Tooth Coloured Fillings: What You Need to Know

Tooth-coloured fillings are quickly becoming a popular choice for people seeking both health and aesthetic benefits in dental restorations. 

Unlike traditional metal fillings, these modern fillings match the natural colour of teeth, making them a favourite among those who want their dental work to be as unobtrusive as possible. This aesthetic appeal is supported by strong, durable materials that provide effective protection against further decay.

Made from composite resins, tooth coloured fillings offer a blend of practical benefits while enhancing the appearance of your smile. They bond well to the teeth, adding strength and support to the remaining structure. This feature not only helps in maintaining the tooth’s integrity but also ensures a longer-lasting solution compared to some old-fashioned options.

Choosing tooth coloured fillings can make a big difference in oral health and self-confidence. Understanding what they are and how they work can help you decide if they’re the best choice for you. 

With that in mind, read on as we xplore the world of tooth coloured fillings and see how they can improve your dental health and appearance.

What Are Tooth Coloured Fillings? Understanding Their Composition and Function

Tooth coloured fillings, also known as composite fillings, are a popular choice for repairing cavities and restoring teeth to their natural look. Made from a blend of plastic resin and fine glass particles, these fillings mimic the natural colour of your teeth. This makes them an ideal option for those who desire a seamless smile without any noticeable dental work.

The composition of tooth coloured fillings allows them to bond directly to the tooth structure. This bonding process not only supports and strengthens the tooth but also provides a tight seal that helps prevent further decay. The versatility of the composite material means it can be used in both front and back teeth, offering flexibility in dental treatments.

Functionally, tooth-coloured fillings are effective for repairing decayed, cracked, or broken teeth. Because they can match any tooth shade, they offer an aesthetic advantage while maintaining the functionality of your teeth. This ensures that your restored teeth perform well in everyday tasks such as chewing and speaking.

Tooth coloured fillings are a strong and durable choice, capable of withstanding the normal wear and tear of daily life. By choosing these fillings, you maintain the integrity and appearance of your smile, enhancing both confidence and oral health.

Advantages of Choosing Tooth Coloured Fillings for Oral Health and Aesthetics

Tooth coloured fillings provide several advantages that make them a preferred choice for many individuals concerned with both aesthetics and functionality. One of the primary benefits is their natural appearance. These fillings blend seamlessly with the existing teeth, making them much less noticeable than traditional metal fillings.

In addition to their pleasing look, tooth coloured fillings offer significant protection for your teeth. The bonding process used to secure the composite material aids in reducing the chance of tooth fracture. Because these fillings are able to conform precisely to the cavity, they offer excellent support and resilience.

Another advantage is the minimal removal of tooth structure required for placement. This allows more of the natural tooth to remain intact during the procedure, which contributes to long-term oral health. The less invasive nature of the procedure also results in reduced sensitivity following treatment.

When it comes to durability, tooth coloured fillings are strong and last for many years with proper maintenance. They resist temperature-related changes, such as expansion and contraction, which is beneficial in preventing cracks and leaks.

Selecting tooth coloured fillings is not just a cosmetic decision; it’s also a choice grounded in practicality and dental health. They stand out as an excellent option for anyone looking to maintain a fully functional and visually appealing smile.

Comparing Tooth Coloured Fillings with Traditional Metal Fillings: Pros and Cons

Tooth coloured fillings and traditional metal fillings serve the same purpose—restoring decayed teeth. Understanding their differences can help you make informed choices about your dental treatments.

Tooth Coloured Fillings:

  • Aesthetics: These blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a more attractive and subtle appearance.
  • Bonding Ability: They bond directly to the tooth structure, enhancing strength and preserving more of the natural tooth.
  • Versatility: Useful in both front and back teeth repairs due to their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Traditional Metal Fillings:

  • Durability: Often lasting longer due to their strong material, making them suitable for high-pressure chewing surfaces.
  • Cost-effective: Generally less expensive initially, which could be a consideration for some budgets.

Cons of Tooth Coloured Fillings:

  • Cost: They can be more expensive than metal fillings.
  • Longevity: May not last as long in some cases, depending upon the location and function.

Cons of Traditional Metal Fillings:

  • Visual Impact: These fillings are visible when you talk or smile, which some people might find unattractive.
  • Tooth Discolouration: Can cause tooth discolouration over time due to metal exposure.

Knowing these differences helps in choosing the right type to suit your dental needs and aesthetic preferences.

Caring for Tooth Coloured Fillings: Tips for Maintenance and Longevity

Taking care of your tooth coloured fillings ensures their longevity and performance, maintaining both their function and aesthetic appeal. Proper care can extend the life of these fillings and keep your smile looking natural.

1. Daily Oral Hygiene:

  • Brush Regularly: Use a fluoride toothpaste twice a day to prevent decay around your fillings.
  • Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove plaque and debris from between your teeth, reducing the risk of decay near the fillings.

2. Professional Dental Care:

  • Regular Check-Ups: Visit your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups to monitor the condition of your fillings.
  • Prompt Attention: Report any signs of wear or damage promptly to your dentist for early intervention.

3. Dietary Considerations:

  • Avoid Hard Foods: Chewing on ice or hard foods can crack the fillings, reducing their lifespan.
  • Limit Sugary Foods: Excessive sugar promotes decay, impacting the edges of your fillings.

4. Lifestyle Habits:

  • Avoid Staining Beverages: Such as coffee, tea, and red wine, which can discolour the fillings over time.
  • Quitting Smoking: Smoking can stain teeth and fillings, degrading their appearance.

By following these care tips, your tooth coloured fillings can last a long time, providing dependable and aesthetic results. Regular dental visits and good hygiene are key to their maintenance.

Conclusion

Tooth coloured fillings offer a modern alternative to traditional metal fillings, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits. As dental technologies advance, these fillings become an appealing choice for those seeking restorative treatments that match natural teeth while ensuring strength and durability.

At Pickering Dental Services, we are committed to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. If you’re considering tooth coloured fillings or other dental services, contact us today. 

Our experienced team of the best dentists in Pickering is ready to guide you through your options and provide quality care tailored to your needs. Let us help you enhance your oral health and boost your confidence with a smile that shines!

5 Surprising Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

We all know that having a routine dental cleaning can remove stains from your teeth and prevent bad breath. That’s why many people think it’s okay to skip their trip to the dentist.

Little do they know that having a regular dental cleaning is essential for keeping your smile and body healthy.

The benefits of dental cleanings are surprising and can have a positive impact on your overall health:

1. Reduced Risk of Heart Attacks and Stroke

Shocking, right?

There’s actually a connection between gum disease and cardiovascular problems. Infrequent dental cleanings lead to gum disease, which can possibly cause inflammation in the heart.

A large study shows that those who had their teeth cleaned regularly were 24% less likely to have a heart attack than those who didn’t. In addition, their likelihood of having a stroke fell 13%.

2. Save Money

You might think that having frequent dental cleanings is more expensive than not. However, these teeth cleanings save you money in the long run.

Going for a long period of time without seeing the dentist causes more problems with your teeth and leads to expensive dental procedures in the future. Regular teeth cleanings prevent cavities, tooth decay, and tooth loss, allowing you to avoid the expense of root canals and dental implants.

3. Give Birth to a Healthy Baby

It’s very important to take care of your teeth when you’re pregnant. Pregnant mothers are more susceptible to gingivitis due to higher hormone levels.

Expectant mothers who don’t have their teeth cleaned are at slightly higher risk of having a preterm birth and a baby with a low birth weight.

Gum disease can also impede your fertility. This can make it longer to become pregnant if you’re trying to conceive.

4. Lowered Risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

If you’re younger, you may not be thinking about the possibility of getting Alzheimer’s or dementia. But when your teeth aren’t clean, you can be at a higher risk of developing these diseases.

Bacteria in the mouth caused by infrequent cleanings can travel to the bloodstream. Eventually, it can end up in the brain and cause tissue degeneration related to Alzheimer’s.

When you receive frequent dental cleanings, you are safeguarding yourself against a buildup of bacteria that can damage your health in the future.

5. Control and Prevent Diabetes

The importance of dental cleanings even applies to those with diabetes. Diabetics are more likely to develop gum disease due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. In turn, fighting a gum infection can lead to difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels and worsening of diabetic symptoms.

Getting a regular teeth cleaning can help diabetics manage their symptoms while preventing any further complications.

Dental Cleanings Keep You Healthy

In order to live a healthy life, it’s important to see your dentist and have routine dental cleaning. The benefits of teeth cleaning outweigh any hangups you may have about going to the dentist.

At Pickering Dental, we are passionate about giving you your best smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Are You Taking Care of Your Tongue?

You might be conscious when it comes to your teeth and gums and the routine for brushing and flossing, but is it the same with your tongue? Our tongue is a pretty awesome part of our mouth. It not only helps us chew our food, speakclearly, but it also plays an important role in our dental and overall health. If we fail to take care of our tongue, it can create some serious dental concerns. Read on to know more about the tongue.

 

A Little Background

Our tongue is home to over 10,000 taste buds and it is often the most exposed area to most bacteria and acid. Each tiny taste bud and all the other bumps (papillae) and dips we can feel and see on the tongue’s surface make a great place for both bacteria and acid to hide.

 

Why It Should Be Taken Care Of

The tongue is in constant contact with our teeth. If the tongue is not clean or worse, teeming with bacteria, all of the bacteria will be transferred right onto your teeth. When this happens, the chance for tooth decay greatly increases. If you have a clean tongue, it also leads to better-tasting meals. It is true that bad breath can be caused by many different things, but cleaning your tongue is one great way to help keep your breath smelling fresh. Remember that trapped germs on the tongue can lead to bad breath and it can also affect your sense of taste. Overgrowth of bacteria can turn your tongue white, yellow or even black.

 

How to Take Care of It

Each time you brush your teeth, spare a few extra seconds for brushing your tongue. Simply stick out your tongue and gently scrub it with your toothbrush. Try to reach right to the back of your tongue. If this triggers your gag reflex, don’t give up… the trick is to keep trying. Eventually, your gag reflex will ease up. If you really find it difficult and uncomfortable to brush your tongue, you are not alone. Many people will say this is true for them. An alternative cleaning solution would be with the help of a tongue scraper. This tool gently removes bacteria from the surface of the tongue and it is easier to use for those people who have sensitive gag reflexes. It even comes in various shapes and sizes. Make it a habit to clean your tongue thoroughly.

 

Special Cases

If a tongue has been neglected for a long time, it may be coated and crusty. Sometimes this is seen in people who have problems with physical dexterity or those who rely on others for their oral care, or are mouth breathers. People that   take certain medications that dry the mouth are more likely to have a coated tongue. If your tongue is too dry when you try to scrape it, you might be damaging the tissue. Try brushing instead after cleaning your teeth – this way, the mouth is still moist.

 

If you have any concerns with your tongue, gums and teeth, have your mouth checked to avoid more complex problems. Contact Dr. Marvin Lean and his team to book an appointment.

 

 

Why You Should Take Care of Your Tongue

The value of your tongue is obvious – it helps you rub food out of the back of your teeth, it sticks out when you want to make a funny face, and of course, it enables you to taste and talk.  The tongue is extremely important for communication and enjoying food, and should be treated as the crucial part of the quality of everyday life it is. 

That means keeping your tongue healthy and clean, because if proper care is not taken, the tongue can be a breeding ground for the bacteria that causes bad breath.  In extreme cases it can make your tongue crusty, or turn it yellow, white, black, and even give it the appearance of looking hairy.  Needless to say, such unfortunate results are best avoided, and for that you need the right tools.

There’s a device available called a tongue cleaner that’s built specifically for the purpose of… cleaning tongues as effectively and efficiently as possible.  So should you run out to the store and buy one?  The answer is… probably not.  For most people the only tool they need to keep their tongue clean is one that they already have – their toothbrush.  Simply by brushing your tongue back to front – toothpaste is optional – you can keep your tongue clear of the bacteria that causes bad breath and remove any plaque that might have formed on it.  While a toothbrush is usually sufficient, if you have issues with your tongue, or want a somewhat easier way to get it thoroughly clean a tongue cleaner might be a good investment.

Check your tongue regularly as well, just stick it out and take a good look in your bathroom mirror.  What you’re looking for are changes to the skin or any cuts or white or red patches that haven’t healed within a couple of weeks.  These may be indicative of a deeper problem, even potentially mouth cancer, so make sure to see a professional if these symptoms arise.  For the aforementioned crusty tongue, clean it when your mouth is most moist, which is generally after brushing, or consider using a moisturizing spray or gel. 

With just a little preventative maintenance you can keep your tongue healthy.  If your tongue is showing any problems you want to get checked out, or if you have any other mouth or dental issues you want a professional to see, please contact us at Pickering Square Dental.