Glebe Dental

Foods That Can Darken Your Teeth

glebeinfo — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:19:00 +0000

Does your smile light up the room – or does it reveal dark, stained teeth that you’re embarrassed to show? There are a number of reasons teeth darken and become discolored. Some medications and mouth rinses darken teeth as does poor dental hygiene. Using a fluoride rinse is a good cavity-guard, but too much fluoride can discolor teeth. Smoking is another common cause of yellow, dingy teeth – and a dry mouth and bad breath too. Age is also a factor. As you age, the enamel that covers your teeth slowly wears away, revealing the yellow dentin underneath. Another source of tooth discoloration is foods and beverages. What you chew and sip on has an impact on how pearly white your teeth look. Here are some common foods and beverages that stain teeth and make them look dark or discolored.

Beverages

Coffee and black tea are the major culprits when it comes to discoloration, but they aren’t the only ones. Colas, dark soft drinks, energy drinks and fruit juices not only stain your teeth, but they erode away tooth enamel. This can permanently yellow teeth over time. Other beverages that can dull your pearly whites include darkly-colored fruit juices and red wine. Light-colored teas like white tea are less likely to stain your teeth. Plus, white tea contains anti-bacterial compounds that help to fight plaque. Switch coffee and black tea for white tea, and sip cold beverages through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.

Tooth Staining Foods

Certain foods can darken your smile too. Some of the most common “whiteness destroyers” are dark berries like blueberries, blackberries, cherries and cranberries. You might be tempted to run for a toothbrush and a tube of whitening toothpaste after eating berries, but don’t do it. Some fruits and berries are acidic and soften tooth enamel. If you brush immediately after eating them, you can scratch the surface of your teeth. Wash your mouth out with water immediately, and wait 30 minutes before brushing.

The sauces you put on your food can also discolor teeth. Tomato sauce, curry and soy sauce all commonly cause stains. Even the dressing you put on your salad can do it if you use a dark vinegar like balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is also acidic, which makes it an enamel destroyer. If you use vinegar on your salad, mix it with an appropriate amount of oil to offset some of its acidity. Always rinse your mouth with water after eating these sauces, and brush your teeth with whitening toothpaste after 30 minutes.

If you’re a closet candyholic, it can show up on your teeth. Some candies contain dark food coloring that stain teeth – not to mention have too much cavity-causing sugar. Darkly colored popsicles, even fruit ones, can discolor your teeth. Do something good for your dental health by lightening up on the candy and popsicles.

The Bottom Line?

You can reduce tooth staining by limiting these foods and beverages in your diet and by using a whitening toothpaste. A professional cleaning will remove stains you can’t remove at home and make your teeth whiter. If that doesn’t help, there are other options including professional bleaching and veneers to cover deeply stained teeth. Discuss these options with your dentist.

Signs That You May Have Gum Disease

glebeinfo — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:52:03 +0000

Seven out of ten adults have some degree of gum disease. Surprised? That’s a club you don’t want to join since gum disease not only affects your gums but your overall health as well. How so? The bacteria that trigger gum disease cause your immune system to kick into gear. This immune or inflammatory response causes your gums to become inflamed and leads to more generalized inflammation that puts you at greater risk for a stroke or heart attack. There’s more. If left untreated, gum disease, or gingivitis, can permanently damage your teeth and jaw. Who wants to be toothless? That’s why it’s important to make friends with a toothbrush and a container of dental floss, and see your dentist regularly. Preventing and treating gum disease early can save your health – and your teeth.

What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?

Gum disease doesn’t usually announce its arrival. In the early stages, many people have no symptoms at all. That doesn’t mean there’s not a lot going on behind the scenes. Bacteria in the mouth are constantly producing a sticky substance called plaque. Plaque you don’t remove by brushing and flossing becomes a hard material called tartar that only a dentist can remove. Persistent plaque and tartar leads to a sequence of events that causes gum tissue to become inflamed. Pockets can form at the base of your teeth, and teeth can loosen over time. At this point, you definitely have signs and symptoms, but “silent” damage may be going on long before you suspect something’s wrong.

Some signs of gum disease or gingivitis include:

Gums that bleed with slight trauma, when you eat something hard or when you brush or floss your teeth.
Red, swollen or tender gums. Gums that were once pink become beefy red and look inflamed.
Teeth that look longer or taller in height. This happens as inflamed gum tissue recedes and exposes more of the base of the teeth.
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. This has other causes, but gum disease should be a consideration if you have chronic halitosis.
Changes in your bite or the way your teeth fit together.

Don’t Let Gum Disease Reach This Stage

When gum disease reaches a stage where there are symptoms, dentists use deep cleaning procedures to remove plaque and tartar and stop the progression. In some cases, antibiotics are needed. In more advanced cases, people with gum disease that has progressed to the bone that supports the teeth may need surgery to save their teeth.

The good news is it doesn’t have to come to this. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing at least once a day helps to remove plaque that triggers the whole process – but don’t stop there. Visit your dentist twice a year for a deeper cleaning to remove tartar that can trigger gum inflammation. It also helps to avoid sugary foods and beverages and drink more water. If you smoke, kick the habit for the sake of your gums, teeth and your lungs. Chewing sugar-free gum, especially gum sweetened with xylitol, may reduce the risk of gum disease and dental caries.

Some People Are at Higher Risk for Gum Disease

If you take medications that dry your mouth or affect your immune system, you may be at greater risk for gum disease. Saliva has anti-bacterial properties that help to reduce plaque formation. People who have certain medical conditions such as diabetes or problems affecting their immune system are also at higher risk. Hormonal changes that happen with pregnancy can also affect plaque formation and the risk of gum disease.

The Bottom Line?

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of gum disease, but don’t be complacent because you don’t have any of them. Gum disease is often silent in the early stages. Take steps to fight plaque at home, and visit your dentist regularly.

References:

National Center for Dental and Craniofacial Research. “Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments”
Medscape. “Gingivitis”

Cosmetic Dentistry – take years off the way you look and feel!

propino — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:27:56 +0000

∙ Do you wish your teeth were whiter?
∙ Are your teeth crooked or uneven, chipped or broken? Are you missing teeth or have unsightly gaps between your teeth?
∙ Do you require extensive dental restorations or treatment?

Cosmetic Dentistry is fast becoming the most popular form of aesthetic enhancement. Unlike plastic surgery, Cosmetic Dentistry isn’t a major operation. Imagine coming in for a single appointment or two and emerging with the smile you’ve always wanted…no pain, no strain and no time taken out of your busy life. The results are immediate and dramatic.

Cosmetic Dentistry is the intricate combination of art and dental science. It encompasses several dental treatments, all of which are designed to enhance the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic Dentistry treatments include;

•    EXTREME MAKEOVERS
•    TOOTH WHITENING
•    DENTAL IMPLANTS
•    PORCELAIN VENEERS
•    PORCELAIN CROWNS AND BRIDGES
•    PORCELAIN INLAYS AND ONLAYS
•    TOOTH-COLOURED RESTORATIONS
•    COMPOSITE BONDING

Previously, little could be done to treat crooked, chipped or stained teeth. Today, through the continual advancements in the field of Cosmetic Dentistry treatment your dream smile is closer than you think.

We want you to look and feel your best. Cosmetic Dentistry can take years off the way you look and feel and give you the smile of your dreams. Contact us today and achieve your perfect smile tomorrow. We look forward to hearing from you.

What Dental treatment is best for me?

propino — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:27:10 +0000

Today through the continual developments in dental technology and equipment, a healthier, more attractive smile is never far away. Just a few of the types of Dentistry available today, include;

Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Dentistry

Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Dentistry is the ultimate blend of art and dental science. Comprised of several dental treatments; Cosmetic Dentistry will help you recapture the smile you once had or the one you have always secretly desired.

General Dentistry

General Dentistry aims to repair tooth structure and preserve your natural teeth for life. General Dentistry treatments are specifically formulated to repair the function and structure of your teeth (e.g. remove decay, prevent the need for extraction).

Preventive Dentistry

This form of dentistry is concerned with the maintenance of your natural teeth for life with limited dental restorations. As a patient you play an active role in your preventive care; carrying out good dental hygiene techniques each and every day (brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily and attending regular check-ups).

Implant Dentistry

Dental Implants enable patients to recapture the structural component of their teeth, after tooth loss. Dental Implants provide outstanding aesthetic and functional benefits to patients. Reduced irritation and oral sores (generally associated with Dentures) as well as increased support, stability and biting pressure are all experienced after treatment.

Sedation Dentistry

Perfect for patients who have a fear of the Dentist; Sedation Dentistry enables patients to undergo complex dental treatments (which often require six to eight appointments) in just one consultation. Feeling no pain at all, you will be relaxed and at ease throughout the procedure.

When visiting your Dentist it is imperative to discuss and understand all aspects of your dental treatment. Don’t be afraid to ask the questions, as you need to know the answers.

For more information on any of the forms of dentistry outlined above, speak with your Dentist during your next dental appointment.

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

propino — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:25:39 +0000

Many people continue to avoid visiting the dentist, some for several years. This is due to the fear and discomfort sometimes associated with dental restoration, often developing in to a severe dental phobia. Eliminating this dental phobia is vital, as research indicates that inadequate oral health and gum problems may influence the severity of numerous other health conditions.

Luckily with Sedation Dentistry you no longer need to feel anxious or worried about your visit to the Dentist. Dental phobia dentists usually use an IV sedation device, which refers to the use of anaesthesia delivered intravenously. Using an IV sedation pump the dental phobia dentist brings patients to a state where they do not feel anything, though they are capable of breathing on their own.

Patients, who are best suited to the technique of sedation dentistry, include those who suffer from intense fear of dental treatments, dislike needles and have difficulty numbing with conventional dental anaesthesia. Sedation dentistry it is also an Ideal option for those who have sensitive teeth have strong gag reflexes and hate the noise, smells and tastes associated with a dental treatment. Intravenous sedation dentistry enables patients to undergo long, complex dental procedures, sleeping throughout the treatment. Completely safe, this revolutionary dental tool leaves you with no memory of the procedure.

Sedation dentistry has a number of benefits for those who suffer from anxiety or dental phobia. If you are reluctant to receive dental treatments you need because you are afraid or anxious about undergoing long or complicated dental procedures, sedation dentistry can make you feel comfortable during the dental treatment. By dental phobia dentist can help eliminate your dental anxieties and fear allowing you to receive the dental care you require.

Overcoming the Burden of Missing Teeth

propino — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:24:38 +0000

Missing teeth and gaps can have a dramatic, negative impact on the surrounding gum tissue and can lead to the deterioration of the jawbone. It can also make you feel embarrassed about showing your teeth and instil a lack confidence in the individual.

Dental implants look and feel natural and they’re a convenience as you won’t have to worry about dentures. A dental implant can improve your ability to eat and in some cases improve your speech.

Partial Dentures can often feel uncomfortable, but an appointment with your dental implant specialist can change that. Dental implant treatment has been proven to give you overall health benefits such as decreased bone shrinkage and superior protection of the bone, while supporting the muscular structure of your whole face. They will give you the freedom to chew food comfortably, without the pain or irritation. They will even give you the benefit of eliminating distasteful adhesives that you would experience with a denture. When dental implants are well looked after, they can be expected to last from 20 years to up to a life time.

Dental implant procedures involve removing the tooth’s root and are used in prosthetic dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth. A dental tooth implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone, filling in the gap, where your original tooth would have been, and creating a dramatic visual improvement. Dental implants allow you to recapture the health and appearance of your smile after tooth loss, so you can feel confident when showing off your new smile.

Dental Implants-The Most Sought After Restorative Dental treatment

propino — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:23:46 +0000

Tooth loss is a common problem among many adults, with many losing their teeth due to tooth decay, gum disease and excessive wear and tear. Missing teeth can cause a lack in self-esteem and prevents the proper function of eating, drinking and talking.

Dental implants are the most sought after restorative dental treatments because of their efficiency and convenience. A dental implants procedure is an appropriate solution if you are missing one tooth or an entire mouthful of teeth. Dental implants specialists can give you full mouth restoration with mini dental implants and full dental implants. Regardless of the nature of the problem related with tooth loss, dental implant treatment can provide a simple solution with proven results.

Dental implants are an artificial tooth root made of biocompatible materials, which are implanted into the jawbone using a painless and simple procedure. Dental implants are custom made to suit your particular oral situation. They are designed to replicate and feel completely natural, whilst being fully functional and preventing further tooth decay or trauma to the mouth. Titanium dental implants biocompatible materials offer durability and strength for long lasing functionality.

Dental implants have a number of benefits and have proven to be the best practical solution for missing teeth. Unlike removable dentures which have a tendency to slip, creating embarrassing clicking sounds when you speak, dental implants are a fixed permanent solution. Dental tooth implants are highly durable, comfortable and do not disturb the neighbouring teeth, further protecting the remaining healthy teeth.

Replacing missing teeth is important to your health and assists in maintaining good oral hygiene. A dental implant treatment will combat the negative effects tooth loss has on both your confidence and health. If you require restorative dentistry it is worth talking to an dental implants dentist on the benefits of dental implants as a treatment option.

Do You Experience Recurring and Long Lasting Tension Headaches?

propino — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:22:56 +0000

A number of Dentists are now offering Neuromuscular Dentistry, which is a special area of Dentistry focusing on the nerves, muscles, and the correct positioning of the jaw. Neuromuscular dentistry will help treat TMJ disorder, which causes long lasting and frequent headaches.

TMJ syndrome occurs when the temporomandibular joint that connects the upper and lower jaw is misaligned or stressed. This interference in the structure of the teeth causes the muscles to position the joints out of their sockets and forces the upper and lower teeth to fit together, causing the pain. There are a number of other commonly experienced symptoms in suffers of TMJ, some symptoms included, headaches or migraine, clicking of the jaw, limited jaw motions, grinding or clenching of the teeth and ear pain or congestion.

Luckily with ongoing advances in Neuromuscular Dentistry, there are a number of treatments that will remove the symptoms of TMJ disorder permanently. Treatments for TMD or TMJ vary from simple interventions such as application of cold and hot packs on the affected area, trigger point therapy, diet modification, posture correction and relaxation of the temporomandibular joints. More complex treatments such as physical therapy and wearing of TMJ splint or surgery may be used. After a careful evaluation of the condition of the patient’s particular situation, an appropriate treatment plan will be developed to relief the pain and discomfort.

You do not have to endure the pain a dentist will correct the positioning of your jaw and also amend bite patterns, which will ease the pressure on the jaw muscles and nerves caused by inflamed TMJ. If you want to eliminate those unbearable tension headaches or more server migraines caused by TMJ dysfunction, it is worth talking to your dentist about a treatment plan for you.

Do You Suffer From TMJ?

propino — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:11:08 +0000

Do you suffer from tension headaches, facial pain limited mouth opening or neck pain? Then you could be suffering from TMJ syndrome. TMJ Disorder is a dysfunction of the head and the neck, caused by the malfunctioning and incorrect positioning of the jaw. TMJ disorder is often not recognised as a dental problem, as most people suffer from migraines or chronic headaches which they do not associate to a dental problem. There is no known cause of TMJ, but it is found to be hereditary so if a known family member has been diagnosed with TMJ, there is a chance you could have it.

Some symptoms of TMJ are, Tension Headaches, Jaw pain, TMJ clicking, Limited mouth opening, Difficulty swallowing, Dizziness, Sensitive teeth, Neck pain, Chewing difficulties, Clenching, Tingling of the fingertips, Insomnia or loose teeth. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms a neuromuscular dentist will consider all of your symptoms, and also any hereditary history, and will then do a physical examination of your teeth head and neck. A series of test will then be undertaken to indicate what the major factor of your TMD is if any.

When it has been indicated that you suffer from TMD there are a range of treatments that you can undertake in order for you to cure your case of TMJ. There are usually 4 steps towards treating TMJ, these are, Assessing you bite to see if it is a contributing factor, taking an impression of your bite that is causing the TMJ, taking a new impression of your ideal bite to counter TMJ, then having what is known as an orthotic , which is a custom made TMJ splint fabricated of plastic that is made from your ideal bite impression and can be worn over fixed teeth to maintain the neuromuscularly derived bite position. The wearing of the orthotic is not a permanent cure for you TMJ, it is to be worn for a prescribed amount of time to determine whether this is the ideal point for your new jaw position. If this is the case then it has shown that your imperfect bite was the cause of your discomfort and TMJ, you can then decide whether you would like to go on and have your teeth treated to permanently maintain your new comfortable bite position.

The majority of people will react quickly to the orthotic treatment, to complete your full long term treatment of TMJ you could undertake a treatment such as Invisalign invisible braces to permanently correct your bite.

If you feel that you could suffer from TMJ do not hesitate to get an expert opinion and an assessment to determine whether you could have TMJ, make an appointment with your dentist to discuss your options as it is a very easy condition to treat, and will relieve all your pain that have relating to your jaw and headaches.

A natural Smile With A Basic Tooth Coloured Filling

propino — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:10:17 +0000

If you have ever suffered from tooth decay you have most likely been treated with a mercury based metal substance, now you will have none of the worry about mercury and the toxins it contains as you can have mercury free white dental fillings. Tooth coloured fillings are an excellent way to restore damaged or decayed teeth.

White Fillings enable you to maintain your beautiful white smile even if you require treatment. The new ceramic materials used are strong, safe and natural in appearance. No longer is it necessary for unsightly amalgam (mercury) fillings to be used in dental treatment. Virtually invisible, white fillings make your teeth appear whiter and brighter than ever before, and can leave you feeling confident with that new white shiny smile.

If you have already been treated with mercury based amalgam fittings, they can be removed and replaced with new mercury free tooth coloured fillings. Mercury is believed to be consistently leaking from old fillings and being absorbed into your blood stream. This can cause a whole variety of problems including damage to the brain, lungs, kidneys, heart, the immune system and the nervous system. Mercury in the blood can also lead to birth defects.

Why should you take the risk of your health any longer, take a trip to your local dental professional and they will consult you and what is the easiest and safest way for you to have the mercury based amalgam fillings removed and replaced with brand new comfortable mercury free tooth coloured fillings.