Category: oral health

When should I use an emergency dentist?

Posted on by Joy

Our teeth are such a vital, everyday part of our lives and bodies that we often take them for granted. However, when things go wrong, be it in the form of infections, broken or lost teeth, or abscesses forming, we can find ourselves suddenly needing access to a dentist. Any dentist accredited with the General Dentistry Council can serve as an emergency dentist, but if you are concerned with a severe problem it can be best to take the time to search for the best specialist for the job.

emergency dentist

How do dental emergencies happen?

Dental emergencies can have a variety of causes. Tooth loss or broken teeth can be caused by falls or injuries during physical activity, most especially during contact sports such as boxing, rugby and hockey.

Failing to brush your teeth twice every day can lead to a dangerous build-up of plaque and bacteria, which coat the teeth, and other bacteria which can lead to inflamed gums and infection. If this is combined with an unhealthy high sugar lifestyle it is possible for an abscess to form, leading to the need to remove the tooth.

Bacteria build-up can also contribute to spreading ulceration and developing bleeding gums when you brush your teeth. If your gums bleed when you clean your teeth it is possible you are brushing too fiercely, although it is more likely that the gums have become inflamed and unhealthy due to poor oral health. If you find you have bleeding gums which persist it can be wise to discuss it with your dentist, even if you do not think it is an emergency.

How do I find an emergency dentist?

If you see any of these warning signs, it is worth getting in touch with your dentist or, if your problem is severe, looking for a specialist clinic. Clinics are equipped to deal with rapidly developing dental problems can be found across the country. If you live in the capital and need an emergency dentist in London, there are many award-winning surgeries such as Ten Dental offering their expertise. These specialist clinics can sometimes be referred to by other dentists in the local area who know that they offer these and other specialisms. Whatever the best clinic is for you, if there is an emergency you should get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible.

Emergency dentists will analyse each case individually on its own merits. In the case of broken or lost teeth a composite filling may be an option, or alternatively an artificial tooth can be placed in the space left behind, so that no one will notice the tooth is missing. In the case of an infection taking hold it may be necessary for the dentist to perform a root canal treatment to ensure the problem is dealt with. You will only go to the emergency dentist’s when something has gone wrong, but wherever you go you can rest assured they will give their all to fixing the problem.

One way to avoid letting these issues build up until you need to go to an emergency dentist is to make sure you have regular appointments with your dentist. Normally taking place every six months, you can regularly bring up any concerns you have experienced with your dentist .This will also help to identify any potential long-term problems before they become troublesome, and lower the chance you will need an emergency dentist any time soon.

 

Image source: pixabay

3 things to look for when buying teeth whitening strips

Posted on by Joy

Oral health is very important at all times and we should give it a paramount priority. You may not feel comfortable talking to people when you have brown teeth. That is why an investment in a good whitening tooth strip is very essential. There are different types of whitening strips out there in the market and depending on your oral health history you will be able to choose whitening strips that will work for you just perfectly.

So, here are three tips to help you make the right choice when choosing whitening teeth strips.

Brand name

With the current trend of consumerism, there are a lot of products flooding the market at every turn. All these products claim to offer solutions for different problems. The same can be said of teeth whitening strips which come in different types. Many people have fallen prey to using unscrupulous whitening strips that end up denying them that beautiful smile. In other cases, some have had their teeth removed due to complications that arose after using bad whitening strips.

So always go for brands that have been proven and certified to be true market quality products.  It will be even better if you had a dentist recommend you a couple of whitening strips as this will be safe compared to using over-the-counter strips. Ensure to always do a good background check before buying those whitening strips and check out for the mark of quality at all times.  Going for good and reputable brand names will help you a great deal because you will at least be sure of getting good results. For great products, you can buy teeth whitening strips from renowned brands.

Price

This is essential whenever you are buying any product. Always go for the products that will at least help you save some extra cash. But while you do this try not to compromise on quality. Poor quality teeth whitening strips can be a source of problems for you. In worst case scenarios, it can lead you to suffer from a very nasty oral infection. Always go for less expensive teeth whitening strips but which are still of good quality. You can take advantage of the free discounts offered by online drug stores to get a good strip for less money. Also do a good price research to ensure that you get the correct market price before buying to avoid over-paying for a strip.

Instructions

Simple as it is, it is an important feature to look out for when buying a teeth whitening strip. Does the product have an instruction manual? Are the instructions clear enough for you to understand? These questions are essential for you to ask yourself before purchasing the strips. You do not need to buy a product you just do not know how to go about using it. Ensure the instructions for use are clearly written in a simple language. Some whitening strips have simple and straightforward instructions compared to others. Check out for this carefully. If you do not understand ask the store personnel how the strips are used and if possible, have them demonstrate for you practically.

 

5 Reasons to invest in an at-home teeth whitening kit

Posted on by Joy

Every person wants to have teeth that they can be proud of.  That’s why many people spend thousands of dollars to get their teeth treated. One of the most popular procedures is teeth whitening.  Teeth may become dull due to some bad habits that you may develop, such as smoking or eating and drink those which can stain your teeth, such as soda or coffee.

 

But not everyone can afford the treatment, that’s why the home teeth whitening kits are an answer to their wishes. If you are looking for a solution to your dull and stained teeth, check out the reasons why you should purchase home teeth whitening kit today.

 

  1.    They do not cost much – a trip to the dentist can cost quite a pretty penny, that’s why not many people go because they would rather spend the money on something else. But if you want to get your teeth to brighten without spending a lot of money, you can opt for a whitening kit instead as they are considerably more affordable than a trip to the dentist.

 

  1.    They are safe to use – if you are wary over buying the kit, then you should be assured as many are safe to use. Of course, you need to be careful in choosing the product that you will buy. There are many whitening kits that come from trusted manufacturers, but you may also get the occasional ones that are not that effective. So better make sure that you do your research and only choose products that are sure to produce the best results. Here’s a site that has products you can trust so you can check them out and see which ones will work best for you.

 

  1.    They are simple enough use – they are also not hard to use, so you don’t really need technical knowledge to use the home whitening kits. They come with manuals that you can read through and the steps are very simple to do. Make sure to read them carefully so that you can have the best results.

 

  1.    They are convenient for emergencies – you might be thinking when you could ever need emergency teeth whitening. But just think about it, what if you have an important presentation at work tomorrow, or you have a hot date and you want to look your best. You may not be able to get a dental appointment so soon, so it would be convenient to have a home whitening kit for you to use at times such as these.

 

  1.    There are several types of kits you can choose from – there’s a wide range of products that are available for you to choose from, and you can actually try several of them and compare so that you can choose which one would be able to meet your price criteria and needs. Some may address a specific problem you may have so be sure to do research so that you can choose the right one.

How to beat dental anxiety

Posted on by Joy

The anxiety that comes with a dental appointment is often worse than anything that actually happens during the procedure. From a simple check-up to the infamous root canal, all kinds of dental procedures can make us all very nervous. But most of our fears are created in our own minds, and can be overcome with a few simple tips.

 

dental anxiety

 

Know What’s Going On

Anxiety can be rooted in the fear of the unknown, or it can develop because your expectations aren’t based in reality. Just because you think something is going to be painful doesn’t mean it will be. Take the time to have a frank discussion with your dentist about what will be going on during your procedure.

 

And while you’re getting the details on your appointment, explain that you are still anxious about the procedure. The dentist can’t know how you’re feeling unless you tell them. Having an stronger dose of numbing agent, additional sedative or even just taking the process slower than usual can all help you get through the appointment with less anxiety.

 

Keep Distracted

Taking your mind off your mouth can be tough during a dental appointment, but being able to choose your favorite music can be a potent distraction. Just make arrangements before your appointment so that your dentist knows what’s happening. Wearing your own headphones may be out because they can get tangled in the equipment so be prepared to have a mobile device with speakers you can just set up on the counter. Make up a playlist of your favorites, and concentrate on your tunes instead of the dentist.

 

If music doesn’t hold your attention, you can convince a friend to come along and just have a chat with you. Granted, the conversation will be a little one-sided since there will be hands or equipment in your mouth for most of the time.

 

Hypnosis

Don’t laugh, hypnosis is an excellent way to deal with all kinds of anxiety, including those nervous trips to the dentist. You can try self-hypnosis products, or even a session or two with a therapist. Once the suggestion is set in your sub-conscious, you can find yourself far less anxious about going to the dentist.

 

Practice Good Dental Care

If you are anxious about the dentist, the best thing you can do is to take such great care of your teeth that nothing causes you problems. This includes the usual tips on regular brushing with a good toothbrush at least twice a day, as well as flossing. Even with this great daily maintenance, you need to have at least one check-up each year. Finding a problem while it is still small means you won’t have serious dental surgery later on. More frequent (and less invasive) appointments will help create a more positive experience in your mind too.

 

The Consequences

It is only fair to mention the inevitable consequences of letting your anxiety get the best of you. If you choose to ignore dental health and simply avoid the dentist altogether, you run the risk of very serious health complications. A simple sore tooth can develop a more serious infection that can (and will) spread through your gums and deeper into the jaw bone.

3 Most Important Reasons to get Invisalign Braces

Posted on by Joy

If you are around my age, you probably had at least one friend that had a mouth full of metal as a kid. Braces are definitely one of those things that you appreciate doing when you are older, but you really despise them when you have them. Maybe you even avoided getting braces as a kid because of this.

 

dentist

Having straight teeth is very good for both your oral and overall health. If you are an adult that wants straight teeth, it’s not too late to get braces. The good news here is that braces have changed completely in the last couple of decades. They know have a technology called Invisalign. You have probably seen advertisements for it. There are a lot of reasons they are different than the braces of the past. I just got through with my Invisalign treatment and couldn’t be happier. They also weren’t what I expected at ll.

They are removable

Removability is my favorite thing about having invisible braces. Sometimes, you don’t want to have them in your mouth. That time could be when you are at an important social function or when you are eating. Patients can take these braces in and out of their mouth whenever they want.

They are cleaner

Because you can remove them whenever you want, they are much cleaner than traditional braces. Invisalign braces can be cleaned thoroughly when they are removed. That prevents bacteria from building up on the. The ability to take them out makes it so the patient can clean their teeth in ways that they can’t with regular braces. They are better for your overall health because they can be removed.

They’re Invisible

Invisibility is the most obvious reason that people get Invisalign braces, people can’t see them. It seems pretty obvious, but there can be a stigma attached to adults that have braces. Invisalign gives individuals the opportunity to have their teeth straightened discreetly. Also, it can be annoying having to answer questions about your braces every time you leave the house, trust me.

These are the most important reasons to get Invisalign braces. They are great for both adults and children. The service is available at just about any dentist or orthodontist, including Park Slope Family Dentistry. If you are ready to make the leap and get your teeth straightened, contact a dentist in your area today. They could get you started on the fist step towards having straighter teeth without the embarrassment and discomfort of a mouth full of metal.

Top Ways To Keep Your Teeth Looking Fabulous!

Posted on by Joy
Smile because you want to
Image credit: Rory MacLeod – https://flic.kr/p/9y6tHL

 

Our teeth are one of the first things people notice about us. It’s hard not to smile without showing off our pearly whites. It can instantly put people off you if they see bad teeth.  Therefore, you should keep on top of your dental health. Here are the top ways to keep your teeth looking fabulous.

 

Eat more healthy foods

Sugary treats are so delicious, but are not great for our waistline, or our teeth! Treats such as chocolate, cakes and biscuits can cause tooth decay. You will end up with cavities and then will need to go dentist for a filling. A mouth full of fillings is not attractive. To keep your teeth looking fantastic, you should cut back on these treats to help protect your teeth in the long run. As we have said previously, when we eat bad treats our teeth can become yellow which is a sign of enamel loss. It doesn’t look nice and can make you self-conscious. Therefore, you should review your diet and make changes.

 

Visit dentist regularly

The best way to protect your teeth is to go to see the dentist regularly. They will be able to spot any issues and let you know if there is decay or any wonky teeth which will need to be fixed. A lot of people avoid the dentist at all costs. For starters, there is the cost which puts people off. If you don’t have insurance, a lot of people have to pay for seeing the Dentist. It can become more expensive if you require treatment.  You should check the different plans that they offer. A lot of them advertise them on their website such as www.MonroviaFamilyDentistry.net so you know what kind of costs that you can expect. Another thing that puts them off is the fear of going. You should be reassured that they can stop at any time if you are feeling nervous. The longer you leave it, the more nervous you can become. Bite the bullet and go, and tell them you are feeling nervous. To keep your teeth looking fabulous, you should make sure you go to the Dentist as early in life as possible. A lot of people decide they will go when they are older but problems occur because people don’t look after them when they are young. And remember, if you don’t like your Dentist, change them, and go somewhere you feel comfortable!

 

Brush your teeth twice a day

Another top way to make sure your teeth are in an excellent condition is to clean them twice a day. It can be easy to forget to do it when we are busy with our daily life and are rushing to bed at night. But it’s so important to brush them to protect your teeth from decay. Otherwise, you may notice them going a yellow color and you will have to head to the dentist. Make sure you are cleaning them properly with a decent toothpaste for the right amount of time. It’s not sufficient to do it for a couple of seconds as you won’t reach any plaque at the back of your teeth. As this article says, an electric toothpaste can be a attractive choice as it will ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned.

 

Stop drinking fizzy drinks

If you want to keep your teeth looking fabulous you need to cut down on drinking fizzy drinks. The sugar in the drinks can rot your teeth, and you will end up with cavities. Reduce your intake of fizzy drinks and choose water instead. People don’t realize that fruit juices are full of sugar which can wear away the enamel. Even pure fruit juice can have natural sugars so it should be drunk in moderation to avoid cavities. A lot of people water down their juice to help prevent tooth damage.

 

Cut down on caffeine

The top way to keep your teeth looking fabulous, is to cut down on caffeine. If you regularly drink coffee, you may notice your teeth going yellow, and brown stains can start appearing. And it’s not just coffee that can cause this; you should be wary of other foods that cause caffeine. Try and cut down on your daily amount of caffeine to ensure they are looking great.

 

woman-coffee-cup-mug

Reduce smoking

If you’re a regular smoker, staining can also occur to your teeth. Smoking too much will mean the appearance of your teeth will suffer as nicotine can cause stains on your teeth. Not only can it affect your teeth, but you will notice your gums may start bleeding. As this feature explains, you are seven times more likely to get gum disease if you’re a smoker. Also, if you smoke, it can often lead to bad breath.

 

Use mouthwash

As well as brushing your teeth twice a day, it’s important to use mouthwash to help protect your teeth. Rinsing at least once a day with fluoride can stop cavities from happening as it makes enamel stronger. It can also catch anything you missed when brushing so that it doesn’t get stuck to your teeth and cause decay. It can also make your breath nice and fresh.

 

Floss regularly

To ensure your teeth keep looking fabulous, you should floss every day. It helps to make sure that any food which may be stuck in your teeth is removed before it turns to bacteria and causes your teeth to rot. It can be hard to catch everything when you brush, so flossing ensures everything is gone from your mouth.

 

Get them whitened

Often our teeth can become discolored due to decay and cavities which makes us feel insecure about how they look. To keep them looking fabulous, why not get them whitened. You can try a whitening toothpaste which can help to turn your teeth more white. Otherwise, you may want to get them professionally whitened at a clinic. It can be costly, but you will see results quickly.

 

Remember that our teeth are just as important as the rest of your health so look after them to ensure you have a beautiful smile.