Does Tea Discolour Teeth?

Tea stains vessels, clothes and upholstery is bound to stain your teeth too, over a period of time. So if these beverages of regular consumption do discolour teeth, do you stop consuming them? That’s surely not the solution by any means! There are ways to manage discolouration of teeth caused due to beverage consumption. While some of them could be carried out at home, others would require visits to the dentists.

discolouration in the dental plaque and not the tooth itself. This plaque needs to be cleaned or flossed away within a period of 24 hours. In case it remains in the teeth, it hardens to form what we commonly call tartar. This tartar is a porous substance and absorbs stains caused by other food items as well. Eventually, your teeth look ugly and stained. In such cases you need to conduct a dental cleaning process which can effectively remove the tartar and the stains would disappear with them.

Dealing with Tooth Discolouration

Some of the most effective remedies to deal with tooth discolouration include the following:

Always remember to rinse your mouth thoroughly with tap water, every time you consume any caffeinated beverage. Regular brushing and flossing of teeth is a must. Flossing is an excellent way to remove dental plaque on a regular basis. This will prevent formation of hardened tartars. Make a paste with some common salt and baking soda. Use this to brush your teeth at least two times a week. Although this might not have a whitening impact on the teeth, it will surely help in removing stains. Consider rinsing your mouth with a hydrogen peroxide solution after brushing. This will help in dealing with the stains much more easily. You can also consider using an electric toothbrush for cleaning purposes. These are known to be especially effective in cleaning plaque and tartar. Always use a good quality whitening toothpaste for effective reduction of stains. You could also try some bleaching kits at home. Buy ones which contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as bleaching agents.

Finally, if the stains continue to persist despite your best efforts, consider paying a visit to the dentist. He would carry out a complete cleaning of your teeth and gums and you can actually see the stains visibly disappearing. Remember paid dental procedures such as these might prove to be expensive and time consuming at the same time. So consider giving tea addiction a second thought.

What to Eat After Dental Surgery?

Good diet and nourishment is of utmost significance especially when a person is recuperating from a dental surgery. If one knows what to eat and eats the appropriate diet, it guarantees quick recovery and also reduces the possibility of excessive dry socket and blood loss. Post oral surgery phase is a very critical stage and must not be managed without the supervision of dental specialists. In case the patient has been prescribed some antibiotics, he may have to exclude dairy products from his diet chart. In fact, for a couple of days following the surgery the patient should go in for either drinking beverages such as tea or water or foods that are soft.

In the post dental surgery period, a person needs to know what to eat and must include sufficient amount of fibre and protein in the diet. Liquids should also form a predominant part of the diet. Good dietary liquids include nourishing fruit and vegetable juices, milkshakes, energy drinks, instant breakfast drinks and fruit smoothies. Immediately after oral surgery, oatmeal, soft scrambled eggs, soft fruits, well cooked rice and cream of wheat should be included in the diet of the patient. Avoid carbonated or aerated beverages, hot fluids and spicy food after oral surgery. The patient must eat those food items that do not cause irritation to one’s surgery spot. Foods such as puddings, yoghurt, custard, vegetable broth, ice-creams, applesauce, cream soups, and mashed potatoes are soothing to the spot of surgery. Anything that needs to be sucked should be stringently avoided as this can hinder the blood clot formation in the mouth, resulting in excessive bleeding. Though meat and the dairy products are an excellent source of protein and energy, they need to be avoided. Instead, you can eat mashed potatoes, soft cheeses and tofu. Moreover, food items including canned fish, poached fish, hummus, meat loafs, mashed pinto beans and shredded meat are supposed to be included in the diet as they do not require much of chewing. Peanut butter, seed and nut oils are also recommended.

What to eat after dental surgery is an important query that needs to be addressed to every patient. The latest innovations in the field of medicine and pharmacy have made the surgical methods and process less agonising and more tolerable on the part of the patient. As the patient is under the influence of medication when he returns home, he must ensure that he sticks to the prescribed painkillers and must not eat anything without the approval of the doctor.

Tooth Decay

Symptoms of Tooth Decay in Toddlers

Tooth decay is one of the most common tooth problems in toddlers. In dental decay, cavities are formed on the outer layer of the tooth. These cavities are formed due to the collapse of hard dental issues which lead to a mild tooth decay. Rarely does tooth decay go unnoticed. If so, it may rupture the surrounding nerves and tissues of the gum.

Cause of Tooth Decay in Children

Bacterial infection is a main cause of tooth decay. Bacteria’s reside on the surface of the tooth and gets it nourishment from the foods and drinks consumed by toddlers. These bacteria produce acids and fluids that may affect the coating of the tooth and a visible change in the colour and texture of the tooth will be easily noticed. The bacterium harms the enamel of the tooth over time and decay becomes inevitable.

Risk Factors for Tooth Decay

Heredity dental health may impact the toddler’s oral hygiene. Consumption of sweetened and starchy foods in the form of chocolates or natural sweeteners may increase the risk of tooth decay in your toddler. If teeth are not brushed regularly, it will lead to tooth and gum damage in a matter of months. Frequent snacking will increase the amount of time the teeth are in contact with acids; this will lead to tooth decay.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay

The intensity of the symptoms may vary from child to child. The symptoms may occur individually or in combinations. The symptoms of tooth decay are enlisted below:

Toddler may face difficulty while chewing or swallowing the food. A noticeable jaw inflammation may manifest. Bad breathe may be a result of tooth decay due to plague. Bleeding while brushing due to hyper sensitivity. Gum inflammation especially at the root of the tooth. Pits and holes at the central pit of the tooth. Spots on the tooth of white, gray, black or brown in colour. A broken tooth is more susceptible to tooth decay. Swollen glands may be a sign of tooth decay. Tartar may irritate the gums leading to gingivitis in toddles if left ignored.

Diagnosis of Tooth Decay

The most obvious sign of tooth decay is hyper sensitivity and tooth ache. However, your toddler may not be able to communicate these issues to you verbally. The parents would need to check for visible signs to monitor and gauge any sign or symptom of tooth decay.

10 Reasons to Quit Smoking Right Now

Cigarette smoking is one of the most preventable causes of death in the world. Each year, more than 450,000 people die from diseases related to tobacco use. Smoking can lead to lung cancer, stroke and heart disease, among other health problems, and can shorten your lifespan by up to 14 years.
The good news? It’s never too late to quit smoking — and when you do quit, your body quickly begins to restore itself from all the damage caused my the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke. See how your health — and life — improves in the moments, hours, months and years after you finally quit.

20 Minutes: Your Blood Pressure Drops
The nicotine in cigarettes decreases the amount of oxygen in your blood, and causes your arteries to constrict, meaning your heart has to work harder to pump blood to the rest of your body. As a result, smoking causes a rise in blood pressure; high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease.
After 20 minutes without a cigarette your heart rate drops and your blood pressure begins to return to normal levels.

2 Hours: Circulation Improves
Your circulatory system is made of blood vessels that pick up oxygen from the lungs and distribute it to your muscles and organs. The chemicals in cigarette smoke damage your blood cells and blood vessels, disrupting this oxygen-delivery process, increasing your risk of diseases of the blood vessels and heart. This damage can also increase your chance of a blood clot, resulting in heart attack or stroke.
When you’ve been cigarette-free for two hours, your circulation begins to improve.

8 Hours: Damage From Chemicals Reverses
Every time you inhale cigarette smoke, more than 7,000 chemicals and compounds—including cadmium (a component of battery acid), acetone (found in nail polish remover) and arsenic (used in rat poison)—flood into your body. Within seconds of your first puff, these harmful gases (plus others, like formaldehyde, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide) begin to irritate the sensitive membranes of your eyes, nose and throat.
As the smoke passes into your lungs, carbon monoxide (the same gas found in automobile exhaust) is immediately transferred to your blood, where it binds to oxygen receptor sites and kicks oxygen molecules out of your red blood cells. This means less oxygen makes its way to your brain and other vital organs.
After eight hours smoke-free, the carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in your blood return to normal, and the damage caused by carbon monoxide (and the other chemicals found in cigarettes) begins to reverse

24 Hours: Heart Attack Risk Drops
Nicotine and the other chemicals in cigarette smoke can put major stress on your heart. Smoking increases your risk of atherosclerosis, a disease in which fatty plaques build up in your blood stream. That plaque hardens, blocking your coronary arteries and increasing your risk for coronary heart disease. Over time, coronary heart disease can lead to chest pain, irregular heartbeat and even heart attack. Smokers are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease than non-smokers.

48 Hours: Regain Your Sense of Smell and Taste
Cigarette smoke deadens the millions of olfactory nerves in the back of your nose, diminishing sensitivity to smell. And because your sense of smell is directly correlated to taste, when you smoke, your sense of taste diminishes as well.
After 48 hours without a cigarette, all traces of nicotine have left your body, and your olfactory nerves have begun to regrow, sharpening those previously-dulled senses.

2 Weeks to 3 Months: Lung Function Improves
Cigarette smoke affects your lungs’ natural cleaning process. Smoking damages the cilia (hair-like organs that sweep fluids and foreign particles out of your airways), making it more difficult for the lungs to rid themselves of the chemicals cigarette smoke leaves behind. This damage to your lungs also spurs higher levels of mucus production in an effort to clear away the toxins from cigarette smoke.
Starting two weeks after you quit smoking, and in the months beyond, you'll notice an increased ability to perform physical activities without feeling sick and winded. Within two months, your lungs no longer need to over-produce phlegm to flush out toxins. When your lungs are cigarette smoke-free and functioning better, your risk of lung infection dramatically decreases.

6 Weeks: A Boost to Your Immune System
Smoking weakens your immune system, putting you at a higher risk for infection. With a compromised immune system, your wounds may take longer to heal and scars may heal badly. Cigarette smoking also puts you at greater risk for many bacterial and viral infections, like influenza or pneumonia.
Six weeks after you stop smoking, your immune system becomes stronger and better able to fight off infection, because all traces of nicotine (an immune system suppressant) have left your body.

1 Year: Your Risk of Heart Disease Falls
The chemicals in cigarette smoke damage your heart and blood vessels. Smoking can cause platelets in your blood to clump together, increasing your risk of blood clots, and can also trigger spasms in the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. Plus, smoking reduces “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) and allows “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) to enter the walls of your arteries more easily, where it can develop into plaque.
Plaque buildup in your arteries can lead to coronary heart disease — the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. By keeping cigarette-free for one year, you cut your risk for heart disease in half.

10 Years: Lung Cancer Risk Cut in Half
In the United States, smoking causes 90 percent of all lung cancer cases. Every time you inhale cigarette smoke, cancer-causing chemicals fill your lungs, increasing your risk for lung cancer. Nicotine also paralyzes the cilia in your lungs, making it harder for them to remove tar left behind by cigarette smoke.
10 years after you give up cigarettes, your risk for dying from lung cancer is cut in half. Once you hit the 15-year mark, your risk of death from any smoking-induced condition is close to that of a non-smoker.

5 to 15 Years: Stroke Risk Reduced
The same plaque build-up in your arteries that can put you at increased risk for heart disease can also block the flow of blood to your brain and cause a stroke.
Quitting smoking greatly reduces your risk of stroke — after 5 to 15 years without cigarettes, your risk of stroke is the same as someone who has never smoked.

Quit Smoking Today: Long-term Benefits
Smoking takes a toll on your health — both inside and out. Smoking can lead to premature aging, saggy and discolored skin, and bad breath. When you quit, nutrients and oxygen travel through your blood to your skin more easily to keep you looking healthier (and younger, too!).
Giving up on cigarettes doesn’t just improve your heart and lung health; it also reduces your risk of other disease, like diabetes, and other cancers, including cancer of the mouth, throat or stomach.
Ready to quit? Check out these best ways to stop smoking today and butt out for good!

 

World Oral Health Day

Today World Oral Health Day

 -The date marks the anniversary of the FDI World Dental Federation and their groundbreaking

International Conference on Primary Health Care, which was held on September 12, 1978. In

addition the date honors Dr. Charles Godon, the FDI founder, who was born Sept. 12, 1854

  We hope that awareness of the importance of oral health can be elevated through the worldwide

recognition of this day .The dentists of the world are committed to helping each and everyone in

achieving optimal oral health through prevention and the highest possible standard of care.

Full-Mouth Rehabilitation and Bite Management of Severely Worn Dentition

Creating a beautiful smile for a patient is extremely rewarding for the 

dentist as well as for the team, and this should never be taken for granted. 

We are blessed with the ability to change someone’s self esteem, confidence 

and, possibly, the course of their life. 

Full Mouth Reconstruction is the systematic approach to restoring all (or nearly all) of your teeth at the same time. There are different reasons for needing this full-mouth restoration treatment.


Examples are

* teeth that are severely worn down multiple missing teeth
* a deep bite (the top teeth bite too far down over the bottom teeth)
* patients who want instant orthodontics (using  porcelain veneers,bridges , or other restorations on all of the teeth to ideally reshape and reposition the teeth)
* severe decay in all or most of the teeth
* severe erosion of the enamel
* congenital disorders that cause missing teeth, missing enamel, or poorly-formed teeth
* traumatic injury to the mouth/teeth

Simple Overdenture Technique without using implants (using root )

Simple Overdenture Technique,

MPLANTS have, in the last 15 to 20 years, paved the way to restoration of the edentulous and partially edentulous mouth. However, many patients cannot afford the time or money required to complete this treatment successfully. Making an Overdenture (OVD) using a simple ball-and-socket type of attachment for extra retention is a proven and easy alternative treatment to implants. The Flexi-Overdenture® attachment is based on the patented split-shank Flexi-Post® for the highest retention of the post in the root and the fewest problems. The ball-and-socket attachment delivers high retention for full and partial dentures, providing a simple, inexpensive overdenture at chairside. The Flexi-Overdenture supports a nylon attachment that is incorporated into an overdenture (Figure 1). Alternatively, and for great ease of replacement, a threaded version of the nylon attachment can be threaded into an EZ-Change® metal receptacle (keeper) that in turn is incorporated into the denture (Figure 2). The post allows the dentist to utilize remaining roots to support the retention of a denture. FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 The Steps for Placement of the Flexi-Overdenture Try to retain two canine teeth in each arch for the abutments for the OVD. If canines are not available, try to use bicuspids next. However, any tooth—even just one tooth—will provide additional retention for the OVD. Determine the optimum post size by placing the plastic template over an undistorted x-ray. There should be at least one millimeter of lateral tooth structure at the most apical placement of the post. After determining the correct post size, prepare the post hole, using a sequence of Gates Glidden drills followed by the color-coded primary reamer exactly correlated to your post size (Figures 3 and 4). FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 After using the correct primary reamer, prepare the countersink/root facer preparation with the countersink/rootfacer drill (Figure 5). FIGURE 5 Try placing the post that corresponds to your preparation. It should be fully seated (Figure 6). If the post does not seat fully, shorten the apical end of the post the appropriate amount for full seating (Figure 7). FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7 Coat the internal surface of the post hole and the shank of the post with Flexi-Flow Auto® reinforced composite cement and place the post into the root. Let set for four minutes. Place the nylon cap on the ball of the Flexi-Overdenture attachment. Make sure that the colored rubber band is on the ball of the attachment. The rubber band blocks out the undercut of the ball (Figure 8). Mark the top of the nylon cap with a disclosing paste and place the denture over the root (Figure 9). FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9 Remove the denture, noting where it has been marked with the paste (Figure 10). FIGURE 10 Relieve enough acrylic from the denture to allow the denture to sit passively over the nylon cap (Figures 11 and 12). FIGURE 11 FIGURE 12 Once you have confirmed that the denture is sitting passively supported only by the ridges, place a doughy mix of acrylic into the relieved site, place the nylon cap over the acrylic and keep it in position until the acrylic hardens (Figure 13). Remove the denture and relieve the excess underlying acrylic (Figure 14). FIGURE 13 FIGURE 14 The denture now has the added retention supplied by the ball-and-socket attachment provided by the Flexi-Overdenture attachment. Over time, the nylon attachment will wear, out reducing the amount of retention it provides. The nylon attachment can be replaced by drilling out the old attachment and cold-curing a new one in. To reduce the time and effort necessary for replacement, Essential Dental Systems, Inc., has developed the EZ-Change attachment for rapid replacement of the worn nylon attachment. To incorporate it into the denture do the following: Instead of the nylon attachment, place the EZ-Change attachment, which consists of a metal receptacle (keeper) and a threaded nylon attachment within it (Figure 15). The two components of the EZ-Change attachment are incorporated into the denture in the same manner as the original nylon cap. When the nylon attachment now wears out, it is a simple matter to use the EZ-Change wrench to unthread the worn-out nylon cap from the metal insert and thread in a new one (Figure 16). No cold-curing is necessary, the entire process taking only a few seconds. FIGURE 15 FIGURE 16 The ball-and-socket is very user-friendly for the patient. It snaps in easily, the patient can both hear and feel when the ball is seated, and there are no components to bend or break. This is a viable and time-tested alternative technique for those who cannot have implants.This technique is much more economical as compared to implant supported denture.

Fear of undergoing Dental Treatment.

Many patients experience anxiety while undergoing dental procedures. Some individuals even skip out on their dental needs simply because they are too afraid to receive the dental care they require.
Sedation dentistry provides an opportunity for patients to receive dental treatment while completely and safely asleep. Dental phobia is a common occurrence in many dental patients which ultimately handicaps individuals from preventing and treatment oral health problems. The Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation reports that 30% of patients deny themselves the dental care they require for fear of undergoing treatment.
Sedation dentistry is safe, comfortable, anxiety-free, and best of all can allow you to receive the dental care you need minus the apprehension. With sedation dentistry apprehensive patients will find themselves smiling more and fearing less. Don’t compromise your oral health for fear of treatment.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

A sedative is a drug that is administered to the body to create a relaxed, calm state similar to sleep. In dentistry, sedation can be used for a variety of procedures to help the patient feel more at ease during treatment. Traditionally the options for sedation have been limited to the inhalation of nitrous oxide (more commonly known as laughing gas) or intravenous sedation where the sedative is injected via needle through the blood vessels found in the hand or arm. However, today’s dental technology brings with it the option of oral sedation requiring no needles at all. Patients who chose to undergo oral sedation are prescribed a pill (Halcion) which they are to take one hour prior to their visit. When they arrive at their ‘ dentist, they will be awake but feeling relaxed and very drowsy. The patient is then immediately escorted and seated in the dental chair where their vital signs are monitored throughout the entire appointment. Patients will not be permitted to drive after sedation. When the patient is fully awake they will feel stress free and relaxed.

Remember: Sedation is NOT an anesthetic and so sedation alone will not provide any pain relieving qualities. A local anesthetic will also be administered in addition to the sedative to ensure patient comfort and safety. The anesthetic will be injected into the mouth after the patient is already sedated so patients will not be bothered or even remember having the injection.

Patients opting for oral sedation must arrive and leave their appointment accompanied by a responsible caregiver providing transportation to and from dental clinic. It is advised that the caregiver also remain with you following the procedure for two to four hours in the comfort of your home.

Why Sedation Dentistry ?

Many patients chose sedation dentistry during extensive dental procedures such as smile makeovers or other restorative treatment requiring multiple appointments. Sedation dentistry allows complex procedures to be performed in fewer visits as the patient does not experience the time frame of the procedure. Patients often feel as though their appointment lasted but a few minutes when in fact it may have taken hours to perform. Some patients may have denied themselves the dental procedures they’ve either always wanted or required for fear or anxiety of undergoing treatment. Sedation dentistry offers the means of achieving and maintaining your best smile possible without the stress. Sedation dentistry allows patients to overcome their fear of dental treatment and so patients are more likely to come for routine care. If you experience dental phobia or anxiety, don’t place your oral health on the back burner. Neglecting to treat any problems you may have, can allow them to develop into more serious complications. Oral health is important. Contact your dentist about sedation dentist.

Sedation or Sleep Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is sometimes incorrectly referred to as sleep dentistry. This term is misleading as the patients never actually ‘sleep’ during the procedure. The effects of the sedative cause the patients to feel the effects of sleep, but in fact they are awake the entire procedure. In sedation dentistry, the body is relaxed and patients are not likely to remember much from the treatment.

Laser Use in Dentistry

Laser technology had entered the field of dentistry by 1994 itself. The lasers used for dental treatment are not the cold lasers, which are used for treating inflammation, headache, and pain, and also used in phototherapy. Though it is useful in treating many dental problems, laser is yet to be fully accepted by the American Dental Association. The treatment mode does have FDA’s acceptance, but not that of ADA, whose standards appear to be more exacting. ADA is still not fully convinced of the efficacy and safety of using lasers for dental treatment.

However, the technology is being used by some in treating the following problems:

• Tooth decay. Lasers are useful in removing the decayed portion from the tooth and readying the remaining enamel for the fresh filling. It is also useful in hardening the filling.
• Gum problems. For removing bacteria during a root canal treatment, and reshaping gums, lasers are useful.
• Biopsy. For removing a lesion, or any tissue from the mouth, lasers are used. Tissue removal sometimes becomes necessary for cancer testing. Lasers are also effective in the treatment of mouth ulcers.
• Teeth whitening. Some teeth whitening procedures nowadays employ lasers. Whitening is basically done by the application of a bleaching solution on the surface of the teeth, but the action of this peroxide solution is enhanced by employing lasers.

The Working of Lasers

All forms of laser appear as light and provide energy in the way in which it is required for different operations. When used for hardening the tooth filling, the laser binds together the filling and the tooth. During teeth whitening, it acts as a source of heat which increases the activity of the whitening agents. In surgical use, sometimes it functions as a vaporizer for annihilating tissues. At other times it functions as a cutting implement.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a Laser in Dentistry?

Pros
Compared to the traditional dental drill, lasers:

• May cause less pain in some instances, therefore, reducing the need for anesthesia
• May reduce anxiety in patients uncomfortable with the use of the dental drill
• Minimize bleeding and swelling during soft tissue treatments
• May preserve more healthy tooth during cavity removal

Cons
The disadvantages of lasers are that:

• Lasers can't be used on teeth with fillings already in place.
• Lasers can't be used in many commonly performed dental procedures. For example, lasers can't be used to fill cavities located between teeth, around old fillings, and large cavities that need to be prepared for a crown. In addition, lasers cannot be used to remove defective crowns or silver fillings, or prepare teeth for bridges.
• Traditional drills may still be needed to shape the filling, adjust the bite, and polish the filling even when a laser is used.
• Lasers do not eliminate the need for anesthesia.
• Laser treatment tends to be more expensive since the cost of the laser is much higher than a dental drill. Lasers can cost between $39,000 and $45,000 compared to about $600 for a standard drill.

How to Keep Your Kids Cavity-Free

Wipe baby gums. A quick once-over with a damp cloth before bed removes bacteria that can harm soon-to-erupt teeth.

Brusha brusha. Once those pearly whites pop, brush once (realistically) or twice (ideally) a day with a soft, toddler brush. Use a pea-size drop of non-fluoridated toothpaste until age 4, or when your kid can reliably spit it out (swallowing fluoride regularly could make him sick and cause spots on the adult teeth).

Floss. Okay, we might as well be asking you to trim a wild bear's claws. But start using those plastic flossers now and your kid just might get used to it. Give your child a batch of colorful plastic flossers to encourage her to clean between her teeth. Even if she does only a few teeth a night it will help.

Ditch the bedtime bottle. The milk or juice can pool in your child's mouth as he dozes off, causing serious decay known as "bottle mouth."

Visit the dentist by age 1. Ask your doctor for a referral or find one at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website: Aapd.org.

Say cheese! And eat some, too. The protein in it -- casein -- helps prevent tooth decay, so pass the cheese sticks. Another tasty idea: lollipops with xylitol (for kids over 4), a natural sweetener that prevents plaque buildup.

Spin it. Get her a battery-operated spin brush for more effective plaque- and bacteria-removing motion (a cheap model is just fine).

Brush to the beat. Have your kid scrub along to her favorite song to get her to hang in there for the recommended two minutes.

Finish up. If your child is younger than 8, do a final sweep with the brush after she's done to hit all the nooks and crannies -- and especially the back molars.

Be snack savvy. It's not just sugary foods you have to watch out for. Any starchy or processed high-carb food can get stuck in the crevices of teeth. Some surprising offenders: potato chips, wholewheat bread, crackers, and cereal bars. Follow with a glass of water to rinse them out.

Do You Have Tooth Enamel Erosion?

Tooth erosion forms from the process where acidic chemicals erode, or melt away, the enamel from your teeth. It is different from tooth abrasion or tooth attrition which are caused from brushing with too hard of a toothbrush, grinding your teeth, or eating a rough diet of foods. Both processes lead to enamel loss, but the patient with enamel erosion is usually unaware of the cause of the problem, or even that there is a problem.

Acidic chemicals can come into tooth contact from many different avenues such as consuming acidic foods and beverages, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bulimia, and swimming in chlorinated swimming pools, among others.

Let's look at some common foods that are highly acidic.

FOOD	pH
Lemon/Limes	1.8-2.4
Oranges/Juice	2.8-4.0
Apples	2.9-3.5
Grapefruit	3.0-3.5
Black Coffee	2.4-3.3
Wines	2.3-3.8
Coke	2.7
Vinegar	2.4-3.4
Pickles	2.5-3.0

Your risk for tooth erosion increases if you consume these highly acidic foods often, or in large quantities. If you are concerned that you may be at risk, please have your teeth checked for enamel erosion with your dentist. Enamel erosion can make your teeth sensitive and increase your chances of tooth decay.

Does chewing ice harm my teeth?

Q:

I have a habit of chewing ice, it feels good and relaxes me after a long day. Will this have any long term impact on my teeth? via email Saturday August 21, 2010

A:

Thanks for the question! Chewing ice can be detrimental to your teeth as it is a repetitive force that is applied to your teeth. Ice a hard substance which when chewed between teeth over time can have the potential to cause small fractures on the tooth surface. These small fractures on the surface of the tooth can over time become larger until a piece of tooth actually fractures off.

As well, ice is cold thus the temperature change in the mouth may cause existing fillings in the teeth such as composite (white) or amalgam (silver) fillings to contract and when the ice is taken away to once again expand. When this happens repeatedly, the area between the filling and the tooth can become weaker and allow leakage between the tooth which has the potential to irritate the pulp and nerve of the tooth.

I would recommend trying to stop this as it can be harmful to the dentition. As well, I would suggest you seen your physician as repetitive ice chewing can be related to anemia (low iron levels), this is called Pica.

Have a great day!

Dr.tushar

Braces for teeth that are crooked

Q:For as long as I can remember my teeth have been crooked and over the years they have seemed to become even worse. I am very unhappy with the look of my smile and thinking about straightening them. I want to do the best thing possible, what do you suggest for crooked teeth? Via email Thurs. August 10, 2010

A:It is hard to answer your question on a whole since I have not examined your teeth in person, but I will provide some answers below which you may explore to see what is the best option for you.The first choice is orthodontics (braces) as these will address the alignment of both your teeth and jaw, thus providing a more harmonious bite and long term aesthetics. Orthodontics are optimally done by an orthodontist who has many years of expertise/training with straightening teeth and ensuring it is done properly. The time span for orthodontics can vary from a short period of time (sometimes less than a year) to multiple years depending on the situation that presents upon examination and x-rays.Another choice is veneers. Veneers are thin tooth coloured shells that are cemented onto the teeth. When teeth are out of alignment, crooked or have small spaces between them, custom made veneers may be permanently adhered to individual or groups of teeth to give the appearance of straight, evenly spaced teeth and smile. Veneers are not an option for everyone and prior to going with this choice the dentist should fully examine and assess whether veneers are a good long term option for your teeth, smile and aesthetics. Veneers do not last forever, the lifespan can be anywhere from 5-10 years and then they will need to be changed to new ones.Regardless of which route you take to straighten your teeth, please see a qualified dentist to assess the right route to go.

Great question!

Dr.Tushar Kherde

Sore on lip that is not healing

Q:

I have had a sore on my bottom lip for two months, the size stays about the same but over the last two months it has formed a scab a few times and then fallen off. When the scab falls off it seems to heal for a few days then it comes back again. I am concerned only because it never seems to heal and go away completely. I am 45 years old, a previous 1 pack a day smoker up until 4 years ago. Should I go see my dentist?
Via email

A:

Hello , sorry to hear about the sore on your lip. I urge you to see your dentist or physician as soon as possible to assess the lesion as any lesion within the oral cavity or the surrounding structures should heal and go away within two weeks maximum. The fact that you have been a smoker in the past puts you at higher risk for possible changes in your oral tissue due to the exposure to harmful chemicals within cigarettes.

Your dentist and physician should be made aware this has been occurring for two months and it has not went away, this will help them diagnose the lesion better. As well, they may also perform a biopsy to test the tissue to see what it is.

Good luck and if I can be of any assistance please do not hestitate to ask.

Regards,

Dr.Tushar

Dry mouth due to medication's side effects

Q:
I have been on Celexa for over a year. About one month after I started this medication my mouth became very dry, upon reading the side effects for this medication it said that one of the possible side effects was dry mouth. I have found it has become worse during the year, so much at times that my tongue can stick to the top of my mouth and when I wake up in the morning my mouth is like a desert. If I continue on this medication long term, can my body become used to it and will my mouth become less dry? I am unhappy with the side effect (this seems to be the only one so far) but it has helped tremendously in other aspects so I want to continue. (via email)

A:
Thank you for your question . The medication you are on is a SSRI(selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), which is commonly used for people who have depression and anxiety. I am glad to hear it is helping you! A common side effect of SSRI's is decreased salivary flow/dry mouth. I cannot tell you if this side effect will go away or not, as everyone's body responds differently to medication and I am not in a position as a dentist to answer that question.

What I can help you address is the dry mouth. Dry mouth and decreased salivary flow can put you at higher risk for developing dental cavities and possibly gingivitis/periodontitis. Salivary is important for it's ability to 'wash' the teeth. The liquid component of the saliva helps to rinse/wash the teeth of debris (food and bacteria) so they can be swallowed and not stuck on or in between the teeth. When food becomes stuck and it is not washed away then the potential for cavities to form is much higher. Saliva also has what is called amylase which is an enzyme which begins the process of digestion, specifically starches in the mouth. As well, saliva has the ability to buffer the oral cavity (decreasing the acidity level) to lower the risk of cavity formation.

Tips to help with dry mouth both to help your mouth feel better and prevent cavities

1. Drink water during the day (preferably water with fluoride in it as this will help keep the teeth strong).

2. Chew sugar-free gum after meals if you are not able to brush/floss, this will help mechanically remove food from the teeth and may increase salivary flow to help buffer the mouth).

3. Brush a minimum 3x day for 2 minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste to remove plaque from the teeth

4. Floss a minimum of 1x day to remove plaque from between the teeth

5. Use a fluoride mouthwash 1x day to help remineralize the teeth to prevent decay.

6. You can use a product called Biotene which are dental products specifically designed for those who have dry mouth, it can help stimulate saliva flow.

7. Use a humidifier at night to put moisture into the air that can be transferred to the oral cavity.

8. Use Sorbees sugar-free hard candies during the day to stimulate saliva flow. These candies were created for diabetics but they are also great for people who have dry mouth as they are sugar-free.

9. See your dentist and dental hygienist regularly for cleanings and check-ups to help prevent problems before they begin.

I hope this has been of some assistance to you.

Regards,

Dr.Tushar

Root Canal Treatment

What is non-surgical endodontic treatment?
This is a method of treating the inside of the tooth, also known as a root canal treatment. It is one of the most common dental procedures that can be performed to prevent tooth loss.
To help you understand endodontic treatment, we would like to familiarize you with the anatomy of your tooth. Inside your tooth, under the white tooth enamel and the hard layer of tooth, called dentin, is a soft tissue known as the pulp. The pulp consists of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue which help to create the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development.
The pulp can be found in the center of the tooth and can extend all the way to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp has a very important role during a tooth’s development. However, a tooth that has reached full maturity can survive without the pulp, because it continues to receive nourishment by the surrounding tissues.

Why do I need endodontic treatment?
If the soft tissue inside the root canal of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, then a root canal treatment is necessary. There can be a variety of factors that cause the inflammation or infection such as: repeated dental procedures on the tooth, deep decay, crack s or chips in tooth.

What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?
Indication signs to look for include pain, tenderness to touch and chewing, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling of the surrounding tissue, and drainage. Symptoms may not always be present.

How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?
The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the canal, a channel inside the root, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, you will return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full functions. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.

Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure. For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow your endodontic's instructions carefully. Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your teeth for some

time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, call your endodontist.

Root Canal treatment Procedure 1. A Deep Infection Root canal treatment is needed when an injury or a large cavity hurt the tooth's root.The root becomes infected or inflamed. 2. A Route to the Root The dentist numbs the tooth. An opening is made through the crown of the tooth to the pulp chamber. 3. Removing the Infected/Inflamed Tissue Special files are used to clean the infection and unhealthy pulp out of the canals. Then they shape the canals for the filling material. Irrigation is used to help clean the canals and remove debris. 4. Filling the Canals The canals are filled with a permanent material. Typically this is done with a material known as gutta-percha. This helps to keep the canals free of infection or contamination. 5. Rebuilding the Tooth A temporary filling material is placed on top of the gutta-percha to seal the opening. The filling remains until the tooth receives a permanent filling or a crown. A crown, sometimes called a cap, looks like a natural tooth. It is placed over the top of the tooth. 6. Extra Support In some cases, a post is placed into the root next to the gutta-percha. This gives the crown more support. 7. The Crowning Touch The crown is cemented into place. How much will the procedure cost? The cost varies depending on how complex the problem is and which tooth is affected. Molars are more difficult to treat, the fee is usually more. Most dental insurance policies provide some coverage for endodontic treatment. Generally, endodontic treatment and restoration of the natural tooth are less expensive than the alternative of having the tooth extracted. An extracted tooth must be replaced with a bridge or implant to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.These procedures tend to cost more than endodontic treatment and appropriate restoration. With root canal treatment you save your natural teeth and money. Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment after endodontic treatment? You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. Otherwise, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings. Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this occurs, redoing theendodontic procedure can save the tooth. What causes an endodontically treated tooth to need additional treatment? New trauma, deep decay, or a loose, cracked or broken filling can cause new infection in your tooth. In some cases, the endodontist may discover additional very narrow or curved canals that could not be treated during the initial procedure. Can all teeth be treated endodontically? Most teeth can be treated. Occasionally, a tooth can’t be saved because the root canals are not accessible, the root is severely fractured, the tooth doesn’t have adequate bone support, or the tooth cannot be restored. However, advances in endodontics are making it possible to save teeth that even a few years ago would have been lost.When endodontic treatment is not effective, endodontic surgery may be able to save the tooth.

Why is my front bottom tooth dark?

Q:
Via email from Amit

I have noticed over the past two years my lower front tooth has become darker than the teeth beside it. The tooth almost looks grey. When I was 17 (I am now 26) I fell on my face off a skateboard. At that time I cut up my lips a lot and banged my bottom teeth, but nothing happened at the time and I haven't thought of it since until I noticed my tooth was going grey. I don't have any pain, but I do not like how it looks at all.and wondering what to do.

A:

I cannot comment specifically on your tooth as I haven't examined it, but I can give you some broad answers that may help guide you in what to do next.

First, a tooth that darkens overall and has a greyish appearance typically is one in that the nerve and pulp is dying or dead. A healthy tooth has a rich vascular network within the pulp which nourishes the tooth, when trauma occurs that blood supply overtime can coagulate like a bruise and the nerve of the tooth ceases having sensation. This is when the grey colour appears and unfortunately stays.

The solutions to this may vary, in most cases a root canal can be performed which takes the dead nerve and pulp out of the tooth and replaced with an inert material which fills the space. After the root canal is performed a dental crown or cap may be recommended to protect the remaining tooth structure and prevent fracture. This new dental crown can be matched to your existing adjacent teeth to look as natural as possible.

In select cases where a dental crown or cap is not the choice, dental bleaching may be done on the inside of the tooth to remove the staining on the inside of the tooth. After this bleaching is completed a permanent filling would be put on the tooth to cover the hole where access was made to perform a root canal.

I hope this has helped. Your next step is to visit a Dentist to assess your particular dental situation.

Thanks for the great question!

Should I avoid dentistry while I am pregnant?

Q:
via email April 9, 2010 from Yasmin J

I am 8 weeks pregnant and I am wondering when I can get my teeth cleaned as I have noticed that my gums are bleeding and sore. My last dental cleaning was over 1 year ago so I am definitely due.

A:

Thank you for your question Yasmin and congratulations on your pregnancy! Dental care during your pregnancy is very important both for yourself and for your baby. Typically my personal recommendation is as minimal dental treatment possible within the first trimester when the fetal organ's are developing. While dental treatment may not harm this development, it is best to limit potential risk. I recommend dental treatment be done in the second trimester and third if need be (after fetal development is complete). Dental treatment in these latter trimesters should allow for flexibility of movement for the mother as laying on the back for an extended period of time can place pressue on the interior vena cava, so movement during the appointment is necessary.

A dental cleaning in the second trimester and a subsequent one prior to the birth of the baby is important to remove bacterial plaque and tartar to help prevent pregnancy gingivitis-pregnancy hormones and increased blood flow cause the gums to become increasingly sensitive to bacterial plaque, thus inflammation of the gums occurs. Brushing and flossing at home to remove the bacterial plaque is vital to maintaining a healthy mouth during pregnancy, while visiting the dentist assists in removal of both bacterial plaque and tartar both above and below to prevent gingivitis and allowing it to heal.

Pregnancy and your teeth

X-rays are normally not taken during a check-up at your dentist while pregnant so being aware of any warning signs of dental problems is very important, for example a new area of sensitivity, ache/pressure or bad taste/pus should be thoroughly checked to ensure no dental issues are occurring.

Great question, thank you!

Dentures

Even though complete or partial dentures are not the ideal treatment to replace missing teeth (Dental implant supported restorations are), they can provide many people with a very acceptable restoration that will last and function for many years.

Complete dentures are used when all the teeth have been lost in either your upper or lower arch. They allow you to smile, speak and masticate (a big word that means “chew”) your food so you maintain proper nutrition. While not the ideal restoration these days, they are necessary and will allow you to function far better than if you didn’t replace your missing teeth and had to mash up all your food.

One version of a complete denture is called an IMMEDIATE DENTURE. An immediate denture is a complete denture that is placed at the same time as your last remaining tooth is removed. It allows you to instantly have a full set of teeth and walk out of the office wearing your new denture.

Another version of a complete denture is called an OVERDENTURE. An overdenture is a complete denture that is partially supported by some remaining roots or implants. These roots or implants usually have some type of attachment that allows an insert placed in the denture to snap the overdenture in place. Overdentures are a very effective form of complete denture therapy and far more desirable than a normal complete denture.

A PARTIAL DENTURE is a tooth replacement appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth. It is held on by ‘clipping’ on to some of your existing natural teeth or crowns. They are two types of partial dentures- conventional and precision.

A CONVENTIONAL PARTIAL DENTURE is a tooth replacement appliance that stays in place by ‘hooking’ or ‘clipping’ on to some of your existing natural teeth or crowns. You can generally identify a conventional partial denture by a small metal clasp around one or more teeth.

A PRECISION PARTIAL DENTURE is a tooth replacement appliance that stays in place by attaching to one or more permanent crowns. Generally, precision partial dentures show no metal when you smile and attach to crowns using a number of different precision devices that are very long lasting.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a dentist places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option if you have good general oral health and have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.

While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.

Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth. You know that your confidence about your teeth affects how you feel about yourself, both personally and professionally. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Maybe your dentures don't feel secure. Perhaps you have difficulty chewing. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence, there is good news! Dental implants are teeth that can look and feel just like your own! Under proper conditions, such as placement by a dentist and diligent patient maintenance, implants can last a lifetime.