Whiter teeth may lead to better job success

Your performance at work speaks a lot for what you mean to a company and what you can bring to the table. However, no matter how much hard work you put in or how many hours you slave away at the office, there are some physical benefits that naturally may just lead to better job success. One of those physical attributes includes having white teeth and a smile that lights up an entire room. And while you may not immediately be promoted to the CEO of your company, you may be surprised to see the way people treat you when you have a beautiful smile. Here are some things to consider when it comes to having a great looking smile and why whiter teeth may lead to better job success.

Self Confidence
If you are hiding behind a smile that is stained due to coffee, nicotine or just natural causes, this can be damaging on how you feel about yourself. Rather than approaching that group of coworkers at the water cooler, you may instead just sit at your office and keep plugging away at your computer because you are embarrassed to speak or open your mouth and reveal your discolored teeth. However, having a bright smile will give you the self confidence that you need to approach people without the fear of always wondering if they are staring at your teeth. This self confidence is certainly justified, as you may notice that people are more likely to keep conversations going if they feel comfortable talking with you. That same confidence will pour over to conferences, social outings, the gym and other places where you may meet your coworkers, opening up the potential for advancement in your profession.

Future Opportunities
In the world of business, it is a cut throat place to be. If you have yet to experience that, then it’s likely you haven’t worked in a job where there is little room for mistakes. With that in mind, it only makes sense that you want your boss to remember you and know that he or she can rely on you in tight situations. In some situations, this is likely to be around clients and potential customers that are interested in working with your company. Even if it seems unfair, the fact of the matter is that employers will be more likely to select physical attractive people to deal with customers, simply because it presents the business in a better way. Having a white smile is truly a great way to stand out in your employers eyes so that you are the first person on their mind when it comes to dealing with clients. This can then be followed by proving yourself even more, which has greater potential for even further growth in your company.

If you are unhappy with your smile, maybe you may have never noticed the importance that a beautiful smile can make. However, those who have beautiful looking teeth may be able to tell you about the advantages that come with pearly whites. If you feel stuck at your current workplace, or even just a little undervalued, consider getting a teeth whitening service to see if that changes things. You may be surprised to see how much it affects your life inside and outside of your professional life.

A Family Dental Care Center

2030 West Main St.

Jeffersonville, PA 19403

Different Types of Crowns

When your teeth get damaged, one of the most common ways to fix things up is by getting a dental crown. What is a crown? It is a type of tooth repair method that involves covering a damaged tooth with one or more materials to preserve its shape and structure. Crowns are made after getting a mold of the tooth in question, and they are most typically used for serious cavities. The most common types of crowns include all-metal, all-ceramic, and a combination of metal and ceramic. If you are confused about what type of crown to get, here are some pros and cons of each.

*All-Metal

All-metal dental crowns have been used for many, many years. The most popular metal used to craft these crowns is gold. In most cases, gold crowns are not made entirely of gold because it is a very soft metal that easily deforms. Gold crowns are usually made with a gold alloy, or a mixture of gold and other harder metals, so they are more durable and able to keep their shape. They can come in a gold or silver hue.

Pros of All-Metal Crowns

- Gold is malleable

Crowns made with an alloy containing a high concentration of gold can be easily molded into the shape of the damaged tooth. This allows for a very nice fitting crown that feels natural in the mouth and to the bite.

- Metal crowns are strong

Since gold and most metals are harder than human teeth, metal crowns won’t crack, morph, or chip. Even excessive grinding and chewing on tougher foods won’t damage them. If you are worried about metal crowns wearing out your natural teeth, don’t be. They degrade at a very similar rate to enamel, so you can expect your metal crowns to last a very long time.

Cons of All-Metal Crowns

- Metal crowns do not look natural. They will stand out every time you open your mouth. If you are worried about them not blending in with your teeth, there are other types of crowns to choose from.

*All-Ceramic Crowns

This type of crown is the better choice as far as aesthetics are concerned. Ceramic crowns are usually made completely of porcelain, and they blend in perfectly with your natural teeth. Today, they can be made out of a variety of different specially-engineered dental ceramics. Like gold crowns, porcelain crowns have been in use for hundreds of years.

Pros of All-Ceramic Crowns

- They look natural

Ceramic crowns are nearly indistinguishable from regular teeth. Unless you really get in a person’s face, you likely won’t notice anything out of the ordinary. This camouflage is a huge benefit in a professional setting since looks and first impressions are a big deal. Many recipients of crowns also prefer the natural look because they feel self-conscious about how they appear to other people. It’s no different than feeling ashamed about wearing braces.

Cons of All-Ceramic Crowns

- They are less durable than metal crowns

Ceramics are more prone to cracking than metal crowns, but they are very suitable for front teeth. The teeth in the back of the mouth undergo more extensive chewing and biting so they should be installed with metal or metal-ceramic crowns.

*Metal-Ceramic Crowns

These crowns are made of a metal core and a ceramic outer covering.

Pros of Metal-Ceramic Crowns

-They offer the benefit of both metal and ceramic crowns

The metal core provides great strength, while the ceramic covering masks the metallic color of the core. It’s the best of both worlds.

Cons of Metal-Ceramic Crowns

-The metal can show over time

When gum lines recede, the metal underneath can poke out. This ruins the whole point of the combination.

-The ceramic covering can become damaged and damage other teeth

It may chip over time or separate from the metal core with prolonged stress. Ceramics also seem to cause more wear on teeth than metal.

Do you want to learn about Zirconium Crowns to discover if they are the right choice for you?

Zirconium crowns and bridges are so strong they can be used anywhere in the mouth. Zirconium crowns can withstand the biting pressure of the front teeth as well as back teeth grinding.

The look of zirconium crowns and bridges is so close to natural teeth that it is hard to tell the difference and it is this quality which makes it very useable within dental work. Zirconium crowns can be fixed using traditional dental cements.

They have quickly become the preferred material for dental crowns. Zirconium is a very strong substance that can endure wear and tear of everyday use. When looking at Zirconium crowns from an aesthetic point it is clear and very similar to a natural tooth and reflects light the same way. This may be important if your new crowns are on the front of your mouth and it is particularly relevant in cases where the crown will be seen next to the natural teeth.

Porcelain is the conventional material used for the new crowns however, full porcelain can chip or break. This is overcome by making the crowns from the metal, in this case metal zirconia, then merge the porcelain on the outside. Zirconia metal gives the strength while the porcelain gives the appearance of a normal tooth. Zirconium crowns allow light to pass as a normal tooth would and that gives a natural look, unlike other metal cores that block the light.

Pros with Zirconium Crowns

Zirconium crowns won’t corrode and the normal black gum line that you can see around a porcelain fused metal crown, won’t happen because of the strong ceramic material used. Also the normal too hot/cold sensations you can feel with other crowns does not normally occur because of the lack of electrical conductivity.

A Family Dental Care Center

2030 Wests Main St.

Jeffersonville, PA 19403

Dental Implants May be Right for You

Today, more people are interested in getting dental implants. The procedure of having dental implants has become an important and essential part of dental health and the dental industry. A dental implant is a tooth root replacement which goes in the place of a person’s mouth where the natural teeth are missing. These implants replace the natural tooth roots. There are many benefits associated with having implants which make them a more popular option for people needing a tooth or teeth replacement.

First, having dental implants improves a person’s quality of life. Dental implants function, feel and look like natural teeth. This means improved eating, speaking and smiling. People with dental implants feel more confident and their self-esteem improves. It is a lot easier to take care of an implant supported crown because it can be cleaned just like a natural tooth. Additionally, you won’t need any messy adhesives for dentures since the implant supported tooth is secured to the implant.

Next, having dental implants preserves facial structure. Implants prevent the bones in the mouth from deteriorating which keeps the facial structure intact. The dental implants keep the bony part of the face from collapsing because the bones are preserved.

Having dental implants will also preserve the adjacent teeth in the mouth from being compromised. When you put dental implants where missing teeth are and support them with bridges and crowns, the natural teeth next to the implant are safe from damage. With other ways of tooth replacement, the adjacent teeth might be compromised, and they can become loose because of an increase in pressure.

Dental implants give a person a natural appearance because the teeth are restored to appear as close as possible to a natural tooth. Your mouth will feel and look natural and not artificial. Additionally, you feel more secure when eating, laughing or sneezing. You never have to worry about dental implants falling out because the bone bonds right to the implant. As well, if there is a collapse of the facial structure, you will form wrinkles. When you have implants, you never have to worry about this occurring.

Dental implants improve a person’s health. Those with implants can eat a variety of foods so they get the appropriate nutrition needed. With dentures, you can become compromised when eating certain foods such as corn or apples. With dental implants, you won’t have this problem.

The best candidates for dental implants are people in good general and oral health. The patients need sufficient bone structure in the jaw for supporting the dental implant. Gum tissues should be healthy. Today, dental implants are an excellent choice for treatment being used by dentists all over the world.

A Family Dental Care Center

2030 W. Main St.

Jeffersonville, PA 19403

What Can I Do To Protect My Child’s Teeth During Sporting Events?

As a parent, you are used to taking your child to the dentist for regular checkups or when he/she has a toothache. But what every mother and father want to avoid is having to rush to a dentist or emergency room when their child has lost teeth because of an accident, such as frequently occurs when kids play sports.

Every year, approximately 5 million teeth are accidentally knocked out in the United States. Teeth can be avulsed (the technical term) whether a child engages in a solo sports activity such a roller skating, a one-on-one sport such as wresting, or a team sport such as soccer or baseball.

The level of physical contact in some sports immediately raises a red flag for parents, who make sure their child wears a helmet and/or padded guards for their knees and elbows. In fact, such protective devices are typically required by schools and organized sports teams.

But what about your child’s teeth? Your dentist is as concerned about your child’s dental health as you are. That includes taking the necessary steps to ensure that when your child engages in sporting events, his or her teeth and smile are properly protected.

So what can you do? Here are some suggestions:

• Talk to your dentist about getting a mouth guard for your child. A properly fitted mouth guard, which covers the top teeth only, can help prevent injury to your child’s teeth, lips, face and tongue. A dentist can help you choose the most appropriate mouth guard or make a custom model for your child.

• Make sure your child does not wear any removable dental appliances while participating in contact sports. Some parents also choose to have their child not wear their retainers while roller skating, skateboarding, or participating in other noncontact sports that carry a significant risk of injury.

• Maintain a healthful diet that promotes strong teeth and gums. That means limiting or eliminating the use of sports and energy beverages, soft drinks, and sugary foods that promote tooth decay. Children who do consume these products should immediately swish their mouth with water and spit it out to help remove any sugars and acids.

• Take your child to the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. It’s always better to catch a potential problem before it can take root.

• Encourage good hygiene at home. Brushing after every meal and snack (or at least swishing out the mouth with water) plus flossing daily are habits that are good for the entire family.

If you have any questions about how to protect your child’s teeth against injury, talk to your dentist. You can be sure to get the answers and solutions you need to help preserve your child’s smile for life.

A Family Dental Care Center

2030 W. Main St.

Jeffersonville, PA 19403

What Is A Deep Cleaning And Why Is It Done?

There is some confusion about the difference between ordinary cleaning and deep cleaning. These processes are also referred to as root planing and scaling. The procedure of extracting dental tartar from the layers of the teeth is called scaling. Root planing is the procedure of smoothening the root surfaces. It also removes any infected tooth structure. The gum pockets around the teeth would have deepened if you have gum disease or gum pocketing. This lets tartar deposits form under the gum line. These two processes seem very similar when it comes to the cleaning process. The dental worker scales away tartar. At the same time, the dentist performs any essential root planing. If there is any unevenness, it can be planed away. The result of this is a silky, smooth surface.

If tartar and plaque are left on the teeth, it supplies the right conditions for bacteria to thrive. The bacteria irritates the gums. This means that they bleed more easily. You may notice that if you are eating or brushing your teeth, sometimes your gums may bleed. This is the early stage of gum disease known as gingivitis. Your hygienist or dentist will clean your teeth by polishing and scaling them if you have gingivitis. They may also suggest an antiseptic mouthwash that includes chlorhexidine. Your dentist will show you how to floss and brush your teeth efficiently. Most adults have some degree of gum disease. If gingivitis is not treated and nothing is being done about it, the inflammation will work its way down towards the foundations of the tooth. This causes a periodontal pocket. In the confines of the pocket, the bacteria can cause more damage.

The support of bone structures of the teeth can be broken down by gum disease. Eventually, they will become loose. The person often has no symptoms until it becomes serious. The damage to the support structures of the teeth cannot be reversed. If gum disease is caught in time, the progression can be halted and improved. Your dentist may suggest a deep cleaning or periodontal therapy to stop gum disease from progressing. This gets rid of the bacteria in the pocket. It provides the essential conditions for healing to occur.

Why A Deep Cleaning Is Needed

A deep cleaning is necessary if calculus is detected under the gum line and there are signs of bone loss. A deep cleaning removes the deposits that form on the surface of the tooth’s root. This helps with the stability and the health of the teeth.

A Family Dental Care Center

2030 W. Main St.

Jeffersonville, PA 19403

Should vegetarians be concerned about oral health?

Oral health affects all people to one degree or another, but vegetarians are at a higher risk of tooth decay than their omnivorous counterparts. Numerous long-term studies have indicated that the higher sugar and grain contents found in the diets of vegetarians make them more susceptible to tooth decay. This is because the body often signals the teeth to begin shedding minerals especially in the enamel. Once you lose the enamel in your teeth, you are well on the way to rapid tooth decay. Vegetarians should pay critical attention to how much fruit and grain they consume on a daily basis.

Have you ever noticed that your teeth become sensitive when you eat a lot of sugary snacks? This happens every time your body ingests a lot of sugar. You can still eat sugar in moderation if your diet includes plenty of soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin K2. It just so happens that vegetarians often lack vitamin D because they aren’t eating the foods that contain rich amounts of it. Vitamin A is another vitamin that vegetarians need to get more of in their daily diets. These are good not just for your teeth, but for the overall health of the entire body.

Vegetarian diets are always perceived among popular opinion as being healthier than traditional diets that include meat. This definitely is a myth when it comes to the immune system. The reality is that tooth decay points to a weaker immune system than what you would find in people with good oral health. That’s why vegetarians need to keep oral health in mind as they go about their daily lives. This doesn’t mean that they have to eat meat, but they may have to bend the rules of their diet to achieve maximum oral health.

Vegetarians should ask their dentists about certain vitamins they can take and extra measures they can take to achieve the best oral health. Most dentists will know how to help if they can assess your diet, oral hygiene practices, and maybe even your family history. It may be wise to take extra care of your teeth if you are eating a vegetarian diet now or if you plan to make a switch in the near future. It will be easier than you think to make the right adjustments. You don’t have to abandon your lifestyle to have good oral health, but you do need to be aware of oral health.

A Family Dental Care Center

2030 W. Main St.

Jeffersonville, PA 19403

Worst Beverages for Your Teeth

Everyone is wary of the kind of tooth damage that is immediately evident. People whose teeth are chipped or cracked usually seek immediate care from a dentist. However, most people do not realize that no matter how well they take care of their teeth, minor damage and weaknesses will gradually accumulate. No one notices their teeth yellowing from day to day, but it is obvious in photos spanning several years that changes have taken place. One way to keep one’s teeth white and strong is to eliminate beverages that weaken or stain tooth enamel.

Coffee is the biggest offender when it comes to staining teeth. Most adults consume coffee on a fairly regular basis, with many of them drinking at least one full cup every single morning. Giving up caffeine cold turkey is not something that is possible for a lot of people. To mitigate the damage, one could start drinking her coffee through a straw. As silly as this would look, drinking through a straw would send the coffee straight to the back of her mouth, preventing her teeth from being constantly exposed to it. Adding a little bit of milk or cream to plain black coffee would be helpful as well. The calcium in milk fortifies the teeth, and dairy in general acts as a buffer against acidic substances.

Coffee drinkers should consider replacing one of their daily cups of coffee with a cup of white or green tea. Tea has a decent amount of caffeine and freshens the whole mouth. Black tea stains teeth, though not as badly as coffee does, so it is not a good substitute for coffee.

Orange juice is extremely acidic. It slowly dissolves the top layers of tooth enamel, wearing away the shiny top layers. The rough, underlying layers of the teeth are especially susceptible to staining. All citrus fruits have this effect on teeth. If one must drink fruit juice in the morning, she should not brush her teeth immediately after breakfast. Brushing right after the teeth have been weakened by fruit acid sweeps away more enamel.

Soda is another acidic beverage that settles into the teeth and damages the enamel. The chemicals that create carbonation cause this damage. The dark coloring in colas stains teeth very easily. Women who drink diet colas regularly are at risk for both weakened enamel and dark surface stains.

White wine is a surprising source of tooth damage. Like other acidic beverages, it softens and erodes enamel. Red wine does not cause this kind of damage, so wine drinkers could make the switch without too much trouble.

Anyone who is worried about tooth damage should visit a dentist. Whitening treatments could easily remove stains, and teeth could be strengthened with fluoride. While lost enamel cannot be replaced, there are ways to repair existing damage and prevent more damage from occurring in the future.

A Family Dental Care Center

2030 West Main St.

Jeffersonville, PA 19403