Your teeth are key to your health, and the health of your teeth is key to your well being. When your teeth are strong, white and free of imperfections, you are not limited by them as to what foods you can bite or chew. A mouth full of bright white teeth that show when you talk or laugh, appears youthful and healthy. Stained or broken teeth, swollen gum’s and missing teeth portray an image of poor health and hygiene. Not all dental problems are caused by neglect, some are genetic and others are caused by bad habits such as using your teeth to open packages, biting at plastic tabs, or even chewing ice. Grinding your teeth at night and poor dental hygiene can also cause a myriad of troubles in your mouth.
Cosmetic dentistry can be used to straighten crooked teeth with braces and retainers. They give the mouth a more balanced appearance, and line the teeth up for a more appealing smile. Usually done during the teen years, braces can be applied to adults as well. If your teeth are stained, brown or have spots, a dentist that offers cosmetic dentistry can whiten your teeth for you. Cracked or broken molars can be covered with a crown, reducing the potential for a tooth breaking off.
Crowns or caps, are used to correct the biting surface of your teeth. If you grind your teeth when you sleep, or are under stress, you can crack your molars. Cracked molars can break off unexpectedly and allow bacteria into the teeth and gum. If you need a crown, your dentist will grind down the existing tooth, forming a peg. A mold will be taken of your teeth and sent off to have a crown built to replace the cracked tooth. When the crown comes in, the temporary crown will be removed and the new, permanent one will be installed.
It is important to take care of your teeth. Brushing twice daily and flossing before you go to bed is a good start. You can also avoid foods that contain large amounts of sugar or are acidic. Invest in a night time bite guard to stop the teeth grinding. Scheduling regular dental cleanings and exams every 6 months can detect small problems that can be corrected before they become big problems. Take care of your teeth and they will take care of you.
