3 Jun

Some Tips For Elderly Dental Care

Nobody said getting old is easy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy every moment. However, one of the biggest problems associated with aging is maintaining oral health. Because while you were young and carefree, your teeth were young too. But as time goes by and teeth get put through their paces every single day, they tend to fail at some point or another.

Or do they?

Well, nobody can guarantee that you’ll enjoy getting older with all your teeth firmly in place. But there are measures people can take to improve and motivate good oral health. And by implementing these strategies, even now, can help a great deal in keeping your natural teeth in place.

To help bring some perspective back to maintaining a healthy smile, here are some tips for elderly dental care.

Pay Closer Attention To Meals

As we get older, we notice that we can’t always eat as eagerly as we used to. That’s because of dangers like diabetes, cholesterol, and several other changes the body goes through based on a particular diet.

Well, the same can be said about the actual food you need to break down with your teeth. For example, biting into hard candy is much riskier when you’re older. So, the obvious solution is to avoid dangerous food for your teeth, regardless of how delicious it might be.

Brush And Flossing Techniques Still Matters

As a child, the dentist most likely told you to concentrate a little more while brushing. Why? Because brushing and flossing quickly turns into a routine. And when you are in a rush, you probably cut corners with the time you take to brush and floss – which is a natural response for many.

But now, it is more important than ever to NOT cut corners, especially when it comes to the techniques you use. For instance, you most likely have a very predictable brushing routine. And if you start paying attention to where you start and stop, it becomes very obvious how many areas you could be missing.

Using the right angles and pressure also influence how effective your brushing routine is going to be, so, remember this the next time you pick up your toothbrush.

Take Action Against Bad Habits

If you have bad habits like smoking or drinking too much coffee, now is a very good time to cut back, especially on the smoking. The fact is that these small habits can compromise the condition of your teeth – in more ways than one. Chances are you already struggle with issues related to these habits.

So, in light of maintaining good oral health while getting older, try your best to control these habits. It will only serve you well in the long run.

Make Regular Trips To Your Dentist

There are still individuals who think that dentist promote annual visits because they want money. The reality is that they want to practice preventive methods, instead of fixing major problems after it’s a little too late. And not only is it more affordable to get a checkup than it is to get a root canal or implant.

Whether society wants to believe it or not, a lot of dental-related problems can be prevented. Small chips, cracks, and holes that you can’t see in the mirror will definitely be visible to a dentist. And fixing this small problem shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes without any excessive problems.

Now, why would people wait until the last second to address the pain they are feeling when it is so much better to catch it early? More specifically, those annual trips to the dentist are for your own good – really.

Consider Filling The Gaps

Granted, some teeth might have gone missing over the years, but there are many options to fill these gaps. For instances, bridges and dental implants are very popular. Even dentures can be a good choice depending on your situation.

If possible, try to get implants. This will stop the bone-loss associated with missing teeth. This happens when there is no root to maintain the shape of the jaw. With a dental implant, a titanium root is used.

There is never a time like the present to take better care of your teeth. Because your smile should only get bigger as you get older.

23 May

How To Know If You Are Grinding Your Teeth And Tips On How To Stop

Anxiety and stress are related to teeth grinding. Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding commonly happens during sleep. It can also happen when one is concentrating or under immense stress.

It is easy for you to tell if someone is experiencing teeth grinding through teeth that are worn down. There’s usually increased sensitivity when this occurs. The loss of teeth can also be experienced during this phase.

Teeth grinding can also lead to headaches and facial pain. These disappear once you stop grinding your teeth. They occur concurrently with the grinding process. This pain may also be experienced within jaws and the neck.

You can also tell that you grind your teeth if you wake up regularly during sleep. Grinding is usually loud enough leading to discomfort. It may also wake your sleeping partner.

Loose, chipped, flattened and fractured teeth are telltale signs of teeth grinding. Inner and deeper layers of your teeth might be visible due to this. The enamel of the tooth is worn out during this process.

Teeth grinding makes jaw muscles become tighter. You may experience difficulties when opening your mouth since these jaws are locked. The jaw muscles are usually tired. Swelling can also be witnessed on the jaws.

Earaches are also experienced due to teeth grinding. There is usually no problem with the ears during such times. Pain experienced is caused by the grinding of teeth.

It is important for you to ensure that your oral health is on point. Teeth grinding can severely damage your teeth. It is important for you to seek help once you realize that you grind your teeth. Such help will lead to the containment of this condition.

A dentist should be consulted for a comprehensive evaluation. He or she can be able to diagnose teeth grinding. A treatment plan can then be developed. The following tips can be applied to help stop teeth grinding:

1. A night guard is the best way to help in the stoppage of teeth grinding. This appliance should be worn for teeth protection. Such an appliance is usually custom made. Plastics are fitted over teeth to prevent collisions.

It is worn during bedtime. It is able to reduce the pains experienced within the muscles of the jaws. This protects both the upper and lower teeth.

2. Exercising can help in the containment of grinding. Stress is one of the causes that lead to bruxism. These exercises help in the reduction of stress. This, in turn, reduces the risk of teeth grinding.

3. Bathing with warm water before sleeping can help in the relaxation of jaw muscles. You can also apply warm water on a towel and rub it onto your jaws. Heating pads ensure that moist heat penetrates better into the body. This can be very effective when dealing with grinding.

4. Anxiety can lead to you experiencing grinding during sleep. For you to reduce this anxiety, you need to relax. This makes you calm and reduces the chances of grinding your teeth while asleep.

5. Alcohol and caffeine can worsen your grinding. They increase the chances of you experiencing this while asleep. Avoid taking alcohol or coffee during the evenings or at night before sleep.

6. Chewing habits need to be put in check. It is advisable for you not to chew anything that isn’t food. Items such as pencils and pens need not be chewed. This increases the likelihood of grinding since the muscles of the jaws get fond of clenching.

7. A massage helps to relax the body. Massaging your jaw muscles will achieve the same effect. Rub your muscles gently in times of stress.

8. Seeking help can help to reduce severe anxiety. There may be a need for you to talk to a therapist during such times. He or she may help you deal with your anxiety. This, in turn, may lead to a reduction in grinding.

There are various ways in which you can know whether or not you grind your teeth. Grinding can be very damaging to your teeth. Discomfort and pain can be experienced through grinding.

Remedies to help to stop and contain grinding need to be applied. They will help you to realize the benefits of its containment. Help and advice should be sought from your dentist to come up with solutions that will work for you.

22 May

What Exactly Is A Root Canal? – A Jacksonville dentist explains…

A root canal is needed when a tooth is extremely infected. The goal of a root canal is to save a tooth that would otherwise be unable to be saved without the procedure.

During a root canal, the dentist works to remove bacteria and the present decay from inside and below the tooth in order to save it. Nowadays, modern treatments to conduct root canals are much more effective and much more comfortable than they were previously.

Below, we will discuss some more information on root canals, how to take care of your teeth after getting one, and how to avoid needing one.

What Happens During The Procedure?

1. Numbing.

The first step in getting a root canal is local anesthesia. This is used to numb the tooth and the area surrounding the tooth. This is needed because otherwise, the procedure would be unbearable.

2. Drill.

Once started, the dentist works to drill out a portion of the tooth to access the decay present within the tooth. The dentist does so by drilling a small hole and they use very small tools in order to clear out the damaged and decaying pulp inside of the tooth.

They will also likely use an irrigation tool in order to wash out any of the remaining pulp inside of it. If needed, they will also add some antimicrobial solution inside of the tooth in order to kill off the infection that might be present.

3. Filling.

Once the tooth has been cleaned, your Jacksonville FL dentist will fill the tooth with a temporary filling. This is used because your tooth will not be ready for a permanent crown until the tooth has healed. Once healed, a permanent crown will be put in place.

How To Care For Your Tooth After A Root Canal?

In order to avoid complications, you are going to want to take good care of your tooth after getting the root canal completed. You will want to be sure that you are maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine in order to keep complications from occurring.

You should be doing everything that makes up a good oral route including brushing twice per day, flossing after you eat, and using mouthwash.

How To Prevent Root Canals?

1. Avoid Hard Foods.

One of the things that you are going to want to do to avoid needing a root canal would be avoiding hard foods and things that could present issues like ice cubes.

Biting down on hard surfaces can cause your teeth to weaken and eventually crack. Having your tooth crack is going to expose the inside to bacteria and potential infection which can increase the need of a root canal in the first place.

2. Wear A Mouth Guard.

If you are someone that grinds your teeth at night, you are going to want to be sure to wear a mouth guard in order to protect your teeth at night.

Clenching and grinding your teeth can lead to your teeth wearing down and becoming weakened. This can increase the risk that you suffer from a tooth crack at some point which would necessitate a root canal to avoid infection.

Overall, there is a lot that you want to be aware of if you are in need of a root canal. The treatment is necessary at times when your tooth cannot be saved otherwise. If you implement the proper dental hygiene procedures in your daily life, you should be able to avoid the need for one as best possible. However, sometimes things happen and they cannot be avoided. A root canal is a much less scary procedure nowadays than it was in the past, but it is still best to be avoided.

16 May

Information About Tooth Sensitivity And Tips To Reduce It

If you are someone that is suffering from tooth sensitivity, you are likely well aware of how painful and irritating it can be. Being unable to partake in things because of tooth sensitivity can be frustrating. Likewise, not being able to brush your teeth without pain can be as well.

Below, we will be going over more information on what can cause this type of sensitivity and some of the key things that you are going to want to do to minimize tooth sensitivity.

What Causes It?

1. Decay.

One of the main causes of tooth sensitivity is from decay. A lot of people suffer from tooth sensitivity because decay can eat at the enamel and dentin of the tooth leading it to be exposed. At the same time, teeth that have cavities can become very sensitive because of the bacteria present.

2. Fractured Teeth.

Another major issue that can result in sensitivity would be fractured or broken teeth. A fracture can expose the tooth in ways that can make it very sensitive.

3. Exposed Root.

Another major thing that is likely to result in tooth sensitivity would be having an exposed root either from serious gum disease or from other reasons.

Now that we have gone over a few of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity, we will be discussing some of the different ways to reduce it.

Reducing Tooth Sensitivity:

1. Using A Desensitizing Toothpaste.

One of the best things that you are going to be able to do when you are looking to combat tooth sensitivity would be to use a desensitizing toothpaste. By using a toothpaste that can reduce the sensitivity that you might be experiencing, you should be able to block pain signals that would normally be sent to your nerves which can minimize the pain associated with the sensitivity.

2. Avoid Grinding.

Another good thing that you are going to be able to do when you are looking to improve the tooth sensitivity that you might be experiencing would be to avoid grinding. You want to avoid grinding your teeth at night time because it is likely to cause you to wear down your teeth and even potentially your enamel.

By wearing a mouthguard at night, you should be able to keep your teeth from getting sensitivity due to teeth grinding.

3. Keep Your Gums Healthy.

One of the main reasons why people end up with sensitive teeth has to do with the fact that they suffer from gum problems. Thus, by keeping your gums as healthy as possible, you should be able to reduce the sensitivity that you might be experiencing dramatically. You want to do various things to keep your gums healthy.

4. Brush Properly.

Another big thing that you will want to do when you are trying to reduce sensitivity that you might be faced with would be to avoid brushing improperly.

A lot of people brush improperly which can lead to damaging the tooth’s enamel. You don’t want to brush too hard because you can be brushing away your tooth’s natural protection mechanism which is the enamel. Along with this, you want to avoid brushing your teeth directly after you drink something acidic or eat something acidic because you are going to be much more likely to brush away your enamel. You want to wait before brushing your teeth if you are going to be drinking or eating anything acidic to avoid softening your enamel and brushing it away.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, follow these tips above and you should be able to figure out what is causing the issue and effectively stop it from being such a big problem.