Understanding the Stages of Tooth Decay

Everyone has heard of tooth decay, but did you know that it occurs in five distinct stages? Each stage causes increasing damage to the tooth and causes increasing discomfort to the patient. Unfortunately, tooth decay is an all-too-common consequence of the average sugary diet, though it is easily preventable with good oral hygiene. Soundview Family Dental believes that knowing the early stages of tooth decay can help you prevent the need for fillings, and help avoid tooth loss too.

 

 

Stage One: White Spots (Demineralization)

The first stage of tooth decay is usually painless and can be hard to detect.  This is when plaque starts building upon the surface of the tooth.  Plaque is filled with bacteria.  This bacteria begins to weaken the enamel and break down minerals in the tooth, such as calcium. This is called “demineralization.” When this demineralization occurs, white, yellow, or brown spots appear on the surface of the tooth. While this may be noticeable on front teeth, many people often miss these spots on the back molars. In this early stage, you can reverse the damage with good oral hygiene and prompt dental care, such as in-office fluoride treatments.

 

Stage Two: Enamel Decay

If the white spots in stage one remain untreated and oral hygiene does not improve, your tooth decay will progress to stage two. During this stage, the buildup of plaque begins to break down the enamel of the tooth. This leaves the enamel soft and porous, which can contribute to tooth sensitivity. This is often one of the first physical signs of tooth damage. Once you’re in stage two, there is no way to reverse the damage done and your dentist must treat the decay, often with a dental filling.

 

Stage Three: Dentin Decay

If the sensitivity is not enough to signal that you need to see the dentist, and the dental damage continues to go untreated, tooth decay will progress to stage three. During this stage, the bacteria and decay enter the dentin layer of the tooth. The dentin layer is much softer and more sensitive than the enamel. As the decay progresses into the dentin, you will likely experience much more tooth sensitivity, and chewing food may become painful, especially around the infected tooth. While in some cases, a large filling may be enough to address this tooth decay, often a crown is recommended at this stage.

 

Stage Four: Pulp Infection

The dentin layer protects a soft mass filled with nerves, known as the pulp. If a tooth is not treated during stage three, the bacteria and decay breaks through the dentin, entering the pulp of the tooth. When the pulp becomes infected, this damages the nerves in the root of your tooth and can cause extreme tooth pain, which can make chewing extremely painful. Your dentist may refer to this as a root canal infection. When a root canal infection occurs, the course of treatment is a root canal, where your dentist will drain the tooth, remove all infected tissue with specialized tools, fill in the root canals and large cavity created in the tooth, and cover the remaining tooth with a crown. In extreme cases, there may not be enough of the tooth to save and an extraction is necessary.

 

Stage Five: Abscess Formation

The final stage of tooth decay can be extremely serious and threatening to your general health. When the decay within the canal is left untreated, it progresses to the base of the root. Once there, the bacteria and infected tissue can spread into surrounding tissue, such as the gums, jawbone, tongue, and even the bloodstream. This can cause a buildup of bacterial pus, known as an abscess. This stage is extremely painful and, if left untreated, can make you sick and lead to life-threatening complications. When you reach this stage, you will require surgical intervention and are likely to lose the tooth.

 

Preventing Cavities and Dental Decay

The good news is that you can stop the onset of tooth decay in its tracks with good oral hygiene and some simple lifestyle changes. Ways you can do this include:

• Good Oral Hygiene – Brushing your teeth twice daily and regular flossing can help to remove the bacteria and plaque responsible for tooth decay. Using a regular mouthwash can also help to remove bacteria you can’t reach with brushing and flossing.
• Attend Regular Dental Visits – Visiting your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings will help keep your teeth healthy. Your dentist can also detect early signs of decay and help you reverse the damage before it reaches stage two or higher.
• Ask About Fluoride Treatments – The application of fluoride treatments can help to reverse mineral loss during stage one. Talk to your dentist about the benefits of a fluoride treatment.
• Reduce Your Sugar Intake – Eating a diet high in sugar content can increase your risk of tooth decay. Sugar feeds the bacteria responsible for the decay. If you eat a sugary treat, it is a good idea to brush your teeth as soon as possible to help remove the sugar or at least drink a big glass of water.
• Stay Hydrated and Avoid Dry Mouth – Drinking water on a regular basis helps to keep your body hydrated and helps with dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, saliva production may be low. Saliva helps to wash away bacteria and is essential for healthy teeth. If you notice you suffer from dry mouth on a regular basis, it may be a good idea to talk with your dentist or physician to see if there is something you can do to treat this.

 

For more information about the stages of tooth decay and how you can prevent it, call Soundview Family Dental today or visit us online. We want to help you keep your healthy smile and avoid dental decay, pain, and possible tooth loss.

Understanding the Stages of Tooth Decay is available on: Soundview Family Dental

Soundview Family Dental
201 5th Ave S Suite 103, Edmonds, WA 98020
(425) 563-6360
Our Edmonds Location

DIY Homemade Mouthwash Recipes You Can Easily Make

When it comes to oral hygiene, you know that brushing and flossing is essential, but what about mouthwash? According to the American Dental Association, the use of mouthwash may be a helpful addition to a daily oral hygiene routine for some people. However, not all mouthwashes are the same. While a stroll up the oral care aisle in your favorite store offers a wide variety of mouthwash choices, you still may not find one that works for you. The good news is, Soundview Family Dental shows you how making your own mouthwash at home is easy and gives you the ability to target your specific oral concerns.

 

Why Do You Need Mouthwash?

So how does mouthwash help promote good oral hygiene? Mouthwash offers the ability to reach areas of your mouth that brushing and flossing may miss. Different mouthwash ingredients target different things. For example, mouthwashes can help reduce or control plaque and gingivitis, help treat bad breath, whiten teeth, and help prevent tooth decay. Some mouthwashes also cater to people with dry mouth, sensitive teeth, or mouth sores.

Benefits of Making Your Own Mouthwash

When it comes to over-the-counter mouthwashes, ingredients differ greatly. In many cases, the ingredient label contains ingredients that are hard to pronounce and make it difficult to understand what you are really buying. In addition, many over-the-counter mouthwashes contain alcohol. Unfortunately, while alcohol-based mouthwashes may feel cleansing and refreshing, they can dry out the mucosa in your mouth, leading to dry mouth and increasing your risk of cavities. In addition, if you have restorative work, alcohol-based mouthwashes can damage composite restorations.

Making your own natural mouthwash at home allows you to target your specific dental concerns. You can use ingredients you are familiar with while leaving out ingredients that may contribute to discomfort. Making homemade mouthwash is easier than you think, and you may already have all the ingredients you need at home. These three recipes offer some examples of homemade mouthwashes that naturally boost your oral hygiene routine.

 

 

Recipe #1: Basic Homemade Mouthwash

This basic recipe includes ingredients that can help reduce dental inflammation, destroy acid-forming bacteria, help balance the pH in your mouth, and surround your teeth with beneficial minerals, all while tasting great.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. xylitol (optional)
• 8 to 10 drops of essential oils (optional)
• 20 drops of mineral drops (optional)
• 1 cup distilled water
• Clean, empty bottle with lid

How to Make

To make this mouthwash, simply add all ingredients to your empty bottle and shake well until the salt and baking soda completely dissolves. With this recipe, the salt works to promote healing and reduce inflammation in the mouth, as well as help preserve your mouthwash. The baking soda helps to alkalize your mouth which leaves it less hospitable for cavity-causing bacteria.

While xylitol is an optional ingredient, the use of this sweetener is safe for your teeth and gives a more palatable flavor to your mouthwash. Adding essential oils not only flavors your mouthwash, but it also works to disrupt the bacterial cell wall and reduces the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. In fact, a 2004 study in the Journal of the American Dental Association showed that, in patients that routinely brushed and flossed, the use of essential oil in a mouthwash provided a clinically significant benefit in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Some good essential oils for use in mouthwash include clove, peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree. The addition of mineral drops, such as Purium Ionic Elements, helps surround the teeth with beneficial minerals often lost to acidic bacteria and plaque build-up.

How to Use

Before use, shake the bottle well to mix ingredients thoroughly. After brushing your teeth, pour a small amount into a cup and swish around your teeth for 20 to 30 seconds. Once complete, gargle for a few seconds to help clean the back of your mouth and throat. Spit mouthwash in the sink when complete.

 

 

Recipe #2: Aloe Vera Mouthwash

This homemade mouthwash takes advantage of the oral hygiene benefits offered by aloe vera, particularly for those with periodontal disease. In fact, a 2016 study in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry showed that aloe vera had equal effectiveness to Chlorhexidine, a commonly used antimicrobial. Researchers determined that aloe vera is effective at curing and preventing gingivitis.

Ingredients

• ½ cup aloe vera juice
• ½ cup distilled water
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 3 drops of essential oil of choice (optional)
• Clean, empty bottle with lid

How to Make

Making this mouthwash is easy. Simply add all ingredients to your bottle, close securely with lid, and shake well until baking soda dissolves and all ingredients combine. You may add essential oils as desired to adjust the taste of your mouthwash. Because aloe vera requires refrigeration, store your mouthwash in the refrigerator between use.

How to Use

Shake your mouthwash before each use to combine ingredients. Pour a small amount into a glass. Swish the mouthwash around your teeth for 20 to 30 seconds, finishing with a short gargle to clean the back of your mouth and throat before spitting the mouthwash out. Do not swallow the mouthwash.

 

 

Recipe #3: Essential Oil Mouthwash

As we have already explained, essential oils work well to reduce plaque and gingivitis and are a great addition to your regular oral hygiene routine. This homemade mouthwash is simple and uses only two ingredients.

Ingredients

• 10 to 20 drops of essential oil
• 1 cup distilled water
• Clean bottle with lid

How to Make

Simply add the water and the desired amount of essential oil drops for flavor and shake well.

How to Use

Shake before use. After brushing your teeth, pour a small amount into a glass and swish in your mouth for 20 to 30 seconds. Gargle before spitting out to clean your tongue and throat.

 

Use Caution When Looking for Homemade Mouthwash Recipes

A simple search on Google for homemade mouthwashes will give you a variety of results. But not all mouthwash recipes are a good idea. For example, you may find recipes that include apple cider vinegar. While this powerful ingredient is great for fighting bacteria, it is also very acidic and can damage the enamel of your teeth. At Soundview Family Dental, we do not recommend this ingredient for your homemade mouthwashes. If you find a recipe and still have questions, our general dentistry specialists will be happy to go over your recipe and help you find the right mouthwash for you. Give us a call today at 425-563-360 or visit us online.

The following blog post DIY Homemade Mouthwash Recipes You Can Easily Make is courtesy of: https://www.soundviewfamilydental.com

Soundview Family Dental
201 5th Ave S Suite 103, Edmonds, WA 98020
(425) 563-6360
Our Edmonds Location

Best Mouthwash for Gingivitis: What is the Best One for Me?

As a child, you learn that regular brushing and flossing are important for good oral hygiene. But what about mouthwash? Does it play an important role in good oral care and the prevention of gingivitis? How do you know which mouthwash will address your oral concerns and work best for you? Soundview Family Dental is here to help you understand the role mouthwash plays in oral health, as well as which mouthwash is best for gingivitis and which will work best for you.

Should You Use Mouthwash?

When it comes to oral care and gingivitis prevention, your best course of action is regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental exams and cleaning. However, using mouthwash can be beneficial when it comes to gingivitis prevention. Using mouthwash, in addition to regular brushing and flossing, can help prevent gingivitis and gum disease by killing the bacteria responsible for these conditions. In addition, mouthwash helps prevent the buildup of plaque, which in turn helps prevent tooth decay. Mouthwash should never replace regular oral care, but it can be a very powerful tool for your oral hygiene routine.

 

Choosing the Right Type of Mouthwash

Not all mouthwashes are the same. Some mouthwashes, such as antibacterial mouthwash, target the bacteria in your mouth that can contribute to plaque buildup and gingivitis. Other mouthwashes, such as fluoride rinses, work to provide more fluoride to those people that do not get enough exposure from their drinking water. One big difference in mouthwashes is the use of alcohol. But alcohol isn’t always good for you. Let’s look at the difference.

Mouthwashes with Alcohol

Alcohol is very effective at killing the bacteria and germs that cause plaque buildup and gingivitis. This helps reduce your risk of oral complications, as well as helps to prevent bad breath. However, alcohol is also good at killing the good bacteria in your mouth. It is a drying agent that can contribute to reduced saliva production. This reduction of saliva can contribute to bad breath and more bacterial growth in the future. In addition, mouthwashes with alcohol can cause a burning sensation when used, especially in patients with tooth and gum sensitivity.

Mouthwashes Without Alcohol

While alcohol-free mouthwashes are not as effective at killing all germs in the mouth, they are better at targeting the germs responsible for plaque and gingivitis. They allow for normal saliva production, which helps keep your mouth healthy. Alcohol-free mouthwash is gentler for those with sensitive teeth and gums, while still eliminating the bacteria that can cause gingivitis. For many with gingivitis, alcohol-free mouthwash is the mouthwash of choice.

 

 

The Best Mouthwashes on the Market

As you walk down the oral care aisle in your favorite store, becoming overwhelmed with all the different choices is likely. There are many different types of mouthwash available on the market, including those that target bad breath, help prevent cavities, and others that target gingivitis. Figuring out which one will benefit you most can be difficult. These top mouthwashes are where Soundview Family Dental suggests you start.

Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Rinse

Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Rinse is an alcohol-free rinse that does not cause a burning sensation, but still has all the bacteria-fighting power of other gingivitis mouthwashes. This mouthwash is an all-around mouthwash that helps destroy bacteria and reduce plaque, prevent gingivitis, and give you fresh breath.

TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse

TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse is a mouthwash formulated by a periodontist, so it targets gingivitis prevention. It is alcohol and sugar-free, but it is clinically proven to fight the bacteria that cause gingivitis. Because there is no alcohol, you do not have to worry about a burning sensation, making it great for those with sensitive mouths.

Listerine UltraClean Oral Care Antiseptic Mouthwash

Listerine is a popular brand name when it comes to mouthwash. Their UltraClean Antiseptic Mouthwash provides 24-hour protection against the germs that cause plaque and gingivitis. This mouthwash does contain alcohol, which can cause sensitivity to some.

CloSYS Original Unflavored Mouthwash for Sensitive Mouths

For those with sensitive teeth and gums, finding a mouthwash that doesn’t cause a burning sensation or discomfort can be difficult. However, CloSYS Original Unflavored Mouthwash for Sensitive Mouths may be the solution you are looking for. This pH-balanced mouthwash contains a patented ingredient that prevents gingivitis but is gentle enough to use when you have swollen gums or canker sores. IF you still crave a minty-flavored mouthwash, you can add optional flavoring.

Tom’s of Maine Natural Wicked Fresh

If you are looking for a more natural mouthwash, Tom’s of Maine Natural Wicked Fresh Mouthwash is for you. This mouthwash works to prevent gingivitis with the use of zinc. This mouthwash is fluoride-free, has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, as well as no animal ingredients. 

Oxyfresh Lemon Mint Mouthwash

OxyfreshLemon Mint Mouthwash is another alcohol-free mouthwash designed to prevent gingivitis while also improving bad breath. This mouthwash uses stabilized chlorine dioxide to disrupt bacterial growth. This mouthwash also contains aloe vera that helps promote soothing and healing. The use of essential oils helps stimulate saliva, giving an added benefit to those who suffer from dry mouth.

 

Choosing Your Mouthwash

While this list gives you some good mouthwash options, which one you choose will depend on your oral concerns and your preferences. While some people feel that only alcohol-based mouthwashes give them a really clean feeling, alcohol-based mouthwashes cause some people to experience extreme pain. Or if plaque buildup is common for you despite regular oral care, you may need a more powerful mouthwash. If you have any questions about gingivitis prevention, periodontics, or the best mouthwash for you, Soundview Family Dental can go over your oral care history and help you decide what mouthwashes would work best for you when it comes to gingivitis prevention. Contact Soundview Family Dental today.

 

Best Mouthwash for Gingivitis: What is the Best One for Me? is courtesy of: www.soundviewfamilydental.com

Soundview Family Dental
201 5th Ave S Suite 103, Edmonds, WA 98020
(425) 563-6360
Our Edmonds Location

Best Dental Floss: Know the Top Types and Brands

You know that you should be brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. However, when it comes to flossing, what is the best floss to use? Do you know the different types of floss and which one is best for you? Here, Soundview Family Dental will help you better understand the different floss types and some of the best floss currently on the market. 

 

 

What Are the Different Types of Dental Floss?

When most people think of dental floss, they think of a thin, white string-like substance. You may know that this string can come waxed or unwaxed. However, that is only the beginning when it comes to different types of dental floss.

Standard Floss

Standard floss is thin nylon fibers twisted together. This design makes it easy to fit between the tight spots between your teeth. The downside to standard floss is it is prone to shredding and breaking. Standard floss comes in waxed or unwaxed. While the light wax coating on standard floss helps to reduce the breaking, it can also make it more difficult to get into tight spaces.

Dental Tape

Dental tape is flat and broader than standard floss and comes in waxed or unwaxed. Because of its shape, people with larger gaps between their teeth are often more comfortable using them.

Super Flosses

Super flosses are a type of floss designed to help those with braces or dental bridges. It is made from a yarn-like material and therefore has stiff sections on the ends that help get in between braces’ brackets.

Others Floss Options

• Electric Flossers/water flossers - For those that have a hard time working with traditional flosses, such as those with arthritis, electric flossers provide an alternative. Electric flossers use pressurized air or water to clean between the teeth and stimulate the gum line.
• Disposable Floss Picks – Disposable dental flossers are an excellent alternative for those unable to work with traditional floss, including children. These picks contain threaded floss that you can easily work around your teeth in a similar manner to traditional floss.

 

What Are the Best Dental Floss Brands on the Market?

When you walk up the dental aisle of your favorite store, chances are you may become overwhelmed by the choices of dental floss on the shelves. While it is important to find a dental floss that you are comfortable using, these top brands are worth considering.

Cocofloss

Cocofloss is a standard floss made with over 500 textured filaments and interwoven fibers designed to maximize strength and minimize shredding, while still being thin enough to compress in between even the smallest spaces. The unique design helps to scrub away plaque and improve your overall dental care. Also, Cocofloss offers a wide variety of flavors, including mint, coconut, strawberry, and orange. And in the summer, you can even choose watermelon flavor.

Listerine Floss

Listerine is a major brand for high-quality dental products, including dental floss. Listerine’s floss options include standard cool mint floss, whitening dental floss, textured dental floss and disposable flossers with ergonomic handles.

Oral-B Glide

Oral-B Glide is a standard waxed floss with a fresh minty taste that offers a smooth texture that slides easily between teeth to help remove plaque and food particles. The addition of natural wax helps to give it a stronghold while still offering an easy glide between teeth.

Oral-B Superfloss

Oral-B also offers a great superfloss for those with braces, bridges, and wide gaps between teeth. These pre-measured strands offer a stiff floss threader on one end, a spongy floss, and a standard floss on one strand. This enables you to floss under appliances, such as brackets, as well as in between teeth and around the gumline.

Plackers Dental Floss Picks

Plackers disposable dental floss picks are great options for children and adults. They offer a wide variety of different picks that target different needs. For example, Plackers Kids Dual Gripz picks are designed to fit little hands and make flossing easier for children. Plackers Orthopick flossers work great for those with braces, allowing you to remove plaque and food particles without damaging your brackets and wires.

GUM EEZ-Thru Floss Threaders

GUM EEZ-Thru Floss Threaders are another great option for those with braces, dental bridges, and dental implants. These threaders help you thread dental floss under, around and between your dental appliances.

Reach Dentotape Waxed Dental Floss

Reach Dentotape is an unflavored waxed floss designed to be more effective and comfortable for users with wider spaces between their teeth.

With so many different floss options available, it becomes a matter of personal preference. Experiment with different floss types and find the one that works best for your needs. If you have questions or would like some guidance on the best floss for you, contact us at Soundview Family Dental and we will be happy to help you find the perfect floss for you. Because flossing is such an important part of good oral hygiene, we want to make sure you are comfortable with your choice of floss and that you make flossing a regular part of your oral care routine.

 

Best Dental Floss: Know the Top Types and Brands was originally published on: https://www.soundviewfamilydental.com/

Soundview Family Dental
201 5th Ave S Suite 103, Edmonds, WA 98020
(425) 563-6360
Our Edmonds Location

How to Properly Use Dental Floss

Everyone knows that regular brushing and flossing are important to good oral hygiene. While brushing is relatively self-explanatory, flossing tends to be a bit more confusing. It’s also the one part of good oral care that many people forget. However, regular flossing is essential to remove bacteria, food particles, and plaque and plays a major role in good oral hygiene. Understanding the different types of dental floss and how to properly floss your teeth is essential, and at Soundview Family Dental, we are here to help make flossing easier.

 

 

What is Dental Floss?

Dental floss comes in many different varieties and forms. These can include waxed, unwaxed, dental tape, polytetrafluorethylene floss (PTFE), super flosses, and even dental flossers. Each one works slightly differently, but with the same goal in mind. To better understand the different types, let’s take a closer look.

• Unwaxed floss – this is a thin nylon floss designed to fit into tight spaces. Unfortunately, unwaxed floss tends to get stuck in between teeth and is very prone to breaking.
• Waxed floss – this is unwaxed floss covered in a light wax coating. The wax coating makes it slide more easily between the teeth, and therefore less prone to breaking, but can also make it harder to get between tight spots.
• Dental tape – this is a broader and flatter type of floss and can come waxed or unwaxed. This type of floss is not good for tight spaces but can be more comfortable for people with more space between their teeth.
• PTFE floss – Made from Gore-Tex fabric, this type of floss slides easily between small spaces between the teeth and is less likely to break.
• Super floss – This is a thicker form of floss with stiff sections on each end. It is designed to help floss and clean around orthodontic appliances and dental bridges.
• Dental flossers – These flossing devices have a handle and a small piece of floss. They are great for children learning how to floss and for those with arthritis who are unable to hold traditional floss.

 

Why Do You Need to Floss Your Teeth?

If you brush your teeth regularly, you may wonder if flossing is really necessary. While brushing is great for removing food particles and bacteria on the surface of your teeth, it misses the areas in between your teeth where food particles and bacteria tend to hide. Flossing enables you to reach those areas, helping you to remove everything that can contribute to dental decay and damage to your teeth. 

 

When to Floss Your Teeth

While you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, the American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day. You can floss before or after brushing, and any time of day. Some people may opt to floss after a meal, while others choose to floss at the end of the day, so they go to bed with a clean mouth. There is no ideal time and when you floss should depend on your schedule and what works best for you. The most important thing is that you remember to do it!

 

 

Flossing Techniques

How you floss your teeth depends on a variety of different things, such as what type of floss you are using and whether you have any dental appliances. A general flossing technique is the same for waxed, unwaxed, dental tape, PTFE floss, and dental flossers. Flossing steps are:

• Break off 18 to 24 inches of floss. Wrap the floss around your middle fingers, leaving a space of one to two inches in the middle. Hold the floss between your thumb and index fingers. (skip this step if you are using dental flossers).
• Place the floss between two teeth, gently gliding the floss up and down while rubbing against the side of each tooth. Do not glide the floss against the gums as this can cause damage and bleeding.
• As you get down to the gums, create a curve at the base of your teeth, similar to a “C” shape. This will allow the floss to get into the space between the tooth and the gum without damaging the gums. 
• Repeat each of these steps with every tooth in your mouth. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.

Flossing with Braces

Flossing with braces or other dental work can be a challenge. When working around traditional brackets and wires, you must floss with a slightly different technique. 

• Thread the floss between the teeth and the main wire.
• Loosely wrap the floss around your index fingers and press the floss between your teeth as gently as possible. Perform the same up and down motion, making sure to rub against the sides of the teeth.
• Unthread the floss from the wire and move on to the next two teeth, continuing until you have done all your teeth

If regular flossing with braces becomes difficult, your dentist may recommend using a water flosser that uses water pressure to clean between the teeth. A floss threader or super floss can also help to achieve the same results while reducing the risk of damage to your dental appliances.

While flossing may seem like a lot of work, it is an essential part of good oral care. If you still have questions or are having difficulty with flossing, contact Soundview Family Dental in Edmonds, Washington, and we will be happy to work with you to help make sure you’re flossing correctly and to help make flossing easier.

 

The following blog post How to Properly Use Dental Floss is courtesy of: https://soundviewfamilydental.com/

Soundview Family Dental
201 5th Ave S Suite 103, Edmonds, WA 98020
(425) 563-6360
Our Edmonds Location

What are the Different Types of Dentists and How Can They Help?

When people think about doctors, they know there are different types. For example, you would not go to an OB/GYN for heart problems. The same is true with a dentist. While a general dentist can handle most common dental concerns, specialty dentists treat specific dental issues. Knowing what the different types of dentists are can help you determine which one you may need in order to get the best dental care.

 

 

Why Are There Different Types of Dentists?

Similar to medicine, different types of dentists treat specific conditions. While every dentist can practice as a general dentist, some decide to go into specialty treatments. These treatments can include things like braces and tooth alignment, pediatric dentistry, replacement dentistry, major dental surgery, and specific gum care. When you see your general dentist for routine care, they may recommend or refer you to a specific dentist for specialized care.

 

Different Types of Dentists

When it comes to dentists, there are seven main types. Let’s take a closer look at each type and how they provide specialized care.

General Dentists

A general dentist is the one you are likely to see on a regular basis. They offer general and routine dental care, such as dental cleanings and routine exams. In addition, they also provide emergency care, fillings, tooth repair, crowns, bridges, and veneers. General dentists also perform oral cancer screenings and gum disease treatments. 

General dentistry is the most common form of dentistry and the one that most people see for initial treatments. Should you need specialty care, your general dentist is the one that often refers you to a specialist.

Pedodontists 

Pedodontists, or pediatric dentists, specialize in children. While dental care is safe, it can often be intimidating for children, leading to increased anxiety. Pedodontists understand the different challenges working with children can create, such as anxiety and different dental needs. Sedation is different for children, and these dental specialists cater to that. In many cases, pedodontists also treat older patients with special needs as well.

Orthodontists

Orthodontists are commonly thought of as the dentists that provide traditional braces and invisible braces to straighten your teeth and improve your smile. However, they now do much more than that. While misaligned teeth may make your smile imperfect, they can also contribute to biting and chewing problems, as well as jaw and neck conditions such as TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) and TMJ (temporomandibular joint). 

Oral Surgeons

Oral surgeons are best known for wisdom tooth extractions, especially in cases where the wisdom teeth are impacted. In addition to these extractions, oral surgeons perform other complex oral surgeries that can correct misaligned jaws, facial trauma due to an accident, dental implants, TMD surgeries, bone grafts, and oral biopsies to look for oral cancer. In many cases, these dental specialists work closely with ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) physicians.

Endodontists

When a cavity or a trauma affects the pulp inside a tooth, it leads to nerve damage and death, often leading to infection. When this occurs, a root canal is necessary. While a general dentist can perform root canals, endodontists specialize in this procedure. They use specialized tools to drill a small hole in the top of the tooth and remove the dead and infected tissue. Once removed, they fill the small dental canals with a specialized rubber material to prevent bacteria from entering and further damaging the tooth. A temporary filling goes into place until a crown is made.

In cases where a damaged tooth continues to be infected, endodontists can perform a specialized surgery called apicoectomy. This procedure removes the root end, or tip, to help stop the infection.

Periodontists

Periodontists focus on the treatment of gums. They focus on the prevention of gum disease, as well as treating gum disease and periodontal disease. In many cases, this can include treatments such as skin grafting. These dentists work closely with general dentists to help prevent gum disease and create treatment plans when gum disease occurs.

Prosthodontists

Prosthodontists specialize in making oral prostheses to replace broken or damaged teeth, improving both cosmetic improvement and dental function. Oral prostheses include crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures, and implants. Prosthodontists work closely with general dentists and endodontists in order to provide these dental appliances when treatment indicates. 

 

How Do You Know Which One You Need?

How do you know which one will provide the dental work you need with all these different oral specialists? Seeing a general dentist on a regular basis is the best place to start. Having routine oral exams allows the general dentist to discover when potential problems may be happening, and they will refer you to a specialist when needed. In some cases, your regular physician may also refer to you a dental specialist. 

 

 

What are the Different Types of Dentists and How Can They Help? is republished from: https://www.soundviewfamilydental.com

Soundview Family Dental
201 5th Ave S Suite 103, Edmonds, WA 98020
(425) 563-6360
Our Edmonds Location

Why Are My Teeth Breaking?

How freely you flash your pearly whites is a quick window into your confidence and self-esteem. There are a lot of factors — from cosmetic to urgent — that can undermine that confidence and cause you to hide your teeth behind pursed lips or the back of your hand.

A serious concern for many of us - one that has both functional and cosmetic implications - is fragile, brittle teeth. Many people struggle with teeth that are weaker than they used to be, or more brittle than they should be. Weak, brittle teeth can interfere with your ability to eat, laugh, and live confidently. You may be contributing to that weakness by some bad habits, or you may be the victim of factors beyond your control. Regardless, Soundview Family Dental can help you prevent and bounce back from fragile, brittle teeth.

 

 

Why Are My Teeth Breaking?

There are several known causes for brittle and fragile teeth, as well as other factors that are associated with an increased risk of easily broken teeth. 

Genetic factors that affect your enamel and dentin can result in fragile teeth. Genetic predispositions may mean that you have softer than normal enamel, meaning it is more easily broken than for most people. Genetic factors may also affect the characteristics of the layer just beneath the enamel — the dentin — and may also mean your teeth are more brittle than normal.

Periodontal disease is often called gum disease. Whatever you call it, it is caused by bacterial growth that accumulates because of poor oral hygiene habits. The early form of periodontal disease — gingivitis — does not generally cause irreversible bone or tissue damage. However, if it is not treated effectively, and if you do not make a renewed commitment to good oral health, you can develop periodontitis. Periodontitis causes the retraction of bone and tissue from your teeth, which produces “pockets” at your gumline, which fill with debris and can lead to infection. In its advanced form, periodontitis results in fragile teeth that are prone to falling out. Make no mistake, periodontal disease is a serious condition, and should not be ignored.

Osteoporosis, which weakens the bones throughout your body, and renal disease, which affects your body’s ability to absorb calcium, can also contribute to brittle and fragile teeth. 

Risk factors for brittle and fragile teeth

While these risk factors do not directly cause brittle and fragile teeth, they indirectly contribute to circumstances which can result in teeth that break more easily than they should:

Multiple and repeated dental procedures in individual teeth or the same area of your mouth or jaw can, ironically, result in weakened teeth over time. A series of cavities in the same area, fillings that have had to be repeated, or cavities and fillings in adjacent teeth can, over time, result in weakness. Weakness attributable to multiple and repeated dental procedures can be addressed by exploring alternative dental treatments — crowns instead of or in addition to fillings, for example.

Some medications indirectly contribute to making your teeth brittle or weak by inhibiting your ability to absorb calcium or to produce saliva. If you lack sufficient saliva in your mouth, you will suffer a loss of enamel which, in turn, makes you vulnerable to tooth decay and weakness that comes with it. 

Your own personal habits can also increase the risk that you will suffer brittle or weak teeth. For example, it is possible to brush too often or too hard, which can wear away essential enamel. Over-the-counter whitening toothpaste (as opposed to professional-grade whitening toothpaste) can wear away your enamel, too.  Also, if you experience sleep bruxism — the habit of clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth as you sleep — you may gradually weaken your teeth and suffer broken teeth and dental work.

Acidic and sugary diets and switching rapidly between hot and cold foods and drinks weakens teeth by exposing them to chemicals that degrade their integrity and too-quick cycles of expansion and contraction. And poor overall nutrition weakens all the tissues of your body, including your teeth.

 

 

How to treat and manage brittle teeth?

Now that you have a better understanding of some of the causes and risk factors for weak and brittle teeth, some of the ways of managing brittle teeth — or your vulnerability to weak teeth — may be becoming clear.

Since tooth decay advances to the point of periodontal disease is a significant problem, a commitment to daily oral hygiene habits, and to twice-annual teeth cleanings and dental appointments, will help preserve the strength and integrity of your teeth. Your dentist will spot potential issues and develop a treatment plan to halt issues before they become significant risks. 

Along the same vein, you can preserve the strength of your teeth and reduce the risk of weakness or brittleness by avoiding acidic and sugary foods or, if you cannot resist, emphasizing excellent oral hygiene immediately after indulging. Commitment to good overall nutrition for the sake of your general health will also contribute to stronger and less brittle teeth. 

At Soundview Family Dental, we will partner with you to reduce the risk of brittle teeth, and to offer treatment alternatives that prioritize preserving your natural tooth function. If for whatever reason your natural teeth are no longer able to support your oral needs, we can offer options for this, too.

If successive cavities in the same area of your mouth have contributed to weakness, we may recommend crowns or other restorations to protect your teeth and restore full function. If you are experiencing tooth weakness due to periodontal disease, we will provide non-surgical (cleaning, scaling, and planing) and surgical (pocket reduction, bone and tissue grafts, tissue regeneration, and bone surgery) to halt the disease and preserve teeth strength. If you have a badly infected tooth, we will recommend painless root canal surgery capped with a crown to prevent that tooth from breaking or becoming reinfected.

Finally, in the unfortunate but possible event that some natural teeth are simply not strong enough to support your dental function and lifestyle, we will provide dental implant options to eliminate any fear that your teeth will crack, split, or break at any time.

Conclusion

You can do many things to keep your teeth as strong as possible — including keeping them as clean as possible and keeping us as involved in your oral health as possible. If you are experiencing repeated cavities in the same cluster of teeth, the need for frequent fillings in the same area, easily chipped or cracked teeth, broken teeth, tooth decay, advancing gingivitis, or tooth loss — regardless of how any of those issues were caused — Soundview Family Dental can provide preventive and restorative solutions. Our goal is simple — to preserve and return your teeth to their rightful place in your confident and healthy smile. 

Are your teeth more brittle or fragile than they used to be? Or weaker than they need to be for you to eat, laugh, and live confidently? Please reach out and let us take a look and offer some suggestions and solutions. 

 

 

Why Are My Teeth Breaking? is courtesy of: https://www.soundviewfamilydental.com/

Soundview Family Dental
201 5th Ave S Suite 103, Edmonds, WA 98020
(425) 563-6360
Our Edmonds Location