• What Exactly Is Fluoride?

    You probably know that you should brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. If you are not a dentist in Bel Air , however, you may not understand the significance of fluoride. This ion can help you keep your natural tooth enamel and avoid restorations like veneers down the road. Watch this video to learn more about fluoride.

    Fluoride is an ion that can bolster your teeth and help them to fight against cavities. You can find fluoride in soil, water, and rocks, and it is added to some community water and mouth rinses. Fluoride is important because it combats the acids that attack your tooth enamel. If your diet involves a substantial amount of carbs, this is especially important. Your dentist can apply fluoride to your teeth at your next dental checkup, but it is important to use an accepted fluoride toothpaste when you brush your teeth on your own.

  • The Truth Behind Gum Disease Myths

    In order to keep yourself in proper oral health, it is helpful to differentiate myth from truth. Unfortunately, there are many myths about gum disease that your dentist in Bel Air will confirm are false. Getting the facts about gum disease will allow you to react to the warning signs and prevent this condition from developing further. Read on for a look at the truth behind gum disease myths.

    Myth: Proper Oral Hygiene Will Always Prevent Gum Disease
    Practicing proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth every day is a great way to keep your teeth and

    Dentist in Bel Air

    gums in good shape. However, oral hygiene is not the only factor that determines your risk for gum disease. Even if you are completely dedicated to oral hygiene, there are other elements that may still put you at risk for this condition. Tobaccouse is one factor that may counteract your daily brushing and flossing. Your genetics, nutrition, and the level of stress that you endure on a daily basis may also impact your vulnerability to gum disease . While proper oral hygiene can certainly help, it is important to assess these other factors.

    Myth: You Cannot Replace a Tooth Lost from Gum Disease
    Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss, but this is by no means an indicator that you cannot have the tooth replaced. If you suffer from gum disease, you should be communicating with your dentist more frequently in order to treat the problem. In some cases, part of this treatment includes restorations like dental implants. A dental implant will replace your tooth and serve you with a number of benefits including retained bone mass and straight teeth.

    Myth: Gum Disease Cannot Affect Your General Health
    Your oral health and general well being are linked in ways that many people are not aware of. It is important to realize that gum disease can impact your general health by further progressing other conditions like diabetes and heart disease. If you think you might be suffering from gum disease, it is wise to talk to your dentist immediately.

  • Cosmetic Dentistry Spotlight: Lumineers

    If you have cracked, damaged, or gapped teeth, you may have considered the possibility of using porcelain veneers to treat your issue. While this can be a perfectly suitable treatment, others would prefer to ask their dentists in Bel Air about Lumineers. Lumineers are very similar to porcelain veneers, but there is an important difference. No matter the situation, it is important to talk to your dentist to find out what dental treatment will best suit your needs. In the meantime, read on as we put the cosmetic dentistry spotlight on lumineers.

    The primary difference between lumineers and traditional veneers is that lumineers can be placed without removing tooth structure. In the case of conventional porcelain veneers, your dentist will shave off a small amount of your enamel to make room for the veneer. On the other hand, lumineers are so thin that this shaving of tooth structure is not necessary. It should be noted, however, that not everyone is eligible for lumineers. Since there will be no shaving of the tooth there is no need for anesthetic either. Unlike traditional veneers, the lumineers process is reversible and can be undone, although they are capable of lasting for more than two decades.

    Lumineers in Bel Air

  • Popular Ways to Improve Your Smile’s Appearance

    It is possible to have properly functioning teeth that are not as aesthetically pleasing as you might want them to be. Individuals who encounter this problem typically look to cosmetic or general dentistry near Bel Air to have their teeth improved. There are a few different treatments that you can use to improve your smile, so it helps to talk to your dentist to find out which treatment is right for you. Keep reading if you would like to learn about some of the popular ways to improve your smile’s appearance.

    Dental Crowns
    A dental crown is a versatile treatment

    General Dentistry in Bel Air

    that can address a number of issues. Your dentist may suggest a dental crown if you have one or more teeth that is diminished or damaged. A crown may be preferable to a dental filling if you have a tooth that has experienced a significant amount of decay. Your dentist can also use a dental crown as part of a dental implant procedure , which is a common form of treatment for missing teeth. In this case, you would have an implant applied to your jawbone with a dental crown attached to it to serve as a fully functioning—and cosmetically pleasing—tooth.

    Teeth Whitening
    Although it might not be quite as popular anymore, many people still use tobacco products on a daily basis. Other people depend on highly caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea to get them through the day. These habits can quickly lead to discolored teeth. Tobacco use may yellow your teeth, while frequent coffee and tea drinking can stain your teeth to a darker color. If your oral woes do not extend further than the shade of your teeth, consider teeth whitening. This can be done at home or in office and produces noticeable results.

    Dentures
    If you are missing most or all of your teeth, you might consider improving your smile with dentures. Properly fit dentures can restore your ability to chew food, have a conversation, and smile with confidence. Talk to your dentist about the right types of adhesives to use in order to make the most of your dentures.