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What’s New In Dental Hygiene?

What’s New in Dental Hygiene? 

Good dental hygiene not only keeps your teeth and your smile looking better for longer, but it can also improve your overall health, especially as you get older. There’s more to dental hygiene than just brushing and flossing. Scientists are making new discoveries all the time in regard to the links between good oral hygiene and living longer. 

Conversely, not brushing your teeth or visiting your dentist regularly not only results in tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease, but it also greatly increases your risk of a large range of health problems. 

Let’s take a look at what’s new in dental hygiene and why good oral health is so important. 

Saliva: The New Health Measuring Tool

A doctor or dentist can take a look inside your mouth and quickly learn a lot about the health of your body. Nowadays, saliva swabs are being tested and used for early detection of all kinds of health problems and diseases. Saliva testing can measure hormones, environmental toxins, and antibodies that indicate infection in the body, and saliva tests are now available to detect HIV-specific antibodies.  In the future, saliva testing will replace blood tests for the diagnosis and monitoring of many diseases. 

Saliva’s Defence Mechanisms

Your saliva is one of the first lines of defence against bacteria, viruses and other infections. It contains antibodies that attack viruses such as the common cold, and enzymes that destroy bacteria. Good oral hygiene helps to keep infection at bay and keeps your immune system strong. 

Bad Oral Hygiene Causes Infection

While your saliva can help to control infection, it can only do so much, and not brushing and flossing regularly means bacteria builds up and causes gum disease and other problems. These bacteria can enter your bloodstream via gum injuries from chewing hard foods, brushing too hard, or even invasive dental treatments. If your immune system is compromised, the bacteria can cause infection in other parts of your body.  

New Oral Hygiene Products

Oral hygiene products are big business, and there’s always something new to make it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Here are some of the latest products to hit the market: 

  • Gadgets that use UV light to sanitise your toothbrush eliminating up to 99.9% of germs 
  • Water flossers which have been proven to be more effective than traditional floss and are great for sensitive gums and those with braces 
  • Toothbrushes with soft silicone bristles that don’t damage gums or tooth enamel 
  • Stain-dissolving strips that stick to your teeth and dissolve in a few minutes for quick, convenient teeth whitening
Dental Hygienist – West Auckland

At Titirangi Dental, we provide caring, professional dental services for the whole family using the latest in dental equipment and technology. We’re dedicated to helping you maintain and improve your smile with a full range of general and cosmetic dentistry. 

Call us on 09 817 6057,  or contact us online for enquiries and expert advice about dental hygiene and any other dental concerns you have. 

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Related Blogs

Why do we recommend fluoride toothpaste? 

When you ask your dental professionals the right toothpastes to use routinely?  We always recommend fluoride toothpastes. Because: 

Cosmetic Dentistry vs. Restorative Dentistry

  • Fluoride toothpaste works into tooth enamel, it can make enamel harder and more resistant to acid, attacks from bacteria and sugary foods. 
  • Fluoride toothpaste can remineralize your teeth, it helps to reverse early tooth decay by replacing lost minerals and repairing damage. 
  • Fluoride toothpaste has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of getting cavities.  
  • Using fluoride toothpaste is the most cost-effective way to contribute to better oral health 

Standard adult and children’s fluoride toothpastes contain 1,000-1,500ppm of fluoride.  However, dental professionals may prescribe high concentration fluoride toothpaste for individuals with high risk of tooth decay, it usually contains 5,000ppm fluoride. 

Speak to Titirangi Dental to Find Your Perfect Treatment

Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.

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Is it normal to feel sensitive after teeth whitening?

Cosmetic Dentistry vs. Restorative Dentistry

Is it normal to feel sensitive after teeth whitening?

Yes, most people will feel sensitive after teeth whitening. It is normal because whitening agent make your tooth enamel more porous and permeable. It causes your teeth are easily penetrate to hot, cold, sweet, or sour substances to the nerves.

The sensitivity is usually lasting 24-48 hours, but for people, it can persist for few days.

How to manage sensitivity

  • Use sensitive toothpaste: Apply sensitive toothpastes on the surfaces after you brush your teeth and do not rinse out, leave it overnight.
  • Avoid extremely cold or hot foods and drinks, avoid sweet or acidic foods or drinks for few days after treatment.
  • Be gentle when brushing.
  • Take pain killer like ibuprofen to relieve pain and discomfort.
  • If you experience severe pain and do not improve within 48 hours, contact your dental professional for help.
Speak to Titirangi Dental to Find Your Perfect Treatment

Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.

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Dental Implants

Understanding Dental Implants and Their Importance

Dental health is an integral part of overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked until a problem arises. Among the most common issues are tooth loss, which can occur due to decay, injury, or disease. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several solutions to restore your smile, and one of the most effective and lasting options is dental implants.

 What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically embedded into the jawbone. Once in place, they provide a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth, bridge, or even full dentures. The process involves three main stages: the placement of the implant, the healing period during which the implant fuses with the bone (a process known as osseointegration), and finally, the attachment of the prosthetic tooth or teeth.

 The Importance of Dental Implants

1. Restoring Functionality: One of the primary reasons people opt for dental implants is the restoration of normal chewing and speaking abilities. Unlike traditional dentures, which can slip or cause discomfort, implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without worry.

2. Preserving Jawbone Health: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in the empty space can deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Implants help maintain the bone by mimicking the function of natural tooth roots, which stimulates the bone and prevents loss of volume and density. This is crucial in maintaining the facial structure and avoiding a sunken appearance over time.

3. Aesthetics and Confidence: Missing teeth can significantly affect your self-esteem and how others perceive you. Dental implants provide a natural-looking and permanent solution, allowing you to smile with confidence. The prosthetic teeth are designed to match the color and shape of your existing teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.

4. Longevity and Durability: Dental implants are designed to last many years, often a lifetime with proper care. Unlike bridges or dentures, which may need to be replaced or adjusted over time, implants offer a more permanent solution, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

5. Improved Oral Health: Unlike dental bridges, which require the alteration of adjacent teeth, implants do not affect surrounding teeth. This helps maintain the integrity of your natural teeth and promotes better long-term oral health. Additionally, implants are easier to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues.

6. Convenience: Dental implants eliminate the inconveniences associated with removable dentures. There’s no need for messy adhesives, and you won’t have to worry about your teeth slipping out of place. This makes them a hassle-free option for daily life.

 Who Can Benefit from Dental Implants?

Dental implants are suitable for most adults in good health who have lost one or more teeth. However, certain conditions, such as insufficient jawbone density or chronic illnesses, may affect candidacy. A thorough evaluation by a dental professional is necessary to determine if implants are the right option for you.

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Want to know about dental services and how to keep your mouth and teeth in great condition?

Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland.
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