Braces n Roots

Before your orthodontist gets started, make sure that you understand what type of braces are being used and how they'll affect your teeth. Your orthodontist will choose the right type of braces based on your specific dental challenges.

Everybody wants that perfect smile showing off pearly white teeth but not many have it. There is a constant try to improve the smile by making the teeth whiter and brighter.

Teeth can be discolored intrinsically or extrinsically. They acquire different shades and sometimes even different colors like brown and black, making them stand out as extremely odd.

Teeth change color either due to intrinsic or extrinsic reasons. Intrinsic is when minerals like fluoride get incorporated into the tooth, giving it white irregular spots. Aging also causes intrinsic staining, turning them to a pale yellow shade. This is more difficult to remove than the extrinsic coloring. Also, teeth change color due to extrinsic causes like food substances, smoking, medications, tobacco usage, poor oral hygiene, etc.

The introduction of tooth bleaching came as boon to those who were unhappy with their teeth color.

Whitening can also be done in the dentist's office or at home by the patients themselves.

Though over-the-counter bleaching agents are available, it is always advised to consult a dentist and then choose the appropriate material. The time of each application and the duration of the entire treatment are best decided by the dentist. The product provided by the dentist would be stronger and will produce quicker results than the ones available in the market.

In-House Bleaching: Single visit zoom whitening is done in in-house leaching. The gums are first protected and then the bleaching agent is applied. It could require laser for activation in some cases. If the desired color is not achieved, it could be followed by a couple of applications at home.

In some cases, there could be minor complications including gum irritation and increased tooth sensitivity. This is caused by the hydrogen peroxide, which is the standard component in all bleaching agents.

The whitening process can be repeated at desired intervals to add that extra sparkle. Once the trays are fabricated, the bleaching agent can be used multiple times.

Teeth Whitening: Why You Should Talk to Your Dentist
Tooth bleaching can make teeth temporarily sensitive -- or be uncomfortable for people who already have sensitive teeth. When used incorrectly, home kits can also lead to burned -- even temporarily bleached -- gums.

Tooth-whitening works best for people with yellow teeth and is less effective for people with brown teeth. If your teeth are gray or purple, tooth bleaching probably won't work at all.

To be sure tooth-whitening is worth your time and money, talk to your dentist before you use an over-the-counter tooth whitening kit.

If you are not happy with the color of your teeth, talk to your dentist about what is the best method to change their color. The results could leave you surprised with a white, bright smile. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Many adults suffer from Periodontal disease, which may result in slight swelling of the gums or something more severe as grave damage to the bone and tissue, which holds on to the teeth. After the onset of Periodontal disease, dental care is essential as it will determine the progress of the condition. 

What are some of the causes of Periodontal disease?

1. Smoking is one of the main causes of gum diseases. Moreover, it also reduces chances of effective treatment.
2. Hormonal changes in women make the gums increasingly sensitive; as a result they become more susceptible to the onset of gingivitis.
3. Diabetic patients are more likely to develop infection of the gums.
4. The ongoing treatment for serious medical conditions like AIDs and cancer can also cause Periodontal Disease.
5. Genetics also plays an essential role in the onset of gums diseases. 

What are the symptoms of Periodontal disease?

1. Persistent foul breath 
2. Red inflamed gums 
3. Tender gums with some amount of bleeding 
4. A sensation of pain while chewing food 
5. Loose teeth
6. Teeth sensitivity 

In case these symptoms are experienced, a dentist should be immediately consulted.

How is Periodontal disease treated?

1. The most effective way of treating Periodontal disease, is by controlling the progression of the condition. The type of treatment generally depends on the extent of the disease. 
2. Generally the doctor begins treatment by cleaning out the plaque, through a process called scaling and root planing. Scaling gets rid of the tartar from the gums and root planing removes rough spots from the root of the tooth, where bacteria generally accumulate and breed. Sometimes, a laser is also used for the same. 
3. After the cleaning is done, certain medicines are recommended and the doctor recommends strict oral care. 
4. If the diseases continue to worsen, a surgical treatment may be recommended. 
5. Some surgical treatments include flap surgery and bone and tissue grafts.
6. Scaling should be done every 6months.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Dental fluorosis is characterized by white patches on the teeth, caused due to excess fluoride ingestion during enamel formation. This condition is commonly observed in children aged between 3 months to 8 years. It occurs in the early stages of life when teeth are just beginning to form.

What are the causes for dental fluorosis?
Dental fluorosis results from over exposure to fluoride during the early stage of tooth development. Excessive consumption of fluoride causes damage to the enamel cells, which in turn leads to mineralization disorder. The major sources of fluoride are-

• Drinking water that contains high level of fluoride
• Baby food, cookies that contain fluoride
• Certain medications prescribed to children for improving teeth strength, that contain high amount of fluoride
• Toothpastes containing excess amount of fluoride

If the level of fluoride exceeds the recommended range, then your teeth may develop white, yellow or dark brown patches/stains on the surface.

How can dental fluorosis be prevented?
Dental fluorosis is extremely common. With proper preemptive measures and parental guidance, this onset of this condition can be prevented.

1. Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when brushing your teeth
2. Brushing your teeth several times a day can increase the risk of consuming excessive fluoride. So make sure you don’t end up brushing your teeth more than twice a day.
3. Children are advised to brush their teeth under the supervision of an elder. So that the child does not end up swallowing the toothpaste.
4. Avoid intake of fluoride supplements, unless prescribed by your doctor. Even if your child is advised to take these supplements, the dosage should not exceed the level that’s been prescribed.

What is the treatment for dental fluorosis?
Although mild dental fluorosis does not always need the patient to undergo treatment, it may affect the back of your teeth and cause discoloration of tooth. In such cases, the doctor can perform the following techniques-

1. Tooth whitening- this technique is used to remove unsightly, unpleasant stains and whiten your tooth
2. Bonding- the affected tooth is coated with a hard resin which bonds with the enamel
3. Veneers- these are custom-made shells which cover your teeth at the front and improve their appearance. Veneers are used in case of severe dental fluorosis.

Dental fluorosis is not a disease. It is a dental condition which can be prevented, and treated if necessary. Follow the above guidelines to avoid fluorosis. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!