Catch up for more dental bits @vistadentalstudio

Prevention from Bad Breath

We’ve all experienced the embarrassment of bad breath at some point in our lives. Maybe it was after a hearty dish of garlicky pasta or your morning cup of coffee. Or perhaps it’s something you deal with every day. Either way, we think it’s pretty fair to say that nobody wants to live with bad breath. That’s especially true for your dentist at VISTA DENTAL STUDIO. In fact, for us, chronic bad breath goes beyond embarrassment and may actually be a sign of a serious oral health condition. 

What’s So Bad About Bad Breath?

To some, bad breath may seem like no big deal, and sometimes that’s true. Temporary bad breath that’s caused by something we ate or drank is usually nothing to concern yourself with. However, when bad breath doesn’t go away even after brushing your teeth, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist at VISTA DENTAL STUDIO. Bad breath is one of the top signs of a serious oral health condition called gum disease. Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss, which brings on a whole other set of problems. But it doesn’t only put your oral health at risk. Gum disease has also been linked to heart disease, respiratory problems, and increased risk for stroke among other serious whole-body concerns.  

Causes of Bad Breath

Numerous things can cause us to have less than fresh breath outside of the foods and drinks we consume. However, the common, underlying cause of bad breath is attributed to a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. If these bacteria are not removed by properly brushing and flossing daily, they will feed on plaque buildup and produce a stinky byproduct called hydrogen sulfide. This is what we smell when we get a whiff of bad breath. 

How to Avoid Bad Breath

The best way to treat bad breath is to prevent it in the first place. Here are a few things you can do that will help keep your breath kissably fresh.  

1. Brush and Floss. You’re probably tired of hearing your dentist at VISTA DENTAL STUDIO talk about how important it is to brush and floss regularly. But the truth is this is the best way to not only prevent bad breath but also protect your overall oral health. Brush your teeth every day for about two minutes, and make sure you gently brush your tongue, too. Floss at least once a day to remove food particles and bacteria that found their way deep in between teeth.

2. Drink Plenty of Water. Many health experts will recommend drinking 3-4 litres of water every day to help our bodies function optimally, and we agree. Staying properly hydrated helps neutralize acid and wash away bacteria that could otherwise lead to bad breath. When a mouth is too dry, bacteria can take over and the chance of bad breath increases. 

3. Maintain Dental Visits. Seeing your dentist at least every six months will do several things for your oral health. First, these visits give your dentist the chance to perform a professional dental cleaning that can remove plaque and tartar that at-home brushing alone just won’t touch. If it’s not removed, plaque and tartar can cause bad breath as well as decay, cavities, and other concerns. Also, bi-annual dental visits make sure that your oral health is being monitored regularly so if any problem does pop up your dentist can treat it quickly, easily, and often prevent other problems. 

Chronic bad breath isn’t something that will go away on its own, and it can lead to more serious and costly dental treatment down the road. If you have bad breath that you can’t quite seem to fix, schedule an appointment with your dentist at VISTA DENTAL STUDIO. 

Obesity and tooth wear senstivity - Are carbonated Drink Responsiable!

A new study published today has found that sugar-sweetened acidic drinks, such as soft drinks, is the common factor between obesity and tooth wear sensitivity

Scientists all across the globe in different studies have found that being overweight or obese was undoubtedly associated with having tooth wear. Significantly, they also found that the increased consumption of sugary soft drinks may be a leading cause of the erosion of tooth enamel and dentine in obese patients.

"It is the acidic nature of some drinks such as carbonated drinks and acidic fruit juices that leads to tooth wear,"  Tooth wear is ranked as the third most important dental condition after cavities and gum disease and the consumption of acidic food and drink is a leading cause of this. Obese patients also have other risk factors such as the increased likelihood of gastric reflux disease (heartburn).

"This is an important message for obese patients who are consuming calories through acidic sugar-sweetened drinks. These drinks may be doing damage to their body and their teeth. There is also an important message for dentists. We should be asking our patients who are obese and have tooth wear what calories they are drinking as this may be having an effect on their full bodies -- not just their teeth," 

Previous research has found that tooth wear affects up to 30% of adults. It is the premature wearing of teeth due to the softening of the dental enamel from dietary or gastric acids, combined with wear and tear. It occurs when the outer layer (enamel) of the tooth slowly dissolves. This can lead to changes in the shape or appearance of teeth, and they can become sensitive when eating or drinking cold food and drinks. At its worst, the tooth structure can gradually wear away. Severe Erosive Tooth Wear reduces the quality of life and can mean complex and costly procedures. Tooth wear is preventable and changes to consumption habits can help stop people from getting it or making it worse.

Ask more about it, at your very own and Best Dental Clinic in Hyderabad VISTA DENTAL STUDIO.

Tooth Sensitivity - 5 Ways to Ease Pain

The uncomfortable pain associated with tooth sensitivity can be enough to keep you from enjoying your favourite hot or cold foods or beverages. But nobody wants to pass on their favourite treats because of sensitive teeth. At VISTA DENTAL STUDIO, we have a few tips that can help ease pain caused by tooth sensitivity so you can get back to snacking on things such as ice cream, ice candy, hot tea, and steaming soup without fear of pain.

Brush Carefully

One of the things you can do at home to help with tooth sensitivity is to brush gently. Scrubbing your teeth too hard can scratch and wear away enamel or even cause gums to recede. When this happens, the inner workings of the tooth, including the roots and nerves, can become exposed. If those nerves are then introduced to foods or drinks at extreme temperatures, you will feel the shooting pain of sensitivity. If the bristles on your toothbrush are jagged and pointing in various directions, you may be brushing with too much pressure.

Use Soft Bristles

Similarly to brushing gently, using a toothbrush with soft bristles as opposed to hard bristles can also help protect enamel and gums from damage. Toothbrushes that have bristles that are too stiff can easily scratch enamel and push gums away from teeth again exposing roots and nerves to the elements.

Select a Toothpaste for Sensitivity

There are tons of toothpaste options available to us at our local grocery stores. From various flavours to different benefits, choosing the right one can be confusing. If you’re living with sensitive teeth, look for a toothpaste that was designed to help ease sensitivity and try to avoid those containing sodium pyrophosphate.  

Avoid Acidic Foods & Drinks

A diet that contains a lot of foods or drinks that are highly acidic greatly increases the risk of enamel erosion and, in turn, tooth sensitivity. The acid in foods such as citrus fruits and beverages like soda or juice can essentially eat away at enamel and expose the roots and nerves.

Schedule an Appointment at VISTA DENTAL STUDIO

Even though there are several things you can try at home to reduce tooth sensitivity, there are times when your dentist should get involved. If you’re not seeing relief with any at-home remedies, schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine the best solution for you. Some common treatments for tooth sensitivity include fluoride, bonding, or a root canal and dental crown.

Whitening Toothpaste. Truth You Need To Know.

Everyone dreams of having a brilliant white smile. But the truth is, not all of us are blessed with a dazzlingly bright, superstar smile. In an attempt to transform our grins, we often turn to whitening toothpaste. But there’s something the team at our vista dental studio thinks you should know about whitening toothpaste.

Whitening Toothpastes Work…

With all the whitening toothpaste available, the good news is many have been proven to be effective at actually whitening teeth. However, whitening toothpaste typically only works to remove surface stains,  and only if used regularly twice a day for several weeks. Additionally, whitening toothpaste does have some risks associated with them. The same abrasive ingredients that make whitening toothpaste effective at scrubbing away stains can also cause teeth to appear darker. 

How can that be? 

If whitening toothpaste is used too often or the brushing technique is too rough, the abrasive consistency can actually wear away tooth enamel and make the inner tooth (dentin) more visible. This dentin is usually dark in colour and the more visible it is, the darker the tooth looks. So make sure to use whitening toothpaste as instructed and choose only after your dentist's advice.

But Not All The Time!

Whitening toothpaste is usually only effective at removing surface stains. This means that if your staining is deeper, your whitening toothpaste may not be doing much for you. But don’t worry, you don’t need to live with a smile you don’t like. 

There are plenty of cosmetic dentistry solutions that can transform your looks, such as dental veneers or professional smile whitening. Veneers are thin pieces of custom-crafted and custom-coloured ceramic that are fused to the front of teeth, effectively covering up any imperfections you don’t like. Professional smile whitening is a stronger whitening solution applied by your dentist and tends to be more effective (and faster!) than whitening toothpaste or even whitening strips.

Other Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

Besides a professional smile whitening or other cosmetic dentistry treatment from your dentist at Vista Dental Studio, there are other ways you can work on getting a whiter smile including:  

• Rinsing with water after drinking your morning coffee or tea
• Quitting smoking or using chewing tobacco  
• Eat apples, celery, or cheese. These foods help to keep stains away by gently scrubbing teeth.

If you’ve tried every whitening toothpaste available to you and you’re still not quite happy with the results, call our dental office to schedule an appointment. We’ll work with you to determine the best way to whiten your smile safely and effectively.

NATURAL DENTAL CARE PRODUCTS - ALL THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Going green is a popular trend across all industries, especially in the world of personal and professional healthcare. As consumers increasingly opt for more natural products like charcoal toothpaste and bamboo toothbrushes in their personal lives, the incorporation of natural oral hygiene products within your dental practice will be a necessity moving forward.

Rid your inventory of artificial dental products made with unnecessary chemicals, in exchange for natural alternatives with healthier, more sustainable and less-abrasive ingredients.

One simple way to update your dental routine is to consider using natural toothpaste, natural toothbrushes, and other complementary products, some of which are so advanced they’re even using similar health and beauty-boosting natural ingredients as natural skincare.    

The chances are you’ve already switched to other natural products for you and your home, such as non-toxic cleaning products, organic veggies and meat, and beauty products without chemical nasties in them. But perhaps you’ve yet to register that you can do the same for your smile. Well, you can, and here are 10 other things you really should know about natural dental care:

1. Natural dental products contain natural ingredients

No prizes for guessing that natural dental products do, in fact, contain natural ingredients! It depends on which product, but most will include silica, a natural mineral which helps keep teeth clean. After this staple ingredient, different brands will use different accent ingredients.

Examples are aloe vera, calendula and arnica for their healing properties, tea tree oil for antiseptic qualities, sea salt for cleaning, peppermint, spearmint, strawberries and raspberries for taste.

What’s more, there are plenty of options on the market if you want to buy toothpaste or mouthwashes that use organically-derived ingredients. Really, if you’re spending that bit extra on organic food, why put non-organic dental stuff in your mouth?

2. Natural toothpaste works hard

Essentially, the job they do is to remove plaque, neutralise acid, dissolve stains, freshen breath and maintain healthy oral flora. In short, it’s all the stuff that mainstream dental products will do. Pretty handy, really!

3. Natural dental care doesn’t include nasties

As with natural skincare products, natural dental products don’t include some or all of the following: parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, man-made surfactants (foaming agents), harsh abrasives or colourants. Some will also omit sweeteners, natural or otherwise.

Because they include natural ingredients and omit potentially harmful ones, natural toothpaste is kinder to you and to the environment too, both in the manufacturing and disposal; using natural toothpaste cuts down on pollutants down the plughole. Crucially, they won’t be tested on animals.

4. Many natural kinds of toothpaste are fluoride-free

Perhaps the most hotly debated topic here is about fluoride; natural toothpaste, on the whole (though not in all cases), doesn’t include it. The effects of fluoride on dental health, general health and the environment are still questioned.

5. Natural toothpaste is great for kids

Natural toothpaste, and brushes, are especially good for children because they don’t contain some of the chemical ingredients that can cause irritation if swallowed, such as fluorides, aluminium traces and hydrocarbons.

6. Natural toothpaste and mouthwash can beat mouth ulcers

If you suffer from persistent mouth ulcers it’s a good idea to try switching to a natural toothpaste that has something like aloe vera or arnica in it. The natural healing and soothing properties of these extract have been acknowledged by sufferers to help speed recovery and keep painful mouth ulcers at bay.

They have also been shown to be good for conditions such as bleeding gums, and are recommended for adults and children undergoing homoeopathic treatments, as they are free of ingredients that might interfere.

7. Natural toothpaste works for teeth whitening

Yeah, yeah, we all want healthy teeth, but it’s hard to deny the allure of sparkly white teeth too! The good news is that it doesn’t take a barrel-load of chemicals to get a Princess Katherine mega-watt smile; you can go natural and still get that whitening effect. 

8. CoQ10 - not just for skin!

CoQ10 has been a real hottie in skincare in recent years, and now it’s available in dental products too. CoQ10 is a natural antioxidant that can be found in every cell in our bodies. Anti-oxidants work by neutralising or repairing free radicals (broken-down skin molecules) that can cause cells to die. CoQ10 toothpaste and soothing gels are especially good for fighting gum disease.

9. Ancient teeth cleaning solutions still work

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and salt are age-old methods for cleaning teeth, and they are still going strong today as ingredients in natural products. 

10. It's not just toothpaste, it's natural mouthwash and brushes too

Your first step might be switching to natural toothpaste, but once that’s under your belt, why not try a more environmentally-friendly mouthwash and toothbrush too?

Snoring - Do Not Ignore !

Think back to the last time you woke up feeling refreshed and ready to take on your daily demands. It’s so nice to have the energy and mindful clarity to help you be productive and make the most of your day. Has it been a while since you felt like this? Does your bed partner complain because your snoring keeps them up at night?

Your VISTA DENTAL STUDIO dentist will tell you that if snoring is disrupting your life (and your family’s sleep), it might be time to consider learning more about something called sleep apnea. It could be the annoying (and dangerous) condition that’s keeping you and the ones you love from enjoying a peaceful, rejuvenating night’s sleep. Let’s take learn more about sleep apnea, its symptoms, and side effects.

What is Sleep Apnea?

If you think snoring while sleeping isn’t that common, think again! The American Sleep Apnea Association estimates nearly 90 million Americans are snoring away while trying to achieve a healthy night’s sleep. Sometimes snoring is just that, and people who have this condition are called “simple snorer’s” or primary snorers. This generally true for about half of the 90 million people sawing logs at night.

But for the other half, there’s a good chance they’re struggling with a more serious sleep disorder known as sleep apnea without even knowing it. Sleep apnea is dangerous because you can wake up as many as 100 times during the night, stop breathing, snore loudly, and struggle to regain a normal breathing pattern – and you don’t even know it!

Are There Different Kinds of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is usually classified into two distinctively different ways:

1) Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – This is, by far, the most common form of sleep apnea being diagnosed across the country today. If you or someone in your household is diagnosed with sleep apnea, it’s usually caused by blocked airflow during sleep due to your soft tissue collapsing in the back of your throat. At VISTA DENTAL STUDIO, we’ll always tell you to seek help if you or someone in your family continues to have issues with snoring.

2) Central Sleep Apnea – This type of sleep apnea is more difficult to diagnose because it involves a specific problem with how your brain signals your breathing muscles to respond. Unlike OSA, your airway isn’t blocked. In this case, your brain fails to signal your muscles to breathe. Brain tumours, brain infections, and strokes are often to blame.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Even though snoring can be a big indicator of sleep apnea, it also wreaks havoc on your oral health due to dry mouth because everyone needs saliva in their mouth to help:

• Rinse and cleanse your teeth to help reduce plaque build-up
• Wash away food particles leftover from brushing and flossing
• Remove dead cells that can lead to sore, infections, and bad breath
• Neutralize acids that cause plaque and erode your tooth enamel

Our VISTA DENTAL STUDIO will always go out of our way to keep you and your smile healthy. If you think snoring is affecting your teeth, don’t hesitate to talk to us. We’re always happy to help and answer any questions you may have.

Tooth Pain. Do's and Dont's

Tooth pain can be unbearable and affect more than just the tooth alone. The whole mouth may feel the discomfort caused by a toothache, and some people also experience severe headaches. While relief may seem to be nowhere in sight, the team at our dental office in Memphis has a few tips that you can try to relieve tooth pain.

Top Toothache Tools

Toothaches are unpredictable, and there’s really no telling when one may hit. Be prepared by knowing a few tools and tricks you can use to ease the pain.

• Floss. A piece of floss can work wonders in relieving pain if the toothache is caused by a piece of food lodged between teeth or under gums. Gently guide the floss between the affected tooth and up under the gum line to remove any debris. Do not floss too much or too hard as this can cause more pain.

• Cold Compress. Use an ice pack, a bag of frozen veggies, or regular old bag of ice to help reduce swelling and ease the pain. Wrap your cold pack of choice in a lightweight towel or shirt and apply it to the face near where the pain is coming from. Keep it there for about 15 minutes at a time, giving yourself breaks in between icings.

• Anaesthetic. Head over to your nearest pharmacy or grocery store and pick up an over-the-counter oral anaesthetic product. These gels or liquids will numb the area of application for a short time allowing you a bit of a break from the pain.

• Salt Water. Mix some salt into warm water and gently swish it around in your mouth a tiny sip at a time. The salt will help remove any fluid that may be putting pressure on the nerves. Don’t swallow the solution but rather spit it out after each rinse.

• Anti-inflammatory Medicine. Many anti-inflammatories can also help reduce tooth pain by decreasing swelling and pressure on the nerves. Choose the best option for you and use as directed. Do not follow the old wives’ tale of placing a pill directly on the gums or tooth as this can be harmful.

It’s important to note that all of these tips are to be used for temporary relief. Don’t let a toothache fester for too long. Call your dentist in VISTA DENTAL STUDIO for an appointment as soon as possible.

Protect Yourself from Toothaches

Now that you know what to do if you get a toothache, we want to tell you two easy things you can do to help prevent one in the first place.

• Visit our VISTA dental office at least twice a year so we can monitor your oral health and treat any problems before they lead to a surprise toothache.

• Brush your teeth every morning and every night to wash away bacteria that can lead to decay, and floss once a day to remove anything that may be lurking under the gum line.

If you’re suffering from a toothache or it’s just time for you to visit a dentist, we welcome you to call us to schedule an appointment today.

Crooked Teeth troble !!!!

Crooked or overcrowded teeth are incredibly common across people of all ages. Some of these people may feel self-conscious about their crooked grin, while others can feel a greater sense of individuality. But either way, your dentist in Memphis wants those with crooked teeth to know and understand that there are risks that often go hand-in-hand with a crooked smile.

What Causes Crooked Teeth?

Before we dive into the trouble with crooked teeth, let’s take a look at some of the most common causes. 

• Sucking your thumb or prolonged use of a pacifier as a child
• Early tooth loss before an adult tooth is ready to erupt
• A small jaw
• Facial injury
• Genetics
• Mouth breathing
• Incorrect tongue posture

Oral & Overall Health Concerns Related to Crooked Teeth

Gum disease – Crooked teeth can be difficult to care for and thoroughly clean in between each and every tooth. As your dentist in Memphis knows, good oral hygiene is the best way to protect your teeth against problems such as cavities. But when someone can’t brush or floss properly, the chance of decay increases. And that’s not all. When bacteria are left to linger they not only affect the teeth but the gums as well. Too much bacteria can lead to gum disease which, if left untreated, can cause problems throughout the rest of the body such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. 

Dental Damage and Jaw Pain – Often crooked teeth cause people to put too much pressure or unnatural wear and tear on the teeth and supporting muscles in the jaw. This can lead to an increased risk of dental damage, such as chipped or cracked teeth, as well as jaw pain or TMJ/TMD. 

Digestion problems – Believe it or not, the problems of crooked teeth go beyond the mouth alone. In fact, because crooked teeth can make it difficult to properly chew food, digestion can also ultimately be affected by crooked teeth. 

Speech development – While this may be more apparent in children, crooked teeth can affect the way we speak and may cause us to mispronounce certain sounds. 

Sleep Apnea – One of the lesser-known side effects of crooked or overlapping teeth is sleep apnea. It’s pretty common for those with crooked teeth to also have a narrow jaw, as the two often occur together. This can make it hard to breathe or force people to breathe through their mouths. But when we mouth-breathe during sleep, and when our jaw is too narrow for our tongue to fit properly, we tend to snore. Snoring is one of the common signs of sleep apnea- a very serious condition that causes its sufferers to stop breathing during sleep and increases the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.

When Should You Consider Orthodontic Treatment?

The decision to pursue orthodontic treatment should be made between you and your dentist at Vista dental studio. If you’re concerned with your teeth or suspect that their crookedness puts you at risk for health problems, the best place to start is to schedule an appointment.

Lip smacking. A word on it!

Many people repeatedly bite their lip (or cheeks or tongue) as a way to deal with nerves or stress. It’s a habit that some may find relieving, although sometimes also painful. However, to your dentist in Memphis, constant biting of the soft tissues in the mouth can certainly raise some concern. Let’s take a closer look at lip biting, why we do it, why it’s bad, and how we can stop. 

Why is it Bad? 
The truth is, biting our lips, cheeks, or tongue may cause more harm than many of us may have ever thought. When we constantly bite these delicate, soft tissues it can cause painful sores. These sores can become infected if not treated or if reopened repeatedly by even more biting. Any infection in the mouth should be considered serious as it can create additional problems. Constant biting can also lead to inflammation, swelling, redness, and of course, pain.   

Why Do We Bite in The First Place?
Of course, we’ve all experienced the pain associated with the occasional accidental bite. These one-off bites are usually nothing to be concerned about and typically heal on their own in a few days. However, when biting happens often, we should look further into why. 

There are several reasons why someone may bite their lips, cheeks, or tongue a lot. One possible cause of lip biting is psychological — the habitual biting as a response to stress or nervousness we mentioned earlier. Another explanation can be physical in the form of a bad bite. When we don’t purposely bite our lips, cheeks, or tongue, yet find ourselves accidentally doing it a lot while chewing or even talking, our bite can be to blame. Malocclusion, or bad bite, increases the likelihood for our tongue, cheeks, or lips to get stuck in between our upper and lower teeth. The result, A painful chomp to these soft tissues. 

Ways to Stop Biting
The best way to stop biting your lips, cheeks, or tongue depends on why it happens. 

If the cause of your biting is psychological you can try to: 

• Become more aware of when you do it. Knowing your triggers can help you be more conscious of the habits and allow you to work to fix it. 
• Find a support system. Talk with trusted friends, co-workers, or family members about your habit and determine a way that they can support you in stopping. It can be as simple as kindly telling you when you’re doing it so you can become more aware. 
• Behaviour therapy. There are various types of behaviour therapy available that can help change habits. 

If the cause of your biting is physical, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist in Memphis. Your dental team can help identify if your bite may be causing you to accidentally bite your lip, cheeks, or tongue and discuss the best dental treatment to help you. 

If you suffer from chronically biting your cheeks, lips, or tongue, call your dentist so you can start getting some relief or so you can have any existing sores examined or treated before they have a chance to cause bigger, more serious problems.