News with tag teeth

Periodontitis – Gum Disease

Periodontitis (gum disease) has been linked with an increase in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (thickening of the blood vessels). This can cause heart attacks and strokes. Periodontal disease is also linked with diabetes, low birth weight and rheumatoid arthiritis. Bleeding gums is often the first sign of gum disease. Call North Road Dental Clinic if you have bleeding gums to be assessed. It is important to establish a good regime at home to prevent oral disease and maintain oral health. Firstly, avoid simple sugars as much as you can. If you are going to have sugary food or drinks (we’re all human!) then try and keep it to a mealtime (when saliva flow is increased to wash away the sugars) or follow the sugar with either water or milk. The people who have the most dental decay may not eat the most sugar, but they do have it more frequently!

About Flouride & Cleaning

Get some fluoride on your teeth! This helps to repair your teeth and keep them more resistant to dental decay. The most common way to do this is to use toothpaste (remember NOT to rinse your mouth with water after for the best result, the longer the contact time, the better it will work). You can supplement this by using a fluoride containing mouthwash – make sure it does contain fluoride as some don’t and stick to alcohol free. Clean your teeth – ideally at least twice a day for 2+ minutes with a brush. Electric ones are proven to be more efficient. You also need to clean the parts the brush can’t reach between teeth, with either dental floss or an interdental brush (Pikster, Tepe brands are common). If you don’t do this regularly you may notice your gums bleed. Don’t let this put you off, persevere and they will stop bleeding when cleaned, usually in a couple of weeks once they are healthy. If the bleeding persists that may be a sign you have more severe gum issues so it is best to make an appointment. Make an appointment at North Road Dental Clinic so we can check your oral health which is so important to your overall health.

Cavities aren’t always the black, visible holes that cartoons or online drawings make them out to be. Often tooth decay isn’t visible at all. That’s why it’s important to see your dentist on a regular basis. The earlier we diagnose your cavity, the simpler it is to correct the tooth infection.

Sensitivity to Changes in Food or Temperature

Sweet foods or liquids are the most common items to cause pain in a decaying tooth. Just because you’re not eating sweets doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Naturally sweet foods like juice or fruit may cause pain as well. While it’s fairly similar to experience cold sensitivity, it’s not common for heat. Severe pain from hot foods may mean there’s nerve damage.

Pain When Biting Down

Something feeling “off” when you bite down is a tell-tale sign of tooth decay. It’s also a common symptom of cracked teeth. If possible, let us know what the general area is that hurts when you chew. You may even be able to pinpoint the exact tooth.

Rough Edges on Your Teeth

When you run your tongue along your teeth, does everything feel smooth? A rough area may mean something is wrong. Believe it or not, your tongue may pick up on the cavity before your tooth even starts to hurt.

An X-ray Can Give You Answers

Digital dental x-rays make it possible to see through and between teeth, where cavities often start. We utilize low-radiation imaging to screen for decay during your exam, so that it’s more difficult for a cavity to go overlooked. When we find decay early on, it means a smaller and more affordable filling to fix it. In some situations, early decay can even be reversed through fluoride therapy and remineralization techniques.

If you think you have a cavity or have gone more than six months since your last dental exam, call North Road Dental Clinic in Carnegie today to schedule a checkup. For information visit our tooth repair and fillings page

Are you considering a smile makeover or other type of cosmetic dental treatment? Teeth whitening is a great place to start.

An Affordable Option

Teeth whitening is a relatively affordable cosmetic treatment. Plus, it’s easy to maintain. You can generally plan on whitening your entire smile for less than the cost of other types of treatment. It even makes a great gift for yourself or another family member.

Create a Baseline

Whether or not you plan to get additional cosmetic work done — like veneers or crowns — it’s best to have a white smile to begin with. That way, future restorations can be matched to your adjacent teeth. If you’re planning on having an area bonded later this year, you can’t whiten the material used to place the bond. It’s best to just have white teeth from the start! Otherwise you would need to replace the restoration after you whitened your teeth, so that it didn’t stand out.

Better Results Than Store-Bought Kits

No matter how many whitening strips, trays, or toothpastes you buy online or at the supermarket, they won’t be as effective as a prescription grade product that your Carnegie dentist can equip you with. They may seem cheaper at first, but after you’ve gone through one or two refills, you will have already spent more than if you did getting professional treatment…without the results to show for it.

Find Out if You’re a Candidate

There are a few things you need to know before starting a whitening regimen. First, your teeth need to be free of cavities. If necessary, we can place a temporary filling that can be replaced with a permanent one after you whiten. Also, your gums need to be free of periodontal disease.

Schedule a quick exam at North Road Dental Clinic in Carnegie to find out if one of our cosmetic teeth whitening treatments is right for you.

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.

Did you know that most types of tooth loss can be avoided? Of course, there will always be exceptions here and there, but when it comes to the most common situations we see in our Carnegie dentist office, there are steps you can take to prevent tooth loss from happening before it’s too late.
Here are a few tips:

Wear a Protective Mouthguard During Athletic Activities

Dental injuries occur every day, especially to athletes (no matter their age.) Wearing a custom fitted mouthguard offers the best protection against knocked out teeth and concussions.

Floss Every Day

The leading cause of tooth loss in adults is gum disease. Even if your brushing is great, it won’t clean between the teeth and under the gumlines where periodontitis starts. Clean these areas daily. If you hate flossing that much, consider investing in a water flosser.

Drink a Lot of Water

Staying hydrated rinses your mouth to neutralize bacteria levels, acids, and prevent xerostomia (a risk factor of tooth decay.) Tap water also contains fluoride, to make your teeth stronger.

Don’t Ignore that “Twinge” Feeling

Do one of your teeth feel “off” from the rest? Your body could be trying to tell you something. If a small cavity is starting to develop, it’s best to treat it while it’s still small. Large decay can spread quickly, to the point that the only option left to treat it is to remove the tooth.

Schedule Routine Dental Checkups

At North Road Dental Clinic, our Carnegie dentists recommend seeing patients for a checkup at least every six months. These frequent intervals help us to screen for problems earlier on (when treatment is easier) and work with patients to form good habits to intercept issues as they arise.

Call our Carnegie dentist today to schedule.

If you have a tooth that needs attention, our Carnegie dentist will provide you with the best treatment options available. In most cases, there is more than one to choose from. Ultimately, your dental treatment is up to you, the patient, when it comes to which option you choose. Our clinic strives to inform and guide you, so that you can make the best decision regarding your dental health. Preventing Additional Damage When a tooth is broken or has a cavity, a filling is usually the first choice to repair it.  During this procedure, we remove the decayed section of the tooth and build the tooth back up by bonding filling material to it. It’s important to know that fillings are not as strong as your natural tooth.  The larger the filling, the more compromised the tooth will be.  If you have a strong bite or eat hard foods, you could in fact, break the tooth off further. To avoid this, if we feel that the tooth would be too weak to fill, we may recommend a crown instead. A Protective Outer Shell A crown is a fabricated shell of porcelain that is permanently cemented over your tooth to protect it.  During this procedure, we will need to reduce the tooth around the edges and its’ biting surface, so that when the crown is placed, it lines up properly with the other teeth. A crown is beneficial because it’s made from very strong material.  So rather than chewing up and down on a tooth with a large weak filling, you will chew on the crown.  This practically eliminates the chances of the tooth breaking.  However, crowns are more expensive than fillings.  They also normally require at least two visits to complete.  The first appointment will be to reduce the tooth and place a temporary crown.  The second will be to cement the permanent crown. Call at North Road Dental Clinic in Carnegie today.  Together, we can find the best treatment options for your unique smile.

It is so important that children have good teeth when young, to set the standard for their adult teeth. Just because they fall out, doesn’t mean they should be neglected! Giving your children a healthy mouth is so important to their overall wellbeing and health. Follow these tips to keep your child’s mouth healthy.

1. Get in a good habit of brushing twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste-use a children’s paste with a reduced fluoride content. This will physically remove decay causing plaque, whilst also providing the correct amount of fluoride for tooth development.
2. Reduce the amount and frequency of sugar intake. Having regular sugar ingestion will cause harm to your child’s teeth. Of course they’re going to have sugar at times, but keep it as a treat, not regular food, and beware of hidden sugars in things like fruit juices, cereals and dried fruit (sultanas etc...)Try and have a glass of water after too.
3. You may want to use a remineralising agent like “tooth-mousse”. This will help to keep any areas where decay is of a higher risk (perhaps in the fissures) more resistant to decay.
4. Bring your child in for regular examinations, and set a good example yourself by coming too! Please, please, please be careful with the language you use when talking about the dentist. Kids are fantastic patients, as long as Mum/Dad/Aunt/Uncle hasn’t been talking to them about how it won’t “hurt”, and how they don’t want “needles”, and there’s nothing to be “scared” about.

Wisdom teeth are the third molars in the far back of the mouth.  There are four of them; two on each side, one on the top and one on the bottom. Some people don’t develop wisdom teeth.  Others develop them, but they stay impacted in the bone, never to be seen.  In more cases than not, people will have to get their wisdom teeth extracted for various reasons. If you experience any of the following, it may be a sign that you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed.  North Road Dental Clinic in Carnegie will gladly give you a recommendation on how to deal with yours. Pain/Swelling/Fever: As your wisdom teeth start to protrude through the bone, you may experience pain.  Swelling and a fever is also common.  If this isn’t something that goes away quickly, we may recommend a consultation to get your wisdom teeth extracted. Bad Taste and/or Smell in Mouth: Wisdom teeth erupting through the tissues can cause gum infections, creating a bad taste and/or smell in your mouth.  Another cause of this could be because the wisdom teeth are so far back in your mouth that they are very difficult to clean.  Removal is usually the best course of action here and will help you maintain a better dental hygiene regimen. Braces: If your teeth are crooked, crowded, or your bite is positioned incorrectly you may have to undergo orthodontic treatment with braces.  Many orthodontists recommend that you have your wisdom teeth extracted before properly aligning your teeth.  If not, they can cause more problems in the future.  If you think you need braces you may have to get your wisdom teeth removed first. Coming in Sideways: If you start experiencing a lot of pressure around your mouth, it could be caused by your wisdom teeth.  Sometimes wisdom teeth are embedded sideways in the bone, but they still try coming through the surface.  Feeling pressure is a sign that this is occurring.  A radiograph and consultation with North Road Dental Clinic in Carnegie will confirm if they are sideways and they will recommend how to proceed. Crowding/Teeth Are Shifting: Some people have more teeth than they have room for in their mouth.  Lack of space can cause your straight teeth to shift and become crowded.  If your wisdom teeth start to come through the gum and you think they might be affecting your other teeth you should consider getting them extracted to prevent further shifting. Schedule a consultation today to find out if you or your teen need their wisdom teeth removed.

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.

Whether you’re 14 or 40, getting braces always takes some getting used to. At North Road Dental Clinic we especially want to emphasize how important it is to carefully clean around your fixed orthodontic appliances each day. Here are a few basics you should be aware of: Brush Between Your Bracket and Next to the Gums Plaque tends to accumulate the most around fixed brackets, because of the extra time they take to clean and the added number of surfaces to attach to. The most important areas to pay attention to are between each bracket (under the wire) and between the bracket and the gumlines. You may find that it’s best to aim your brush one direction, clean across your mouth, then aim it another way and come back over it again. Special tufted brushes and electric toothbrushes can make these areas easier to clean more efficiently. Floss Daily (Water Flossers Work Too!) Brushing only does so much. You’ll also need to clean between your teeth where they touch side by side. A floss threader or water flosser is ideal. With a threader, simply manoeuvre the floss under the wire and then wrap it around the side of your tooth in a “C” shape before gently rubbing up and down along the side and just below the gumlines. Supplement with Fluoride A fluoride rinse or gel can help keep tooth enamel strong, especially in areas that may tend to demineralize when plaque sets around your braces for very long. Ask our Carnegie dentists about the type of fluoride that will work best for your situation. By the time you make your new oral hygiene habits a part of your daily schedule, it will nearly be time to get your brackets and wires removed. Talk to our Carnegie dentists if you have any other questions on how to take care of your braces.

Are you looking to finally give up that partial denture or filling in the space left after having a tooth pulled? Our Carnegie dental implants might just be the right option. Here are a few things to take into consideration before setting your heart on these permanent tooth replacements: You’ll Need to Have Healthy Bone Levels  Every implant candidate will need to have adequate bone support in their jaw to support the dental implant. In some cases, dentists can place a bone graft to make the jaw stronger in that location. Extended periods of time with missing teeth can lead to additional bone resorption (shrinkage) making this treatment more challenging. Implants Should be Cared for Like Natural Teeth Yes, implants replace your teeth, but they’re not like a denture that you take out each night. Your implants are now a part of your permanent smile. As such, you’ll want to care for them as if they were real teeth. That means routine brushing and flossing, along with regularly scheduled checkups at the dentist office. You Can Replace One or All of Your Teeth at Once The flexibility of implants provides options for single tooth replacement as well as full-arch prosthesis support. So, whether you want an individual implant and crown, or a complete implant supported overdenture, you have a number of choices to consider. Finding a Provider You Can Trust Before settling on implant treatment, you need a dental team who can provide comprehensive services from start to finish, along with a track record you can feel confident in. If it sounds like dental implants might be right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation at North Road Dental Clinic to find out if you’re a candidate! Affordable financing plans are available.

You might be thinking, “I’m too old to get braces,” or “I’ll look silly if I see an orthodontist at my age.” But did you know that there are dozens of reasons why getting orthodontic treatment as an adult is one of the best things you can do for yourself? Here are just a few to consider: Help Your Teeth Function More Efficiently Are you starting to see your teeth wear down? Sharp, uneven edges or broken dental restorations may be due to uneven biting pressure in key areas of your mouth. Our Carnegie dentists can check your occlusion (bite) to see where these pressure points are, and discuss whether or not braces can help. Lower Your Chances of Tooth Decay Crowded and crooked teeth are more likely to develop cavities than their straight counterparts are. Even if you brush routinely, these areas can be skipped over with your toothbrush bristles and tend to harbor more bacteria, which leads us to the next point… Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease Like tooth decay, misaligned teeth are usually the first ones to succumb to gum disease (periodontitis.) Some dentists and periodontists consider orthodontic therapy to be a valuable tool in periodontal treatment plans. At North Road Dental Clinic, we offer orthodontic consultations for adults and children alike. If you’re thinking about getting braces and live in the Carnegie area, we invite you to schedule a visit today!

You’ve finally replaced that missing tooth! Your new dental bridge looks and feels great, and you want it to stay that way. But just like the rest of your smile, our Carnegie dentists want you to take great care of your bridge so that it can last for several years. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to bridge care and maintenance: Clean Underneath Your Bridge Daily — Use a floss aid such as a threader, tufted proxa-brush, or a water flosser to clean underneath your bridge. Take care to focus on the sides of your supporting teeth, as these areas are especially prone to collecting plaque build-up. Brush Along the Margin Where Your Bridge Touches the Gums — There’s a small amount of tooth enamel exposed, where your bridge tapers off and just above your gumlines. If not cleaned properly, it can start to decay (allowing cavities to seep under the bridge, making it come loose.) Brush gently along the gumlines daily, but don’t scrub too hard as it could cause your tissues to pull back. Let Us Know if Something Feels Odd — You know your mouth better than anyone. If you’re biting down or chewing and something doesn’t feel quite right, you need to let our Carnegie dentists know. Your mouth can pick up on the tiniest of changes, even if it’s just fractions of a millimetre. Like in any area of your mouth, this is a warning sign that you should always be on the lookout for. Schedule an Exam, Scale and Polish Every Six Months — During your visit, we’ll make sure everything looks as it ought to. This includes taking periodic X-rays to inspect areas that are deeper under the bridge, so that any recurrent tooth decay can be intercepted as early as possible. Call North Road Dental Clinic today to schedule!

If you’re wondering whether or not dental implants are worthy of all of the rage you’ve been hearing on TV and the radio, then continue reading. Over the past decade, these modern tooth replacements have transformed the way we at North Road Dental Clinic treat problems related to missing teeth. When someone is a candidate for implant therapy, we believe it can be the very best treatment option available. Here’s why: Implants are made to last for decades Investing in dental implants is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make when it comes to replacing missing teeth. That’s because dental implants are successful in nearly 98% of cases. In most situations, an implant can last for several decades. Although the restorations on top can gradually wear out over time, the implant underneath is extremely predictable. Biocompatible materials bond with your natural anatomy One of the biggest problems that happens when someone loses a tooth, is that the bone around that area starts to shrink away as a result. This can cause your face to feel sunken in or your jaw to look shallower. Adjacent teeth can drift inward, causing misalignment of your entire occlusion (bite.) With implants, the titanium materials trigger “osseointegration”, a process where bone fuses with the implant, securing it permanently into your jaw and strengthening your bite. This maintains the bone where the tooth was previously extracted. Less damage to existing teeth If a tooth was to be replaced prior to implants a bridge was the options of choice. Although bridges are sometimes a treatment option we will suggest in certain circumstances, the abutment or anchor tooth/teeth will need preparation in order for the bridge to slot over the tooth. If the tooth is a healthy tooth you are in fact damaging a healthy tooth. Having an implant prevents issues with abutment teeth. Perfect for any number of missing teeth From full arch “All-on-4” implant supported dentures to single missing teeth, dental implants offer a variety of uses. That means if you’re missing 1, 5, or all of your teeth, you can incorporate implants into your long-term restoration plan. With implants, you can enjoy permanent new teeth that don’t shift or lift out of place. And unlike other treatments (such as traditional bridges,) implants aren’t invasive to adjacent teeth because they function independently. Find out if you’re a candidate for our dental implants by scheduling a consultation at North Road Dental Clinic today! You’ll never know until you find out for yourself.

Medical and dental professionals agree: A child should see a dentist by his or her first birthday (or whenever their first tooth erupts, whichever comes first.) Although this may seem a bit premature, there are some very good reasons why early dental care is the best thing for your son or daughter. Preventing a Phobia of the Dentist How many people do you know that are afraid of the dentist? Waiting until your child has pain or a cavity means their first impression of the dental office will be a negative one. Because modern dentistry is preventive in nature, it’s best to start those check-ups early. We want your child’s experience in our office to be one that they always look forward to. Stop Problems Before They Start Most dental diseases are avoidable. If we see risk factors or atypical growth patterns that could lead to complex issues further down the road, we can take steps to keep those problems from happening. Most children benefit from a checkup and clean every six months, just like adults do. Thanks to services like protective sealants and fluoride treatments, your child can avoid the most common childhood disease: tooth decay. Earlier Diagnosis, Less Invasive Care The sooner a cavity is diagnosed, the smaller and easier it is to fix. Not only is this gentler on your child, it’s also easier on your wallet. Waiting to see the dentist until your child is in pain means that the infection has been spreading for quite some time. Instead of basic dental work, they may need something more complex. At North Road Dental Clinic in Carnegie, we love seeing kids of all ages. We invite you to schedule your family’s next appointment with us today!

Every smile makeover that we perform at our Carnegie dental clinic is unique. For some individuals, only one treatment is needed; others opt for a combination of two or three, for a more comprehensive approach to their aesthetic goals. At North Road Dental Clinic, these are top three cosmetic treatments that we offer: Porcelain Veneers For the most dramatic impact on the way your teeth look, porcelain veneers are one of the best choices. Each veneer bonds to the natural tooth behind it, masking the appearance of aesthetic imperfections such as crowding, discoloration, uneven enamel, etc. Veneers are usually completed in a two or three-visit process, depending on the type of veneers that you choose. As soon as they’re in place, it will make your smile look completely different. Teeth Whitening Simply lightening the colour of your teeth may be the only thing necessary to take your appearance to the next level. Teeth whitening is a great option to consider if you have healthy, straight teeth, or before planning more permanent treatments that need to match your existing smile. Opt for take home teeth whitening that you complete in the convenience of your own home, rather than weaker kits you can buy at the grocery store. You’ll see better results that are easy to maintain throughout the years. White Fillings and Crowns If your smile has been impacted by tooth decay, trauma, or other structural issues, then a cosmetic restoration can improve its health and appearance. These restorations are custom-matched to the colour of the teeth around them, letting them blend in with your smile rather than stand out. Not only are white fillings aesthetically pleasing, they’re less invasive to your tooth. Which one — or two — is right for you? Contact North Road Dental Clinic in Carnegie to schedule a cosmetic consultation today.

It’s been a while since your last dental checkup, and you’re starting to worry that something is wrong with one of your teeth. When you bite down, it feels “off”, not to mention there’s a rough area when you run your tongue over it. To your surprise, you find out that you need more than a filling to repair it. Instead, our dentist in Carnegie recommends a dental crown. But you’ve never had a crown before, so you’re not quite sure what to expect. What Exactly is a Crown? Crowns are full-coverage restorations that go over and around the tooth, rather than inside of it like a filling. This protects more brittle or compromised tooth structure, allowing it to withstand everyday wear. Some people refer to crowns as “caps.” The Treatment Experience At North Road Dental Clinic, we’re here to make sure your crown treatment is a comfortable one. After numbing the tooth and removing any damaged tooth structures, we’ll shape the remaining enamel so that a crown can slip over the tooth, then take an impression. You’ll wear a temporary crown for a week or two, while your permanent one is being designed. Once it’s ready, you’ll stop by our Carnegie dental clinic to have the new crown bonded into place. Most of our crowns are made of a high-grade porcelain that matches the colour of the teeth adjacent to them. In some cases, other materials might be preferred. Caring for Your Dental Crown Through good home care and ongoing maintenance, your new crown can last for several years. You will want to floss around it daily, to prevent bacteria from seeping under the margin. We recommend scheduling a checkup at our Carnegie dental clinic twice a year to make sure that your crown and other restorations are all intact. Call North Road Dental Clinic today to schedule your next visit!

Gum disease is a generalized term that encompasses everything from mild gingivitis to complex periodontitis. Sadly, it’s also the main cause of tooth loss in adults. But fortunately enough, if you identify the condition early it can be reversed. Waiting too long to treat it could wreak havoc on your smile for years to come. Do you have gum disease? Watch for these common symptoms: Bleeding gums It’s not normal for gums to bleed. When your toothbrush or floss turns pink, it may mean you need to clean your teeth more regularly. Let your dentist know if symptoms don’t improve within 14 days. Swelling along the gum lines Inflammation is always a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. If you had another area on your body that was swollen, you would likely keep it clean and treat it until the swelling went away. Your mouth deserves the same! Bad breath Halitosis can be caused by more than just an onion on your sandwich or forgetting to brush off your tongue. Periodontal bacteria are often very odorous and difficult to remove if gum disease is moderate to severe. Visible tartar build-up Heavy tartar (calculus) deposits tend to accumulate in areas like behind the lower front teeth and on the outside of the upper back teeth. This calcified buildup is hardened plaque and harbors bacteria; it cannot be removed without special instruments. As long as it’s in place, the gums in that area will continue to be infected. “Long” Teeth Gum recession is one of the more prominent symptoms of advanced gum disease. As the gingiva become infected, they pull away from the tooth and cause “pockets” under the gums, or exposed root surfaces. The teeth may begin to feel loose at this point as well. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms of periodontitis, contact North Road Dental Clinic in Carnegie to schedule a check-up right away.

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.

The Link between Heartburn and Oral Health Heartburn, also known as acid indigestion is a burning sensation in the chest. It is triggered by the regurgitation of gastric acid from the stomach into the oesaphagus and is something that is common.At times, you might suffer after overeating. However, in most instances it is an indication of a bigger problem, for instance gastroesophageal reflux disease also known as GORD. While heartburn may easily be dismissed as a minor problem, it is one of the few serious complications that can have a negative effect on oral health. There is actually a relationship between heartburn and oral health. This is something that many people may not be aware of. So How Can Heartburn Damage Your Teeth? People don’t usually get surprised to learn that the frequent existence of gastric acid in their oesaphagus may cause harm to those tissues where they feel pain. However, many may be surprised to realize that stray gastric acid is capable of even travelling up to the mouth, significantly increasing the pH of the saliva. Dental enamel is not created to be resistant to highly acidic stomach fluids. As such, the moment saliva becomes too acidic, tooth enamel can start to dissolve, and this can lead to dental erosion. In the early stages, dental erosion can be detected by increased sensitivity to tempreture or sugary foods. It becomes noticeable in the form of staining, dents and cracks on the tooth surface. The worst thing is that there are some people who tend to experience acid indigestion even without the tell-tale feeling of heartburn, which is at times referred to as “silent reflux.” In this case, the oesaphagus and teeth might be possibly suffering the impact of the increased pH without a person’s knowledge. In such cases, the dentist is usually the first person to guess that a person is suffering from GORD. What Should Be Done About It The enamel is the teeth’s protective coating and although it is strong, once it is damaged it cannot grow back. The moment gastric acid exposes the tooth by removing this protective covering, the teeth become more susceptible to decay. This may call for reconstructive dentistry so as to protect teeth from additional damage as well as future cavities. It is easy to disregard oral health from the overall health of your body. But did you know that your oral health has as much impact on your health just as any other part of your body? This is the reason why it is recommended to see a dentist who really considers oral health to be part of overall health. If you are experiencing GORD symptoms, it is important that you speak to our dentists at North Road Dental Clinic about it for effective treatment. This will prevent additional damage to your tooth enamel and save you from the costly and inconvenient ordeal of dental rehabilitation or restoration. Do not hesitate to call or contact us online today to schedule an appointment.

Do children really need to get braces at a young age? As your child is growing and their oral anatomy is developing, this may be the best time of all to address problems like tooth alignment. Here’s why: Encourage Adult Teeth to Erupt Properly The eruption patterns of a child’s permanent teeth are largely impacted by the positioning of their baby teeth. These primary teeth act as guides that lead the underlying adult teeth into the correct location. Crowding, premature tooth loss, or other types of bite discrepancies in a child could unfortunately lead to more extensive orthodontic problems that require lengthier treatments to correct. Optimise Oral Health Straighter teeth are generally easier to care for and keep clean. Alternatively, teeth that are crowded or misaligned will usually be more prone to developing cavities or gum disease around them. Giving your child a straight smile at a younger age can benefit them well into adulthood. Give Them the Freedom to be Care Free Crooked or buck teeth aren’t just embarrassing for adults; they can also affect your child’s self-esteem. If they feel too embarrassed to smile around other people, they will likely keep to themselves more. Correcting the aesthetic problems caused by misaligned teeth can give your child their childhood back. Limit Dental Emergencies Did you know that jetted out front teeth are usually the first to be involved in a dental emergency? Broken or chipped teeth almost always impact the upper front teeth the most. Bringing those teeth back into alignment where they can be protected by the upper lip will reduce the chance of injury. Schedule your child’s first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Have questions? Contact North Road Dental Clinic in Carnegie today to schedule your first visit to find out more.