Author: lynxbravo

7 Early signs of gum disease to look out for

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half the persons aged 30 to 65 have gum disease. From the age of 65 onwards, the percentage rises to nearly 70%. Even though gum disease is this frequent, there is some good news. Gum disease is easily treatable when caught early on. 

Gum disease can be defined as a severe infection of the gums that can cause tooth loss and pain. It’s critical to understand how to avoid gum disease and what treatments are available. You can stop gum disease in its tracks by detecting the early indicators of the condition. 

Reasons for Early Gum Disease  

Although Gum disease does not necessarily affect younger people, there are several external factors that could attribute to the advent of the disease. Bacterial Infections affect your gums and the bone that supports your teeth, causing gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Gingivitis is an earlier stage of gum disease. If gingivitis is not treated in time, it can develop into periodontitis, a dangerous condition that can also result in tooth loss. 

Gum disease is commonly caused due to poor oral hygiene. Still, it can also be caused by heredity, advanced age, chewing tobacco, diabetes, chronic dry mouth due to smoking, drug abuse, AIDS, and other diseases. 

Signs of Early Gum Disease  

There are certain early warning indicators that you might experience if you have gum disease. Without a check-up, it’s difficult to make any assumptions about your oral health, but if you see any of these as your symptoms, you might want to book that appointment with the local dentist  

  • Sensitive teeth 
  • Gum recession 
  • Chronic halitosis/ bad breath 
  • Excruciating pain while chewing. 
  • Gum bleeding or tenderness 
  • Swollen or red gums 
  • Loose, Gappy and Crooked teeth 

Benefits of Early Gum Disease Treatment 

Gingivitis can be treated with professional cleanings that remove all signs of plaque, tartar, and germs from the affected areas. Scaling and root planning is a procedure that allows your gums to heal while also preventing infection. 

Early treatment of gum disease helps prevent your teeth from loosening and coming out, as well as avoid the necessity for more intensive treatments later on, such as dental restoration. Gum disease therapy may also enhance general health because periodontitis is linked to other major disorders, including heart attack and stroke. 

No matter how far along your gum disease has progressed, our expert team at Bravo! Dental can diagnose and treat you with minimal pain. However, detecting gum problems early and preventing the development of full-blown gingivitis or periodontitis is the greatest way to maintain your dental and oral health. Call 1-888-682-7286 to reach out to us at Bravo! Dental today! 

 

5 Amazing benefits of braces other than straightening your teeth

You probably picture of just teeth straightening when you think of braces. Although straightening teeth is one of the major reasons orthodontists recommend braces, it isn’t the only one. Orthodontic braces give you a lovely smile, but let’s look at some other ways they can benefit your general health. 

Prevents Gum Disease 

Preventing gum disease is one of the more important long-term health benefits of wearing braces. Gum disease is a condition that affects the soft tissues that surround the teeth. Plaque and food particles are easily caught between the teeth when a person’s teeth are crooked or misaligned. Braces straighten the teeth, making them easier to clean with a toothbrush or floss. 

Eases Speech Impairment 

Did you know that misaligned teeth affects how you pronounce words? If your teeth are misaligned, it will impact your speech habits. Braces can help you enhance your speech by changing the position of your teeth. Additionally, realigning can give your tongue more room to travel around, which reduces slurring. 

Reduces Bone Erosion 

The bones that keep the teeth in place might be affected in the same way that the gums and teeth are. Every tooth has a lengthy root that runs through the jawbone. Misaligned teeth often impose extra force on the teeth and gums, they are one of the most common causes of jawbone erosion. Braces can assist prevent erosion by ensuring that every area of the jawbone is appropriately exercised, and that plaque and germs do not collect in pockets in the mouth. 

Improves Digestion 

The function of your teeth in digestion is important. Teeth partially digest food before it can enter your stomach. If your teeth are crooked, it might not be easy to chew and break down food into tiny pieces. As a result, digestion takes longer in the stomach. Intestinal pain, irritated intestines, and hunger / appetite even after eating are common side effects. Food will be digested more easily and completely once you can chew properly with braces. 

Boosts confidence 

One of the most appealing aspects of braces is how they may boost a person’s self-esteem. When people’s teeth are crooked, they often feel self-conscious about showing them off. It’s comforting to know that braces are a short-term solution that can give you a warm and confident grin for the rest of your life. 

Our experts at Bravo! Dental can help you experience all the long-term health benefits of braces by prescribing quality treatment that addresses both dental and mental health. Get in touch with us today! 

What are the impacts of an eating disorder, and how to prevent them?

After a dental exam, you’d expect to hear about cavities, poor bites, or other dental problems. But on the contrary, the dentist might talk about a problem you didn’t quite expect: an eating disorder.

The food we eat offers the building blocks for our bodies to take care of healthy cells, tissues, and organs and the energy to work, learn and participate in activities. To keep things running smoothly, we need to eat enough food (ideally the right kinds), which is why eating disorders are such a major concern.

Eating disorders, the most common of which are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are aberrant food habits that can emerge from mental or emotional concerns.

Anorexia nervosa: Restrictive anorexia causes people to restrict their meals and caloric intake to lose weight severely. Malnutrition is the most severe threat to anorexic patients’ oral health. Osteoporosis, which weakens the jaw bones and leads to tooth loss, can be caused by a lack of nutrients. The salivary glands may also enlarge and produce insufficient saliva, resulting in dry mouth.

Bulimia nervosa: It is defined by a cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory actions such as self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives. Bulimia symptoms can appear in people suffering from sadness or changes in their social settings. Vomiting frequently exposes the teeth to stomach acid, which erodes the protective layer of enamel and can cause discoloration, damage, and even tooth loss.

A dentist may notice other indicators of an eating issue. Anorexia can show a lack of oral hygiene, while bulimia might show up as over-aggressive brushing or flossing.

Treatments:

Nutritional therapy is frequently used in the medical treatment of eating disorders to address physical consequences and starvation-related brain alterations that perpetuate the condition. This is paired with psychotherapy and antidepressant medicines.

To monitor damage, extra-oral and intra-oral examinations of the oral hard and soft tissues are required, and extensive documentation includes detailed clinical notes, periodontal charting, radiographs, intraoral pictures, and study models. Your dentist would provide interventions to reduce damage to the oral hard and soft tissues and ease xerostomia and dental hypersensitivity while the patient recovers from their eating disorder. A mouthguard can protect the dentition while vomiting.

Because the treatment process might be lengthy, patients should take precautions to safeguard their teeth in the meantime. Rinsing the mouth with a little baking soda mixed with water after regurgitation is a crucial step. This will aid in the neutralization of oral acid and the prevention of erosion. Brushing/flossing properly, and visiting the dentist regularly can help avoid dental disease.

Eating disorders are pretty detrimental. If you are worried about your eating disorder, contacting us is a helpful first step toward recovery. Make an appointment at Bravo! Dental today and speak with one of our specialists about minimizing and restoring the harm caused by eating disorders.

Why is it necessary to have regular dental check-ups?

If you feel compelled to avoid your routine dental appointment by inventing another ridiculous excuse, you’re certainly setting yourself up for trouble! Yes, dental check-ups are just as vital as other physical checks.

Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. At least once every six months, you should visit the dentist. Regular dental appointments are essential for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

At least twice a year, as would be recommended by your dental professional, get regular dental check-ups to avoid other medical complications.

Getting your teeth regularly checked offers several benefits:

Prevents future problems

One of the advantages of regular dental appointments is that the dentist can detect nascent stage problems that could develop into larger problems later on. For example, if they find a little cavity, they can treat you right away. Many people suffer from plaque accumulation and gum disease that go undiagnosed because they don’t see a dentist soon enough. A dentist can also look for signs of mouth cancer or other severe disorders.

Prevents gum disease

The early phases of gum disease, for the most part, are symptomless. This makes it difficult to identify gum disease in a person’s mouth. On the other hand, dentists can quite easily detect early on-set gum disease. The dentist will evaluate the gums for firmness during a routine check-up. Swelling, receding gums, and deep gum pockets will all be examined. If the dentist notices any of these concerning symptoms, the underlying reason will be addressed.

Prevents bad breath

It’s not a mere case of morning breath or eating too many onions when you have persistent foul breath. After consistently practicing poor oral hygiene habits, a condition known as halitosis might develop. This is not a problem you should ignore or try to solve on your own. Regular visits with your dentist help identify what is producing the odor and how to address it. It could be a medical emergency that has to be addressed right away.

Prevents oral cancer beforehand

A dentist will examine the teeth and gums and look for indicators of oral cancer invariably during your every visit. This is excellent news because oral cancer can quickly progress to a life-threatening condition if left unnoticed. Thus, a person who visits the dentist every six months has a low risk of developing late-stage oral cancer.

Are you prepared to reap the benefits of routine dental visits?

For some people, picking up the phone and making a dentist appointment can be daunting and downright terrifying. Consider all of the advantages of regular dental check-ups and how skipping too many might affect your general health and well-being.

Is it time to see a dentist once more? Are you looking for compassionate professionals to help you overcome your dental phobia?

Do not hesitate to get in touch with us at Bravo! Dental if you have any questions, concerns, or require medical assistance. Keep your oral health on track with our comprehensive dental check-up plans. Call us now!

Why is Removing Wisdom Teeth Earlier important?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that erupt generally between the late teens and early twenties when humans attain adulthood. These teeth are originally a part of the human physiology, since primitive human beings used them to chew and process raw meat and hardy vegetables. But over time, these teeth became mostly obsolete, although evolution has rejected to discount them from human physiology until now.

So, extraction of these “wisdom teeth” is essential for almost every individual who attains that age of early wisdom.

Why do you need to extract wisdom teeth earlier?

Wisdom teeth removal is essential sooner rather than later to avoid oral health risks like infections, impacted teeth, bad breath, etc. If the growth of your wisdom teeth causes a health hazard, you may need them to be removed. Your dentist will prescribe wisdom teeth removal right away to avoid concerns like overcrowding, toothaches, and damage to the surrounding teeth and gums.

Impacted teeth

When wisdom teeth break through the gum line, bacterial growth can lead to infection, gum ulcers, and tooth decay. Impactions can cause discomfort and inflammation, therefore, it’s always a good idea to get your wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible to avoid these issues.

Risk of cavities

Wisdom teeth are vulnerable to cavities due to their placement in the back of the mouth, where they are difficult to reach. As a result of swelling gum tissues and the development of soft-tissue inflammation where bacteria can flourish, neighboring teeth may develop cavities. Patients who have these teeth extracted early are less likely to develop cavities in surrounding teeth, which is a compelling incentive to remove them as soon as possible.

Infection

Delayed wisdom teeth removal can cause infections that may have regular tooth discomfort, swelling and redness of the jaw bone. There can also be jaw stiffness, and the infection can spread throughout the body through the bloodstream, causing other health concerns. Early removal can prevent these harmful infections.

Gum protection

When wisdom teeth are extracted too late, bacteria thrive in the mouth, and the gums suffer. Wisdom teeth should always be extracted early to safeguard the health of the remaining teeth in the mouth and the gum tissues.

Easier extraction

While some people wait until later in life to have their wisdom teeth extracted, this is usually a terrible choice because the root system becomes more rigid and denser with each year that passes after these molars erupt, making extractions more painful and complex. Patients benefit from significantly easier extractions and avoid the discomfort, inflammation, jaw stiffness, and general issues if extracted earlier.

Now that you know how important it is to get your wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible, don’t wait any longer. At Bravo Dental!, we recognize the importance of wisdom tooth removal and will offer the best decision for you based on your specific needs. Please contact us at 1-888-682-7286 to make an appointment today. We’ll be delighted to help you!

All that you need to know about Teeth Aligners

Teeth aligners are clear trays made of a plastic mould used to correct teeth in the same way braces are used to straighten teeth. Without the inconveniences of metal wires and brackets, they use moderate and consistent force to shift the teeth into the desired position.

Teeth aligners have emerged as an intriguing alternative to traditional braces. When you wear transparent aligners, you have more mobility and can confidently smile in a crowd without anybody noticing you’re wearing trays.

How long do aligners have to be worn a day?

At least 22 hours per day should be spent wearing your clear aligners. You should only take them out when it’s time to clean your aligners, or during meals.

If you don’t wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time each day, your treatment duration will be extended. As a result, your teeth may remain crooked, or your progress may halt. Wear your aligners for at least 22 hours, every day, for optimal results.

Can you sleep with teeth aligners on?

Yes, you can sleep with your aligners on during your treatment. One of the ideal times to wear your teeth aligners is when sleeping. If you sleep eight hours a day, wearing your aligners while sleeping can help you cut that time from your prescribed 22-hour day. You can wear your aligners with confidence, knowing that wearing them at night is always a safe and helpful option.

What are the benefits of using a teeth aligner?

A clear teeth aligner has numerous advantages. Patients can take the device off at any time to eat, drink, clean their teeth, and floss. Unlike traditional braces, clear dental aligners do not have sharp edges or wires that might injure the gums or make biting unpleasant. Within a few weeks, patients can see significant improvement.

Clear aligners are a more economical alternative to traditional braces. As clear aligners are constructed of translucent plastic and are generally more comfortable, they are less obvious on the teeth.

What are the potential risks?

As clear tooth aligners can be removed at any moment, patient compliance can become a difficulty. If the patient does not wear them for a sufficient amount of time, treatment duration could extend due to insufficient usage of teeth aligners.

Clear teeth aligners are definitely a fantastic alternative if you’re searching for a quick, simple, and cost-effective solution to get a great smile. However, braces from an orthodontic practice or a dentist’s office are likely the best option if your teeth require extensive re-alignment or anticipate substantial concerns throughout therapy.

Begin your aligner adventure with Bravo Dental! Contact us now to learn more about how our products can help you as you start this journey. Get in touch now!

How long does a root canal take?

Root Canal treatments are frequent nowadays. The duration of root canal therapy is dependent on the type of tooth and the number of root canals required. Incisors, canines, and some premolars have only one root to treat, but molars and certain premolars may have up to three roots to treat.

A root canal treatment lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. However, more complicated cases may take up to 90 minutes.

Molars

Molars, the four-cusped teeth at the back of your mouth, can have up to four canals, making root canals the most time-consuming procedure. A molar root canal could take 90 minutes or more due to its time to extract, sterilize, and fill the roots alone.

Premolars

The roots of your premolars are located behind your anterior teeth, but before your molars are only one or two. Depending on the framework of your tooth, a root canal in a premolar can take an hour or more.

Incisors and canine

The incisors and canine teeth are in the front of your mouth. As you chew, these teeth assist you in tearing and cutting food.

Because they only have one root, they are easier to fill and treat during a root canal procedure. Even so, root canals on one of your front teeth can take 45 minutes to an hour, and that’s not including the time it takes to receive a crown if you need one.

If your dentist is planning to place a crown simultaneously as the root canal, you’ll need to add at least an hour to your projected time. It is best to consider waiting a little more after the root canal to ensure the tooth has healed and there are no more issues.

How many dental visits does a root canal require?

Root canal treatment can now be completed in just one visit because of enhanced technology and modern tools. A one-visit treatment allows you to complete the entire procedure in a single day, saving you time and money. During this visit, drilling, filling, rinsing, and sealing will all be done.

But in some rare situations, where the procedure might be complex, you might require to visit your dentist twice for the treatment.

The first appointment is often cleaning and reshaping the tooth’s inner tissue with drilling, filing, and rinsing. The second session is usually utilized to address the tooth’s exterior by filling and sealing the disease-free space. In the time between the two treatments, the dentist may inject a medication into the tooth to help prevent the bacteria from returning. The second appointment is usually scheduled between one and three weeks after the first.

Any single root canal session should last between 30 and 60 minutes on average, but in more severe instances, the dentist may need up to 90 minutes.

If you’re having root canal symptoms or have been told you need one, call us now to schedule an appointment at Bravo! Dental- at 1-888-682-7286. The sooner you get it treated, the better your chances to be pain-free.

Sensitive Oral Tissues: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments 

Oral tissues include every part within the oral cavity, which majorly adds the lips and the inner layer of the cheeks. Mouth sores (stomatitis) are the most common issues the oral cavity faces. These sores can form on your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and the floor and roof of your mouth, among other soft tissues. You can also have mouth sores on your esophagus, which is the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach.

Causes:

Mouth sores can be caused by irritation from the following sources:

  • A sharp or damaged tooth, or dentures that don’t fit well
  • Biting your tongue, cheek, or lip
  • Experiencing tongue burns as a result of hot foods or beverages
  • Misplaced Braces
  • Tobacco chewing

Types of sores:

Cold sore: Cold sores are also known as fever blisters. They’re quite contagious. Tenderness, tingling, or burning are common symptoms before a sore emerges. Cold sores typically start as blisters and subsequently crust over. A herpes virus that causes this can live for years in your body. It only manifests as a mouth sore when something causes it, such as a fever, hormonal fluctuations, or a sunburn.

Canker sores: They aren’t highly contagious. They can resemble a pale or yellow ulcer with a crimson ring around it. You might have one or several of them. Women appear to get them at a higher rate than men. Canker sores have an unknown source. It could be caused by a weakened immune system, stress, or a deficiency in vitamins and minerals.

Symptoms:

Depending on the mouth sore you have, the symptoms will differ. The lesions will usually produce redness, discomfort, and inflammation. You may also encounter:

  • Feelings of tingling or burning.
  • Eating is a challenge (especially spicy or salty foods).
  • Blistering.
  • Bleeding.
  • Ulceration.
  • Dysphagia – a condition that affects people’s ability to swallow food.

Treatments:

A visual examination can diagnose the majority of mouth sores. If your disease is severe, your healthcare professional may prescribe a blood test or a biopsy. Based on how you have been affected, your dentist would treat you as follows,

Allergy: If an allergic reaction causes the problem, the doctor will figure out the allergy and how to get rid of it.

Infection: Depending on the type of infection, stomatitis may necessitate specific therapy and drugs.

Nutritional deficiency: A doctor can diagnose and treat dietary deficiencies using medicines or nutritional changes.

Topical therapies applied directly to the skin have been reported to help reduce discomfort and speed up the healing process. The following are examples of topical treatments:

Topical corticosteroids: These are often used as a rinse and are intended to relieve symptoms to eat, drink, and speak without pain or discomfort.

Topical antibiotics: Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities are found in topical antibiotics, usually in a gel or a rinse.

Topical anesthetics: They are numbing drugs that patients can apply directly to sores for short pain relief. They are usually available via prescription.

Although most mouth sores are harmless, they can be rather uncomfortable. Fortunately, some therapies can help alleviate the pain. If you’re experiencing any strange symptoms or your mouth sores haven’t healed in three weeks, schedule an appointment with us today at Bravo Dental. Our experts can assist in excluding any significant health concerns and detecting any problems early on.

7 Major benefits of Gum Disease Treatment

Periodontal diseases are infections that affect the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone surrounding the teeth. Infection (also known as gingivitis) is limited to the gums in its early stages, but it is a major factor for tooth loss in adulthood. If the condition is not addressed early, it might spread to other tissues, making the situation even more difficult to treat.

The Benefit of having healthy gums

Because gum disease is generally asymptomatic in its early stages, it’s easy to overlook its long-term consequences. Maintaining a healthy gum line, on the other hand, is essential for good dental health. Moreover, the advantages go beyond gum healing and tooth protection. Deep cleanings and other forms of periodontal treatment can benefit patients in the following ways:

Reduces oral discomfort

Periodontal disease can be a source of considerable suffering. Gum disease causes gums to become painful and swollen throughout the day, and bleed during brushing. The symptoms of gum disease should begin to fade as periodontic treatment is delivered.

Prevents dental complications

Treatment for gum disease also aids in the prevention of more significant oral health issues. Due to the high level of germs in the mouth, patients with gum disease are more likely to develop tooth decay. Protecting the teeth from microorganisms gets more challenging as the gums recede. Gum recession can result in tooth loss in certain scenarios.

Fresh breath

Bad breath is a typical indication of gum disease, as it is generated by decomposing food particles, germs, and plaque. After gum disease therapy, you will be able to experience the pleasures of naturally fresh breath once more.

Oral health restoration

Gum disease treatment’s main goal is to restore optimal dental health. You can restore pink, healthy gum tissue by removing germs, plaque, and tartar from the mouth. Treatment can encourage the formation of new, healthy gum tissue, reducing gum recession and allowing the gums to fit snugly around the teeth once more.

A beautiful smile

The gums play an essential role in the appearance of your smile because they frame your teeth. Periodontitis majorly causes your gums to swell and bleed, making you feel self-conscious. Cleanings also remove tartar and plaque, which can discolor teeth.

Preventive care

Gum disease, if left untreated, can lead to cavities, jawbone recession, abscesses, and even tooth loss. You can avoid both the physical and financial costs of these long-term tooth problems by obtaining periodontal care before time.

Better overall health

Gum disease has a direct effect on general health. Gum disease sufferers may have an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory disease. Focusing on good periodontal health, on the other hand, can help lower the likelihood of these other health issues.

Gum disease treatment can significantly impact your health and overall quality of life. So, book your appointments today at Bravo Dental and bring back the happiness in your life!

Thumb Sucking among kids: Is it Normal?

Thumb sucking is a normal reflex that many children develop shortly after birth. While it provides comfort and security and is another way for young toddlers to relax and fall asleep, thumb-sucking might contribute to teeth problems in the future.

Thumb sucking does not always result in tooth or oral damage though. For example, passive holding the thumb in the mouth is unlikely to cause harm. Active thumb sucking with a lot of movement, on the other hand, can damage primary (baby) teeth, but this normally corrects itself when permanent teeth emerge. Occasionally, Thumb sucking causes misalignment in children’s permanent teeth, as well as problems with the jaw, the shape of the mouth, and the roof of the mouth. In addition, kids may be easily exposed to dirt, germs, and viruses as a result of thumb sucking.

Dental issues faced due to thumb sucking:

  • Child’s upper jaw can be protruded more from their face than it should be
  • Overbites: a condition where the top front teeth protrude upward and outward
  • Lower front teeth are angled inside their mouth
  • Space between upper and lower teeth when biting or chewing
  • An inability to bite together with the front teeth
  • The roof of the mouth might sink and rise
  • The emergence of a lisp
  • The tongue would not be in the typical place in the mouth

When should kids quit sucking their thumbs?

Between the ages of two and four, or when the permanent front teeth are ready to sprout, children usually cease sucking. Consult your dentist if you detect changes in your child’s primary teeth or are worried about thumb sucking.

How to encourage your child to give up thumb sucking?

  • Praise your youngster for not sucking their thumb
  • When children are insecure or need reassurance, they frequently suck their thumbs. Concentrate on resolving the source of your child’s concern, and provide necessary comfort
  • If your child is older, let them choose the way of stopping
  • Your dentist can reassure your kids and explain what can happen to their teeth if they continue the habit of sucking
  • Orthodontic braces can also help your kids overcome thumb sucking

If you’re having problems motivating your kid to make healthy changes by their own, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a dentist. To inhibit thumb sucking, they may offer a bitter drug, thumb-sucking protection, or (in rare situations) a dental device.

When it comes to helping your child, it’s essential to understand what works and what doesn’t when it comes to changing their behavior. Thumb sucking eventually goes away on its own – still, it can occasionally cause oral damage, especially if it continues above the age of four and if the kid sucks aggressively and often.

Seek expert guidance at Bravo Dental, and help your children break the habit!