Such poor alignment could cause damages in the adjacent teeth, nerves or jaw bone.  Since the wisdom teeth lie encased in a soft tissue and jaw bone or break partially only through the gum, they could be impacted. 

The partial breakthrough could result in the entering of bacteria around the tooth thereby causing an infection accompanied by pain, jaw stiffness, general illness and swelling. 

Partial eruption of teeth holds a high risk for gum disease and tooth decay as their awkward positioning makes flossing and brushing quite difficult.

In order to know if you have wisdom teeth, a trip to the dentist might be necessary.  He/she might take a few X- rays for evaluation and even ask you to see an oral surgeon for continued evaluation.  Your oral surgeon or dentist may recommend to extract your wisdom teeth before the development of problems. 

This is done in order to avoid more complicated or painful extractions in the near future.

Since the bone density is less and the roots of wisdom teeth is yet to be developed completely in young people, extraction is expected to be easier.  However, the healing process and the recovery will take time in older people.  If you do not have wisdom teeth, it should not be a cause for your worry as some people simply do not grow them. 

The relative ease of teeth extraction depends on the position of wisdom teeth and the developmental stage.  A fully erupted wisdom tooth can be extracted just as any other tooth.  But a wisdom tooth lying beneath the gums embedded securely in the jaw bone requires an incision being made into the gums followed by the removal of a bone portion which covers the tooth. 

During most cases in instances such as these, the tooth is extracted in minor portions rather than removing it in one whole piece to lessen the amount of bone needed to be removed in order to pull the tooth out.

Prior to the removal of your wisdom teeth, local or general anesthesia is injected to numb the extraction site.  Stitches are made after the removal.  In rare occasions, a numbness may be felt on the lips upon removing a lower tooth. 

General painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol is prescribed for pain.  It is better to remain relaxed and avoid drinking alcohol or smoking for the next 24 hours to prevent any bleeding problems.  Your dentist may request you to visit after a week to check on the healing progress and to remove the stitches if necessary.

The post Do my wisdom teeth need to be taken out? appeared first on Tampa Family Dentistry.

This could lead to poor oral health which may result in the buildup of cavities, plaque or gum disease. Hence it is important to follow the right way of brushing no matter how busy you are.

It may be surprising to know but proper brushing requires at least 2 minutes of your time. Unsurprisingly most adults ignore this rule and do not brush that long. Proper brushing requires short, gentle strokes while paying attention to the crowns, hard-to-reach teeth areas, gum line and other restoration. 

The correct way to brush your teeth is just as important as the frequency that you brush so follow these tips we outline below.

Focus on cleaning the below mentioned sections thoroughly:

• External surfaces of upper teeth followed by the lower teeth.

• Internal surfaces of upper teeth followed by the lower teeth.

• Chewing surfaces.

• The tongue for fresher breath and a healthier mouth.

Proper Technique

When brushing, tilt the brush at an angle of 45° against the gum line. Then roll or sweep the brush away from it. Brush the external, internal and chewing surfaces of the teeth using short, gentle back-and-forth strokes. The tongue must be brushed gently to eliminate bacteria and promote fresh breath. A tongue scraper is recommended and can be more effective as well. 

Toothbrushes & Toothpastes

The majority of the dental professionals recommend using a soft-bristled brush to remove debris and plaque from the teeth. Brushes with small heads are preferred as they can reach all the areas in your mouth. A powered toothbrush is a better choice for those who have difficulty in manual brushing or possess limited manual dexterity. Finding the right toothpaste becomes a challenge for many.

At present there are various toothpastes specifically designed to address certain conditions such as tooth sensitivity, stained teeth, tartar, gingivitis and cavities. Ask your dental hygienist or dentist which toothpaste best suits you.

Your toothbrush must be replaced every three months or when it appears to show wear. Changing the toothbrush after suffering from a cold is also important as bristles collect germs and lead towards reinfection.

Many people have the idea that hard bristles will help clean more. This is not true. Soft bristles help in cleaning effectively as opposed to hard bristles which could wear down the tooth structure. When the bristles fray, its power is lost. Keep the brush in the open air to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold when moist.

Don’t Brush Right After Eating

Some people have the habit of immediately getting rid of the remnants stuck between the teeth after a hearty meal. This is much better compared to not brushing at all. However, this is more like the use of abrasives when acid is still present in the mouth. The solution is to wait for about 15-20 minutes for the saliva to work on it and then rinse your mouth to rid of the remaining acid before brushing.

Here is a great video that will help demonstrate everything we’ve covered:

At Trinity Dental Care, we take the time to ensure our patients are brushing properly to help prevent dental issues that arise from improper technique. We hope this article has been helpful and informative.

Make an appointment with us today to ensure your oral health is the best it can be.

The post The Correct Way to Effectively Brush Your Teeth appeared first on Tampa Family Dentistry.

Usually good oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing as well as the natural defenses in the body keep them under control.  But they could reach higher levels which might cause oral infections like gum diseases and tooth decay if proper oral health is not maintained. 

Additionally, some medicines such as antidepressants, diuretics, painkillers, antihistamines and decongestants could minimize the flow of saliva.  Saliva helps in neutralizing the acids produced by the bacteria found in the mouth thereby protecting you from microbial overgrowth or invasion that could potentially lead to a disease.

Heart Disease & Diabetes

Several studies show that gum inflammation raises the risk of stroke and heart disease.  The reason could be because gum diseases are thought to elevate inflammation all over the body which is deemed to cause cardiovascular diseases. 

As per the Canadian Academy of Periodontology, those who suffer from periodontal disease have a higher risk of heart disease possessing double the risk of experiencing a severe heart attack than those without periodontal disease. 

While it remains a known fact that diabetic patients are more susceptible to gum diseases, new studies reveal a different story.  Since serious gum diseases affect the levels of blood glucose in the body, it could really contribute towards diabetes.

Lung Health

Oral health has an impact on lung infections too.  Since more bacteria is bred in the mouths of patients with periodontal disease, the likelihood of them inhaling germs which could cause lung infections such as pneumonia is pretty high.  For patients who already suffer from lung problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gum disease could exacerbate their condition. 

Pregnancy

Oral health has an effect on pregnancy too.  Studies indicate that pregnant women having progressive gum disease to be highly prone towards delivering a low birth weight baby apart from developing diabetes.  Hence regular dental checkups become a necessity during pregnancy.  Pre-term delivery is another risk encountered due to poor oral hygiene. 

Babies born with low birth weight or are premature have a greater risk of developing complications including behavioral difficulties, birth abnormalities, ear infections, asthma, developmental problems and infant death.

Bruxism

Bruxism is mild in most cases.  However, if it is frequent and worsening, teeth grinding could aggravate temporomandibular joints (TMJs) which are present in the lower jaw.  This could result in tightness or pain around the joint area as well as headaches and ear aches. 

Bruxism can have bad effects on teeth.  The habit could cause chipped or broken teeth, increased tooth sensitivity and wearing of teeth enamel.

All the above points emphasize the importance of oral health for a total well being.  Hence it is very important to maintain better oral hygiene for a more healthy lifestyle.

Make an appointment with us today to ensure your oral health is the best it can be.

The post How Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health appeared first on Tampa Family Dentistry.

However, it is an absolute necessity to undergo oral checkups every six months for healthy maintenance of gums and teeth.  If additional help is needed, your dentist would suggest you setup a visit on a frequent basis.

Examining your teeth for any signs of tooth decay is only one part of a complete dental checkup.  Your dental hygienist or dentist might assess the condition of your gums, conduct a head and neck checkup for any anomalies, check for signs of oral cancer, vitamin deficiencies and diabetes. 

Your dentist may even check on the movement in the lower jaw joints (TMJs), face, saliva or the bite.

After cleaning your teeth, the dentist will stress on the importance of maintaining better oral health at home.  Most dentists pay extra attention to tartar and plaque.  The reason is because tartar and plaque could build up within a very short period if one fails to practice good oral hygiene between visits. 

Tobacco, beverages and food could stain your teeth.  If left unremoved, hardening of the soft plaque occurs on the teeth resulting in gum tissue irritation.  If this is left untreated, plaque would develop gum disease.

Halitosis which is referred to as bad breath could be caused by poor oral hygiene, food stuck in hard-to-reach areas within the teeth and gum disease.  Regular dental checkups and teeth cleaning are the effective ways to maintain better oral hygiene.  Also, they can be beneficial in identifying potential problems that you may have missed or not have known. 

Formation of cavities could damage your permanent teeth if the decay progresses continuously.  Early detection could help your dentist cure the condition before it goes too far.

There are several aspects in a dental examination.  The dentist will begin the head and neck examination as follows

• Checking your face
• Checking your neck
• Examining your lymph nodes
• Examining your lower jaw joints (TMJs)

This is followed by a clinical dental examination as follows

• Checking your gums and searching for any signs of gum disease
• Looking for loose teeth
• Checking the tissues inside your mouth
• Checking your tongue
• Examining your bite
• Checking for visual evidence indicating tooth decay
• Looking for broken teeth
• Looking for fillings that are damaged
• Checking for changes within the gums that cover the teeth
• Assessing the dental appliances that you possess
• Evaluating the contact within your teeth
• X-ray examination

Dental cleaning is the last procedure during your dental visit.  Your dentist would engage in cleaning your teeth using the following methods

• Checking on the cleanliness of your gums and teeth.
• Removing any tartar and plaque.
• Polishing the teeth.
• Flossing your teeth.
• Reviewing some recommended techniques related to flossing and brushing.

After the cleaning and examination, you will be notified about the health and condition of your gums and teeth with additional recommendations. Your oral health is a key factor to your overall health so make sure to visit your dentist at Trinity Dental Care at least twice a year. 

Make an appointment with us today to ensure your oral health and hygiene is the best it can possibly be.

The post The Importance of Twice a Year Dental Visits appeared first on Tampa Family Dentistry.

Enamel- the strong external white outer covering.

Dentin- a hard yellow material carrying the nerves.

Pulp- contains the lymph and blood vessels.

Cementum- covering of the tooth’s root.

Dentin and enamel are majorly responsible for the color.  Some medications, food and drinks can directly affect the enamel by staining it.  But in the long run, the real culprits are the unhealthy food and drinks which break down the enamel thus weakening it as time passes. 

When this happens, dentin comes into view revealing the yellow discoloration in the teeth.  Luckily, there are natural ways to whiten teeth at the comfort of your home. 

Prevention

Prevention is the best method to keep your teeth white and free of staining. Regular and proper brushing is the first step to keep stains and discoloration from forming.  Brushing 30 minutes after meals is important and something most people don’t do.

This requires persistence as it could be difficult to adhere when at work or someplace inconvenient.  It is best to avoid the regular intake of staining or acidic beverages.  Use a straw when having them and follow it up by drinking plain water in order to avoid the negative effects.

Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda

A paste made by mixing hydrogen peroxide with baking soda in small quantities would help in removing plaque from the teeth.  Studies indicate that hydrogen peroxide being a natural antibacterial agent helps keep the breath fresh eliminating bad bacteria.  Ensure that the paste remains runny and not gritty.  Rub it on your teeth for 30 seconds and rinse well.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil pulling is another technique used in teeth whitening.  Simply swish a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth for about 5-20 minutes.  This is great for cleaning and protecting the gums as well since coconut oil has antimicrobial properties.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Looking for a way to remove the stubborn stain of nicotine or coffee on your teeth? Try apple cider vinegar. It contains several compounds such as enzymes, probiotics, magnesium, potassium and acetic acid which aids in killing germs and enable the growth of probiotic bacteria.  Being naturally acidic, it also helps in breaking down plaque and substances stuck on teeth.  For best results, use apple cider vinegar consistently for at least a month. 

Some claim that citrus fruits such as lemon and orange or lemon essential oil has the same effect as the apple cider vinegar.  Due to the high acid content found in them, it is always best to rinse your mouth after using the peels to avoid any unwanted discomfort.

Strawberries

Some celebrities use strawberries to whiten their teeth.  Model and TV show host Tyra Banks is reported to have tried this trick on her show.  Since berries contain beneficial antioxidants, they can benefit your teeth.  All you have to do is mash up 4 or 5 strawberries with a little baking soda and rub the mixture all over your teeth using a soft toothbrush.  Wait 5 minutes before rinsing and brush with regular toothpaste. 

This is a method that might or might not work for most but we though it was worth a mention. It seems to be the least effective method out of the others listed.

Although these natural home methods can be effective, you should consider visiting us at Trinity Dental Care to get professional results that are much more noticeable and longer lasting.

We use the latest and most effective teeth whitening products and techniques that produce the greatest results.

Make an appointment with us today for a free consultation on how we can give you a beautiful pearly white smile.

The post How to Naturally Whiten Teeth at Home appeared first on Tampa Family Dentistry.