Day: September 9, 2022

Everything You Need To Know About Dental X-Rays

Posted on by Eric Lindell

Dental x-rays being prepared in a laboratory.

Dental x-rays are important diagnostic tools that provide dentists with detailed information about your teeth and jaws. They help dentists detect problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye, such as cavities, bone loss, and tumors. Dental x-rays are safe and have been used for over 100 years. In fact, they expose you to less radiation than a cross-country flight! Here’s everything you need to know about dental x-rays, from how they work to how often you should get them.

What is a Dental X-Ray?

A dental x-ray is a type of radiograph, which is an image produced by exposing a sensitive film or digital sensor to ionizing radiation. Dental x-rays are used to examine your teeth and jaws for problems such as cavities, bone loss, and tumors. They are also used to plan dental treatment, such as braces and dental implants.

There are two types of dental x-rays: intraoral and extraoral. Intraoral x-rays are taken inside your mouth and provide detailed images of your teeth and jaws. Extraoral x-rays are taken outside your mouth and provide a general overview of your teeth and jaws.

How is a Dental X-Ray Performed?

Dental x-rays are quick and easy to perform. The dentist or dental hygienist will place a small piece of leaded film or a digital sensor inside your mouth. You will then be asked to bite down on a small plastic tab or hold still for a few seconds while the x-ray is taken.

The amount of radiation you are exposed to during a dental x-ray is very small. In fact, you are exposed to more radiation from a cross-country flight than from a dental x-ray!

What is the Difference Between a Bitewing X-Ray and a Panoramic X-Ray?

Bitewing x-rays are intraoral x-rays that are taken while you bite down on a small plastic tab. They provide detailed images of your teeth and are used to detect cavities. Panoramic x-rays are extraoral x-rays that provide a general overview of your teeth and jaws. They are used to detect problems such as impacted teeth and tumors.

7 Facts About Dental X-Rays

1. Dental X-Rays are Safe

Dental x-rays are safe. In fact, you are exposed to more radiation from a cross-country flight than from a dental x-ray!

2. Dental X-Rays can Detect Cavities

Dental x-rays can help dentists detect cavities, even before they are visible to the naked eye. This is important because cavities can cause pain and tooth loss if they are not treated early.

3. Dental X-Rays can Detect Bone Loss

Dental x-rays can help dentists detect bone loss, which is a common complication of periodontal (gum) disease.

4. Dental X-Rays can Detect Gum Disease

Dental x-rays can help dentists detect gum disease, even in its early stages. Gum disease is a serious infection that can lead to tooth loss if it is not treated.

5. Dental X-Rays can Detect Impacted Teeth

Dental x-rays can help dentists detect impacted teeth, which are teeth that have not erupted through the gums. Impacted teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to nearby teeth.

6. Dental X-Rays can Detect Abnormalities

Dental x-rays can help dentists detect abnormalities, such as tumors.

7. Dental X-Rays can be used for Planning Orthodontic Treatment

Dental x-rays can be used for planning orthodontic (braces) treatment. This is because they provide detailed images of the teeth and jaws.

9 Reasons Why They’re Important

1. Dental X-Rays can Save you Time and Money

Dental x-rays can save you time and money by helping dentists detect problems early. This is important because it can help you avoid more costly and invasive dental treatments in the future.

2. Dental X-Rays can Help you Avoid Future Dental Problems

Dental x-rays can help you avoid future dental problems by helping dentists detect and treat problems early.

3. Dental X-Rays can Help you Maintain Good Oral Health

Dental x-rays can help you maintain good oral health by helping dentists detect and treat problems early. This is important because good oral health is essential for overall health.

4. Dental X-Rays can Help you Keep your Natural Teeth

Dental x-rays can help you keep your natural teeth by helping dentists detect and treat problems early. This is important because tooth loss can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty eating.

5. Dental X-Rays can Help you Avoid Pain and Discomfort

Dental x-rays can help you avoid pain and discomfort by helping dentists detect and treat problems early.

6. Dental X-Rays can Help you Avoid Infection

Dental x-rays can help you avoid infection by helping dentists detect and treat problems early. This is important because dental infections can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease.

7. Dental X-Rays can Help you Maintain Good Overall Health

Dental x-rays can help you maintain good overall health by helping dentists detect and treat problems early. This is important because good oral health is essential for overall health.

8. Dental X-Rays can Help you Save on Dental Treatment Costs

Dental x-rays can help you save on dental treatment costs by helping dentists detect and treat problems early. This is important because early treatment can save you money on more costly and invasive dental treatments in the future.

9. Dental X-Rays can Help you Get the Most Out of Your Dental Insurance

Dental x-rays can help you get the most out of your dental insurance by helping dentists detect and treat problems early. This is important because early treatment can save you money on more costly and invasive dental treatments in the future.

The Purpose of Dental X-rays

To Diagnose Dental Problems

Dental x-rays are important diagnostic tools that provide dentists with detailed information about your teeth and jaws. They help dentists detect problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye, such as cavities, bone loss, and tumors.

To Plan Dental Treatment

Dental x-rays are also used to plan dental treatment, such as braces and dental implants. This is because they provide detailed images of the teeth and jaws.

The Types of Dental X-rays

Intraoral X-rays

Intraoral x-rays are taken inside your mouth and provide detailed images of your teeth and jaws. They are used to detect cavities, bone loss, and tumors.

Extraoral X-rays

Extraoral x-rays are taken outside your mouth and provide a general overview of your teeth and jaws. They are used to detect problems such as impacted teeth and tumors.

The Benefits of Dental X-rays

They Help Dentists Find Dental Problems Early

Dental x-rays are important diagnostic tools that help dentists find dental problems early. This is important because it can help you avoid more costly and invasive dental treatments in the future.

They Help Dentists Plan Dental Treatment

Dental x-rays are also used to plan dental treatment, such as braces and dental implants. This is because they provide detailed images of the teeth and jaws.

They Help Patients Save Time and Money

Dental x-rays can help patients save time and money by helping dentists detect and treat problems early. This is important because early treatment can save you money on more costly and invasive dental treatments in the future.

Conclusion

Dental x-rays are important diagnostic tools that provide dentists with detailed information about your teeth and jaws. They help dentists detect problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye, such as cavities, bone loss, and tumors. Dental x-rays are safe and have been used for over 100 years. In fact, they expose you to less radiation than a cross-country flight! Here’s everything you need to know about dental x-rays, from how they work to how often you should get them.

How To Floss Like A Pro & Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Posted on by Eric Lindell

woman flossing her teeth

You know you should be flossing every day, but let’s face it – sometimes it’s just not that easy. If you’re not sure how to floss properly, you’re not alone. In fact, a survey conducted by the American Dental Association found that only 4 out of 10 adults floss daily. But the good news is that it’s not as hard as you think. With a little practice, you can master the art of flossing and keep your teeth healthy for life.

What is Flossing?

Flossing is a method of cleaning your teeth that removes plaque and food particles from in between your teeth and below the gumline – places that your toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums, and if it’s not removed, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Why is Flossing Important?

Flossing is an important part of your oral hygiene routine because it helps to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. When you brush your teeth, you’re only able to reach the surfaces of your teeth. But when you floss, you’re able to remove plaque and food particles from in between your teeth and below the gumline, where your toothbrush can’t reach.

7 Steps To Flossing Like A Pro

1. Get the Right Tools

The first step to flossing like a pro is to get the right tools. You’ll need a roll of floss (waxed or unwaxed) and a floss holder. You can also use a water flosser, which is an electric device that uses a jet of water to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and gums.

2. Wrap the Floss snugly around your middle fingers

Wrap the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between your fingers.

3. Use a gentle back and forth motion

Gently insert the floss between your teeth and use a back and forth motion to remove plaque and food particles. Be sure to go under the gumline and to use a clean section of floss for each tooth.

4. Be sure to floss under the gumline

Plaque can build up under the gumline, so be sure to floss gently under the gumline to remove it.

5. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth

Use a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid spreading plaque and bacteria.

6. Don’t forget to floss the back of your last tooth

Don’t forget to floss the back of your last tooth. Many people forget to floss the back of their last molar, but it’s just as important to floss all of your teeth.

7. Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash

After you’ve flossed all of your teeth, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove any remaining plaque or bacteria.

Flossing Techniques

1. The string floss technique

The string floss technique is the most common type of flossing. To do this, you’ll need a roll of floss and a floss holder. Wrap the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between your fingers. Gently insert the floss between your teeth and use a back and forth motion to remove plaque and food particles. Be sure to go under the gumline and to use a clean section of floss for each tooth.

2. The preloaded floss technique

The preloaded floss technique is similar to the string floss technique, but you don’t need a floss holder. To do this, you’ll need a preloaded flosser, which is a plastic device that has a built-in floss holder. Wrap the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between your fingers. Gently insert the floss between your teeth and use a back and forth motion to remove plaque and food particles. Be sure to go under the gumline and to use a clean section of floss for each tooth.

3. The water floss technique

The water floss technique is a newer method of flossing that uses a jet of water to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and gums. To do this, you’ll need a water flosser, which is an electric device that has a built-in water reservoir. Fill the reservoir with water and place the tip of the flosser against your teeth and gums. Turn on the device and move the tip back and forth to remove plaque and food particles. Be sure to go under the gumline and to use a clean tip for each tooth.

How to Properly Floss Teeth

1. Choose the right type of floss

The first step to properly flossing your teeth is to choose the right type of floss. There are three main types of floss: string floss, preloaded floss, and water floss. String floss is the most common type of floss and is available in waxed and unwaxed varieties. Preloaded floss is a plastic device that has a built-in floss holder. Water floss is an electric device that uses a jet of water to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and gums.

2. Wrap the floss around your fingers

Wrap the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between your fingers.

3. Use a gentle back and forth motion

Gently insert the floss between your teeth and use a back and forth motion to remove plaque and food particles. Be sure to go under the gumline and to use a clean section of floss for each tooth.

4. Floss under the gumline

Plaque can build up under the gumline, so be sure to floss gently under the gumline to remove it.

5. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth

Use a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid spreading plaque and bacteria.

6. Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash

After you’ve flossed all of your teeth, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove any remaining plaque or bacteria.

11 Ways To Keep Your Teeth Healthy

1. Brushing twice a day

Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

2. Flossing daily

Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from in between your teeth and below the gumline.

3. Eating a balanced diet

Eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks.

4. Avoiding tobacco

Avoid tobacco products, as they can cause tooth staining, gum disease, and tooth decay.

5. Wearing a mouthguard

Wear a mouthguard if you play sports to protect your teeth from injury.

6. Visiting the dentist regularly

Visit the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup.

7. Using fluoride toothpaste

Use a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay.

8. Using a fluoride mouthrinse

Use a fluoride mouthrinse to help prevent tooth decay.

9. Getting sealants

Ask your dentist about getting sealants, which are a protective coating that is applied to the back teeth to help prevent tooth decay.

10. Wearing braces

If you have braces, be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit the dentist regularly for a professional cleaning.

11. Practicing good oral hygiene

Practice good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly.

How To Keep Your Teeth White

Posted on by Eric Lindell


Many people believe that once their teeth start to yellow, there is no way to bring them back to their original white color. However, there are a few things you can do at home to keep your teeth looking their best. In this blog post, we will share some tips on how to keep your teeth white and looking their best.

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

The first step to keeping your teeth white is to practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. Additionally, you should see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.

2. Use Whitening Toothpaste

There are many whitening toothpastes on the market that can help to remove surface stains on your teeth. However, it is important to note that these toothpastes will not change the overall color of your teeth.

3. Try Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient practice that has resurfaced in recent years as a popular way to whiten teeth. The process involves swishing oil (such as coconut oil) around in your mouth for 20 minutes, then spitting it out. Some people claim that oil pulling helps to remove stains and toxins from your teeth.

4. Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can be used to remove surface stains from your teeth. To use, mix baking soda with water to form a paste, then brush your teeth with the paste. Rinse your mouth well after brushing.

5. Consider Professional Teeth Whitening

If you are looking for a more dramatic change, you may want to consider professional teeth whitening. This process is done by a dentist and involves bleaching your teeth to make them several shades lighter.

6. Watch What You Eat and Drink

Certain foods and drinks can stain your teeth, so it is important to be mindful of what you are consuming. Coffee, tea, and red wine are all common culprits of tooth staining. You can minimize the risk of staining by using a straw when drinking these beverages.

How Teeth Become Stained

There are a few different ways that teeth can become stained.

1. Foods and Drinks

As we mentioned, certain foods and drinks can cause stains on your teeth. Coffee, tea, and red wine are all common culprits of tooth staining.

2. Smoking

Smoking is another major cause of tooth staining. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can cause your teeth to become yellow or brown.

3. Poor Oral Hygiene

If you do not practice good oral hygiene, your teeth can become stained. This is because the plaque and tartar on your teeth will absorb the color of the foods you eat.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits

There are a few different at-home teeth whitening kits that you can use to remove stains from your teeth.

1. Over-the-Counter Strips and Gels

There are many over-the-counter strips and gels that you can use to whiten your teeth. These products usually contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which bleaches the teeth and helps to remove stains.

2. Custom-Fitted Trays

Custom-fitted trays are another option for at-home teeth whitening. These trays are made to fit your mouth specifically and help to keep the whitening gel in place on your teeth.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office teeth whitening is a procedure that is done by a dentist.

1. Pros and Cons

There are both pros and cons to in-office teeth whitening. The main benefit is that it can provide dramatic results in a short amount of time. However, the downside is that it can be expensive and may cause tooth sensitivity.

2. Procedure

The in-office teeth whitening procedure usually takes about an hour. First, a protective gel is applied to your gums. Next, the whitening gel is applied to your teeth and a special light is used to activate the gel. The gel is then removed and your teeth are rinsed.

Conclusion

There are a few different ways to keep your teeth looking their best. By following the tips in this blog post, you can help to keep your teeth white and looking their best.