The vicious cycle of dental fear

Those afraid of dental treatment typically delay visits, contributing to more severe dental disease and more invasive and painful procedures. This then reinforces their dental fear. Ask us what can be done to relieve dental fear and allow you to see us for maintenance visits! 

Did you know some herbal supplements like ginkgo, ginger, garlic, vitamin E& ginseng can increase risk of bleeding? If you are taking any of these supplements it’s very important to let your dentist know prior to a tooth extraction.

brushing

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH?

The American Dental Association recommends brushing 

at least twice a day for at least two minutes!

Does Diabetes affect oral health?

When you have diabetes, high blood sugar can take a toll on your entire body including your teeth and gums.

The good news?

Prevention is in your hands. The higher the blood sugar,the more starch available to cause cavities.

Diabetes reduces your ability to fight bacteria making you more susceptible to gum disease. Gum disease in turn can raise your blood sugar.

Make a commitment to monitor your blood sugar levels

Brush twice daily

Floss daily

Schedule regular dental visits

Look for early signs of gum disease including: Redness, swelling and bleeding gums

Don’t smoke 

Erosive Wear

Erosion of teeth due to acidic foods 

Flouride

Enamel is composed of crystals of hydroxyapatite. The hydroxyl can be replaced by fluoride ions making your enamel into a much harder mineral more resistant to wear

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The eventual outcome of dental erosion is severe loss of dental hard tissues that adversely affects function and esthetics. In patients with extensive dentin exposure, transient as well as persistent pain due to dentin sensitivity and pulp pathology may further aggravate quality of life deterioration. Severe erosive tooth wear requires restorative therapies.

Composite resin and ceramics can be used for partial and full coverage restorations and restore the esthetics and function of the teeth. However, if the restored teeth continue to be subjected to severe erosion challenges that caused the original teeth wear, the restorations may fail in due course following marginal deterioration and continued loss of surrounding dental hard tissues. Therefore, preventive measures for dental erosion are not only essential for early intervention and primary prevention of erosive tooth wear. It is also important for secondary prevention of erosion around the restorations.

-Colgate Education Network