Comfort Dental Weymouth. Shahram Moghaddam, DMD Weymouth Family, General and Cosmetic dentist
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Comfort Dental Weymouth. Shahram Moghaddam, DMD Weymouth Family, General and Cosmetic dentist
At Comfort Dental Weymouth - Shahram Moghaddam, DMD Weymouth Family and Cosmetic dentist
Although the exact timing differs, everyone develops teeth in a similar way. There’s usually a specific pattern to tooth eruption, and certain elements of each tooth. It’s interesting to not only know how to take care of your teeth, but also how you got them in the first place.
Here are some facts about your teeth:
• People have two sets of teeth. Primary (or baby) teeth develop first, followed by permanent (or adult) teeth later.
• Teeth usually erupt like a mirror; for example, the top molar on your right side should appear at about the same time as the left one.
• Teeth begin to form long before they can be seen or felt. Even though a baby’s first tooth appears at about six months old, it began developing during the second trimester of pregnancy.
• A tooth’s crown develops first, but its roots keep growing after the tooth comes through.
• By age 3, the 20 primary teeth have usually grown in and remain in place until about 6 years old. They then start to fall out to allow permanent teeth to erupt.
• Between 6 and 12 years of age, permanent teeth develop. Most adults have 32 permanent teeth.
There are two main parts of each tooth: the crown is the visible part, and the root is below the gums. The root holds the tooth in place. Your teeth have four kinds of tissue, each performing a unique role. These include:
• Enamel – the covering on the outside of the tooth’s crown. It is very hard, and protects the tooth from decay.
• Dentin – the layer under the enamel. Even though it looks like bone, dentin is not as hard as enamel. It is at more risk for decay if the enamel wears away.
• Cementum – the tissue covering the tooth’s root and helping to anchor it to the bone. It is soft and light yellow, but is usually covered by the gums. Taking good care of your gums is important so that the cementum is not exposed to plaque and bacteria.
• Pulp – the tissue located at the tooth’s center. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves, which allows delivery of nutrients and signals to your teeth.
When you lose even one tooth, you increase the odds that 20 percent of subsequent teeth will be lost in the next five to eight years. Missing teeth can create dental health problems, cause chewing difficulties, and make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. With modern dental therapies, your dentist can restore the strength and beauty of your smile.
Replacement options include:
Fixed bridgework
By permanently joining to remaining teeth, a fixed bridge closes the gap left by a missing tooth, or teeth. With a bridge, the false tooth is fused between two porcelain crowns. The entire bridge is cemented into place and cannot be removed once it is in your mouth.
Dentures and Partials
If you have lost all your teeth, you could replace them with a full set of dentures. These rows of prosthetic teeth attach to a gum-colored base. Dentures are secured either by suction or adhesive creams. When you still have teeth left, the dentist may suggest a partial denture, which fits into the open space like a puzzle piece and completes your smile.
Dental Implants
The closest prosthetic to nature, a dental implant contains a small, metal post that acts as an artificial tooth root and a prosthetic crown. One implant post is inserted into each empty socket by a skilled surgeon. Your mouth will need about three to six months for healing. During this time, the bone will fuse to the posts in a process called osseointegration. When the time is right, your dentist will affix the permanent crowns, creating a solid attractive appearance.
Very few dental procedures receive as much negative attention as root canal therapy. If you ask most people, they would rather do anything else besides have a root canal. While the experience won’t ever make your Top Ten list, a root canal doesn’t have to be traumatic. In most cases, the procedure isn’t any worse than getting a dental crown.
Why would I need a root canal?
Your tooth contains three layers: a hard coating of enamel, a layer of dentin, and a soft inner core called pulp. The pulp nourishes the tooth and provides adequate blood flow. If your tooth sustains severe trauma or deep decay, the pulp may be compromised and die. When this happens, pressure and infection build up. Your dentist will perform a root canal to save the tooth and rejuvenate your smile.
What is a root canal?
During this procedure, your dentist will clean out the damaged tissue, sterilize the inside of the tooth, and seal the area to prevent future problems. After a root canal, you will probably need a crown to restore the tooth.
Is it painful?
With modern sedation options, your dentist can keep your comfortable throughout the procedure. Though you may feel a little soreness afterwards, any pain you feel is probably from the infection in the tooth. Usually, over-the-counter analgesics will relieve any mild discomfort.
Why doesn’t the dentist just pull my tooth?
For optimal oral health, you need all your teeth. Whenever possible, your dentist will try to preserve your natural teeth. Root canal therapy is one way to do this.
We often hear about how sugary treats and simple carbohydrates aren’t good for our waist lines or our teeth. Though it’s good to know what to avoid, knowing which foods promote oral health is even better. Take a look at this list of foods and beverages that will help keep your smile healthy and strong:
Celery
Not only does raw celery promote saliva production, which helps wash food and bacteria from your mouth, but it also has natural abrasive properties that massage gums.
Green tea
Regularly drinking green tea can kill oral bacteria that cause plaque because of potent antioxidants called catechins. As well, these catechins remove the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Kiwi fruit
Rich in vitamin C, kiwis provide this vital nutrient, which keep the collagen network in the gingival in good working order. When this network is compromised, bacteria can weaken the gums, resulting in inflammation and bleeding.
Wasabi
Often served with sushi, this Japanese horse-radish contains a substance called isothiocyanates that make it very hot. Isothiocyanates have been shown to inhibit the development of cavities.
Shitake mushrooms
Researchers have recently discovered that shitake mushrooms contain lentinan, a special sugar that prevents the formation of plaque.
Water
When you drink water, you can maintain good saliva production and keep your gums healthy, so try to consume eight glasses each day. If you can’t brush after eating, rinsing with water can help rinse debris and keep harmful bacteria in check.
Your diet impacts your overall wellness. Making good choices will keep your body healthy, including teeth and gums. We all know that you should get plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Certain foods and beverages provide particular benefit to your mouth.
Milk and yogurt
Low-fat milk and unsweetened yogurt are low acid foods. These options reduce the acid erosion that can weaken tooth enamel. Dairy choices, including cheese, also have the calcium you need for strong teeth and bones.
Green tea
Several benefits come from green tea. The antioxidant plant compounds, called polyphenols, in the tea prevent plaque from sticking to teeth, reducing your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Green tea may also help control bad breath.
Onions
Because onions contain powerful antibacterial compounds, they kill various bacteria that inhabit your mouth. Raw onions offer the most benefit.
Apples, celery, and carrots
These crunchy foods massage gums and clean between teeth, promoting a healthy mouth.
Sesame seeds
High in calcium, sesame seeds help build enamel, and they also slough off plaque, lessening the chances of cavity development.
Animal protein
Lean cuts of chicken, turkey, and beef, as well as eggs, contain phosphorous, which works with calcium to strengthen our bones.
Water
Drinking H2O keeps your mouth hydrated and helps with saliva production. Saliva acts as a natural cleanser, washing away food debris and bacteria from your mouth.
Healthy teeth are maintained not only by proper hygiene, but also by eating a nutritious diet. Certain vitamins and minerals promote oral health. In order to keep your smile strong and attractive, try including these ingredients in your diet.
Vitamin A
Your tooth enamel contains a protein called keratin, which needs vitamin A in order to form. This means that vitamin A strengthens your enamel. It also boosts your immune system, helping to fight infections in your mouth. Some foods with vitamin A are beef, eggs, liver, salmon, fortified milk, and some cheeses.
Vitamin C
Also called ascorbic acid, vitamin C is vital in developing, maintaining, and repairing your body’s tissues, bones, and teeth. Studies show that people consuming lower amounts of vitamin C are more likely to have gum disease. Because vitamin C is water-soluble, it is washed from the body once it has all it needs, making it necessary to access this vitamin daily. Some sources of vitamin C are fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, and spinach.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an important role in helping your body absorb and use calcium, which is responsible for strong, healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D can be supplemented or received through exposure to sunlight. It is also found in some foods like fortified cereals and milk, egg yolks, and fish.
Calcium
Calcium is a crucial mineral needed to create and maintain your teeth and bones. You must supply your body calcium in your diet to ensure good health. Calcium is obtained in foods like cheese, milk, leafy green vegetables, and yogurt.
Vitamin K
This vitamin strengthens your tooth enamel by helping to bind calcium to your teeth and bones. It can also avert tooth decay by preventing acid from hanging onto your teeth. Vitamin A is found in soybeans, dairy products, and green vegetables.