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Healthy Teeth Are Not White

Medical research shows that the primary color of a healthy tooth is not as white as we think, and most white teeth are not synonymous with being healthier.

The strongest teeth are the healthiest and most natural, but most of these teeth are not white. Of course, we cannot say that these teeth are not completely white, but it means that their color is not white paper, but a little darker. But what is the reason for this?

The enamel itself is bluish white, but it is also somewhat clear, so the yellow dentin underneath makes the tooth appear light yellow or gray.

Of course, this type of tooth whitening is completely different from tooth staining due to the use of external items, and undoubtedly, teeth that have been stained due to side effects are less healthy than normal teeth. All dentists and specialists definitely confirm that teeth that have changed color due to not using toothpaste such as toothbrush, floss and mouthwash, are at a much lower level of health than ordinary teeth.

The two main causes of tooth discoloration due to external elements can be mentioned as excessive tobacco consumption or rare metabolic disorders. This disorder can be partially corrected with a combination of bleaches and polishing the tooth’s laminar layer, but each of these solutions will weaken the teeth if used consistently.

Solutions to prevent tooth discoloration:

Prevention is always better than cure, which is why we offer you simple ways to protect your teeth from discoloration.

Avoid excessive consumption of sweets, as sweets often cause cavities and discoloration of the teeth.

If you smoke or smoke, try to use special fluorides.

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the best toothpastes and you can put this substance on your toothbrush and increase the whitening effect of teeth. Sodium perborate is also present in this substance but it is very different, although the consumption of sodium Perborate should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision.

If you do not use the toothbrush properly, the teeth will change color and in such a case, you must have two toothbrushes and you can use one of them in a dry state to clean the mouth and the other with toothpaste.

It is very important to observe proper oral hygiene in this regard, and this solution is usually not recommended for aesthetics, and in fact, lack of proper oral hygiene can have a negative impact on overall dental health.

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The Many Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Teeth change color over time due to various factors and spots appear on their surface. But discoloration and stains on the surface of the tooth are different, and this makes their treatment methods also different.

In general, in terms of depth of discoloration, three types of tooth stains are superficial stains, deep stains and aging stains.

Surface stains: These stains are created in the outer layer of the tooth, which is called enamel. Stains and discoloration from foods such as coffee and tea, soft drinks and other substances are of this type. Cigarettes can also cause surface stains.

Deep spots: These spots are created in the internal structure of the tooth (dentin layer). Ivory has a darker color. In the following cases, deep spots appear in the dentin layer:

They are exposed to a lot of fluoride during childhood when their teeth are growing

Your mother took the antibiotic tetracycline during pregnancy, especially in the second half of pregnancy

In childhood, a growing permanent tooth is damaged by injuries such as a fall or accident

Permanent tooth is injured and has internal bleeding that has changed its color (red, brown or black tooth)

You may be born with a rare medical condition called dentin genesis imperfecta, which causes teeth to turn gray or purple.

Aging spots: This color change includes any type of surface and depth. The dentin layer turns yellow with age. On the other hand, the enamel that covers the surface of the tooth becomes thinner over time and shows more dentin color. On the other hand, eating high-pigmented foods and smoking also make teeth yellower. Eventually, injuries such as lip filling and cracking can cause tooth discoloration.

As mentioned, the factors that cause discoloration and stains on teeth are not always limited to colored drinks and foods. Some people experience tooth discoloration as a result of taking drugs, fluoride, cigarettes and other tobacco products, aging or injuries. The method of teeth whitening varies depending on the severity of the tooth discoloration and its type. That’s why it’s important to identify the cause of the discoloration.

If one of your teeth is darker than the other, it is often due to dental injuries or certain medications. If the cause of a particular tooth is dull, injury and trauma can occur in two cases. Iron in the blood may have entered the dentin structure of the tooth and saturated it, resulting in deep spots inside the tooth. Another condition is that the injury has caused the tooth structure to become out of shape, resulting in more spots accumulating in some areas of the tooth.

Sometimes when you look closely at your teeth in the mirror you will notice white spots on the surface of the tooth and sometimes you may see only a white spot on the surface of the tooth. White spots on the surface of the teeth are usually the first signs of tooth decay and possibly perforation in the future. Do not worry because it is not too late for treatment. You should have regular check-ups every six months and scaling in a timely manner to prevent tooth decay. White spots on the surface of the tooth indicate that the process of decalcification (meaning the removal of calcium from the tooth structure) is taking place. Calcium depletion usually occurs due to poor diet and lack of saliva flow in the mouth and is irreversible. However, this condition can be managed by drinking plenty of water and many times, as well as using fluoride-containing products to mineralize teeth.

Discoloration after teeth whitening

In fact, this problem does not mean discoloration of the teeth. When you go to the dentist to whiten your teeth, you should know that dental restorations such as veneers or laminates, or veneers, fillings and implants do not whiten with this treatment and do not change color. The surface of dental restorations is completely smooth, like glass, and unlike teeth, there is no porosity. Due to the smooth and polished surface of the restoration and the absence of porosity, the pigment materials cannot enter its structure and change its color. When you want to whiten your teeth, dental restorations do not have pigment and stains that become whiter when you lose them. Therefore, after bleaching, your natural teeth turn white, but the restorations do not change color, which is why there is a color difference between natural teeth and dental restorations. As a result, you think the restorations have changed color. That is why it is always recommended that if you want to whiten your teeth, do this before tooth restoration so that the restoration color is chosen according to your whitened teeth.

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Why is There a Bitter Taste in my Mouth?

Sometimes there is a bitter taste in the mouth that can not be eliminated by eating sweets. Bitterness in the mouth depends on various factors, and with some measures, this taste change can be eliminated. A bitter or bad taste in the mouth can be a natural reaction to spicy and sour foods.

Taste is a complex sensation that can be caused by many factors, such as poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, or pregnancy. Treating a persistent bitter taste in the mouth can be controlled with some simple home remedies.

Signs and symptoms of bitter taste in the mouth:

Bitter and persistent taste in the mouth is medically known as taste insufficiency. This taste has been described as an unpleasant taste and can last for a long time until the cause is determined. People with taste impairment may experience a persistent unpleasant taste, which is often one of the following:

Bitter

Metal

The taste can hardly be changed for a short time by eating or anything else. A person may still feel the bitter taste even after brushing.

Many of the causes of bitter taste in the mouth are not serious, however the symptoms can cause irritation or interference with a person’s regular diet or enjoyment of daily life.
The following conditions can cause a bitter taste in the mouth:

Dry mouth:

Dry mouth is also known as dry mouth and occurs when the mouth does not secrete enough saliva. Because saliva helps reduce bacteria in the mouth, having less saliva means more live bacteria in the mouth.

People with dry mouth experience a feeling of stickiness and dryness in their mouth, which can be due to factors such as medication, smoking or pre-existing disorders. A person also experiences dry mouth with a stuffy nose. Because breathing through the mouth causes it to dry out. People with persistent dry mouth should consult their doctor for a diagnosis.

Oral issues:

Poor oral hygiene can also cause a bitter taste in the mouth or it may increase cavities, infections and gum disease or gingivitis. Many common oral and dental problems can be eliminated or prevented by brushing or flossing. The use of antibacterial mouthwash while brushing also minimizes harmful bacteria.

Pregnancy:

Many pregnant women complain of a bitter taste or metal in their mouths in the first 3 months. The body’s hormones fluctuate during pregnancy, and this fluctuation can affect the senses, which can make the taste of some foods unbearable. This taste disappears with the progression of pregnancy or after childbirth.

Burning mouth syndrome:

Burning syndrome is a condition that causes a burning sensation in the mouth. This feeling can be completely different, but many describe it as eating hot peppers. In addition, some people can feel the bitter taste in the mouth.

Symptoms of mouth burning syndrome may be sporadic but can also be chronic and long-lasting. Some people with this syndrome may have trouble eating or drinking, while others may not have these symptoms.

Menopause:

Menopausal women may experience a bitter taste in their mouth, which is due to low levels of estrogen in the body, and may be due to dry mouth.

Thrush:

A yeast infection in the mouth often causes white spots on the tongue, mouth and throat. It may also cause a bitter or unpleasant taste in the mouth, and may persist until the infection is cured.

Acid reflux:

Gastric acid reflux disease can be an unintended source of bitterness in the mouth.

If you read in this section of Moist Health, this disease tends to irritate the fallopian tubes and cause burning in the chest or abdomen. It can also cause a rotten or bitter taste in the mouth and as long as there are other symptoms. Have, may continue.

Stress and anxiety:

High levels of stress and anxiety can trigger the body’s stress response, which often changes a person’s sense of taste. Anxiety can also cause dry mouth, which is often accompanied by a bitter taste.

Nerve damage:

Nerves, like the rest of our senses, attach taste buds directly to the nerves in the brain. Nerve damage can change the way a person deals with tastes. Nerve damage can be from a head injury or other condition, which as follows:

Epilepsy

Multiple sclerosis

Brain tumors

Oral medications and supplements

In some people, certain medications, supplements, and medical treatments may cause a bitter taste in the mouth. You should consult your doctor to find out about the medications you are taking.

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Wisdom Teeth & Potential Problems

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth in each jaw arch, which emerge between the ages of 18 and 25 (in some people it may grow sooner), and dentists call it the “Third Asia.”
Usually, each person has 2 wisdom teeth in the upper jaw, 2 wisdom teeth in the lower jaw for a total of 4 wisdom teeth. Occasionally, for inherited reasons, childhood diseases (anemia, rickets), misalignment of jaw bone growth with the size of the teeth, and these teeth remain inside the jaw. Also, part of their crown may appear incompletely in the mouth, in which case it is called a half-hidden wisdom tooth. An impacted tooth is a tooth that has passed since its eruption and for various reasons is not able to be in the proper row with other teeth. Such wisdom teeth may be stuck in soft or hard tissue. Problems that impacted wisdom teeth can cause include inflammation of the soft tissue lining the wisdom teeth, which often occurs in connection with semi-erupted teeth, decay of caries or decay in the area adjacent to wisdom teeth, and the risk of damage to adjacent teeth. The absence of wisdom teeth is one or more examples of hypodontia.

Wisdom tooth problems

Most people in the community have problems with wisdom teeth that can be mentioned as follows:

The compressive effect of space constraints on the maxillary arch or the growth of wisdom teeth in the wrong direction can cause problems such as:

  • Root resorption of the second Asian tooth (in case of incorrect tooth growth pattern (horizontally))
  • The formation of cysts and tumors of dental origin around the wisdom teeth, which may be benign or malignant, depending on the type of lesion.
  • Weakening of the jawbone by an impacted tooth and mechanical instability of the jawbone against impact
  • Disorder and disruption of the rest of the jaw teeth
    You can feel the pain of wisdom teeth in the back of your mouth. If you look in the mirror, you may notice that your wisdom teeth have protruded slightly from the gums. This area may be red and hot.

However, some people do not have specific symptoms of wisdom tooth pain. Mouth pain can also have a number of other causes. They can include tooth decay, fractures or abscesses, filling fractures or injuries, and gum infections.

No matter what the cause, you should see a dentist. Your wisdom teeth may be crooked and may not come out of your mouth properly, or they may cause an infection around your teeth.

Whatever the cause, painful wisdom teeth can really affect the health of your mouth and should be treated immediately. Wisdom toothache sometimes comes from nowhere and starts suddenly without warning. On the other hand, wisdom tooth pain can also appear slowly and gradually.

The first step is to set up an appointment to see your dentist if you think you have a toothache. He or she will be able to assess the area and determine if your pain is really from a wisdom tooth.

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What Happens at a Dental Cleaning?

Dental offices across the globe are currently closed as the world deals with the COVID-19 pandemic, but one day they will reopen and many people will be overdue for their teeth cleaning. Here’s what to expect when you come in for your next visit.

It all starts with a physical exam. The dental hygienist will move a tiny mirror around your mouth to see if anything looks out of the ordinary, taking note of any inflamed gums, bleeding, and signs of gingivitis. If nothing is found, the cleaning can proceed. However, things of interest will be alerted to the dentist who will normally come in and assess the situation and guide the hygienist on how to proceed.During this step, x-rays of your teeth may also be taken.

For the cleaning part of the exam, the hygienist will use a scaler, which is like a metal toothpick, to clean any plaque from around the gums and inbetween your teeth–the hard to reach areas. Patients who spend time at home brushing and flossing regularly will rarely feel discomfort during this step, while those who aren’t so vigilant with their oral health routine will often say that this is the most uncomfortable step.

Once the teeth have been scaled, the hygienist will go in with a high powered toothbrush and a gritty toothpaste that will remove any plaque that has been left behind, as well as polish the teeth to leave them smooth and shiny.

To finish up the exam, your hygienist will floss your teeth and rinse your mouth with water to remove anything leftover. Before you leave, make sure to take home a toothbrush and trial size container of floss, and don’t forget to book your next appointment in advance. Appointments can always be moved around if the date chosen does not work in the future.

Stay safe and healthy out there! We can’t wait to see you again.

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Symptoms and Treatment of Impacted Teeth

Teeth that have not broken through the barrier of the gums are known as impacted teeth as there is something that has caused them to be stuck. Impacted teeth often go unnoticed as patients often don’t notice any symptoms until they get an x-ray done at their bi-annual cleaning. 

Although not common, some patients can have the following symptoms:

  • Bad breath
  • Red and/or bleeding gums
  • Pain when chewing

Impacted teeth often occur when there is not enough room in the mouth for them to grow in, therefore wisdom teeth are often the most common cases of impacted teeth as they are the last to come in and are at the very back of the mouth. Patients with smaller jaws are also common sufferers of impacted teeth.

For treatment, it depends on the patient and also the tooth affected. Wisdom teeth, for example will more than likely be extracted as they serve no real purpose. Other teeth such as the canines or incisors which are valuable teeth will often be treated by surgery and orthodontics in order to get the tooth through the gum and pulled into place.

If you suspect that you have an impacted tooth or require more information about the condition, contact us for a consultation.

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Causes and Treatment of Sensitive Teeth

We’ve all experienced having sensitive teeth at one point in time. You bite into an ice cream cone, expecting to enjoy it, only to be disappointed with a horrible pain in one of your teeth. While that situation may be a one time thing, there are people who suffer with tooth sensitivity on a regular basis, and it’s actually quite common. Most people that come to visit their dentist describe some form of tooth sensitivity. So why does it happen and what can you do to prevent and treat it?

Causes of Sensitive Teeth

While certain conditions can cause sensitive teeth such as cavities, everyday tooth sensitivity is caused by the thinning and wearing down of the hard surface of your teeth, also known as your enamel. Enamel helps to protect the roots of the teeth, so when it’s gone, your teeth become more sensitive. Enamel breaks down in the following ways:

  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Improper brushing
  • Bulimia
  • Acidic drinks and foods

Treatment and Prevention

Mouth guards can be purchased in order to help with teeth grinding and your dentist can recommend a softer toothbrush and better techniques to help keep your enamel intact. Acidic foods and drinks should be kept to the minimum and replaced with water whenever possible. Bulimia, on the other hand, seeing as it is an eating disorder, may take longer to overcome, but with the right support and medical help, bulimia can be successfully treated.

Conclusion

Any tooth pain or sensitivity should be reported immediately to your dentist so that they may properly diagnose the source. While it may be as simple as changing up your brushing routine and choosing a different toothpaste, your dentist will want to rule out things like cavities and gum disease that may be the culprit.

Call us today to book a consultation. 

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How to Take Care of Your Teeth

Dentists recommend that your brush and floss after every meal, but many people do not, whether that be of their choosing or something out of their control. For those who are able to take care of their teeth, there are a few techniques that can be done to ensure that it is being done properly.

First, how to properly floss:

  1. Take a piece of pre-cut floss, or measure a piece of floss the length of your forearm and tear it off.
  2. Leaving around 2 inches of space, wrap the piece of floss around both your middle and index fingers.
  3. Work the floss in between your teeth using a back and forth motion, and then wrap the floss in a “C” shape at the bottom to get in the gumline. Repeat this 2-3 times for each tooth.

After flossing comes brushing. Brushing should come after flossing as it can remove all the particles left behind by the floss working between your teeth and just like flossing, there’s a specific way to do it to make sure your mouth is completely clean.

  1. Angle the brush at 45 degrees and work in a circular motion, concentrating and starting at the bottom of the tooth where it meets the gum.
  2. Work up and down the surface of the teeth, being careful NOT to scrub as it can damage the gums.
  3. Brush this way for about 2-3 minutes. Brushing your teeth should not be rushed. 
  4. Finish up with mouthwash and DO NOT SWALLOW.

Here are a few extra tips to make sure that your mouth and teeth are in the best shape.

  1. If you’re having a hard time getting into flossing because it’s considered to be a mundane task, try doing it when you’re watching TV before bed.
  2. To ensure brushing for 2-3 minutes, play your favourite song and brush until it is over.
  3. Choose a soft toothbrush with rounded bristles and replace it every 3 months or sooner if it becomes frayed.
  4. Those with metal braces may have a tougher time brushing their teeth. Talk to your dentist about specialized toothbrushes and flossers.

For any other general questions about oral hygiene, consult with your dentist.

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