Tooth Decay and How to Prevent it

Getting a cavity isn’t something you enjoy experiencing, and yet, it happens to almost everyone at least once. Cavities occur as a result of tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates such as breads, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris and saliva combine to form plaque, a whitish, sticky substance, that accumulates on and clings to the teeth and gums. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities. Tooth decay can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin (inner layer of the tooth) and in some cases extend into the pulp (nerve).

Cavities can cause the enamel, protective part of the tooth, to weaken a break. Because of all the damage they can cause to your teeth, cavities should never go untreated.

Treating Cavities

There are several ways to go about treating cavities, depending on how bad the decay is.

• If you catch the decay early enough, a fluoride varnish applied to the affected teeth will be enough to stop the decay in its tracks.
• If you’ve already got a cavity, your dentist will have to remove the decay and fill the hole with a filling.
• If the decay has damaged your tooth’s nerve center, you may need a root canal to remove the nerve and restore it with crown.
• If your tooth is severely damaged, it may need to be removed.
  
  

Depending on the damage, there are varying degrees of procedures which one can undergo to fix a wide range of damage to the teeth. Using fillings, composites, alloys, ceramics, and crowns and bridges, we can restore the health, look, and feel of your teeth!

Preventing Cavities

So how can you protect your teeth from cavities? Floss regularly and brush with fluoridated toothpaste.You can also remove leftover food from your teeth by rinsing with water after a meal or snack. And, as always, seeing your dentist twice a year will prevent and catch cavities before they cause too much trouble!

5 Reasons to opt for Cosmetic Dentistry

When it comes to looking your best, your smile does say a lot about you to other people. If you have broken, misshapen, or decayed teeth, it can have a significant impact on your personal life and more.

When you think of cosmetic dentistry, you may think that it is something reserved for celebrities or the rich, but that’s not the case. Thanks to advancements in technology and materials, cosmetic dentistry has become more affordable to the public and is steadily growing in popularity. In fact, there is a wide range of treatments offered today and they are all geared towards one end result… helping patients achieve a beautiful smile.

If you are at crossroads about having cosmetic dentistry, here are 5 reasons why you should take the bold step today.

A Little Cosmetic Dentistry Can go a Long WaySome of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as teeth whitening, are simple and easy to do, but they can have dramatic results.
Raise Your Self-Esteem
Self-confidence is the key to taking charge of your life – and a wonderful smile can be the much-needed boost you need to help you gain a new lease on life.
Competitively Priced
Cosmetic dentistry is now very affordable and you can achieve your dream look without necessarily breaking the bank. All the available options are offered at very competitive rates which most people can afford.
Retains Facial Structure
Missing teeth can lead to sagging and premature aging. Replacing teeth will lend your facial structure additional support and preserve your appearance.
Can Make You More Attractive
According to match.com 85% of people surveyed stated that bad teeth are one of the biggest turn off’s. There is a wide array of cosmetic dentistry options to choose from that will best suit your needs and improve your smile.

Why is Dental Health Important?

Having a healthy mouth is more than just having attractive teeth. Oral health touches every aspect of our lives. If you think about it, our mouth is one of the parts of our body that is almost always in constant use. We use it to eat, talk, breathe, etc. Practicing good dental health is important to maintaining a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums, but, it’s not just about looks. We also need our teeth to hold the shape of our face, the lips, and cheeks,to speak properly and clearly, and they help to chew foods for your well-being.

What happens if I don’t practice good dental health?

When the plaque is not removed, it continues to build up and eventually causes tooth decay and gum disease.Cavities are painful places on your teeth where decay has eaten through the enamel and exposed a tooth’s root. Hot or cold food or liquids can send a painful signal that something is wrong. However, cavities may not have any symptoms until after significant damage to the tooth. Early signs of tooth decay are easier to treat than advanced cases. If a cavity goes untreated, root canals, removal of teeth and other more expensive and invasive procedures could become the only treatment options available. This is why regular visits to your dental professional are so important.

How to properly brush your teeth

Daily brushing and flossing is probably one of the most important things you can do to protect your teeth because it removes plaque and debris. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once per day.

Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Gently brush in a circular motion. Brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and chewing surfaces of the teeth. This will take about 2 minutes. Then brush the tongue by using a sweeping motion with the toothbrush or by using a tongue scraper. Once you are done brushing, it is important to clean the sides of the teeth with dental floss or other interdental brush. You can also rinse with an antibacterial mouth rinse.

Should I only worry about cavities?

Besides tooth decay, there are many problems that can arise by not taking the time to strive for a healthy mouth.A common complication of poor oral health is gum disease, which can be mild in the initial stages, but lead to much more severe problems if untreated. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth. It is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. If not caught early and left untreated, it progresses to periodontal disease, which may cause loss of teeth, infections and other complications. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, brushing and flossing are vital to preventing gum disease and periodontitis.

Your dental health can influence your overall health and well-being

There is a direct relationship between the health of your mouth and your overall physical health. Experts say that certain diseases can first show their presence in the mouth and studies have indicated a link between periodontal disease and other health problems including heart complications, strokes, diabetes complications, and respiratory issues.A dental cleaning every six months helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy and could possibly reduce your risk of many health concerns.

Contact Information & Directions

In our mission to provide the best dental services possible by using only the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology available. We are committed to educating our patients and providing services to the people of the Manchester. When you visit with us, you will find dental professionals who genuinely care about your health, and are dedicated to providing exceptional service to everyone who walks through our door.Schedule an appointment with our experienced dentist, Dr. Praveen Mandera and give your smile the level of care and attention it deserves.

New Hampshire Family Dentistry

2626 Brown Ave.

Manchester, NH 03103

Phone:(603) 625-1877

Click here to get online directions to our Manchester, New Hampshire office.

Office Hours:

Monday thru Thursday: 7 30 AM to 5:00 PM

Friday: 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM

You can also use this form to send us a quick message.

Meet Dr. Praveen Mandera, DDS

Dr. Praveen Mandera is proficient in all aspects of general dentistry. He practices dentistry with a positive attitude and a genuine desire to know his patients. He takes time to listen to your issues and provides solutions that best suit your needs and budget. He is committed to enhancing the quality of life of all our patients though good dental health and creating beautiful healthy smiles.Dr. Mandera is dedicated to providing the highest quality of dental care to patients of all ages.

When to Replace Your Toothbrush

Keep your toothbrush clean.

Your toothbrush may not be as clean as you think. Research shows that a single toothbrush can be laden with as many as 10 million germs and bacteria! Fortunately, toothpaste has an anti-germ ingredient built-in to it.
To best protect your toothbrush against unnecessary germs, rinse it with water after brushing and store it in an upright position. In between replacement, you can soak your toothbrush in mouthwash. Mouthwash contains an antiseptic that can kill germs.

Knowing when to replace your toothbrush is just as important as brushing twice a day and flossing.

The biggest decision you used to make when buying a toothbrush was soft, medium, or hard bristles. There are dozens of types of brushes, from simple to pricier versions.Just as importantly as knowing how to use your toothbrush, is knowing when to replace it.

Dr. Mandera recommends changing your toothbrush every 3 months.Replace your toothbrush sooner if you have recently gotten over a cold, or if your toothbrush is stored in the same container as family members who have been sick. Granted, not many will mark their calendars for when they are due to switch the old for the new, so when in doubt, just look at the bristles. If they appear frayed, its time to replace. Toothbrushes that are worn will not clean your teeth as effectively.

What to Expect at Your Child's Dental visit

Even if your child is not complaining of any pain and their teeth appear to be in good shape, it's still very important to for your child to see a family dentist twice a year. A family dentist has undergone additional training in the fields of pediatric dentistry and is capable of addressing the growth, development, and treatment of children's teeth.
These visits allow the dentist to check for early signs of problems such as decay and crowding teeth. They also let the dentist address any concerns that may affect your child's dental health like diet and oral hygiene habits.

 

At what age should my child have their first dental visit?

The ADA recommends that a child first sees a dentist within 6 months after the first tooth erupts.

What happens during my child's dental visit?

If your child has begun getting their adult teeth (usually by 5 or 6 years old), they will have an x-ray taken by the dental assistant.X-rays play an important role in helping the dentist see if the adult teeth are growing in the jaw properly and for any potential issues that can not be seen by the naked eye. Next, the hygienist will clean your child's teeth using dental tools and floss. Then, your child's and receive a fluoride treatment and the hygienist will educate parents about oral healthcare basics for your child. Lastly, the dentist will further examine your child's teeth, apply dental sealants and discuss any further treatment that may be needed.

What if my child is afraid of going to the dentist?

If your child shows some apprehension about their upcoming dental visit, sit and talk with your child about what's going to happen. You can check-out books at your local library and show them some child-appropriate video's from the internet. You can even stop by the office to meet the dentist, staff and tour the treatment room and other areas.

Most importantly,Regular check-ups and cleanings are key to healthy teeth and gums. By keeping scheduled visits for proactive dental care, more serious dental issues can be avoided and the dentists office might never need to be scary again.