Dental-Cosmetics.ca - Smile In Your Life

Smile In Your Life

How often should I see my dentist?
You should visit your dentist at least every six months or more frequently to get your teeth cleaned. By seeing your dentist twice a year, your dentist can monitor your oral health and help you prevent any problems that may arise before they became uncomfortable or require more comprehensive or expensive treatment. The dentist may suggest more frequent visits, depending on the diagnosis.

Smile! Should I use over-the-counter dental instruments?
It takes dentists and hygienists years of schooling to properly use these instruments and to diagnose an oral condition. Misuse of these instruments by untrained people can easily damage the teeth and gums leading to sensitivity, gingival recession, tooth chipping and other serious problems.

Is there any danger in using toothpicks?
The occasional use of toothpicks to remove food particles is fine. Long term, vigorous use of toothpicks will cause abrasion of the teeth and gingival recession. Habitually leaving a toothpick in the mouth for long periods of time can cause excessive wearing of the teeth and temporomandibular joint problems.
Also, be careful not to break off the tip in your gums.

What Colour is Your Smile?
There is beauty in the magic splendor of softly falling flakes of snow against the backdrop of winter's color palate, but when it comes to teeth, most people want one shade: the whitest white that white can be. Unfortunately, teeth come in many shades and can change color from a variety of causes, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing education.

As the tooth enamel develops, the color can be affected by many factors, says Academy spokesperson Howard S. Glazer, DDS, FAGD. "White, bright teeth certainly help maintain a youthful appearance," said Dr. Glazer. Unfortunately, stains from food and drink can darken teeth over time, usually resulting in a yellow or orange hue. Illness can discolor dentin, and heredity or environmental factors can discolor both dentin and enamel. In rare cases, injury can discolor either dentin or enamel.

Maternal use of certain antibiotics, notably those of the tetracycline family, during pregnancy can cause brown or gray discoloration of the baby's tooth enamel. Children who take this medication during the period of permanent tooth development may have similar discoloration of the permanent teeth.

Professional tooth-whitening products can improve enamel color in many instances, although severe discoloration may require enamel-bonding procedures for good cosmetic results. Contact your dentist to obtain a proper diagnosis and to learn what treatment options are available.

Information courtesy of Academy of General Dentistry. www.agd.org