As the year draws to a close and the holiday season approaches, the focus shifts to family gatherings, celebrations, and preparing for 2025. Amid all the excitement, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is taking care of your oral health. December is not just about gift shopping or planning resolutions—it’s an ideal time to book a dental checkup and finish the year with a healthy, confident smile. Here’s why visiting Cosmo Dental this December is a smart decision and how it can help set you up for a healthy and beautiful 2025. 1. Keep Your Smile Sparkling for Holiday Photos The holidays are filled with moments that will last a lifetime: family photos, office parties, and gatherings. Whether it’s a candid moment or a planned holiday card photo, you’ll want to look and feel your best. A visit to Cosmo Dental before the year ends can ensure your smile is picture-perfect. Consider a professional cleaning or teeth whitening session to enhance your smile, so you can enjoy the holiday season with confidence. With our modern cosmetic services, we’ll help you achieve the bright, radiant smile you deserve. 2. Finish the Year Strong by Taking Care of Your Teeth It’s easy to forget about your oral health in the hustle and bustle of the season, but regular checkups are crucial to maintaining a healthy mouth. A visit to Cosmo Dental this December ensures that you’re starting the new year with a clean slate. During your checkup, our team will assess your oral health, check for any potential issues like cavities or gum disease, and give you tips for better care in the year ahead. Catching small problems now can help you avoid larger, more costly issues in the future. It’s an investment in your long-term well-being! 3. Avoid Last-Minute Dental Emergencies Dental emergencies don’t happen at convenient times—and the holidays are no exception. From a sudden toothache to a broken filling, dental issues can quickly put a damper on your festive mood. December is the perfect time to take care of those lingering concerns, whether it’s a routine cleaning, filling, or preventive care, so you’re not scrambling during the busy holiday season. By visiting us before the year ends, you can rest easy knowing that any dental issues have been addressed and you’re prepared for any emergencies that might arise in the future. 4. No Insurance? No Problem! At Cosmo Dental, we believe in offering high-quality, personalized care without the need for deals or insurance. We pride ourselves on providing clear, transparent pricing, so you always know what to expect when you visit us. While we don’t work with insurance, our affordable services and expert care ensure that you receive the best treatment without surprises. Our goal is to provide the highest standard of dental care in a comfortable and stress-free environment, and we believe every patient deserves to feel confident in their smile—without worrying about navigating complex insurance policies. 5. Make Oral Health Part of Your New Year’s Resolutions As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to set goals for better health. A key part of a healthy lifestyle is maintaining good oral hygiene, which can have a big impact on your overall well-being. This December, take a few minutes to reflect on your oral care habits and make a commitment to take better care of your teeth in the coming year. Here are some simple resolutions you can make for a healthier smile in 2025: • Brush and floss daily to remove plaque and reduce the risk of gum disease. • Limit sugary snacks and drinks to protect your teeth from decay. • Visit the dentist regularly to stay on top of preventive care. Starting the year with a proactive approach to your oral health will keep your smile in top shape all year long. 6. Prepare for the Year Ahead with a Plan for Your Dental Care Planning ahead is always a good idea, and this is especially true when it comes to dental care. December is a great time to assess any upcoming treatments, such as orthodontics, cosmetic procedures, or restorative treatments like dental implants. By planning ahead, you can make sure you’re staying on track with any necessary procedures and scheduling them at a time that works best for you. If you’re considering any cosmetic dental work or more advanced treatments, a consultation now can help you understand your options and set goals for your smile in 2025. Book Your Appointment at Cosmo Dental Today The holidays are a time to take a breather, but it’s also an opportunity to take care of yourself and your health. Don’t wait until the new year to address any dental concerns. Visit Cosmo Dental this December for a thorough checkup and treatment, so you can ring in 2025 with a confident, healthy smile. We’re here to provide exceptional care, whether you need a routine cleaning, cosmetic treatment, or simply want to maintain your smile’s health. Wishing you a joyful December season and a bright, beautiful 2025 from the Cosmo Dental team!
Revolutionizing Dental Imaging with the Medit Intraoral Scanner: A Game Changer for Modern Dentistry
In the rapidly advancing world of dental technology, one tool is standing out for its innovation, accuracy, and ease of use: the Medit Intraoral Scanner. At Cosmo Dental, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality care, and we believe that adopting state-of-the-art tools like the Medit scanner is essential to achieving that goal. In this blog post, we’ll explore why the Medit Intraoral Scanner is becoming a cornerstone of modern dental practices and how it enhances both the patient experience and clinical outcomes. What is the Medit Intraoral Scanner? The Medit Intraoral Scanner is a cutting-edge device designed to create highly accurate, detailed digital impressions of a patient’s mouth. Unlike traditional methods that rely on messy, uncomfortable physical molds, the Medit scanner uses advanced optical technology to capture 3D images of your teeth and gums with unparalleled precision. These digital impressions are then instantly transmitted to the dental team, enabling them to make immediate treatment decisions, from crowns and bridges to aligners and more. Key Benefits of the Medit Intraoral Scanner 1. Comfort and Convenience Traditional dental impressions can be uncomfortable, with patients often experiencing gagging or prolonged sessions with sticky, goopy materials. The Medit scanner eliminates this discomfort. The process is quick, non-invasive, and far more comfortable, making it ideal for patients of all ages. 2. Increased Precision and Accuracy One of the standout features of the Medit Intraoral Scanner is its precision. The scanner captures highly accurate, high-resolution 3D images of the teeth, ensuring that every detail is recorded. This level of accuracy minimizes the risk of errors and enhances the fit of restorations, crowns, bridges, and other dental appliances. 3. Time Efficiency Traditional impressions require waiting for the molds to set and for the impressions to be sent off to a lab. With the Medit scanner, the digital impression is ready within minutes. This streamlined process reduces waiting times and accelerates treatment timelines, which is a huge benefit for both patients and practitioners. 4. Improved Communication and Collaboration The digital data captured by the Medit scanner can be shared instantly with dental laboratories and specialists, improving collaboration and reducing the chance of miscommunication. This speeds up the production of custom restorations and ensures a better outcome. 5. Environmentally Friendly By eliminating the need for impression materials, the Medit scanner reduces waste, making it an eco-friendly choice for dental practices that are looking to adopt greener practices. How the Medit Intraoral Scanner Improves the Patient Experience At Cosmo Dental, we prioritize a comfortable, stress-free dental visit for our patients. The Medit Intraoral Scanner enhances this by removing the discomfort and inconvenience associated with traditional dental impressions. Whether you’re in for a routine check-up, a cosmetic procedure, or a more complex restorative treatment, you’ll appreciate how the Medit scanner makes the process quicker and easier. Furthermore, the instant feedback from the scanner allows our dental team to provide immediate consultation, so you’re always informed about your treatment plan. The ability to view 3D images of your teeth right on a screen allows for clearer communication between you and your dentist, helping you better understand your oral health and the treatment options available. Applications of the Medit Intraoral Scanner in Dentistry The Medit scanner is versatile and can be used for a wide range of dental applications, including: Why Choose Cosmo Dental for Your Next Dental Visit? At Cosmo Dental, we are passionate about staying ahead of the curve in dental technology. By incorporating the Medit Intraoral Scanner into our practice, we aim to provide our patients with faster, more accurate, and more comfortable dental care. Whether you are seeking routine dental care, cosmetic treatments, or advanced restorative procedures, the Medit scanner plays a pivotal role in ensuring optimal outcomes. Ready to experience the future of dentistry? Schedule an appointment with us today and discover how the Medit Intraoral Scanner can enhance your smile with ease and comfort. About Cosmo Dental At Cosmo Dental, we are dedicated to providing exceptional dental care with the latest technologies to meet the diverse needs of our patients. Located in the heart of the Quezon City and Makati, our clinic offers a wide range of dental services, from preventive care to advanced cosmetic and restorative treatments. We believe that every patient deserves personalized care and a beautiful, healthy smile.
5 DENTAL HABITS TO MAKE & BREAK IN 2024
Many people like to kick off the new year with a list of plans and resolutions that they hope to accomplish. However, most of us don’t consider adding improving our dental hygiene to the list. Here are a few tips to keep your smile strong as you navigate the new year: 5 HABITS TO MAKE 5 HABITS TO BREAK
Top 10 foods that are good for your teeth
We all know the secret to healthy teeth: brush regularly, floss regularly and keep sugars to a minimum. However, the food you eat can also play a part in maintaining a healthy mouth and, while no food will ever replace the need to brush, there are some that are surprisingly healthy for your teeth. 10. Chewing gum Whether or not this qualifies as food is debatable, and we would strongly advise against swallowing it. However, as many advertisements promise, chewing gum is indeed good for your teeth, provided it is sugar free. This is because chewing speeds up saliva production, which in turn helps rinse away harmful acids more effectively. As an added bonus, it makes your breath smell better. 9. Salmon Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for good oral health, as it effectively allows your body to better absorb calcium and put it to good use throughout your body. Salmon is packed full of both Vitamin D and calcium, making it an all-round superfood for helping to maintain healthy teeth and gums. 8. Carrots Carrots have been hailed a cavity fighting vegetable, as munching on sticks of crunchy, raw carrot acts as a natural toothbrush. The chewing action massages your gums, and this bright vegetable is high in plaque-attacking keratin as well as Vitamin A, which is crucial for strengthening delicate tooth enamel. All-in-all it’s a good choice for an in-between-meal snack. 7. Cheese Cheese is great for your teeth. Not only does it have high levels of phosphate and calcium, which naturally strengthen teeth and bones, but it also helps balance the pH level in your mouth, which means less harmful acid, more cleansing saliva and fewer cavities. 6. Yoghurt Unsweetened natural yoghurt makes a great healthy breakfast or snack. For the benefit of your teeth, yoghurt contains both casein and calcium, which strengthen enamel and help repair it if it happens to be damaged. 5. Sesame seeds Eating sesame seeds on their own, or baked into bread will help you in two ways. First of all, as you chew, they help to scrub plaque from your teeth and, secondly, they’re high in calcium. Just make sure any seeds caught between your teeth are removed as soon as possible. 4. Onions Raw onion is incredibly healthy for you, and as an added bonus, the antibacterial sulphur compounds contained in an onion will kill the harmful bacteria on your teeth. But you might want to chew gum afterwards! 3. Celery Celery gives your teeth a great workout. As you chew celery, it helps to clean your teeth and massages your gums in the process, while all that chewing will also produce plenty of saliva to neutralise bacteria. 2. Apples Apples are highly acidic and you could be forgiven for thinking that would weaken the enamel on your teeth. However, the natural sugars contained within apples actually help neutralise harmful acids in the mouth. As well as this, chewing apples is another good mouth workout for saliva production, and they’re packed with vitamins to keep your gums healthy. 1. Strawberries Strawberries are sweet, acidic and tend to stain things red, so how can they possibly be good for your teeth? Strawberries contain malic acid, which is actually a good natural whitener for enamel – eating strawberries will actually help keep your teeth free of stains. Just be mindful that strawberry seeds can get stuck between your teeth, so make sure you floss after eating them.
Good Dental Hygiene Habits For Kids
You want your child’s teeth to last all of his life, so it is important to teach him or her good dental habits. As your child grows, caring for his teeth will become a natural part of his daily routine. Good oral hygiene habits can limit or prevent problems such as cavities, gum disease and other dental issues. The best way to help your child form these habits is to start early, even before he is able to care for his own teeth. Gradually you can help your child learn to care for his teeth all by himself. Brush and floss Our team at Cosmo Dental wants you to feel comfortable caring for your child’s teeth. Start when you notice the first tooth has erupted. For children ages 3 or younger, use a soft bristled toothbrush designed for children with a little dab of toothpaste, no larger than a grain of rice. For children ages 3 or older, use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a pea. Start using a toothpaste containing fluoride once the child is able to expectorate. Continue to brush your child’s teeth twice daily using small, circular motions until he is ready to do it on his own. There are many fun products on the market, so let your child help choose his toothpaste or toothbrush. Usually, by age 6 or 7, children are able to brush properly on their own, although they probably still need reminders and supervision. When your child gets more teeth, especially when the teeth begin to fit closely together, it’s time to start flossing. Move the floss gently back and forth to remove trapped debris. Be careful not to yank the floss hard against the gums and ask your child to let you know if the flossing is uncomfortable. This is also when you may find out your child needs to have their first visit to an orthodontist to check their bite, jaw and development. Regular dental visits It’s important to take your child to the dentist after the first tooth appears, but no later than his or her first birthday. Thereafter, a child should visit the dentist twice a year for routine checkups and cleaning. These visits also give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your child’s dental care. Remember that baby teeth are not only the first set of teeth, but are also saving places for the adult teeth to come later. Some adults are nervous about visits to the dentist, however it is important to lead by example. If you are calm, your demeanor has a positive effect on your child’s behavior during the visit. Habits to avoid Eating foods loaded with sugar, candy (particularly sticky or gummy candy) or juices can cause cavities. This is also true of sweetened liquid medicines. Have your child brush his teeth or rinse his mouth after consuming these items. Teach your child to avoid chewing on ice. It is an easy habit to fall into, but it can destroy tooth enamel, leaving your teeth susceptible to decay. Chewing ice can also crack or chip teeth. Eat a healthy diet A healthy diet should include options from all the major food groups. Offer a well-balanced diet that limits starchy and sugary foods, as these can lead to tooth decay. Make sure to include calcium for strong teeth. Encourage your child to drink water instead of soda or juice. Keep your pantry stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables to encourage “healthy snacks.” Some of these, such as bananas and raisins, contain concentrated sugar so your child should brush after eating them. In addition to caring for your child’s teeth, model good dental hygiene on a daily basis. Brush together twice a day. Don’t treat it as a chore, but rather have fun with it. The habits you create today will last a lifetime! If you have yet to find a dental home for your child, request an appointment at Cosmo Dental Eton Centris QC OR Eton Tower Makati office.
Clear Aligners
What Are “Clear Braces” Systems Like K Line? K Line Aligners and other clear-aligner treatments are orthodontic devices that, like braces, help to straighten teeth and correct bite patterns over time. Unlike traditional braces, K Line Aligner employs transparent plastic trays (similar to athletic mouthguards) that fit snugly over the teeth. How Do They Work? The process begins with a checkup and consultation to determine if you’re a good candidate for K Line or similar clear aligner system. After you have been confirmed as a good candidate, the doctor will digitally scan your teeth and custom fit you for a series of clear, BPA-free plastic aligners. At the next appointment, you will receive your first batch of trays. Your doctor will ensure a proper fit, answer any questions you have, and let you know what to expect going forward. From there, you will have to wear your aligners between 20 and 22 hours per day. As you wear the trays and swap them out for a new set every two weeks, your teeth will gradually shift into the correct, straighter position over time. While aligners alone are sufficient in most cases, some patients might need to have raised “buttons” attached to the surface of teeth to help provide extra traction for teeth to shift. Throughout the treatment, you will have to return to the dentist’s office about once every six to eight weeks to have your progress evaluated and received the new sets of aligners you’ll be using until the following appointment. How Do I Care for My Teeth During Clear Aligner Treatment? As mentioned, your aligners need to be worn for at least 20 hours each day; really, the only times they should be removed are when you’re eating, drinking hot beverages (the heat can warp the shape of the trays), or brushing your teeth. Since the plastic aligners completely cover your teeth, it’s very important that you brush your teeth after each meal or snack to make sure that there isn’t any food trapped against them. Even after a clear aligner treatment is completed, most patients will have to continue to wear a nighttime retainer to maintain the results they’ve achieved. What Are the Advantages of Clear Aligners Versus Traditional Braces? In addition to the benefit of straighter teeth that all orthodontic devices can deliver, there are several significant advantages that clear aligners have over traditional braces: What Kind of Tooth and Bite Issues Can Be Corrected with Clear Aligners? Beyond the normal straightening of crooked teeth, K Line and other clear aligners can help correct a number of issues: Until fairly recently, metal braces were almost always superior to clear aligners when it came to handling these orthodontic issues. However, K Line and other companies have continued to innovate and produce technology that now delivers results that are comparable to metal braces. How Long Do Clear Aligners Take to Straighten Teeth and Correct Bite Issues? The length of time required to completely achieve a person’s orthodontic goals with K Line or similar clear aligners is – as is the case with metal braces – going to vary a great deal depending on the particular issues being addressed. Some individuals’ teeth can be completely straightened in as short as six months. For certain issues, like overcrowding, the treatment can take 24 months or longer. As a fairly broad rule, most clear aligner treatments take between 9 and 18 months to complete. How Much Do Clear Aligner Treatments Cost? As with treatment time for clear braces, treatment cost will likewise vary considerably depending on your particular circumstances. The major factors affecting the cost to you include your oral health, how much orthodontic work needs to be done and where you live.
Why Change Your Toothbrush Every 3 Months
Brushing your teeth is a vital part of maintaining your oral health. We’re taught how to brush our teeth from an early age and told we should brush at least twice a day. Beyond the frequency that we brush our teeth, we also need to make sure that we’re using the appropriate techniques, as well as using quality toothbrushes. At Cosmo Dental, Dr. Segui and her associates recommend replacing your toothbrush once every three months or sooner. Many people believe that the idea that you should change out your toothbrush every 3 months is a marketing technique to buy more toothbrushes. However, there are multiple reasons why dental professionals recommend changing your toothbrush every three months. Bacteria Buildup. For one, after you brush your teeth, bacteria and plaque inhabit your toothbrush. In a similar way that dirt becomes transferred to a sponge when you clean, bacteria also become transferred to toothbrushes. The longer you use a certain toothbrush, the more bacteria will take over the brush. Worn Out Bristles. Another reason you should change your toothbrush every three months is that over time, your toothbrush bristles will become worn out. Worn-out bristles tend to be more abrasive on your gums, which can lead to premature gum recession and inflammation in your gums. After Sickness. If you are dealing with a cold, flu, or other viral infection, you should change your toothbrush to avoid reinfecting yourself. Viruses and bacteria can remain in your toothbrush bristles, leading to cross-contamination into your family’s toothbrushes or reinfection. You should dispose of your toothbrush after sickness, and replace it with a fresh toothbrush. SIGNS TO REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH You might need to replace your toothbrush sooner than three months. If you brush with too much pressure, you will probably notice your bristles becoming worn out before three months. As soon as you realize that your toothbrush bristles are pointing in the wrong direction or becoming worn down, you should replace it. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should try to replace it every three months. Keeping Your Toothbrush Clean People might try to use various cleaning agents to clean their toothbrushes after dropping them or getting sick. Unfortunately, this can actually cause more harm to your teeth and gums. To keep your toothbrush as clean as possible, make sure you rinse it well after use, then let it air dry. Avoid storing your toothbrush in a small and enclosed space, as this promotes the growth of bacteria. When storing your toothbrush in a cup or toothbrush holder, avoid letting it touch other toothbrushes, which can transfer bacteria. Oftentimes, patients try to sterilize their toothbrushes by boiling, microwaving, or washing them in a dishwasher. Exposing your toothbrush to excessive heat can warp your brush’s bristles, making them less effective at cleaning your teeth. SHOULD YOU USE AN ELECTRIC OR MANUAL TOOTHBRUSH? It is hard to say if an electric toothbrush or manual toothbrush is better for your oral health. After all, not all electric toothbrushes and not all manual toothbrushes are created equal. Some electric toothbrushes are more effective than others and vice-versa. Whether you want an electric or manual toothbrush is a matter of preference. For instance, if your manual toothbrush is working for your oral health situation, and you have not experienced decay or cavities, it is better to not change your habits. However, if you have a hard time reaching certain teeth or deal with regular cavities and decay, then we recommend switching to a more effective electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes can also be a good option for the elderly when coordination and strength are lacking. Beyond using proper brushing habits, it is also important to make sure you are going to the dentist twice a year for professional cleanings, as well as flossing daily! Want to know more about your oral health routine? Schedule an appointment with your COSMO DENTAL Eton Centris QC at 0968621-2551 or Eton Tower Makati at 0017-168-2289.
Top Seven Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a long-lasting, highly durable tooth replacement option. Because dental implant restorations replace the entirety of your tooth from root to crown, they offer a wide range of improvements to your oral health, dental aesthetics, and overall quality of life. Below are some of the top benefits of dental implants. 1. Enjoy Your Favorite FoodsOne of the biggest drawbacks of missing teeth (especially molars) and dentures is that you can’t eat certain foods without hesitation. Dental implants are rooted firmly into your jawbone, allowing you to comfortably chew and experience the full taste of your favorite chewy or crunchy foods. 2. Natural Look and FeelWith the help of modern materials and technology, dental implant restorations are designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. They are customized for each patient, each tooth, and each dental condition, ensuring a comfortable fit. Dental implants provide functionality and stability that is unmatched by other tooth replacement options. And when it comes to appearance, people may not even notice that you have replacement teeth. 3. Improved Self-ConfidenceA gap in your smile can make you self-conscious. It’s easy to get wrapped up in how the gap affects your speech and what other people think of it when you smile or talk. Dental implants give you a smile that looks and feels natural, allowing you to smile, laugh, eat, and speak with confidence. 4, Prevent Bone LossOnce you lose an adult tooth, the bone mass around the missing tooth site begins to deteriorate because there’s no root to encourage the strengthening of the bone. Bone loss cannot be reversed, and nearby teeth may start to tilt toward the open space. If you’ve lost several teeth, your facial shape may change and take on a “caved in” appearance over time. With a dental implant, the titanium rod acts as the new root, stimulating new bone growth through a process called osseointegration. This avoids the likelihood of bone reabsorption, movement of adjacent teeth, and facial sagging. 5. Enable Natural SpeechMissing teeth and restoration options like dentures tend to change the way you speak. Tooth gaps at the front of your mouth may cause a lisp, and dentures may slip when you talk, causing a slur or lisp. This can be distracting and embarrassing as you’re constantly worrying about what your voice will sound like. Dental implants, whether topped with a crown or implant-supported dentures, will provide a surface for your tongue to press against when forming words. They are held firmly in place, preventing them from slipping and sliding as you talk. Dental implants allow you to speak easily and naturally. 6. Strong, Stable, and Built to LastDental implants are incredibly durable. The implant replaces the root of the missing tooth, providing a strong and secure anchor for dental restorations. Once they’re fully integrated with the jawbone, they offer “survival rates” better than other tooth replacement options. In fact, dental implants can last a lifetime when properly placed and cared for. 7. Easy to Care ForAnother Dental implant benefit is that it is very low maintenance, requiring the same oral hygiene routine as a natural tooth. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, using mouthwash and flossing once a day, and visiting your dentist every six months for checkups and preventive cleanings. If you have implant-supported dentures, they will require the same type of care as traditional dentures. With implants that are capped with bridges, you’ll need to clean under the false tooth to maintain gum health. Final Thoughts Dental implants are one of the most reliable and predictable missing tooth replacement options. It is durable, versatile, and work to restore the functionality of your teeth. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants become a permanent part of your smile, keeping it beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. If you’ve lost one or more teeth, consider asking one of our doctors at Cosmo Dental whether dental implants are right for you.
5 Ways You Can Hurt Your Teeth When You Exercise!
Exercise is good for your body, and your teeth. Studies show that exercising regularly helps lower your risk of developing gum disease by 54%. In fact, even occasional exercise will reduce your risk by 33%. So, is there any risk to your teeth and gums from exercising? That depends. Sometimes your fitness and physical activities can present certain risks to your oral health. 5 Things that Can Damage Your Teeth When You Exercise Dental Injury – Damaging your teeth during physical fitness and recreational activities is definitely a risk of exercise. Every year more than 3 million teeth get knocked out playing recreational and sports activities. Blunt force from a ball, bat, an elbow or a foot can do a lot of damage. But so can many sports and activities that involve motion – biking, playing basketball, soccer or volleyball, boxing. Wearing a sports mouth guard when you’re out their playing offers insurance against the cost and hassle of replacing a missing tooth. Our custom designed sports mouth guards will fit comfortably to your unique teeth and bite, compared to the boil and bite mouthguards you can buy at the store. They’ll feel good, and look good (choose from several colors!) when you’re out playing hard. Sports Drinks, Energy Bars & Gels – Take it easy on sports drinks, energy bars and gels to fuel or refuel your body when you’re exercising. Sports drinks do offer plenty of electrolytes, but they’re also loaded with sugar and are highly acidic. This combo can quickly erode the enamel of your teeth and promote tooth decay. In fact, drinking some sports drinks consistently for as little as five days can damage your teeth. Energy bars and gels are also high in sugars and they can stick to your teeth, and linger there longer, which will contribute to a build up of cavity causing bacteria. Your Saliva Flow & Composition Can Change – Excessive exercise could also damage your teeth by changing the composition and flow of your saliva. More workout hours logged per week could result in a higher risk of cavities. A study noted that there was a significantly higher rate of tooth erosion in triathletes compared to non-athletes. In addition, the researchers found that athletes who engaged in more weekly training had more cavities than those who trained less. Why? People who spend a considerably more time exercising had a higher pH or alkaline content in their saliva, while also producing less saliva. It seems that this combination neutralizes the proteins in saliva that can fight off bacteria and help prevent tooth decay. Without a healthy saliva flow, food particles and bacteria linger in your teeth, as aren’t flushed away. Keeping well hydrated while you exercise, and afterwards, will help combat your dry mouth. But sometimes chronic dry mouth may be a result of a health issue, such as diabetes, or from taking various medications, such as antihistamines or decongestants for allergies. If you believe you suffer from chronic dry mouth, please contact us to schedule an exam. Clenching Your Teeth – Exercise-induced-bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding) can also damage your teeth. Impact sports and recreational activities like skateboarding can increase your risk of a tooth injury, but so can doing certain exercises like lifting weights. Whether you’re squatting or deadlifting, the strain you are exerting from moving a heavy weight can cause you to clench or grind your teeth. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching during exercise is actually pretty common. It also can cause a tremendous load on your teeth and jaw joints. Excessive clenching may lead to chips, crack lines, holes, or fractures in your teeth. And if you grind your teeth when you exercise this could also contribute to gum recession and wear down the enamel of your teeth. A mouth guard creates a protective barrier between your teeth, and helps cushion the clenching or grinding when you lift. Wearing a properly made sports mouth guard that aligns and supports your jaw will not only protect your teeth, but it will also protect your facial, head, and neck muscles. If you’re strength training, you’re probably already geared-up with several accessories like knee sleeves, or weight-lifting belts, so what’s one more (small thing) to add to your protective work-out gear? Open Mouth Breathing – Are you a mouth breather when you’re out there jogging? Breathing through your your mouth, rather than through your nose, is another risk to your teeth. Why? It reduces the saliva flow in your mouth by drying it up. Not having enough saliva in your mouth to flush out food particles, and keep things clean, gives the bacteria in your mouth a great environment in which to grow, and promote tooth decay. It might be a challenge for many mouth breathers to kick the habit and switch to nose breathing. If you can’t, drink plenty of water when your exercise. This will help aid your dry mouth during work outs. Physical fitness is good for your body, and it’s good for your teeth…as long as you minimize some of the risks to your teeth that come along with staying in shape. Adding a custom sports mouth guard will serve you with additional protection. Request one if you have an appointment coming up. And, if not, please call our office at 0968-621-2551.
What To Know About Periodontal Disease And How To Prevent It
Periodontal disease refers to various levels of severity of infection in the gum tissues. Some of these issues include plaque, gingivitis, gum infection, gum inflammation and many others. According to WebMD, gingivitis is inflammation of the gums and a precursor of periodontal disease. It’s also a signal that additional care is necessary to prevent it from becoming worse. Gingivitis is relatively easy to treat. If you control it quickly, you can avoid serious periodontal disease that may require more invasive procedures. Periodontitis is an inflammatory gum disease that generally affects the tissues supporting the teeth. We’re not trying to scare anybody, but being aware of what causes gum inflammation and subsequent gum diseases can save some trouble down the line. Diligent oral care is equally important for the health of both gums and teeth. Inflamed or infected gum tissue can occur, and if left untreated, it can eventually cause damage to the underlying jawbone that supports the teeth. Teeth are left vulnerable and can become loose. What started as a minor inflammation can end with tooth loss. So, let us know about some of the periodontal diseases: Gingivitis:It is often considered as one of the earliest stage of gum disease and is noticeable via inflammation of the gums. Generally, in gingivitis gums swell up and appear reddish and sometimes it even bleeds while brushing. However, at this stage, the gum disease could be prevented from further increasing. Periodontitis:It is the second stage of gum disease wherein the teeth supporting bone and fibers that hold the teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. The gums begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which increases penetration and growth of plaque below the gum line. When you reach this stage, it is important that you start taking your oral hygiene seriously and go for one or two periodontal therapy so that further damage can be prevented to the gum tissue and teeth supporting bones. Advanced Periodontitis:Since, it is advanced periodontitis, it is the more advanced stage of gum disease. At this stage the fibers and supporting bones of your teeth are getting destroyed and your teeth are starting to loosen. This affects your entire oral system. Aggressive periodontal therapy needs to be done and teeth might need to be removed by the dentist. Dentist will provide restorative options if teeth are removed due to periodontal disease. Now that you know, why your gum bleeds and why does your particular tooth pains, know how to treat it on time without damaging your teeth any further. Since, gingivitis is the earliest stage, it can be treated easily. You can simply get your teeth cleaned by the professional dentist more often. Generally, cleaning your teeth every 3 to 4 months would help your get rid of the problem. However, if your periodontal disease is in second stage, a little more complex treatment would be involved. You can go for: Root planning and Scaling: Root planning and scaling involves deep cleaning of your teeth and gums that removes plaque (the major cause of periodontal diseases) and tartar under the gum line. Don’t worry about the pain, local injection would ease out the pain. Gum Surgery: Hope you don’t reach this level but if you have advanced periodontitis, gum surgery can be done to repair damage caused by infection. Gingivectomy is done to remove infected tissue, a flap procedure to clean the gumline to remove bacterial infection and scale the tooth roots in case of periodontal pockets larger than 5 mm, and gum grafting can be done for the recessed tissue. Regenerative Procedures: It is the reversal process used to reverse the bone and tissue damage. In this, infection in your gums is removed by the dentist by opening the affected area. He will then place a bone graft, membranes (filters) or tissue-stimulating proteins that will encourage the bone and tissue to regenerate. The worse your gum disease becomes, the more invasive the treatment is likely to be. To avoid surgery, practice prevention. Periodontal Disease Treatment at Cosmo Dental How to prevent periodontal diseases?Brush your teeth:Well, brushing is the most basic thing that you can do to prevent gum diseases, but people are more prone to gum diseases even after regular brushing. So, brush after every meal to remove plaque that gets trapped between your teeth and gums. Don’t forget to include your tongue, bacteria loves to hide there. Flossing vs gingivitis:Never run out of floss in your bathroom. Even if you brush twice, always say yes to floss. Regular flossing certainly reduces the signs of gingivitis when coupled with regular brushing. Flossing is magical for bleeding gums as well. Floss at least once a day as well; gums can sometimes stop bleeding with regular flossing. Swish with mouthwash:Use mouthwash to rinse your mouth after brushing even. Mouthwash helps keep your breath fresh and reduce episodes of plaque in your gums. Mouthwash removes food particles that brushing and flossing could miss. Frequent visit to periodontist:If not every month, an annual meeting with a good periodontist could help you evaluate your dental health. A Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation looks at your teeth, plaque level, gums, bite, bone structure and other risk factors for periodontal disease. Identifying symptoms of gum disease early is a key to protecting your teeth and gums. Quit smoking:If you are smoker, you are susceptible to get periodontal disease more easily than a person who does not smoke. Drinking and unhealthy diets also add to the gum disease woes. Always consult a periodontist before infection in your teeth increases with time. So, know your risk and other factors that add to it. Well, we hope you don’t have to consult periodontics any time soon and our preventive tips are taken seriously before you have to fine cure.
