Healthy Habits And Their Impact On Oral Health

Whether it’s oral health, food, or exercise, it all comes down to good or poor habits. In this article, we want to share the impact of healthy practices and dental health.

Drinking Water

Drinking water can improve our dental health.

Benefits of Water:

Teeth-strengthening

Fluoridated water is “nature’s cavity fighter” and can help prevent cavities. Fluoride is a substance that strengthens teeth in water.

Body hydrated, dry mouth prevented

Low saliva causes dry mouth and increases tooth decay risk, requiring routine cleanings and fillings. Lack of saliva also makes swallowing and chewing difficult.

Water helps prevent dry mouth and boosts saliva production. Water hydrates your body, which is crucial for overall health.

Excellent for removing bacteria and dirt

Water cleans the mouth by removing food and debris that cavity-causing germs enjoy.

Cavity-causing bacteria love sugar and create acid that erodes tooth enamel. It dilutes mouth bacteria acids.

Sugar-free

Water has zero calories or sugar, making it healthful. Even ‘healthy’ drinks like fruit juices or flavored waters include sugar, so drink water to protect your teeth from acid assaults.

Healthy Balanced Diet And Vitamin Supplements

Why does a balanced, healthy diet support oral health

Eating from all food categories helps healthy teeth and gums. Speak to your dentist, physician, or registered dietician to help create a balanced diet that is suitable for your health. Generally speaking, a diet full of fruits, vegetables, protein foods, grains, and dairy promotes supports oral health and overall health.

Which food items should one consume to support healthy teeth and oral health, and why do these food items have such an impact

Oral health foods

Low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, cheese, and fortified soymilk encourage healthy teeth and bones. Tofu, salmon, almonds, broccoli, and other dark green leafy vegetables are further calcium sources.

Phosphorus is present in eggs, fish, lean meat, dairy, nuts, and beans.

Vitamin D helps oral health, particularly gum health. It may increase the body’s antimicrobial defenses, preserve healthy gum tissue, and reduce gum inflammation.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant required for healthy gums and oral tissue. Vitamin C insufficiency causes gum disease and tooth loss. Citrus and dark veggies have the most.

Omega-3 fats promote gum health and may lessen periodontitis symptoms.

Low in sugar and high in fiber, magnesium is good for teeth.

Probiotics increase nitrite-reducing mouth bacteria. Nitric oxide benefits your tongue and heart.

Note: Consult your doctor and dentist before changing your diet or adding supplements.

Exercise, Meditation, and Yoga

The Effects of Stress on teeth and oral health

Stress drives our brains to seek comfort foods or create bad habits like drinking and smoking when our immune system is compromised. These practices harm oral health.

Stress causes these oral health risks:

Bruxism

Teeth grinding is a frequent stress response. Most individuals don’t realize they grind their teeth at night. Teeth grinding causes damaged or loose teeth, sensitivity, tongue indentations, and temple discomfort.

Unhygienic teeth

When stressed, self-care becomes less critical, and carb-, sugar-, and caffeine-rich meals are comforting. An unbalanced diet and poor dental hygiene can promote plaque, caries, and tooth loss.

Salivating

Saliva cleans teeth, remineralizes enamel, and fights germs. Stress reduces saliva production, which increases plaque accumulation and dental problems. Alcohol and cigarette usage can cause dry mouth, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Jaws Clamped

Muscle tension helps prevent damage and discomfort, but persistent stress can induce TMJ. It causes jaw and ear discomfort.

What is the connection between exercise, meditation/yoga, and oral health?

Sports and fitness benefit teeth by:

• Less periodontitis – Periodontitis is dangerous gum disease. Regular exercise reduces gum disease risk by 54%.
• Diet matters – Low-sugar diets lower tooth decay risk.
• Better routines –  Developing healthy behaviors lowers stress levels and encourages individuals to take control and responsibility for their health.
• An integrated body – Exercise improves cardiorespiratory health. Your body is a single, interconnected system. Keeping in shape will naturally benefit dental health.
• Workouts minimize inflammation – 20 minutes of exercise might enhance your body’s inflammatory response. It can decrease blood pressure, diabetes, and other risks.
• How does implementing exercise, yoga, and meditation help oral health?– Reducing BMI and obesity risk reduces periodontal disease risk. These practices help to lower stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety are known to contribute to bruxism and unhealthy habits—for example, nail-biting, which can invite germs and cause inflammation.

Visit your dentist regularly; it is all about prevention and early detection. Dentists are able to recognize and treat problems early before they progress. In addition, your dentist will check for oral cancer at every checkup. A dental visit might save your life. Want to learn more? Contact Ashraf Dentistry today!

Dental Celebrations This October Month

Rejoice! Dental Hygiene Month is here, so today, let’s discuss its significance, how to celebrate it, and why maintaining oral health is so important.

What is Dental Hygiene Month?

Dental Hygiene Month is observed in October (America) and April (Canada). Dental Hygiene Month was launched in 2009 by The American Dental Hygienists’ Association in collaboration with multinational chewing gum corporation Wrigley Company. The goal was to create and spread awareness about oral health.

Why is dental hygiene important?

A flashy smile doesn’t always indicate good dental health. Your gums are essential as well. Cavities and bad gums may lead to severe infections like periodontitis, diabetes, cancer, and heart ailments.

Further, your oral health affects your speech and confidence. So maintaining your teeth and gums is beneficial for your general well-being.

Your oral hygiene routine

Brush:

Brushing removes plaque, lessening the chances of developing cavities and gum diseases.

Brush twice with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Each session should last for two minutes.

Floss:

Before you sleep, floss once daily.

Flossing cleans areas your brush cannot reach. So, it removes plaque further and small particles stuck in your teeth.

Rinse:

Use a good mouthwash to remove bacteria from other parts inside your mouth. Rinse after brushing and flossing.

Chew:

Have sugarless chewing gums.

Sugar damages teeth enamel, so avoid such chewing gums. Sugarless chewing gums increase saliva volume, decreasing plaque acid, making teeth strong, and reducing decay.

Benefits of dentist visits and dental cleaning

Visit a dentist twice a year. And, if you have a dental issue, make it 3-4 times.

A dentist visit helps in early cavity detection and thorough dental cleaning. The latter removes hardened plaque, stains, and tartar.

World Smile Day

World Smile Day lands on the first Friday of October. In 2022, it’d be observed on October 7.

It was started by Harvey Ball, creator of the extremely popular smiley face, in 1999. The Massachusetts-based artist wanted people to smile and spread happiness through small acts of kindness.

Why should you smile more?

Stats say children smile 400 times/day while we clock a measly 20! Let’s change that from now. Because:

• Smiling boosts mood
• Releases happy hormones like cortisol, endorphins
• Reduces pain, BP, stress
• More endurance, stronger immunity
• Makes you approachable

Five fun facts about smiling:

• Over 50 muscles work to make you smile
• The easiest identifiable expression, even from 300ft away
• Babies learn to smile/laugh from birth
• There are 19 types of smiles
• Men smile less than women

How to celebrate these occasions

• Follow dental hygiene and visit a dentist as suggested
• Consider teeth whitening
• Replace your old dental tools
• Go for cleanings and fillings
• Teach your children about dental hygiene. Give utmost importance to pediatric dentistry
• Watch fun movies
• Compliment someone, express gratitude, bring coffee/food, order something – just make someone smile!
• Shower your dental team with love/gifts like thank you note, flowers, cake, etc.
• Go for cosmetic dentistry. Make your set of white pearls aesthetically appealing.

 October is Dental Hygiene Month and World Smile Day falls on the month’s first Friday. Celebrate it with your children. Be particular about their and your dental visits.

What is considered a dental emergency?

Several dental issues can wait until the next day or even two. However, some dental conditions are considered emergencies. If left untreated, they can cost you your smile and cause pain or prolonged discomfort.

Knowing what counts as a dental emergency and when to see your dentist immediately helps save a lot of trouble. Read on to learn more and how to be prepared for these situations.

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Here are a few conditions that may require seeing your dentist immediately. In case it’s a child, these problems require instant pediatric dentistry interventions:

Loose Tooth

Loose teeth in adults are not expected and are a dental emergency. It often happens due to untreated infections or injuries. A loose tooth may eventually detach and lead to bleeding or swollen gums.

Your dentist will treat this after identifying the root cause of the loose tooth. You may be advised to do root planing and scaling if you have gum disease. You may be recommended a bone grafting procedure if it is due to bone deterioration.

Missing Tooth

A missing tooth is one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits. You may be missing a tooth due to decay, trauma, or gum disease. While this may not cause an immediate problem, a missing tooth may lead to bone resorption and changes in your facial structure when left untreated.

You may be recommended dental implants, a bridge, or a partial denture to replace the missing tooth. Your dentist may also recommend cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Missing Crown or Filling

Crowns or fillings are installed to protect and restore damaged teeth. At times, eating sticky foods or hard chewing may cause these restorations to come loose. Missing crown or filling results in exposing the tooth tissues that are sensitive to air and temperature. This may cause severe pain or sensitivity.

Please treat this as an emergency, retrieve the missing crown or filling, and bring it to your dentist. They will either place a new restoration or suggest an alternative treatment.

Toothache

Toothache is an indication of a more serious dental issue, especially when it lasts for a few days and is accompanied by fever or swelling in the face or jaws. You may have an infected or chipped tooth, which is a dental emergency.

This is more common in children. If they are experiencing a persistent toothache, immediate pediatric dentistry intervention is needed. They may either have to get a filling or, in more severe cases, a root canal may be advised.

Stuck Objects Between The Teeth

A substantial object stuck between the teeth is painful and discomforting. If you are unable to dislodge them, even with dental floss, you need to see a dentist immediately. Not doing so may not just damage your teeth but also cut through the softer oral tissues.

Dental emergencies are serious and must be tackled swiftly. Experiencing pain, bleeding, or swelling in the face or mouth indicates a more serious issue. This could be an infection, gum disease, or a cavity and could create more significant problems such as:

• Any bacteria reaching the pulp inside the tooth may lead to tooth loss and gum disease.
• You may experience severe pain and discomfort. This may lead to stress, lower productivity, and mood changes.
• Not responding to dental emergencies may cause this bacteria to cause serious health concerns in the long run. These include stroke, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, etc.

Soft Tissue Emergencies Require Immediate Attention Too!

Besides your teeth, your mouth also houses several soft tissues. Also known as the oral mucosa, these tissues enable you to salivate, taste, and help in pain detection.

Let’s review some of the most common soft tissue injuries, the reasons that cause them, and how to prevent them:

• Falling on your face.
• Chewing on hard foods.
• Biting down on your lip.
• Injury or trauma during contact sports.
• Accidents while driving.

These may result in cuts, punctures, lacerations, or bruises. Follow these first aid steps to assist yourself or your family member in the event of a soft tissue emergency:

• Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial or antiseptic mouthwash. Alternatively, you also use warm saline water.
• Use moist gauze in the case of persistent bleeding.
• Hold an ice pack over the area for five to ten minutes to reduce pain and swelling.
• Maintain pressure on the area.

If the bleeding or swelling persists, your injury may be severe and must be considered an emergency. If not attended to in time, it may lead to excessive bleeding, risk of infection, distress, and even shock.

Your dentist will clean the affected area thoroughly and may administer stitches under anesthesia to control bleeding when required. In the event you have a chipped or broken tooth, you may have to consider cosmetic dentistry.

Keep Your Teeth In Good Shape!

Here’s how you can prevent dental emergencies using these practical and effective tips:

• Practice good oral hygiene that involves brushing for two minutes. Follow this up with flossing and an antimicrobial mouthwash.
• Use mouthguards, especially if you play contact sports. They help in softening the blow of injuries to your mouth.
• For people who suffer from bruxism, wearing a night guard prevents the risk of enamel erosion or chipped teeth.
• Avoid consuming hard and crunchy foods or other foods that require excessive force to chew.
• Check with your dentist about fortifying your diet with vitamins to keep your gums and teeth strong. This makes them more resilient to the impact of decay and injuries.
• Drink plenty of water. Hydration allows your mouth to produce saliva that maintains a neutral pH balance. This washes away bacteria and food debris and reduces the risk of decay-related emergencies.
• While opening bottles and snack packs with your teeth may be tempting, it causes your enamel to weaken over time, leading to dental damage. Also, avoid biting your nails. Teeth are not tools!
• Visit your dentist regularly. Regular cleanings help in removing stubborn plaque deposits. This reduces the risk of decay and gum diseases. Problems such as loose or chipped teeth can also be spotted in time to prevent dental emergencies.
• Know of dental offices that offer after-hour services for emergencies. Keep their numbers handy and educate yourself about their services.

The Bottom Line

There are ways to prevent painful dental emergencies. But still, if you find yourself in a fix, make sure to see a dentist for emergency treatment. This will go a long way and can potentially save you from long-term damage and debilitating pain. Therefore, reducing the need for expensive and invasive procedures.

Want to know where to go in the event of a dental emergency? Ashraf Dentistry! Contact us today!

The Importance of Vitamins and Minerals for Your Teeth

Everyone knows that brushing and flossing daily and regular dental check-ups are essential to maintaining dental health. But is that all you can do to make your teeth strong and bright? The answer is no. There is more to good oral health. One of the critical aspects is what you eat. You must have a balanced diet, including vitamins and minerals, for strong teeth and good oral health.

Why are vitamins and minerals essential for oral health?

Consuming a healthy diet can help fight bacteria and even reduce the chances of tooth decay and gum diseases. At the same time, an unhealthy and imbalanced diet can cause inflammation, discoloration, and in the worst-case scenario—even tooth loss. Think of it this way; if your body doesn’t have the essential nutrients, it cannot fight infections or maintain functionality. Similarly, sugary and starchy food can erode your enamel. Vitamins and minerals are crucial in maintaining healthy, strong pearly white teeth.

Vitamin deficiency—what your teeth and oral health are telling you

Do you want to know a secret? Your teeth can tell you if you have a vitamin deficiency. You don’t even have to look too deep. Here’s how:

Vitamin A deficiency

A common indicator of Vitamin A deficiency is impaired tooth formation. Enamel hypoplasia, inadequate enamel, is common among children with Vitamin A deficiency. A dry mouth is another symptom that can affect adults with vitamin A deficiency.

Vitamin B deficiency

Vitamin B deficiency causes cracked lips, inflammation of the tongue, sore tongue, and periodontal disease. Angular cheilitis, a condition that affects the corners of your mouth, is another common sign of vitamin B deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency exhibits several symptoms in your oral health. A burning sensation on the tongue, gums, and roof of the mouth is a common indicator of vitamin D deficiency. Other symptoms include sore throat, dry mouth, and numbness on the tongue. Vitamin D deficiency can even cause cavities and periodontitis.

Calcium and magnesium deficiency

Inadequate calcium levels are harmful to your body and mouth. You might have tingling sensations in your mouth. Weak roots, tooth decay, and irritated gums are other symptoms of calcium deficiency.

Recommended vitamins and supplements to support oral health

You might have heard about remineralization. It is a process in which the body naturally repairs your teeth. Of course, to initiate remineralization, you need to give your body the proper support. Proper support and care include saliva production, a healthy diet, probiotics, vitamin and mineral supplements, and fluoride. However, it is also crucial to consult your dentist before making any decision.

Here are the vitamins you must take to keep your teeth healthy.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential to maintain your gums and tooth enamel. Keratin, a protein found in tooth enamel, needs vitamin A to form. Vitamin A also supports healthy saliva production in your mouth. Saliva helps in washing away bacteria and harmful substances from your mouth. You can find vitamin A in sweet potatoes, eggs, and carrots. Vitamin A and most recommended vitamins in today’s article are available in supplement form. However, keep in mind that supplements are meant to support a healthy diet, not substitute the nutrients you would intake from natural food sources.

Vitamin B complex

Vitamin B complex prevents irritation inside and outside the mouth and reduces the chances of cracked lips and irritated gums. B vitamins can be found in leafy vegetables like spinach, citrus fruits, eggs, dairy products, and meat.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D acts as a support to calcium. Without vitamin D, your body cannot fully absorb calcium and strengthen your enamel. You can find it in orange juice, fortified cereals, and fatty fish.

Calcium

Calcium is essential not only for your bones but also for your teeth. Calcium strengthens your enamel and aids in jawbone development. You can find calcium in broccoli, milk, yogurt, leafy vegetables, and almonds.

Magnesium

Magnesium helps regulate the acidity levels in your blood. Higher acidity can weaken your teeth and jawbone, which is why magnesium is essential for oral health. Good sources of magnesium include avocados, bananas, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.

Zinc

Zinc is necessary to prevent demineralization in your teeth. Proper intake of zinc can also prevent gum diseases, cavities, and tooth decay and fight bad breath. Zinc is found in oysters, beans, poultry, whole grains, and nuts.

Probiotics

Probiotics are incredible for digestive health issues such as GERD and acid reflux. However, they are also helpful for oral health. Probiotics can prevent bad breath and help in absorbing nutrients.

The above-listed vitamins and minerals are essential for your oral health. However, before taking any nutritional supplement, vitamin or mineral, remember to consult a healthcare professional. While a balanced diet is necessary for good oral health, regular dental check-ups are equally important. No amount of minerals and vitamins can help you treat teeth and gum diseases without a proper course of treatment. Therefore, don’t forget to see your dentist regularly.

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.