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Understanding the importance of undergoing a dental exam is something everyone needs to do. While many people think this type of dental appointment simply looks for cavities, it is in fact an appointment that supports good oral health. This is because a dental professional will look for a number of different types of dental problems that can potentially cause dental-related problems.
Teeth whitening of many kinds have become increasingly popular in recent years. Though our teeth are mostly white overall, tooth enamel can be many shades and can become discolored or stained over time. Teeth may be discolored for a variety of reasons—some in your control and others as a result of injury or illness.
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what they would like to improve most about their smile and the most common answer was the whiteness of their teeth. Similarly, the American Association of Orthodontics found that nearly 90% of patients requested tooth whitening. So, if you’ve been thinking about whitening your teeth lately, you’re not alone.
If you’re considering teeth whitening, be sure you know the facts about the process and what to expect. You should also check with your dental provider to make sure you’re a candidate for teeth whitening and to learn the best whitening method for your unique situation.
Charcoal toothpaste is one of the trending topics in beauty these days, but why? You’ve likely seen it on social media, the use of activated charcoal in face masks, as supplements and even as toothpaste! It’s all due to its detoxification properties. However, just like many home remedies, there are skeptics and proponents. Let’s take a look at both sides and end with the recommendation from the American Dental Association.
There are numerous times when we get in contact with some unprotected ways that increase the chances of oral issues. Of course, brushing and flossing, dental insurance, and following good oral hygiene are crucial. But getting a habit of practising yoga can have an immense impact on your oral health through yoga asana (oral).
A clicking sound in Jaw that leads to sanctions of pain is called Jaw Popping. There are numerous reasons for its occurrences, like opening the mouth too wide or issues in the functionality of temporomandibular joints. This is one of the complex joints in our body that works as a connector between the lower jaw and the temporal bones.
The temporomandibular joint is useful for the need for motion like yawning, speaking, and chewing food.
So, the Jaw Clicking is a condition called temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
Smile correction is the third-largest treatment category in the field of dentistry. Along with a shiny and bright smile, straightened and aligned teeth are now one of the prime requisites for many people in India. The benefits of orthodontic treatment do not end with a straight smile. It also aids in maintaining proper oral hygiene, preventing decay, and getting rid of many underlying gum diseases. But one of the major questions arises in the mind of many when it comes to getting orthodontic treatment done. The decision between aligners vs braces. This virtual tool will help you solve your problem and get a proper answer. Let us discuss this in detail.
The choice between aligners and braces depends on various factors, including your specific orthodontic needs, preferences, lifestyle, and the recommendation of your orthodontist. Here’s an overview of aligners and braces to help you make an informed decision:
Aligners (e.g., Invisalign):
Braces:
It’s important to consult with an orthodontist to evaluate your specific orthodontic needs and discuss the pros and cons of aligners versus braces in your case. They will consider factors such as the complexity of your orthodontic issues, your lifestyle, oral hygiene habits, and treatment goals to recommend the most suitable option for you.
According to one family dentist, just because a tooth knocked out does not mean there is no way to save it. In fact, if you lose one, you have several options. Whether knocked out in a car accident, while playing sports or due to tooth decay, do not despair. Start by looking at the tips provided and talking to your dentist.
Those with one or more missing teeth can choose between tooth replacement options like a dental implant, a traditional bridge, or dentures. Bridges and dentures used to be the norm, but they are not suitable for everyone. Due to reasons like soreness, discomfort, and poor fit, you may need to consider a different tooth replacement option that provides the feel and function that closely matches natural teeth.
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about dental cavitations. Some patients have been “led astray” because their doctors have misdiagnosed a dental cavitation.
Also, the fact that two major dental conditions sound similar can be confusing: dental cavitation and dental cavity.
A dental cavitation is a term that is used to describe an area of damage in the jawbone. The dictionary defines a “cavitation” as an empty space formed within a solid object or body.
“Cavitation” is not a medical term, although it is used by dentists and other healthcare professionals.
A dental cavitation is an area of infection, inflammation, or necrosis within the jawbone.
If not treated correctly, it will fester, and toxic elements could spread to other areas of the body.
On the other hand, a dental cavity (known by dentist as “dental caries”) is an area of break down in the structure of a tooth caused by acids produced by specific bacteria. It also is known as tooth decay where infection is eating into the enamel, dentin, or the root structure of a tooth.
If you truly have a “dental cavitation” in your jawbone, this can be a serious problem. Proper treatment could lead to an expensive surgical procedure to “repair” it.
But some patients are misdiagnosed with a dental cavitation. The dentist might see an area of “demineralization” in the jawbone that is not pathologic. If this demineralized area is treated as a true dental cavitation, it could lead to unnecessary surgery and significant expense.
Since “cavitation” is not a recognized dental term or condition, there is much confusion revolving around its diagnosis and treatment. In my opinion, misdiagnosis is an error that may be understandable. Yet, overdiagnosis of dental cavitations is fraud in my opinion and could lead to unnecessary treatment, high cost, and pain.
Let’s take a deeper dive into this area. I’ll describe some facts about “dental cavitations”.
The accepted medical term for a dental cavitation is “cavitational osteonecrosis” or “ischemic osteonecrosis”.
Some professionals that are not in the “know” will classify this jawbone disease as a sham. However, it is definitely real and definitely could cause isolated as well as systemic destruction.
This type of lesion may be a hollow space surrounded by dead bone, or it may be filled with various inflammatory, toxic, or infectious elements.
One of the problems with a dental cavitation is that most of these lesions are painless. However, if there is pain, they are usually called “Neuralgia-Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis” (NICO).
As I mentioned, these bone lesions must be diagnosed correctly. “Cavitation lesions” that are only areas of demineralization with no pathology rarely need to be treated. A good dentist will not convince you to treat this kind of demineralization if s/he knows there is no pathology.
As I have suggested, dental cavitations may be difficult to diagnose. It is difficult or impossible to see these lesions when viewing a regular single dental periapical x-ray or a panoramic dental x-ray.
A panoramic x-ray shows the upper and lower jaw, the teeth, and the sinus spaces.
Most dental x-rays are 2-dimensional pictures of specific areas of your jaw and teeth. However, the jaw and teeth are three-dimensional structures. So, a 2-dimensional x-ray flattens the 3-dimensional object into a picture that shows minimal detail. More detail is required to identify potential areas of cavitational osteonecrosis.
To see this lesion in detail, the dentist should have the patient receive a 3-dimensional picture of the jaw. This can be done with a Cone Beam CT Scan (CBCT) of the potential lesion.
But before any x-ray is taken, the dentist must review the dental and medical history of the patient to determine the possible causes of the bone lesion before making the diagnosis.
Dental cavitations in the jawbone could be the result of a variety of insults to the bone. Here are 5 possible causes:
When harmful bacteria and toxic substances accumulate in the hollow space in a bone lesion, the immune system is activated via the mouth-body connection. Various biologically active chemicals are produced which can travel along nerve sheaths, through bone spaces, within lymph, and into the systemic bloodstream.
These biological chemicals and toxic substances can affect other cells and organs in the body — creating chronic systemic inflammation, chronic diseases, and chronic pain.
It is important to realize that pain and chronic disease could occur a distance from the jawbone lesion. This is another reason why it may be difficult to understand that the dental lesion caused an area of pain and chronic disease somewhere else in the body.
Dental cavitations, also known as “cavitation lesions” or “NICO” (Neuralgia-Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis), are areas of dead or necrotic bone in the jawbone that can be associated with infections and inflammation. Treating dental cavitations typically involves a comprehensive approach that may include the following steps:
It’s important to note that the existence and treatment of dental cavitations can be a controversial topic within the dental community, and not all dentists or oral surgeons may consider them as a valid diagnosis or recommend surgical intervention. It is advisable to seek professional opinions from dentists who are experienced in diagnosing and treating cavitations or consult with a dental professional who specializes in holistic or biological dentistry, as they may have more expertise in this area.
Please note that I am an AI language model and cannot provide personal medical advice or specific treatment recommendations. It’s best to consult with a qualified dental professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
The majority of individuals clench and grind their teeth regularly. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is not normally harmful, but when it occurs frequently, teeth can be destroyed, and other dental health issues might ensue.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition where individuals involuntarily clench, gnash, or grind their teeth. There can be multiple factors contributing to teeth grinding, including:
It’s important to note that teeth grinding can have negative consequences on oral health, leading to tooth wear, chipped or cracked teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and temporomandibular joint disorders. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be grinding their teeth, it is advisable to consult a dentist or healthcare professional who can evaluate the situation and recommend appropriate treatment options, such as mouthguards, stress management techniques, or dental interventions.
Teeth grinding is not commonplace and is harmless. If you grind your teeth daily, though, you may be inflicting harm on your teeth. The very first line of treatment for teeth grinding is to figure out what’s causing it.
Typical teeth grinding causes involve:
The symptoms of bruxism could be the only approach to distinguish if you bash your teeth at night in some cases. Check for the following signs:
Tip: Teeth grinding causes dental loss if left unchecked. Brushing twice a day with an enamel-strengthening toothpaste can assist in mitigating the loss.
Most individuals are unsure that they gnash their teeth since it frequently occurs during sleep. A dull, continuous headache or aching jaw when you awaken, on the other hand, is a definite sign of bruxism. People frequently discover that they gnash their teeth from a close one who hears it at night.
Consult your orthodontist if you believe you are crushing your teeth. They can look for indicators of bruxism in your teeth and jaw, including jaw pain and excessive tooth wear.
Yes, teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can have negative consequences on both oral health and overall well-being. Here are some potential health problems associated with chronic teeth grinding:
It is important to seek evaluation and treatment from a dentist or healthcare professional if you suspect that you grind your teeth. They can provide guidance on managing the condition and protecting your oral health. Treatment options may include stress management techniques, behavior modification, wearing a mouthguard or splint, dental interventions, and addressing any underlying causes or contributing factors.
Your orthodontist can make you a mouth shield to prevent you from crushing your teeth at night. If you smash your teeth because of stress, consult a doctor or dentist about relaxing ways. Some teeth grinding treatments that may be suggested include stress counselling, beginning an exercise program, consulting a physical therapist, or getting treatment for muscle relaxants. Other suggestions for preventing teeth grinding include: