oral-health Archives

Dental Implant Options in Chicago: What Patients Should Know

Dental implants have revolutionized restorative dentistry, offering a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. For Chicago residents exploring tooth replacement options, implants are a standout choice, combining durability, aesthetics, and functionality. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about dental implants, including how they work, the types available, cost considerations, and what to expect during and after the procedure.

How Dental Implants Work and Their Benefits

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials, typically titanium, surgically placed into the jawbone. These implants act as anchors for replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or full dentures. Over time, the implant integrates with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for the prosthetic tooth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Natural Appearance: Implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth.
Improved Functionality: Unlike traditional dentures, implants do not shift or slip, enabling comfortable chewing and speaking.
Bone Health: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that often occurs with missing teeth.
Convenience: No need for adhesives or special cleaning routines—implants are maintained like natural teeth.

Dental implants stand out as a superior option over traditional dentures or bridges, which may require frequent replacement and can sometimes compromise adjacent teeth.

Types of Implants Available in Chicago

Choosing the right dental implant solution depends on the extent of tooth loss and your specific needs. Chicago is home to a range of practices offering various implant options.

1. Single-Tooth Implants

Ideal for replacing one missing tooth, single-tooth implants consist of a single post topped with a custom crown. This option preserves the surrounding teeth, as no additional dental structures are altered.

2. Implant-Supported Bridges

For multiple missing teeth in a row, implant-supported bridges are a practical choice. Instead of placing an implant for each missing tooth, two implants can support a bridge, reducing the overall number of implants needed.

3. Full-Arch Implants (All-on-4 or All-on-6)

Patients missing most or all of their teeth can benefit from full-arch implants. These solutions use 4 to 6 implants to support an entire arch of replacement teeth. They provide a more secure and natural alternative to traditional dentures.

4. Mini Dental Implants

Mini implants are smaller than traditional implants and may be suitable for patients with limited jawbone density. They are less invasive and often require shorter recovery times.

5. Zygomatic Implants

For patients with severe bone loss, zygomatic implants anchor to the cheekbone rather than the jawbone. This advanced option is available at select Chicago clinics specializing in complex cases.

Factors Affecting Cost and Financing Options

Dental implants are an investment in your oral health and quality of life, but costs can vary widely depending on several factors.

Influencing Factors

Number of Implants: Single-tooth implants are less expensive than full-arch solutions.
Bone Grafting: Patients with insufficient jawbone may require grafting, adding to the cost.
Materials Used: Premium materials like zirconia crowns can increase overall expenses.
Clinic Location: Pricing can vary based on the clinic’s location and reputation.

Cost Range

In Chicago, a single implant can cost between $3,000 and $6,000, while full-arch solutions may range from $20,000 to $50,000 per arch. Many clinics offer payment plans or financing options to make treatment more accessible.

Financing Options

Dental Insurance: While many insurance plans don’t fully cover implants, they may contribute to portions of the procedure, such as extractions or crowns.
In-House Financing: Many Chicago dental clinics provide monthly payment plans.
Third-Party Financing: Services like CareCredit or LendingClub allow patients to spread out costs with manageable payments.

Success Rates and Aftercare for Implants

Dental implants boast a success rate of approximately 95% or higher, making them one of the most reliable tooth replacement options. However, success depends on proper care and maintenance.

Aftercare Tips

Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss around the implant to prevent plaque buildup.
Avoid Hard Foods: Refrain from biting down on hard objects, such as ice or pens, to protect the crown.
Quit Smoking: Smoking can interfere with healing and increase the risk of implant failure.
Regular Dental Visits: Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist to monitor the implant and surrounding tissues.

Potential Risks

While rare, complications such as infection or implant failure can occur. These risks are minimized by choosing an experienced dental professional and adhering to aftercare recommendations.

Finding Expert Care in Chicago

Chicago is home to highly skilled dental professionals offering advanced implant solutions. Clinics like LPS Dental provide comprehensive services, including consultations, advanced imaging, and custom treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Choosing a reputable dentist with experience in implantology ensures the best possible outcome.

Conclusion

Dental implants are a transformative solution for those looking to restore their smiles and regain full oral functionality. With options ranging from single implants to full-arch replacements, Chicago residents have access to some of the best restorative care in the country. By understanding how implants work, exploring the available types, considering costs, and committing to proper aftercare, patients can achieve lasting results.

If you’re considering dental implants, consult a trusted Chicago dental professional to explore your options and begin your journey toward a confident, radiant smile.

Oral Health for a Lifetime: Tips for Every Age Group

Dental health is a crucial component of general human health and fitness. Habits like brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist regularly should be followed throughout one’s lifetime. In this article, you will find useful tips concerning oral care for children, teenagers, young and middle-aged and older adults. These tips will help you learn how to have healthy teeth and gums for your entire life.

1. Children

There are several ways you can influence your child’s habits related to oral hygiene. Teach your child how to brush his or her teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride paste. Daily flossing will help to clean the area between the teeth and thus reduce the formation of cavities. Avoid foods that are high in sugars which can erode the teeth in the process. However, offer them starchy and crispy foods such as apples, carrots and celery that clean the teeth naturally. Take your child for a dental checkup every six months for cleaning.

2. Adolescents

The teenage years are characterized by oral health issues arising from hormonal changes and orthodontic procedures. Remind your teen to continue brushing his or her teeth and flossing at least once per day. Some teenagers may develop certain complications with their wisdom teeth or even gingivitis and all these can be detected when a person visits dentists regularly for cleaning. In cases of having braces, tooth enamel that is damaged by braces must be preserved by reducing the intake of soda and sugary or acidic drinks. Diet plays a crucial role in the development of teeth, and a balanced diet is part of a healthy lifestyle.

3. Young Adults

The twenties and thirties are the ages of many changes in life – college, new careers, marriage, pregnancies, which can upset the established schedules. These kinds of changes can make it challenging to stick to a consistent dental care routine. At this stage of life, dental visits are very crucial as they can identify problems at an early stage and by taking necessary steps you can make sure you avoid complex treatment. Furthermore, avoid tobacco products and alcohol to reduce the risk of gum diseases and oral cancer. Pregnant women should let their dentist know about their pregnancy so X-rays and medications can be adjusted.

4. Middle-Aged Adults

Middle-aged people are most likely to suffer from dental problems even if they maintain good hygiene and dental habits. Some of the common signs include gum recession, and sensitivity. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis should also be considered, as these also affect oral health. Avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes and products that irritate sensitive teeth to prevent further deterioration of gums. Maintaining dental checkups can help diagnose and treat problems such as an infection or oral cancer in their early stages. Moderating alcohol consumption is also good for maintaining oral health.

5. Seniors

Oral health problems such as periodontal diseases, oral cancer, and tooth loss are common among seniors. Dry mouth symptoms associated with medications decrease the production of saliva that flush out bacteria, causing decay and infections more frequently. Drinking water and sucking on sugar-free hard candies increases saliva production. Additionally, using a mouth spray can also help you with dry mouth symptoms. For denture wearers, brush your dentures daily, and soak in cleaning solutions to avoid inflammation. Inform your dentist if you have prolonged halitosis, discomfort, or problems with chewing. Collaborate with your dental staff to develop measures that will enable you to make use of your teeth when eating, speakingand laughing as you grow old.

Conclusion

It is important that you commit yourself to oral hygiene for life. Setting proper brushing and flossing habits in childhood are vital as they pave the way for health in the future. Thus, the ability to change the home care routines according to the person’s needs at different stages of life helps to age with grace and a beautiful smile. Going to dental clinics for periodic visits, checkups, and treatment is less time-consuming, less painful, and less costly in the long run than waiting for these symptoms to advance.

Dental Implants: A Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth

Dental implants offer a modern and sophisticated alternative for individuals suffering from the discomfort and self-consciousness caused by missing teeth. Flaunting durability and a high resemblance to natural teeth, dental implants are designed to fuse with bone, establishing a stable foundation that can last a lifetime. As a crucial component in restorative dentistry, these implants not only enhance the aesthetics of your smile but also serve as a significant boon to your overall oral health. Below, we delve into the various facets of dental implants, ensuring you are well-informed on your journey to a rejuvenated smile.

Understanding Dental Implants and Their Role in Oral Health

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to anchor artificial teeth, closely mimicking the structure of natural teeth. They prevent jawbone deterioration, ensure solid foundations for eating and speaking, and boast a success rate of over 95 percent due to their seamless integration with the jawbone through osseointegration.

Beyond restoring missing teeth, Las Vegas dental implants maintain oral health by preventing adjacent teeth from shifting and preserving facial structure. They improve chewing function, aiding digestion, and enhance emotional well-being by boosting confidence and quality of life, offering a reliable solution for those seeking durable tooth replacement.

The Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect During Treatment

Dental implants are a procedure that involves a series of steps over several months. Initially, a thorough evaluation is conducted, including dental X-rays, 3D images, and physical exams. A personalized treatment plan is crafted, and the implant is placed beneath the gingival surface. The implant becomes fully integrated with the jawbone, which can take a few months.

An abutment is attached to the implant, supporting the new artificial tooth. After the soft tissues heal, impressions of the teeth are taken to create the implant crown. The crown, an artificial tooth made to match the natural teeth, is fixed onto the abutment, resulting in a restored tooth that blends seamlessly with the smile. Patient comfort and optimal outcomes are the primary concerns throughout the procedure.

Comparing Dental Implants with Other Tooth Replacement Options

Dental implants are a superior option for replacing lost teeth, offering strength, permanence, and superior durability. They don’t require altering adjacent teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care. They also mimic the natural appearance of natural teeth, enhancing smiles and speech. Dental implants also allow for better oral hygiene, as they can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth without special cleaners.

Although they may be more expensive upfront, considering long-term costs and additional maintenance can make the investment economically favorable over an extended period. Despite the initial cost, dental implants can be a lifelong solution, making them a more cost-effective choice for tooth replacement.

The Long-Term Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants for Missing Teeth

Dental implants offer long-term benefits, including uninterrupted chewing and speaking, maintaining bone structure, and boosting self-esteem and quality of life. They integrate with the jaw bone, preventing sunken facial appearances. Dental implants are also more reliable than removable appliances, preventing slipping or moving out of place, and allowing patients to engage in daily life without worries.

They have a proven track record of success, with success rates ranging from 80% to 90% when patients follow proper oral hygiene and professional care. As a result, dental implants are the preferred choice for tooth replacement among dental professionals and patients.

Maintenance and Care for Your Dental Implants: Ensuring Longevity

Dental implants require regular maintenance to ensure their longevity. This involves daily brushing and flossing to prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to gum disease and negatively affect the implants. Proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining both natural teeth and implants. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for monitoring and addressing potential issues early on. Hygienists also provide professional cleaning to keep the implant free of harmful bacteria.

Avoiding certain habits, such as smoking, can impede healing after surgery and decrease the long-term success rate of implants. Chewing on hard items like ice or candy can damage both natural teeth and the artificial crown of an implant. By maintaining a simple oral care routine, regular dental appointments, and a commitment to healthy habits, dental implants can be a lifelong asset to your smile and oral health.

Overall, dental implants represent an advanced and highly effective solution for tooth loss that offers numerous long-term health and aesthetic benefits. Whether for a single tooth or multiple teeth, the investment in dental implants can signify a transformational step toward improved oral health, enhanced confidence, and a better quality of life.

Tips For Protecting Your Oral Health When Traveling

Traveling around the world is super exciting, however often our usual habits temporarily move out of the priority list. One of those things is usually your health, and specifically, your oral health. Keeping your smile happy and healthy whilst traveling is so important, whether it’s for a couple of weeks or a few months, it’s time to make it a priority!

Visit Your Dentist 2 Weeks Before Your Trip

The first thing you need to do to keep your mouth and teeth healthy when traveling is to visit your dentist 2 weeks before your trip. This will give your dentist the chance to identify any issues or weaknesses that might already exist, as well as give them time to fix it within the 2 weeks before your trip. So, visit your dentist in Leamington Spa, London, or Luton, no matter where it is, to give you the opportunity to start your trip with the healthiest smile. They could also give you some specific advice to make sure you know how to keep your smile healthy.

Pack Compact Versions of Oral Health Products

Next up, you don’t want to be taking up loads of room in your bag when traveling, so pack compact versions of all your oral health products. You can get small fold-up toothbrushes that are tiny to pack, then you can get mini toothpastes and mouthwash too. Floss usually comes in a small pack anyway, so this shouldn’t be an issue. If you’re traveling for a while, you might want to take a full size toothpaste and then just buy mouthwash as you go. You will have a lighter bag this way with more space for other essentials, but you can still keep your smile looking and feeling amazing.

Drink Plenty of Water

Another thing you should do to protect your oral health when traveling is to drink plenty of water. When you’re traveling, you will probably be eating and drinking more sugary foods, whether it’s ice cream, fizzy drinks, or alcohol. It’s your holiday and you should enjoy it, however, these foods can have an impact on your oral health over time, particularly if you’re traveling for a few months. So, the best thing to do is drink plenty of water throughout the day, particularly after you’ve eaten or drunk something sugary. This will help to wash away some of the sugar residue in the mouth, so the sugar isn’t stuck in your mouth for the majority of the day. It helps to wash away some sugar until you brush your teeth in the evening. Aim to drink around 8 medium glasses of water a day, to keep you hydrated (which is essential) and also to protect your oral health!

Get Worldwide Dental Trauma Cover

Last but not least, you need to make sure you have worldwide dental trauma coverage. This can be cheap, but it will give you access to private dental care all around the world if something were to happen. This could be chipping a tooth, causing serious damage, experiencing pain, or any other problem. Even if you don’t usually have chronic tooth pain or anything, you never know when it could happen, so ensure you get dental trauma cover and you will thank yourself for it! Setting a small amount aside when saving for your traveling will be worth it.

Final Thoughts

When you’re heading off traveling, your immediate thought might not be to consider your oral health, however these few small steps can make a huge difference if you are away for a while!

About The Author

Daisy Moss is a freelance writer specializing in vintage jewelry. When she isn’t writing you will probably find her looking for her next investment in Hatton Garden.

How To Take Care Of Your Oral And Dental Health During Pregnancy

Pregnancy has to be one of the most magical things that could ever happen to a woman. It’s where you grow a tiny human inside you before enjoying the beauty of the outside world. While pregnancy is an amazing journey, you’ll need to provide extra precautions for your body as you share everything with your child. Apart from your physical health, you shouldn’t neglect your oral and dental health.

Since you’re sharing your nutrients with your unborn child, you may incur a nutrient deficiency. That is why you’re more prone to developing oral and dental issues during pregnancy due to a weaker body. To help you maintain a healthy mouth, below are some ways to care for it during pregnancy:

Continue Visiting Your Dentist

Not everyone is comfortable visiting their dentist while pregnant as they fear dental procedures might harm the baby. Unless you’re undergoing invasive dental surgery, a regular dental checkup should be fine and harmless for you and your child. In most cases, you’ll get at least one dental checkup appointment during pregnancy. During this period, your dentist will assess your oral health and provide possible treatments and guidelines for improving it.

When visiting your dentist, you need to inform them about your pregnancy so they can provide extra precautions with what they can and cannot do in case you need to undergo treatment. To make you feel at peace, visiting a reputable dentist, like Altima North York Dental Centre or other similar clinics, should help you feel confident about your and your baby’s safety.

Brush Regularly

Maintaining good oral hygiene is extremely important during pregnancy. Due to hormonal changes, you might develop a weaker tooth, which could lead to cavities. To prevent that from happening, you should brush your teeth regularly, at least twice a day.

However, brushing your teeth might be a nightmare, especially if you’re still experiencing morning sickness. To help make oral hygiene more comfortable, you might want to wait until your morning sickness passes or switch to a children’s toothbrush for a smaller invasion. Alternatively, you can change your toothpaste with a lighter flavor, as extreme mint can be nauseating for some.

Floss Daily

Tartar develops more when there are bacteria build up in between your teeth. Unfortunately, regular brushing cannot reach the gaps between your teeth. To remove any food particles, bacteria, or plaque, you should floss your teeth at least once a day.

Flossing can also help reduce the risk of developing cavities and improve the gums’ health. Remember to practice safety and be gentle while flossing. Otherwise, your gums will bleed.

Check For Gingivitis

Pregnant women are more prone to developing pregnancy gingivitis due to hormonal changes. It can make your gums more prone to attracting plaque, which leads to bleeding and inflammation. Unfortunately, this is difficult to avoid, even when you’re in perfect health, as it’s your body’s natural reaction to pregnancy. But, with the utmost care, you should be able to help minimize the risk of gingivitis.

Knowing the early signs of gingivitis will help you address the issue and resolve it immediately. Common early symptoms include:

Redness and swelling of gums
Bleeding gums
Sensitive gums that affect regular movements
Loose teeth
Bad breath

If you notice that your gums are developing or showing any of those signs, you should immediately check with your dentist and inform them about the symptoms you’re experiencing. However, if you notice that you’re only experiencing a small amount of pink blood while brushing your teeth and experiencing no other symptoms, it’s completely normal. This is what happens when your blood volume increases.

Follow A Healthy Diet

Of course, following a healthy diet is essential for your and your baby’s health while you’re pregnant. Eating the right food can help to provide maximum nutrition to your mouth. Avoiding sweet and acidic foods can protect your teeth from toxic ingredients that can harm your teeth’ enamel. By following a healthy diet, you’re not exposing your teeth to any of those.

It is best to eat as many healthy and crunchy foods as possible. That’ll help to scrape away any plaque buildup and keep your oral health at bay. Eating plenty of apples and carrots should help to get you through the day.

Drink Milk Regularly

During pregnancy, your body will get as much calcium as possible to keep your baby healthy and strong, which can make your bones weaker. Your body might not have enough calcium to keep you going while also affecting your oral health. Maintaining your body’s normal calcium level is essential to keep your body strong.

Apart from your prenatal vitamins, you can take calcium supplements to fulfill your calcium needs. Alternatively, drinking milk regularly should help keep your bones and teeth strong while flushing your teeth with the nutrients it needs. This would be a great tip, especially for first-time moms, as not everyone’s aware of this need.

Rinse Mouth With Water After Vomiting

It’s normal to vomit during the early stages of pregnancy. It’s your body’s natural reaction to adjusting as it welcomes a new life into your womb. However, vomiting can affect your oral health, especially since it contains acidic elements from your stomach. As soon as you finish vomiting, it’s highly encouraged to rinse your mouth to remove any remaining acid.

Don’t Brush Immediately After Vomiting

After rinsing your mouth with water after vomiting, it might be tempting to brush your teeth to ensure that your mouth is thoroughly clean. However, doing this might not be the safest option for your mouth. Wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to ensure that your teeth have fully recovered from the acid exposure.

Takeaway

Taking care of your oral and dental health during pregnancy is important. This will help keep your smile looking fantastic. Moreover, it can help prevent invasive dental procedures, which might need to wait until giving birth. With the proper practice and precautions, you can keep your oral health in optimal condition, allowing you to focus on your pregnancy rather than any tooth or gum ache.

Hereditary Dental Disorders and Conditions

Do your genetics increase the risk of contracting dental disorders? Unfortunately, there’s no straight answer to this – some oral health complications are hereditary, while others aren’t.

The primary cause of hereditary dental conditions and disorders are defective genes passed on from the parents to the offspring. Sometimes, these conditions might be a result of spontaneous gene mutations.

Here are the most common hereditary dental disorders and conditions.

Anodontia

Anodontia is a condition where permanent teeth don’t develop. Partial Anodontia is called hypodontia. However, affected individuals do have milk teeth when they are young.

The permanent teeth that fail to erupt are; upper lateral incisors, upper and lower second premolars, and third molars.

The disorder is more prevalent among males, interfering with jawbone development. As a result, affected individuals have misaligned teeth.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancers mainly affect people who consume alcohol and tobacco products. The condition is also common among those above the age of 40. However, genetics can also increase the risk of contracting oral cancer.

An individual with a hereditary predisposition for cancer is at higher risk of getting a malignant tumour, especially if exposed to carcinogenic substances like alcohol, tobacco, and UV rays. Some people are born with oncogenes, which mutate into cancerous cells. Others experience mutation of tumoursuppressor genes, exposing them to the disease.

Like other cancers, oral cancer is treatable if diagnosed at early stages. This is why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are tiny, white oral ulcers with a red border. Although they aren’t contagious, they tend to recur frequently among those who suffer. The major causes of this condition include bacterial infections, hereditary predisposition, and weakened immunity. Other risk factors are fatigue, food allergies, PMS, and stress.

In some instances, canker sores might be a sign of an underlying health complication. For example, gastrointestinal complications like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis increase susceptibility to this condition. These complications usually run in families, and they can be the reason for your canker sores.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a bacterial disorder that destroys the tissues that support your teeth. In its early stage, known as gingivitis, your gums redden, swell and bleed during brushing. Fortunately, the effects of gingivitis are reversible.

Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis, and its effects are severe. Periodontitis causes irreversible damage to our gums, teeth, and jawbone. Over time, you might experience tooth loss.

Although poor oral care habits are the primary cause of gum disease, genetics can also make you more vulnerable to the condition. It is particularly common among people whose previous generations had diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Amelogenesis Imperfecta and Dentinogenesis Imperfecta

Amelogenesis imperfecta is a hereditary dental disorder that causes the defective formation of the enamel. It manifests itself in two ways. First, it can prevent enamel hardening. Secondly, it can cause inadequate enamel production. Either way, the affected individual has weak teeth, which might cause biting problems.

On the other hand, Dentinogenesis imperfecta is an inherited disorder that results in the defective formation of dentin, the mineralised material that makes up most of your tooth structure. It’s characterised by discoloured, translucent teeth, and, like Amelogenesis imperfecta, this disease weakens teeth and increases sensitivity.

Malocclusion

Malocclusion occurs when you have misaligned jaws, crowded teeth, or missing teeth. These hereditary disorders affect biting and cause speaking problems. Surgery is the best way to ease the pain and restore the functions lost due to this condition.

Final Words

Knowing that your family history predisposes you to certain dental disorders is frightening, but it isn’t a reason to despair. You can prevent and treat these conditions before they cause irreversible damage by observing proper oral care habits and visiting your dentist twice every year.

Dentist’s Advice on Replacing your Toothbrush

Most people are aware of the fact that toothbrushes don’t last for a long time. However, figuring out the last date of a toothbrush is even harder for someone who knows nothing. You won’t even realize when you are bristles end up getting useless that ends the lifespan of a particular toothbrush. That’s when a dentist can provide you with information and guidelines on replacing a toothbrush. Truthfully, the recommended time for this replacement varies between 12 to 16 weeks.

The way to determine the lifespan of a toothbrush is discussed below:

What Does the Dentist Say?

A dentist always advises the patients to use a toothbrush twice a day. However, the bristles accumulate bacteria that are harmful for your health. These bacteria accumulate over time from the surrounding area in your bathroom on the toothbrush. That is why people are recommended to wash the toothbrushes every time before using them. Even after being careful like this, it is important to change the toothbrush every four months. After you do this, according to the dentist, you will be considerably safe. However, if you are not using a toothbrush every day, you can change it within six months.

#1. Bacteria on Your Toothbrush

Brushes end up going through several changes, becoming less effective. Various studies have shown that the quality of the bristles deteriorates in a span of three months, resulting in a useless toothbrush. This is because the bacteria and germs like to stay in the bristles and hide for a long time. When you are going through an infection or cold, it is possible that you have your infection bacteria accumulated in a toothbrush. If you use the same repeatedly, you might get infected a second time.

However, that is not the only problem that you will face if you use an old toothbrush. Even fungus can become a common resident on your toothbrush, residing permanently. A professional dentist will always advise you to clean your toothbrush thoroughly before hanging it in your bathroom above the basin.

#2. Importance of Timing

As per a dentist, it is important to remember how long you have used your toothbrush. It helps you in saving yourself from using the toothbrush that has virus and bacteria accumulated inside the bristles. However, not many people have the capability of remembering the time period of the toothbrush that they have used. If that is the case with you, the solution is simple: just look at the condition of your toothbrush. The worn-out toothbrushes have useless bristles that are frayed or fanned out. You can also check the symptoms of the presence of mold under the toothbrush if you are not so sure about the timing.

#3. The Demerits of Not Replacing the Toothbrush on Time:

There are many risks involved when you fail to replace your toothbrush according to the dentist. One of the things that happens to your mouth is damaged gums. The worn-out bristles do not replace the plague in your teeth that also ends up giving you gingivitis. Your teeth may even fall because of such problems if left untreated.

Conclusion

It is important to replace your toothbrush, according to the dentist. If not, you might end up damaging your teeth. That is why the professionals state that you have to replace your toothbrush once every three months. There is a reason why it is necessary to replace your toothbrush periodically. Bristles are damaged because of accumulated virus and bacteria. This is why you are recommended to replace the toothbrush used twice a day within three months.

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About The Author

I am Amelia Varley. I love to write on different topics, like health, home décor, automotive, business, food, lifestyle, finance, flowers, and beauty.

4 Ways to Maintain Good Oral Health

Oral health is when you are free from any form of mouth pain, tooth loss, oral infection, gum disease and all the other diseases that have the capability of hindering one’s ability to speak, smile, chew or even bite. Some key oral health facts according to the World Health Organization;

• 60-90% of all school children worldwide and nearly 100% of adults all have dental cavities

• Severe gum diseases that lead to tooth loss are found in 15-20% of middle-aged adults

• 30% of people who are between 65 and 74 have no natural teeth

The major causes of these conditions are very harmful intake of alcohol, unhealthy diet, poor oral hygiene excessive tobacco use, and many other determinates. It is also a key fact from WHO that bad oral health is most common among children and adults who are poor or disadvantaged. There are a lot of ways to maintain good oral health and prevent cavities but below are 4 of them;

1. Maintain a constant level of fluoride in the oral cavity

The presence of Fluoride is necessary for the oral cavity because it stops demineralization which causes cavities. But when there is a constant intake of products that can help boost the presence of fluoride (which causes remineralization), this strengthens the teeth and the enamels start getting resistant, which prevents the decay process. Constantly taking fluoridated drinking water, fluoridated mouth rinse, salt, toothpaste, and milk can help build the fluoride level.

2. Ensure Proper Oral Hygiene

The most common way to ensure proper oral hygiene is by brushing regularly and as recommended by your dentist. But in truth, if you can’t brush as frequently as some dentists say, you can try to brush at least twice every day. If you can, then try brushing after every meal. There are manually operated toothbrushes and electronic toothbrushes, but choices vary based on personal preferences. Reviews can be checked on the best manually operated toothbrushes and best electronic toothbrushes, to help with our decisions. As it is not always easy for people to keep track of their brushing habits, there are electronic brushes that come with the added functionality of keeping track of our brushing habits. What we put into our mouths have the most effect, coffee and tobacco, for instance, are known to stain the teeth; so proper care is necessary to reduce or even prevent these stains.

If oral hygiene is neglected, the risk of sugar bugs will be prevalent. Sugar bugs, also known as dental caries or cavities, are a common problem when bacteria in the mouth consume sugar and other carbohydrates, producing acid that attacks the tooth enamel. This can lead to the development of small holes or cavities in the teeth.

Keep in mind that when sugar bugs are not treated accordingly, they can lead to more serious problems, such as tooth loss, abscesses, and infections. To treat sugar bugs, a dentist will typically clean the affected area and fill the cavity with a unique filling material. However, a root canal or tooth extraction may be necessary in more severe cases.

Sugar bugs are a common and preventable dental problem that you can avoid by maintaining good oral hygiene and eating a nutritious diet. If you are concerned about sugar bugs or have other dental health concerns, it’s essential to visit a dentist for a check-up and treatment as needed.

3. Increase intake of fruits and vegetables

Regular intake of fruits and vegetables helps provide our system with nutrients that are necessary for healthy teeth and oral health. Calcium helps make not only our bones but our teeth stronger and Vitamin D helps our body get the necessary amount of calcium that is needed. So, in whatever you do, for healthy teeth/gum, for improved dental and oral health; fruits and vegetables are necessary. Sugar, alcohol, and tobacco should be cut down because apart from discoloring of the teeth, they can cause tooth decay, tooth loss, oral decay, gum disease, and many more.

It’s worth noting that fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that help keep teeth and gums healthy. They also contain fiber, which can help clean the teeth and stimulate saliva production. Remember that saliva is a natural mouth rinse that helps to neutralize the acid produced by bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

4. Always wear protective gear

It is always advisable to use protective gear if you are involved in any kind of sporting activity to help reduce facial injuries that may harm the teeth. Also when in an environment that is somewhat unsafe such as factories, we should ensure we have the appropriate protective facial gear.

With strict adherence to these practices listed above, dental and oral health will be improved. But it is also much advised to visit a dentist regularly for check-ups and other professional tips