• Monday, December 14th, 2009
A canker sore is a small ulcer or lesion that occurs on the inside of the mouth. They can appear on the top surface or the tip of the tongue, underneath the tongue, on the roof of the mouth or on the gum. Canker sores appear round or oval with a red border and yellow or white center. Canker sores are not contagious.
Canker sores are not the same as cold sores. Cold sores develop on the outside surface of the lips and are a different condition.
A couple of days before you actually see the sore you may feel a tingling or burning sensation in the area where the sore is about to appear.
• Sunday, October 18th, 2009
When you come in for a routine dental exam the first step that is normally done is an x-ray. An x-ray is essential in determining whether tooth roots, fillings, and the structures of the jaw bone are in good health.
Once the x-ray has been completed your dentist or dental hygienist will use a small mirror and a pick to inspect each of your teeth. The mirror helps to ensure your teeth are looked at from every possible angle. The pick is used to check the strength of the enamel on your teeth and to help detect cavities or filling that need replacing.
Your dentist will also check your gums for discoloration, swelling, and “pockets,” areas where the gums pull away from the teeth because of bacteria.
Once your oral health has been fully checked your dentist will go over with you any needed actions such as deep cleanings, filling replacements or cavities that need to be filled.
• Monday, October 05th, 2009
The plaque the builds up around the teeth and beneath the gums causes what is called periodontal disease. Even if you brush and clean between your teeth several times a day you may not be able to remove all the plaque, especially right around the gum line.
The bacteria in plaque create toxins that injure the gums and the bone surrounding your teeth. If not removed by your dentist these toxins and build up and destroy the tissue and underlying bone structure. One of the problems caused by these toxins acting on the tissue and bone around your teeth is causing infection and inflammation of the gums. This can affect your overall health and also lead to tooth loss.
With regular visits your dentist can detect and treat this problems before it causes irreversible damage.
• Thursday, July 30th, 2009
I have frequently been asked if brushing with baking soda will whiten teeth. First of all, I must say that baking soda will not actually whiten your teeth. To make your teeth as white as those seen on actors or actresses smiling at us from movie and television screens you’ll need to visit your dentist. He or she will be able to go over the various professional whitening procedures such as crowns and veneers.
However, baking soda can be used successfully lighten and polish your teeth giving them a whiter appearance. You can even buy toothpaste that contains some baking soda. The way baking soda lightens teeth is by removing tough stains. It works to remove the dulling plaque that can stick to teeth and dissolves into tooth surface crevices cleaning out stains. If your teeth are tending toward the yellow or brown it’s certainly worth it to give baking soda a try. Then, you can always talk to your dentist on your next visit and see what else can be done to improve the color of those pearly whites.
