It is an undeniable fact that dentistry can be expensive. Should you cut corners and buy teeth whitening gel on discount or on sale from Groupon or some similar seller? It is better to buy teeth whiteners from your dentist, because you never know what sort of chemicals or other ingredients have gone into off brand whitening gel. Once you start using it, there is no telling what complications it might lead to. However, your dentist will be aware of the ingredients in a branded teeth whitener, and also the likely reactions, if any.

Some of the issues you might face when you buy teeth whiteners from anyone other than your dentist are that they might treat only surface stains, or in some cases, if there are persistent stains, they might become more noticeable once the teeth are whitened. Your dentist will be able to warn you about any sensitivity or other likely issues while which you won’t be aware of when you buy from anyone else.

Another factor that people forget when buying whitening trays is that instant results are not possible. Though in some extreme cases, dentists offer ‘one-hour’ intensive whitening sessions, they are only a temporary fix. Teeth whitening depends on the hydrogen peroxide concentration and the number of hours the whitening tray is used. Even when the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is extreme, if the teeth are not soaked long enough, the result will be only temporary at best. So, what many dentists do is give the tray to the patient for later use.

One more factor that you have to consider is that your teeth can only regain its original color; your teeth will become white, if they were yellow to begin with. In case your teeth are brown or grey, it will be more difficult to regain their initial color, and might need multiple teeth whitening trays.

You also have to remember that your dentist can prepare for you a custom made whitening tray, which will fit perfectly over your teeth and offer you the best possible whitening. This custom fit is necessary if you have to wear the whitening tray for at least an hour, every day for a minimum of 10 – 14 days for the best results.

In extreme cases, if you are really unhappy with your teeth, you can opt for veneers; a veneer is a wafer-thin shell made from either resin or porcelain, customized to fit over your teeth, which will dramatically improve the appearance of your pearly whites. If you really want to improve the look of your teeth and smile, then this is the best option, and it is a worthy investment.

We at McCall Dentistry realize how teeth can influence your smile and your looks. This is why our staff goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that you get the best service possible and that you get all your concerns addressed before we begin any procedure. We offer a wide range of dental services and many innovative and patented technologies for restoration of your teeth, and also for early detection of oral cancers. Contact us now for a free consultation.

Temporomandibular Joint

The temporomandibular joint is the triangular joint in the sides of our faces that helps us to talk and eat. It helps in our jaw movements and is responsible for the opening and closing of our jaws and also the sideways movement. This joint connects the mandible or the lower jaw to the temporal bone in the skull. Muscles and cartilage surrounding the joint help and control movements, allowing us to talk, chew, swallow and yawn. There are many factors that can lead to stress and the resulting problems in this temporomandibular joint.

Some medical conditions like bruxism, arthritis and acid reflux have also been known to cause TMD, which are temporomandibular disorders. The treatment options range from wearing an occlusal splint, also called night-guards to address the stress that causes night clenching, to braces of different types, depending on the problem. Most people with bruxism don’t even realize they have it until it is too late. With regular dental checkups, there is the possibility that it will be detected early enough to stop the deterioration of your teeth, before the enamel is damaged irreparably.

There can be many factors underlying in the problems with the temporomandibular joint. If you think of the TMJ in terms of the laws of physics, the lower jaw is the Lever and the TMJ is the Fulcrum. When you bite into something, the pressure is more on the TMJ than on your teeth, actually. The most common problem involving the temporomandibular joint is the dislocation of the cartilage. This in turn causes pain and sensitivity in the surrounding nerves. Many people with temporomandibular disorders might notice a clicking sound or a snap when they move their jaw. In extreme cases, if the teeth are worn out to expose the dentin and the inner teeth, it can lead to erosion of the teeth, ultimately leading to dentures.

Symptoms

Be vigilant in checking for symptoms like locked jaw, clicks or snapping when you open and close the lower jaw, pain in the ear, neck or headaches, swelling in the sides of the face and tiredness in the facial muscles. In some cases, loss of hearing and dizziness have also been reported. All these are signs to watch out for, if you want to catch any temporomandibular disorders in its bud. In case of extreme problems due to injury or other trauma, or when the jaw joint has ‘locked’ surgical intervention might be necessary.

Depending on the type of problem with your temporomandibular joint, your dentist will choose the treatment. There are many recent innovations that can help in the detection of oral abnormalities, including even oral cancer in the early stages. Your dentist might use a specially designed scope to study any persistent mouth ulcers and other potentially cancerous spots during a regular checkup.

Dentistry is a much under-appreciated specialty and most people don’t visit their dentists due to fear or to cut expenses, which turns out to be a costly mistake later. At McCall Dentistry, we provide state of the art dental care for your entire family. We know that your toddler might be scared of visiting the dentist, and that as a parent you will be anxious. So we take steps to ensure that he or she stays comfortable throughout the examination and enjoys their visit. Call us today or leave your number and we will call you for a free consultation!

Regular Dental Visits Help to Prevent Serious Medical Problems

When you visit your dentist for a routine checkup they will carefully examine all parts of your mouth for signs of trouble. This means they will check your gums and teeth for signs of decay and illness. Your dentist may also check on other parts of your body for signs of problems, including your neck, your head, your face, your throat, your saliva and how your jaw moves. Not only will these careful examinations allow the doctor to determine if you need any dentistry work done, they will also help them determine if you are showing any signs of serious medical problems, such as oral cancers, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes or joint problems.

Regular Cleaning Prevents Tooth Decay

Once the dentist has performed a detailed examination of your various body parts, they will then perform a regular cleaning on your teeth. The purpose of a routine cleaning is to remove any tartar or plaque that tends to quickly build up on your teeth. Soft plague can cause tooth decay and gum irritation. It can also harden on the teeth, which not only makes it more difficult to remove, but it also stains the teeth. Routine checkups (along with proper home care) are the best way to remove tartar and plaque build up to help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Your teeth will feel cleaner and look brighter after these things have been cleaned away. During the cleaning process the dentist will also look at any previous dental work you may have had done to make sure everything is still good. For example, they may make sure that any fillings you have had completed are still intact and that no decay is visible.

Fixing Problems

Your regular six month cleanings will help your dentist determine if you have any problems that need to be fixed. They may take x-rays, check your bite, examine your gums or use certain dental devices to see around and under your teeth. If they find anything, such as cavity or damage root that needs repair, they can then schedule an appointment to repair the damage.

What to Do Between Visits

Routine dental exams and cleanings help to identify problems before they become serious. They are also important for repairing any damage to your mouth, teeth and gums, which could have long running effects on the rest of your health. While your dentist can remove a lot of tartar and plaque during a regular cleaning, you will still have to perform daily maintenance on your own mouth each and every day. This means using proper brushing and flossing techniques and following any guidelines provided by your specific dentist. Routine dental checkups and proper daily care will help keep your teeth and mouth clean, fresh and disease free.

Try to Make It Fun

Children will be more interested in doing something if it is fun for them. Brushing their teeth is not usually considered to be the most fun part of your child’s day, but there are a few things you can do to help make it a more enjoyable experience. Try allowing your child to pick out their own toothbrush. Take them to the toothbrush aisle in the grocery store and let them pick out a toothbrush that they like the best. You may want to have them choose from the children’s specific toothbrush section. If they pick a toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character on it or one that is in their favorite color, they may enjoy using it day after day. You may also want to let them pick out their own toothpaste as well. Just about any toothpaste will work for cleaning your child’s mouth, unless your child requires a specific kind of toothpaste for a certain medical condition. If your child is part of the process when it comes to picking out their toothbrush and toothpaste, they may become more interested and engaged in the entire process.

Learn About Tooth Brushing

The more your child understands why brushing their teeth on a regular basis is so important, the more likely it is that they will make it into a habit. Try buying your child some clever books written on the subject of tooth brushing and read to them about why they want to have a healthy mouth. It may also be a good idea to explain to your child what could happen if they don’t take proper care of their mouth. If they understand that a lack of brushing could lead to cavities and tooth decay, which could create the need to have a dentist drill into their teeth, the child may place more importance on daily brushing habits.

Make It a Game

Turning routine activities into games is a great way to get children to follow along. This can work for teeth brushing and for other things, like getting your child to help clean up their room. There are all kinds of ways to make brushing their teeth into a game. You could see who could brush their teeth the longest without spitting out the toothpaste or who could make the least amount of mess. Have them brush their teeth along to their favorite music too. Anything that makes brushing their teeth more fun could help encourage the habit.

Teaching your child to develop good dental hygiene habits now will do wonders for their future.

Fortunately, bright smiles are no longer limited to people who have had flawless dental hygiene in the past. Now, everyone can make their smile whiter and brighter using a number of teeth whitening techniques.

The first step in the whitening process is to make sure that your teeth are as clean as they can be. After the typical dental cleaning, your dentist should have a range of options that you can choose from in the teeth whitening process.

Today, teeth whitening plans can come in a variety of forms, from professional whitening in your dentist’s office to remedies that you can take home to whitening products that you can buy at your local drug store. Each has its own set of benefits, but in general, the most effective for whitening your teeth come directly from your dentist, who can determine the best solution for you based on your dental history.

When you come into your dentist’s office to have your teeth whitened, you are actually whitening the second surface below your teeth’s enamel. This layer is called dentin, and this is what can become stained over time, giving your teeth a less than optimal look. Your dentist will typically apply a solution that works through your enamel (without damaging it) and brightens the color of the dentin.

It’s also important to keep in mind that while whitening processes have become more effective and more accessible in recent years, long-term changes are up to you. For the best results, you’ll have to stay away from the habits that caused your teeth to lose their brightness in the first place, including getting rid of tobacco products and dark-colored drinks. It’s also important that maintain a healthy dental hygiene routine: Just because you didn’t have the best practices the first time around doesn’t mean you have to keep doing the same things that darkened your teeth in the first place.

The great thing about a bright smile is that it can be shared, especially with those who around you most. The love of your life may be happy to put up with dull teeth, but the gift of a brighter smile each day can be a boost for both of you. If you’re thinking about trying a whitening solution, head in to consult your dentist soon.

Gum disease is a serious problem that affects a large portion of the American population and can lead to a range of issues, including sensitive teeth and tooth loss. Recent studies, however, have shown that drinking green tea can help fight such problems. Green tea naturally features compounds called polyphenols, and these compounds tend to fight bacterial buildup in the mouth. Catechins, a type of polyphenol, help reduce the symptoms of gum disease like bleeding or receding gums, without affecting tooth enamel. In general, studies have shown that those who drink green tea have healthier gums than those who don’t.

Following out of that is the fact that green tea can help people avoid cavities and keep their mouths healthier. Tooth decay is slowed by the antioxidants in green tea, and people who drink green tea daily are less likely to experience tooth loss later in life.

For the same reasons, green tea is effective in fighting off bad breath. Drinking green tea has been shown to reduce the effects of the enzyme responsible for producing hydrogen sulfide, which is a major culprit in causing bad breath.

More serious dental hygiene issues can also be prevented or treated using green tea. Studies indicate that the bacteria-fighting qualities of green tea include benefits when it comes to fighting conditions like strep throat. In addition, green tea appears to inhibit the progression of cancer, as the antioxidants in green tea fight promote healthier cells and prevent cancerous growths.

It’s also important to remember that less-processed green tea is more effective in promoting oral hygiene because it retains more of its natural qualities. Bottled iced teas offer fewer benefits, and the acids included in such drinks lead to faster enamel erosion.

Adding a cup of green tea to your diet each day can pay major dividends for your oral hygiene. The benefits come in a variety of areas of dental hygiene, from helping your gums become healthier to preventing your teeth from becoming sensitive or decayed. Green tea is an easy, effective way to help your mouth stay healthy and avoid the issues that come with poor oral hygiene.

How Do You Know if You are Grinding Your Teeth

Of course, before you can understand the dangers of teeth grinding, you must understand the signs and symptoms of it. These symptoms include the following:

• Sore jaw in the mornings
• Dull or aching headaches
• Teeth that are worn down or chipped
• Pain in the face that is chronic
• Continuous earaches
• Teeth that become more sensitive over time
• Loose teeth

The most obvious sign of teeth grinding, though, would be your partner waking you up because the noise is keeping them awake at night. If you think that you may be grinding your teeth, it is time to see a dental professional to get the situation evaluated.

The Dangers of Grinding Teeth

As mentioned, teeth grinding is not just a frustration. It actually can cause serious damage. Here are the dangers to grinding. Once you understand them, you will be much more likely to make an appointment with the dentist.

• Tooth damage can be so great that you actually lose teeth.
• Grinding can cause damage to crowns, bridges, and fillings, which will mean they must be replaced.
• As tooth enamel is worn away from grinding, the teeth will become more sensitive, more prone to damage, and more prone to yellowing.
• Constant grinding will weaken the jaw joint, causing more pain and issues from TMJ.
• Long-term jaw damage can result in changes to the look of the face as well as chronic pain and even hearing loss.
• Teeth grinding can effect sleep patterns and lead to fatigue as well as depression.

If you already have damage from grinding your teeth, dental procedures can be used to correct most or all of it. However, it is vital that you get the grinding problem addressed as soon as possible in order to avoid further damage and disruptions to your life.

The most important thing to remember is that oral cancer does not just affect the mouth. It can actually form on the lips, the cheeks, the sinuses, the hard palate (roof of the mouth), the soft palate (behind the hard palate), the floor of the mouth, the tongue, and the pharynx. Because oral cancer can form in so many locations, knowing the symptoms of the condition are all the more important. Below, you will find information on the different symptoms of oral cancer. Whether the symptoms are noticed by you or by a professional during a routine teeth cleaning, it is best to get the concern checked immediately.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Here are the most common signs of oral cancer. Keep in mind that different people show different symptoms, so you may show just a few of these signs or you may show all of them.

• Sores on the mouth or even the face and neck that just will not heal up. If they are there for more than two weeks, have a dental professional check them.
• Swelling or lumps that appear on the lips or gums or anywhere inside the mouth.
• Patches in the mouth that appear white, velvety, speckled with white and red, or crusty.
• Feeling like something is stuck in the throat persistently.
• Chronic sore throat or chronic hoarseness.
• Teeth that feel strange or do not align properly anymore.
• Bleeding in the mouth that cannot be explained by injury or damage.
• Numbness or loss of feeling anywhere on the mouth or face.
• Chronic pain in the ear.

Keep in mind that many of these signs actually are symptoms of other, less serious, conditions. However, when the symptoms arise, there is a chance of oral cancer, so it is vitally important to see a dental professional. Oral cancer can cause permanent damage to the mouth, teeth, throat, and face. Additionally, if left untreated, the cancer can be fatal. If you see any signs or symptoms of concern, make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.

Traveling can be a great way to experience the world, but there’s no reason to let your oral hygiene get the short end of the stick while you’re travelling across the countryside. Oral hygiene is more difficult when you’re outside of your normal routine, but following a few simple steps will make you much more likely to take care of those teeth while traveling.

Pack and Unpack

First, be sure to pack all your oral health products carefully. Make sure you have enough toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash to last through your entire trip. When you arrive at your destination, unpack your toiletry case and leave the oral health products on the bathroom counter. If you see the floss in the morning, you’ll be more likely to use it. Also, a toothbrush that is allowed to dry in the open air after each use is less likely to carry dangerous bacteria.

Carry Disposable or On-the-Go Oral Products

Maintaining good oral hygiene while on vacation or traveling for business can be difficult because the last thing you want to do is worry about an extra-long list for your oral health. This is why it is so important to invest in on-the-go or travel products that can help you stay healthy in a short amount of time. If you don’t have time to brush your teeth in the hotel room, you can use travel tooth brushes that have safe-to-swallow toothpaste or disposable disinfectants already on the brush. Just brush your teeth and discard the brush. If you don’t have toothpaste, you can just brush with water; you’ll still be removing plaque and germs from the surface of your teeth. Travel sizes for toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash are also great for storing in a carry-on bag or a purse while traveling.

Mind Your Surroundings

When you travel for business or even for pleasure, you will expose yourself to new cultures, new ideas, and new sights and sounds. You’ll also be exposing yourself to a different type of cuisine than you’re not used to, and this can have devastating effects on oral hygiene if your teeth are not properly brushed daily. Prepare for these instances by being mindful of the food you eat and the beverages you drink. Make sure that you only use a clean water supply when drinking and brushing your teeth. If no clean supply is available, use only bottled water. Also, avoid overindulging with the foods you eat. You may want to relax your personal guidelines and let loose, but your teeth and mouth will thank you if you stick closer to an intended diet regimen.

How Do Eating Disorders Affect Oral Hygiene?

The mouth is the gateway between the outside world and the stomach. An eating disorder like anorexia may not show many oral warning signs because no food is passing through the mouth. With bulimia, however, the wrong types of food are ingested and then quickly purged. The combination of bad food going in and acidic stomach contents going out almost always leave a mark on the hygiene of the mouth. This can be a great way for concerned parents, friends, and loved ones to identify the presence of an eating disorder and seek help for loved ones.

Early Warning Signs of an Eating Disorder

There are several early warning signs of an eating disorder, but these signs can be easily misinterpreted and confused with other common, less serious ailments. The warning signs that affect oral hygiene, however, are much easier to identify. Because bulimia requires the constant purging of ingested food, side effects such as bad breath and withdrawn gums are quite common. Teeth may also begin to rot, lose their luster, or become discolored because of frequent exposure to stomach acid. Cavities can be caused by the perpetual consumption of high calorie, high carbohydrate, and high sugar foods. These warning signs may all be indicative of a serious eating disorder.

Worst Case Scenario Effects for Oral Hygiene

Prolonged exposure to the high concentrations of acid found in the stomach can easily lead to the death of all the teeth in a person’s mouth. The enamel that surrounds and protects the teeth is not equipped to handle such highly acidic fluid concentrations over such a prolonged period. Similarly, the high carbohydrate and high sugar foods that many people eat when they are dealing with an eating disorder can cause plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of the teeth. These types of food habits are the number one cause of cavities in people from all ages.

There are hundreds of dangerous effects on the human body that can be attributed to a struggle with an eating disorder. The dangers that threaten oral hygiene and the health of the human mouth are just a small sampling of the overall issues. If you or someone you know is dealing with an eating disorder, or if you suspect that a friend has an eating disorder because of oral warning signs, consult a professional for help immediately.