5 TEETH PROBLEMS THAT ONLY THE BEST DENTIST CAN HELP WITH

Truly, dental problems are one of the many headaches in life. However, most common teeth problems can be prevented by yourself – and your dentist, of course. As per dentists, brushing your teeth 2 to 3 times each day and flossing it will keep it away from almost all teeth problems (unless your chewing ice) – plus regular check-ups of your teeth are a huge help to know the status of what’s going on with your teeth. To keep your teeth healthy, you have to educate yourself on what to eat, what to do daily, and how frequently to visit the dentist. 

Teeth are sometimes called the “front page” of a person – and if you have a tooth problem, you cannot smile, talk, and laugh confidently. It’s difficult, isn’t it? Oral health & hygiene must be taken seriously. You need to have self-discipline and you must know how to follow the do’s and don’ts. After speaking with a Placerville Dentist, in this article, we will tackle the common teeth problems that only a dentist can help with. 

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay or also known as cavities or dental caries occurs through the bacteria found in plaque and has the chance to meddle in your teeth. If you happen to have cavities, sadly, your teeth will be permanently damaged – and might result in small holes until it gets larger if you don’t see a dentist. Your dentist will do a treatment to you either fluoride treatments, fillings, crowns, root canals, and tooth extractions.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis or also known as gum disease is where an infection is brought out through accumulations of the plaque in your mouth. These bacteria will scatter in your mouth and will eat up your gum tissues as well as your ligaments – which are known to hold your teeth to be in place. There are 5 different stages of this disease and you have enough time to prevent it. See a dentist and expect to do the following treatment either non-surgical or surgical – scaling, root planing, taking topical or oral antibiotics, flap surgery, soft tissue grafts, bone grafting, tissue regeneration, and applying tissue-stimulating proteins.

Tooth Infection 

Tooth infection happens when the bottom spot of your tooth is infected and filled up with bacteria. If you will not see a dentist and left it untreated, a single tooth infection will damage the pulp tissues of your tooth as well as its nerves. Expect to have a treatment of root canal to prevent it from any kind of damage. 

Enamel Degradation

Enamel degradation is the presence of discoloration shaped in the round that can be found in the enamel surface. It occurs because of taking too much sugary food and drinks – and they will wear down your enamel. Your dentist will clean your teeth and do a fluoride treatment as the first step of preventing it. 

Tooth Crowding

Having a misaligned teeth might lead to jaw disorders as well as misaligned bites. While this might come out naturally, it can be fixed by a dentist by having braces. This go-to treatment will make your teeth aligned with one another. If you opt for braces, except for some extraction when needed. 

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7 WAYS TO UP YOUR ORAL HEALTH GAME IN 2017

With the New Year fast approaching, it’s time to once again consider what our resolutions will be for 2017. One of the more popular, yet generic resolutions is simply to “get healthier.” For those looking to set more specific goals, improving your oral health should be a top priority. Oral health is profoundly important, and goes far beyond simply having white teeth or a pretty smile. Did you know periodontal (gum) disease can either be an indicator or effect of other serious, systemic health problems?

Considering this, Dr. Caitlin Grimes of StoneCreek Dental Care has shared her top seven ways to help ambitious New Year’s “resolution-ers” up their oral health game in 2017: 

1. Choose the right foods. We’ve all heard that we need to avoid sugary foods so we won’t get cavities. While this is true, there are certain foods you should be eating that can actually help your mouth. Next time you’re in the kitchen, reach for crunchy foods like celery, carrots and apples — not only are they healthy, but they also increase saliva production. More saliva means less bacteria-producing acid in your mouth that may lead to cavities and erode your enamel. Calcium-rich dairy products (think: milk, yogurt and cheese) are also great options to help strengthen your teeth. 

2. Change your toothbrush. Chances are, you haven’t changed your toothbrush in months or maybe even a year. If your toothbrush is worn out, it definitely will not clean your teeth as effectively as it once did, and may even be leaving behind plaque and food debris. Throw your old one out, and aim to replace it every two or three months.

3. Pick up that floss! There seems to be a never-ending debate about whether or not flossing is a necessity. The answer is actually quite simple – it’s YES, you need to floss! Flossing gets rid of food trapped between your teeth, helps removes bacteria and plaque and freshens breath. It’s a win-win-win!

4. Go easy on the brushing. Listen carefully, it’s not that you should brush less — you should be brushing at least twice a day for two minutes. That said, many people brush their teeth way too hard. Vigorous brushing can wear down your enamel, and lead to increased tooth sensitivity or damage your gums. So, next time you brush, pretend you’re brushing the surface of a tomato, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of how much force should be applied to your teeth.  

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5. Don’t neglect the tongue. This may not be the most pleasant news you’ve ever heard, but bacteria doesn’t just live between your teeth — it also covers your tongue. This bacteria causes bad breath, and can move to your teeth and gums and create other problems. You don’t necessarily need to go out and buy a special tongue scraper, just remember –  when brushing your teeth, be sure to give your tongue some love as well. 
 
6. Consider cosmetic choices. Did you know that crooked teeth that rub against each other wear down more easily, and are more likely to build up plaque that can lead to gum disease? 

If you don’t want metal braces, there are several great and increasingly affordable options for invisible braces. Veneers and implants should be considered if you have more serious dental concerns, but are an investment and must be done properly. Be sure to consult with a trained dental surgeon who specializes in cosmetic dentistry prior to making any decisions. 

7. Make and keep your dental appointments. Visiting your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup is crucial. Regular cleanings help prevent cavities and gum disease, improve your smile and boost your overall health. Most importantly, you’ll be able to address your concerns with a trained professional (not Google), and ensure there are not any serious issues going on that need further treatment.

New Year’s resolutions can be cliché, but often serve as a great motivator to help people make positive changes in their lives. In 2017, up your oral health game with these seven tips and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come!

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | UnSplash

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