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!

The 101 of Botox Therapeutics

Botox is a popular cosmetic procedure that provides immediate results.

In this article, we will discuss the 101 of Botox therapeutics. We have included the dental issues treated by them and why dentists have incorporated Botox therapeutics in their practice.

We will also have a sneak peek into the Botox therapeutics procedure.

How is Botox used in dental practices?

Dental practices use Botox to treat misalignment of jaw muscles, TMJ, Bruxism, and more. Let’s discuss these dental issues in detail.

TMJ Disorder

The temporomandibular joint connects our lower jaw muscle to the skull. When there is muscle tension, the TMJ stops functioning correctly, causing the TMJ disorder.

As a result, there is extreme pain in the facial muscles and jaw. It can also lead to migraine headaches.

A dentist uses Botox to decrease muscle tension or pressure and stops migraines caused by the discomfort.

Why do individuals experience TMJ?

Causes

• Genetics
• Diseases of specific connective tissues
• The habit of teeth grinding, especially at night

Symptoms

• Sudden intense pain in the jaw and around the ear.
• Pain while chewing food

If left untreated, TMJ can severely damage the jaw. It can also cause arthritic conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Bruxism

Bruxism is characterized by clenching and grinding teeth, often leading to jaw problems, headaches, and damaged teeth.

Causes

• High levels of stress
• Improper sleep and poor diet
• Overconsumption of drugs, caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes

Symptoms

• Pain in the face, shoulder, and neck
• Teeth erosion
• Headaches

How can Botox Therapeutics help?

Botox injections will freeze the chewing muscles, therefore helping to relieve the clenching and grinding of teeth and the associated pain or damage.

Another effective way to deal with Bruxism is using a night guard. Also, healthy lifestyle habits will do a lot of good to improve the condition.

Trigeminal neuralgia

It is a condition that hits the trigeminal nerve: the nerve that sends sensory signals from face to brain. There is a Trigeminal nerve on each side of your face.

Causes

• Trigeminal nerve compression
• Facial injury and more

Symptoms

• Intensive pain on one side of the face or a particular spot.
• Throbbing pain that lasts for hours, weeks, and even longer.
• Pain after touching face and cheeks.

How can Botox Therapeutics help?

Botox injections can help relieve pain and discomfort for individuals who no longer respond to medication. If you are experiencing trigeminal neuralgia, consult your dentist.

Orthodontic Therapy

Orthodontic Therapy treats crooked or misaligned teeth. The process includes putting pressure on the teeth and straightening them.

Why would an individual need orthodontic therapy?

It improves the bite of the patient, preserves the jaw structure, and closes gaps between the teeth. With no gaps or significant spacing, there are fewer chances of food getting stuck and causing tooth decay.

Botox is also used to restrain muscle movement to prevent teeth relapse.

Quick fix for a gummy smile

When you smile, your gums should cover your teeth in a balanced way. If too much of your gums are exposed, you’ve got a gummy smile.

Causes of a gummy smile

• Having too much gum tissue
• Genetics such as Short upper lip, small teeth, and prominent gums
• Unhygienic mouth/teeth habits, primarily due to the application of braces
• Side effects of certain medicines such as Diltiazem and Phenytoin

How can Botox help a gummy smile?

The Botox injection on the upper lip muscles prevents it from rising too much when smiling, preventing over-exposure.

To sum up, Botox is a protein that works on nerves and muscles. Although it’s a simple and effective procedure, a dentist can only apply Botox for therapeutic benefits. Contact Ashraf Dentistry today for more information.

Upgrade Your Nighttime Routine with these Oral Hygiene Tips

The night is the most precious time of the day. It is the time when you want to have a good sleep, repair, rest, and revitalize yourself for the next day. However, it is also the time when you tend to overanalyze and overthink. It might be about what happened that day or your health. Just like taking a warm shower at night can do wonders for your sleep, following a nightly oral health care routine can do wonders for your teeth and your rest as well.

The importance of a nighttime oral health care routine

A minimum of eight hours of uninterrupted sleep is necessary for proper rest. A lot happens when you are sleeping. Your body repairs cells, re-energizes, and releases hormones and proteins while your nerve cells communicate. As your body tackles its nighttime duties, the harmful bacteria in your mouth also get plenty of time to do their damage when you sleep. This damage occurs when you don’t follow a good oral hygiene routine at night.

Fortunately, there are some simple ways to keep your teeth healthy, your smile beautiful, and your sleep stress-free. Remember, these tips will help you with only half of what good oral hygiene comprises. For the other half, you must visit your dentist regularly and get timely cleanings and fillings as and when required.

Nighttime oral health care routine

Eat at the right time

Try not to eat past 8:00 pm. If eating after 8 pm is unavoidable, wait at least 60 minutes before brushing your teeth. Let your saliva wash away the particles naturally. Brush your teeth right after dinner if you are more likely to have oral health diseases.

Use the proper oral care instruments

As crucial as it is to brush and floss daily, using the right brush and floss is equally necessary. There are many different types of brushes and floss available in the market. Use the right one according to your teeth type. You may want to incorporate fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps in remineralizing our teeth while sleeping.

Brushing

We all recognize that the purpose of brushing is to remove plaque and bacteria and clean the mouth of any food particles. This can only happen if you use the correct brushing technique. Gently move the brush back and forth. Don’t scrub or rush the process. Brushing the teeth’ outer and inner surfaces, including the inside of your cheeks and tongue, is encouraged.

Instead of using a regular toothbrush, use an electric one. Electric toothbrushes have an oscillating-rotating movement that removes plaque better than a standard brush.

Floss

Just brushing your teeth is not enough. Your brush cannot remove the food particle stuck between your teeth. Floss can do it for you. Flossing at night every day will keep your teeth free of any stuck food particles and, by extension, free of any disease-causing bacteria.

Rinsing

Many types of mouthwash help strengthen your teeth and even treat oral health conditions. Rinse your mouth after every meal but also rinse it before sleeping. However, do proper research and ask your dentist for recommendations before choosing a mouthwash.

Nightguard

If you experience the habit of grinding your teeth, ask your dentist to make a mouth guard that you may use to protect your teeth.

Vitamin supplement

A balanced diet is necessary for keeping your mouth healthy. Take vitamins such as vitamin A, C, and D, iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium. They provide strength to your tooth enamel, preventing future damage such as fractures or cracks. Some vitamins can even help prevent gingivitis! However, remember to discuss this with your dentist and healthcare professional before taking any supplement.

Nightly issues and treatments

Bruxism

Bruxism, in simpler terms, is known as teeth grinding and clenching. It can destroy your teeth and often cause jaw problems, headaches, and damaged teeth. Some people even do it unconsciously. Indicators of this common issue include a dull headache, facial pain, and jaw soreness.

Treatment: The condition is treatable. You can wear a night guard while sleeping. The night guard will put a barrier between your teeth and lighten the tension when you clench your teeth. While you can purchase nightguards at your local pharmacy, the best option is to get them customized by your dentist.

Another way is Botox Therapeutics. Botox Therapeutic injections are applied in the muscles responsible for chewing and can help relieve the clenching or grinding of teeth. This will automatically lessen jaw pain and headaches.

TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder is when the temporomandibular joint stops functioning correctly because of muscle tension. This causes pain in your jaw joint and often leads to migraines and extreme pain in the facial muscles.

Treatment: Botox Therapeutics can help relax your muscles. It can decrease the pressure in the muscles, thus stopping migraines and alleviating pain.

Your oral health can impact the quality of your life. Therefore, a proper oral routine should be a part of your nightly routine. Upgrade your lifestyle and sleep quality with the tips mentioned above. Remember, a healthy mouth is the key to a healthy life.

For more information on custom onsite printed night guards or Botox Therapeutics, contact us today!

Are cosmetic dental procedures helpful?

Cosmetic dental procedures are becoming increasingly popular in recent years. From simple teeth whitening to teeth reshaping and veneers, there is no limit to the range of treatments you can undergo.

What is considered cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a division of dentistry that focuses on the look and appearance of the teeth. That said, it has nothing to do with the underlying teeth health. Think of it as a smile-makeover or dental “makeup” for your teeth.

Patients undergo cosmetic dentistry to enhance their smiles. Many treatments target different dental aspects. Let’s walk through them in detail.

CEREC® Restorations: Porcelain

CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It is a digital alternative to fitting a crown or a veneer to your damaged or worn-out teeth. With CEREC, you don’t need to worry about impression materials, the discomfort of holding them up in your mouth, or any allergies.

In CEREC® Restorations, the dentist uses a camera to scan the dental structure of your mouth. Then, using that image, the computer designs a dental prosthesis with the correct measurement. The design is manufactured in the CEREC machine. Your dental prosthesis is ready and fixed in your mouth. It’s an easy and quick treatment that takes no more than an hour.

The CEREC crowns are made of porcelain. They are strong and look like natural teeth. This makes them a great addition to cosmetic dentistry.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and Onlays are used when the tooth has a moderate decay and require an intermediary between crowns and dental fillings. They are made of a porcelain-like material. Inlays are used for minor damages and work on the surface. Onlays are for excessive damages and are used on the cusps. They are like crowns but only for the visibly damaged area of your single tooth.

Veneers

Veneers enhance your tooth’s appearance and smile. They are a crisp, thin layer covering that shields your tooth. They bond with the enamel surface and are usually fitted on the front teeth. Likewise, they are the best alternatives for teeth discoloration, tooth chipping, and more.

Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges work wonders for teeth gaps. They come in various materials like ceramic, metal, or a combination of both.

Professional Teeth whitening

In order to remove surface stains, deep teeth stains, or discolored teeth, professional teeth whitening treatment is a must. The dentist uses whitening gels combined with heat and light to whiten your teeth permanently. The results are quick and long-lasting in comparison to the traditional DIY teeth whitening methods or over-the-counter products.

Advantages of cosmetic dental procedures

Self-confidence and self-esteem

Keeping in mind your teeth are ideal-looking, you feel more confident flaunting your smile in social situations.

A long-term approach to a beautiful smile

Although they are sometimes expensive, cosmetic dentistry treatments enhance your smile in the long term. You can achieve a picture-perfect smile with the help of your cosmetic dentist.

Youthful appearance

Unkempt teeth give an unhygienic look. Plus, they give off an aged appearance. Receiving a cosmetic dentistry procedure will help make your teeth look solid, youthful, and pearly white.

Improves overall appearance

Cosmetic dentistry targets broken teeth, chipped teeth, misaligned teeth, discoloured or stained, and weak teeth. With cosmetic dentistry treatment, you get straight, shiny, and strong teeth as a result.

Eat whatever you want

Missing teeth or irregularly shaped teeth may influence your diet choices. A complete set of functioning teeth will allow you to eat the foods you love and enjoy.

Functional aspects of cosmetic dentistry

Encourages oral health

Cosmetic dentistry treatments like CEREC® Restorations improve your bite. Veneers and other dental implants support weak teeth. Teeth whitening removes plaque buildup, further preventing tooth decay. Cosmetic dentistry thus encourages oral health.

Promotes the better maintenance of oral hygiene

Many cosmetic dentistry treatments begin with teeth cleaning. The dentist also targets tooth decay and damage. This helps in maintaining oral hygiene practices at home. Once treatment is complete, naturally, you will want to preserve the appearance and overall condition of your teeth.

Improves oral function

For improper teeth structures, the bite is affected adversely. This puts unnecessary pressure on the adjacent teeth and induces pain in the gums and jaw. Cosmetic dentistry improves bite and structure, eventually improving oral function.

It prevents damage from worsening

During cosmetic dentistry treatments, the dentist also works on the root cause. For instance, before fixing inlays and onlays, the dentist will scrape off the underlying cavity. This prevents your teeth from further worsening.

Cosmetic dental treatments are proven effective for a range of dental needs. They are extremely helpful for your oral health and appearance. While many of these procedures are performed in the patient’s best interests, finding a dentist you can trust is essential. If you are bothered with any dental issues, we advise you to contact Ashraf Dentistry today.

The Importance Of a Healthy Smile in Business

Whether in a business or a social setting, it’s all about how you present yourself and your first impression. And the very first thing that people notice about you is your smile.

Suppose you have noticed changes in your smile because of the condition of your gums and teeth; you needn’t worry. You can get back that beautiful smile through makeover treatments.

Read on to know more about how a healthy smile is a key to your social success and the ways to achieve it.

The Importance of a Healthy Smile in Business

A Healthy Smile In Business

When you meet a new person, the first thing you do is greet them with a smile. A smile is so important that it can impact you and your business.

Here’s why so much importance is attached to the way you smile in a social or business setting.

It Transforms Your Appearance

A smile has the power to transform your appearance. You appear more confident and approachable, and people get naturally drawn to those who appear happier. When you appear confident, people presume that you will be able to take their business to the next level and that investing in you will be valuable for them.

It Improves Your Mood

Smiling lifts your mood and changes the way you feel instantly. And there’s scientific evidence behind it. When you experience happy emotions, your brain releases a chemical called endorphin. This helps boost your mood and lowers stress.

A happy and improved mood makes you more productive and creative, especially in the workplace. It also betters your interpersonal relationships and creates better team bonding.

It Means Better Health

When you can smile openly, it signifies excellent oral health without any underlying tooth or gum-related issues. It also indicates your overall health and the absence of any systemic diseases. For instance, there is a correlation between oral problems and conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Dental hygiene is part of self-care. When you take care of yourself, you are letting the world know that you take pride in everything you do, including business.

How To Achieve An Award-Winning Smile

There are a few reasons why your smile may not be as perfect as you want it to be. Some of these factors include suffering from tooth decay, gum disease, and loose or missing teeth. Some habits like clenching and grinding your teeth, brushing too hard, and avoiding regular dental visits leave you with a not-so-healthy smile.

Fortunately, several cosmetic dentistry procedures are available that improve your smile’s appearance. Let’s look at some of the most effective and commonly used smile restorative procedures that dentists use:

Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is a process that involves using chemical compounds that lighten your tooth enamel, including the underlying dentin. Your dentist will use a whitening gel that is a form of hydrogen peroxide. When applied to the teeth, it gets absorbed under the surface of the teeth and lightens their tone.

It is worth considering professional teeth whitening rather than over-the-counter products when you want to brighten your smile. This is because when done by a dentist in a controlled environment, teeth whitening is safer, lasts longer, and is more effective. This saves you embarrassing situations arising from compromised results from at-home whitening treatments. Professional cleaning makes you more confident while meeting people professionally.

Invisalign

Sometimes your smile appears less healthy due to crossbite, underbite, or gaps between teeth.

Invisalign is the most sought-after cosmetic dentistry treatment. This custom-made brace covers your teeth and pulls them into place over time. This orthodontic treatment has become popular over the years because it involves the use of removable clear braces as compared to the unsightly metal braces of the past.

The most exciting advantage of Invisalign is that it shifts the focus away from your teeth even while undergoing orthodontic treatment. This is because it is literally invisible! You can confidently talk to people and give presentations, conduct meetings over food, and put your best foot forward.

Routine Cleanings

As you eat food, some of it sticks to your dental surface and tongue. The bacteria present in your mouth produce acids that lead to plaque. This plaque sticks to the surface of your teeth and leads to enamel erosion and, eventually, tooth decay. If left untreated, it may potentially lead to loss of tooth and gum disease, leading to an unhealthy smile.

Cleanings and fillings performed at your dentist’s office prevent these problems and therefore reduces the risk of bacteria traveling from your mouth through the bloodstream to other organs and damaging them.

Not to mention, you get a stunning smile that you can flash with confidence in any social setting.

CEREC Restorations

CEREC® Restorations is a computer-aided design and manufacturing system. It helps create a natural-looking and perfect restoration of your teeth in just a few minutes that are ready to be fixed in your mouth. This is a non-invasive procedure that makes getting a repair comfortable and quick.

This cutting-edge technology does away with the need to use gooey molds and waiting time for a replacement tooth. You don’t need a temporary replacement; you don’t need to wait a week to get the final tooth, either! CEREC® Restorations are placed in a single visit without making multiple time-consuming visits. This is the best option for people who want faster and better results, especially before an important meeting.

A Healthy Smile Compliments Your Overall Health

Infections in your teeth and gums don’t stay limited to your mouth. As is verified by this American Society For Microbiology Journal, your oral health is linked to several systemic diseases. Did you know that subgingival biofilms and gram-negative bacteria from your mouth can travel to the rest of your organs?

Having a healthy smile contributes to superior overall health. Here’s the link between the two:

• It prevents bacteria from entering your bloodstream and causing arteries to harden. Therefore, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks or cardiac arrests.
• Inflamed gums release compounds that can kill brain cells. Keeping your smile healthy keeps your brain active and healthy longer.
• Healthy teeth prevent the risk of bacteria entering your lungs and causing conditions such as COPD, pneumonia, and acute bronchitis.
• Gum disease can make your blood sugar levels imbalanced, increasing your risk of developing type-2 diabetes.
• Good oral health decreases inflammation in the body. This reduces your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

As is evident, having a healthy smile is directly linked to a healthier body and mind. Healthier people are much more productive and perform better in businesses. This also leads to lower absenteeism and loss of workers and helps in cost savings for the company.

Interested in achieving a successful smile that will WOW your colleagues and associates? Contact Ashraf Dentistry today!