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Scroll down to content Posts Posted on May 13, 2024 Some tips on overcoming nerves when going to the dentist Some people get a bit nervous about the idea of going to the dentist. As a result of the major progress that has been made in diagnosis and treatment, the process gets more comfortable all the time. So you may be worrying unnecessarily. But, if you’re in any way tense or anxious, tell your dentist and the dental staff. They will understand and will be able to adapt the treatment to your needs. It can also help if you choose a time for your dental visit when you’re less likely to be rushed or under pressure. Dashing out from a busy day at work may make you feel more stressed. For many people, that means making an early-morning or a Saturday appointment helps a great deal. There are also other steps than can help. If the sound of the drill bothers you, take a portable audio player and headset so you can listen to your favorite music. You can also help to relax by simply visualizing yourself somewhere you feel relaxed. Sometimes these simple steps can help you feel a lot better. So why not give it a try on your next visit? Posted on May 6, 2024 How implants changed dentistry Implants are one of the most important developments in dental care over recent years. They have created opportunities that didn’t exist before for people to improve their dental health and create the smile they want. Implants were discovered by Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon Dr. P.I. Br�nemark and they have transformed the quality of life for people who have missing teeth. The basis of a dental implant is a titanium rod about 1cm long. This is placed inside the jawbone and is designed to serve the same purpose as tooth roots. Implants can either be used to replace lost teeth or to help keep dentures in place more securely. One of the reaons implants have changed dental care so much is that, previously, there was often no other way to replace missing teeth permanently. And there are many people who cannot tolerate removable dentures or don’t want to wear them for some other reason. The introduction of implants had made a big change in their lives. Posted on April 29, 2024 How a healthy diet can help you have healthy teeth Eating the right food plays an important role in developing healthy teeth and gums. If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to fight infection and this can contribute to gum disease. Although poor nutrition does not cause gum disease directly, the disease may progress faster and could be more severe in people with diets which are low in nutrients. The U.S. Department of Agriculture makes recommendations on the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed by your body – including your teeth and gums – to promote health and prevent disease. We have different needs at various stages life and depending on our physical activity. The DOA website provides more information and your dentist will be able to discuss how your diet affects your teeth. Here are some steps you can take to make sure what you eat doesn’t harm your teeth. – Maintain a healthy diet – Drink plenty water – Limit the number of between-meal snacks. When you must snack, choose nutritious foods that are low in sugar – Keep a food diary for a week recording every item you eat and drink It will also help if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings and talk to your dentist about how your diet affects your teeth. Posted on April 22, 2024 Understanding your wisdom teeth Many patients ask whether wisdom teeth are really necessary since so many people have them removed. The fact is that wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. However, problems can occur that sometimes make it better to have them removed. For example, when the jaw isn’t large enough, the wisdom teeth can become impacted – misaligned or unable to grow in properly. They may grow sideways, emerge only part way from the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. The reasons wisdom teeth may have to be extracted include: – The teeth have only partially erupted. This leaves an opening for bacteria which cause infection. – There is a chance the wisdom teeth will damage adjacent teeth. – A cyst forms which may destroy surrounding structures such as bone or tooth roots. Ask your dentist about the health and positioning of your wisdom teeth. Your dentist will tell you if there are any issues and will recommend any steps needed. Posted on April 15, 2024 How sugar in your diet affects your teeth The sugar content in the food you eat has a big effect on your teeth and gums. When bacteria (plaque) come into contact with sugar in the mouth, acid is produced, which attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more. This can eventually result in tooth decay. That’s why drinking sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks can take a toll on teeth. This is particularly true for children as their eating patterns and food choices affect how quickly they develop tooth decay. Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to tooth decay. However, almost all foods, including milk or vegetables, have some type of sugar. Many of them also contain important nutrients that are an important part in our diet. To help control the amount of sugar you consume, read food labels and choose foods and beverages that are low in added sugars. Soft drinks,candy, cookies and pastries often contain added sugars. Posted on April 8, 2024 Is bottled or tap water better for your teeth? With many people concerned about the taste and purity of tap water, the sales of bottled water have increased significantly in recent years. Tap water goes through a process of purification designed to eliminate suspended materials, remove tastes and odors and kill microorganisms. Fluoride is added to most tap water supplies with the aim of reducing cavities. Fluoride becomes incorporated into our teeth as they develop and makes them more resistant to decay. It can reverse the progress of early cavities and reduce the need for dental treatment. Mass water fluoridation has played an important role in reducing tooth decay. The problem with bottled waters is that they usually don’t contain fluoride. So there is a risk that drinking bottled water can increase the risk of cavities for some people. If you drink a lot of bottled water, you can make up for this by using fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse. Your dentist may even suggest a fluoride supplement if they notice an increase in cavities. Posted on April 1, 2024 Why it’s not inevitable that you’ll lose your teeth as you get older Advancements in dental techniques and the increased focus on preventive dentistry means older adults are keeping their natural teeth longer than ever before. A survey by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research showed that the rate of toothlessness in the 55 to 64 age group has dropped 60 percent since 1960. Whatever your age, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene at home and to visit your dentist regularly. A few simple steps can help you maintain good oral health throughout your life. Plaque, the sticky, colorless layer of bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease, can build up quickly on the teeth of older adults, particularly when they neglect oral hygiene. This can increase the risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease. So it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. Regular dental checkups are also an important part of caring for your teeth. This can help you save your teeth and gums and prevent other dental problems. It will save you time and money in the long-run as well. Posted on March 25, 2024 Treating Sensitive Teeth Sensitive teeth is a common problem that causes many people...