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Jaw clenching occurring subconsciously when sleeping or even during the day is a stress reaction. The clenching is characterized by unexplained pain in the face and jaw area, headaches, swelling in the gums, and tooth sensitivity due to enamel erosion and broken teeth, which may eventually result in tooth loss. You must not think treatments for tooth loss are readily available but must attempt to overcome the issue of jaw clenching, especially if it is related to stress.

In many cases, adequate self-care by restraining the jaw and reducing any underlying stress responsible for the issue proves beneficial. However, you may need professional medical care if the problem persists in leaving you with discomfort.

How to Deal with Stress?

Stress causes you to clench your jaw during the day and night. You cannot let stress affect you all the time, thinking it is unavoidable. You must figure out ways to deal with the causes of stress and try to identify them.

Consider keeping a journal to note any incident that causes anxiety paying particular attention to the reasons of stress occurring immediately during daytime incidents of jaw clenching. Attempt to avoid stress triggers as possible. If you find it challenging, balance out the behaviors to help relax your mind. You can consider listening to music, having a warm bath, meditating, or settle your mind with aromatherapy.

Sleep Cycle Regulation

Practicing a regular sleeping pattern not merely improves your quality of sleep but also helps to reduce jaw clenching during night time. Getting at least eight hours of sleep every night can reduce your overall stress making it easier for you to quit clenching during the day.

Try and get into bed at the same time every day regardless of your schedule and wake up similarly by trying to get the entire eight hours of sleep in between. Remaining in bed longer will not help you unless you attempt to improve your quality of sleep. Try to relax your mind and body before going to bed. Helpful methods you can use include avoiding caffeine and alcohol that after your body’s sleep cycle. Room temperatures at comfortable levels and turn off bright lights and any sources of noise.

Getting Exercise Is Also Helpful

Regular exercise is a stress buster, and it can also regulate your mood and immune system. The stress causing your jaw clenching reduces, and the muscles in your jaw become stronger and elastic. Strenuous exercises are not necessary to benefit from this option. You can use moderate methods of training for 30 minutes a day, five times a week. Continue with this practice for at least two months, if not permanently.

Seeking Medical Attention

Jaw clenching also results from teeth grinding, which leaves your jaw muscles sore. It will be helpful to have your dental health evaluated and seek bruxism treatment from your dentist if necessary. Your dentist may recommend a nightguard, similar to mouthguards worn by sports persons when involved in contact sports.

Your dentist may recommend dental splints made from soft acrylic and customized for your mouth. These appliances won’t stop the clenching of your jaw but will reduce the associated pain and prevent detention in your jaw from worsening.

Mouthguards and night splints are usually reserved for nighttime use. However, if you experience daytime clenching, you can use the appliances for relief, even during the daytime.

Muscle relaxants Are Also Helpful to Overcome Jaw Clenching

Muscle relaxants relax the muscles of your jaw to prevent jaw clenching. You can inquire with your doctor about getting muscle relaxants, either oral or injected.

Your doctor prescribes oral relaxants for use only for short periods. It is to avoid dependency on the medication because they relax the entire immune system of your body. They can make you drowsy and are best taken just before bedtime.

If you prefer the injected variety, your doctor describes Botox injections administered directly into the affected area. The injections merely relax the surrounding jaw muscles. However, these treatments last for extended periods and last resort when other conservative treatments have failed.

Jaw clenching is undoubtedly discomforting and leaves you concerned about whether you are affected by a life-threatening issue. However, use the methods suggested above to reduce stress and understand the underlying causes of the condition. You will not find it challenging to overcome the issue over a period.

Though our teeth are strong and can last for a long, they can sometimes get worn out or damaged due to various reasons. When you have severely damaged teeth, poor dental support, or a misaligned jaw, you may experience jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms. Jaw misalignment can also affect your facial muscles, making you look old.

While we have several dental treatments that can help fix one or two of these problems, a full mouth reconstruction can fix these problems all at once.

The idea of getting a full mouth rehabilitation can be intimidating for some people, and they may therefore ignore it. But, it is a treatment that can help restore and rebuild your mouth. This post answers some of the full mouth reconstruction FAQs.

What is Full Mouth Reconstruction?

Full mouth rehabilitation involves a series of dental procedures designed to rebuild, replace, or restore the healthy functioning of your teeth.

Who Can Benefit from Full Mouth Restoration?

Several reasons can force the dentist to recommend a full mouth reconstruction, such as

• If you have a dental disease that affects your gum tissues like gingivitis or periodontal disease.
• Your teeth are severely damaged after a fall or accident.
• You have worn down teeth and jawbones because of bruxism.
• Jaw misalignment

What Does Full Mouth Restoration Involve?

Full mouth reconstruction involves treatments that address specific health problems. The dentist can use a combination of both prosthodontics and restorative procedures such as:

• Dental implants. These are metal posts fixed on the jaw bone to act as roots and anchor the artificial teeth. Teeth implants replace missing teeth and are great if you have sufficient bone support.
• Dental bridges. These can help replace missing teeth, but the procedure is non-invasive and easy to fix. The procedure, however, requires the reshaping of the enamel, which is irreversible.
• Dentures. They are false teeth that are used to replace multiple or all teeth.
• Gum disease treatment. Gum inflammation can cause pain and also trigger receding of gums. In the early stages, scaling and root planning can be done to get rid of the infection. But in the advanced stage, gum surgery is recommended to prevent deterioration of the jaw. The procedure also helps to reattach the gum pockets on the teeth’ surface.
• Bone grafting. Missing teeth and periodontitis can damage your supporting bone, which may cause the teeth to weaken. A bone graft can be done to stimulate bone growth and restore dental support.
• Orthodontic treatment. Having misaligned teeth can damage the jaw and also impair your oral health. Braces and other orthodontic devices can help realign the teeth and restore them to the correct position.
• TMD treatment. Several conditions may affect the Temporomandibular joint and impair your ability to move the jaw. Treatments like pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and mouth guards, among others, can be used to relieve the pain.

How is the Procedure Done?

Before the treatment is started, our dentist will do a comprehensive assessment of your teeth and gums. He will then discuss your treatment goals and choose a suitable dental procedure based on your dental condition.

Is Full Mouth Reconstruction Similar to Smile Makeover?

Although they are used interchangeably, full mouth reconstruction, and smile makeover are different. FMR is used to restore the health and function of your teeth. The treatment involves a combination of restorative procedures. A smile makeover is done to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile.

How Long Will the Reconstruction Process Take?

The duration of mouth reconstruction will differ based on the types of procedures done and your oral health. However, most treatments take a few months to a year to be completed.

Is the Full Mouth Reconstruction Procedure Painful?

No, because our dentist will use anesthesia to numb the gums. Sedation dentistry may also be used depending on the complexity of the dental problem and the severity of your dental phobia.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit KK dental for more information on full mouth reconstruction and how it can improve your health.

Excessive grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaws can be common among children or adults. Such a practice can be detrimental to your teeth and jaws. With the advancement of dental science, there is a treatment for all dental ailments. Jaw pain and teeth sensitivity is a common phenomenon that can be treated by dentists.

Children might develop the habit of clenching or grinding their teeth while sleeping. Teeth grinding or bruxism might be encountered without any symptoms, while others might have headaches, jaw pain, tooth pain, or other dental problems. Teeth sensitivity might also be another visible symptom of bruxism.

What is Bruxism?

The grinding of teeth during the night or day is termed as bruxism. The clenching of teeth might be caused by anxiety and stress and can occur even during sleep. Such grinding of the teeth can cause cuts of the oral cavity or painful jaws. The primary reason for such grinding of teeth during sleep might be sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Since most of the clenching of teeth occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they have developed the habit of grinding teeth.

The Symptoms of Bruxism

A dull constant headache accompanied by a sore jaw on waking up can be the telltale symptom of bruxism. If you suspect of grinding teeth during sleep, you should consult your dentist. Such practice might cause severe damage to the teeth, jaws, and the oral cavity.

Grinding your teeth can damage the teeth and result in fracturing, losing the dental roots, or permanent teeth loss. Regular clenching of the teeth can cause permanent damage to the dental roots, and you might need a root canal treatment to set it right.

The continuous stress caused due to grinding the teeth might lead to TMJ, and jaw pain would be the primary symptom. The other symptoms of bruxism include:

• Pain in the facial cavity.
• Aches in the ear.
• Severe or moderate headaches.
• Disrupted sleep due to continuous grinding of teeth.
• Worn-out teeth that increases tooth sensitivity.
• Broken teeth or a lost dental filling
• Pain or stiffness of the jaws, which might also lead to TMJ.

The Treatment

The primary job of the dentist is to determine the reasons for the grinding of teeth. Even if night guards or mouthguards are incorporated, but clenching of teeth would damage them. So, the dentist needs to find out the reasons for the grinding of teeth.

Recent studies have revealed that grinding of teeth is linked with stress and anxiety. You might need to devise ways to reduce anxiety to nullify the clenching of teeth. The continuous pressure exerted on the teeth and jaws due to teeth’s grinding is the primary reason for bruxism.

Dentists might prescribe some antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to reduce the grinding of teeth. Sleep disorders should be addressed to reduce the clenching of teeth. Obstructive sleep apnea might also be the reason for teeth grinding.

Sleep paralysis or hallucination might also cause teeth clenching. Recreational drugs, smoking, or drinking can make the grinding of teeth worse. The children are more prone to teeth grinding during the transition phase from milk teeth to permanent teeth.

Splints and mouthguards are dental prostheses that can be used on the prescription of the dentist. Mouthguards and night guards are one of the best bruxism treatments. These are designed to keep the teeth separated and avoid the damage caused by teeth grinding stress and pressure.

Tips to Avoid Bruxism

• Avoid alcohol as grinding intensifies after drinking.
• Avoid chocolates and reduce the consumption of caffeinated beverages.
• Training yourself not to grind or clench your teeth.
• Relax your jaw muscles by performing exercises.
• Not chewing anything other than food as biting nails or pens.
• Reduce stress and anxieties by practicing relaxation techniques.
• Practice good sleeping techniques.

In severe tooth sensitivity cases, the dentist might need to reshape your teeth’s chewing surfaces to repair the sensitivity. A lost filling should be attended to reduce increasing chances of bruxism immediately. With in-house specialists and the incorporation of advanced technology, you can get multispecialty dental care at KK Dental. With multiple locations and flexible hours, you can acquire comprehensive dental care here.

Do you have missing teeth and are searching for a successful method of replacing them? You may want a solution that can give you many benefits and must, therefore, research deep and wide for an appropriate solution.

Contacting a dentist immediately will be foremost in your mind even though your missing teeth do not qualify as an emergency. You probably want to maintain your natural smile by having a replacement solution that will boost your confidence and quality of life. You could be searching for an option that allows you to display sparkling teeth on the outside while feeling a smile coming back on the inside. How can you achieve your goal of having all the benefits you had with your natural teeth?

Tooth Replacement Solutions Are Not Challenging to Find

Dentures are acting as tooth replacement solutions for many years. Having a solution like dentures will provide you natural-looking artificial teeth to resemble as though you have undergone Mouth Reconstruction. However, dentures have their drawbacks and can slip when wearing them.

Dental bridges are another option you can consider as a treatment for the missing teeth. However, you must understand your adjacent teeth will bear the impact of having the bridges. The teeth neighboring the gap left behind by the missing teeth must be ground down before dental bridges can be placed.

The two options suggested will require replacements every five to 10 years to keep you in constant mouth Reconstruction mode throughout your life. The situation will be entirely different if you opt for the treatment with a dental implant that is a semipermanent solution for the issue affecting you.

Why Must You Choose This Option to Correct Your Problem?

Although you have different methods to correct the issue affecting you, opting for the one recommended by your dentist will give you all the benefits that you want from implants. Not only will the restoration help you to have your smile and confidence back but also restore your oral health to its past glory when you had your natural teeth.

Let Us Look at Some of the Benefits That You Achieve with Implants:

• Implants don’t impact your adjacent teeth. Tooth replacement solutions of other varieties require your adjacent teeth to be ground down before the restoration can be anchored in your mouth. Thankfully implants do not subject you to any such requirements and leave your adjacent teeth unharmed.
• Stable and comfortable fit offered by this restoration. As the implants are inserted into your jawbone, they are more durable, comfortable, and long-lasting than other restorations. Furthermore, the placement material is made from biocompatible products, ensuring that your body tolerates them appropriately.
• Long-lasting solution. Implants are significantly durable than other tooth replacement solutions. If you maintain excellent oral hygiene and care for the implants appropriately, you can expect them to last for many years, including a lifetime. Ever since they were discovered in 1965, decades of research have gone into their functionality and stability. They have evolved over time and have become the preferred option for people to replace missing teeth.
• Cost-effective treatment. Implant treatment must be considered as a long-term investment in your health and well-being. Compared to other solutions, implants may initially appear expensive. Still, when you compare the higher maintenance costs of different treatments, you will find that implants are affordable and that you made a wise choice.

What Does the Implant Procedure Look like?

When you visit KK dental for tooth replacement solutions, the dentist will thoroughly evaluate your dental situation to determine whether you meet the treatment’s prerequisites. Your gums and jawbone must be free from inflammation or infections. If necessary, any conditions affecting you must be treated before the surgery.

During the diagnosis, the dentist also evaluates your jawbone to determine how much is left. Your jawbone would have resorbed after years of living with missing teeth. In such cases, the dentist discusses alternative procedures to make the implant treatment possible for you.

Placing the implant is an outpatient procedure leaving you feeling no pain because of adequate anesthesia. The implants are placed in a single or multi-step method depending on your unique situation.

After the surgery, the dentist will place a temporary crown or bridge to cover the implant as it integrates with your jawbone. The osseointegration requires several weeks or months, depending on your situation. Meanwhile, your dentist will begin work with a dental laboratory to fabricate your final restoration. Your customized crown or bridge is attached to the implant with a tiny screw or cement.

The information in this blog should give you a fair idea of why you should choose implant treatment to replace missing teeth rather than other solutions that are also available. Why not contact the dentist immediately to have implant treatment without further delays?

No one desires to have their permanent teeth extracted because it brings upon them the significant expenditure of searching for tooth replacement solutions. Teenagers and adults routinely get their wisdom teeth removed, but other reasons also exist to necessitate tooth extraction during adulthood. Let us look at why the removal of permanent teeth becomes necessary during adulthood and what can be expected when undergoing the procedure.

Circumstances That Determine When to Extract Tooth

If you are a victim of excessive tooth decay, infections, or crowding, the situations all require tooth extraction. If you are preparing for orthodontic treatment extracting a couple of teeth may be necessary to make space for your other teeth to shift into place.

People undergoing chemotherapy or expecting an organ transplant may also need to have compromised teeth extracted to keep their mouth healthy.

The procedure of extracting teeth is performed by a dentist or oral surgeon in a quick outpatient procedure with local, intravenous, or general anesthesia. Removal of visible teeth is a simple extraction, while broken teeth below the gum line or impacted teeth require an intensive procedure.

What Can You Expect During the Treatment?

When you contact KK Dental for tooth extraction, the dental professional from the facility will take an x-ray of your tooth and request information about any medications you are taking, including vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. Information about whether you will be treated for another medical condition with the intravenous drug bisphosphonate must be provided to the dentist. In such cases, the extraction is scheduled before the treatment with the drug to prevent putting your jaw at risk for bone death.

The dental professional must also be provided with all information about your physical health and any conditions that are affecting you. He or she will want to ensure the conditions are stabilized or treated before scheduling the procedures. You may be prescribed antibiotics before the extraction if the surgery is expected to be lengthy, you have a weakened immune system or an infection or any other specific medical condition.

What Is the Extraction Pain Duration?

As mentioned earlier, tooth extractions are performed under local, intravenous, or general anesthesia. The site of the removal is numbed to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure but only pressure. Having undergone a surgical procedure, you will undoubtedly experience some discomfort after the anesthesia has worn off. However, your dentist would have recommended over-the-counter or prescription pain medications to help you find relief from the pain.

If you are undergoing a simple extraction, the dentist uses elevators to loosen the tooth before extracting it with forceps.

If your procedure is surgical, your dentist or oral surgeon will make small incisions in your gums to remove some bone from around the tooth. He or she may also cut the tooth to extract it in pieces.

Recovering after the Procedure of Tooth Extraction

You will require a few days to recover after tooth extraction. The following tips help to ensure your recovery proceeds smoothly:

• After the procedure, apply an ice pack to your cheek directly to reduce swelling. The ice pack can remain on your cheek for 10 minutes at a time.
• The dentist would have placed a gauze pad over the site of the extraction. You must bite down on the pad to reduce bleeding and to help in the formation of a clot. Leave the gauze pad until it is saturated with blood or for 3 to 4 hours.
• Any medications prescribed, including over-the-counter painkillers, must be taken without exceptions.
• During the first 24 hours, give yourselves adequate rest and relax without jumping into your regular routine even on the following day.
• You must avoid smoking because it delays the healing process.
• You can have soft foods the day after the procedure and reintroduce other foods into your diet as you heal over the next few days.

If you are experiencing pain that isn’t subsiding after several days or notice signs of an infection including pain, fever, pus, or drainage from the incision, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

If you are advised tooth extraction for any reason, it is suggested that you undergo the procedure without delaying it because it helps to keep your oral health in optimal condition. Dentists only recommend extractions when other methods to preserve the tooth have failed. Therefore despite being undesirable, the removal may be a blessing in disguise.

Did you know that periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? The condition affects the periodontium and the supporting tissues, bones and ligaments around the teeth. When left to progress, it causes the alveolar bone in the jaw area to degenerate and eventually results to tooth loss. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and other secondary health conditions.

The term periodontitis means having inflammation around the tooth. it is the name given to the advanced stage of periodontal disease and is sometimes also called gum disease. And although it often goes on unnoticed or with very subtle symptoms, the obvious indicator is when the gum tissue starts to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria can hide.

Causes

Ordinarily, your mouth is packed with different types of bacteria, both good and bad. When you clean your teeth through brushing and flossing regularly, you reduce the growth and build-up of harmful bacteria. However, if you have poor oral hygiene, the bacteria in your mouth multiplies and forms a substance known as plaque on the teeth’s surface. If the plaque is not removed it turns to tartar which is much more difficult to reduce through brushing. Tartar encourages more bacteria growth especially toward the roots of the teeth. The body’s immune system then responds by causing the gums to become inflamed, a condition known as gingivitis. Over time, the inflammation disrupts the attachment of the gum to the root, causing a gap known as a periodontal pocket to form. If untreated, toxic anaerobic bacteria inhabit the pockets and releases toxins that can damage the teeth, gums and supporting bone structure.

Risk Factors

Besides poor oral hygiene, other factors that can contribute to periodontal disease include:

• Hormonal changes such during pregnancy, monthly periods and at menopause that make gums more sensitive
• Illnesses that interfere with the immune system such as HIV, cancer and diabetes
• Certain medications that reduce flow of saliva in the mouth thus limiting its protective effect on teeth and gums
• Smoking
• Family history of the condition.

Diagnosis

The dentists at KK Dental in New Jersey recommend that you go for regular dental check-ups in order to catch any signs of periodontitis early. Since plaque and tartar form the foundation for the disease, if present, your teeth will be professionally cleaned to remove these substances. A tiny ruler-like instrument called a prone is then used to measure any pockets on the gums. Dental x-rays may also be taken to evaluate the condition of your jaw bone. If need be, you will be referred to a periodontist for proper diagnosis and testing and treatment. There are various stages of periodontitis and once an assessment has been made, you will know what phase you are in the complexity of treatment needed.

Treatment

The objective of periodontal treatment is to get rid of bacteria from the pockets around the teeth so that there is no further damage of the bone and tissues.

• Non-Surgical Treatments

Used in the initial and mid stages of gum disease.

• Scaling: Gets rid of tartar and bacteria from the tooth’s surface and beneath the gums.
• Root Planing: This procedure smoothens the root surface to discourage buildup of bacteria and tartar. It also eliminates bacterial by-products play a role in the inflammation of the gums as well as delayed healing.
• Antibiotics: You may be prescribed topical or oral antibiotics to kill the infection-causing bacteria.

• Surgical Treatments

For advanced periodontitis, surgical intervention is needed.

• Flap Surgery: It is done in order to reduce the size of periodontal pockets or to remove calculus hiding in the pockets. Involves lifting the gums to remove the tartar and the suturing them back in place.
• Bone and Soft Tissue Grafts: These are procedures aimed at regenerating destroyed gum tissue or bone. Natural or synthetic materials are used.
• Guided Tissue Regeneration: This is the use of barrier membranes to direct new bone and tissue to grow at certain points where they are missing. The procedure repairs defects caused by the disease.
• Tissue-Stimulating Proteins: A diseased tooth is coated in a special gel that contains the same proteins present in tooth enamel, which encourages growth of healthy bone and tissue

• Home remedies

The best home remedy for periodontitis is to practice good dental hygiene. Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice every day with each session lasting for 2 minutes. Also floss daily and if possible, rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. Seeing the dentist at least once a year for regular check-up and professionally cleaning will also help control periodontitis. If you smoke or use tobacco products, consider quitting.

When you have carved out a routine for yourself to care for your teeth, it can be hard to abandon the habits. As things are today, habits do not suffice as a reason enough to break curfew or lockdown measures. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm putting many things to a halt, including dental services.

If you had an oral appointment booked in for the month, it can be disheartening to learn that you will miss it. However, since your safety and that of the people around you matter more, there is no reason you can’t hold back yourself from increasing the risk of spreading the virus.  

​Is it Dangerous to Go for Dental Visits During Covid-19?

Dental facilities across the nation and in many parts of the world have been closed off. This means that going into a dental facility is not as safe as it used to be before the Corona-virus. However, at KK Dental, we only open up for patients with dental emergencies. Therefore, if you do not have a pressing and urgent dental problem, consider it dangerous to visit a dentist. Only do so upon advisory by your attending dentist.

How to Care for Your Dental Health At Home

Just because you don’t get the freedom to visit your dentist as frequently as possible does not mean that you give up on your oral health. If anything, you now have the perfect opportunity to prove to your dentist that you are more than capable of maintaining your dental health. Some of the things you should be doing include:

1. Eating healthy – home-cooked meals are the best way to get into eating healthy foods.
2. Brush your teeth twice daily.
3. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth
4. Floss daily.
5. Rinse with mouthwash.
6. Drink plenty of water.
7. Cut down in sugary foods.

​What Extra Precautions Can Help Provide Safe Dental Service During COVID-19?

Ultimately, the world is depending on you and me for survival during this pandemic. Anything you can do to make the world safer for you and the people around you is worth trying. When it comes to pursuing oral services, there is something you can do to make it safe:

1. Visit your dentist only for emergencies – since everyone needs to be safe from the virus, you have no business walking into a dental facility for a regular checkup. Instead, only show up to a dental facility during oral emergencies that are urgent and severe.
2. Call before you visit – as has been emphasized by multiple specialists, be sure to call your dentist before you go storming into his/her office. This way, the dentist will be expecting you, rather than be taken by surprise.
3. Manage your dental needs at home – as much as possible do what you can for yourself. Even while dentists know best, they too need to be safe during this period. Therefore, if doing something by yourself at home can save you a random trip to a weekend dentist, do it. Floss and brush your teeth regularly.
4. Be careful to avoid dental emergencies – some dental emergencies can be avoided, for example, knocking out teeth. If this happens because of an injury, then taking precautions can protect you from the impact of the injury. Besides, you can get a mouthguard and put it on when engaging in risky activities like high-contact sports.

​Oral Hygiene Measures to Decrease Personal Exposure to Coronavirus

Oral hygiene, like your overall hygiene, will play a big role in defeating the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have been thorough with your dental hygiene before, don’t lose track. Otherwise, some of the measures to put in place during this period include:

1. Replace your toothbrush – of the many essentials you need during the lockdown, a toothbrush is crucial. If you haven’t replaced yours for the past 3 months, be sure to do so.
2. Disinfect your toothbrush – the toothbrush does a lot for your oral health. Giving a little back would do you more good during this period. Soak the head of the toothbrush in hot water for a few minutes to kill any bacteria.
3. Dispose of properly – whether it is your toothbrush or that if a family member, dispose of properly. This is especially so if you have a respiratory infection, or have tested positive for Coronavirus.

Dental restorations are a big part of dentistry, without which most treatments would not be possible. Dentists all over the world work with different dental appliances to restore patients’ smiles. A big part of tooth restorations has to do with replacing missing teeth.

In the past, dentures were known as the most popular tooth replacement options. However, with modern dentistry, there are other tooth replacement alternatives, appropriate for both front teeth and back teeth. have you heard of dental bridges? Read on to learn more about them, and their role in dentistry.

What Are Dental Bridges?

They are teeth replacement appliances. The features an artificial tooth made to replace the missing one, as well as dental crowns to hold the replacement tooth. This replacement tooth is called a pontic. The pontic is often sandwiched between two dental crowns, or one. This will depend on the type of dental bridge used.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are three main types of dental bridges used in dentistry. They vary based on how they are installed. They include the following:

• Traditional bridges – these are very common in dentistry. For oral restorations, they are the most popular, more so for the back teeth. they feature two dental crowns and a pontic. The dental crowns are used to support the pontic.
• Cantilever bridges – these types are not as common as traditional bridges, but they are fairly popular. They are a little different from traditional bridges because they feature a single dental crown instead of two. This means that you only need support from one side of the tooth.
• Maryland bridges – these are very distinctive from the other two. They do not require dental crowns for support. They feature a pontic bonded to metal brackets that attach to the back of the adjacent teeth for support.

Other than the three main types, there is another categorization of dental bridges. This other type of dental bridge can be used with either traditional or cantilever bridges.

• Implant-supported dental bridges – with modern dentistry, it is now possible to replace multiple missing teeth in a row with dental bridges. This is through the help of dental implants. An implant or two are implanted in your jaw, to offer the support that would otherwise be offered by natural teeth. afterward, any of the above types of dental bridges are used.

What Is the Process of Getting Dental Bridges?

• Trimming the enamel – the adjacent teeth that will have crowns installed are shaved. This process helps create room for the dental crowns, which cap the entire tooth.
• Impressions of teeth – the impressions of your teeth will be taken. These are important to help generate an oral bridge that perfectly fits your mouth. Since the dental bridge takes a few weeks to create, your dentist will let off with a temporary bridge.
• Installation – the North Brunswick, Somerset, Edison dentist installs the dental bridge on your next dental appointment. This part of the procedure involves the dental bonding process. The dentist will use special dental cement to attach the dental crowns to your adjacent teeth.

Why Choose Dental Bridges?

A fair question to ask is whether or not you need dental bridges, as opposed to other types of dental restoration appliances. Some of the benefits of dental bridges include:

• They are convenient for single-tooth restoration – dentures are very resourceful for full-mouth restorations, as well as multiple missing teeth in a row. However, dental bridges are the best for replacing single teeth.
• They are not bulky – since dental bridges only contain pontic and dental crowns, they are not as bulky as dentures could be.

Gingivitis is one of the painful oral diseases that target the gums. However, with home remedies and proper dental care early on, it can be reversed easily.

Remember, if your gingivitis is serious, it could take a long time to treat. Also, if you have any health condition that makes this gum disease more likely, immediately contact your dentist. Here are the natural remedies that you need to know.

What Causes Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is due to plaque build-up in the teeth. The plaque is made up of food debris, bacteria, and mucus. Other main reasons for plaque accumulation include:

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy
• Poor dental hygiene
• Infections or systemic diseases
• Diabetes
• Some medicines such as birth control pills

How Do You Know if You Have Gingivitis?

Did you know gingivitis occurs in 3 out of 4 Americans during their lifetime?

Here are the signs and symptoms:

• Gum pain
• Tender and swollen gums
• Loose teeth
• Bleeding from the gums while flossing or brushing
• Receding gums
• Bad breath
• Increased oral sensitivity to cold and hot drinks and food

When to See a Dentist?

If left untreated, it can develop into a more serious form known as periodontitis, which is the big reason behind tooth loss in adults. In this case, you require periodontal treatment.

See your dentist if you have the following issues:

• Severe tooth pain
• Bad breath
• Extremely swollen or inflamed gums
• Gum bleeding

Remember, if you begin periodontal surgery early, you will get rid of it soon.

Home Remedies You Need to Know

Home remedies are an effective way to treat gingivitis. Here are the remedies that can provide quick relief from this painful condition:

Use Antibacterial Toothpaste

Anti-bacterialtoothpaste can help you get rid of plaque accumulated all day and night, long after you have completed your oral hygiene routine.

Brushing

Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degangle to your gums, and brush your teeth using short circular strokes. Brush the teeth and gums for a minimum of two minutes, at least twice a day.

It’s a good idea to consider an electric toothbrush because it will give you a more in-depth cleaning, unlike a manual brush.

Make sure you do not apply too much pressure and replace your toothbrush every three months. Do not forget to brush the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.

Floss Everyday

Flossing is also the best home treatment for gingivitis. It removes food particulates that can garner plaque that your toothbrush could miss.

Use floss around the middle finger of one hand. Also, wind a small piece around the middle finger of the other hand.

Now slide it all the way up and down between every tooth, and bend it into a C-shape for easy sliding between the teeth and gums.

If you are still facing gingivitis symptoms, get in contact with your savvy dentist and hygienist.

Try an FDA approved Antibacterial Mouthwash

FDA approved mouthwash also evades the bacteria and plaque hiding in those hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.

Get Professional Teeth Cleaning

Getting your teeth professionally cleaned by your hygienist also helps in the treatment of gingivitis. Your hygienist can identify the early signs and use the best therapy to get rid of the plaque build-up effectively.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling has been used for many years in Ayurvedic medicine. It involves swishing oil around in the mouth for half an hour. It lowers harmful bacteria, eliminates toxins, and enhance overall oral health.

Avoid Consuming Sugar-Rich Foods

Do not consume foods that are high in sugar. It is because sugar promotes the growth of gingivitis-causing plaque.

The sooner you treat gingivitis, the better you will have a complete and fast recovery. The periodontists or dentists may clean your teeth and in some cases, they advise to make use of medicated mouthwash or antibiotics.

Look gums in the mirror from time to time to see changes in color and texture. If you spot any change in appearance, see your dental specialist right away.

KK Dental Center is a top-notch multi-specialty dental office that offers a broad assortment of gum treatments at affordable rates. When you choose gingivitis treatment, the savvy dentist may also call you for the extra teeth cleanings and offer further guidance on how to practice excellent oral hygiene.

The dental hygienist also teaches you how to use dental products and tools to keep your gums healthy.

Caution:

Get advice before using any home remedy if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or have any other medical condition.

Periodontitis which is also known as gum disease is a concerning infection that can damage the soft tissue when it is not treated and also destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Your teeth will be loosened or even lost because of periodontitis.

This is a common but entirely preventable condition and usually begins with poor oral hygiene. Brushing a couple of times every day, flossing and visiting your dentist for regular dental checkups can greatly improve your chances of receiving successful treatment for this condition and may also reduce your chances of developing it again.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Healthy gums fit snugly around the teeth and are pale pink in color but if you are suffering from gum disease you may experience the following symptoms:

• Purplish, dusky red or bright red gums.
• Swollen or puffy gums.
• Tenderness in the gums which bleed easily.
• Bad breath.
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing.
• Loss of teeth or loose teeth.
• Painful chewing.
• New gaps developing between the teeth.
• Receding gums and a change in the alignment of your teeth when biting.

What Are the Causes of Gum Disease?

Gum disease begins with the plaque which is a sticky film of bacteria. When it is left untreated plaque can advance to periodontitis.

Plaque develops on your teeth when the sugars and starches from the food you have, interact with the bacteria that are present in the mouth. Brushing twice a day and flossing can eliminate bacteria but plaque can form again quickly.

When plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth it can harden into tartar under your gum line. Tartar is more difficult to remove and is populated with bacteria. The longer the combination remains on your teeth to greater damage they can do. Brushing and flossing will not help to get rid of tartar and you need a professional dental cleaning for the removal.

Plaque also causes gingivitis which is the mildest form of gum disease. It is an irritation and inflammation of your gum tissue around the base of your teeth. Gingivitis can easily be reversed with professional treatment and good oral hygiene at home.

Periodontitis is caused by ongoing gum inflammation when pockets begin to develop between your gums and teeth and are populated with bacteria, tartar, and plaque. The pockets become deeper with time filling them with more bacteria. When they are left untreated the deep infections can cause loss of bone and tissue eventually causing you to lose one or more teeth. This chronic inflammation can also affect your immune system.

When to Visit Your Dentist for an Evaluation?

It would be great if you can maintain your regular dental checkups as recommended by your dentist. If you observe any signs or symptoms of periodontitis you should be making an appointment right away because the sooner you obtain the treatment the better it will be to reverse the damage from this condition. Your dentist may refer you to a periodontist who is a specialist in treating problems with the gums.

Treatment for Gum Disease

Periodontal treatment may be provided by your dentist or even a dental hygienist. The objective of the treatment is to thoroughly clean the pockets on the teeth and prevent any damage from affecting the surrounding bone. If your condition hasn’t advanced less invasive procedures may be used during periodontal treatment. The treatments may include:

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling can remove tartar and bacteria from the surfaces of your tooth and below the gums. It is performed either by using dental instruments, ultrasonic devices or lasers.

Root planing smooths the surfaces of the root to discourage the additional buildup of tartar and bacteria and also removes any byproducts of the bacteria that can contribute to inflammation, delay healing, or reattachment of the gum and tooth surfaces.

You may also be provided with topical and oral antibiotics to help control bacterial infections.

If your condition is at an advanced stage you may be recommended flap surgery for effective scaling and root planing. If periodontitis can cause bone loss, periodontal treatment can recontour the underlying bone before the gum tissue is stitched back in place. After you recover from this therapy it will be easier to clean these areas and maintain healthy gum tissue.

Gum disease can be prevented simply by maintaining proper oral hygiene and visiting the dentist for regular checkups. However, if you have let it advance you must undergo the treatment spoken about in this discussion to gain control over the infection.