You may have seen advertisements for products to straighten your teeth at home. The idea is to cut out the middleman, AKA, the dentist, to save money and time for the customer. While this may sound alluring, there are real dangers to DIY teeth straightening. Yes, some companies sell DIY teeth straightening plans, but you need to know the risks of trying to straighten your own smile.
From shops to professions and beyond, life is divided into smaller, specialized units. The same is true in dentistry. There are general dentists, and there are those who have additional training in a particular dentistry branch. These branches provide more in-depth and comprehensive knowledge in one specific area of the discipline. Such is the case with cosmetic dentistry.
Clear retainers and aligners are vital for straightening or keeping your smile straight after orthodontic treatment. Wearing these transparent devices can prevent your teeth from shifting and maintain your smile’s health and appearance. Clear retainers and aligners need special care when they are not in your mouth, protecting your smile. Here are some tips for keeping things bright and beautiful.
The relationship between the dentist and the patient is unique and important. Unique in that it is a very intimate relationship with a professional. After all, how often do you allow someone to put their fingers in your mouth? It is a vital relationship because you need to be able to trust that your dentist has your best interests at heart. Oral health is not only about the health of your teeth and gums; it can also affect your overall health. You and your dentist must be a good fit, and there can be varying reasons you may choose to find a new dentist.
You have probably heard of the old saying, “The eyes are the windows to the soul.” In today’s world, with the pandemic and so many people wearing masks, the eyes are more important than ever. People get clues to your emotions by the expression on your face. It can be challenging to “read” a person’s face when a mask covers half of it. Masks cover the mouth and therefore hide one of the facial expressions we’ve come to rely on when determining someone else’s intentions or attitude toward us. The eyes, however, can still communicate a smile’s most important message.
Daily oral hygiene is essential, even if your teeth and gums appear clean. Plaque is always forming on the teeth as you salivate, eat, or drink. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that are detrimental to oral health. Your teeth and gums are at risk if daily brushing and flossing are not part of your hygiene regimen.
I tell my patients that there are types of food and drink they should avoid. Sugary, acidic, hard, processed, and sticky food or drinks are generally not good for teeth and gums. When you break it down, these food groups are either naturally acidic or feed the bacteria found in plaque.
There is a lot going on in your mouth, even when it is squeaky clean. There are things you can see, and things you cannot see. Dental X-rays, or radiographs as they are sometimes called, give your dentist the inside information on what is happening below the surface of your teeth and gums.
Our patients often ask about products. Dental hygiene is one of those areas where stores can sell products with ambiguous claims that are often loosely based on science. Two types of products that cause the most confusion are mouth rinse and mouthwash. What is the difference, and how do you know which will most improve your oral health?
I see parents who are more well informed about their children’s dental care than ever before. They help their children develop healthy daily routines of brushing and flossing and provide a healthy diet. But many are looking for additional ways to prevent cavities. One tool available is the dental sealant.
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