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.

Dental Implants Make People Healthier And Happier

Are you missing a tooth or multiple teeth and it's negatively affecting your life?  Many people with missing teeth have difficulty chewing food, speaking and even suffer low self-esteem due to the loss. The next best thing to having your natural teeth is replacing them with a dental implant says a dentist in Marietta, GA.  Dental implants are readily used, look natural and allow people to gain back the beautiful smile they once had.
Why replace missing teeth with implants?

1. Dental implants can restore your appearance.
2. Having the teeth replaced raises self-esteem.
3. Dental implants can improve speech.
4. Dental implants make eating more pleasurable and satisfying.
5. The proper teeth aid in better digestion for a healthier you.
6. The procedure is highly successful, as most people have a good result.
7. There is little discomfort after surgery, and over the counter medicine usually keeps a patient comfortable.
8. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or secure a full denture.
9. Only your dentist needs to know you were missing teeth.
10. Dental Financing with companies such as Care Credit make it possible for some to afford the care.

The loss of a tooth can occur for many reasons.  Some of the most common include a cracked tooth, sport injuries, accidents, dental decay, gum disease, and root canal failure.  Regardless of how it is lost, dental implants are the procedure of choice and the best alternative to replace the missing teeth.
Let's look at the implant procedure.
An implant procedure is basically the same whether you are missing one tooth or multiple teeth.  However, some people require extra procedures such as bone graft or a sinus lift.  An implant can be quite simple  in uncomplicated cases.  The gum tissue is opened and the jawbone exposed.  If a bone graft is recommended, it is placed to help anchor the implant more securely in place.  A special drill is used to prepare the bone, and the implant is placed.  After the procedure, sutures are used to secure the tissue during healing.  Some people will require a sinus lift to make room for the implant to fit.  Both the bone graft and sinus lift adds expense to the overall cost if they are necessary.  The implant is now left to osseointegrated with the bone.  A  crown (tooth)  is later placed on top.  The implant will be secure enough to chew, speak and brush your teeth with confidence.  Best of all, it will look like a natural tooth.
Let's look at the time involved in the implant process.
After the surgery, the osseointegration of the implant takes approximately three to six months.   After healing and integrating, the implant will be uncovered and a post attached to support the artificial tooth.  An impression is taken, and a crown is specifically fabricated with a shade to match existing teeth. It usually takes two to three weeks to fabricate a crown.  It is then attached to the implant.
Dental implants are the latest technology.  They are a permanent solution for those missing a single or multiple teeth.  They are the durable, permanent and the best solution to replace teeth. Dental implants are widely available and people should consider the option says Marietta, GA  dentist.

Body, Mouth And Mind Connection

Have you seen information in the news about a "healthier mouth means a  healthier you?"  Although there are many aesthetic reasons to maintain a healthy mouth, the most important is the rest of your body, says Marietta dentist.  There is a growing wealth of scientific evidence demonstrating the connection between oral health and the risk of serious disease.  Gums and teeth are not only important for your appearance, but should be kept in tip-top shape if you want to be healthy. It's never too early or late to make necessary changes.  Brushing, flossing and regular dental visits are your first line of defense, and here are a few reasons why...

1. Self-Esteem

Decaying teeth or gum disease can be unsightly which may result in low self-esteem, low confidence or even low self-image. Having a confident smile is important and can result in a better quality of life while interacting with others.  It affects how you ultimately feel about yourself.

2. Heart disease, strokes and blood vessels

The risk of heart disease is lower with proper daily oral hygiene. Studies show that chronic inflammation from gum disease might be associated with problems such as heart disease, strokes and blockages of blood vessels. The link between a healthy mouth and the cardiovascular system is now well documented proving the connection.

3. Pregnancy

Pregnant women may be prone to increased gingivitis or gum disease. Research has shown links between gum disease and preterm, low birth weight infants. Although the research is still ongoing, there is enough data to demonstrate the importance of maintaining good oral health and having a healthy infant.  Visiting the dentist during pregnancy should be a part of prenatal care.  It's important to make sure that all aspect of health are good to ensure a healthy full term pregnancy.

4. Memory

Having a good memory is important to remember the priceless moments throughout life. Studies have shown that adults with gum diseases performed worse on memory and cognitive tests.  Interestingly enough, good oral hygiene just might help retain those special moments that have filled your life with joy.

5. Blood Sugar

Diabetes in itself is a difficult disease to manage, as diabetics have more difficulty fighting infections in the body. Since gum disease is an infection, it can rapidly progress out of control.   Once it has taken a foot-hold, it makes controlling blood sugar levels more difficult, an important reason for diabetics to take proper care of gum tissue.  Daily brushing and flossing helps control blood sugar levels.

6. Your body and inflammation

Poor oral hygiene has been shown to be linked with the development of infection in other parts of the body. Studies between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, a painful autoimmune disease-causing inflammation of joints is another example of poor oral hygiene affecting overall health. Infections from the mouth can spread throughout the body leading to a poor quality of life.

Daily brushing and flossing are the key steps to maintaining great overall health, and visits to the dentist for regular visits can mean a healthier you says Marietta dentist.

Plaque...The Enemy

Do you ever wonder why your dentist says plaque is so important to remove?  Most people have been told since childhood that regular brushing and flossing is the only way to avoid plaque on  their teeth says Marietta cosmetic dentist.  Let's examine plaque and take a look at some ways  to avoid its build up on your beautiful smile...

Have you ever wondered exactly what plaque is? It's starts off as a tacky substance of bacteria that produces a sticky chemical called mucopolysaccharides. The bacteria lives in a film on teeth called biofilm.  At first, it is a soft layer that's easy to remove with a tooth-brush.  If it's not removed, it releases acid which can affect the tooth's enamel.  The result is a hole in the tooth called a cavity.   Plaque, if not properly removed,  it will begin to harden and become a substance called tartar. Tartar cannot be removed with a tooth-brush.  If it gets to this point, your dentist or hygienist will have to remove it for you. "Being consistent with your oral hygiene helps keep plaque and tartar off your teeth" says Marietta dentist. Lets take a look at some bad habits to avoid so plaque does not build-up...

Habit 1.... Staying away from the dentist!

Brushing and flossing daily, although great for oral hygiene doesn't remove all the plaque on your teeth. It's very important to schedule professional cleanings regularly at your dental office to remove what you may have missed.  Some of the missed plaque could harden to form tartar and the only way to get it removed is with regular professional cleanings. It has been proven that people who go to the dentist have less cavities and less tooth loss.  Most dentists recommend professional cleanings at least twice a year to ensure complete removal of unwanted plaque.

Habit 2.... Not brushing properly

Other people might not notice your brushing habits aren't perfect, but your teeth will suffer. It's important to  brush at least twice daily to ensure the removal of unwanted plaque.   It's good idea to buy a Sonicare toothbrush and use it the recommended two minutes.  Also, the use a fluoride-containing toothpaste helps keep teeth strong.  Make sure you brush all surfaces of your teeth, and keep in mind that its very important to still schedule regular professional cleanings.

Habit 3.... Not flossing at all

Brushing your teeth itself doesn't remove all the plaque in the spaces between your teeth. Flossing is very important to help remove plaque in the spaces your tooth-brush can't reach. Daily flossing can help remove plaque before it becomes a serious problem. It removes any plaque along the gum line helping avoid the dreaded periodontal, gum disease. Flossing is one of the key ways to keep your teeth in the best possible health.

The three habits listed are three excellent ways to have healthy oral hygiene.  Brushing, flossing and regular dental visits ensure that you are on your way to or maintaining healthy oral hygiene.  Although plaque does not start out a serious problem, it becomes one over time.  It's very important to keep up with all three to keep a healthy beautiful smile, says dentist in Marietta, GA.

Reverse Gingivitis Before It's Too Late

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. It is an inflammation and infection of the gingiva (gums) says a dentist in Marietta, GA.  Many times early gum disease can be reversed by a simple procedure called scaling and root planing performed by your dental office.  Others may need a more extensive gum tissue surgery to halt the disease.  Periodontal disease is usually the result of inadequate hygiene, so it can happen to people of all ages.

Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film that forms naturally in the mouth.  The plaque contains bacteria that produce toxins that inflame and damage the tissue and supporting bone structure of teeth. Gum tissue that is bright red, purplish-red or bleeds is usually a sign of gingivitis or more advanced disease.  If left untreated, it will advance and teeth will be lost.

Periodontal disease usually can be prevented with good oral hygiene.  Brushing, flossing and professional cleaning appointments are the best defense.  Many people do not realize they have gum disease, since discomfort is not present in the beginning.  At a regular professional cleaning, your dentist can recognize the signs and help patients reverse it, if it has not progressed too far.  If left alone, the health of the gum tissue will deteriorate and supporting bone structure will begin dissolve.  Tissue will recede and begin to pull away from the bacteria ridden teeth.  Pockets will form, continue to deepen, and teeth will eventually need extracted.

Let's examine some interesting facts concerning gum disease;

   
• Gum disease can make getting pregnant and carrying a full-term pregnancy more difficult.
   
• Hormonal changes, such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause make it easier to develop gingivitis.
   
• Certain illnesses such as HIV can put people at a higher risk for gum disease.
   
• Smoking promotes gum disease by making it more difficult for tissue to repair itself.
   
• Family's with a history of periodontal disease need to be aware it can contribute to developing gum disease.

What symptoms indicate possible gum disease?

   
• Red, purplish-red gums
   
• Bad breath
   
• Swollen gums
   
• Bleeding gums
   
• Shifting Teeth
   
• Receding gums
   
• Pocketing around teeth
   
• Change of your bite
   
• Plaque or tartar buildup around teeth

At your professional cleaning, the bacteria, plaque and tartar will be removed from your teeth allowing the dentist to access the health of your mouth.  He can check for pocketing and measure around each tooth.  A deeper pocket is an indication of more serious gum disease.

The best method to maintain a healthy mouth is to do the following.

   
• Purchase a Sonicare Toothbrush and brush at least twice a day for two minutes.
   
• Floss daily, and learn to do it properly
   
• Eat a well-balanced diet
   
• Avoid grinding of your teeth
   
• Avoid smoking
   
• See a dentist at least twice a year to have your teeth cleaned

Studies confirm the close relationship between oral health and some disease.  The close relationship is the best reason oral hygiene should be high on the daily priority list. Keep your mouth healthy , and your efforts will mean a healthier you, says Marietta Dentist.