For many, many years, dentists had only one choice when it came to material for fillings: silver amalgam. And while amalgam was quite strong and durable, it did come with some disadvantages. Although the amount of mercury contained in silver amalgam has never been proven to be harmful to dental patients, some people were concerned about the trace amounts of mercury present in the material. And, after a certain number of years, the silver color of the amalgam would darken, turning almost black in color. Fortunately, dentists today have other choices for filling material. One of those is composite resin. Here are some of the advantages of this modern filling option.

• Composite resin can be made to very closely match the shade of your natural teeth. That means that fillings are much less noticeable than they were with traditional silver amalgam.
• Composite resin doesn’t require as much drilling as other filling materials. And because the resin easily bonds to your natural tooth, it actually strengthens the structure of the tooth, rather than weakening it.
• Composite resin hardens quickly. Most dentists use a special hardening light to shorten the amount of time it takes the resin to harden. As a result, composite resin usually hardens in less than a minute.
• Composite resin may help to reduce tooth sensitivity because it actually helps to insulate the tooth surface.
• Composite resins are an excellent choice to fill cracks and chips in teeth, as well as to repair misshapen teeth. The resin material can be molded and shaped by your dentist to effectively repair minor damage to teeth.
• Composite resin fillings can actually be repaired if they become damaged or start to deteriorate. On the other hand, silver amalgam fillings need to be replaced completely if they’re damaged.
• Composite resin is often an excellent choice to replace old silver amalgam fillings. If you have old fillings that have darkened, or if an old filling is damaged and needs to be replaced, composite resin can be a great choice since it actually strengthens the existing tooth structure rather than further weakening it, which can happen with silver amalgam. Composite resin is also an excellent choice for patients who may be concerned about the level of mercury in their current silver amalgam fillings.

Composite resin is just one example of the many ways in which modern dental technology is providing benefits to today’s dental patients as well as dental professionals. The next time you need a filling, ask your dentist about composite resin.

You may be surprised to learn that recent studies indicate that U.S. adults between the ages of 35 and 50 are missing, on average, from 5 to 7 teeth! That’s a remarkable number. And while it’s true that those numbers may include wisdom teeth – many people have between 1 and 4 wisdom teeth pulled in their early 20s – that’s still a lot of missing teeth! Fortunately, modern dental technology provides many methods to replace those teeth, several of which are described below:

• Dental implants – An implant consists of a metal rod (typically made from titanium) that is inserted into the patient’s jawbone. After a few months, the metal fuses to the bone. At that point, the patient’s dentist affixes a porcelain crown to the top of the implant. The result is a permanent solution to a missing tooth.
• Dental bridge – A dental bridge consists of one or more porcelain crowns fitted into a metal frame. The frame has brackets on each end that fit firmly over the patient’s existing teeth on either side. A bridge can either be removable or fixed (not removable). Bridges have been commonly used for many years, and with good reason – it’s a non-invasive but very effective method for replacing one or more teeth.
• Dentures – Dentures come in two varieties: full sets, for people who have lost all of their teeth or who need to have their teeth extracted, and partial sets, for people who are missing just a few teeth. Although dentures, in one form or another, have been around for many centuries, today’s dental appliances are much more comfortable and snug fitting than ever before. Full and partial sets of dentures can be removed by the patient for cleaning.
• Implant-supported dentures, partials and bridges – Implants can be used to support any of the tooth-replacement options listed above. Some are designed to be removable, while others are “fixed,” permanent tooth-replacement appliances that cannot be removed. Implant-supported appliances provide many advantages, but may not be the right solution for every patient.

If you are missing one or more teeth, ask your dentist about tooth-replacement options. Thanks to modern dental technology, no one has to live with missing teeth. In fact, most dental professionals would agree that it’s important to replace missing teeth as quickly as possible to prevent other teeth from shifting in place, which can throw off your bite and lead to a host of other problems. Talk to your dentist for more information.

While it’s true that almost all dentists would much rather save a patient’s teeth than remove any, there are some circumstances where tooth extraction is the only viable option. Fortunately, modern dental methods make extraction no more or less of a challenge for a dentist than any other procedure, although it is up to the patient to follow the dentist’s advice after the procedure to make sure the recovery process goes smoothly. If you’re wondering whether or not you might need to have a tooth extracted, we’ve compiled this list of situations where having a tooth pulled might just be the best choice.

• Severe decay and infection: When a tooth has an extensive amount of decay and an infection that has spread to the pulp of the tooth, many dentists would recommend a root canal. But when the infection is so serious that even a root canal won’t suffice, the dentist may recommend pulling the tooth to keep the infection from spreading.
• Periodontal disease: Patients who have advanced periodontal disease often experience loose teeth and loss of alveolar bone tissue – the bone that anchors teeth in place. In these instances, the dental professional may have no choice other than recommending tooth extraction.
• Impacted teeth: An impacted tooth is one that only partially erupts through the surface of the gum tissue. An untreated impacted tooth can lead to infection and may also cause overcrowding of existing teeth. This commonly happens with wisdom teeth. The best solution for an impacted tooth is often extraction.
• Teeth that have undergone trauma: If a patient has been in some type of an accident and experienced trauma to the mouth, it may be necessary for the person to have one or more teeth extracted.
• Overcrowding: Teeth that are overcrowded — i.e., any situation where a patient doesn’t have enough room inside his or her mouth to accommodate all their teeth – can often benefit from having one or more teeth extracted.

Extraction may not be the first choice by dentists or dental patients, but there are several situations where it may actually be the best–or even the only—choice. To find out more about what’s involved in tooth extraction, and to find out whether or not you may benefit from this procedure, talk to your dentist. Having a tooth pulled may not sound appealing, but it may be the best choice in the long run.

Modern dentistry offers dental professionals and patients a wide variety of options that weren’t available just a few short years ago. One of those is porcelain dental material. This versatile material is used in a variety of appliances and restorations, including fillings, crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays, bridges and implants. When you think of the word “porcelain,” you may think of delicate piece of china. But modern dental porcelain is anything but delicate. In fact, it’s an extremely strong and durable material that typically lasts for many years. Here are some of the other advantages that this remarkable material provides to dentists and their patients:

• Porcelain can be made to very closely match the shade of the patient’s natural teeth. Although silver amalgam fillings and metal crowns are still available to patients, many people prefer porcelain because it’s much harder to detect than other materials. This is especially true for restorations or appliances that are visible when a person smiles. Put very simply, porcelain is a more attractive material than either metal or silver amalgam.
• Porcelain won’t change color. Silver amalgam, which has been used as a dental filling material for decades, turns very dark – almost black, in fact – after several years. Porcelain, on the other hand, will always remain its original color, which matches the shade of your natural teeth.
• Porcelain crowns provide an excellent way to anchor a patient’s bridge to neighboring teeth. This type of “anchored bridge,” is not removable by the patient and can be cared for by simply brushing and flossing as you normally would. The porcelain crowns that act as anchors on either side of the bridge – which also includes porcelain crowns – creates a seamless, barely noticeable dental appliance for a patient that needs to replace one or more missing teeth.
• When used as veneers, porcelain allows even the most dentally challenged patient to enjoy a beautiful, flawless smile. Veneers consist of a very thin layer of porcelain that is applied directly over the patient’s natural teeth. It’s often a great way to repair minor imperfections in teeth, such as cracks, chips, broken teeth, irregularly shaped teeth or badly stained teeth. The porcelain material not only looks good, it’s durable as well, often lasting as long as 10 years before the veneers need to be replaced.

To find out more about this remarkable dental material, talk to your dentist. You may end up being one of the countless dental patients who have benefited from all the advantages that dental porcelain has to offer.

Millions of people throughout the U.S. and the world suffer from gum (periodontal) disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and deterioration of the bones that support teeth. Worse still, gum disease has been linked to other more serious health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately, there are several effective methods used to treat periodontal disease.

• Scaling and root planing: This is the traditional, nonsurgical method that involves removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and just below the gum line. Patients are usually prescribed an antimicrobial medicine following this treatment and advised to follow a strict oral hygiene regimen at home on a daily basis. Most patients who have gum disease, no matter what stage it’s in when diagnosed, are also encouraged to visit their dentists more often than twice a year for oral exams and professional cleanings.
• Laser treatment: One method that is sometimes used in combination with scaling and root planing is laser treatment. Lasers have been shown to be quite effective when it comes to removal of tartar and plaque, and they have the additional benefit of being somewhat less invasive than the traditional scaling and planing technique.
• Prescription medications: Depending on how far advanced their gum disease is, some patients may be treated with systemic antibiotics, which help to stop the progression of gum disease.
• Surgery: For people with severe periodontitis, oral surgery is sometimes the only option. These surgical procedures allow the surgeon to more completely remove the calculus. Surgery can also be used to help regenerate bone tissue that might have been compromised due to the disease.

Although gum disease can be quite serious, it can be effectively treated if caught in the early stages. If you notice symptoms – such as bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, swollen gums, receding gums, tender and/or red gums, persistent bad breath, or a change in your bite (the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth) – contact your dentist right away. In addition to treatment methods used to combat gum disease, your dentist might recommend that you alter your habits (such as quitting smoking, for example) and make more frequent trips to the dentist for professional cleanings. If you follow your dentist’s advice, and be diligent in following a daily oral hygiene routine at home, you can conquer gum disease and enjoy many years of good oral health.

Years ago, people who wanted straighter teeth had only one choice: traditional metal braces. While there’s no doubt that these dental appliances did (and still do) work, people who wore braces often found them uncomfortable and difficult to clean – not to mention embarrassing. Fortunately, dental technology has come a long way since then. Today, people who want a straighter smile have a variety of alternatives from which to choose. Here are some modern teeth-straightening methods:

• Ceramic braces – These appliances are very similar to traditional braces with one very important difference: they’re made of clear or tooth-colored ceramic material. They work in exactly the same way as metal braces and in about the same period of time, but they’re much less noticeable than the traditional alternative. Although ceramic braces are definitely less embarrassing than metal appliances, they are still difficult to clean and many people find them uncomfortable to wear.
• Lingual braces – These appliances are applied to the inside surface of the teeth, which makes them virtually invisible to other people. Lingual braces are effective, but because they are worn on the inside surface of the teeth, some patients experience irritation on their cheeks and tongues. They work in much the same way as traditional braces, and in about the same amount of time.
• Clear aligner trays – One of the most innovative teeth-straightening methods available to 21st century dental patients are clear aligner trays, the most popular of which is Invisalign®. These clear plastic trays fit directly over the top of the patient’s teeth and can be removed by the wearer to eat meals and brush and floss. Another advantage is that the clear aligner trays are virtually invisible to other people. This, in addition to the fact that the trays can be removed for easier dental hygiene tasks and more comfortable eating, make Invisalign® a common choice for many people who want a straighter smile. The trays need to be worn at least 23 hours a day for several months to work properly. While it’s true that aligner trays are very effective for some orthodontic issues, they may not be the best choice for everyone.

If you would like to enjoy a straighter, more beautiful smile, talk to your dentist or orthodontist today. Modern technology provides dental patients with so many more options than years ago. Thanks to these advancements in dental and orthodontic treatments, virtually anyone can enjoy a straighter smile without the embarrassment and discomfort of traditional metal braces.

Most of us know that having an attractive smile makes us feel better about sharing that smile with others instead of hiding it behind a cupped hand. But the benefits of a nice smile go far beyond simply being more willing to share it with others. In fact, many studies conducted over the past several years have shown that having a nice smile improves our quality of life in ways that we may never have imagined, including:

• Higher self-esteem – Research shows that people who have nice smiles feel better about themselves overall, and are generally more self-assured about their place in the world.
• Higher self-confidence – People with attractive smiles have demonstrated more self-confidence than people who are dentally challenged, often feeling more assertive in their dealings with other people. In particular, people who are missing teeth appear to be much less confident in their day-to-day lives, often feeling more inhibited than those with a full set of teeth.
• Less stress – Another somewhat surprising result of studies conducted over the past several years is that people who have either a full set of natural teeth, or a combination of natural teeth and dental implants, generally experience less stress in their lives than people who are missing teeth and/or wear either full or partial dentures.
• More favorably viewed by other people – Research has also shown that people with unattractive smiles – including missing teeth, crooked or damaged teeth, or severely stained teeth – are not viewed as favorably by other people as those with attractive smiles. In fact, some studies suggest that job applicants are much more likely to be hired if they have nice smiles. And people with more attractive smiles were seen by other people as more successful and wealthier than those with unattractive smiles.

If you want to improve the quality of your life, consider taking steps to improve the quality of your smile. Modern dental technology makes it possible for virtually anyone to enjoy better oral health and a more beautiful smile. No matter what procedure you may need to get it done – from teeth whitening to crowns to dental bonding or porcelain veneers – your dentist can give you the attractive smile that can make you feel better about yourself and improve how other people see you. For more information about how to improve the appearance of your smile, contact your dentist today. More self-esteem, self-confidence, and reduced stress may be just a smile away!

Autumn is a beautiful time of year. But for some people, fall means an annual battle against seasonal allergies. As those of us who suffer from allergies know all too well, springtime is not the only time of year we can be affected. Fall can be just as challenging for allergy sufferers as any other time of the year, including the spring.
Common allergy symptoms include a runny nose, scratchy eyes, a sore throat and sinus headaches. But allergies can also have a negative impact on oral health. When a person experiences all the symptoms related to fall allergies, he or she ultimately begins to breathe through the mouth throughout the day and even while they’re sleeping. This can lead to dry mouth, and that can have serious consequences for your oral health. In fact, saliva plays an extremely important role in preventing gum disease and tooth decay, so when saliva production is reduced, your teeth and gums suffer as a result.

Fortunately, there are some steps we can take to battle fall allergies and improve our oral health throughout the season. Here are a few helpful tips to deal with the most common fall allergies:

• Ragweed – If you live in a rural area, you might have an allergy to ragweed, which is one of the most common allergies that people experience in the fall. Between the time the weed blooms in early fall until the first frost, ragweed plants produce a tremendous amount of pollen, and that means misery for allergy sufferers. During the fall season, keep track of pollen counts for your local area. When numbers are high, wear a mask when you go outside to keep yourself from breathing in ragweed pollen. Better yet, stay indoors if you can when the pollen count is high, keep your windows closed, and take jackets and shoes off outside the home to avoid carrying pollen inside.
• Dust mites – Temperatures in most parts of the country are lovely in the fall, usually hovering in the 60s and 70s. Unfortunately, those cooler temperatures are perfect for dust mites, which are microscopic insects that live in our homes and usually feed on flakes of human skin that are virtually invisible. To minimize their impact, clean your air vents, washing bedding on a regular basis, and use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity in your home under 50 percent.
• Mold and mildew – These fungi are especially prevalent in the fall since they grow on compost piles and in fallen leaves that become damp in the autumn weather. Mold and mildew inside the home are common in damp areas like kitchens, bathrooms and basements. To reduce the impact of these fungi, rake the leaves in your yard, clean gutters on your home, and wear a protective mask when working outside. Compost piles should be emptied regularly and kept as far away from your home as possible. Using a dehumidifier inside your house will help as well.

Follow these simple steps to help alleviate some of your fall allergy symptoms. And remember to maintain a daily oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout the fall allergy season.

Most people would agree that it’s easier to start a new habit rather than break an old one. Fortunately, when it comes to maintaining good oral health, there are several daily habits that are actually good for your teeth and gums. If you don’t already practice these habits, there’s no better time to start than the present!

• Practice good oral hygiene habits every day. Brush at least twice and floss at least once – every single day. If you want to up the ante with regard to oral hygiene, use a water flosser once a day and rinse with an anti-bacterial mouthwash once or twice throughout the day. Following these healthy daily habits will greatly increase your chances of enjoying good oral health.’
• Eat a healthy diet. Eating a plant-based diet with plenty of low-fat protein choices and very little sugar is not only good for your overall health; it’s good for your oral health as well. Instead of snacking on candy, choose a crunchy fruit or vegetable, like an apple or celery. Instead of drinking soda or a sports drink, sip on water throughout the day. If that water comes from the tap in a community with fluoridated water, it’s even better!
• Chew sugar-free gum. Lots of people feel the need to chew on something while they’re working, studying, or doing some other task that they engage in throughout the day. If you feel the need to chew, sugar-free gum is a great option. Not only does it keep you away from unhealthy things to chew on – like ice or hard candy, for example – but the chewing motion actually helps to clean your teeth and stimulates the production of saliva. The saliva produced inside our mouths helps to keep our gums hydrated, wash away any leftover food particles, and maintains a healthy pH balance.
• Wear a mouth guard. If you play sports, engage in any type of active hobby, or have problems with grinding your teeth while you sleep, wearing a mouth guard can prevent your teeth from becoming broken, cracked or worn down. You can buy a generic mouth guard in any sporting goods store, but a better choice is to ask your dentist to create a custom-made version for you.
• Visit your dentist at least twice a year. Don’t postpone your scheduled visits for oral exams and professional cleanings. Most people need to see the dentist twice a year to maintain good oral health. If you are more prone to cavities or gum disease, you might need to see your dentist more often than that.

Enjoying a lifetime of good oral health isn’t as difficult as it may sound. Adopt these good habits, and you’ll be well on your way to many years of healthy teeth and gums.

Everyone has little personal habits that we engage in each and every day. Some are harmless, while others are not. In fact, your daily habits may be causing some serious damage to your overall health and your oral health. When it comes to your teeth and gums, here are some habits that you should definitely avoid:

• Drinking sports drinks, energy drinks and/or soda — If you indulge in these beverages every day – or even just a few times a week – you should stop. Sports drinks, energy drinks and sodas are loaded with sugar and acids that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Even sugar-free sodas are bad because of the carbonation and acids contained in these drinks. For a healthier choice, just sip on water throughout the day. You’ll save calories, be more hydrated, and enjoy better oral health.
• Tobacco products – Whether you smoke it or chew it, using tobacco products spells trouble for your teeth and gums. Smoking tobacco stains teeth, and chewing tobacco has been linked to oral cancer and often causes gum disease. If you can’t quit tobacco on your own, talk to a health professional about effective methods to help you kick the habit.
• Chewing on anything hard – Chewing ice or hard candy can easily result in broken or cracked teeth. Even gnawing on the end of a pencil – a habit some people engage in without even realizing it – is not good for your teeth. If you feel the need to chew on something, try sugar-free gum instead.
• Snacking on sugary treats – Sugar increases the amount of bad bacteria inside your mouth, and that will eventually lead to tooth decay. Skip any snack with sugar in it, and replace it with more healthy options, like fruit or crunchy vegetables, for example. If produce doesn’t appeal to you, try cheese and nuts instead of candy and other sugary foods. Cheese not only contains protein and calcium – both of which are good for your teeth – it also helps to balance the pH level inside your mouth. That means snacking on cheese is actually good for your oral health!
• Using your mouth as a tool – Your teeth may seem invincible, but they’re not. If you use them as a tool, they’re likely to crack or chip. Use an actual tool instead – like scissors or a bottle opener, for example.

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums isn’t nearly as challenging as it may seem. Just remember to brush and floss every day, visit your dentist on a regular basis, and avoid the habits that are dangerous for your oral health.