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A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when decay from plaque and bacteria eats away at the enamel and underlying dentin. Cavities can vary in appearance depending on their size, depth, and where they are located, but some common characteristics can help identify them.

In the earliest stage, a cavity may appear as a small white or brown spot on the tooth surface. You need to look closely, as early cavities are difficult to see with the naked eye. There is surface demineralization of the enamel at this point, but no actual hole yet. The area may feel rough when you run your tongue over it.

As the decay worsens, a slight depression begins forming in the enamel, which is the beginning of an actual hole or cavity. The area often looks darker and stained, turning into a light to dark brown color. This is because food debris, bacteria, and waste products start getting trapped in the tiny opening. The decayed spot is now porous and retains these particles.

Once the cavity extends through the hard enamel layer, it penetrates down into the softer dentin layer underneath. This leads to rapid growth of the cavity, which takes on a more noticeable hole-like appearance. The cavity looks like a dark spot or shadow on the white tooth surface once it reaches the yellowish dentin. Sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods usually occurs at this moderate stage.

Large advanced cavities create a deep, extensive hole in the tooth, often with visibly softened decay inside it. The cavity looks like a dark brown crater that stands out from the surrounding normal enamel. Dentin near the pulp often looks mushy and discolored too. Major cavities may cause tooth fracture or complete destruction if the decay is left untreated.

Keep in mind cavities on less visible back teeth are harder to identify visually. But indicators like sensitivity, pain when chewing, or an unusually small hole can signal a cavity needing care. Catching and treating cavities early leads to simpler, less invasive fillings. Don’t ignore small suspicious spots on teeth that may be budding cavities. Let your dentist examine any areas of concern. And maintain your dental checkups every 6 months to detect decay before it gets advanced. With vigilant brushing and dental care, cavities can be prevented and treated early.

Having a broken tooth can be painful and uncomfortable, but it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. There are several treatments available depending on the severity of the break. Here are some common broken tooth treatments.

1. Dental bonding: If the crack or chip is minor, dental bonding may be the solution. A tooth-colored resin is applied to the tooth and shaped to match your natural teeth. This is a quick and easy procedure that can be completed in one visit.

2. Dental crown: If the tooth is severely damaged or broken, a dental crown may be necessary. A crown is a cap that is placed over the damaged tooth to protect and strengthen it. Crowns can be made of various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal.

3. Root canal: If the broken tooth has exposed the nerve of the tooth, a root canal may be needed. This involves removing the damaged nerve tissue and filling the root canal with a material to prevent infection and further damage.

4. Tooth extraction: In some cases, a broken tooth may need to be extracted. This is typically only done if the tooth is too damaged to be repaired. Bone graft should be placed to minimize the bone loss after extraction.

5. Dental implant: If a tooth extraction is necessary, a dental implant can be used to replace the missing tooth. This involves placing a metal screw into the jawbone and attaching a replacement tooth to the post. This procedure might need several appointments and need more time to complete.

It’s important to seek dental treatment as soon as possible if you have a broken tooth. Leaving it untreated can lead to further damage and infection, which can be more difficult and costly to fix later on. Contact your dentist to discuss which broken tooth treatment is right for you.

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Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition that affects the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Gum disease is caused by an accumulation of plaque on the teeth, which leads to inflammation and eventually the destruction of the gums and bone that hold the teeth in place. There are several stages of gum disease, each with its own symptoms and treatments.

Stage 1: Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. The first symptoms of gingivitis are often mild and may not be noticed until the disease has progressed. However, with proper brushing and flossing, gingivitis can be reversed.

Stage 2: Early Periodontitis

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to early periodontitis. At this stage, the gums start to recede from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can accumulate and cause further damage. Other symptoms of early periodontitis include bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and loose teeth.

Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis

As periodontitis progresses, the pockets around the teeth become deeper, and the bone and tissue that support the teeth start to break down. Symptoms of moderate periodontitis include bleeding gums, bad breath, and receding gums. At this stage, it may be necessary to undergo scaling and root planning, a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums.

Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis

Advanced periodontitis is the most severe form of gum disease, and it can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. At this stage, the pockets around the teeth are so deep that the bone and tissue that support the teeth have been completely destroyed. Symptoms of advanced periodontitis include loose teeth, receding gums, and chronic bad breath. Treatment for advanced periodontitis may include surgery to reduce the depth of the pockets or to replace missing teeth.

In summary, gum disease is a common condition that can be easily prevented with proper oral hygiene. However, if left untreated, gum disease can progress through several stages, each with its own symptoms and treatments. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for the early detection and treatment of gum disease, so it is important to visit a dentist at least twice a year.

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Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure that can significantly enhance your smile by lightening the color of your teeth. It is a non-invasive and straightforward treatment that can be done by a professional in-office or at home using whitening kits.

However, like any other cosmetic procedure, teeth whitening has its risks and benefits. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the potential risks and benefits of teeth whitening.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

1. Improved Appearance

Many people opt for teeth whitening to enhance their smile and overall appearance. Whiter teeth can help boost self-confidence and create a positive first impression on others.

2. Non-Invasive and Affordable

Compared to other cosmetic dentistry procedures, teeth whitening is simple, non-invasive, and relatively affordable. You can have your teeth whitened professionally or use at-home whitening kits.

3. Long-lasting Results

Teeth whitening can deliver long-lasting results, especially if you follow proper oral hygiene practices and avoid foods and beverages that stain teeth.

Risks of Teeth Whitening

1. Tooth Sensitivity

One of the most common risks of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. This can occur due to the teeth’s exposure to the active ingredients in the whitening gel. Sensitivity may be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the damage.

2. Gum Irritation

Teeth whitening may cause gum irritation, especially if the whitening gel comes into contact with the soft tissues. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, and bleeding.

3. Enamel Damage

Overuse of teeth whitening products, especially those with high hydrogen peroxide levels, may damage the enamel on your teeth, making them more prone to cavities and decay.

Conclusion

Teeth whitening can be an effective way to improve your smile and boost your confidence, but it’s essential to weigh its potential risks and benefits before getting the treatment. Consult with your dentist to determine if whitening is suitable for you and what type of whitening treatment is best. Remember to practice proper oral hygiene habits and avoid foods and beverages that can stain your teeth to maintain your results for longer.

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Vapes or E-cigarettes are becoming a popular alternative to conventional smoking. About 38% of high school students are using vapes or E-cigarettes with the assumption that they do not have the same drawback associated with conventional forms of smoking. Think again! Is vaping less harmful to your teeth and physical health than the cigarettes?  The fact is that vaping, like all other forms of smoking, can have an adverse effect, especially on your health. To understand how vaping is harmful to, let us learn how vaping works

How does a Vape Work?

In Vapes and E-cigarettes, a battery supplies an atomizer which heats and vaporizes the chemicals in the vape. That is what you inhale through the mouth-piece. You assume that you are not receiving the harmful chemicals present in conventional cigarettes, and hope that your dental and overall health is not affected. Is that really true? Let us take a deeper look.

How Vaping Effects your Gums

Nicotine, a common ingredient of conventional cigarettes as well as the vapes and e-cigarettes. In addition to its stimulating effect on the nervous system, it is known to cause constriction of blood vessels. So, while you are enjoying a vape or an E-cigarette, the nicotine inside vape formula is causing your blood vessels to shrink. Not only will this lead to an increased overall blood pressure of the body, but it will also constrict the blood vessels inside the gums. As a result, the blood supply to the gums is decreased and your gums and oral soft tissues become vulnerable to disease.

The British Dental Journal reported a finding by Kings College, London in 2016 that persons using vapes showed signs of gum inflammation. It was concluded that vaping increases the chances of gum inflammation and periodontal disease. If this gum inflammation or periodontal disease is not controlled, you will gradually start losing your teeth.

Vaping and your Teeth

Some of the base liquids present in the E-cigarettes contain chemicals like propylene glycol and nicotine. These chemicals are known to cause dryness of the mouth by reducing the production of the saliva from the salivary glands. Saliva protects our teeth from cavities, and helps in digestion and also provides an antibacterial effect. Naturally, reduced salivary production can significantly increase the chances of having teeth cavities. More importantly, the reduced salivary flow is unable to perform optimal cleansing of the teeth. As a result, plaque and calculus deposits start forming on the teeth and causes bad breath.

• Bruxism–Nicotine is also a potent muscle stimulant. When you inhale this chemical through an E-cigarette or a vape, it can induce unwanted contractions of the jaw muscles, especially during sleep. This results in the flattening of the chewing surfaces of the teeth whenever they grind against each other.
• Tooth Sensitivity – Chemical vapor from the vapes and E-cigarettes cause irritation of the gums which causes them to recede from their position. This, coupled with the nicotine-induced uncontrolled teeth grinding destroys the tooth enamel and makes the teeth sensitive to hot or cold.

Effect on Overall Health

• Reduced Immunity –A study in the journal Thorax concluded that vaping led to a decreased overall immunity in the body, making it vulnerable to diseases which our body could have fought off easily.
• Vaping and Oral Cancer –a study by the American Chemical Society (ACS), has suggested that vapes can increase the levels of compounds harmful to DNA of the oral cavity. With reduced immunity, the risk of oral cancer multiplies.

Vaping and Facial Cosmetics

• A study by British American Tobacco (BAT) compared vapes with conventional cigarettes. They concluded that since vapes do not create smoke, they generally will not stain your teeth. This is, however, a general rule. E-cigarettes or vapes can contain coloring agents and may well contain nicotine also. These agents can stain your teeth|

Marijuana and Our Oral Health

The use of Marijuana is becoming quite common, particularly due to its legalization in many of the states in the US. However, in addition to its negative effects on our physical health and well being, Marijuana has also been shown to damage our teeth and oral cavity. Most of these adverse effects are similar to the ones caused by the use of vapes. Some of these include chronic dry mouth, bad breath, and teeth staining. More importantly, the American Dental Association confirms that there is a direct relationship between the use of Marijuana and periodontal health.

Although vaping and Marijuana use is not as bad as smoking or any other form of tobacco chewing, these habits can still have a negative effect on our oral and physical health. Many people think that since they do not directly inhale the smoke, the vapes or E-cigarettes, or any form of Marijuana will not have any damage on the teeth. But that’s not true. The chemical present inside the vape formula can damage our teeth and oral health in many ways. So, the best policy is to restrict or avoid their use.

Did you know that more than 120 million Americans have at least one tooth missing in their oral cavity? This is a huge figure! Unfortunately, most of these people will never consider replacing their missing teeth because they don’t realize the importance of having all teeth in a jaw. The fact is that losing even a single tooth can seriously affect your oral and physical health.

This article explains how missing teeth affect your dental health and quality of life, and why you should never delay getting your missing teeth replaced.

• Movement of the Neighboring Teeth – when a tooth is lost, the neighboring teeth start to creep towards the gap. As a result, spaces begin to form between these teeth, which are not only unaesthetic in appearance, but these gaps also become sites for food impaction and promote teeth cavities in the remaining teeth. As a result, there are higher chances of development of gum and periodontal problems, and it can lead to further tooth loss if the condition is not corrected timely.
• Problems with Occlusion – another serious consequence of not replacing a missing tooth timely is poor alignment and occlusion of the teeth due to the unnecessary movement of the neighboring and the opposing teeth. Since the upper and lower teeth do not mate properly, it can lead to a serious reduction in chewing efficacy. In addition, problems with occlusion can also lead to localized crowding and gum recession, which can further aggravate the situation by causing root cavities and sensitivity.
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders improper occlusion of the teeth can also result in an uneven distribution of forces during when the teeth come in contact, creating excessive pressure of the temporomandibular joints. If this condition is not corrected timely, it can result in the development of temporomandibular joint disorders such as jaw dislocation and headaches.
• Bone Loss – when a tooth is lost, the bone surrounding it starts to degrade at a very high rate. This causes the facial bones to shrink prematurely, thereby giving you an older look. Not only this, tooth loss causes the bone to become thin, weak and fragile. Therefore, the higher the number of your missing teeth and the longer you wait to replace them, the higher the chances of spontaneous jawbone fractures.
• Movement of the Opposing Teeth – when a gap created by a missing tooth exists for a long time, the opposing tooth also start to move into the missing tooth gap. As a result, it’s an attachment with the surrounding bone gradually becomes weaker due to over-eruption and decreased root-socket contact. Due to this, the opposing tooth becomes mobile, and it may ultimately fall off if the missing tooth is not replaced in time.
• Tooth Replacement and Restoration Becomes Complicated – in addition, due to the over-eruption of the opposing tooth, replacement of the missing tooth becomes very complicated as there very little vertical space available to place the artificial tooth and to ensure optimal occlusion.

Now that we know that failure to replace missing teeth can have serious consequences let’s take a look at the solution. First, you should avoid losing natural teeth in the first place through strict oral hygiene maintenance and regular checkup visits. However, tooth loss may not always be avoidable. In these cases, missing teeth should be replaced as soon as possible. Thanks to modern dentistry, there are several tooth replacement options available nowadays. Visit your dentist today to discuss a tooth replacement option which best suits your dental needs.