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.

Periodontal disease and Your Health Explains Marietta Dentist

Preventing gum (periodontal) disease is an important factor in maintaining healthy hygiene in your mouth.  Knowing the link between gum disease and systemic disease, any person interested in maintaining optimal health should have the best oral hygiene possible.  Brushing twice a day, flossing daily and trips to the dentist for a dental prophylaxis is a must says Marietta dentist.

Unhealthy gums are linked to diseases such as; bacterial pneumonia, respiratory infection, cardiovascular disease, and a compromised immune system.  Many pregnant women with gum disease have a higher incidence of  premature birth and babies with a lower birth weight.  Studies show diabetes and periodontal disease can be closely related.  People with diabetes have a more difficult time controlling blood sugar, and as their periodontal health improves, so does controlling their blood sugar.  Therefore, a relationship between a healthy mouth and healthy body exists.

Lets explore what gum, periodontal disease is...

It's a disease that can destroy not only your gums but also the bone and other tissues that support teeth.  A sticky film of bacteria builds up on teeth called plaque that starts the process of gum disease.  Proper daily routine of brushing and flossing removes the plaque not allowing gum (periodontal) disease to take hold says Marietta, GA dentist.  A good routine keeps your gums from infection from the harmful plaque caused by bacteria. Proper oral hygiene prevents gums from becoming red and swollen, a condition called gingivitis; the early stages of periodontal disease. Eventually the plaque hardens and turns into tartar, a more difficult substance to remove.  If left untreated, it progresses to the next stage called periodontitis.  The gums begin to separate from the teeth and create deep spaces called pockets.  The pockets begin to collect bacteria that produce toxins and destroy the bone anchoring teeth.  If the disease is allowed to progress, teeth will become loose and eventually fall out.  A dentist may remove the teeth that affected. Bacteria present will have access to the bloodstream and begins to travel in the blood causing a harmful inflammation process.

Ideally, brushing twice a day using an ADA (American Dental Association) approved toothpaste with fluoride, and flossing helps maintain healthy gums.  Flossing removes bacteria and plaque that form in between teeth that a toothbrush can not remove.  It is important to  get on a schedule of regular professional dental cleanings to ensure that you are taking proper care of your teeth.  Professional cleanings are the only way to remove tartar that traps bacteria along the gum line.

Your dentist can also suggest ideas and answer any questions you may have about your oral hygiene.  Make sure you let your dentist know about your overall health, especially if you have had any chronic conditions or recent illnesses.  Let him know any medication you are on, or if your health has changed since you saw them last.  Your dentist needs to have a good idea of what is going on with your health so they can provide you with the best care possible.

Good oral hygiene is a very important step to ensure the best health and life possible says cosmetic dentist in Marietta GA.

Reshaping Teeth Or Gums May Give You A Better Smile

Healthy, well-contoured teeth and gums can make a significant difference in a smile says Marietta dentist. "It's always a treat to makeover a person's smile by contouring their teeth or gums, and see them elated with the way they look. It's a rewarding and enjoyable part of dentistry," says cosmetic Marietta dentist. A person's gum tissue frames the top of their tooth and should be within certain dimensions and parameters for a more attractive smile.  Many times, the shape of the tissue can be altered to expose the appropriate amount of enamel.  Teeth can also be re-shaped by contouring.  Dental contouring changes the length, edges and position of teeth making a smile more appealing.  Candidates for contouring must have healthy teeth and gums before these cosmetic procedures are considered.

Reshaping can often correct chipped, cracked or misalignment teeth due to bruxism (tooth grinding) and heredity. If the damage is minor,  the teeth can be smoothed to eliminate the appearance of rough and uneven teeth.  It is possible to re-damage teeth if continual grinding and clenching continue.  An appliance may then be considered to protect teeth from continual damage.  An impression is necessary for a perfect fit.  Contouring without anesthesia is performed unless the re-shaping is major.  In this case, a dentist may take an x-ray to determine the location of the pulp of the tooth. Otherwise only small quantities of tooth will be removed for a more perfect shape.

Well-contoured gums compliment well-contoured teeth.  People can be born with unsymmetrical gum tissue that can be trimmed for a better appearance. Gingival margins, the area where the teeth and gums meet should be a certain height. Gum tissue on certain teeth should be higher than others.  The front two teeth and canines should be the same, and the lateral incisors should be lower.  People with a gummy smile, have the appearance of small "chicklet" teeth because of lengthy gum tissue.  Many times it can be trimmed exposing more tooth creating a more balanced and attractive smile. Although, not all gum issues can be resolved with contouring, much can.

Removed gum tissue can sometimes grow back says Marietta dentist.  In this case, it may be possible to remove bone to keep the tissue from re-growing.  Although more invasive with a lengthier recovery, it can yield a beautiful result.  A "gumlift"  is  a cosmetic surgery that can be done by a dentist. Since cosmetic surgery and a youthful appearance the craze of today, this may be an inexpensive procedure to consider.

Healthy well-contoured gums and teeth can make a smile more beautiful.  Teeth and gum contouring can be a relatively simple procedure that makes a tremendous difference in a person's smile with relative ease.  It can be an inexpensive alternative to consider.  A smile is important to the way people feel about themselves and the way others perceive you. Teeth and gum contouring is a dental procedure that can make a significant difference in a smile with relative ease, say Marietta, GA cosmetic dentist.

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Kirk Kimmerling DDS is a cosmetic dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA) at Verde Pointe Dental Associates. Dr. Kimmerling is extremely passionate about helping every patient reach their optimum dental health. Having practiced as a dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA) for over 26 years, Dr. Kimmerling strives to provide the very best treatment in a secure, relaxing environment. While Dr. Kimmerling specializes in cosmetic dentistry, he runs a full-service practice that provides everything from routine cleanings to dental implants. He and the courteous staff at his state-of-the-art office are dedicated to helping patients achieve beautiful smiles and maintaining a lifetime of excellent dental health.  He has a full service practice from teeth cleanings and teeth whitening to dental veneers, implants, root canals, tooth colored fillings, periodontal, toothaches, extractions and more.

For the top cosmetic dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA), please call Kirk Kimmerling DDS at Verde Pointe Dental Associates, or visit the website for more information. www.drkirkkimmerling.com