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How can I prevent tooth decay and gum disease?
Good oral hygiene starts at home, though it needs to be supplemented by regular
visits to our cosmetic and general dentistry practice, Too Smile Dental Group.
Steps you can take to prevent tooth decay and gum disease include:
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Thorough brushing
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Proper flossing
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Regular dental visits
How does fluoride
help prevent tooth decay?
Fluoride helps reverse and prevent tooth decay in three ways:
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Promoting Tooth Remineralization.
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Helping Teeth Become More Resistant to Tooth Decay.
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Iinhibiting Oral Bacteria’s Ability to Create Tooth-Attacking Acids.
What are the stages of gum disease? How is gum disease treated?
Gum disease has several stages. The initial stage is called gingivitis and is an
infection of the gingival (gum tissue). In this stage, gums become red, swollen,
and prone to bleeding. The underlying bone is unaffected. In later stages,
however, gum disease can lead to bone loss and the loosening or even loss of
teeth.
Gum disease treatment varies according to the stage of the disease. At its
mildest stages, gingivitis can be treated by clearing plaque and tartar deposits
from the gum pockets. Severe gum disease, on the other hand, might require
treatment that includes bone and gum grafts.
What causes sensitive teeth?
Sensitive teeth can be caused by a range of factors. The porous part of the
tooth, called dentin, is the region that registers pain, and dentin can become
exposed due to:
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Fractured or chipped teeth.
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Teeth injured by clenching or grinding.
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Receding gums caused by gum disease or improper brushing.
How can sensitive teeth be managed?
Pain from sensitive teeth often comes and goes, but if you experience constant
pain, you may have a more serious problem.
There are many effective treatments for sensitive teeth, including
If you have sensitive teeth, visit Too Smile Dental Group to discuss your
symptoms. We can help determine the cause of your pain and develop a course of
treatment
My son is over one year old and has no teeth. Should I worry?
Even
though most children that age have a number of teeth, some children may have
delayed tooth eruption. There is usually no cause for concern about this.
I have heard that a nursing bottle can cause cavities on toddlers, at what age
should I take my child off the bottle?
Your
child should stop using a bottle when he is old enough to hold a cup. This
usually occurs around one year of age. After this age a child should never be
placed to sleep with a bottle because this may cause dental decay, increase the
incidence of ear infections, and prolong the use of the bottle. If your child is
habituated to sleeping with a bottle, the best way to stop this habit is by
placing only water in the bottle, or progressively diluting it until it is all
water. Then be firm with the child, give juice or milk in a cup, which will not
cause as severe a decay.
How do I keep my child’s teeth healthy?
Following a few simple guidelines can help keep your child’s teeth strong and
beautiful for life:
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Start oral care early.
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Prevent nursing-bottle mouth.
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Take your child to the dentist.
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Take advantage of dental sealants.
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