Category: Dental

How to Take Care of Invisalign Aligners

Just like you brush your teeth every day, your Invisalign retainers need cleaning as well if you are to maintain your oral hygiene. By cleaning them, you ensure they remain invisible. One of the reasons most people choose Invisalign is due to its subtle nature compared to braces. Also, regular cleaning helps in preventing bad breath. If you want to see a transformation in your smile, here are a few ways you can take care of your aligners.

Make it a Habit to Clean the Aligners Regularly

Your Invisalign trays need to be cleaned often. When you are brushing your teeth in the morning and evening, clean your aligners. Use clean water and a soft toothbrush. The brush helps remove bacteria that can damage your teeth or cause bad breath. Get Effervescent tablets as they are effective as well for cleaning, and most researchers recommend them. 

Every Time You Remove Aligners, Rinse Them

By rinsing your aligners, you are removing any lingering saliva or plaque before placing them in the case. Even if you are away from home, it is important to rinse them as it helps prevent the growth of bacteria. You can find a sink or a drinking fountain and simply rinse it. Also, avoid using hot water in an attempt to disinfect them. Hot water will bend the thermoplastic material and make it inefficient. 

Do Not Use Abrasive Materials to Clean the Aligner

Products like mouthwash, soap, and denture cleaners can ruin your aligners. They contain abrasives that can make the aligners appear dull or less invisible. This means when you wear them, it is easier for people to look at them.

The Invisalign Aligners need to Soaked Daily

Soaking the aligners every day keeps them hygienic, odor-free, and invisible. Get a glass of lukewarm water and put the Invisalign cleaning crystals inside, then put the aligners in and allow them to soak for about 15 minutes. When you are done, brush off the tray with a toothbrush, and you are good to go. 

Remove the Aligners Every time You Eat

Before you start eating, remove your Invisalign aligners. Otherwise, your meals will stain the aligners. Just like food particles stick to your teeth, they will also stick to your aligners. If not cleaned properly, the particles are then transferred to your teeth and, over time, create plaque. The https://www.flowerdental.com/ insists that the only thing you can take with your aligners on is water.

Floss and Brush 

Food particles quickly get stuck on your teeth after eating. If you put the aligners on before brushing, it will be hard for your saliva to wash away any of these particles. This will result in bacteria building up and eventually plague. Also, you are putting your oral health at risk with issues like cavities and gingivitis. Therefore, after eating, always brush your teeth before wearing the aligners. 

Invisalign aligners have gained popularity when it comes to straightening teeth. However, if they are to serve you effectively, you … Read More...

Continue Reading

Signs That You Should Go See Your Dentist

Maybe you have been too busy to get to the dentist. Or, maybe you don’t have dental insurance and the funds for regular cleanings. Whatever your reasons, you are not alone. The majority of people do not go to the dentist as often as suggested, even though regular examinations can solve most issues. However, if you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, then it is time to make family dentistry Highland Park IL a priority.

Jaw Pain

Jaw pain can come from a variety of issues. Some of the issues are more pressing than others, and it can be difficult to decide where to go for help. Pain may be caused by sinus pressure or ear issues. If you have strong allergies or are fighting an infection, then call your primary care doctor. If not, then it is time to see the dentist.

Your jaw could hurt because of grinding or clenching it at night. In this case, your dentist can recommend a mouthguard. However, it could also be from a severe tooth infection. Infections can travel into your jaw and form an abscess if not treated quickly.

Irritated Gums

Red puffy gums at the base of your teeth could be an indication of gum disease, also called periodontitis. Other symptoms include bleeding while brushing and bad breath. Gum disease can eventually damage your jaw bone if left untreated. This will cause permanent teeth to loosen and may even fall out. The sooner you catch periodontitis the less obtrusive treatment will be. Surgery is required for serious cases.

Toothache

This seems like a no-brainer but still needs to be said. If you have a toothache, then go to the dentist, even if it comes and goes depending on the day. Make an appointment immediately if the pain is constant. Infections and cavities do not heal on their own. So, don’t make it harder on yourself by continuing to put the appointment off.… Read More...

Continue Reading

Preparing for Your Next Dental Checkup

When life gets hectic, it can be easy to let routine health care appointments slide. In the case of the dentist, anxiety can prevent you from setting your next visit. Not many people enjoy going to the dentist, but it’s a crucial part of keeping your mouth healthy. Avoid deep cavities and other tooth problems when you have regular care every six months. Here’s what to expect.

Arrival

When you step foot into the dental center Seattle WA, you will need to check in with the receptionist. Once it is your turn, a dental hygienist will come out to greet you and take you back to get you as comfortable as possible in your chair before they begin. The hygienist will also check your history, and collect information if it’s your first visit.

Cleaning

One of the longest parts of the dental visit is tooth cleaning. Hygienists carefully scrape off excess plaque and tarter near the gumline, thoroughly floss between each tooth and shine them up with a spinning brush of polisher. Once the teeth are clean, the hygienist checks for softening enamel, swelling gums or redness that may be the first sign of an issue.

X-rays

An x-ray of your mouth can be taken while you sit in the same chair. A molded piece of plastic slides inside your cheek and you bite down on part of it to hold it in place. The image shows the tops and the roots of your teeth so the dentist can clearly see any problems.

Dental exam

The dentist will arrive to check your x-rays, check for issues relating to the jaw bone, oral cancer or grinding teeth and check for grooves or chips in your teeth. Any recommendations for future care will be made and you will be able to go on with your day.

With regular dental visits, you will have the chance to avoid long and invasive procedures in the future. Make that appointment and get it over with now.… Read More...

Continue Reading

5 Tips for Good Gum Health

In order to have a great smile, taking care of your gums is just as important as taking care of your teeth. Here are five things that you can do to make your gums as healthy as possible.

1. Brush Below the Gumline

When you brush your teeth, you need to reach more than just the upper surface of your teeth. Brushing below the gumline enables you to remove plaque that gets trapped between your gums and your teeth.

2. Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

If your toothbrush bristles are too hard, you won’t be comfortable brushing below the gumline. Also, you may irritate your gum or worsen sensitivity in your teeth. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to assure that you’ll be able to brush correctly.

3. See Your Dentist as Soon as a Problem Causes You Any Discomfort

Sudden sensitivity or discomfort is unlikely to resolve itself on its own. Don’t put off going to the dentist because you’re hoping that an issue will go away. Find out what you need to do to prevent a problem from getting worse. If you need a dentist Miami Beach, see a dental care provider who offers preventative and restorative treatment.

4. Don’t Skip Flossing

Flossing is essential to good oral health. Floss between every tooth at least once a day to avoid gingivitis.

5. Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash With Fluoride

Not all mouthwash is the same. Instead of using a rinse that relies on alcohol to kill germs, use one that contains antiseptic and fluoride.

Your gum health will be a huge factor in your overall oral health. If you don’t have healthy gums, you won’t have healthy teeth. Clean and germ-free gums will make you less susceptible to infection, tooth decay, and bad breath. Make sure your at-home care and in-office dental care adequately addresses your gum health.… Read More...

Continue Reading

Facts About Pizza Burn

Sometimes you can’t resist it. Fresh saucy and cheesy pizza when it’s still smoking hot. You grab a slice and bite down before it’s cooled. The result is pizza burn. This is an uncomfortable side-effect that can take a while to heal. Fortunately, your local Broomfield dentist can offer some facts about pizza burn and how to relieve these symptoms. 

The Symptoms and Causes

While this has been dubbed pizza burn, it can occur from soup, coffee, and other hot foods that are not allowed to cool. Soon after eating these, you will notice the inside of your mouth, and your tongue is tender. In severe cases, blisters will spread across the roof of your mouth. Unfortunately, this will hurt for a while. Therefore, if you need to visit the dentist and get a procedure involving dental handpieces done, you should avoid scorching foods for a few days beforehand. 

Soothing Your Mouth

To relieve the stinging pain immediately after the event, try sucking on an ice cube. You can also try eating ice cream or drinking cold water to cool the area. Once it is cooled, drink some milk to apply a protective coating. If the pain persists for more than a few minutes, take over-the-counter meds to relieve the pain. 

While your mouth is healing, avoid consuming acidic, crunchy, spice, salty, or hot foods. These can further irritate your wound. To prevent infection, be sure to brush regularly and keep your mouth clean. You can try saline rinses for extra help cleaning the burn. After cleaning your mouth, apply some vitamin E juice to the wound. 

Pizza burn can heal within a few days of the occurrence. Although you can take several steps to soothe your mouth, it is still going to be uncomfortable. Therefore, you should probably wait until the fresh cheesy pizza has cooled before eating it. … Read More...

Continue Reading