by Dr. Adkins | May 30, 2024 | Blog, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Topics 2
Has your child been bothered by some issue with his or her teeth? Has there been bullying or teasing about a smile issue? Cosmetic dentistry may be the solution for these problems. Teens can benefit from a healthy, attractive, white smile. Benefits can include increased self-esteem and greater ease with public speaking and social interactions. Some cosmetic dental procedures can correct problems that began when teens were pediatric patients. Others can address issues of alignment or shape.
The most common cosmetic dental procedure pursued by young people is braces. Braces are so common now that in middle school, it seems as though more students have braces than do not. Even in elementary school, braces can be an option toward achieving a straight smile.
Some teens naturally have discolored teeth that can benefit from teeth bleaching or whitening. Medications and foods and drinks can affect tooth color. Most dental professionals prefer to whiten only permanent teeth that are fully erupted. The primary concern about whitening teeth for young people is that the teeth are also “young” and that the pulp is closer to the surface than in adult teeth, leading to heightened sensitivity to the products used to achieve whitening.
If your teen has suffered trauma to the teeth from playing sports or in an accident, bonding with resin composite or porcelain veneers could be the solution. Dentists can also provide mouth guards for protection while engaging in some activities, such as football or hockey. Be sure to contact your dentist immediately following any new trauma so your teen’s teeth can be properly evaluated.
If your child has a missing tooth, either from trauma, decay or congenital issue, your cosmetic dentist might recommend a dental bridge or dental implant. Bridges can be used at an early age, but dental implants are only for mature mouths with complete bone growth.
If your child has issues regarding the appearance of his or her smile, make an appointment with your dentist today to discuss what cosmetic dental treatments are best to treat those problems.
We look forward to seeing you in our McDonough dental office
by Dr. Adkins | May 23, 2024 | Blog, Dental Information, Dental Topics 4
The Truth about Your Teeth and Health
Your smile is a canvas that reveals more than just your personality. It could also expose some underlying health issues that you might not be aware of. Your dental health deserves as much attention as any other aspect of your overall well-being.
The Importance of Dental Health
Oral hygiene is more than just getting rid of bad breath and yellow teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist are essential to prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Neglecting your dental health could lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, and even cancer.
How Teeth Can Reveal Underlying Health Issues
Your teeth are like windows into the state of your overall well-being. Changes in their appearance or sensitivity could indicate underlying health conditions such as acid reflux disease or osteoporosis.
Even a simple cavity could lead to complications in other parts of the body if left untreated. Taking care of your dental health is crucial for a healthy life.
Don’t take your pearly whites for granted! The next sections will dive deeper into what healthy teeth look like and how different dental issues can reveal underlying health concerns.
What healthy teeth look like
Characteristics of healthy teeth
Healthy teeth have a few distinct characteristics. For starters, they are generally white or off-white in color, but not overly bright.
They also don’t have any noticeable chips or cracks, and they fit comfortably in the mouth without causing discomfort or pain. Healthy teeth are also firmly anchored in their sockets and don’t move around when you bite down.
Another key characteristic of healthy teeth is that they are clean and free of plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the surface of your teeth when bacteria combine with food particles.
Over time, this can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. That’s why it’s so important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.
Importance of regular dental checkups and cleanings
Even if your teeth look healthy on the outside, there could be hidden issues lurking beneath the surface. That’s why it’s crucial to schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist at least once every six months.
During these appointments, your dentist will examine your mouth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other issues that could affect your overall health. They’ll also perform a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar buildup that you may have missed during your daily oral hygiene routine.
Regular dental checkups can help catch problems early before they turn into bigger (and more expensive) issues down the road. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to ask questions about proper oral care techniques or get advice on how to improve your overall dental health.
What discolored teeth indicate
One of the most obvious signs of potential health issues is tooth discoloration. Discoloration can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor dental hygiene, genetics, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or drinking heavily pigmented beverages like coffee or tea. However, it’s important to note that some types of discoloration can also be indicative of underlying health issues.
Causes of tooth discoloration
The most common causes of tooth discoloration are external factors such as foods, drinks and smoking, but there are also internal causes that can’t be treated with simple whitening procedures. These internal causes include:
- Tetracycline use: a type of antibiotic that can cause permanent staining in teeth.
- Fluorosis: excessive fluoride intake during childhood which results in white spots or streaks on the teeth.
- Tooth trauma: an injury to a tooth that can result in darkening or graying over time.
Possible underlying health issues
If you notice unusual tooth discoloration that isn’t related to external factors and doesn’t respond to whitening treatments, it’s important to talk to your dentist about the possibility of underlying health issues. In some cases, yellowing or grayish tones could be indicative of liver disease or other systemic conditions. Similarly, white spots on the teeth could indicate celiac disease or other autoimmune disorders.
Your dentist may recommend additional testing if they suspect an underlying condition is causing your tooth discoloration. At the very least they will take x-rays and perform a thorough oral exam to help determine the cause and possible treatment options.
What sensitive teeth mean
Sensitive teeth can be a real pain, quite literally. They can cause discomfort while eating or drinking hot or cold foods, and may even make it difficult to brush your teeth properly. Sensitive teeth occur when the enamel on your tooth is worn down or your gums have receded, exposing the underlying layer of dentin that contains the tooth’s nerves.
Causes of tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a variety of factors, including: – Brushing too hard – Eating acidic foods
– Gum disease – Teeth grinding
– Tooth decay – Tooth whitening products
Possible underlying health issues
Tooth sensitivity can also be a sign of underlying health issues such as: – Gastrointestinal disorders
– Sinus infections – Vitamin deficiency (particularly vitamin D)
If you experience consistent tooth sensitivity, it’s important to visit your dentist to rule out any potential dental issues and get to the root cause of what’s causing your sensitive teeth. In some cases, treatment may include using desensitizing products like special toothpaste or fluoride treatments.
What crooked or misaligned teeth indicate
Crooked or misaligned teeth can affect one’s confidence and self-esteem, but they can also reveal underlying health issues. When a person’s teeth are not properly aligned, it can cause problems with their bite, speech, and ability to chew food. Crooked teeth can also make it difficult to keep the mouth clean, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Causes of crooked or misaligned teeth
There are several factors that can contribute to crooked or misaligned teeth. Genetics is a major factor as some people are born with small jaws or crowded teeth that make it difficult for their permanent teeth to come in straight. Thumb-sucking and pacifier use beyond age three may also lead to crooked teeth when the adult teeth come in.
Injuries to the jaw or face may also cause structural damage that leads to unevenly spaced or angled teeth. Poor dental care through lack of brushing and flossing may lead to tooth decay, gum inflammation which could result in shifting of adjacent healthy tooth leading to overlapping and crowding.
Possible underlying health issues
Crooked or misaligned teeth sometimes indicate underlying health issues such as sleep apnea caused by a narrow airway that is commonly seen with malocclusion (poor alignment of upper and lower jaw), digestive disorders like acid reflux which may be due to improper function of oral cavity muscles during chewing processes leading acid exposure on surface enamel resulting in tooth erosion over time; eating disorders like bulimia nervosa- due frequent vomiting associated with this disorder there is repeated exposure of hydrochloric acid on tooth surface causing enamel erosion leading chipping off the edges making them jagged; anxiety disorders causing habits like grinding/ clenching of jaws (bruxism) etc. It is important for individuals with misaligned teeth to consult their dental health provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. These underlying health issues, if not addressed, could lead to more serious health problems in the future.
What missing or damaged teeth say about your overall health
Missing or damaged teeth not only cause cosmetic concerns but can also reveal underlying health issues. Losing a tooth can indicate poor dental hygiene, gum disease, or an injury that has caused the tooth to fall out. Similarly, a chipped or broken tooth could be due to trauma, grinding your teeth at night, or decay caused by poor oral hygiene.
Causes of missing or damaged teeth
One of the most common causes of missing teeth in adults is periodontal disease, which is a bacterial infection that damages the gums and bones that support your teeth. Poor dental hygiene can also contribute to tooth loss as it leads to gum disease and cavities that may eventually lead to the need for extractions. Trauma from accidents or sports injuries may also result in missing or damaged teeth.
Possible underlying health issues
Missing or damaged teeth may not only affect your oral health but also have implications for your overall health. For example, if you have lost several teeth due to gum disease, it could put you at higher risk for heart disease as bacteria from the inflamed gums can enter your bloodstream and cause inflammation in other parts of your body.
Similarly, untreated decayed teeth can lead to infections that spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Missing front teeth may even have an impact on speech and self-confidence.
It’s essential to take care of dental problems as soon as they arise because they might reveal underlying medical problems such as diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, nutritional deficiencies among others. Taking care of our oral health is crucial as it not only helps maintain healthy-looking smiles but can also help detect potential medical conditions early enough for effective treatment
The Importance of Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene for Overall Health
Taking care of your teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to your overall health. Your teeth can reveal underlying health issues, so it’s important to pay attention to any changes in their appearance or sensitivity. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help prevent serious dental problems and detect any potential issues early on.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of health problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, and even heart disease. By properly brushing and flossing your teeth daily, as well as avoiding sugary foods and drinks, you can improve your overall health and well-being.
Remember that good oral hygiene also includes regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings and checkups. If you notice any changes in the appearance or sensitivity of your teeth, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
By taking care of your teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you’ll not only look better but also feel better. So let’s all make a commitment to prioritize our dental health for the sake of our overall health!
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our McDonough dental office.
by Dr. Adkins | May 9, 2024 | Blog, Dental Topics 2, Invisalign
Feeling unhappy with your smile can leave you wondering how you can obtain a stylish new look. Instead of being turned off by traditional treatments like metal braces, consider the modern approach of Invisalign clear aligners.
This revolutionary treatment involves wearing clear plastic aligners made just for you to gently move your teeth into better positions. They are practically invisible and are removable for eating and cleaning. The smooth material makes them comfortable, and they do not have any bothersome metal brackets or wires.
If you are interested in Invisalign treatment, the first step is finding an orthodontist or dentist who provides this service. Not every professional is trained in this method, so look for a certified provider of Invisalign. Once you identify your choices, select the provider who is convenient, experienced and gives you confidence in your treatment.
Your initial appointment will allow the professional to examine your mouth to make sure you are a good candidate for Invisalign. Unless you have poor oral health or severe teeth problems, most people qualify for Invisalign. The doctor will then prepare a treatment plan to guide your case and create your aligners. An impression of your teeth, X-rays, and photos will be taken to help with the process. A 3-dimensional image will be developed to help with your treatment plan, and also to allow you to see how your teeth will improve at each stage of the process and provide a timeline.
Once your aligners are ready, you’ll begin wearing them for about two weeks at a time and then switch to a different set of aligners in the series your doctor gives you. A checkup at the office is required about every six weeks to monitor your progress and get more aligners in the series as needed. The process will continue until treatment is complete, often in about one year. Then you’ll be ready to show off your brand new smile thanks to Invisalign.
If you live in the McDonough area contact us today
by Dr. Adkins | May 2, 2024 | Blog, Dental Topics 2, Invisalign
Not every smile is perfect, so many people want to improve their look through orthodontics. It’s not just a rite of passage for youth anymore; people of all ages pursue new smiles these days. A modern technology that is stylish and hassle-free has been developed called Invisalign. It provides great results without impacting your life as much as traditional braces.
The first step is choosing a dental professional who offers Invisalign treatment, since not every provider is trained and qualified in this approach. Once you find the right professional, the dentist will assess your mouth and determine if you’re a good candidate. With the exception of severe misalignment, most people can benefit from Invisalign.
To get started, your dentist will take teeth impressions and X-rays to create a 3D image of your mouth. That helps determine your treatment plan, how long you can expect the process to last, and allow you to see your teeth at each stage. Being able to see the final outcome is a great advantage of Invisalign.
Clear plastic aligners will be customized for your teeth. They are hardly noticeable in your smile and won’t cause irritation or discomfort. You’ll be instructed to wear them for 22 hours a day for a couple of weeks as they gently move your teeth into better positions, after which you’ll switch to a new set of aligners in the series. The trays are removed for cleaning and eating, making them much simpler than traditional braces. Your normal oral hygiene routine isn’t impacted, as you can continue brushing and flossing as usual without the appliance in your mouth. Many patients also rave about the fact that their diets do not need to change; there are no restrictions with Invisalign.
A checkup with your dentist is needed every 4-6 weeks to monitor your progress. It usually takes from 12-18 months to complete Invisalign treatment. With proper wear, you’ll end up with a beautiful smile without having to suffer through the common complaints of orthodontics.
If you need a dentist in McDonough contact us today
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