Retainers are part of the treatment process to straighten crooked teeth. Your dentist may recommend that you wear a retainer at night for one year, or indefinitely after the treatment is complete. This helps to maintain your teeth in their new positions.

Key takeaways:

– Teeth continue to shift so a retainer helps keep teeth straight.

– Some people who stop wearing their retainer at night will require further treatment in the future.

– Keep your retainer by your toothbrush to make it part of your nighttime oral care routine.

To ensure that your teeth remain straight and to maintain your new smile, make sure that you follow your dentist’s advice and continue to wear your retainer.

“…wearing your retainer is the best way to keep your smile straight and prevent the need for future treatment.”

Read the full article:

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/do-i-really-need-to-wear-my-retainer-forever-and-why/

You’ve probably noticed your teeth are quite sensitive to hot and cold foods/drinks. These are often symptoms of a condition called receding gums — and below we explain what causes it.

Key takeaways:

• When plaque accumulates around your gum line, gum disease can develop and make the gums pull away (recede). 

• Aggressively brushing your teeth can also make your gums swell and recede. 

• Pregnancy and misaligned teeth can cause gum disease which may later result in receding gums.

Talk to your dentist if you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity. See your dentist every six months so these problems get treated promptly, to avoid further complications.

Read more https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/why-do-gums-recede/

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a disorder that affects the jaw joint, causing pain or discomfort when speaking or chewing. Although TMJ can be chronic, there may be cure for it depending on the root cause.

Key takeaways:

• TMJ caused by teeth grinding can improve if you address the underlying condition.
• The same applies if TMJ is the result of an accident, whose effects may improve over time.
• Treating arthritis can alleviate TMJ symptoms.

If you experience jaw pain that extends to the teeth or mouth, don’t hesitate to visit your dentist.

Read the full story here: https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/can-tmj-be-cured/

Chipped, broken or cracked teeth can lead to serious oral problems if left untreated. Here are a few things you should keep in mind if you have a crack in your tooth — or if you suspect that your tooth is cracked.

Key takeaways:

• A tooth can get cracked from blunt force trauma, chewing hard foods and objects such as pens and grinding your teeth. Also, large fillings can put immense pressure on the tooth and cause it to fracture. 

• Cracks on your tooth may not be visible but after a while you may start experiencing pain and tooth sensitivity. 

• Cracks often require minimal treatment such as dental bonding. However, visit your dentist as soon as you spot the fracture because it can get worse and result in a painful infection.

Seek your dentist’s advice to know if your cracked tooth needs professional treatment.

Chronic dry mouth is caused by a reduction in the amount of saliva produced. Saliva is important in maintaining the health of teeth and gums, and your dentist can recommend ways to improve saliva production to treat chronic dry mouth.

Key takeaways:

• Saliva washes away bacteria and acids which can harm your dental health, with reduced saliva levels increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Chronic dry mouth means there is not enough saliva present to maintain the balance of the natural fungus Candida albicans, which can result in oral thrush — white patches in the mouth.
• There are a number of ways to counter chronic dry mouth, including sipping more water and chewing sugar-free gum.

“Dry mouth can increase your risk for oral infections, tooth decay, and gum disease, not to mention bad breath. Ask your dentist how you can help treat your dry mouth to protect your smile!”

Read the full story here

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/can-chronic-dry-mouth-harm-your-dental-health/

Teeth grinding (aka, bruxism) affects your teeth and jaw, however people are often unaware that they grind their teeth at night.

Key takeaways:

• Teeth grinding puts pressure on the teeth and gums which can lead to inflammation and damage to connective tissue.

• Damage can cause tooth injury, sensitivity and uneven wear.

• The jaw can become painful through overuse and lead to related temporomandibular issues (TMJ) like waking with headaches.

If you suspect you grind your teeth, make an appointment with your dentist.

“The truth is that teeth grinding can have a bigger impact on your oral health than you might think.”

More: https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/long-term-impacts-of-teeth-grinding/

When your child’s baby teeth become loose, it is a sign their permanent teeth are starting to come through. Your child’s dentist can answer any concerns you have about a loose tooth.

Key takeaways:

• You should allow a loose tooth to fall out on its own where you can.
• Encouraging your child to wriggle their tooth can help it loosen and fall out naturally.
• Never attempt to force a loose tooth out if it is painful when your child wiggles the tooth.

“If your child is complaining that the tooth is very loose, or you’re worried the tooth may fall out while your child is sleeping, you can evaluate how loose the tooth is.”

Read the full story here:

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/should-you-pull-your-childs-loose-tooth/

From the youngest age, children should brush and floss their teeth correctly and regularly. Unfortunately, however, children often drift into bad habits in their dental care as they grow older — and this can lead to not just dental issues but also affect overall health. Daily brushing and flossing, in combination with regular check-ups at the dentist, will help to:

• Prevent many common dental issues

• Improve general body health

• Reduce the risk of dental emergencies

Maintaining a healthy and bright smile is not just good news for dental and physical health, but also provides a great boost to personal confidence.

Read more at https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/why-routine-dental-care-is-so-important/

There are some important things to look for when choosing the best dentist for your dental implants.

Key takeaways:

• Choose an experienced dentist with a wide range of dental experience.

• A dentist should be able to discuss your needs, fully explain the implant process and steps to protect your implants.

• Visit the dental team and surgery to check that the environment feels comfortable and peaceful.

Top dental implant dentists can restore your teeth and dream smile; choose wisely.

“…ask to see examples of cases similar to what the dentist proposes to do for you…”

Full article:

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/top-3-qualities-perfect-dental-implant-specialist/

Plaque is the sticky substance that builds up over your teeth. If left to accumulate, it creates acid which attacks tooth enamel. It also irritates gums and can lead to gum disease, cavities and other complications. 

Key takeaways:

• Remove plaque by brushing and flossing teeth regularly.

• Keep hydrated with water during the day.

• See your dentist regularly so they can monitor your teeth and gums.

Sore, swollen gums is a sign of gum disease. It can be treated if caught early. 

“…plaque can harden into a substance called tartar, which will need to be removed by your dentist.

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-does-plaque-cause-gum-disease-and-decay/