Canker Sores: What Are They?

If you have ever experienced a canker – or chancre – sore in your mouth, you know that they can be bothersome at the very least, and often quite painful. They seem to pop up out of the blue and immediately outstay their welcome. So, what are they exactly, and is there anything you can do to get rid of them? 

Canker sore is the informal term used in North America for the medical condition referred to as Aphthous Stomatitis. Canker sores are generally small ulcers found only inside the mouth, usually along the cheeks, tongue, or lips. They can make it very uncomfortable to talk, eat, or drink and can be very painful when acidic foods come into contact with them. The flesh of the sore itself is usually white and very tender with red aggravated skin surrounding it, but they are not contagious.

 Who do canker sores affect?

Women are twice as likely to get canker sores than men and usually occur between the ages of 10 and 20, although they can appear earlier in life. That being said, anyone can be affected by canker sores at any age. There have been cases of canker sores reported as early as two years old.

 What causes canker sores?

Unfortunately, the true cause of canker sores is unknown. However, it has been proven that eating an excess of highly citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, pineapples, tomatoes, and strawberries, can trigger canker sores in many people.

Consuming a lot of sugary foods, such as candies, can also cause sores to pop up. Damage or irritation from dental appliances, accidental biting of the tongue or cheek, or ill-fitting dentures can also be a trigger for canker sores. There has also been evidence that suggests a diet lacking in vitamin B-12 can cause canker sores. This vitamin can be found in foods such as eggs, dairy products, and seafood.

 What is the difference between a canker sore and a cold sore?

Canker sores occur exclusively inside the mouth and do not have any known cause. Cold sores, on the other hand, are caused by a viral infection and are highly contagious. Unlike canker sores, cold sores occur outside of the mouth and are filled with fluid, resembling blisters, and generally scab over before healing.

 Are canker sores dangerous?

Generally, no, canker sores are not dangerous. They can be extremely uncomfortable, even very painful, but they usually disappear on their own after a week or two. However, canker sores should not occur more than four or five times in a year – so if you experience an excessive amount, it could point to a larger health issue. Consult your doctor if you believe this sounds like your experience.

 How do you treat a canker sore?

Most of the time canker sores are best treated by leaving them alone until they disappear in a week or so. Canker sores can also be laser treated  which provides immediate relief and quicker healing time. If bothered by canker sores regularly, use a canker sore combating mouthwash.

Avoiding trigger foods, such as highly citrus fruits and extremely sugary treats, is essential when letting your canker sore heal as exposing it to these foods can further aggravate it. Being careful when using dental appliances such as retainers, dentures, and braces, is important to ensure further damage isn’t done to the affected area.

Be sure to thoroughly brush your teeth after meals to ensure that food particles or bacteria doesn’t get attached to the sore and possibly cause an infection. If your canker sore does not improve on it’s own after two weeks, consult  for further diagnosis.

 Can canker sores be prevented?

Because the exact causes of canker sores are not known, it is difficult to prevent them aside from avoiding foods and physical irritations that might trigger a canker sore. Ensuring that you don’t have an allergy that could trigger canker sores and including enough vitamin B-12 in your diet are great steps to take in preventing future a breakout.

Always be sure to clean your mouth properly at least twice each day and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and oral health monitoring.

To book an appointment with us

Call us at: +912240147049
iDent, Idyll Dental Clinic
Email: smileident@gmail.com
Website: www.smileident.com

Foods that are good for teeth!

                         



Foods like Apples and carrots due to their crunchy nature with natural sugars thus help in removing plaque from the teeth keeping them healthy. Chicken is a high protein food which doesn't stick easily to natural teeth and is very low on sugar. Milk strengthens teeth by providing important nutrients like calcium and phosphorous where as pear contains enormous amounts of acid neutralizing and bacteria fighting juices which help maintain your pearly whites!!

Crown Sensitivity…How Long Should It Last?

New crown sensitivity can vary from person-to-person, so this can be a difficult question to answer unless you go to the source that knows best—the dentist who placed your crown. And prior to going to your appointment, it is helpful if you have identified as many of the facts and/or triggers for any symptoms you have. For example, are your teeth sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, touch, pressure, or biting? It may be as simple as adjusting a minor high spot when you bite. Other questions to discuss with the dentist include the following. What was the extent of decay in the tooth prior to the crown? How close to the pulp (that contains the nerve) was the decay? Some sensitivity is normal after a crown as the tooth settles down; however, increasing sensitivity or pain after a week or more warrants a follow up visit to the dentist.

To book an appointment with us

Call us at: +912240147049
iDent, Idyll Dental Clinic
Email: smileident@gmail.com
Website: www.smileident.com

You Might Be More Prone to Cavities

You brush and floss daily and don't snack on sugary treats, yet you've had your fair share of cavities. Your friend, on the other hand, is lax with the dental hygiene and lives on energy drinks and junk food, yet rarely has a cavity. Ever wondered why?

Cavities, which result from a disease process called dental caries, are areas of decay caused by certain oral bacteria. As the decay progresses, the bacteria can eventually invade the living portion of the tooth (dentin and pulp) and is considered a bacterial infection. At that point professional dental treatment is required to remove the infection, stop the disease process and seal the tooth.

This disease process requires certain combinations of conditions in order to progress. So it's likely that you have more of those conditions, or risk factors, than your friend does. Don't beat yourself up; while there are lots of things you can do to minimize risks, there are also factors that aren't so easily controlled.

Tooth Decay Risk Factors

Let's take a look at those risk factors:

• Oral Bacteria — Cavities start with bacteria that build up on tooth surfaces in a sticky film called plaque where they feed on sugars and carbohydrates from the foods/beverages we consume, creating acids in the process. Acids dissolve the mineral bonds in the protective layer of tooth enamel, which makes it easier for bacteria to penetrate what is otherwise the hardest substance in the human body and infect the tooth. Your unique oral "microbiome" make-up could have more or less of the microbe species implicated in dental caries, and some strains of the same bugs are more aggressive than others.
• Dental hygiene — Brushing and flossing correctly and regularly helps dislodge bacterial plaque and trapped food particles. Regular checkups and professional cleanings are also important to remove plaque that has hardened into "tartar."
• Diet — Minimizing your intake of sugary foods and carbohydrates reduces the availability of fuel for cavity-causing bacteria. Meanwhile, acidic foods and beverages can erode enamel, and the more frequently they are consumed, the less opportunity saliva has to restore the mouth to its normal pH.
• Dry mouth — Saliva contains minerals that help neutralize acids and rebuild tooth enamel. Without a healthy flow, your ability to prevent decay is compromised. Certain medications, chemotherapy and some diseases can cause Dry Mouth. Drinking lots of water and using enamel-fortifying mouth rinses can help counter the effects.
• Tooth shape — Tooth decay is most likely to develop in back teeth — molars and bicuspids (premolars) — where the tiny fissures on their biting surface tend to trap food and bacteria. Genetics determines how deep your fissures are.
• Gum recession — Receding gums expose the tooth root, which isn't protected by enamel and therefore more susceptible to decay.
• Other factors — Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and vomiting can create highly acidic conditions in the mouth. Retainers, orthodontic appliances and bite or night guards tend to restrict saliva flow over teeth, promoting plaque formation; fixed appliances like braces can make it more difficult to brush and floss effectively.

For Further Details Book an appointment with us.

Contact Us At: +91 2240147049

iDent, Idyll Dental Clinic

Email: smileident@gmail.com

Website: www.smileident.com

Art Meets Science in Crowns and Bridgework

Skilled portrait painters make their subjects' teeth look real by utilizing a careful blend of form, color and brushwork. We as Dentists may use a different set of materials and techniques, but the end result is the same: a pleasing, natural-looking smile. Placing crowns and bridgework is one facet of dentistry where art truly meets science.

Crowns and bridges are effective methods of restoring damaged or missing teeth.If a damaged tooth has intact roots, a crown (or cap) can be fabricated, to completely cover a tooth's surface above the gum line. When one or more teeth are absent, a bridge can be made. First, the teeth in either side of the missing one(s) — the abutment teeth — are prepared for crowning. Then a single “bridge” is expertly crafted to replace the missing teeth, and the bridge is securely attached to the abutments.

Where does the art come in? It's evident in the materials selected for the restoration, and in the craftsmanship of the lab that produces it. We can help you choose from among several options for crown or bridge material, such as porcelain (including high-tech ceramics) or porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations. Working with our partners in the dental laboratory, our dental office can make an esthetically pleasing and fully-functioning restoration that's almost impossible to tell from your natural teeth.

To book an appointment with us

Call us at: +912240147049
iDent, Idyll Dental Clinic
Email: smileident@gmail.com
Website: www.smileident.com

10 Worst Behaviors For Teeth

         

 

You brush and floss regularly and see us twice a year for professional cleanings and checkups. Good for you! Diligent oral hygiene is the cornerstone of a healthy smile. But for all your positive effort, you may be doing other things in your daily life that are putting your pearly whites’welfare at risk!
Here are 10 behaviors that can cause either immediate damage to your teeth (like chipping and cracking) or damage over time (like erosion of the tooth’s protective enamel coating or gum recession).

Using the Wrong Toothbrush

Using a brush that’s too hard can cause your gums to recede and abrasion damage to tooth root surfaces. A soft-bristled, multi-tufted brush is ideal.

Brushing Too Forcefully and Frequently

Even with the right brush, you can still damage teeth and irritate gyms by applying it too forcefully. A gentle whisking is all that’s needed to break up bacterial plaque buildup on tooth surfaces. Ask us about the proper technique if you’re not sure.
Brushing too often can also be damaging over time. Twice a day — morning and night — is sufficient.
And, brushing immediately after eating can erode tooth enamel, which is weakened by acidity in foods and beverages. Wait at least 30 minutes.

Nail Biting

This nervous habit exerts “parafunctional” (outside what’s normal) bite forces that can wear down teeth and cause small fractures and chips.

Grinding and Clenching

Bruxing, the dental term for tooth grinding as well as jaw clenching, exerts excessive bite forces that can result in tooth wear, fractures or looseness, jaw pain and other symptoms. It often occurs while people sleep; a night guard can help protect against damage.

Chewing Ice Cubes

Some blenders have special blades to crunch through ice cubes; imagine the effect of doing the same thing with your teeth! The force it takes your teeth (and jaws) to crunch through frozen water is far beyond what they’re designed to withstand.

Using Your Teeth as Tools

Teeth are designed for eating, not for tearing tags off clothing, ripping open a bag or unscrewing bottle tops. Misusing them is a recipe for fractures, chips and cracks.

Playing Contact Sports Without a Mouth Guard

Mouth guards are an important piece of athletic equipment that can protect your teeth from blows to the face and head and reduce the risk of broken or lost teeth, cut lips and other damage.

Dry Mouth

Saliva is important to oral health, as it neutralizes enamel-damaging acidity in your mouth and contains minerals that strengthen enamel. Dry mouth increases your risk of enamel erosion, cavities, and bad breath.

Sugary Foods and Beverages

Sugary foods and drinks increase the risk of tooth decay. Sugar and carbohydrates (which break down into sugar) are favorite snacks for certain oral bacteria, which produce cavity-causing acid as they digest.

Serial Coffee or Soda Drinking

Coffee and soda — regular and diet — are highly acidic. Sipping them throughout the day bathes your teeth in damaging acidity and doesn’t give saliva a chance to neutralize it.

To book an appointment with us

Call us at: +912240147049
iDent, Idyll Dental Clinic
Email: smileident@gmail.com
Website: www.smileident.com

BE SMART AND GET THAT CHIPPED TOOTH FIXED: BECAUSE ITS MUCH EASIER THEN EXPECTED.

                                                                                                   

A chipped tooth makes an impression — but not necessarily a good one!

Case in point:  Jim Carrey’s dopey character Lloyd Christmas in the comic films “Dumb and Dumber” and its sequel. Lloyd’s chipped front tooth was a deliberate choice by the actor to make his character appear more “deranged” every time he opened his mouth.

Treatment for Aesthetics & Health

Fortunately, it’s easy to repair this type of dental damage. There are several options available depending on the nature of the chip and whether you’ve been able to locate and save the otherwise undamaged missing piece.

It’s important for your oral health as well as your appearance to schedule a dental appointment for evaluation and treatment of chipped tooth. If dental pulp at the center of the tooth has been exposed, your tooth could become hypersensitive to temperature and pressure, causing recurring discomfort. The pulp could also become infected, resulting in a need for root canal treatment.

Bonding — Rejoin/Re-create Missing Piece

Dental Cosmetic Bonding  is the quickest and lowest-cost option to repair a chip. (That’s how Jim Carey had his chipped tooth fixed in childhood; he had his dentist temporarily “unbond” it for the movie!) Bonding involves application of a composite filling material that we will color and shape to match the original tooth. Little to no removal of existing tooth surface is needed.

If you have preserved the chipped-off portion of tooth and it is otherwise undamaged, we can use bonding to seamlessly reattach it. Otherwise, depending on the extent of tooth loss, bonding material can be used to replace the lost portion.

Apply a Veneer — Hide the Chip

A Dental Veneer can be used to hide smaller areas of missing tooth. This is a thin, custom-made shell placed on the front of the tooth to give it a new façade. Some removal of existing tooth surface may be necessary to fit a veneer so it is flush with the surfaces of surrounding intact teeth.

Get a Crown — Cover Everything

A crown may be the best choice if a relatively large portion of the tooth is missing. It fully encases the visible portion of the remaining tooth (also known as the crown) above the gum line and is shaped and sized to match the original. It can be made of all ceramic (optimal for highly visible areas) or porcelain fused to metal crowns. In both cases, the material will be colored to match your other teeth. Some of the existing tooth surface will be removed to allow the crown to fit over it.

Chipped-Tooth Prevention

Accidents happen, but there are steps you can take to substantially reduce the risk of ever experiencing a chipped tooth — for example, wear a dental bite guard while playing sports, don’t grind or clench your teeth, don’t crunch on ice chips or hard candies, and don’t use your teeth as a tool for opening things!

To book an appointment with us

Call us at: +912240147049
iDent, Idyll Dental Clinic
Email: smileident@gmail.com
Website: www.smileident.com