What’s the Best Age for Teeth Whitening? Consider These Factors

The idea of having a bright, sparkling smile is something that many of us strive for. Teeth whitening has become an increasingly popular way to improve the appearance of your smile, and the demand for this procedure has been steadily increasing over the years.  What Is Teeth Whitening? Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that is used to lighten the color of teeth. The procedure is used to remove discoloration and staining and to make teeth look brighter and more attractive.  While teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your teeth, it is important to understand the minimum age requirements for teeth whitening before undergoing the procedure. What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Teeth Whitening? In general, most dentists recommend that patients wait until they are at least 16 years old before having their teeth whitened. This is because the teeth and gums of younger patients may not be fully developed and may be more sensitive to teeth-whitening products.  Additionally, younger patients may not be able to understand the importance of following the instructions for the whitening products, which could lead to damage or irritation to the teeth or gums. Other ...

A tooth extraction is a common procedure that can take place when a person’s tooth becomes damaged beyond repair. A child’s tooth is especially vulnerable to damage, and tooth extraction may be necessary to protect their oral health. Tooth extraction can also be a safe and effective way to remove problematic teeth. When tooth extraction is the best option for your child, it’s important to know when you should have the procedure done. Read on for more information about tooth extraction in children and some tips on how to help your child feel comfortable during this procedure. Is It Okay to Extract Baby Teeth? In some instances, it’s best to wait until your child is older before extracting a baby tooth. But if the tooth is damaged or decaying, extraction may be necessary. A dentist can determine whether or not this is the case for each case. After your child turns five, a baby’s tooth will usually fall out on its own. Talk to a dentist if you’re concerned that your child’s tooth won’t fall out on its own. You can help encourage the tooth to fall out by gently rubbing the roof of their mouth with a cotton swab ...

An abscessed tooth is a condition in which a pocket of pus has formed around a tooth due to infection. The infection can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms. When a tooth becomes abscessed, it can be extremely painful and require immediate attention from a dental professional. If you suspect that you have an abscessed tooth, this blog post will share vital information about what goes on inside an abscessed tooth and what can be done about it. Tooth Abscess Causes An abscessed tooth can be caused by a variety of things, including untreated cavities, broken teeth, damaged fillings, and gingivitis. The infection can spread to the surrounding tissues, leading to swelling and pain. It can also spread to the jawbone, causing even more serious complications. Signs and Symptoms If you notice any signs or symptoms of an abscessed tooth, such as swelling, pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, or a bitter taste in your mouth, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to serious complications and a much more difficult recovery. How Is It Treated? An abscessed tooth is typically treated with antibiotics to help fight the infection. In some cases, ...

Orthodontic treatments are a type of specialty dentistry that focuses on the alignment of the teeth and jaw. They are used to correct misaligned teeth and jaws, as well as other issues such as overcrowding or gaps between teeth. Orthodontic treatments can help to prevent and correct a wide range of dental issues that can result from misaligned teeth and jaws. The primary purpose of orthodontic treatments is to improve the smile’s appearance. Orthodontic treatments can help to create a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing smile. This can help to boost the patient’s confidence and self-esteem. In addition, orthodontic treatments can also help to improve the function of the teeth and jaw. In addition, by correcting misalignment, orthodontic treatments can make it easier for patients to chew and speak. That said, you’ve noticed that your kids have orthodontic issues and require treatment. This is when the big question comes: at what age should I bring my children in for orthodontic treatment? Let’s talk about that. What Age Is Best for My Children to Get Braces? When it comes to deciding when to get braces for your child, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best age for getting braces depends on ...

It’s important to ensure your child is protecting their face and teeth while playing sports. Just like you wouldn’t let them play without the proper safety gear, you shouldn’t let them play without a mouthguard. Mouth guards are plastic dental appliances worn over the teeth to protect players from injury. They are made from a soft, resilient plastic that can distribute forces of impact and protect the teeth, cheeks, gums, and lips from lacerations, disjointed jaws, and even loss of teeth. Mouth guards are recommended for athletes participating in any sport with a risk of contact with other players or flying objects, such as balls. Common sports where mouthguards are worn include football, hockey, lacrosse, and basketball. The American Dental Association (ADA) believes that wearing a properly fitted mouth guard is the best way to protect teeth from injuries while playing sports. Types of Mouthguards for Kids Here are four types of mouthguards used by athletes when playing sports: Pre-Formed Guards Pre-formed guards may be easy to find and offer quick protection, but they are only sometimes reliable or comfortable. This is because they only come in one size, which may not fit well or be comfortable for everyone. Additionally, ...

It’s not unusual for kids to lose their baby teeth. In fact, it’s a rite of passage! But sometimes, a child’s tooth may need to be extracted, or pulled. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including: 1. Severe Decay If your child’s tooth is severely decayed, an extraction may be necessary to prevent the decay from spreading to other teeth. 2. Impacted Teeth Impacted teeth are those that have not erupted through the gum line and are stuck beneath the gum tissue. Impacted teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to nearby teeth. In some cases, an extraction may be necessary to remove an impacted tooth. 3. Orthodontic Treatment If your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment, an extraction may be necessary to create more space in the mouth for the teeth to be moved into their proper position. 4. Extra Teeth Extra teeth, or supernumerary teeth, are extra teeth that grow in the mouth. They can cause crowding and may need to be extracted. 5. Infection If a tooth is infected, an extraction may be necessary to prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth or to the rest of the body. What to Expect During Your ...

Dental sealants provide a physical barrier between the tooth surfaces and decay-causing bacteria. The sealants fill in the small grooves on the biting surfaces of molars, which are difficult to clean with a toothbrush. This helps to prevent decay and cavities. Sealants are also quick and easy to apply, lasting many years. Here are some practical reasons to get sealants from your dentist in Newton, MA! They’re Age Appropriate Sealants are a thin, clear coating applied to the teeth to guard against bacteria and other harmful substances. They are most commonly used in children but can be used by people regardless of age. They’re Anti-Cavities Sealants provide an extra layer of protection for teeth against cavities by covering the tops of molars with a plastic that is the same color as the teeth. This makes it more difficult for bacteria to linger on the surface of teeth and create damage. Sealants are usually applied to the back teeth, the molars, and the premolars in a painless process that does not require any alteration to the tooth’s surface.  First, the teeth are cleaned to eliminate any hidden food particles or plaque.  Then, the teeth are air-dried before a small amount of ...

After your braces come off, you will likely need to wear a retainer to maintain your new smile. The length of time you need to wear a retainer will depend on several factors, including the type of braces you had, the severity of your crowding or spacing, and how well you follow your orthodontist’s instructions. In general, you can expect to wear your retainer for at least a few months after your braces are removed. This may be as long as a year or two for some people. If you want to make sure your smile looks its best, follow your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing your retainer. With proper care, you can enjoy your new smile for many years. What Is a Retainer? A retainer is a custom-made, removable appliance that helps teeth retain their new position after braces have been removed. The retainer is worn over the teeth to hold them in place and prevent them from moving back to their original position.  How Braces and Retainers Work Together Braces work to move teeth into their correct position. Retainers help keep teeth in their new position by holding them in place after braces are removed. Without a retainer, teeth ...

It’s important to develop good dental habits early in life so that potential problems can be spotted and corrected. Additionally, early dental visits help children learn how to take care of their teeth properly. What may include those visits to the dental office are dental x-rays. This service easily determines if there is any decay in the baby’s teeth. If there is decay, they will most likely recommend treatment sooner than if the patient were an adult. This is because baby teeth are much smaller, and the decay can progress more quickly. The frequency of x-rays depends on the individual child’s health and medical history. However, x-rays are generally considered safe, so there is no need to avoid them if a child’s doctor recommends them. This kind of dental service is recommended for children after they have two teeth touching, usually around 9–13 months old. Dentists may also want to take x-rays as certain teeth come through the gum line. Just How Important Are They? X-rays are a tool that dentists use to help spot problems with teeth, such as cavities, cracks, or decay. They are especially important for helping to keep baby teeth healthy. The earlier a dental problem ...

Full mouth restoration is a comprehensive dental treatment that addresses all teeth in the mouth. It can be used to correct a wide variety of dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, tooth wear, and misshapen teeth.  The procedure can also be used to improve the function and appearance of the teeth. It typically involves different dental procedures, such as dental crowns, bridges, veneers, implants, and dentures. The specific dental procedures used will depend on the patient’s individual needs.  Unlike other procedures, full mouth restoration can take several months to complete and may require multiple visits to the dentist. It can also be expensive, but it can significantly impact the function and appearance of the teeth. What Are the Benefits of Full Mouth Restoration? There are many benefits of full mouth restoration, including: Improving the appearance of your teeth: Full mouth restoration can give you a beautiful, healthy smile that you can be proud of. Restoring the function of your teeth: It can improve your ability to chew and speak properly. Improving the health of your gums and jawbone: Full mouth restoration can help prevent gum disease and tooth loss. Increasing your self-confidence: A healthy, attractive smile can boost your ...