Tooth Anatomy

What Are the Different Parts of a Tooth?

• Crown- the top part of the tooth, and the only part you can normally see. The shape of the crown determines the tooth's function. For example, front teeth are sharp and chisel-shaped for cutting, while molars have flat surfaces for grinding.
• Gumline- where the tooth and the gums meet. Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up at the gumline, leading to gingivitis and gum disease.
• Root- the part of the tooth that is embedded in bone. The root makes up about two-thirds of the tooth and holds the tooth in place.
• Enamel- the outermost layer of the tooth. Enamel is the hardest, most mineralized tissue in the body - yet it can be damaged by decay if teeth are not cared for properly.
• Dentin- the layer of the tooth under the enamel. If decay is able to progress its way through the enamel, it next attacks the dentin - where millions of tiny tubes lead directly to the dental pulp.
• Pulp- the soft tissue found in the center of all teeth, where the nerve tissue and blood vessels are. If tooth decay reaches the pulp, you usually feel pain.

What Are the Different Types of Teeth?
Every tooth has a specific job or function (use the dental arch in this section to locate and identify each type of tooth):

• Incisors- the sharp, chisel-shaped front teeth (four upper, four lower) used for cutting food.
• Canines- sometimes called cuspids, these teeth are shaped like points (cusps) and are used for tearing food.
• Premolars- these teeth have two pointed cusps on their biting surface and are sometimes referred to as bicuspids. The premolars are for crushing and tearing.
• Molars- used for grinding, these teeth have several cusps on the biting surface

 

The above article is from: Colgate.com

Dentist - Six Month Smiles Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-99664849 

Greenville, Suite 173, Dallas, TX 75206

Receding Gum Treatment Dallas TX - Patient Testimonial

Oil Pulling Craze: What are the true dental benefits

The oil pulling craze: What are the true dental benefits?
By Becky Speer, RDH
Jameson Management Advisor
I recently visited a practice that is advised by Jameson Management, and the hygienists were asking me for my opinion on oil pulling. From social media to the dental chair, this interesting holistic remedy is quite the hot topic these days when it comes to natural oral care approaches. The question is – what’s the real benefit, if any, to this trend? After researching the topic, here are the main things to know when patients ask you questions.

What is it?
Oil pulling is a home remedy that involves putting about one tablespoon of oil in your mouth and swishing with it for 20 minutes. Yes, I said 20 minutes! The name comes from the mechanical action of pushing and pulling the oil between your teeth as you swish. As you do so, the microbes are pulled free from your oral cavity. You are to continue to do this until the oil turns milky white. After about 20 minutes, the solution becomes filled with bacteria and microbes. You then expectorate and rinse your mouth with water.

How dental professionals can respond to 'oil pulling' patients
Coconut oil seems to be the oil of choice because it contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial actions. The studies using sesame oil show that bacteria in the oral cavity was reduced, however, it was less effective than chlorohexidine.

As dental professionals, should we recommend or discourage oil pulling?
We have hundreds of thousands of bacteria in our mouths, and if swishing with coconut oil for 20 minutes reduces that number, then why not? There are items on the market that are full of chemicals, such as alcohol-based mouth rinses, that our patients are using every day. If you can stand to rinse your mouth for 20 minutes with oil, no harm no foul.

The key factor that we as health-care providers need to emphasize to our patients who are curious about oil pulling is what the procedure’s place is in their overall oral care. It will be important that patients understand that this does not replace routine dental visits. This is an adjunct to oral health care. While in its own way it may support regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, oil pulling is NOT the end-all solution to the day-to-day issues in our patients’ mouths.

More research is needed to legitimize oil pulling. You need to discuss this with your fellow team members so that you all take a team approach to answering patients’ questions. If patients have not already asked you about oil pulling, it won’t be long.

Becky Speer, RDH, is a Management and Clinical Advisor for Jameson Management, an international management, marketing, and hygiene coaching firm. Becky brings almost 20 years of dental experience to the profession, as well as hands-on experience from working with the Jameson methods in a practice. For more information on Becky and Jameson’s coaching and marketing services, visit JamesonManagement.com or call 877-369-5558.

Top Dental Symptoms: Bleeding or Sore Gums

Bleeding or sore gums can be a sign of gingivitis, an early and reversible stage of gum disease, or simply the result of brushing too hard or starting a new flossing routine. If your gums bleed regularly, or enough to worry you, make an appointment with your dentist or physician, it could be a sign that something else is wrong.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Dentist - Six Month Smiles Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-99664849 

Greenville, Suite 173, Dallas, TX 75206

Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation - Gum Grafting Dallas TX

Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation - Gum Grafting Dallas TX

Small pinholes are placed instead of cutting with a scalpel, then using specially designed instruments patented by Dr. Chao receded gum tissue is gently loosened and guided to cover the exposed tooth root surface. Tiny strips of collagen are carefully inserted through the minimally invasive pinholes to "plump up" and hold the loosened gum tissue in place covering the gum recession. Because the Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation (TM), an alternative to traditional gum grafting, is typically scalpel and suture free people experience reduced pain and shorter healing time compared to traditional gum grafting that cuts tissue off the palate and transfers it to the gum recession area.

Energy Square Dental Group
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-9966
4849 Greenville, Suite 173 • Dallas, TX 75206
Web: EnergySquareDental.com

Top Dental Symptoms: Sensitive Teeth

If your teeth hurt when you drink hot or cold beverages, you may have sensitive teeth. This can be the result of tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root due to gum recession. Treatment will depend on the source of sensitivity. If you’re concerned about the sensitivity of your teeth see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment options.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Dentist - Six Month Smiles Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-99664849 

Greenville, Suite 173, Dallas, TX 75206

Cosmetic Dental Braces - Dentist Dallas TX

Dentist - Six Month Smiles Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-99664849