Braces and orthodontic treatment are used to correct “bad bites,” or malocclusion (teeth that are crowded or crooked). In some cases your teeth may be straight, but your upper and lower jaws may not meet properly. These jaw or tooth alignment problems may be inherited or could result from injury, early or late tooth loss, or thumbsucking. If you have an abnormal bite your dentist may recommend braces or another orthodontic treatment to straighten out your smile. Correcting the problem can create a nice-looking smile, but more importantly, orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth. Not correcting an abnormal bite could result in further oral health problems, including: tooth decay gum disease tooth loss affected …
What is Cosmetic Dental Bonding?
Cosmetic Dental Bonding is the application of a tooth-colored composite resin (plastic) to repair a decayed, chipped, fractured or discolored tooth. Unlike veneers, which are manufactured in a laboratory and require a customized mold to achieve a proper fit, bonding can be done in a single visit. The procedure is called bonding because the material bonds to the tooth. What it's Used for? Dental Bonding is among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dentistry procedures. The composite resin used in bonding can be shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth. Most often, bonding is used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of a discolored or chipped tooth. It also can be used to close spaces between teeth, to make …
Bleeding Gums & Gingivitis
Do your gums bleed when you brush and floss? Did you know that bleeding gums may be a sign of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease? Bleeding, as well as redness and swelling are classic symptoms. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into the later stages of gum disease. Noticing these warning signs is not a reason to worry, but rather an indication that it is time to take control of your dental health. Recognizing the Signs If not removed by regular care, plaque builds up on your teeth, which produces toxins that can irritate your gums and lead to the symptoms of gingivitis. Look out for gums that bleed during brushing, as well as inflammation and tenderness. Bad breath, especially if you experience it regularly, can be …
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath happens. If you’ve ever gotten that not-so-fresh feeling on a date, at a job interview or just talking with friends, you’re not alone. Studies show that 50 percent of adults have had bad breath, or halitosis, at some point in their lives. What Causes Bad Breath? There are a number of reasons you might have dragon breath. While many causes are harmless, bad breath can sometimes be a sign of something more serious. Bacteria Bad breath can happen anytime thanks to the hundreds of types of bad breath-causing bacteria that naturally lives in your mouth. Your mouth also acts like a natural hothouse that allows these bacteria to grow. When you eat, bacteria feed on the food left in your mouth and leaves a foul-smelling waste …
When Do Baby Teeth Come In?
If you think your baby’s toothless smile is cute, just wait until their first few teeth make an appearance. With it being National Children's Dental Health Month, we'll again keep with our children theme. A baby’s 20 primary teeth are already present in the jaws at birth and typically begin to appear when a baby is between 6 months and 1 year. Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the time they are 3. Check out this baby teeth eruption chart to see the order in which teeth break through and at what ages you can expect specific teeth to appear. Every child is different, but usually the first teeth to come in are located in the top and bottom front of their mouth. When teeth first come in, some babies may have sore …
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay FAQ
Even though they are temporary, your child's baby teeth are important, and are still susceptible to cavities. Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is often referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, or Early Childhood Caries. Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food, speak and have a good-looking smile. Their first teeth also help make sure their adult teeth come in correctly. It’s important to start infants off with good oral care to help protect their teeth for decades to come. What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay? Baby Bottle Tooth Decay most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth may also be affected. There are many factors which can cause tooth decay. One common cause is the frequent, prolonged exposure of …
What is National Children’s Dental Health Month?
February is National Children’s Dental Month. The American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors this movement to raise awareness about the importance of dental health for children. What Is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM)? NCDHM is a month-long national health observance that brings together thousands of dedicated educators, healthcare providers, and dental professionals (Lowcountry Family Dentistry included!) to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers, and many others. This year, the campaign slogan is “Choose Tap Water for a Sparkling Smile.” The ADA supplies information on making better beverage choices in the form of posters, planning guides, press releases, and activity …
3 Ways to Curb Dental Anxiety
If you ever get nervous just thinking about going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Perhaps you’re scared the visit might hurt or you haven’t been in a while and not sure what the dentist will find. Whatever your reason, the right dental team will make sure your dental and your emotional health are taken care of. The more you delay – or just don’t go – to the dentist, the higher your risk of developing dental problems that will make gearing up for future dental visits more difficult. In fact, seeing your dentist regularly can actually make the entire process – from making an appointment to sailing through it – much easier on many levels. Use these strategies at your next appointment to help ease your anxiety and strengthen your …
Becoming a Senior & Dental Health
As you age, it becomes even more important to take good care of your teeth and dental health. One common misconception is that losing your teeth is inevitable. This is not true. If cared for properly, your teeth can last a lifetime. Your mouth changes as you age. The nerves in your teeth can become smaller, making your teeth less sensitive to cavities or other problems. If you don’t get regular dental exams, this in turn can lead to these problems not being diagnosed until it is too late. If you want to feel good, stay healthy, and look great throughout life, you might be surprised what a difference a healthy mouth makes. Tips for Maintaining and Improving Your Oral Health Brush twice a day with a toothbrush with soft …
What’s So Special About Dental Implants?
Of all the innovative technological advancements in dentistry over the last 50 years, dental implants have been the most significant. Fully developed in the 1950s, implants have forever changed the dental care industry. Today we'll discuss the top 5 reasons why dental implants are so special. #1 They Prevent Dental Bone Loss When you have missing teeth or experience trauma to your mouth, your dental bone will start deteriorating if teeth aren’t replaced quickly. The absence of teeth in the gums and jawline causes loss of bone mass and weakening. This can also lead to other oral health complications. However, dental implants function like natural teeth. Once an implant is installed, dental bone fuses with the implant and starts to …