People today come with different views concerning water fluoridation and its effects. Since the rise of controversies surrounding it, different states stopped fluoridating their tap water. This makes the rest who are undecided or confused as to how bad fluoride is and what it is really.

Fluoride is from fluorine which is a natural element found in the soil, water and foods that we eat. It is responsible for blocking bacterial growth and infections in the mouth. It is used in creating toothpastes, mouthwashes and other dental products. Water authorities have added fluoride to their municipal water supplies as a way of preventing cavities and tooth decay; and avoiding costly dental treatments for citizens that are not well off or have a hard time paying for dental procedures. Its main aim was to lower the risk of tooth decay in their respective municipalities to benefit the bigger number of the population. The population who can’t go on regular check-ups and the likes. The concerns about adding fluoride to the water supply rose when studies were made and led to the discovery of the negative effects of fluoride to the body.

Here are the findings too much exposure to fluoride.

Dental Fluorosis.  This occurs in developing children as characterized by the hypo mineralization of their tooth’s enamel. Ingesting too much fluoride as a child can lead to streaks of white in the teeth or teeth discoloration as these stages are the starting phase of enamel formation. This effect is irreversible but your dentist can give treatments to manage the entire appearance of the damaged teeth. This is usually not a threat to the tooth’s health but mostly on its appearance.

Skeletal Fluorosis. This type of disease cause painful damage that occurs in the joints and bones in severe cases. It also makes the bones stiff and less elastic which makes sufferers more prone to bone fractures and mobility.

Fluoride Poisoning. The excessive amounts of fluoride ingested could cause abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, seizures and muscle spasms. Although this is not likely to happen if you drink tap water, this could only happen if there were accidental contamination of the drinking water in your community.

The true intention of making communities free from tooth decay, cavities and other dental problems is great and well. It benefits the public and is a natural way of addressing dental health issues. The likelihood of ingesting large quantities of fluoride is also concerning. That’s because you may put your dental health and over-all health in the line. Thanks to fluorosis.

Every individual is entitled to have their own say about this issue. In suggested amounts or levels, fluoride is a very helpful element in dental and oral health. The bottom line is that anything in excess is always bad. People should speak to their dentists if they are experiencing symptoms of ingesting too much fluoride and one must not add fluoride supplements or products without the doctor’s permission.

Our smiles are definitely one of the most attractive and best ways to show our personality and emotions. Most people put off much effort in taking care of their oral and dental health to avoid dental issues and maintain the nice appearance of their teeth. Some would even go beyond their daily regimens and have dental cosmetic treatments to enhance their smiles.

People already know that sugary foods should be avoided as it prompts bacterial growth and increases the risk of gum disease. Apart from the usual warnings, people have no clue of other things that contribute to dental problems. There are times that the things that we do or considered as the norm can harm and damage our teeth. We unconsciously put our dental and oral health at risk by simple foods and habits. Here are some unusual ways and practices that damage our teeth.

Teeth bleaching. It is quite hard to believe that making your teeth look brighter could actually damage your teeth. Over bleaching and over whitening with the use of over-the-counter kits that you use at home damages the integrity of your tooth’s enamel. Enamel erosion makes your tooth more sensitive to cold and hot foods. This is one of the few things that people think would be great for their teeth but turns out to be damaging. It’s best to consult your dentist before trying out these kits and be guided according to your current dental health status.

Tongue posture. Many people do not know this but your tongue’s position can affect your dental and oral health. People who are used to or habitually clench and grind their teeth often lose their tooth structure; have cracked tooth, and broken teeth. The best way to address this is to keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth. When you rest your tongue properly, you can help relax your jaw and make you clench less.

Using toothpicks. We often utilize toothpicks after we eat to make sure that food particles stuck in between the teeth gets pulled out. This isn’t a bad idea when dealing with large particles and if done occasionally. Toothpicks become damaging to your teeth when used with extreme force that it actually punctures the gums. They should never be used in place of dental floss and soft-bristled toothbrushes. The spaces between your teeth can get infections with the splinters you might get. This damages your gums and can put you at risk of gum disease and in severe cases tooth decay.

These unusual causes and their effects like tooth decay, gum disease and other dental health problems are highly avoidable. Learning new things about what seemed to be the norm can make you see dental health differently.

You should always exercise good dental hygiene regimen. Plus to get a better understanding on your dental health, consult a dentist or get information straight from the source. Building a relationship with your dentist is also important. This promotes comfortable experience in a clinic, wherein a patient can freely ask questions and erase doubts.

Restoring your smile has never been easy. All thanks to modern dentistry. Individuals who suffer from tooth loss no longer need to live in shame. One of the revolutionary treatments that fight this prevalent issue is denture relining.

If you are well-informed about dentures, then you’re certainly familiar with denture relining.

Dentures need natural and constant care. This basic reminder applies to all, especially to those who wear artificial teeth, such as dentures. Dentures replace and solve gap problems. As soon as you receive the dentures personally made for you, your usual routines are back on track. However, the treatment doesn’t end there! As expressed earlier, dentures need constant care. One care it periodically requires is a denture reline.

A denture reline allows your dentist to check your dentures for possible adjustments. The primary goal of this method is to ensure your dentures are of fit. After all, your mouth goes through an inevitable change of lines, forms and contours.

When mouth undergoes changes, it involves your bones and tissues. Therefore, it pays to ensure your dentures fit based on your size. Otherwise, your bones begin to shrink. This will cause a number of adverse reactions, such as falling off of dentures every time you speak, chew and eat. Embarrassing isn’t it? To prevent this from transpiring, it’s wise to follow a Los Angeles dentists or denturist’s suggestion in terms of relining your dentures once in a while. Aside from bone shrinkage, poorly fitting dentures can cause your soft tissues to wear down. If left ignored, this causes erosion which may compromise your treatment plan, causing you to get back on square one.

Men and women who are first timers when it comes to wearing of dentures can expect a lot from denture relining. One is to see their dentist removes a layer of an existing denture surface. This is to create an exact impression to ensure it creates a new base for your artificial teeth. There are two ways to create an impression. Your dentist can either do it inside his dental office or in a dental lab. Usually, dentists prefer the dental lab. This is to achieve longer-lasting surface.

Denture relines come with two types. These are hard denture reline and soft denture reline. The hard denture reline consists of hard pink acrylics that work and complement well with your mouth’s contours. Those who opt for this type of reline should visit their dentist twice a year to ensure your gum tissues gets maximum hold. Contrary, soft denture reline is for those with soft gums. Dentists who create this one ensure flexible materials.

If you’re currently wearing a denture, it is really imperative to work with your dentist frequently. To learn more of denture relining, you can consult a dentist or a denturist.

When you maintain your confidence, there are lots of things you need to consider. One is your teeth. You must ensure your teeth are working fine and are in perfect condition. Therefore, they should be free from dental problems. Apparently, not all can prevent dental problems from transpiring. This results to oral health deterioration and tooth loss.

Tooth loss seems to be the end of your oral health. But as for modern dentistry, it’s not. Ever wonder why? Thanks to dentures!

Dentures are your best solution against missing teeth problems. These artificial teeth appear and act like natural teeth that can help you restore your smile. Dentures can be in full set or partial. But regardless of what you choose, you can expect these fake but sturdy teeth to be effective and practical. Aside from enhancing your smile, dentures help you with your daily routines. Since this comes with authentic materials, it can help you chew, eat and speak well. Moreover, dentures enhance your self-confidence. You need not to fret every time you attend an important gathering or celebration.

Individuals who suffer from missing teeth problems can rely on dentures. First timers can select which type they prefer.

Complete dentures are either conventional or immediate. Conventional means you can use this only after your dentist in downtown Los Angeles removes your remaining teeth and when he ensures all your gum tissues had healed. This usually takes 2-3 months. Contrary, immediate dentures become available on the same day you removed your remaining teeth. Therefore, there will be no healing period at this time. This is really beneficial especially for those who’d like to overcome missing teeth problems.

Partial dentures come with two types: removable and fixed. A removable partial denture utilizes a gum-colored plastic base to attach the replacement teeth. Dentists usually called this as dental bridge. Through connecting them by a metal framework, you can ensure the artificial teeth are in place. While a removable partial denture uses a plastic base, a fixed partial denture works with a dental crown. Fixed partial dentures can replace one or more missing teeth. Once he placed the crowns on the teeth that surround the space, he will cement the bridge to keep them in place.

Regardless of which denture type you choose, don’t forget that it all depends on your dentist. Therefore, the success of your treatment relies on the hands of your dental specialist. With this, ensure you work with one.

Professional dentists will give you pointers on how to keep your dentures healthy and long-lasting. One pointer he gives is dental care. Dental care and regular dental visits are basic methods used to prevent and fight all types of dental problems, including the possible risk that can endanger your dentures in the future.

Tooth decay is dentistry’s largest epidemic. This can affect anyone that if left ignored and unattended, this can cause havoc to your oral health. Based on research, cavities are harder to detect now. This is why you are always advised to see your dentist frequently.

However, not all of us are fond of seeing a dentist. Most of us think that teeth brushing with fluoride can do the entire trick. Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with that since they are part of dental care. But did you know that excessive usage of fluoride can harden the enamel? Fluoride can tear the enamel which opens a window for cavities.

Luckily, laser dentistry makes it easier for us now to detect this problem through the aid of our dentist in Los Angeles.

Unlike the conventional x-ray machine, laser cavity detector can find even the slightest sign of cavity, including those that hide underneath your teeth. And similar with other dental problems, early detection of cavity means less repair work. Early detection of cavity retains your enamel’s integrity. The healthier your enamel becomes the higher chance your teeth last for a couple of years!

Laser cavity detector is more beneficial compared to traditional x-rays. Unlike dental x-rays’ 57 accuracy of detecting cavities, laser cavity detector are 90 percent more accurate. No wonder why a lot of patients resort to this instead of x-rays.

As per stated by experts, these detectors work based on the fact that healthy teeth allow light to penetrate easily. So if the laser passes through easily your teeth, your teeth are in good shape. The detector beams a laser light all through the chewing area of your teeth. This pen-like device mirrors the look of a light wand. Laser cavity detector device scans the area of your teeth particularly on the chewing part. It has an attached readout portion where it checks your teeth’s density and sees whether it carries the potential signs of cavities. If the light wavelengths increase while your dentist checks your mouth, your teeth might be in danger.

Early detection of cavity means a lot of things. Aside from helping you achieve healthier teeth and fight dental illnesses, this device can help you prevent any oral symptoms that cause general health issues. Once the device finds a tooth cavity sign, he will perform a dental filling treatment to prevent cavities from spreading to the dentin and enamel.

Since the laser cavity detector is 90 percent accurate in detecting cavities, you’ll have no reason to get onslaught with cavities. Conventional x-rays are effective, too. But you can really see the huge difference between the two. However, you must learn that the effect of laser cavity detector machine always rely in the dentist. This is the primary reason of always getting the best and most efficient dentist.

Reliable dentists offer reliable treatments. So if your dentist is incompetent, surely your visit will be for nothing. For you to get the best dentist, you should ask for trusted referrals. In most cases, the best suggestions come from your loved ones and friends who recently experienced a one-of-a-kind dental visit. Should you find a licensed dentist, you can discuss your cavity problem right away.

Dentists today offer both traditional x-rays and laser cavity detector machine especially when it comes to cavity problems. If you want to get the best choice, you should ask your dentist. Effective dentists mostly open a good discussion with you. He will give you an option that can both secure your teeth and your wallet. After saving your teeth from cavities, your dentist will recommend you general dental care. This preventive method fights any kinds of dental illnesses, including cavities.

To learn more about laser cavity detector, visit a dentist now. He will give you the several perks of this machine and how can it save you from the risks of cavities and other dental problems.

If you care so much about your teeth, you must start exercising good oral hygiene. The deed involves several strategies that can improve and maximize your dental health. Daily brushing is one good example. This is done on a daily basis and should be exercised thru the use of soft-bristled toothbrushes and fluoride-rich toothpaste.

Good oral hygiene is considered as preventive care. This can help you save money, reduce interactions on dental treatments and improve your oral health. However, brushing and flossing aren’t enough to protect your teeth. That is why a lot of dental professionals advocate regular dental visits. This act completes your oral hygiene equation.

Regular dental checkups are done at least twice per annum. One of the procedures done is dental cleaning in which an on call dentist conducts inspection of your teeth and gums. The purpose is to clean your teeth thoroughly. Also, this helps figure whether your teeth are exposed to the risks of dental problems, such as periodontal disease and cavities. In typical cases, your dentist will execute dental x-rays. This type of examination will help your dentist examine your mouth, teeth, gums and even your jaw’s movements. As a result for dental cleanings, your teeth are polished and clean.

How Can Regular Dental Office Visits Benefit You?

Regular dental visits can benefit you. Besides maintaining your dental health in good condition, this fights bacteria and dental problems. Bad bacteria are known to cause various problems, like gingivitis which is extremely dangerous especially to pregnant women. Dental visits also help you detect other non-dental conditions that have oral symptoms. Diabetes, stroke and heart problems are living proofs of this.

Regular dental consultation is among the most in-demand procedures in achieving wholesome mouth. Apart from identifying dental difficulties and general health conditions, like cavities and gum disease, this method can save you from future expenses of complicated dental procedures, like root canal treatments.

You must learn that regular dental office visits promote healthy smile and boosted confidence. If you’d like to have one, practice oral hygiene and visit your dentist now.

A lot of people desire to get whiter teeth. Besides helping you get a good smile, white teeth mean wholesome oral health.

Teeth whitening treatments are considered as one of the most popular treatments in Dentistry. This method is safe and can make your teeth extremely white! As per stated by research, teeth whitening involve the use of bleaching. The ingredient can break the stains of your teeth and lighten them in several shades. Tooth whitening is a simple process. This form of dentistry must and should be performed by a professional dentist or dental hygienist with dentist’s prescription.

There are numerous establishments that offer teeth whitening. However, it still pays to ensure that have professional dental practitioners on board. Remember, applying teeth whitening products without a credible specialist can inflict risks to your oral health.

Teeth whitening comes with different options, including:

Teeth Whitening Options

Teeth whitening boosts smile and fights stains. Regardless of the following options below, you can ensure you can achieve brighter and whiter smile.

Whitening toothpaste is the most common teeth whitening option. This is composed with mild abrasive agents that can remove the stains and scrub the teeth. Some whitening toothpaste contains chemical agents or gentle polishing that can provide stain removal effectiveness and can lighten your teeth for one shade! To ensure the whitening toothpaste is safe and effective, look for the ADA seal. The seal verifies acceptance of American Dental Association and proves its efficiency in removing stains on your teeth’s surface.

Over-the-counter whitening strips and gels are also part of the options that can whiten your teeth. These whitening kits are clear and are made from peroxide. This can be directly applied to your teeth through the use of a small toothbrush. However, not all whitening strips and gels work the same. That is why it pays to read the instructions before using. Based on analysis, the effects of this product can be seen in a few days.

Mouthwashes or Mouth Rinses are whitening kits you can also enjoy. These innovative and cutting-edge whitening products are popularly known to fight bad breath and reduce plaques. Mouthwashes also fight the potential risks of periodontal disease. More often than not, it takes 3 months to perceive the expected results. In essence, mouthwashes are used through swishing them in your mouth. The instruction mostly requires 60 seconds to remove the stains, bacteria, dental plaques and likelihood of bad breath. Mouthwashes are often applied twice per day before brushing. However, it’s advised to visit a dentist first since mouthwashes come with different types and different purposes.

Tray-based Tooth Whitening System also is one of the whitening kits to relish. This can be obtained over-the-counter or from your dentist. Tray-based teeth whitening involve mouth-guard like tray with the use of gel whitening solutions that contain bleaching agent. This should be worn during the night for at least 4 weeks.

In-Office Bleaching is a procedure that requires only one dental office visit. This is also called as chair-side bleaching that involves gel or a rubber shield. The procedure of this whitening kit necessitates dentists to apply the gel or rubber shield to the patient’s gum before the bleaching agent. After that, a special light is applied to further improve the deed.

At-Home Bleaching contains peroxide bleaching agent. This kit mainly bleaches the enamel thru a whitening gel placed on a tray. At-home bleaching may also involve using a whitening strip. However, the bleaching agent’s concentration is lower compared to your dentist’s.

What to expect from teeth whitening?

It’s always advisable to have your teeth whiten by a professional dentist. Regardless of specialty, research shows that any registered dental hygienists or dentists can perform the teeth whitening procedure. However, always keep in mind that teeth whitening only work with natural teeth. Therefore, this doesn’t take effect on dentures, fillings, veneers and crowns. Also, the treatment may contain risks and adverse reactions. One common unhealthy yet temporary effect is sensitivity.

Teeth whitening truly help in whitening your teeth. To ensure successful treatment that can work for years, call a dentist.

There are 15 percent of Americans reported with dental anxiety today. This dental phobia is considered as among the deadliest difficulties faced today. Because aside from inducing sweaty hands, tension and frustration, dental anxiety paralyzes your interest of dentists or dental treatments.

Luckily, we have available treatments for that guilty party.

But what really causes dental anxiety? How to prevent it? Can you overcome this problem? And should you be scared with this?

Dental professionals further stressed that dental anxiety shouldn’t be feared. Of course, this doesn’t imply ignoring the problem. But this simply means overcoming the problem using the right solution with the help of a rightful person.

Dental anxiety can be acquired in different situations, reasons and occurrences. One of the main causes is having an awful experience during the first dental visit. Dental anxiety may also stem from feeling out of control inside a dental office situation. Moreover, dental professionals stated that a person who most likely ignore or neglect their dental health often triggers dental anxiety.

Regardless of the causes, dental anxiety shouldn’t be overlooked. It requires immediate attention with your dentist as soon as possible!

Based on research, the most common tool for overcoming dental anxiety and fear is sedation dentistry. This includes the use of local anesthesia, general anesthesia, oral sedation, laughing gas, computer-generated anesthesia and nitrous oxide. Sedation dentistry handles anxious patients. Its main goal is to promote relaxation especially to those who are struggling during the dental visit.

Other relaxing techniques that fight dental anxiety are yoga and acupuncture. Clearly, yoga and acupuncture promote steady breathing. Aside from that, this stimulates your nerves to relax which makes you comfortable during your dental session. Recent study shows also proved that listening to music eases dental anxiety. No wonder why music isn’t just for entertainment but for health purposes as well. Dental anxiety patients can also try hypnotherapy sessions. Hypnotherapy is a psychotherapy type of session where are patient’s responses, attitudes and behaviors are changed subconsciously.

Anxious patients shouldn’t be afraid with dental anxiety. With all the available treatments and our 24 hour dentists in Los Angeles available to you, its dental anxiety that should be scared!

Over 36 million of Americans nowadays are suffering from periodontal disease. The condition is the primary effect of neglecting dental health and practicing bad oral habits.

Periodontal disease or also known as gum disease, is a condition that involves your: gums, bone and teeth. Like other dental problems, the dilemma goes through a course. Its  stage is called gingivitis.

Gingivitis is caused by lack of good oral hygiene. When you skip dental brushing, dental plaques start to buildup. If left ignored, the plaques become dental tartars. These sticky films are much harder to remove unlike dental plaques which should require a  professional teeth cleaning. The result is a handful of bad bacteria.

We are all aware that dental plaques irritates the gums. This causes infection which results to gum inflammation. While you allow gingivitis to flourish and spread, chances of the bacteria to enter the bloodstream are high. This fact alone possibly weakens your organs, causing more trouble. Several of the common effects of gingivitis to your overall health are: heart disease, preterm or low birth weight babies, diabetes, stroke and respiratory disease.

Gingivitis comes with a form called the acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. This comes with unlimited pain that destroys your tissues. Without immediate attention, the infection can spread.

Fortunately, gingivitis treatments are available today. That is why individuals with gingivitis are advised to see an emergency dentist in LA instantly. The most common treatment is the scaling and root planing procedure. This involves removing of dental plaques and tartars and deep cleaning. One efficient way also to reduce the infection is to continue good oral hygiene practices. Therefore, exercise daily brushing, flossing and use mouthwash.

Of course, let’s not skip regular dental visits. Always remember that consulting your personal dentist help you enhance your dental health and fight any chances of gingivitis. Just make sure your chosen dentist is credible. Don’t forget that selecting unfitted dentist can make the condition worse and the infection spread.

In case you experience bleeding gums and sudden color changes of your gums, talk to your dentist immediately. Remember, nothing’s mild when it comes to your dental health.

One of the lifetime obligations as a person is to secure dental health. This keeps both teeth and body free from health-related issues, like oral problems. Obviously, neglecting oral health allows dental problems to breed. This exposes your teeth from tooth decay and oral cavities. Sadly, not all of us are devoted enough to practice regular dental hygiene, like dental flossing and brushing. Instead, they continue engaging to bad oral habits, like eating sugary foods!

Thankfully, there are non-sugar chewing gums you can rely on. Most dental office reviews said these products are the best solution to fight dental problems. The chewing gums are proven to reduce levels of cavities and tooth decay. Unlike the conventional gums, sugar-free gums prevent bacteria to flourish while keeping saliva production in great flow.

Chewing sugary gum is a popular habit that generates dental problems. This product item comes with an array of flavors, including mint, bubblegum, fruit, cinnamon and the likes. Despite the sweetness of this product, dentists cannot deny the adverse effects it can inflict to the dental health. For this reason, experts developed sugar-free gums.

In the past years, humans are unearthed to have long desire on chewing habits. This common practice started way back in 3000 BC where individuals are recognized to chew lumps of birch bark tar. The chewing habit became more popular when John B. Curtis introduced the very first chewing gums. This gum is called as The State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum. This gum is considered as the first commercialized chewing gums which men and women wholeheartedly embraced.

The spruce gum started in 1850s – pretty close to the phenomenal introduction of natural chewing gums in 1860s. These chewing gums are originated in Mexico. It is made from evergreen tree which is also accepted by thousands of individuals. The natural gum is called chicle. It is chewable and free from toxic which is extremely perfect as candy.

Individuals who are fond of chewing gums should consider non-sugar items. These types of gums eliminate dental problems, like bad breath. Sugar-free gums also help smokers quit cigarette smoking. In fact, this can be treated as a diet acid. Other than the mentioned perks, non-sugar chewing gums also boost dental health. Dental professionals proved that this product item can reduce and eliminate the potential risks of tooth decay and cavities. Aside from that, this increases saliva production.

Great flow of saliva production is essential to the digestion process. With an increased production of saliva, you can lower the food and sugar traces on teeth.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that all these dental perks only exist on sugar-free gums. Fact remains that aside chewing sugar-free gums, oral hygiene is the best mean to boost dental health. This involves regular brushing and flossing of teeth. These two basic methods help reduce the odds of dental problems. Of course, don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly. An average individual is required to visit his dentist twice a year.

To learn more, seek professional help. They can help you what gums to settle with along with other dental care tips.