Teeth whitening or bleaching is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses hydrogen peroxide to lighten the colour of the teeth. It can be done as in-office bleaching or at home, using bleaching trays made by the dentist.

The in-office bleaching method involves applying a protective cover to the gums, then a bleaching gel to the teeth and activating it with a cold / plasma light. This protective cover for the gums helps prevent teeth sensitivity.

The home bleaching method involves using bleaching trays custom-made by the dentist, which are filled with a bleaching gel, and worn for a specified period of time as prescribed by the dentist.

To maintain the whiteness of your teeth after bleaching, it’s important to avoid certain foods and drinks that can cause staining such as dark-coloured fruits and juices, coffee and tea, red wine, colas, beets, soy sauce, curry and dark chocolate to name a few.

To keep your teeth looking light in colour after bleaching, it is also important to brush and floss your teeth regularly to remove any food particles and stain-causing substances that may be stuck between the teeth. If you are not in the position to brush having had teeth-staining food or drink then rinse your mouth out with water. This is better than nothing if you can´t get to your toothbrush.

Your dentist can give you more tips to help you maintain your teeth. Book a dental appointment to see if you are a candidate for bleaching.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for one or more fixed or removable replacement teeth. They are an effective option for replacing missing teeth.

It involves surgically inserting a small titanium post into the jawbone to serve as a replacement tooth root. Once the implant has fused with the bone (a process called osseointegration), a custom-made replacement tooth, called a crown, is attached to the implant.

Implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth and can also be used to support a bridge or denture.

Other options for replacing missing teeth include removable dentures, bridges, and partial dentures. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for a particular individual will depend on the specific needs and circumstances of the patient.

Your specialist in dental prosthetics can determine which option is best for you based on your specific needs and circumstances.

Are you struggling to wear your night guard? You’re not alone. If you have a night guard, then there is a reason you have it. Sounds simple enough! Right? Knowing that you need a night guard is one thing, getting used to using it is another.

Perhaps seeing the benefits once again will help:

• Night guards protect teeth from grinding and clenching
• Alleviate jaw pain
• Prevent tooth damage
• Improve sleep quality
• Avoid costly dental treatment in the future
• Custom-fitted to your mouth and bite

If you are still not convinced, ask your dentist for images of teeth grinding and clenching. Seeing examples of damaged teeth or hearing another explanation of the potential for TMJ disorders can be a powerful motivator to wear your night guard.

Maybe you are having difficulty adjusting to the sensation in your mouth or may find it inconvenient to wear while traveling. Your dentist can offer solutions to help overcome these obstacles and keep you on track.

Call your dentist for a follow-up appointment if you have any concerns that are keeping you from wearing your night guard regularly. While it may take a short adjustment period, the long-term benefits far outweigh any initial discomfort. It takes a commitment on your part.

Eating is one of the most fundamental activities we as humans engage in every day. We depend on our teeth to help us break down food so that we can extract the nutrients we need to stay healthy and to help us in the digestion of the food. They serve not least of all, to be a supporting structure for our faces. A question though!  Have you ever stopped to consider the different types of teeth we have and the roles they play in the process of digesting your food?

Humans have four different types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Each type of tooth serves a unique function in helping us cut, tear, and grind our food.

Incisors

Incisors are the four front teeth in our mouths and are the first to come into contact with our food. They are thin, sharp, and designed for cutting and slicing food. Incisors are especially helpful for biting into apples, carrots, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables. They are also essential for ripping and tearing meat and other tough foods.

Canines

Canines are the long, pointy teeth located next to our incisors, of which we have one on either side. They are the sharpest teeth in our mouths and are designed for ripping and tearing meat. The canine teeth are especially helpful for hunting and eating raw meat, which was a common part of our ancestors’ diets.

Premolars

Premolars are the teeth located between the canines and molars. They are larger and broader than the front teeth and have a flatter surface with ridges. Premolars are designed for crushing and grinding food. They are especially helpful for breaking down tough foods like nuts, seeds, and fibrous vegetables. There are two premolars one either side of the mouth.

Molars

Molars are the largest teeth in our mouths and are located at the back of our jaws. They have a broad surface with several ridges, which are designed for crushing and grinding food. Molars are especially helpful for breaking down tough meats, roots, and other hard-to-chew foods. There are three molars on either side of the mouth, but that also includes the wisdom teeth.

Humans have four different types of teeth, each serving a specific function in the food-digestion process. Understanding the roles of each type of tooth can help us appreciate the complexity of the human body and how it is designed to process the foods we eat.

Because teeth play such a vital role in the digestion of food and supporting our facial structure, it is important that they are well maintained. That means periodic trips to your dentist for a dental check-up/dental examination and a teeth cleaning. It also means brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing. Schedule a dental appointment today!

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can provide a number of benefits for your oral health including:

1. Detection and prevention of oral diseases such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, at an early stage.

2. Early detection of tooth decay: Regular check-ups allow the dentist to detect tooth decay early, which can then be treated before it becomes a much bigger job.

3. Professional teeth cleaning: A dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar that can build up on your teeth and gums, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

4. Fresher breath: A dental cleaning can help to improve bad breath.

5. Maintaining overall health: Dental health is linked to overall health. Many systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, pneumonia and diabetes are thought to be due to the bacteria and inflammation present in the mouth that can enter the bloodstream; so, it is important to maintain a healthy oral cavity.

6. Save money: By catching oral health issues early, it can be treated before it becomes a bigger problem which can save you money in the long run.

Schedule a dental appointment today.