Smile Point Dental Victoria

Categories
Dental care

Can braces cause a gummy smile?

A gummy smile is a smile that shows a lot of gum line, causing embarrassment and insecurity for those who have it. 

Gummy smiles, also known as excessive gingival display, can be caused by a host of issues with your mouth like jaw development issues, incorrect bite, hyperactive or overly short upper lip, and orthodontic treatments. 

After orthodontic treatment your teeth are straight and your smile is beautiful. Unfortunately, there are times when gums can be swollen and bleed during orthodontic treatment due to poor brushing and a genetic predisposition to having inflamed gums. 

A long-lasting inflammation of your gums can lead to what is called gingival hyperplasia or gingival enlargement. Brushing and frequent cleanings during braces treatment are key to avoiding this issue.

Swollen gums make teeth look short, your gums can surround the braces causing cavities under this extra tissue. It is a common issue that needs to be resolved during and/or after braces. A periodontist is one that specializes in reducing your gummy smile during and after treatment.

Improved oral hygiene and prevention of gum disease are some of the things to keep in mind to treat gummy smiles.  

The following are some of the dental treatments that can help treat gummy smiles.

  • A dental treatment called gingivectomy will fix a gummy smile most of the time. 
  • Crown lengthening is yet another technique that is opted in the more severe cases.
  • Root planing and scaling is also an option; in the process the dentist removes plaque from the tooth all the way to the root, including under the gum. Subsequent to scaling the teeth, your dentist will then, at that point, smooth out your tooth’s roots to help your gums reattach. This is a decent choice to both deep clean your teeth and change your gum line.
  • Botox is also a popular option for treating gummy smiles. If the underlying cause of your gummy smile is a hyperactive upper lip, you have to go for botox. Whenever you inject Botox into your upper lip, it will restrict the range of movement for your upper lip, which will restrict the amount of your gums that show when you smile, ultimately helping reduce gummy smiles.

So the bottom line is if you wish to treat your gummy smile or the underlying issues that are causing your gummy smile, make sure to consult your dentist or orthodontist about your issues. They’ll be the right ones to discuss treatment options with you as well as determine whether your issue is purely aesthetic or if there’s an underlying issue. 

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!

Categories
Dental care

Do braces make your breath stink?

Do braces make your breath stink?
Bad breath happens to everyone occasionally, and you should usually be able to fix it by brushing and flossing regularly. However, if you have braces, you will need to keep your mouth fresh by changing your routine.

Why do braces cause bad breath?
Your braces do not smell bad – it’s your mouth bacteria that does.

People who wear braces often experience problems with food getting trapped in their braces. Whenever food particles are left in your teeth, they become a source of nutrition for bacteria, and this leads to an unpleasant smell developing in your mouth as bacteria build up.

You likely have bad breath with braces if you don’t clean your braces after eating regularly.

Listed below are some tips for keeping your breath fresh while wearing braces:

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the key to keeping your breath fresh when you have braces. For the best results, brush your teeth every morning, each time you eat, and before going to bed.

Flossing with water or dental floss can help remove trapped food particles. Brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper may be necessary.

You can also try these other ways to freshen your breath:

  • Use mouthwash
  • Stay hydrated
  • Replace your toothbrush more frequently
  • Take sugarless mints
  • Avoid strongly scented foods

Making changes to your daily routine is necessary when you get braces. Luckily, these easy tricks will help you keep your breath fresh while you undergo orthodontic treatment.

Ask your dentist about other questions you may have about living with braces.

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!

Categories
Dental care

What is Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology?

Oral and maxillofacial radiology, also referred to as dentomaxillofacial radiology, is a branch of dentistry that uses radiography to treat illnesses, abnormalities, and ailments. Imaging techniques such as MRI, X-Ray, and CT scans are used to diagnose and treat problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw, among other things.

Techniques in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology 
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology use diagnostic imaging to examine craniofacial and dental structures. Imagining techniques include

  • Digital Imaging
  • Computed Tomography (CT) and plain films
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Ultrasound (US)

Oral symptoms usually have a bone and skeletal base under the soft tissues. Because radiographs can reveal non-clinically visible structures: the imaging technology helps dental practitioners to deal with many unidentified issues.

Advantages of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

  • Preparation for surgery in the affected area
  • Diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer
  • Making a treatment plan for orthodontics
  • Planning for dental implants
  • Visualizing abnormal teeth
  • Evaluation of unusual pain in your face or jaw,
  • Assessment of cavity formation
  • Diagnosis of unidentified dental problems

Practicing Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology 
A degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology takes 4-5 years. Starting with a dental degree, followed by postgraduate studies, and then passing the state licensure exam. Training includes procedures and interpretation of maxillofacial CT, CBCT, MRI, ultrasound, and other imaging modalities.

Oral and maxillofacial radiology is gaining popularity everywhere. Its precision and comprehensive interpretations to help with the diagnosis are very helpful and essential parts for dentistry.

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!

Categories
Dental care

How do you clean dental implant abutment?

The implant recovery abutment should be lightly wiped clean with a gentle brush and toothpaste. If you choose to use an electric-powered toothbrush, flip the motor off while cleansing the uncovered recovery abutment because the vibrations might not facilitate implant recovery. You can mouth rinse or use any toothpaste.

How is the abutment connected to the implant?
To place the abutment, the surgeon will reopen your gum to expose the dental implant. He or she can connect the abutment that closes your gum tissue around it.

What has to be consumed after abutment healing?
Some meals encouraged after implant surgical operation are boiled or mashed potatoes, tender culmination like bananas, peaches or melons, macaroni and cheese, soup, eggs, pudding, applesauce, and cakes without nuts or seeds.

How do you deal with an abutment?
You do not have to wash or wipe with pressure, meals and plaque will come away easily. Continue to rinse with salt water during the whole day. You may also lightly brush the restoration abutment while sweeping your teeth. You do not have to brush harshly as you may harm the gum tissue and implant.

What is the right manner to clean dental implants?

  • Clean at least two times an afternoon with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
  • A low-abrasive toothpaste should be used.
  • Brush beneath and across the implant crown.
  • Use nylon-lined interdental brush to clean hard-to-attain places.
  • Floss each day with unwaxed tape or implant-precise floss.
  • An advocated oral irrigator should be used.

Do implants require special cleaning? 
There is no special way to clean an implant and it must be cared for in the same way as a natural tooth. Great oral hygiene is essential to prevent bacteria from generation around implants.

How to brush the healing abutments? 
Be as gentle as possible while brushing your teeth. You do not have to brush the restoration abutment for the primary week. Use the PeridexTM rinse to clean the implant area as directed, twice daily.

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!

Categories
Dental care

Can Chewing Gum Prevent Cavities?

Most of the time, chewing gum is perceived as a dirty or annoying habit, but do you know it may help prevent cavities?

Notwithstanding regular dental exams and proper at-home hygiene, chewing gum may likewise be vital to remember for your daily practice.

Before you judge the next person you see blowing bubbles, ensure you find out with regards to how chewing gum can help prevent cavities with the below-listed information.

How does chewing gum prevent cavities? 
When you chew on sugarless gum, your mouth builds its flow of saliva. Saliva washes away food and debris from your teeth, kills acids from bacteria, and also provides substances that fight diseases in your mouth.  Furthermore, increased saliva carries phosphate and calcium to strengthen tooth enamel which is liable for safeguarding your teeth.

The gum likewise cleans your teeth. Food particles and bacteria from your teeth. After you bite it for ten minutes, a piece of gum has caught around 100 million bacteria from your mouth. That is the reason you want to try to discard it when you’re done-it may clean your mouth, yet the gum gets extremely filthy.

How often do you chew gum?
Before you go overboard with chewing gum, there’s a time and place to chew it that will help your dental health. For best possible results, chew gum after eating a full meal or drinking something other than water. Chewing the gum in the wake of eating or drinking will assist with washing away the debris and sugar from your teeth.

If you chew too much gum, you could begin experiencing jaw pain. On the off chance that this occurs, it’s a great idea to cut back. Studies have linked gum chewing to TMJ, particularly in teenagers. Also, sugarless sugars here and there cause an upset stomach if a lot is consumed.

Keep brushing & flossing 
While chewing sugarless gum is a feasible method to prevent cavities, it should never be a replacement for brushing and flossing your teeth. It’s as yet critical to brush and floss no less than two times every day, once toward the beginning of the day and once before hitting the bed. Brushing and flossing are the best method for preventing cavities, however, it’s unlikely you’re going to brush after every meal and drink.

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!