Gingivitis - Dental hygienist talk

You may have heard your dentist or dental hygienist talk about Gingivitis, but what is it? What causes Gingivitis and how can it be treated? Whether you’ve been diagnosed with Gingivitis or are just curious, this guide will inform you on all the basic, including symptoms, causes, and treatments and preventative measures. After reading this article you’ll be able to tell if you are at risk for developing Gingivitis, you’ll also learn how to prevent Gingivitis or how it should be treated if you’ve already got it.

What is Gum disease?

Gingivitis, quite simply, is a non-serious form of gum disease. It is mild, or non-serious in its early stages but can lead to more serious periodontal disease. Gingivitis has been known to cause swelling of the gums, but in many cases it is so mild that Gingivitis can be totally unperceived by you. Unfortunately, even if you don’t know that you have it, Gingivitis can be causing more serious damage. The resulting inflammation and infection can destroy tissues in your mouth that support your teeth. Even very slight cases of Gingivitis have the potential to turn into damaging periodontal disease if not treated properly.

What Causes Oral Health?

There are many possible causes for Gingivitis. By and large, the most common way to contract this type of periodontal disease is to not care for your teeth and gums properly. When you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, you are allowing plaque to build up. Plaque is the sticky stuff made up of food deposits, bacteria, mucus and more that can build up on the exposed parts of your teeth. The long-term effect of this plaque buildup is Tartar, which is a hard deposit that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. When built up tartar and plaque cause irritation and inflammation to the gums, Gingivitis can be suspected.

Other types of injury to the teeth and gums can also cause Gingivitis. Brushing your teeth too vigorously or roughly can cause Gingivitis. Also, using a toothbrush that is not soft enough can cause this problem. There are also some factors that can increase your chances of contracting Gingivitis. These include illness in general, poor dental hygiene (as aforementioned), the hormonal changes caused by pregnancy or menopause and uncontrolled diabetes.

What are the Symptoms?

Though it is common for Gingivitis to be relatively pain free, there are some symptoms that can signify this type of periodontal disease. Below is a partial list of the most common signs of early-stage Gingivitis:

- Red or swollen gums
- Pink toothbrush or gums bleeding during toothbrushing
- Persistent bad taste in the mouth
- Halitosis (bad breath)
Once Gingivitis has set in and advanced to later stages, the following symptoms may be present:
- Receding gums
- Nerve root exposure and sensitivity
- Teeth may become loose or fall out

Presence of advanced-stage Gingivitis as indicated by the above-listed symptoms may lead to or indicate periodontis.
Possible Treatments

If you suspect or know that you have Gingivitis, it is important to get the proper dental care in order to stop it from progressing. The treatments that are available for Gingivitis are several different actions that will require effort on your part. Generally, your dentist will prescribe a treatment strategy involving the following:

- Prescription of antibacterial mouthwash
- Strict oral hygiene regimen
- Proper brushing of teeth
- Daily flossing
- Regular professional dental cleanings

Though it is not common, there are some cases where highly advanced Gingivitis requires oral surgery. But it is easy to avoid this by knowing what to look out for and how to avoid it.

Cosmetic Dentist London Ontario offers cosmetic dentistry services for the whole family, dental exams for kids, dentures, porcelain veneers, invisalign and teeth whitening. Visit our office to get any kind of cosmetic Dentist London Ontario procedure performed.

Read More..

Mini Implants

Over 50 million people in the United States struggle with eating, talking and smiling because of uncomfortable prosthetic devices in their mouth. Many dental patients endure loose, ill-fitting dentures that are unpleasant to wear; they withdraw from social situations because they’d rather not wear their dentures at all. But there is a solution that is safe, effective and painless.
Mini implants have been around for about 20 years. Originally the ultra-small screws were designed to act as a transitional device to support bridgework. Today, they’re used to replace natural roots, stabilizing dentures and other prosthetic devices used as replacements for tooth loss. The mini implants are titanium screws that are as thin as toothpicks and can fit in between other dental work.

Mini Implant Procedure
The implant procedure is relatively painless and can be performed by your dentist in a single visit. The surgery is minimally invasive, requires only a mild anesthesia and can be completed in less than an hour. The dentist drills between four and six small holes directly through the gum tissue into the bone underneath. Once the implant is inserted, a small driver is used to tighten the screws into place. The top of the implant consists of a ball-shaped head that snaps to the retention caps found inside the dentures. The results mean less denture movement and a more pleasurable eating and speaking experience.
After Surgery Care
After the surgery is over, you may experience some mild discomfort with minimal bleeding. Over the counter pain medication should offer enough relief. If not, be sure to contact your dentist immediately for a prescription pain reliever.
You can eat almost immediately but should avoid sticky, hard foods for a few days. Removing your dentures is easy. Ask your dentist to show you how to work with the “O-ring” fixture that holds your dentures in place. It’s important to keep the O-ring and dentures clean and free from debris.
Daily Care
For the first several days after surgery, you’ll use a cotton swab and special toothbrush to keep your implants clean. Continue to practice good oral hygiene as usual, rinsing regularly with antiseptic mouthwash. Gently clean your implant fixture with toothpaste using a cotton swab. This process will also stimulate surrounding gum tissue keeping your smile healthy and fresh.

Read More..

Dentures And Partial Denture Repair

Full dentures are usually placed when a patient is missing all of his teeth. Partial dentures are used when a patient is only missing some teeth. When partials are placed, the remaining teeth must be healthy enough to support the dentures. Sometimes, this may require preliminary dental work to prepare and strengthen the remaining teeth prior to fitting. When dentures break or become damaged, they need to be fixed. Many partial denture repair services can fix chips and breaks within a few days. In this article, we'll briefly describe the process of making the dentures. We'll also explain how to get used to them and what to do when they become damaged.

Creating The Dentures
Having partials created usually requires 4 or 5 visits. First, a dentist will take x-rays to examine your teeth, jaws, and tissue. Then, he'll create impressions from which to make the dentures. A second appointment is often required to reshape the teeth (the reshaping is often minor). During the next visit, your dentist will test the shape and fit of your new dentures (adjustments will likely be necessary). The fourth appointment is when the newly-adjusted dentures are fitted and worn. Often, your dentist will want you to come back in a few days to report any soreness.
What If They Break?
Dentures break easily and it usually happens by accident. Dropping them on the floor or knocking them off a shelf can easily cause chips or fractures. Often, your dentist can repair broken dentures if the damage is minimal. However, if there's a major fracture in the frame, a tooth falls out, or several teeth break, you may need to send them to a dental laboratory. Even partial denture repair work often requires specific tools that aren't found in your dentist's office.
Getting Used To Your Dentures
Initially, your dentures will feel odd in your mouth. They might seem bulky or strangely-placed at first and it will take time for your tongue to grow accustomed to them. You'll probably need to practice speaking for a couple of weeks in order to regain your normal speech patterns. Also, your mouth will likely produce more saliva in the beginning. Over time, your brain will recognize the dentures as a permanent part of your mouth and produce less saliva. Finally, eating will probably feel uncomfortable during the first week. Start with soft foods to reduce soreness.
How Long With They Last?
Your dentures will gradually wear down over time. When that happens, ask your dentist to refer you to a partial denture repair service. If your dentures need a simple relining, it's possible that your dentist can perform the work in his office. However, because the structure of your mouth will likely change over the years, your partials may need to have a new base created. Also, keep in mind that the older your dentures are, the more susceptible they become to breakage. Your dentist will probably already have a few partial denture repair services in mind that he works with closely.
The Need For Partial Denture Repair
Don't try to repair broken dentures at home. A lot of patients mistakenly believe that they can save time and money by using a partial denture repair glue to fix them. The problem is that their repairs are usually imprecise, leading to ill-fitting dentures that don't properly accommodate the structure of their mouth. Plus, such home solutions are usually temporary. If you drop your dentures or otherwise damage them, speak with your dentist. If he's unable to perform the needed repairs himself, he can recommend a dependable partial denture repair lab to which you can send your dentures.

Read More..

Diagnosing Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Many of the people who arrive at the door of a neuromuscular dentist's office have previously been to medical doctors in search of pain relief. Headaches are the most prominent symptom and they can be very severe. They are often thought to be migraines, so the sufferer goes on a wild goose chase among doctors. Most doctors will not think of the headaches as having a dental cause. They will prescribe painkillers and these will of course help, but only temporarily, as they do not address the cause of the headaches.





Symptoms
The symptoms of TMD are puzzling in their variety. Each person has a unique combination of them, in differing degrees of severity. Besides headaches, the most common symptoms are:• Jaw pain• Neck and shoulder pain• Earache• Ringing in the ears• Unexplained tooth wear• Popping or clicking sounds in the jaw joint• Inability to open the mouth fully• Tingling in the arms or fingers• Tooth grinding
Most of these symptoms could indicate other health problems besides TMD, and it is indeed possible to have several health problems besides TMD. If you recognize some or all of these symptoms, you may or may not have TMD, but it would be worth having a neuromuscular dentist rule it out.
The jaw joint
The jaw joint is a delicate ball-and-socket joint, where the mandible fits into a rounded space in the skull. Between the two bone surfaces is a cartilage pad for cushioning. When there is damage in the jaw joint, the jaw muscles, opening and closing the mouth hundreds of times a day, become strained in trying to make the teeth meet comfortably and correctly. It can't be done (for reasons which need diagnosing by the neuromuscular dentist), so they become chronically stressed, inflamed, swollen, and thus the pain begins.
There are several large nerves running through the face, neck and head areas and down to the hands. They have many branches. When part of a nerve becomes compressed by swelling and inflammation, pain is the result.
In these days of computerized neuromuscular dentistry, there is no need to live with painful TMD symptoms. Make an appointment with a trained and qualified neuromuscular dentist near you, and see if you can start on a much-needed TMD treatment to end your pain.

Author: Patricia Woloch

Read More..

All about Teeth Whitening

Teeth bleaching or teeth whitening as it is commonly called is an often used method in general dentistry and more so in the area of cosmetic dentistry. It is usually expected that white teeth are the most striking characteristic of a smile. The bleaching process is perfect for patients who have very healthy teeth and gums but it is not suggested for people suffering from gum disease or those who have fillings in their teeth as the success rate in such cases is lower. With advances in technology, we now have laser bleaching.



As a person grows older, the color of the teeth gets darker. This is because the enamel gets less permeable this altering the tooth's mineral structure. Teeth also get discolored depending on the amount of tea or coffee you consume. Another reason for discolored teeth is if you are in the habit of smoking, chewing tobacco or betel leaf as is common in Asia. Since white teeth are connected with youth, bleaching procedures have plenty of takers in recent years. The teeth whitening techniques used in cosmetic dentistry are surely exceptional ways to whiten and brighten your smile.
Anybody who has already got his permanent teeth can meet the criteria for teeth whitening. There are plenty of whitening methods to think of beginning with the whitening toothpastes or bleaching kits that are within everybody's means. Then you move on to the more sophisticated methods provided by cosmetic dentistry like costly in-office whitening sittings or laser bleaching.
Cosmetic dentistry employs two core methods of teeth whitening. In the first method, often referred to as power bleaching or office bleaching, a highly concentrated oxidizing agent is used. In the other method called take home bleach or over the counter bleaching, a narrow mouth guard a used to hold a low concentration of oxidizing agent near the teeth for several hours a day over a period of five days to two weeks.
As a comparatively new procedure in cosmetic dentistry, laser bleaching is a variant of the power bleaching or office bleaching mentioned earlier. The only difference is that laser bleaching makes use of an argon laser to stimulate the bleaching agent rather than the normal light source used in conventional in-office methods. The laser improves the efficacy of the whitening. Laser bleaching is the most costly option in cosmetic dentistry but it also produces the most remarkable results.
If you come to a decision that cosmetic dentistry is the correct option for you, don't forget to ask your dentist which whitening method would work best on you and don't expect to see results overnight. Teeth that have turned yellow react best to bleaching. Teeth that have turned grey or brown or spotted may not whiten uniformly when subjected to bleach. People with sensitive teeth or diseases of the gum should avoid chemical whitening and check out other choices like bonding or veneers
As time goes by you will find that your newly whitened teeth will begin to darken as you consume tea, coffee, cola, red wine or smoke. You can rinse out your mouth as soon as you have these. Based on which teeth whitening technique you used, you might require a touch every few months or every couple of years or so.

Author: Alice Campbell

Read More..

Teeth Whitening Systems

Dentists have various professional whitening systems to choose from for their patients. All of these whitening systems have unique characteristics but dentists’ standard for choosing the right product is its degree of effectiveness.

Below is a list of some professional whitening products dentists and professionals prefer. The kind of bleaching laser or light is enclosed in parentheses.
1. BriteSmile (gas plasma light/light emitting diode) 2. LaserSmile (a Biolase laser) 3. LumaArch (halogen light) 4. Rembrandt Sapphire (plasma arc light) 5. Zoom! (metal halide light)
Zoom! Chairside Teeth Whitening System is the product-competitor of a company named Discus Dental, Inc. against other teeth bleaching items in the marketplace. This product is a complete teeth whitening system. The said manufacturer provides dentists with major bleaching items: the tooth whitener, the bleaching laser, and even many of the ready to use and single-use items for patients that your dentists need when utilizing the Zoom! whitening treatments. Dentists usually pay around $ 1,500 for the system.
Like many other whitening systems, the Zoom! Chairside Teeth Whitening System uses certain a peroxide-based gel and its given activator. These two materials are combined together during the whitening process forming whitening gel that is very basic (has a pH range that is usually between 7.5 and 8.5) and is 25% hydrogen peroxide.
The Zoom! teeth bleaching product uses a metal halide light made from excited mercury atoms to activate and enhance the whitening solution combined above. Moreover, the steps that comprise the treatment do not necessarily vary from other professional whitening systems.
One additional feature of the Zoom! Laser light unit is built-in with an infrared filter that helps lessen the intensity of light coming in contact with the teeth during the treatment. However, Zoom! bleaching light can illuminate the lower and upper set of teeth simultaneously while the solution is being applied on the teeth’s surface.
The following summarizes some important characteristics of this professional whitening system.
1. The complete treatment normally takes about an hour and 30 minutes. 2. Each bleaching session, which lasts for 20 minutes, is divided into three separate applications of the Zoom! teeth whitener. 3. In other words, the contact of a patient’s teeth to the bleaching gel is one hour. 4. After the treatment, instructions on how to use additional whitening item and/or tray-based teeth bleaching items are given to patients so they can extend the whitening process even outside the dental clinic.
Now here comes the important question, “Should you opt for the Zoom! Chairside Whitening System?”
This is a resolution that needs to be discussed between you and the dentist who will perform the whitening treatment. The necessary information was already shed to you in this article. Generally speaking, many dentists trust this product as this is, according to many of them, an excellent product among other competitors. Besides, this product is created by a company that seems to have the sincerest intentions of producing a credible product since dentists should maintain their good reputations. Whatever outcomes happen to a patient after using the Zoom! Teeth whitening system, it should be as excellent as with any other high-end professional teeth bleaching systems.

Read More..

Teeth Whitening, Making an Impression that Lasts

Parents are always telling their children to always keep that smile on their faces because this is what makes them pleasing to other people's eyes. Smiles are so contagious that when you smile, other people are also forced to smile back at you. By doing this, you are showing your true personality and it makes you the person that you are.

It can also be noted that your teeth is one of the first things that people see once start talking to them. Before they can check out your other features, they will initially see your teeth. Some people are even captivated when people smile and show their teeth off.
These are some of the reasons why people go through extreme measures just to whiten their teeth. And you cannot blame them also. The only thing they want is to share to other people the warmth of their smile.
When applying for a job, for example. There are applicants that take the time to have their teeth whitened before they go to that interview. One reason is for them to make a lasting impression.
Since interviews will have you face-to-face and talking to your employer, it is vital that you make a good impression. You can do this by talking and smiling during the interview.
Many businesses today want their employees to be presentable. There are those who even give their employees additional compensations so that they can fix their appearance. One of the things they focus on is your teeth.
Having to face other people everyday require you to look your best. The clothes you are wearing and how you carry yourself will not matter once you start talking and your discolored teeth are exposed.
This is a way of showing that you do not give much emphasis on hygiene and what you look like. Imagine other people thinking the worst things about you just because of the color of your teeth. These things do happen. Those who are unfortunate enough have experienced what it feels like to be gaped at and ignored just because they do not have white teeth.
This is what teeth whitening procedures and products are trying to solve. Vanity is not the only thing that people want to appease when they have their teeth whitened. They also want to improve their overall appearance so that they will more confidence to face other people.
Teeth whitening can also go beyond getting you the position you deserve, it is also a means of radiating your personality by smiling more. Even if you have the toughest of day, a smile can make you forget about it.
If you want to be one of those that can lighten a whole room with their smile, try some teeth whitening products today. If want to make to make a lasting impression, then you better start looking for the whitening product that is perfect for you.

Read More..

Toothbrush Cleaners

Lately I keep hearing about proper toothbrush maintenance. How toothbushes are a haven for almost every germ imaginable including tiny bits of fecal matter (poop) Eeeeww!! Everywhere I look someone is giving advise from Tyra, The View to Mythbusters. Well here is the bottom line on all findings on their shows and then some.
First off what I found out is don’t leave your toothbrush on the sink, unless you have a water closet. When you flush your toilet a process called aerolization happens. This is when microscopic bits of excrement gets vaporized and sprayed everywhere in your bathroom. These “bits” can reach as far as 20 feet away. It lands on your sink, walls, faucets and anything that is out like your toothbrush. So that being said, it’s recommended that you close the lid before you flush and put your toothbrush in the medicine cabinet or drawer. Now here are the conflicting points. The toilet isn’t sealed air tight, right? Can’t it still sneak out? It’s also recommended that we don’t put our toothbrushes in covers or in a cabinet or drawer. That it needs to air dry properly. These places are dark moist areas, a sure breeding ground for germs.

So what do we do? Well there are some of us that will just move on with life. I mean after all we’ve been living like this forever. Why go completely neurotic, which is what will happen if you have kids and/or a husband and want them to close the lid. Face it that’s easier said than done. Then there are those of us that will go out and buy a toothbrush sanitizer. Like me, I bought Germ Terminator and have no regrets. So no matter what happens with those “bits” you can always steam clean them and have a sparkling clean, sanitized toothbrush. Which ever one is you, always replace your toothbrush every month or two. For more tips and infor visit me at http://www.cleanhomehappyhome.com

Read More..

Different Versions of Teeth Whitening

The real danger is that consumers get confused and it makes things unnecessarily complicated with businesses trying to compete for the customers spend.
Innovation is different as this is good for the industry and in the mindset of the customer shows the teeth whitening industry is pushing forward but on the other side of the coin still creates confusion with different names and benefits.
Lazer teeth whitening treatment system that whitens teeth really quickly--in one session--and it will not cost you an arm and a leg and these are main reasons why out of the available options this is a popular choice.
Managing the customers expectations is probably the biggest area that needs to happen as some customers will expect to have white teeth like Britney Spears or Simon Cowell but this simply is unlikely to happen and most people’s teeth will get whiter but only as far as their natural colour will allow.
Customers looking for bright white like film or TV stars are unlikely to get that effect by laser teeth whitening as this can only be guaranteed by fitting veneers which is a very expensive exercise.
Laser Teeth whitening treatment by a specialist is one of the best way to achieve a Hollywood smile. Professional techniques whiten teeth in the shortest time and the effects last longer than home remedies. For those on a budget however, home DIY kits provide a viable short-term solution to whitening your teeth.
Consumers have no shortage of available treatments in 2008 but a good teeth whitening professional will offer a pre consultation to check for suitability and also manage the customers expectations to ensure the customer gets the right results he or she was expecting.
If customers want Simon Cowell’s bright white teeth then paying thousands of pounds at a dentist is their option as laser teeth whitening will remove the day to day staining and whiten their teeth back to their natural level.
Everyday staining of teeth is caused by the likes of smoking, red wine, coffee and sauces and eventually the enamel on the teeth gets impregnated and stains the teeth. The laser teeth whitening treatment gets deep in to the enamel removing the stains and brightening the teeth.
After having laser teeth whitening to ensure the treatment lasts as long as possible customers should leave off their favourite things which have led to the discolouration in the first place.

Read More..