The 101 on Fluoride

Fluoride is derived from the 13th most abundant element in nature, Fluorine. It naturally appears in the environment in the form of water and air. However, water is considered a vital dietary source of fluoride. In the 20th century, community water fluoridation was announced as one of the best public health achievements. Since this method was not feasible, especially in rural areas, experts like researchers and public policy makers started introducing fluoride to the general public through various methods. The various forms included adding fluoride to milk, toothpaste, and table salt.

Benefits of Fluoride

Although fluoride is typically added to foods and water, a dentist recommends that it be directly applied to the teeth through fluoridated mouth rinses and toothpaste. Mouth rinses generally contain fluoride in lower concentrations. However, more substantial concentrations need a dentist’s prescription. Fluoride supplements like tablets and liquids are available in markets and must be prescribed by a dentist or pediatric dentist.

The benefits of fluoride to teeth are mentioned below,

• It protects teeth against decay which helps to strengthen the developing enamel.
• It slowdowns the loss of minerals and acid production of bacteria caused by plaque.
• It protects teeth against demineralization and promotes remineralization.
• It reverses early signs of tooth decay.
• It prevents cavities and the growth of harmful oral bacteria.

While fluoride is a naturally occurring compound, the intake of lower or higher fluoride concentrations can take a toll on your tooth health. The intake of lower fluoride concentrations leads to several health issues, including bone cancer, arthritis, and kidney-related diseases. The intake of higher fluoride concentrations leads to health issues, namely dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis, which occur when we consume too much fluoride. Dental fluorosis is generally observed in children under the age of eight as they tend to swallow toothpaste. It occurs when a child consumes excessive fluoride during the formation of teeth under the gums, resulting in white spots on the surface of the teeth. Skeletal fluorosis occurs due to long-term exposure to excessive fluoride, primarily through drinking water and sometimes swallowing toothpaste. Various reasons for higher fluoride in water sources include naturally large geologic deposits and accidental contamination from explosions or fires. Skeletal fluorosis involves weakening bones, including symptoms like stiffness and joint pains.

Dentists are worried about people opting for fluoride-free or natural toothpaste, as they don’t prove cavity prevention and only whiten the surface of teeth. Dentists will typically always recommend toothpaste that contains fluoride for oral hygiene. However, fluoride-free toothpaste can be recommended to people in very exemptional cases. For example, the person is allergenic to fluoride or due to swallowing habits (especially in children).

How to safely use fluoride

As per the data highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO), it is found that around 2.4 billion people globally suffer from permanent dental caries, among which 486 million are children. As per studies, dental inequalities are evident when children (living in poorer countries) consuming non-fluoridated drinking water tend to get affected with tooth decay five times more than children consuming drinking water in fluoridated areas. When researching fluoride, it is best to discuss their views on fluoride in drinking water with your dentist or family physician.

When encouraging oral hygiene habits, it is recommended to supervise the children when they brush their teeth to ensure they won’t swallow toothpaste. Using concentrated fluoride oral health products must be under the supervision or advice of a dentist or pediatric dentist for young ones to use fluoride safely.

Before receiving a fluoride treatment, you must give the dentist or pediatric dentist details of your or the child’s health history. Fluoride treatment involves the direct application of highly concentrated foam, varnish, or gel through a brush, swab, mouthwash, or tray.

Before a dental cleaning or filling treatment, be sure to discuss any concerns related to fluoride and fluoride treatments.

As recommended by dentists, people need to use toothpaste that receives a seal of acceptance, like the ADA seal of acceptance in the United States. Children under the age of two are recommended to use not more than a grain-of-rice-sized amount of toothpaste.

To protect your enamel, please follow the recommended tips mentioned below:

• Avoid eating drinks and acidic foods.
• Eat lots of veggies, fruits, and dairy products
• Don’t overbrush and avoid grinding your teeth
• Go for regular dental check-ups
• Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools

Have more questions on fluoride? Contact Ashraf Dentistry today!

Frequently Asked Questions on CERC Treatments

If you want to visit your dentist for a decayed, discolored, chipped, or fractured tooth. In that case, they may advise you to opt for a CEREC restoration. It is one of the latest dental prosthetic options available. Read along to know more about CEREC restorations.

What are CEREC restorations?

A CEREC restoration is the short form of chairside economical restoration of aesthetic ceramics. These are custom-made tooth structures or caps made to fit over prepared tooth surfaces that need restoration. It can be used for extensive decay areas when fillings are not enough. They also support tooth structure after a root canal treatment and provide support to dental bridges. CEREC crowns can be used for permanent prostheses over implant screws.

What can CEREC restorations provide for me?

One of the latest and most popular dental restorations is CEREC restorative crowns. It is made of solid ceramic blocks or Zirconia. It is fabricated by using computer technology in a few hours.

CEREC prosthetic crowns are made from the most advanced technology available in Dentistry.

Who would benefit from the CEREC procedure?

• CEREC benefits patients who do not have much time to receive a dental procedure- therefore, patients needing implant prosthesis, inlays, onlays, partial crowns, veneers, and crowns for anterior or posterior teeth.
• People with teeth showing extensive damage, fractured teeth, repeated fracture of old fillings, root canal teeth, or multiple decay areas in adjacent teeth.

What are the advantages of CEREC restorations?

• Same-day delivery of crowns: Instead of waiting 4-6 days for conventional dental crowns, you can get a new crown fitted the same day. You can leave the dental office with a new tooth crown on the same day.
• Appearance: CEREC crowns appear more aesthetically pleasing than conventional crowns as they do not have a metal core. This helps reflect light; thus, your dental crown looks more natural and blends well with surrounding teeth.
• Strength: CEREC crowns are very sturdy and can bear high stresses.

How durable are CEREC restorations?

On average, a CEREC restoration should easily last 10 to 15 years. However, in cases of diet precautions and excellent dental care, a CEREC restoration can last up to 25 years.

Which types of material do the CEREC machine use?

CEREC machines typically use porcelain or Zirconia for permanent restorations. In addition, temporary crowns can be milled in the machine using resin and composite.

How do CEREC restorations work?

CEREC crown technology works quite similarly to 3-D printer technology.

• Your dentist will cut and prepare your tooth to facilitate the fabrication of the CEREC crown.
• Intraoral Photographs will be taken, and your tooth will be scanned for design.
• These images are loaded into the design machine. Your dentist will then apply CAD/CAM technology to the design and fabricate a final blueprint of the tooth crown.
• After your approval, the final trial is fed into the milling machine along with the material needed to make the CEREC crown. The machine then completes the milling of a 3D CEREC crown.
• Your dentist will polish the finished crown and make minor adjustments if required. They will then cement it to your tooth.
• The quality of the patient’s experience will not be compromised. The process is simple, non-traumatic, and most comfortable for the patient.

How long will the process and procedure take?

The process of designing and fabricating a CEREC crown is very straightforward. It requires between 1 to 2 hours for the dentist to design and manufacture the best dental crowns for you.

Is the CEREC restoration procedure painful?

No part of the CEREC procedure is traumatic or painful for the patient:

1. Your dentist will prepare your tooth painlessly.
2. Scanning the tooth is as easy as taking selfies or pictures.
3. The final fixing of the crown is simple and does not involve any pain.

What is the recommended aftercare for a CEREC restoration?

The aftercare for a CEREC restoration is as easy as caring for your natural teeth.

• Properly brush your teeth twice a day.
• Floss interdental surfaces
• Do not bite on complex objects or use your teeth as tools to open packaging or bottles.
• Avoid having too many drinks which contain artificial dyes or rich natural pigments that can potentially discolor your prosthetic crowns.
• It is better to avoid biting very hard on substances like bones.
• It is recommended to professionally get your teeth cleaned at least once every 18 months after placing a prosthesis in your mouth.

Suppose you are experiencing dental decay, or have a fractured, chipped, or discolored tooth which needs restoration. In that case, talk to your dentist for a CEREC restoration. CEREC restorations is a straightforward and painless process to get a new tooth crown as soon as possible. CEREC crowns have a very aesthetic appearance, are durable, and require a minimum time to be made.

If you want to consider having a CEREC restoration, feel free to consult us here at Ashraf Dentistry. We are more than happy to review and discuss your oral health.

Dental Implant Solutions

Do you feel conscious about the way your teeth look? Do you smile less because of missing teeth? A dental implant may be an effective way for you to set all this right.

If you have been advised to consider a dental implant solution and want to know more about it, continue reading. We will explore different dental implants and why they are an excellent oral health care investment.

Effective Implant Solutions

Several reasons lead to a person missing a tooth. Some individuals are born without certain teeth; tooth decay, injuries, or gum diseases are some of the most common causes of missing teeth. A dental implant permanently replaces your missing tooth.

It is an artificial tooth root made with biocompatible materials that are embedded into your jawbone. This acts as an anchor for your bone, allowing it to fuse with it and creating a foundation for the replacement tooth. The result is a tooth that appears and feels just like a real natural tooth.

Depending on your need, your dentist may advise you on any of these types of implants:

Single Tooth Replacement

This dental implant replaces a single missing tooth. Unlike other restorations, a single tooth replacement replaces the entire tooth from its crown to the root. This is the best option when you have a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth that are not adjacent to each other.

All-on-4 Implants

Losing teeth due to wear and tear or gum diseases as one ages is quite common. While some people lose a few teeth, some end up losing most of their natural teeth. All-on-4 dental implants are a solution that allows you to restore your whole smile. They are designed to replace your entire set of lower and upper teeth and act as permanent, natural-looking teeth.

All-on-4 implants do away with the need to replace each missing tooth individually. In this, four titanium posts are inserted in your jawline as the main anchors. Permanent dentures are then attached to these anchors to give you a seamless set of teeth.

Implant Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are one of the most suitable options for people who want to improve their ability to chew food and smile without spending a fortune. With this process, your dentist attaches four-six implants in your jawbone. Once these implants fuse into the jawbone, a set of dentures is attached to them.

These implant-supported dentures prevent tissue loss, which is common in traditional dentures.

Top Advantages of Dental Implants

There are many long-term benefits of dental implants. They add aesthetics and functionality to your smile by giving you an entirely new root system and tooth. Before we look at the top advantages of implants, here’s a look at who can benefit from this restoration:

• Anyone who wants to improve their self-image or feel self-conscious due to missing, damaged, or discolored teeth.
• People whose dentures or bridge has become loose.
• Those who don’t want to deal with removing and cleaning dentures every day.
• Those who suffer from a severely cracked or broken tooth.
•  People who face difficulties in chewing food due to damaged or missing teeth.

Here’s how dental implants benefit you:

1. Dental implants are made to replicate the look and feel of your natural teeth. They give you the confidence to smile and engage in social activities.
2. With proper care, they last for decades without compromising your teeth’s functionality.
3. Since they are anchored in your jawbone, they improve your chewing. This lets you enjoy your food and not miss out on nutrition.
4. They restore speech problems arising due to missing teeth.
5. Missing teeth may potentially make your face look sunken. Dental implants restore the structure of your jawbone and restore your facial features.
6. A considerable gap from a missing tooth can make the adjacent teeth shift towards the gap. Implants prevent this from happening and improve your bite and appearance.
7. Missing teeth may foster bacteria and food around the gum line. Implants prevent this and save you from the risk of gum diseases.

Dental Implant Care Solutions

Whether you have an all-on-4 dental implant or implant-supported dentures, they can last for decades if you care for them adequately. Here are some aftercare solutions to keep in mind for maintaining your dental implants:

Caring For Your Single Tooth Implants

• Get yourself a soft-bristled toothbrush, preferably with nylon bristles.
• Brush daily for two minutes. Follow this with flossing and using an antimicrobial mouthwash.
• Avoid sticky and hard foods.
•  Visit your dentist regularly to keep the implant in good shape.

Caring For Your all-on-4-dental implants

• Maintain a dentist-recommended oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing.
• Incorporate an antibacterial mouthwash at least once a day.
• A scheduled dental appointment with your dentist at least twice a year is recommended.
• Make sure that you brush your gums while brushing your teeth.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and biting on hard foods.

Caring For Your Implant-Supported Dentures

• If you have removable or snap-dentures, you must clean them thoroughly after removing them. Use a soft brush and a dental cleaning solution.
• Never sleep with your dentures on. Soak them in a denture solution to keep them hydrated.
• Always clean around the gum tissue to prevent food debris and bacteria.
• Visit your dentist for regular examination and for them to check for fitment issues.
• Never consume foods that are too chewy or hard.
• Avoid smoking as it tends to stain the dentures.

The Bottom Line

Dental implants are as strong as the teeth they replace and have excellent benefits for your oral health. All you need to do is care for them and see your dentist regularly. Experience a boost in confidence and be proud to show off your beautiful smile with dental implants. Let us help with your dental goals! Contact Ashraf Dentistry today.

The Effects of Smoking and Vaping on Oral Health

Tobacco use is one of the most dangerous things we can do to our bodies and oral health.

Tobacco use has been shown to cause a variety of oral health problems, such as gum disease, tooth decay, and even cancer. Every dentist can agree that tobacco products also contain many chemicals that can be detrimental to your teeth and gums.

Smoking cigarettes is one of the most common forms of tobacco use. It not only causes these problems in your mouth, but it also increases your risk of developing lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The dangers of tobacco are well-known and have been proven time and time again through research studies. However, there are still millions of individuals who smoke cigarettes every day.

Vaping is a popular and controversial topic. However, the effects of vaping on oral health are not so well-known. This article seeks to explore the impact of vaping on your teeth and how you can protect yourself from it.

How Smoking impacts Your Oral Health

The habit of smoking is one of the most common causes of oral cancer. It can also lead to a number of other health problems, such as heart disease and lung cancer. Smoking impacts your oral health in various ways, including:

-Damages your gums

-Increases your risk for periodontal diseases

-Increases your risk for oral cancer

-Decreases saliva production, which can result in tooth decay and gum diseases

It is important for smokers to be aware of the risks smoking poses to their teeth and oral health. They should also be aware that quitting smoking may reverse some of the damage done to their teeth and gums, so it is always worth quitting if you are able to do so. Otherwise, you will have to look into gum disease treatment or cosmetic dentistry to find the fix for your dental problems.

The Effects of Vaping on Oral Health

Vaping has been a popular trend among young adults and teenagers. However, the long-term effects are still unknown.

There are concerns that vaping could cause gum disease and tooth decay. The nicotine inhalation could lead to nicotine addiction, which in turn causes a number of oral health problems like dry mouth and smoker’s palate.

The effects of vaping on oral health are not yet fully known. However, there is consistent growing evidence that suggests that vaping can be harmful to oral health. It stains your teeth, which will require you to look for teeth whitening methods.

One study found that the vapor from e-cigarettes contains high levels of formaldehyde. This substance is known to cause cancer and is also linked with leukemia. The study also found that the vapor contains other carcinogenic substances such as acrolein and acetaldehyde.

Vaping may also lead to tooth discoloration, tooth erosion, and gum recession. That’s because the nicotine in e-cigarettes can lead to a dry mouth, which causes tooth decay as well as gum recession.

Repairing and preventing the damage

A dentist can assist with oral health issues that are caused by smoking and vaping. Treatment can range from surgery to less invasive treatments such as removing plaque and tartar from the sites around teeth and preventing bone damage. Suppose you want the best chance of success in your dental health. In that case, Dr. Ashraf recommends starting an excellent oral care routine today and managing any condition that may positively affect your teeth. It would also help to stop using tobacco or “like” products.

Here are some of the non-surgical gum disease treatments offered by Ashraf Dentistry:

• Professional dental cleaning. During a dental hygiene examination, your dentist will remove the plaque and tartar and clean between your teeth to remove any bacteria below the gum line. Suppose you think you may be suffering from gum disease. In that case, your dentist may recommend professional dental cleanings and fillings more than twice a year. These are not intended as a treatment but merely a prevention technique to maintain healthy teeth.
• Scaling and root planning. This deep cleaning is done below the gum line, where plaque and tartar are removed. Any rough spots on the teeth are smoothed to take away plaque build-up. Removing the plaque that builds up around the teeth provides a smooth surface for gum reattachment. This prevents bacteria from getting underneath gum lines and staying there, potentially causing inflammation or more serious health concerns.

Some treatments for gum disease are surgical. Here is a list of such treatments:

• Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery) For this procedure, dentists will pull back your gums so the teeth that have a build-up of tartar can be cleaned. At the same time, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed. This usually limits those parts where bacteria causing tooth decay can hide. The tooth is placed so that the gum tissue will cover it. This reduces the size of the spaces between teeth and gums, thereby decreasing areas where harmful bacteria can grow. Therefore, there is less chance of this leading to serious health problems.
• Bone grafts. This procedure uses fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone to replace the gum-damaged areas of your mouth with more robust material that restores stability to teeth. This is based on a new technique called tissue engineering. It helps your body regenerate tissue and bone more quickly.
• Soft tissue grafts. This procedure can help reinforce thin gums or fill in the receded areas. Grafted tissue, usually taken from the lining of the mouth, is then stitched together to add more tissue to the affected area.
• Bone surgery. Moderate and advanced bone loss can cause spikes and craters around the tooth, making it difficult for bacteria to gather. Dental implants are surgically placed underneath the gums to fill these empty spaces and eliminate such gaps.

Although there are treatments to assist with the damage caused by smoking, the goal is to prevent these severe cases and take care of your health and oral health. Talk to your healthcare professional and dentist if you are struggling with quitting smoking or vaping.

All About Common Dental Issues In Children

Dental issues among children are very different from that of adults. While adults have one set of permanent teeth, children have two sets that go through various phases of their eruption. In addition, young children depend on their parents to brush their teeth and help them maintain good oral health. As a parent or guardian, this means you have the additional responsibility to watch out for any sign of dental problems in your child.

Understanding common pediatric dental problems and scheduling regular visits to your pediatric dentist is the best way to ensure your child enjoys good oral health lifelong.

Common Dental Issues in Children

According to the Children (Basel) Journal, over half a billion children worldwide experience oral diseases. Let’s understand some of the most common pediatric oral issues:

Bad Breath

Occasional bad breath, also known as halitosis, is not serious. Chronic bad breath is likely a deeper issue. The most common reasons are poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, and even digestive problems.

This can be resolved by encouraging your children to have a good oral hygiene routine that includes an antibacterial mouthwash.

Dental Anxiety

Feelings of nervousness and fear before visiting the dentist are common in children. This is often due to a bad experience with dentists in the past.

You can help your child by communicating the concern with the pediatric dentist. The dentist will encourage the child to ask questions and respond with kindness.

Dental Emergency

It is common for kids who play contact sports to run into dental emergencies such as broken, loosened, or chipped teeth. In more severe events, a permanent tooth may get knocked out.

Knowing that your pediatric dentist provides after-hour emergency care and having their contact details is a great way to stay prepared in the face of such emergencies. Ask your pediatric dentist for a custom mouth guard.

Grinding

The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health says that teeth grinding or bruxism affects almost 49% of children worldwide. This leads to enamel erosion and weak teeth.

Bruxism is treated by providing a special night guard for the child to wear. Your pediatric dentist may also advise avoiding chewing gum and stress reduction.

Gingivitis and Gum Disease

What starts as gingivitis marked by red and swollen gums often progresses into gum disease when left untreated. This leads to pain and swelling and even tooth loss in severe cases. The most common cause is plaque formation due to poor oral hygiene habits.

This is treated through deep cleaning at your dentist’s office. Brushing and flossing daily also helps fight gum disease.

Sensitive Teeth

Cracked teeth, eroded enamel, or newly erupted permanent teeth due to improper brushing or decay may lead to tooth sensitivity.

Your pediatric dentist will treat it depending on the underlying cause. Sealants are often used, and kids are recommended to use soft-bristled toothbrushes.

Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers

If children older than five years continue thumb sucking or using pacifiers, they risk misalignment of teeth, overbite, and even speech problems.

If your pediatric dentist observes these symptoms, they may advise stress and anxiety reduction activities. Misalignments are treated through orthodontic treatments.

Tooth Decay

Kids are not proficient at brushing, and a sugar-heavy diet puts them at a higher risk for cavities. Overseeing an excellent oral hygiene routine ensures that plaque, food particles, and bacteria are removed. In case of a cavity, your pediatric dentist will offer tooth filling to seal the hole with a composite material.

Tips for Encouraging Dental Habits among Young Children

Kids’ dental care is very different from that of adults. It is essential to get them excited about oral care and make it fun. Here are some ways to do that:

• You must start young to develop good and healthy oral hygiene habits in your child. This means starting in the first year of the child’s life itself.
• Be creative. Make brushing sessions fun. Read books, sing songs, play games, or watch videos while brushing. Let them pick their brushes and toothpaste flavors. Reward them at the end of a good brushing session.
• Ease them for their dental appointments. Do role plays, encourage questions, and bring them to the dental office to familiarize them with the space.
• Use fun dental products. Think musical toothbrushes, colored irrigators, flavored dental floss, and the likes.

Preventative Measures and Care

Taking a proactive approach to your little ones’ oral health saves them from serious health risks later in their lives. It may be surprising to some that good dental care begins before the child is born. Due to hormonal changes, pregnant women are at a higher risk of dental issues. To prevent passing them on to your baby, you should:

• Brush and floss daily
• See your dentist regularly

Did you know that a baby has 20 primary teeth at the time of birth? So, this is when good dental care must begin. Here’s how you can take care of their teeth:

• Wipe their teeth and gums with a soft clean cloth after each feed and before they sleep. Lay your baby on a flat surface with their head in your lap to brush their teeth.
• Avoid letting your little one sleep with a bottle.

By the time your child is a year old, you need to focus on cavity prevention. This can be done by:

• Avoid offering sugary treats.
• Once you see the first tooth appear, start cleaning them with a soft-bristled brush.
• When two teeth begin to touch each other, use soft floss to clean between the teeth surfaces.
• Scheduling an appointment with your pediatric dentist can help catch oral problems early on. The best time to do this is soon after the first tooth appears. The next appointment can be once your child turns a year old.

As the child grows, paying more attention to their oral routine becomes even more essential.

• Teach them how to brush and floss. Teach the ‘2 x 2’ game to make this fun. This means brushing in gentle motions twice daily for two minutes and spending 30 seconds on each quadrant.
• Your pediatric dentist will advise using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Teach your child how to spit that out instead of swallowing it.
• Rinse their toothbrush well after each use and replace it every 90 days.
• It is recommended to schedule your child’s dental visits every six months.

The Bottom Line

While childhood dental problems are common, fortunately, they are preventable. Paying attention to your child’s oral health, managing their diet, and teaching them how to brush confidently go a long way. That being said, nothing substitutes scheduling regular visits with your pediatric dentist. It helps evaluate their oral habits and check on dental problems before they become significant.

Treating Gum Disease

If you do not practice proper oral health care, your chances of developing gum disease are high. Gum diseases happen when plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth. Slowly, they start weakening your gum tissues and bone structure. In a worst-case scenario, where the gum disease is not treated, you might even lose your teeth.

General gum disease treatment includes non-surgical options, such as scaling, root planing, and antibiotics. When these methods cannot control the disease, your dentist might move to surgical procedures, such as bone grafting or gingivectomy.

Preventative care

Since the primary cause of gum diseases is plaque and tartar, the first step in preventive care is to prevent plaque formation. Plaque is a soft white layer that forms over your teeth in the absence of proper brushing and flossing. If left for long, plaque hardens and forms tartar. It is essential to note that a professional dental cleaning can remove tartar only.

Common symptoms of gum disease include bad breath, bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, inflamed gums, and pain while chewing. In the event that it is left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, and the bacteria responsible can even enter your bloodstream. This might cause respiratory diseases, coronary artery problems and may even affect blood sugar levels in diabetic people.

There are a few individuals who are more at risk of developing gum disease than others. Smokers, people with poor oral hygiene, and people who have a habit of grinding their teeth are considered more at risk. A consistent oral hygiene routine which includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting your dentist, can reduce the possibility of gum disease.

Non-surgical options for gum disease

Dentists usually start with non-surgical options for treating gum disease, depending on how far the disease has spread.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is an intense method of deep cleaning. When gums are inflamed, spaces are formed between your teeth and gums. These spaces are called pockets, and plaque gets stored in them. In scaling, your dentist deep cleans your teeth, including the pockets, to remove plaque and tartar below and above your gum line. Once scaling is done, your tooth’s root will be smoothed out during root planing. This will help your teeth to reconnect with your gums.

Antibiotics

When the disease has progressed, the pockets formed can be too small to be cleaned by scaling. In such cases, when the pockets are inaccessible, your dentist might disinfect them with an antimicrobial rinse or a topical antibiotic. They can help keep the infection at bay.

Oral hygiene

The best way to prevent gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene. In almost every oral hygiene scenario brushing twice daily and flossing once daily while using the proper techniques is important. If you need guidance on achieving a healthy smile, don’t hesitate to speak to your dentist. Questions are always welcomed. It is essential to note that your diet also plays a critical role in your oral health. Avoid sugary and starchy food. Lastly, don’t forget to schedule a visit with your dentist at least twice every year.

Surgical options for gum disease

In case of advanced gum disease, your dentist will have to do one of the following surgical options.

Bone grafting

When the bone surrounding your tooth is destroyed, bone grafting is done. Bone grafts are typically made of synthetic, donated, or your bone. Grafts aid your bone in regrowing while holding your tooth in place.

Gingivectomy

Gingivectomy is typically used to treat gingivitis, which includes surgically removing the gum tissue. It is also done as a cosmetic procedure to remove extra gum tissue. The procedure gives more access to the teeth for cleaning. It generally takes at least a week to recover from the treatment.

Flap surgery

In this surgery, your dentist will lift back some of the gum tissue to make the deep cleaning more effective. In some cases, they might also recontour the underlying bone. This helps in reducing the area for bacteria to hide and makes the subsequent cleanings more thorough.

Soft tissue grafting

Losing gum tissues can cause your gum line to recede. In such a case, your dentist might suggest soft tissue grafting. Soft tissue grafting involves stitching some tissue to the area where your gum line has receded. The graft might be donated or taken from the root of your mouth. The surgery will protect your exposed tooth from infection and reduce the risk of cavities.

You might not be able to detect gum disease in its early stage. This is because it is generally not painful in the beginning. However, there are several symptoms, such as bad breath, gum bleeding, and redness in your gums, that can be easily detected. If you have any such symptoms, consult Ashraf Dentistry today.

Your answer to strange dental and oral health issues

Some dental issues don’t catch your attention like the rest. Nonetheless, they speak a lot about your dental health.

This article highlights the six uncommon or strange oral health issues you might experience.

Strange: taste

There may be more than one reason you’d be sensing a foul, awkward taste after eating something.

Taste and Causes

Bitter taste

• Stress and anxiety
• Acid reflux
• Dehydration

Metallic taste

• Consumption of antibiotics
• Consumption of multivitamins
• Cold and fever

Sour taste

• Poor oral health
• Low levels of Zinc
• Smoking
• Cancer treatments

Symptom

• Unpleasant smell and flavor in your mouth

Treatment

• Keep yourself hydrated: Drinking 2-3 liters of water daily will flush toxins out of the body and reduce the bacteria in your mouth.
• Chewing gum: Chewing gums that are sugar-free increase the saliva production in the mouth. This results in killing bad bacteria.
• Minimize or stop smoking: this will eliminate the foul taste in the mouth caused by smoke particles and toxic chemicals.

Strange: fuzzy teeth sensation

Causes

• Buildup of plaque
• Eating foods with high levels of oxalic acid like spinach.
• Dry mouth

Symptoms

• Having a silky blurred feeling in the mouth or tongue

Treatment

• It is best to maintain and practice routine oral hygiene at home.
• Schedule a professional dental cleaning.
• Regular dental checkups: if you have any concerns or oral health issues, your dentist will identify the root cause and propose an appropriate solution.

Strange: translucent enamel appearance

Transparent enamel appearance is a condition where the outer enamel wears off.

Causes

• Eating highly acidic foods
• GERD, i.e., Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: a condition of acid reflux
• Enamel hypoplasia: a condition where the enamel isn’t developed correctly, or there is an absence of enamel.

Symptoms

• The uneven and transparent appearance of the teeth’s surface

Treatment

• Veneers: a thin protective layer on teeth that prevents teeth erosion and adds a natural shine to the teeth
• Crowns or Bonding: the dentist creates a hard layer by applying resin or a cap
• Cosmetic dentistry: treatment that improves the look of your smile

Strange: fruity breath

Fruity breath feels like the aftertaste of fruit in your mouth, even though you haven’t eaten it.

Causes

• Keto diets
• Diabetes
• Liver disease

Symptoms

• Foul smell in the mouth

Treatment

• Manage your blood sugars by following the proper exercise, diet, and sleep
• Visit a nutritionist or a diabetologist

Strange: burning mouth syndrome (BMS)

As the name suggests, it is a condition where you feel pain in the mouth as you experience an intense burning or tingling sensation.

Causes

• Damaged facial nerves. For example, the cranial nerve and trigeminal nerve
• Lack of nutrition
• Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism: an autoimmune disease caused by hormonal imbalance

Symptoms

• A burning sensation on the overall mouth for months and longer

Treatment

• Dental treatments
• Consuming clonazepam tablet

Strange: Geminated Tooth

Geminated tooth is a condition where two teeth erupt from a single bud. This condition is also called a double tooth.

Causes

• Genetics
• Childhood trauma
• Lack of vitamins

Symptoms

• Growth of two teeth from one root

Treatment

• Cosmetic dentistry
• Crowns and bridges
• Dental implants

If anyone experiences persistent oral health issues or has noticed uncommon/ strange oral health issues like the ones mentioned above, visiting the dentist is essential. Contact Ashraf Dentistry today and get to the bottom of your strange dental or oral health issue.

The difference between PRP vs. PRF treatments

Teeth play a vital role in a person’s general health and wellbeing. Over the last few decades, new treatment methods have been used to treat various dental issues. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) play a key role in dental care. Blood contains many healing components and properties; using the benefits of extraction makes it easier for the body to heal. Dentists are now using PRP and PRF to speed up recovery. Review the information below on both of these therapies.

What is PRP, and how does it work?

PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma is a term used to describe platelets found in the blood. A patient’s blood is taken and put through a centrifuge to extract plasma with a high concentration of platelets. This concentration contains many growth factors that are then injected into areas that need healing. For dental processes, calcium chloride and thrombin are added so that they speed up recovery. Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is all about introducing this concentration into damaged areas to help tissues repair themselves faster and promote healing.

What is PRF, and how does it work?

PRF or Platelet Rich Fibrin is a newer method and more straightforward. PRF is also found in the blood and is extracted. It is also a concentration of a person’s blood platelets. This process involves collecting a patient’s blood and passing it through a centrifuge. A fibrin membrane is created as part of the process due to natural polymerization. PRF concentrates include leukocytes, plates, and fibrin which can be used on their own or with other biomaterials. The membrane created during the centrifugal process helps heal wounds better, reduce inflammation, speed up tissue regeneration, and reduce infections.

Key differences in PRP and PRF therapies

PRP and PRF are similar and different. Both contain growth proteins that help the body repair damaged tissues.

1. Both products require a patient’s blood before plasma or fibrin can be extracted.
2. To extract PRP and PRF from blood, a patient’s blood is run through a centrifuge at various speeds. The key difference is that the PRP process extracts just platelets and plasma. PRF is done at a slightly slower rate and collects more factors.
3. In PRP therapy, essential growth factors are used to jumpstart healing. PRF has more platelets and other elements in the final solution.
4. As part of the PRP therapy, anticoagulants are added to the blood to prevent clotting during processing. PRF production helps in the formation of a matrix in which the platelets are released more slowly when injected.
5. PRP contains 2 to 5 times the concentration of platelets. PRF has 10 times the concentration.

Key similarities between PRP and PRF

1. PRP and PRF contain growth proteins that are key to helping the body heal.
2. Both are used to treat issues such as scars and damaged bones while reducing infections.
3. Both processes use a patient’s own blood.
4. Both PRP and PRF help heal soft tissue in the mouth and other areas.
5. Both are easy to handle.

Quick healing is a factor that is highly valued in the medical field. Many doctors and specialists use PRP therapy to help a patient heal and recover fast after major surgery. Talk to your dentist to find out which is better for you – PRP or PRF. Your dentist will determine the right one to use based on your needs. This is usually done in consultation with your primary care physician.

Want more information on PRP therapy? Contact Ashraf Dentistry today!