Tag: Oralhealthawareness

The field of Dentistry has come a long way. One of the most common fears is visiting a dentist. From the horror stories of dentists pulling out teeth with pliers, chisels, hammers and the terrifying sounds of the dental drill, stems from enduring lengthy procedures in the dental chair and the nightmares after seeing all those terrifying instruments.

Very few people like visiting a dental clinic although regular check ups are crucial to their oral health and overall well being. Over the years, the field of dentistry has evolved from simply extracting a tooth, to saving the tooth and currently encouraging preventive dentistry. Innovative technologies have played a significant role in transforming dentistry and improving oral health outcomes for patients. Some of these technologies are discussed below:

Toothbrushes

In a generation where smart technology has taken over phones, homes etc, dentistry has not been left out. These smart toothbrushes perform a wide array of functions, such as detecting plaque deposits, providing feedback on brushing technique and also evaluate the quality of your breath and saliva. These provide added benefits over traditional tooth brushes.

Early diagnosis of caries

Early detection of cavities avoids spending more money at the dentist than having a larger cavity that has to be filled. Currently, dentists are using diagnostic devices such as DIAGNOdent, a pen-like probe that uses laser beam technology to detect cavities hiding in places regular radiographs can not find. It is an examination tool that allows for early detection of caries.

*An image of Diagnodent device used in caries detection*

Dental imaging

Digital radiographs (X-Rays) are one of the most useful technological advancements in dental radiology. They are faster, contain less radiation and the dentist receives the image in a matter of seconds on a monitor. The dentist can then zoom into the image to better assess and educate the patient regarding their oral health. Same theory applies to intraoral cameras and scanners that provide precise and well-defined pictures of a patient’s mouth. These pictures allow dentists to show these images to patients during an assessment and educate the patient.

An image depicting an intraoral scan of a patient to better appreciate the end result of a dental treatment.

Dental implants

The most common options available for tooth replacement used to be dentures and bridges. However, these replacement options are gradually fading out as modern dentistry is leaning towards dental implants. Dental implants are medical screw-replacements for the root portion of the tooth, surgically implanted into the jaw to restore a patients’ function such as appearance and ability to chew. They provide support to artificial teeth like implant supported crowns, bridges and dentures. Owing to their natural look and feel, they are an effective option for tooth replacement.

*An example of an implant supported crown*

Clear Aligners

The traditional metallic braces were replaced by ceramic ones, these involved spending long hours in the dental chair for reviews and looking like the jewelry shop exploded in your mouth. The introduction of clear aligners such as Invisalign, a clear and invisible braces to gently straighten teeth is an innovation the dental field needed. They provide an effective and comfortable way to straighten smiles without the inconvenience of wearing heavy, metal braces on the teeth. Invisalign braces get the job done in less time with less hassle.

Laser Dentistry

Lasers have simplified a number of dental procedures including lesion removal, reshaping of the gum, teeth whitening, removal of bacteria in filling a cavity and root canal treatment, avoiding any complications. Laser dentistry is painless and fast and has improved efficiency and eliminated discomfort of lengthy dental treatments.

In summary, these new technological advancements and tools help dentists improve the oral hygiene and oral health issues of their patients, by allowing a thorough checkup of the mouth and providing better assessment of patient’s oral care and needs.

Routine Dental Check Up: Schedule Yours Now!

By Yayra Kpedekpo

On January 28, 2023

In Dentalhygiene, Dentistry, Oralhealth

Attending routine dental check-ups ensures the prevention of oral health conditions, such as bleeding gums, tooth stains, tooth decay and decreases the potential for serious oral health problems that are difficult to detect by practicing at-home examinations. Routine dental checks are cost effective and you can avoid paying for expensive major dental work such as extractions, crowns, bridges and emergency services. Just like having a regular tooth brushing routine, you should consider scheduling an appointment with your dentist because its benefits exceed any inconveniences of an emergency appointment.

In this post I will detail the importance of routine dental check ups because the best practice for oral health concerns is prevention. A periodic routine dental check up helps to:

Prevent Periodontal disease

Plaque, calculus and tartar build up can result in periodontal disease when left untreated over a period of time. Gum disease can be prevented by regularly brushing your teeth however a dental check up is equally important to reduce and prevent plaque formation.

Prevents tooth decay

With the just ended festive season which had a lot of us snacking on sweets and savory food. A dental check up should be high on the list for the new year, to allow the dentist to pick up on early signs of tooth decay which is as a result of bacteria and sugar from producing an acidic reaction.

Prevents bad breath

Why wait for a colleague, friend or partner to complain about your halitosis before you seek treatment. At a dental checkup your dentist looks for signs such as bleeding gums, swollen gingiva and calculus which causes bad breath.

Keep teeth looking great

Looking to maintain your white teeth? A dental check up also has cosmetic benefits. Your dentist can recommend cosmetic treatments and educate you on how to improve your smile.

Early detection of oral conditions and lesions

After having a thorough dental exam by a dentist, a new dental radiograph is recommended once every year for clients over the age of 18 years. To detect bone loss in the jaw, impacted teeth and any other unseen pathologies.

Professional oral health tips

Finally, after your dental routine, the dentist will educate you on ways to improve your oral care routine at home to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile between visits. And also all your questions about oral health can be answered.

Schedule a routine dental check-up today

If you have not had a dental check up in 2023 yet, our dental clinic is offering a full month discount on selected oral hygiene procedures for the month of February. Take advantage of this opportunity and visit our clinic today for a complete dental consultation at La Road Dental Clinic.

Twelve Dental Tips For Christmas

By Yayra Kpedekpo

On December 22, 2022

In Dentalhygiene, Dentistry, Oralhealth

It’s Christmas time and as we celebrate with family and friends, let’s ensure our oral health is not neglected during the most wonderful time of the year. In this blog, I have outlined 12 dental tips for all ages for the twelve days of Christmas.

Maintain your tooth brushing routine

Brush twice, in the morning and evening for a full two minutes.

Brush with the right technique

If you do not know the right way to brush your teeth, your child doesn’t either. Check out my previous blog on: Are you brushing right?

Floss daily at night

Floss in between all the teeth and remember to clean your tongue as well.

Time for a new toothbrush

It is the season for giving, do not forget to give yourself a new toothbrush before the year ends.

Drink lots of water

Remember water helps to cleanse food debris and promotes the functions of saliva for a healthy mouth.

Less candy and sweets

Sugar in the presence of caries causing bacteria leads to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Do not forget to keep sugar consumption at its minimum.

Have healthy snacks

Incorporate fruits into your festive lunch and dinner parties. Switch sugary desserts for a fruit platter to protect your teeth.

Do not take a lot of carbonated drinks

High consumption of carbonated and acidic soft drinks damage teeth and make them susceptible to caries.

Drink from a straw

The use of a straw to consume fizzy drinks reduces the amount of sugar that comes into contact with the teeth. A helpful tip for both adults and children.

Moderate alcohol intake

High alcohol intake negatively affects oral health particularly the gums and causes staining of the teeth as well.

Practice good oral habits

Avoid using your teeth in harmful ways such as; a bottle opener, cutting tape to wrap gifts or opening ribbons on gifts. Take the time to find an opener and a pair of scissors. Remember the right tools for the right job.

Schedule a dental appointment

End the year with a dental appointment especially for children and schedule a professional cleaning with your dentist to start your year with a beautiful and healthy smile.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!!

Keep smiling

Dr Yayra Kpedekpo

Dental Causes Of Mouth Odour

By Yayra Kpedekpo

On December 5, 2022

In Dentalhygiene, Dentistry, Oralhealth

Halitosis (bad breath or mouth odour) is a common oral health problem we all experience; such as the early morning smell we have because we did not brush our teeth the previous night, an unfriendly gesture from a friend or colleague at our breath, the constant need to have a chewing gum to refresh our breath etc. That said, the first step to treating bad breath is finding its cause. This blog will explore the dental causes of bad breath and its treatment.

Plaque, Calculus and Tartar

When we do not brush and floss our teeth daily, food debris deposited around the teeth is converted to plaque by bacteria. The progression of this process leads to calculus or tartar formation and gum disease with the end result being bad breath. Also, build-up on the tongue produces significant bad breath when not cleaned regularly.

Periodontitis (Gum Disease)

Periodontal (gum) disease is caused by the release of toxins from bacteria that irritate the gums, resulting in bleeding gums, pocket formation between teeth, tooth mobility and bad breath.

Caries (Tooth decay), oral infection, tumors and cancers

Tiny holes in your tooth become bigger, collecting food particles and bacteria which are fermented to cause bad breath. Dental infections such as recurrent pericoronitis, long standing tooth decay leading to abscess formation and pus discharge.

Dentures (Dental prostheses)

For denture wearers, poorly cleaned and ill-fitting dentures trap odour-causing bacteria and food particles underneath dentures to produce an unpleasant smell.

Dry Mouth

Saliva cleanses and removes bacteria around the teeth.This accounts for the reason why majority of us have “morning breath;” as the production of saliva is reduced during sleep.

Smoking

This is known to cause dry mouth and also increase the development of gum disease and bad breath.

Other causes of halitosis

Medical conditions

Aside from the oral tissues, some medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, liver and kidney disease, asthma, tonsillitis, sinus infection, and many others. Notably, some prescription medications also contribute to bad breath by causing dry mouth or produce chemicals that do.

Certain Foods and Drink

The most common foods known to cause transient halitosis are onions, garlic, and spices. In addition, alcohol and coffee also promote bacteria that cause bad breath.

Treatment Options

The use of sugar free gums and mouthwashes only covers up the problem temporarily. For most reported cases of halitosis, adopting a proper dental hygiene routine such as brushing twice daily and flossing improves bad breath, however if the problem persists, schedule an appointment with your dentist for a thorough examination. Your dentist is skilled and trained to recognise the various causes of bad breath and he or she will refer to the appropriate medical team for management.

Teeth Whitening: Why You Should See A Dentist

By Yayra Kpedekpo

On September 22, 2022

In Dentalhygiene, Dentistry, Oralhealth, Teeth Whitening

The majority of people feel the need to whiten their teeth, despite having good oral hygiene and healthy teeth because they do not have the Hollywood smile. Over the years, the demand for teeth whitening by the public has increased, and as a result, a lot of home based whitening products introduced on the market have gained popularity. People want to have a beautiful white smile to boost their confidence and self-esteem despite the various side effects.

Tooth discoloration is one of the reasons people seek to whiten their teeth. The various causes of tooth discoloration are divided into intrinsic or extrinsic. The intrinsic causes of tooth discolouration includes genetics, age (wear of enamel over time to expose dentin), medications (tetracycline), high levels of fluoride and developmental disorders. On the other hand, extrinsic causes of tooth discoloration includes, the presence of plaque and calculus (Tartar), caries (tooth decay), lifestyle habits such as smoking and dietary habits (beverages such as coffee and teas).

The natural colour of teeth is Yellowish. Although the appearance of teeth depends on the amount of dentine a person has. The outer layer of teeth which is covered by enamel has a natural hue of white. For children between ages of 0 – 5, the bulk of their tooth structure is enamel, which gives them a much whiter dentition, in comparison to the adult dentition having the bulk of their tooth structure being yellowish dentine.

In an attempt to have a pearly white smile, most people resort to whitening products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, whitening strips and questionable DIY dental procedures on the internet. Many of these whitening products and DIYs are ineffective and cause damage to the enamel leading to tooth sensitivity and further discolouration.

If you are considering teeth whitening, see a Dentist to determine the right cause of your discoloration and a safer method to brighten your smile. Your dentist may suggest any of the following options after a thorough examination:

A professional prophylaxis (Scaling and Polishing)
A professional teeth whitening treatment (vital or non-vital bleaching).
Microabrasion – A conservative method that involves the use of acid and abrasive agents.
Composite veneers – These are a restorative chair side procedure done by a dentist to improve the appearance of teeth.
Veneers (Porcelain, Lumineer and e-max) – Thin shells designed specifically for a patient, but expensive to upgrade your smile and cover up imperfections in color and shape of teeth.
Porcelain crowns are custom made caps that provide strength and protect teeth.

Furthermore, certain simple lifestyle changes like the ones below may also help to reduce yellowing of your teeth:

Reduce or avoid consuming acidic foods and beverages
Rinse your mouth after consuming foods and drinks that cause staining
Quit smoking
Stop brushing with a hard toothbrush, be sure to brush your teeth gently using a soft or medium bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. My previous post details this.

If you are brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, flossing every day, and visiting your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and regular checkup, a slight yellowing of your teeth do not necessarily indicate that they are unhealthy.

Tag: Oralhealthawareness

Innovative technologies and treatments in dentistry that can improve oral health.

Routine Dental Check Up: Schedule Yours Now!

Twelve Dental Tips For Christmas

Dental Causes Of Mouth Odour

Teeth Whitening: Why You Should See A Dentist