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What is a Cavity?
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A cavity is a hole in the tooth that is caused by decay. Decay occurs when plaque,
the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and / or starches
of the food we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The
best way to prevent tooth decay is brushing twice a day, flossing daily and going
to your regular dental check ups. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks
that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay.
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How often should I see the dentist for a check up and cleaning?
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Most children and adults should see their dentist for a regular cleaning and check
up every six months. People at a greater risk for oral diseases should have dental
check ups more than twice a year. Tobacco and alcohol use, diabetes, pregnancy,
periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene and certain medical conditions are
some of the many factors that are taken into consideration when deciding how often
one needs dental cleaning and check up.
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How often should I brush my teeth?
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According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth twice
a day. Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque which causes tooth decay and can
lead to gum disease. Always use a soft bristled toothbrush with a toothpaste that
contains fluoride. Make sure that the toothbrush fits inside of your mouth so that
you can easily reach all areas. When brushing, use gentle back and forth strokes,
brushing all sides of the teeth. Always brush your tongue to remove any bacteria
and keep your breath fresh.
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What is a Root Canal?
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The space inside the tooth from the center, known as the pulp chamber, that travels
down the length of the root to the tip (or apex) is called a "canal," or more specifically,
a root canal. Human teeth may have one to four root canals, depending on the anatomy
of the tooth. Molars, may have 2 to 4 canals, premolars may have 1 to 2 canals,
cuspids may have 1 to 2 canals, and finally incisors generally have 1 canal. Extra
canals may branch out from the main canal, called "accessory canals." The number
of canals and the anatomy can vary among teeth.
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Does Bleaching damage the teeth?
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No. When carbamide peroxide, the active whitening agent, contacts water, hydrogen
peroxide is released which whitens the teeth. Bleaching does not soften, demineralize
or weaken the teeth.
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What is Flossing?
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Flossing is a method for removing bacteria and other debris that cannot be reached
by a toothbrush. It generally entails a very thin piece of synthetic cord you insert
and move up and down between the sides of two adjoining teeth.
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What is Tooth Sensitivity?
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Tooth sensitivity is tooth pain due to a wearing away of the tooth's surface or
gum tissue. The most common cause of sensitive teeth in adults is exposed tooth
roots due to receding gums. Because these roots are not covered by enamel, thousands
of tiny channels leading to the tooth's nerve center (pulp) are exposed. When heat,
cold or pressure touches these channels, you feel pain.
Ignoring your sensitive teeth can lead to other oral health problems. This is especially
true if the pain causes you to brush poorly, making you vulnerable to tooth decay
and gum disease.
If you've ever felt a painful sensation in your teeth after drinking or eating hot
or cold food and beverages, you've experienced tooth sensitivity. And you're not
alone. It's a condition that affects one out of four adults, often coming and going
over time.
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Does cleaning of teeth make them loose?
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Teeth will not become loose because of the cleaning procedure. The teeth are held
firmly in place due to the gums and the surrounding bone. The tartar accumulated
around the teeth causes infection of the gums and bone. This infection causes bone
loss and reduced gum levels and thus space is created between teeth. This tartar
if not removed periodically (once in every 6 months) can cause loosening of teeth.
The cleaning procedure will help remove tartar and prevent further loss of bone
and reduction of the gums.
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Is cleaning the mouth with finger and powder better as compared to brush?
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A tooth brush with bristles cleans plaque and food particles from almost all the
surfaces of the teeth. The finger may not reach all the areas as well as a brush
does specially the interdental areas are inaccessible. Hence, it is advised to use
a toothbrush with paste to clean the teeth. Finger can only be used to massage the
gums after brushing is complete.
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Are there any quick remedies for bad breath?
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Breath mint, lozenges, drops, spray, chewing gum etc provide instant relief but
only for a short while. Bad breath could be due to odouriferous foods, bacteria,
smoking or gum problems. Regular use of a mouthwash along with ultrasonic cleaning
at dentist will definitely make a difference.
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Why do my gums bleed though I brush my teeth twice a day?
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Bleeding gums are not healthy gums. Poor oral hygiene (especially in areas where
the toothbrush doesn't reach) leads to the accumulation of tartar on teeth, which
moves deep into the gums causing them to loosen and bleed on touch/brushing. If
neglected further, the infection moves on to the bones altering support to the teeth,
making them loose over a period of time. Approach a dentist for a professional cleaning
to remove tartar; he will also put you on a mouthwash and brief you other oral hygiene
aids and their appropriate use. If the infection has already progressed to a certain
extent, you may be advised to go for gum surgeries and bone grafts to restore back
the healthy status.
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