Latest Update

The connection between your oral health and your mental illness 

Depression a name that always sprouts as a demon in your mind can devastate your life into pieces. Depression is a common mental health which has affected larger masses worldwide. As per the reports WHO more than 280 million people are dreadfully suffering from depression. If you see someone suffering from depression, they might easily overlook their oral health. 

Yet, maintaining oral hygiene opens the way to sustaining mental health. For that, you need to know how your oral health and your mental illness are connected to each other. 

The reconciliation  of oral health and your mental illness is the emanation of wholesome health:

Brushing and losing your teeth can be a challenging task even when the times are good. When you fall down into the pothole of depression, you would become less keen on visiting your dentist or would even ignore your oral health. 

Well, the connection between depression and your oral health doesn’t bond their hands over here. Research shows that mouth ulcers have a genetic link between depressive symptoms and your mouth. While this research might also provide some insight which has the deep link in between your mental health and your oral health. 

Though oral health and mental health is a different things but both of them are a connection to each other. Studies also show that there is a connection between depression and decreased salivary flow. This is a condition that can increase cavity-causing bacteria and eventually there develop a situation that results in gum diseases and several other dental problems. 

By now you have known that there is a bridge of connection between your oral health and your mental health. But in such a situation you have to know what you can do to drag yourself out of the puddle of depression. Eventually, your mouth will suffer from dental problems if you have been a victim of depression.

Below enlisted are a few things enumerated with which you can not only boost your oral health but also your mental health.

#1. Open up about your health to your dentist:

Keeping your health condition under the sheet won’t help you in any way. Many people eventually hesitate to share information about their mental health with their dentists. If you end up ignoring your mental health, it won’t be a fruitful solution for your oral health either. Hence it is important for your dentist to know what is actually bothering you in maintaining your oral health. If you share your mental health with your dentist then he or she might end up giving you suggestions to get off those rough patches. 

#2. Trying to stay active:

Studies have shown that if you enliven your life by adding little outdoor physical activities each day then it would show illuminating results in wiping off depression from your life. In such a situation the presence of Vitamin D in sunlight would be your companion. When you exercise your brain releases the proteins which help in improving your brain’s function. Exercising helps in counteracting the effects of depression.  

#3. Consuming more fruits and vegetables:

What you eat shows up on your skin. Parting yourself from carbs and sugars and adding more and more fruits and vegetables to your plate would help in eliminating depression. Carbs and sugars are not just bad for your teeth, they also worsen the symptoms of depression spiking up your blood sugar levels. 

Consuming more fruits, crunchy vegetables, nuts, and legumes helps in regulating your mood and improves your mental health. 

#4. Prepare a routine:

Schedule a routine that not only rejuvenates your spirit but is also helpful for your oral health too. You need to create a schedule for yourself where brushing and flossing your teeth would be mandatory. For dragging yourself from depression you need to encourage yourself by setting a daily calendar reminder to make sure that you stay on track. 

#5. Get help:

Depression is a common mental health that has grabbed anyone by the neck. If you fall victim to such a situation you need to speak to your physician about the problems that are pulling you down from accelerating yourself. Try speaking to your physician about the problems that you are going through. Opening up about your mental health in front of someone helps in relaxation. 

 #6. Anxiety: 

Many people suffer from dental phobia and due to this reason, they stop seeing their dentist on regular basis. This in turn has a severe impact on your oral health leading to various dental diseases. 

#7.Eating disorders: 

People who suffer from conditions of Bulimia often end up experiencing tooth and bone dwindling because of acidity. Decreased levels of chemicals are a common reason that affects your oral health. 

#8.Brushing habits: 

Hard and vigorous brushing habits result in exacerbating your oral health which in turn results in brushing away the enamel on the surface of your teeth. 

#9. Periodontal Disease:

Depression and periodontal disease have got a close link up. Depression has an impact on your oral health through the salivary glands. When the production of saliva gets limited this can result in dry mouth, which results in higher risks of tooth and bone dwindling. 

People who have been suffering from periodontal disease can also have depression and the inflammation caused by periodontitis can cause in resulting severe symptoms of depression.   

#10. Oral Pain:

People with recurrent pain due to the conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), also tend to suffer from depression. Several studies have also shown that there is a close connection of pain and depression. 

#11. Low Energy: 

Depression or any other mental illness demolishes your energy which in turn makes you tired and demotivated. Suffering from depression results in neglecting your oral health. You might also feel too tired for preparing meals, and that can eventually lead to poor nutrition.

#12. Neglecting your dental health:

Many people who are suffering from depression tend to neglect their oral hygiene and are more likely to suffer from oral diseases such as gum diseases, tooth decay, and many other dental issues. 

If you don’t brush and floss your teeth on regular basis then your teeth would eventually become prone to cavities. People suffering from depression are less likely careful about their dental health and this leads to an increase in several oral diseases. Neglecting your oral health can lead to a decrease in oral hygiene. 

If you neglect your oral health and stop brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis, your gums might become tender and swollen. Neglecting your oral health can cause gum disease and the infection in the gums can cause tooth loss. 

#13. Having Dry mouth:

Having a dry mouth is another sign of depression. When you have a dry mouth, the production of saliva becomes difficult and also limited. This, in turn, leads to several problems such as difficulty in eating and speaking, cracked or chapped lips, burning sensation in the mouth, awful breath, and increased risks of cavities and gum diseases. 

Dry mouth is also known as a side effect of some antidepressants. If you are intaking medicines due to depression and experience dry mouth, then this is an issue that shouldn’t be neglected and you should tell your dentist. Telling your dentist about your problem can eventually help in prescribing a different medication that won’t cause any side effects to your oral health.  

Keeping up with regular checkups would help your dentist identify any problems that might interfere with you in the near future. If you are struggling with mental health problems like depression, your teeth would show that at different levels. Suffering from depression in general has an ample amount of side effects on your oral health. 

When depression or anxiety rolls up over your oral health, then there is always a fight back to this situation. A simple step in maintaining your oral health is brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. If you end up following these basic oral habits you can be free from several oral diseases and keep your oral health on a good track. 

Adding up to this eating a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and proteins and keeping yourself at an arm’s length from sugary beverages and drinks helps in controlling oral diseases. Visiting your dentist for regular dental checkups and cleanings is an essential thing to do. If you are someone who is a smoker that quitting smoking is one of the best gifts that you can give to your health.  

Can Dentists tell if you are suffering from depression?

Dentists can look into the signs of depression, but dentists are not the ones who are mental health professionals. Well, some can tell the signs that indicate whether a person is suffering from depression. People who are suffering from depression end up neglecting their oral health such as brushing and flossing regularly.

Can depression result in messing up your teeth?

Depression can lead to several oral diseases that include dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay. In such a situation you might not feel like taking care of your teeth if you are suffering from depression. This results in worsening dental problems. 

What to do for improving your oral health when depression suppresses you from within?

The first step is to look out for professional help if you think you are suffering from depression. Once you undergo diagnosis, there are several ways with which the treatment of depression is done. The treatment includes medication, diet changes, and lifestyle changes. 

If you are being treated for depression, you and eventually develop the steps for improving your oral health. The basic step for maintaining your oral health is to adapting a habit of brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. 

Another important step is to keep up with regular dental appointments which include checkups and cleanings. Adapting a healthy diet and avoiding sugary drinks and beverages also helps in maintaining improved oral health. 

If you take care of your oral health then it eventually becomes easy for your dentist to identify your dental problem and then they can offer you the proper guidance for taking care of your teeth and gums. 

It is a matter of fact that if you struggle with depression, your teeth would eventually show the signs. Following proper dental hygiene, it can help in protecting your teeth and gums and make them strong for a longer period of time. 

How would you manage your mental health if you are suffering from depression?

If you are suffering from depression, then managing your mind becomes quite a task. For that, you need to take active steps in improving your mental health and well-being. 

Regular exercising is not only good for your body but also for your mental health. With regular exercise you can boost your self-esteem and this can change the chemicals in your brain which helps in improving your mood. 

Developing connections with other people helps in uplifting your mood. Developing good relations help you with support and also increases your self- worth.   

Oral Health Preventive Care

If you have poor oral health this can eventually make your mental health worsen. You can also feel embarrassed about your teeth. Due to this situation, you might also find it hard to eat or even drink when you are in front of other people. Because of this reason, you tend to avoid people and this can also affect your mental health. 

Some steps for maintaining your teeth and gum health:

1. Brushing your teeth twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride. 
2. Flossing your teeth twice a day.
3. Reducing the consumption of alcohol. 
4. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis.
5. Eating a healthy and balanced diet. 
6. Chop off those sugary foods and drinks.  

Importance of a whitened smile in your life 

In today’s world, everyone wants to be perfect, to maintain their perfect personality is a token that helps anyone to climb the ladder of success deliberately. Keeping your teeth white is quite an essential part if you want to shine among the crowd. Your personality speaks a lot and to maintain a perfect personality having a pearly white and sparkling smile is like having a golden egg in your basket. 

A sparkling and crystal clear smile is something that everyone pouches upon, and due to this reason, there are several professional teeth whitening techniques available in the field of dentistry.  

Professional teeth whitening is something, which can lighten and brighten your smile by several shades with just one wash. Teeth whitening is something that is a painless and affordable method. Did this question ever appear in your mind why everyone wants a whiter smile and why do people spend so much on whitening their teeth? Let’s just get the fact right that having a whiter shade of teeth appears healthier and cleaner. Not just that it also improves your health and boosts your self-esteem and creates a brighter appearance. 

As per studies, it is also estimated that having a shinier and brighter smile is a sign of good genetics and this in turn also creates a potential remark. Teeth whitening helps in improving your oral health and whiter teeth reflect a sparkling smile. Having a whiter shade of teeth eventually boosts your confidence and gives you a healthier appearance. 

Studies also prove that having whiter teeth increases a person’s chance of getting more job opportunities. It is also seen that people look after their smiles more often before going out on romantic dates. It is also seen that having whitened shade of teeth creates a successful impression during the first meeting. 

Though it might seem like having a whiter shade of teeth is immensely popular in today’s century but this is not the case. During the ancient Egyptian period, people use to see the whitener shade of teeth as a sign of beauty and wealth. To maintain shinier and sparkling teeth they used a paste made out of grounded pumice and white vinegar. 

In today’s modern world teeth whitening process includes bleaching with peroxide and trays but the truth is this was an accidental invention. It was known by dentists that peroxide was a good antiseptic and this was used in treating gum diseases. As they kept peroxide on the gums for a longer period of time it was seen that peroxide also helped in whitening the teeth. Well, today there are many teeth whitening products and they come in many forms such as pastes, strips, rinses, trays, and laser lights which are improved and fastened-up process which gives instant results. 

Your dentist helps in determining the perfect white shade for you, based on the coloring of your teeth. Doing excessive teeth bleaching increases tooth sensitivity and due to this result, you need to talk to your dentist first before switching your thoughts to teeth whitening. 

Teeth whitening is something that varies from person to person. It is a myth that teeth is white in color, and these pearly crown are not naturally white. For many people teeth continues to get slowly yellow over time and adopting bad habits worsens the situation. Having habits like smoking, drinking coffee, wine, and cola, and using tobacco products results in teeth darkening. If you see that having yellowish and darker shades of teeth drags your confidence level down then switching to teeth whitening is not a bad option in this case.  

Keep reading the article till the end and you will find why teeth whitening is important and what are the several benefits related with it. Let us know why some teeth are whitened.

Teeth health varies from person to person, and healthy whitened teeth vary from shade to shade. Well, each shade of smile is unique in its own different way, and we are all unique with our different shades to smile. The white part of the teeth is actually the outer portion of the enamel. Strengthened enamel is the building block as it protects the inner layers of your teeth. Taking care of your enamel is a good way to maintain the whitening of your teeth. 

It is seen that some people naturally have whitened shades of teeth compared to others. This might be due to the result of oral hygiene or it might be due to good genetics. The fact is when you are young there is no such issue of yellowing teeth, as you age gradually you would end up seeing the yellowing of your teeth.  

Now that you know what teeth whitening is you should also know the benefits associated with it. The results of teeth whitening vary from person to person. The benefits of whitening depend upon the type of technique that you use. In general, the benefits of teeth whitening includes:

Uplifts self-confidence: 

A whitened shade of teeth helps in uplifting your confidence, the moment you stand among the group of people having a sparkling smile it eventually pushes your confidence bar to the highest portion. 

Makes you look younger: 

Well, it is always seen that people who have whitened smiles also give a positive impact. Having a whitened smile eventually makes you look younger. Instead of having a darkened yellowish smile as you age you should visit your dentist and go through several options for teeth whitening, and whitened teeth give you a healthier and younger-looking smile.    

Makes your teeth look cleaner and healthier:

 Following good oral habits results into healthier and cleaner-looking teeth. Teeth whitening helps in making your teeth look clean and healthy. 

Improves your self-image: 

When you do teeth whitening, it helps in excelling your work. When you whiten your teeth there is no such feeling of insecurity left in you while you smile, laugh or eat. Thus when you whiten your teeth you enjoy more social life, with uplifted confidence.  

Creates a magnificent first impression:

It is often said that, “first impression is the last impression”, and when you smile gracefully with whitened teeth it automatically creates a majestic charm around. When you have whitened teeth you smile out gracefully and this creates a delightful first impression.  

Gifts you a sparkling smile: 

It is true that everyone wants to feel confident and the key to confidence is a whitened bright smile. When you get teeth whitening done you gift yourself a sparkling smile.   

Improves oral health:

When you switch to teeth whitening it gives you improved oral health. When you have good oral health it eventually enhances your mood and that has a positive impact on your work too. Whitening teeth gives you a healthier and healthier-looking smile. When you do teeth whitening you feel motivated and you end up taking good care of your oral health which includes brushing and flossing on a regular basis.    

As it is mentioned above that having a whitened shade of teeth can have several advantages in your life, military is not unknown to anyone that what leads to darkening of teeth. Some of the common reasons why your teeth darken is due to bad habits like smoking or chewing tobacco, drinking red wine, coffee, cola or even consuming excessive dark-colored berries leads to darkening of teeth. 

 By now you have known the advantages and the importance of having whitened teeth, but when you get your teeth whitened you should take extra care of your teeth by developing good oral habits in order to maintain that perfect pearly smile. When you have whitened and sparkling smile you eventually feel like taking care of oyur oral health so that you don’t end up losing that charming crystal-clear smile. 

Below I have enumerated 10 steps that will help you in maintaining your perfect smile after you get your teeth whitened:

Brush Regularly:

Brushing is the root cause of maintaining healthier teeth, and developing a habit of brushing is the first thing which everyone should include in their routine. Brushing your teeth after having heavy meals is an essential requirement of maintaining healthier teeth. Applying fluoride products helps in forbidding the build-up of cavities. Brushing your teeth with a toothbrush that has soft bristles helps in avoiding the dwindling of your enamel. 

Flossing Regularly:

When you eat anything tiny pieces of food might get stuck in between the gaps of your teeth. Stucked-up food particles results in tooth cavities and decaying. To prevent any such situation you need to floss regularly so that any food particles stuck get removed. 

Eating a Balanced and Healthy Diet:

To maintain good health having a balanced diet is the key to it. You need to include certain foods in your diet like cucumbers, apples, celery, pears and cauliflower. They help in keeping the surface of your teeth clean by fighting with the harmful bacteria present in your mouth. After consuming any food you should drink water so that a temporary cleaning of the teeth is done. 

Avoid Consuming Soda and Cola:

Drinks like soda and cola contain citric acid and phosphoric acid. When you consume these drinks your tooth reacts to the acids present in them which result in dwindling your teeth. You can consume these soft drinks but getting addicted to them is not a good sign for better health. 

Instead of consuming these soft drinks which are actually hard for your teeth you should try consuming milk and milk is rich in calcium which helps in making your teeth stronger. 

Avoid chewing tobacco and smoking:

Chewing tobacco and smoking is a major causes of oral problems, as they do oral tissue damage. Smoking causes staining in your teeth which weakens your teeth and tobacco is the root cause of oral cancer. Hence try avoiding these products as they result in damaging your oral health. 

Avoid alcohol:

It is not unknown that consuming alcohol can result in several health problems including oral health. Consuming too much alcohol results in affecting your oral cavity and it causes irritation in your gums, tongue, and oral tissues too. Consuming alcohol increases the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. Heavy consumption of alcohol leads to developing oral cancer. 

Avoiding Sticky Food:

In order to maintain your perfect smile even after teeth whitening then consuming sticky food like toffees, candies and chocolate is a strict no. These foods tend to stick to your teeth and that results in allowing the bacteria to develop in your mouth resulting in tooth decay. Hence if you want that sparkling smile you should keep yourself at a bay from consuming sticky foods. 

Using a straw while drinking helps in keeping the stains away:

If you want to maintain that pearly white smile then you should drink the beverages using a straw as they help in keeping the liquids away from the teeth and this, in turn, results in your teeth being less likely to get stained. 

Chewable gums:

There are two types of gums one of which is specifically made for chewing after meals and they help in cleaning the teeth. While other gums are sweet ones that have increased sugar amount and they attract microorganisms to the teeth which causes tooth decay. Due to this reason avoiding these kinds of sweet gums is a better option.

Talking to your dentist:

Before you decide on any type of whitening process it is essential to talk to your dentist. Your dental specialist would know it better that which kind of procedure would be helpful for you. Other than that you should go for an oral checkup at least twice a year to know that your oral health is on track and is free of any kind of problem. 

Conclusion:

In today’s world having white teeth is an important factor as it helps in boosting self confidence and self-esteem. There are many affordable techniques available which helps you in achieving whiter shade of teeth. 

Sparkling teeth are the ultimate goal for an enlivening smile. These white pearly crowns boost up your confidence and brighten up your life. Well, just like how floods destroy the ripen cereals field, similarly, some medical emergencies that suddenly sprout up in your life eventually devastate you.

During any such situation, it requires immediate medical attention, and so it is for dental issues. In some cases of unexpected oral or dental problems it usually doesn’t require dental care. Even these problems could be ignored too, but they should be resolved immediately.

For certain emergency cases, nowadays emergency dentists work around for treating emergency dental issues. The patients who require this kind of treatment usually do not make any appointment beforehand. In the case of an emergency, anyone can just contact the dentist for getting their dental issues resolved as soon as possible.  

Some of the most common dental diseases are tooth decay and gum disease. You can easily prevent these oral diseases by adopting appropriate oral hygiene. If an emergency dental issue strikes you should know what to do for preventing the long- term damage in the future.

Now that you have grabbed the knowledge of what is a dental emergency, then let us look into the most common dental emergencies. How would you deal with them? When you give an immediate response and the right aid treatment you can easily prevent long-term damage eventually resulting in an abiding fantastic oral health. 

What are the most common dental emergencies?

#1. Toothache:

Experience pain is not a good sign as this could eventually give an indication to several other oral issues such as tooth decay. While some toothpaste is able to manage the pain even if there is no such emergency aid provided. Signs like swelling ultimately require immediate attention.

If you end up experiencing pain you should forbid relying on common remedies like taking aspirin or other painkillers. If you end up taking all these painkillers then they directly affect the gums and this can also burn the tissue.

In such a situation you should apply a cold compress on the outer portion of your cheek and try contacting a dental clinic for emergency treatment. Well, once the treatment is done your dentist won’t be stressing you enough for the importance of basic oral hygiene for preventing cavities, tooth decay, and several other dental problems.

#2. Chipped or broken teeth:

Having a chipped or broken tooth not only is a tough position as it not only ruins your perfect smile but also hurts a lot. Well, if you come across such a situation try rinsing your mouth with warm water, and applying a piece of gauze in the site of the bleeding. Then applying a cold compress to the part of your face closest to the broken or chipped tooth helps in minimizing the swelling and relieves pain.

While you seek for emergency dental care, the dentist will advise you to be conscious of biting down on hard and crunchy foods. Not just that, playing sports and other activities can also lead to cause tooth breaks.

#3. Knocked- out tooth:

Similarly, just like a chipped or broken tooth, you need to pick the tooth up by the crown and then rinse the root if it is dirty. You should forbid vigorous scrubbing and removing the attached tissue fragments. It depends upon the injury and weather it is required to put the tooth back in place. In that case, you need to be careful and do not push it into the socket.

You should do this immediately and ideally within an hour and that results into a chance of saving a knocked-out tooth and get restored it in place. If you do not end up reinserting the tooth, then put it in the small cup which has milk or water and add a small pinch to it. 

#4. Lost Filling or Crown:

Crowns and fillings help in restoring previously damaged teeth back for achieving an optimal appearance and function. Even if this break, you would need to get them treated in the right way for avoiding further damage or reinfection. You can temporarily fix it while waiting for emergency dental care. Sticking a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity can fix of your tooth and avoids it from damaging it.  

#5. Broken orthodontics:

Braces are an immensely popular thing. These are the metal wires and brackets that are designed for withstanding daily wear and tear for chewing, eating, and even talking. If they end up breaking they can stick out or can even get poked into your gums and cheeks. If this happens it not only causes discomfort but also reverses the progress of alignment of the teeth.

When this happens you can also try pushing the broken wire into your favorable comfortable position. If this is not possible then try covering the exposed end with an orthodontic wax and a small cotton ball or a piece of gauze. No matter how miserable the situation gets, don’t tend to cut the wire for avoiding swallowing.   

#6. Abscess:

Infections in the mouth especially near the root of the tooth or if it is in between the teeth and gums are an extremely serious issue. When it is left untreated it can spread to the surrounding of the teeth and gum tissue and even the rest of the body.

If you have painful gums, and pimple-like swollen spots then to avoid from getting into a worse situation try rinsing your mouth with a mild water solution and applying ice to the swollen area for getting temporary relief.       

#7. Bleeding and pain after tooth extraction:

It is a normal issue to experience some post-pain and bleeding, but if it persists even after an hour then you should immediately call your dentist without having a second thought. In the meantime, try to place a thick gauze pad over the extraction site, and apply pressure by biting down on the gauze. In such a situation avoid rinsing, drinking and eating.   

#8. Soft Tissue Injury:

Soft tissues include lips, gums, tongue, and inside of cheeks. If one of these structures gets injured you need to contact your emergency dentists for instructions. While some cases require an emergency dentist for instructions wherever you go. Soft tissue injures which are lacerations, punctures should be rinsed with warm water before you apply any pressure for ceasing the bleeding.

Know the basics of preventing a Dental emergency.

#1. Using a mouth guard:

If you are an ardent lover of any sport or any game but without risking your perfect smile. Then try wearing a mouth guard before you head to field for protecting yourself from dental emergencies.  

#2. Keep an eye on what you eat and how you eat:

Human teeth are naturally strong, but it is a surprising fact how easily it gets cracked when any hard object comes across it. Your teeth might be prone to breaking because of the foods like hard candies and tough meat. Hence to avoid tooth breaking you should think before having a bite!

Well, the excessive presence of sugar in the candies also makes your teeth cavity prone and also risks into chipping your tooth.  Even if you have an excessive love for candies think twice before craving them.

#3. Don’t chew on anything else:

Many people have oral fixations and have miserable habits of biting nails or chewing pen caps. The fact is do you know that these bad habits can result in cracking or chipping of your teeth? In that case, you need to keep yourself at a bay and avoid from these bad habits to keep yourself safe orally.

What are the most common treatments in emergency dentistry?

Emergency dental issues can come across at anytime. But the fact is in the case of an emergency you must try consulting with an emergency dentist and know whether your oral issue is a dental emergency. Now let us go through the common treatments which are used in emergency dentistry:

Accidental Trauma or Bleeding:

This situation can happen due to many reasons like sports, fighting or even if you have fallen down. Well, in such a case both your teeth and gums can face severe damage.

Cracked or Broken Teeth:

A cracked or broken tooth can happen due to many reasons. If this kind of dental emergency can arise any time and requires immediate dental care. 

Complications after an Oral Surgery:

 At times many people get an infection or can suffer from several other complications after a root canal treatment or a tooth extraction. Such a case is considered as a most critical issue and this by no chance can be left untreated.

Loss of Dental Fillings:

Though this dental problem might not seem like an emergency. But if you do not replace your dental fillings immediately then this can also lead to infection and even tooth loss.

Now, let us get into the four unknown facts of emergency dentistry:

Some of the unknown facts about emergency dentistry is:

1. The dentists who work in this field also look and handle non-emergency dental issues. Patients can also make an appointment beforehand for a routine dental check-up and get the treatment done for cavities or any other dental issues.
2. Emergency dentists are the ones who do not work on a set schedule or shifts. They need to be available 24 hours and provide various kinds of dental care.
3.  The field of emergency dentistry is more educated and more experienced in treating wide range of emergency dental injuries and oral problems. There are various types of dental professionals which includes family dentists, oral surgeons and periodontitis. Some family dentists also have the experience of training. Such as repairing a broken crown or even restoring a loose filling. If the situation is more urgent and complex then a general dentist would refer that patient to an oral surgeon. The ones who can perform procedures such as surgical tooth extraction or even gum surgery.
4. The dentists in this field are more educated and experienced than the other dentists in the field of dentistry. Many emergency dentists do ensure comfort as the priority for the patient. Dental emergencies are painful and can also have a negative impact on other areas of the patient’s life. Emergency dental care focuses on toothache relief, swollen jaw relief, sore gums relief and many other types of oral pain relief. Emergency dentists ensure that the patient is comfortable in the dentist’s chair and even after leaving the dental clinic.
5. These dentists are trained for providing quick solutions for any emergency dental situations. Emergency dentists do not limit their services to oral surgery or tooth extraction. Many dentists also perform a wide variety of procedures, and it doesn’t limit up to root canals, tooth repair, dental repair, and cracked teeth. 
6. Because of the nature of emergencies, emergency dentists are always prepared for handling any case. These dentists usually have an emergency hotline, and phone number and are always ready for handling any kind of case.

Conclusion:

Coming to the conclusion, if you experience any such dental emergency you should immediately contact an emergency dentist to look out for help. These emergency dentists have got more training than any regular dentist. These dentists also have additional credentials which allow them to effectively and quickly do the treatment in the emergency situation.

Emergency dentists are the ones who are trained for handling a number of complex dental issues quickly and appropriately. Due to this reason, every person should have connections with the oral health professionals as because if any such emergency situation persists you can easily connect them to get the treatment done.

Depression a name that always sprouts as a demon in your mind can devastate your life into pieces. Depression is a common mental health which has affected larger masses worldwide. As per the reports of WHO more than 280 million people are dreadfully suffering from depression. If you see someone suffering from depression, they might easily overlook their oral health. 

Yet, maintaining oral hygiene opens the way to sustaining mental health. For that, you need to know how your oral health and your mental illness are connected to each other. 

The reconciliation  of oral health and your mental illness is the Emanation of wholesome health:

Brushing and floosing your teeth can be a challenging task even when the times are good. When you fall down into the pothole of depression, you would become less keen on visiting your dentist or would even ignore your oral health. 

Well, the connection between depression and your oral health doesn’t bond their hands over here. Research shows that mouth ulcers have a genetic link-up between depressive symptoms and your mouth. While this research might also provide some insight which has the deep link between your mental health and your oral health. 

Though oral health and mental health is a different things both of them are a connection to each other. Studies also show that there is a connection between depression and decreased salivary flow. This is a condition that can increase cavity-causing bacteria and eventually there develop a situation that results in gum diseases and several other dental problems. 

By now you have known that there is a bridge of connection between your oral health and your mental health. But in such a situation you have to know what you can do to drag yourself out of the puddle of depression. Eventually, your mouth will suffer from dental problems if you have been a victim of depression.

Below enlisted are a few things enumerated with which you can not only boost your oral health but also your mental health.

#1. Open up about your health to your dentist:

Keeping your health condition under the sheet won’t help you in any way. Many people eventually hesitate to share information about their mental health with their dentists. If you end up ignoring your mental health, it won’t be a fruitful solution for your oral health either. Hence it is important for your dentist to know what is actually bothering you in maintaining your oral health. If you share your mental health with your dentist then he or she might end up giving you suggestions to get off those rough patches. 

#2. Trying to stay active:

Studies have shown that if you enliven your life by adding little outdoor physical activities each day then it would show illuminating results in wiping off depression from your life. In such a situation the presence of Vitamin D in sunlight would be your companian. When you exercise your brain releases the proteins which help in improving your brain’s function. Exercising helps in counteracting the effects of depression.  

#3. Consuming more fruits and vegetables:

What you eat shows up on your skin. Parting yourself from carbs and sugars and adding more and more fruits and vegetables to your plate would help in eliminating depression. Carbs and sugars are not just bad for your teeth, they also worsen the symptoms of depression spiking up your blood sugar levels. 

Consuming more fruits, crunchy vegetables, nuts, and legumes help in regulating your mood and improves your mental health. 

#4. Prepare a routine:

Schedule a routine that not only rejuvenates your spirit but is also helpful for your oral health too. You need to create a schedule for yourself where brushing and flossing your teeth would be mandatory. For dragging yourself from depression you need to encourage yourself by setting a daily calendar reminder to make sure that you stay on track. 

#5. Get help:

Depression is a common mental health that has grabbed anyone by the neck. If you fall victim to such a situation you need to speak to your physician about the problems that is pulling you down from accelerating yourself. Try speaking to your physician about the problems that you are going through. Opening up about your mental health in front of someone helps in relaxation. 

 #6. Anxiety: 

Many people suffer from dental phobia and due to this reason, they stop seeing their dentist on regular basis. This in turn has a severe impact on your oral health leading to various dental diseases. 

#7.Eating disorders: 

People who suffer from conditions of Bulimia often end up experiencing tooth and bone dwindling because of acidity. Decreased levels of chemicals are a common reason that affects your oral health. 

#8.Brushing habits: 

Hard and vigorous brushing habits result in exacerbating your oral health which in turn results in brushing away the enamel on the surface of your teeth. 

#9. Periodontal Disease:

Depression and periodontal disease have got a close link up. Depression has an impact on your oral health through the salivary glands. When the production of saliva gets limited this can result in dry mouth, which results in higher risks of tooth and bone dwindling. 

People who have been suffering from periodontal disease can also have depression and the inflammation caused by periodontitis can cause in resulting severe symptoms of depression.   

#10. Oral Pain:

People with recurrent pain due to the conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), also tend to suffer from depression. Several studies have also shown that there is a clear connection between pain and depression. 

#11. Low Energy: 

Depression or any other mental illness demolishes your energy which in turn makes you tired and demotivated. Suffering from depression results in neglecting your oral health. You might also feel too tired for preparing meals, and that can eventually lead to poor nutrition.

#12. Neglecting your dental health:

Many people who are suffering from depression tend to neglect their oral hygiene and are more likely to suffer from oral diseases such as gum diseases, tooth decay and many other dental issues. 

If you don’t brush and floss your teeth on regular basis then your teeth would eventually become prone to cavities. People suffering from depression are less likely careful about their dental health and this leads to an increase in several oral diseases. Neglecting your oral health can lead to a decrease in oral hygiene. 

If you neglect your oral health and stop brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis, your gums might become tender and swollen. Neglecting your oral health can cause gum disease and the infection in the gums can cause tooth loss. 

#13. Having Dry mouth:

Having a dry mouth is another sign of depression. When you have a dry mouth, the production of saliva becomes difficult and it also limited. This, in turn, leads to several problems such as difficulty in eating and speaking, cracked or chapped lips, burning sensation in mouth, awful breath and increased risks of cavities and gum diseases. 

Dry mouth is also known as a side effect of some antidepressants. If you are intaking and medicines due to depression and experience dry mouth, then this is an issue that shouldn’t be neglected and you should tell your dentist. Telling your dentist about your problem can eventually help in prescribing a different medication that won’t cause any side effects to your oral health.  

Keeping up with regular checkups would help your dentist identify any problems that might interfere with you in the near future. If you are struggling with mental health problems like depression, your teeth would show that at different levels. Suffering from depression in general has an ample amount of side effects on your oral health. 

When depression or anxiety rolls up over your oral health, then there is always a fight back to this situation. A simple step in maintaining your oral health is brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. If you end up following these basic oral habits you can be free from several oral diseases and keep your oral health on a good track. 

Adding up to this eating a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and proteins and keeping yourself at an arm’s length from sugary beverages and drinks helps in controlling oral diseases. Visiting your dentist for regular dental checkups and cleanings is an essential thing to do. If you are someone who is a smoker that quitting smoking is one of the best gift that you can give it to your health.  

Can Dentists tell if you are suffering from depression?

Dentists can look into the signs of depression, but dentists are not the ones who are mental health professionals. Well, some can tell the signs that indicate whether a person is suffering from depression. People who are suffering from depression end up neglecting their oral health such as brushing and flossing regularly.

Can depression result in messing up your teeth?

Depression can lead to several oral diseases that include dry mouth, gum diseases, and tooth decay. In such a situation you might not feel like taking care of your teeth if you are suffering from depression. This results in worsening dental problems. 

What to do for improving your oral health when depression suppresses you from within?

The first step is to look out for professional help if you think you are suffering from depression. Once you undergo diagnosis, there are several ways with which the treatment of depression is done. The treatment includes medication, diet changes, and lifestyle changes. 

If you are being treated for depression, you and eventually develop the steps for improving your oral health. The basic step for maintaining your oral health is by adopting a habit of brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. 

Another important step is to keep up with regular dental appointments which include checkups and cleanings. Adapting a healthy diet and avoiding sugary drinks and beverages also helps in maintaining improved oral health. 

If you take care of your oral health then it eventually becomes easy for your dentist to identify your dental problem and then they can offer you the proper guidance of taking care of your teeth and gums. 

It is a matter of fact that if you struggle with depression, your teeth would eventually show the signs. By following proper dental hygiene it can help in protecting your teeth and gums and make them strong for a longer period of time. 

Sparkling teeth is the ultimate goal for an enlivening smile. These white pearly crowns boost up your confidence and brighten up your life. Well, just like how floods destroy the ripen cereals field, similarly some medical emergencies that suddenly sprout up in your life eventually devastate you.

During any such situation, it requires immediate medical attention, and so it is for dental issues. In some cases of unexpected oral or dental problems it usually doesn’t require dental care. Even these problems could be ignored too, but they should be resolved immediately.

For certain emergency cases, nowadays emergency dentists work around for treating emergency dental issues. The patients who require this kind of treatment usually do not make any appointment beforehand. In the case of an emergency, anyone can just contact the dentist for getting their dental issues resolved as soon as possible.  

Some of the most common dental diseases are tooth decay and gum disease. You can easily prevent these oral diseases by adopting appropriate oral hygiene. If an emergency dental issue strikes you should know what to do for preventing the long- term damage in the future.

Now that you have grabbed the knowledge of what is a dental emergency, then let us look into the most common dental emergencies. How would you deal with them? When you give an immediate response and the right aid treatment you can easily prevent long-term damage eventually resulting in an abiding fantastic oral health. 

What are the most common dental emergencies?

#1. Toothache:

Experience pain is not a good sign as this could eventually give an indication of several other oral issues such as tooth decay. While some toothpaste are able to manage the pain even if there is no such emergency aid provided. Signs like swelling ultimately require immediate attention.

If you end up experiencing pain you should forbid relying on common remedies like taking aspirin or other painkillers. If you end up taking all these painkillers then they directly affect on the gums and this can also burn the tissue.

In such a situation you should apply a cold compress on the outer portion of your cheek and try contacting a dental clinic for emergency treatment. Well, once the treatment is done your dentist won’t be stressing you enough about the importance of basic oral hygiene for preventing cavities, tooth decay, and several other dental problems.

#2. Chipped or broken teeth:

Having a chipped or broken tooth not only is a tough position as it not only ruins your perfect smile but also hurts a lot. Well, if you come across such a situation try rinsing your mouth with warm water, and applying a piece of gauze in the site of the bleeding. Then applying a cold compress to the part of your face closest to the broken or chipped tooth helps in minimizing the swelling and relieves pain.

While you seek for emergency dental care, the dentist will advise you to be conscious of biting down on hard and crunchy foods. Not just that, playing sports and other activities can also lead to cause tooth breaks.

#3. Knocked-out tooth:

Similarly, just like a chipped or broken tooth, you need to pick the tooth up by the crown and then rinse the root if it is dirty. You should forbid vigorous scrubbing and removing the attached tissue fragments. It depends upon the injury and weather it is required to put the tooth back in place. In that case, you need to be careful and do not push it into the socket.

You should do this immediately and ideally within an hour and that results in chances of saving a knocked-out tooth and get restored it in the place. If you do not end up reinserting the tooth, then put it in the small cup which has milk or water and add a small pinch to it. 

#4. Lost Filling or Crown:

Crowns and fillings help in restoring previously damaged teeth back for achieving an optimal appearance and function. Even if this break, you would need to get them treated in the right way for avoiding further damage or reinfection. You can temporarily fix it while waiting for emergency dental care. Sticking a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity can fix of your tooth and avoids it from damaging it.  

#5. Broken orthodontics:

Braces are an immensely popular thing. These are the metal wires and brackets that are designed for withstanding daily wear and tear for chewing, eating, and even talking. If they end up breaking they can stick out or can even get poked into your gums and cheeks. If this happens it not only causes discomfort but also reverses the progress of the alignment of the teeth.

When this happens you can also try pushing the broken wire into your favorable comfortable position. If this is not possible then try covering the exposed end with an orthodontic wax and a small cotton ball or a piece of gauze. No matter how miserable the situation gets, don’t tend to cut the wire for avoiding swallowing.   

#6. Abscess:

Infections in the mouth especially near the root of the tooth or if it is in between the teeth and gums are an extremely serious issue. When it is left untreated it can spread to the surrounding of the teeth and gum tissue and even the rest of the body.

If you have painful gums, and pimple-like swollen spots then to avoid it getting into a worse situation try rinsing your mouth with a mild water solution and applying ice to the swollen area for getting temporary relief.       

#7. Bleeding and pain after tooth extraction:

It is a normal issue to experience some post-pain and bleeding, but if it persists even after an hour then you should immediately call your dentist without having a second thought. In the meantime, try to place a thick gauze pad over the extraction site, and apply pressure by biting down on the gauze. In such a situation avoid rinsing, drinking and eating.   

#8. Soft Tissue Injury:

Soft tissues include lips, gums, tongue and inside of cheeks. If one of these structures gets injured you need to contact your emergency dentists for instructions. While some cases require an emergency dentist for instructions wherever you go. Soft tissue injures which are lacerations, punctures should be rinsed with warm water before you apply any pressure for ceasing the bleeding.

What are the Basics of preventing a Dental emergency?

#1. Using a mouth guard:

If you are an ardent lover of any sport or any game but without risking your perfect smile. Then try wearing a mouth guard before you head to the field for protecting yourself from dental emergencies.  

#2. Keep an eye on what you eat and how you eat:

Human teeth are naturally strong, but it is a surprising fact how easily it gets cracked when any hard object comes across it. Your teeth might be prone to breaking because of the foods like hard candies and tough meat. Hence to avoid tooth breaking you should think before having a bite!

Well, the excessive presence of sugar in the candies also makes your teeth cavity-prone and also risks of chipping your tooth.  Even if you have an excessive love for candies think twice before craving them.

#3. Don’t chew on anything else:

Many people have oral fixations and have miserable habits of biting nails or chewing pen caps. The fact is do you know that these bad habits can result in cracking or chipping of your teeth? In that case, you need to keep yourself at a bay and avoid from these bad habits to keep yourself safe orally.

What are the most common treatments in emergency dentistry?

Emergency dental issues can come across at any time. But the fact is in the case of an emergency you must try consulting with an emergency dentist and know whether your oral issue is a dental emergency. Now let us go through the common treatments which are used in emergency dentistry:

Accidental Trauma or Bleeding:

This situation can happen due to many reasons like sports, fighting, or even if you have fallen down. Well, in such a case both your teeth and gums can face severe damage.

Cracked or Broken Teeth:

A cracked or broken tooth can happen due to many reasons. If this kind of dental emergency can arise at any time and requires immediate dental care. 

Complications after an Oral Surgery:

 At times many people get an infection or can suffer from several other complications after a root canal treatment or a tooth extraction. Such a case is considered as a most critical issue and this by no chance can be left untreated.

Loss of Dental Fillings:

Though this dental problem might not seem like an emergency. But if you do not replace your dental fillings immediately then this can also lead to infection and even tooth loss.

Now, let us get into the four unknown facts of emergency dentistry:

Some of the unknown facts about emergency dentistry are:

#1

The dentists who work in this field also look for and handle non-emergency dental issues. Patients can also make an appointment beforehand for a routine dental check-up and get the treatment done for cavities or any other dental issues.

#2

Emergency dentists are the ones who do not work on a set schedule or shifts. They need to be available 24 hours and provide various kinds of dental care.

#3

The field of emergency dentistry is more educated and more experienced in treating a wide range of emergency dental injuries and oral problems. There are various types of dental professionals which includes family dentists, oral surgeons, and periodontitis. Some family dentists also have the experience of training. Such as repairing a broken crown or even restoring a loose filling. If the situation is more urgent and complex then a general dentist would refer that patient to an oral surgeon. The ones who can perform procedures such as surgical tooth extraction or even gum surgery.

#4

The dentists in this field are more educated and experienced than the other dentists in the field of dentistry. Many emergency dentists do ensure comfort is the priority for the patient. Dental emergencies are painful and can also have a negative impact on other areas of the patient’s life. Emergency dental care focuses on toothache relief, swollen jaw relief, sore gums relief, and many other types of oral pain relief. Emergency dentists ensure that the patient is comfortable in the dentist’s chair even after leaving the dental clinic.

#5

These dentists are trained for providing quick solutions for any emergency dental situations. Emergency dentists do not limit their services to oral surgery or tooth extraction. Many dentists also perform a wide variety of procedures, and it doesn’t limit to root canals, tooth repair, dental repair, and cracked teeth. 

#6

Because of the nature of emergencies, emergency dentists are always prepared for handling any case. These dentists usually have an emergency hotline, and phone number and are always ready for handling any kind of case.

Conclusion:

Coming to the conclusion, if you experience any such dental emergency you should immediately contact an emergency dentist to look out for help. These emergency dentists have got more training than any regular dentist. These dentists also have additional credentials which allow them to effectively and quickly do the treatment in the emergency situation.

Emergency dentists are the ones who are trained for handling a number of complex dental issues quickly and appropriately. Due to this reason, every person should have connections with oral health professionals as because if any such emergency situation persists you can easily connect with them to get the treatment done.

As rightfully commented by John Heywood, “Look before you leap”, and the same goes in the case of teeth whitening. Though you might see numerous advertisements on television and in magazines that promote teeth whitening and sell teeth whitening products. Keeping that aside you should know whether you should choose teeth whitening or not.

First, you need to know what teeth whitening is. Teeth whitening is also known as teeth bleaching is the process of lightening the color of human teeth.

There are various reasons why your teeth get discolored or stained. Discoloration of teeth is very common, due to the stains of beverages, or consuming hard liquor. If you end up noticing discoloration in that situation you would choose to visit a dentist for whitening treatments. Or you can even try different teeth whitening products at home to get that sparkling smile.   

Keeping all this in mind a quick reminder, “every coin has opposite sides.” Though you might be fascinated with the advantages of teeth whitening, there are several side effects of teeth whitening too.

Now that you know what teeth whitening is and how teeth whitening products work, you should know what teeth discoloration is and what are the two types of teeth discoloration.

 What is teeth discoloration?

When the natural color of teeth gets discolored it results in discoloration of teeth. There are various reasons why your teeth get discolored. There are two different types of teeth discoloring.     

 Extrinsic discoloration:

This type of teeth discoloration occurs due to your unstable lifestyle, and consumption of beverages and hard liquor which results in staining your teeth. Consumption of beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco and smoking cigarettes can lead to this type of staining. Consuming these products can lead to staining affecting the other portion of your teeth.

If you face extrinsic discoloration, then it can be easily treated with the products like whitening toothpaste as they target your teeth’s outer stains.

Intrinsic discoloration:

This type of teeth discoloration occurs from the core of your teeth. The result of intrinsic discoloration is due to the medication cause, childhood illness, infection, tooth trauma, or aging. If you face this type of tooth discoloration in that case you would need professional bleaching to achieve that same level or better teeth whiteness.

After this now you should decide how you would whiten your teeth based on the type of staining that you have come across.

How to avoid stains on your teeth?

Nobody wants to get noticed because of yellowing teeth. Your smile speaks a lot and utterly increases your level of confidence. To maintain your sparkling smile, you need to follow certain steps so that you won’t have to go through the teeth whitening process.

Some steps to follow to maintain a blissful smile and forbid yourself from teeth whitening.

1. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly.
2. Quit smoking.
3. Visit your dentist for dental cleanings and removal of plaque and stains.
4. Limit yourself from consuming coffee, tea, and hard liquor. 

Is it worth doing teeth whitening?

If you want your teeth to emit the rays of the sun and shine brightly, then teeth whitening is a safer option for you. Before that, an important step is you need to talk to your dentist and know all the options before you decide to do teeth whitening. 

Based on the research it is said that hydrogen peroxide products might result in damaging the proteins in your teeth’s dentin layer. Dentin is a hard tissue that lies inside of your teeth’s surface enamel and that results in the dwindling of your teeth. Studies have also shown that using whitening products might also result in roughing or softening your teeth’s surface.       

It is important to consider what type of product you are using and how it would work for you. You need to keep in mind that forbidding hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide on your teeth and gums helps in avoiding sensitivity and irritation.

Side effects of teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is considered as a safe option if you want to achieve that pearly white smile. With something good comes its side effects. You might also experience some side effects from teeth whitening like teeth sensitivity and irritated gums.

Teeth sensitivity:

This is a common reason one could experience after teeth whitening. Post-teeth whitening, your teeth might become more sensitive. You can experience this after your first or second treatment, and would eventually shrink with time. In that case, your dentist would recommend treating your sensitivity with products that contain potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride gel.

Irritated gums:

After teeth whitening you might also experience gingival irritation. This situation occurs when your gums become irritated. Such a situation persists when your gums come in contact with the teeth whitening product. Well, this side effect can go away after the treatments.

For a quick reminder, if the process of teeth whitening might sound like a fruitful option for you then you need to mind the fact that you cannot keep your teeth white permanently.

Even though you have extrinsic or intrinsic discoloration, you need to seek whitening treatments. You need to keep in mind that all these products are meant for natural teeth. 

Teeth whitening products and other at-home options

Teeth whitening is mostly done by professional dentists and they are adhering to chemicals. However, you can also choose over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products for removing stains from the teeth. These are different from the products administered by a dentist as they do not have carbamide peroxide. It means that if your teeth have been intrinsically discolored, OTC teeth whitening products might not work effectively or this might also take longer time in whitening your teeth.

Some of the teeth whitening products are enlisted below:

Whitening Toothpaste:    

Whitening toothpaste does not contain carbamide peroxide. These kinds of toothpaste directly target the surface of your teeth and have a variety of substances which includes abrasives and chemical blue covarine. In that case, it takes time for the whitening toothpaste to work, but the ones with blue covarine may show its effect just after one brush because the chemical present in it makes your teeth appear whiter.

Whitening strips:

The next option is whitening strips, you can purchase over-the-counter whitening strips for your teeth. This product consists of a smaller amount of hydrogen peroxide than other professional products. You can easily use this product once or twice a day for your teeth or for a set of times as instructed by the manufacturer.

There are a variety of whitening strips available in the market and each varies from the other in the terms of bleaching. 

Activated charcoal and other home-based methods:

Many people choose homemade methods for teeth whitening. One such option is activated charcoal. Though this might sound like an easy option, there is no scientific proof to substantiate the same. It is a matter of curiosity that still now homemade methods are used for teeth whitening. But these methods are not scientifically proven and the chances of damaging the enamel enhance.

Teeth Whitening Options

There are many methods and options available for whitening your teeth. Among so many options would be confused about which one to use and which one is a safer option for you. 

Well, there are three general categories of whitening methods and they are:

• Administered by your dentist
• Dispensed by your dentist to use at home
• Obtained over the counter or made at home without the oversight of your dentist

Among all, you may choose a certain method for whitening your teeth based on one or more factors:

The type of discoloration you have:

As mentioned above there are two types of discoloration one is extrinsic discoloration and the other one is intrinsic discoloration. Teeth whitening depends upon the type of discoloration that you have.

The cost involved in the treatment:

The amount of cost involved in teeth whitening is a factor for many. The charges of the treatment vary depending upon the kind of treatment that you have chosen. 

The treatment method:

The way of treatment depends on the type of whitening that you want to get.

Thus before choosing teeth whitening you need to discuss with your dentist the type of whitening that you want to get. Looking into your dental history and the discoloration of your teeth your dentist would then recommend a treatment plan which suits best for you. 

Maintaining teeth whitening:

Though you might spend money for getting that sparkling pearly smile. To turn the results of teeth whitening into a fruitful one you need to follow certain rules in order to maintain it. Your food habits and oral hygiene has an impact on how long your teeth whitening would last. After you go through the process of teeth whitening you need to forbid yourself from consuming beverages and certain foods.

If you develop the habit of brushing and flossing soon after eating and drinking then you would keep yourself at a bay from discoloration and in turn, the chances of plaque and tartar building up decrease.   

Porcelain teeth have been bashed out while creating dentures. What was welcomed as the greatest invention by dental hygienists in the early 19th century and widely got famous over the decades is now not used anymore. 

The fact that something will survive or evolve hinges upon efficacy, and this efficacy has multiple factors circumnavigating it. These porcelain teeth were a lifesaver for many, however, as the human mind expanded and discovered something exquisite, eventually its existence got threatened by materials that appeared intensely competitive.  

Through the decades people have been swearing by the porcelain teeth because of the appearance that they give. Many people have testified that when they use porcelain teeth it gives them the same natural effect as the real tooth. So what really happened, the material which bolstered up the crooked teeth and uplifted the confidence in many got replaced. 

Porcelain teeth were the choice of many and they even remained a constant part of the denture for over several decades. The reason, as testified by many, says that even after using it for a long venture it doesn’t end up wearing down and thus it was a significant option for dentures. Then what happened is that these porcelain dentures are not used anymore.

Let’s get into the fact that in this fast-forward world everyone ends up choosing something, which would instantly give them what they crave. The demand for durable products is not an acceptable thing. The products winded up with cheaper materials and faster shipping is what actually matters in today’s world. This was not just the actual reason behind the replacement of the porcelain teeth. 

Using of extreme plastic products:

Plastic is something that has created a concrete base for itself in every household. With the arrival of the 20th century, the extreme use of plastic products had also benefited dentistry. Porcelain teeth were impermissible to the liquid. Acrylic teeth made a dominating entry in the 1980s and they were more resistant to wear. 

Though there might be several benefits associated with porcelain teeth, the truth lies beneath it. Porcelain is the one that promotes several health risks and hence got replaced. With the entry of acrylic teeth and their newer technology, cheaper costs persisted in many minds. The main factor behind the decline of porcelain was the destructive impact that it had on natural tooth health which even led to the dwindling of gums and bones. 

Porcelain increasingly wears down the natural enamel, as the natural enamel is not as strong as porcelain. Furthermore, porcelain teeth were the ones that provided great denture teeth that didn’t wear. Adding to that the cost was higher. The dentures were not increasingly fitting well and even resulted in declining tooth and bone health. 

There has been advance as today’s acrylics have moved so far that they eventually end up providing you the natural-looking smile that ultimately evokes your inner confidence. These types of dentures rendered comfort and well-being to those in need. 

Dentures are composed of many different materials that include composite resin, porcelain, acrylic resin, and acrylic. Well, acrylic and porcelain are the most common materials which are used in an ample amount by dentists for making custom denture teeth.  

By now you have acquired the information about porcelain and acrylic. Now let’s look into the actual difference that lies between acrylic teeth and porcelain teeth.

The one main reason why the porcelain teeth got deemed down is because of its attachment. The process of attaching porcelain teeth also led to the downfall. For attaching porcelain teeth small holes or pins are achieved at the back of each tooth which enables the mechanical bonding of the denture base.

However, on the other side acrylic teeth are made up of the same material as the denture base. This is as same as acrylic, this in turn means that the bond connecting the tooth to the denture base is the chemical one.  

Overall coming to conclusion, the mechanical bond between the porcelain teeth and denture base is not well built. Even this is not as strong as the chemical bond between acrylic teeth and denture base. Because of this reason porcelain teeth have been smashed off due to the higher demand for acrylic teeth.   

This is an advantage of acrylic:

Well, it is rightfully said that where there is smoke there is fire. The massive entry of the acrylic teeth grabbed a substantial position among the patients. Acrylic teeth are the ones that provide stronger bonds to the denture base and provide a much more natural feeling.  

While the actual fact is that acrylic teeth wear down with the passage of time. There is no experience for most patients with tooth wear that is not addressed through annual checkups and routine denture replacements. 

The average lifespan of any denture is between five and seven years, the conditions in your mouth get changed over time because dentures do not adapt to the changes. Eventually, acrylic teeth are a durable choice for a denture’s normal lifespan. Well, if you have experienced wearing a denture with porcelain teeth and still not convinced that acrylic is the best option then you should indeed go to your dentist on how to upgrade your smile.  

The most important factor is choosing the right material for your denture teeth is very essential, as this affects your wearability and comfort. Dentures are of two types, partial dentures and complete dentures. Before opting for any such option you should have a talk with your dentist as they would guide you through all the options and then give an idea that would be correct for you. 

Choose between porcelain and acrylic:

Porcelain got replaced in the dentures because of the durability, cost, bone loss, staining, and oral hygiene. 

Durability:

Porcelain is much more durable than acrylic and thus it gives you long-lasting results. Porcelain is better able to resist everyday wear and tear and has stronger durability than acrylic. This also helps in preserving jaw movements when they are used in false teeth. 

Whereas Acrylic, on the other hand, gets faded faster and wears down quickly over time. This is less prone to cracking and breaking as compared to porcelain. Which means that they are less susceptible to accidental breakage. 

Bonding:

The base of the denture is mostly made up of acrylic. This allows the acrylic teeth to build up a bond chemically while on the other hand porcelain teeth can’t be chemically bonded. This in turn creates a potential limitation and can also affect in the strength of the individual teeth that is affixed to the base. 

Bone Loss:

Porcelain teeth tend to put more pressure on your gums and jawbone. Thus this is not the ideal choice for the ones who is experiencing bone loss. For patients with bone loss, acrylic is generally recommended. To prevent bone loss opting for acrylic teeth is an ideal option to stay in shape without much loss.  

Oral Hygiene: 

Oral hygiene is an essential part of maintaining that perfect smile and strong gums. Porcelain dentures are the ones that are easier to clean due to their hard surface where bacteria don’t get easily accumulated. Thus due to this reason, it is possible to maintain better oral hygiene without much effort. 

Whereas, on the other hand, Acrylic dentures have microscopic indentations, and it is a great place for bacteria as they can easily hide themselves there and multiply. Hence if you don’t take care of these dentures properly every day then it would eventually become a suitable place for the bacteria to stick to.  This in turn leads to several other complicated health problems. 

Staining:

Staining is a major issue and it is completely understandable too. In the case of dentures, both porcelain and acrylic materials cannot stain easily. In terms of staining, you can either opt for porcelain or acrylic dentures.  

Price:

Coming to the factor of price has always been a matter of concern when getting dentures. The main fact is, in this case, the difference in price between the two types of dentures is not much. Due to this reason, you can choose any material after having a conversation with your dentist without worrying about the price.  

Why is oral hygiene important for senior citizens?

Good oral hygiene is very important for any age group of people. Hence it is very important to follow and maintain proper good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene is required to maintain good health, as it is said that dental health is closely linked with some serious health issues. Hence maintaining proper and good oral hygiene is equally important for elderly people.

The mouth is the passage for different kinds of bacteria to enter the body, and hence it becomes easy for the bacteria to enter the bloodstream and even the nervous system thus destroying the inner parts and the internal organs by spreading various kinds of diseases inside the body.

The immunity system in senior citizens gets less active and hence the elderly people should take several strict precautions to keep themselves safe from the attack of various kinds of diseases. A proper comprehensive oral hygiene routine helps to stop the growth of bacteria inside the mouth and would keep the gums healthy and free from diseases.

There are certain symptoms that elderly people face if they have oral health issues. Some of the symptoms include:

Tooth Decay, Dry mouth, diminished sense of taste, tooth loss, and darkened teeth.     

To maintain good dental health even at an elderly age it is important to keep the teeth and the gums clean and healthy. Even by getting monitored by the dentist on the regular basis.

Steps to achieve healthy oral hygiene at elderly age:

Daily Cleaning:

Brushing your teeth on a regular basis since your earlier years helps you to achieve a healthier set of teeth throughout your lifetime. The habit of brushing and flossing your teeth helps you to achieve good oral hygiene, as brushing is the very first step in building a defense system against bacteria. It is seen that senior citizens are more likely to get gum diseases and tooth decay, and it is a good idea to increase efforts to maintain good oral health and fight cavities.    

Denture Cleaning:

Just like natural teeth, even dentures need to get cleaned every day. Unlike natural teeth, dentures cannot be cleaned with regular toothpaste. It gets too harsh and even does more damage than good. Other than that try using products that are designed for cleaning the dentures. Just soaking the dentures will not help to get rid of the bacteria which accumulates throughout the day. Even dentures need to be cleaned each day to maintain healthy gums.  

Dentist Visits:

Frequent dentist visits for maintaining proper dental care are very important for senior citizens.  Frequent dental visits are very important for senior citizens as the dentist will recognize the symptoms and would cure the problems related to gum diseases. Even frequent visits to the dentist at senior age will help you to care for your oral health as the dentist would recommend you to follow proper precautions to maintain proper hygiene. Senior citizens should follow a proper lifestyle and diet to maintain proper oral health care.

Diet and Lifestyle:

 A proper diet and a healthy lifestyle help to maintain good oral health even at an elderly age. Maintaining a proper diet by including more fruits and vegetables will automatically help to keep your teeth and gums healthy even during old age.

Why do old people suffer from more dental problems?

There are several reasons why senior citizens suffer from various kinds of dental problems. Some of the common causes which occur during old age include.

Respiratory infection:

One of the most common causes of which elderly people suffer is pneumonia, as some elderly people often suffer from diminished lung capacity because of aging. When you have been infected with teeth or gum disease, then you are breathing that bacteria. This bacteria can even travel from your lungs and that can even cause infections as well.

Diabetic Complications:

 Diabetes is a disease that is very common among senior citizens. Even blood sugar is tough to maintain once you are suffering from gum disease. Diabetes is more prone to periodontal disease, which is caused due to the reduction in blood circulation.

Cardiovascular Disease:

An excessive build-up of bacteria in the mouth can easily get into the bloodstream through the gum tissues or by abrasions. Through this more bacteria gets inside the bloodstream with this the bacteria get easy passage to travel and induce an infection. Bacteria also cause hardening in the arteries and even around the heart which increases the risk of a blood flow blockage, which results in a stroke or heart attack.

How senior citizens should maintain oral hygiene:

Plaque easily gets accumulated among elderly people. To keep this problem away regular brushing and flossing are always required to maintain proper good oral health. If oral hygiene is neglected it leads to tooth decay and gum disease.

For maintaining good oral health even in old age one should follow a few steps:

1. Brush the teeth twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride. 
2. Flossing your teeth at least once a day.
3. Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash for once or twice a day.
4. Visit your dentist for a regular dental checkup and go through an oral exam to keep the dental problems at bay.

Taking care of our precious teeth is very important, and it becomes even more vital when it comes to the dental health of our children.

As children are growing, so are their teeth; and in this growing age, giving special attention to their dental well-being ensures that their teeth are free from any kind of decay and cavities.

Children often tend to consume more sugar than adults, which deteriorates their teeth quality and makes their teeth more vulnerable to damage.

Without a strong and healthy set of teeth, the overall physical growth of the children becomes practically impossible.

According to the report “Australia’s Oral Health Tracker”, published by the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and Australian Health Policy Collaboration (AHPC), more than a third of Australia’s children suffer from primary tooth decay as early as 5-6 years of age, most of which remain untreated.

It is therefore a very essential part of parenting to keep a check on your kid’s dental comfort and growth.

Apart from regular brushing and cleaning, there are a wide variety of pediatric dental procedures that can help in protecting the child’s teeth from an early stage.

Here is a list of a few of the most common ones that parents can opt for:

Dental Filling

It is a very common procedure whereby the dentist numbs the infected tooth and extracts the damaged portions. This is followed by dental drilling, which is afterward filled material of choice. Porcelain and silver amalgam are a few of the most used substances. The tooth is then sealed properly.

Dental Crowns

Large cavities that are too big might require to be covered with dental crowns. They are perfect for teeth that are cracked, weakened, or severely damaged. Crowns are like dental caps that are put on to cover the tooth beneath. It’s a simple procedure that leaves one with a natural teeth appearance.

Tooth Extraction

When the tooth gets infected beyond a certain degree, it is often the best option to get it extracted. At times impacted wisdom teeth may also need to be removed, which otherwise might cause gum tenderness, swelling, and extreme pain.

While tooth extraction might be a painful procedure at times, utmost care is taken to remove the tooth as gently as possible, and local anesthesia is applied by the dentist to reduce the pain caused due to tooth extraction.

Dental Clean-ups

Getting your child’s teeth regularly checked and cleaned by the dentist is always a precautionary method to prevent any worse kind of cavity or decay from taking place.

Cleaning children’s teeth routinely help prevent the accumulation of plaque on their dental surfaces, which might later get converted to tartar. It takes care of the child’s oral hygiene properly.\

Sealants

Children often find it difficult to reach the back of their molars while brushing their teeth. Consequently, there is always a possibility of a build-up of cavities.

Hence, dentists use sealants, a thin plastic coating, usually on the surface of the pre-molars and molars, to help block any kind of plaque and acid formation on the hard-to-reach teeth surface.

Braces

When the positioning of the teeth inside the jaw becomes a struggle for the child, it is one of the wisest options to go for braces.

The orthodontist examines the teeth structure carefully and decides to go for the type of braces that best suits the need.

Braces may cause a bit of discomfort initially, but adjusts with the teeth within a short span of time. When the teeth are re-positioned satisfactorily, the braces can be easily removed without any pain.

X-rays

Going for dental X-rays is a good way to keep a tab of your child’s interior mouth. Low-intensity radiations help in imaging the interiors of the mouth and identify hidden problems like cavities and gum diseases.

While x-rays are a good way to uncover hidden dental problems, exposure to too much radiation is undesirable and unhealthy in the long run.

Fluoride Treatments

These treatments help in preventing the teeth from any kind of bacterial activities or sugar and plaque formation.

A certain quantity of fluoride in the form of gel, foam, solution, or varnish is applied to the teeth by the dentist, which helps in keeping the teeth healthy.

It helps in improving the teeth enamel by aiding in the uptake of important minerals like calcium and phosphates. Also, it helps in prolonging the life of the baby tooth.

Night Guards

People often unknowingly develop a condition called “Bruxism”, wherein they clench their teeth against each other, mostly while they are asleep.

It is a serious condition, which can have severe impacts like broken, cracked, or even lost teeth.

Dentists custom-make the night guards to fit the child’s teeth and jaws comfortably, on both upper and lower sets.

It is a non-invasive procedure that prevents children and even adults from grinding their teeth against each other.

Root Canal Treatment

If your child is struggling with a cracked tooth or a diseased nerve under a permanent tooth, bacteria and other germs can thrive in it and can cause infection. It is best to opt for a root canalling procedure in such a situation.

The dentist removes the damaged tissues, cleans them, and then seals them with a dental filling. The tooth is then restored with a crown to make it lost longer, maybe even for the entire lifetime, if taken care of properly.

Veneers

Teeth gaps, chips, stains, or injuries can be real trouble for children. Veneers are the perfect solutions that help correct these dental faults, with minor adjustments.

Veneers are thin, customized shells made from materials that resemble the original teeth colors like porcelain, which are made to cover the front side of the teeth.

They boost the child’s confidence level by giving them the perfect smile.

Bonding

This procedure helps those who have minor discoloration or slightly chipped teeth. During bonding, a white-colored filling is put on the teeth, whose shade closely resembles that of the original teeth.

The filling gets bonded to the teeth and gives an absolutely natural-looking appearance.

Bonding is a relatively cost-effective procedure, however, it requires special care to prevent it from getting stained or broken.

Spacer

At times, primary teeth fall off much before the permanent teeth underneath it is ready to erupt. In such a situation, the adjacent teeth have a tendency to shift to the vacant space.

This causes a problem, as when the permanent tooth comes out, it gets crooked or ill-placed due to the crowding in its original place.

Putting spacers in the tooth gap helps correct this problem by holding the vacant space and preventing the adjacent teeth from blocking the space. When the permanent tooth starts erupting, the spacers are removed.

With so many pediatric dental procedures in line, the need to worry about your child’s dental health is almost over. Keeping a regular check of your child’s oral hygiene and routinely taking dental appointments is all it takes to give your child the best dental protection.

An impacted wisdom tooth happens when the third molar becomes partially or fully trapped in your gums or jawbone. If you come under such a situation then it can easily land you with various oral health problems which include infection, tooth decay, and gum diseases. During such a situation surgical removal is often recommended for the treatment of wisdom teeth.

Let us now know what these impacted wisdom teeth are.

What are the impacted wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are also known as third molars, and they are the last set of teeth that grow. These wisdom teeth usually bloom out between the ages of 17 and 25. At times, these wisdom teeth bloom in alignment with your teeth and they usually don’t cause any severe problems.

This wisdom tooth at times becomes either particularly or fully trapped in your gums or jawbone. This situation is referred to as impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to several oral health problems which include cavities, gum diseases, and infections. These wisdom teeth are extremely common and according to studies, 90% of people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth.     

Now that you know what an impacted wisdom tooth is, let us discuss the difference between fully impacted wisdom teeth, partially impacted wisdom teeth, and non-impacted wisdom teeth.

Fully impacted wisdom teeth are not visible. They are not visible and are completely hidden underneath your gums. Whereas a partially impacted wisdom tooth is slightly visible because a part of it has sprouted. While non-impacted wisdom teeth have bloomed and are completely visible above the gum line. It is still important to know that these non-impacted wisdom teeth can cause several problems.     

Different types of impacted wisdom teeth:

There are four different types of impacted wisdom teeth. The different types of positioning of your teeth can tell you what type of an impacted wisdom tooth it is:

• Mesial impaction: This type of impacted wisdom tooth is the most common type of impacted wisdom tooth. This type of impacted wisdom tooth occurs when your wisdom tooth gets angled towards the front of your mouth.
• Distal impaction: this type of impacted wisdom tooth, is the rarest one. It happens when the wisdom tooth is angled towards the back of your mouth.
• Vertical impaction: it is a kind of wisdom tooth that is harmless as they bloom in the correct position, but this type of impacted wisdom tooth is tapped underneath the gums.
• Horizontal impaction: this type of impacted wisdom tooth occurs when the wisdom tooth lies completely on its side and is entrapped in your gums. These horizontally impacted wisdom teeth often cause a painful situation because they create excess pressure on the teeth that are in front of them.   

What are the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth?

At times impacted wisdom teeth don’t cause many problems, and there are not many noticeable problems. At times there are impacted teeth that develop into noticeable symptoms gradually over time. While at times, several symptoms gradually get developed which can cause pain. There are a few signs of impacted wisdom teeth: 

• Pain or swelling of your jaw or face.
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums.
• A bad taste in your mouth.
• Bad breath.
• Difficulty opening your mouth all the way.

What are the causes of impacted wisdom teeth?

There are several reasons why an impacted wisdom tooth is caused. One of the most common reasons why an impacted wisdom tooth occurs is because your jaw doesn’t have enough space to accommodate your teeth. At times, a tooth may bloom at the wrong angle, which can also lead to impaction.

Treatment of the impacted wisdom teeth:

Most of the time it is usually recommended to remove the wisdom teeth through surgical removal if your wisdom tooth causes pain, infection, or any other dental problems.

Many dentists recommend the surgical removal procedure of wisdom teeth to prevent and curb the risk in the future.  

Is it painful to remove an impacted wisdom tooth?

While most of the time impacted wisdom teeth are painful to remove, but this process isn’t painful normally. Your dentist will give you pain relievers so that they could manage the discomfort or any other post-operative uneasiness. 

Do wisdom teeth have any effect on oral health?

Impacted wisdom teeth can end up causing severe pain, and infection and can cause damage to the other teeth. Even these wisdom teeth are also difficult to clean, and because of that, these wisdom teeth are more prone to cause tooth decay and also gum diseases.

How would you know if your wisdom tooth is an impacted one?

To know if your wisdom tooth is an impacted one your dentist would suggest you perform an examination and will ask you about the symptoms which are related to an impacted wisdom tooth.

They take dental X-rays to see if the teeth are impacted and if your jawbone or any other teeth are damaged that could cause an issue.

Risks and complications related to wisdom tooth removal:

Just like any other surgical procedure, the surgery of wisdom tooth removal is related to some potential risks and complications which include:

• Dry Sockets: This occurs when the blood clot from surgery turns dislodged from your tooth socket prematurely, by exposing your bone. In the end, you can also reduce the risk of dry sockets if you avoid drinking through straws after wisdom tooth removal.
•  Infection: At times some food bits or bacteria can get trapped in between the tooth socket, and that could result in an infection. During that time your dentist would prescribe antibiotics for treating an oral infection.  
• Damage to nearby structures: The removal of your wisdom tooth can sometimes damage your nerves, jawbone, and sinuses. Advanced surgical techniques can reduce the risk of these types of surgeries, but they can still occur. Additionally, the procedure of oral surgery might be necessary to address this kind of damage.

Prevention of the impacted wisdom tooth:

There is no such way through which you can prevent impacted wisdom teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene and try removing the wisdom tooth at a younger age could help a lot if it is causing problems. A regular six-month dental appointment helps your dentist to analyze and monitor the growth and emergence of the wisdom tooth.     

Is it important to remove impacted wisdom teeth?

If your wisdom tooth is impacted but it is not causing any major problem then there is no such requirement to remove them. However, if you are facing any major problems and start developing and kind of symptoms, then removing them could eventually result in the reduction of the risk and improve overall oral health.

Will there be any problem if you don’t remove impacted wisdom teeth?

If your impacted wisdom teeth are causing pain or any other symptom, and if you are planning to leave them in that condition then it could be bad for your health. As because these impacted wisdom teeth are more prone to cause infection and abscesses and they can even cause damage, decay, and diseases to healthy teeth.  

Recovery from wisdom tooth removal:

In most cases, people fully recover from wisdom teeth removal within one or two weeks. After the recovery, you can return to your normal routine in a few days.

Is it really necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth?

If your wisdom teeth are impacted but are not causing any major problems then there is no requirement to remove them. However, if you are facing any such issues and you develop any symptoms then for being on the safe side removing the wisdom tooth can reduce the risk factors by improving your overall health.

What happens if you don’t remove impacted wisdom teeth?

If you are suffering from any kind of pain due to the wisdom tooth or if you notice any symptoms of the wisdom tooth, then if you leave them in place it could be bad for your oral health. Hence if you notice any kind of symptom related to an impacted wisdom tooth then without any second thought try consulting your dentist for immediate treatment. 

What are the complications corresponding to impacted wisdom teeth?

Various complications are related to an impacted wisdom tooth. Some of them are listed below:

• Damage to other teeth: If the wisdom tooth ends up pushing against the second molar, then it can ultimately end up damaging the second molar or can risk the infection of that area. This pressure can thus cause problems with the crowding of other teeth and this could lead to the requirement of orthodontic treatment for the alignment of other teeth. 
• Cysts: A wisdom tooth develops in a sac within the jawbone. This sac is filled with fluid and forms a cyst which is damaging the jawbone, teeth, and also nerves. Rarely a tumor occurs which is benign. This complication also requires the removal of tissue and bone.
• Decay: A partially impacted wisdom teeth results in a higher risk of tooth decay than any other teeth. Due to this reason the wisdom tooth is harder to clean because food and bacteria can easily get trapped between the gums and partially erupted tooth.
• Gum disease: The difficulty of cleaning impacted teeth leads to a painful and inflammatory gum condition which is called pericoronitis.    

Home remedies to get relief from wisdom teeth

Various home remedies help you to get out of the painful experience of a wisdom toothache. Just a few ingredients from your kitchen would help you to get relief from the intense pain. Some of the remedies are:

1. Saltwater rinse.
2. Peppermint.
3. Clove oil.
4. Cold and heat therapy.
5.  Aloe Vera
6. Tea tree oil.
7. Menthol.
8. Crushed garlic and ginger.
9. Turmeric.
10. Oregano oil.