Is bottled or tap water better for your teeth?

With many people concerned about the taste and purity of tap water, the sales of bottled water have increased significantly in recent years.

Tap water goes through a process of purification designed to eliminate suspended materials, remove tastes and odors and kill microorganisms.

Fluoride is added to most tap water supplies with the aim of reducing cavities.

Fluoride becomes incorporated into our teeth as they develop and makes them more resistant to decay. It can reverse the progress of early cavities and reduce the need for dental treatment.

Mass water fluoridation has played an important role in reducing tooth decay.

The problem with bottled waters is that they usually don’t contain fluoride.

So there is a risk that drinking bottled water can increase the risk of cavities for some people.

If you drink a lot of bottled water, you can make up for this by using fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse.

Your dentist may even suggest a fluoride supplement if they notice an increase in cavities.

How the food you eat can cause tooth decay

When you put food in your mouth, it immediately meets the bacteria that live there.

Plaque, for example, is a sticky film of bacteria.

These bacteria love the sugars found in many foods. So, when you don’t clean your teeth after eating, the bacteria and the sugar can combine to produce acids which can destroy the enamel – the hard surface of the tooth.

In time, this can lead to tooth decay. The more often you eat and the longer foods are in your mouth, the more damage occurs.

Many foods that are nutritious and important in our diet contain sugars – such as fruits, milk, bread, cereals and even vegetables.

So the key is not to try and avoid sugar but to think before you eat.

When you eat is also important because each time you eat food that contains sugars, the teeth are attacked by acids for 20 minutes or more.

This means that foods that are eaten as part of a meal cause less harm. More saliva is released during a meal, helping to wash foods from the mouth and reduce the effects of acids.

Here are some tips to follow when choosing your meals and snacks.
– Eat a variety of foods from different food groups
– Limit the number of snacks that you eat
– If you do snack, choose nutritious foods, such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, or a piece of fruit

It’s also important to brush your teeth twice a day and to clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners.

And of course regular visits to your dentist will help prevent problems from occurring and catch those that do occur while they are easier to treat.

Things to look out for during pregnancy

Every woman wants to maintain their own health during pregnancy and to take whatever steps are necessary to give the baby the best possible start.

There are a few factors in your oral health to look out for during this time.

One consideration is that it’s common for pregnant women to have the urge to eat between meals. The risk is that frequent snacking on carbohydrate-containing foods can encourage tooth decay.

Bacteria in your mouth called plaque can convert the sugar and starch in your mouth into an acid that attacks tooth enamel. After repeated attacks, tooth decay can result.

So, when you need a snack, try to choose foods that are nutritious for you and your baby such as raw fruits and vegetables and dairy products.

During pregnancy, your body’s hormone levels rise considerably. Gum problems, such as gingivitis, are especially common during the second to eighth months of pregnancy. They may cause red, puffy or tender gums that bleed when you brush.

This is an exaggerated response to plaque caused by higher levels of progesterone in your system. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings at some stages to help you avoid problems.

Occasionally overgrowths of gum tissue, called “pregnancy tumors,” appear on the gums during the second trimester. These localized growths or swellings are usually found between the teeth and are thought to be related to excess plaque.

They bleed easily and are often surgically removed after the baby is born.

Studies indicate that pregnant women who have severe periodontal (gum) disease may be at increased risk for pre-term delivery, which in turn increases the risk of having a low-birth-weight baby.

So it’s particularly important to maintain good oral health during pregnancy. Make sure you clean your teeth carefully and visit your dentist regularly.

How to make your smile brighter

Your smile makes a huge difference to what people think about you and how you feel about yourself.

And there are many options available to help you improve the look and brightness of your smile, including:

In-office bleaching: During chair-side bleaching, the dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.

At-home bleaching: There are several types of products available for use at home, which can either be dispensed by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter. These include peroxide bleaching solutions, which actually bleach the tooth enamel. Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouth guard.

Whitening toothpastes: All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives. “Whitening” toothpastes include special chemical or polishing agents that are more effective at removing stains. However, unlike bleaches, they don’t alter the intrinsic color of teeth.

Start by speaking to your dentist. He or she will tell you if whitening procedures would be effective for you as whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration.

Types of Dental Implants: Which is Right for You?

Dental implants are a popular solution for people who have lost one or more teeth. However, there are several different types of dental implants, and it can be confusing to determine which one is right for you. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the most common types of dental implants and what they're best suited for.
 
Endosteal Implants:
Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. They are shaped like small screws and are surgically implanted into the jawbone. Once the implants have fused with the jawbone, they serve as a sturdy foundation for the artificial tooth or teeth.
 
Subperiosteal Implants:
Subperiosteal implants are a less common type of dental implant that are placed on top of the jawbone, just beneath the gum tissue. They are typically used for people who have a shallow jawbone and are not good candidates for endosteal implants.
 
Zygomatic Implants:
Zygomatic implants are a specialized type of implant that are used for people who have significant bone loss in the upper jaw. They are anchored in the cheekbone instead of the jawbone and provide a strong foundation for artificial teeth.
 
All-on-4 Implants:
All-on-4 implants are a popular option for people who need to replace multiple teeth or even a full arch of teeth. They involve placing four implants in strategic locations in the jawbone and attaching a custom-made denture to the implants. This provides a strong, stable foundation for the denture and eliminates the need for messy adhesives.
 
In conclusion, there are several types of dental implants available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Your dentist can help you determine which type of implant is right for you based on your specific needs and goals. If you're interested in dental implants, talk to your dentist to see which option is best for you.

The role of technology in modern cosmetic dentistry: How advances in digital imaging are changing the field

Technology has revolutionized the field of cosmetic dentistry, making it easier than ever for dentists to create beautiful, natural-looking smiles. One of the most significant advances in cosmetic dentistry is digital imaging technology. Here's how digital imaging is changing the field of cosmetic dentistry.
 
Digital Imaging Technology: Digital imaging technology allows dentists to take highly detailed, 3D images of a patient's teeth and mouth. This technology is faster and more accurate than traditional x-rays, and it allows dentists to better diagnose dental problems and create custom treatment plans.
 
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): CAD/CAM technology allows dentists to create custom dental restorations, such as crowns and veneers, using computer software. This technology allows for more precise, accurate restorations that fit better and look more natural.
 
Intraoral Cameras: Intraoral cameras are tiny cameras that can be inserted into a patient's mouth to take detailed images of the teeth and gums. This technology allows dentists to identify potential problems and areas that need improvement, and it allows patients to see exactly what the dentist sees.
 
Digital Smile Design: Digital Smile Design is a software that allows dentists to create a custom digital model of a patient's smile. This software allows dentists to show patients a preview of what their new smile will look like before any procedures are performed. Patients can provide feedback and work with their dentist to create the perfect smile.
 
Technology has played a significant role in advancing the field of cosmetic dentistry, allowing dentists to provide patients with more accurate, precise, and natural-looking results. With the help of digital imaging, CAD/CAM technology, intraoral cameras, and Digital Smile Design, cosmetic dentists can create beautiful, healthy smiles that their patients can be proud of.

What Are Dental Implants and How Do They Work?

If you have lost a tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants can provide a permanent solution that looks and feels like natural teeth. But what are dental implants, and how do they work? Let's take a closer look.

Dental implants are small, titanium posts that are surgically implanted into your jawbone. Once in place, they serve as a sturdy foundation for a custom-made artificial tooth or teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support.

The process of getting dental implants typically involves several steps. First, your dentist will examine your mouth and jaw to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. They may also take x-rays or other imaging tests to assess your jawbone density and determine the best placement for the implants.

Next, the implants are surgically placed into your jawbone. Over time, the implants will fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong, stable base for the artificial tooth or teeth.

Once the implants have fully fused with the jawbone, your dentist will attach abutments to the top of the implants. These abutments serve as connectors between the implants and the artificial teeth.

Your dentist will attach the custom-made artificial tooth or teeth to the abutments. These teeth are designed to look and function like natural teeth, so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

Dental implants are a permanent solution for tooth loss that involve surgically implanting small titanium posts into your jawbone. Over time, the implants fuse with your jawbone to create a strong foundation for artificial teeth that look and function like natural teeth. If you are interested in dental implants, talk to your dentist to see if they are a good option for you.