then developed to not only destroy your teeth however your breath.

It causes you bad breath due to the fact that there is extra mucous that gathers on the tongue. The mucus itself is currently a foul-smelling substance, so when this comes in contact with the tongue and lingers, the breeding of bacteria which then cause bad breath.

Other kinds of infections can also cause bad breath, and the like sinus infection, it is important that you consult with your doctor to ensure they are treated correctly. Bad breath, or merely halitosis, can be prevented and stopped if the causes are traced and treated appropriately.

Appropriate oral health care, great deals of water intake, proper treatment of specific medical conditions, plus regular medical checkups, are easy ways which you can practice to prevent obtaining into the humiliation generally provided by suffering from bad breath.

You most likely thought these germs are the cause why bad breath develops. Bad breath is the condition which provides off foul odor and can be an embarrassing condition which can lead to psychological and psychological obstacle to an individual with such case. It triggers you bad breath because there is extra mucous that collects on the tongue. The mucous itself is already a foul-smelling compound, so when this comes in contact with the tongue and lingers, the breeding of germs which then trigger bad breath.

Dentists tell their patients that they need a dental filling all the time. Most people prefer to get a second opinion to find someone who will tell them that they do not really need it just so they can avoid having to pay for it. The truth is dental fillings are necessary for people who do not want to suffer from a serious dental health issue.

People do not have a real clue of what a dental filling is and what it is for. Understanding what these are and what they are for goes a long way in taking that step in getting one for a cavity. Here are a few brief discussions on dental fillings.

What is a filling?

Tooth decay is one of the leading dental health concerns on the planet. It affects people from all across the globe and is usually a result of poor dental hygiene as well as excessive sugar intake.

Bacteria in the mouth produce toxins that rot the teeth away. Once this becomes severe enough it becomes known as tooth decay. The dentist cleans the decay by treating it, and making sure that it is clean. Once treated and cleaned, the dentist has to fill the area affected by the tooth decay with a filling.

Dental filling is one of the most sensible, conservative and least invasive methods of treatment in the dental industry. People should not have to worry about having any sort of tool or instrument drilling holes in their teeth.

The types of fillings

There are many kinds of fillings out there. The one that most people are familiar with are composite fillings and silver amalgam. These are the most common forms of fillings a person can find since they are the ones that most people get.

Silver amalgam: It is the most popular and common dental filling. It is not made purely out of silver contrary to what most people might think. It is actually a mixture of several metals, in other words it is an alloy. It is composed of tin, silver, zinc, mercury, and copper. Mercury is the major component. Mercury accounts for 50% of the alloy.

Silver amalgam is popular among dentists and patients alike primarily due to its durability as well as its low cost. With proper care, these fillings can last for as much as fifteen years. They are also very easy to replace. The only real downside to silver amalgam is that they are not aesthetically pleasing.

Composite fillings: These are very popular primarily due to aesthetic quality. It can be custom colored to match the patient's teeth. It is the most natural looking filling. The downside to these fillings is that they are not as durable as silver amalgam.

Porcelain fillings: These are both aesthetically pleasing as well as durable. They strike the right combination of qualities found in both composite and silver amalgam fillings.

Tooth sensitivity is a common dental condition characterized by a tingling sensation or a quick touch of pain that can affect a tooth or all of your teeth. The pain due to tooth sensitivity can be intermittent or constant. Intermittent tooth sensitivity may occur when you consume cold or hot drinks, food, or when cold air touches your teeth.

What are the Causes and Effects of Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth enamel corrosion is a natural effect of aging, and it has a negative effect on dentin or the primary inner surface of your tooth. Tooth enamel corrosion causes dentin exposure that leads to tooth sensitivity. But, there are more things that can cause tooth sensitivity, including:

1. Gum collapse

2. Drinking acidic drinks like soda causes tooth enamel deterioration, resulting in dentin exposure.

3. Teeth grinding

4. Brushing your teeth with too much pressure. It can damage tooth enamel and cause dentin exposure.

5. Dental treatments like teeth whitening, teeth cleaning, and tooth restorations

6. Gum disease, root nerve damage, and fractured or chipped teeth

What to Do If You Think You Have Tooth Sensitivity

Consulting your dentist is necessary if you frequently experience a tingling sensation. The dentist will examine your mouth to detect the exact cause of the problem. He may use a spray gun, which is an instrument that can dispense air over all of your teeth to locate the affected tooth or teeth.

If a restorative treatment is not necessary for your case, then your dentist will recommend the application of an in-office desensitizer. It is a protective coating that can prevent tooth sensitivity. An in-office desensitizer is easy to apply because it has a sticky base. You may undergo this treatment option on your first visit to your dentist. This protective coating can also help reduce pain during dental treatment.

The in-office desensitizer is a popular treatment option for tooth sensitivity, but there are more other remedies for the pain.

What are the Best Treatments for Tooth Sensitivity?

A home maintenance program may be helpful if you have low-level tooth sensitivity. Your dentist may also recommend fluoride rinses, toothpaste, and gels. These products are effective in reducing the sensitivity of root nerves. These dental care products can also build a defensive coating on the surface of your sensitive teeth.

For extreme tooth sensitivity, your best treatment option is the in-office desensitizer. It can provide long-lasting relief that will last for months to years. At times, a dentist suggests a non-prescription desensitizer to support the main treatment option. A toothbrush with tooth bristles can also help you avoid tooth sensitivity.

Whatever treatment you choose, seeing a good dentist should be your first step. Look for a trusted dentist near you to get help right away especially if the pain becomes unbearable.

Cavities, or tooth decay, are holes that form in your teeth. They start small, and slowly become bigger if you leave them untreated.

The onset of many cavities does not cause pain. Because of this, it can be difficult to know that there is a problem. Regular dental checkups can detect cavities early.

You can try three different options to treat cavities - prevention, restoration, and remineralization.

Prevention

Preventive dentistry has been given better focus recently. This helped in decreasing the cases of premature tooth loss.

There is no way to remove the bacteria in the mouth. However, limiting the intake of starches and sugars in your diet is an easy way to prevent cavities. Having a healthy diet can also prevent cavities in the baby teeth of toddlers and children. The same goes when their adult teeth start to grow.

Sugary juices and soft drinks are harmful to your teeth. Substitute sucralose for sucrose as bacteria cannot digest it. You can also use xylitol as a sugar substitute as it can kill bacteria. After meals, you can chew xylitol gum to lessen the prevalence of cavities.

When you brush, you can remove plaque from the outside of your teeth. Use dental floss to remove it from between your teeth. Mouthwash can also help because it reduces the harmful bacteria in your mouth.

A dentist may apply plastic sealants in the pits and fissures of children's teeth to prevent cavities.

Remineralization

Dentin, bone, and minerals make up the tooth enamel. Some of these minerals include phosphate, calcium, and fluoride. Remineralization is an organic process that helps repair the enamel before cavities form.

It is also possible to reverse shallow cavities. This can be done by treating the tooth with these minerals. You can apply fluoride to your teeth by using fluoride toothpastes and supplements. You can also drink fluoridated water.

Your dentist or dental hygienist can apply fluoride varnish to the surface of your teeth. This is a form of fluoride therapy. Take note that high levels of fluoride can be toxic.

Restoration

Dentists can restore a small cavity by using a filling made of silver amalgam or composite. They can cover large tooth decay with a crown. Crowns are usually made of zirconium, porcelain, or gold.

You might need a root canal when the cavity has reached the center of your tooth. Cavity can infect a large part of the tooth's surface. When this happens, tooth extraction is sometimes needed. You can have dental implants or bridges to restore the parts where teeth have been extracted.

Dentists can restore baby teeth through filling or a stainless steel crown. They can also do extraction pulpotomy.

To sum up, cavities can be prevented and treated. You can make changes in your dental hygiene and diet to lessen the risk of having cavities.

Older adults, which comprise 20% of the population, are those age 65 years and older. They are estimated to reach up to 72 million in the U.S. alone by the year 2030. Due to increased awareness in dental health, more older adults have retained their natural teeth compared to previous generations of aging adults. However, the retained natural teeth most likely have untreated dental caries, periodontitis, and other dental problems.

Physiologic changes in aging

As people age, there is a correlated decrease in organ mass, body fluid, and functional reserves. This leads to changes in overall body balance or homeostasis. There are changes in sensitivity to temperature, blood flow, adaptability to illnesses, and the capacity to recuperate.

Physically, aging people are noted to have decreased muscle and bone mass. They are also prone to osteoarthritis which is joint degeneration due to overuse as one grows older. There are age-related visual and hearing changes as well. Aging adults are prone to falls due to decreasing balance. They will experience cognitive changes such as dementia or increased forgetfulness.

These physiologic changes affect the body's response to illnesses or even to daily care that can lead to more complications if not addressed early on. Due to poor cognitive health, one may find it hard to take medications on time and properly. One may forget or neglect daily hygiene activities including teeth and gum care. Poor muscle and bone health and joint pains limit movements, and this may cause difficulty even in brushing one's teeth.

Comorbidities and dental health

Although older adults may still have very satisfactory overall health and be functional and independent, some will have at least one chronic condition, and some may be frail or impaired despite being at a "younger" elderly age. The comorbidities may have a direct or indirect effect on dental health.

If one takes multiple prescription medications, decreased organ function may easily cause side effects. Some medications may cause changes in salivary glands, which excrete substances that keep the mouth moist, and have bacteria-fighting properties. Some medications may cause thinning of the blood that may lead to bleeding with minimal injury. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause poor healing such that unmanaged gum infection and teeth problems may experience complications (e.g. abscesses or even blood infection).

What could be done

* It is recommended that older adults especially those with dry mouths regular take water throughout the day.

* Limit intake of alcoholic beverages, and those high in sugar and caffeine.

* Continue providing topical fluoride even to older adults.

* Ensure good oral hygiene is maintained at home. Using rotating toothbrushes may be helpful for those with limitation of movement. Having regular dental appointments is a good practice to prevent complicated dental problems.

* Due to cardiovascular disease risks, an epinephrine dose for anesthesia must be used sparingly and cautiously. Excess use of this drug may cause heart problems.

* The patient and possible caregivers must be educated regarding oral health care especially for those at risk of cognitive impairment.

* For dental health practitioners, always remember that the cognitive impairments of older adults may cause problems with communications and self-care. Be understanding when providing instructions, and explaining the procedure. Ensure that sutures are well-placed, and that the patient is stable before discharging him/her.

Older adults are prone to experiencing several oral and dental problems. In fact, those who are more than 65 years old are at risk of having more tooth decay in comparison to other age groups. To help prepare for these issues, gaining knowledge about some of the most common dental problems affecting older adults is a must.

Dry Mouth

Older people are often prone to producing less saliva, which is supposed to act as a natural protector for your mouth as it limits bacterial growth, cleanses your mouth of food, and ensures that your teeth are filled with protective minerals. Reduced saliva caused by dry mouth can, therefore, trigger dental decay.

If you are experiencing it then be aware that some of the major causes of it are cancer therapy, certain ailments, and some medicines, like antidepressants, bladder medications, anti-anxiety drugs, antihistamines, and diuretics. In this case, consider asking your pharmacist or doctor if it is possible to change your prescription, or lower your dose to prevent the dryness in your mouth.

Drinking enough water daily while staying away from foods and drinks rich in sugar can help, too. You can also stimulate the production of saliva by chewing gums and lozenges.

Gum Disease

Also called periodontal disease, gum disease takes place when your gums, as well as the tissues holding your teeth in place, get infected. This might also result from the buildup of plaque along and under your gum line.

If you are suffering from a mild gum disease, then improving your oral hygiene can help reverse it. It is also advisable to brush and floss every day. Visiting your dentist regularly is necessary for preventing, and catching the problem before it gets the chance to progress.

Tooth Decay

Older adults are also at risk of tooth decay and cavities. There is even a chance for you to get these cavities on certain surfaces in your teeth that are never problematic before. Note, however, that the decay might also happen around the roots of your teeth, as well as your old fillings. It is mainly because the roots tend to get softer as you age.

To fix this problem, make it a point to use fluoride. If you have no access to fluorinated water then a wise tip is to add a fluoride rinse to your daily brushing habit. You might also ask your dentist if he can prescribe a stronger fluoride gel for you.

Gum Recession

This problem occurs gradually and is often characterized by the gums shrinking away from your teeth. It tends to affect older adults especially if they have poor dental hygiene and certain gum diseases. Other possible causes of it are teeth grinding and smoking. If you do not treat receding gums immediately then it can significantly damage your oral tissue, which can further lead to tooth loss, and the development of more gum disease.

You can avoid this problem through good oral hygiene. It is also advisable to avoid sugar-filled foods and quit smoking. In case you show signs of gum recession, visiting your dentist right away is necessary. Your dentist might recommend a few treatment options, like deep cleaning and scaling.

Conclusion

Early identification of the mentioned dental problems in older adults can help treat them right away. You can also avoid them through daily brushing and flossing. Be fully aware of the changes to your mouth, too, and schedule regular dental examinations to keep your teeth, gums, and their surrounding tissues healthy even as you age.

IV, short for intravenous, sedation dentistry is the most common way to ease the dental anxiety of the patient by facilitating calm, relaxation and pain relief, especially during widely known painful oral surgeries like wisdom tooth extraction, gum surgery, and other invasive treatments (described as a procedure that requires incision of a skin or tissue) that tend to be tedious and lengthy.

This procedure is done by injecting a needle into a vein, and letting the sedative, and some analgesics into the bloodstream. The effect to the patient is instant. The good thing about IV sedation is that the doctor can regulate the level, duration, and the amount of the dilution of the sedative drug that would enter into the vein of the patient. However, constant monitoring of vital signs must also be done in order to keep the patient safe and conscious, such as the pulse rate, blood pressure, and number of breaths per minute.

This procedure is considered the fastest in terms of incorporating sedation to a patient since the drug quickly circulates around the body. However, some patients who are scared of needles might find this procedure more stressful than the actual invasive treatment itself because he or she may be needle-phobic, especially since this is done while he or she is conscious. If that is the case, other sedation methods can be used.

Also, this method should only be administered by dentists who are certified oral surgeons because the process of finding a vein alone and actually inserting a needle is a dangerous procedure altogether. It requires additional technical skills and training to be able to be qualified to do an IV procedure.

And because of the additional workload needed to administer the IV solution, and to monitor the vital signs of the patient, not to mention the equipment needed aside from the manpower, IV sedation is comparatively the most costly among conscious sedation procedures (i.e., inhalation and oral sedation). Still, it is the most recommended for procedures that require a lot of time in the surgery room.

Before the IV procedure is to take place, the patient must comply to some preoperative steps that the dentist would give to ensure his or her safety. He or she must also sign a consent form once the dentist informs her about the risks involved during the surgery.

After the procedure using the IV sedation, some patients may experience a few, if none at all, side effects. Still, it is recommended that someone should bring him or her home since it is not certain how the patient reacts to the drugs administered. Plus, the drug usually wears off within 24 hours or more depending on the amount that was put in his or her bloodstream. The patient must be monitored during this whole time in order to ensure safety.

One of the many priorities of responsible adults is their own dental health and that of their family. With that said, picking a family dentist is something that you have to think about carefully. Working with the best family dentist can help ensure that your entire family receives excellent dental health care.

Now, how do you go about choosing the best family dentist? Here are some tips:

1. Ask for referrals - Seek the aid of your trusted friends and relatives by asking them if they can refer a reliable family dentist. Make sure, however, that you do not instantly hire the dentist recommended by the people you know. You still have to conduct your own research to find out if the recommended professionals really have a good reputation. Determine who among the recommended dentists you can work along with comfortably. Your choice should also have an extensive experience in dentistry.

2. Check out the offered dental services - Your chosen dentist should be able to cater to the specific dental services that you and your family need. All dental clinics include basic dental services in their offers, such as regular dental check-ups, fillings and cleaning. However, if you have special needs, find out if a specific dentist can offer that before deciding to take his service.

3. Observe the dental clinic - Make sure that the clinic has a fun, friendly and comfortable atmosphere, especially if you have children whom you want to receive regular dental care. The environment should not be scary for your kids. It is also advisable to look for a dentist who is known for being patient with children.

He should be capable of putting the young ones at ease to eliminate their fears on dental procedures. If there is a dental clinic in your place with a play area for children, then that would be a great choice. Your kids will most likely forget why you bring them in the clinic in the first place.

4. Check his accessibility - Another thing that you have to look for in a family dentist is the accessibility of his location. Make sure that his clinic is close to your home or workplace. It is also advisable to factor in his flexibility in terms of scheduling appointments. Looking for a family dentist whom you can access anytime can make you feel at ease, knowing that you will not have a hard time contacting him, especially during emergencies.

5. Look for an experienced one - Go for a family dentist who has been practicing for several years. Make sure that he also attends trainings on a regular basis and uses the most advanced dental tools, products and equipment. Aside from knowledge, training and experience, you also need to find out if you are comfortable working with him. With that, you can easily convey whatever dental issues you or any member of your family is currently dealing with.

Completing the process of dental implants usually takes months. At least three months is needed and might prolong to nine months at most. In between these months, your main goal is for your gums to heal while waiting for new bone to grow in your jaw. This whole process is done as an outpatient surgery, and is performed in the following stages:

Stage 1 - if your damaged tooth is still attached, it will be removed. If not, the empty space will be cleaned and prepared for surgery. It will be opened, so the bone can be easily accessed.

Stage 2 - when the bone is exposed, your dentist will let you know if there is enough structure to attach an implant. If not, a bone graft will be done. If bone density is sufficient enough, a special drill will be used to create a hole inside. The implant will be inserted, and your gums will be sutured.

Stage 3 - You will wait for at least three months for the implant to heal, and integrate itself with your bone. This is called osseointegration. After it has healed, a post will be attached over the implant.

Stage 4 - The artificial crown can now be affixed and cemented.

When Bone Grafting Is Necessary

Bone grafting may be necessary if your jawbone is not thick or strong enough. Your new tooth should have strong support so it can work properly when you chew. Without the right quality of bone structure, your implant has a high risk of failure. At the same time, a bone graft can provide a solid base for your implant.

When the Dental Implant Is Inserted

After the dental implant is inserted, your missing tooth will still leave a gap. A temporary, removable partial denture will be attached so your set of teeth will still look complete. It can be removed while you sleep or for cleaning.

While Waiting for Jawbone to Grow

While osseointegration is happening, your jawbone gradually bonds with your dental implant. To make sure that your implant is well-integrated, your dentist may wait up to six months for this to happen. After this, your new artificial crown will have a solid root.

When the Post Is Affixed

After osseointegration, another minor, outpatient surgery is to be performed. The post needs to be attached, so your gums may be slightly opened to expose the implant. When exposed, the post will be attached to it.

How to Choose Your New Artificial Tooth

It will take one to two weeks for your gums to heal again after your post has been attached. Your dentist will take impressions of your mouth after the post has healed. These impressions will be used to create your new artificial crown. You can choose from either a fixed or removable implant prosthesis.

After Surgery

You may experience swelling and bruising in your gums and face. You may also feel pain and see minor bleeding. These are all normal. Ask your dentist for medications that can relieve these symptoms.

Pediatric dentistry is a specialization that focuses on the treatment of children ranging from infancy until they reach their teen years. From the time babies start to get their baby teeth at six months, it is important that they get proper dental care to ensure that they get strong and healthy permanent teeth, and enjoy good oral health throughout their lives. If they do not get dental care from an early age, children risk developing dental problems such as early childhood dental caries, which can result in problems such as cavities and tooth decay continuing to haunt them throughout their adult lives.

The types of treatment the pediatric dentist provides include:

- Preventive care, including regular check-ups, fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth, and cleaning (prophylaxis). The dentist will also provide diet and nutrition recommendations to help keep teeth healthy.

- Oral health exams, including screening for diseases such as dental caries, for both the child and the mother.

- Early assessment to determine if the child will need to undergo orthodontic procedures to straighten their teeth.

- Counseling on habits that can have an impact on the childâs dental health, such as thumb-sucking.

- Diagnosis of dental conditions developing due to diseases such as asthma, diabetes and congenital heart defect.

- Management of dental problems such as gum disease and pediatric periodontal disease, as well as repair of defects and cavities.

In order to become a pediatric dentist, apart from completing dental school, the dentist must also complete a minimum 24-month residency program, which must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Certain states may also impose other requirements that your credentials must meet in order for you to be allowed to practice.

In addition, the pediatric dentist can adjust their specialization to focus on a particular age group, such as focusing on the specific dental needs of adolescents or infants. They can also specialize on dealing with the needs of children who are developmentally challenged.

Why should parents choose a pediatric dentist over a general dentist? Specialists are more qualified to deal with the specific dental needs of children in a way that general dentists may not be able to. They are trained to be able to put children more at ease during appointments, to ensure that visits are as pain-free as possible, and that children do not develop dental phobia. Their clinics are designed to be child-friendly, and they have equipment specifically made to ensure the comfort of children.

These days, pediatric dentists are also focusing more on aesthetics, so that children who need to have fillings or crowns do not need to have silver put in their mouth, as well as introducing sedation into their practice so that young patients would not experience distress or pain during their visit.

The primary goal of restorative dentistry is to bring back the function of damaged teeth. But aside from that, restorative dentistry is also a way to address other cosmetic imperfections that can be found in your teeth.

Read the full article to know the different ways on how restorative dentistry is achieved:

1. Dental Bridgesv

If you have missing teeth resulting to gaps in your smile, one of the solutions is the use of dental bridges. These dental appliances are tooth replacements placed on the tooth gap, and literally act as a bridge to close this gap. This new tooth is supported by the two normal teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. Dental bridges can be made from metal, steel, ceramic, porcelain, plastic, or combinations thereof.

2. Dental Implants

Dental implants are considered the most sophisticated solution in restorative dentistry. They are made of titanium steel, and are embedded into the jawbone just like how a normal tooth is. On top of the implant is a dental crown that mimics a real tooth.

3. Dental Crowns

Another dental appliance used to replace missing, damaged, and decayed teeth are dental crowns. As its name implies, the crowns only act as replacement of the uppermost visible portion of the tooth. If the teeth is damaged or decayed, the affected portions are removed or sanded away. The crowns are then cemented over them. This will result in brand new looking healthy teeth.

4. Dentures

A more common and cost-effective way of replacing missing teeth is the use of dentures. They are removable dental appliances that can be adhered to the gums to replace a full set of teeth or just a few missing teeth.

5. Dental Fillings

Another restorative dentistry procedure is the use of dental fillings. They are made of composite resins that can match the color of the surrounding teeth. They are placed inside pre-cleaned tooth cavities to prevent further decay and damage to the tooth. Dental fillings can last between 5-10 years depending on your oral health practices.

6. Onlays and Inlays

Onlays and inlays are made from the same porcelain materials that dental crowns are made of. Inlays are used to fill holes found in a tooth while onlays are placed on gaps or holes on the tooth surface. They are also good cosmetic dental appliances since they can make the teeth appear uniform and flawless.

7. Full Mouth Restoration

In cases where there is severe dental damage due to trauma or decay, a full mouth restoration may be required. This procedure often involves multiple treatment plans, and the patient will likely have dental bridges, implants, fillings, and in some cases, even jaw surgery.

Those are the different restorative dentistry techniques. Ask your dentist about them and get ready to have a perfectly-restored set of teeth.

Having sensitive teeth is one of the main dental concerns of those in their late twenties to early thirties. This occurs because the teeth are at their peak function at this age. Nevertheless, sensitive teeth may occur regardless of age - either insidiously or intermittently.

To avoid the sudden onset of pain if you have sensitive teeth, consider doing the following steps:

1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

The most common symptom of sensitive teeth is sudden pain felt when a trigger substance is ingested. This occurs because the dentin of the tooth is exposed, causing irritation in the nerve center. To prevent the gum tissue protecting your dentin from getting stripped off, you need to consider using soft-bristled toothbrushes.

2. Use a mouth guard when sleeping.

The mechanical tearing away of dentin does not only occur when brushing your teeth. It may also happen while you are asleep, and involuntarily grinding your teeth. Under the recommendation of your dentist, use a mouth guard if you are prone to teeth grinding, when you are asleep.

3. Avoid food and drinks with extreme temperatures when eaten, and those with high acidic content.

Due to lack of healthy gum and dentin layers, the nerve endings in the teeth can be easily irritated when you take in foods that are too hot, cold, sour, or sweet. To prevent sudden teeth pain episodes, it is best to avoid highly acidic foods, or wait for your foods or drinks to cool down to room temperature.

4. Minimize use of teeth whitening products.

Some teeth whitening products are loaded with a high concentration of ingredients that can also promote the stripping away of the dentin. If you are using teeth whiteners, limit their use to once every other week or less.

5. Visit your dentist for a dental exam.

To lessen teeth sensitivity, a dentist will need to assess the state of your teeth and gums. Sometimes, tooth sensitivity symptoms occur if there is tooth decay, gum disease, and plaque buildup. Too often, these conditions can only be diagnosed and treated by a licensed dentist.

6. Floss and brush teeth using toothpaste for sensitive teeth at least 3 times each day.

Toothpastes specifically formulated to address tooth sensitivity are now available. Also, make sure to take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly.

9. Use fluoride-enriched mouth rinses.

Aside from toothpastes for sensitive teeth, you can also use fluoride-enriched mouthwashes. These rinses are safe for home use, and repeated usage will reduce sensitive tooth symptoms.

10. Talk to your dentist about getting dentin sealers or teeth bonding.

If you are still experiencing tooth pain despite religiously following the steps to reduce tooth sensitivity, perhaps it is time to ask your dentist about other dental procedures you may undergo to treat the condition once and for all. He can recommend white fillings to cover the teeth surface, or he can apply dentin sealers that act as varnishes to protect the roots of the teeth.

Even if the tooth pain associated with having sensitive teeth does not regularly occur, it can still affect your daily activities. Minimizing tooth sensitivity will require a lot of your patience. You need to modify your eating habits, and oral hygiene routine to prevent the sudden onset of pain. Eventually, your teeth will be desensitized, and you will not have to worry about any tooth pain at all.

Do you have dental anxiety? Have you put off dental treatment because you can't stand the thought of going into a dental office? Do you have a touchy gag reflex? Or maybe you have a lot of work to get done? You might think that conscious sedation is only for extreme circumstances, but really it's for everyone. But what is it?

Conscious Sedation Dentistry is the use of light sedation medication that will keep you completely unaware but still conscious enough to be in the drivers seat. So you may sleep and again you may not. One thing our experience tells us is that you will not remember much about the whole procedure. You are in the driver seat in the sense that you have complete control of all your air ways unlike General Anesthetics and if you are uncomfortable you can let the dentist know and there is a reversal agent that will terminate all the sedation effects instantly. At that point a sedation office would stop all work until you are ready again. You have the controls. The best part? Not only will you not remember a thing but there is no anxiety, no stress about dental pain or a gag reflex. And possibly, all your dental work can be completed in one session.

Have you not been to the dentist in a long time? Conscious Sedation is great if you have a lot of work to get done and would like to finish it all in one appointment. This way the dentist can work for several hours and complete in one session what would have taken multiple appointments. Not only will that save you time but the anxiety of going to the dentist and sitting in one position for hours.

Finally if you gag easily, which is a reflex and not your fault, conscious sedation will relax you from the stress of having dental work done. So you stay calm...breathe and the reflex is not activated. Conscious sedation makes your dental experience one you're happy to forget.

Anxiety is a common when going to the dentist. Often a memory of a terrible experience, the sound or the odor of the dental office will trigger anxiety. Or sometimes its the fear of being out of control, needle phobia. Whatever it is, you are not alone. Dental anxiety is real.

Finding a clinic where all the staff understands this, is of the utmost importance. The office should provide a safe and non-judgmental environment. Ask your dentist how they handle anxious patients. Make certain they make time to listen to your concerns and give you options. It is NOT an option to "just get over it". In the end, if the dental office is considerate and kind to high fear patients, they must be great with patients without fear.