What is a Root Canal?

Whenever you hear the phrase “root canal” amid a conversation about dentists, you cringe a little. It does sound painful, especially since it targets the core of your rather sensitive teeth. But a root canal is actually a canal full of pulp and nerve that runs down the length of each tooth. How many root canals a tooth may have depends on the type of tooth, but it still varies between teeth. Molars may have two to four, premolars and cuspids may have one or two and incisors usually have one.

What you probably think of the most when “root” and “canal” are squished together is the procedure that involves some serious dental drilling. When those precious root canals become infected or start to decay, something must be done to save the tooth and maintain great oral health. This is where the root canal procedure comes in and goes something like this:

•  An x-ray is done to determine the state of the tooth and where the infection is.
• Once the infected area is determined, it will be numbed and a rubber sheet—better known as a rubber dam—will be wrapped around the tooth to keep the tooth dry during the procedure.
• A hole is then drilled down into the tooth to get access to the pulp chamber.
• They will then remove the infected pulp and nerve using various sizes of files to ensure that all the infected material is scraped from the canal.
• After a thorough cleaning, the hole will then be sealed to prevent any bacteria or debris from getting inside. The sealing usually happens on the same day but, in some cases, the dental professional may think it’s necessary to put medication in the tooth to clear up all the bacteria. In those situations, a temporary sealing will be in place until a permanent sealing about a week later or so. When permanently sealing, the canal will be stuffed with sealer paste and a rubber compound called gutta percha and then sealed in by a permanent filling.
• Sometimes, the tooth will require some other restorative technique besides a sealing, such as a crown.
• Of course, the latter of all this depends on the state of tooth and how much it may have decayed.A diagram of a root canal procedure

A diagram of a root canal procedure

It may sound painful, despite the promise of numbing. Honestly, the numbing is just a precaution and to help you feel better. If a root canal procedure is necessary, then the nerve in the canal is most likely dead, making it very difficult to feel anything at all. So, have no fear because the procedure is painless. Afterwards, the area may be understandably tender and sensitive, but nothing that can’t be solved with a simple painkiller.

Maybe you’re wondering if it’s okay to remove the nerve and pulp in your tooth. It has to be there for a reason, right? Once the tooth has popped through your gums and made a permanent home, the nerves in your teeth are unnecessary. So, losing that nerve won’t affect your daily life in any way.

But if you have an infection in your root canal, you may not have symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you’ll probably experience a little pain when you chew or when you consume hot or cold foods.  Sometimes the infected tooth will have some discoloration or the gums surrounding the tooth will become tender and swollen.

Such an infection can be caused by a few things, like serious decay, a crack or a chip in the tooth or trauma to the face. It can also be caused by having repeated dental procedures on the same tooth or a large filling. If the infection gets serious enough, a tooth abscess may form, which is a pocket of pus at the tip of the tooth and is very painful.

Hopefully, you have healthy, strong teeth. But if you suspect any sort of issue with your teeth, you should consult your dentist immediately to make sure. The infection will be demolished effectively and you can go back chewing your steak with a smile.

What are Dental Sealants?

If you’re looking for a great way to protect your teeth, dental sealants is definitely a way to go. The most common place to get cavities is in your back molars, where there are plenty of grooves and depressions for plaque to hide in. While brushing can certainly help, it can be difficult to scrape the plaque out of those tiny, hidden grooves.

A dental sealant is a thin layer of plastic coating over the chewing surface of a tooth. It fills in those small grooves and decreases the chance of getting a cavity in those hard to brush areas. While it sounds odd to have a plastic sealant over your tooth, it’s hardly noticeable and very helpful. Because it’s so thin, it doesn’t affect how you eat or chew at all. It’s merely there to protect, not to bother.

What are Dental Sealants?

Sealants are applied in a dental office, not at home. But the process is quick and painless, as it only affects the surface of a tooth. The process of getting a sealant will go something like this:

A sealant will last for about five years or more, sometimes reaching up to ten years. It’s also not visible, usually being too thin to notice. So, when you talk, you won’t have any odd colors or materials on your teeth.

Dental Sealants are an easy way to protect your teeth from decay and cavities. The use of fluoride is still encouraged to help strengthen your enamel, but the sealant will keep those grooves and fissures protected from plaque buildup.

What Causes White Spots on Teeth?

White spots on teeth are mostly caused by some sort of acid. It could either be from acidic foods or from plaque buildup in certain are as. Of course, whether or not you get white spots can also depend on genetics and specific situations.

All in all, white spots on your teeth come down to three main causes: plaque buildup, acidic foods and lack of calcium. Whether it’s genetics, braces or acids, white spots are not always something to worry about. If you’re looking to get rid of these spots, sometimes whitening them will help, but it’s best to talk with your dentist about what option is best and safest for your teeth.

How to Keep Braces Clean?

Braces can be a hassle when it comes to brushing and flossing. But, you still want to make sure you cleaning them correctly, or it could have unfavorable results. Plaque buildup can damage teeth and braces provide several areas for plaque collection. When you get those braces off, you want to see straight, beautiful teeth. But, cleaning improperly with braces can cause white spots or other damage to your teeth.

Brushing: 

Brushing seems simple enough, but the idea of brushing thoroughly changes as soon as you get those brackets on your teeth. Braces bring a whole new world of brushing angles and toothbrushes. You may even want to ask your orthodontist or dentist what they recommend for brushing with braces.

Orthodontists will often provide proxy brushes, which look like a tiny section of pipe cleaner that’s shaped like a Christmas tree. These are handy for getting in between your brackets and behind the wires of your braces. Use these when you can to be sure you’re getting every spot.

Flossing:

Flossing can sometimes be a hassle with braces. But, to be certain you’re caring for your teeth properly, it has to be done. The only real problem is threading the floss behind the wires, but there are a couple different products that help make the process easier.

If you’d like, you can finish off your flossing and brushing with a swish of mouthwash, but it’s up to you. Just be sure you’re flossing every tooth and not just the front teeth.

Tips:

How to Clean Your Teeth Without a Toothbrush

Have you ever gone on a trip and realized you forgot your toothbrush? Maybe you’re camping with your family and discover you’re lacking your favorite dental tool. In that horrible moment, you see your dental health crashing before your eyes as visions of heavy plaque and cavities invade your mind. Then you probably thought: “there’s got to be a way around that.” Good news, there is a way to take care of your teeth amid such awful situations. Just collect your toothpaste, yourself and a paper towel—or napkin if paper towels are scarce.

Brushing Without a Toothbrush

Brushing Without any Dental Supplies

Sometimes, it isn’t just your toothbrush that’s missing. Every now and then, the whole arsenal of dental supplies will be where you aren’t and you’re in a situation where a toothbrush won’t come easy. Luckily, there’s a way to clean your teeth until you can get a hold of something better.

Helpful Tips for Where You Are

If you’re at a hotel when you discover the absence of your dental supplies, go ahead and call the front desk. Most hotels can provide a toothbrush and toothpaste for you if you’ve forgotten yours.

If you’re out camping with the family without a toothbrush, you can scout out a green twig. Clean it as well as you can and chew on the end until the fibers fray. You’ll have yourself a homemade toothbrush to glide across your teeth.

DO NOT go very long without brushing your teeth with an actual toothbrush. These tactics certainly help when you’re in a pickle, but don’t compare to the effective brushing of a toothbrush.

How to Deal With a Chipped Tooth?

Sometimes your teeth take a hit and leave lasting damage. You might get a mark or, more terrifyingly, a chip out of a tooth. When you’re faced with that kind of damage, how are you supposed to deal with it? What are the options?

No matter how extensive the damage is, it would be a wise idea not to leave it alone for too long. It may not hurt, but any damage to your teeth will encourage further damage to the tooth and possibly the soft tissue surrounding it, which will make the problem harder to deal with physically and financially. You can discuss with your dentist what might be the best option for you and your situation, but don’t wait to solve the problem.

Treatment

What it really comes down to is that the best way to handle a chipped tooth is to get it treated. Don’t leave it unattended and don’t try to deal with the damage yourself. Doing either can result in worse condition of the tooth and gums, which is a bigger hassle than anyone is willing to deal with. If you chip your tooth, visit your dentist and discuss what can be done to ensure the situation is handled properly.

How to Make Your Own Mouthwash?

If you want fresh breath and a clean mouth, mouthwash is the buddy you turn to. But that mouthwash you picked up from the store is full of toxic ingredients that may do more harm than you think to both yourself and your environment. Why do people always tell you not to swallow it?

Store bought mouthwash has actually been associated with an increased occurrence of oral cancer, enamel damage and tooth sensitivity. While that is merely an association, research has actually shown that mouthwash can damage DNA and is toxic for your cells. It won’t have an immediate effect, but will be damaging in the long run if you continually use mouthwash full of toxic ingredients.

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The good news is that you can make your own mouthwash with safe, natural ingredients that are affordable and easy to find. To make your own mouthwash, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• ½ cup of distilled water
• 1 cup of aloe vera juice
• 2 tablespoons of baking soda
• 1 tablespoons of witch hazel
• 20 drops of Peppermint essential oil

Snatch up an old mouthwash bottle, or some other bottle that will easily work, and a funnel. Using the funnel, pour everything into the bottle, shake it up and you’ve got yourself a homemade, safe mouthwash your whole family can use. It doesn’t have any toxic contents or alcohol, so your children can use it as well. If they swallow it, it won’t harm them at all, as the contents are all safe to swallow, but will freshen breath and catch those extra bacteria after brushing.

If you have a few extra minutes, toss out that toxic mouthwash and make your own. The ingredients are easy to shake together and lack the toxic contents that can lead to oral cancer and cell damage.

What Kind of Toothpaste Should I Use?

A visit to the toothpaste aisle can be overwhelming. There are so many options that you might be confused about what toothpaste you should use.

5 Things Most Types of Toothpaste Have in Common

Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

If you experience tooth pain when eating or drinking things that are hot or cold, you might want a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth. This kind of toothpaste contains compounds that reduce the sensitivity of your teeth.

Some people are prone to canker sores inside their mouths. Sodium lauryl sulfate may be one cause of such sores; to avoid this, find a toothpaste that is free of this common additive.

Tartar Control Toothpaste

Plaque is the layer of bacteria on and in between your teeth that you remove by brushing and flossing. If it’s not removed, it hardens and becomes tartar. Toothpastes with extra compounds such as zinc citrate and triclosan can prevent tartar buildup.

Whitening Toothpaste

If your teeth are stained, you might want to try a whitening toothpaste. These specially-formulated pastes contain extra abrasives and chemicals that bind to stains in order to remove them.

Specially-Flavored Toothpaste

If you’re having difficulty getting your kids to brush regularly, a flavored toothpaste might help. Toothpastes developed for kids include flavors such as bubblegum, fruit punch and grape.

Adults might also enjoy some of the special flavors on the market. Instead of the typical mint, you can find toothpastes flavored like cinnamon, citrus and even herbs.

How to Choose the Right Toothpaste

First, ask your dentist for a recommendation. Your dentist is familiar with your specific dental needs and may encourage you to use a specific type of toothpaste.

Otherwise, as long as you choose a toothpaste that has been approved by the ADA (American Dental Association), you can’t go wrong.

How to Brush Your Teeth with an Electric Toothbrush?

An electric toothbrush doesn’t provide different results that a properly-used manual toothbrush. However, some people don’t brush thoroughly enough with a manual brush; those people will benefit from an electric toothbrush.

The brushing technique with an electric toothbrush is different from that of a manual brush. With a manual brush, you must provide all the movement; with an electric brush, you need only guide the brush. Here are the 10 steps to brushing with an electric toothbrush.

A Reminder…

Most manufacturers recommend that you replace the head of your electric toothbrush at least every 3 months.

How to Floss Correctly

Your whole life you’ve been told that dental hygiene is important. By now, you’re probably excellent at brushing your teeth, but have always questioned whether or not you were flossing properly. Sometimes it can be hard to motivate yourself for flossing, but that simple string can get places that your trusty toothbrush can’t. Of course, that’s only as long as you floss correctly.

Braces or Other Dental Work

If you have braces, a permanent retainer or some other dental work that can get in the way of normal flossing, there is special orthodontic floss that’s stiffer and can be threaded under wires. There’s also the option of floss threaders, which look like plastic, bendable needles. You can simply thread the floss through the loop and easily push the threader and floss under wires.