What is the Procedure for Getting Porcelain Veneers?

Consultation: The first step in getting porcelain veneers is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and discuss your cosmetic goals.

Preparing the Teeth: Your dentist will remove a small amount of tooth enamel from the front surface of your teeth to make room for the veneers.

Making Impressions: Next, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to send to the dental lab where your custom-made veneers will be created.

Temporary Veneers: Your dentist will place temporary veneers on your teeth to protect them while you wait for your custom-made veneers to be ready.

Placement of Veneers: When your custom-made veneers are ready, your dentist will remove the temporary veneers and place the permanent veneers on your teeth. They will then be bonded to your teeth using a strong dental adhesive.

Follow-up Appointments: Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to check on the fit and appearance of your veneers and make any necessary adjustments.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is the tiny channel within the tooth that runs from the top of the tooth down to the tip of the root. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues that help keep the tooth healthy. When these tissues become infected or damaged, root canal therapy is necessary to remove the damaged tissue and protect the rest of the tooth from further damage.

What Causes the Need for a Root Canal?

There are several factors that can cause the need for a root canal, including:

• Decay: Tooth decay can cause the nerve and blood vessels in the root canal to become infected.
• Trauma: A traumatic injury to the tooth can cause the nerve and blood vessels in the root canal to become damaged.
• Large Fillings: Large fillings can put pressure on the nerve and blood vessels in the root canal, causing them to become damaged or infected.
• Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease can cause the tissues in the root canal to become infected.

The secrets of brushing and flossing your teeth effectively

Though many of us say we brush our teeth regularly, you get the best results by making sure you brush properly.

Here are the steps you should follow:

First, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.

Then, move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.

Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

Use the “toe” of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.

Finally, brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

As well as brushing your teeth, you should floss them every day. Here's how to floss for best results.

Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers.

Then wind the remaining floss around the same finger on the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.

Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.

Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.

When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.

Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.

Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.

Don’t forget the back side of your last tooth.

If you have difficulty handling dental floss, consider other types of interdental cleaner such as special brushes, picks or sticks.

Your dentist or hygienist will be able to give your further tips on how to brush and floss for best results.

Holistic Dentistry: The Future of Oral Health Care

Holistic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the overall health of a person, rather than just their teeth and gums. It takes into consideration the impact of oral health on a person's well-being, and the impact of a person's overall health on their oral health. Holistic dentists work with their patients to achieve optimal oral health and wellness by using natural, safe and non-toxic treatments whenever possible.

The principles of holistic dentistry include the use of biocompatible materials, minimal intervention, and a focus on preventing dental problems rather than just treating them. For example, holistic dentists may recommend natural treatments such as oil pulling or herbal remedies to treat gum disease, instead of resorting to antibiotics or surgical procedures.

One of the key benefits of holistic dentistry is that it helps to reduce a person's exposure to toxins and chemicals. Traditional dental treatments can involve the use of mercury amalgam fillings, fluoride, and other potentially harmful substances. Holistic dentists work to minimize the use of these chemicals and instead opt for safer, natural alternatives.

In addition to its focus on safety, holistic dentistry also places a strong emphasis on patient comfort. Holistic dentists take the time to listen to their patients' concerns and to understand their unique needs and preferences. They work closely with patients to develop customized treatment plans that take into account their individual health histories and lifestyles.

Another important aspect of holistic dentistry is its focus on educating patients. Holistic dentists believe that informed patients are more likely to make good choices when it comes to their oral health. They work to educate their patients about the importance of good oral hygiene, healthy diet, and regular dental check-ups.

Overall, holistic dentistry is a forward-thinking and patient-focused approach to oral health care. By placing a strong emphasis on overall health and wellness, holistic dentists are helping their patients to achieve optimal oral health and to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a dental practice that prioritizes your overall health and well-being, consider visiting a holistic dentist. By combining the latest advancements in dental technology with a natural, holistic approach, holistic dentistry is the future of oral health care.

How your oral health links with your general health

Research has shown strong links between periodontitis (advanced form of gum disease) and other health problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and bacterial pneumonia.

And pregnant women with periodontitis may be at increased risk of delivering pre-term and/or having babies with low birth weight.

However, just because two conditions occur at the same time, doesn’t necessarily mean that one condition causes the other. The relationship could work the other way.

For example, there is evidence that diabetics are more likely to develop periodontitis and have more severe periodontitis than non-diabetics.

Alternatively, two conditions that occur together may be caused by something else.

In addition, people who smoke or use alcohol have a higher than average risk of developing periodontitis and other conditions, including oral cancer.

Research is looking at what happens when periodontitis is treated in individuals with these problems.

The aim is to find out whether periodontitis does have an effect on other health problems.

If one caused the other, improvement in periodontal health would also improve other health problems.

While the research is not yet conclusive, the potential link between periodontitis and systemic health problems, means that preventing periodontitis may be an important step in maintaining overall health.

In most cases, good oral health can be maintained by brushing and flossing every day and receiving regular professional dental care.

How the food you eat can cause tooth decay

When you put food in your mouth, it immediately meets the bacteria that live there.

Plaque, for example, is a sticky film of bacteria.

These bacteria love the sugars found in many foods. So, when you don’t clean your teeth after eating, the bacteria and the sugar can combine to produce acids which can destroy the enamel – the hard surface of the tooth.

In time, this can lead to tooth decay. The more often you eat and the longer foods are in your mouth, the more damage occurs.

Many foods that are nutritious and important in our diet contain sugars – such as fruits, milk, bread, cereals and even vegetables.

So the key is not to try and avoid sugar but to think before you eat.

When you eat is also important because each time you eat food that contains sugars, the teeth are attacked by acids for 20 minutes or more.

This means that foods that are eaten as part of a meal cause less harm. More saliva is released during a meal, helping to wash foods from the mouth and reduce the effects of acids.

Here are some tips to follow when choosing your meals and snacks.
– Eat a variety of foods from different food groups
– Limit the number of snacks that you eat
– If you do snack, choose nutritious foods, such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, or a piece of fruit

Its also important to brush your teeth twice a day and to clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners.

And of course regular visits to your dentist will help prevent problems from occurring and catch those that do occur while they are easier to treat.

The causes of bad breath

Bad breath – also known as halitosis – is an unpleasant condition that can cause a great deal of embarrassment.

And, for many people, its made even worse by the fact they don’t even know that they have it.

There are many possible causes for bad breath so, if you think you might have the problem, talk to your dentist.

What you eat affects what you breathe out. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor and even dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.

If you don’t brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath.

Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia) which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases.

One of the reasons why its especially important to talk to your dentist about bad breath is that it may be a sign of an underlying medical problem such as respiratory tract infection or gastrointestinal problems.

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth can also be a warning signs of gum disease.

Smoking can also cause bad breath, stain teeth and reduce your ability to taste foods.

For all these reasons, you shouldn’t put up with the problem of bad breath. Talk to your dentist and find out what might be causing the problem.