COVID-19 - We Care About You!

Category: Uncategorized

Categories
Uncategorized

Can A Loose Tooth Tighten Back Up?

the most common reasons for loose teeth in adults

Can you fix a loose tooth? If you’re an adult with a loose or wiggly permanent tooth, you need to know why it’s loose and what your options are. Permanent adult teeth don’t become loose without an underlying reason so the first thing you should do if you notice a tooth or teeth becoming wobbly is to make an appointment to see your dentist.

What Can Cause A Loose Tooth

While it may be worrying to feel your teeth moving in your gum, they might tighten up again, depending on the reason for the looseness. Other symptoms you might see as well as the loose tooth are swollen or inflamed gums and bleeding when brushing or flossing. Here are the most common reasons for loose teeth in adults:

  • Injury or Impact

    Playing contact sports, falling or being involved in an impact accident can damage your teeth. In some cases the tooth may be chipped, broken or knocked out entirely. Go to an emergency dentist as soon as possible for treatment. A missing tooth needs to be replaced either by reinserting the original tooth or by adding a dental implant. A gap in the gum line can cause surrounding teeth to weaken and become loose.

  • Gum Disease or Periodontal Disease

    Gum disease is a leading cause of loose teeth in adults. Poor dental hygiene causes a build up of bacteria in the mouth and under the gums, leading to infections and periodontal disease. In severe cases of gum disease, the gum will recede from the teeth, leaving them loose and potentially leading to tooth loss.

  • Bone Loss Due to Ageing or Osteoporosis

    Osteoporosis can affect any bone in the body, including the jawbone. When this starts losing density, it weakens and teeth are not held as securely, therefore becoming loose. People, especially women, with osteoporosis are much more likely to lose teeth than those without the condition.

  • Pregnancy

    As one of many changes that happens to the body if you’re pregnant, you may also feel that your teeth have become loose. That’s because hormone changes during pregnancy can affect the periodontium. This refers to the bones and ligaments holding teeth in place, so any changes here can make your teeth feel more wiggly than before.

Can A Loose Tooth Be Fixed?

In some circumstances, a loose tooth can be fixed and even tighten back up on its own, but in others dental intervention will be required to give it the best chance of recovery, or to find a suitable replacement.

If your tooth is loose because of:

  • Impact or Injury

    The damage caused to your teeth will likely be permanent and won’t fix itself. See a dentist as quickly as possible following a mouth injury for the best chance of saving a tooth or teeth. If it can’t be fixed or saved, your dentist will likely recommend a replacement such as a dental implant or dental bridge.

  • Gum disease

    There is a chance that loose teeth will tighten back up if the gum disease is caught in the early stages. Dentists use deep dental cleaning techniques to flush out bacteria and help gums reattach to teeth so the best advice here is to make sure you are seeing a dentist regularly. Improving your oral health routine will also speed the recovery process up.

  • Osteoporosis

    It is possible in some cases to perform a bone graft on the jaw to strengthen it, which will help keep teeth in place or provide a more stable base for implants. If this is not possible, dentures or other teeth replacement options are available.

  • Pregnancy

    Loose teeth during pregnancy will usually tighten back up after, so this is a temporary symptom. Seeing a dentist while you’re pregnant is completely safe so don’t fall behind on your regular schedule as loose teeth may also be caused by other issues such as gum disease.

How To Fix A Loose Adult Tooth

There are a few different treatment options, both preventive and cosmetic, when it comes to loose adult teeth. The most common ways a dentist can fix loose teeth are by:

  • Performing deep dental cleanings including scaling and root planing
  • Using bone grafting techniques
  • Replacing missing teeth with implants or dental bridges
  • Using dental bonding to disguise gaps and increase support

The first thing to do if you notice a permanent tooth is loose is to contact your dentist. Kenmar Dental serves patients in Marietta, Kennesaw and surrounding areas and uses the latest in dental technology to solve your dental issues.

Categories
Uncategorized

How To Fix Broken Teeth

Why do teeth break?

Your teeth are made from enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. This means that with good care, your permanent teeth should last a lifetime. Unfortunately, however, teeth can break, chip or shatter leaving you in need of an emergency dentist to fix the damage and repair your smile. Why do teeth break? And what’s the best way to fix them? Let’s find out more below.

Common Reasons Why Teeth Break

Your teeth can break for various reasons, some obvious and others that might take you by surprise. Here are the most likely reasons why your teeth might crack or break:

  • Impact or Injury

    If you fall or sustain a blow to the jaw, chin or mouth, this may result in a tooth or teeth getting chipped, broken or shattered.

  • Biting Something Hard

    You might crunch down on ice cubes or hard candies all the time but one day it may result in your tooth unexpectedly breaking.

  • Unhealthy Teeth

    If you have gum disease or your teeth have been weakened from fillings or root canal treatments, they are more prone to breaking.

  • Grinding Your Teeth

    Sometimes you may not even be aware that you grind your teeth as it commonly happens at night when you’re asleep. Over time, however, grinding and clenching of the teeth can lead to damage.

Types of Breaks or Cracks in Teeth

As well as different reasons for damage to the teeth, there are also different ways they can be damaged. In the event of any damage to your tooth, be sure to check in with your dentist as soon as possible. Even if you think it’s not that bad, it can get worse and end up causing pain, an infection or loss of the tooth. Patients in Marietta, GA can contact Kenmar Dental for the best in cutting edge dental technology.

Here are some different examples of how your tooth can crack or break.

  • Cracked Tooth – while the tooth might still be in one piece, a crack can go from the surface all the way to the gum line. This can also be called an incomplete crown fracture.
  • Craze Lines – these only affect the outer enamel and are surface hairline cracks. As they are superficial, they don’t require emergency treatment, although they might not look very nice.
  • Fractured Cusp – this is when part of a tooth’s chewing surface breaks. It often happens around fillings and you might not even notice it.
  • Split Tooth – as the name suggests, this is when a tooth breaks into two vertical parts. It is usually due to injury or severe tooth decay.
  • Vertical Root Fracture – this type of damage starts at the root and can extend all the way up to the surface of the tooth.

While breaking, shattering or cracking a tooth is something of a nightmare scenario, most cases can be easily fixed or repaired with a trip to an emergency dentist.

How To Fix Broken or Shattered Teeth

Don’t worry, even with one or more broken teeth, there are options to get your smile looking like new again. Your dentist has several methods at their disposal, depending on the type and extent of the breaks.

  • Dental Bonding

    Minor chips and breakages can be repaired with dental bonding, color matched to the rest of your tooth. This is a quick, affordable option to repair small portions of damaged teeth. If your tooth has broken and you have the pieces, put them in a glass of milk and bring them to your dentist. In some cases, it may be possible to reattach them.

  • Dental Crowns

    A crown is an artificial tooth cap that covers a broken, decayed or damaged tooth. It looks natural and will restore functionality straight away. Crowns can be applied to teeth where there is no damage to the root.

  • Veneers

    For cosmetic issues such as unsightly craze lines, veneers might be the way to go. They are thin porcelain shells that are fixed directly to the outer surface of a tooth. They can also cover and restore the look of a broken front tooth, for example.

  • Dental Implants

    If a tooth is so damaged that it needs to be removed, or if there is damage to the root, a dental implant is the most effective way to replace it. A metal implant is inserted into the jawbone and a realistic crown is attached to the top.

Protect Your Teeth From Breaking

It’s not always possible to protect your teeth from damage but there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk:

  • If you’re playing sports, wear a mouthguard. A custom mouthguard from your dentist offers the best protection for your teeth.
  • Avoid crunching down on hard foods such as ice, hard candies etc.
  • Do not use your teeth for anything other than eating! This includes things like opening bottles with your teeth, using them to cut tape and chewing on things like pencils.
  • Consider a nightguard to protect your teeth from grinding (bruxism) when you’re asleep. For the most comfortable and safe night guard, you can get a custom fitting one from your dentist.

What To Do If Your Tooth Breaks in Marietta, GA

If you suffer any damage to your teeth, from a minor chip to a shattered tooth, contact your dentist as soon as you can. If possible, bring any broken parts with you when you arrive. Most dentists keep space in their day for emergency appointments so don’t delay in seeking treatment. Patients suffering from tooth damage in Marietta, GA can contact Kenmar Dental for expert restorations in a welcoming environment.

Categories
Uncategorized

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH REGULARLY

The most important tool in your oral health routine is your toothbrush. Without it, food particles and bacteria would stay in your mouth, causing bad breath, tooth decay and eventually tooth loss. To keep your brushing at its best, it’s recommended to regularly change out your toothbrush or toothbrush head but how often should you replace it and what happens if you don’t?

Replace your Toothbrush Regularly

Dentists usually recommend replacing your manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush head at least once every 3 months. This means chucking out the old one and opening a fresh new packet about every 12 weeks. You might not think it’s necessary to change your toothbrush so often but there are several reasons why:

  • They Lose Effectiveness

    Every time you brush your teeth, the bristles wear down a tiny bit more. Eventually they will bend out of shape and not be effective in removing food debris and bacteria from your mouth.

  • They Get Dirty

    Bacteria remains on the toothbrush after brushing so the longer you use it, the more bacteria it will collect.

  • They Can Become Moldy

    A moldy toothbrush is not good for your oral health or health in general! If you use a toothbrush cover or case, ensure the toothbrush air dries first, otherwise you’re creating the perfect environment for mold to grow on your toothbrush.

  • Some Wear Down Faster Than Others

    The three month recommendation is really the longest you should go between new electric toothbrush heads or manual toothbrushes. In many cases, toothbrushes will wear down even faster due to aggressive brushing, chewing on the bristles etc. If your toothbrush is showing obvious signs of deterioration, throw it away!

  • They Can Make You Sick

    It’s not that likely that you’ll become sick from using an old toothbrush but if you have had a cold or the flu, treat yourself to a brand new toothbrush or toothbrush head when you’ve recovered. In the same vein, do not share toothbrush heads or manual toothbrushes with other people as the bacteria in their mouth will be different to yours and you could catch something from them.

How To Look After Your Toothbrush

Now that we know how often to replace a toothbrush or electric toothbrush head, let’s take a look at how to keep your toothbrush in good condition until you need a new one.

  • Don’t brush too hard as this will wear down the bristles faster, as well as being harsh on your gums.
  • Don’t clean your toothbrush in mouthwash or hot water after use, just rinse it under the cold tap.
  • Let your toothbrush air dry after use.
  • It’s not necessary to use a toothbrush cover or cap as this can increase bacteria on your brush.
  • If you're storing your brush with other people’s, make sure the toothbrush heads do not touch.
  • If your toothbrush is starting to smell anything other than minty fresh, replace it with a new one.

Remember to Change or Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly

We get it – changing your toothbrush is not usually at the front of most peoples’ minds but a new toothbrush or toothbrush head improves your oral health which is beneficial for your overall health too. A good rule of thumb is to start the new year with a new toothbrush, then you can easily keep track of when you last changed it.

As we said before, though, sometimes it’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush earlier than suggested. Don’t hesitate to replace your toothbrush if it’s showing any of the following signs:

  • Flattened, frayed or splayed bristles
  • Discoloration
  • A bad smell
  • You can’t remember when you last changed it

Basically, it doesn’t hurt to change your toothbrush regularly but try to do it at least once every three months. Along with flossing and regular check ups at your dentist, your toothbrush plays a big part in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. If you want any more preventive dental treatment advice, patients in Marietta, GA can schedule an appointment with Kenmar Dental. Our professional and friendly team are always happy to help.

Categories
Uncategorized

What Are These White Spots On My Teeth?

Girl covering her mouth

If you’ve looked in the mirror and wondered “what are those white spots on my teeth?” don’t worry, you’re not alone. There are various reasons for these discolored or white patches and the best way to treat them is to make an appointment to see your dentist.

What Causes White Spots on Teeth?

There are several factors that could be causing these white spots and some are easier to treat than others:

  • Tooth decay

    Poor oral hygiene will cause an increase in bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria builds up to form plaque, a sticky layer which will attack your teeth, causing noticeable white spots.

  • Poor diet

    What you eat and drink can affect the way your teeth look. Sugary or acidic foods and drinks will wear away at your enamel, leading to white or discolored spots on your teeth. A diet lacking in calcium will also lead to weaker enamel and visible white spots.

  • Fluorosis

    This is a condition caused by consuming too much fluoride, whether from fluoridated drinks, supplements, or ingesting too much toothpaste. Generally it’s seen in young children while their teeth are developing. Fluorosis is harmless but may cause unsightly white spots on your teeth.

  • Enamel Hypoplasia

    This also generally only occurs in young children with developing teeth but it’s a condition where not enough enamel is produced. People with enamel hypoplasia are at a much higher risk for tooth decay and a patchy look to their teeth.

Can White Spots on Teeth be Treated?

It is possible to get rid of white spots on your teeth – here are the most common treatments:

  • Enamel microabrasion can gently remove a thin layer of enamel, effectively filing off the white spots and making your teeth look like new.
  • Tooth bleaching or whitening can lighten and brighten your teeth, making the white spots less obvious.
  • For badly spotted or discolored teeth, dental veneers might be the best option. These thin layers of porcelain are affixed to the front surface of a tooth, giving it a perfect appearance.

Can I Prevent My Teeth From Getting White Spots?

If you’re worried about getting white spots on your teeth, there are some things you can do to prevent them from forming.

  • Improve your oral hygiene routine
    Brushing twice daily and flossing at least once per day is the best thing you can do to remove bacteria from your mouth after eating and drinking and to prevent tooth decay.
  • Change the way you eat and drink
    Increasing the amount of calcium in your diet will help strengthen your tooth enamel. Calcium is found in dairy products, chia seeds, oily fish, almonds and leafy greens, to name a few. If you are a fan of drinking sugary juices or soda, try using a straw to minimize the contact of the liquid with your teeth.
  • Keep an eye on your kids
    Make sure your children are brushing their teeth twice a day, for the recommended two minutes per time. This is important to get them started on a good track with their oral health. Also ensure that they are spitting out their toothpaste and not ingesting it, as this may result in fluorosis which can cause white spots to develop on their teeth.

If you have any questions or concerns about the appearance of your teeth, speak to your dentist to find the best solution for you.

Categories
Uncategorized

I Brush Every Day So Why Are My Teeth Still Yellow?

Woman brushing her teeth

Are you self-conscious because your teeth are yellow, discolored, or not as white as you want them to be? Do you find yourself hiding your smile behind your hand or just not beaming as big as you used to? Even if you’re brushing your teeth regularly, this may not be enough to keep your teeth at their brightest so what can you do?

Yellow teeth happen for a variety of reasons. There are also two different types of staining that causes discoloration, and one is easier to deal with than the other:

TOOTH STAINS THAT MAKE TEETH YELLOW

Extrinsic Tooth Stains

This is staining or yellowing on the outside surface of your teeth and can be caused by things like tobacco products and certain types of food or drink. Extrinsic stains are easier to remove, either by improving your oral care routine, or by professional dental cleanings or whitening treatments.

Intrinsic Tooth Stains

This is yellowing or discoloration on the inside of the tooth and is more difficult to deal with. Intrinsic stains happen due to tooth decay, damage to the tooth, as a side effect of some medications or just because of genetics. If dental whitening treatments aren’t effective enough in reducing the yellowing of teeth with this type of stain, you can always try solutions like veneers which will provide a new, white tooth exterior.

What Makes Teeth Yellow?

There are a few main reasons someone may have yellow teeth. Luckily, many of these can be easily fixed.

  • Poor Oral Hygiene

    If you stick to a dentist recommended oral healthcare routine, you stand a much better chance of keeping your teeth from looking yellow. Brush at least twice a day and floss once daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy between check-ups. If you are already doing this, there are probably other reasons why your teeth are looking yellow.

  • Smoking or Tobacco

    Yellow teeth are just one negative effect of smoking or tobacco product use. Your teeth can turn yellow or even brown due to the nicotine and tar found in cigarettes and the staining is difficult to remove by brushing alone.

  • Eating or Drinking Certain Things

    Some food or drink can stain your teeth more easily than other types. In general, strongly or deeply colored things like red wine, coffee, tomato sauces, berries and some soft drinks are the most likely to discolor your tooth enamel and make it look yellow.

  • Some Medications

    If you’ve just started taking a new medication for asthma or high blood pressure, one side effect could be causing your teeth to look yellow. Certain antibiotics and antihistamine medications can also cause yellowing of your teeth. Check out the listed side effects on any medication to see if tooth discoloration is one of them, and speak to your doctor or dentist if you’re worried about it.

  • Genetics

    Sometimes the color of your teeth or the tendency for them to stain easily is just something that’s passed down through your family genetics and there’s not a whole lot you can do to reverse it.

Can Yellow Teeth Be Treated?

If you have yellow teeth, don’t worry, there’s a solution out there to suit everyone. Start and maintain a good oral healthcare routine and visit your dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning. This removes light surface stains and your dentist will be able to give you more advice on how to keep your teeth white.

For more yellow teeth, or if you just want a brighter smile, try dental whitening or bleaching. This will lighten the enamel of your teeth by several shades in one appointment and generally lasts for around a year.

For severely discolored or yellow teeth, dental veneers may be a better, or more effective, option. These thin porcelain shells are applied to the outside surface of your teeth, giving a perfect look to your smile.

No matter how yellow your teeth are, your dentist can help bring back your smile!

logo
(770) 427-4778
123 Marble Mill Rd NW STE A
Marietta, GA 30060
CDA
ADA
NDDS
© 2020 All rights reserved.
Sitemap
Patient Forms