Why Bad Breath Happens

Bad breath can cause you to be self-conscious and less confident. It can be a huge turn-off and make you unappealing. You might not even know you have it until someone tells you about it or reacts involuntarily to express displeasure with your stinky breath. There are times when bad breath can occur even if you brush your teeth at least two times a day or gargle regularly. In that case, the odor may be caused by an underlying condition such as gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Here’s how it can cause bad breath:

• Gum disease is caused by bacteria – Your mouth is a constant breeding ground of bacteria, which can accumulate and cause plaque and the teeth and gums to rot. Bacteria is likely to thrive more in your mouth if you do not brush your teeth and floss daily. The food and debris stay in your mouth to collect bacteria and rot, too, causing the unpleasant odor.
  
  
• Oral plaque leads to gum disease, which causes bad breath – Bacteria thrives in plaque, too, and it is the sticky substance forming on your teeth after brushing. To get rid of bacteria, your immune system releases substances to damage and inflame your gums, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament, resulting in bleeding and swollen gums or gingivitis, an early stage of periodontitis. Damage can cause your teeth to loosen, too, which can lead to severe periodontitis, the disease’s advanced stage. Schedule your appointment with an expert Sterling dentistry before it’s too late.
  
  
• Plaque buildup can cause gum inflammation – If you do not get rid of plaque, it accumulates below your gum line to cause inflammation. When gums are swollen, they detach from your teeth to create pockets or spaces between them. Bacteria can go between those spaces, too, resulting in further buildup of plaque.

If left untreated, bleeding gums and plaque buildup can cause your breath to stink. Hence, be sure to have your mouth checked by a dentist in Sterling VA, if you notice that you have bad breath or someone tells you about it. That way, your condition can be properly diagnosed and any underlying disease can be treated effectively.

Dry Mouth and Dental Caries

Dry mouth is a condition that is caused by the decrease in saliva production, and it can refer to any condition where your mouth becomes or feels unusually dry. In some cases, it can be caused by certain types of medications or conditions that affect your salivary glands. Dry mouth may be common, but its severity can range from merely being a nuisance to a problem that can impact your overall health and well-being. Consider making an appointment with one of the best dentists in Sterling for proper diagnosis and treatment of your dry mouth. If left untreated, you could increase your risk of developing dental caries, commonly known as cavities or tooth decay.

Dental caries is caused by certain types of bacteria that produce an acid to destroy the enamel of your teeth and the dentin (the layer underneath). Some types of bacteria are constantly present in the mouth, and they cause the buildup of plaque that contains bits of food, saliva, and other natural substances. Plaque typically builds on the pits, cracks, and grooves behind the teeth, between teeth, around bridgework or dental fillings, and near your gum line. The symptoms of cavities may not show on the early stages, but as soon as they get through the enamel, teeth may start becoming sensitive.

Dry mouth can cause dental caries, too. For this reason, you need to consider making an appointment at an established Sterling dental clinic for treatment. Lack of saliva will make harmful bacteria thrive in your mouth, resulting in a higher risk of cavities. Dentists in Sterling will determine the cause of your dry mouth and tailor a treatment that can help address the condition while lowering your risk of getting dental caries and other oral infections. Dry mouth can be a symptom of other diseases, too, such as diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, and Parkinson’s disease, all of which can affect your salivary glands.

Why Zirconia Crowns Are Better

Zirconium or zirconia is one of the leading options when it comes to dental crowns. A cosmetic dentist in Northern Virginia can provide zirconia crowns as alternatives to conventional porcelain and gold crowns in case you are looking for a tougher product for your teeth. In fact, dentists who practice cosmetic dentistry in Northern VA recommend zirconia crowns because they do not require a metal fuse and they require minimal tooth removal. These crowns are capable of withstanding daily wear and tear, and their color is translucent enough to look like natural teeth. Dentists who specialize in dental implants in Leesburg VA can easily modify zirconia crowns in any size, color, or shape, so you can be sure to get an all-natural crown.

One of the benefits of zirconia crowns is the aesthetic effect they provide. They look more natural, so cosmetic dentist in Northern Virginia is likely to recommend them for front teeth. Zirconia is easy to modify, so it is likely to fit your teeth perfectly. In some cases, a cosmetic dentist can mold a zirconia crown to make it look better and all natural on your teeth, and nobody should be able to tell that there is a dental crown when you smile, unless you tell them. Reputable manufacturers of zirconia crowns are already designing and producing dental crowns that are custom milled from a solid block of material and baked at high temperatures to ensure durability.

Zirconia crowns are biocompatible. This means that they are safe to be in your mouth for an extended period of time. You do not have to worry about zirconia dental crowns causing illnesses and other adverse effects on your health, since your body will not reject it. Moreover, zirconia is stronger and tougher than porcelain, which can break or chip if you bite too hard on something or meet with an accident. Porcelain crowns need to have a metal base, which can easily be noticed above your gums. You do not have to worry about that with a zirconia crown.

Why Implants Are Better Than 3 Unit Bridge

When you lose a tooth or have it removed, dentists used to recommend that you replace it with a three-unit fixed bridge, which used to be the standard replacement for a lost tooth. But that is no longer the case. A modern Sterling dentist may recommend implants instead of an old-fashioned bridge. In fact, implants are more commonly offered by most seasoned dentists in Virginia these days, and for a good reason. Here are reasons why implants are better than a three-unit bridge:

• You still have healthy teeth, and you want to preserve them – In a three unit bridge, adjacent healthy teeth are prepared with caps or crowns before the bridge is attached. You do not have to worry about a Sterling dentist doing anything to your healthy teeth when you go for implants.
  
  
• Implants are more economical – A Sterling dental clinic that is focused in providing reasonably priced treatments will recommend implants for the reason that they are more economical compared to bridges. High-quality dental implants have a higher success rate, they do not decay, and they help preserve your bone and jaw structure. Experienced dentists know that implants will provide better value for your money in the long run. Dental implants typically last 15 years or more, unlike bridges, which are likely to last only between five and seven years.
  
  
• Better for cavity-prone teeth – Dental implants are highly recommended if your teeth are prone to having cavities. They will not get cavities, and they will not require any cuts or adjustments on adjacent healthy teeth. Cutting your teeth may make it more susceptible to damage and cavities, and dental bridges will make it difficult to clean around them.
  
  
• They look and feel more natural and aesthetically pleasing – With implants, you can smile more confidently knowing that you have functional and natural-looking teeth. Just be sure to have the implants done by an experienced and qualified Sterling dentist for best results.

What You Need to Do About a Gummy Smile

Have you ever felt that your gums rest too high or too low on your teeth? If you are not satisfied with your smile as it shows off too much of the gums, you may need a gum contouring surgery. It is also known as gum reshaping or tissue sculpting surgery. It is basically a cosmetic dental procedure that evens out the gum line and gives you a smile that you can be proud of.

Problems with gums can occur because of several reasons such as genetics or use of certain prescription drugs. Gums that cover a large portion of your teeth can make your teeth look small and in some cases, the gums can make your teeth look bigger than they actually are which is just the opposite case. Gums that are too high are often caused by gum recession. It is a condition where gum tissue is pulled off and exposes the root of the tooth. It will not only make your teeth look longer than usual but may also cause tooth decay and tooth loss. It can possibly be an early sign of a periodontal disease, depending on the situation.

In most of the cases, gum contouring need not be a medical treatment which becomes mandatory. Most people opt for the treatment because they are not happy with their smiles. On the other hand, some people need to go for gum contouring because of much required periodontal procedures. It could be crown lengthening, pocket reduction and, some other regenerative procedures.

Many dentists also perform gum contouring, but it is better to choose one who has specialization in the field and is an expert in his or her line of work. An expert periodontist or gum specialist is the best choice in this case. One should ask his or her dentist about the various intricacies and medical aspects involved in gum contouring procedure.

The cost of the gum contouring depends on the procedure length and the complexity of the treatment. However, dental insurance generally does not cover the gum contouring treatment charges as it is a cosmetic procedure but one can talk to the dentist depending upon one’s specific needs. The usage of the equipment also affects the quality of the treatment. Dentists often use lasers and radio-surgery to complete the procedures.

It may take a few days or weeks to completely recover from the surgery, depending on the complexity of the treatment. One should follow specific guidelines as directed by the dentist in Sterling VA in order to make the most of the treatment in their Sterling dental clinic. One can then enjoy having a beautiful smile and not worry about the smile being too gummy.

How to Correct a Receded Gum Line

A receded gum line is a dental condition which causes the gum to pull-off from the tooth which may later cause periodontal diseases. It is a common dental problem that occurs mostly in adults and many people ignore this condition until it is worsened. It causes too much exposure of the tooth and the tooth root. In the majority of such cases, people do not even recognize that their gums are receded. With time, this condition will not only make your teeth look ugly but may also cause tooth sensitivity towards hot and cold food items.

Gum grafting is a procedure where the dentists in Sterling takes preventive measures to protect your teeth from gum recession. It helps you in maintaining a healthy smile at its best.

If not diagnosed and treated on time, it can also cause tooth loss, and a gum grafting surgery becomes necessary to prevent that situation from arising. Gum tissue grafting is performed in three different ways depending on the specific situation.

Connective-Tissue Grafts: It is one of the most common methods used to treat teeth root exposure. In this procedure, a mouth tissue (skin from the palate) is cut down and stitched to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root. When the tissue is removed from the palatal flap, the flap is stitched back.

Free Gingival Grafts: This method is similar to the Connective-Tissue Grafting method but in this case, a small amount of tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth and is attached to the problematic area. People having thin gums are treated by this method that also helps in gum enlargement.

Pedicle Grafts: In this method, the tissue is not extracted from the palate but from the gum around the problematic area. The flap that is also known as pedicle is only partially cut away so that one edge of the tissue remains attached. The gum is then pulled down and stitched to the tissue. It covers the exposed root and the tooth at the same time.

Dentists in Northern Virginia often give sedatives to relax their patients after the treatment. But once the treatment is completed, patients must look after their gums and follow the directives given by the dentists. Patients are often prescribed not to floss or brush near the treated area until it is completely healed.