Wednesday 28 May 2014

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

Gregg L. Kassan, DDS
Family General Dentist
5077 Waterway Drive
Montclair, VA, 22025
Phone: (703) 897-0463
Website: www.MontclairCosmeticDentist.com
 


Monday 12 May 2014

Athletic Mouthguards Dentist

Prevent Knocking Out a ToothSports Mouthguards Dentist Montclair VA  
When participating in any sport, it is possible to have one or more teeth knocked out. Each year in the United States, approximately 5 million teeth are lost due to injury while playing sports. There are over-the-counter mouthguards that do not provide good protection and, since they are one-size-fits all, they do not always fit properly. We offer custom-made mouthguards that give the best fit and protection without interfering with athletic performance. The American Dental Association recommends wearing custom mouthguards for the following sports: acrobatics, football, boxing, field hockey, gymnastics, handball, lacrosse, racquetball, shotputting, skateboarding, skiing, rugby, skydiving, roller hockey, soccer, squash, basketball, surfing, volleyball, ice hockey, water polo, weight lifting, martial arts, and wrestling. 
 
Gregg L. Kassan, DDS
Family General Dentist
5077 Waterway Drive
Montclair, VA, 22025
Phone: (703) 897-0463
Website: www.MontclairCosmeticDentist.com
 

Thursday 8 May 2014

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


Gregg L. Kassan, DDS
Family General Dentist
5077 Waterway Drive
Montclair, VA, 22025
Phone: (703) 897-0463
Website: www.MontclairCosmeticDentist.com
 

Monday 5 May 2014

Dentist for Children

Pediatric Dental Care Montclair VAChoosing Your Children’s Dentist Is as Important as Their Pediatrician
It is important to instill good daily dental care at a young age to have healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime. Children’s teeth are more subjected to cavities for various reasons. They may not brush well without an adult’s supervision. We emphasize that a parent should make sure they brush correctly. A tooth that is not as clean as it should be will continue to build up plaque from eating and drinking. Kids eat more often throughout the day, which adds to the teeth’s exposure to acid from the food and can increase the development of cavities.

We can apply a fluoride varnish to mineralize the teeth. Together with a healthy diet and hygiene habits, this lessens the chance of your child getting a cavity.


Gregg L. Kassan, DDS
Family General Dentist
5077 Waterway Drive
Montclair, VA, 22025
Phone: (703) 897-0463
Website: www.MontclairCosmeticDentist.com
  



Saturday 3 May 2014

What is a Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a flexible appliance that is worn in athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth from trauma. The dental profession unanimously supports the use of mouthguards in a variety of sports activities.

Why should I wear a mouthguard?

A mouthguard can prevent serious injuries such as broken teeth, jaw fractures, cerebral hemorrhage and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Mouthguards are effective in moving soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances. They may also reduce the severity and incidence of concussions.

In what sports should I wear a mouthguard?

Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard. Players who participate in basketball, softball, football, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating and martial arts, as well as recreational sports such as skateboarding and bicycling, should wear mouthguards while competing.

Why don't kids wear mouthguards?

Parents are sometimes uninformed about the level of contact and potential for serious dental injuries involved with sports in which the child participates. Some, though not all, schools reinforce the health advantage of mouthguards for their contact sports. Cost may be another consideration, although mouthguards come in a variety of price ranges.

What are the different types of mouthguards?

Stock mouthguard: The lowest cost option is a ready-made, stock item, which offers the least protection because the fit adjustment is limited. It may interfere with speech and breathing because this mouthguard requires that the jaw be closed to hold it in place. A stock mouthguard is not considered acceptable as a facial protective device.

Mouth-formed mouthguard: There are two types of mouth-formed mouthguards. The first is a shell-liner mouthguard that is made with an acrylic material that is poured into an outer shell, where it forms a lining. When placed in an athlete's mouth, the protector's lining material molds to the teeth and is allowed to set. Another type is a thermoplastic, or "boil-and-bite," mouthguard. This mouthguard is softened in hot water and then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth by using finger, tongue and sometimes biting pressure.

Custom-made mouthguard: The best choice is a mouthguard custom-made by your dentist. It offers the best protection, fit and comfort level because it is made from a cast to fit your teeth.

How should I care for a mouthguard?

  • Clean your mouthguard by washing it with soap and cool (not hot) water. 
  •  Before storing, soak your mouthguard in mouthwash. 
  • Keep your mouthguard in a well-ventilated, plastic storage box when not in use. Make sure the box has several holes so the mouthguard will dry. 
  • Heat is bad for a mouthguard, so don't leave it in direct sunlight or in a closed automobile. 
  • Don't bend your mouthguard when storing. 
  • Don't handle or wear someone else's mouthguard. 
  • Call your dentist if there are any problems.

Above article by: KnowYourTeeth.com


Gregg L. Kassan, DDS
Family General Dentist
5077 Waterway Drive
Montclair, VA, 22025
Phone: (703) 897-0463
Website: www.MontclairCosmeticDentist.com

Thursday 1 May 2014

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

Gregg L. Kassan, DDS
Family General Dentist
5077 Waterway Drive
Montclair, VA, 22025
Phone: (703) 897-0463
Website: www.MontclairCosmeticDentist.com