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In the present day world, one thing that people are seriously devoid of is time for small yet important things. A popular instance is our tooth itself. They are most of the time overlooked yet one of the most crucial things in our entire body.
They are relentless in their hard work, for example, biting, chewing, tearing, chatting, and smiling away. So, isn’t this our duty to respect what they do for us and take good care of them? However, no matter how hard we try, dental problems might always emerge. But don’t worry, that’s very normal.

Our mouths, and the tools within them, are technically living things. Nevertheless, you should always be on the lookout for indicators that something is amiss with your teeth and make an appointment with your local dentist to have them examined. As a result, today we’ll take a look at some of the most frequent dental disorders, how to recognize them, and how to treat them.

Tooth Decay
The most prevalent issue that dentists will address is tooth decay. Unless they maintain perfect dental hygiene, it happens to everyone at least once in their lives. A dental cavity is another name for tooth rot. It occurs as a result of plaque build-up on the teeth. Sugars in plaque are eventually converted to acids, which eat away at the enamel, causing holes to appear on the tooth.

If you have tooth decay, you will most likely experience pain when eating and drinking sweet, hot, or cold foods. You may also experience foul breath and notice black/brown stains on your teeth. There could also be a bad taste in your mouth. If you keep the cavity untreated, you risk developing an infection later on.

Unfortunately, once your tooth has decayed, there is no way to regenerate it. The only option is to go to the dentist. They will eliminate the cavity and replace it with a filling.

Brush your teeth twice a day to avoid tooth decay from occurring again. Flossing is also important for preventing plaque buildup between your teeth. Dentist visits are also required on a regular basis. Sugary meals should be avoided as well.

Stained teeth
Healthy teeth have a natural translucent white colour, however, they can get stained owing to a variety of factors including diet, tobacco, medications, and trauma. In order to maintain that pearly white shine in your teeth, it is highly recommended to discontinue smoking and avoid certain acidic foods.

Whitening agents, bleaching teeth at home with a dental whitening tray or gel, or using whitening toothpaste and whitening mouth rinses can also help to get rid of stained teeth.

Gum Diseases
Gingivitis is a minor type of gum or periodontal disease in its early stages. It’s a bacterial illness brought on by plaque accumulation. Gums that are reddish, puffy, and bleed readily are common symptoms.

Bad breath and sensitive teeth that ache when chewing are other possible side effects. Gum disease can be exacerbated by skipping brushing and using ineffective brushing techniques. Crooked teeth that are difficult to clean properly might also be a problem. Tobacco usage, pregnancy, and diabetes are all risk factors.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that gingivitis can be painless, so you might not realize it. Regular dental examinations are therefore recommended. Gingivitis can be cured with professional teeth cleaning from your dentist. Brushing and flossing twice a day will help keep it from returning.

Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious type of gum disease if left untreated. When pockets in the gums get infected, this is what happens. This can cause harm to the bone and tissue that support the teeth in place since these get infected as well.

It can also cause gums to

• Shrink and recede.
• Permanent teeth become loose
• A shift in the bite
• Bad taste in your mouth.
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away

Periodontitis can also cause an inflammatory reaction throughout the body. Topical antibiotics to combat the infection or a recommendation to a periodontist, a gum disease expert, are among the dental treatments for periodontitis.

Bad Breath
Bad breath is the most miserable thing that you have. Unfortunately, foul breath, commonly known as halitosis, is a prevalent oral issue that affects people of all ages. However, as normal as this may seem, it’s frequently an indication of additional dental issues.

According to studies, around 85 percent of persons with foul breath have another tooth issue to blame. Gum disease, cavities, and oral cancer are all prominent causes of bad breath. But don’t be concerned! If you have terrible breath, it does not always signal you have a major dental condition.

It might be related to the foods you’ve been eating. Garlic, onions, sweets, and liquor are just a few examples of foods that might induce foul breath.

Some spices leave an odour on your breath as well. For example, you’ve been eating a lot of garlic-heavy dishes. The strong garlic odour will ultimately adhere to the inner surfaces of your mouth and will be difficult to eliminate with only one or two brushes. Cumin is in the same boat.

Brushing after each meal helps to minimise bad breath as well as other oral issues. If you can’t brush immediately away, bring a little bottle of mouthwash with you. At the very least, gargle with fresh water each time you eat. If the odour persists, see your dentist to rule out any other significant dental diseases.

Tooth Sensitivity
When the enamel wears away and the dentin is exposed, your teeth grow sensitive to hot and cold meals and drinks. The dentin contains tubes that connect to the nerve, which is located deeper within the tooth. The passage of hot or cold substances via the tubes to the nerve can produce excruciating pain. Tooth decay can cause tooth sensitivity, commonly known as dentin hypersensitivity.

Other factors to consider are:

• Gum Infections
• A chipped or damaged tooth
• Crowns or fillings that have worn down
• Erosion of the enamel
• Receding gums

Since the enamel layer of your teeth is naturally thin, you may have sensitive teeth. There are kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes particularly designed for those who have sensitive teeth. A fluoride treatment, crown, gum graft, or root canal may be recommended by your dentist. The therapy you receive is determined by the severity of your condition.

Chipped tooth
The most common sort of dental damage is a chipped tooth. Simple actions like chewing kernels or cracking walnuts, for example, can easily break your teeth. Fillings, porcelain crowns, and other procedures will be used by the dentist to restore the contour of the teeth.

Cracked Tooth
Teeth crack from time to time for no apparent reason. The dentist will explore treatments based on the state of the tooth. In most circumstances, dental crowns are suggested to avoid deep and wide fractures. The scenario becomes more difficult if you have teeth that are temperature sensitive.

If the break reaches the gum line, the dentist may recommend root canal therapy and the placement of porcelain crowns. You might require a tooth extraction if you have a severe crack. Dental fillings might raise the likelihood of a fracture.

Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is simply what it is named. Saliva glands are unable to produce enough saliva to keep the interior of the mouth wet under this condition.

Saliva contains antibacterial components that help keep plaque away from the surface of the teeth. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including smoking, prescription medicine, age, or stress.

People who are taking medicine or undergoing chemotherapy are at a higher risk of developing dry mouth. The aged people mostly face this condition. When there isn’t enough moisture in the mouth, plaque builds up, cavities form, and tooth decay develops.

Receding gums
Receding gums can happen and contribute to a variety of different dental issues. More significant problems, like tooth loss, might arise as a result of the disease. This is since the condition exposes the tooth’s sensitive root, rendering it vulnerable to harm.

Gum recession can be caused by a number of things, including:

• Oral hygiene issues
• Brushing vigorously
• High blood pressure
• Women’s hormonal fluctuations
• Tobacco

Root Infection
Bacteria can cause the base or root of your tooth to become inflamed and swollen. Cavities, fissures, and fractures in the tooth are the most common causes of this.

Root infection can cause harm to the tooth’s tissues and nerves, as well as the formation of abscesses. One definite indicator of root infection is a chronic excruciating toothache.

Chewing and biting will be painful, and the area of your mouth affected by the infection will be extremely sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages. The region of the face around the infection might become enlarged in some circumstances.

A root canal is used to treat a root infection. And, while many of us shudder at the prospect of having a root canal, the treatment is highly safe and painless since dentists utilise anaesthesia throughout the operation.

Erosion of the Enamel
Enamel erosion is a slow-moving disorder that causes teeth to become discoloured and rounded. Consumption of sugary and acidic foods such as soda and sweets over a lengthy period is the major reason. Brushing your teeth too hard, too long, and too often is an uncommon reason.

Enamel erosion causes teeth to become very sensitive, weak, and prone to fractures, chipping and cupping. On teeth that have had enamel erosion, the missing enamel cannot be replaced.

Cutting back on sugary and acidic meals, on the other hand, can help to prevent additional enamel degradation. Brushes with softer bristles are also beneficial. Dental veneers can also significantly improve the look of your teeth.

Crowded teeth
An adult’s tooth count ranges from 28 to 32. Hyperdontia, or having additional teeth, occurs in a small percentage of persons. People with it may also have a disease like cleft palate or Gardner’s syndrome (tumors formation but not cancer). Tooth extraction and orthodontics are used to cure this disease and restore attractiveness.

Crooked teeth
Orthodontics, sometimes known as braces, isn’t only for kids. If you have a dental problem, you can still obtain it. Aligning and straightening teeth not only gives you a more attractive smile, but it also helps you improve your oral health in general and reduce symptoms like jaw discomfort in specific.

Teeth grinding
When you grind your teeth, it’s known as bruxism. Grinding happens most commonly when you’re sleeping, although it can also happen when you’re awake. It has the potential to harm your teeth, induce jaw discomfort, and even cause migraines and earaches. Grinding can be caused by a variety of dental issues.

These are some of them:

• A crown or filling that is higher than the rest of your teeth
• An unusual bite

When people have a sleep issue, are agitated, or are anxious, they may have bruxism. The treatment of these underlying disorders may be able to reduce or eliminate your grinding.

Wisdom teeth
The majority of people have wisdom teeth that have been impacted. Wisdom teeth may readily impact neighbouring teeth, causing dental decay, damage to other teeth and gum disease if remains unaddressed. Wisdom teeth normally come between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five. As a result, if the dentist discovers any issues, your wisdom teeth will need to be extracted.

You may have heard slogans and seen various campaigns about “quit smoking and defeat cancer”, all explaining the fact that how fatal smoking is to our health or lungs. However, the effects of smoking start with your mouth. Tobacco usage in any form can cause substantial harm to your mouth.

Everyone is pretty much aware of the harmful effects of smoking on one’s overall health. While the number of individuals who smoke is decreasing, there are still far too many fatalities caused due to smoking each year. What most people don’t consider, though, is how smoking harms your dental health. It’s not only about discoloured teeth or terrible breath. It goes far beyond that.

It’s true that quitting smoking or to discontinue using tobacco might be tough. Even if you’ve attempted it previously, chances are you didn’t abide by it. By not quitting cigarettes, you’re causing even more harm to your oral as well as overall health.

Unfortunately, the longer you smoke the more harm you’re likely to cause. However, that doesn’t rule out the possibility of preventing or even reversing some of the effects tobacco has on your teeth.

Tobacco has a number of negative effects on your teeth. Cigarettes reduce your mouth’s capacity to fight illness, leaving you vulnerable to the germs that smoking produces. Plaque and germs thrive when your mouth is unable to defend itself. Plaque and bacteria buildup causes a slew of oral health problems.

Let’s have a look at some of the common yet serious oral problems that smoking can cause which might help to strengthen your determination to quit smoking.

Discoloration of the teeth

Most individuals are aware that smoking may quickly transform your dazzling whites into not-so-whites. Even if you don’t smoke a pack a day, regular tobacco usage can cause your teeth to become stained. If you smoke a lot, you’re more likely to detect tooth yellowing soon. How stained your teeth get is influenced by how much you smoke and how long you smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products.

Bad breath

With smokers nowadays, the old adage “your breath stinks like an ashtray” rings true. Cigarette particles stay in the mouth long after a cigarette has been extinguished, giving the breath a cigarette-like flavour.

Furthermore, smoking’s long-term consequences add to poor breath. Bad breath is caused by an excess of germs in the smoker’s mouth. Unfortunately, no amount of brushing or mouthwash gargling can remove the odour, which is caused by gum disease, oral sores, and decay.

The only way to get things back on track is to quit smoking completely and see your dentist to treat the underlying concerns. Smoking for a long time can cause inflammation of the salivary glands, which can cause severe swelling in the face and necessitate surgery if salivary gland stones form.

Tooth decay

Tobacco and its smoke can ignite major oral health problems, although most people associate them with oral cancer and gum disease. While these are important factors to consider, few individuals relate smoking and tobacco use to the types of tooth decay that dentists encounter in their patients.

Large cavities along the gum line can lead to infections and fragile teeth, which can lead to future breakage. Fractured teeth will need to be fixed, which may be costly and unpleasant in many circumstances.

Periodontal issues

Periodontal disease, often known as gum disease, is a bacterial illness that affects your mouth. This infection has an effect on the gums over time. Periodontal disease will most likely be visible at first if you have bleeding gums, a generally uncomfortable mouth, and easily inflamed red gums.

The periodontal disease might also show up as receding gums in rare circumstances. While periodontal disease can often be rectified if you visit your dentist at the right time, prolonged smoking and tobacco use can exacerbate the situation.

Bone damage

If periodontal disease is left untreated for too long, the infection can spread to surrounding tissue and bone, weakening it. If periodontal disease is not treated and the infection is not resolved, bone loss can occur over time.

In extreme situations, periodontal disease might progress to the point where bone destruction necessitates surgical intervention. In certain circumstances, bone transplants and corrective surgery are necessary.

Tooth loss

Tooth loss is frequently not far behind when the periodontal disease enters your mouth. This is because when the gums weaken, they will not be effective enough to hold the teeth in place. You’ll normally notice a greater rate of deterioration owing to infection if there’s periodontal disease.

Slow healing

Regrettably, the sad fact for smokers does not finish there. Smoking not only raises your risk of tooth extraction and oral surgery but also decreases your body’s capacity to heal from these treatments. It also reduces the success percentage of dental implant operations.

The longer time your mouth spends in a susceptible state, the more prone you are to acquiring subsequent difficulties. A dentist can help as much as they can, but treatment programs are only as effective as the patient’s willingness to quit smoking.

Oral cancer

Oral cancer is the most serious kind of smoking-related mouth problem. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, over 50,000 persons in the United States are identified with oral cancer each year, with smokers accounting for roughly 80% of those diagnosed. When smoking is paired with heavy drinking, the chance of developing mouth cancer rises.

Oral cancer manifests itself first as a white or red patch in the mouth, followed by trouble in chewing or swallowing, numbness in the jaw, and even earache. While there are other possible explanations for similar symptoms, the National Institutes of Health advises that anybody experiencing them for more than two weeks consult a doctor. Treatment will be more successful if cancer is found early.

The Most Effective Option

Again, a dentist can create a treatment strategy to help lessen the effects of smoking, but the only way to totally eliminate them is to quit smoking. Smoking may impact many aspects of your body, including your teeth, and quitting can assure a healthy life for decades to come.

Steps that might help you quit smoking

Quitting smoking is not a matter of a single day and though it might sound easy those who have already walked this path would vouch for that it’s certainly not an easy process. Quitting smoking involves a lot of effort, dedication, accountability, and willpower.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a plethora of information about quitting smoking, including suggestions, methods, and how to stay on track. They also offer a five-step approach to help you stop:

1. Get prepared and decide on which date you are planning to quit once and for all.
2. Depend On Your Support System. Seek the aid of your friends, family, and medical experts.
3. Distract yourself from the impulse to smoke by focusing on something else (exercise, hobby, etc.).
4. Medicate Only When Necessary. Discuss the advantages of utilising prescription or over-the-counter drugs with your doctor.
5. Recognize setbacks, accept responsibility for them, try to overcome them, and keep going.

It’s not a question of how long smoking will harm your teeth and oral health; it’s a question of when.

And while smoking is the numero uno avoidable cause of death and disease in the US, the route to quit smoking is a painful one. Remember that your dental experts are there to assist you with most oral health issues.

With daily visits, your dental hygienists can assist you in developing a plan to begin the quitting procedure while also serving as an important part of the support system you’ll require.

Brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis may certainly benefit your smile. You are in charge of the maintenance of your oral health. It all starts with putting down the cigarette and embracing health.

You might be astounded to learn that the advantages of excellent oral hygiene extend well beyond your mouth. In reality, the condition of your teeth and gums has a significant influence on your general health, medical bills, and quality of living.

Years ago, if a doctor suspected heart trouble, he or she would not likely recommend the patient to a gum expert. Diabetes, pregnancy, and just about every other medical ailment were all treated the same way. However, the world has changed since then. In the last 5 to 10 years, there has been a surge in interest in probable linkages between oral and overall health.

Sally Cram, DDS, PC, consumer adviser for the American Dental Association, states, “Physicians are taking a more holistic approach to their patient’s entire health.” And it’s not without cause. People with severe gum disease were 40 percent more likely to have a chronic ailment on top of it, according to recent research.

The mouth is the gateway to your body

To know how the mouth might impact the body, the first and foremost thing to note is what’s going wrong! Gum disease is caused by bacteria that accumulate on teeth. The immune system attacks the infection, causing the gums to swell and become inflamed. Unless the infection is treated, the inflammation will remain.

Inflammation and the chemicals it produces erode the gums and bone structure that holds teeth in place over time. Periodontitis, or serious gum disease, is the outcome. Inflammation can affect the rest of the body as well.
Bacteria from the mouth may readily enter the circulation, where it can cause infection and inflammation. To avoid major risks to the body’s overall health, it’s important to practice proper dental hygiene and see your dentist on a regular basis. Here are some of the most prevalent and significant health issues caused by poor dental hygiene:

Cardiovascular diseases

People with poor dental health are more likely to develop heart disease. When the bacteria that cause periodontal disease inflames the gums, the germs can enter the circulation and cause plaque to build up and harden in the arteries. Atherosclerosis is the medical term for artery hardening, and it is a dangerous condition.

It causes blood flow issues and cardiac obstructions, as well as an increased risk of a heart attack. The damage to the arteries and blood vessels can cause hypertension and raise the risk of stroke. Endocarditis, which happens when the heart’s lining becomes infected and is generally deadly, can also develop.

Fortunately, gum disease may be avoided with frequent dental cleanings and good oral hygiene. This will lower your chances of heart disease while also keeping your smile healthy and bright.

Dementia

The brain can be affected by poor oral health. Gums that are affected by infection emit substances that can destroy brain cells and cause memory loss.

When bacteria in the mouth travel to the nerve pathways or enter the bloodstream, it can cause dementia and perhaps Alzheimer’s disease.

Infections on the Respiratory System

Poor dental health might cause problems with the respiratory system. Bacteria in the mouth, such as those seen in diseased or damaged teeth and swollen gums, can be inhaled or transmitted through the bloodstream to the lungs. The bacteria can cause respiratory infections, pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and even COPD after they’ve entered the body.

Diabetes

Diabetics are already more vulnerable to infection, such as infected gums, which can progress to periodontal disease, and periodontal disease can make diabetes more complicated. As a result of gum disease, blood sugar levels might go out of whack, causing symptoms to increase.

Diabetics must pay extra attention to their dental health in order to avoid problems from their diabetes. A person with poor dental health is more likely to acquire diabetes because gum disease can contribute to higher-than-normal blood sugar levels.

Complications during pregnancy

It is vital that expecting moms maintain proper dental hygiene. Hormonal changes in your system during pregnancy might make it easier for a woman to have an infection in her mouth. Any kind of infection in the mother’s body raises her chances of having a difficult pregnancy.

Premature delivery and low birth weight in infants have been linked to oral health concerns in the mother, such as periodontitis and gingivitis. Gum disease poses the risk of major health problems for both the mother and the baby.

Infertility

There’s a correlation between bad dental health and infertility issues in women. Gum problems can cause a variety of other health problems, making it hard for a woman to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy. It is possible that a woman with bad oral health will take more time to conceive than a woman with good oral health.

Erectile Dysfunction

A man’s chances of developing erectile dysfunction are raised if he has poor dental hygiene. Chronic periodontal disease has been linked to ED in the past. CPD is an infection that develops when the gums move away from the teeth, forming pockets that harbour bacteria and enable the infection to migrate to the bone around the teeth.

Bacteria from infected gums can enter the circulation and cause inflammation of blood vessels. This inflammation can obstruct blood flow to the penis, making erections more challenging, if not impossible.

Cancer

Oral and throat cancers are clearly connected to poor oral health behaviours like smoking or using tobacco products, but other forms of cancer have also been associated with gum disease. People with poor dental health are more likely to get kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, and blood malignancies.

Renal disease

The chronic renal disease affects the kidneys, heart, bones, and blood pressure. Kidney dysfunction can be caused by infections in the body, such as periodontal disease. Gum disease patients typically have weakened immune systems and are more susceptible to infection. Many patients with poor dental health also have renal problems. If the renal disease progresses to kidney failure or cardiovascular disease, it can be deadly.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

People with gum disease were four times more likely to have Rheumatoid Arthritis, according to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society. Inflammation is present in both disorders. Gingivitis bacteria can spread throughout the body, causing inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis, a miserable and severe inflammatory condition, becomes significantly more likely as a result of this.

Osteoporosis

Periodontitis and osteoporosis have one common factor and that is bone loss. However, the relationship between the two is debatable. Osteoporosis affects the long bones in the arms and legs, while gum disease affects the jawbone. Others argue that osteoporosis is more frequent in women, whereas periodontitis is more common in males.

Despite the lack of evidence, several studies have indicated that women with osteoporosis had greater gum disease than those who do not. Researchers are examining the hypothesis that periodontitis-induced inflammation weakens bone in other regions of the body.

Quit tobacco for the sake of your oral as well as overall health

One of the most essential things you can do for your mouth and body is to stop smoking. A smoker’s risk of serious gum disease is three times higher than someone who does not smoke, according to the CDC.

Cigarettes include nicotine, which causes blood arteries to tighten. This makes it difficult for your gums to fight infection. Not only that, but smoking makes recovery more difficult since gum procedures are more intricate and recuperation is tougher.

Oral health is a key determinant of overall health.

Oral health is one of the ten major health indicators recognised by Healthy People 2020, along with other indicators such as access to health, nutrition, cancer, HIV, and heart disease.

Oral health is crucial for communication, interpersonal connections, and financial prosperity, in addition to allowing you to operate as a human being (i.e. speaking, smiling, smelling, and eating). Poor oral health can lead to a variety of unpleasant, debilitating, and expensive health problems.

This is mainly true for people who face the greatest barriers to dental care, such as rural and low-income households. According to the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute, one in every five low-income persons says their mouth and teeth are in bad condition, and one in every three of them says their mouth and teeth impact their ability to apply for a job.

Many of the factors that influence our oral health, such as food and cleanliness, are under our control if we practice good habits. Tooth decay (cavities) is the most prevalent chronic paediatric illness, although it may be avoided by eating a nutritious diet and practicing proper oral hygiene.

Plaque accumulation, on the other hand, without these healthy choices and practices, ultimately leads to cavities, gingivitis, or serious gum disease, which exposes your teeth and gums, as well as other parts of your body, to danger.

Prevention

The best method to avoid significant health problems caused by poor oral hygiene is to practice proper oral hygiene and visit your dentist on a regular basis.

Therefore, in order to maintain proper oral hygiene

• Brush your teeth and gums for two minutes at least twice a day.
• Floss your teeth at least once a day.
• Tobacco products such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco should be avoided.
• Fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthwash should be used.
• Sugary meals and beverages should be avoided.
• For optimal nutrition, eat a well-balanced diet.
• Take vitamins to help you maintain good oral health.

The Bottomline

Healthy teeth are clean and devoid of cavities and disease-related suffering. Gums that are in good health are pink and do not bleed when brushed or flossed. The state of one’s teeth is a good predictor of one’s general health.
Preventing oral health problems like gingivitis and periodontal disease can help lower your chance of developing more significant health problems throughout your body. Hence, it is highly recommended to take good care of your oral health as good oral health promises good overall health.

Dental fillings are used to replace lost tooth structure that has occurred as a consequence of disease or damage. The decay of a tooth causes it to become hollow. Dental fillings are for sealing this gap and keeping it from decaying further.

Fillings are also used to restore fractured or cracked teeth, as well as teeth that have worn away due to bad dental practices such as teeth-grinding and nail-biting.

When should you go for a tooth filling?

• The most prevalent symptom that you might require a tooth filling is a toothache. Sensitivity to specific temperatures, pressure, or sweet foods, on the other hand, may indicate that you require a filling. Finally, you may require a dental filling if you feel acute or throbbing pain when biting or eating.
  
• Cavities are the most common cause for tooth fillings, although a white composite filling material can also be used to heal damaged teeth. These dental fillings help to delay or even avert tooth decay and damage in both circumstances.
  
• Craze lines occur on the teeth infrequently. These vertical lines are fissures in the enamel of the teeth induced by tension. This can be caused by actions such as TMJ, clenching, grinding teeth, or biting fingernails over a lengthy period of time. Over time, these ugly surface fissures discolour the appearance of teeth. Fortunately, dentists can hide craze lines with a tooth-colored filling material and restore the appearance of attractive teeth. Cosmetic bonding is a term used to describe this type of dental filling.
  
• Our teeth deteriorate as we become older. The flat biting edges become discoloured with wear, making teeth appear ugly. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can lead to tooth wear and injury. This might result in tooth chipping and severe injury. Using tooth-colored bonding as a tooth filling repairs the teeth’ surfaces and heals them. These dental fillings also help to enhance your bite and chewing capacity. After the fillings are in place, a night guard can be worn to avoid additional damage at night.

Tooth fillings are implemented by dentists to repair cavities so that they do not progress into more serious dental issues in the future. Fillings can be used to repair cracks and fractures in teeth as well as fill tiny holes caused by tooth decay.

Tooth decay, if ignored, can lead to significant complications. Your dentist can devise a strategy to avoid the need for root canals or even tooth extractions. To summarise, teeth fillings are beneficial and can keep you smiling for a long time.

Materials of dental fillings

Dental fillings are made of gold, porcelain, silver amalgam which consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper, and Tooth-colored, plastic, and glass materials called composite resin fillings.

The type of filling that best meets your needs is determined by the location and severity of the decay, the cost of filling material, your insurance coverage, and your dentist’s suggestion.

Types of Dental Fillings

Silver Amalgam Fillings

The most well-known sort of filling is this one. Silver amalgam is a mineral combination containing 50 percent silver, tin, zinc, and copper, as well as 50 percent mercury. It’s the most preferred filling material by dentists since it’s robust, long-lasting, and inexpensive.

The average silver amalgam filling can last up to 12 years. Silver amalgam is also rather simple for a dentist to place in a cavity, and there is little risk of it becoming infected by blood or saliva.

However, there are several drawbacks to using silver amalgam. Since it is unattractive, it is not a suitable choice for a highly prominent tooth.

The material can also swell and shrink with time, leading to the cracking of a tooth. Food and germs can become trapped between the filling and the tooth as a result of these variations can allow new cavities to develop.

Composite fillings

Composite fillings use resin and plastic substance that is inserted into the cavity while it is still soft then solidified under a strong blue “curing” light.

It’s a common choice since it can be tinted to match the colour of a person’s natural teeth, making it less noticeable than a silver amalgam filling. Composite fillings, on the other hand, do not endure as much as the other varieties do. They should be changed every five to ten years on average and most importantly, they’re also more expensive than silver.

Ceramic Fillings

The material used here is porcelain and is both long-lasting and appealing to the eye. Ceramic fillings are more costly than composite resin fillings, but they’re tooth-colored and resistant to discoloration and abrasion.

The downside of choosing ceramic rather than composite is that it is more fragile, requiring a bigger size to avoid shattering. This necessitates enlarging the tooth’s surface area to accommodate the added mass. Inlays and onlays are the terms used to describe these ceramic repairs.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

These fillings made of glass and acrylic are ideal for toddlers whose teeth are still developing. They emit fluoride, which can help to prevent teeth from decaying. However, because they are substantially weaker than composite resin and are more likely to shatter or wear out, they only last a few years. Glass ionomer does not match the colour of the teeth as well as composite resin.

Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are costly and uncommon, which should come as no surprise. In fact, finding a dentist who would offer gold as an option might be tough. Furthermore, the appropriate placement of a gold filling necessitates more than one clinic visit. Gold, on the other hand, is durable, does not corrode, and may sustain for more than 20 years.

The tooth filling procedure

Your dentist will first use a local anesthetic to numb the region around the tooth to be operated on. The deteriorated region will next be removed with a drill, an air abrasion device, or a laser.

The tool used is determined by your dentist’s degree of comfort, skill, and investment in the piece of equipment, as well as the location and amount of the damage.

Following that, during the decay removal process, your dentist will investigate or test the region to see if all of the decay has been removed.

After the decay has been cleaned, your dentist will remove the cavity of germs and debris in preparation for the filling. Your dentist may first place a liner composed of glass ionomer, composite resin, or another substance to protect the nerve if the decay is near the root. Your dentist will usually complete and polish the filling once it has been placed.

Tooth-colored fillings need a few extra steps, which are outlined below. The tooth-colored substance is put in stages after your dentist has treated the decay and cleansed the region.

After that, each layer is exposed to a specific light that cures or hardens it. Your dentist will mould the composite material to the desired outcome, cut off any extra material, and polish the final restoration when the multilayering process is done.

Causes of tooth sensitivity post-dental fillings

It’s not uncommon for a filling to cause tooth sensitivity.

Pressure, air, sugary foods, and temperature may all irritate your teeth.

The sensitivity usually goes away on its own within a few weeks. Until then, stay away from the foods and drinks that are the reasons for your sensitivity. Taking pain medication is typically unnecessary.

If the sensitivity persists after two to four weeks or if your tooth is particularly sensitive, it is highly recommended to see your dentist. He or she may propose using desensitising toothpaste, applying a desensitising chemical to the tooth, or performing a root canal.

The cause of pain around dental filling

When you experience pain during bite: When you bite, you feel pain because your filling is interfering with your bite. Make an appointment with your dentist to get the filling reshaped.

Your pain is most likely caused by the contact of two separate metal surfaces on your teeth (for example, the silver amalgam in a newly filled tooth and a gold crown on another tooth with which it touches). This discomfort should subside in a brief span of time.

Pain in the form of a toothache: If the infection has reached the pulp of the tooth, this discomfort might ensue. This “toothache” response might indicate that the tissue is no longer healthy and that a root canal is required.

Referred pain: Pain or sensitivity in teeth other than the one that was filled is known as referred pain. Your teeth are most likely in good shape. The filled tooth is just transmitting “pain signals” to neighbouring teeth. Over the course of one to two weeks, the discomfort should subside on its own.

Allergy due to Amalgam Fillings

It’s conceivable, but according to the ADA, less than 100 cases have ever been recorded. Mercury or one of the metals used in amalgam restorations is likely to be the cause of the allergic reaction in these rare cases.

Skin rashes and irritation are common symptoms of amalgam allergy, which are comparable to those of a regular skin allergy. It’s likely that you have a medical or familial history of metal allergies if you’ve had an allergic response to an amalgam. Another restorative substance can be utilised if an allergy has been confirmed.

Our teeth are magnificent and one-of-a-kind. There is always something fresh to learn and uncover. The hardest material in the human body is teeth. Teeth, unlike bone, do not regrow after they are gone. As a result, make every possible effort to preserve them and keep them healthy and in good form, for your teeth and smile are two of your most attractive features.

Nothing says “welcome” like a bright, clean smile. Over 37% of people say that a person’s smile is the first thing they notice about them, so it’s crucial to keep those teeth in good shape. Here is a collection of some additional intriguing tooth and dental facts for your knowledge. Let’s have a look at them.

• The majority of us assume that bones are the toughest component in the human body, yet our tooth enamel is really the hardest. Enamel, dentine, and nerves are the three layers that make up a tooth. Enamel is the outermost layer, and it is primarily composed of minerals. In reality, minerals make up over 96 percent of enamel, and while it is tougher than bone, it should not be tested on bottle caps since it can be harmed by metal or glass.
  
• Most of the people have an idea of what plaque is, but do you know what plaque is comprised of! It contains about 300 distinct bacteria types. These are typical figures. You could have more, so brush, floss, and use mouthwash to get rid of them!
  
• An individual spends approximately 48 seconds brushing their teeth on average each day. Yes, it may feel like you’re brushing for an hour every time. However, recent research has revealed that individual spends only 48 seconds brushing their teeth, whereas dentists advise that you spend at least 2 minutes cleaning your mouth.
  
• Airborne particles from toilet flushing might get up on the bristles of your toothbrush, which is why it is crucial to keep your brushes in a drawer or at least 6 feet away from the toilet. Moreover, your toothbrush should be changed every three months.
  
• Do not, contrary to popular opinion, put a cap on your toothbrush. Bacteria are accumulating and rotting in damp environments as a result. This might cause difficulties with your teeth in the future. In fact, if you use mouthwash, rinsing the bristles of your toothbrush with the mouthwash now and again maybe a good idea to maintain proper hygiene.
• Periodontal gum disease affects three out of every four Americans. This indicates that 75% of the population in the United States suffers from gum irritation, bleeding, or deposit accumulation in some way. For adults over the age of 35, gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss. However, the good news is that gum disease may be avoided and managed.
  
• In 1938, the first official toothbrush commercial was released. Do you want to know what people bought before 1938? The first toothpaste was launched in 1908, 30 years before the toothbrush was invented. Another surprising fact is that the first toothpaste took 17 years to produce.
  
• Hair from horses, pigs, and badgers was used to make the first toothbrush with bristles in China in 1948. Following WWII, more individuals were interested in commercial goods. As a result, toothbrushes were heavily advertised.
  
• Mummies with resin and malachite fillings have been discovered in Egypt. Any loose teeth were bound together with gold wire. Egyptians are said to be the first people to work on teeth. Today, a lot of instances are being sent about.
  
• Teeth were capped by the Romans. For their time, the Romans had advanced dental technology. Gold crowns were used to repair cavity-ridden teeth. Bridges were also created to fill the gaps left by lost teeth. There was even a toothpaste made from honey and crushed eggshells.
  
• A toothpick is the most dangerous thing. The toothpick, according to all dentists, is the most destructive instrument to the gums in between the teeth. Quit using toothpicks and start flossing instead.
  
• Every year, over 5 million teeth are lost due to sports-related accidents!
  
• And now it’s time for the mouthguard to appear. Protect your smiling and eating tools with a mouthguard! Mouthguards are also beneficial for those who have the habit of teeth grinding while sleeping.
  
• Haircare products cost $100 billion per year in the United States, yet dental care products cost only $2 billion. Your total health is considerably more essential than your dental health! This unfortunate reality also applies to other aspects of life. There has to be a greater public awareness campaign. There is a greater need for education.
  
• Flossing is an important element of maintaining good dental hygiene.
  
• You are missing almost 40% of tooth surfaces if you do not floss, which is why your dentist constantly recommends flossing!
  
• Many individuals dislike flossing, despite the fact that it is necessary. 73 percent of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss their teeth. Codman & Shurtleff, Inc., which was eventually bought by Johnson and Johnson in 1965, was the first to introduce commercial floss in 1882. Floss is also a long-lasting material. In 1992, a West Virginia convict braided a rope using dental floss, which he used to scale a structure and escape.
  
• An individual generates over 100,000 gallons of saliva throughout their lifetime. To put that in context, there’s enough saliva to fill almost 20 semi-trucks or 1.06 million red Solo cups.
  
• Bad breath is one of the most prevalent side effects of inadequate dental hygiene.
  
• The mouth is the source of about 90% of foul breath.
• In your mouth alone, there are around 700 distinct species of bacteria.
  
• Those who use three or more cups of soda each day have a 62 percent higher risk of dental decay, tooth loss, and fillings than those who do not.
  
• Soft drinks should be avoided!
  
• Food is chewed on the right side of the mouth by right-handed persons, whereas food is chewed on the left side of the mouth by left-handed people.
• Your tongue, like your teeth and fingerprints, is unique. The tongue print is unique to each individual.
  
• It appears that the color of your toothpaste is important. Blue toothpaste is more popular than red toothpaste.
  
• The infant’s teeth begin to grow while the baby is still in the womb, but they do not erupt until the youngster is between the ages of 6 and 12 months. The only portion of the human body that cannot mend itself is the teeth. Enamel, which is not living tissue, is applied to them. Moreover, one-third of the teeth are underneath the gums.
  
• An adult person is believed to have a biting force of up to 200 pounds. This is a tremendous amount of strength! The biting force of a person is comparable to that of a pit bull, which weighs 235 pounds. One of the reasons individuals use their teeth as tools might be because of this. Those who have ever used their teeth to open objects like bottles or bite their nails understand just what it’s like to use your teeth for a purpose they weren’t designed for, and certainly, we don’t suggest it!

When you look in the mirror and see your crooked teeth, you know you need to do something to make them seem better. Although professional whitening may brighten your teeth, the colour of your teeth isn’t the only issue you’re dealing with. When it comes to minor chips and cracks, you need something more. And dental bonding inevitably crosses your mind.

What is Teeth Bonding?

Tooth bonding is a technique in which your dentist uses a tooth-colored composite resin to restore damage to one or more of your teeth. It’s a pocket-friendly alternative because it’s far less expensive than crowns and veneers, for example.

Tooth bonding is a less invasive cosmetic dental technique than other cosmetic dental procedures. This technique is so basic that it usually doesn’t require an anesthetic unless you’re filling a cavity, and it doesn’t necessitate several trips to the dentist.

The process

To begin, your dentist will select a composite resin hue that closely matches the colour of your natural teeth using a shade guide. Your dentist roughens the tooth’s surface before applying a liquid that helps the bonding agent to adhere to it. Your dentist coats the liquid with composite resin, forms or molds the tooth, and then cures the material with ultraviolet radiation. After the resin hardens, your dentist can reshape the tooth if required.

Why do people opt for teeth bonding?

Tooth bonding can be used to correct a flaw or imperfection in a tooth. Bonding can be used to restore a decaying, broken, or discoloured tooth in some cases. Small gaps between teeth can also be closed with this treatment.

Tooth bonding can also be used to enlarge a tooth, for instance, if one of your teeth is shorter than the others, and you want them all to be the same length.

Bonding is a quick technique that requires no delay. You can resume your usual daily routine following the surgery if you do not require an anesthetic. Tooth bonding takes 30 to 60 minutes on average. Depending on the scope of the operation, some appointments may take longer.

Tooth bonding does not need any further preparation. To find out if you’re a good candidate for this treatment, talk to your dentist. If you have extensive tooth damage or decay, bonding may not be an option. Instead, a veneer or crown may be required.

People choose dental bonding for a variety of reasons. Dentists may prescribe treatment for people who have teeth that only require minor aesthetic work. Some dentists may recommend this technique since dental bonding may be applied the same day, the appearance is natural, it is less expensive than dental implants, it is a non-invasive treatment, and the maintenance is simple. These are the benefits you’ll most certainly hear from dentists everywhere.

Keeping aside the benefits, let’s move on to the negatives for once, which frequently outnumber the benefits. Before you go through with this sort of easy operation, make sure you consider it carefully.

There are several disadvantages to dental bonding. Dental bonding is not stain resistant; it does repel stains, but not to the same extent as crowns. Also, bear in mind that dental bonding materials aren’t completely indestructible and can crack or break away from your natural tooth.

Bonding isn’t as sturdy as you think

Teeth bonding is done with composite resin, which is a sort of plastic. Although the resin is robust, it isn’t as long-lasting as natural tooth enamel. It’s also not as durable as the porcelain and other materials used in dental crowns and veneers.

You can keep your bonded teeth in good health by doing the following:

Eating and biting down on hard foods with extreme caution, might cause the bond to shatter or break.

If you observe that your bonded teeth are rough or jagged, or if your bite is uneven, then it is recommended to immediately visit your dentist to check if the tooth has to be filed down or replaced.

Your bonding isn’t going to last forever

Do remember that dental bonding has a shorter shelf life than other options because it isn’t as durable. A bond is expected to last for around ten years.

The longevity of the bond is mostly determined by how effectively you care for your teeth and gums alongside your usual lifestyle routines.

Bonding Isn’t as Stain-Resistant as you expected it to be

Another disadvantage of dental bonding is that the substance used to establish the bond isn’t generally stain-resistant. Composite resin absorbs a deep-coloured meal more easily than dental enamel or porcelain because it is more porous.

If you drink a lot of coffee or red wine or eat a lot of dark-colored berries, you may find that your bonded teeth discolour faster and more dramatically than your natural teeth. The best strategy to avoid staining the bonding resin is to minimize your intake of coffee, alcohol, berries, and similar meals and drinks.

Tooth restorative options you can choose over bonding

If the disadvantages of dental bonding outweigh the benefits, you may always opt for the following alternatives:

Dental Crowns- Crowns are available in a variety of materials, including porcelain, zirconia, metal, and gold. A crown can endure anywhere from 15 years to your whole life, depending on a variety of variables. Crowns are best for completely restoring a broken or chipped tooth, or capping a tooth severely affected with cavity and can’t be repaired with filling.

Veneers- Veneers, which are usually composed of porcelain and adhered to the front of your teeth, usually last up to 20 years. You can always opt for them if you want to whiten your teeth or to correct the alignment of your teeth if they are slightly crooked.

How Veneers and Crowns are better than bonding?

Dental bonding vs. alternative restorative procedures is sometimes a question of cost and convenience. Bonding is less costly than a crown or a set of veneers, despite the fact that it is more delicate.

Bonding normally requires only one session, and the procedure takes less than an hour per tooth. Veneers and crowns, on the other hand, frequently need repeated visits to the dentist. Veneers and crowns have endurance far longer than a composite resin bond.

However, unlike veneers or crowns, composite resin molds to the shape of the teeth and do not harm them. There’s no need to grind down your teeth like with crowns or remove any of your natural enamel-like with veneers.

If you are having trouble picking between bonding and other solutions, your dentist can help you make the best decision for your lifestyle and budget. Whether you choose the less expensive, more convenient bonding option or the longer-lasting, stain-resistant options, you can be assured that your dentist will provide you with a positive experience – and a lovely smile.

A bright, healthy smile strengthens one’s self-esteem. If you have discolouration, a chipped tooth, or a gap between your teeth and are searching for a low-cost fix, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist can tell you if this process is suitable for you, and if it isn’t, he or she can suggest alternative ways to improve the look of your teeth.

Any dental operation that restores or replaces a tooth is referred to as restorative dentistry. Cavity fillings, root canals, and even dental implants are all examples of restorative treatments.

This has two goals: restoring the function of the teeth and restoring the aesthetics of the teeth. It’s either one or the other in certain circumstances, and it’s both in others.

These dentists are primarily responsible for the removal and repair of cavities as well as the treatment of other oral problems. They also treat individuals who require dental repairs as a result of trauma or injury.

Treatments from other dental specialties, including endodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontics, are included in this section of dentistry. This is because many patients require complex care, which may necessitate therapy from many specialists.

Restorative Dentistry basically aims to retrieve the natural look, form, and feel of the natural teeth in the following ways:

• Dental fillings or bonding therapy are used to repair affected teeth.
• Active or passive restorations, including Inlays, Onlays, crowns, or fillings, are used to replace lost tooth structures.
• Artificial restorations, like implants, bridges, or dentures, are used to completely replace lost teeth.

Materials used for Restorative Dentistry

The cornerstone of tooth structure replacement is restorative dental materials. They make cavity fillings, crowns, implants, dentures, and other restorations, among other things.

Some of the popular and frequently used materials are Ceramics, Polymers, Amalgam alloys, Metals, Composites, Glass Ionomers, Denture Base Resins, Noble and Base Metals, etc.

How is Restorative Dentistry different from Cosmetic Dentistry?

Certain materials and technique codes are shared by both cosmetic as well as restorative dentistry. Restorative treatment is required when the teeth are affected due to any kind of illness. Even if the final result is a more attractive appearance, the treatment is still considered restorative.

Cosmetic (aesthetic) dental operations on the other hand also enhance a patient’s smile and self-esteem. Veneers and teeth whitening are two types of aesthetic treatments. Since these procedures are optional and not medically essential, they are classified as cosmetic. Instead, they are solely employed to enhance one’s look.

The Procedures and treatments used in Restorative Dentistry

Cavity Filling

The most frequently used restorative dentistry is the process of cavity filling. To protect the delicate pulp within your tooth, germs penetrate through the enamel, the hard outer covering of your tooth, and form a hole which is known as a cavity.

The dentist removes the affected area of the tooth and repairs the hole with composite material that matches the color of your tooth during a cavity filling operation. This filling will keep the germs from infecting the tooth for a significant period of time.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can be tooth-colored or made of metal. In a nutshell, they replace significant tooth structure that has been lost due to root canals, dental disease, or fractures. Crowns also act as full-coverage “caps,” restoring a tooth’s normal size, shape, and function.

Before deciding whether or not a patient is a good candidate for a dental crown, a dentist will look at a number of variables. These characteristics include but are not restricted to, the tooth’s function and placement, the position of the gum tissue, and the colour of the teeth around it.

Root Canal

When a cavity becomes deep enough into a tooth that it exposes the vulnerable pulp within, a root canal operation may be necessary. Not only that but a root canal may also be required following any kind of tooth damage. The interior of the tooth is usually infected, necessitating a root canal treatment.

In that case of restorative dentistry, the dentist will remove all of the soft pulp from within the tooth and the root canal, thus rinsing out the infection, and after that, the procedure includes filling the inside of the tooth with composite material similar to that used in the cavity fillings during a root canal operation. The tooth is preserved once the interior is filled and hence the risk of infection ends.

Dental Implant

A dental implant can be used to replace a lost tooth or a tooth that needs to be pulled owing to significant decay or destruction. A dental implant is a tooth replacement that includes both the crown and the root. The implanted root is comprised of titanium, a biocompatible metal that forms a strong link with the jaw bone.

A crown is affixed to the top of the root, which is surgically implanted in the jaw. The whole implant appears and works exactly like a natural tooth, making it the greatest tooth replacement alternative. Bridges and dentures can be held in place with the help of dental implants.

Dentures

Dentures are artificial teeth that are either detachable or fixed and are used to replace several missing teeth. Custom dentures are a common treatment for those who have lost all of their teeth due to extensive tooth decay or gum disease.

There are five distinct types of dentures to select from in restorative dentistry, depending on the patient. Complete dentures, permanent partial dentures, detachable partial dentures, implant-retained dentures, and instant dentures are all common forms of artificial teeth.

Bridge

A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that is held in place by two crowns. A bridge can sometimes be made up of many teeth in a row. Crowns or dental implants are used to hold the bridge in place. Crowns are put over the existing teeth on each side of the bridge. The bridge rests on top of the gums and is devoid of a root.

Dental Bonding

Composite resins are used in bonding techniques. Composite resins are mainly tooth-colored fillings made of glass and plastic. Dental bonds can be used to fill cavities, repair fractured or chipped teeth, and conceal discoloured tooth surfaces.

They can help close minor gaps between teeth, which is beneficial for those who have diastema. Indirect dental bonding, composite veneer bonding, and composite bonding are three distinct dental bonding methods that can be used according to your needs.

Advantages of restorative dentistry

Restorative dental operations offer several advantages, which is why they are among the most popular procedures performed by dentists.

• The most significant advantage of restorative treatments is that your teeth’ functioning is restored. Because your teeth are in good shape, you can eat and speak with considerable ease.
• If you have a severe cavity or an affected tooth that requires a root canal, you have most likely experienced excruciating pain. By fixing the condition or eradicating the infection, restorative therapies alleviate discomfort.
• Restorative operations can improve the appearance of your teeth, allowing you to smile with confidence.
• Correcting a dental problem as soon as it is discovered helps prevent it from worsening or producing more dental problems. A cavity should be fixed as soon as your dentist finds it to avoid the need for a root canal. If a cavity is left untreated for too long, it might lead to a tooth that cannot be repaired and must be pulled and removed.
• The bone density in your jaw is preserved when you replace a lost tooth with an implant. When a tooth is lost, the portion of the jaw that formerly kept it in place begins to deteriorate and disintegrate. After that, a bone transplant treatment will be necessary to replace it with an implant. To prevent bone loss, it is important to replace a lost or untenable tooth as soon as possible.

Some tips to take care of your restorative dentistry work

• Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft toothbrush.
• Electric toothbrushes can aid in the removal of plaque from your teeth as well as restorative procedures.
• Floss around your teeth, dental implants, crowns, and bridges on a daily basis.
• Hard or sticky meals should not be chewed since these have the potential to harm your implant, bridge, or crown.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help combat plaque bacteria surrounding restorative work.

Endodontic therapy, commonly known as root canal therapy, is a dental procedure that removes the infection from the core area or inside of a specific tooth. It can also help to prevent the tooth from infection in the long term.

The concept of root canal treatment

A “root canal” is rather a component of a tooth, than just therapy. The pulp, also known as the inner chamber of a tooth, comprises nerve tissue, blood vessels, and other cells.

A tooth is made up of two parts, the crown, and the roots. The crown of the tooth is mostly above the gum line, while the roots are inside the gum. The tooth’s roots anchor it to the jawbone.

The pulp is located between the crown and the root canal. The pulp nourishes the tooth and keeps the surrounding tissue wet. Hot and cold temperatures are perceived as pain by the nerves in the pulp.

Endodontic therapy, which means “inside the tooth,” is the term of the dental procedure generally referred to as a “root canal.” The phrase “root canal” has, nevertheless, become widely used to describe surgery.

The root canal treatment is certainly not some kind of music to the ears of those having some or little knowledge about the treatment. It sounds dreadful, and the treatment is no fun. A root canal is a removal of diseased soft tissue (pulp) from inside the mouth.

1. Don’t get tricked by pain
   
   Since the pulp inside the tooth is densely packed with nerves and blood vessels, it is not at all pleasant. Don’t be tricked into thinking the infection is gone just because the pain goes away. The pain usually goes away as the pulp dies. As the infection spreads to your roots, you’ll notice other symptoms like leaking pus and inflammation on the face. Don’t put off therapy because you’re not experiencing any pain.
   
2. Root canal surgery is not necessarily excruciating
   
   Root canal surgery and pain are commonly assumed to be synonymous for those who are about to undergo the treatment for the first time. However, the dental surgery is meant for eliminating pain rather than creating it. You’ll be given a local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and afflicted area before the operation. The operation should resemble the filling of a cavity.
   
3. It takes the necessary time to heal
   
   While the therapy itself is painless, you will most likely feel sore and unpleasant for a few days thereafter while it repairs. Dentists frequently prescribe pain relievers and, on rare occasions, drugs to quicken the healing process. It’s essential to get plenty of rest and eat soft meals to help your body recuperate quickly. Many people are able to resume their normal routine after a few days.
   
4. Protecting your tooth
   
   Typically, your dentist will apply a temporary filling in the tooth after your treatment. At a later visit, a permanent crown or filling will be placed. Since the tooth and its temporary filling are at great risk of fracture, you must safeguard them before they are entirely healed.
   
5. Root canal treatment does not solve your problem permanently
   
   A root canal operation does not safeguard your teeth from cavities or gum disease. Crowns, on the other hand, can endure a long time with proper tooth brushing, flossing, and frequent dental check-ups.
   
6. A root canal is a better option than a tooth extraction
   
   When the pulp in your tooth becomes infected, the only other option is to have the tooth pulled. Because removing one tooth can cause your other teeth to shift, this is not recommended. This could alter the quality of your bite and grin!
   
7. Intake of antibiotics is not the solution to tooth infection
   
   When you have a toothache caused by an infection, one of the first things that come to mind for most people is to try to treat it with antibiotics. Antibiotics, on the other hand, function by travelling via the bloodstream to the infected location. Because of the position of this tooth infection, antibiotic treatment cannot adequately reach it to treat it.
   
8. A root canal can keep you away from tooth extraction
   
   You may save your tooth and your smile by getting root canal therapy. Extraction is the sole alternative option for treating infected or irritated pulp. Root canal therapy is a very successful, less invasive procedure.
   
9. The value of your health precedes the value of money
   
   A root canal isn’t the most costly dental procedure. It may be costly, but protecting a tooth is sometimes more vital than the cost! Dental implants and extractions typically are substantially more costly.
   
10. Root canals usually have high success rates
    
    Root canal therapy is effective. The success rate of root canals with a crown or filling is quite high. A tooth is disinfected and cleaned throughout the treatment, allowing it to recover.
    
11. It is not a time-consuming procedure
    
    A root canal may be completed in a matter of minutes! It doesn’t necessarily burden you with a lot of visits to the dentist. Surely, it depends on the state of the tooth, but it may be done in a few hours.
    
12. The root canal procedure is less time consuming than the procedure of tooth extraction
    
    One to three dental visits are required for root canal therapy. Tooth extraction, on the other hand, necessitates many visits due to the need for dental implants to prevent the adjacent teeth from moving. As a result, the number of visits necessary for endodontic treatment is mostly determined by the state of the tooth.
    
13. Root canal treatment can retrieve a dead tooth
    
    A dead tooth can be saved with endodontic therapy. When the blood flow to the nerve of the tooth root is cut off, the tooth dies. A root canal can effectively deter germs from multiplying inside the dead tooth and the adjacent bone.
    
14. The rate of patient satisfaction.
    
    Around 15 percent of the total population in the U.S are scared of seeking dental treatment. However, 89 percent of patients are satisfied with the treatment of root canal.
    
15. What do dental educators say?
    
    93 percent of dental educators agree that endodontists are an important element of a dental health care team.

As you know, a healthy lifestyle is equivalent to following a balanced diet rich in all six nutrients namely proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and roughage necessary for our growth and development. It’s not only about being concerned about your physical health but also about consuming what is beneficial for our body and its overall enrichment.

If you look at the bigger picture, there are thousands of people struggling every day in order to maintain a healthy body and accomplish their fitness goals but did you know that food also plays a vital role in sustaining healthy-looking, bright, shiny teeth?

You might come across or scroll through profiles of various nutritionists, fitness trainers, and dietitians and the common answer to their competence would include perpetual oral health and hygiene.

Very few people are aware of the fact that dental hygiene affects overall health and is indispensable when we talk about leading a health-conscious lifestyle. So it is imperative to know what foods to consume and what to avoid.

HEALTHY FOODS FOR HEALTHY TEETH:

We often end up reading over 100 articles and diet charts on our social media about the importance of organic food that promises a healthy lifestyle and here’s a sneak peek of the same.

Given below is a list of foods that will prevent your teeth from staining:

∙ Green-leafy vegetables: According to the American Dental Association (ADA) green leafy vegetables like spinach, peas, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, kale, etc are not only rich in calcium and phosphate but also contain folic acid which keeps our saliva intact and also prevents gum diseases like gingivitis (inflammation of gums). We generally consume foods that have an ample amount of sugar and starch which eventually reacts with bacteria to produce plague and acids that are detrimental to our teeth. Our saliva helps to reduce the effect of these acids and thereby acts as a defense mechanism.

CARROT: Amongst raw vegetables that are rich in protein, calcium, and phosphate, carrots are a storehouse of Vitamin A which maintains strong and healthy enamel due to their anti-bacterial properties.

BROCCOLI: It contains calcium as well as ‘Vitamin C’ which helps to rebuild the enamel and strengthen our gums. The iron content present in it fights against the microbes present in the inner layers of our teeth.

CELERY: Celery is thin, leafy, and crunchy to chew and produces plenty amount of saliva which again helps in neutralizing bacteria. It sustains gum health and massages the muscle and tissues beneath our gums creating a soothing effect for our teeth.

ONION:  Onions are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. Due to its germ-killing properties, it protects our teeth from decaying, formation of plague, and cavity.

∙ Fibrous fruits: Fibrous fruits like pomegranate, strawberries, banana, raspberries, blackberries, apples, kiwi, avocado, guava, etc consist of ‘Vitamin A and C’ in abundance which helps to restore all minerals and nutrients that are lost due to bacterial infection and enzymes causing acid reflux. These fruits contain natural sugar which triggers the bacteria and neutralizes gum diseases.

STRAWBERRIES: It contains an inherent tooth whitener namely, malic acid, essential for a beautiful, bright smile thus keeping our teeth clean and gums healthy.

APPLES: Apples have anti-bacterial properties due to their natural sugar deposits and abundant iron content. It is said that ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away, similarly consuming an apple daily would contribute to good oral health and white, shiny teeth.

PINEAPPLE: It consists of bromelain, an ingredient used to make medicines and cosmetics typically found in the stem of a pineapple which serves as an inherent stain-remover for our teeth.

∙ Fluoride-based foods: Foods such as powered juices, fluoridated water, powered cereals, poultry products, raw fruits, shrimps, crabs, dehydrated soups, and seafood all contain fluoridated salt which helps our teeth in fighting against plague and dangerous enzymes.

∙ Dairy products: Dairy products like milk, butter, cheese, ghee, cream, whey, yogurt, etc extracted from the milk produced through cattle, sheep, goats, buffaloes, etc are rich in calcium and phosphate. It helps in restoring lost minerals, strengthens the bones of our teeth thereby repairing the enamel.

∙ Green and Black Tea: Both black and green tea contain polyphenols that limit bacterial growth in our teeth as well as prevent bad breath and plague to settle in our mouth.

∙ Water: Fluoridated water dilutes acids in our teeth and neutralizes bacterial growth as it washes away the leftover food particles in our mouth creating an everlasting fresh mouth.

∙ Shiitake Mushrooms: These mushrooms are a source of lentinan which restricts bacterial growth in our mouth preventing tooth decay and gum diseases.

∙ Sugar-free chewing gum: Such chewing gums have added artificial and anti-bacterial sweeteners known as ‘aspartame and sorbitol’ which inhibit acid reflux and are resilient to bacteria and gum infections.

∙ Fatty fish: Fish especially salmon, is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), fibers, iron, iodine, magnesium, potassium and calcium which not only rehabilitates bone health of our teeth but also reduces inflammation in gums.

∙ Ginger: Ginger, due to its herbal and healing properties, not only helps to strengthen teeth, gums, ligaments, bones, and tissues present in our mouth but also improves digestion.

∙ Nuts and Seeds: These include cashews, almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, poppy seeds, brazil nuts, sesame seeds and flax seeds that have a low sugar content and are rich in minerals like phosphorus and calcium.

HARMFUL FOODS FOR AN UN-HEALTHY LIFE:

Eating the right kinds of foods will prevent your teeth from decaying and avoid plague or bacteria to settle on it. There are certain foods rich in sugar and starch which on contact with these microbes release an acid that eventually destroys your teeth leading to gum inflammation, cavities, disrupted tooth structure, and erosion of the enamel.

Below are a list of foods you should not consume when indulging in dental care habits.

∙ Sweet foods: These consist of chocolates, candies, cakes, pancakes, lollipops, caramels, ice cream etc which have refined sugar in abundance which is an indirect invitation to cavities and microbes. Chewing hard candies could even break or damage your teeth. If these sweet remains settle inside our teeth, they lead to tooth erosion and disruption of the gums.

∙ Starchy foods: Starchy foods like potatoes, white bread, corn, cereal products high in carbohydrates and fats, white rice, grains, fast food like chips, noodles, pasta, etc break down into sugar and stick to our teeth which if not treated properly could promote bacterial growth.

∙ Popcorn: The kernels in popcorn being crunchy and hard are susceptible to breaking our teeth or tearing away our gums causing it to bleed.

∙ Mouth-drying agents: These certainly include medicines, tobacco, wine, alcohol, coffee, etc. They cause dehydration as the saliva in our mouth reduces on drying. The ‘tannins’ present in coffee, red wine, and white wine lead to discoloration and staining of teeth causing bad breath and due to its acidic nature also permits tooth decay. Using a fluoride-based toothpaste or mouthwash will add to a solution in protecting your teeth from unwanted decaying.

∙ Carbonated Soft-drinks and Soda: Soft drinks and soda contain both phosphoric acid and citric acid that aggravates dental erosion and also has high added sugar content which again is harmful for consumption and wears away the enamel.

∙ Dehydrated fruits: Fruits like raisins (dried grapes), figs, prunes (dried plum), dates, apricots, peaches, dried mango, dried berries, dried apples, etc stick to the teeth, are treated with added sugar and preserved for months due to which our dental health becomes more vulnerable.

∙ Citrus fruits: Fruits like lemon, orange, tangerine, grapefruit, sweet lime, pomelo, yuzu, etc are filled with citric acid which erodes the enamel and reacts with bacteria to cause acid reflux.

∙ Ice: Ice being hard and cold cannot be chewed or consumed wholly as it would cause the teeth to break, enamel to erode, and lead to sensitivity of teeth.

PREVENTION FOR A FLATTERING SMILE.

Now that you have a clear understanding of what foods can boost your immunity and what foods can slow down your growth and development, you should focus on maintaining a balance between the two in order to promote dental health. Our choices of food play an essential role here.

Drinking fluoridated water at regular intervals, brushing twice a day, flossing, and replacing unhealthy food eating habits like snacking in between meals with health-driven ones like eating fibrous fruit can possibly work for you.

Consuming nutrient-laden foods rich in protein, vitamins, calcium, iron, phosphate and a variety of minerals instead of carbonated drinks, fast food, starchy-sticky foods, sugar-rich foods high in calories and cholesterol can help you achieve your desired goals and sustain your oral health.

More accurately, this would limit the bacterial development inside your teeth, prevent the formation of cavities leading to tooth decay, neutralize gum infections keeping your pearly whites clean, strong,white, bright, and shiny every now and then.

While brushing through dental terminology and oral hygiene, we often come across questions like how frequently could we brush our teeth, how exactly are we benefitted through it or how could flossing be done correctly without troubling our teeth?

On deep diving through this blog, you would possibly have an appropriate answer to all your queries.

Here’s what exactly flossing means.

Flossing dislodges interproximal dental plaque that is mainly the bacteria that gets collected in between our teeth in the form of a sticky film resulting in cavities and poor oral health. It not only prevents the risk of tooth decay and gum diseases but it also helps in the removal of debris and food particles that settle in our mouth as the bristles of our toothbrush aren’t 100% effective in reaching the inner ends of our teeth, which in turn can be carried out through flossing. 60% of the world’s population do not floss their teeth, aren’t aware of its techniques, and that it plays a vital role in keeping a beautiful smile intact.

Inter-dental cleaning is important and contributes to overall health, so it is necessary to know the right pattern and ways to correct flossing without causing any unwanted damage or gum bleeding.

Below are the steps that need to be followed:

1. Grip around 18 inches of the floss tightly between your fingers in a circular motion and gently slide it in between your teeth keeping in mind that it doesn’t reach deep into your gums. It will help to keep the floss in the right place and remove unwanted dirt.
2. Curve the floss into a ‘C’ shape as soon as it reaches the gum line and slowly rub it against the space between two of your teeth.
3. Floss all the corners, back ends and edges of your tooth upwards and downwards making sure that no food particles, dirt or leftovers remain.
4. Repeat this step for the rest of the teeth so that all the bacteria gets eliminated and on completion, dispose the used floss maintaining dental hygiene.

FLOSSING TOO MUCH?

It wouldn’t be very fruitful to vigorously dig deep inside your gums or apply too much pressure on your teeth. This would do nothing but cause damage to your pearly whites, so being careful and gentle would be the best course of action.

WHO SAID BRACES ARE A CONCERN?

For those wearing braces, it gets a little tricky and time-consuming but using waxed floss makes it easier as it doesn’t get stuck to your braces and 10-15 minutes is a sufficient amount of time you could devote here. Moreover, schedule teeth cleaning from a dental specialist at an interval of 3 months to prevent its staining and maintain white shiny teeth instead of using chemical-based whitening toothpaste. When looking for faster-desired results, electric toothbrushes are a great alternative for manual toothbrushes.

TOOLS ONE CAN USE FOR INTER-DENTAL CLEANING:

There are various tools that can be used for flossing your teeth depending on the space between your teeth, whether it is wide or narrow but it is chiefly recommended to those having a tight inter-dental spacing.

1. Dental Floss that could be either waxed or un-waxed, preferably waxed as it doesn’t stick to your tooth or braces.
2. Wooden/Plastic picks
3. Dental Tape is a flat, ribbon-like structure which is used for cleaning in between the larger gaps of your teeth. As it is broad, it easily glides between your teeth without causing any harm to the gums considering its sensitivity.
4. Flossing Threads are affordable and easily available at a nearby chemist shop or you could consult any orthodontist for the same in order to save time and effort.
5. Pre-threaded Flossers being thin and coiled help to brush of bacteria at its earliest.
6. Flossers that are air-powered.
7. Water-Pik also known as Water Flosser, Water Jet or Oral Irrigator is a water-based tool that helps in eliminating plague in between the layers of your teeth along the gum line outpouring a watercourse.
8. Super flosses are more efficient than the regular ones as it removes even the minute particles of bacteria from braces, bridges and gaps extending to the inner ends of your gum line.
9. Standard Flosses consisting of nylon thread that could be waxed, un-waxed, flavoured and unflavoured depending on the requirement.
10. Proxy Brushes or thin, tiny brushes used for cleaning.

It is necessary to keep your mouth as clean as possible and meticulously eliminate the unwanted residue that sticks to your teeth and using the above-mentioned tools would ease your work according to your suitability.

THE RIGHT TIME TO FLOSS?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it is imperative to maintain dental hygiene which could be taken in action if you brush your teeth twice and floss once on a daily basis. It is recommended to floss first and then brush for a perpetually clean mouth so that no food particles persist until the next time you brush your teeth. Increased fluoride concentration when brushing second not only strengthens your enamel (the outermost hard layer of your teeth), but also loosens the bacteria reducing the likelihood of tooth decay.

WHAT’S MORE? KNOWING WHY TO FLOSS?

Well, you need not be informed about the importance of healthy teeth and oral hygiene but having a clear perception of the harmful effects of the settled plague on your teeth would get you all keen in avoiding all complications.

As you know that the bristles of our toothbrush helps in the cleansing of the surface of the teeth and do not reach the inner ends or back of our teeth due to which it is not possible to remove all the dental plague and residue, it thereby settles and gets accumulated in the proximal areas of our teeth leading to microbes which hamper our oral health and hygiene.

Untreated plaque hardens into calculus also known as tartar which is mainly the hard deposits formed when bacteria starts to feed on your teeth releasing an acid leading to gum inflammation (gingivitis), cavities, tooth decay, and periodontitis. The sugar and food residue entrapped in between our teeth results in dental concerns as it acts as a storehouse for bacteria to grow.

The first signs of any gum infection include swollen gums, tooth pain, red-bleeding gums, loosened teeth, visible cavity, and sensitivity on consuming anything hot or cold, prevailing bad breath, and tender gums. This is a consequence of poor oral hygiene and neglecting regular cleaning schedules.

As a result, the tissues beneath our teeth, gums, ligaments, and bones consisting of the entire tooth structure show an overall decline leading to major medical concerns like hampering our heart health and targeting the bloodstream causing premature delivery of your child.

In order to sustain your bright smile, you need to indulge yourself in dental hygiene habits such as flossing, brushing, and proper rinsing. No matter how time-consuming flossing could seem, it plays a vital role in keeping healthy teeth intact way more than that any other alternative.

TIPS AND TRICKS TO GOOD ORAL HEALTH:

1. Regular flossing following its techniques and never use toothpick for cleaning keeping in mind the sensitivity of your teeth and gums.
2. Deep cleaning and brushing your teeth twice everyday in order to get rid of unwanted germs.
3. Visiting a tooth specialist (dentist) for dental x-rays at regular intervals for a quick analysis of your dental hygiene and health.
4. Do not rinse your mouth right after brushing as it would get rid of the fluoride in your toothpaste acting as a shield in protecting your teeth. It is always beneficial to wait for a few hours before doing the same or drinking water.
5. Use a fluoride based toothpaste and an active germ killing mouthwash with added salt, neem, herbal additives or charcoal that would help eliminate bad breath and leave you with an everlasting fresh mouth.
6. Gargle once a day with lukewarm water and add salt to it. Along with that, indulge into a habit of not only brushing your teeth but also your tongue. This helps strengthen your teeth and soothe the tissues beneath the gum line.
7. Make sure you are using sealed, unexpired and certified dental products recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA).

By following the above stated methods, you can easily prevent any infection or damage to your teeth.

Some individuals would prefer flossing during the day and brushing during their bed time and vice versa, it is always about what suits your routine and helps to manoeuvre good oral health. A bright and confident smile is always alluring and achievable if you, as an individual opt for it.

Taking small steps and focusing on the key aspects of brushing, flossing and rinsing would contributing to oral hygiene and reduce the risk of facing dental problems in near future. If we maintain proper dental care habits at all appropriate times, it would do wonders for each one of us and contribute to our overall health.