Several dental problems do not have symptoms until they reach the advanced stages of the disease process. Tooth decay often does not hurt until it gets close to the nerve of the tooth. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a huge cavity who has never felt a thing. The dentist can usually detect a cavity 3-4 years before it develops any symptoms.

Therefore, only go when you have a problem may feel like saving money but it often ends up costing much more in dollars and time.

Always brush your teeth in two to three minutes to get rid of the bacteria that destroy tooth enamel. Brush smoothly because it takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and plaque. Floss at least once a day to get bacteria from between your teeth.

Be aware of your sugar consumption. They can provide a constant supply for the bacteria eating into your teeth. Try to minimize the times during the day when sweet items are eaten and brush your teeth afterwards.

At least rinse your mouth with water to remove food from your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can also help.

Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues only can be seen when the dentist examines the mouth. An X-ray examination may reveal small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings), infections in the bone, periodontal (gum) disease, abscesses or cysts, developmental abnormalities, some types of tumours.

X-rays can detect damage to oral structures not visible during a regular exam. If you have a hidden tumour, X-rays may even help save your life. The dentist will evaluate your need for X-rays based on the conditions present in development.

Oral injuries should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. When you have knocked out a tooth, these tips may be able to save it:

Rinse the tooth instead of scrub it to remove dirt or debris. Go to the dentist. Successful re-implantation is possible only when treatment is performed immediately. If it is impossible to store the tooth in the mouth, wrap your tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse it in milk.

Use a sensitivity toothpaste, which contains strontium chloride or potassium nitrate which are very effective in treating sensitive teeth. You may see a decrease in sensitivity after a few weeks of use. Avoid highly acidic foods as well as tea and soda as they can increase tooth sensitivity, and work against sensitivity toothpaste. If you do not get relief by brushing gently and using desensitizing toothpaste, see the dentist.

Most people benefit from wearing a mouthguard when playing any sport as it can prevent injuries to your face and teeth. It is better to wear one whether you are playing professionally or just on weekends. Custom-fitted mouthguards by your dentist are the best. Ask our dentist which kind of mouthguard you should use.

Around half of pregnant women experience a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. This condition can be uncomfortable and cause swelling, bleeding, redness or tenderness in the gum tissue. A more advanced oral health condition called periodontal disease (a serious gum infection that destroys attachment fibres and supporting bone that holds teeth in the mouth) may have an impact on your baby’s health.

A relationship between periodontal disease and preterm, low birth-weight babies have been shown in studies. In fact, pregnant women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that’s born too early and too small. The likely culprit is a labour-inducing chemical found in oral bacteria called prostaglandin. Very high levels of prostaglandin are found in women with severe cases of periodontal disease.