News with tag enamel

If you’ve been on Pinterest any time recently, you’ve probably seen personal or sponsored posts that have something to do with 'healing cavities the natural way” or “reversing tooth decay without seeing your dentist.' But could these headlines be too good to be true? Yes and no. The truth is, a full blown cavity cannot be fixed, healed, or have the tooth “grow back” by using some magic formula in your bathroom. But if the cavity is only in the beginning stages — we’re talking enamel demineralization on the most outer layers of the tooth — then it can be reversed before an actual “hole” forms in your enamel.

Demineralization: Phase One of Tooth Decay

Before tooth decay actually works its way through the tooth, it must first target a healthy area of enamel. The first stages involve eating away the outermost layers, etching the tooth and creating a weak spot. As more acids come into play, the enamel starts to appear chalky or white compared to the tooth around it. At this point, the surface is demineralized and prime for a cavity to form at any second.

Intercepting Before it’s Too Late

Once a tooth is demineralized, you have an important choice to make: treat the area of weakened enamel to prevent a cavity and re-strengthen your tooth, or wait it out and allowing the cavity to form, then get a filling.

The less invasive and more holistic approach would be to remineralize the tooth and prevent the cavity. This can be done by:

• Cleaning the area more thoroughly each day
• Seeing your dentist for a professional strength fluoride treatment
• Optional treatments in your dentist’s office
• Getting a prescription fluoride to use at home
• Changing your habits to limit acid exposure to the teeth

If you suspect that you have a demineralized tooth or have a history of frequent cavities, call North Road Dental Clinic in Carnegie to schedule an appointment.

You’re ready to enhance your smile. Whether it’s a tiny chip in your front tooth or several teeth that have been bothering you for years, North Road Dental Clinic can help. When it comes to covering or masking aesthetic irregularities in the “smile zone” of your mouth, there are typically two different options to consider aside from restorative crowns: dental veneers or composite bonding. Get Full Coverage with Custom Veneers Veneers are thin porcelain shells that mask the entire tooth behind them, essentially changing the way your teeth look when you smile. They’re best used in sets, rather than for one tooth. By placing 4+ veneers side-by-side, you can enhance the appearance of things such as:

• Crooked or crowded teeth (some people refer to veneers as “instant braces”)
• Enamel discoloration and staining
• Uneven smiles
• Misshaped teeth

Take a Minimalist Approach Through Bonding Composite bonding uses tooth coloured materials (similar to what is used for white fillings) to rebuild small chips or irregularities in teeth. They’re ideal for smaller issues in one or two teeth, rather than multiple areas across the front of your smile. You may want to opt for bonding if you have a:

• Small gap between your teeth
• Chipped or uneven tooth
• Localized area of irregular tooth enamel
• Exposed tooth root

Schedule a Consultation for More Information A typical veneer case will take two or three appointments to complete, while bonding usually only requires one visit. Veneers also tend to be more of a financial investment than bonding is. The Carnegie dentists at North Road Dental Clinic are happy to discuss which options are best for your teeth. When it comes to quality and aesthetics, there’s a lot to consider. Schedule a smile makeover consultation to learn more about whether veneers or bonding are right for your smile.

Sensitive teeth may sound very insignificant but it’s one of the most serious dental issues after dental decay seen by dentists worldwide. A recent survey done in Australia revealed that at least 45% of families have at least one member that’s affected with tooth sensitivity So what is sensitivity of teeth? Sensitivity can be described as a sharp and short sensation of pain experienced while consuming anything hot, cold or acidic in nature. Some people may also experience sensitivity even while having something sweet. How does sensitivity occur? Sensitivity is primarily caused with the exposure of dentine. Our teeth has an outer hard coating called enamel. Lying beneath enamel is dentine which provides the bulk of the tooth. Dentine houses extremely thin tubules, in which rest the nerve endings of the tooth. When the tooth loses its first layer of enamel, dentine is exposed. Hence, the food and drinks we consume gain an easy access to the nerve endings of the tooth, stimulating them and eliciting the response in the form of sensitivity. What are the four most common reasons of sensitivity? Let’s explore the four most common reasons of tooth sensitivity-

1. Vigorous brushing of teeth- some people believe that, the harder you brush your teeth the whiter it becomes. Brushing your teeth is used to remove food particles and eliminate the building of plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Rough and vigorous brushing will damage your enamel, exposing the dentine which then causes tooth sensitivity.
2. Heavy consumption of acidic beverages or foods- Frequent consumption of carbonated drinks, citrus, pickles or anything acidic can erode the enamel thereby, exposing the underlying dentine. It is recommended to abstain from eating or drinking anything that’s acidic in nature or at least reduce the frequency and quantity of consumption.
3. Clenching or grinding of teeth- Those who have the habit of clenching or grinding their teeth unintentionally in sleep or otherwise, may have tooth sensitivity. Night guards can help the problem of clenching and grinding to some extent. It’s advisable to always speak to your dentist first before using a night guard.
4. Gum problems like gum recession- Receding gum line is secondary to inflammation of gums. Gum recession expose the root surfaces of a tooth where the enamel layer is absent. This results in tooth sensitivity.

Dental hypersensitivity requires specialized help and may not work through home remedies. If you have sensitivity and are looking for relief, book an appointment to see our friendly dentists at North Road Dental Clinic today.