5 Common Lifestyle Habits That Can Damage Your Teeth
Five common lifestyle habits that damage the teeth:
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- 01Increased intake of acidic food and drink – This can include but is not restricted to citric and acidic fruits and juices, fizzy drinks including sparkling water, vinegar, and excessive alcohol consumption. These damaging foods and drinks lead to a condition known as acid erosion which is characterized by thinning and destruction of the top layer of the tooth, known as the enamel. The condition is non-reversible. The enamel is very strong but over time when subjected to all these acidic products degenerates and thins out exposing the inside of the tooth (which can also, in turn, be damaged) and this can lead to an increase in sensitivity and pain symptoms as well as increased susceptibility to decay. It also weakens the tooth.
Why Is Milk Good for Your Child’s Teeth?
During the first five years of life, children are on a path of learning what, when and how much to eat and drink. Considering the fact that they are quite impressionable at that age, it is the right time for parents to focus on healthy eating habits.
Calcium is one of the most important nutrients for healthy teeth. It strengthens the enamel, the hard-exterior shell of the tooth, which defends teeth against cavities and erosion. Milk contains calcium, proteins and is low in sugar. Read More…
Does Midnight Snacking Cause Loss of Teeth?
The urge to grab a snack in the middle of the night can be a real battle especially if you’re on a diet or just naturally restless at night. It almost becomes easier to convince yourself that you deserve a treat, despite it being at an odd hour.
New findings suggest that eating late at night can increase weight, insulin and cholesterol levels and other conditions. But did you know that it can also lead to loss of teeth? Read More…
Is Candy the Real Enemy?
Candies play a huge part in our childhood. As children, we often received candies as birthday treats or as a reward for a job well done.
A lot of us have carried over the tradition, and although we know that sugar-packed candies offer zero nutritional value, we too often succumb to our young ones’ pleas for sweet treats.
According to the American Dental Association, hard candies like lollipops and mints put your child’s teeth at risk because besides being full of sugar, they can also potentially trigger a dental emergency such as a chipped or broken tooth. Read More…
Why Are Some of Us Born Without Wisdom Teeth?
They say with age comes wisdom. However, does that guarantee wisdom teeth as well?
The eruption of wisdom teeth is different from one person to another. For some, wisdom teeth don’t show up at all. If this happens to you, should you be worried? Does it mean that something is wrong with your oral health?
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are known in clinical and dental terms as third molars. On average humans have four wisdom teeth, one for each quarter of the mouth, however in certain cases the wisdom teeth may never develop and are sometimes missing. They are the last teeth to erupt and they come through at the back of the mouth, behind the last standing teeth. These teeth were named for the time at which they make their appearance at the very back of the mouth, which is usually between the ages of 17 and 25, when a young person might be pursuing wisdom with higher education.
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How Does Diabetes and Smoking Increase Gum Disease Risk?
Gum disease can be of two forms. GINGIVITIS is the superficial form that involves bleeding and inflammation of the gums in response to the presence of bacteria called PLAQUE. Gingivitis can then progress to PERIODONTITIS. This involves the bone around teeth dissolving. This means that teeth gradually lose support and become loose until they are eventually lost. Read More…
What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the dentin, the second layer of the tooth, becomes exposed. The dentin has microscopic channels called tubules, which are pathways to the nerve. When these tubules are exposed, nerves are more easily triggered by certain stimuli causing tooth sensitivity. Read More…
Can Mouthwash Replace Toothbrushing?
The minty fresh feeling you get from using mouthwashes doesn’t mean that your mouth is actually clean.
While ingredients like fluoride do help in preventing cavities, no amount of swishing mouthwash can remove the plaque off your teeth.
Plaque is a coating of bacteria that builds up on your teeth throughout the day and night. It can result in tooth decay, bad breath and gingivitis (bleeding gums) if not cleaned daily. If used alone, neither mouthwash nor toothpaste can effectively neutralize the negative effects of plaque. Read More…
Can a Patient with Restored Teeth Still Go for Orthodontic Treatment?
Since the orthodontic treatment became more aesthetic with Invisalign or the ceramic “white” and lingual braces, more adults seek a better smile. As the demand for a more aesthetic smile is growing among adult patients, a question arises: can people with restored teeth have orthodontic treatment?
The answer is yes, they can, although certain limitations apply. Read More…
Can Braces Make My Teeth Loose and Fall Out?
The answer is NO.
Within the first 1-2 days, after the braces are fitted, teeth will begin to shift and feel quite loose. This is the normal pattern of tooth movement and is the method teeth use to move through braces. Patients may feel as if their teeth are getting loose and may see an opening where no spaces existed before. This is perfectly normal, although sometimes can cause concern to the patient if not addressed and explained by the orthodontist prior to the treatment.
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