I am proud to say that I have all my own teeth at the age of 65. While that may not sound unusual to some people, everyone in my family who is my age or older wears dentures. I always tell people that that flossing is the key to good dental health. I have arthritis in my hands, but I don't let it keep me from flossing every day. My trick is to use those little "flossers" you can buy at the drug store. They have plastic handles floss stretched out on top of the handle. These make flossing easier on days when my arthritis is acting up. I started this blog to let other people know that they can keep their teeth healthy into old age when they take care of them. If you have hand pain, find ways to make flossing easier, like I did.
Don't Let Hand Pain Keep You from Flossing
Understanding Treatments for White Spots on Your Teeth
Francis Miles
One common reason to seek the help of a cosmetic dentist is to address the appearance of white spots on your teeth. If you're struggling with the appearance of white spots on your teeth, there are treatments available to eliminate them. The way your dentist treats them will depend on the actual cause of the problem. Here's a look at what you need to know about getting rid of those white spots from your smile.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning is an ideal way to deal with tartar buildup on your teeth. Sometimes that tartar can lead to those white spots because it hardens along your gum line. The ultrasonic cleaning device will use vibration to loosen tartar on your teeth and break it away.
Another condition that can be treated with consistent cleaning is decalcification. If you have had braces or do not do well with keeping up with tooth brushing, it can lead to decalcification. It's a condition that's caused by bacteria, and that bacteria thrives when teeth are not brushed thoroughly. The acids released by that bacteria will actually draw the calcium out of the tooth, causing those white deposits. Since the deposits can be prone to more rapid decay, your dentist will want to schedule more frequent and thorough cleanings.
Tartar Scrape
When tartar buildup is severe, your dentist is likely to recommend a tartar scrape. Tartar scrapes are used to get rid of tartar that builds up below the gum line. Since the accumulation of tartar along the gums can not only create white spots but also lead to inflammation and gum disease. Once the treatment is finished and your gums have had time to recover some, your dentist will do a thorough cleaning and polish on your teeth while inspecting your gums to be sure that they are healing well.
Bleaching
Bleaching can be used to treat several causes of white spots on your teeth. For example, if the enamel on your teeth is too thin, it can allow some of the dentin to become visible. This creates those spots that appear milky or discolored. Bleaching will help to eliminate that.
It can also be used to help address the visibility of white spots created due to fluorosis. Fluorosis is a condition that's caused by excess fluoride consumption during the development stages with permanent teeth. If your child's teeth show this type of discoloration, your dentist can do a bleach treatment to even out the tooth appearance.
Bleaching treatments are also often recommended to even out the appearance of the spots caused by decalcification. Mild spots are usually treated this way along with the routine cleanings. If you have discovered white spots caused by decalcification, ask your dentist about the benefit of bleaching your teeth to make them less visible.
Veneers
In some situations, your dentist may determine that your teeth need to be covered with veneers. If you can't eliminate the white spots with any other cosmetic treatments, the veneers will be used to cover the entire tooth. In cases where your teeth have markedly thin enamel, veneers may be the safest way to protect your teeth from further damage and visible resin.
The same is true for white spots created by excess fluoride. If the bleaching treatments don't even out the tooth appearance or the spots are drastically white, the application of veneers may be the only way to eliminate their visibility.
If you have white spots due to severe decalcification, your dentist is likely to recommend veneers to protect those spots from decay. The veneers adhere directly to the tooth surface, which blocks the surface from exposure to other bacteria and other hazards.
Now that you understand the available treatments for white spots on your teeth, you can talk with your dentist about what could be causing the problem. Before you settle on a treatment option, he or she will help you evaluate the severity of the issue and decide how best to deal with it. Learn more about these options by contacting clinics like Valley Oak Dental Group Inc.
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