Posts Tagged ‘cavities’

Clean Teeth daily teeth routine
March 24, 2020

The Best Daily Teeth Routine

by admin / Posted in Dental Care, General Dentistry
The best thing you can do for yourself is following a daily routine, but when it comes to dental health, what is the best daily teeth routine? Most routines involve brushing at the bare minimum twice a day. But doing just the minimum cannot guarantee that you will be free of any dental health problems like cavities.  Today we are going to explore the best daily teeth routine, and what you can do to protect your dental health.

Brushing

Brushing your teeth forms the foundation of the best daily teeth routine. But not everyone brushes their teeth with the proper routine. The American Dental Association recommend that you follow these recommendations:
  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Choose a toothbrush that will fit your mouth and reach all areas easily.
  • Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or when the bristles become frayed. Worn bristles will not be able to effectively clean your mouth. 
  • Choose an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is naturally produced in the mouth and repairs damage to the tooth enamel. The fluoride in the toothpaste can help this too.

What is the proper brushing technique?

After selecting the right toothbrush and the right toothpaste, you should consider using the proper brushing technique. It is surprisingly simple and you likely won’t have to adapt your natural brushing technique to accommodate. Just follow these steps:
  • Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
  • Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
  • Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. 
  • To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, just angle the brush vertically and make several strokes.

How often should I brush?

To put it simply, brush your teeth for two minutes two times a day. The residue left by the bacteria in your mouth will build up during the day and at night, so it is important to keep up a consistent routine of brushing your teeth twice daily.  Doing so will prevent excess plaque from building up and remove excess food. Plaque is a sticky white film that contains the bacteria. Whenever you eat a meal or a snack with sugar, the bacteria in the plaque will produce an acid that can eventually break down the tooth enamel.  Plaque that isn’t’ removed will eventually harden to tartar. Tartar buildup can inflame your gums leading to gum disease.

Flossing

In addition to brushing your teeth, you should also floss your teeth. Flossing forms another core foundation of the best daily teeth routine. Flossing removes bacteria where the bristles of your brush cannot reach.  Only 4 in 10 Americans floss their teeth according to a national poll, and 20% of Americans never floss at all. Simply flossing is not enough, but flossing correctly is just as important and making sure you floss at all.  Flossing isn’t as complicated as it seems. Here are five easy instructions to floss your teeth correctly.
  1. Break off about 18 to 24 inches of floss. Wind the majority of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about 1 to 2 inches of floss for your teeth. 
  2. Next, hold the floss taut with your thumbs and index fingers. 
  3. Place the floss between two teeth. Gently glide the floss up and down, rubbing it against both sides of the teeth. Try not to glide the floss into your gums, as this can scratch or bruise your gums.
  4. When the floss reaches your gums, follow the curve of the floss at the base of the tooth to allow the floss to get between the gums and the teeth.
  5. Repeat the steps as you move from tooth to tooth. Use a clean section of floss with each tooth. 

Is Mouthwash Part of A Daily Teeth Routine?

Mouthwash forms an important part of the best daily teeth routine. Mouthwash helps to rinse the teeth and gums. It often contains an antiseptic to kill harmful bacteria that live between the teeth and the tongue.  It can help fight against bad breath and some people use it to help prevent tooth decay. Mouthwash does not replace a good foundation of brushing and flossing. It’s only effective if used correctly. In order to do so, follow these steps:
  1. Brush your teeth. Follow the above best practices to have your teeth cleaned well. However, wait a few minutes after using a fluoridated toothpaste, as the mouthwash can wash away the concentrated fluoride of the toothpaste. 
  2. Use only as much mouthwash as the product instructs you to use. This is typically between 3 and 5 teaspoons.
  3. Empty the cup into your mouth and swish it around. Don’t swallow the mouthwash. Instead, gargle for 30 seconds. Some people find it helpful to set a timer. 
  4. For best results make sure your teeth are freshly cleaned before using the mouthwash.

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips put the finishing touch on the best daily teeth routine. Whitening strips should be used after your teeth have been cleaned. They provide an easy and safe way to whiten your teeth at home.  Most kinds of whitening strips are very easy to use. Each brand will come with their own instructions, but keep an eye out for the following:
  • First, brush your teeth before applying the top. This helps them adhere to your teeth better. Simply remove the whitening strip from its liner and place the gel side to your teeth, aligned with your gum line. Press the strip against your teeth for the best contact and fold the remainder of the strip behind your teeth.
  • Then take note of the number of daily applications. Some require a single application per day, while others require two applications. 
  • Note next how long each strip should be applied. This can range between 5 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on how strong the product is. Read your teeth whitening strop instructions closely. 
  • Finally, note how long the regimen should go on. Some last a week, and others last up to a month. 

How Often Should I Get A Dental Cleaning?

In addition to following the best daily teeth routine, you should also see a trained dentist or dental technician at least once a year to get a routine examination and cleaning. If you have a history of periodontal disease you may need to get your teeth cleaned more often in order to prevent the recurrence of infections or disease. If you have a chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease, you will also need to get your teeth cleaned more often.  If you smoke, quitting smoking can be the best thing you can do for your dental health. Smoking can stain your teeth and can cause other tooth and gum problems. If you do not intend on quitting, you may need to get your teeth cleaned more frequently. Your dentist can recommend how often to have your teeth cleaned if you smoke.  If you think that you want to get your teeth cleaned or speak to one of our experts about the best daily teeth routine and you live in the Rancho Cucamonga, CA area, give Golden Smiles Dental a call for your consultation at (909) 481-8990. Our expert team will be more than happy to answer your questions.
Dental Fillings
March 14, 2020

Dental Fillings: What are the types and which is the best?

by admin / Posted in Dental Care, General Dentistry
Whenever a dentist detects a cavity, they will recommend that their patient gets fillings. A filling is where the dentist removes a decayed portion of the tooth and then they fill the area of the tooth with strong material. The filling prevents further tooth decay and maintains the health of your tooth. Exactly what material is used is dependent on a number of factors, from cost, the location and extent of decay, the patient’s insurance coverage, and the dentist’s recommendation. There are many filling options that can potentially be used. This article will explore what types of fillings are available and bet used.

What Kind Of Materials Are Used?

There are many dental fillings on the market today. The fillings available include gold, silver, amalgam, composite resins, and even advanced materials like zirconia and more. During the initial consultation, your dentist will explain the options that you have and the extent of the cavities that need to be filled.  All of these factors are considered when it comes down to the final decision of which material to use for the filling.

Composite Fillings Or White Fillings

Composite fillings also called white fillings, are made from powdered glass quartz, silica or other ceramic particles added to a resin base. Once the tooth is prepared, the filling is bonded onto the area and a light is shone onto the filling in order to set it. The dentist will match the color of the composite fillings to your teeth. They have the advantage of being well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of the teeth. They actually bond to the tooth structure, providing even more support for the tooth. They are also very versatile in their uses and can be used to repair chipped, broken or worn teeth.  Composite fillings also have the potential to spare more of the tooth structure, as less of the tooth needs to be removed compared with amalgams. However, there are some disadvantages that should be considered. The composite or white filling lacks the same amount of durability as amalgams. Typically, the last 5 years compared to the 10 to 15 years of amalgams. They also may not hold up as long if used for large cavities. They also take longer than amalgam to place, sometimes up to twenty minutes longer than amalgam to place. You may also be required to go to multiple visits to the dentist’s office in order to place the filling. The filling material can also chip, depending on the location. They also cost up to double the cost of amalgam fillings.

Amalgam Fillings or Silver Fillings

Amalgam fillings, known as silver fillings, are made from a combination of mercury and silver alloy. Generally, they are 50% mercury, 35% silver, and 15% tin, copper, and other metals. Amalgams are long-lasting and hard-wearing and have been in use for over 150 years. They also are very durable and can last up to 15 to 20 years. Amalgam fillings are often used in molars and other chewing teeth. The mercury in dental amalgam is not poisonous after it is combined with the other materials in the filling. The chemical nature of the filling changes so that it is harmless. With over 100 years of research into the safety, no reputable study has found a connection between amalgam fillings and any medical problem. Some disadvantages to the amalgams include the destruction of more tooth structure, as a space large enough to hold the amalgam filling is needed to be removed. It can also discolor the tooth, creating a grayish hue to the surrounding tooth structure. It is also possible to experience cracks and fractures as the teeth expand and contract in the presence of hot and cold liquids. Some people, less than 1% of people, may experience an allergic reaction to the mercury in the filling.

Gold Fillings

Gold is one of the most long-lasting and hard-wearing filling materials and will last many years. Gold is a strong material that does not tarnish. One of the differences between the gold and the silver filling is that the gold filling is made in a laboratory. In the meantime, the dentist will place a temporary filling. Once the gold inlay has been made, the dentist will fix it in place with dental cement.  Gold fillings can last 10 to 15 years and often longer. And some people find it more attractive than silver fillings. They do tend to be more expensive, often 10 times higher than amalgam fillings. They also require multiple office visits in order to place them.  If a gold filling is placed next to a silver filling it can cause a sharp shock called a galvanic shock as the silver and gold make an electric current. This is very rare, however.

Zirconia Fillings

Some fillings are made out of ceramics like zirconia which are resistant to staining and can last more than 15 years and can cost as expensive as gold. Porcelain inlays are made in a laboratory and they will need at least two visits to your dentist. Porcelain is hard and long-lasting and is often matched in color with your natural tooth.  You may also be interested in glass ionomer fillings. These actually form a chemical link with the tooth. They release fluoride which helps to prevent further tooth decay. This type of filling is fairly weak, so it is often only used for baby teeth and non-biting surfaces such as around the base of the teeth. It will require some preparation in order to have the filling bond directly to the teeth. 

Which Type Of Filling Is For Me?

Choosing the right filling is always a complicated question. The best way to choose is to review with your dentist about which filling material will best fit your situation and your budget. Your insurance company may cover a portion of the cost of dental fillings. There may even be financial options should you need to do a payment plan.  If you think that you need to fill a cavity, and you live in the Rancho Cucamonga, CA area, give Golden Smiles Dental a call for your consultation at (909) 481-8990. Our expert team will be more than happy to answer your questions.