Common Dental Concerns

Do you have concerns about your teeth or gums? You’re in the right place. We currently have articles below that answers some of our patients’ questions on anything regarding oral health. Whether it’s a case of bad breath or a gum disease, we have certain tips and other suggestions on how to deal with them.

Who you gonna call?

The Different Dental Professionals and What They Do

It is most important to know the different functions of each dental professional for you to be aware as to who to approach when you have a dental concern. Usually it is actually the dentist whom you can consult, but many people are unaware that there are those dentists who specialize on different areas in Dentistry. First and foremost, let us define the functions of a dentist.

A Dentist is a licensed doctor who specializes on your oral health. He can diagnose and treat different oral medical conditions depending on the need of the patient. They also provide different advices for administering good oral hygiene and other dental care aspects. However, there are other dentists who specialize on specific dental services.

Orthodontists are dentists who target on disproportioned jaws and teeth irregularities. If you feel that your teeth are misaligned and thought of getting braces, you may consult an Orthodontist.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons on the other hand, mainly focus on targeting concerns or moreover, diseases related to the teeth, mouth, gums and jaws.

Pediatric Dentists are focused more the oral health of children and their needs.

As for Periodontists, they are into treating the gums and those that are supporting the teeth including the maxillary and mandibular bones.

Prosthodontists are focused on replacing teeth with other permanent fixtures. If in case, they provide crowns, bridges and dentures.

Maxilliofacial Radiologists are those who use imaging technologies to determine oral and maxillofacial diseases.

Oral Pathologists are those who are concentrated on diagnosing oral diseases.

Endodontists are the ones who provide therapies for root canals.

Last but not the least are the Dental Public Health Specialists who are responsible for promoting dental health in the community.

These are the dental professionals you may approach to match up for your dental needs. If you require an immediate dental assistance, you may contact us.

Cavity 101

What you need to know about tooth decay

Cavity is the most common dental problem among patients and it is usually the source for a lot of serious oral diseases. This being said, it won’t hurt to know more about it as it is best to be aware before it hurts you.

Cavity or Tooth Decay is a disease where bacterial development change carbohydrate like sugar in food left on teeth to acid that demineralizes hard tooth structure such as enamel, dentin, and cementum. If demineralization exceeds saliva and other remineralization like from calcium, these tissues progressively break down and it will produce dental caries (cavities, holes in the teeth). This is the reason why dentists advise not to eat too much sweets.

There are two groups of bacteria that are responsible for initiating cavities: Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. If this bacteria left untreated, the disease can lead to pain, tooth loss and infection.

In the present day, cavities remain to be one of the most common diseases throughout the world. As mentioned, cavities can easily be developed when one does not have proper oral hygiene. That means one can simply get it by failing to brush regularly.

If you currently have cavities on your teeth, find out the best solution by asking your dentist for a complete dental care. Then again, if you are one of the lucky ones not to suffer from cavity, then you are fortunate, but definitely still prone. Make sure to visit your dentist regularly and if in any case you need a complete dental care, Agape Dental is just a call away.

Why do gums bleed?

Have you seen your tooth brush bleed every time you brush your teeth? Or have you noticed your gums swollen for no apparent reason at all? Or have you had any gum bleeding frequently? If so, then most likely you have health problems.

There are many illnesses associated with bleeding gums such as respiratory problems, heart attack or stroke, diabetes, much worse pancreatic cancer. These are the end results if one disregards this simple incident. Swollen or sore gums, teeth changes the way they fit together, deep pockets forming between teeth and gums, teeth bleeds during and after brushing, and receding gums are the symptoms that may indicate you are experiencing gum problems.

To whom should we put the blame? Bacteria form in the mouth and can multiply and grow rapidly in matter of minutes. Not performing oral hygiene can cause to this fatal disease, if not detected early.  Plaque and tartar can build up which can cause inflammation of the gums then swelling and bleeding.

Proper hygiene and a regular visit to your friendly dentist may prevent any fatal damage to your health. Our body has its own defense on foreign bacteria that will enter. Our body has the ability to heal itself naturally. As it gives us signs that there is something wrong inside us, we must pay extra attention to what our body seems to tell us.

If you are experiencing bleeding gums, immediately visit the dentist near you. To prevent more bleeding of your gums, begin to have a good oral hygiene, eat a well balance meal, drink plenty of water – most likely 8 glasses a day, do not smoke, and most especially relax.

Our body is strong enough to withstand any bacteria, but it must be well taken care of to experience your health’s full potential.