Teeth Can Last A Lifetime

Did you know that teeth can actually last a lifetime?  It's true.  For many of us, proper brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist ensure our teeth last a lifetime says a dentist in Marietta, GA.  Teeth are composed of a soft center and hard outer surface.  Surprisingly, this outer surface, the enamel is the hardest substance in our body, and it's found on our teeth. Teeth need the enamel to help withstand the incredible forces of chewing and grinding food.

The inside of the tooth is filled with nerve tissue, blood vessels and connective tissues. This part of your tooth is living.  It will die if decay reaches its chamber, as  the nerve can not withstand the insult.  It is bacteria in your mouth that causes decay, and as it multiplies, it creates an acidic by-product that erodes teeth.  Eating sugar and sweets feeds the bacteria and provides the necessary fuel to proliferate it into overdrive.

If decay is present on a tooth, it can continue until it affects the central part of the tooth. The nerve will begin to die and a root canal will be necessary.  The living portion of your tooth has died and now needs to be removed.  During a root canal, the dead nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue must be cleaned out and bacteria removed.  If the dead tissue is not removed, the bacteria can begin to multiply and once the chamber is filled, it will extrude out the bottom of the tooth into the gum tissue and cause an abscess.  Most patients will then visit the dentist for relief.  After the tooth is cleaned and the root canal is completed, it will require a  final filling or other appropriate procedure to make the tooth complete.

Natural teeth are important to keep, as they aid in proper chewing and digestion.

Crooked teeth can actually trap more bacteria than straight teeth.  Crooked teeth are more difficult to keep clean, as the bacteria and plaque have more places to hide and multiply.  Proliferation of bacteria can result in gum issues and periodontal disease progressing until the gums, bone structure and teeth are lost.  Many adults now choose braces to correct the problem to keep their teeth.  Braces reposition the teeth for better straighter, easier to clean teeth resulting in better oral hygiene and a better looking smile. They can help some people keep their natural teeth  so they last a lifetime.

Fluoride helps strengthen teeth against cavities and the acidic insult of bacteria.

Many studies document the importance of taking care of your teeth and gums.  There are proper techniques in brushing and flossing that can make a difference.  Your dentist will be able to tell you areas that you are missing and need attention at a hygiene visit.  Make the changes, as teeth with proper hygiene can last a lifetime and serve you well says Marietta dentist.

Time Matters When A Tooth Is Knocked Out

Do you know how to handle an emergency situation when someone has knocked a tooth out in an accident? Many people unexpectantly lose teeth every year due to accidents in the United States says emergency dentist in Marietta, GA. "It's best to be prepared and know how best to handle the situation," says Kirk Kimmerling DDS. A traumatic avulsion injury, or knocked out tooth often has a better outcome when people are aware of some basic procedures to follow.



The best possible scenario is for the tooth to be immediately re-implanted in the mouth after the accident occurs. This gives the tooth the best chance of long-term survival.



After the accident, it is important to stay calm and locate the tooth immediately. Pick it up by the top portion of the tooth, the crown and try not to touch the roots. If the tooth is contaminated with dirt or debris, rinse it in milk, saline solution or water. Water is the least desirable, as it damages the root cells. If milk is not available, then the water may be your only option. If it is not possible to re-implant immediately, place the tooth in the victim's cheek, or a cup of milk after it is cleansed. Never place the tooth in the mouth of an unconscious person. Do not hand carry the tooth, as the cells on the root surface will dry and drastically reduce the long term success. If the tooth is a primary or baby tooth, never re-implant, as it may cause damage to the developing permanent tooth.



If possible, try to re-implant the tooth yourself. The most important factor for long term success of re-implantation is the speed at which the tooth is re-implanted. Only proceed if the person is fully conscious. Never re-implant if the person has nausea, a head injury, headache or any other serious injury as this may lead to an even more tragic situation; aspiration. It is more important that the person be evaluated by medical personnel.



When placing the clean tooth back into the socket, make sure the tooth is rotated in the proper position. The tooth will slip into the socket more readily, if properly aligned. Since most injuries involve front teeth, it is possible to estimate the proper alignment. After placement, hold the tooth in place, and immediately seek treatment of an emergency dentist. If the tooth can not be re-implanted, a glass of milk or the accident victim's cheek is the best place to store the tooth. Avoid placing it in water. The cheek is preferred over milk.



As you arrive at the dentist, he will evaluate the situation and if possible re-implant the tooth. He may splint it to adjoining teeth for better support during the healing phase. Some emergencies can be avoided by wearing a protective mouth guard during sports.



Keep in mind the following;



1. Find the tooth and handle it by the crown



2 Clean the tooth with milk, or if necessary water



3. Reimplant the tooth if possible



4. Store the tooth in the cheek of the victim or in milk



5. Get to a dentist quickly



Understanding the critical importance of time and how to handle a knocked out tooth is critical. It should be immediately re-implanted, if possible says Marietta Dentist.

Teething...What to Expect!

When will my baby start teething so I'm prepared, asks many new mothers?  Most babies usually start the teething process between four and seven months says Marietta dentist.  Early bloomers can see a tooth appear as early as three months and for late bloomers, it's almost a year.  In rare cases, a child is born with a tooth already erupted.  Teeth start developing while the fetus is still in the womb as little tooth buds sitting right below the gums.  After the child is born, it takes many months for all baby teeth to come in, which can unfortunately be very uncomfortable for the child.  In most cases, the first two teeth appear in the front on the bottom, then the front two on the top usually come in.  The rest will follow, but not in any specific order.  Don't stress if they aren't coming in straight because these are their first set of teeth that eventually the child will lose.  The last teeth to appear are the back molars.  Most children have molars and all twenty baby teeth by the age of three.  The child usually keeps their baby teeth until around the age of six, where the permanent teeth start pushing through.  The second set of teeth called "permanent" are the teeth they will keep life long.

Here are some symptoms of teething;

1.  Sleep problems

2.  Biting or nibbling on anything they can get their little hands on.

3.  Not eating

4.  Fussiness, whining or irritability

5.  Swollen or Sensitive gums

6.  Drooling

7.  Some cases babies can spike a fever right before the tooth pushes through

Babies go through a lot their first year of life and teething is just one of the developments.  As awful as teething seems there are some ways to help alleviate baby's pain.  Below is a list of a few safe helpful tricks.......

1. Ice a towel for baby to put in their mouths

2.  Frozen teething ring can help numb the gums while they gnaw it

3.  Massage their gums with your finger

4.  Get a teething biscuit for them to gnaw on

5.  Cold applesauce is cold on the gums and tasty

6.  Try a children's pain reliever like Tylenol, etc.

7.  Try Orajel (or something like it) to numb their gums.  It usually works for about thirty-five to forty-five minutes of relief.

8.  Frozen fruit pieces which are soothing and tasty

9.  Rubbing vanilla extract onto the gums.  Its warming and has a calming effect.

10.  Clove oil although potent is very soothing as you would rub it onto their gums.  You only need a few drops which you would dilute with water before applying.

Although teething can be a very stressful time for you and baby, it's important to understand your baby hurts. Try to make your baby as comfortable as possible, or it will only make it harder for you.  The  tips above are some safe ways to try to alleviate discomfort for a happy teething baby.  Once your baby's teeth are in, you will be happy to see how much your baby is growing and developing says Marietta, GA Cosmetic Dentist.