Bad Breath Causes & Treatment

Latest Dental News: Tonsil stones can cause bad breath

Bad breath is a common health problem which greatly affects the day to day activities of so many people. The offensive odor from the mouth is unpleasant to those who come in close contact with bad breathers.

The problem will be doubled by psychological trauma leading to depression. The sufferers from this problem will be isolated from the society. This can even lead to marital disharmony.

Literally speaking all human beings are bad breathers. Oral cavity contains millions of anaerobic bacteria like fusobacterium and actinomyces which acts on the protein of food materials and putrefies them. This process results in the formation of offensive gases like hydrogen sulphide, methyl mescaptan, cadaverin, skatol causing bad odor. Most of us control this by regular brushing, tongue cleaning and gargling. Even after maintaining cleanliness in the mouth some individuals suffer from offensive smell due to various causes which has to be diagnosed and treated properly.

Here are the most common causes of bad breath.

1. Poor oral hygiene:
If oral hygiene is not maintained properly the mouth becomes the seat for millions of bacteria which produce offensive gases by degrading the food debris. Bad breath is severe in those who do not brush their teeth regularly and clean their mouth after every food. Snacks taken in-between meals can also produce bad breath because of improper cleaning.
Bad breath is common in almost all people in the morning on waking. During sleep there is less production of saliva .Saliva has got some antibacterial properties which help to keep the mouth clean. Saliva contains oxygen molecules which are needed to make oral cavity aerobic. So the reduction in it's quantity during sleep makes a favorable condition for anaerobic bacteria.

2. Food habits:
The main cause of bad smell is due to degradation of protein by the bacteria and hence all food products rich in protein favor bad breath. Meat, fish, milk products, eggs, cakes, nuts, pear can cause bad breath. Some food articles can produce particular type of smell which may be unpleasant. Raw onion can produce typical bad smell. It is said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, a raw onion a day keeps everybody away. Eating groundnuts can also produce bad smell. However if proper cleaning is done smell can be reduced irrespective of the nature of food. Irregularity in timing of food can also produce bad breath. Small food articles taken in between the meals can also produce bad smell.

3. Biofilm:
There is formation of a thin sticky coating called biofilm on the tongue and oral mucosa. This coating is thick on the posterior aspect of the tongue where millions of gram negative bacteria are seen .The thick coating on the tongue is always associated with bad breath. Even a thin biofilm can make anaerobic condition favorable for bacterial proliferation.

4. Dental caries:
This is a destructive process causing decalcification with destruction of enamel and dentine resulting in cavitisation of the tooth. These are produced mainly by the lactobacilli. Food particles are deposited inside these cavities and are putrefied by the anaerobic bacteria producing bad smell. Normal brushing will not remove the food debris easily and hence they are putrefied completely. Caries are common in schoolgoing children and in those who do not maintain proper oral hygiene .Calcium and vitamin deficiency can also predispose caries.

5. Gingivitis:
Gum is a mucus membrane with supporting connective tissue covering the tooth bearing borders of the jaw .The main function of gum is protection .Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum .Due to various causes gum tissue get infected resulting in swelling, pain and discharge. If the condition becomes worse the infection spread towards periodontal area leading to continuous discharge called pyorrhea. Some times the infection goes deep producing alveolar abscess with discharge of pus. Infection can even reach the bone causing osteomyelitis. All these conditions can produce offensive smell.

6. Gum retraction:
When the gums retract from the teeth a gap is developed which will lodge food particles and cause bad breath.

7. Dental plaques and tartar deposits:
Plaques and tartar is deposited mainly in the gaps between the teeth and gum. This will provide shelter for the food debris and bacteria causing bad breath.

8. Ulcerative lesions and coatings:
Almost all ulcerative lesions of the mouth are associated with bad breath. These lesions may be caused by bacteria, viruses, food allergies or due to autoimmune disorders. Apthous ulcer is the commonest among ulcerative lesions. Others are herpes, fungal infections, vincents angina, infectious mononucleosis, scarlet fever, diphtheria, drug reactions. Cancerous ulcers produce severe bad breath. All fungal infections produce white coating (candidiasis.. Leucoplakia is a white thick patch on the mucus membrane of the mouth and tongue. It is considered as a precancerous condition. Offensive breath is associated with these conditions.

9. Diseases of the salivary glands:
Saliva is very useful to supply oxygen to all parts of the oral cavity. Even a thin film of coating called biofilm can provide an anaerobic condition in the mouth. Saliva can wet these layers and make an aerobic condition which is unfavorable for the bacteria .Any condition which reduces the production of saliva can increase bacterial activity. Some times the salivary duct is obstructed by stones or tumors. Cancer of the salivary gland is associated with offensive odor. In suppurative parotitis purulant discharge into the mouth causes bad breath.

10. Tonsillitis:
Tonsils are a pair of lymphoid tissue situated in the lateral wall of oropharynx. Inflammation of the tonsil is called tonsillitis. Bad breath is seen in both acute and chronic tonsillitis. Quinsy or peritonsillar abscess can also produce bad breath.

11. Tonsillar plaques and tonsillar fluid:
If bad breath persists even after maintaining proper oral hygiene there is possibility of this condition. Serous fluid secreted from the folds of tonsil is very offensive. Some patients complain that they hawk some cheesy materials from the throat, which are very offensive in nature. These are formed inside the tonsillar crypts which contain thousands of bacteria. In such conditions tonsillectomy gives noticeable relief from bad breath.

12. Pharyngitis and pharyngeal abscess:
Pharynx is a fibro muscular tube which forms the upper part of the digestive and respiratory tract. Inflammation of the pharynx is called pharyngitis, caused mainly by bacteria and viruses. Bad breath is present in pharyngitis along with other signs like cough and throat irritation. Abscesses in the wall of pharynx can also produce offensive discharge of pus in to the throat.

13. Dentures:
Denture users may complain about bad smell due to lodgment of small food debris in between. Proper brushing may not be possible in denture users especially fixed dentures.

14. Tobacco:
Tobacco chewing is associated with bad breath. The smell of tobacco itself is unpleasant for others. Tobacco can irritate the mucus membrane and cause ulcers and coatings. Gingivitis and pyorrhea are common in tobacco chewers. Tartar is deposited on the teeth mainly near the gums. Tobacco chewers get gastric acidity with eructations. All these cause offensive smell.

15. Smoking:
Smokers always have bad smell. It can also produce lesions in the mouth and lungs causing bad breath. Smoking increases carbon dioxide in the oral cavity and reduces oxygen level, causing a favorable condition for bacteria. Smoking reduces appetite and thirst hence acid peptic disease is common in chain smokers.

16. Lesions in the nose and ear:
Bad breath is occasionally seen in sinusitis (infection of para nasal sinuses.. In case of post nasal dripping bad breath is common due to the presence of protein in the discharges. These proteins are degraded by the bacteria. Infection in the middle ear with discharge of pus in to the throat through the Eustachian tube (passage from middle ear to the throat. can also cause offensive odor. Chronic rhinitis (infection of mucus membrane of nose. and foreign bodies in the nose can also produce bad smell in the expired air.

17. Diabetes mellitus:
Mostly all diabetic patients suffer from bad breath. Coated tongue, ulcers and coatings in the mouth, increased sugar level in tissues are responsible for halitosis. Bacterial growth in diabetic patient is very faster than non diabetic individuals.

18. Fevers:
Bad breath is common in almost all fevers. Even an acute fever can produce bad breath. Severe bad breath is seen in typhoid .Other infectious diseases like Tuberculosis, AIDS produce bad smell.

19. Fasting and dehydration:
Dry mouth favors bacterial activity. So any condition which produces dryness in the mouth makes the breath offensive. Even though the food particles are known to produce bad breath, fasting can also produce the same. Production of saliva is also reduced during fasting. Chewing and swallowing also helps to keep the mouth clean.

20. Bedridden patients:
Bedridden patients suffer from offensive breath due to thick coating on the tongue. Water intake is also limited in these patients. Regurgitation of food aggravates the condition. Since they talk less aeration in the oral cavity is reduced which favors anaerobic bacteria to become active.

21. Diseases of stomach and esophagus:
Eructation of gas and food produce unpleasant smell. Abnormality in the function of lower sphincter can allow the food to regurgitate upwards causing bad breath. Bad breath is also common in gastritis, gastric ulcer and cancer of stomach.

22. Intestinal diseases:
Bad breath is common in patients suffering from ulcerative lesions of intestine like ulcerative colitis. Other diseases are malabsorption syndrome intestinal tuberculosis, peritonitis.

23. Diseases of lungs:
Lung diseases like pneumonia, lung abscess, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, lung cancer can produce bad odor during expiration.

24. Liver disorders:
Liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, can cause halitosis. Gall bladder diseases with vomiting also causes unpleasant odor.

25. Psychiatric patients:
Bad breath is common in psychotic patients due to poor hygiene, irregular food habits, less water intake and.

26. Somatisation disorder:
This is a psychiatric disorder characterized by the presence of a physical symptom that suggest a medical illness .These patients come with physical complaints like pain, nausea difficult respiration, bad smell. This condition is diagnosed after detailed examination of the patient with all investigations. Since this is a psychiatric disorder it has to be managed with a psychological approach.

Source: The most common Causes of Bad Breath

Previous Posts:
Get Perfect Smile For Adult Orthodontics
Reality & Facts About Teeth Whitening Products
Dentist Dublin: Cosmetic Dentists Ireland, Portobello
No Dental Fear For Anxious Patients & Nervous Patients: Sedation Dentistry
Dental Crowns & Materials Used For Crowns

No Dental Fear For Anxious Patients & Nervous Patients: Sedation Dentistry

Latest Dental News: Cleveland doctor practices sedation dentistry

Are you afraid of going to the dentist? If so, you are not alone. An estimated one-third of Americans do not go to the dentist because they are afraid of the potential pain and discomfort. This can lead to many problems because cavities, gum disease, and more go undetected and untreated. This can lead to root canals and tooth loss down the road once the pain becomes more than they can bear.

While many dentists claim to “cater to cowards,” even the nicest of dentists can still leave their patients nervous wrecks. Sedation dentistry is a completely different approach to treating patients and their teeth.

Sedation dentistry is used to provide a relaxing and calming experience for the patient. This is achieved by using varying levels of treatment depending on the patient and the procedure. The most common form is nitrous oxide which is administered throughout the procedure through a nasal mask or hood. The patient still knows what is going on around him, but is much calmer and more relaxed. It also serves to numb the gums, which can make injections easier.

Another option is IV sedation, which delivers the medication intravenously for an immediate result. Unlike nitrous oxide, it induces more of a sleep-like consciousness. It is best used when patients are extremely anxious or scared.

For those who do not like needles, a third option is oral conscious sedation. One benefit of this treatment is that patients do not remember the experience, although they are able to move and respond to the dentist throughout.

Because of the serious nature of the medication, people who use any of these treatments during their dental procedure will need to be driven home. The medication does not wear off quickly enough for the patient to have recovered sufficiently to drive.

If you are afraid of the dentist, that is not reason to put off the treatment that you desperately need for proper dental health. Talk to your dentist about whether he or she performs sedation dentistry. If not, you should look into finding someone else in your area that does.

Source: Sedation Dentistry: Solving Dental Care Concerns For Anxious Patients

Previous Posts:
Dental Crowns & Materials Used For Crowns
Reasons & Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Dentists Portobello: Cosmetic Dentist in Dublin, Ireland
Dental Implants & Bone Grafting
Stress, Jaw Problems & Headache Due to TMJ Disorder

Dental Crowns & Materials Used For Crowns

Latest Dental News: How to replace missing teeth – crowns & bridges, dentures and implants?

Has extensive wear and tear damaged your tooth to the point that its functionality is compromised? Than you need to consider a dental crown. A dental crown is essentially a cap placed over your tooth to:

• Prevent further damage
• Serve as a shell for a cracked tooth
• Replace a crown
• Allow a damaged tooth to regain functionality

Do I Need A Dental Crown?
While options such as porcelain veneers are another route you can take to prevent further tooth decay or repair a damaged tooth, if excessive damage has compromised your oral health, dental crowns are your only course of action. This is because unlike other smile restoration procedures, dental crowns provide a more fortified foundation for your teeth. Instances when this is required are:

• You’re the victim of periodontal disease, which would automatically disqualify you for porcelain veneers
• Grinding or clenching your teeth
• Major decay has eroded the foundation of your teeth
• Significant shape change is required to meet your goals

What’s The Procedure Like?
If you experience dental anxiety, many dental offices now practice sedation dentistry to alleviate any stress you may experience. However, compared to other smile restoration options, the dental crown procedure is rather simple and non-invasive:

• First, Dr. Jamie Sands and Dr. Jason Sands will prepare the tooth for receiving the crown. During this visit, an impression is made of your teeth and sent to the laboratory
• While the crown is being created, we will provide you with a temporary crown to protect your tooth
• Once the crown is finished, you return to the dental office to have the cap bonded to your damaged tooth

What Are My Options For A Crown?
There are three kinds of commonly used dental crowns:

• Porcelain
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal
• Gold

Depending on your cosmetic goals, financial restrictions, and oral health needs, you can discuss with your dentist the most appropriate route for you.

Porcelain
Porcelain dental crowns (also known as all-ceramic) are the most aesthetically pleasing and natural looking dental crown, as it is completely metal-free. However, there are drawbacks, such as it is not as strong or durable as its counterparts and thus should not be used in heavily used areas of the mouth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are the most commonly used dental crowns today. They are more durable than pure porcelain and remain a very natural looking option. However, as time peels back your gum line, more of the metal collar will show.

Gold
While not as popular as porcelain dental crowns, gold crowns are still used today under specific circumstances. For instance, if a patient grinds or clenches their teeth, gold crowns are the best route as they are more durable than porcelain options. Additionally, they provide more longevity than their porcelain counterparts.

Source: Dental Crowns: All You Need To Know

Previous Posts:
Reasons & Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Dental Implants & Bone Grafting
Dentist Portobello: Cosmetic Dentistry in Dublin, Ireland
Stress, Jaw Problems & Headache Due to TMJ Disorder
Advantages of Teeth Inlays, Onlays & Teeth Fillings

Reasons & Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Latest Dental News: Dental Resorption

It is almost impossible to maintain your teeth well enough to have a naturally dazzling white smile throughout your lifetime. There are many reasons why this is unattainable, and many of the factors involved are not related to the kinds of food you eat on a daily basis.

“Many of my patients don’t realize that stained or discolored teeth is not just a result of drinking coffee too much or smoking,” says Dr. Dennis Ikuta, a cosmetic dentist in Reedley, California. “There are many causes of stained or discolored teeth, including genetics, medications, and diseases in addition to foods, drinks, and tobacco use.”

Genetics, Aging and Tooth Enamel
For some people, genetics have a major role in why their teeth are not as naturally bright or white as other people. Just as your DNA determines your eye and hair color, it also determines the color of your enamel. If your parents have naturally bright white or yellow teeth, chances are that you will have a similar shade.

Aside from the natural shade of your enamel, there are other genetically predisposed factors that can contribute to the discoloration of your teeth. Enamel defects like microscopic pits, fissures. and other surface abnormalities can make the teeth susceptible to the accumulation of staining foods, drinks, or tobacco. When your enamel naturally wears down with age, the yellow-colored tooth structure underneath will also begin to show through.

A genetic salivary dysfunction can also contribute to staining because saliva is a key component in naturally removing plaque and food debris from your tooth surfaces. If you do not produce as much saliva as you should, your first line of defense against staining is greatly weakened, and you will need to greatly accelerate your dental hygiene routine to avoid staining.

Diseases and Medications that Affect Your Teeth
Many diseases and daily medications for common ailments can have an affect on the color of your teeth over time. There are diseases that can directly cause tooth discoloration (like enamel diseases) and there are diseases that can indirectly cause discoloration through their affect on your dental health or the medications you must take to control their symptoms.

For example, the onset of diabetes can cause your periodontal (gum) health to deteriorate more rapidly than for those without the disease. When your periodontal health is compromised, the bacteria, plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth increases, eventually leading to stains.

Many medications also increase tooth discoloration. Common anti-psychotic, anti-depressants, and acne medications such as tetracycline cause discoloration of the teeth. In addition, medications that dry out your mouth can lead to discoloration because they affect the amount of saliva helping to naturally wash away food particles from your mouth.

The Solution: Professionally Whitening Your Teeth
If your teeth are stained due to any of the reasons mentioned above, you may be a good candidate for professional tooth whitening. Depending on the cause of your stained teeth, your cosmetic dentist may recommend professionally whitening your teeth in an office environment or using an at-home whitening kit. You will need to tell your cosmetic dentist if you suffer from a disease or take a medication that has impacted your dental health. This information is critical in determining the best long-term tooth whitening strategy for you.

Contact an experienced cosmetic dentist near you today if you would like to gain or restore a dazzling white smile. No matter what the cause of your stained or discolored teeth, a cosmetic dentist will help you find a tooth whitening solution for you.

Source: The Different Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Previous Posts:
Dental Implants & Bone Grafting
Stress, Jaw Problems & Headache Due to TMJ Disorder
Wakefield Cosmetic Dentistry, Opticians in Wakefield
Advantages of Teeth Inlays, Onlays & Teeth Fillings
Invisalign Teeth Braces: Invisible Way for Teeth Straightening

Stress, Jaw Problems & Headache Due to TMJ Disorder

Latest Dental News: Jaw Problems & Headaches

“All this stress – it’s giving me a headache!” How many times have you heard someone say something similar, or even said such a thing yourself? It’s a common sentiment, and it’s based in reality. Stress can manifest itself in all sorts of physical symptoms.

Work, money, relationships, and just life in general can all cause stress. And stress can cause headaches, joint pain, eyestrain and other problems. But experts suggest that, often times, headaches are not caused by stress. Rather, the headaches are caused by a condition known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. It’s this condition – referred to as TMJ – which is actually causing the headaches, joint pain and other supposed stress-related conditions. It’s a vicious circle – the TMJ creates the headaches, persistent headaches lead to stress, and the stress then further intensifies the headaches.

“TMJ can cause an unending cycle of pain and stress for the sufferer,” says Dr. Dennis Ikuta, a Reedley, California neuromuscular dentist. “By going to a neuromuscular dentist to treat the symptoms of your TMJ, you can alleviate the pain and stress it may be causing.”

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: What is it?
Some estimates place TMJ as the third most common health problem in the United States today, yet not many people have actually heard about it. The problem with TMJ is that it is hard to diagnose, and has a myriad of symptoms. Some of the most common ones include headaches, toothaches, blurred vision, tingling in the arms, neck pain, and a clicking sound in the jaw.

So what is TMJ? TMJ is a disorder that arises when the jaw is improperly aligned, and it can cause many different painful symptoms. It can be a genetic condition, or the result of an accident. Regardless, when your jawbones and muscles are “out of whack,” problems can occur throughout your body.

So why, if TMJ is so common, is it so commonly misdiagnosed? The answer is surprising. The experts in TMJ aren’t typically doctors. Rather, the experts are neuromuscular dentists.

Neuromuscular Dentists Know TMJ
Neuromuscular dentists have additional, post-dental-school training at neuromuscular dentistry schools. Aside from learning about veneers, bleaching, and other traditional dental procedures, neuromuscular dentists also learn how to prevent these procedures from affecting the temporomandibular joint, as well as diagnose and treat TMJ and other structural disorders of the neck and jaw.

Diagnosing TMJ requires both expertise and special equipment. A computer model is made of your jaw and bite pattern, which allows your dentist to see exactly what’s wrong. Treatment for TMJ depends on the severity and extent of the individual’s condition. It could involve something as extensive as surgery, or something as simple as custom-made mouth apparatus. Typically, most cases are treated – at least partially – by the TENS system, which uses electrical pulses to eliminate the TMJ pain.

Say Goodbye to Stress
If you suffer from persistent headaches, you owe it to yourself to visit with a neuromuscular dentist. You might be suffering from TMJ. If so, you deserve treatment – treatment for TMJ will relieve the symptoms, and the subsequent stress that is often associated with chronic pain.

Diagnosing and treating TMJ is usually simple – if you know where to look! Often, that means scheduling an appointment with a neuromuscular dentist. They’re the TMJ experts! So if you suffer from unexplained headaches, jaw pain and the like, just remember: it might not be stress, it might be TMJ.

Source: Stress; the cause of TMJ?

Previous Posts:
Advantages of Teeth Inlays, Onlays & Teeth Fillings
Invisalign Teeth Braces: Invisible Way for Teeth Straightening
Optician in Wakefield Cosmetic Dentistry
Reality & Myths about Cosmetic Surgery & Plastic Surgery
Poularity & Facts About Cosmetic Surgery & Plastic Surgery

Reality & Myths about Cosmetic Surgery & Plastic Surgery

Latest Dental News: Ahmedabad based company launches new dental drug

Many men and women considering cosmetic surgery often have the misconception that there will be absolutely no scarring after their cosmetic surgery. While cosmetic surgeons work as hard as possible to place incisions in unnoticeable locations, when an incision is made or when skin is removed, it is inevitable that a scar will develop. By choosing an experienced, specially trained cosmetic surgeon, patients can make sure that incisions are made as small as possible and concealed by the natural curves of their bodies.

Is cosmetic surgery dangerous?
Cosmetic surgery is a medical procedure and as with all surgeries, there are risks associated for every patient. Recovery times vary, but dangerous is not an accurate word to describe some of the fascinating procedures cosmetic surgeons perform on men and women of all ages every day. Patients should choose a board certified surgeon with adequate experience and training in the type of cosmetic surgery you are considering.

Shopping for the lowest price on a procedure is the best way to find a cosmetic surgeon.

Cosmetic surgery yields permanent physical results and is serious business. Searching for the lowest price cosmetic surgeon in your area is not the best way to choose a cosmetic surgeon. Patients considering cosmetic surgery should find a cosmetic surgeon who is honest with them about the cost, risk, and results of their procedure. Cost must be considered, but it is more important to have a safe procedure performed by a gifted surgery that produces magnificent results.

All cosmetic surgeons are the same.
While cosmetic surgeons may share similar backgrounds, their skill level, experience, and training varies widely. During your initial consultation you should ask your potential cosmetic surgeon about his background and why he’s the best choice for your particular aesthetic goals.

Cosmetic surgeons only perform breast surgery.

While some cosmetic surgeons concentrate on just one or two specific procedures, many cosmetic surgeons provide patients with a wide array of cosmetic surgery options such as:

• Abdominoplasty
• BOTOX
• Arm reduction
• Liposuction
• Facelift
• Rhinoplasty

Recovery from cosmetic surgery is very painful!

Most cosmetic surgery patients find that the recovery period from cosmetic surgery is not nearly as painful as they thought. People who are considering cosmetic surgery, but are wary of the pain associated with the recovery, should schedule an initial consultation with a cosmetic surgeon in their area. During an initial consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will inform you of exactly what you can expect before, during and after cosmetic surgery.

Source: Myths about Cosmetic Surgery

Previous Posts:
Poularity & Facts About Cosmetic Surgery & Plastic Surgery
Jaw Pain, Headache & Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Treatments
Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgeons Liverpool
All About Endodontics & Tooth Discoloration
Facts & Difference Between Colored Dental Fillings & Silver Fillings

Teeth Sensitivity And Dental Care: Treatments And Guideliness

Latest Dental News: A dentist with a difference takes innovative steps for oral health

Many people feel very self conscious about their smile due to their discolored teeth. We all start out with pearly whites, but as we age, our teeth may start to become dull and discolored. There are certain things which can increase the amount of discoloration your teeth may have, such as:

• Tobacco use from smoking and chewing tobacco. This is typically the most common reason for stained teeth.

• Drinking coffee, tee, red wine and soda. Some fruit juices can also cause staining of teeth.

• Certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline can cause tooth discoloration.

• Amalgam or silver fillings can sometimes stain the surrounding tooth area.

Sensitivity After Whitening

Tooth whitening is becoming more and more popular as people find that they can have a bright smile they will be proud of. There are several options for tooth whitening, from over-the-counter products, to professional teeth whitening procedures. While these treatments are all typically pain free, some patients will suffer from tooth sensitivity following a whitening procedure.

Tooth sensitivity can develop due to the bleaching agents that are used in all tooth whitening products and procedures. These agents are caustic and can be irritating to the mouth. It is important for your dentist to use something called a dental dam in your mouth before the bleaching procedure. This is a safety precaution to ensure that the bleach only touches your teeth and doesn’t soak into the soft tissue in your mouth.

Even with these protective measures, you may still experience some sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages. This is called thermal sensitivity and it will typically go away within a few days of your procedure. If you experience severe pain or the pain lasts for more than a week, you should contact your dentist immediately.

Sensitivity Remedies

There are some remedies known to help tooth sensitivity. One remedy is for your dentist to place a fluoride application onto the sensitive teeth. This fluoride barrier can cut down on the amount of sensitivity you may have from the whitening procedure.

Another remedy is to use toothpaste that is formulated for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain a product called potassium nitrate, which when used over the course of several weeks will help reduce the sensitivity you may feel.

If you are considering a tooth whitening procedure, contact the office of Drs. Dennis and Deric Ikuta serving cosmetic dentistry patients in Reedley, Fresno and surrounding areas of California for a complimentary consultation.

Source: Tooth Whitening and Sensitivity

Previous Posts:
Advanced & Latest Smile Design For Good Look & Bright Smile
Cosmetic Surgery Liverpool | Dentist in Blackpool
Cure and root of Gynecomastia
Dentist Implants Kent | Tooth Implants in Kent
Cosmetic Surgery: Change Your Appearance

Advanced & Latest Smile Design For Good Look & Bright Smile

Latest Dental News: Smile Program brings smile to children of various ages

For over 150 years, metal fillings have been the status quo to repair teeth. The metal in these fillings is mercury, or an amalgam of mercury, copper, and silver. What now seems like common sense – mercury is not something you want to carry around in your mouth – is still a relatively new concept. In something known as the “mercury controversy,” a debate is raging about exactly how bad mercury is for you. The Food and Drug Administration has linked mercury to harming pregnant women, children, and fetuses. On a related note, people are concerned about mercury in the fish they eat, so it makes sense they’d feel concern about the metal fillings or restorations in their mouth. Several countries, including Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Sweden, have banned or advised against the use of metal fillings.

Health Complaints

Health problems associated with metal fillings are reported every year. The problems these people associate with the mercury in their fillings include:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Birth defects
• Chronic illnesses
• Degenerative brain and nervous system problems
• Mental disorders
• Lesions in the mouth

Replacing Metal Fillings

Due to the advent of porcelain and composite fillings, replacing metal-based fillings leaves you with options. Even if you are not feeling ill, if you want to replace your fillings with metal-free fillings, you can do so with a dentist who has a metal-free practice, like Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area dentist Dr. Terry Bass. Replacing your mercury fillings may be done for several reasons, such as:

• Metal fillings obviously do not look like your other teeth, which makes them standout negatively when you smile
• Metal expands and contracts with temperature changes, which cracks and damages the enamel on your teeth
• Any illness you have or feel you have may be because of the presence of mercury in your mouth

Metal restorations are inferior for these reasons. There is no substitute for your natural teeth, but when you need fillings, dental crowns, or veneers, you shouldn’t have to worry about your overall general health, too. By giving dental patients the option for metal-free restorations, dentists in metal and mercury free practices are not only creating better smiles. They are creating healthier smiles.

If you want to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile, consider having your metal-based fillings replaced with metal-free porcelain. If you are in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area, please contact Terry Bass, DDS to set up an initial consultation.

Source: Go Metal Free for a Healthier Smile

Previous Posts:
Cure and root of Gynecomastia
Cosmetic Surgery Liverpool | Dentist Blackpool
Dentist Implant Kent | Tooth Implants Kent
Cosmetic Surgery: Change Your Appearance

Natural Smile with Teeth Whitening

With the myriad of teeth whitening options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which product is right for you. For the quickest and most dramatic results, dentists specializing in cosmetic dentistry still offer the best solution with laser teeth whitening.

There are many other options available to people looking for a quick way to brighten their smile, but few methods produce the results seen in laser whitening. Over the counter teeth whitening kits are generally considered safe, although they can cause sensitivity. While in-office teeth whitening produces instant results, products you buy over the counter generally take longer and don’t produce the same level of whitening.

Why is My Smile Fading?

There are several factors that lead to yellowing or staining, including diet, medications and smoking. Coffee, soda, tea and red wine are major offenders. However, even if these items were cut out of your diet, aging is a natural process that unfortunately leads to dull, stained teeth.

The surface of the tooth is porous, so even with vigilant brushing, your teeth will stain over time. Thankfully, this damage is reversible with the teeth whitening technology now available. A brighter, whiter smile instills confidence and improves your entire physical appearance.

What Are My Teeth Whitening Options?

Before using any product, consult with your dentist. The degree of staining and your desired results are deciding factors in which method you should choose to brighten your smile. While commercially available treatments may whiten your teeth three or four shades, cosmetic dentists can produce amazing results – up to 14 shades whiter.

Occasionally, teeth are too damaged and stained for even laser whitening to produce desirable results. In that case, your dentist may recommend porcelain veneers. A veneer may be applied on a few specific teeth, while the others undergo a whitening treatment. If most of your teeth are affected, you might opt for several veneers.

In-office Treatment is by far the quickest and most effective teeth whitening method. In 45 minutes, you can expect your teeth to become 8 to 10 shades whiter. The cosmetic dentist begins by gently cleaning your teeth and removing plaque along the gum line. Because the peroxide compound whitening solution is so much stronger than the type used in home treatments, the dentist uses a rubber gum guard or barrier to protect your soft tissues from damage. They will apply the whitening gel 3 times, 15 minutes apart, and activate its stain-removing power with a special lamp or laser.

Rembrandt®, BrightSmile® and Zoom!® are popular types of in-office treatments that produce similar results. This is a great option for people with highly sensitive teeth or those who expect instant results. While it is more expensive than home treatments, the cost varies depending on the dentist performing the treatment, what type of gel they use and whether or not your insurance company is footing a part of the bill (most insurance providers do not include cosmetic dentistry in their coverage).

At-home Treatments should still be supervised by your cosmetic dentist. These treatments come in the form of a professional grade whitening gel with teeth trays, usually custom fit to your mouth. Your cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth before providing the whitening gel, to ensure that your mouth is free of cavities and decay. At-home whitening gel can actually cause damage to decayed teeth. They will also remove any excess plaque that could hinder the whitening process.

The gel-filled trays and worn overnight for two to three weeks, the time in which it takes to see maximum results.

Over the Counter Whitening Treatments are not as effective as teeth whitening treatments provided by or performed by your cosmetic dentist. Companies such as Colgate® and Crest® offer a wide variety of gels, strips, paint-on liquids and other solutions that are used for several weeks at a time. Many people find that the solutions cause excessive temperature sensitivity and prefer to use the stronger dentist’s office treatments for a shorter period.

These over the counter treatments do not produce the dramatic results that the in-office and at-home dentist’s solutions can and are therefore suitable for people looking to brighten their smile just a few shades.

Whitening Toothpastes work by removing surface stains from the tooth enamel. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dentist visits should produce the same results. Those with resistant tooth damage and staining from medications such as tetracycline will find that whitening toothpastes and over the counter treatments are ineffective.

How Long Will My Teeth Stay Whiter?

With proper care and regular touch-ups, your new bright smile should last for years. However, coffee, tea, red wine, blueberries and other foods can take their toll on your pearly whites. Avoid these foods and cigarettes to keep your smile looking its best.

After a professional in-office treatment, over the counter products can be used every few months to remove new surface stains.

How Much Will It Cost to Have My Teeth Whitened?

The cost varies according to which treatment you choose and your desired results. In-office laser whitening ranges from a couple of hundred to over a thousand pounds, while over the counter treatments are as low as £10. Porcelain veneers start around £350 per tooth and go up depending on the work needed to prepare the tooth and the cosmetic dentist applying it.

At-home or over the counter whitening is a good choice for those on a limited budget who don’t mind performing the whitening themselves each night. Visit your dentist for a thorough cleaning to remove excess plaque and check for tooth decay before applying any home treatment.

For those seeking instant results, those with sensitive teeth and those who are not concerned with the budget, in-office laser whitening is a quick, simple and painless way to a brighter smile. See your cosmetic dentist for a consultation.

Wirral Dentist | Cheshire Tooth whitening | North Wales Teeth Whitening

Source: Teeth Whitening - The Shortcut to Your Whitest, Brightest Smile

Cosmetic Dentistry: Great Way to Improve Face Look

Discolored, chipped or missing teeth can affect self-confidence. A person may be reluctant to smile with parted lips if they feel their teeth are unattractive.

Cosmetic dentistry can make substantial improvements to every kind of smile. There are techniques to deal with discolored, chipped, gapped, crooked or missing teeth.

In severe cases, orthodontic treatment may be needed. This is a specialized branch of dentistry that corrects jaw and teeth misalignments with devices such as braces. You can simply ask your cosmetic dentist, or specialist for further information and advice on improving the look of your smile.

Many people ask me what exactly Cosmetic Dentistry is and what is consists of... Below is a little description:

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

This style of dentistry is any treatment which:

" Improves the look (or aesthetic aspect) of the teeth.

" The services available are bleaching for the front teeth.

" Reconstruction of the teeth with crowns or veneers

" Orthodontic treatment to change the position of the teeth.

" All of this is considered to be cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Dentistry is a great way to improve the look of your entire face, your mouth is the focal point when you smile for photos, or simply when chatting to people.

Your smile is the first impression you make on others, so make it stand out. Many people are unaware that simple inexpensive procedures can be done that will dramatically effect your smile. the way you look also effects the way you feel. So truly this can be said that investing in a new smile could be one of the wisest investment you could make.

Source: Dental Treatment And Cosmetic Dental Work

Dental Problems May Affect Overall Health

For many people, the relation between oral health and systemic body conditions is abstract at best. Few of us know that dental problems have consequences that extend far beyond the mouth.

Most of us think that dental problems would result at worst in a few fallen teeth or some painful hours in the dentists’ chair. Yet, bad oral health can result in long-term health issues such as heart disease and stroke that can be potentially fatal. This article reviews the possible effect of oral health on general body health.

Dental problems arise as a result of poor oral hygiene. The accumulation of harmful bacteria in the dental cavities can result in formation of plaque and tartar. Tartar provides a very conducive environment for the development of bacterial populations, which as a consequence rise dramatically.

An infection arises, leading to conditions such as root decay and gum disease. If the bacterial growth is not checked, the infection can reach the bloodstream. This is when the real complications occur.

Dental Problems and Heart Disease

Harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream attach to fatty plaques already present in the arteries of the body. This hastens the formation of arterial blockages (blood clots) that result in thrombosis. The bacteria can also reach the chambers of the heart where they get lodged and start an infection. The result is infective endocarditis. After some time, this infection produces growths that break off into the bloodstream and attach to other critical organs, resulting in a generalized infection.

Dental Problems and Diabetes

Diabetes and dental problems are mutually reinforcing diseases. Dental problems result in the production of cytokines, which increase the body’s resistance to insulin and make blood sugar difficult to control. Diabetes, on the other hand, reduces the capacity of the body to heal itself and therefore increases the likelihood of dental infections and abscesses.

Dental Problems and Low Birth Weight

Internal infections in pregnant women, originating from the mouth, have been known to cause low birth weights and premature birth. Cytokines produced during infections cause the production of the hormone prostaglandin. This hormone acts as a trigger for labor and thus results in premature birth. Pregnant women with oral infections have up to seven times greater risk of giving birth to a premature baby than those with normal oral health.

Other conditions that have been linked to oral hygiene include Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis. So be very cautious with your dental health.

Glasgow dentist | Glasgow cosmetic surgery | Glasgow cosmetic dentist

Dental Problems Affect Overall Health

Villagers waiting for a Dentists after NHS Practice Opened

The parlous state of NHS dentistry under Labour was exposed last night after it was revealed 1,000 people in a village ended up on a waiting list for a dentist.

Nearly one in ten of the 11,500-strong population of Tadley were forced to wait after a single NHS practice opened in the Hampshire village.

Their alternatives were paying privately, travelling miles to another NHS dentist - or going without treatment.

Local councillor Nigel Quelch said: 'When I phoned, they said they had a waiting list of 1,000. It shows what a huge demand there is for Health Service dentistry.

'But we're very grateful to the dentist for opening in Tadley.'

In 1999, Tony Blair promised that within two years everyone would have access to an NHS dentist.

Eight years later he admitted failure. A new contract, introduced three years ago to increase numbers of NHS dentists, has also been judged to have made the situation worse - with 1,000 dentists fleeing the NHS.

It means the remaining NHS dentists are overwhelmed and can't take new patients - as the Tadley case shows.

LibDem health spokesman Norman Lamb said: 'We cannot continue with a postcode lottery where people like the Tadley residents can't have access to NHS dentistry.'

Hampshire primary care trust confirmed the list had hit 1,000 in December but has since been cleared.

It said the practice now has 7,000 patients and can't take more - meaning over 4,000 have no dentist in the village.

Source: 1,000 villagers wait for a dentist after just one NHS practice opens

Glasgow Cosmetic Dentistry