Everyone wants that perfect smile – but not everyone knows how to get it. We have compiled some great information and a few Tips for the Day to get that perfect smile:
See it to believe it
Sometimes people learn best by seeing someone else do an activity. This is especially true of something like brushing your teeth!
Parents do this automatically, showing their kids how to brush, but what if a parent is not very good at it? Children learn bad habits from their parents and then pass them down to their children. So just as a parent does, sometimes it is necessary to give patients a visual when explaining proper dental techniques.
If you are experiencing cavities or periodontal disease, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the proper way to brush your teeth. I assure you, they will be happy to show you the correct technique.
Let’s talk about decay
As a dentist, sometimes I will tell a patient they have occlusal and interproximal decay or that they have a cavity, or need a crown. All too often it is clear they have no idea what I’m talking about. And that is OK!
When we look at a patient’s tooth and can see the little grey areas many times they do not understand that decay just makes a tiny little hole in the enamel–kind of like a termite making a hole in the wall. As the decay gets worse, the whole tooth can be eaten out.
It starts off small but gets bigger and bigger. The larger the cavity, the harder it is to fill. All decay is bad decay, but if you do have any issues of concern, see your dentist as soon as possible. We are always happy to explain anything that is unclear or confusing.
What causes cavities?
When you eat something with sugar (a candy, sugary drink, etc.) the bacteria that live in your mouth feed off of the sugar that gets stuck in the grooves. That bacteria produces acid, which in turn eats away at the enamel in your teeth and causes cavities. When it gets to the dentin, it can cause even more serious problems. These dentinal tubules are a much softer material, so whenever decay reaches the dentin, the process where the nerve if affected is rapid. In no time you have to have a root canal and a crown – so keep up on your dental hygiene, and treat the small cavities early! So… really, the sugar is not bad for the teeth, it is what the sugar does that causes cavities.
