What do White Spots on Teeth Mean?
What White Spots On Teeth Mean
Everyone wants to have white teeth. They are some of the best natural accessories you can present to the people around you to feel more confident. Because of this, many often visit their dentist to undergo teeth whitening treatments, or decide to pick the DIY option.
White spots on teeth, however, can have a different effect on a person’s smile. If they are numerous, they become too unappealing and will have a negative impact on your smile. Aside from this, though, most of the time these spots shouldn’t really be a cause for concern.
Causes
Discovering the cause behind the white spots on your teeth is a good step to know if you should start worrying about this dental issue or not. A dentist in Sterling Heights explains the usual causes of white spots on teeth below:
- Flourisis. This is a dental condition common among children which damages the tooth’s enamel due to excessive intake of fluoride before their teeth are fully developed. People who often drink water with high fluoride content are also prone to getting white spots on their teeth.
- Decalcification. In certain cases, white spots can also be a sign that a cavity or tooth decay is beginning. The spots will appear where the tooth is weaker, usually toward the bottom of your tooth where your gums are. If you are particularly fond of eating and drinking sugary and acidic food or beverages, your teeth will more likely develop these white spots due to mineral loss. Decalcification is also known as plaque buildup.
- Plaque buildup. Failing to make sure your teeth is completely clean, particularly before going to sleep, can cause hard, scaly spots to appear near the gum line. They can appear as spots and will cause your teeth to look more discolored.
- Brace removal. Lastly, some persons with orthodontic braces usually have trouble properly brushing their teeth. Because of this, it is highly likely that there was a plaque build-up which can now be easily seen after having their braces removed. In this instance, the white spots have already developed or will turn into cavities.
Treatment Options
A visit to your dentist can help you determine the cause behind the white spots on your teeth. Once this has been identified, your dentist will recommend the best treatment option.
If the spots are plaque, you will have to undergo oral prophylaxis. Bleaching and fluoride treatments are usually the first procedures a dentist will recommend if a less invasive option would be sufficient. For more difficult cases, an air abrasion procedure may be needed. Under this treatment option, the dentist will use a device that blows crystal particles toward the calcium deposit. Because of the high speed or force, the calcium deposit will be removed from the teeth without causing any damage.
If air abrasion still doesn’t work or the spots are too big, you may need fillings to cover them. A dentist can also recommend dental veneers or caps to cover up the spots.
Practicing good oral hygiene also plays an important role in preventing the appearance of white spots. Regular brushing and flossing will help you avoid plaque and cavity buildup. It is also important to visit your dentist every six months so that any possible dental issues can be checked, diagnosed, and treated immediately. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
Other Uses For Listerine You Should Know About
Listerine is the most popular brand of mouthwash. You see it in nearly all medicine cabinets or bathroom counters, from homes to hotels to hospitals and dental clinics. The small bottles are also quite handy; you can place them in your bag and use it to gargle with after a meal, allowing you to have instant fresh breath wherever you are.
But aside from giving you fresh breath and helping keep your teeth plaque-free and your gums healthy, there are other uses for Listerine that are quite surprising and you may not even know about. These include the following:
As an anti-dandruff solution.
In the past, Listerine was marketed as a product that can help you get rid of dandruff. This solution didn’t really gain popularity but various studies show that this is an effective solution. If you want to try this remedy, combine ¼ cup Listerine and 1 cup of water and rinse your hair and scalp with the mixture. Afterwards, rinse your hair thoroughly.
As a lice removal product.
Nothing can be more uncomfortable and embarrassing than having lice nesting on your hair. The good news is that you don’t have to buy shampoo that will help you get rid of them; you can use Listerine. Simply apply the mouthwash to your lice-infested hair and cover it with a shower cap. Leave the treatment on your hair for at least an hour and then rinse your hair thoroughly with water.
As a skincare product.
Because of its ingredients, you can use Listerine as an alternative to your usual toner or astringent. Its alcohol content, in particular, can clean your pores and help you get rid of bothersome, unsightly acne. Your skin will also smell fresh after every use, too.
As an anti-itch remedy.
If you’re feeling itchy on some parts of your body because of bug bites, rashes or poison ivy, dab some mouthwash on the affected area. You’ll get instant relief and experience its cooling and soothing effects immediately.
As a deodorant.
You don’t have to fret and run to the nearest supermarket or drugstore if you run out of deodorant. If you have a ready stock of Listerine, simply soak a cotton ball in the product and dab the cotton ball under your arms. You can also pour the mouthwash into an empty spray bottle and spray your armpits with the solution. Listerine helps prevent body odors since it kills the bacteria that produce these bad smells.
As an anti-fungal product.
Lastly, some people suffer from toenail fungus. If you have this problem, soak your feet in Listerine for at least 30 minutes every day. The ingredients in the mouthwash will help you get rid of toenail fungus. Your feet will smell better, too.
Listerine is known as an oral care product. But it can easily be a versatile healthcare product as long as you know how to use it properly. To learn more, contact your sterling heights dentist today!
Sedation Dentistry: A Recommended Solution For Patients With Dental Anxiety
It’s not just kids who are afraid of going to the dentist; a lot of adults have this fear, too. In fact, dental anxiety or phobia is a condition that is common among adults.
Dental anxiety refers to the feeling of being nervous or afraid of going to the dentist. These fears stem from or can be about anything related to dentistry: dental pain, needle phobia, the smell in the clinic and the clinic itself, or a bad experience with an inept dentist. All of these make it hard for a person to go to a dental clinic, so much so that that they would prefer to suffer from a severe toothache or tooth loss than consulting a dentist.
Overcoming Your Fear of Dentists
Sedation dentistry pertains to the use of medication to sedate patients with the aim to make them feel more relaxed while they undergo a dental procedure. It utilizes a combination of relaxing and pain-relieving drugs so that patients who have dental anxiety are comfortable and pain-free during their procedure.
There are different levels of sedation that patients can opt for. They range from minimal sedation (the patient is awake but completely relaxed) to moderate sedation (the patient experiences slurring and won’t remember much of the procedure) to deep sedation (the patient is nearly unconscious but can still be woken), and general anesthesia (the patient is completely unconscious).
Forms of Sedation
A trusted dentist in Sterling Heights explains that the different levels of dental sedation usually correspond to the different forms as well, which are:
Inhaled sedation. Under this form, a patient inhales a type of gas (usually nitrous oxide) that has a sedative effect. The patient will inhale the gas through a mask and its sedative element will enter the bloodstream. The patient will then feel tired and even a bit sleepy and reduce his or her sensitivity to pain. The inhaled sedative does not have long lasting effects and once the procedure is over, they will wear off quickly.
Oral sedation. With this type, patients are given a tablet or pill that will make them more relaxed and less sensitive to pain. This is the least invasive method of sedation since it does not involve any injections or breathing apparatus. The medicine’s sedative effects can be powerful that the patient can fall asleep under its influence but he or she can maintain consciousness and still be aware of what is happening around them. Under its effects, the patient will be free from anxiety or fear. They will feel relaxed and experience less discomfort and pain while undergoing a dental procedure.
Intravenous sedation. Also known as IV sedation, under this method, the sedative is administered through a tube attached to a needle which is inserted into the arm and directly over a blood vessel. Once the drip starts, the sedative is administered directly into the bloodstream. Because of this, IV sedation is considered the most effective method that can be used for patients with severe dental phobia.
Deep sedation and general anesthesia. General anesthesia will be administered through inhalation or an intravenous drip. This is a method that is least used or recommended by dentists since the patient will lose consciousness once the sedative takes effect. Patients won’t feel any discomfort during the dental procedure as they are in deep sleep. Under this method, the patient’s health, vital signs, and level of consciousness will be closely monitored and maintained by the dental practitioner, nurse or qualified anesthetist.
If you are suffering from dental anxiety and considering undergoing sedation for an important procedure, you will do well to understand the different types of dental sedation. And with the advice of your dentist, you will be able to choose the best one that will suit your needs.
Specialist in Family Dentistry Underscores Importance of Caring for Children’s Teeth
As a parent, you want to ensure that your child grows strong and healthy. Often, that means bringing your child to his pediatrician for his checkups. But often, parents forget or put less importance on their children’s oral health.
According to both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s dental health is just as important as his overall health. Both studies recommend that parents bring their children to a dental office within six months after their kids’ first teeth appear but no later than their children’s first birthday.
Baby teeth are important, too
Baby or primary teeth are just as important as permanent teeth. Parents may think that baby teeth are not important because these will be replaced by permanent ones later on.
But the truth is that baby teeth are valuable for a few important reasons. These teeth aid in chewing and in speech development. More importantly, baby teeth are natural placeholders for permanent teeth and if your child loses his baby teeth prematurely, this can cause problems later on in life.
Finally, taking care of your child’s baby teeth can help prevent tooth decay. Although a decayed baby tooth will be eventually replaced by a permanent tooth, having tooth decay on baby teeth increases the chance of tooth decay on permanent teeth.
The importance of dental care in children
You might be wondering why you should bring your child to a dentist at such an early age. There are a few important reasons for this.
First, a specialist in family dentistry (Sterling Heights, MI) can teach you how to properly clean your child’s teeth and make recommendations regarding your child’s diet and appropriate dental products. Furthermore, if you have questions related to your child’s teeth and how to take care of these, a dentist is the best person to ask.
Second, visiting the dentist at a young age will help keep your child’s oral health on the right track. Additionally, this ensures that your dentist establishes a good relationship with your young one and provides him with the best possible dental care.
As your child grows into a toddler, his dentist can regularly check his teeth and gums, clean his teeth, look for potential problems, and administer the appropriate dental treatments when necessary.
Scheduling your child’s first visit to the dentist
As much as possible, schedule your child’s visit to the dentist at a time when he is well-rested and has been fed. This will help ensure that he will be cooperative.
Remember that your child can pick up on your own energies. If you maintain a positive attitude, your child will feel more at ease at the dental clinic.
Avoid using a visit to the dental visit as a threat. Also, do not bribe your child to go with you to a dentist.
7 Teeth Whitening Facts You Should Know
7 Teeth Whitening Facts You Should Know
Teeth whitening is a really popular way for people to achieve a great smile. Many purchase products intended for teeth whitening such as ampoules, whitening strips, and special toothpastes. Meanwhile, others turn to natural DIY methods, such as using baking soda and salt frequently to brush their teeth and rinsing with hydrogen peroxide. And there are also folks who regularly get professional teeth whitening at the dental office.
If you’re considering whitening your teeth for the first time, perhaps to work against the discoloration you’re seeing due to some of your habits, it’s good to understand a few things about it. A dentist in Sterling Heights shares seven helpful teeth whitening facts that could help you decide whether whitening is right for you.
Two kinds of tooth discoloration
There are two kinds of tooth discoloration: intrinsic and extrinsic discoloration. Professional teeth whitening and common teeth whitening methods, such as bleaching, can only remedy extrinsic discoloration or stains on the surface of the teeth.
What is the most common type of discoloration
The most common type of extrinsic discoloration that teeth whitening treatments address is staining caused by frequent consumption of coffee, tea, colas, wine and smoking.
What is the active ingredient in whitening gel?
The active ingredient in whitening gel (used in both professional and home whitening treatments) is carbamide peroxide. When this ingredient is broken down, it allows oxygen to penetrate the enamel and bleaches the colored substances.
How can a single teeth whitening session help?
A single session of professional teeth whitening can instantly make teeth two to the shades lighter, says a Sterling Heights dentist. The same results can be achieved by using a home treatment kit, except that it will take a few days. These two options are equally effective – there’s no proof that one option can make teeth much whiter than the other.
The cost of professional teeth whitening
A professional teeth whitening treatment using laser usually costs $400 to $500. However, the location of the dental clinic affects the price of the treatment; you can expect it to be cheaper in low-income communities, and way higher in affluent locations.
Sensitivity
Some sensitivity may be experienced after a laser teeth whitening session, the dentist in Sterling Heights points out. This will go away after a bit, but while sensitivity is present, avoid breathing through your mouth and drinking cold or hot beverages.
Will it hurt? For how long?
If teeth whitening results in great discomfort (meaning, there’s pain), pain relievers may be taken. The discomfort can last for an entire day for some people, but everything usually goes back to normal after 24 hours. If pain persists, do visit the dentist right away in order to determine what’s truly causing the abnormal intensity of discomfort.
For more information about teeth whitening in Sterling Heights, contact your local dentist at Dental1Care today! The professionals at Dental1Care can provide you with many more teeth whitening facts.
Is Teeth Whitening Dangerous?
Professional Teeth Whitening, Is it Safe?
You are probably interested in getting whiter teeth, but you may also have concerns about the products and treatments available. Which poses the question, is teeth whitening dangerous?
Teeth whitening products and treatments have been studied and monitored by experts and regulatory agencies. Generally speaking, these products and treatments deliver on their promise. You may be considering using an over-the-counter tooth whitening product. Or, maybe you prefer an in-office treatment administered by a dental professional. The truth is, there is nothing to worry about in terms of effectiveness and safety.
However, before you make a decision, there are a few side effects associated with teeth whitening that you should be aware of. Teeth whitening treatments and products may affect your teeth, gums, and previous dental restoration procedures. The extent of these side effects will vary depending on the type of treatment you choose.
Teeth whitening side effects on teeth
One of the most common side effects of teeth bleaching is tooth sensitivity. Your teeth may react to temperature extremes. However, this side effect does not linger for very long. If it does, be sure to contact your local dentist to be sure you dont have any other dental problems creeping up.
Teeth whitening effects on gums
If you are planning on choosing an in-office teeth whitening procedure, you have to be aware that the bleach used by dentists has a higher concentration. When compared to over-the-counter whitening products, dental grade kits are always much stronger. However, when the bleach touches the gums, these can become irritated. The higher the concentration of the whitening gel, the higher the possibility that your gums will be irritated. In order to counter this, your dentist will use special protection for your gums and the roots of your teeth. Should bleach touch your gums, the irritation will subside quickly.
On the other hand, if you choose to use an in-home treatment, you will be using a mouthguard tray for the bleach.
Effects on dental restorations
Another concern many people have about teeth whitening is, it can loosen mercury from silver fillings.
On one hand, many dentists have stopped using this type of restoration. If you have recently had your teeth restored, it is highly likely that your dentist has used a different type of filling. But even if your dentist has used this type of filling, the mercury in the amalgam will not cause harm. Overall, teeth whitening has no adverse side effects on dental restorations, including dental implants and dental crowns. The answer to your question, “Is teeth whitening dangerous?” is no. It’s perfectly safe. And as with any cosmetic product, moderation and common sense application is key.
Common Myths About Dental Hygiene
Trusted Sterling Heights Dentist Sheds Light on Common Myths About Dental Hygiene
When it comes to dental hygiene, there is plenty of information (and misinformation) that you can hear from friends and relatives, or read online. Which of these are true? Which are simply myths about dental hygiene? A trusted sterling heights dentist provides some insights on these.
White teeth are healthy teeth
Verdict: Myth
A lot of people believe that having white teeth is equal to having healthy teeth. The truth is that even if you have white teeth, cavities and infections may still be lurking in your mouth.
Additionally, people have different shades of tooth color. One person with a healthy set of teeth may have a darker shade of tooth color. However, discoloration may sometimes be seen as a symptom of a dental problem.
Bleaching teeth can be bad for you
Verdict: Myth
In the past, the statement may have some grain of truth because of the use of highly acidic ingredients. These ingredients may help a patient achieve a white smile, but at the cost of enamel breakdown.
However, today’s bleaching agents have a neutral pH level which does not harm the teeth. Certainly, it is still essential to follow your dentist’s instructions on how to use teeth whiteners to avoid hurting your teeth and gums.
You should avoid brushing bleeding gums
Verdict: Myth
It sounds sensible. After all, if your gums are bleeding, you should stop brushing the affected areas, right?
The truth is that brushing benefits both the teeth and gums and keeps dental problems at bay. If you have bleeding or sensitive gums, you can and still have to brush these. However, you should avoid brushing these too vigorously to avoid irritating these.
Sugar is bad for your teeth
Verdict: True
You’ve probably heard this one since you were a kid. However, it is important to stress that sugar per se is not the one causing dental problems. Sugar acts as the food source of the bacteria in your mouth. And the more you eat foods loaded with sugar, the more likely you are going to have tooth decay.
Tooth decay comes as a result of the combination of bacteria in your mouth, sugar and acid. You can easily prevent this issue by brushing your teeth after each meal, or if this is not possible, by rinsing your mouth, especially after eating sweets.
Putting an aspirin beside an aching tooth helps in pain relief
Verdict: Maybe
That depends on the cause of your toothache. If the toothache emanates from the gums, putting an aspirin near the tooth can help relieve pain. However, if the pain is caused by a problem with the tooth structure, an aspirin won’t do you any good. Take note that in order for aspirin to take its full effect, it has to be digested and to enter into the blood stream. Also, aspirin can burn your gums.
You don’t need to floss
Verdict: Myth
Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth. It may be tempting to skip this practice, but know that there are areas in your mouth that a toothbrush simply cannot reach. These areas can harbor bacteria that can cause dental problems.
Your friends and relatives may be well-meaning when it comes to dispensing advice. However, following known myths can hurt your dental health. If you have questions, your Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Farhat can provide the correct answers. We welcome your questions and comments!
How To Prepare For Your Teeth Whitening Session
Preparing for Teeth Whitening
Your local Sterling Heights dentist has deemed you eligible for teeth whitening. You know and understand how the treatment works, as well as the pros and cons (including potential side effects). Now, what do you need to do before the actual treatment process?
Before starting with your teeth whitening treatment, there are a few essential things that need to be done in order to ensure a successful treatment.
Teeth Whitening Preparation Essentials
Prior to your whitening treatment, you need to see your dentist first. During this consultation, your dentist will speak with you about how to proceed with the treatment while factoring in your unique circumstance. If you are currently having some dental issues, your dentist will provide you with different options to choose from.
During this exam, your dentist may evaluate your gum health, check for the presence of tooth decay, perform diagnostic x-rays, check your existing restorations, and screen you for oral cancer.
Next, you will need to have your teeth professionally cleaned. The type of cleaning will depend on the condition of your teeth. For patients whose teeth have accumulated tartar, scaling is recommended as the best treatment. On the other hand, if you have gum diseases and pockets around your teeth have deepened, your dentist will recommend root planing.
Both scaling and root planing are classified under soft tissue management which is considered as the best way to treat gum disease before it worsens. Some patients may also require teeth polishing to remove stains and plaque which cannot be removed through brushing and scaling.
Getting your teeth cleaned prior to teeth whitening will allow you to achieve better results. In fact, the presence of plaque and tartar can undermine the success of the whitening treatment. This is why you should have your teeth cleaned before, and not after, teeth whitening.
The Final Preperation Step
After all of these, the final step you need to undertake before proceeding with the whitening treatment is to choose a color from the shade guide. You start out by choosing a shade that closely matches your teeth. After that, you will need to select the shade that will be your final goal for the treatment. You can go from one shade lighter or more. After the whitening treatment, you can compare your final results with the shade you have initially chosen as your goal.
The right preparation will help guarantee successful treatment. Undergoing these steps prior to whitening will not only ensure the restoration of your teeth’s luster but their health as well. If you haven’t had a teeth whitening consultation with the dental professionals at Dental1Care in Sterling Heights, what are you waiting for? Call their office today!
Traditionally, activated charcoal is found in air filters. Also, poison control centers and hospitals use it as a form of treatment for a drug overdose or accidental poisoning.
Today, people claim that using this powdery black substance will whiten your teeth.
Is Charcoal Teeth Whitening Effective?
Medical professionals gave warning against subscribing to this charcoal teeth whitening trend. This method involves smearing a charcoal-derived black mixture on your teeth. In fact, this became an online sensation after some vloggers posted videos detailing its execution on YouTube. But dental professionals say that this method might lead to tooth erosion and enamel deterioration.
Hospitals are using activated charcoal to treat patients suffering from accidental poisoning since it absorbs the harmful chemical ingested and safely removes it from the body. However, this does not necessarily mean that the same reasoning works for your teeth. There is no evidence proving that it can absorb toxins, bacteria, and staining, thus making your teeth whiter.
Some users might say that the use of a charcoal-derived whitening product is effective, but the long-term internal effect might harm other people’s teeth. The American Dental Association haven’t evaluated nor approved any charcoal teeth whitening products. The product’s abrasiveness is not known. Furthermore, activated charcoal does not deliver fluoride.
Dental professionals further emphasized that teeth are part of the ectoderm that doesn’t heal itself or replenish. On the other hand, you can shave your eyebrows, you can color your hair, or even pierce your skin — and all of these will heal, grow back or return almost entirely to their original state.
There is a huge difference between using approved dental tools and a DIY remedy like charcoal teeth whitening. Approved products will seep through the enamel and the tooth’s inner layer (dentin), thus influencing the color of your tooth. On the other hand, the charcoal-derived product might leave your teeth blotchy or stained. Moreover, it might lead to tooth erosion and deterioration, resulting in cavities and sensitivity. Once you lose enamel, it can’t grow back, so the only solution is to cover it up with a dental restoration.
To avoid these risks, a reputable Sterling Heights dentist recommends opting for tested teeth whitening solutions. You can schedule a regular teeth whitening appointment at your dentist’s office. Also, you can purchase at-home teeth whitening trays recommended by your dentist.
There are better and proven options to whiten your teeth. Instead of wasting your money on DIY charcoal teeth whitening, consult your dentist about the teeth whitening option that works best for you.