Porcelain veneers can transform your smile from one that embarrasses you to one that you’re proud to show off. A thin shell of porcelain is bonded onto the fronts of your teeth to improve the shape and color. If you’re looking to close gaps between your teeth, reshape your teeth, or brighten stained teeth, porcelain veneers may be your answer. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about veneers.
How do veneers work?
Made from durable and natural-looking porcelain, veneers are customized to fit your teeth. Your face shape, skin tone, eyes, height, and even your personality are considered when designing your dental veneers. They are bonded securely to your teeth to give you the smile you always wanted.
Is it a long process to get them?
The process for getting veneers usually takes about four to six weeks. At your first appointment, your teeth will be shaped and their surface will be slightly roughened. Impressions will be taken to create models of your mouth so that the veneers can be personalized for you. At the next appointment, your teeth will be cleaned and polished before a special adhesive is used to bond the veneers to your teeth. A high-intensity light is used to set the adhesive.
What will my teeth look like while I’m waiting for veneers?
After your teeth have been prepared for veneers, usually you will be fitted with specialized temporary veneers. These interim veneers look better than your original teeth, so you won’t feel self-conscious during the waiting period.
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers typically last from ten to twenty years. Porcelain is very strong and durable, and resistant to stains and wear.
What are the advantages to veneers?
Since the bond to your original teeth is strong, porcelain veneers can be treated just like your own teeth. They appear very natural because the porcelain looks similar to your tooth enamel. Veneers can also protect your teeth from further damage if they are chipped or worn down, so they not only cover your teeth with a layer of protection but also create a beautiful bright smile.
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Most people have friends or family who have had to deal with the disease cancer in some area of the body. Cancer can be described as uncontrollable cell growth that invades and damages surrounding tissue. Oral cancer often shows up as a persistent sore or growth in the mouth, but also includes cancers of the tongue, lips, cheeks, palate, throat, and sinuses. Like most cancers, it can be life threatening without early detection and treatment.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Swelling, lumps, or rough spots on your lips, gums, or other mouth areas
- White or red patches in your mouth
- Numbness or tenderness in your mouth, neck, or face
- Unexplained bleeding in your mouth
- Sore throat or feeling that something is stuck in your throat
- Persistent sores in the mouth, neck or face that bleed easily and do not heal in two weeks
- Hoarseness or chronic sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing, chewing, talking, or moving your jaw or tongue
- Earache
- Substantial weight loss
Risk factors
Men are at twice as high risk for oral cancer than women, and men over 50 are at greatest risk. The biggest risk factors include any kind of smoking or using smokeless tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive sun exposure, or family history of cancer. However, it’s important to know that more than 25 percent of oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke or only drink alcohol occasionally.
Diagnosis
Routine dental checkups include an examination for signs of oral cancer. A biopsy may be performed on any suspicious areas. Regular checkups are important so that tests can identify oral cancer early, before it can spread or progress.
Treatment
Oral cancer is often treated similarly to other types of cancers. It may include surgery to remove the growth, followed by radiation or chemotherapy to destroy remaining cancer cells.
Schedule your appointment at our Fernandina Beach dental office
It’s back-to-school time and that means kids everywhere will be participating in sports. It’s time for football, soccer, volleyball, and all sorts of sports teams to get back in shape. That not only means conditioning your body, but also getting all the right gear. One item that you don’t want to forget is a mouth guard to protect yourself from mouth and facial injuries.
Dentists recommend mouth guards for participants in both high-impact sports and individual sports. Team sports often resulting in mouth injuries include football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, and hockey. Individual sports that carry high risks include cycling, gymnastics, skateboarding, martial arts, and rollerblading.
Mouth guards are worn to protect the mouth from a variety of possible injuries. They may be minor like a chipped or cracked tooth, or cuts from biting the inside of your mouth. Worse injuries can occur like jaw fractures, and athletes might experience tooth loss or nerve damage. Fractures can cause difficulty breathing, swallowing, eating, or speaking.
Dentists suggest that many sports injuries can be avoided by wearing a mouth guard, and they are available for athletes of all skill sets and ages. They are available in most sporting good stores, or you can opt to have customized mouth guards created by your dentist. Mouth guards are even available in a wide variety of colors, so athletes can choose them to coordinate with their school colors. They are also useful for people who wear traditional braces or Invisalign retainers.
Because many sports can be risky, there’s no reason to ignore the danger to your mouth. Wear a mouth guard to protect your smile throughout the season.
Our dental office is located in Fernandina Beach
Sores in or around your mouth are painful and unsightly. They can have a variety of causes, such as infections, irritation from orthodontics or dentures, and symptoms of another health problem. Here are descriptions of the most common mouth sores.
Cold sores
Also called fever blisters, cold sores appear around your lips, nose, or chin. These extremely contagious, fluid-filled blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. Once you are infected with primary herpes, the virus remains in your body and occasionally flares up. Cold sores typically heal by themselves in about a week. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics may help, and your dentist may prescribe antiviral medications to reduce occurrences.
Canker sores
These small ulcers only appear inside your mouth. They are white or gray with a red border, and are not contagious. Experts are unsure of the exact cause, but suspect they are related to immune system deficiencies, viruses, or bacteria. Canker sores usually heal on their own in a week or two. It is advised to avoid spicy, hot, or acidic foods that can irritate the sore. Over-the-counter mouthwashes or topical anesthetics may help, and your dentist may prescribe antibiotics if a secondary infection occurs.
Thrush
Oral thrush, or candidiasis, is a fungal infection occurring when the yeast Candida albicans reproduces in great amounts. Common with denture wearers, it most often appears in people with weakened immune systems such as the elderly or ill. People with dry mouth or who are on antibiotics are also at greater risk for thrush. The key to controlling candidiasis is treating the condition that causes it. Dentures should be cleaned regularly and removed at bedtime, and dry mouth should be treated in an effort to lessen that condition.
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia are thick, white patches that grow on the inside of your cheeks, gums or tongue. Common with tobacco users, they result from irritations from habits like chewing on your cheek or wearing ill-fitting dentures. Leukoplakia are also associated with oral cancer. Treatment focuses on addressing the reasons for the lesion, such as quitting smoking or replacing dentures.
Our dental office is located in Fernandina Beach
Understanding the Causes of Crooked Teeth
Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed that your teeth are not perfectly aligned? Crooked teeth are a common dental concern that affects millions of people worldwide.
In fact, most people have some degree of tooth misalignment, ranging from mild to severe cases. While crooked teeth can be a cosmetic issue, they can also have negative effects on oral health.
Misaligned teeth can make it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss. Additionally, misaligned teeth can cause issues with speech and chewing.
Understanding the causes of crooked teeth is important because it can help prevent or treat dental problems before they become more serious. Let’s explore some common causes of crooked teeth together!
Genetics
Crooked teeth can be caused by a variety of factors, and one of the primary reasons for misaligned teeth is genetics. Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of crooked teeth, and studies have shown that individuals with a family history of misaligned teeth are more likely to experience the issue themselves.
The shape and alignment of our teeth are determined by our genes, which means that certain inherited traits can affect tooth alignment. For example, if either parent has crooked or poorly aligned teeth, their children may be more likely to develop similar issues.
Additionally, genetic conditions such as Down syndrome can also affect tooth alignment. While genetics play an important role in determining tooth alignment, it’s important to note that not all cases of crooked teeth are solely due to genetic factors.
Other environmental and behavioral factors can also contribute to misaligned teeth. Nonetheless, understanding how genetics can impact tooth alignment is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Mouth Breathing: The Unseen Culprit of Crooked Teeth
Mouth breathing is a common habit among people of all ages, but not many are aware of its potential consequences. At first glance, it may seem like an innocuous behavior. However, mouth breathing can actually cause crooked teeth over time.
How mouth breathing can lead to crooked teeth
When people breathe through their mouths, they create a negative pressure in the oral cavity. This negative pressure puts pressure on the teeth and slowly pushes them out of place. Additionally, mouth breathing reduces the amount of contact between the tongue and palate, which is necessary for proper development and growth of the jawbone.
Discussion on the effects of mouth breathing on facial structure and tooth alignment
Mouth breathing can also have detrimental effects on facial structure as well as tooth alignment. People who breathe through their mouths tend to have narrower faces because their jaws do not develop properly due to lack of proper tongue placement against their palates.
They may also develop an overbite or an underbite because their jawbones aren’t growing correctly due to improper tongue placement. Furthermore, mouth-breathers are more likely to have dry mouths which leads to a buildup of bacteria that results in cavities.
This can exacerbate crooked teeth even further if left untreated. It’s imperative that people recognize this habit and work towards breaking it as soon as possible or seek professional guidance from a dentist or orthodontist if they notice any signs of crooked teeth developing due to mouth-breathing.
Thumb sucking and pacifier use
Thumb sucking and pacifier use are common habits among infants and young children. While these habits can be soothing for children, they can also lead to misaligned teeth over time. When a child sucks on their thumb or pacifier for extended periods, it can cause pressure on the developing teeth, which can result in changes to their alignment.
The anatomy of thumb sucking and pacifier use
When a child sucks on their thumb or a pacifier, it creates a vacuum in the mouth. This vacuum can cause the upper front teeth to move forward while pushing the lower front teeth towards the back of the mouth. Over time, this pressure can cause changes to the shape of the jawline and lead to misaligned teeth.
The impact of prolonged habits
If a child continues to suck on their thumb or pacifier past the age of three or four, they may be at risk of developing misaligned teeth. Prolonged habits like these may require orthodontic treatment such as braces or other corrective appliances. These treatments can be costly and time-consuming.
It is recommended that parents try to break their child’s habit by finding alternative soothing techniques such as offering a favorite toy or blanket instead of a pacifier or providing positive reinforcement when they go without sucking their thumb for an extended period. While thumb sucking and pacifier use may provide comfort for young children, they can also have long-term consequences with regard to tooth alignment.
Parents should encourage alternative soothing techniques while monitoring their child’s behavior closely. Early intervention is key when it comes to correcting misaligned teeth resulting from these habits.
Poor Oral Hygiene and Crooked Teeth
Poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of crooked teeth. It’s essential to keep teeth clean and healthy because when teeth become decayed, gum disease develops, it can lead to tooth loss or misaligned teeth.
How Poor Oral Hygiene Contributes to Crooked Teeth
Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental check-ups are some of the ways to ensure good oral hygiene. When you don’t maintain good oral hygiene, plaque builds up on the teeth due to an accumulation of bacteria. Plaque then hardens into tartar or calculus that is difficult to remove with regular brushing.
Over time, the buildup of plaque and tartar can weaken the gums and bones that support your teeth, leading to tooth loss. When a tooth falls out or is extracted from its socket, it creates space in your mouth for other adjacent teeth to shift out of position.
The Relationship Between Gum Disease, Tooth Decay and Misaligned Teeth
Gum disease affects the tissues surrounding your teeth like gum tissue and underlying bone structure which hold them in place. Gum disease occurs when bacteria infects the gums causing inflammation known as gingivitis which if left untreated can progress into periodontal disease.
When gum disease or tooth decay damages these supporting structures that surround a tooth’s root structure, those structures weaken over time; as a result pressure from chewing exerted on nearby healthy supporting structures can force those remaining healthy structures out of place which then causes crookedness. Misaligned teeth also create spaces between them that are challenging even for an experienced brusher!
Henceforth poor oral hygiene becomes more common because food debris accumulates between misaligned teeth making cleaning even more difficult! – maintaining good oral hygiene through brushing regularly with fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist twice a year for check-ups and professional cleanings will go a long way in preventing crooked teeth.
Trauma or injury
Have you ever noticed that your teeth are not as straight as they used to be after an injury to the mouth? Trauma or injury to the mouth can cause crooked teeth even if they were previously straight.
When a tooth is knocked out of place, the surrounding teeth may shift, causing misalignment. This shift can also occur due to a fracture in the jawbone or facial bones.
Types of injuries that may lead to misaligned teeth
There are several types of injuries that can lead to crooked teeth. One common type of injury is sports-related trauma, such as getting hit in the face with a ball or stick.
Car accidents and falls can also cause damage to the mouth and lead to misaligned teeth. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be necessary after an injury in order to realign the teeth.
It’s important to seek dental care immediately following an injury involving the mouth in order to prevent further damage and ensure proper healing. Your dentist will be able to assess any changes in your tooth alignment and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your unique situation.
Trauma is just one of many possible causes of crooked teeth; genetic factors, poor oral hygiene habits, developmental issues, thumb sucking/pacifier use, and breathing through the mouth can all contribute as well. By understanding these causes, you can take steps towards preventing misaligned teeth or seeking proper treatment if necessary.
Developmental Issues
Cleft Palate
A cleft palate is a birth defect that occurs when the roof of the mouth doesn’t form properly during fetal development. This can lead to misaligned teeth because there isn’t enough space in the mouth for all of them.
As a result, some teeth may shift or become crooked over time. Additionally, children with cleft palate may have difficulty chewing or speaking properly, which can further affect their oral health.
Treatment for cleft palate typically involves surgery to close the gap in the roof of the mouth and correct any associated dental issues such as misaligned teeth. Many children also require ongoing dental care throughout their lives to maintain good oral health.
Missing Teeth
When a child loses one or more baby teeth prematurely due to injury or decay, it can affect the alignment of their permanent teeth. Without a baby tooth present to guide it into place, a permanent tooth may drift out of position and cause overcrowding or other alignment issues. In some cases, missing teeth can also cause changes in facial structure that further exacerbate dental problems.
Treatment for missing teeth typically depends on the specific situation and may include options like braces, dental implants, or partial dentures. In cases where multiple teeth are missing or additional structural issues are present, more extensive treatment plans may be necessary.
Overall, understanding how developmental issues like cleft palate and missing teeth can contribute to crookedness is an important step in maintaining good oral health throughout life. By working with knowledgeable dental professionals and following recommended treatments plans as needed, individuals can minimize the impact of these factors on their overall well-being over time.
Crooked teeth can be more than just a cosmetic issue
Misaligned teeth can cause problems with speech, chewing, and even lead to gum disease or tooth decay.
Understanding the causes of crooked teeth can help to prevent these issues from developing in the first place and provide solutions for treatment. Genetics play a big role in the development of crooked teeth.
Inherited traits such as having a small jaw or overcrowding can result in misaligned teeth, but there are also environmental factors that contribute to this condition. Mouth breathing, thumb sucking, pacifier use, poor oral hygiene, trauma or injury to the mouth, and developmental issues such as cleft palate or missing teeth are all potential causes of crooked teeth.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices is key to preventing many of these causes from taking effect. Regular dental checkups and early intervention for developmental issues can also help avoid further complications down the line.
In some cases, orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners may be needed to correct misaligned teeth. These treatments not only improve dental health but also boost self-esteem by giving patients a beautiful smile they can feel confident about.
Overall, understanding the causes of crooked teeth is important for both prevention and treatment purposes. By taking proactive measures such as practicing good oral hygiene habits and seeking early intervention when needed, we can ensure that our smiles remain healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Fernandina Beach dental office.
The Truth about Your Teeth and Health
Your smile is a canvas that reveals more than just your personality. It could also expose some underlying health issues that you might not be aware of. Your dental health deserves as much attention as any other aspect of your overall well-being.
The Importance of Dental Health
Oral hygiene is more than just getting rid of bad breath and yellow teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist are essential to prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Neglecting your dental health could lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, and even cancer.
How Teeth Can Reveal Underlying Health Issues
Your teeth are like windows into the state of your overall well-being. Changes in their appearance or sensitivity could indicate underlying health conditions such as acid reflux disease or osteoporosis.
Even a simple cavity could lead to complications in other parts of the body if left untreated. Taking care of your dental health is crucial for a healthy life.
Don’t take your pearly whites for granted! The next sections will dive deeper into what healthy teeth look like and how different dental issues can reveal underlying health concerns.
What healthy teeth look like
Characteristics of healthy teeth
Healthy teeth have a few distinct characteristics. For starters, they are generally white or off-white in color, but not overly bright.
They also don’t have any noticeable chips or cracks, and they fit comfortably in the mouth without causing discomfort or pain. Healthy teeth are also firmly anchored in their sockets and don’t move around when you bite down.
Another key characteristic of healthy teeth is that they are clean and free of plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the surface of your teeth when bacteria combine with food particles.
Over time, this can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. That’s why it’s so important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.
Importance of regular dental checkups and cleanings
Even if your teeth look healthy on the outside, there could be hidden issues lurking beneath the surface. That’s why it’s crucial to schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist at least once every six months.
During these appointments, your dentist will examine your mouth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other issues that could affect your overall health. They’ll also perform a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar buildup that you may have missed during your daily oral hygiene routine.
Regular dental checkups can help catch problems early before they turn into bigger (and more expensive) issues down the road. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to ask questions about proper oral care techniques or get advice on how to improve your overall dental health.
What discolored teeth indicate
One of the most obvious signs of potential health issues is tooth discoloration. Discoloration can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor dental hygiene, genetics, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or drinking heavily pigmented beverages like coffee or tea. However, it’s important to note that some types of discoloration can also be indicative of underlying health issues.
Causes of tooth discoloration
The most common causes of tooth discoloration are external factors such as foods, drinks and smoking, but there are also internal causes that can’t be treated with simple whitening procedures. These internal causes include:
- Tetracycline use: a type of antibiotic that can cause permanent staining in teeth.
- Fluorosis: excessive fluoride intake during childhood which results in white spots or streaks on the teeth.
- Tooth trauma: an injury to a tooth that can result in darkening or graying over time.
Possible underlying health issues
If you notice unusual tooth discoloration that isn’t related to external factors and doesn’t respond to whitening treatments, it’s important to talk to your dentist about the possibility of underlying health issues. In some cases, yellowing or grayish tones could be indicative of liver disease or other systemic conditions. Similarly, white spots on the teeth could indicate celiac disease or other autoimmune disorders.
Your dentist may recommend additional testing if they suspect an underlying condition is causing your tooth discoloration. At the very least they will take x-rays and perform a thorough oral exam to help determine the cause and possible treatment options.
What sensitive teeth mean
Sensitive teeth can be a real pain, quite literally. They can cause discomfort while eating or drinking hot or cold foods, and may even make it difficult to brush your teeth properly. Sensitive teeth occur when the enamel on your tooth is worn down or your gums have receded, exposing the underlying layer of dentin that contains the tooth’s nerves.
Causes of tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a variety of factors, including: – Brushing too hard – Eating acidic foods
– Gum disease – Teeth grinding
– Tooth decay – Tooth whitening products
Possible underlying health issues
Tooth sensitivity can also be a sign of underlying health issues such as: – Gastrointestinal disorders
– Sinus infections – Vitamin deficiency (particularly vitamin D)
If you experience consistent tooth sensitivity, it’s important to visit your dentist to rule out any potential dental issues and get to the root cause of what’s causing your sensitive teeth. In some cases, treatment may include using desensitizing products like special toothpaste or fluoride treatments.
What crooked or misaligned teeth indicate
Crooked or misaligned teeth can affect one’s confidence and self-esteem, but they can also reveal underlying health issues. When a person’s teeth are not properly aligned, it can cause problems with their bite, speech, and ability to chew food. Crooked teeth can also make it difficult to keep the mouth clean, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Causes of crooked or misaligned teeth
There are several factors that can contribute to crooked or misaligned teeth. Genetics is a major factor as some people are born with small jaws or crowded teeth that make it difficult for their permanent teeth to come in straight. Thumb-sucking and pacifier use beyond age three may also lead to crooked teeth when the adult teeth come in.
Injuries to the jaw or face may also cause structural damage that leads to unevenly spaced or angled teeth. Poor dental care through lack of brushing and flossing may lead to tooth decay, gum inflammation which could result in shifting of adjacent healthy tooth leading to overlapping and crowding.
Possible underlying health issues
Crooked or misaligned teeth sometimes indicate underlying health issues such as sleep apnea caused by a narrow airway that is commonly seen with malocclusion (poor alignment of upper and lower jaw), digestive disorders like acid reflux which may be due to improper function of oral cavity muscles during chewing processes leading acid exposure on surface enamel resulting in tooth erosion over time; eating disorders like bulimia nervosa- due frequent vomiting associated with this disorder there is repeated exposure of hydrochloric acid on tooth surface causing enamel erosion leading chipping off the edges making them jagged; anxiety disorders causing habits like grinding/ clenching of jaws (bruxism) etc. It is important for individuals with misaligned teeth to consult their dental health provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. These underlying health issues, if not addressed, could lead to more serious health problems in the future.
What missing or damaged teeth say about your overall health
Missing or damaged teeth not only cause cosmetic concerns but can also reveal underlying health issues. Losing a tooth can indicate poor dental hygiene, gum disease, or an injury that has caused the tooth to fall out. Similarly, a chipped or broken tooth could be due to trauma, grinding your teeth at night, or decay caused by poor oral hygiene.
Causes of missing or damaged teeth
One of the most common causes of missing teeth in adults is periodontal disease, which is a bacterial infection that damages the gums and bones that support your teeth. Poor dental hygiene can also contribute to tooth loss as it leads to gum disease and cavities that may eventually lead to the need for extractions. Trauma from accidents or sports injuries may also result in missing or damaged teeth.
Possible underlying health issues
Missing or damaged teeth may not only affect your oral health but also have implications for your overall health. For example, if you have lost several teeth due to gum disease, it could put you at higher risk for heart disease as bacteria from the inflamed gums can enter your bloodstream and cause inflammation in other parts of your body.
Similarly, untreated decayed teeth can lead to infections that spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Missing front teeth may even have an impact on speech and self-confidence.
It’s essential to take care of dental problems as soon as they arise because they might reveal underlying medical problems such as diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, nutritional deficiencies among others. Taking care of our oral health is crucial as it not only helps maintain healthy-looking smiles but can also help detect potential medical conditions early enough for effective treatment
The Importance of Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene for Overall Health
Taking care of your teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to your overall health. Your teeth can reveal underlying health issues, so it’s important to pay attention to any changes in their appearance or sensitivity. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help prevent serious dental problems and detect any potential issues early on.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of health problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, and even heart disease. By properly brushing and flossing your teeth daily, as well as avoiding sugary foods and drinks, you can improve your overall health and well-being.
Remember that good oral hygiene also includes regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings and checkups. If you notice any changes in the appearance or sensitivity of your teeth, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
By taking care of your teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you’ll not only look better but also feel better. So let’s all make a commitment to prioritize our dental health for the sake of our overall health!
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Fernandina Beach dental office.
