Cosmetic Dentistry and Family Dental Care

The key to keeping a bright, healthy smile is to practice proper oral hygiene. Dental decay (cavities), as well as gum disease can lead to serious health problems.Follow these simple steps:
– We advice brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque-the sticky film on your teeth which is the main cause of tooth decay.
– Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under your gum line, before it can harden into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by your dentist or hygienist.
– The more often you snack between meals especially sugary or starchy foods, the more chances you give the acids in plaque to attack your tooth surface.
– Visit your dentist for a regular clean and checkup.

Even if you brush and floss regularly, you may face certain oral health issues. Your dentist can help you meet most of these challenges quite successfully.

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease which is reversible at this stage. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen or tender gums which bleed when you brush them. Seeing your dentist is necessary before serious problems develop. Advanced stages of gum disease may lead to periodontitis and tooth loss.

Your overall health could be affected by the health of your gums. Recent studies have shown a possible relation between periodontitis and other diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease. To prevent gum disease from getting started in the first place, be sure to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and schedule professional cleanings every six months.

Cavities around existing fillings (called recurrent decay) and root surface decay is more common with age.

Receded gums can happened over time with aging and leads to sensitivity and exposing areas of the tooth that are not protected by enamel, If you experience sensitivity use an anti-sensitivity toothpaste. If the problem persists, see your dentist, as the sensitivity may be an indication of a more serious condition, such as a cavity or a cracked or fractured tooth.

Crowns covers or “caps” a damaged, broken tooth and to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. Implants and bridges are used to replace missing teeth. Dental implants replace one or more teeth or are used to attach full or partial dentures. Consult with your dentist to see if implants are right for you. Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth.

Professional cleanings by your dentist or hygienist will remove most external staining caused by food, drinks and tobacco. Using a whitening toothpaste can also help remove these surface stains between dental visits. If stains persist and deep into tooth structure you may need to have your teeth professionally whitened to remove these stains.

Internal stains can be bleached, bonded or capped (crowned) to improve the look and aesthetics of your teeth your dentist will recommend which treatment is appropriate for you depending on the state of your teeth and the results that you wish to achieve.

Healthy and proper nutrition is necessary for healthy teeth and gums. Eating a well-balanced diet gives your gum tissues and teeth the important nutrients and minerals they need to stay strong and resist infections, which can contribute to gum disease. Firm, fibrous foods such as fruits and vegetables tend to help clean the teeth and tissues. Soft, sticky and starchy foods tend to remain on the grooves and between teeth, producing more plaque.

Each time you consume foods and drinks that contain sugars or starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack your teeth for 20 minutes or more. To reduce damage to your tooth enamel, limit the number or between meal snacks and drinks. And when you do snack, choose nutritious foods such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt or fruit.