2015

What Is Enamel Hypoplasia – And How Can Your Dentist Help?

Teeth are protected by a thin, clear enamel layer, which protects the harder dentin from immediate damage from oral bacteria and acidic foods. Repeated and prolonged exposure to bacteria and acids can start to wear away the enamel layer and cause pits or holes to form that expose the dentin. Sometimes permanent teeth grow in looking as if the enamel has suffered damage. This condition is called enamel hypoplasia. How can your dentist treat enamel hypoplasia to improve both the strength and cosmetic appearance of your teeth?…

Four Ways To Reduce Your Risk Of Developing Dry Socket Following A Tooth Extraction

After you have a tooth removed, a blood clot forms in the empty tooth socket. This clot prevents liquid and air from coming directly into contact with the nerves and bone located in the socket until new gum tissue grows over them. Sometimes, the blood clot unfortunately becomes dislodged, leading to a very painful condition known as dry socket. While you cannot completely guarantee that dry socket won’t happen to you, there are a few ways to reduce your risk after having a tooth extracted.…

Minimize Red Wine Stains On Your Teeth This Holiday Season

The holidays are a time when people like to drink red wine. In fact, some people like to drink a lot of red wine. Red wine is great for making the holidays more merry, but it also stains teeth pretty badly. This is because red wine contains tannins and chromogens, both of which contribute to the staining of teeth. The following smart habits can help you minimize the damage and keep your teeth looking beautiful and white.…

What Factors Determine the Total Cost of Braces?

If your child’s orthodontist is recommending that they get braces to straighten their teeth, one thing you might be wondering is how much it will cost you. Braces are not a single purchase that you can determine the total cost of quickly since there are several factors that will affect the total amount you will be paying over the course of the treatment. Braces Type One of the cheaper types of braces is made out of stainless steel, but they are very noticeable when worn.…

Do You Have These Bad Toothbrushing Habits?

After so many years of taking care of your teeth, you may not question whether your toothbrushing regiment is good or not. You may think you’re doing everything right, but the truth is that you might be making some mistakes. Here are some bad toothbrushing habits you might have developed over the years. Buying the Wrong Toothbrushes If you’re like most people, you buy your toothbrushes at the local pharmacy or grocery store and don’t give it much thought.…

Everything You Need To Know About Root Canals

Many people will need a root canal at some point in their lives; in fact, a root canal is among one of the most routine dental procedures. Still, it’s good to understand not only what a root canal is and how it’s done, but the common signs that could indicate the need for a root canal and the steps patients should take to reduce the risk of infection following a root canal procedure.…

How To Temporarily Fix Broken Dentures

If your dentures break and it is after hours so you can’t get to a dentist, there are a few other options you have. Here are some tips for taking care of broken dentures on a temporary basis until you get into the dentist.     Get a Denture Repair Kit Many drug stores sell denture repair kits to help you make temporary repairs until you can get a replacement set or have your dentist repair your broken dentures.…

Stem Cell Dentistry: Can It Restore Your Teeth?

Restorative dentistry has reached new heights within the last five years. Stem cells, when they were the topic du jour, became the focus of restorative dentistry and research. It was of interest because dental pulp, the living part of a tooth, carried mesenchymal stem cells, the type of stem cells that can be used to repair some types of bodily damage in adults. Ongoing research in places like Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, has determined that repairing and restoring a tooth is as “…

5 Health Problems That Have Early Warning Signs During A Dental Exam

It is well known that getting regular dental examinations are a great way for maintaining healthy gums and teeth, though many people are not aware that a dental exam can help detect other issues with your health. Your dentist may find early warning signs of the following 5 health problems during your dental exam. Osteoporosis Having an issue with low bone density does not only affect obvious places like your spine, but it can affect your jawbone as well.…

Two Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Afraid to Get Braces

If an orthodontist has recently told you that you’re going to need braces in order to straighten your teeth, you may be feeling a mixture of emotions. While you’re likely pleased at the prospect of having straight teeth, you may also have other fears based upon some of the feedback you’ve heard from friends and family members who’ve had braces. However, braces have come a long way, and many of your fears may be unfounded.…