ENAMEL EROSION
ENAMEL is the outer layer of your teeth. The enamel protects your teeth from damage .
Tooth enamel is very strong .
Enamel is the first defense for your teeth against the many different chemicals they’re exposed to from food and bodily fluids. As a result, it can be prone to wear and tear. This is referred to as enamel erosion.
When enamel is eroded . It can cause the following symptoms:
- discolouration of teeth
- sensitivity.
-tooth decay
Tooth enamel erosion , in its very early stages can be treated by using
a fluoride toothpaste , avoiding acidic foods and rinsing and brushing after every meal.
Consuming more dairy products and if you chew gum . Only chew sugar free gum.
If enamel erosion has progressed . Your dentist can help you find the right treatment for you :
- bonding
- Veneers
- Crowns
- Talk to your dentist about your concerns regarding Enamel erosion
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TOOTHBRUSH CARE
Always rinse your toothbrush off after using. This can be done simply with tap water .
When not in use , make sure that your toothbrush remains dry . This helps to keep bacteria away from your brush.
Always keep your toothbrush upright .
Do not leave laying down on any surface , as this exposes your toothbrush to bacteria .
Never use the same toothbrush as someone else . It is best to leave space between toothbrushes. Exposure to germs and bacteria are less likely if toothbrushes are stored separately!
This is the same for both manual and electric toothbrushes.
Note : Electric toothbrushes can include small caps to put over the brush . This can cause moisture to gather on the toothbrush and cause bacteria to grow.
———-//////————-////—///ADOLESCENTS AND ORAL HEALTH
Common Habits That Can Damage Teeth and Gums
-chewing on pens and pencils
-not wearing proper fitting mouth guards while playing sports
-smoking
-consuming sugary and acidic foods
-biting their nails
-improper dental habits
-sharing foods and drinks( spreading germs)
-piercings
-using teeth as tools (opening bottles , opening potato chip bags etc.
It is important that we talk to our children about the importance of maintaining a healthy oral care routine . We want to see those healthy smiles for a long time
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ORAL CANCER SCREENING
Once a year, you should ask your dentist to give you an oral cancer screening. This screening is vital to diagnosing cancer in the early stages, when survival rates are highest.
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SENIORS DENTAL CARE
For many seniors, oral health can become an issue when arthritis or other mobility problems leave them unable to clean their teeth and mouths as effectively as they once did. Here are some common problems seniors facing seniors .
-can be at an increased risk for tooth decay as root surfaces become exposed
-dry mouth takes away the protective benefits of saliva.
-more difficulty in getting around , so they may not get to the dentist as often as they should , leaving dental problems longer than they should be
Keeping regular dentist appointments is the key to getting issues treated in a timely manner.
Dry mouth. Many seniors are on multiple medications for a variety of chronic illnesses or conditions. There are a number of medications that cause dry mouth, including over the counter medicines . Dry mouth is a main cause of tooth decay.
To help with dry mouth :
-stay hydrated and
-limit intake of caffeine and alcohol.
-let your dentist /physician know that you have dry mouth . Gum disease affects people of all ages, but it typically becomes worse with increased age. Proper brushing and flossing can prevent gum disease. Seniors having trouble gripping a standard toothbrush should ask advise their dentist . You may also want to consider a battery-powered toothbrush.
Seniors concerned about their oral health should maintain the same good habits they always have: brush teeth twice a day, floss daily, drink fluoridated water and use fluoridated toothpaste, avoid tobacco products, eat a healthy diet with minimal snacking on carbohydrates, sweets and sugary beverages .
Knowing that oral health and physical health are closely related . The OCD team wants to help you stay healthy in every way !
Call us if you any concerns even if it is between your regular visits .
A HEALTHY SMILE IS AGELESS!!
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MY TOOTH FELL OUT
Hold the tooth only by the crown (chewing edge). You can take the tooth to the dentist in one of these ways: Try to place the tooth back in your mouth where it fell out, so it is level with other teeth. Bite down gently on a gauze or a wet tea bag to help keep it in place.
**We strongly advise that you DO NOT perform home dental care **
Your dentist needs to examine the tooth and gums and check for infection . Your dentist will
Provide you with the best treatment available!
CALL US IMMEDIATELY!!
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CROWN CAME OFF
Call us to book appointment as soon as possible.
Keep the tooth area clean and free of debris.
Don’t panic, your dentist can re-cement the crown for you!!
Your dentist needs to make sure there is no infection or damage to the crowned tooth .
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FILLING FELL OUT
-make an appointment with your dentist
Keep the area around the tooth clean and free of debris
- your dentist will need to take an x-ray and examine the tooth .
- Your dentist is looking for any signs of infection or tooth decay in the tooth
It is important that the tooth is checked thoroughly before being refilled . Also, the tooth may need to have a crown.
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DO YOU LOVE YOUR SMILE?
IF YOU ANSWERED YES
Congratulations! You are taking proper care of your oral health and taking advantage of the professional dental treatments our office provides .
IF YOU ANSWERED NO
We can help.
-regular dental checkups
-regular hygiene visits
-take advantage of all the cosmetic procedures , that can be performed, in our office ( no need to go elsewhere)
-Veneers
-teeth whitening
-crowns
-orthodontics
At OCD our goal is to give you the smile you have always dreamed of!!
Call us today and start smiling!