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TEETH WHITENING

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Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR.

Your smile creates an immediate, subconscious, visual impact on people you meet. A brighter smile gives the impression of youth, vitality, radiant health, happiness, and warmth. A bright smile is perceived as a healthy smile. Tooth whitening is an increasingly popular cosmetic dentistry procedure that can make a massive difference on the appearance of your smile.

Causes of Tooth Discoloration
As we get older, our teeth naturally darken and discolor due to factors such as diet, age, lifestyle-smoking habits, drugs (like tetracycline), grinding (due to stress), trauma and even genetics. Tooth whitening can make your teeth look younger, cleaner and healthier.

Types of Tooth Stains
Extrinsic stains are those that appear on the surface of the teeth as a result of exposure to dark-colored beverages, foods and tobacco, and routine wear and tear. Superficial extrinsic stains are minor and can be removed by prophylactic dental cleaning and whitening.
Intrinsic stains are those that form on the interior of teeth. Intrinsic stains result from trauma, aging, exposure to minerals (like tetracycline) during tooth formation and/or excessive ingestion of fluoride. There are alternative cosmetic solutions to treat intrinsic staining, such as dental veneers and crowns.

Types of Teeth Whitening
There are various ways to whiten your teeth, but the two most common are office whitening and the home whitening systems-
Office Teeth Whitening
Professional tooth whitening in a dental office is the preferred whitening method because it is more effective. Even though stronger agents are applied, the rest of the mouth, including the gums, is protected from these materials. The best whitening systems feature a buffer in the gel that protects the tooth enamel from damage, are extremely effective, and can transform teeth color in a single visit. Your teeth can literally brighten up to 5 shades in about an hour.
Tooth whitening can last for 6 months or more, depending on how well you take care of your teeth.
Home Teeth Whitening Systems
They can either be used as a primary whitening option or as secondary option after office whitening to maintain the whitening result for longer time. Dentist’s supervision is must before you start using Home tooth whitening methods. They include whitening strips, paint-on tooth gel, mouth trays with gel. These are typically safe products.

Teeth Whitening Risks
Teeth whitening treatments are considered to be safe when procedures are followed as directed. However, there are certain risks associated with bleaching that you should be aware of:
Sensitivity: Bleaching can cause a temporary increase in sensitivity to temperature, pressure and touch.
Whitening sensitivity lasts no longer than a day or two, but in some cases may persist up to a month. It is recommended to use desensitizing toothpaste for few days after a whitening session.
Gum irritation: You might experience some degree of gum irritation resulting from the bleach concentration or from contact with the whitening trays. Such irritation typically lasts up to 1-2 days.

Maintaining Your Teeth Whitening Results
To extend the longevity of newly whitened teeth, it is recommended

  • To use home whitening  once to twice a month
  • Avoiding dark-colored foods and beverages for at least a week after whitening.
  • Whenever possible, sipping dark-colored beverages with a straw.
  • Practicing excellent oral hygiene – brushing and flossing after meals and at bedtime.

 

Dental Health for Women

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Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR.

Everyone needs to look after their oral health, but for women, specific periods in their life can affect their oral health significantly. Changes in female hormone levels during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause exaggerate the way gums react to plaque. Since, gum disease is usually painless, many women may not even realize they have it until it reaches an advanced state. As, gum disease is a bacterial infection, it can enter the bloodstream and may be a factor in causing other health complications like:

  • Heart disease: People with gum disease may be more at risk for heart disease and have nearly twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack.
  • Stroke: Few studies found a casual relationship of oral infections as a risk factor for stroke.
  • Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease and may make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar. Gum disease may also be a risk factor for diabetes, even in otherwise healthy individuals.
  • Respiratory problems: Bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can travel to the lungs causing respiratory disease such as pneumonia – especially in people with gum disease.
  • Pregnancy outcomes: Pregnant women who have gum disease may be more likely to have a baby born too early or too small. Gum disease may also trigger increased levels of biological fluids that induce labor.

Women can expect their dental health to change during these specific periods of their life in the following ways:

  • Puberty: The increase in estrogen and progesterone causes blood vessels to dilate which can affect gums and can cause bleeding, swelling and redness. The changes in hormones affect the bacteria in the mouth at this time, meaning that cavities and bad breath can develop. Ulcers are also more common in teenagers than children.
  • Menstruation: In the lead up to their period, some women experience swollen or sensitive gums that are prone to bleeding, while others can experience mouth ulcers or cold sores. Once menstruation begins, these symptoms commonly disappear.
  • Oral contraceptive: Taking an oral contraceptive is common for many women. The synthetic hormones in these tablets can cause gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, which results from an excessive build up of plaque.
  • Pregnancy: The significant changes in hormones during pregnancy make oral health care a priority for women during this time. Gingivitis is, again, common in pregnant women, but also ‘pregnancy tumours’, which are non-cancerous, benign growths that develop when swollen gums become irritated. Normally, these tumors will naturally shrink and disappear after the baby’s birth, although if they interfere with brushing or are uncomfortable, the dentist may decide to remove them.
  • Lactation: There are many benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby, but the period of lactation can also negatively impact a woman’s oral health. Adapting to life with a new baby can often mean that women skip brushing and flossing their teeth, resulting in an increased likelihood of cavities and gum disease developing. The increase in stress and tiredness can also cause Bruxism to develop, which is the grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep. This can result in headaches, neck and jaw pain, or teeth cracking.
  • Menopause: There are many possible changes that can occur in a woman’s mouth during menopause. These include burning mouth syndrome, dry mouth, gingivitis and mucosal changes which can result in changes in the appearance of gums and can cause them to bleed easily.

It is very important to ensure that women maintain their good daily dental hygiene so that the teeth and gums are at their best to deal with these hormonal fluctuations. To reduce this plaque build-up on teeth following care should be taken:-

  • Brush two to three times daily and floss once a day
  • Choose health food and not high-sugar foods
  • Avoid snacking
  • Drink mainly water and milk. Avoid adding sugar to drinks
  • Chew sugar free gum after starchy and high sugar foods to help stimulate saliva
  • Have regular check-ups at your dentist, to check your teeth and gums to detect any early problems and remove plaque and calculus build-ups to keep your mouth healthy.

Tooth-Friendly Diet

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Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR.

Regular brushing and flossing remain your best protection against tooth decay and gum problems. But a tooth-friendly diet can also help keep your smile bright and your gums healthy.
A balanced diet, tooth that provides adequate nutrition can help promote healthy teeth. Many nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium and others, are essential to oral health.
Along with eating a healthy diet, it’s smart to limit snacking. The flow of saliva cleanses the mouth and teeth, removing cavity-promoting foods. But if you snack all the time, you expose your teeth again and again to foods that can erode enamel. The best advice to prevent cavities is to limit your eating to three meals a day. If you snack, reach for a food that’s less likely to cause tooth decay. What are your best choices? Here are the foods to choose — and foods to avoid — in order keeping your teeth healthy and your smile bright.

Foods to Avoid for Healthy, Sparkling Teeth
Sugary drinks: When bacteria in the mouth break down simple sugars, they produce acids. These acids can erode tooth enamel, creating pits where cavities can form. Sugary drinks, including soft drinks and fruit drinks, consist almost entirely of simple sugars. Some studies have singled out sports drinks as the worst offenders for eroding enamel.

Candy and highly-sweetened snacks: Most candies are loaded with sugar, which increases acid levels from bacteria in the mouth. Sticky and gummy candies pose the biggest threat, since they adhere to teeth, making it hard for saliva to wash them away.

Some starchy foods: Starches also raise acid levels from bacteria in the mouth, eroding tooth enamel. Starchy foods include breads, pastas, rice, and potatoes. The more refined or cooked a starch, the more likely it is to raise acid levels in the mouth. Raw starches in the form of vegetables tend not to endanger tooth enamel.

Sugary breakfast cereals: Foods that contain a mixture of sugar and starch should be avoided. Snacks such as ready-to-eat breakfast cereal, pastries, and many processed foods may be bad for teeth. The combination of starch and sugar is more likely to get stuck in plaque between teeth.

Coffee, tea, and red wine: Sweetened tea or coffee raises acid levels, weakening enamel. And because they are often sipped slowly, acid levels may remain high over a longer period of time, raising the danger. Coffee, tea, and red wine also tend to stain teeth.

Foods to Choose for Healthy, White Teeth
Water: The best thirst quencher is also the smartest choice for your teeth. Water helps wash acid-producing foods from the mouth.

Sugar-free drinks: If you like your water sweetened, choose sugar-free drinks. Because sugar-free drinks wash acid-producing food from the mouth, they may help reduce cavity risk.

Sugar-free chewing gum: Chewing gum increases the flow of saliva, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth, protecting tooth enamel. The flow of saliva also washes food out of the mouth, limiting the amount of time it is in contact with teeth. Sugar-free chewing gum is also a good choice when you crave something sweet.

Citrus fruit: Although it is acidic, citrus fruit increases saliva flow. In fact, research shows that oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruit tend to protect tooth enamel, as it contains a lot of water; it also helps wash away acid-producing bacteria. But always remember excess of anything is bad.

Cheese and milk: Cheese and milk protect tooth enamel and ward off cavities in several ways. First, they encourage saliva production, which neutralizes acids in the mouth. The protein, calcium and phosphorous in cheese and milk also buffer acids, protecting enamel from erosion. Studies suggest that cheese and milk may even help strengthen the protective minerals in teeth surfaces.

Fish and flax: By far the biggest threat to healthy teeth is gum disease. It occurs when bacteria collect in pockets. This causes inflammation that can damage the connective tissue anchoring teeth to bone. Foods that reduce inflammation may protect against gum disease.
Omega-3 fatty acids are the most potent anti-inflammatory nutrients. This form of fat is found in fish, fish oil, and flaxseed. People who consume diets high in omega-3s are more resistant to inflammation and infection, they may be more resistant to gum disease as well.

Cocoa: Good news for chocoholics: Substances found in cocoa appear to dampen inflammation and may help protect against erosion and decay. Even chocolate milk, although it contains some sugar, doesn’t seem to increase the risk of cavities compared to snacks like cookies, chips, and raisins. Dark chocolate is a good choice, since it is lower in sugar than milk chocolate.

Surprisingly, the difference between a healthy smile and frequent visits to the dentist might be your diet. Even if you have a perfect oral hygiene routine, it might be hard to keep your teeth healthy, if you don’t watch what you eat. Discuss this with your dentist during your next routine six monthly check-up.

 

Tooth brushing Mistakes

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Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR.

Tooth brushing is such an ingrained habit, few people think twice about it. But as with any habit, you can get sloppy, and that can lead to cavities and gum disease.

1: Not Using the Right Toothbrush
Consider the size of your mouth when picking a toothbrush. If you are straining to open wide enough to let the brush in, the brush is probably too big. The handle has to be comfortable. It should feel comfortable as you are holding and the toothbrush head should be small so that it reaches the very last tooth as well. The more comfortable it is in your mouth and your hand, then the more likely you will use it and use it properly.

2: Not Brushing Often Enough or Long Enough
Softly brushing your teeth at least twice a day is recommended. ”Three times a day is best.” With too much time between brushings bacterial plaque will build up, boosting the risk of gum inflammation and other problems.
Brushing should last at least two minutes, three minutes is even better. Most people fall short of both time lines. It is often recommended to divide the mouth into quadrants and spend 30 seconds a quadrant. Some electric toothbrushes include built-in timers.

3: Not Picking the Right Bristles
Some toothbrushes have angled bristles, others straight. So is one type better? NO…..”It’s more related to technique than the way the bristles come out. What is important when buying a toothbrush? Bristles that are too stiff can aggravate the gums. It is recommended to use a soft-bristled brush. Bristles should be sturdy enough to remove plaque but not hard enough to damage the teeth when used properly.

4: Not Brushing Correctly
Long horizontal strokes along the gum line can lead to abrasions. Aim your bristles at the gum line at a 45-degree angle and do short strokes or vibrations. Softly brush up and down your teeth, not across your teeth. The strokes should be vertical or circular, not horizontal.
Be sure to brush outer and inner tooth surfaces, the chewing surfaces, and your tongue.

5: Brushing Too Often or Too Hard
While brushing your teeth three times a day is ideal, but brushing twice is must. Excessive brushing could expose the root of the tooth to irritation, and that could in turn irritate the gums. Brushing vigorously can also erode tooth enamel. The trick is to brush very gently for two to three minutes.

6: Skipping Inner Tooth Surfaces
Most people forget to brush the inner surfaces of teeth — the surface that your tongue presses against.
The plaque you can’t see is just as important to remove as the plaque you can see.
The most commonly skipped area, dentists say, is the inner surface of the lower front teeth.

7: Starting in the Same Place Each Time
Many people start brushing the same part of their mouth over and over. Start in a different place so that
You don’t get lazy in the same area of your mouth.

8: Not Following Up With a Rinse
Bacteria can grow on an un-rinsed toothbrush. Then, the next time you brush your teeth, you may actually put old bacteria back in your mouth. Rinsing the toothbrush after you brush will help remove any leftover toothpaste, too.

9: Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry
If you have a toothbrush that’s perpetually moist, it will cultivate more bacteria.
If the bristles stay soggy, you can shape-out them as you use the brush. Or it might be a breeding ground for bacteria. It’s a good idea to shake out the moisture, and then recap it with a cap that allows air in.

10: Not Changing the Toothbrush Often Enough
It is recommended to get a new brush every three months or even sooner if the bristles look frayed. Once the bristles lose their normal flexibility and start to break apart, change your toothbrush. Some brushes have colored indicators that alert you when they need replacing.

Which is the better toothbrush: Electric or manual?

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Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR.

From the time we’re young, we’re taught that using a toothbrush regularly is one of the best ways to keep our teeth and gums healthy. But which toothbrush is best?

The earliest toothbrushes were actually small twigs people rubbed against their teeth to get rid of food bits and other pieces of debris. Over hundreds of years it evolved, beginning to feature bristles made from boar’s hair. In the late 1930s, when toothbrushes with nylon bristles were first invented, consumers choosing a toothbrush didn’t have many options. Now, the story’s completely different. Most stores that sell oral hygiene products now have an extensive collection of different types of toothbrushes on their shelves, including manual (disposable) and powered (electric) varieties.

Let’s take a look at the Pros and Cons of the two and find out.

Manual Toothbrush
Pros

  • Thoroughly clean teeth with proper brushing technique. Brushing only takes 2 minutes and you can most definitely keep your teeth at a grade A+ level with a manual toothbrush.
  • Multiple toothbrush styles, bristles, heads and colors to choose from. You have the ability to choose soft bristles if you have sensitive gums, and a smaller head if you have a smaller mouth. Some brands even make special prints on toothbrushes for children. Nevertheless, you’ll never be short of options with manual toothbrushes.
  • Easy to travel with. All you need is a toothbrush case and you’re all set to go for your trip. No need to worry about batteries or charging outlets.
  • No batteries or charging.
  • Inexpensive and often free whenever you make a trip to your dentist. Keep in mind that you should ditch your toothbrush after about 3 months of use.

Cons

  • More work.
  • No timing. Manual toothbrushes require you to guess how long your brushing session will last (unless you set a two-minute timer).

Electric Toothbrush
Pros

  • Easy to use. With a powered toothbrush, all you need to do is place the toothbrush at a 45° angle and let the toothbrush do all the work.
  • Less work for better results. Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes do a better job of cleaning your mouth and removing plaque and debris.
  • More fun to use for children. Children like to take the easy way out on chores. If a child never brushes their teeth because they don’t want to, try having them use an electric toothbrush. It’s less work, it tickles their teeth, and the timer will let them know they’re all done! It’s a lot easier (and more fun).
  • Built in timer. Electric toothbrushes use a built in timer that stops the toothbrush once two minutes are up; no more guessing!

Cons

  • Charging. You’ll either have to charge your toothbrush or replace its batteries.
  • Cost. Electric toothbrushes cost significantly more than a manual toothbrush. There are several types of powered toothbrushes but be prepared to pay more than you usually do.
  • Not as easy to travel with. Traveling with an electric toothbrush can be a hassle. They are bulky and bringing a charger along doesn’t help with room constraints.
  • Easy to break. Dropping your toothbrush can be fatal. You have to be more careful whenever using an electric toothbrush.

One last thing to point out: there have been a few studies that prove electric toothbrushes remove statistically significant more plaque compared to manual toothbrushes and are better at fighting gum disease. Despite the studies, your oral health will remain healthy (despite which type of toothbrush you use) as long as you consistently take care of your teeth. If you are on the fence of buying a powered toothbrush, talk to your dentists the next time you go for a checkup.

SMILE IS INFECTIOUS

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Dr.Saket Gaurav
B.D.S.(India), PGD.Ortho, PGDAD(Cosmetic)
International Dental Practitioner
DENTAL MAKEOVER, Delhi NCR.

When you look at someone’s beautiful dazzling smile, it spreads like an infection and paints a ray of
sunshine all over your face. Smile is so universal that even a new born knows it by heart & when the
captivating smile is shared it melts the wall. But it is only possible when you have healthy and white
teeth.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY: A branch of dentistry dealing with the appearance of your teeth. It
handles the modification of your smile and anything having to do with how your teeth and gums look in
terms of the length, shape, color, alignment and proportion. But as a dentist for me it is obtaining the
most beautiful and long-lasting improvement in the appearance of someone’s smile with the minimal
amount of treatment. The primary aim of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the aesthetics of a person’s
teeth, gums or bite. There are a variety of cosmetic procedures available that are appealing to many
people. The most popular procedure is tooth whitening in which teeth are bleached to remove stains
and appear brighter. Other cosmetic dental procedures available to help you achieve your perfect smile
are:-

  • Dental implants provide custom, natural-looking replacements for missing teeth
  • Crowns /caps and dental bridges give you that whiter, brighter smile and later one also closes
    the missing space
  • Dental veneers hide many flaws
  • Tooth-colored restoration replace metal fillings for a natural appearance
  • Dental bonding uses a material that looks and feels like tooth enamel to repair damage and
    flaws
  • Inlays and onlays (or indirect fillings) remedy tooth decay or similar structural damage

A smile makeover typically involves one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental veneers,
dental implants, gingival sculpting and teeth whitening to give you the look you’ve always wanted
Full mouth reconstruction offers natural-looking and clinically sound treatments to correct functional
problems with your bite, muscles, teeth and bone structure.

First impression is the last impression and everyone is becoming more self conscious of their teeth when
they have chipped, discolored, deformed, crooked or missing teeth. They may feel the need to cover
their mouth every time they laugh and tend not to smile with their teeth in photos. Apart from affecting
a person's self confidence, it can also affect a person's oral health particularly if chipped or missing teeth
are left untreated. Good thing is that most of these issues can be resolved and treated or at least
worked out to get better than what it was before. Also, as a dentist, I believe there are always one or
more treatment options available for any dental issues at an affordable cost.

Depending on the complexity and severity of the problem, referral to dental specialists may be
necessary. Ask your dentist or oral health professional for further details. Always remember to get
dental health check up and oral prophylaxis (scaling) of your teeth every six months to keep your teeth
and oral health in good shape and also to check the condition of the treatment already taken.

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