Jasmine K., Author at Dental Clinic Gessner Houston

March 5, 2020

Dental Care Preventive Dentistry

Yellow Teeth – Need For A Makeover

Yellow teeth or cavities in your teeth may not be such an appealing thing if you happen to smile to a person; you have met for the first time. It may be considered bad oral hygiene than anything else. With the arrival of new toothpaste which only claims to drive away all your cavities with no results. Many happen to go to the dentist to get this rectified which may cost a bomb and this can be avoided if go to the root of the problem.

It can be stated as one of the most common problems affecting people nowadays. The yellowing of one’s teeth can be a sign of a lack of dental hygiene. This dental plaque is caused mainly due to the yellowish biofilm which is formed on the teeth. If it is not cleaned properly every day it can lead to other teeth problems like cavities and inflammation of gums.

One of the common reasons which we can identify for having yellow teeth is excessive consumption of coffee, tea. Smoking and consumption of foods can deteriorate your teeth. The food which we eat and don’t even bother to clean them after eating is one of the major causes of such a problem.

Not following the hot and cold cycles which contract and expands when you eat or drink something cold or hot. This expansion and contraction help to cause stains as it gets through the teeth. Foods that are very acidic also create stains and yellowing of the teeth.

With the increasing age, we tend to lack the same ability to fight the cavities and other bacterial attacks on our teeth. The routine oral hygiene also gets affected due to increasing age. As the stain remains on our teeth with less dental hygiene it tends to get much darker and very hard to remove.

Some of the common remedies which we can use to avoid yellow stains are:

-A good oral hygiene
-Rinsing after every meal
-Polishing it, by use of baking soda
-Bleaching it, by use of natures very own bleach – lime
-Flossing your teeth regularly
-Avoiding starch and sugar
-Switch to vegetable which will help your teeth
-A mixture of salt and finely powdered rind of lime can be used as an excellent toothpaste
-Drink plenty of water
-Avoid tobacco
-Avoid smoking
-Chewing sugar-free gums helps
-Adding a drop of clove oil to your toothpaste before brushing your teeth can do wonders to your teeth

Before acting upon these remedies please check if you are allergic to any of these food products to avoid further complications. The site or the writer is not responsible for the decisions taken by the reader.

February 6, 2020

Kids Dentistry Dental Care

Keeping Oral Health of Children

Photo by @KlavdiyaV via Twenty20

Oral health of children is very important as poor oral hygiene may lead to poor health and other kinds of dental diseases. The cavities and gum diseases not only affect the physical appearance of a person but also lead to serious health problems such as insomnia, stroke and even hearing defects. It has been found from the studies that poor oral care can contribute to the clogging of the arteries, the problem of the lungs and even can damage the heart valves. This might be seen when an expectant woman having gum disease, makes a pre-mature deliver or the baby is very much in weight etc. Hence, it is very necessary to start a regular and good dental regime at an early age during childhood to avoid health problems and diseases at a later stage. For taking proper care of the teeth the child should be taught how to brush, clean and floss the teeth properly.

Ways to keep the oral health of children in pink

To keep the oral health at its prime, the child should follow all the fundamental steps recommended by almost all the dentists. This avoids the incidence of dental problems like gingivitis, halitosis, tartar and gum diseases. Apart from proper brushing, the other hygienic methods like the right method of flossing and using the mouthwash have to be taught. The American Dental Association even advises the parents of a newborn to start cleaning their newborn child’s mouth within a few days after birth. It is very important for the clarity of speech and chewing action in the kids.

Parents of young children schedule regular oral health checkups around the first birthday of the kid. A pediatric dentist should be the ideal choice for children. The baby’s gums and teeth can be wiped with a wet washcloth after each meal to help to remove plaque that gets accumulated on the gums and teeth. Soft bristle toothbrushes with pea-sized fluoridated toothpaste can be used to brush the teeth. Also, the children should be taught to spit toothpaste at a very early age and until then the children should use toothpaste without fluorine. Till the kids are good and comfortable doing flossing and brushing, the parents should assist the children.

The children should be fed with calcium-rich foods and supplements along with good oral hygiene to maintain the good oral health of children.

The children can be encouraged to brush by changing the color and appearance of toothpastes. Most of the children do like to brush with a fluoride toothpaste but they should be able to spit after brushing. Also, children need to brush twice a day. Eating snacks made of sugar and carbohydrates need to be avoided if not at least the teeth should be brushed properly after eating them. It is a good idea to eat nutrition-rich food like vegetables, fruits etc instead of sugar candies as they both provide the required nutrition and also strengthens the teeth due to the chewing action.

January 3, 2020

Dental Treatments Dental Care

Straightening Your Teeth May Be Good for Your Health

Photo by @Peter.Lee via Twenty20

Straightening your teeth can work wonders on your smile, but did you also know it may help lower your risk of developing serious diseases?

“Crooked, crowded or unevenly spaced teeth are harder to keep clean and tend to harbor more food and bacteria,” “This can lead to an increase in plaque and bacteria in the mouth which can cause decay and periodontal disease, a bacterial infection of the gums, bone and periodontal ligament that can enter the bloodstream, travel to major organs and cause systemic complications.”

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, gum disease may contribute to the development of heart disease; increase the risk of stroke, premature birth, and low birth weight; and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes, respiratory diseases or osteoporosis.

Properly aligned teeth can help keep plaque and tartar from building up. Plaque and tarter are known causes of gum disease. Straight teeth help gums “fit” tighter around them and also make it easier to brush and floss, which leads to better gum health.

With today’s advances in orthodontic technology, straightening crooked teeth is easier and less noticeable than ever before.

Invisalign, for instance, is a popular technique that straightens teeth using a series of custom-made, clear and removable aligners. Clinical studies show that gum health may improve using Invisalign over other forms of teeth-straightening techniques. Because there are no brackets or wires to worry about, patients can take out their “braces” after meals to brush and floss.

Additional health benefits of straightening teeth include improved chewing and speech and less stress on supporting bone and jaw joints.

December 6, 2019

Dental Care Kids Dentistry

Apperance of Milk Teeth

Photo by @twinshenanigans via Twenty20

Milk teeth or the first set of teeth, as they are called, are twenty in number; they usually appear in pairs, and those of the lower jaw generally precede the corresponding ones of the upper. The first of the milk teeth is generally cut about the sixth or seventh month and the last of the set at various periods from the twentieth to the thirtieth months. Thus the whole period occupied by the first dentition may be estimated at from a year and a half to two years. The process varies, however, in different individuals, both as to its whole duration, and as to the periods and order in which the teeth make their appearance. It is unnecessary, however, to add more upon this point.

Their development is a natural process. It is too frequently, however, rendered a painful and difficult one, by errors in the management of the regimen and health of the infant, previously to the coming of the teeth, and during the process itself.

Thus, chiefly in consequence of injudicious management, it is made the most critical period of childhood. Not that I believe the extent of mortality fairly traceable to it, is by any means so great as has been stated; for it is rated as high as one-sixth of all the children who undergo it. Still, no one doubts that first dentition is frequently a period of great danger to the infant. It, therefore, becomes a very important question to an anxious and affectionate mother, how the dangers and difficulties of teething can in any degree be diminished, or, if possible, altogether prevented. A few hints upon this subject, then, may be useful. I shall consider, first, the management of the infant, when teething is accomplished without difficulty; and, secondly, the management of the infant when it is attended with difficulty.

Management of the infant when teething is without difficulty.

In the child of a healthy constitution, which has been properly, that is, naturally, fed, upon the milk of its mother alone, the symptoms attending teething will be of the mildest kind, and the management of the infant most simple and easy.

Symptoms:- The symptoms of natural dentition (which this may be fairly called) are, an increased flow of saliva, with swelling and heat of the gums, and occasionally flushing of the cheeks. The child frequently thrusts its fingers, or anything within its grasp, into its mouth. Its thirst is increased, and it takes the breast more frequently, though, from the tender state of the gums, for shorter periods than usual. It is fretful and restless; and sudden fits of crying and occasional starting from sleep, with a slight tendency to vomiting, and even looseness of the bowels, are not uncommon. Many of these symptoms often precede the appearance of the tooth by several weeks and indicate that what is called “breeding the teeth” is going on. In such cases, the symptoms disappear in a few days, to recur again when the tooth approaches the surface of the gum.

Treatment:- The management of the infant, in this case, is very simple, and seldom calls for the interference of the medical attendant. The child ought to be much in the open air, and well-exercised: the bowels should be kept freely open with castor oil, and be always gently relaxed at this time. Cold sponging employed daily, and the surface of the body rubbed dry with as rough a flannel as the delicate skin of the child will bear; friction being very useful. The breast should be given often, but not for long at a time; the thirst will thus be allayed, the gums kept moist and relaxed, and their irritation soothed, without the stomach being overloaded. The mother must also carefully attend, at this time, to her own health and diet, and avoid all stimulant food or drinks.

From the moment dentition begins, pressure on the gums will be found to be agreeable to the child, by numbing the sensibility and dulling the pain. For this purpose, coral is usually employed, or a piece of orris-root, or scraped licorice root; a flat ivory ring, however, is far safer and better, for there is no danger of its being thrust into the eyes or nose. Gentle friction of the gums, also, by the finger of the nurse, is pleasing to the infant; and, as it seems to have some effect in allaying irritation, may be frequently resorted to. In France, it is very much the practice to dip the licorice-root, and other substances, into honey, or powdered sugar-candy; and in Germany, a small bag, containing a mixture of sugar and spices, is given to the infant to suck, whenever it is fretful and uneasy during teething. The constant use, however, of sweet and stimulating ingredients must do injury to the stomach, and renders their employment very objectionable

November 8, 2019

Cosmetic Dental Care

What is Teeth Whitening?

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What is Teeth Whitening really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about Teeth Whitening–info you can use.

Teeth bleaching, also known as teeth whitening, is a common procedure in general dentistry but most especially in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Many people consider white teeth to be an attractive feature of a smile. A child’s deciduous teeth are generally whiter than the adult teeth that follow. As a person ages the adult teeth often increase in value–that is to say, they become darker. This darkening is due to changes in the mineral structure of the tooth, as the enamel becomes less porous. Teeth can also become stained by bacterial pigments, foodstuffs, and tobacco.

As white teeth are subconsciously associated with youth, they have become desirable. This has been made more apparent with the spread of American culture worldwide, where an especially white smile is coined a “Hollywood smile.” The procedure to bleach teeth uses oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide to lighten the shade of the tooth. The oxidizing agent penetrates the porosities in the rod-like crystal structure of enamel and oxidizes interprismatic stain deposits; over a period of time, the dentine layer, lying underneath the enamel, is also bleached.

There are two main methods of teeth whitening. The first involves applying a high concentration of oxidizing agent for a short period of time, which is the so-called office bleach. This produces quick results but risks chemical burns to the soft tissues. Therefore, most in-office bleaching procedures use a light-cured protective layer that is carefully painted on the gums and papilla (the tips of the gums between the teeth). The bleaching agent is either carbamide peroxide, which breaks down in the mouth to form hydrogen peroxide, or hydrogen peroxide itself. The bleaching gel typically contains up to 35% hydrogen peroxide equivalent.

The alternative method involves using a thin mouthguard or strip to hold a low concentration of oxidizing agent next to the teeth for as long as several hours a day for a period of 5 to 14 days. This is known as take-home or over-the-counter bleaching. This is a slower process but has fewer risks to the soft tissues. The bleaching agent is typically less than 10% hydrogen peroxide equivalent.

A typical course of bleaching can produce dramatic improvements in the cosmetic appearance of most stained teeth; however, some stains do not respond to bleaching. Tetracycline staining may require prolonged bleaching, as it takes longer for the bleach to reach the dentine layer. White-spot decalcifications may also be highlighted and become more noticeable.

Recently, efforts have been made to accelerate the bleaching process by the use of light. Studies have shown varying results as to the efficacy of light-activated bleaching.

Side effects of tooth bleaching include chemical burns (if a high-concentration oxidizing agent contacts unprotected tissues, which may bleach or discolor mucous membranes), sensitive teeth, and overbleaching (known in the profession as “fridge-door teeth”). Rebound, or teeth losing the bleached effect and darkening, is also an issue, with some studies showing the rebound effect over 30 days. A recent study by Kugel et al have shown that as much as 4 shades of lightness can be lost over 30 days with light-activated/office bleaching.

September 25, 2019

Cosmetic

NEW ALTERNATIVE TO VENEERS HAS MANY SMILING

Smiling with Venners

When it comes to a beauty boost, many people start with their smile. A bright, healthy smile can immediately bolster anyone’s looks. That’s why more and more people are visiting their dentists for cosmetic procedures to improve worn, misshapen and misaligned teeth. Everyone knows it’s important to look good for a job interview or beauty pageant. Do you want to improve your appearance? Here are 2 alternatives: veneers or lumineers.

However, the veneers that are traditionally used are generally associated with discomfort and pain. They bring to mind long, painful hours in the dentist’s chair. But now, new technology, like Lumineers by Cerinate, makes the smile-enhancement process easy and painless. Lumineers are contact-lens thin, super translucent “smile shapers” that make worn and misshapen teeth look straighter, more uniform and permanently white in the most natural way possible.

Lumineers

Lumineers, which can only be made from Cerinate Porcelain have a great advantage. The procedure requires little to no sensitive tooth structure removal for application. This means no injections and virtually no grinding down, drilling, shaping or cutting away of teeth. Since the process is so simple and gentle, the sensitivity usually felt after a traditional restoration procedure is eliminated.

“Lumineers are changing the way dentists improve teeth, giving patients the confidence to go for the smile they’ve always wanted,” said David Nusblatt, a dentist in New York.

In just two visits to the dentist, you can have a smile that’s custom made for you and clinically proven to last up to 20 years.

In an age when television shows like “The Swan” are all the rage and folks seem to be doing just about anything to enhance their appearance, cosmetic procedures are becoming more advanced and, in the case of dentistry, less painful.

If you dream of having the perfect smile but the thought of having veneers applied to your teeth makes you wince in pain, you’ll be happy to know there is a new, pain-free alternative to help you get fantastic-looking teeth.

Cerinate calls this new dental discovery Lumineers. Described as “smile shapers,” Lumineers are ultra-thin, super translucent porcelain that is non-invasively applied to teeth for a natural-looking smile that fits every individual. Anyone with “needle phobia” can breathe easy; Lumineers, which can only be made from Cerinate porcelain, can be applied without the use of anesthesia, so no shots are required.

September 25, 2019

Cosmetic

TEETH WHITENING: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening, also called bleaching, is a process of lightening and removing stains from a tooth. This process bleaches the enamel and dentin, the principal mass of a tooth, and brightens the discolored teeth.

What are the different methods of teeth whitening?

Some of the teeth whitening options are over-the-counter whitening systems; dentist dispensed at-home products, laser tooth whitening method; Loaded Tray Teeth Whitening method and in-office whitening methods.

Are the whitening effects permanent?

Whitening effects are never permanent.

How do the teeth whitening kits work?

The peroxide chemical is the main ingredient of every whitening product that bleaches the tooth enamel. About 10% carbamide peroxide are present in dentist dispensed products whereas 15 to 35 percent hydrogen peroxide is present in professionally applied tooth whitening products. When these products are used with laser, it speeds up the whitening process.

Who are not recommended to undergo teeth whitening?

Tooth whitening is not recommended for children below 16 and for lactating and pregnant women. Further, individuals with gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots should not undergo any tooth whitening procedure.

How long do the methods of tooth whitening take?

In-office procedures require two or more visits to the dentist and each visit lasts for thirty minutes to one hour. Whereas the at-home products purchased from a dentist or medical store and over-the-counter products take several hours to four weeks to show the result.

What are the side effects of tooth whitening?

Some feel temporary discomforts, such as gum or tooth sensitivity. But these symptoms disappear within 1 to 3 days after the treatment is completed.

How much do the different methods of tooth whitening cost?

The charges vary with location, types of treatment and product used. But Laser or power whitening treatment is always expensive than professional bleaching and home-based bleaching.

How to look after the teeth once they have been whitened?

One should eliminate those foods and drinks that stains the teeth and at the same time should stop smoking. He should brush his teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and visit the dentist at least once a year.

September 25, 2019

Preventive Dentistry

CAUSES OF TOOTHACHES

When it comes to toothaches, there are many different things that can cause a toothache. A toothache can come at any given time, even though you may not expect it. The pain can be unbearable at times, and you’ll do practically anything you can to make the pain stop. When a toothache first comes on, many of us start to wonder what caused it to happen.

Some of the main causes of toothaches include decay, a fracture in the teeth, and cavities. A crack in the tooth is also a cause, although it can be difficult to diagnose, as cracks will normally appear to be invisible to the naked eye and x-rays. Cracks can make your tooth feel as if it is exploding, as they expose the dentin and nerves to the air and anything else you put in your mouth. If you don’t get them fixed, they will get worse, possibly leading to your tooth breaking off at the gums.

Pulp irritation is another cause of toothaches, as it occurs after dental treatment. No matter how well your filling or crown was done, the materials that were used to fix the tooth can end up causing pain later on down the road. There really is nothing you can do, as crowns can sometimes come off or the filling can sometimes come out. If this happens, all you can really do is go back to the dentist to get the problem fixed.

If you have an exposed root or nerve, it can also be the cause of your toothache. This normally happens due to rough brushing, receding the gums and exposing the root. If the root is exposed, the air or liquid you drink can trigger a toothache. To prevent this from happening, use care when you brush and never try to tear your gums apart thinking it will get your teeth cleaner.

If you use tobacco products, you’ll more than likely get toothaches on a frequent basis. Chewing tobacco is a common contributor to toothaches and tooth pain, as the tobacco will eat away at your teeth until there is nothing left. It doesn’t take long for it to happen either, especially if you have been chewing for a long time. Smoking can trigger toothaches as well, as the smoke is bad for your teeth and eats away at them as well.

Even though there are many causes to toothaches, there are things you can do to stop and pain and prevent toothaches. You should always brush your teeth on a daily basis, and go to the dentist for your regular checkups. If you get a toothache you should always go to the dentist and get the tooth fixed. The dentist may be able to catch it early enough to save the tooth – which will prevent you from having to get it pulled and save you a lot of money – and pain in the long run.

Toothaches? We offers a variety of services to access all your dental needs. Contact us, we take care of your dental emergencies: ☎ 731-984-1115

September 25, 2019

Dental Care

A LOOK AT FLOSSING

Along with brushing your teeth, you should also be flossing on a daily basis. Flossing will remove plaque and debris in areas that your toothbrush isn’t able to reach. A buildup of plaque can lead to gum disease or tooth decay, which is why flossing is very important. If you floss immediately after brushing, you’ll notice that your gums and teeth will be much healthier.

When you look at dental floss, you’ll notice there are two types – nylon and single filament. You can get nylon either waxed or un-waxed, in several different flavors. Nylon floss is made up of several strands of nylon material, meaning that it can shred, tear, or snag between the teeth if it gets caught on sharp teeth. Even though the single filament floss is more expensive than nylon, it will slide easily between teeth, even tight areas and spaces. Unlike nylon, single filament is impossible to shred or tear.

No matter which type of floss you choose, as long you floss regularly, it will remove debris from your teeth and gums. If you’ve never tried flossing before, you will probably be amazed at just how much debris and food particles it can remove. Flossing is recommended by dentists everywhere, as it can reach places that even the smallest of toothbrushes can’t. Food and debris will build up between your teeth, which makes dental flossing very important.

The main problem many people have against flossing is the fact that it can result in bleeding of the gums. Anytime you floss and get between your teeth and around your gums, the floss will rub against your gums, resulting in bleeding. Many people take this the wrong way, and immediately stop flossing, usually for good. Bleeding is very common and should be expected with flossing.

When you brush your teeth, you miss a lot of food particles and debris that continues to build up in your mouth. No toothbrush is designed to get every area of your mouth, as all of them miss hard to reach places. With the areas missed by the toothbrush, the debris and plaque will continue to build up until they eventually result in a cavity or decay. To get this debris and plaque before it builds up into something more serious, you’ll need to floss.

If you’ve been afraid to try flossing due to the bleeding, you should really get over that fear and floss after you brush. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you’ll to brush and floss your teeth. Regular checkups with your dentist will help as well, although it is up to you to continue your regular maintenance at home with flossing and brushing. If you floss on a daily basis – you’ll quickly realize just how clean your teeth and gums will be.

September 25, 2019

Dental Treatments

GETTING OVER YOUR FEAR OF THE DENTIST

Dental anxiety or fearing the dentist is a problem that many people have, and something that is somewhat difficult to overcome. This fear normally prevents rational people from visiting the dentist and maintaining the health of their teeth. The key to keeping your teeth healthy is to prevent problems before they start. Those who suffer from dental anxiety will try to avoid going to the dentist, which results in problems.

When someone who suffers from dental anxiety finally goes to the dentist, they normally find that even the smallest of problems can turn serious and require a lot of work and intervention from the dentist. Even though you may not realize it, regular cleaning visits to your dentist is the best way to keep your teeth healthy, and prevent problems such as decay and cavities.

You can use several techniques to overcome dental anxiety. Some of the techniques require mild sedatives, also referred to as sedation. Sedation is a way to relax, given by breathing or IV (Intra Vein) through a vein in your arm. Sedation will help you to calm down, although you will normally be awake to answer questions or talk to your dentist.

Some people who suffer from dental anxiety have had bad experiences. Any type of negative dental experience will normally result in emotional scarring and last for years. Anything that results in negative feelings for the patient will normally cause them to feel in a negative way toward the entire dental profession. Although all dentists aren’t bad – a negative experience will certainly make a patient feel that way.

When you look fora dentist, you should always ask your family and friends who they use, and who they recommend. When you visit a dentist, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask him any questions that come to mind, so you can be more relaxed. You should always keep in mind that you are customer, and the dentist is the one who needs to make you feel relaxed. Never should you feel intimidated, as the best dentists will do everything they can to establish a sense of trust.

Establishing trust is very important with the patient/dentist relationship. You’ll be going to your dentist on a frequent basis, so you’ll want to be sure that you can trust him. When you go to your dentist for the first time, you should let him know about your dental anxiety. If he isn’t willing to talk about it with you or do things to help you relax, you should look into a new dentist.

You can always tell who the better dentists are by the type of facilities they have. Dentists who have a lot of customers or nice offices have established themselves and proved that they are indeed the best. If a dentist has a lot of customers, it lets you know that he has them for a reason. People that are satisfied with a dentist, normally return.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, you should always let your dentist know in advance. This way, he works with you to overcome your fear. Over time, you’ll find that you can overcome your fear and establish a great relationship with your dentist. You can get over your fear of dentists, no matter how bad your fear may be. It will take you some time, although your dentist should be willing to work with you. Before you know it, you’ll be over your fear and more than willing to go to your dentist.