When it comes to smile beauty, most people focus on the shape, color and symmetry of their teeth, but what isn’t getting the attention it deserves are the gums. Gums that aren’t healthy have just as devastating an impact upon the aesthetics of your smile as decayed, discolored teeth do. According to an experienced dentist in Silver Spring, gum recession is a very common problem that can have severe repercussions on oral health, which in turn affects the quality of the smile you present to the world. In this four-part article series, we shall be discussing what gum recession is, what causes it and what treatments are available. Gum recession is the process whereby the soft tissue surrounding the teeth gradually pulls away, exposing a greater percentage of the crowns of the teeth and the darker tooth roots. The overall visual affect is that of larger teeth and a toothier grin. Silver Spring residents don’t tend to notice gum recession because it is a gradual process that tends to happen over the course of several months, if not years. The danger is that gum recession is a common symptom of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if left without treatment. “Aside from the visual aspect of gum recession, patients may also notice increased tooth sensitivity caused by the exposure of the tooth roots,” explains the dentist in Silver Spring. “They may also notice a notch above the gum line, which is where the crown meets the root of the tooth. Treating gum recession is extremely important for the dental health of Silver Spring residents, because it prevents more serious problems, such as tooth decay and loss, from taking hold.” “There are a number of reasons the gums can recede from the crowns of the teeth,” explains the dentist in Silver Spring. “Some of them are more of a concern than others, but in most cases, we recommend treatment to cover up the tooth roots.” Treatment for gum recession will be further explored in Part 3 and 4 of this article series. The most common causes of gum recession are... When oral bacteria collect at and migrate beneath the gum line, their acidic wastes destroy the ligaments that attach the gums to the crowns and roots of the teeth. This forms deep pockets surrounding the teeth, which accumulate further bacteria and debris, to become inflamed and infected. Gum disease is a major cause of gum recession. The dental health of certain Silver Spring residents is more susceptible to gum disease and therefore to recession than others and this comes down to genetic heritage. Research surveys indicate that as much as 30% of Americans are predisposed to gum disease, even if they practice the right home oral hygiene. “Using too much force when brushing your teeth can physically force them to recede from the crowns of the teeth,” warns the dentist in Silver Spring. “Aggressive brushing can also erode away the dental enamel. If your toothbrush looks more like an unruly mop of hair, it may be time to (1) buy a new one and (2) reassess your brushing technique.” To read more about the various causes of gum recession and the treatments recommended by dentists in Silver Spring, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series.
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This article focuses on the how to avoid dental cavities, explaining how cavities are formed as well as the various aspects of the cleaning routine that will help you maintain good oral health.You often hear of all the brilliant and innovative procedures available for the rehabilitation of your oral health. Dental implants, veneers, Snap-On-Teeth and root canals are all fantastic solutions for missing or damaged teeth, but it is also true that prevention is the best cure. Keep reading to hear from an experienced dentist in Silver Spring about the main causes of tooth decay and how best to prevent it. Tooth Decay... How It All BeginsTooth decay is caused by a combination of two things: food and bacteria. Our mouths are teeming with hundreds of different kinds of bacteria, which multiply and proliferate every time we eat or drink something sugary,” explains the dentist in Silver Spring. The bacteria feed on the sugars found in the food you eat, producing acidic wastes as a by-product. This has a harmful effect on the health of your teeth, breaking down the enamel and leaving it softer and more vulnerable to erosion and cavity formation. Over time, the continual acid attack on tooth enamel ultimately leads to the formation of cavities, compromising the dental health of Silver Spring residents. It is for this reason that having a good oral hygiene routine - to eliminate acid-producing bacteria - is so important.
How to Prevent CavitiesIt is true that some people are more prone to dental caries than others, due to genetic heritage and their predisposition to infection and inflammation,” says the dentist in Silver Spring. “But it is also true that most people can avoid dental cavities through a strict and thorough cleaning routine. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is very important in maintaining good oral health. This not only helps to eliminate bacteria and food debris from your teeth, tongue and gums, but is also neutralizes acids. So if I Brush, I Won’t Get Cavities?Unfortunately, brushing and flossing alone are not always enough to totally keep the cavities at bay. When you’re eating, the act of chewing can cause food to be forced inside the pits and fissures in the biting surfaces of your teeth and these are spaces that toothbrushes, floss or even saliva are unable to reach and keep clean. For this, a dentist in Silver Spring offers an interesting tip, saying that chewing on fiber, such as a celery stick, allows saliva to get to the areas where food has been trapped, and dilutes the sugars that cause the cavity forming acids. Also, if you have particularly deep cusps in your molars, you might want to consider having them sealed to prevent decay. Not Everything is Do-It-Yourself
No matter how good your cleaning routine is, or how many sticks of celery you eat, good oral care also requires the help of professionals. It is generally recommended that you have your teeth professionally cleaned by an oral hygienist at least once every six months, although this varies from patient to patient. Depending on the state of the dental health of Silver Spring residents, the dentist might recommend more regular visits. But, one thing is for certain: receiving help from the professionals definitely decreases the likelihood of cavities, tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss! Rinse and RepeatWhen it comes to the health of your teeth and gums, consistent and frequent attention will help you keep them for a lifetime. It is a misconception that everyone eventually loses their teeth, regardless of how you care for them. According to the dentist in Silver Spring, good oral hygiene is fundamental in the fight against bacteria that cause cavities and decay. Brush, floss and go for check-ups once or twice a year, and your teeth should keep you company for life! This three-part article series explains the 10 mistakes people commonly make when brushing their teeth or choosing the appropriate healthcare appliances. You’ve been brushing your teeth since you can remember and have been doing so twice a day (hopefully) every day ever since. You should know how to brush your teeth, right? Well, according to the dentist in Silver Spring, it’s fairly obvious that people just aren’t brushing their teeth correctly! If they were, problems such as cavities, tooth decay and gum infections wouldn’t be as common as they are. In this three-part article series, we spoke to a qualified and experienced dentist about the dental health of Silver Spring and how this can be improved by avoiding 10 common toothbrushing mistakes. Common Mistake # 1: Using the Wrong Toothbrush “For every individual, there is a toothbrush that will best fit their mouth,” explains a dentist in Silver Spring. “So, when you are shopping for a toothbrush, try to match the size of its head to your mouth so that it’s able to reach every square inch, including behind your back teeth. You should never have to strain in order to clean every tooth and if you are, the head of your toothbrush is probably too big." “Additionally, you should opt for a toothbrush with a comfortable handle - perhaps with a rubber grip. If you struggle to hold your toothbrush when brushing, your control will be poor and you’ll likely stop short of the recommended two minutes,” says the Silver Spring dentist. “Whether you choose an electric or manual toothbrush is entirely up to you - one isn’t better than the other if you use them correctly.” Common Mistake # 2: Choosing the Wrong Bristles Just a brief perusal of the oral hygiene department of any grocery store reveals a staggering variety of toothbrushes that come in just about every shape, size and color. Even the bristles are cut differently – some toothbrushes come with straight bristles and others with angled bristles... some with a combination! What’s better? “Again, what’s more important is how a patient uses their toothbrush rather than what shape or style the bristles have been cut in,” explains the dentist in Silver Spring. “Also, stay away from hard bristled brushes as these can actually contribute to the hastened erosion of your dental enamel. They can also irritate the gums and cause their recession from the crowns of the teeth, revealing the sensitive root underneath.” Common Mistake # 3: Not Brushing Long Enough or Often Enough You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day and preferably three. The dental health of Silver Spring could be much improved simply by increasing the length of time we brush for and how frequently. The longer the period of time between brushes, the more time bacteria is given to multiply. This leads to a build-up of plaque and a longer exposure of your teeth to the acids bacteria produce. Frequent brushing removes plaque and neutralizes the PH of the mouth, keeping your teeth clean and healthy. “Unfortunately, most people only brush for a fraction of the recommended time. Dedicate 30 seconds of brushing time to each quadrant of the mouth and be certain to scrub each and every tooth (but not too hard),” advises the dentist in Silver Spring. “If you are easily bored, try brushing your teeth while watching TV or reading a magazine article!" Stay Tuned for Part 2 To read more about the common toothbrushing mistakes Silver Spring residents make, stay tuned for the second installment of this three-part article series. |
AuthorOur multi-dentist approach means we can provide you with the best options in a single comprehensive plan, and then implement them without you having to leave your comfortable dental chair. When you're finished, you'll get one consolidated statement for each family member and one representative who can answer any questions you may have. Archives
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