Our mouths serve as the gateway to our bodies, sustaining us with the simple acts of eating and drinking. However, within this complex ecosystem reside myriad bacteria, some beneficial, others harmful. While brushing and flossing are essential, they often fall short in removing bacteria and food debris from those hard-to-reach areas in our mouths. That’s where scaling and polishing step in, offering a dynamic duo to brighten your smile and safeguard your oral health.
Scaling and Polishing Unveiled
Scaling, a precise and professional procedure, employs hand and power-driven instruments to eliminate tenacious tartar buildup. It’s a non-surgical process that meticulously removes tartar while banishing lurking bacteria. Moreover, scaling goes further by effectively erasing superficial stains from the enamel’s surface.
Accompanying scaling is its trust a companion procedure—polishing. This non-invasive procedure follows scaling to ensure no residual stains mar the freshly liberated teeth. Not content with just that, polishing leaves teeth with a smooth surface and their natural color radiantly restored.
The Crucial Role of Scaling and Polishing
Neglecting oral hygiene can pave the way for plaque buildup, a breeding ground for stubborn calculus or tartar. This combination of problems often leads to bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay if left unattended. Enter scaling and polishing, a dynamic 2 in 1 procedure remove plaque and calculus effectively to maintaining your oral health.
A Pain-Free Procedure
When executed with skill and precision, scaling and polishing are virtually painless. At most, you might experience mild discomfort, which typically subsides within 24 to 72 hours. Compare this fleeting sensation to the agony of neglected oral hygiene, which can culminate in more invasive and painful dental procedures. This underscores the importance of regular dental visits.
The Rich Rewards of Scaling and Polishing
Scaling and polishing bestow a wealth of benefits, including:
Teeth that gleam with cleanliness, smoothness, and glossiness.
Stop gum bleeding and the reverse swollen gums.
A shield against dental issues, championing impeccable oral hygiene.
Breath that remains as fresh as a breeze.
A brighter, dazzling smile that radiates confidence.
These advantages extend beyond mere aesthetics; they are integral to a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle.
The Timing of Scaling: How Often Should You Seek the Expert’s Touch?
Guided by dental experts, the recommended rhythm for scaling and polishing is every six months. Yet, individual circumstances may dictate variations in this cadence. Dental treatments or specific conditions like periodontitis might necessitate more frequent visits. In the realm of oral care, regular dental consultations are your compass.
While both contribute to enhancing your smile, teeth whitening and scaling & polishing dance to different tunes:
Teeth whitening, a cosmetic endeavor, orchestrates the lightening of tooth pigmentation.
Scaling and polishing, on the other hand, are the virtuosos of dental plaque, tartar, and extrinsic stains removal from the teeth’s outer surfaces.
Both are pathways to a brighter smile, but neglecting oral hygiene could strike discordant notes, imposing not only on your wallet but also on your health. Prioritizing regular dental care harmonizes both aspirations.
The Investment in Radiance: Cost Considerations
The cost of scaling and polishing varies but represents a wise investment in routine dental care. Dental insurance may provide partial or full coverage, but regardless of financial intricacies, this is a cost-effective strategy to safeguard your oral health. The costs vary with chosen dental service providers and the extent of cleaning necessary. In Uganda, scaling and polishing cost anywhere between 80,000 and 400,000 UGX.
Conclusion
Scaling and polishing constitute the guardians of oral health, indispensable elements in maintaining the finest oral symphonies. Regular dental cleanings stand as bulwarks against a cavalcade of dental issues while promoting holistic well-being. For a brighter, healthier smile, embark on this journey of proper dental care—it’s your ticket to a mouth that sings with health and happiness.
https://ezzadentalcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Add-a-heading.png788940Ezza Dental Carehttps://ezzadentalcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ezza-dental-logo.pngEzza Dental Care2023-10-01 14:20:332023-10-01 14:20:33Scaling and Polishing: The power of the 2 in 1 procedure for a radiant smile
Childhood caries! They lurk in silence, sowing seeds of turmoil in young smiles. Childhood caries, also known as dental decay, weave treacherous webs, leaving lasting consequences for all ages. Childhood caries refers to the condition where the teeth of children are affected by decay. Today, we embark on a journey to unravel the dark dangers of childhood caries, understanding their causes, risk factors, and effects, while arming ourselves with the knowledge to halt their destructive path.
Causes of Childhood Caries:
Childhood Caries, concealed within the shadows, trace their origins to a legion of bacteria that reside within the unsuspecting mouths of children. Among these microorganisms, one holds a prominent position—Streptococcus mutans. These cunning creatures feed on the sugars and sweet delicacies that innocent children so readily indulge in. In their devious process, they transform sugar into acids, launching relentless attacks on tooth enamel. As enamel succumbs to their corrosive assault, decay takes hold, spreading its tendrils deeper into the core of each tooth, leaving destruction in its wake.
Risk Factors for Childhood Caries
The perils of Childhood Caries are further exacerbated by the negligence of oral hygiene practices, a grave mistake committed by both children and parents alike.
Diet: Regular consumption of sugary snacks, candies, and carbohydrate-rich drinks provides fuel for the rapid growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, accelerating tooth decay.
Oral Hygiene: Insufficient brushing and flossing create a breeding ground for plaque to accumulate on teeth, providing a favorable environment for bacterial growth and acid production.
Fluoride Exposure: Inadequate exposure to fluoride, whether through fluoridated water, toothpaste, or professional applications, weakens the tooth enamel’s resistance to acid attacks, making them more susceptible to decay.
Socioeconomic Factors: Limited access to dental care, lower socioeconomic status, and a lack of education on proper oral hygiene practices contribute to the higher prevalence of childhood caries in certain populations, deepening the divide in dental health.
Prevention of Childhood Caries
In this battle against the Grinning Demon, we must not forget the stalwart defender of dental fortitude—fluoride. Its role is pivotal in maintaining healthy teeth.
Establish Good Oral Hygiene Habits: Encourage and foster regular brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and diligent flossing. Parents should lend their assistance to young children until they can effectively perform these tasks on their own.
Healthy Diet: Limit the consumption of sugary snacks and beverages, replacing them with a well-balanced array of fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods. Nourishing the teeth from within is key to their resilience.
Fluoride: Ensure that children receive adequate exposure to fluoride. This can be achieved through fluoridated water, fluoride supplements when necessary, and professional treatments provided by dental experts who wield the power to strengthen and shield teeth from decay.
Dental Check-ups: Forge a bond with dental professionals, scheduling regular visits for professional cleanings, comprehensive examinations, and the early detection of dental issues. These heroes of the dental realm can also apply dental sealants, fortifying the chewing surfaces of permanent molars and safeguarding them from the Demon’s advances.
Treatment of Childhood Caries
Should the Demon manage to breach the defences, fear not, for we have an arsenal of treatments at our disposal. Early detection and timely intervention are key to emerging victorious in this battle against decay.
Dental Fillings: When tooth decay is limited in scope, our skilled dentists can remove the decayed portion of the tooth and restore it with filling materials such as composite resin or amalgam, bringing forth renewal and strength.
Dental Crowns: If the decay extends its reach, threatening the tooth’s structure, a dental crown becomes a necessity. This majestic protector restores both strength and function, ensuring the tooth’s survival.
Pulp Therapy: In the direst of situations, when the decay infiltrates the inner sanctum of the tooth—the pulp—pulp therapy, akin to a heroic root canal treatment, becomes the shield that preserves the tooth, holding back the Demon’s advance.
Tooth Extraction: In the face of severe decay, where the tooth is extensively damaged and beyond salvation, extraction becomes the last resort. This decisive action prevents the spread of infection to neighbouring teeth, safeguarding the oral realm from further harm.
In conclusion, childhood caries are dangerous but can be managed professionally. Talk to your dentist.
If you’ve been considering teeth whitening, there is no better time than now! Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to restore your stunning smile and improve your confidence. However, before you make up your mind, let’s consider the process.
Teeth whitening involves the use of chemicals to remove unwanted dental stains and discolourations. We categorize the stains as either intrinsic or extrinsic: Intrinsic stains are caused by factors within the tooth, such as trauma, medication use, or excessive fluoride ingestion while extrinsic stains are caused by external factors such as smoking, certain beverages, and poor oral hygiene.
During the teeth whitening process, a professional delicately and quickly applies chemicals to remove these unwanted stains. Hydrogen peroxide is the most common active ingredient used in teeth whitening products.
The hydrogen peroxide works to break down the stain molecules and lift them off the teeth. As hydrogen peroxide diffuses into the enamel and dentine, it produces free radicals which break down pigment molecules, altering the tooth’s optical properties and making teeth whiter.
Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to deal with unacceptable dental discolouration—and it’s important to note that shade regression may occur, making retreatment necessary. In this blog, we’ll cover all the different ways to whiten your teeth, factors that can affect the success of your whitening procedure, and potential risk factors to consider. This is step one in making your smile brighter than ever before!
Ready to smile? Four Things You Can Expect During Your Teeth Whitening.
Teeth whitening is an easy, quick way to improve your appearance. We can do it in one visit and doesn’t require any special equipment or products. As long as you have access to a reliable dentist with experience in teeth whitening, you’re good to go!
So let’s talk about what’s involved in getting ready for your appointment:
Personal consultation: Your dentist will assess the condition of your teeth and determine the best course of action for you. This is an essential step as it allows your dentist to customize the treatment to meet your individual needs.
Preparation: Your dentist may need to prepare your teeth by cleaning them and removing any plaque or tartar before the whitening process begins. This ensures that the whitening solution will work effectively and deliver optimal results.
Whitening: The actual teeth whitening procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour. During this time, your dentist will delicately apply a whitening solution to your teeth and activate it using a special light or laser. This process effectively eliminates any dental discolouration and results in a brighter and more youthful smile.
Post-treatment care: Once the teeth whitening procedure is complete, your dentist will provide you with instructions on how to care for your teeth in the days and weeks following the treatment. This is important to ensure that you maintain your newly brightened smile for as long as possible. If you need post-treatment care tips after whitening, you can jump to that section.
By following these steps, you can expect to achieve a whiter, more radiant smile and enjoy the confidence that comes with it.
Four approaches to teeth whitening
There are several ways to whiten teeth, ranging from at-home remedies to professional treatments. Each method has its benefits and drawbacks, and the choice depends on preference and the kind of stains you want to address.
Natural remedies: Some people use natural remedies like baking soda or activated charcoal to whiten their teeth. However, the effectiveness of these methods is not well-studied, and they may even damage tooth enamel if abused.
In-office whitening: This is a professional treatment performed in a dentist’s office. A high concentration of bleaching gel is applied to the teeth, and a special light is used to activate the gel and accelerate the whitening process. The whitening chemical is left on the teeth for the prescribed minutes and then removed, this process is repeated one or two more times to achieve good results. Some treatments in this category are called laser treatments if the bleaching gel used is activated with a laser.
Dentist-dispensed and patient-applied whitening with custom-fabricated trays. The whitening gel is put in custom-made trays which you wear overnight for a given number of weeks depending on the kind of stains and concentration of the whitening chemical.
Over-the-counter products for whitening, in this kind of whitening you just choose a whitening product without any professional diagnosis of the kind of stains.
Four things that affect the success of teeth whitening
If you’re looking to whiten your teeth, there are different methods available to suit your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular teeth whitening options, along with their advantages and disadvantages:
Natural remedies: Some people prefer natural remedies like baking soda or activated charcoal for teeth whitening. However, the effectiveness of these methods is not well-studied, and they can potentially damage the enamel if used excessively.
In-office whitening: For professional treatment, you can visit your dentist’s office for an in-office whitening session. This method uses a high concentration of bleaching gel, which is applied to the teeth and activated with a special light or laser. The treatment takes around 30 minutes to an hour and can achieve impressive results in a short amount of time.
Dentist-dispensed and patient-applied whitening with custom-fabricated trays: This method involves getting custom-made trays from your dentist, which you fill with a whitening gel and wear overnight for a certain number of weeks. This is a convenient option for those who prefer to whiten their teeth at home, with the guidance of a dental professional.
Over-the-counter products for whitening: If you prefer a DIY approach, over-the-counter products like whitening strips, gels, or toothpaste are widely available. However, without a professional diagnosis, you might not know what type of stains you have or what concentration of the whitening chemical you need. This method might not be as effective as professional treatments, and it could potentially cause sensitivity or damage to your teeth if used improperly.
Overall, the best teeth whitening method for you depends on your budget, preferences, and the type of stains you want to address. It’s important to consult with your dentist to determine which option is right for you.
Four risk factors associated with teeth whitening.
Ensuring that you use safe teeth whitening products and follow proper application procedures can help prevent any negative side effects. However, it’s important to be aware of potential risks associated with the inappropriate use or abuse of teeth whitening products, which include:
Sensitivity: The hydrogen peroxide in the whitening chemical can reach the innermost layer of the tooth, causing increased sensitivity. This is especially problematic for teeth with cavities, exposed dentine, or defective restorations.
Irritation: High concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can cause burns upon contact with the gums or other soft tissues. Failure to wash away the bleach quickly enough can result in ulceration that can take a long time to resolve.
Damage to Restorations: Teeth whitening can affect the physical and chemical properties of restorations. It can increase surface roughness, cause cracks, weaken the tooth-to-restoration bond, and even release dangerous substances such as mercury from amalgam restorations.
Enamel Damage: In rare cases, enamel damage can occur in the form of enamel dimerization, surface morphological changes, or alteration of surface micro-hardness. Over-the-counter whitening products that are not monitored by a professional are especially risky.
While there is no significant evidence of health risks associated with teeth whitening, it is important to be cautious and seek professional guidance before attempting any whitening procedure. By doing so, you can ensure that your teeth whitening experience is both safe and effective.
How to Care for Teeth Just After Whitening
Congratulations on your new bright smile! Now that you’ve undergone teeth whitening treatment, it’s important to maintain your dazzling teeth to ensure they stay that way for as long as possible. Here are a few tips to help you care for your teeth just after your whitening treatment:
Watch what you eat and drink: To avoid any potential staining, it’s best to steer clear of foods and drinks known to cause discolourations, such as coffee, tea, and red wine for the first 24 to 48 hours after your treatment.
Keep up with your oral hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining your newly whitened teeth. Consider using a whitening toothpaste to help maintain your bright smile.
Don’t forget your dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups are crucial for ensuring your teeth stay healthy and stain-free. Your dentist can guide how often you should schedule check-ups and help you maintain your white smile.
We want you to enjoy the benefits of your new smile for as long as possible. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to a healthy, bright smile that will make you feel confident and proud.
Let me tell you about our home village in Bukunja and teeth grinding also known as bruxism. Before the adoption of electricity, we ate our supper early. Commonly when the sun was setting. No one ate after dark. It was abominable! Why eat in darkness? What forbidden substances are you consuming shrouded in darkness? Perhaps you were a cannibal –the dreaded night dancers.
These concerns alone kept us eating during daylight. Even the slightest indication of tooth grinding at night labeled you a cannibal. We did not know teeth grinding as a medical condition called Bruxism. Bruxism/ teeth grinding is a repetitive abnormal jaw-muscle activity leading to involuntary teeth grinding or clenching and /or compression of the jaws which may happen while sleeping or awake.
Types of bruxism
Wake or day-light bruxism happens while you are awake and,
Sleep or nocturnal bruxism happens while you sleep.
Types of sleep bruxism
Sleep bruxism is further subdivided into primary sleep bruxism, secondary sleep bruxism and iatrogenic sleep bruxism.
Primary (idiopathic sleep bruxism) is associated with neither medical nor psychological cause.
Secondary sleep bruxism, this can be as a result of medical or psychological problems e.g., sleep disorders anxiety, stress, and drug consumption.
Iatrogenic sleep bruxism is believed to be induced by medical drugs.
Wake bruxism on the other hand is associated with stress. Stress and related negative emotions like anxiety and anger are the primary (70% of cases) of teeth grinding. In some instances, it may also be provoked by certain medications or an aggressive personality.
Symptoms for bruxism
Understanding the symptoms of teeth grinding fosters early diagnosis and timely management. These are the symptoms of bruxism
If the sound of teeth grinding is a frequent disturbance to your sleep partner, it is a clear signal that you may be grappling with bruxism.
If you find yourself repeatedly enduring unexplained fractures in your teeth and dental restoration, there’s a high likelihood that bruxism is the culprit.
If you wake up to facial muscle pains, particularly in the morning, it could be a sign of bruxism.
If you struggle to widely open your mouth upon waking, you may be suffering from sleep bruxism.
Consistent dull headaches and jaw locking upon waking may indicate that you’re experiencing bruxism during sleep.
Consequences of teeth grinding
As a result of teeth griding, one can experience fatigue in facial muscles, pain in the jaw, and a hastened loss of enamel, often concentrated in the incisal edge and occlusal surfaces of the teeth. In severe cases, this condition can even result in tooth loss and temporal disorders of the mandibular joint. You risk grinding your teeth if you:
Smoke,
Consume excess alcohol,
Consume excess caffeine or,
Abuse drugs.
Risk factors of teeth grinding
While there is no fail-safe mechanism for completely controlling teeth grinding, there exist a range of strategies for managing the risk and mitigating its harmful consequences. These include
avoiding risk factors such as alcoholism,
smoking, and excessive caffeine or drug intake;
regulating one’s wake time and steering clear of abnormal oral habits such as clenching;
and utilizing techniques such as biofeedback and cognitive behavioral therapy.
What to do about teeth grinding
If you experience grind your teeth, visit your dentists for professional help before more complications arise such as damage to your teeth and dental restorations, Receding gums, bone loss, Disorder of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), Arthritis in your jaw and Eating disorders. Your dentist might suggest any of the following options:
Make lifestyle changes to reduce stress
Jaw exercises and massage
Mouth guards and splints
Muscle relaxants
Treat associated disorders
The most commonly prescribed and reliable solution for the grinding teeth is the mouth guard. Its a medical grade wearable appliance that separates your teeth while you sleep to avoid teeth from grinding on each other.
Discover the Benefits of Dental Crowns for Improving Tooth Appearance & Restoring Functionality. Learn the Reasons, Types, Steps, and Potential Complications. Learn More Today! A dental crown, a tooth-shaped cap placed over damaged, discoloured or misaligned teeth, can restore shape, size, strength, and appearance. With a lifespan of over a decade, dental crowns are a popular solution. Learn the reasons for needing a dental crown, the various types available, the steps in the crowning process, and potential complications to be aware of in this informative article.
There are several reasons you might need a dental crown. The most common reasons include a cracked, broken or worn-out tooth, a discoloured tooth, and a misaligned tooth.
A cracked, broken or worn-out tooth – If a tooth has become weak or fractured due to an accident, root canal treatment, trauma or even from opening objects with the teeth, a dental crown can help restore its functionality
A discoloured tooth – Stains that cannot be removed through other means and make it difficult to smile or express oneself can be treated with a dental crown. The affected tooth is trimmed and then covered with the crown. This can occur due to excessive fluoride intake during development, certain medications during pregnancy, or untreated dental decay.
A misaligned tooth – In some cases, braces may not be a practical solution for a misaligned tooth. For instance, if you are a bride-to-be with only one or two teeth slightly out of place, a dental crown can provide an immediate smile transformation in a shorter time than braces would.
Three common types of crowns: Which one should I choose?
Dental crowns have three options: porcelain-fused-to-metal, metal, and Zirconia. These crowns will become permanent fixtures in your mouth. Acrylic crowns are also available, but these are temporary and typically only used while the dentist is making your permanent crown. Acrylic crowns are designed to match the color of your natural teeth.
Dental crowns, made from materials such as high gold content or nickel-chromium alloys, are known for their durability and resistance to wear, chipping, and cracking. However, their metallic appearance can be a drawback, especially considering the high cost of gold. These crowns are best for molars that are not visible.
Porcelain-fused-to-Metal crowns offer the advantage of being colour-matched to your surrounding teeth, unlike metal crowns. However, they can cause more wear on opposing teeth and may chip or break. A dark line from the underlying metal may also become visible, especially at the gum line if gums recede. These crowns are a good option for front or back teeth and for bridges that require the added strength of the metal.
Zirconia dental crowns are made from a ceramic material called zirconia, making them both strong and aesthetically pleasing. They are used to restore and improve the appearance of damaged or discoloured teeth. Unlike traditional dental crowns made from materials like porcelain, metal, or acrylic, Zirconia crowns provide a more durable and natural-looking option.
Three steps towards getting your dental crown
Getting a dental crown typically requires two to three appointments with your dentist. The process involves three main stages: examination, tooth preparation, and fixing the crown.
Examination: Your dentist will examine your tooth and assess your needs. They will take X-rays of the surrounding bone and roots of the tooth, if necessary, and may perform a root canal therapy if the tooth has severe decay or is at risk of infection or damage. The dentist will then finalize the examination and move on to the next step.
Tooth preparation: Before the crown is crafted, your dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. They will then reshape the chewing surface and sides of the tooth to make room for the crown. The dentist will take an impression of the tooth for the crown, which will be sent to a dental lab to create the permanent crown. The dentist will also select a colour that best matches the surrounding teeth and place a temporary crown to protect the prepped tooth while the permanent one is being made.
Receiving the permanent crown: At the second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and examine the fit and colour of the permanent crown. If everything is in order, they will numb the tooth with a local anaesthetic and securely attach the new crown.
Three problems that could develop with a dental crown?
Dental crowns are a popular and effective way to fix damaged teeth, but some potential issues may arise.
Discomfort or sensitivity: After the dental crown procedure, your newly crowned tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures if the nerve is still present in the tooth. You can use toothpaste for sensitive teeth as advised by your dentist. If you experience pain or sensitivity when biting, it may be because the crown is too high. In this case, contact your dentist to solve the problem.
Chipped crown: Crowns made entirely of porcelain or combined with metal can sometimes chip. If the chip is small, it can be repaired with composite resin, but it may need to be replaced if the chipping is severe.
Loose or fallen crown: If the cement underneath the crown washes out, the crown can come loose, allowing bacteria to rot the remaining tooth. Contact your dentist if your crown feels loose. If the crown falls off, clean both the crown and the tooth’s front. You can use dental adhesive or temporary tooth cement to temporarily replace the crown until you can visit your dentist. Your dentist will provide instructions on how to take care of the tooth and crown until you can be seen for a diagnosis. If the existing crown cannot be re-cemented, a new one will need to be made
Tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth for oral health purposes. Dentists avoid tooth extraction except in special circumstances such as impacted wisdom teeth, dental trauma, infection, severe tooth decay, gum disease, or overcrowded teeth. In these circumstances, tooth extractions confer many benefits. In today’s blog, Ezza dental care explains what you can expect.
Client during a consultation at Ezza Dental Care
Broadly speaking, we have two types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical extraction. Simple extraction works when extracting visible teeth above the gum, it is removed in one peace. The dentist does not employ any surgical procedure. For this reason, the procedure is relatively easy and costs less than surgical extraction. Surgical extraction works for more complicated cases such as cracked teeth and impacted teeth. At Ezza dental care, the dentist will discuss treatment options with you depending on the state of your tooth. Sometimes, you need don’t need teeth extraction and should therefore not blindly extract your tooth because of anxiety and related factors.
First, consult with your dentist. Most times, the dentist advises against extraction and recommends conservation. Otherwise, the dentist will examine you and determine if you need to start or stop certain medications before the surgery. For most people, however, the dentist will extract the tooth on the first visit. If you need surgical extraction, the dentist will make a small incision into your gums to access the tooth before removing it. The process will last between 10 to 30 painless minutes thanks to local anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia numbs part of the mouth and ensures a pain-free tooth e
Extraction. After the process, the dentist will give cotton to chew on to facilitate blood clotting, and the healing process starts. Tooth extraction healing takes several days. However, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately if you notice any of the following signs:
Fever
Severe swelling that does not go down after a few days
Severe pain
Numbness beyond 24 hours after the extraction.
A bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away after a salt water rinse
Excessive bleeding
Pus coming from the socket
5 care tips after extraction
These steps help avoid complications like dry sockets.
The area will be tender but the following will facilitate healing:
Avoid the extraction site but brush the rest of the teeth and tongue
Eat and drink lukewarm healthy foods as you would, but avoid biting down on the extraction site.
Do not use a straw to drink anything.
Get plenty of rest to facilitate healing
Regularly rinse the mouth with salt in warm water
How Long Does It Take To Recover From an Extraction?
The period varies with the patient depending on tooth size and location plus after-care compliance.
For a simple extraction, the process takes about 48-72 hours to clot fully and the patient returns to normal activity. The soft tissue will usually fully heal in about 3-4 weeks. For a surgical extraction, the process may a little longer and adherence to after-care guidelines will make it faster. For work leave, the patient may take a day or two off depending on the amount of physical activity required for their job. The patient should discuss this with the surgeon beforehand.
Pregnant woman ready for the oral examination at Ezza Dental Care. Photo credit: ezzadentalcare.com
What is gum disease in pregnancy?
Gingivitis is a common gum disease that affects many pregnant mothers. According to the Centre for Disease Control, 60 to 75% of pregnant women have pregnancy gingivitis. This includes the early stage gingivitis to more advanced periodontal disease. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can cause changes in the kinds of microorganisms in the oral environment. Those that cause gingival disease increase in number beyond the norm and thus increase the risk.
What are the symptoms?
Some of the symptoms include:
Bleeding on brushing
Soft gums
Painful gums
Shiny and swollen gums
Bad breath
These symptoms increase in severity towards the second trimester, continuing up to a few months postnatal.
Diagnosis
The OBS/GYN or the dentist do the diagnosis based on one’s symptoms and signs observed during observation. Dental x-rays may be necessary for advanced disease, and in that case, your oral healthcare provider takes the precautions to protect your child and yourself.
Treatment such as dental cleaning helps to reduce the bacterial load, but you must supplement this with proper oral health as suggested by your dentists.
Prevention
For prevention, you may:
Brush twice a day (especially after meals)
Floss
Gargle daily with warm saline water
Schedule dental visits
Lower intake of sugary foods and beverages
Quit smoking or using tobacco.
The prognosis is very good and the gums usually return to normal after giving birth. Pay attention to the gums during the antenatal period, as they can be a source of complications, such as loose teeth and heart disease among others. Complications to the foetus include preterm labour, low birth weight and restriction of the baby’s growth.
Remember, pregnancy gingivitis is not the same as regular gum disease. You should avoid using mouthwashes or toothpaste that contains alcohol, as they can be harmful to the baby.
Overall, pregnancy gingivitis is a common condition that is easily managed with the proper treatment. Be proactive and seek professional dental care early.
Dental pain has a nasty habit of attacking at ungodly hours. Hours when the dentists are unlikely to be available. The night suddenly becomes very long. Dental offices are closed, and the pain drags on. But not to worry, your best dentist is here to offer some relief. In this blog, we are going to look at a few remedies for toothache that you can either access in your home or stock up on just in case you need them in the future. It is important to note, however, that these are only short-term fixes and do not replace the need for a dentist. Check out the companion video about home remedies for dental pain.
Pain Killers can reduce dental pain
These include Panadol, ibuprofen, aspirin, and many others. Most pharmacies can sell you these without a prior doctor’s prescription. Care must be taken, however, to only take the dose recommended by the pharmacist. They do not take the cause of the pain away, they just stop you from feeling pain and so you should see a dentist immediately.
Reduce dental pain temporarily using painkillers.
Ice Pack can reduce dental pain
In case you have a toothache and your face has also swollen, a reliable short-term solution is to place an icepack on the swollen side. This will reduce the swelling, and since ice can constrict blood vessels, it can also reduce pain. Apply this pack at least three times a day.
Clove Oil can reduce dental pain
Clove oil has a component called Eugenol, which is a natural antiseptic and also has analgesic properties. These properties are why even your dentist uses Eugenol as part of treatment. Place a small amount of oil on a cotton swab and apply it to the affected area and repeat a few times a day until you can see a dentist.
Olive oil can reduce dental pain
Vanilla Extract can reduce dental pain
This is a common ingredient in baking, but is also a handy remedy for tooth pain. It contains alcohol which numbs pain and also acts as an antiseptic. Apply a small amount to the affected area using a cotton ball or your finger.
Peppermint Teabags can reduce dental pain
Peppermint tea, besides tasting great, also has a variety of other uses. It can soothe both toothaches and hurting gums. This is of course, not while it is hot but when it is still in the tea bag. You can place a used tea bag in the cooler for a few minutes before applying it to the affected area for another few minutes. Using a slightly warm tea bag is also permissible.
Over-the-Counter Anesthetics can reduce dental pain
There are many over-the-counter anaesthetics that can soothe the pain in the teeth. These contain an agent called bupivacaine, which is an anaesthetic and that means that it kills sensation in an area. Apply these as directed by the pharmacist as different formulations are available, for example, gels.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse can reduce dental pain
Just a heads up, we must carefully handle this, lest its risks outweigh the benefits. Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide in an equal amount of water and rinse your mouth, taking care not to swallow. It is great for pain and inflammation.
Saline Rinse can reduce dental pain
This is a rinse of your mouth using warm salty water. It is an excellent remedy as besides reducing pain, it also removes any debris that may contribute to the pain and also helps heal any wounds that may be present in the mouth. It also helps with inflamed gums.
After using any of the above, ensure you visit the dentist for proper treatment of the dental problem. You can book an appointment with our dentist for a free consultation and checkup.
Want to learn more about dental pain solutions and related services from Ezza dental care? Check out the companion video about home remedies for dental pain or other oral health tips.
The gums, also known as the gingiva, form an important aspect of our smile. Their presence in the mouth and the role they play means that we must pay attention to them. Gums too can be and sources of infection that can compromise our general health. One of the noticeable changes about the gums is when they enlarge or swell. In this blog, we are going to see what the causes of the swelling are and how we can manage them.
We group gum enlargement causes into inflammatory causes, systemic disease causes, neoplasm associated causes, drug induced causes, hypersensitivity, and so on.
Inflammatory causes are those where the gum swells in response to an infection in the mouth, i.e., gingivitis. It comes from an accumulation of debris on the teeth, which causes the gums to fall sick. Systemic causes are those where a change in the body’s function manifests through enlargement of the gums. For example, pregnancy, puberty or malnutrition like vitamin C deficiency.
Some drugs can cause gingival enlargement. Drugs used to treat epilepsy, for example phenytoin, those used to treat heart disease, for example Amlodipine, are some of the more common ones that can cause gingival enlargement. Gum enlargement can be an early sign of a malignant lesion developing and so it is something that everyone ought to pay attention to. A case in point is enlargement of the gums can characterize non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Some other symptoms, for example bad breath, mobile teeth, pain and so can also accompany gingival enlargement. It is imperative for one to get a consultation with their oral health care provider who’ll diagnose and advise them accordingly to address the issue early. This is the best way to manage gum enlargement.
The festive season is upon us and felicitations to us all. As we celebrate this joyous season and allow ourselves to indulge, it is important that we do not forget to take care of our mouths and teeth. Below are some reminders that you will benefit from if practiced and prevent suffering painful consequences as a result of enjoying yourself a little too much.
Do not forget to brush your teeth twice a day. After your last meal at night and at one other time during the day.
Use the extra time available to show the young ones how to brush their teeth and use this as a bonding activity.
If possible, floss your teeth. This will ensure that no food particles get stuck between your teeth.
Eat sweets and cakes in moderation and always rinse your mouth after so that tooth decay is prevented or slowed down.
Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into the meals as these contain nutrients that are important for strong teeth.
As you make your yearly plan, set up your routine dentist appointments for checkups and professional cleaning.
Happy holidays from Ezza Dental Care and a prosperous new year.
Ezza dental Care
