How to Prevent Tooth Decay
Contributed by DentalROI
Did you know tooth decay is the most common disease worldwide, second only to an ordinary cold? But, unlike a cold, it will not go away on its own. Unless you get treatment for tooth decay, then at the very least you will develop a nasty and painful toothache, and in the worst case you could lose the tooth or could even develop a life-threatening infection. The good news is that with the right preventative care, tooth decay can be avoided, and we can help you here at McLoughlin Dental Care.
Tooth loss is definitely not a modern problem, and people have needed to replace missing teeth since time immemorial. In fact, archeologists have discovered ancient remains of false teeth dating back centuries. In the seventh century, the Etruscans in Italy were making an early form of partial dentures from animal or human teeth held together with gold wires.
If you are missing one or more teeth or know that tooth loss is unfortunately in your future, then you might have investigated different ways to replace these teeth. You will almost certainly have discovered some information about dental implants, but how much do you really know about this treatment? In fact, it is considered the premier way to replace missing teeth which is because of the way a dental implant works in the mouth, its protective effects on your dental health, and the sheer versatility of treatment.
Any form of cancer is caused by cells that grow uncontrollably and which begin to invade and damage the tissue surrounding them. Oral cancer is no exception and can develop as a growth in the mouth. It can affect the lips, cheeks, the roof and floor of the mouth, the tongue, sinuses, and throat. It’s a disease that can be life-threatening when not detected soon enough, but unfortunately, many of the early symptoms are easy to miss.
Cosmetic dentistry is a term used to describe dental treatments that can improve the appearance of your teeth, but which won’t necessarily do anything for the health of your teeth. These treatments are different from restorative dental care and general dentistry that is designed to protect and preserve your natural teeth and your dental health. For example, treatments such as root canal therapy, dental fillings, tooth extractions, and checkups and cleanings are all procedures that are necessary to preserve your teeth. Usually, cosmetic dentistry is non-essential but it can offer a range of benefits. But, what does it mean to be a cosmetic dentist?
If you are a regular patient here at McLoughlin Dental Care, then you will know we are committed to always ensuring you receive the very best and most advanced dental care. To do this, we have invested in the most up-to-date diagnostic technology. One of our most valuable tools is the intra-oral camera. The intra-oral camera was initially introduced in the 1990s, and nowadays, its use is widespread because it is such a handy device.
If you are a regular patient here at McLoughlin Dental Care, then you will know that our dentist, Dr. Donald Nimz highly recommends that everyone has their teeth professionally cleaned by our experienced dental hygienists. Most people need hygiene treatments every six months, but the exact frequency of your hygiene visits is based on your specific dental health.
Over the past few years the face of dentistry has changed enormously, and especially cosmetic dentistry. Even just a few years ago metal amalgams and gold fillings were commonplace. It was often quite easy to spot people who had lost teeth because although tooth replacements were reasonable quality, the materials used to fabricate them were unable to accurately replicate the natural translucency and liveliness you find in real teeth. Very few people had teeth whitening treatments or had even heard about them.
Have you noticed some of your teeth are chipped or worn, or perhaps you have some fillings in your front teeth that are discolored and stained? These imperfections can mar an otherwise attractive smile, but the solution could be faster and more economical than you ever imagined. In fact, tooth bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic dental procedures available in dental offices, yet it can make a considerable difference to your smile.
Digital dental x-rays are more efficient and safer than traditional film x-rays. Even though conventional dental x-rays only emit low levels of radiation we know some patients are concerned about exposure and their safety. With digital dental x-rays, you need have no concerns because this equipment exposes you to far lower levels of radiation. In fact, digital dental x-rays produce up to 90% less radiation compared with film x-rays. Our digital x-ray equipment is exceptionally well maintained, and we always take every precaution to keep our patients safe during all treatments.