Reasons You Should Visit the Dentist

One of the ways to protect your healthy smile is with regular dental exams. The American Dental Association (ADA) and most dentists recommend checkups every six months. During these exams, the hygienist can clean your teeth, and the dentist can check the current status of your month. Routine exams are important because they:

Screen for oral cancer
Every hour of every day, someone in the U.S. dies from oral cancer, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. If detected in the beginning stages, oral cancer is treatable and your dentist will look for signs of trouble during your checkups.

Prevent bad breath
Individuals with persistent halitosis typically have an underlying oral health problem such as decay or gum disease. The dentist can check your mouth and make recommendations so that you can enjoy clean, fresh breath.

Fight gum disease
An infection that begins in the gum tissues and can spread to the bones that hold your teeth, gum disease is easily treated and controlled if found early.

Give you a brighter smile
When the hygienist cleans and polish your teeth, he or she will remove stains caused by tobacco, coffee, and other foods. As well, the hygienist will also remove tartar build-up. The result is a whiter, better looking smile!

Identify problems early on
Even when you take good care of your teeth and gums, issues can arise. Catching a small cavity before it grows and requires a root canal saves you time and money.

Dentistry in the Highlands – Ramesh Izedian DMD – Fall River, MA

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The Truth about Common Dental Myths

Most people understand the basics of caring for their smiles. The news, well-meaning friends, and the Internet, however, may offer different versions of common dental information. It can make figuring out what to do confusing. Determining fact from fiction will help you protect your teeth and gums.

Myth: Expensive toothpastes and toothbrushes work better than cheap ones.
Truth: The most important characteristic of these tools is finding ones you will put to good use. You should select toothpaste with fluoride for added protection against cavities.

Myth: It’s better to pull a damaged tooth than fix it.
Truth: A full smile provides many benefits, so you should try to keep all your teeth. If you lose just one tooth, remaining teeth can shift, alignment problems may occur, and other teeth can become loose.

Myth: Once I have cavity filled, the tooth will be fine.
Truth: With proper care, your tooth should remain strong. Having a filling can make that tooth more susceptible to developing additional decay in the future.

Myth: I shouldn’t brush my teeth if my gums bleed.
Truth: If you see pink when you brush, bleeding usually indicates some issue, so you should probably consult your dentist. Your gums may bleed because of gum disease or brushing too hard, but the only way to know is to check with the dentist.

Myth: My teeth look white so they are healthy.
Truth: Just because your smile looks great doesn’t mean you don’t have problems. Issues like tooth decay and gum disease can develop with few, if any, symptoms, especially in the early stages.

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What is Oral Thrush?

Also referred to as oral candidiasis, thrush is a condition that you can develop when a fungus called Candida albicans builds up inside your mouth. Usually, thrush presents as creamy, white lesions on the tongue and cheeks. Anyone can develop thrush, but it commonly occurs in babies, young children, the elderly, and patients who have compromised immune systems such as HIV patients.

Does poor oral hygiene cause thrush?

Interestingly enough, your home care routine does not contribute to thrush. This condition is brought on when the naturally occurring fungi in the mouth get out of balance and become overpopulated. Proper brushing and flossing will help with your recovery so keep up with your oral hygiene. Replace your toothbrush after treatment for thrush to prevent a return engagement.

How do you prevent thrush?

Acidophilus, healthy bacterial organisms can help restore balance in your mouth. You can buy it as a supplement or purchase and eat yogurt that already contains the live cultures.

What is the treatment for thrush?

Otherwise healthy adults and children may not require treatment because thrush can go away on its own. If the thrush continues to be a problem, your dentist or doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication.

What’s the difference between thrush and leukoplakia?

Although you may confuse the two, leukoplakia lesions develop because of chronic irritation from rough edges on teeth, fillings or crowns. Thrush often appears suddenly, while leukoplakia lesions occur over time.

Oral Thrush – Dentistry in the Highlands – Ramesh Izedian DMD Fall River, MA Dentist

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What about Amalgam Fillings?

In recent years, composite, or tooth-colored, fillings have become the choice when dentists repair damaged teeth. Composite fillings blend with your smile and preserve more of the healthy tooth structure. Though amalgam fillings are thought to cost less and last longer, health concerns have caused patients and dentists to reconsider this option.

What are the problems with amalgam fillings?

Metal fillings present several challenges. For one thing, they darken over time, detracting from your attractive smile. Often, metal fillings can crack or began to leak after years of wear. If this occurs, you risk further damage and will likely need more dental work. One of the biggest concerns with amalgams is that they contain mercury, a heavy metal substance.

Are amalgam fillings dangerous?

Currently, the American Dental Association says that metal fillings are safe since the levels of mercury are low. Because amalgam fillings lose their mercury over time, many people fear that the mercury vapors could be absorbed into your body and create a risk for overexposure, which can cause symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and headaches.

What are the benefits of composite fillings?

Not only do tooth-colored fillings look better, but they offer solid restorations designed to last. With a composite filling, the material is bonded to the tooth, so it won’t change shape with age, giving you a solid, attractive smile.

Do I need to have my old fillings removed?

Unless they show signs of wear, you can probably leave metal fillings in place. As they need to be replaced, talk with your dentist about using composite fillings.

Dentistry in the Highlands – Ramesh Izedian DMD Fall River, MA Dentist

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What Causes Bad Breath?

If you have halitosis, or bad breath, you may feel embarrassed about this condition. Some people experience temporary bouts with bad breath, while others deal with chronic episodes of halitosis. Though halitosis won’t kill you, it can put a damper on social and professional interactions. Understanding the causes of bad breath may help you find a way to deal with this unpleasant issue.

Gum Disease
Also called periodontal disease, gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the tissue surrounding your teeth. When you suffer from gum disease, you may be more susceptible to bad breath because of bacteria build-up. Frequent brushing and flossing can help address this issue.

Your Tongue
One of the most common causes of halitosis is your tongue. Germs, food particles, and post-nasal drip can accumulate on the “hairy” surface of your tongue, producing ideal conditions for bacteria to breed. Cleaning your tongue often with a tongue scarper can greatly improve your breath.

Smoking
If you smoke, not only will your mouth smell like an ashtray, but you may develop dry mouth because of diminished saliva flow. Smoking also contributes to other oral health issues such as gum disease and oral cancer.

Dentures
When you wear dentures, food and bacteria can become trapped in between the appliance and your gums. As these particles break down, you may experience an unpleasant odor. To prevent this issue, clean dentures daily, massage your gums, and see your dentist regularly.

Certain Medical Conditions
Diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, and chronic sinusitis can all contribute to bad breath and you may not realize you have a problem. If your mouth checks out okay, you might need to visit your family doctor.

Dry Mouth
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, occurs when the saliva flow in your mouth decreases. As the body’s natural method of cleaning your mouth, saliva removes food particles and keeps everything hydrated. Chewing sugarless gum and drinking plenty of water can help encourage saliva production.

Dentistry in the Highlands – Ramesh Izedian DMD – Treating Halitosis

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Promoting Oral Care with Your Kids

As a parent you want to protect your kids and keep them healthy. To help your children safeguard their teeth and gums, you need to have a clear idea about their dental health needs. If you have questions, talk with your family dentist to get detailed information.

Keep these suggestions in mind:

Monitor their efforts

Though your children may brush alone by three or four, you need to double-check their teeth until about age seven. Praise their hard work, but make sure they reached all the areas and cleaned their teeth thoroughly.

Model good behavior

Your children will follow your example, so make sure they see you taking time for oral care. Talk about dental health as a family so that your kids know you value the health of your own teeth.

Remember to floss

While brushing is important, flossing plays a critical role in keeping gums in good condition. Buy a floss holder or floss threader if it makes it easier on your child.

Motivate your kids

From sparkly toothpaste to character-based toothbrushes, plenty of items exist to encourage children with their dental habits. As long as the products fit the American Dental Association (ADA) standards, let your child choose whatever he or she likes.

Watch what they eat

Growing children require plenty of nourishment, but you need to supply the right types of food. Soda, candy, and even fruit drinks can weaken enamel. For snack time, offer apples, carrots, or cheese because they promote a healthy mouth.

We care about your children’s smiles at Dentistry in the Highlands – Ramesh Izedian DMD – Fall River, MA

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The Truth about Porcelain Veneers

If discolorations, chips, or gaps in between teeth have stolen your smile’s beauty, porcelain veneers can restore your appearance. Made from fine dental porcelain, veneers can change the shape, color, and look of your teeth. Learn more about veneers and discover if these restorations might be the transformation you are looking for to update your image.

True or False: Porcelain veneers won’t last
Answer: False. Constructed from high-quality materials, porcelain veneers are designed to withstand daily living and still look amazing. Care for your veneers as you do your other teeth, with frequent brushing, daily flossing, and regular dental visits.

True or False: Porcelain veneers look natural.
Answer: True. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, veneers will brighten your teeth and enhance your smile with aesthetically-pleasing results. People will notice your radiance, not your dental work.

True or False: Porcelain veneers are one-size fits all restorations.
Answer: False. Your dentist will talk with you about your goals for the restorations before beginning the process. With this information, your doctor will then produce a detailed plan for your custom smile makeover, selecting veneers that fit your personality, features, and desired outcome.

True or False: Veneers will permanently cover stains and imperfections.
Answer: True. In some cases, people have flaws that teeth whitening and cosmetic bonding won’t correct. Porcelain veneers are stain resistant and created to provide lasting beauty.

True or False: Any dentist can create and place porcelain veneers.
Answer: False. Though many dentists claim to have the ability to change your smile with veneers, make sure you find an experienced cosmetic dentist for your restorations. Check out Before and After photos so that you get an idea of the doctor’s skill with placing veneers.

Creating beautiful, healthy smiles at Dentistry in the Highlands – Ramesh Izedian DMD – Fall River, MA

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Tips Dentists Want You to Know

To have a healthy, attractive smile, you need to take good care of your mouth. At your checkup, your dentist will offer advice on keeping your smile in top condition. The following suggestions can ensure that your next dental visit will be a great success.

• Gum disease affects your whole body
One of the main causes of tooth loss in adults, gum disease has also been linked to health conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, and pre-term labor. If you notice swollen or bleeding gums, contact your dentist right away.

• Twice-daily brushing keeps cavities at bay
Food debris and plaque can lead to tooth decay. Brushing at least twice a day cleans your teeth and removes cavity-causing agents from your mouth.

• Your diet matters to your oral health
Limiting your intake of sweet treats and sugary beverages will protect your teeth and gums. Instead, eat a wide variety of healthy foods, choosing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

• Schedule routine checkups
At your regular visits, your dentist can look for any signs of problems, including oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay. Without routine care, you run the risk of damaging your oral health and costing yourself a great deal of money.

• Change your toothbrush often
The bacteria that you remove from your mouth can stay on your toothbrush, so get a new brush about every three months. You should also rinse your toothbrush with hot water each time you brush.

We care about your smile at Dentistry in the Highlands – Ramesh Izedian DMD Fall River, MA Dentist.

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Ways to Prevent Enamel Erosion

The strongest substance in the human body, enamel is the hard, outer layer that protects teeth from the stress of daily life. Enamel keeps the dentin and nerve center, called the pulp, insulated from hot and cold, as well as serving as a barrier to the erosive effects of acids and chemicals. If enamel erosion occurs, the microscopic tubes inside the dentin allow substances to stimulate the nerve area, so you may experience tooth sensitivity.

You can stop enamel erosion with these tips:

• Limit your intake of acidic foods and beverages, like carbonated beverages, tomatoes, or citrus fruits. When you do consume these items, have them at meal time to minimize damage.
• If possible, choose products with less acid, such as low-acid orange juice.
• When consuming acidic foods or drinks, rinse your mouth immediately with water.
• Have a glass of milk or cheese slice at the end of your meal to neutralize the acid in your mouth.
• Use a straw when your drink acidic beverages because it helps keep acid off teeth.
• After exposing teeth to acid, wait at least one hour before brushing.
• During the day, chew sugar-free gum, which will reduce acid levels and increase saliva production.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and make sure you don’t brush too harshly.
• Select fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your teeth.
• Seek treatment for issues such as bulimia, alcoholism, or GERD because these conditions can increase acid levels in the mouth.

We care about your oral health at Dentistry in the Highlands – Ramesh Izedian DMD Fall River, MA Dentist.

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What You Should Know about Your Child’s Dental Health

If you have kids, you want the best for them. Part of your role as a parent is to make sure they grow up healthy. Proper oral health care assists in your child’s overall wellbeing. To ensure that they have vibrant smiles that will last a lifetime, you need to have the correct information about dental care for children, so it’s important to learn fact from fiction.

Fiction: Baby teeth aren’t important.
Fact: Primary teeth actually serve as placeholders for permanent teeth as well as allowing for normal speech and chewing function. If baby teeth are lost early because of decay, your child may experience crowding or misalignment when permanent teeth erupt.

Fiction: Thumb sucking won’t hurt my child’s teeth.
Fact: While it’s cute to see a baby or toddler sucking his or her thumb, you need to work on curtailing this habit by the time your child enters kindergarten. If thumb sucking continues after that point, the permanent front teeth may not come in properly.

Fiction: Kids don’t need to floss.
Fact: The earlier you teach children to floss, the more likely they will be to continue this important oral hygiene step. As well, flossing baby teeth can help prevent cavities.

Fiction: My child doesn’t need a checkup until kindergarten.
Fact: Most dentists recommend bringing your child in for a first visit by age three. At this appointment, your doctor can examine your child’s mouth and create a positive feeling about dental visits so that your child feels safe and comfortable.

Fiction: I don’t need to help my child with brushing.
Fact: Although you may think your kids are doing a good job, they may not be able to brush the hard-to-reach areas on their own. At the very least, you should do a quick check after brushing is completed.

It’s time to schedule an appointment at Dentistry in the Highlands – Ramesh Izedian DMD – Fall River, MA – Pediatric dentistry

It’s time to schedule an appointment at Dentistry in the Highlands – Ramesh Izedian DMD – Fall River, MA – Pediatric dentistry

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