Is Tooth whitening good or bad???

 Teeth whitening- Potential harmful effects

While teeth whitening can significantly improve the appearance of your smile, it's important to be aware of the potential harmful effects, which are usually mild and temporary, but can be more severe with improper use or pre-existing conditions.

Here are the main harmful effects of teeth whitening:

1. Tooth Sensitivity

* This is the most common side effect. Whitening agents (like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) penetrate the enamel and can temporarily expose the nerve endings in your teeth, leading to increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or even sweet foods and drinks.

 * Sensitivity usually resolves within a few days after treatment.

 * Individuals with pre-existing sensitivity, gum recession, cracks in their teeth, or faulty restorations are at higher risk.

2. Gum Irritation:

 * If the bleaching gel comes into contact with your gums, it can cause redness, soreness, and irritation. This is more common with ill-fitting at-home whitening trays or if the protective barrier isn't properly applied during in-office treatments.

 * Gum irritation is typically temporary and resolves on its own.

3. Enamel Damage/Erosion:

 * While infrequent, proper whitening is generally safe for enamel, overuse or misuse of whitening products (especially those with high concentrations of bleaching agents or abrasive ingredients) can potentially damage or soften tooth enamel.

 * This can lead to increased sensitivity, white spots, and in severe cases, even make teeth appear translucent, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath.

4. Uneven Whitening:

 * Teeth may whiten unevenly, especially if you have crooked or overlapping teeth, or if you have dental restorations like crowns, fillings, or veneers, as these materials do not whiten like natural tooth enamel.

5. Allergic Reactions:

 * In rare cases, individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the bleaching agents, which can manifest as swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing.

6. Burns and Blisters:

 * If strong bleaching agents are left on the gums for too long or applied incorrectly, they can cause chemical burns or blisters.

7. Upset Stomach:

 * Swallowing small amounts of the whitening product can sometimes lead to an upset stomach.

8. Damage to Dental Restorations:

 * Whitening agents can sometimes chemically react with existing dental restorations, potentially altering their color or surface.

To minimize these risks:

 * Consult a dentist: Always discuss teeth whitening with your dentist before starting any treatment, especially if you have sensitive teeth, gum disease, or existing dental work. They can assess your oral health, recommend the most suitable and safe method, and ensure proper application.

 * Follow instructions carefully: Whether using an at-home kit or undergoing an in-office procedure, adhere strictly to the instructions provided by your dentist or the product manufacturer.

 * Avoid overuse: Do not over-whiten your teeth, as this increases the risk of side effects.

 * Choose professional treatment: Professional in-office whitening often offers more controlled application and better protection for your gums, reducing the risk of irritation and uneven results.

Dental abscesses and Risks

 DENTAL INFECTIONS AND RISK INVOLVED

Dental infection are a process in which pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, virus or fungi colonise living tissue in the advanced state. An accumulation of pus known as a abscess . Before an abscess occur dental infections can be almost imperceptible, since most of the time they are asymptomatic.

However depending upon the origin of the infection, dental abscesses can be seen in the different parts of the mouth such as gums, roots of the tooth or the jaw.

Why do dental infections appear and what are their symptoms?

The build up of bacteria that cause dental infection occur for a number of reasons including:

-advanced tooth decay 

-gum disease 

-wisdom teeth 

-dental trauma 

-inflammation of the dental nerve

PERIAPICAL ABSCESS

 

Tooth decay is caused by acid produced by bacteria in the mouth,this acid destroys the hard tissues of the tooth such as enamel and dentin. If a cavity is not treated in time , it can progress and affect the nerve which can cause intense pain, swelling of the face,sensitivity to acid , sweets , cold and heat.

PERIODONTAL ABSCESS 

Gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis manifest when there is an accumulation of plaque or tartar in the space between the gum and the tooth , this condition causes inflammation and if not treated in time , it becomes an infection that produces an abscess at gum level.

PERICORONITIS

The infection that occurs in the wisdom teeth is called the pericoronitis and occurs when bacteria or food debris is introduced into the gum that covers these teeth in the process of eruption . This causes pain, redness , separation of the gum , swelling of the face and dental sensitivity.

DENTAL TRAUMA such as blows or falls can also affects the teeth and causes fractures or the death of the dental nerve, thereby increasing the risk of infection . In these cases it is advisable to go to the dentist as soon as possible.

What happens if a dental infection spreads to the body?

Many people don’t realise how serious a dental infection ca be, believing it to be a minor problem that can restore itself. However it is not true.

If a dental infection is not treated in time ,it can spread to the other parts of the body and cause serious complications.when a dental infection spreads , the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affects other body organs. for example-

Bacteria can reach the heart and cause endocarditis-the inflammation of the hearts inner lining.

They can also cause brain abscess , pneumonia and other serious illness .

How do you know if a dental infection has spread to the body?

Watch for the symptoms like-

High fever, headache, pain in the neck and jaw, difficulty to swollen,difficulty in breathing , fatigue and weakness , nausea and vomiting , confusion and behaviour changes .

If you experience any of these symptoms ,it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment is essential to prevent serious complications .

How to prevent dental infections?

Good oral hygiene is the key to prevent dental infections . Here are some tips that can help-

-brush your teeth twice daily with toothpaste containing fluoride. 

-floss daily to remove plaque and food to rise between teeth.

-use mouthwash regularly to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth.

-limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks.

-visit the dentist regularly for checkups and dental cleanings.

In conclusion , it is essential to pay attention to dental infections and seek early treatment to avoid serious complications. Good oral hygiene is the key to preventing dental infections and maintaining a healthy smile.

Some facts about Root Canal Treatment.

 Millions of root canal treatments are performed each year. Because there are some fears and myths surrounding root canal procedures, it can be helpful to know the facts.

What is a root canal treatment?

A root canal treatment — commonly referred to as a "root canal" — is a procedure to clear the tissue from the root canals of your tooth.

A spongy material called pulp, which contains the tooth's nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissue, resides inside the roots of your teeth. Pulp can become infected and inflamed for various reasons. If left untreated, your tooth may become extremely painful and the infection may spread into the bones that support your teeth, which is a serious problem.

The most common reason for a root canal treatment is to clear an infection in the pulp. It's important to remove the infection because if this doesn't happen, the only place for an infection to go is into the bone.This causes pressure on the bone and ligaments holding your tooth, which is why it's painful.

A common worry is that a root canal is painful. But today's anesthetics and improved techniques have made the procedure much easier to tolerate.

A root canal treatment shouldn't be any more painful than having a cavity filled or tooth extracted, your Dentist will prescribe antibiotics before the procedure to calm the infection, since a very infected tooth is a little harder to numb.

Who needs a root canal treatment, and why?

You may need a root canal if you have an infected tooth. A tooth infection may occur if bacteria enter the tooth's pulp from a deep cavity, an old filling that has failed, or a crack or injury to the tooth. Signs of a problem include:

• pain when you chew or bite down
• gums that are tender, swollen, or dark in colour
• small pimples on your gums
• Continuous sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, even when the stimulation has been removed.

Sometimes you may not have any symptoms, but an x-ray will show deep decay or an infection at your root or roots.

What happens during a root canal procedure?

First we will give you an anesthetic injection to numb the area, then make an opening in the tooth and will use small instruments to remove the damaged pulp and clear out the root canals. The now-empty spaces are then filled with a latex material called gutta-percha. We may recommend a filling or crown to rebuild the tooth.

Contrary to popular belief, the roots of the tooth are kept intact and are not removed during a root canal treatment. This means that even after root canal therapy, your tooth may still be susceptible to decay, periodontal disease, or tooth sensitivity.

Recovering from a root canal

Your mouth probably will feel numb for a couple of hours after a root canal, but most people can return to their regular activities right after a root canal procedure. We advises not eating until the numbness in your mouth wears off, to avoid biting your cheek or tongue.

After a root canal treatment,we recommends avoiding hard or sticky foods. To ease any discomfort, we suggests trying soft food that requires little chewing. After a root canal, you will likely have a temporary filling, so maintaining a soft diet helps preserve your tooth and filling until it can be repaired permanently.

After a root canal, you can brush and floss your teeth as you normally do so.

Managing pain after a root canal treatment

Because the infection is cleared, you will likely experience pain relief soon after your treatment. 

If pain persists beyond a few days or gets worse, let your dentist know.

Let’s change our perception towards dental health.

 “The best medicine of all is to teach people how not to need it” -   Hippocrates

The eyes may be the gateway to your soul, but oral health is a window into overall health. "Good dental health not only protects against gum disease, gum inflammation, and tooth loss, but also can protect against many other age-related diseases,"."A healthy mouth really can lead to a healthier body."

A healthy smile

Poor oral health can have severe consequences. Research has shown that gum inflammation (gingivitis) raises the risk for lung disease, heart disease, blood vessel blockage, and strokes.

Tooth loss from gum disease (periodontitis) may raise your risk of dementia.

Poor dental health also can affect your social life. Insecurities about your smile can make you feel less attractive and less likely to socialize, which can increase isolation.

Rinse, brush, floss

Like other aspects of health care, prevention is the best medicine when it comes to your teeth and gums. Investing in proper dental care and upkeep is relatively inexpensive. Dental treatments are where it can get costly.

We recommend seeing your dentist every six months for check-ups, x-rays as needed, and cleanings. In between, you should follow a daily dental hygiene routine to reduce plaque buildup, gingivitis, and cavities. There are three basic steps: rinsing, brushing, and flossing.

Do you feel pain or clicking sound while opening or closing the mouth?

 Do you know about the temporomandibular joint pain?

Temporomandibular disorders are problems affecting the jaw joint and the muscles and other tissues around the jaw joint. These disorders usually cause pain or reduced movement of the jaw, and sometimes sounds such as clicking or grating of the jaw joint. There are various causes but generally temporomandibular disorders are not serious and often improve with simple treatments.

Understanding the jaw joint

A joint is the place where two bones meet. Joints allow movement and flexibility between two bones. The jaw joint allows movement between the jawbone (mandible) and the skull. Muscles attached to the skull and jawbone cause the jawbone to move as the mouth is opened and closed.

Inside the jaw joint, there is a smooth material called cartilage, covering part of the bones. There is also a cartilage disc within the joint. The joint is lubricated by fluid called synovial fluid.

The muscles used for chewing (mastication) are mainly responsible for movement of the jaw.

Symptoms of TMD

• Pain in the joint area or nearby. 
• Jaw movements may be reduced. 
• Clicks or noises can sometimes be heard coming from the jaw joint when you chew or move your mouth. 
• Because the ear is very close to the jaw joint, some people develop ear symptoms such as:
• Noise in the ear.
• Sensitivity to sound.
• Dizziness (vertigo)

TMD treatment

Most problems in the jaw joint can be helped with simple treatments such as painkillers and advice on how to rest the joint. If you think you have TMD then don’tsee your dentist for advice. 

Do you get scare of going to a dental clinic ?

 Are you afraid to go to a dental clinic or dentist?

If you're afraid to go to the dentist, you're not alone. This is a serious situation. It makes people nervous and scared. It leads people to the realisation that fear is completely irrational, but unable to do much about it. They are reluctant, meaning they will do everything possible to avoid going to the dentist. Such people usually visit the dentist only when they do not get relief from the extreme pain. They have trouble sleeping the night before going to the clinic. There is nervousness while waiting in the dental clinic. The thought of going to the dentist makes you cry or feel physically ill. Acute discomfort at the thought of going to the clinic, or getting objects in your mouth during treatment, or suddenly feeling that it becomes difficult to breathe.

What is the reason for this fear?

Some common causes include:

Fear of pain. Fear of pain is a very common reason to avoid treatment. This fear usually starts with a bad old experience or stories of bad experiences told by others. There has been a lot of progress in dental treatment in the last few years, today's treatments are much less painful or even pain-free.

Fear or fear of injection will not work. Many people are afraid of needles, especially when inserted into their mouths. Beyond this fear, others fear that the anaesthesia has not yet taken effect or that there was not enough of a large amount to eliminate any pain before treatment began.

Fear of anaesthesia. Some people fear the potential side effects of anaesthesia such as dizziness (feeling unconscious), or vomiting. Others don't like the numbness associated with local anaesthetics.

Feelings of helplessness and loss of control. It's common for people to feel these feelings given the situation – sitting in a dental chair with their mouth open, unable to see what's going on.

Embarrassment and loss of personal space. Many people feel uncomfortable about the physical proximity of the dentist on their face. Other people may feel self-conscious about the presence of their teeth possible mouth odour.

The key to facing all these worries is to discuss your fears with your dentist. Once your dentist knows what your fears are, they will be able to work better with you to determine the best ways to make you less anxious and more comfortable. If your dentist doesn't take your fears seriously, find another dentist.

If a lack of control is one of your main reasons behind your stress, actively participating in discussions with your dentist about your treatment can reduce your stress. Ask your dentist to explain what is happening at each stage of the process. This way you can be mentally prepared for the things to come. Another useful strategy is to establish a signalling — such as raising your hand — when you want the treatment to stop immediately. Use this signal whenever you're uncomfortable, need to rinse your mouth, or just hold your breath.

If you are afraid to go to the clinic that what will happen there. So what happens in a dental clinic is, first of all a dentist takes your history, the reason for your visit, your pain, your medical history - such as if you are already running any other disease and some medicine for it. Then your teeth and mouth are examined, if an X-ray is needed, that is also done. After seeing all of them, you are told and explained the disease and its treatment. And the treatment is started only after your satisfaction.

So remove your fear, because your fear and neglect can only increase  the chances of disease and the work, that will be done with less pain and money spent of your prior visits. Your fear and delay will only increase the chance of your tooth may not survive.

Is Trendy toothpaste safe to use?

 Is charcoal and teeth whitening toothpaste safe for my teeth?

You might have seen a lot of advertisements on TV or Internet regarding charcoal and whitening toothpaste. But have you ever wonder about it’s safety? The adds claims that these toothpaste brightens your teeth, but they never explains how it will do, how much and how long to use.  

Charcoal toothpaste has recently become a trendy tooth-whitening choice, joining the ever-swelling ranks of whitening products lining store shelves. It contains activated charcoal, which is a fine powder composed of coconut shells, wood, and other natural substances oxidised under heat. Since it's abrasive, it can indeed help remove surface stains on teeth, but there's no evidence it works on stains below the enamel — limiting its effectiveness.

While using charcoal on teeth is safe in small doses, you shouldn't use this type of toothpaste every day. It's simply too abrasive for the task, risking damage to tooth enamel, the protective outer covering of the teeth. Charcoal toothpaste may even stain teeth inadvertently when charcoal particles get caught in tiny tooth cracks or leave teeth grey or black around the edges. And lastly, most charcoal toothpastes don't contain fluoride, which protects your teeth against decay. It does this in two ways: First, fluoride strengthens your tooth enamel and reduces the chance of acid damage. Second, it can reverse the early stages of acid damage by re-mineralising areas where the disease begins.

You're better off opting for a standard, fluoride-containing toothpaste instead of a trendy newer product. 

Be wise and alert before choosing any healthcare products. Always read the composition or ingredients and amount of dose written behind the package. Read about the product reviews given by the people over Internet , or even consult with your trusted doctor before using. Never ever risk or experiment with your health. Yours and your family health is the most important wealth you can achieve. Be safe.