Cosmetic Dentist Auckland - Caring 4 Smiles in Epsom Auckland

2. Does bad gums and teeth affect general health
Oh yes it does. Infections in the mouth can play havoc elsewhere in the body. For a long time it was not known that bacteria in gum disease affects other parts and organs in the body. However, research demonstrates that gum inflammation affects heart muscle, joints, the internal digestive organs and in women, the unborn child.

Research and experts agree that there is an association between periodontal diseases and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.

3. What can I do to improve the health and appearance of my smile?
Keep up with regular checks and care. You can then consider bleaching your teeth to revitalize your enamel and get that youthful appearance back.

4. What are the main benefits of quality dental treatment?
There is no substitute for a comprehensive diagnosis because most emergencies can be prevented if hidden decay or gum disease is detected earlier on. Lasers and Periodontal scanners ( Perioscan ) take the guess work out of the diagnosis.

4. What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic Dentistry is the ultimate mixture of art and dental science. These procedures endeavour to create beautiful, aesthetically pleasing smiles; utilising the latest restorative technologies and materials.

5. Who is a candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry treatment?
Previously, Cosmetic Dentistry was only within the grasp of Hollywood. Significant progress has been made in this coverage and now anyone can attain the smile they always dreamed of.

The treatment available to treat chipped, stained or crooked teeth were limited. Yet, today with the vast range of Porcelain, Zirconia and other metal free restorations, every smile can be aesthetically enhanced.

6. What is fluoride?
Fluoride is applied to teeth whenever there is the risk of decay. As our body chemistry changes, we need help to ward off decay. A pro-active dentist will easily pick up changes in your mouth and initiate a changed oral care plan which may include fluoride application on a regular basis.

Preventing sensitivity and tooth decay, Fluoride has a tremendous role to play in young children and mature adult mouths.

7. Why do teeth get cracks?
A common problem is that teeth will crack, either due to trauma, grinding, clenching, decay or being heavily filled. “Cracked Tooth Syndrome” relates to a variety of symptoms and signs caused by an incomplete crack or cracks in a tooth. Early diagnosis is needed to improve the chances of saving a cracked tooth. Symptoms include:

If you suspect that you may have a cracked tooth, discuss this with Dr Loy.

8. I have a number of black fillings, can I opt to improve this?
The black filling material used in your teeth is amalgam. It has been used as a filling material for over a hundred years; it's still one of the strongest materials available.

However, it's about as unattractive a filling material as you can get. There are a number of other tooth-colour restorative materials currently available that can be used to replace old amalgams. Caring 4 Smiles® has metal free options for all restorations because many patients have been found to react to the mercury and heavy metals in amalgam fillings.

9. What's the best way to prevent gum disease?
The first step in eliminating gum disease is to recognize it as a real and constant threat. Conscientious removal of plaque by flossing, brushing and regular professional cleanings will minimise your risk of gum disease. However, there are other factors that can affect the health of your gums, such as stress, diabetes, genetics and pregnancy.

Having a Biofilm management plan in place is the most important part of oral care.

10. What happens if I just ignore getting my teeth cleaned?
The first outward sign of gum disease is bad breath and bleeding. As the plaque and tartar accumulates, the periodontal disease continues downwards along the root surface. Supporting tissues around the teeth (gums, periodontal ligaments, bone) are damaged and recede.

Periodontal pockets form a trap where additional plaque builds. Once the bone that supports the teeth is lost, it will not regrow. At this stage, only surgical intervention will stem the disease.

11. I brush my teeth constantly but still have bad breath. What can I do?
Whilst brushing and flossing are definitely the first steps to eliminating bad breath, body chemistry and diet are major players in creating bad breath.

Brushing and flossing remove bacteria responsible for creating odorous sulphur compounds and the food they feed on. However, bacteria hide not only on and around the teeth but also on the back of the tongue under a thick mucous layer. Here they are free to create odours.

It is best to brush your tongue daily or you may want to consider a tongue scraper. Both are extremely effective at removing this protective mucous layer from the back of the tongue.

The latest products on the market for bad breath are toothpastes and mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine. The chlorhexidine neutralises the odorous sulphur compounds, instead of simply covering up the odour.

12. While biting hard food I broke one of my teeth. What should I do?
If you are not in any pain then ring the dental practice as soon as possible and make an appointment, but try and keep the tooth as clean as possible and avoid biting hard on it.

If you have pain, then you will need to call Dr Loy as an emergency.