How To Remove Plaque From Teeth
Our teeth allow us to eat and speak. More importantly, healthy and pearly white teeth give us a beautiful and sparkling smile. But this is only possible when we look after our oral health and maintain optimal oral hygiene. The National Health Service (NHS) recommends brushing twice daily and flossing, along with regular checkup visits to your dentists to keep your teeth and gums and healthy. The goal is to prevent the formation of tartar and plaque buildup on your teeth. But how do plaque and tartar affect our health, and why is it necessary to remove plaque from our teeth? If you are looking for an answer to these questions, then read on. This article explains why tartar removal is essential – and how to do it.
What Is Plaque?
When we eat or drink something, a fine layer of food particles and debris forms on the surfaces of our teeth. This sticky layer, called the dental plaque, adheres to our teeth until we manually remove through brushing and flossing. So, one of the simplest and easiest ways to remove plaque deposits from your teeth is regular oral hygiene maintenance.
What Happens If I Don’t Remove Plaque?
Plaque and tartar buildup does not occur if oral hygiene is maintained on regular basis. However, problems arise when oral hygiene measures are ignored. As a result, the plaque gradually hardens into dental calculus – also known as the tartar. Both the plaque and tartar deposits offer an ideal environment for the harmful bacteria inside the oral cavity to live and replicate inside them. These bacteria utilise the carbohydrates in the tartar and plaque as their food and release toxins.
These toxins destroy the fibres that attach our teeth to the gums and the jaw bone – leading to the formation of gaps or “pockets” between the teeth and the gums – promoting further food impaction. At the same time, these toxins increase the local acidity, which results in the movements of the minerals in our teeth – which keep them strong and healthy – to move out into the oral cavity. As a consequence, the teeth become weak and prone to development of tooth decay.
Best Toothpaste To Remove Plaque?
Plaque and tartar builds only on roughened toot surfaces. If you can keep your teeth surfaces smooth through brushing, then there are very few chances of the development of gum disease. When we talk about the best tartar removal toothpaste, we are talking about one that nuetralizes the bacteria which cause gum disease. Since plaque and calculus physically form on the tooth surface, they must be removed physically as well – by thoroughly cleaning your teeth. The best toothpaste for removing plaque is one which compliments your oral hygiene measures by preventing the proliferation of the harmful bacteria in the oral cavity.
How To Remove Plaque At Home?
If you search the internet, you will find several at-home teeth cleaning products and natural remedies like oil pulling or baking soda. There are also numerous at-home cleaning kits available in the markets which contain equipment that can be used for the physical removal of the plaque and tartar deposits – like the dentists use at thier offices. However, these kits do more harm than good, as one may injure themselves during the proces. Similarly, natural remedies for plaque removal must be used with caution as they may damage your teeth and gums.
Does Rubbing Coconut Oil On Gums Work?
In addition to offering several health benefits, coconut oil also serves as an excellent protective agent. When used properly, it can effectively prevent the formaiton of plaque and tartar deposits on the teeth. “Oil pulling” is a technique in which a tablespoon of oil is swished in the mouth for about 5-10 minutes in the morning before brushing teeth. Afterwards, the oil is discarded and the mouth is rinsed with water. Research has shown that coconut oil can prove beneficial in preventing gum disease and oral hygiene maintenance. However, it should not be considered as an alternative to regular oral hygiene measures such as brushing and flossing..
Can You Dissolve Tartar With Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy for whitening teeth and removal of tartar deposits. While it is effective in chemically removing plaque from the teeth, apple cider vinegar can damage your teeth and gums. This is because vinegar is highly acidic; in addition to dissolving teeth stains and tartar, it also chelates tooth minerals such as Calcium and Phosphorous – the building blocks of our teeth and bones. The frequent application of apple cider vinegar makes our teeth weak and prone to the development of teeth cavities – even fracture.
What Is The Best Way To Remove Plaque From Teeth?
When it comes to your oral care and physical wellbeing, you can never be too careful. While at-home teeth cleaning kits and remedies seem simple, time and cost-effective, they actually prove to be harmful for your teeth in the longer run. Hence, it is always best to let the Professionals take care of your oral health. Dentists and periodontists are trained in diagnosing dental problems well before they are visible to the naked eye – or before they cause permanent damage. This is why the American Dental Association recommends you to visit your dentist regularly for checkups – so that you can enjoy good oral health, and a lasting, beautiful smile.
A healthy smile is a beautiful smile. If you are looking to get your teeth professionally cleaned in Hertfordshire, then Senova Dental Studios is where you should go. Equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, and boasting and team of highly qualified and experienced dentla team, Senova Dental will take care of all your dental problems under one roof.
So, take you first step towards a healthy and attractive smile today and book a consultation with our dentists today. A rockstar smile awaits you at Senova Dental.
How To Make Your Teeth Straight
A beautiful smile can open many doors for you. Research shows that people who have a beautiful and charming smile are perceived as more approachable, friendly and successful. This is also why celebrities are so attractive and beautiful. But, did they naturally have perfectly aligned teeth? Most of them did not. But thanks to their dentists, they now have picture-perfect smiles.
If you have crooked or misaligned teeth that are ruining your smile, then you can also benefit from the power of cosmetic dentistry. When it comes to getting your teeth straightened, you have several options to choose from – each having its own merits and demerits. This article explains everything you need to know about getting your teeth aligned.
How Do Braces Work On Crowded Teeth?
Dental braces are one of the most effective and time-tested methods of straightening misaligned teeth. Your orthodontist will bond a bracket to the front surface of each tooth using an adhesive. Each bracket contains a slot, through which an orthodontic wire passes and exerts pressure on the teeth. The tension in the orthodontic wire is transferred to the tooth roots, which results in their realignment.
When you visit your dentist for checkup appointments, your dentist will adjust the orthodontic wire tension by changing its thickness or the type of wire. This is why you feel slight pain and discomfort for a few days after an orthodontic appointment. As your teeth continue to move in the desired direction, the discomfort gradually goes away.
Will My Teeth Move Back If I Don’t Wear My Retainer?
Once your teeth have been optimally aligned, your dentist will give you a fixed or a removable retainer. According to the National Health Service (NHS), a retainer is an appliance that prevents your teeth from moving back to their previous position. Retainers are “passive” appliances, implying that they do not exert any force on your teeth or cause any tooth movement.
Instead, the retainers are designed in a way that they simply prevent any unwanted tooth movement – and consolidate your treatment. They also ensure that your teeth and jaws adjust to your new bite.
When Do Teeth Start To Straighten With Braces?
Your teeth will start to realign as soon as you get your braces. Generally, orthodontists start by applying very gentle forces to your teeth so that you can get used to the new braces. So, initially, you may not feel any significant improvement.
However, after one or two appointments, you will start to observe a remarkable improvement in your smile and tooth alignment. In fact, the pain and discomfort your feel during your treatment, especially after an orthodontic appointment, is an indication that your teeth are moving within the bone. However, you don’t always feel pain while your teeth change their position or angulation.
How Long Do Braces Take To Straighten Teeth?
The duration of your treatment with teeth braces depends on various factors – the most important being the severity of your problem. Typically, dentists can treat mild orthodontic issues within 6-8 months with braces, Sometimes in only a couple of months with fast orthodontic braces.
However, more complex cases may take longer – sometimes requiring 12-18 months for completion, most Invisalign cases take this long. Another factor which directly affects the duration of treatment is patient compliance.
Patients who frequently get their braces dislodged from their teeth, Or take their removal appliance out often need to undergo treatment for a longer period. Finally, it also depends on the skills of your treating dentist. That is why you should always go to a qualified and experienced Dentist for your treatment.
Do Braces Move Your Teeth Every Day?
Yes. As long as you have an orthodontic wire attached to your braces, it will continue to exert pressure on your teeth. However, as time passes, and your teeth start to move, the tension in the wire decreases.
That is why your orthodontist calls you for checkup appointments after every two weeks – to ensure that the orthodontic wire is tight enough to apply just the right amount of pressure on your teeth. Some orthodontic wires are designed to ensure initial alignment of your teeth, while others are designed to perform bulk tooth movement.
Your dentist may also use other attachments, like elastics, chains, or mini-implants, to perform complicated movements like rotation or angulation.
If you are wearing clear orthodontics such as Invisalign, the same principle applies, however rather than tightening a wire you will receive the new apligner which then begins to put pressure on your teeth to move them again.
Can You Make Home-made Braces to Straighten Teeth?
If you search the internet, you can find several DIY options to straighten your teeth. While these DIY options seem like a convenient and cost-effective alternative to orthodontic treatment with braces but have to consider whether they are safe – or whether they will prove effective in the long run?
Let’s think of it in this way – would you try to search on the internet for a DIY option to fix a fractured limb? Obviously not! So, you should use DIY options to fix your tooth misalignment – especially when your teeth are an essential element of your smile and more importantly, and they help you in eating and speaking?
These DIY options may seem to work initially, but they may actually do more harm than good when it comes to your oral health, says the Washington Post.
Now comes the next question; How to find a good orthodontist in Watford? Fret not! We have got you covered. Senova Dental Studios takes pride in having a dental team consisting of some of the finest orthodontists in town.
We don’t just aim to fix your smile, but we will prepare a customised treatment plan for you to get a perfectly balanced bite and a pair of perfectly aligned teeth that allow you to eat and speak without difficulty. Our holistic approach ensures long-term treatment of the underlying problems – not just the symptoms.
So, are you ready? Don’t worry if you cannot visit us due to the lockdown, simply visit our website here to book a free video consultation – and let us take care of the rest!
A beautiful and attractive smile awaits you at Senova Dental Studios.
A Guide To Children’s Dentists
In a time when one in every three children do not brush their teeth often enough, dentist visits are more essential than ever. Seeing a professional helps to ensure that teeth and gums develop normally and serves as a preventative measure for future oral issues.
But when should you take your little one to a children’s dentist? What should you expect when you get there?
Here, we’re going to tackle these questions so that you can feel confident about taking your child to the dentist. Read on to learn exactly what will happen when you do so.
When to Take a Baby to the Dentist
When your baby is an infant, there is no reason to take them to the dentist. However, baby teeth begin to come in at around six months of age, at which point it is essential that you visit a professional. Regardless of what happens, your child must visit the dentist by the time they are a year old to ensure that their teeth are growing normally.
It is important that you begin dental visits early so that a professional can catch any issues that may arise when teeth begin to come in. Dentists can take x-rays of the mouth to see how teeth are beginning to form even before they push through the gums and teething begins. This will let them make sure that they are coming in straight and will not cause unnecessary discomfort for your baby.
Basically, once your baby begins to grow teeth, it’s time to make an appointment.
When Should I Start Taking My Child to the Dentist?
After the initial visit to the dentist in babyhood, children should continue to visit the dentist regularly. The average age of a toddler’s first dental visit is 2.6 years, but in reality, this visit should be their second or third.
In addition to considering the age of your child, you should also think about the state of their teeth and oral health. If you notice that your child’s teeth are coming in at strange angles, it’s critical that you have them looked at. This is also the case if your child is teething more heavily than normal or if they begin to complain about oral pain after they can speak.
What Happens at the First Dental Visit for Toddlers?
When your child first goes to the children’s dentist, you can expect a very short appointment. It will mostly consist of the dentist talking with your child (once they are old enough to understand the situation and speak back) so that your kid feels more comfortable with the person who will poke around in their mouth.
You will then hold your child while the dentist looks around your toddler’s mouth for abnormalities. The need to hold and comfort your kid will likely persist throughout the early years, so find a comfortable position that works well for you, your child, and your dentist.
The dentist will clean your child’s teeth as well once they are old enough. This cleaning consists of thorough brushing and flossing. They will also expect the gums and jaw as well as the child’s bite.
How Often Should a Child Go to the Dentist?
Like adults, it is recommended that children go to the dentist at least twice a year. This gives professionals frequent and ample opportunities to ensure that their teeth are growing correctly. They will have the chance to monitor what is going on and provide the best-quality professional input possible.
If there are any issues with your child’s teeth, you may need to search up ‘kid’s dentist near me’ and book appointments more often. This will make sure that your child is healthy and safe in all ways.
What Happens When a Child Gets a Filling?
If any abnormalities are found such as cavities, it’s possible that your child will need to get a filling. The process for doing this is similar to that when an adult gets a tooth filled. A small amount of local anesthesia will be used to numb the gums surrounding the kid’s tooth to prevent pain. The milk teeth will then be filled quickly and efficiently.
It’s likely that the dentist will show the child what’s going to happen on a model or doll before they get their tooth filled. This is intended to ease anxiety and comfort them by portraying the filling as a natural process that isn’t at all scary. Knowing what to expect will keep your child calm and relaxed.
After the filling when you take your child home, you will need to feed them exclusively soft foods for a few days. Additionally, make sure that you check out the swelling and pain every once in a while. It should decrease within a day or two, and if it does not, you will need to book another appointment.
Child Tooth Extraction Procedure
Sometimes a child will have an issue with a tooth that cannot be resolved by a simple filling. This is nothing to panic about- in fact, it happens to many toddlers. The dentist will need to extract the problem tooth, but this is no big deal since it would have been lost to make way for adult teeth in the future anyway.
The child will be given the same regional anesthesia that they would be administered for a filling. After that, the dentist will use a simple device called an ‘elevator.’ This loosens the tooth in its socket and makes it easier and less uncomfortable to pull. After that, forceps will be used to remove the tooth.
Child tooth extraction has no effect on your little one growing adult teeth. These teeth will develop normally in the gums when the time comes.
Visit a Children’s Dentist Today
Now that you know when your baby or toddler should go to the dentist and what to expect, it’s time to get started.
Book an appointment when you feel that it is time to see a children’s dentist. Remember not to put it off for too long- it’s better to be safe and get your little one’s teeth looked at than to cause them more pain later on!
What Will an Emergency Dentist Do?
When having a dental emergency, your first thought would be going to the hospital. The only problem is that the A&E staff will only be able to relieve the dental emergency, not fix it. Going first to A&E is sufficient if, for some reason, your dentist’s practice is closed.
Usually, though, a reputable dentist will have an emergency number at your disposal, so you can always call them, and they can give you some guidance on what to do. This kind of service is not well-known, because most people visit the dentist once every six months or even once a year.
Yet what does an emergency dentist do? Can you visit an emergency dentist during lockdown? Let’s take a closer look at these questions.
Functions Of An Emergency Dentist
An emergency dentist is an experienced oral healthcare professional. Contrary to a general dentist, where you first must find a free slot on their schedule, an emergency dentist is standing by and will treat the patient as soon as possible. They are capable of giving a prompt diagnosis of the dental emergency, and being able to act accordingly.
What Are Some Dental Emergencies?
- Knocked-out Tooth: Make sure to place the tooth in a clean container with saliva or milk. Please bring it to the emergency dentist; they will be able to re-implant the tooth.
- Chipped or cracked tooth: Depending on where the chipped tooth is located, an emergency dentist may repair it with a filling or perform a procedure called bonding.
- Severe dental pain of unknown origin that won’t go away: As mentioned before, an emergency dentist will be able to find the problem promptly even if you are unsure what the problem is.
- A tooth in severe pain: Since this is a common problem that may lead to serious health issues, it is best to go into more detail to know if you should go to an emergency dentist.
When To Go To The Dentist For Tooth Pain
If the problem is not severe then you can schedule an appointment with your regular dentist, but if the pain is unbearable, immediately contact an emergency dentist. Tooth pain, especially if it is severe, should always be treated as quickly as possible, as having tooth pain can mean the beginning of tooth decay or even an infection that can cause an abscess.
There are three different kinds of abscesses: periapical (infection in the inner tooth), periodontal (infection in your gums), and gingival (infection in your gum caused by a food particle or broken tooth).
Since we are talking about tooth pain, let us look into the stages of a tooth abscess.
Tooth Abscess Stages
There are a few stages when it comes to an abscess, depending on the severity some of the steps may be worse than others. We will briefly look over each stage.
Enamel Decay
When plaque begins to accumulate on the surface of the tooth, it will release an acid which will erode the tooth enamel (outermost covering of your teeth). Once this happens, a cavity will begin to form.
Dentin Decay
If the cavity is left unchecked, then bacteria will begin to eat past the enamel and into the next layer, the dentin.
Dental Abscess
Once the dentin layer is gone, nothing is protecting the inner tooth. Which means the bacteria will begin to infect the nerves found in our inner tooth. Then your immune system will start to fight the infection, causing pus to form around the affected area.
If the abscess bursts on its own, you should follow some steps carefully to avoid any further infection.
What To Do If A Dental Abscess Bursts On Its Own
Don’t think that you are in the clear if an abscess burst, you still will require dental care from an emergency dentist since they will be able to drain the pus and remove the infection, avoiding more pus to form.
If it were to happen, rinse your mouth with warm water. If you want you can add a teaspoon of salt, as it can help to kill the bacteria that was released. Afterwards, grab a pack of ice wrapped in a rag and place it on the skin of the affected area.
Like aforementioned, do not think that you are out of trouble; the infection is still there and will become worse. Call an emergency dentist immediately so they can begin treatment in the affected area.
If you do have an abscess then you most likely also have some symptoms that come with it. These symptoms can vary in intensity, but they are the most common ones.
Symptoms Of Tooth Infection Spreading To Body
Some symptoms of tooth infection are fever, swelling in the affected area, dehydration, and perhaps a nasty taste in your mouth if the abscess has burst. If this is the case, then do not hesitate in contacting an emergency dentist, as they can better diagnose you and give you the immediate treatment you need.
Unchecked, severe tooth pain that is caused by an infection can lead to life-threatening health problems. For example, the infection can spread into your bloodstream, skin or even the bone near your infected tooth.
Once again, do not hesitate in contacting an emergency dentist if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above. As you can see, the sooner an abscess can be fixed, the better for your health.
What happens if you must see an emergency dentist during the pandemic, and is it safe?
Can You See An Emergency Dentist During Covid 19?
Seeing an emergency dentist during coronavirus may seem impossible but that isn’t the case.
Following governmental and health expert guidance, dentist offices have accommodated their centres and staff with the proper measures and tools to combat COVID-19. Some actions that have been taking are as follows:
- Protective equipment for all of the team (face masks, face shields and more)
- Those who enter must sanitise their hands with alcohol disinfectant.
- Check the temperature of those who enter.
- The rooms in the office will be sterilised before being used (and after it is used)
You can feel relieved that every possible measure that can be done to ensure your health safety has been followed.
Don’t Waste Time
As we have discussed, a dental emergency is a time-sensitive matter that requires an emergency dentist to be able to assess and treat thoroughly. Next time you have a dental emergency, visit our centre. If you are unsure, feel free to contact us, and we can give you the proper advice on what to do.
We all know that visiting the dentist regularly is important for our oral and overall health. But the truth is that 27% of British adults only visit the dentist when they have an urgent dental problem.
It’s not a cliche to say that prevention is better than cure. Deciding on the right dentist is a really important choice for your family’s ongoing health and well-being. There can also be financial implications too.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Watford, we’ve compiled some helpful tips for finding the right dentist. Read on to find out more.
How to Find the Best Dentist Near Me
You might be looking for a dentist if you’ve just moved to a new area, or you’re unhappy with your current dentist. Or perhaps you need urgent help, but you’ve never got round to registering with a dental practice for regular check-ups. But often there is a lot of choice out there. So where should you start?
It might sound pretty obvious, but the location should be one of your first considerations. Is it convenient to your home or workplace? Can you get there by public transport, or is there enough parking if you drive? How would you travel there in an emergency? Is it fully accessible if you have any disabilities?
It’s also important to make sure the opening hours fit in with your schedule. Would you want to visit before or after work, or during your lunch hour? If so, you need to check whether early morning or evening appointments are a possibility and if there are lunchtime slots available.
High-Quality Dentistry
It’s important to think about the kind of dental services you’re likely to require. You should find out what the procedure is for emergency treatment. Does the dentist you’re considering have an internal arrangement with colleagues to provide emergency cover, or would they refer you elsewhere? How would follow-up care be arranged?
There are multiple sub-specialities within dentistry. If you have special requirements you should ensure that your dentist is qualified to meet your needs. If you have young children you may wish to look for a qualified paediatric dentist, or if you have multiple crowns, bridges or implants which need looking after, you may look for someone specialising in restorative dentistry.
Preventative dentistry is also extremely important, particularly for children and young people. You might want to find out how what approach your dentist takes in this area.
You should also find out the types of anaesthesia the dentist is qualified to administer and what their approach is to pain relief and sedation during procedures. It’s important to feel comfortable in the chair. This is particularly relevant if you have a fear of the dentist, which is very common.
Signs You Have a Good Dentist
It’s worth checking that the dentist you are considering has a valid licence to practice. They should also have a business permit to operate in the area. You may also wish to check that the dentist and their staff do not have criminal records.
Scams are rare, but they do happen. So it makes sense to do some due diligence to protect yourself and your family.
You may also want to ask about continuing professional development. Dentists should stay up to date with the latest developments in dental care to be able to offer the best treatment to their patients. Some dentists display certificates of their latest training in the reception area of their practices or provide this information on their websites. You should look for a dental practice with a well-qualified and highly experienced team.
Other signs of a good dentist will be apparent when you visit their office for the first time. Is it tidy and organised? Are the staff kind, helpful and courteous? Is the equipment clean and well-maintained? Are the staff wearing appropriate protective gear? All of these things are key indicators of a good dentist.
What About the Money?
You shouldn’t feel embarrassed to ask about money when making enquiries about dentists. It’s sensible to ask for a list of the costs of common procedures, such as a routine check-up and cleaning, fillings and full mouth x-rays. You need to make sure that you choose a provider who is affordable for you.
If you have dental insurance, you’ll want to ensure that your dentist can accommodate this. You will need to check that the dentist accepts your insurance plan and can assist with paperwork as necessary.
It’s also a good idea to find out about payment options. You don’t want to be caught out having to pay cash for expensive treatments. You should find out when payment is due after treatments are performed.
Many dental practices offer a variety of payment plans. where a monthly payment covers a range of services. This includes the all-important regular six-monthly check-up, which is so vital for long-term dental health.
Basic packages may include x-rays, regular screening for oral cancer and discounts for other family members. Many practices also offer similar payment plans for children.
When discussing any treatment which is required, dentists should make costs estimates clear up-front and let you know what your payment options are. This should also apply to emergency dental care.
Some practices offer special offers to new patients. At Senova Dental Studios, you can request a free 15-minute video consultation or download a voucher to cover the cost of your initial appointment. Many practices also offer loyalty bonuses and referral incentives for long-term patients.
A final thing that it’s worth checking is the cancellation policy for your dentist. Many practices require a minimum of 24-48 hours notice for cancellations and charge a fee if this timescale is not adhered to. It’s best to be informed about these potential charges in advance so you can manage your diary accordingly.
Recommended Dentists in Watford
It’s a good idea to ask friends, family or co-workers for recommendations when you’re choosing a dentist. The more years someone has been a patient of a particular dentist, the more reliable their recommendation is.
If you have special oral health needs, it may be helpful to speak to someone who also has a complex dental history. Someone who has only ever had routine check-ups and cleans may not be able to give you a recommendation for a dentist who has successfully fitted dental implants or conducted bone grafts, for example.
You could also ask your family doctor or pharmacist for a recommendation. People in the healthcare field tend to know each other, so it’s likely they will have a professional associate they would be happy to recommend to you.
If you’re moving to a new area, you may not have any connections to ask for recommendations. In this case, you could ask your existing dentist for a recommendation. Dentists often work in associations and know other dentists in various parts of the country so they may be able to provide you with some advice.
Finally, you can seek out reviews for dentists you are considering. Detailed patient feedback is one of the most valuable indicators of high-quality dentistry.
You can search the dentist’s own websites for testimonials. You can also look for feedback on platforms such as Google and Yelp. Look for in-depth reviews, rather than simple “good” or “bad” ratings. Dental care is complex and the more detail you can find, the better.
Most dental practices are now active on social media too. You can check out their Facebook page and see if there are any patient reviews there, or see if they have a Twitter page with regular news and updates.
Your First Visit to a New Dentist
On your first visit to a dentist, you should feel comfortable to discuss your oral health needs, concerns and goals. It’s helpful to prepare a list of questions in advance and bring your previous records with you if possible.
This first appointment is the time to check that you feel comfortable and relaxed at your new dental practice. Does the dentist’s philosophy on dental care and prevention match your own? Can you see yourself forming a long-term therapeutic relationship with this new dentist? Now is the time to make this decision.
Visiting a Dentist in Watford
The tips in this article should now have provided you with all the information you need to choose a dentist in Watford. It’s a significant decision for yourself and your family, so you should give it careful care and consideration.
Here at Senova Dental Studios, we would love to welcome you as a new patient. Download a voucher now for your free initial consultation!
Almost one in four of UK’s five-year-old children had dental decay in 2019. Moreover, in kids who had dental cavities, such issues occurred in an average of three to four teeth.
Unfortunately, dental problems are amongst the common reasons for missed school days. On average, children with oral health concerns are absent for at least three days. Some kids, especially those who have severe mouth pain, have even missed up to 15 school days.
The good news is, dental fissure sealants can help prevent tooth decay. They can be especially helpful now, what with kids about to head back to school.
What exactly are dental fissures, though, and why would you want to have them sealed? How can such sealants help keep tooth decay at bay?
We’ll answer all these questions below, so please be sure to read on!
What Are Tooth Fissures?
On the surface of the teeth are many small depressions, called “pits,” and grooves, or “fissures.” The teeth that often have the most pits and fissures are the premolars and molars, which are at the back of the mouth. However, the incisors and canines (the front teeth), may also have these indentations.
Now, keep in mind that the mouth is home to at least 700 bacterial species. Some of these are “good” bacteria, helping create saliva. Many others contribute to plaque formation.
Plaque is the film of sticky, clear substance that constantly forms on the teeth and causes decay. Scientists say that they form around the teeth in minutes, but they start colonising in two to six hours.
Seeing as these pits and fissures are like “dents”, they make it easier for plaque to form on the surfaces of the teeth. As such, within a couple of hours of not brushing the teeth, these indentations can already be full of plaque.
What Then Are Dental Fissure Sealants?
Fissure sealants are materials that act as covers for the pits and grooves of the teeth. They help prevent bacteria, as well as food debris, from getting stuck in these areas of the teeth. In this way, they help protect the teeth from decay-causing elements.
Most of the fissure sealant materials used today are resin or plastic. They are safe, and a children’s dentist in Watford only needs a few minutes to place them on each of your child’s tooth.
The Main Protective Features of a Fissure Sealant
When applied to the tooth, the sealants occupy the pits and grooves that can harbour food and plaque. This, in turn, helps to keep food debris from getting stuck and attracting bad bacteria. In addition, the fewer “dents” on the teeth give harmful bacteria fewer hiding places.
Many studies have shown that teeth with fissure sealants are less prone to dental decay. The actual numbers and rates vary. However, one study found that molars with sealants had up to 78% fewer caries than unsealed teeth.
Sealants also make the teeth easier to brush and clean. That’s because they help to reduce the “deepness” of these indentations. As a result, they increase the cleaning reach of toothbrush bristles.
Who Should Get Them?
Fissure sealants are most effective when applied as soon as the tooth has erupted. This is usually at the age of six or seven. In some kids though, the back teeth can come through earlier, sometimes by age five.
What’s vital is to consider having your child get fissure sealants as soon as the back teeth start to show. This way, you can help them avoid dental decay which can lead to intense toothaches.
Dental Fissure Sealant Procedure
One of the main benefits of a fissure sealant is its quick and easy application. As mentioned above, it only takes a few minutes to treat each tooth with a sealant. Most patients also say that the placement itself doesn’t involve any pain.
Here’s a quick fissure sealant step by step guide, so you and your child know what to expect during the dental visit.
Cleaning of the Tooth Surface
Your Watford dentist will prepare and clean the tooth first. This ensures that no plaque or dental calculus (hardened plaque) remains on the tooth. This is crucial, as any debris will make it harder for the sealant to adhere to the tooth.
Complete Drying of the Tooth Surface
Dentists call this part of the process as “isolation.” It involves ensuring that the tooth that will get sealed is dry and free of saliva. A dentist may use a rubber dam, but if this makes your child uneasy, cotton rolls and dry field pads are often enough.
Conditioning the Tooth
The dentist will then apply a special solution on the tooth to further “condition” its surface. This will also help the fissure sealant adhere or stick better to the tooth’s surface. It also offers the extra benefit of eliminating bacteria in the pits and fissures.
Drying and Applying the Sealant
After several seconds, your dentist will ask your child to rinse his or her mouth. The dentist will then dry the tooth again before finally applying the sealant.
The dentist will use a special curing light on the now-covered tooth. This light triggers the resin material to harden and stabilise. This part usually only takes about a minute.
Once the sealant solidifies, the dentist conducts a final check of the treated tooth. This ensures that the tooth cover is stable, secure, and doesn’t affect the bite. If everything is in order, you and your little one can go home right after.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
According to the NHS, fissure sealants can last anywhere from five to 10 years. Despite this, such protective covers can cost as little as £22.00 per tooth. That’s a small price to pay for your little one’s long-term oral health care and wellbeing.
Keep Your Little One’s Pearly Whites Free of Decay
As you can see, dental fissure sealants are an integral part of good oral hygiene. They help protect teeth from food debris and bacteria that can cause painful tooth decay. They also make brushing and flossing easier, further protecting the tooth from cavities.
So, as early as now, help your little one prepare for the new school year with sealant-protected teeth.
If you’re in need of a dental team in Watford, Senova Dental Studios is ready to help. Aside from fissure sealants, we offer other dental services for the whole family. Please feel free to get in touch with us or book your appointment online.
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Toothache – Your Questions Answered
Like other dental emergencies, a toothache can pop out of nowhere! Whether it is because of sensitive teeth, gum disease, or a fractured tooth, a toothache is one of the most agonizing pains one can suffer from. Naturally, people have lots of questions regarding an issue that they commonly encounter – toothache. This article covers questions that patients frequently ask their dentists about dental pain.
Can Toothache Cause Headache?
There are a variety of dental conditions that can cause a headache:
- Teeth Grinding – when you grind your teeth, it puts excessive pressure on one or both of your jaw joints. Prolonged tooth grinding can lead to severe headaches.
- Referred Pain – sometimes, pain that arises from a tooth can be referred to the head, causing headaches.
- Nervous Problems – this is a condition characterized by the irritation in one of the trigeminal nerve branches – the nerve that gives sensation to our teeth, jaws, and the head.
Can Toothache Cause Ear Ache?
Yes, it is possible, in the form of referred pain. Referred pain means that the pain is actually arising from any other part of the body (in this case, your teeth). However, your body perceives it to be coming from your ears. Referred pain arises in organs that have a common nerve supply.
Why Is Toothache Worse At Night?
There are several reasons why a toothache is more severe in the night:
- More Blood Supply – when we go to bed, our head is positioned to receive more blood supply than when we are standing up. The more the blood supply to the teeth, the more pain you will feel.
- Lesser Distractions – during the day, we are busy with our work. Therefore, we feel lesser pain. However, when we have a lesser distraction in the night, we feel more pain in the teeth. The intensity of the pain remains the same. However, we perceive it to be more intense during the night.
- Tooth Grinding – some people have the habit of unconsciously grinding their teeth, aggravating the toothache.
Will Toothache Go Away?
Whatever the reason behind a toothache, it will go away as soon as the underlying cause is removed. For example, toothache caused due to tooth sensitivity goes away as soon as you finish your cold or sweet food and drinks.
Similarly, if something is stuck between your teeth, it will go away as soon as you remove it. Moreover, dental pain because of an underlying infection normally goes away after taking pain medication.
However, in advanced stages, when the dental pulp has become irreversibly inflamed, painkillers are not effective. The only solution in this situation is root canal treatment. If your dentist feels that the damaged tooth cannot be saved, they recommend getting the tooth extracted.
How To Tell The Difference Between A Sinus Infection And An Abscessed Tooth?
Pain that occurs because of a sinus infection typically manifests in the form of dull, continuous pain. Furthermore, you may feel an increase in the pain intensity when you move your head sideways or up-and-down.
On the other hand, when you have an abscessed tooth, you will feel a sharp pain that gradually increases in intensity. If you touch an abscessed tooth, you will probably feel a sharp, severe jolt of pain.
How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Growing Pains Last?
You may feel pain when your wisdom teeth are piercing through the teeth gums and erupting in the oral cavity. The duration of wisdom tooth growth varies with each person.
The pain will go away as soon as the tooth becomes visible in the oral cavity. The wisdom teeth growth pain may get prolonged if there is a complication in its eruption, such as when one of the teeth get impacted or when there is insufficient space for complete tooth eruption. You may use warm water, or salt water gargles to reduce the swelling in the region.
What Causes A Throbbing Tooth Pain That Comes And Goes?
If you have a throbbing type of pain in one of your teeth that gradually increases in intensity, it may be an abscess. An abscess is a pus-filled cavity lesion that forms around the tooth’s root due to a dental infection. One of the initial signs of a dental abscess is a throbbing pain that doesn’t go away, even after taking pain medication.
Toothache, in most cases like tooth decay, gum disease or teeth sensitive to hot or cold drinks, can be easily avoided if we simply maintain optimal oral hygiene.
Moreover, you should never take dental pain lightly. If the pain does not go away after taking pain medication, you should immediately seek expert dental care! A toothache might be an indication of a more severe underlying dental problem that required emergency dental treatment.
HOW TO GET AN EMERGENCY DENTIST APPOINTMENT
If you have any of the above we strongly advise you to contact the practice as soon as possible, the best way to do this is by calling 01923 233600. If the practice is closed please follow the instructions on the answerphone to access our emergency dental service.
As the COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly spreading throughout the world, many dentists had to discontinue seeing patients or offering dental services. So, you may not have been able to go for a regular check for a while.
But what if you have a dental emergency? Is it safe to go to the dentist, or should you wait until things have settled down? How to find a dentist offering emergency services around you? This article provides everything you need to know about dental emergencies and their management during COVID-19.
Emergency Dentist During Coronavirus Lockdown
Imagine having severe pain in one of your teeth during the lockdown. What would you do? Typically, you would simply call your local dental practice and book an emergency appointment. But things are different now. Dentists now must use additional protective measures to minimize the chances of COVID-19 infection.
You may not recognise your dental team when you 1st see them as their faces will likely be covered behind masks, eye wear and face shield, as well as wearing full-length gowns.
Some dental practices are charging £25 for the additional personal protective equipment required, as a gratitude for patient’s loyalty, some practices (such as ours) are waving all PPE fees for practice members.
Is it safe to go to the Dentist During COVID-19 Pandemic?
The British Dental Association offers several guidelines to the dentists to ensure the safety of their team and the patients. First, it may not be necessary for you to visit the dentist for every dental emergency. In some cases, your dentist may guide you over the phone to manage the situation.
Secondly, for situations that do require visiting the dentist, dentists nowadays use additional personal protective equipment (PPE) – such as gowns, face shields, caps, etc. – to ensure the safety of their team and yourself by preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
Virtually all dental restorative procedures generate an aerosol, which carries considerable risk for transmitting coronavirus infection. Therefore, dentists must take additional measures to minimize the risk of infection from aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) for routine dental treatment. Most modern dental practices are now equipped with high-grade vacuum machines that prevent the aerosol from staying in the room for prolonged durations, thereby reducing the fallow time.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any potentially life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical or dental treatment to alleviate severe pain, stop bleeding or manage severe infection.
A chipped tooth, broken orthodontic wire, dislodged filling or crown that has come out does not qualify as a dental emergency.
When should I go to A&E with Tooth pain?
Dental emergencies must never be taken lightly as they can be life-threatening. If you are having any of the below-mentioned problems, then you must visit your nearest hospital emergency, primary care facility, or dentist for immediate treatment. Some of the common dental emergencies include:
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe toothache
- Cellulitis or bacterial infection
- Facial trauma or injury
What Will An Emergency Dentist Do?
When visiting your dentist for emergency treatment, please bear in mind that you may still have to wait for some time before you’re called in. This is because you’re dentist has to disinfect the dental room after the previous patient leaves. In the meantime, you may be asked to wait in the car outside.
When you’re called, your dentist will first perform a clinical examination to guage the extent and nature of the emergency. Management of dental emergencies usually requires treatment of the underlying cause. For example, a toothache may arise due to a variety of reasons, such as a fractured tooth or an abscess. Your dentist will first diagnose the problem and then recommend an appropriate treatment.
Some people are afraid of the dentist, finding any excuse not to set foot into the dental care practice – even in the case of emergencies. Thanks to modern techniques dentistry can now be made very comfortable and sometimes even relaxing. Dentists rely on advanced relaxation techniques using anesthesia, sedation dentistry so that their patients feel comfortable and relaxed while their dental work is being done.
Why Do My Teeth Hurt?
Teeth can hurt due to many reasons. Some of the common reasons for having a toothache include:
- Teeth cavities
- Something stuck between two teeth
- Fractured or chipped teeth
- Dental abscess
- Periodontal inflammation
- Toothache due to an abnormal or imbalanced bite
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems
- Pericoronitis – a painful condition in which the soft tissues surrounding an impacted tooth get inflamed.
Your dentist will first ascertain the cause of your toothache and then proceed to provide pain relief. Please note that unless there is severe and uncontrollable pain or severe bleeding that these do not constitute a dental emergency.
How to Get Rid of Toothache?
To relieve tooth pain, you must know what is causing it. If you are having severe pain in one of your teeth and you cannot see your dentist right away, or you’re too afraid of the dentist – either because of a bad experience or because of dental anxiety – there are ways in which you can relieve some kinds of toothache at home.
The best thing to do while you’re waiting to book an appointment with your dentist is to take over-the-counter pain medication. A painkiller not only reduces pain and inflammation but will also help calm down nervous patients or those having a dental phobia.
Can Toothache Cause Headache?
Several dental problems can cause a headache. An improper bite can lead to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) and cause headaches. Similarly, the nerves that innervate the teeth are connected to other parts in the heat. Sometimes, pain in one of your teeth can be “referred” to other areas and may cause a headache.
If you wake up every day having sore teeth and a headache, it might be because of night-time tooth grinding. Finally, a headache can also occur because of an underlying sinus infection.
Whether you require emergency root canals or dental fillings, the key to minimizing damage in an emergency is to seek expert help as soon as possible.
We would like to reassure all our patients that most dentists are fully aware of all current government advice for healthcare professionals.
You will appreciate that as a dental practice we work in an environment where the prevention of the spread of a whole range of infections is woven into everything that we do. Clinical sterilisation and disinfection procedures will continue at our normal high standard as a routine. We have also increased the disinfection of non-clinical areas, door handles, bathrooms and public areas in the practice.
Before attending the practice for your next appointment we would be grateful if you would review the most up to date government guidance – just click the link https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Keep Your Dentist in the Loop
We will contact you the day before your appointment to check you are fit and well.
If you have flu-like symptoms, a fever, or a recent sore throat or cough, please contact us to postpone your appointment.
If you are self-isolating or have been diagnosed with Covid-19, please contact the practice to postpone your appointment.
Let’s All Keep Safel
When you visit, you will be asked to use an alcohol hand sanitiser and you may have your temperature checked at reception.
You will be asked to rinse with Peroxyl mouthwash prior to your treatment.
You’ll notice that we’ve removed some non-essential items in the reception area including papers, magazines, kids books and toys. They will return once this is all over.
Please forgive us if we don’t shake hand, don’t think we are being rude!
Please also try not to bring family members to appointments, as this will increase the number of people in the lounge area.
At this time of uncertainty, your safety is our highest priority. As a team, we are doing everything we possibly can to remain fit, well and able to work so that we can continue to provide or usual high standard of dental care for you whilst safeguarding your health, and our and our families health.
Thank you for your support in keeping everyone safe.
Cosmetic Dentistry for Crowded Teeth
” I want to fix my smile but don’t know where to start”…
… is this a question you’ve ever asked? This blog post is written particularly if you want to understand more about cosmetic dentistry for crowded teeth, so let’s get started.
What problems do crowded teeth cause?
- Cosmetic and confidence reducing
- Increased risk of dental decay developing
The most obvious problem is one of cosmetics, not many people like the idea of having very crooked, rotated or crowded teeth, most people want to enjoy a straight smile as it is perceived as beautiful.… However, did you know that there are also oral health benefits from treating crooked teeth?
Everyday a biofilm layer builds upon the surface of your teeth, if this is not removed daily then it can harden off to form that nasty creamy coloured tartar in between your teeth. In this tartar the bacteria lurk and as they digest the sugars in your food they excrete acid and it is this acid which can lead to dental decay… And ultimately to tooth loss if it is not treated.
In order to keep the bacteria to a minimum, it’s important to clean your teeth daily, however, crooked teeth are more difficult to clean than straight teeth. We should be using floss or an interdental brush/stick to clean in between their teeth each day, this is far easier if the teeth are straight and in-line as it makes the floss or brush easier to get through.
How do braces work on crowded teeth
Braces are usually one of the preferred options to treat crooked teeth as they maintain as much natural tooth structure as possible.
This basic principle of tooth movement can often be seen in people that suck their thumb, they very often have protruding top teeth, the constant pressure on the roof of their mouth and inside of the teeth pushes them forwards. This same principle applies to braces, all that is required to move teeth is a constant pressure in the correct direction and the teeth will move.
Crowded teeth can be rotated by using different springs which push on one side and pull on the other side of the tooth thereby rotating it.
How to fix overcrowded teeth without braces
There are a few cosmetic alternatives to braces and crooked teeth can indeed be fixed without braces using one of 4 options:
- Cosmetic recontouring – sometimes it’s possible to reshape and re-contoured teeth to make them look more attractive. Very often people dislike the pointed canines (eye teeth) or perhaps don’t like the rough edges on the tips of their teeth. With some delicate trimming your dentist can re-contour these areas to look more beautiful.
- Dental bonding – minor crowding can often be treated this way, this is where a very small amount of tooth coloured resin is applied to the surface of the tooth, the raising built the tooth forwards into the correct alignment.
- Dental veneers – slightly crowded teeth can be treated with veneers, they work in the same way as bonding, by building the tooth forwards in to alignment however, veneers are made from a high-strength dental porcelain and are therefore often considered more durable than dental bonding.
- Dental crowns – sometimes the teeth are so broken down or require too much adjustment to accept dental veneers, in these instances crowns are used (caps). A crown covers the entire surface of the tooth with that tooth being reduced to a stump prior to having a crown placed on top. A crown can then be made in any shape, position or colour.
Cosmetic recontouring, dental bonding and dental veneers are usually only used on front teeth.
Do I need to have teeth extracted before braces
Not necessarily. However if teeth are crooked it can often mean that there is not enough space in your mouth for all of the teeth to be in a natural alignment. If this is the case then sometimes a dentist will remove the 1st premolar on either side, this gives space for the crooked teeth to be the rotated and spread out evenly in your smile.
In very rare situations patients have additional teeth, called supernumeraries, these are teeth in addition to the regular 32 teeth which adults usually have.
The only way to find out for sure is to have a consultation with a dentist and then diagnostic planning undertaken.
Can veneers be used for overlapping teeth
Most of the time, yes. However, teeth are often crooked and overlapping because there’s not enough space in the jaw for them to all be in an equal alignment. If the same number of teeth take up the same space and are straight then they can look very narrow, this would be required in order to fit them into the space but would look rather strange.
However, it is true that sometimes mildly overlapping teeth can indeed be straightened with veneers.
For this reason, orthodontics is sometimes preferred, along with extraction of a couple of teeth to make more space.
What are the most affordable cosmetic dentistry options?
Don’t confuse affordability with cheapness! Cheap is not always best and the saying that “if you buy cheap then you buy twice” is often so true.
This doesn’t mean to say that all treatments are expensive, sometimes amazing cosmetic dentistry results can be achieved with a small amount of dental bonding to reshape and straighten teeth, coupled with teeth whitening to whiten them and make a brighter smile.
In more complex cosmetic cases with additional complex treatments prices do tend to rise. In these instances it’s good to ask a dentist if they offer finance.
Many dentists offer 0% finance over an extended period of time helping make cosmetic dentistry more affordable.