If you look in the mirror and see a smile that makes your teeth look smaller due to excessive gum exposure, you’re not alone. Many people throughout the world feel self-conscious due to their “gummy smiles”. Besides the cosmetic concerns, a gummy smile may also indicate underlying orthodontic problems, which should also be addressed to ensure optimal oral health. The good news is that gummy smiles can be fixed! This article explains various options you can utilise to get rid of a smile with excessive gum tissue exposure.
What Is A Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is a condition where there is too much exposure of the gum tissues relative to the teeth when one opens their mouth for speaking or smiling. Also known medically as excessive gingival display, this condition constitutes an aesthetic problem, causing the affected people to shy away from speaking or smiling in public. According to the International Journal of Surgery Case Reports, a smile that results in more than 2mm of gum tissue exposure is referred to as a gummy smile.
Is Smile Makeover Beneficial?
A smile makeover treatment is a cosmetic procedure where your dentist will perform various cosmetic and restorative dental procedures to fix flawed smiles. With smile makeovers, dentists can fix even the most challenging cosmetic problems like teeth gaps, teeth stains, fractured teeth, and gummy smiles. So, if you wish to get rid of your cosmetic facial defects and enjoy a healthy smile, then a cosmetic smile makeover will prove highly beneficial in achieving your goals.
What Are The Gummy Smile Treatment Options?
When it comes to fixing a gummy smile, there are several options available. Your dentist will advise regarding a choice that best suits your dental needs. Currently, the three most commonly available gummy smile treatment options include:
- Gum Recontouring
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, gum recontouring, also called crown lengthening, is a procedure in which your dentist or periodontist will surgically remove excessive gum tissue. Gum recontouring is mainly done when the teeth appear shorter due to the overgrowth of the gums.
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injection
While many people think that botox injections are only helpful in removing facial wrinkles and getting rid of sagging skin, they can also fix a gummy smile. Botox injections are typically beneficial in gummy smile cases where the muscles are hyperactive.
- Orthodontic Treatment or Surgery
Sometimes, gummy smiles can arise due to underlying orthodontic problems, such as the excessive downward growth of the upper jaws or the excessively downward positioning of the upper teeth. In both these cases, the gums become more visible whenever the mouth is opened, leading to a gummy smile.
How Is Botox Used To Treat A Gummy Smile?
A Botox injection results in the contraction of the lips, thereby reducing the “gummy appearance”. However, care must be undertaken not over-inject the botulinum toxin, as over contraction of the lips may have an opposite effect than the desired outcome. The results of Botox treatment usually last for about 3-6 months and need to be repeated every 6 months to 1 year.
How To Get Rid Of My Gummy Smile Without Surgery?
Not all cases of gummy smiles need surgical treatment. There are other non-surgical options available as well. The most common non-invasive treatment for gummy smiles is a Botox injection. In other cases, if the problem exists due to excessive downward positioning of the upper teeth, it may be fixed with braces.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Helpful In Smile Designing?
No matter how severe your cosmetic dental problem is, it can be fixed with cosmetic dental treatment. For example, if you have crooked, stained, or chipped teeth, your dentist will restore them with composite bonding or aesthetically pleasing porcelain veneers or crowns. Similarly, extrinsic teeth stains can also be fixed for professional teeth whitening. Likewise, a gummy smile can be restored with gum contouring or a Botox injection.
What Is The Process For Smile Design?
During a smile design, your dentist will first thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to identify all the underlying cosmetic and functional problems. In light of these issues, your dentist will then prepare a digital smile design using special software. This smile design details all the procedures performed to restore your facial aesthetics and optimise dental functions. The smile design allows you to visualise how your smile will look after the treatment. Therefore, you can suggest changes to get the smile of your liking, even before your treatment has started. Dentists mostly use 3D printing technology to prepare veneers and crowns to restore damaged teeth in smile design.
Do Veneers Make Teeth Look Bigger?
Veneers are thin shells attached to the front teeth surfaces to restore cosmetic and restorative tooth defects. To ensure that the veneers do not protrude from the teeth or look excessively large, your dentist will remove a thin layer of tooth enamel. In this way, the veneers become perfectly blended with your teeth and don’t appear oversized. Don’t let your cosmetic tooth defects affect your self-confidence and smile. Instead, let Senova Dental help you get the best out of your smile and personality. We take pride in having one of the highest qualified dentists in town, and a well-equipped dental office, to take care of all your dental problems. So, book a virtual consultation with us today and take your first step towards your dream smile.
Today, as more Britishers are using online modes of communication for business and work, the need for having a charming and attractive smile has increased exponentially. According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the market for cosmetic dentistry in the UK is set to grow annually by 5%, increasing its value to £21 within the next five years. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, people who have perfectly aligned teeth and beautiful smiles are perceived as more attractive than the ones with flawed smiles. If you have cosmetic facial defects, don’t let them ruin your smile and personality. Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, no matter how complicated your problems, there is a solution for them.
“But how can I find the best cosmetic dentist around me?” you may ask. Don’t worry; we can help you with it. This article explains everything you need to know about selecting the best cosmetic dentist for getting your dream smile. So, read on to find out more.
What Can A Cosmetic Dentist Do?
Cosmetic dentists are dental professionals who have undergone three or four more years of additional training in cosmetic dentistry in addition to their basic dental degree. Cosmetic dentists specialise in diagnosing and managing cosmetic dental problems using various procedures like teeth whitening, crowns, and veneers. The aim of cosmetic dentists is not just to restore one’s simile but also to optimise their oral health and physical wellbeing.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Worth It? Why Or Why Not?
Of course, cosmetic dentistry is and will always be worth it. Why? Because a beautiful smile can do wonders. Not only it makes you look more attractive, but people with charming smiles are perceived as more successful and approachable. Imagine if a person with a rockstar smile and another with stained teeth applies for a job. Who has a higher chance of landing that job? Obviously, the one with a beautiful smile. It’s that simple!
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Helpful In Smile Designing?
Cosmetic dentistry has a pivotal role to play in smile designing. In a smile design procedure, a cosmetic dentist first performs a thorough clinical examination and looks at the x-ray images and photographs of the patient to identify the facial flaws. Next, they will use special software to remove these defects and determine the procedures required for the smile makeover. So, cosmetic dentistry and smile designing go hand in hand – each incomplete without the other.
What Is The Best Way To Whiten Your Teeth?
When it comes to getting rid of your teeth stains, the most reliable and effective method is professional teeth whitening. This is because professional whitening not only offers much better aesthetic results than at-home whitening but is also safer and provides predictable results.
How To Choose A Good Cosmetic Dentist In The UK?
With so many cosmetic dental practices springing up throughout the UK, finding the right cosmetic dentist can be challenging. However, no need to worry: there are ways to find the best cosmetic dentist around you. The first to do is to make a list of all the cosmetic dental practices in your area. Next, head over to the internet, and ask your friends and colleagues for reviews about these practices. Once you have shortlisted some practices, visit them personally and meet the dentist. You should enquire with the dentist about some of the following:
- Their qualification
- Their experience
- Licence
- The range of cosmetic services they offer
Also, take into account the distance of the practice from your home or workplace. You don’t want to visit a very far away practice – which will cost you time and money on every visit. Another factor to consider is whether the practice you are considering accepts your insurance and does it offer flexible payment solutions. All these points will help you in finding the right cosmetic dentist for yourself and your family.
Is A2 Teeth A Nice Shade, Or Is It Yellow?
An A2 is a nice shade that is commonly used for restoring teeth. It offers a natural white appearance for most people. However, for older people, who tend to have darker teeth, an A3 or A4 might be more suitable. Similarly, for teens, an A1 shade may offer better aesthetic results. You should consult your dentist, who will recommend a tooth shade based on your natural teeth shade, your age, and skin colour.
Can A Cosmetic Dentist Fix A Crooked Tooth?
Cosmetic dentists have several tools under their belts to fix crooked teeth. For minor tooth defects, the dentist may restore the tooth using bonding. When better aesthetics are required, such as in the front teeth, a veneer is also a suitable option. Similarly, for grossly damaged teeth, a porcelain crown is another option to restore the shape and aesthetics of the tooth.
How To Find An Expert In Cosmetic Dentistry?
When finding an expert in cosmetic dentistry, always remember to find one who has undergone specialised cosmetic dentistry training and one who is registered with your local or state dental regulatory authority. You can visit the British Dental Association or British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry website to find more information about cosmetic dentists around you.
If you reside in Watford and you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist near you, then Senova Dental Studios should be your first choice. No matter how complex your problem is, our highly trained and qualified dental team will have a solution for it. We offer all dental procedures under one roof, from teeth whitening to dental implants and all types of cosmetic dental work. So, book a virtual appointment today and begin your journey towards your dream smile.
As people are becoming increasingly conscious of their appearance and looks, the demand for cosmetic dental procedures to fix flawed smiles has increased exponentially over the years. Today, more and more people are considering or having already undergone teeth whitening to eliminate their unsightly tooth stains. According to a survey conducted in the UK, about 40% of the young adult Britishers aged between 18 and 24 reported that they were considering getting their teeth whitened to improve their looks and facial appearance.
With teeth whitening products abundantly available in the markets, many people question their safety and efficacy. From whitening strips to whitening toothpaste and tray-based systems, manufacturers claim rapid results in just one sitting. But all that glitters is not gold. Many whitening product manufacturers use substandard ingredients that are either ineffective or unsafe for human use. If you are also thinking of getting your teeth whitened, it is essential that you know how different teeth whitening products work and which option suits your needs best. This article provides an overview of various teeth whitening options so you can make an informed decision when it comes to saying goodbye to tea, coffee, or tobacco teeth stains.
Does Teeth Whitening Really Work?
According to the Oral Health Foundation, tooth whitening is a cosmetic procedure used to remove tooth surface stains to give you a pearly white and beautiful smile. Tooth whitening can either be done professionally at the dentist’s office or in the comfort of one’s own home using whitening trays or strips.
In professional teeth whitening, dentists use a potent – yet safe – bleaching agent, usually carbamide peroxide, to remove tooth stains. Before whitening your teeth, your dentist will make impressions of your teeth to prepare custom fitting whitening trays. Your dentist will fill these trays with the whitening solution during the whitening process and ask you to wear them over your teeth. Your dentist will activate the bleaching agent using a special light (laser whitening). Once activated, the bleaching agent releases hydrogen peroxide, which penetrates beneath the tooth surface and chemically dissolves teeth stains. After the procedure, you will observe a noticeable improvement in the shade and colour of your teeth.
Many at-home whitening systems work similarly. However, these products contain a lower concentration of bleaching agents compared with the professional formulas. The at-home whitening products come with stock whitening trays filled with the bleaching agent and worn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
So, coming back to the question, teeth whitening products do work, but not all are safe for human use. Some of these products may contain ingredients that may permanently damage your teeth, causing tooth sensitivity and making them vulnerable to teeth cavities.
Why Do I Need To Use A Whitening Tray?
Most whitening products are based on the use of whitening trays. The whitening trays are carriers of the bleaching agent. When the whitening trays are worn over the teeth, they get exposed to the bleaching agent present inside the trays. In this way, the whitening trays “hold” the bleaching agent in place for the required period of time for maximum whitening treatment effect.
How To Use Teeth Whitening Gel With A Tray
Using whitening trays is simple and easy. You will get a set of the whitening trays, one for each jaw. At-home whitening products have stock trays, implying that they will not be exactly moulded the size and shape of your teeth.
To use the trays for whitening, simply fill each tray up to the level recommended by the manufacturer. Carefully wear each tray over your teeth, ensuring that all the teeth are exposed to the whitening formula. Keep wearing the whitening trays over your teeth as per the recommendation of the product’s manufacturer.
Does Teeth Whitening Work On Fillings?
Teeth whitening formulas, whether for professional or at-home use ar designed to work on the natural teeth alone. The bleaching agent in the whitening formulas works by chemically dissolving the stains on the surface of the teeth. Unfortunately, these whitening products cannot remove stains from dental fillings. But no need to worry; your dentist will first whiten your natural teeth and then retouch the fillings to match their shade and colour with your newly whitened teeth. In this way, both your natural and restored teeth will have the same pearly white appearance.
Does Teeth Whitening Cause Any Dental Problems?
According to the British Dental Association, teeth whitening is a safe procedure, provided a qualified and experienced dentist does it. Similarly, whitening products that carry the seal of acceptance of your local or federal dental regulatory authority are safe for use. However, it must be remembered that overuse of whitening products may lead to various dental complications like tooth sensitivity, yellowing of teeth and tooth decay. Therefore, it is always best to have your teeth whitened by a dentist.
How To Ask My Dentist To Whiten My Teeth?
If you feel that you have teeth stains affecting your smile and personality, you can ask your dentist to whiten them. Teeth whitening is a routinely performed cosmetic procedure, and it does not carry any adverse effects. Your dentist will first ascertain the cause of your teeth stains and determine whether they can be removed with professional whitening. This is because certain teeth stains, those caused by tetracycline usage and excessive fluoride exposure during tooth developing age in children, cannot be removed with teeth whitening. Your dentist may recommend some of these cosmetic procedures for permanent stains:
Thinking about getting your teeth whitened in Watford? Senova Dental should be your first choice. We offer all dental services under one roof in a comfortable and relaxing environment. So book a free video consultation today, and let us give you the smile of your dreams.
As parents, it is our responsibility to look after every aspect of our child’s health and wellbeing. We take care of everything, from their diet to their sleep, making sure they remain healthy and active. While all parents take good care of their child’s overall and physical health, many often neglect their oral health in the process – assuming that the milk teeth are not important since they will ultimately be replaced with their permanent successors.
This is a dangerous assumption. Your child’s milk teeth are as important as their permanent teeth. That is why parents should start looking after their oral health right from an early age. This also includes taking your kids to the dentist, even if all their milk teeth have not come out. “Ok, but when should I start taking my child to the dentist?” you might ask, like many other parents. This article explains everything you need to know about early childhood dental visits and when you take your child for their first checkup.
What Age Should A Child Go To The Dentist For The First Time?
Parents must start looking after their child’s oral health right after birth – even before their milk teeth start to erupt. During the first six months, when your child has no teeth, you can clean their mouth with a soft, clean cotton cloth. Once their first tooth appears – when your child is around the age of six months of age – you may start using a soft toothbrush for cleaning. You should consult with your child’s pediatric dentist whether you need to brush their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste.
The National Health Service (NHS) recommends that you take your child for their dental checkup as soon as their first tooth appears or before their first birthday. This practice is vital for several reasons.
- Your child will become familiar with the dental environment early in life, and they are less likely to develop dental phobia later in life.
- The dentist will start monitoring your child’s oral health status early in life. Thereby diagnosing and correcting any problems that may cause more harm – or may require more extensive treatment – in the future.
How Often Should Toddlers Go To The Dentist?
Taking your child regularly for dental checkups will ensure that they remain healthy and active and help them develop good dental habits. According to a survey, over one-third of US parent thought that children should visit their dentist once a year at most. However, dentists have different recommendation. According to the American Association of Pediatrics Dentists, parents should take their child to the dentist every six months. However, this frequency may be increased to twelve months or decreased in some cases, depending on your child’s oral health status.
What’s The Best Age For First Dental Cleaning?
Professional teeth cleaning is done for patients who have excessive plaque or tartar deposits on their teeth. It is not recommended for children to undergo professional teeth cleaning at an early age. This is because with optimal oral hygiene maintenance through regular brushing and flossing, the chances of adherence of plaque and tartar deposits on your child’s teeth will be minimal. However, your child’s dentist may consider professional teeth cleaning when a child has severe gum inflammation or periodontal disease.
When Do You Lose All Your Baby Teeth?
Here’s a quick summary of the baby tooth eruption sequence and when they are lost:
- Your child’s first milk tooth should appear around six months after birth. This process will continue for the next couple of years until all their milk teeth have come out.
- Around the age of six, your child’s milk teeth will start to fall out one by one, getting replaced with their permanent successors till the age of 11-12 years.
- At this point, all your child’s milk teeth will have been replaced by permanent teeth.
However, in some cases, the eruption of the milk teeth or exfoliation of the primary teeth may get delayed although this is not very common.
Why Do Children Lose Their Baby Teeth?
Consider your child’s baby teeth are placeholders for their permanent successors. The permanent teeth lie just below the milk teeth. When your child is around six years of age, the underlying permanent teeth will start to erupt, pushing the milk teeth outward and making them mobile so that they fall off easily.
As your child grows, their diet and eating habits will also change. Growing children need more energy, which usually comes in foods that need to be chewed thoroughly. That is why the milk teeth are replaced with permanent ones, as the permanent teeth are much larger and more robust than the milk teeth. And if you think about it, a small child with a small mouth and head simply couldn’t cope with the size of teeth that are required for an adult!
At What Age Can You Get A Cavity?
A tooth cavity can form at any age. Two factors are essential for causing teeth cavities;
- sugars
- disease-causing bacteria.
If your child has a habit of drinking milk or sugary drink before sleeping, and the sugars inside the milk will adhere to the teeth and facilitate the attachment of harmful bacteria that cause teeth cavities. While the development of tooth decay is not age-dependent, it can be easily prevented – through regular oral hygiene maintenance.
Are Fillings Advisable For Children?
The dentist will consider various factors before choosing the type of fillings used for restoring your child’s teeth cavity. These include the size, location, extent, as well as age of the child. If the damaged milk tooth is about to fall out, the dentist may place a temporary filling. On the other hand, if the affected tooth is not expected to erupt anytime soon, the dentist may use semi-permanent or permanent fillings like glass ionomer cements.
Your child’s physical health and wellbeing are directly dependent on their oral health. Good dental hygiene habits learnt during childhood can go a long way in ensuring that your child retains their pearly whites throughout life.
Therefore, their oral health should be considered as important as their physical wellbeing. At the Senova Dental Studios in Watford, we will take care of every aspect of your child’s oral health, right from when their first milk tooth appears to when all their permanent teeth have come out. So, book a virtual consultation with our dentist today and let your child enjoy a healthy and lasting smile.
As parents, we go to lengths to ensure that our children remain healthy, happy and active. From their daily routine to their diet and physical activity, we plan everything for the betterment of our children. However, one aspect that parents often overlook regarding their child’s wellbeing is their oral health.
Unfortunately, many parents think that a child’s milk teeth are only temporary; therefore, there is no need to look after them. This is a very dangerous assumption. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking care of your child’s oral health as soon as the first tooth appears in the mouth. “But, why are the milk teeth so important, and how tooth cavities can affect my child’s health?” you might ask yourself.
This article explains everything you need to know about teeth cavities in kids and why they are harmful to your child’s health and wellbeing.
Rotten Teeth Effects On The Body?
Rotten teeth will not only affect your child’s adorable smile, but they will also have a direct influence on their physical wellbeing. According to the American Dental Association, milk teeth help our child learn how to eat and speak.
So, if your child’s milk teeth have cavities, or if they are lost prematurely, your child may not be to chew and digest their food properly. This can directly influence their physical health and quality of life.
Similarly, children develop oral hygiene habits right from their early age. If they are taught to maintain optimal oral hygiene during childhood, these habits will remain with them throughout life – and will also ensure that they do not suffer from avoidable dental problems later in life.
Do Cavities In Baby Teeth Affect Permanent Teeth?
Your child’s milk teeth serve as placeholders for their permanent successors. If a milk tooth is lost prematurely, the neighbouring teeth start to creep into the vacant space. As a result, gaps begin to appear in the teeth.
More importantly, the deviated teeth prevent the underlying permanent teeth from erupting into optimal alignment and occlusion. Consequently, the permanent teeth either erupt at unusual places or exhibit orthodontic problems like crowding or imbalance tooth bite.
If your child has lost a primary tooth prematurely, you should visit their dentist immediately to get space maintainers. These appliances prevent the neighbouring teeth from moving into the vacant space and ensure unhindered eruption of the underlying permanent tooth.
Child Tooth Decay Treatment Options?
Treatment of teeth cavities in the primary teeth depends on various factors. Depending on the estimated remaining time when they fall off, your dentist will use different filling materials for treatment. Depending on the extent of tooth damage, your child’s dentist will replace the affected tooth structure with a direct filling like composites or glass ionomer cement or place an indirect restoration such as a crown.
Indirect restorations are typically required when there is extensive damage to the tooth caused by dental decay.
Early Signs Of Tooth Decay And Toddlers?
Perhaps, the earliest sign of a developing tooth cavity in one of your child’s milk teeth is the appearance of white spots. The formation of a white spot on a tooth represents a region that does not contain sufficient minerals.
If this white spot is not treated timely, it may result in the formation of teeth cavities. White spots on the teeth are reversible; your dentist will apply a fluoride varnish or gel to restore the mineral content in the affected tooth, making it resistant to teeth cavities. That is why you should act immediately and take your child to see a dentist if you find any white spots on their teeth.
How To Clean Children’s Teeth?
Oral hygiene care for your child should start right after their birth. Before they grow their first tooth, you should use a soft and clean cloth to clean the gums. Later on, you should start brushing your child’s teeth using a soft brush. You should brush your child’s teeth until they become older enough to brush by themselves. If your community water supply is not fluoridated, you should also consult your dentist regarding the use of fluoride toothpaste.
Should Children Use A Fluoride Toothpaste?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has proven beneficial effect on our oral health. According to the National Health Service, using fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective ways of preventing teeth cavities. Fluoride is nature’s cavity-fighting agent that makes the teeth stronger, and more resistant to the attack of harmful bacteria that produce acid and cause cavities.
According to the American Dental Association, fluoride toothpaste is recommended for children to prevent tooth decay. For children younger than three years, parents should brush their teeth by applying only a smear of fluoride toothpaste. For children above three years, parents can use a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste for brushing.
According to the PHE National Dental Epidemiology Programme for England, 2017, one in every four children aged five had teeth cavities. Restoring teeth cavities in children is not only essential to retain their pearly white smile, but also to ensure that they retain a set of healthy and fully functional teeth throughout life. More importantly, the development of teeth cavities in children should be prevented in the first place, through optimal oral hygiene care and regular dental checkups.
If you are looking for a dental practice in Watford that takes care of every aspect of your child’s oral health, look no more. At Senova Dental, we have a team of highly qualified and experienced that will ensure that your child enjoys a healthy, adorable and lasting smile throughout life. So, book an appointment for a video consultation today and let us take good care of your child’s oral health.
For many people, good oral hygiene maintenance is only necessary for having pearly white and healthy teeth. Except that according to the American Dental Association, our health directly affects our physical health and wellbeing. This is because the oral cavity serves are a gateway to the entire body. If the mouth is unhealthy, it will also affect other parts of the body. That is why regular dental checkups are necessary for your entire family, and this is where a family dentist becomes important.
This article explains everything you need to know about family dentistry and how you and your family can benefit from visiting a family dental practice.
Why Do You Need A Family Dentist, What Are The Benefits?
Imagine taking each of your family members to different dental practices for their checkups. It would practically be a waste of time, energy and hard-earned money – not to mention about the days you will have to take off from work, or your kid’s school. But what if you could take your entire family to the same dental practice on the same day? Wouldn’t that be easier?
If you go to a family general dentist, they will look after the dental care needs of your entire family, setting their appointments in a way that all of them can be treated at the same time, and you don’t to visit multiple times. This is because the skilled team of a general dentist is trained to take care of the individual dental treatment needs of all your family members.
What Do People Look For In Choosing A Dentist?
When looking for a dentist for your family, there are few things that you must consider, as per the National Health Service (NHS). First, make sure that the dental practice offers all the services that your family needs. For example, if one of your kids need orthodontic treatment, make sure that the practice you’re considering has the necessary facilities available. Another important thing to consider is the qualifications and experience of the dentist.
Most importantly, choose a practice that is near to your home or office. You don’t want to spend too much time or money on just the commute. It would be ideal if the practice you’re considering opens early morning or late evenings, so you can take your family for a dental checkup without affecting your work schedule.
Finally, utilize the power of the internet and social media. Search for the reviews of patients who have, or are visiting the dentist’s office you are considering. You can also ask your friends and colleagues about their experiences with dental practices.
Is It Safe To Visit A Family Dentist During Covid 19?
According to the British Dental Association, it is absolutely safe to visit your family dentist during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is because your dentist is trained in taking all precautionary measures to protect his staff and patients from communicable diseases, especially COVID-19. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many family dentistry practices have enforced additional preventive dentistry measures to further minimise the risk of cross-infection. Therefore, there is no issue in visiting your dentist as long as you follow all the Standard OperatingPractices (SOPs) and guidelines set by the Government and the dentist’s office.
Why Is Family Dentistry Important For Oral Health?
According to the World Health Organization, oral disease poses a major healthcare burden that causes significant pain, discomfort, economic loss and morbidity! There are many serious health diseases that originate in the oral cavity and then pass through it to other body organs. For example, the bacterial in the infected gums can enter the local bloodstream to be carried to the lungs, resulting in respiratory problems. Similarly, bacteria in teeth cavities can be inhaled or ingested through food, leading to a host of medical problems.
So, visiting a family dentist is not just important to keep your family’s teeth healthy and sparkling; According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is also necessary to make sure they remain healthy and enjoy an active lifestyle.
How Can Having A Good Dentist Change Your Life?
A good dentist will not just focus on treating dental problems as they come. Instead, they will check your entire family’s oral health status at every checkup by performing a detailed clinical examination. They will also use special equipment to diagnose developing problems so that they can be treated timely before they cause permanent damage – so that you don’t have to spend money on dental problems that can be easily avoided in the first place through preventive dentistry.
What Services Does The Family Dentist Offer?
A family dental practice is focused on providing all the necessary dental services for your family needs such as professional cleanings, dental fillings, or a dental implant. A major part of the services provided by family dentistry practices is preventive dentistry.
If your kids are involved in contact sports like football, soccer or rugby, where there are high chances of tooth injuries, your family dentist will give them mouthguards. A mouthguard is a removable appliance that protects your teeth and gums from injury in case of a collision or accident. Similarly, if a family member has a habit of grinding their teeth, your dentist will give them nightguards, which are appliances that prevent your teeth damage when you grind them excessively.
Similarly, if the dentist finds that your kids are at high risk for developing teeth cavities, he will apply sealants on them which protect them food impaction and subsequent bacterial attack that leads to cavities.
If you are living in Watford, Senova Dental Studios is the best practice for all your family dental needs. Whether it is teeth whitening for your partner, tooth coloured fillings for you, or Invisalign aligners for your kids, we offer all services under one roof.
Book an appointment today to get an £85 refund on your initial consultation (Redeemable against hygiene appointments), and walk away with a healthy, lasting and beautiful smile.
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.