General and Preventive Dentistry – Page 3

3 Factors That Affect Your Root Canal Treatments’ Longevity

May 5, 2024 dev.abrar No Comments

The Success of a Root Canal Treatment (RCT) depends on many factors but the result is crucially dependent on the elimination of root canal infection present before starting the treatment, and the prevention of contamination during treatment. A successful root canal procedure must be performed with great precision and effective sealing of the roots should be fulfilled.

The longevity of the root canal treatment varies on multiple factors.

Firstly the diagnosis of the root canal problem should be error-free and the root canal procedure should be carried out with much care. Having said that the root canal procedure is conducted on an infected tooth, and is only is fair to say that this tooth is weaker than the rest of the healthy teeth.

One has to understand that to perform the RCT procedure, the endodontic specialist has to drill a hole into the crown of the decayed, infected tooth to clean the pulp. After space is cleaned and shaped, filling the root canal is very crucial. Filling of the root canal is done by using a rubber compound called gutta-percha to protect the teeth from micro-organisms. A temporary filling or crown is used to close the access hole on the crown of the operated tooth. Normally these filling or crowns are made of silver amalgam or composite resins.

The second factor that contributes towards the longevity of the RCT is the care after the root canal sittings. The fitting crown/cap on top of the root canal treated tooth is a must. Many patients neglect the importance of having the root canalled tooth fitted with a cap since the pain has subsided. The RCT-filled tooth, without the crown, has a high risk of fracture, which can be avoided by the fitting of the Crown/cap.

Once the RCT is completed, the after-care is extremely important in determining the life-span of the treatment. Proper care of the affected tooth (in addition to the other teeth) includes brushing, flossing, the right diet, and regular visits to the dentist are very important. Avoiding bad habits like chewing your nails or opening plastic packages with your teeth will also help your crown last longer.

In short, the 3 major considerations to determine the endurance of your RCT starts with the diagnosis. Cautious care for the tooth undergoing the treatment is important and is the second consideration. Once the treatment is completed, the after-care of the RCT is imperative! With these three steps in mind, unquestionably a tooth or teeth with well-treated root canal fillings and restorations will last for many years, if not a lifetime.

Book an appointment with our RCT experts today! Ensure the first step of your RCT is well-taken care of. Our team of endodontists ensures that you are well-aware of the RCT regime. We are with you along with all steps of your Root Canal Treatment and ensure you have complete after-care support.

Consult an RCT specialist to get your root canal treatment procedure for better oral health.

Call us or Whatsapp us at +91-9141160212 to book an appointment today!

General and Preventive Dentistry

Is Teeth grinding and Jaw Clenching on Rise due to Coronavirus Stress?

May 5, 2024 dev.abrar No Comments

What is Bruxism?

Do you grind or clench your teeth, suffer from jaw tension or facial pain?

Did you know you may be inadvertently damaging your teeth by grinding them?

Then this could be ‘Bruxism’, and we are sure most of you have never heard of this clinical term.

Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding or clenching is a condition in which you grind or clench your teeth or jaws excessively. Clenching your teeth and jaws puts tremendous pressure on the muscles, tissues, and structures around your jaw which can lead to temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ).

Bruxism occurs in both children and adults and transpires when the upper jaw rubs both sets of teeth together.

If you are suffering from this condition, and if you find yourself clenching your teeth unconsciously when you are awake, it is known as awake bruxism and if you clench or grind your teeth while you are sleeping, it is called sleep bruxism.

If you notice you grind your teeth occasionally, it usually does not cause any harm but when the teeth clenching and grinding occurs frequently on a regular basis, the teeth may encounter severe damage, and also there is a high possibility that other dental or oral health complications may arise.

Bruxism may be caused by stress, anxiety, an abnormal bite, crooked teeth, missing teeth, and other lifestyle factors. It’s important that we seek regular dental care to understand the signs and symptoms of bruxism so that it can be treated at an early stage.

The doctors have not been able to completely determine the causes of bruxism and hence the actual reason is unknown but they suspect it is due to the combination of physical, psychological, and genetic factors.

If your bruxism symptoms are mild, you may not need any treatment but if it’s frequent and severe, it can lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth, and various other health problems.

Few of the common causes of bruxism are:

Stress, anxiety, tension, and depression: Stress or increased level of anxiety, anger, and frustration can lead to teeth grinding.
Age: Bruxism is quite common in young children and it usually goes away by adulthood.
Personality type: You may be at an increased risk of bruxism if you have an aggressive, competitive, or hyperactive personality.
Medications and other substances: At times, it can be an uncommon side effect of some psychiatric medications such as certain antidepressants.
Smoking and drinking: The risk of bruxism may also increase if you smoke tobacco, drink caffeinated beverages such as alcohol or have an addiction to recreational drugs.
Family history of bruxism: Sleep bruxism is usually a genetic condition. If you have this symptom, there are high chances that bruxism runs in your family and this disorder may exist among the other members of your family as well.
Other health disorders: Few medical disorders and mental health conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), epilepsy, night terrors, sleep-related disorders such as sleep apnea, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are also coupled with bruxism.

How to identify if you have bruxism?

Most people are completely unaware, whether they grind their teeth especially in cases where grinding often occurs while you are asleep. However, if you experience a dull, constant headache or sore jaw when you wake up, it is a telltale sign of bruxism. Bruxism during sleep is often a common occurrence and a bigger problem as it may go undetected for a longer period, sometimes years, as you may not even suspect you have it.

Why teeth grinding can be a harmful condition?

Chronic teeth grinding can result in a loose tooth, tooth fracture, or loss of teeth as it may wear teeth down to stumps.
It causes both short and long term headaches and other health disorders.
It can permanently damage one’s teeth as the enamel may get worn away.
Severe grindings may damage the teeth and it affects your jaws too. If left untreated, it can also cause or worsen temporomandibular joint disorder which can change the appearance of your face.

How to diagnose and care for bruxism?

Relieve stress as tension and anxiety can worsen the already existing condition. A warm bath or an exercise can help you relax as relaxing will ensure that the teeth grinding is reduced and decrease the risk of developing a chronic case of bruxism.
Practice good sleeping habits to relax your mind.
Avoid caffeine or any other stimulating substances in the evening.
Schedule regular dental visits and dental exams.

When to see a dentist or a dental doctor?

See a dentist if you:

Are concerned about your teeth or jaw and have any of the symptoms such as increased tooth pain, tooth sensitivity, locked jaw, or tight jaw muscles that won’t open or close completely.
When tooth wear leads to severe sensitivity or an inability to chew food properly.
Teeth grinding or clenching which seems loud enough to wake others up from sleep.
Have damaged, sensitive, or worn-down teeth.
Feel pain or soreness in the jaw, face, and ears.
Cannot open or close your jaw completely.
Have a dull headache starting in your temples.
Pain that feels more like an earache, though actually it is not related to your ears.

How can a dentist help with bruxism?

Diagnosis and treatment of Bruxism:

A dentist can help you to stop grinding your teeth by fitting you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep.
If you feel that stress is the major cause for you to grind your teeth, ask your dentist how to reduce or deal with your stress and anxiety issues. Starting an exercise routine or a program, attending stress counseling, seeing a physical therapist, or obtaining a prescription for muscle relaxants are some of the options available to cope up with stress.

General and Preventive Dentistry

How Safe is a Dental Visit During Pregnancy?

May 5, 2024 dev.abrar No Comments

Dental health is an important part of the prenatal care and its importance shoots up during pregnancy, but it is often not stressed enough. The way you care for your oral health is no exception because pregnancy comes with many responsibilities and needs special dental care.

Risk for oral health problems increases during pregnancy and the dental infections can soon spread to other parts of the body and affect your overall health.

Why is dental health important and how does it affect pregnancy?

Pregnancy increases the risk of certain dental health problems, so maintaining a good dental hygiene can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Tooth decay and other related issues may lead to infections that could cause harm to the baby.

According to the findings of a new study, there is a link between periodontal disease and premature birth. Premature birth is the one that occurs early, well before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Dental issues can put your baby’s health at risk as pregnant women with gum disease are significantly more likely to go into early labor and deliver a premature baby who may have more health problems and complications than babies born through a full term.

The benefits of receiving oral healthcare during pregnancy far outweigh potential risks. During pregnancy, routine dental visits are necessary and safe. It is also important to keep your dentist informed if there are any changes in the medications that you take or if you facing any dental issues such as swelling, bleeding or any infections.

How does pregnancy affect your dental health?

Pregnant women are more likely to suffer from dental problems because a lot of changes occur in the body which affects the overall health of the to-be-mother. Some of the common issues and their after-effects :

The type of food you eat while you are pregnant can affect your dental health. During pregnancy, your eating habits are likely to change as you may crave for a variety of foods and eat more of certain foods, much more frequently than you did before
Your gums may be sore and tender or you are more tired than usual due to nausea and other pregnancy related health issues so you may brush and floss your teeth less often than you did earlier on a regular basis
Hormonal levels such as estrogen and progesterone may increase in your body during pregnancy which in turn will increase your risk for certain oral health problems
Hormonal changes make your gums more prone to plaque and cause inflammation, swelling and bleeding of the gums which is known as pregnancy gingivitis which may lead to overgrowth of tissues on the gums and cause pregnancy tumors

What factors increase your risk for certain dental problems during pregnancy?

Increased acidity in the mouth: During pregnancy, if you have vomiting that is caused by morning sickness, your teeth get exposed more to stomach acids and gastric juices and that may harm the enamel of your teeth.
Cavities, tooth decay or caries: Being pregnant makes you more likely to have tooth decay and cavities. The bacteria that causes cavities may be passed on to your baby during pregnancy and after birth as well and this may cause serious dental problems for your baby’s teeth in their later stages of life.
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the inflammation, redness and swelling of the gums and the pregnancy hormones increase your risk of having it. If left untreated, it may lead to serious gum diseases.
Loose teeth: The tissues and bones that keep your teeth intact may temporarily loosen due to high levels of hormonal changes that takes place in your body.
Periodontitis or gum disease: If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to periodontal disease which causes serious infections in the gums that may lead to bone loss around teeth. Severe gum disease can occur because of smoking too. Periodontitis can lead to serious conditions like bacteria in the bloodstream which is known as bacteremia and that needs immediate medical attention and treatment.

How can you prevent dental problems during pregnancy?

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristle toothbrush and also floss regularly as it helps in preventing any serious dental problems in future.
Reduce the food intake that is high in sugar content by choosing low-sugar foods and keeping a check on the food labels.
Choose vital dietary requirements and supplements rich in vitamin C, calcium and B12.
Visit the dentist regularly for a dental check-up and seek emergency dental care at any stage of pregnancy.

To know more about routine dental check-up that you may need as a mother-to-be, visit our dentist’s team at Credence Dental to ensure your safety and your unborn child’s safety.

Call us at +91-9141160212 to book an appointment with our Specialist Dentist

General and Preventive Dentistry Uncategorized

Diabetes and Oral Health

May 5, 2024 dev.abrar No Comments

Diabetes is a disease that can affect the whole body- including the mouth people with diabetes face a higher than normal risk of oral health problems.

WHY ARE PEOPLE WITH DIABETES MORE LIKELY TO DEVELOP ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS?

Link is high blood sugar levels- it weakens white blood cells which are the body’s main defense system against bacterial infection that can occur in your mouth.

PROBLEMS:

Dry mouth.
Gum inflammation- swelling and bleeding through Gums.
Poor healing of oral tissues.
Burning mouth.
Frequent oral infections.

WHAT IS THAT YOU CAN DO

Make a commitment to manage your diabetic status.
Brush your teeth at least twice daily.
Floss your teeth for at least one day.
Make sure your dentist knows you have diabetes.
Look for early signs of gum disease- any redness, swelling, bleeding, burning sensation, loose teeth.
Don’t smoke- increases the risk of diabetes complications.
Schedule regular dentist visit: visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings, X-rays, and checkups.

Call us at +91-9141160212 to book an appointment.

General and Preventive Dentistry

Choose the Correct Toothbrush For Your Teeth !

May 31, 2023 dev.abrar No Comments

Good oral health has a major role in maintaining overall health. When we talk about oral hygiene, a toothbrush is of course an essential part , but the question arises which toothbrush to use? When choosing the right toothbrush, it’s always important to consider various aspects of a brush, like brush size, bristle type, overall shape, comfort and quality of a toothbrush.

Also the selection of toothbrushes is dependent on every person’s dental needs. Some people have dental issues like sensitive teeth, or some are facing problems with plaque retention on teeth or on tongue. Although all brushes have universally beneficial features, there are some brushes which are to be used for specific dental concerns. Here is a description which can help you find the correct toothbrush

What should I look for in a toothbrush?

Head size: There are various head sizes in a brush available, but if a small head brush is used, there will be a better access to the last teeth in your mouth which are at times difficult to reach. So small round headed brush are always advisable

Bristle design: More than having the same size of bristles, these days brushes are being manufactured with varying sizes of bristles in a criss cross pattern. This is very useful in getting to deeper gaps between teeth and the locations which are hard to reach.

Bristle firmness: There is always a confusion whether to go for hard bristles or the soft ones. Also there is belief that if we use hard bristles, the brushing efficacy will be more. But that’s not true. Firm bristles can damage your teeth and gums. You should always opt for soft bristles which is effective at cleaning teeth without irritating gums or leading to recession in gum line

Handle grip: Handles with a comfortable and secure grip are recommended as you have to hold the brush for two minutes in a band and move it in mouth in all directions which is possible only with a firm grip. There is variety of brushes available, so just pick the brush which can fit well in your hand

Electronic Vs Manual Toothbrushes

While many manufacturers come up with recommendations about the cleaning power of powered toothbrushes, manual toothbrushes also work equally well. It’s just about our preference, but the effectiveness is the same for both toothbrushes. Powered toothbrushes work well for people who dont brush for as long as thoroughly as they should, especially children. Also people with disabilities, special children may find it helpful using a powered toothbrush as it makes brushing easier and helps remove all the debris and plaque.

Some people don’t like the feel of powered toothbrushes on their teeth. Also cost is another factor to be considered. In Spite of the powered toothbrush being costly, it needs to be replaced every 3 months. If you are not prepared to spend the extra money or you doubt like the feel of brush, just stick to your manual toothbrush

Overall points to remember while choosing a toothbrush

It’s important to choose a brush from a reputable brand. The local toothbrush can at times be tempting, but a proper toothbrush is an investment for maintenance of your good oral hygiene. Low quality toothbrushes may be unsafe, might harm your gums, make teeth rough and not help in effective cleaning. If you are unsure of which toothbrush to buy, your nearest dentist can make a recommendation for you at your next dental visit.

As for the shape of a toothbrush, no standard shape works the best. Whether you choose oval or rectangular, the best choice for you is a brush which fits in your mouth and reaches the back teeth. Same is applicable with the handle of the toothbrush. Make sure you pick a toothbrush that is comfortable to hold and has a firm grip.

Ultimately the best toothbrush for you is the one that you will use regularly and properly. Pick the toothbrush which best suits you using the above recommendations. Just make sure you replace your toothbrush every 3 months as within 3 months the bristles tend to lose their stiffness, might flare out and break.

Along with choosing the right toothbrush, a good brushing technique and Dental Hygiene is equally important which can guide your brush to clean all teeth including the back teeth and especially your tongue.

If you are facing a problem to choose the right Toothbrush, talk to your dentist. Book an appointment today for a dental health check.

Visit Credence Dental today to get more information

General and Preventive Dentistry

How To Deal With Tooth Sensitivity?

May 15, 2023 dev.abrar No Comments

Do you wince in pain every time you eat something hot, cold, sweet, or sour? Are you hesitant to bite into your favourite ice cream, drink coffee, or eat your favourite candy because of tooth sensitivity? If so, you may be suffering from sensitive teeth.

Sensitive teeth can be a frustrating and painful problem to deal with, but fortunately, there are ways to alleviate the discomfort and protect your teeth from further damage. In this article, we will explore the causes of sensitive teeth and provide some helpful tips on how to deal with them.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

The causes of tooth sensitivity can vary from person to person, but some of the most common factors include:

Enamel erosion: The enamel is the thin, hard outer layer of your teeth that protects the more sensitive inner layers. When the enamel begins to erode, the sensitive areas of your teeth become exposed, leading to pain and discomfort. Enamel erosion can be caused by a number of factors, including acidic foods and drinks, certain medications, and brushing your teeth too hard.
Gum recession: The gums serve as a protective barrier for the roots of your teeth, which are much more sensitive than the top of your teeth. When your gums recede, the roots become exposed and can cause sensitivity. Gum recession can be caused by factors such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and brushing too hard.
Cavities and dental work: Cavities and dental work such as fillings, crowns, and root canals can cause sensitivity if the dental work is not done properly or if there is decay or infection.
Grinding your teeth: Grinding your teeth can cause enamel erosion and eventually lead to sensitivity.
Diet: Consuming acidic foods and drinks such as citrus fruits, soda, and coffee can wear away the enamel on your teeth and cause sensitivity.

How to Deal With Sensitive Teeth

Fortunately, there are things you can do to deal with sensitive teeth and alleviate the discomfort. Here are some helpful tips:

Use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth: There are many toothpaste options available that are specifically designed for people with sensitive teeth. These toothpastes work by blocking the channels in your teeth that transmit pain signals. Look for toothpastes that contain potassium nitrate or strontium chloride, which are effective in reducing sensitivity.
Brush gently: Brushing your teeth too hard can cause enamel erosion, which can lead to sensitivity. Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently in a circular motion.
Use fluoride mouthwash: Fluoride mouthwash can help to strengthen your teeth and reduce sensitivity. Swish the mouthwash in your mouth for one minute, then spit it out.
Avoid acidic foods and drinks: Consuming acidic foods and drinks can wear away the enamel on your teeth, leading to sensitivity. If you must consume acidic foods or drinks, drink them through a straw to reduce contact with your teeth and rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
Wear a mouth guard: If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouth guard can help to protect your teeth and prevent enamel erosion.
Seek professional treatment: If your sensitivity is severe or persistent, seek professional treatment from a dentist or dental hygienist. They can evaluate your teeth and recommend treatments such as fluoride gel, desensitizing agents, or a dental procedure to treat the underlying cause.

In conclusion, dealing with sensitive teeth can be a frustrating and painful problem, but there are ways to alleviate the discomfort and protect your teeth from further damage. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can reduce the sensitivity in your teeth and enjoy your favorite foods and drinks once again. Remember to practice good oral hygiene and seek professional treatment if your sensitivity is severe or persistent.

If you are facing a problem with sensitive teeth, talk to your dentist about the best treatment options for you. Book an appointment today if you are suffering from Sensitivity!

Visit Credence Dental today to get more information on Sensitive Teeth.

Our dentist provides the best dental consultation, Book an appointment today

General and Preventive Dentistry

Importance Of Replacing Missing Teeth

May 3, 2023 dev.abrar No Comments

Having missing teeth can be a cause of embarrassment and discomfort, especially when it affects the way you look, speak or eat. While many people consider it a cosmetic issue, missing teeth can have significant impacts on your oral health and overall wellbeing. Replacing missing teeth is therefore crucial to maintaining your oral health, bite, and self-esteem.

Here are some of the reasons why you should replace missing teeth:

Restore Your Smile and Confidence

One of the primary reasons why people replace missing teeth is to improve their appearance. Missing teeth can be unsightly, causing people to feel insecure and self-conscious about their smile. Replacing your missing teeth, whether with dental implants, dentures, or bridges, can help restore your natural smile and your confidence, giving you a more youthful, attractive appearance.

Prevent Jawbone Loss

When a tooth is missing, the jawbone below it no longer receives stimulation from that tooth’s roots. This lack of stimulation causes the bone to lose density and resorb, which can weaken your jaw and cause changes in your facial structure over time. Replacing missing teeth through dental implantation, for example, can help stimulate bone growth, preventing bone loss and maintaining your facial structure.

Maintain Proper Bite Alignment

Missing teeth can also disrupt the alignment of your bite, causing adjacent teeth to shift and tilt out of position. This shift can lead to improper bite alignment, creating problems with your jaw joint, as well as increased pressure on remaining teeth that can lead to further damage or decay over time. Replacing missing teeth with bridges, implants, or dentures can help restore proper bite alignment, preventing future damage to your teeth and jaw.

Improve Your Ability to Speak and Eat

Missing teeth can make it difficult to speak and eat, particularly if they are located in the front of your mouth. Replacing missing teeth can help improve speech clarity by providing support for the lips, tongue, and cheeks, as well as improving your ability to chew and eat foods that may have been difficult to consume.

Prevent Further Dental Complications

Untreated missing teeth can lead to other dental complications, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. It can also increase the risk of bite misalignment, TMJ problems, and additional tooth loss. Replacing missing teeth can help prevent these complications from arising, keeping your oral health and smile in top condition.

In conclusion, replacing missing teeth is essential to maintaining good oral health, enhancing your smile, and preventing future complications. If you are missing teeth, talk to your dentist about the best treatment options for you. Book an appointment today so you can restore your natural smile and enjoy a happier, healthier life.

Visit Credence Dental today to get more information on types of tooth replacement and what suits you.

Our dentist provides the best dental consultation.

General and Preventive Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry

How often should children brush their teeth?

February 19, 2023 dev.abrar No Comments

Children are in active mode from the moment they wake till the time they go back to their
pillows at night. With all of the activity they have going on routinely, often at times they start
cutting corners on certain parts of their health and wellness like brushing their teeth. The daily
bargain by kids of not brushing or only brushing once is usual in every household.

Here are some of the reason why kids don’t prefer to brush or just brush once a day

I am too busy in the morning – Mornings are never a very happy moment for kids as they
are sleepy, have a blur of activity, are busy finishing their breakfast or homework. For
other children just waking them up and getting them to reach school is itself a big chore.
But both these kinds of kids have 1 thing in common : they don’t make time to brush their
teeth.
After children get home from school they get busy with their friends, extra curricular
activities or their school work. Because of this they at times forget to brush their teeth.
For some kids, brushing their teeth is a chore. For some reason they just don’t like
brushing their teeth even a single time.
The next category of kids is the ones who say they forgot to brush their teeth. These are
the kids who don’t mind brushing their teeth but simply need prompting to make
brushing part of their routine

How Often Should Kids Brush Their Teeth?

When it comes to brushing , the general rule for children is the same as for adults. Twice a day,
first thing in the morning and just before going to bed at night. It is also recommended that every
child brushes their teeth for 2 to 3 minutes every time. Toothpaste is not like soap which will
lather by just applying it. It requires a technique to brush all teeth and remove the debris.

However we understand that it can be quite difficult to get your kids to brush their teeth twice a
day for that long. This is why it is important to make brushing a fun activity for kids. There are
many ways you can encourage your kids to brush their teeth.

Few activities which can be done for children include making a game out of brushing, or giving
them star stickers every time they brush their teeth. Children can also be shown educational
videos on phone or tv to make best use of the time.

The important point here is to start encouraging kids to practice good oral health early so that
these habits last for the rest of their lives. These regular brushing habits prevent children from
dental issues like tooth pain, cavities and plaque accumulation.

It has come to a conclusion that brushing teeth once a day is a poor choice for the health of the
child. So here are the ways in which you can reinforce the habit of brushing twice a day when
your child is hesitant.

When the child makes an excuse of being too busy in the morning, assist your child in
creating a new morning routine which gives them proper time to brush. At the end what
we need is just an extra 2 minutes for brushing properly. if your child takes those extra 5
minutes to just snooze the alarm and sleep , give the child some incentive to wake up on
time which in a way will give them time for brushing too.
If the child says they are too busy at night, just before the child goes to bed , make a habit
of checking their teeth, and you can get involved with the child by crushing them. This
way children get motivation to complete the task. Just stand in front of the mirror, play
some songs and do brushing with your child.
If the child says they don’t like brushing, allow the child to choose their own toothbrush
and toothpaste. This gives them ownership of small decisions which will make them
exciting for brushing.
If the child says i frog, help them make a new routine for themselves. Make a visual chart
and allow them to put stickers on it when they brush their teeth. After they have gained a
certain number of stars on their chart, give them a fun gift , which itself can reinforce the
habit and make it a daily routine.

Brushing ideally should take place in the morning after breakfast and in evening after dinner.
Morning brushing habits ensure that their breath is fresh and teeth are properly cleaned. Brushing
at night removes any sugar, acid or excess food from teeth and gums, aiding in good oral health
throughout the night. Pediatric dentists often use the phrase 2 by 2 during preventive visits to
remind children of the number of times they have to brush and for how long brushing is
mandatory.

Click here to know about the Different Brushing Techiniques for Children and how these would help you as parent to ensure your Child’s Dental hygiene is upto mark.

General and Preventive Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry

Brushing Techniques for Children

January 17, 2023 dev.abrar No Comments

Brushing a child’s teeth or making children brush is the most tedious chore for any parent. At the
same time it’s the most important oral hygiene habit especially in growing age. As a parent it can
be challenging to help teach your child tooth brushing technique that works for them. To help
you out we have created simple guide to get your children for brushing their teeth regularly
without it feeling like a chore.

When to start Brushing your child’s teeth?

Good oral health habits should begin at an early age. Brushing your child’s teeth should begin
when their first tooth begins to come in or as directed by your pediatric dentist. Children need
help with brushing their teeth until they are 6-7 years of age. Even before your child actually has
teeth, it is important to perform oral health care. Use of damp washed cloth or a piece of gauze,
by gently rubbing it over infants gum helps in cleaning of gum pads. Also an infant’s mouth
should be cleaned after every feeding. This can be done by cradling head with one hand while
using free hand to wipe babies mouth with clean wet gauze.

General Brushing tips for children:

To brush an infant’s teeth, use a soft bristled, age appropriate toothbrush. Fluoridated toothpaste
if given at a smaller age, consult your pediatric dentist first for the exact amount of toothpaste to
be used.
For toddlers, just a smear layer of toothpaste is sufficient to use. For children below 3 years of
age use rice grain amount of toothpaste, whereas for children above 3 years of age use a pea size
amount of toothpaste.
Children aged 6-8 years are capable of brushing on their own. But still the brushing has to under
the supervision of parents if the child is unsure whether they have cleaned all areas of mouth.
Encourage children to brush their teeth at least twice a day , morning and night with a soft
bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles are too abrasive for young children.
If children are lazy enough to brush their teeth, battery powered toothbrushes can also be used
which can remove the sticky plaque from teeth easily.
Children’s toothbrushes have to be replaced every 3 to 4 months or sometimes sooner too if the
bristles get frayed. Also if your child has a recent cold or flu, it’s better to replace the toothbrush
to avoid reintroducing germs associated with those conditions.

Technique for brushing child’s teeth

As children cannot clean their teeth thoroughly, they need guidance. Hence parents have to
supervise children’s brushing until the age of 6-8 years.
Step 1: Brushing for kids has to be in a circular motion. Instead of just rubbing brush on teeth,
make them do circles on front and back teeth one at a time. Count the number of circles to 20
and see to it that circular motion is covering all teeth
Step 2: then angle toothbrush at 45 degrees towards the gum of upper and lower teeth and swipe
it
Step 3: tell the child to open their mouth and then the toothbrush should be moved gently in
back and forth motion with short strokes on back teeth
Step 4: the tip of the brush should be placed in upright position to reach behind front teeth on
top and bottom
Step 5: Brush the tongue to remove bacteria on the surface.

To get the children in routine brushing, brush your teeth at the same time as them so that they
learn by your example. This also helps to keep a check if children are using the correct brushing
technique.

Also you can have a check this way to see if your child is brushing the correct way.
The other way to get the child to brush is by playing their favorite song that they can listen to
while they brush. This way children will enjoy brushing and not think of it as a boring daily
chore.

Regular dental visits should usually start as early as six months or when a child’s first tooth
erupts or by child’s first birthday. When children are taught oral hygiene habits at an early age,
they are more likely to continue the same habit throughout adulthood. A healthy smile is a happy
smile, so help your kids to have the best possible smile by teaching them the importance of
brushing their teeth in the correct way.

General and Preventive Dentistry

Is teeth grinding a Problem?

December 16, 2022 dev.abrar No Comments

Grinding teeth is a common activity which is done by many people from time to time. This teeth grinding, also called as bruxism in medical terms, does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis, teeth can be damaged and lead to oral health complications.

Usually a person himself does not recognize the grinding of their own teeth. It is always your family members or parents who can hear the noise of teeth grinding or make you realize your habit.

Why do people grind their teeth?
Teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, but this usually occurs during sleep. It can also occur due to abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth. Sleep disorders like sleep apnea may also be the cause of teeth grinding.

How do I find out if I grind my teeth?
As said, grinding of teeth usually occurs at night time, hence many people are unaware about their habit. However a dull constant headache or sore jaw after waking up in the morning is a symptom of teeth grinding. Mostly it is your family members who come to know about the noise you make in sleep.

If you suspect or are told by someone about teeth grinding, talk to your dentist. They can examine your mouth and jaw for any signs of bruxism like jaw tenderness or excessive wear of your teeth.

Risk factor for teeth grinding
● Stress, anxiety
● Alcohol, Smoking
● Drugs: Antidepressants, Anti psychotics, Cocaine
● Excessive use of caffeine

Your dentist or oral health professional can assess the influence of these risk factors.

Is teeth grinding harmful?
In some cases, if teeth grinding continues for a long duration, like every night, then it can result in fracture or loss of tooth structure. Grinding wears off the tooth completely making it sensitive to cold or hot foods and thus increasing teeth sensitivity. Also teeth might wear completely down to the stumps. This causes the need for treatments like placement of bridges, crowns or even root canal of such teeth to reduce teeth sensitivity.

Not only can severe grinding of teeth damage teeth or result in tooth loss , it can also affect your jaws or worsen TMJ and change the appearance of your face.

How can I stop teeth grinding?
Your dentist can fit you a mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep. This will prevent wear of your teeth and prevent it from chipping . Also the jaw soreness or muscle tension is eliminated with no morning headaches or sore jaw.

What else can I do to stop grinding my teeth?
Your dentist may also review your medication just to see if that’s what is contributing to stress. If stress is causing you to grind teeth, ask your doctor about options to reduce your stress. Attend a stress counseling session, see a physical therapist or obtain a prescription for muscles relaxant for soothing effect.

Cognitive behavioral therapy , a type of talk therapy can help reduce stress. Exercise, medication and physical therapy is also of great help.

Other way to cut back grinding of teeth:
Do not chew on pencils or pen or anything that is not food Avoid chewing gums as it allows your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching and more likely to grind teeth If you have a habit of day grinding, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth just behind the front teeth , with lips together. This helps your jaw muscles to relax and prevents teeth clenching. Avoid or reduce caffeine in foods and drinks like colas or coffee

Outlook for people with Teeth grinding:
Follow your doctor’s recommendations. If a nighty guard is given to you, wear it regularly. Sticking to your treatment plan helps in improving the symptoms and making you feel best.

Conclusion:
Teeth grinding or bruxism happens when you clench and grind your teeth. It can happen when you are awake or during night time. Night teeth grinding can cause more problems as we don’t realize the severity with which we are grinding our teeth. Without treatment teeth grinding can cause jaw muscles and joints to get sore and give you bad headaches. If you are facing such problems visit your dentist immediately and find the right treatment option for you.

Call us or Whatsapp us at +91-9141160212 to book an appointment today! or just drop into our Dental Clinic at RR Nagar in Bangalore

1 2 3