Acclaim Dental

	What is plaque? Back to top
	Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that grows on the tooth's surface and near the gumline. Acids produced by plaque bacteria can contribute to tooth decay, irritate gums, and even cause bad breath. Plaque on the teeth also attracts stain-forming components, contributing to extrinsic stains. Plaque is the primary factor in periodontal (gum) disease. Fighting plaque is a life-long part of good oral care. Plaque begins forming on teeth 4 to 12 hours after brushing, which is why it is so important to brush at least twice a day and floss daily
	What is tartar? Back to top
	• Understanding calculus Calcium and phosphate bind to form crystal on the teeth. These calcium phosphate crystals eventually harden within plaque, forming calculus. Certain types of chemicals called pyrophosphates help to decrease calculus buildup by stopping the growth of crystals on the tooth surface and preventing new crystals from forming.
	How can I remove plaque? Back to top
	Removing plaque - proper brushing and flossing on a daily basis will temporarily remove plaque and maintain healthy teeth and gums
	How can I remove tartar? Back to top
	Once formed, tartar can be removed only by your dentist or hygienist. The less tartar you have, the less time your dentist or hygienist will have to spend cleaning your teeth on your next visit.
	How can I reduce plaque and tartar buildup? Back to top
	Having your teeth cleaned professionally every 6 months, or more frequently as recommended by your dentist or hygienist. Brushing with a tooth paste that contains pyrophosphate, such as Crest Tartar Protection, which adheres to the tooth surface and inhibits the formation or growth of calculus crystal.
	How do I brush and floss? Back to top
	See animated video about brush and floss
	What are gum diseases? Back to top
	• Unhealthy gums are a major warning to problems ahead and the possibility of future tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. This can also be an indication of the potential for stroke and heart disease. A periodontal exam is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. • Early and moderate periodontal disease may exhibit few, if any, symptoms. However, warning signs of advanced periodontal disease may include red, swollen, or bleeding gums; persistent bad breath; permanent teeth that are loose or separating; or changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. • There are many stages and forms of periodontal disease, including: 1. Gingivitis - inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup. Gums are red and/or sore and bleeding when probed. 2. Periodontitis - if left untreated, gum infection damages bone and support tissues. Gum separated tooth, and bone level deteriorates. 3. Advanced periodontitis - at this stage, gums recede further and separate form the tooth. Pus may develop, bone continues to deteriorate, tooth is loosened, may fall out. • See animated video about periodontal disease
	How can I stop the spread of gum disease? Back to top
	• Checking for periodontal disease - During each routine checkup, your dentist will examine you for periodontal disease. A periodontal probe is used to determine if there is any breakdown in the gum tissue attachment or if pockets have developed between your gums and teeth. • Treating and preventing periodontal disease • Treatment will depend on the type of periodontal disease and how far the condition has progressed. Treatment options include: 1. Scaling - cleans the teeth to remove deposits above and below the gumline 2. Root planning - smoothes rough root surfaces so the gum can heal 3. Oral irrigation - directs liquid below the gumline to flush out and kill germs and allow the regrowth of health tissue. • If deep pockets are found and bone has been destroyed, your dentist may recommend periodontal surgery. To help protect against periodontal diseases, it is key to prevent the buildup of plaque. Remember to have regular professional cleanings in addition to brushing and flossing everyday.
	How do my child's teeth develop? Back to top
	• Children's teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary, or baby teeth, erupt through the gums. All 20 of the primary teeth usually appear by age 3, although their pace and order of eruption varies. • Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6. This process will continue until approximately age 21. • See animated video about teeth development
	How should I care for my child's teeth? Back to top
	1. Always clean your infant's gums after feedings. Wipe gums with a clean, damp cloth or gauze pad. 2. Brush children's teeth daily with a soft, wet toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste 3. Schedule a dental visit between 6 and 12 months of age. 4. To prevent "baby booth tooth decay," if you must give your baby a bottle at nap or bedtime, fill it with plain water - not milk, formula, or juice.
	How to help ensure oral health and good oral care habit for my child? Back to top
	1. Limit children's sugar intake 2. Make sure children get enough fluoride, either through drinking water or as a treatment at the dentist's office 3. Teach children how to brush and floss correctly 4. Supervise brushing sessions and help with flossing, which can be a challenge for small hands
	What is tooth decay? Back to top
	• Tooth enamel is hard yet porous. Plaque on the surface of your teeth can produce acids that seep into the pores (rods) of the enamel and break down its internal structure. This process, called demineralization, can create a weak spot on the surface of the tooth that may become a cavity if left untreated. • Decay often begins on biting surfaces, between the teeth, on exposed roots, and around existing fillings. Untreated, decay spreads into the tooth structure. Decay enters and infects the pulp. • The role of fluoride - fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by slowing the breakdown of enamel and speeding up the remineralization process. The new enamel crystals that form are harder, larger, and more resistant to acid.
	How can I prevent tooth decay? Back to top
	• Treating and preventing tooth decay - common sources of fluoride are fluoridated drinking water, toothpaste, and mouth rinse. Inform your dentist if your drinking water is not fluoridated. He or she may recommend that you use high-concentration fluoride gels, mouth rinses, drops, or tables. • To help strengthen weak spots and exposed roots and prevent the early stages of tooth decay, brush regularly with a fluoridated tooth paste like Crest Cavity protection.
	What causes tooth sensitivity? Back to top
	• Dentin is a part of the tooth usually covered by enamel (above the gumline) or cementum (below the gumline). When dentin becomes exposed, external stimuli can enter the tiny holes in the dentin, called tubules, exciting the nerve and causing pain. The following can trigger sensitivity: temperature (very hot or very cold foods), sweet foods, acidic foods. • Dentin can be exposed by: 1. Receding gums caused by improper brushing or gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) 2. Periodontal treatment 3. Fractured or chipped teeth 4. Clenching or grinding of your teeth 5. Erosion due to the aging process
	What can I do about sensitive teeth? Back to top
	• Pain from sensitive teeth is not always constant; it can come and go. Constant pain could be a sign of a more serious problem. It is still important, however, to discuss your symptoms with your dentist to determine the cause and proper treatment. • Depending on the diagnosis, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following treatments to relieve the symptoms of sensitive teeth: 1. A soft-bristle toothbrush, or a powered brush brush, to protect gums 2. A fluoride rinse or gel for sensitive teeth, prescribed by your dentist 3. A desensitizing toothpaste
	What causes surface stains on my teeth? Back to top
	Surface stains are commonly caused by: plaque buildup, tobacco, coffee and tea, wine. These stains occur on the outside surface of the tooth and are called extrinsic stains.
	What can I do to remove surface stains? Back to top
	• Extrinsic stains can be removed most effectively by a professional dental cleaning and polishing • To prevent stains between professional cleanings - brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush, avoid tobacco and foods or drinks known to stain teet
	What causes stains beneath the surface of my teeth? Back to top
	• Stains beneath the surface of the teeth, called intrinsic stains, are commonly caused by: - Aging, defects within the teeth, the use of certain antibiotics during tooth development, certain foods and beverages, tobacco. • These intrinsic stains can't be removed by toothbrush or professional cleaning.
	Can I whiten stains beneath the surface of my teeth? Back to top
	Yes, intrinsic stains can be whitened by professional bleaching lights or trays, concealed by veneers over the affected tooth. If you're concerned about the discoloration of your teeth, which may be caused from among others: coffee, cigarettes, medication or just getting a little older-- we have a solution that will make you proud to smile again. Let us show you how we can easily and painlessly brighten your smile and improve your self-confidence.
	What are implants? Back to top
	Implants are the next best thing apart from your natural teeth. Implants are bridges that are permanently anchored to your jaw allowing you to maintain a customary lifestyle. They can replace ill-fitting dentures and or missing teeth.
	What are lumineers? Back to top
	• LUMINEERS Can make Everyone's Smile More Beautiful without Removing Painful tooth Structure! Even with Old Crowns and Bridges! • LUMINEERS BY CERINATE is a porcelain veneer that can be made as thin as a contact lens and is placed over existing teeth without requiring painful removal of sensitive tooth structure* (unlike traditional veneers).
	What is Invisalign? Back to top
	• Invisalign is a clear aligner used to straighten teeth without braces. It's an advance technology created by Align Technology.
	Conventional denture vs Immediate denture? Back to top
	• More on this later.