How a healthy diet can help you have healthy teeth

Eating the right food plays an important role in developing healthy teeth and gums.

If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to fight infection and this can contribute to gum disease.

Although poor nutrition does not cause gum disease directly, the disease may progress faster and could be more severe in people with diets which are low in nutrients.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture makes recommendations on the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed by your body – including your teeth and gums – to promote health and prevent disease.

We have different needs at various stages life and depending on our physical activity. The DOA website provides more information and your dentist will be able to discuss how your diet affects your teeth.

Here are some steps you can take to make sure what you eat doesn’t harm your teeth.

•  Maintain a healthy diet
•  Drink plenty water
•  Limit the number of between-meal snacks. When you must snack, choose nutritious foods that are low in sugar
•  Keep a food diary for a week recording every item you eat and drink

It will also help if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings and talk to your dentist about how your diet affects your teeth.

Taking care of removable partial dentures

If you have removable plastic dentures, it’s important to look after them carefully.

You should brush them each day to remove food deposits and plaque. This also helps prevent them from becoming permanently stained.

It’s best to use a brush that is designed for cleaning dentures as it has bristles arranged to fit the shape of the denture. But a regular, soft-bristled toothbrush is also acceptable.

Avoid using a brush with hard bristles as these can damage the denture.

When you are handling a denture, hold them carefully. Try standing over a folded towel or a sink of water with them in case you accidentally drop them.

It’s advisable to use a denture cleanser which has the American Dental Association seal of acceptance. However hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid are also acceptable for cleaning dentures.

Other types of household cleaners and many toothpastes are too abrasive and should not be used for cleaning dentures.

A denture can lose its proper shape if it is not kept moist. So it should be placed in soaking solution or water at night though one with metal attachments could be tarnished if placed in soaking solution.

As you age, your mouth naturally changes, which can affect the fit of the denture so, if they no longer fit properly, they should be adjusted by your dentist.

See your dentist promptly if your denture becomes loose as this can cause sores or infections.

Don’t try to adjust or repair your denture yourself as this can damage the appliance beyond repair.

When you wear a partial denture, you need to continue brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth daily. This will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Pay special attention to cleaning the teeth that fit under the denture’s metal clasps. Plaque that becomes trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay.

Your dentist or dental hygienist can demonstrate how to properly brush and clean between teeth.

Regular dental check-ups and having your teeth professionally cleaned are vital for maintaining a healthy smile.

Some tips on overcoming nerves when going to the dentist

Some people get a bit nervous about the idea of going to the dentist.

As a result of the major progress that has been made in diagnosis and treatment, the process gets more comfortable all the time. So you may be worrying unnecessarily.

But, if you’re in any way tense or anxious, tell your dentist and the dental staff.

They will understand and will be able to adapt the treatment to your needs.

It can also help if you choose a time for your dental visit when you’re less likely to be rushed or under pressure. Dashing out from a busy day at work may make you feel more stressed.

For many people, that means making an early-morning or a Saturday appointment helps a great deal.

There are also other steps than can help. If the sound of the drill bothers you, take a portable audio player and headset so you can listen to your favorite music.

You can also help to relax by simply visualizing yourself somewhere you feel relaxed.

Sometimes these simple steps can help you feel a lot better. So why not give it a try on your next visit?

Diagnosing jaw problems and pains – TMD and TMJ

More than fifteen percent of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain.

Common symptoms can include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth or even head and neck aches.

There are two joints and several jaw muscles which make it possible to open and close the mouth. They work together when you chew, speak, and swallow.

These structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints, the TMJ’s.

The TM joint is one of the most complex joints in the body. Located on each side of the head, these joints work together and can make many different movements, including a combination of rotating and gliding action when chewing and speaking.

Several muscles help open and close the mouth. They control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward, and side-to-side.

Both TM joints are involved in these movements. Each TM joint has a disc between the ball and socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and perform rotating and translocational movements.

Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.

If you are suffering from this type of pain, your dentist can help identify its source with a thorough exam and appropriate x-rays.

Often, the problem is a sinus or toothache or it could be an early stage of periodontal disease.

But for some pain, the cause is not so easily diagnosed.

The pain could be related to the facial muscles, the jaw or temporomandibular joint, located in the front of the ear.

Treatments for this pain may include stress reducing exercises, muscle relaxants, or wearing a mouth protector to prevent teeth grinding.
They’ve been successful for many and your dentist can recommend which is best for you.

Enhancing Smiles and Quality of Life: The Role of a Prosthodontist

When it comes to restoring smiles and improving oral health, the expertise of a prosthodontist becomes invaluable. Prosthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the design, creation, and fitting of artificial teeth and other oral prostheses. These dental professionals are highly skilled in transforming patients' lives by restoring their ability to chew, speak, and regain their self-confidence. In this blog post, we will explore the vital role of a prosthodontist and how they contribute to enhancing smiles and overall quality of life.

What is a Prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has undergone additional years of advanced training after dental school. They specialize in the restoration and replacement of damaged or missing teeth using a wide range of prosthetic devices, such as dentures, dental implants, crowns, bridges, and veneers. With their extensive knowledge and expertise, prosthodontists are equipped to tackle even the most complex cases, ensuring optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Comprehensive Treatment Planning

One of the key responsibilities of a prosthodontist is to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. They carefully assess the oral health condition, considering factors like the number of missing teeth, bone density, gum health, and patient preferences. By combining their artistic skills with scientific knowledge, prosthodontists create personalized treatment strategies that restore oral function, improve facial aesthetics, and promote long-term oral health.

Restoring Function and Aesthetics

Prosthodontists play a crucial role in restoring the ability to chew and speak properly. They utilize advanced techniques and state-of-the-art materials to fabricate prostheses that closely resemble natural teeth, ensuring optimal comfort and functionality. Whether it's a single missing tooth or a full arch reconstruction, prosthodontists meticulously design and fit the appropriate prosthetic solution, providing patients with the confidence to eat, speak, and smile without hesitation.

Enhancing Quality of Life

The impact of prosthodontic treatment goes beyond oral health restoration. By addressing issues such as tooth loss, jaw misalignment, or facial deformities, prosthodontists significantly improve patients' quality of life. Restoring a beautiful smile not only enhances self-esteem but also positively affects social interactions and psychological well-being. The ability to speak and chew properly without discomfort or embarrassment empowers individuals to fully engage in their personal and professional lives.

Collaborative Approach

Prosthodontists often collaborate closely with other dental specialists, such as oral surgeons, orthodontists, and periodontists, to deliver comprehensive care. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive the most effective and well-coordinated treatment for their specific dental needs. Prosthodontists act as team leaders, orchestrating the treatment process and working in synergy with other specialists to achieve optimal results.

Continual Advancements in Prosthodontics

The field of prosthodontics is constantly evolving, driven by advancements in materials, technology, and techniques. Prosthodontists stay updated with the latest developments and undergo regular training to provide the highest standard of care. By harnessing innovative solutions, such as computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, digital smile design, and 3D printing, prosthodontists can offer more precise, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing outcomes to their patients.

Conclusion

The art and science of prosthodontics hold immense potential for transforming lives. Prosthodontists are dedicated professionals who possess the skills, knowledge, and compassion to restore smiles and improve oral health. Through their comprehensive treatment planning, expert craftsmanship, and collaborative approach, prosthodontists enable individuals to regain their ability to eat, speak, and

Unveiling the Artistry of Prosthodontics: Transforming Smiles with Precision and Creativity

Prosthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on restoring and enhancing oral function, aesthetics, and overall oral health. Prosthodontists are dental professionals who possess advanced knowledge and skills in designing and placing dental prostheses, such as dentures, dental implants, crowns, bridges, and veneers. In this blog, we will explore the fascinating world of prosthodontics, shedding light on the invaluable contributions of prosthodontists in transforming smiles and improving patients' quality of life.

The Role of Prosthodontists in Restorative Dentistry:

Prosthodontists play a crucial role in restorative dentistry by replacing missing or damaged teeth with prosthetic solutions that closely mimic the natural teeth in appearance and function. They carefully analyze each patient's unique oral situation, considering factors such as facial aesthetics, occlusion (bite alignment), and oral health, to create customized treatment plans.

Advancements in Dental Implant Technology:

Dental implants are widely regarded as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Prosthodontists are at the forefront of incorporating the latest advancements in dental implant technology into their practice. This section discusses topics such as osseointegration, computer-guided implant placement, and the use of digital technologies to enhance implant success rates and patient outcomes.

The Art of Smile Design:

A beautiful smile is a work of art, and prosthodontists are skilled artists. They possess a deep understanding of facial aesthetics and employ principles of smile design to create harmonious and natural-looking smiles. This section explores the artistic aspects of prosthodontics, including tooth shape, size, color, and symmetry, and how prosthodontists use their expertise to craft smiles that are both functional and visually pleasing.

Restoring Oral Function and Quality of Life:

Beyond aesthetics, prosthodontists are dedicated to restoring oral function and improving patients' overall quality of life. They design and fabricate dental prostheses that allow individuals to speak, chew, and smile with confidence. This section highlights the positive impact prosthodontic treatments can have on patients' ability to enjoy a varied diet, communicate effectively, and regain self-esteem.

Collaborative Approach in Prosthodontics:

Prosthodontists often collaborate with other dental specialists, such as oral surgeons, periodontists, and orthodontists, to provide comprehensive care to their patients. This section delves into the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork in prosthodontics and how it ensures optimal treatment outcomes for complex cases.

Conclusion:

Prosthodontists are essential players in the field of dentistry, employing their artistic skills, advanced knowledge, and cutting-edge techniques to restore oral function, enhance aesthetics, and improve patients' overall well-being. Through their expertise in prosthetic solutions and their commitment to patient-centered care, prosthodontists continue to transform smiles, one patient at a time.