A few years ago, a dental newsletter published what seemed like an unusual story. A boy snagged his teeth on a basketball net while doing a slam-dunk.
A freakish accident? Not quite. After the article appeared, nearly 40 dentists wrote in with their own stories. They all told of would-be Michael Jordans who sacrificed their front teeth in pursuit of the perfect dunk.
In older children and adults, sports injuries are common. Dentists estimate that between 13% and 39% of dental injuries occur while playing sports.
About 80% of all dental injuries affect at least one of the front teeth. Damage to the tongue or cheek is common, too.
Basic Protection
Even if a tooth has been knocked out, it often can be saved if you get to a dentist quickly enough. Minor chips and cracks can be repaired. Dentists use tooth-colored materials that are nearly as strong as the original tooth. However, even "minor" injuries can cause serious and costly damage. If you enjoy sports or other high-risk activities, protect yourself. The use of mouth guards among football players, for example, is believed to prevent about 200,000 mouth injuries a year.
Depending on the sport, two types of protection are available:
- Helmets- A helmet is a must for activities that involve speed or impact. These include football, hockey, skating and bike riding. The helmet should fit correctly. It should also be appropriate for the sport you are playing.
- Mouth guards - Wearing a mouth guard is one of the best ways to prevent injury to your teeth, tongue and lips. A custom-fit mouth guard from your dentist is recommended. This type of mouth guard usually fits better than a ready-made one (found in sporting-goods stores). That means it may protect your teeth better.
If a custom-fit mouth guard isn't an option, try a "boil-and-bite" mouth guard. You can buy one in a sporting-goods store. You place the mouth guard in boiling water. Once the plastic is soft (but not too hot), you bite down on the mouth guard and mold the softened plastic around your teeth. If the mouth guard doesn't fit comfortably the first time, you can reheat it and do it again.
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09/25/2013
The above article is from: Colgate.com
Dentists Romeoville IL
Dental Office
Romeoville Dental Center
620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446
Tel: (815) 886-0875
What Are the Different Parts of a Tooth?
- Crown- the top part of the tooth, and the only part you can normally see. The shape of the crown determines the tooth's function. For example, front teeth are sharp and chisel-shaped for cutting, while molars have flat surfaces for grinding.
- Gumline- where the tooth and the gums meet. Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up at the gumline, leading to gingivitis and gum disease.
- Root- the part of the tooth that is embedded in bone. The root makes up about two-thirds of the tooth and holds the tooth in place.
- Enamel- the outermost layer of the tooth. Enamel is the hardest, most mineralized tissue in the body - yet it can be damaged by decay if teeth are not cared for properly.
- Dentin- the layer of the tooth under the enamel. If decay is able to progress its way through the enamel, it next attacks the dentin รณ where millions of tiny tubes lead directly to the dental pulp.
- Pulp- the soft tissue found in the center of all teeth, where the nerve tissue and blood vessels are. If tooth decay reaches the pulp, you usually feel pain.
What Are the Different Types of Teeth?
Every tooth has a specific job or function (use the dental arch in this section to locate and identify each type of tooth):
- Incisors- the sharp, chisel-shaped front teeth (four upper, four lower) used for cutting food.
- Canines- sometimes called cuspids, these teeth are shaped like points (cusps) and are used for tearing food.
- Premolars- these teeth have two pointed cusps on their biting surface and are sometimes referred to as bicuspids. The premolars are for crushing and tearing.
- Molars- used for grinding, these teeth have several cusps on the biting surface
The above article is from: Colgate.com
Dentists Romeoville IL
Dental Office
Romeoville Dental Center
620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446
Tel: (815) 886-0875
Bleeding or sore gums can be a sign of gingivitis, an early and reversible stage of gum disease, or simply the result of brushing too hard or starting a new flossing routine. If your gums bleed regularly, or enough to worry you, make an appointment with your dentist or physician, it could be a sign that something else is wrong.
Above article from: MouthHealthy.org
Dentists Romeoville IL
Dental Office
Romeoville Dental Center
620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446
Tel: (815) 886-0875
If your teeth hurt when you drink hot or cold beverages, you may have sensitive teeth. This can be the result of tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root due to gum recession. Treatment will depend on the source of sensitivity. If you’re concerned about the sensitivity of your teeth see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment options.
Above article from: MouthHealthy.org
Dentists Romeoville IL
Dental Office
Romeoville Dental Center
620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446
Tel: (815) 886-0875
The Ultimate in Patient Education
We want you to ask questions so you will be completely informed of any necessary treatments. Sometimes you may not know what to ask, so we have the CAESY™ information program for every type of treatment or dental care. It covers a child’s first dental appointment, your grandparents’ denture problems, and everything in between.
State-of-the-Art Sterilization
We abide by the highest level of safety and cleanliness for all tools that are used during dental procedures. Our instruments are sterilized between patients in an autoclave. It is a special machine that is monitored by an outside lab to maintain absolute cleanliness. We also have single-use tools, which are discarded after a treatment. We want you to know we do not take any risks when it comes to your health.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
We want you to feel comfortable during every appointment, and we offer nitrous oxide sedation, or “laughing gas” for your relaxation. The gas is inhaled through a mask over your nose. As you simply breathe, you will reach a level of serene comfort. We also give anesthesia with nitrous oxide sedation to eliminate any pain.
75% Reduction in Radiation
Digital technology is now used for X-rays. This state-of-the-art process results in 75% less radiation exposure than the old X-rays that required waiting time for development and the use of chemicals that pollute. We place a small digital sensor in your mouth and immediately the image of the inside of your mouth is available for viewing on our computer screen. In just one shot, both your upper and lower jaws can be reviewed.
Defeat Gum Disease Painlessly
The number one reason for tooth loss is periodontal disease, which is a bacterial infection of the gums. Our dentists use a very effective weapon to combat the problem. With ARESTIN™, the infection can be painlessly reversed to return to healthy gums. It is an antibiotic in a powder with microspheres that are applied directly to the areas of infection between the gums and teeth.
Intra-Oral Camera Makes You a Part of the Team
Our doctors work together with you as a team in your dental decisions. With the use of an intra-oral camera, you will be able to view the inside of your mouth right along with us. This lets you see what work needs to be done and what teeth are just fine. Our patients love how this works.
Dentists Romeoville IL
Dental Office
Romeoville Dental Center
620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446
Tel: (815) 886-0875
Types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia and candidiasis. They vary in their severity and causes. Mouth sores could be the symptom of a disease or disorder; infection from bacteria, viruses or fungus or result from irritation caused by braces, dentures or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling. Your dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer.
Above article from: MouthHealthy.org
Dentists Romeoville IL
Dental Office
Romeoville Dental Center
620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446
Tel: (815) 886-0875
