Tooth Discoloration Tips

Teeth are one of the most precious parts of the human body. By playing a significant functional and structural role in esthetics, facial appearance, food habits, digestion and chewing - all efforts at maintaining them should be undertaken.

As we all know, we have two sets of teeth - the primary or deciduous and the permanent set. Let us discuss tooth removal in these two sets separately.
In the primary teeth, the main indication would be dental decay. If the tooth is severely damag...more

Pregnancy is a transformation phase in itself -it brings with it changes to almost all body systems. The oral tissues and teeth are also affected significantly. Extra precaution is required to maintain regular oral health and avoid severe decay and/or gum disease. If not avoided, the dental infections can cause severe systemic infections and require strong antibiotics, x-rays, minor surgeries, and root canal therapy which may not be safe during pregnancy.

Higher levels of estrogen durin...more

What are oral ulcers?
Canker sores or mouth ulcers are usually small, round or oval shaped, painful, red ulcers in the oral cavity on the mucous membrane.
Location may be inside of cheeks, floor of mouth, gums or tongue. The ulcers usually start appearing in childhood and resolve by thirties.

Types of mouth ulcers:

Minor ulcers are 2-7mm in diameter and usually resolve early within a fortnight.
Major ulcers are big, deep ulcers with irregular edged with punched out ...more

What is scaling?
Over time, even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque (sticky, soft, bacteria-infected layer) and tartar (calcium) deposits build up on your teeth. Scaling removes the tartar and plaque with specialised equipment. Scaling effectively cleans up your teeth by using ultrasound to loosen the tartar and then using tools to scrape it off from the surface of the tooth.

What is polishing?
Polishing is done to remove excess plaque and remove stains. Scaling is alway...more

The most common problem affecting the mouth is caries which happens as a result of bacteria acting on the food deposits on the teeth, which produces acid that attacks the tooth structure. The result is loss of tooth structure and formation of pits and cavities which allows more food deposits and causes more decay.

Decay development depends on a number of factors including heredity, tooth structure, oral hygiene habits, food habits, etc. There are certain simple things that can be done a...more

Gum disease is characterized by inflammation of the gums caused by the bacteria present in plaque (a colorless and sticky film on the teeth). This disease affects the soft tissue and the bones surrounding the teeth. The bacteria cause irritation in the gums leading to infection and bleeding while brushing your teeth.

The symptoms of gum disease are bleeding gums, oversensitive gums, a persisting bad breath, change in the normal placement of teeth etc.

These are a number of reas...more

We all have those days when we have those painful little sores or blisters spread wide across our oral cavity, enabling us little to eat anything solid. Even the liquid intake hurts if a drop brushes across the open sores. Being inside the mouth, these sores have little scope to be treated or covered with an appropriate ointment without being really sure about them - not only the side effects but whether the ointment will stay put across the blisters or not. And in such a case, it is only right ...more

Though it may be very common, spitting out blood while brushing; however, is not normal. Bleeding gums can be an early sign of gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease and hence should never be ignored. It can also be a symptom of scurvy. Plaque, when accumulated over time can lead to the inflammation of gums. Vigorous brushing or flossing over these inflamed gums can make them bleed.

Other causes of bleeding gums can include:

Vitamin deficiency
Blood thinners<...more

Pregnancy brings with it a whole lot of body system changes and oral health is no exception. Some simple careful planning, however, can help avoid a lot of oral health complications associated with pregnancy. The hormonal changes during pregnancy have a direct effect on the oral health - higher incidence of decay, pregnancy gingivitis, and pregnancy tumors. Additionally, morning sickness affects the regular oral care, leading to more plaque and decay.

Before pregnancy: If you are planni...more

Canker sores are also known as aphthous sores and are the most common type of mouth ulcers. They mostly occur on the inside of the lips or cheek and are mostly whitish or yellowish in colour. The sores are mostly surrounded by inflamed, reddish soft tissue. Canker sores commonly appear between the age of 10 and 20 years. They may create a tingling sensation in the mouth that makes eating, talking or swallowing difficult. In some cases, canker sores may cause general malaise and headache.
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