Dental Health

Why Would a Tooth Become Infected?

How confident are you about the status of your oral health? Have you suffered from cavities and gum disease over the years? Or are you one of the lucky few who seems to have inherited a trouble-free mouth?

Unfortunately, most of us fall into the first category. While issues such as cavities are indeed troublesome, the fact of the matter is that more serious conditions may arise on occasion.

One common example involves a tooth infection. What might cause such an infection? What are a handful of symptoms to recognise?

What Causes a Tooth Infection?

Tooth infections may result from a handful of situations. Perhaps the most well-known involves a cavity that has been allowed to progress to the point where underlying tissues become damaged. If bacteria are allowed to penetrate into the pulp and the nerve, an infection can occur. This will require immediate treatment in order to avoid even more problems.

An injury (such as chipping or cracking a tooth) may also allow bacteria to enter the tooth. Even teeth grinding (known as bruxism) can increase the chances of developing an infection. Thus, even seemingly small imperfections should be examined by a professional to determine if any issues are present.

Damage to a dental restoration such as a bridge or losing a filling are other scenarios to recognise. In either of these cases, sensitive portions of the teeth and/or gums may become exposed to harmful bacteria. If you suspect that a restoration has broken or become dislodged, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

What Symptoms May be Present?

Although there are times when you will not feel any type of pain, most individuals will begin to experience discomfort in the event of an infection. Here are some common signals that a dentist is needed:

Sensitivity in one or more teeth.
Pain that seems to radiate towards the ear, neck or jaw.
A foul taste or smell within your mouth.

Even seemingly minor infections can soon evolve into more worrying situations. There are even times when an infection may spread to other portions of your body. This is why it is always better to be safe than sorry. Schedule an appointment with your dentist at the first sign of trouble.

Is it Wise to Remove a Loose Baby Tooth?

Children have multiple stages of development — and one of the most memorable is when they lose their first tooth. Of course, this process is absolutely necessary so that permanent teeth can enter.

While some of our memories may involve the “tooth fairy”, others are associated with having a loose tooth removed before its time. Is it wise for parents to force such a tooth out?

Let us first examine why removing a premature tooth is not wise before looking at a handful of alternative strategies.

Better Left Untouched

Teeth become loose for a reason, to allow the adult teeth to emerge. We need to remember that nature will eventually take its course. Parents who choose to expedite this process can cause their child to endure a significant amount of pain and discomfort. Instead, the tooth will work its way out in due time. In the event that it seems to be impeding the entrance of a permanent tooth, it is best to consult with a dentist.

How to Encourage a Loose Tooth to Fall Out

In the vast majority of cases, baby teeth (also known as deciduous teeth) will become dislodged without any need for intervention. The good news is that there are other ways to speed up the process. For example, children should be allowed to play with a loose tooth with their tongue. They will only wiggle it until pain is perceived, so there is little danger with this approach.

What if a tooth appears to be literally hanging on by a thread? In this case, parents can wrap their fingers in a tissue and gently grab the tooth. A small amount of force may complete the process. If this does not produce results, the tooth should be left alone until it becomes looser.

Working with Professionals

In the event that a baby tooth appears to be blocking a permanent tooth, it is always prudent to consult with a dentist or an oral care specialist. These individuals will be able to take a closer look in order to determine what steps (if any) need to be taken. Thankfully, the majority of baby teeth will fall out without the need for any type of intervention.

Read the full story here:

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/should-you-pull-your-childs-loose-tooth/

Why Frequent Cleanings Are Best for a Healthy Smile

In the past, most experts recommended visiting the dentist every six months in order to obtain a professional cleaning. However, times have changed. Some people tend to have more plaque buildup, so require more frequent cleanings.

There are a number of advantages when cleaning take place on a regular basis.

Dealing with Bacteria and Plaque

At-home brushing and flossing techniques are not always effective at removing the harmful plaque and bacteria that can accumulate within the mouth. This is even more relevant for those who have crooked or tightly spaced teeth. Professional dental cleanings are capable of accessing all of these “nooks and crannies”. Therefore, the chances of developing issues such as cavities and gum disease are dramatically reduced.

Avoiding Common Dental Problems

One of the concerns with oral health is that some problems are difficult to detect. Tooth decay and gum disease may not show symptoms of problems until later stages. Dentists and dental hygienists are able to look for any tell-tale signals that a more thorough examination may be required. Those who don’t get the cleanings are at a higher risk of needing more in-depth treatments that could have otherwise been avoided.

The Notion of Early Detection

Regular professional cleanings are great ways to make sure that your oral health is never taken for granted. We are not only referring to cavities and gum disease in this sense. Cracked veneers and damaged bridges may likewise be detected with a cleaning. The same holds true for any fillings that have come loose or partially detached over time. There are even times when cancer screenings can be used to search for any serious concerns at an early stage.

This is why you should follow your dentist’s advice if they request more frequent dental cleanings. You will be helping to ensure that the health of your teeth and gums is never called into question. Be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist today!

Learn more:

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-regular-teeth-cleanings-keep-your-smile-healthy/

Fixing a Gap Between Your Teeth

If you have a gap between your teeth, you may be having trouble chewing food. You may be unhappy with the look it gives your smile. Whether the gap occurred naturally at birth — or as the result of a missing tooth — you will be happy to know that there are several options to correct it.

Orthodontics

A tooth gap can result from a misalignment, and can often be corrected by using orthodontics like 6 Month Smiles. This is a type of braces made of clear brackets and white wires which are very discreet. Although they are not completely invisible, they are much less obvious than conventional braces. These will quickly and effectively move your teeth (gently) and transform your smile — filling in the gaps between teeth.

Invisible aligners may also help; these are a clear and removable form of braces, much like a dental retainer, and also gently push teeth into the correct position.

Veneers

Veneers can cover a very small gap, especially if the front teeth are involved.

Veneers are ultra-thin ‘sleeves’ that are cemented to the enamel of your existing tooth with a very strong bonding agent. It is virtually impossible for others to notice a veneer and they are extremely sturdy. The majority of veneers are made from either porcelain or ceramic and they can withstand years of abuse if maintained properly.

Dental Bonding

Bonding is the most cost-effective option when dealing with a gap. A dental bond consists of specially formulated resin that matches the colour of a tooth. It is then applied to the area that needs to be filled in.

While quite effective in regards to the end results, we should mention that these dental resins will normally only address smaller gaps.

Dental Bridges

A bridge is essentially a means to anchor an artificial tooth to one or more surrounding teeth. This option is commonly employed when a tooth has been lost. A bridge is a great option if there are one or more large gaps within your mouth and if maintained properly, they can last for decades at a time with few issues.

Talk with Danny the Dentist to discuss which method is the most logical solution for you.

What Are The Benefits Of Dentures?

Tooth loss is a common occurrence, often caused by tooth decay, gum disease and accidents. Like other dental restoration treatments, dentures are used to replace missing teeth. Below are some of the major benefits of receiving dentures.

Key takeaway:

Dentures are mostly used in people who have lost all their teeth. One of their greatest benefits is helping people chew their food properly. Dentures also help strengthen facial muscles and restore youthfulness.

Severe tooth loss can affect speech. Fortunately, getting dentures can help you speak better without feeling ashamed or tense. Dentures are also less expensive than other dental restoration treatments.

Missing teeth often cause self-esteem and self-confidence issues. You may be afraid of smiling or laughing in public. However, dentures have a well-designed natural appearance that will help restore your confidence.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist to talk about custom dentures.

For more, read here https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/restore-your-smile-this-holiday-season-with-custom-dentures/

How your dentist can improve the appearance of filled teeth

At Danny de Villiers Dentist in Weybridge, we offer a number of ways to improve the appearance of teeth that contain fillings. Gone are the days when having a filled tooth had to mean obvious metal amalgam; there are now a number of methods to fill teeth without an unsightly glint of metal.
white-fillings Once upon a time white filling material was considered less strong than metal amalgam. Thanks to advances in techniques and technology, the material used for white fillings is now considered almost as strong as its metal counterpart. What’s more, there are also a number of other options available at our Weybridge dental practice should your tooth require extra strength.
Metal filling replacements from your Weybridgedentist
If you have old, worn metal fillings that are preventing you from smiling, come to see dentist Danny. He will examine your teeth and will then recommend the best way to replace your amalgam fillings.
White fillings
In many cases, the best option is simply to remove old metal amalgam fillings and replace them with white composite ones. Whilst they are referred to as “white” fillings, this is a bit of a misnomer as your dentist will carefully select a shade of composite material that closely matches the natural colour of your teeth, ensuring that they blend seamlessly into your smile.
Your dentist will first remove your old filling, along with any additional areas of decay. He will then carefully shape white composite material to fill the cavity. This material hardens quickly once in place, and is designed to be durable and strong.
Other options
Sometimes, your dentist will find that your tooth needs extra strength to restore full functionality as well as aesthetic appeal. In that case, a tooth-coloured porcelain crown, inlay, or onlay may be recommended.

How your dentist can improve your smile without major treatment

A dentist enjoys nothing more than seeing a patient who was previously shy about smiling improve their confidence and their happiness thanks to cosmetic treatment. At Danny de Villiers Dentist in Weybridge, we offer a number of ways to boost your smile without the need for extensive treatment. Read on to find out what we could do for you. . .
Replacements for metal amalgam fillings
At our Weybridge dental practice we are proud to treat patients holistically, and do not use metal amalgam fillings. We can in many cases replace your old metal fillings with more aesthetically-pleasing alternatives. Because there are several ways in which we can replace metal fillings, your dentist will first conduct a thorough clinical examination before recommending the best option to suit your needs.
Composite fillings
Often referred to as “white” fillings, composite fillings are in fact made to match the natural colour of your teeth. Your dentist will select a colour of composite material that closely matches your teeth, so the filling will blend in with your mouth.
This material is very strong and durable, and is particularly well-suited to the front teeth.
Porcelain inlays and onlays
Inlays and onlays are made from porcelain, and are more durable than composite fillings. An inlay is placed into a prepared cavity on your tooth, whilst an onlay is placed on top of a tooth, and is a better option for very large cavities.
Onlays and inlays may be considered a half-step between fillings and crowns, enabling your dentist to add strength to a weakened tooth without the need for a full crown.
Crowns
Your dentist can use a crown to restore strength, functionality, and aesthetic appeal to a tooth that has been weakened by extensive decay, root canal treatment, or a very big filling. Our Weybridge practice is metal free, so your crown will be porcelain or ceramic.

How your dentist can improve the appearance of filled teeth

At Danny de Villiers Dentist in Weybridge, we are proud to use only white composite material for fillings. They are more versatile than traditional metal amalgam fillings, contain no mercury, and can be made to closely match the natural shade of your teeth. If you already have old metal amalgam fillings, your dentist can safely remove them and replace them with either white composite fillings or a range of other alternatives.
A potted history of fillings
dentist-surrey When fillings were first invented, metal amalgam was the only material available. Whilst this was both strong and durable, it is also very obvious in the mouth, particularly if used near the front of the mouth. White fillings have been around for many years and, whilst once considered less strong and durable than their metal counterparts, this is no longer the case.
Because of the increased versatility of white filling material, your dentist will have to remove less of your original tooth than with a metal amalgam filling. At our Weybridge dental practice we are passionate about preventative dentistry, and want to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible should you require a filling. White fillings enable your dentist to do this.
The procedure to replace old metal amalgam fillings with white ones is simple, and only needs local anaesthetic. Your dentist will remove the old filling, along with any additional areas of decay, and will choose a shade of filling material closely matched to the natural shade of your tooth.
Alternatives to fillings
At our Weybridge practice we also offer porcelain inlays and onlays, which again your dentist will match to the natural colour of your teeth. Inlays fit into the biting surfaces of teeth and are suitable for smaller cavities, whilst onlays cover a larger area of the tooth and suit bigger cavities.

Why regular dentist visits are essential to a healthy, happy smile

Some people only visit the dentist when they have a problem, such as toothache or a lost filling. However, at Danny de Villiers Dentist in Weybridge, we are eager to stress the importance of regular visits to the dental practice – even if you think you have a healthy mouth.
dentist The problem with many common dental health issues is that they have few noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Gum disease and tooth decay are the main causes of tooth loss in the UK, but it can be difficult to spot the early signs at home. That’s where your dentist comes in; with advanced technology and techniques, the team at our Weybridge dental practice are able to spot very early signs of tooth decay and gum disease, and to treat them before they become serious.
How often should I visit the dentist?
Standard advice is to visit the dentist every six months for a general check-up. Everybody’s needs are different, however, and some people need to visit more frequently. You should always follow your clinician’s advice.
At our Weybridge dental practice our focus is firmly on preventative dentistry. This is designed to stop problems before they start, ensuring that your mouth stays in healthy condition and reduces the need for more extensive, expensive treatment further down the line.
Your dentist also plays a pivotal role in the fight against mouth cancer. The number of cases is on the increase, and again it is often difficult to spot the early signs at home. We carry out mouth cancer checks as a standard part of a general dental check-up at our Weybridge clinic, and if we spot anything of concern we will refer you to a hospital consultant straight away for further investigation.
We welcome new patients of all ages at our Weybridge dental practice, for both general and cosmetic dentistry.

Regular dentist visits help keep your mouth healthy

You should never wait until a problem arises to visit the dentist. Regular visits to the dental practice are essential to keeping your mouth in top condition. At Danny De Villiers Dentist, Weybridge, we welcome new patients of all ages, whatever your needs.
How often should I visit the dentist?
dannythedentist In most cases, it is recommended that you attend a dental check-up every six months. Sometimes you will need to visit more frequently, particularly if you have a condition such as gum disease that needs careful monitoring and treatment, and you should always follow your dentist’s recommendations.
But my mouth feels healthy – why do I need to go?
Many dental health problems start with few – if any – noticeable symptoms. Gum disease and tooth decay are the leading causes of tooth loss in the UK, but with both conditions they may have become fairly advanced before you notice anything of concern.
At our Weybridge practice, we are passionate about preventative dentistry – helping to stop problems before they start – and believe that early detection and intervention where necessary is key to maintaining your oral health.
Plaque is the main cause of tooth decay, and even if you have a good home oral health routine, plaque is likely to build up in difficult to reach areas, such as between the teeth. At our Weybridge practice we use early decay detection techniques to spot any areas of concern, which will often not have had the chance to produce any noticeable symptoms. The sooner decay is detected, the easier it is to treat, with less healthy tooth structure being damaged.
Similarly, the early symptoms of gum disease may be noticed by your dentist or hygienist before you have spotted anything at home. Again, early intervention is key, and can help to save your teeth.
Other conditions, such as mouth cancer, are also checked for as standard at our Weybridge clinic during your routine dental check-up.

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