Tag: dentist

Categories
Child Pediatrics

What Age Should a Child Go to The Dentist for The First Time? – What to Know

What Age Should a Child Go to The Dentist for The First Time
What Age Should a Child Go to The Dentist for The First Time

Most families take their children to dentists when they are over 2 years old. This is far later than what is actually recommended by both the medical and dental professionals. So, are you wondering about what age should a child go to the dentist for the first time? Then you are at the right place. There are many benefits of visiting a dentist at an early age. 

What Age Should a Child Go to The Dentist for The First Time?

What Age Should a Child Go to The Dentist for The First Time
What Age Should a Child Go to The Dentist for The First Time

We are here to tell you everything that you should know about the age of the child when he/she should go to a dentist. We will also discuss the importance of getting the primary teeth checked by a dentist. Read on to know more about this.

Importance of Getting Your Primary Teeth Checked

Just as there are many benefits to following healthy tips for your kids, there are also a lot of benefits of taking your children to the dentist as soon as possible — especially if you’re raising your child as a single mother. It helps in many ways such as:

  • Helping your children to chew properly and maintain good nutrition
  • Helping in saving space for the permanent teeth
  • For improving the speech development
  • For promoting a healthy smile that can help the children to feel good 

Many people do not understand how important the baby teeth of their children are for lifelong oral health. 

When to Visit the Dentist?

You have to make sure that you are taking your child to a pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Whenever their first tooth erupts, you need to take the baby to a good dentist. Waiting for the child to be 2 years can be too late. There are some reasons why you must visit the dentist so early. These are:

  1. Give your child a preview: You need to take care of the child as much as possible. Whenever they get their first teeth, you need to make sure that you are taking your child to a dentist to get it cleaned and examined properly. 
  2. Pre-examination: When the tooth erupts, a dentist can check the health of the teeth in the beginning. It will make you sure that the teeth are growing in the right way and in a healthy way.

So, these are some of the reasons why you need to make sure that you must take your child to the dentist as soon as the first tooth erupts. There is no point of waiting for the child to be 2 years or more. The primary teeth are important and you need to get it checked immediately.

Conclusion

If you were wondering about what age should a child go to the dentist for the first time, then you have probably got the answer for it. You need to make sure that you are taking an appointment with your family dentist or a reliable one. A dentist can do a thorough checkup and make sure that the primary teeth are healthy and are ready to grow better and healthier. This is also better for the future permanent teeth that will grow out later when the kid grows. All of these are reasons why health insurance is necessary since your little one will need dental care for the rest of their lives.

Categories
Dental Procedures

What’s the Difference Between Inlay and Onlay? – Which One Should You Go With?

Difference Between Inlay And Onlay
Difference Between Inlay And Onlay

What’s the difference between inlay and onlay? An inlay is geared more for cavities that require a traditional filling but are an alternative when the cavity is a little too big for a traditional filling. Onlays, on the other hand, are in between the inlay and the crown. They’re not used to fill cavities that require a crown but are larger than cavities filled with an inlay.

What’s the Difference Between Inlay and Onlay?

Difference Between Inlay And Onlay
Difference Between Inlay And Onlay

In this article, we’ll focus on different types of dental fillings. We will help you better understand when an onlay or inlay is the superior alternative, instead of fillings or dental crowns. This article will also shed light on why dental cleanings are necessary and how they detect these issues before having to get any of the mentioned procedures done. 

What’s an Inlay?

If you’ve ever had a cavity filled, you know that a filling is what’s used when decay needs to be replaced with a composite material. Fillings are either composite or amalgam materials (white or silver). However, when a cavity is a little larger than normal, an inlay is the alternative many dentists will turn to. This is:

  • Used if cavities are too large for traditional filings
  • A single piece that’s solidified to fill the void
  • Perfectly shaped to fill the cavity

Your inlay is cemented in place once the cavity is filled. This means that you may undergo some sort of dental sedation option that your dentist suggests.

What’s an Onlay?

An onlay is a step up from an inlay. What differentiates it from the inlay is that the onlay covers a cusp of your tooth. It’s also fabricated as a single piece, and used to sit on top of the area where the tooth decay has taken over a majority of your healthy teeth. It’s not quite as extensive as dental crowns procedures are, but it is a little bit sturdier for larger cavities. It seals the tooth a little better than the inlay will.

Benefits of Inlays or Tooth Onlays vs. a Filling

Inlays and onlays are performed similarly to how dental crowns are fitted; the primary difference is that not as much of your tooth structure is removed during the drilling process. They are nothing like dental implants or bridges. The benefits of these two options are superior to fillings because:

  • They’re sturdier and bond to your tooth naturally
  • Can fill a deeper void than most fillings can
  • Is superior if your tooth decay is excessive and can’t be filled with traditional filling composite or metal finishes
  • It’s permanent and will remain affixed to your natural tooth
  • It’s a long-lasting solution and can help to prevent decay or other tooth infections

Regardless of how deep your cavity is, if the traditional filling is not sturdy enough, an inlay or onlay might be the next step your dentist discusses with you during your office visit.

Bottom Line 

How do inlays and onlays differ? As we’ve highlighted, the main difference between inlay and onlay is that inlays are a step up from the filling, but a step down from an onlay. If you have a large cavity that’s too large for a traditional filling, inlays are the way to go. If, however, the cavity’s a bit larger, and requires a little more work, but doesn’t rise to the level of needing dental crowns, the onlay is a superior alternative. Overall, it’s important to avoid cavities so that there is no need for these procedures — especially in children. Hence, it’s important to follow healthy tips for kids to ensure that all parts of them are healthy. 

Categories
Dental Care

What are Mouth Guards For? – Protecting Your Teeth

What are Mouth Guards For

What are mouth guards for? Imagine that you receive a hit and suddenly lose all your front teeth. This would instantly modify the way you laugh, talk and eat. If you take part in any sports activities, it’s especially important that you protect your mouth and teeth.

What are Mouth Guards For?

Mouth guards are for cushioning blows to the mouth, these serve to minimize the risk of broken teeth and wounds on the lips, tongue, face, and jaw. Normally, they only protect the upper teeth and are an excellent way to protect soft tissues, like the tongue, lips and the inside of the cheeks. If an injury occurs and a tooth is lost, it may require a dental implant. 

When Should You use a Mouth Guard?

It’s good to encourage a healthy lifestyle for kids from the start, and one way is to be active through sports. The mouth guard should be a complementary, but essential, piece of equipment that you have to take to every sporting event you or your child participates in. Even if contact sports, like boxing, have higher risks for the mouth. Every athlete can suffer an oral injury  in non-contact sports, like gymnastics or skating. 

Different Types of Mouth Protection

What are Mouth Guards For

The most recommended mouth guard is the custom made one, that your dentist made for you. But, these are usually much more expensive than the prefabricated ones. The boil and bite is an alternative that you can find in any pharmacy.

Custom Made: These mouth guards are made by a dentist, and are customized to your teeth. They are made individually, so you would have to pay more for them. They guarantee a good fit and maximum comfort. This is the most optimal option.

Boil and Bite: You can buy them in many sports shops and pharmacies. They usually fit better than the prefabricated protectors. First, you have to soften them in boiling water, and then put them into your mouth to suit your particular shape. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Prefabricated: They’re fairly cheap, pre-formed and ready to use. Unfortunately, they can sometimes feel too big and difficult for your breathing and communication.

Care for Your Mouth Guard:

Ask your dentist when you should replace the protector, but you should instantly get rid of it if it shows signs of wear, damage or if it no longer fit well. Kids and teenagers may have to replace them more often than adults because their mouths are changing and growing.

In between activities, you should clean your mouth guard and let it dry. These are some tips to make sure that your mouth guard remains in good conditions, always ready to use:

  • Rinse it before and after every use, or brush it with toothpaste.
  • Wash it frequently, with freshwater and soap. Make sure to rinse it.
  • Bring the mouth guard to your check-ups. Your dentist should examine and do a deep cleaning.
  • Transport and keep your mouth guard inside a thick case with ventilation, for it to dry and avoid bacteria to grow.
  • Never leave it in the sun.

To Summarize

If you were asking yourself what are mouth guards for, you should now have your answer. If a mouth guard wasn’t worn and damage occurred to a tooth, your dentist will be able to recommend the type of dentistry repair needed, based on the type of injury. Overall, mouth guards are used to protect your jaw, teeth, tongue and more. There are three different types of mouth guards, but the most effective one is a custom one from a dentist.

Categories
Dental Care

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

Teeth are one of the major parts of your mouth. It not only helps to chew food properly before swallowing, but it also helps in defining the way you smile. Having properly aligned clean and white teeth can create a great impression without any doubt. If you have stains on your teeth or your teeth are discolored, chipped, misaligned, broken, worn or gaps are there, then you can try cosmetic dentistry. There are different types of cosmetic dentistry which can give you a better smile.

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are confused about  and how it can help you, then you are at the right place. We have listed all the types available and that you can choose. All you have to do is to choose the one which is ideal for you.

  • Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening method is one of the least expensive and simplest ways for improving the smile. Your teeth will be bleached with some of the in-office products in the dentist’s office for just $500. You can also buy a mold or gels from the dentist for bleaching your own teeth in the comfort of your home. Even there are some teeth whitening products that are available retails in stores and you can buy over the counter.

  • Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are customized shells made up of resin or porcelain. It is a tooth colored wafer-thin shell. This can cover the front surface of the teeth. It is bonded to your teeth by removing about a half-millimeter of your tooth’s enamel. These dental veneers can actually change the size, color, shape and length of the teeth.

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

  • Dental Bonding

In dental bonding, a putty-like tooth-colored resin is applied to your tooth first and then it is hardened with ultraviolet light. This helps in bonding the material to the tooth. Your dentist can trim, polish or shape it as per requirements. Over the time, this bonding can actually decay, crack or get chipped.

  • Dental Crown

A dental crown is also called a cap which can replace the whole damaged or decayed tooth present over the gum line. This can restore the size, appearance, shape and strength of the teeth if it was not exposed to healthy conditions before. These crowns can actually help to keep the weak tooth in place. These crowns are cosmetically used for covering the misshapen or some of the severely discolored teeth. They are available in form of metal or ceramic or resin.

  • Inlays & Onlays

Inlays and onlays are also a type of dental filling that is made of porcelain, composite materials or gold. This is used for filling the damaged and decayed teeth. The dental fillings are first molded into the place when you visit. But the onlays and inlays are created in the dental laboratory. Then they are bonded into place within the center of the tooth.

Wrapping it Up

So, these are some of the types of cosmetic dentistry that you can opt for beyond dental implants and more. Mainly the dentist will diagnose your problem and check your dental conditions first. Then he/she can advise you about which one will be ideal for you. Thus, make sure that you’re choosing the best dentist as think of it as you would be choosing a plastic surgeon or any other type of doctor.

Categories
Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

Dental Implant vs Dental Bridge

Dental Implant vs Dental Bridge

A missing tooth literally takes away your smile. You don’t feel confident when you smile anymore. However, with dental replacements, you can now afford to claim your flashy smile back. Before you are back to smiling, you have to face the question of dental implant vs dental bridge. Which one is best for you?

Dental Implant vs Dental Bridge

In this post, you get all answers about dental implants and dental bridges. You will know which is right for you as well as other considerations you should make. 

Weighing Your Options for Both

In the recent past, the only option for those who have lost their teeth was dental bridges. To get it done, the adjacent teeth have to be carved off its enamel to create room for the bridge. Conversely, dental implants only affect the specific tooth. There is no touching of the next tooth. The results are permanent and a very strong replacement. 

However, when it has been long since you lost your teeth, it will need some preparation before an implant. This is because both the bone and gum will not be in perfect shape. On the advantages of each of the procedures, your dentist is in the best position to make recommendations on which route to take and how to prevent any infections from happening afterwards. 

Dental Implant vs Dental Bridge

A Shift in Oral Care

When you get an implant, your oral care routine will not change. You will be brushing and flossing just like you have your natural teeth. The shift in care comes when you get dental bridges since they affect more than one tooth. You will have to be more careful when you brush and floss as your dental health can affect your overall health. 

Your dentist will advise on what you have to do. Some of the requirements are a specific type of toothpaste and special-bristle brush. 

Time of Service

Implants will be at your service for a lifetime. They are from titanium, which is durable and resistant to decay. The implant becomes part of your natural tooth. On the other hand, dental bridges only last for not more than 10 years. The bridges are not designed to become one with your natural teeth. Therefore, they will decay and are susceptible to failing. 

The Aesthetics

You would want your new teeth to fit in just like the natural ones. There is no guarantee of getting close to natural aesthetics, but your prosthodontist or dentist will assess your case and do what they can. Implants are easy to imitate your natural teeth if the replacement is done as soon as you lose your tooth.

The Cost Question

Dental bridges will win the cost contest any day. They cost less, but you will have to replace them after 10 years. You should think about recurring costs. Dental implants are expensive, but you will have them for a lifetime. Currently, health insurances are only covering a portion of the replacement costs and you can also look into if your Medicare coverage will cover it. Make sure you weigh out both options so that you can be ready for the expenses.

Bottom Line

So, what is it going to you about dental implant vs dental bridge? This is a personal choice whether it be for your kids or for yourself. Hopefully, this post has been of help in pointing you to make the right choice.