• Whether using an ultrasonic scalar or a hand scalar, the dentist or hygienist aim to remove plaque and calculus that is built up on the surface of the teeth.

• Enamel is the hardest part of the body. It would be very hard to chip it off with the scaling strokes. A negligible amount of enamel maybe removed if the enamel in the area is already softened. Your gums maybe slightly sensitive soon after a cleaning that maybe mistaken as teeth sensitivity due to the loss of enamel.

• It would be very difficult to erode enamel with dental scalers unintentionally. However, it could be possible to gouge the roots of teeth that are not covered with enamel. That is why dentists study scaling to learn how not to cause damage with scalers.

• Yes, sweets and foods with acid, like candy and soda, could stick to teeth and lead to cavities. Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause oral cancer and gum disease.

• While teeth are strong enough to chew ice and tear open packages, this can break them and stress your jaws. Gritting or grinding down on teeth when you're stressed may crack them.

• Biting your nails is another bad habit. It pulls your jaw out of position and changes how your teeth fit together.

• Mouthwashes for cavity protection, sensitivity, and fresh breath may help when you use them with regular brushing and flossing -- but not instead of daily cleanings. Your dentist can recommend the best type for you.

• Some people need twice-daily rinses for gum health or alcohol-free washes for dry mouth.

• Kids under 6 shouldn't use mouthwash to avoid the chance of them swallowing it.

• Buy toothbrushes with soft bristles. Medium and firm ones can damage teeth and gums. Use soft pressure, for 2 minutes, two times a day.

• Both powered and manual toothbrushes clean teeth well. Manual brushes with mixed bristle heights or angled bristles clean better than those with all flat, even bristles. Powered toothbrushes may be easier if you have trouble using your hands.

• Set a reminder to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Toss it sooner if the bristles look bent or splayed out. Bent bristles don't clean as well. (They're also a sign you may be brushing too hard.)

• Most toothpastes will clear away bacteria growth and acids from food and drinks. Toothpastes with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) Seal of Acceptance always have fluoride, which strengthens and protects teeth. If you want a non-fluoride option, stores carry toothpastes and powders made with natural ingredients that don't have IDA testing and approval.

• If cold or hot food or drinks make you cringe, pick a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and let your dentist know. away.

• Kids may try to hide their symptoms or compensate (by chewing on one side of the mouth, for example) to avoid having to go to the dentist. If you’re a parent, trust your judgement and don’t be afraid to contact a dentist if you have questions. Be on the lookout if your child:

•     Takes a tumble from their bike or gets injured when playing sports
•     Winces when eating or drinking
•     Loses their appetite unexpectedly
•     Talks less than normal
•     Seems tired in the morning (a symptom of pain affecting their sleep quality)
•     Puts their fingers in their mouth or seems to be fixated on something in their mouth

• All of these are non-verbal signs of dental problems that might need attention right

• You don’t always need an emergency dentist. Many dental health issues can wait for treatment and don’t require an emergency visit to the dentist.

1.     Small chips or cracks that don’t affect speech or eating and aren’t causing pain.
2.     Toothaches caused by hot or cold temperatures or pressure when chewing. Odds are this is a sign of a problem, but it may not require emergency care.
3.     Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing.
4.     You’re experiencing pain that can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication or ice packs.
5.     Your crown falls out. If damaged you might need to replace it, but it can often be reattached by your dentist.

• If you’re at all worried, call your dentist to be sure you don’t need to be seen right away.

• Over 50% of people say they're not happy with their smiles. Today’s high-tech cosmetic dentistry treatments do more than simply improve the appearance of your teeth. They’re designed to provide lasting results and in many cases actually improve the strength and health of your teeth and gums.

• Teeth Whitening is our most popular and most requested cosmetic treatment. Stained and discolored teeth are very common. No matter how well you brush your teeth, stains are still possible and can be caused by various causes.

• If your teeth are severely stained or have other cosmetic issues like chips and cracks, teeth whitening alone won’t do the trick. Instead, custom-made porcelain veneers might be the best choice for you.

• When it comes to filling cavities, silver fillings were the only option for decades. But recent advancements in composite resins have made natural tooth-colored fillings an amazing option. Not only do composite fillings look more natural than silver-colored fillings, they have other advantages. They require the removal of less healthy tooth structure, provide a strong, micromechanical bond to the tooth, use completely non-toxic and biocompatible materials.

• If you’re like most people, then there’s probably something you’d like to change about your smile. Schedule an appointment at Topmost Dental Care today for a consultation and to learn more about our cosmetic treatment options.

• For years, the go-to material used in fillings was amalgam – a substance containing mercury and a variety of metals. Many dentists still use amalgam today. However, thanks to modern advancements, we now know there are healthier, stronger, more natural-looking options.

• Most believed that after the mercury had formed a compound with the other metals, it was no longer toxic. But was mercury still being slowly released into the body? The use of amalgam fillings continues to be debated even today. The controversy continues to center on how much mercury is released into the body and how much the body absorbs it.

• In Europe, the potential danger of mercury’s effects on the environment and on mothers and children has led to amalgam fillings being outlawed completely. However, in many countries amalgam restorations are still considered safe and many traditional dentists continue to recommend this type of filling. Amalgam fillings will likely continue to be a debated subject. Thankfully, amalgam is no longer the only answer. If you have a cavity or need a tooth restoration, modern alternatives are available.

• At Topmost Dental Care, we never use amalgam fillings. We always recommend tooth coloured composite fillings to restore the strength and health of your teeth and renew your smile.

Traumatic tooth damage

The most common causes of serious tooth damage include:

•     Biting down on something unexpectedly hard like a walnut shell, piece of bone, or olive pit
•     Being injured while playing sports like getting hit by an elbow while playing basketball or a baseball
•     Tripping accidentally or falling off your bicycle and knocking a tooth out

If a tooth is knocked out:

•     Pick up the tooth by the crown, NOT the root
•     Rinse it gently with water. Don’t use soap and don’t dry it with a cloth
•     Gently put the tooth back in its socket
•     See an emergency dentist as soon as possible – ideally within 1 hour of the injury

Intense mouth pain

Listen to your body. If you have severe, sharp, or pulsing pain in your mouth, you need help from an emergency dentist fast. If your pain continues to escalate or if ibuprofen, cold packs, or a gentle saltwater rinse don’t reduce your pain, contact your emergency dentist for help.

Infection or Abscess

An infected tooth left untreated can become abscessed, leading to serious health consequences. Here’s when you need to see an emergency dentist:

•     Pus or other fluid is draining from your mouth
•     An area in your mouth is very tender, painful, and/or swollen
•     You’re running a slight fever
•     There’s visible redness

These infections can often be treated in the short term with antibiotics, but the source of the infection must be addressed with dental treatment to prevent the infection from returning. Your emergency dentist will be able to help advise you on the best treatment options.

Excessive bleeding

Many people occasionally experience some bleeding when brushing too hard or flossing a sensitive area in their mouth. However, if the bleeding seems like it is unusually heavy or isn’t stopping, contact your emergency dentist. If your mouth or gums are bleeding, try pressing a black tea bag to the affected area. The tannic acid in black tea helps blood clots to form. However, this is not a long-term solution. If the bleeding resumes, see an emergency dentist quickly.

WHEN TO GO TO CASUALTY/EMERGENCY CARE?

Your emergency dentist can help with urgent dental health issues but if your overall health is at risk, you may need to go to the emergency room or call an ambulance for assistance. Use your best judgment and if you’ve been in an accident, trust the judgment of those around you. Don’t put off getting immediate medical care if:

•     You’ve suffered a head injury, especially if you’ve lost consciousness
•     You’ve been in a car accident
•     You’re experiencing the worst pain of your life or pain that is above an 8 or 9 on a 10 point pain scale
•     You have any chronic health problems that might be contributing to the pain in your mouth like immunological disorders, cancer, or other conditions
•     You have a high fever and chills
•     You have a serious cut on your tongue or cheek. These areas have many nerves and contain many veins. To prevent long term damage, a doctor may be needed to assess and repair the injury.