Dentist Cleaning: Keep Your Teeth Happy and Healthy
Professional teeth cleaning is known as prophylaxis treatment, or "prophy" for short. That means that it is preventative. In a cleaning, plaque and tartar are removed from the surface of your teeth. Dental plaque and tartar can lead to all sorts of dental problems, including tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
The teeth cleaning procedure is most often performed by a hygienist. Tooth scaling and tooth polishing will remove debris from your teeth, leaving them clean and shiny. If you have swollen gums or other signs of periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend a full periodontal cleaning. These intensive cleanings don't just clean off the visible part of your teeth; they clean the teeth below the gum line.
A regular dental hygiene cleaning will help minimize your chances of developing tooth problems. What's more, dental hygiene appointments are accompanied by dental exams. Your dentist will check all of your teeth, looking for any indications of developing problems.
Dental x-rays also help your dentist diagnose any new dental problems. Dentists generally advise patients to get x-rays approximately once every two years. But as with anything, your dentist will advise what's best for you.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
Are Your Teeth Temperamental? Dealing With Sensitive Smiles
Are you overly sensitive? Relax, it has nothing to do with crying during life insurance commercials. Millions of adults struggle with hypersensitive teeth, which means they are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, very sugary or acidic foods and drinks and vigorous tooth brushing. This kind of sensitivity is often called "dentin hypersensitivity."
Dentin is the tissue that makes up the core of each tooth. Above the gum line, dentin is protected with a coating of enamel. Unfortunately, as enamel is worn away or decayed, dentin becomes exposed and receptive to sensations that cause painful nerve responses. This can also occur as the result of receding gums, a common symptom of gum disease.
So, what causes sensitive teeth? A number of things may be to blame. Over-zealous brushing with a firm bristled tooth brush or abrasive toothpaste can lead to dentin hypersensitivity, as can gum disease, which is the result of poor brushing and flossing habits. Your diet may also play a role, as frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks can chemically dissolve tooth enamel. Finally, abnormal wear on tooth surfaces from chronic clenching or grinding of teeth, nail biting and chewing on hard objects can lead to sensitive teeth. To avoid the problem, brush and floss daily to maintain healthy gums and protect dentin from exposure. Avoid vigorous tooth brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush.
If you're already suffering from overly sensitive teeth, your best bet is to contact your dentist for guidance on dental hygiene. In the mean time, there are products that can help. Desensitizing toothpaste used in conjunction with a soft-bristled toothbrush can help. Toothpaste designed for those with sensitive teeth can reduce the pain associated with the condition after only a few days of use.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.