A Deep Look into Strange Tooth Markings and Discolouration
Have you noticed some people have strange marks on their teeth? Many reasons can cause coloured spots or discoloration of the tooth. Some of these issues could be serious. Listed below is everything you need to know about coloured spots on your teeth and how they can be treated.
Strange markings and the reason behind them
Teeth spotting and discoloration can be broadly categorized into four varieties.
Black or dark spots
Unless it is from a pen or marker, black spots on your tooth are a cause of concern. The reasons that could be causing these dark marks may include a cavity, tooth decay, celiac disease, or fluorosis. It could also be a reaction to an antibiotic, injury, tartar deposits, or staining from long-term use of tobacco, tea, coffee, wine, and dark sodas.
White spots
However bright your teeth may be, white spots will stand out. If you notice these scattered over the surface of your teeth, it could be due to demineralization. Highly acidic or sugary food, poor oral care, fluorosis, or excess fluoride content could also lead to white spots on teeth. Enamel Hypoplasia, or Turner’s tooth, is another reason white marks appear on people’s teeth. It is a defect in the thickness and quality of the enamel of the tooth, making it prone to decay.
Brown spots
Pale brown spots are generally a sign of bad oral hygiene. But if they are darker, almost black, the reasons could be the same as those shared for black spots.
Pink spot
Pink spots on teeth are often dangerous as they point toward significant damage to the structure of the teeth. These are caused due to different types of internal or external lesions.
Types of tooth discoloration
There are various types of tooth discoloration. It can be caused by something completely avoidable, like surface stains caused by dark pigments present in tobacco, some types of drinks, and food products. Or it could be a side-effect of some medications, dental trauma, genetic condition, or even age.
Treatment options
Here are a few treatment options that you can take up based on the reason behind the marks and discoloration of your teeth.
Professional dental cleanings and fillings
If your tooth has black spots due to decay, your dentist will need to remove the affected part of your teeth and put in fillings. After this procedure, maintain good oral care. Visiting your dentist for cleanings and fillings maintenance once every six months will help you avoid further dental issues.
Professional teeth whitening
Are you used to drinking tea, coffee, alcohol, or other dark beverages? Then it would help to get professional teeth whitening done at least once a year.
Cosmetic dentistry
There are many cosmetic dentistry procedures like dental bonding, crowns, fluoride treatment, and veneers that can help you fix your dental problems.
Whatever colour the spots or marks on your tooth may look like, it is prudent to consult your dentist immediately to find the exact reason behind them. Based on the diagnosis, you can go ahead with the required treatment. Cleanings and fillings work, professional teeth whitening, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures can help fix the strange discoloration or marks on your teeth.
The Effects of These Beverages on Your Teeth
You may be very conscious about what you eat, but do you check the ingredients in the beverages you drink? Many common beverages hurt your oral health. Read on to learn how you can analyze your beverages, their impact on your teeth, and what substitutes you can take up.
Analyze your beverages
It is important to understand the nutritional value of the beverages you drink. In earlier times, water was the only drink, and people relied on that for washing down food and keeping themselves hydrated and refreshed. But with the addition of milk, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and energy drinks, beverages have become an integral part of our daily lives.
Owing to the wide variety of beverages that are readily available today, it is essential to be mindful of what you are drinking. Drinks containing a high sugar level are harmful to your teeth and overall health. Many common beverages, like kombucha and energy drinks, are highly acidic. They ruin the pH balance of your mouth and could lead to grave dental issues.
Be conscious about the amount of added sugar the beverage has. Also, take note of pH levels, acidity levels, and artificial colours that are mixed in the drink. These beverages could be the primary cause of teeth discoloration, tooth decay, cavities, foul breath, and demineralization of the enamel of your teeth.
Types of beverages and their impact on your oral health
Here are a few beverages that could be detrimental to your oral health.
Alcohol
Alcohol dehydrates your mouth and reduces the flow of saliva. This increases the risk of developing gum diseases and tooth decay. Long-term use of alcohol could also lead to mouth sores, tooth loss, or oral cancer.
Carbonated beverages
The acidity levels of carbonated drinks are off the charts! They have a pH value of 2.5 – 3.5. Acid softens the tooth enamel and makes it susceptible to surface loss. Replacing your soda with a diet variety does not reduce its harmful side effects. Long-term regular consumption of carbonated beverages could lead to complete enamel erosion and permanent tooth loss.
Fruit juice
Fruit juices that are manufactured can be bad for your teeth. Eating fruit, on the other hand, helps you absorb fibre and other good vitamins, minerals, and protein. But when you extract the juice out of fruit and include additives, it loses most of its nutritional value. Studies reveal that long-term drinking of orange juice could lead to an 84% reduction in the hardness of your tooth enamel.
Artificially flavoured, sweetened, and coloured beverages
Many off-the-shelf packaged beverages have artificial colours, flavouring, and high amounts of added sugar. The additive colours can stain your teeth, while the chemical flavouring and sugar could lead to tooth decay. Long-term use of such drinks poses a high risk to your overall health.
Sports drinks
Sports drinks are a big no as they contain excessive levels of sugar, taurine, ginseng, niacin, guarana, and caffeine. These ingredients may provide an initial kick but have severely harmful long-term effects.
Tea and coffee
Regular consumption of tea and coffee can lead to tannin build-up, teeth staining, and weakening of the enamel. Teeth whitening may be a cosmetic solution to this problem. Still, the acidity levels of coffee could also cause overall health complications.
Recommended beverage options
Replace the beverages in your pantry with healthy options like coconut water, natural nut milk, and green or herbal tea. The best drink you can consume is water. If you prefer something cold and flavoured, keep a bottle of water in your fridge with fresh fruit slices and a small handful of fresh herbs.
You will not feel the need to consume harmful beverages if you consciously adopt the suggested ‘good’ drinks in your diet. Drinking with oral health in mind will contribute to overall health in the long run. Combine that with a regular visit to your dentist, diligent dental cleaning, and filling maintenance. You will have a healthy set of pearly whites!
A healthy smile is priceless
Dr. Justin Russo, a cosmetic and general dentist, is passionate about making people feel better and live healthier lives by fixing their dental issues. Here we will discuss Dr. Justin Russo’s article from The Scout Guide. It talks about how one can achieve a million-dollar smile and is accompanied by Ashraf Dentistry’s input. (Source: The Scout Guide, How To Achieve A Million-Dollar Smile, February 2, 2018, https://thescoutguide.com/how-to-achieve-a-million-dollar-smile/ ).
Regular cleanings and fillings maintenance
Dr. Justin Russo emphasizes the importance of flossing daily and recommends the use of string floss. Ashraf Dentistry agrees, “Disciplined oral care daily cannot be replaced by anything. Brushing twice daily, using mouthwash, and flossing daily are habits we develop throughout childhood. However, once we grow up, we may find ourselves slacking off on our oral hygiene. This is a big mistake. Having a healthy smile is possible only when we put in the work. Following a strict oral care routine, going for regular cleanings and fillings maintenance helps in keeping your teeth away from dental issues.”
Teeth whitening
Dr. Justin Russo explains that the yellowing of our teeth could be the side effects of drinks like tea, coffee, and wine. Ashraf Dentistry elaborates, “These coloured beverages, including carbonated drinks, have dark pigments in them. Along with that, they also contain high levels of acidity. Long-term consumption of such drinks will do substantial damage to your oral health. Staining of teeth can be reversed with professional dental whitening treatments and products. However, it is best to follow that up with dental cleanings and fillings check-ups.”
Dr. Justin Russo shares that you should avoid consuming coloured drinks for 48 hours from the teeth whitening process. Ashraf Dentistry explains, “The teeth whitening procedure opens up the pores of your teeth and makes them sensitive. Your teeth may become discoloured, negating the effects of the whitening product if you drink artificially coloured beverages or naturally pigmented drinks immediately after the procedure. You could consume water or milk during this time. You will be doing yourself a favour by completely avoiding wine, alcohol, tea, and coffee.”
Cosmetic dentistry
Dr. Justin Russo talks about cosmetic dentistry procedures like porcelain veneers and how they can help you restore a bright, beautiful smile. Ashraf Dentistry agrees, “Depending on the condition of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry can help you fix any functional dental issues you may have, as well as make your smile look radiant.”
“Porcelain veneers are stain resistant, they help give you a million-dollar smile, they can be customized exactly as per your requirement, and they are low maintenance,” adds Ashraf Dentistry.
Dr. Justin Russo shares how in today’s times of constant selfies putting in the work to keep your smile radiant is a choice almost all of us will take up. Ashraf Dentistry concludes, “Having a healthy smile not only enhances your personality, but it also boosts your self-confidence. Fixing your smile will also correct functional issues and enhance your ability to chew your food properly, leading to an improvement in your overall health. Everybody wants to look and feel good about themselves. When you aim to put forward your best self, investing in your smile is a great place to start.”
Spring Break! How to Keep Your Smile Healthy on Vacation
Spring break is a great time to spend with your family and loved ones. This is usually the month when you are trying to balance multiple tasks along with vacation planning. That is why being careful about your oral care is even more important! Here are some pointers to help you maintain your oral hygiene even when you are out and about.
Stay hydrated with water
Make water your favourite drink to ensure your oral hygiene is in mint condition, even on vacation. Carry a travel bottle, so you do not have to spend time looking for water. Staying hydrated will help you stave off bad breath and help with oral care.
Bring the essentials
If you travel for work or tend to go on a personal trip now and then, it is prudent to have a separate dental kit handy. This should include travel-size toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, and a toothbrush. Carry this on your vacation to ensure you have all the products you usually use for your oral hygiene routine. You may be off work, but your pearly whites aren’t!
Keeping your oral care tools in a safe and clean place, with each product having a protective cover, is essential while you travel. Dropping a toothbrush just like that in your luggage or purse exposes it to germs and bacteria.
Lip balm with SPF
When our lips are dry, they crack up, and to moisten them, we tend to lick our lips. This is not good for your lips or mouth, leading to dehydration. Carry an SPF 15-30 lip balm wherever you go, and keep applying it over your lips at regular intervals.
Don’t forget the healthy options on the menu or at the buffet
Generally, we tend to treat our vacations as cheat days and allow ourselves to eat what we would typically avoid. We understand this need to let loose. But still, be mindful to prevent binge snacking on unhealthy snacks. Since your chompers will be working overtime, help them out by eating some ‘good for teeth’ food like veggies with hummus, leafy greens, yogurt, cheese, and nuts. Whatever you eat, do follow a short but thorough dental cleaning process after every meal and snack.
Book a dental visit before you leave
Call your dentist to ensure your oral health is in top shape, and book a thorough check-up and dental cleaning. Try and fit this in at least one week before you are set to travel. This will give you enough time to complete any procedures in case your dentist finds an issue.
Bring your night guard and a sports guard
Vacations can get stressful unknowingly. With all the travel, sightseeing, and change in temperature, your body takes its toll. This, in turn, aggravates teeth grinding or clenching while you are asleep. So make sure to carry your night guard with its protective casing and cleaner.
If you do not use a mouth guard regularly, get in touch with your dentist and have a customized night guard made. They are much more durable and will be comfortable to use.
While taking care of your entire family, remember to take care of yourself. Make that dental cleaning appointment today. We wish you a safe travel and a fun-tastic vacation!
All About Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a condition in which a person is unable to produce enough saliva to keep their mouth hydrated. Commonly called cottonmouth, pasties, or xerostomia, this condition is treatable. In this article, we will discuss the condition, its prevention, and required care, which includes dental cleaning.
What is dry mouth
A dry mouth is not a fleeting or temporary condition. You can feel your mouth dry up when you are stressed and would want to drink more water. This is not a dry mouth disease. People who suffer from xerostomia have their mouths dry most of the time. This happens when your body fails to produce saliva in the required quantity. It can be diagnosed by your dentist by conducting some special tests like a biopsy, a sialography, or a sialometry.
The saliva in your mouth helps lubricate the food while chewing, making it easier for you to swallow. It also keeps the mouth comfortably moist, helps in killing germs, and neutralizes acid levels. Saliva is produced in the salivary glands. Saliva is secreted into the mouth by small ducts.
A dry mouth can be caused due to several reasons. It includes over-the-counter medicines like decongestants, muscle relaxers, anti-diarrheal tablets, high blood pressure medicines, and antihistamines. Excessive tobacco use, cancer treatments, anxiety disorders, AIDS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, unmanaged diabetes, or dehydration could also lead to dry mouth.
Symptoms of dry mouth may feel like sore throat, sticky saliva, tongue pain, oral thrush, taste disorders, bad breath, cracking of cheeks, and splitting on the corners of your mouth.
When a dry mouth goes too far
Dry mouth conditions can bring about many complications. Contact your dentist immediately if you notice any dry mouth symptoms. Short-term issues of xerostomia are bad breath, dry lips, sore mouth, difficulty swallowing, lack of taste, and recurring infections. However, dry mouth can lead to excessive plaque build-up, gum diseases, tooth decay, and permanent tooth loss if left untreated.
Prevention and care
Dry mouth condition, if occurring naturally, is preventable and curable. You can start by sipping water regularly. You get mobile applications that can alert you to drink water. Download that and set the alarms at intervals of every half an hour to remind you to sip water. You can go for a dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar deposits.
Suck on sugarless candies or chewing gum to facilitate the production of saliva. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, reduce caffeine intake, and stop chewing or smoking tobacco. All these habits lead to dehydration of the mouth and will deteriorate your dry mouth condition.
Add a humidifier in your room so that the humidity levels stay high. Make a conscious effort to breathe through your nose and not your mouth. If you are diagnosed with a dry mouth condition, seek immediate advice from your dentist and put a treatment plan in place. You can start using prescription toothpaste that is specially formulated to combat xerostomia.
Maintaining a disciplined oral care routine, scheduling regular dental cleaning appointments, and following a balanced diet will help you manage dry mouth issues. Make sure to change medications quickly if dry mouth is a side effect. You can also use moisturizing mouthwash to keep your mouth lubricated.
Oral Care Must-haves to Take on Vacation
All set for your vacation? Don’t forget your oral care kit in all the travel excitement! Here is a checklist you can keep handy to ensure you have all the necessary dental products you may need on your trip. It is also a good idea to have dental cleanings before you start your journey.
The essentials
Are you thinking of showing off your perfect pearly whites in your vacation pictures? Here are a few travel essentials you should carry with you to ensure your oral health does not suffer while you are having fun.
Toothbrush, tongue scraper, and toothpaste
Your dental travel kit must have a toothbrush with a cover, a tongue scraper, and toothpaste. Electric toothbrushes are a great option, saving you time and effectively cleaning your teeth. If you carry your oral care pack, you will not have to be at the mercy of hotel-provided dental kits.
Travel case specific for oral care items
You will want to get ready fast and rush off for your fun activities. So ensure to have a dedicated travel kit for your oral care items. This will help you find them quickly and complete your routine without any delays.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash can help you fight bad breath and kill germs while you are in transit. Keep a pocket-size bottle or mouthwash tablets in your dental travel kit.
Dental floss or floss picks
Carry floss picks or dental floss in your kit. You may also want to keep a few in your purse or pocket wallet. This will come in handy to help remove any food particles that get stuck in your teeth when you are out and about.
Don’t forget!
Remember to carry a mini first-aid kit that should include dental floss, a cold gel pack, oral pain relief medication, regular bandages, gloves, gauze, and tweezers. This will help you address emergencies like tooth pain or gum swelling. Talk to your dentist and carry any other medicines or items they may suggest.
Suppose you use dentures, retainers, mouth guards, or aligners. Store and carry them safely in a proper travel case. If left in the open, these could catch germs! Leaving them unprotected can also result in damage. Drop a bottle of appliance cleaner in your travel bag so you can keep your mouth inserts in a fresh condition.
Keep a small dental care kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and tongue cleaner in your carry-on hand baggage. This will significantly help if your luggage is lost or misplaced in transit.
Fun extras
Some fun extra products you can carry with you are an SPF 15-30 lip balm for protection from the sun, packs of sugar-free chewing gum, and a pocket mirror. Avoid teeth staining by carrying a comfortable, easy-to-use teeth whitening product. Ensure you talk to your dentist before using any teeth whitening treatment. Also, include a refillable water bottle in your travel bag so you do not have to buy one-time-use bottles.
If you have any particular dental issues, consult your dentist before you leave for your vacation. Your dentist can guide you on a few foods and drink items you should avoid because of your condition. When you are prepared with these travel necessities, you can have fun on your vacation and leave your oral care worries at bay. Once you are back, prioritize your dental cleanings, and your oral health will be in mint shape!
Top Tips to Keep Your Child’s Teeth and Gums Healthy
Do you know that poor oral health can affect your child’s performance at school? According to the CDC, this results in children missing more school days and potentially receiving lower grades. This apart, the child may be in discomfort or pain, go off their food, and lose sleep- all leading to more health issues.
Taking care of oral hygiene is a simple, effective way to avert all of this. While a visit to your pediatric dentist is still a periodic necessity to ensure all is well, your child is pain-free and healthy with a good oral hygiene routine in place.
Here is all you need to know to keep the little one’s teeth and gums in great shape:
Early oral hygiene
Newborns need oral care even before they start teething. Dampen a soft cloth and wipe down the baby’s gums gently after each feed. When the first teeth make an appearance, switch to a soft bristle toothbrush with a head that easily fits into the baby’s tiny mouth. You can use fluoride toothpaste but a very small amount, just a smear of a line on the bristles until they are three years old. Brush the teeth gently in circular motions cleaning out all surfaces without fail.
Supervision is essential
As the child grows older (say age two) and learns to brush and floss independently, supervision is still necessary. Make sure they do not swallow the paste. After age three, it is safe to increase the toothpaste to a pea-sized amount that cannot cause harm even if swallowed. But insist that the child must spit it and the water out after rinsing. Toothpaste can cause a tummy ache. If they have ingested some, give them something with calcium, like milk. Fluoride binds with calcium.
When the child has two teeth that touch, you should start flossing and also introduce them to it gradually. Until the age of eight, supervise the child’s brushing and flossing. Both these habits prevent the need for frequent cleanings and fillings lifelong.
Fluoride has its benefits
Fluoride strengthens the child’s teeth and also helps avert tooth decay. It is safe to use in the oral cavity, and swallowing tiny amounts of it is harmless. Your pediatric dentist may recommend suitable fluoride toothpaste for these reasons.
A pediatric dental visit is a must
The first visit to the pediatric dentist happens even before the baby turns one year old, right after the first tooth makes an appearance. After that, every six months is a good schedule to follow. Starting early familiarizes the child with the dentist. Also, it gives the pediatric dentist a chance to keep track of their patient’s records right from early on. Choose a dentist with plenty of experience with children because they know how to put young ones at ease.
Apart from these, keeping a close eye on what the child eats/ drinks would be best. Sugary, starchy foods invite tooth decay by coating teeth and gums and creating ideal environments for bacteria in the mouth. If the baby takes a bottle to bed, give only water and avoid all sugary stuff. Avoid sugar/honey-coated pacifiers. When in doubt, always consult your pediatric dentist and pediatrician.
Throughout the day, ensure the child has plenty of water and limited sugary eats and drinks. And, of course, make them rinse after meals. Brushing and flossing at wake up and bedtime is essential too. Take care of these and regularly visit the pediatric dentist to avoid emergency cleanings and fillings resulting from tooth decay.
What to Consider When Choosing a Teether
Teething, also known as odontiasis, is the process of primary teeth emerging in infants in pediatric dentistry. This can be a difficult time for both babies and parents, as it can cause drooling, fussiness, and occasional pain. Although it is not common for teething to make babies sick, it is recommended to visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth starts to appear. February is known as the children’s dental health month, and in this article, we will discuss what to look for when choosing a teether for your child.
The significance of choosing the right type of teether
Usually, babies start teething between 4 and 7 months. They may experience symptoms such as tender gums, irritability, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, and an urge to chew on everything at their reach. To alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with the emergence of new teeth, pediatric dentistry experts recommend introducing a teether. A teether offers a soft, textured surface for babies to gnaw on and also helps to massage and soothe irritated gums. Choosing the right type of teether can help make the teething process more comfortable and less stressful for both the baby and the parents.
Choosing the right teether for your baby
When selecting a teether for your baby, it is essential to consider your baby’s age and development stage. Along with this, take into account the materials and design of the teether. A teether that is appropriate for your baby’s age and needs will provide the most relief. Soft and flexible materials are gentle on a baby’s gums, while more rigid materials can provide more pressure. Durability and ease of cleaning should also be taken into account. Teethers that can be easily cleaned with soap and water or put in the dishwasher are ideal.
Which type of teethers are best avoided?
Avoid teethers that are filled with liquid or have small pieces that can come loose and pose a choking hazard. These could be liquid-filled teething rings or teethers with tiny beads or buttons. Also, avoid teethers that come with a string or necklace, as they can be a strangling hazard. Note that teethers should not be given to children under three months of age because they do not have the developed motor skills to safely hold and control the teether.
Generally, it is recommended to stop using teethers around the age of 12-18 months, as this is when most babies have developed their first set of teeth. It’s also essential to monitor your baby’s teething progress; if they don’t show interest in teethers anymore or if they have developed all their teeth, it’s time to stop using them.
In conclusion, teething can be a difficult and uncomfortable time for both babies and parents, but with the right type of teether, it can be made more manageable. Remember to consult with your pediatrician or dentist for guidance on when to stop using teethers and always to be mindful of safety precautions. With the suitable teether, your baby can easily sail through the teething process, and you can rest easy knowing that you have helped to make their experience a little more comfortable.
Common Gum Issues
Have you experienced gum sensitivity? Gum issues are the biggest reason for tooth loss in the case of adults. This article will discuss the five major types of gum issues, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Gum disease
Gum disease is also known as periodontitis. This gum issue affects about 1 billion people globally. The leading cause of this problem is poor oral care. The rise in oral bacteria is a result of dental plaque, which, untreated, can lead to hardened tartar deposits. Regular dental cleanings are a must to avoid this issue—extreme cases of periodontitis end with the loss of jawbones, which cannot be reversed or treated.
Although not overtly painful, symptoms of gum disease can be gum sensitivity around your teeth and sore or swollen gums with redness around the base of your teeth. Consult your dentist immediately if you notice any such signs.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a disease where the gum surrounding the base of the teeth is inflamed, irritated, and swollen. It is the most common form of gum issue. Key symptoms of gingivitis are tender, red, and swollen gums that bleed during brushing. Bad oral hygiene is a primary cause of gingivitis. If it is not treated correctly, gingivitis could lead to a severe infection that would damage the bone supporting your teeth and eventual teeth loss. Chronic cases of gingivitis have been known to aggravate the lungs and heart and increase the risk of respiratory issues, rheumatoid arthritis, and stroke.
Gingivitis can be treated and reversed with good oral hygiene, following a healthy diet with less sugar, and regular visits to the dentist.
Gum recession
Gum recession is an issue where the gum tissue gradually pulls back from the margin around the teeth. This leads to the root of the tooth being exposed and increasing the gap between the gum line and teeth. Lack of treatment for gum recession will lead to definite tooth loss as the gaps make it easy for disease-causing bacteria to accumulate inside the gum.
Gum recession can be caused due to periodontal ailments, poor oral care, excessive brushing, severe clenching and grinding of teeth, using tobacco, or hormonal imbalance in the body. It is treatable, where mild cases can be managed with a deep cleaning and smoothening process to realign the gum line. Extreme cases of gum recession may need surgery.
Gum boils and gum abscess
Gum boils, or abscess is a gum disease that is seen with the growth of pus-filled, pimple-like bumps on your gums. Three types of abscesses can be found:
- A gingival abscess where the boil is near the tooth.
- Pericoronal abscess, which is a boil around the crown of an impacted tooth.
- A periodontal abscess, which is a boil inside the gums.
Significant causes of gum abscesses and boils are poor oral care, excess sugar intake, dental trauma, or a weak immune system. The symptoms will include pus-filled swelling, inflammation, irritation of the gums, periodontal pocketing, and toothache. Most mild cases can be treated with antibiotics and deep cleaning to drain the pus from the boils. However, aggravated cases of abscesses may need a tooth extraction or surgery for bone damage.
Poor gum health can cause a variety of other complications. Having a disciplined oral care routine can help in avoiding gum issues. Schedule regular dental check-ups so any problem can be identified, and the required gum disease treatment can be started promptly.
