What are the Causes of Tooth Discoloration?

One way to leave a lasting impression on someone is to flash a great smile. To keep that attractive smile, however, you need to be aware of certain foods and bad oral habits that can potentially damage your pearly whites, leading to discolored and dull-looking teeth.

Grind No More

Fans of the classic cartoon series The Simpsons may remember the third season episode “Colonel Homer,” where Marge angrily grinds her teeth at hearing Lurleen Lumpkin’s new song that suggested her feelings for Homer. However, grinding the teeth, called bruxism, can be dangerous in real life. It may even lead to certain health complications that would require visiting a dental office in your community.

Causes

Teeth grinding is often caused by stress, and it also occurs during sleep. You may wake up with symptoms such as a sore jaw, headaches, and even wounds on the inside of the cheeks if the teeth hit the inner lining. Chronic grinding could wear down the teeth enamel and raise the teeth’s sensitivity while drinking, eating or brushing.

Treatment

There are ways to stop bruxism. One of the things your dentist may recommend is wearing a mouth guard before you sleep. When teeth grinding occurs, the teeth will simply move against the mouth guard’s material without wearing it down. Your dentist may also suggest that you reduce or stop consuming soda, coffee, and chocolates. Not only can excessive consumption of these foods and drinks damage your teeth’s enamel, but their caffeine content may also induce bruxism.

How a Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Helps You Get a Selfie-ready Smile

This is ideal for those who are reluctant to bare their discolored teeth for the cameras. Such discoloration is usually caused by caffeine-laden beverages or bad habits like smoking. Professional teeth whitening is classified into two categories: in-office or at-home.

A reliable Philadelphia dentist like Dr. Thomas DeFinnis of Wynnewood Dental Arts, in particular, offers the Zoom! whitening procedure. In it, hydrogen peroxide gel is applied to the patient’s teeth and is then activated by UV light. Meanwhile, at-home teeth whitening involves the use of custom-fitted mouth trays with whitening gel.

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For Here or To Go? Teeth Whitening Methods by a Philadelphia Dentist

One-visit whitening or in-office whitening, on the other hand, involves advanced bleaching during a single dental appointment. The Zoom! Whitening procedure instantly brightens smiles up to ten shades lighter. The one-visit whitening is recommended for those needing a teeth whitening quick-fix for last-minute special events.

These two methods, both offered by cosmetic dentists, are favored more than the over-the-counter treatments that may be ineffective or, worse, lead to disastrous results. Visit your local cosmetic dentist in Philadelphia, such as Dr. Thomas DeFinnis, DMD, of Wynnewood Dental Arts. His professional skills and potent teeth whitening system should give you the radiant smile you want.

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Why a Noted Philadelphia Dentist Would Recommend Porcelain Veneers

Generally, porcelain veneer installation is very safe. The procedure only varies in complexity due to the different conditions of the teeth where the device is to be installed. A reputable Philadelphia dentist will have to shave parts of the teeth if adding veneers will make them look bulky, and use the veneers to cover up the shaved areas.

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Your Philadelphia Dentist Discusses Treatments for Tooth Fractures

" An experienced Philadelphia dentist—like Dr. Thomas DeFinnis of Wynnewood Dental Arts in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania—can efficiently restore chipped teeth with porcelain veneers, dental fillings, or porcelain crowns. These restorative treatments can restore the contours, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of chipped teeth. It could have been worse for the singer: damage reaching as deep as the dentin can set anyone up for a serious dental emergency. Treatment usually involves root canal therapy to save the tooth from a worsening infection and the possibility of removal. For severe cases, in case you can't see your cosmetic dentist in Philadelphia immediately, you can apply a cold pack to the part of the mouth that hurts to alleviate the pain. You can also take pain relievers, but make sure to ask your doctor first in case of possible side effects. "
http://wynnewooddentalarts.co/2013/11/your-philadelphia-dentist-discusses-treatments-for-tooth-fractures/

So You Need to Go to the Dentist?

It's finally that time of the year again – to visit the dentist, that is. Choosing a dentist may seem easy, but finding one who is experienced and reliable is really not as easy as it sounds. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right dentist to take care of your teeth.

Do your research.

Ask for recommendations or approach your local dental society for a directory of dentists or associations. If possible, find a dentist who is a member of the American Dental Association. With over 157,000 members, the ADA is the country's largest non-profit association that stands as a symbol of  dependability and effectiveness in the dental community. They are considered to be the best source of dental news and information for both dentists and patients.

Consider flexibility and accessibility.

Choose a dentist whose office is conveniently located near your home or workplace. Ask the dentist about how he schedules appointments and check if his office hours fit well with your schedule too. Also consider the fees, payment plans, and insurance policies offered by the dental office. Try to meet with the dentist for a consultation and see what his office is like. Does he answer your questions appropriately? A reliable dental practitioner would take the time to clarify any confusion or misconceptions you might have.

Choosing a dentist you can trust wouldn't be too difficult – if you only know how and where to look.