Biting Your Nails Can Cause Tooth Enamel Damage

The main component of your fingernails is keratin, which is a type of protein that also constitutes your hair. This hard substance has the ability to cause teeth to shift, fracture, and even to wear away tooth enamel over time [1]. Your teeth may be more susceptible to these types of injury if they already have existing damage, such as a fracture, decay, or gum disease, which can cause loose teeth.

Nail Biting Affects Plaque and Oral Bacteria

Did you know that nail biting also affects the amount of plaque in your oral cavity, as well as the balance of bacteria [2]? Since your hands and fingers are exposed to a variety of germs throughout the day, compulsively biting your nails can expose your oral cavity to bacteria it would normally wouldn’t be exposed to.

People who bite their nails also have higher levels of plaque in their mouths, which is the sticky substance that coats teeth throughout the day in between brushing. Nail biting also exposes people to more bacteria that could cause both oral and systemic infections, including E. coli [2].

It May Even Increase Your Risk for TMJ Problems

Another consequence of nail biting for your smile is that it could increase your risk for problems with your jaw. Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is located near your ear on either side of your head, allows your jaw to function properly. Overuse of this joint can cause discomfort and inflammation, which could lead to what are commonly referred to as TMJ disorders. Some evidence shows that chronic nail biting can increase your risk for TMJ disorders or aggravate an existing problem with your jaw[3].

Do You Bite Your Nails?

Nail biting is generally not considered to be a helpful or healthy habit, especially since it can damage teeth, expose you to dangerous bacteria, and overwork your jaw. Whether you’re an occasional nail biter or have had the habit for years, there are ways to stop. From keeping your nails short to identifying your triggers, consider curbing your nail biting habit to support your oral health and reduce your risk for getting sick!

Sources:
1. https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/biting-nails/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456744/?report=classic
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5141299/pdf/CRID2016-5475462.pdf

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Tooth damage has both intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) causes. Damage to the tooth may be the result of decay or an infection inside, while exterior discoloration can occur from tooth staining [1].

How can you prevent a damaged tooth from turning black?

See Your Dentist to Identify the Problem

No matter what’s affected your tooth, your dentist can help you. For teeth that have sustained an impact or deep decay, the interior of the tooth, also known as the pulp, may be affected.

When the inside tissue of the tooth is affected by bacteria, it can cause the tooth to turn a darker color. Decay may also appear as black spots on your teeth [2]!

If your tooth is already turning a darker color, the tooth may be dead. However, if you see your dentist as soon as you’re able, you may be able to save the tooth and avoid an extraction with root canal therapy.

During root canal therapy, your dentist will clean out the dead tissue and seal your tooth, which will help restore its color and prevent it from turning black—and also help you avoid getting an extraction!

Never Wait to Seek Attention

Your tooth may not turn dark as the result of decay, but it could be due to a crack that’s extended down to the pulp of the tooth. Addressed in a timely manner, cracks can typically be repaired and don’t always affect the inner tissue of your tooth, which will help prevent it from turning black.

Waiting to seek dental treatment increases the chances that your damaged tooth will turn black. Even if the damage isn’t the result an interior problem, it could be the result of enamel damage, which still needs to be addressed by your oral healthcare professional to prevent your tooth from turning a darker color [3].

Do You Have a Damaged Tooth?

If your tooth has been damaged for any reason, seeking professional attention can help you prevent it from turning black. Once a tooth has begun to turn a darker color, it can take some time for its white shade to return, even after treatment. But with the right care as soon as possible, you can prevent this darker color entirely so your smile stays bright and healthy for years to come!

Sources:
1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321777.php#causes
2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tooth-decay/
3. https://now.tufts.edu/articles/what-causes-discolored-teeth-and-there-any-way-cure-

The post How to Prevent a Damaged Tooth From Turning Black appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Impacted wisdom teeth almost always need to be removed, as they’ll cause issues with your smile if left intact. As our jaws get smaller through evolution, we have less room for our wisdom teeth, and the majority of people will need to have them taken out.

What should you expect following a wisdom tooth extraction?

After Your Procedure

Generally, you’ll need someone to drive you home after your procedure. Some discomfort and swelling in the hours following your extraction are normal, and you may also taste some blood in your mouth [1].

You can use an ice pack for the swelling as directed by your dentist, and your dentist or oral surgeon will also let you know how often you can take pain medication or over-the-counter medication.

Following your procedure, you should plan to return home and rest. You should be able to return to your normal activities within two to three days, but in the meantime, give your body the rest it needs to heal!

Activities to Avoid

You should avoid eating hard foods or foods that are difficult to chew and only stick to soft foods for a few days following your procedure. It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine, as these can all inhibit the healing process.

Light exercise is acceptable, but intense exercise should wait a few days. Spitting or using a straw should also be avoided, as these actions require suction in the mouth, which can dislodge the blood clots that are vital to the healing of your extraction site.

Brushing your teeth should also be avoided that first day and up to 24 hours following the procedure [2]. Follow your dentist’s specific instructions for healing!

Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For

Complete healing of your extraction sites can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, as the bone in your jaw will modify to compensate for the loss of the teeth. In the meantime, take care of your smile and be aware of the signs of a potential infection, which can occur even weeks after your procedure.

If you have a fever, pain that doesn’t go away with the recommended medication, or numbness, contact your dentist as soon as possible. An infection could also show signs such as white discharge in your oral cavity or additional swelling [3].

Have You Gotten Your Wisdom Teeth Evaluated?

The only way to know if your wisdom teeth are impacted is by getting an x-ray with your experienced dentist. He or she can let you know if your wisdom teeth are on track to come in properly or if they could require removal. Your dentist can let you know more about what to expect prior to your wisdom tooth extraction!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279590/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/wisdom-tooth-removal/complications/

The post What to Expect Following a Wisdom Tooth Extraction appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

These devices are custom made for your smile and typically involve metal wires and plastic—it might sound uncomfortable, but since it’s made for your unique smile, retainers are comfortable when worn properly!

However, many people don’t realize that they need to wear their retainer for much longer than expected. Depending on your unique case, most orthodontists recommend wearing these devices full-time for approximately one year after your orthodontic treatment is complete.

But do you need to wear your retainer forever? The answer may surprise you.

Yes, Because Your Teeth Will Shift!

Your teeth are vulnerable to shifting throughout your lifetime. Forces naturally exerted by the jaw when chewing and the aging process can cause the teeth to shift forward in the mouth, towards your lips.

This effect is amplified if you’ve received orthodontic treatment, as teeth can shift back to their original positions in the mouth. In order to maintain your newly-straightened teeth, you must wear your retainer for an indefinite amount of time after your treatment [1].

Don’t Worry, You Don’t Have to Wear Them 24/7

Generally, most orthodontists will recommend wearing your retainers nightly once your year or other specified time of wearing your retainers full-time is up. So while you won’t have to wear them during the day forever, you can and should still wear them every night to help maintain the alignment of your smile for the rest of your life [2].

Make Your Retainer Use Part of Your Oral Care Routine

It sounds like a big commitment to wear your retainer every night, but consider the consequences of not wearing your retainer.

For too many adults, having to invest in orthodontia again is an unfortunate reality of not wearing their retainer. For many, they had braces as a teenager but neglected to wear their retainer, forcing them to consider orthodontic treatment again as an adult.

It can feel difficult to get into a routine of wearing your retainer, especially if you haven’t worn it in a while. But the best way to commit to your straight smile is by incorporating your retainer use into your nightly oral care routine [3]. Keep your retainer case by your toothbrush to remind you to wear it!

Don’t Forget About Your Retainer!

It can be tempting to think that you’re finally done with orthodontic appliances, especially if your treatment was lengthy. But wearing your retainer is the best way to keep your smile straight and prevent the need for future treatment. Even if you wear your retainer only a few nights a week, it’s better than not at all. Stay invested in your beautiful new smile by wearing your retainer regularly!

Sources:
1. https://cao-aco.org/long-need-wear-retainer-braces/
2. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=retainers-keep-teeth-from-
3. https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/parent-s-guide-post/post-treatment/

The post Do I Really Need to Wear My Retainer Forever? (And Why) appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Functional orthodontics helps reposition your upper and lower jaw to support a better facial profile [1]. This field of orthodontics works to correct both your teeth and your facial structure for people that are concerned about both their teeth and their facial aesthetics.

How else is functional orthodontics different from traditional orthodontic treatment?

A Different Approach to Straightening Teeth

In traditional orthodontics, teeth are treated without looking at the original cause of the problem.

For example, crowded teeth are typically treated by extracting the teeth that don’t have room and positioning the remaining teeth accordingly. However, in functional orthodontics, your orthodontist will actually use a device to expand the jaw to make room for all the teeth, thereby addressing the root cause of the issue—that there was not enough room in the jaw for all the teeth to begin with.

What are the benefits of such an approach?

By expanding the jaw, your orthodontist works to create a more even facial profile and can even influence airway development to prevent breathing issues. Functional orthodontics can also play a role in preventing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can cause chronic pain in the jaw [2].

Functional orthodontics operates under the philosophy that dental abnormalities are caused by environmental factors and can be corrected without extractions.

Who Qualifies for Functional Orthodontics?

Both adults and children can benefit from functional orthodontics. One of the benefits of functional orthodontics is that its approach can prevent teeth from shifting after orthodontic treatment is complete.

There are a variety of functional orthodontic devices that can be used to stimulate growth of the jaw to correct alignment issues [3]. However, wearing the device as required by your orthodontist is essential to the success of your treatment.

Children may have trouble wearing the appliances as often as recommended, depending on their treatment plan. This is something you can discuss with your orthodontist during your child’s consultation!

Where to Find a Functional Orthodontist

Although all orthodontists are trained to improve aesthetics and function of the teeth, not every orthodontist practices functional orthodontics as a form of treatment. To find an orthodontist who works to address the root cause of the issue, you can ask whether they’ll be using an appliance to correct the jaw or if they’ll be extracting the teeth to make room.

Their approach to your orthodontic concerns will tell you whether or not the orthodontist practices a functional approach as opposed to a traditional one. Regardless of which form of orthodontic treatment you decide is for you, improving your smile will always have benefits!

Proper jaw position can support successful orthodontic treatment and provide the foundation patients need for a beautiful, problem-free smile. Consider functional orthodontics for your child or for your treatment as an adult for lasting results!

Sources:
1. http://www.aafo.org/
2. https://www.dentistryiq.com/clinical/occlusion-tmj-and-sleep-
medicine/article/16351120/functional-orthodontics-the-foundation-of-wholebody-
dentistry
3. https://www.jco-online.com/archive/2003/11/599-treatment-of-class-ii-division-2-
malocclusion-in-adults-biomechanical-considerations/

The post What Is Functional Orthodontics? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

But how exactly does your sleep schedule impact your dental health? Here’s what you need to know when it comes to getting proper sleep and your tooth and gum health!

Lack of Sleep Could Increase Your Risk for Gum Disease

Sleep deprivation can affect your risk for gum disease and even influence the severity of gum disease [2]. Researchers suspect the link here is inflammation—when the body doesn’t get enough sleep, it tends to produce more inflammatory hormones.

Inflammation is a key component in gum disease, as it can cause the gums to swell and become irritated, usually as the result of bacteria that’s accumulated around the gumline. However, lack of sleep can cause gum disease to become worse—and cause the need for more advanced treatment to reverse the condition.

Sleep Keeps the Immune System Strong

Your immune system plays an important role in fighting off potential oral infections such as gum disease and even oral thrush. Fortunately, sleep helps keep the immune system strong to be able to defend the body against such infections [3].

When you don’t get enough sleep, whether due to an irregular sleep schedule or a hectic lifestyle, you effectively lower your immunity and make your oral cavity more susceptible to problems.

Disrupted or Poor Sleep Can Impact Oral Health

People who experience disrupted sleep are at an increased risk to experience poor oral health, according to research [4]. A prime example of this is people who snore or have sleep apnea—their mouth breathing and consistently interrupted sleep makes proper rest impossible, leading to lower immunity and a higher risk for oral health problems.

Mouth breathing such as that seen in sleep apnea or in people who snore can also dry out the oral cavity and lead to an increased risk for cavities. Fortunately, seeking treatment for sleep apnea can help lower your risk!

How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Consistency is important when it comes to sleep—while everyone is different, a good general rule is to get a minimum of seven hours every night. Ideally, you should wake up and go to bed at the same time to maintain your schedule.

If you have trouble sleeping, reducing your caffeine and sugar intake at least two hours before bed, avoiding bright lights (especially blue light emitted from electronic devices), and sleeping in a cool, dark room may help improve your sleep quality. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for more than just your body—your teeth and gums will thank you as well!

Sources:
1. http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/matters/consequences/sleep-and-
disease-risk
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4520116/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3256323/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5536213/

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But are electric toothbrushes actually more effective than manual ones? Here’s what research has to say about whether or not an electric toothbrush could get your teeth cleaner.

Electric Toothbrushes May Remove More Plaque

Some research shows that electric toothbrushes may remove more plaque—the substance responsible for tooth decay and gum disease—from the teeth. In one study, electric toothbrushes removed 21 percent more plaque compared to manual [1].

Electric toothbrushes could be more effective for people who have a lot of plaque in their mouths or have existing problems such as tooth decay and gum disease as the result of plaque.

Going Electric May Help Improve Gum Health

Because electric toothbrushes can remove more plaque, they allow people to clean their teeth in a way they otherwise wouldn’t, which can improve gum health [2].

Electric toothbrushes also tend to be a bit gentler on the teeth, which can be helpful for people who brush their teeth too hard with a manual toothbrush. Brushing too hard is a common cause of enamel damage and gum recession, so using a battery-operated brush may help people who have existing recessive or sensitive gum tissue.

Electric May Be More Effective for Some People

Switching from a manual toothbrush to an electric one may be more effective for people who have trouble manipulating their movements, such as people who are older, people who have health conditions such as arthritis, or even children [3].

These individuals may find it easier to operate an electric toothbrush to see a greater impact on the health and cleanliness of smiles rather than attempting to use a manual brush with limited control over its movement.

Brushing Is Important Regardless of What Method You Use

While some evidence shows battery-operated toothbrushes can be more effective at cleaning your teeth and gums, other oral health professionals say that as long as you’re brushing and flossing, it doesn’t really matter which one you use [4]. Whether you prefer a manual or electric toothbrush, it’s essential to keep up with brushing your teeth twice a day for best results!

Are you an electric toothbrush user or do you prefer a regular toothbrush? As long as you’re brushing your teeth and keeping your regular dental appointments, choose whichever toothbrush you enjoy using the most!

Sources:
1. https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/08/electric-toothbrush-vs-
manual/index.htm
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652371/
3. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/electric-
toothbrush/faq-20058325

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Dentists have used fillings for more than a century to restore and protect teeth, although there’s evidence that shows humans have used various materials to fill in areas of damaged teeth much earlier [1].

Today, dentists use several different types of filling materials—what are they?

Silver Amalgam

You know silver amalgam fillings as the shiny metal fillings in people’s mouths. These fillings are composed of a variety of different materials, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper [2].

Despite their mercury content (which makes up approximately 50 percent of the material), the American Dental Association maintains that amalgam fillings are safe, as mercury isn’t considered toxic once it’s combined with the other filling materials [3].

However, many people dislike the look of metal in their mouths and want a dental restoration that matches their natural teeth.

Composite Resin

Composite resin fillings have become a popular alternative to silver amalgam fillings. They’re durable and ideal for people who want a restoration that’s not obvious in their mouths, although they tend to be a bit more expensive than amalgam fillings [4].

Made of a mix of ceramics and plastics, composite resin fillings can last an average of five years as opposed to the decade or more seen with amalgam fillings. However, for people who want a more discreet look for their restorations, composite resin could be the answer!

Gold

Gold used to be much more common in dentistry than it is today. This metal was used for dental restorations including crowns, dentures, and bridges, but is being replaced by more modern alternatives [5].

While they’re more expensive, gold used as a filling is very durable and can last more than two decades. Its cost combined with its more obvious appearance in the mouth make it a less common choice for patients today.

Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomer fillings have a higher biocompatibility, meaning there’s a low risk of reaction and the material is well tolerated by the body [6]. However, these fillings aren’t quite as durable as other types of fillings.

Their composition can vary but the main ingredients are usually calcium and silica including fluorite to protect teeth from further decay. Glass ionomer fillings are commonly used to fill cavities on the front teeth or around the tooth roots.

Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain is a type of ceramic and is the main material in this filling. Designed to match the color of your teeth and lasting upwards of 20 years, porcelain fillings contain no metals or the potential for an allergic reaction. Just like porcelain dental veneers, these fillings are resistant to staining over time.

When you need a cavity filled, you have your choice of materials today. Gone are the days when our ancestors had to rely on tar, beeswax, or other materials to repair their damaged teeth. Your professional dentist can restore your teeth to prevent further harm and protect your tooth with these filling materials!

Sources:
1. https://www.livescience.com/58722-earliest-dental-fillings-ice-age-skeleton.html
2. https://www.dentalhealth.org/different-filling-materials
3. https://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/ada-positions-policies-and-statements/statement-on-dental-amalgam
4. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/composite-fillings
5. https://cen.acs.org/articles/94/i31/New-materials-take-bite-tooth.html
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5510173/

The post What Are the Different Types of Dental Fillings? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Too much or too little gum tissue can cause the gums to appear uneven. Some people will have this issue present their whole lives, while others may have it develop later in life. A crooked gumline has many causes from genetics to gum disease to hormone changes during pregnancy.

But what can be done about an uneven gumline? Here are your treatment options based on what could be causing this issue!

If Your Gums Are Receding

If your gumline is uneven due to receding gum tissue, you may see areas where the gums appear to pull back from the teeth, giving some teeth a longer appearance and exposing tooth roots. A receding gumline can also be caused by:

• Brushing your teeth too aggressively
• Gum disease
• Smoking and tobacco use

You’ll need to visit your dentist to know for certain what the cause is. If your gum recession is the result of advanced gum disease, you may need a gum graft to repair missing gum tissue [1].

However, if the appearance of your gums is caused by aggressive brushing, switching to a softer toothbrush may be able to help.

If You Have Gummy Smile

Your uneven gums could be caused by gummy smile, a condition in which gum tissue covers too much of the teeth. Gummy smile could also be caused by the muscles in the upper lip exposing too much gum tissue when smiling, in which case, dental treatment may not be appropriate.

While gummy smile typically doesn’t affect oral health, it can be treated in a cosmetic procedure called gingival contouring, or gum contouring, which can be done with a laser to essentially reshape the gum tissue to permanently improve appearance [2].

If the Cause is Genetic

When uneven gums are caused by genetics, gum reshaping is usually the best treatment option to give you a smile that looks natural and healthy.

This form of cosmetic gum surgery will require that you treat any underlying issues beforehand—for instance, if you have a mild form of gum disease, it’ll need to be addressed before the procedure.

A gum contouring procedure can be done at your dentist’s office with local anesthesia and requires minimal recovery time, for some patients a few days and up to two weeks depending on your unique smile [3]. Your dentist can let you know more about what to expect during your consultation.

Are You Experiencing Uneven Gum Tissue?

If you have uneven gums, there is treatment available to help restore your appearance based on what’s causing the issue. Your dentist can further evaluate your gums to determine how best to treat your irregular gumline and give you a beautiful smile.

Schedule an appointment with your oral healthcare professional today to learn about your options!

Sources:
1. https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-graft-surgery
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4672859/
3. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gum-contouring-procedure#2-6

The post What Can Be Done to Treat an Uneven Gumline? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

While periodontal disease can be mild or severe, it’s important to know that nearly everyone is susceptible to this condition, including children. Here’s what you need to know about your child’s risk of periodontal disease.

Chronic Gingivitis Is Common

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease which involves inflammation of the gum tissue. Unfortunately, chronic gingivitis is common in children [1].

Children who have a poor diet consisting of a lot of sugars and refined carbohydrates as well as those that neglect their oral care are most at risk to get gum disease.

It’s essential to know that just because gum disease is more common in adults doesn’t mean it can’t happen in children as well, so doing your part to help prevent gum disease is important!

Risk Factors for Gum Disease in Children

Children may be more at risk for gum disease if they:

•  Have a family history of gum disease
• Eat a poor diet lacking in nutrients
• Have an autoimmune disorder
• Breathe through their mouth
• Grind their teeth

Having one or more of these factors can mean your child may be more at risk for periodontal disease than the average child [2].

Gum tissue is also sensitive to changes in hormones, so while teenagers are going through puberty and experiencing hormones change, they may be more at risk for gingivitis. Teenage girls are typically more susceptible to gum disease than teenage boys [3].

In addition, kids or teens who have braces may not be able to clean their teeth as well. If your child has braces, it’s imperative that you provide them with the tools necessary to clean under their oral appliances to remove plaque and bacteria, such as interdental cleaners.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms of gum disease in children are the same as gum disease in adults and may include gums that bleed when brushing, a receding gumline, loose teeth, constant bad breath, or red gum tissue [4].

If your child is complaining that their gums are sore or that they’re seeing blood when brushing, it’s time to get a checkup with your local dentist.

Treatment for gum disease will depend on how severe the condition is. For gingivitis, a deep cleaning may suffice. For more advanced cases, antibiotic therapy along with a deep cleaning or even surgery may be necessary.

You Can Prevent Gum Disease!

To prevent gum disease in children and teens, the best you can do is encourage healthy eating and oral care habits as well as take your children to the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning. The right habits combined with your dentist’s help can prevent gum disease in your children and set them up for healthy oral care habits for life!

Sources:
1. https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-children
2. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=90&conte
ntid=p01865
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/hormones
4. https://www.chw.org/medical-care/dental-care/dental-and-oral-health/periodontal-
disease

The post Are Children Susceptible to Gum Disease? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.