If you have ever experienced or are experiencing sleepless nights due to a toothache, then “How Can I Stop Tooth Pain at Night?” must be the best article you will read today.
Firstly, have you ever asked yourself, what really is the relationship between tooth pain and night? Toothaches may seem to get worse at night. One reason that this may occur is that when a person is lying down, blood rushes to the head.
This extra blood in the area may increase the pain and pressure that people feel from a toothache. This is according to https://www.google.com/
Toothaches also feel worse at night is, there are fewer things to focus on at night. You, therefore, find your mind only focusing on the pain.

WHAT CAUSES TOOTHACHES
Pain in or around a tooth, commonly known as a toothache can be caused by various things:

1. Tooth decay
2. Tooth fracture
3. A damaged filling
4. Infected gum
5. Tooth cavity

HERE ARE 5 WAYS TO TREAT A TOOTHACHE AT NIGHT

How Can I Stop Tooth Pain At Night?

1. Pain killers/pain suppressants – Most people opt for over-the-counter painkillers e.g. brufen, Panadol, and the likes. These are okay to use. However, make sure they are prescribed and that you are within the recommended dosage. If it persists, make sure to visit a dentist. Book an appointment.
2. Cold pressTry a bag of ice. Placing it on the affected side of the jaw should help a great deal. The Cold press helps constrict the blood vessels in the area. Consequently, reducing pain, and allowing a person to fall asleep.
3. Salt Water Rinse – Did you know saltwater naturally passes as an antibacterial agent? Actually, the majority of us have tried and found it very helpful. The antibacterial nature of salty water helps reduce inflammation. Consequently protecting damaged teeth from infection. To add to it all, Saltwater gargling also helps in removing food particles and debris from the teeth.
4. Peppermint tea – According to researchers, peppermint contains antibacterial and antioxidant compounds. Actually, menthol an ingredient found in peppermint provides a numbing effect to sensitive areas. Consequently, causing the pain bearable.
5. Garlic – Commonly known as kitunguu saumu in Swahili, garlic is one of the best home remedies. In fact, garlic contains Allicin, a strong antibacterial agent that helps kill bacteria that cause cavities that cause toothache. Chew a piece of garlic and let it settle on the tooth, to relieve pain.

Conclusion
Dealing with a toothache can be such a headache. Using these remedies can be helpful. However, these are temporary and totally short-lived. Therefore, if the pain persists, make sure to trust your number one dental health friend https://karendentalclinic.co.ke/

The fear of going to a dentist is known as Dentophobia/odontophobia.
Dental health is definitely one of the most important of our overall health. However, even with this in mind, a majority of us dread dental visits. If you think children are the only ones afraid of dentists, you are wrong. As a matter of fact, you will be surprised at the number of grown-ups that are afraid of visits to the dentist.
Fear of doctors (Iatrophobia), and fear of needles (trypan phobia) are related to Dentophobia.
See, it runs deeper than just what we all think. This is according to verywellmind.com

WHY AM I SCARED OF GOING TO THE DENTIST?

Here are a few reasons for Dental phobia. Fear of the dentist, fear of pain, embarrassment, and invasion of personal space, fear of numbness and gagging, etc.
Fear of the Dentist:
Most times doctors are perceived as cold, sadistic, insensitive and so much more. We all have perceptions about practitioners in different fields. Mostly informed by previous experiences
Fear of pain
This fear mostly sprouts from a past experience that turned out painful and unbearable making you cringe when you think of another visit. However, if this is any consolation, there have been very many technological developments within the health sector.
Before gum injection, for instance, the dentist first uses a numbing spray. This way, by the time the doctor injects the gum, you are already too numb to feel the prick.

Fear of needles
If you have a phobia of needles and injections, you are more likely to hate those appointments.
Embarrassment and loss of personal space.
Most people dread dental visits for the mere fact that they feel like it is embarrassing. Just sitting there, mouth open, and the dentist up on your face with a floodlight. This is so real that some people actually experience panic attacks.
Numbness or gagging
You might worry that you will be unable to breathe or swallow.
Sounds in the dentist’s office.
Have you ever been to the dentist’s office during an ongoing root canal procedure? Ever heard the sound of that drill? Better still, have you ever heard people scream while you waited your turn on the waiting bay? How did you feel? Like going back home right? Actually, this stops quite a number of people from getting dental help.

HOW CAN I STAY CALM WHEN I VISIT A DENTIST?
One of the best ways to overcome dental anxiety or fear is by sharing what you feel. In fact, good communication between you and your dentist can help you feel more comfortable.

If you are anxious about your next dental visit, try the following techniques; Insights shared by https://www.deltadentalins.com/

How well do you know The Dentist?
First of all, how well do you know your dentist? Have you looked him up? How are his reviews? As opposed to simply winging it, you will be calmer if you have the doctor’s wow factors in mind.
Share your fears.
Tell your dentist what you feel. Expressing your concerns will help your dentist adapt the treatment to your needs. Therefore, ensure to speak up and let them know.

Focus on breathing regularly and slowly during dental procedures.
When nervous, many people subconsciously hold their breath. This might cause feelings of panic due to a decrease in oxygen levels. Hence, try regular breathing.
If the sound in the room makes you nervous, listen to some tunes.
If the soul can be healed by music your anxiety is no exception. Put on some blasting music and relax.
What did you have before the procedure? Watch what you drink and/or eat

1. Avoid – caffeine, sugary foods
2. Eat – foods high in protein. These produce a calming effect

Your time of appointment matters.
The best time is when not much is happening around the hospital. Consequently, you can take all the time you require and you will not feel like you are wasting the doctor’s time.
Ask a friend or a loved one to accompany you during your appointment.
This will make it easier. Moreover, You will be calmer knowing that you have a familiar face around.

CONCLUSION
When looking for a dentist that understands and respects how you feel, trust none other than our dentists here at Karen dental. Try us today. Contact us.

The pandemic hit. So hard actually that majority of people were left picking up the pieces. In fact, still are. Let’s talk about Dental health and the pandemic. With coronavirus infections on the rise, one might definitely be skeptical about issues like visiting the dentist’s office. “Is visiting the dentist during covid 19 safe?” you may ask.
Is it safe for me to go for dental checkups while in the middle of a whole pandemic? At a time when all airwaves are of messages like stay home if you can, maintain social distance, clean surfaces often, you may be totally worried about going to the dentist after all.
Coronavirus, the virus that causes Covid 19 spreads through respiratory droplets when someone coughs and sneezes. Breathing in these droplets, especially from an infected person can definitely make you infected as well
Before scheduling an appointment, ask yourself;

Is the dentist’s office safe?

You come into contact with germs everywhere. Even around your house. Amidst the craziness and confusion of the pandemic, health workers and everyone generally know the guidelines towards protecting ourselves from infections. This is what the staff at the dentist’s office should do according to https://www.webmd.com/

1. Ensure tools and surfaces are often disinfected.
2. Clean or replace tools that have already been used or touched.
3. Wear protective gear. In fact, the majority of healthcare workers have resorted to wearing more protective gear e.g. 2 masks,2 gloves, etc.
4. Space out appointments to avoid overcrowding at the facility

This is what your dentist and/office staff should do to ensure your safety as their patient.

1. Apart from the above, for the dentist to ensure he or she is safe:
2. They are allowed to ask about your health; how are you generally? Any colds any cases of flu?
3. The dentist can ask you to limit the number of people to accompany you to the appointment.
4. They can ask patients to wait outside the office till it is their turn.
5. Ensure proper space out of seats in the waiting ay so as to observe social distance.
6. Encourage observation of Covid 19 regulations as per The Ministry of Health; Wear your mask, sanitize.
7. The office staff can also ensure the unavailability of things that people touch while at the waiting bay. For instance, magazines, toys, pens, cards, etc.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Covid 19 should not make you shy away from attending to all other aspects of your life as far as overall health is concerned. All you need to do is ensure to observe all the necessary measures to keep you, your family, and the people around you safe. However, if you do not get an honest answer to the question “Is visiting the dentist during Covid 19 safe?” well, that dental check-up can wait.
Especially if it is not an emergency.

Did you know that bad breath is actually a medical condition? Ever wondered why supermarkets and shops are full of gums, sweets, mouth wash mouth sprays, etc? Normally, these are meant to act as suppressants. However, these are such temporary solutions that might in fact even cause more harm than good.
According to www.mayoclinic.org also known as halitosis, the condition can be caused by your diet or dental issues. Let us get into details of causes of bad breath.

CAUSES

Poor dental Hygiene
Do you brush and floss daily? Well if you don’t, you are highly likely to develop bad breath. This mostly happens as a result of food particles remaining in the mouth.
According to https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ a colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth. If not brushed away, plaque can irritate your gums and eventually form plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and gums (periodontitis).
Your tongue can also trap bacteria that produce very bad odors. Dentures that aren’t cleaned regularly or don’t fit properly can harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles.
Also, read https://karendentalclinic.co.ke/dental-health/why-are-my-teeth-yellow-or-discolored/

Food
Food breakdown in the mouth can increase bacteria and might cause a foul smell. Also eating foods such as onions, garlic, and spices, can cause bad breath. These foods enter your bloodstream and are later carried to the lungs. Thus affecting your breath.
Tobacco Products
People who take tobacco or/and smoke are prone to gum diseases and infections. Hence making them susceptible to bad breath.

These 8 tips will help you in your quest to choosing a dentist for you and your family.
When it comes to finding a dental trustee, you need to choose the right dentist. What is the secret to a beautiful smile? Well, whatever your answer might be, choosing the right dentist is not something you should brush aside (realize the pun).
How? Where do I start in a world flooded with dentists? You may ask. Well, this article will point you in the right direction.

Here are things that you should look out for.

These 8 tips will come in handy when it comes to your pursuit of choosing the best and most ideal dentist.

Look for a dentist that is an all-rounder.
When looking for a dentist, especially one who will look after not just you but the whole family at large, ask yourself how much more he can offer.
He ought to be good at Cosmetic and orthodontic treatment. General dentistry.
For instance, at Karen dental, our prosthodontists can:

1. Use the latest technology to come up with new ways to treat unusual dental problems
2. Treat teeth problems caused by something other than the usual decay.
3. Improve the look of smiles by fixing tooth problems from birth defects or accidents.
4. Perform oral surgeries that most general dentists aren’t trained to do.

Think convenience
How close is the dentist’s office to your workplace? Your child’s school, do not limit it to proximity to your home. Moreover, consider the hospital’s working hours.
Consider settling for a practitioner that offers late hours/weekend services.

Think Insurance
Who does not fancy the thought of reducing out-of-pocket expenses? In case you do too, you may want to find a practitioner that is part of your insurance provider’s network.

Reviews from satisfied clients
This sounds like a long shot but believe it or not. However, most of our decisions are made through what we hear from people. Think about the phone you have. Chances are, you settled for it based on what you have heard about the gadget.
So, find out about that dentist first okay?

What are the dentist’s emergency care hours?
Emergency means unexpected/unpredictable right? Well, would your dentist be open to such uncertainties? Find out if;

1. They are available any weeknights?
2. How is their Saturday schedule?
3. Are they open on Sundays?
4. Whether they charge a fee for missed appointments
5. How much time is needed in advance to cancel an appointment?

Up-to-date technology
Digital technology has greatly improved the quality of care over the last decades e.g. Digital x-rays. These are clearer and appear almost instantly, allowing the dentist to diagnose issues quickly and more accurately.
Digital x-rays also produce far less radiation, reducing exposure in patients by a whopping 90 percent. This is according to https://o2dental.ca/5-tips-for-choosing-the-right-dentist/

Can you trust the Dentist?
For the best dental care, you want a dentist you are comfortable with. This means one who answers your questions. As a result, you will not feel like you are overstepping by asking questions. Look for openness and trust.
What is the dentist’s Education and Experience?
How long has he/she been in the business? What exactly are they trained in? Consequently, knowing these gives more assurance that you can trust this person. That he or she is not a quack.

CONCLUSION
Never be shy to visit our office, come and ask as many questions as you wish. We operate on the virtue of trust. Our reputation speaks this loud enough. Thank you for choosing to look us up. Contact us for any queries, or to book an appointment.

Copy Sources:
https://o2dental.ca/5-tips-for-choosing-the-right-dentist/
https://buildinggreatsmiles.com/tips-for-choosing-dentist/

Whether manual or electric, you need to give serious thought to the type of brush you settle for. Ask yourself questions like “What really are the 3 important qualities of a good toothbrush? In fact, we should always keep in mind that good oral hygiene is important not only for dental health but also for overall wellbeing.
Actually, gum diseases can cause major risk health issues like heart diseases and diabetes. So, what then is good oral hygiene? Great oral hygiene means brushing your teeth and flossing at least twice a day. However, do we understand what our toothbrushes should look like? How should it feel?
Well, this article will surely give you a glimpse of what passes a toothbrush as the best for you. Regardless of whether it’s manual or powered (electric), think of these 3 things.

3 IMPORTANT QUALITIES OF A TOOTHBRUSH CONSIDER;

1. Size
2. Bristles
3. Handle

Let us explain these in detail.

Size
When buying a toothbrush, you want one which easily accesses the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. According to https://www.dorrclinic.com/ the size of your toothbrush should fit the size of your mouth. It should brush one to two teeth at a go.

Bristles
Ever tried using a toothbrush with so hard bristles that you felt it would tear up your gums? Well, if you thought tough bristles are the best that they clean better, you better think again.
Next time, go for one with softer bristles. An article by https://pickeringsquaredental.com/ points out that brushes with softer bristles work well when it comes to oral hygiene.
Here is how:

1. When it comes to removing debris and plaque in the teeth, they are effective.

2. They do not hurt your gums or the teeth surface
Bristles come in different sizes. Flat, dome-shaped, rippled, etc. Whichever you choose, make sure to choose that which protects your teeth.

Handle
How does it feel on your hand? The handle should be long enough to comfortably hold. Consequently, a good grip plays a vital role in making brushing effective especially in pursuit of reaching the not so easily accessible areas.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO CHANGE MY TOOTHBRUSH?
It is highly recommended that you change your toothbrush after every 3-4 months. A toothbrush with worn-out bristles will not remove the plaque from your teeth properly. Consequently, not achieve good dental hygiene.

TIPS FOR TOOTHBRUSH MAINTENANCE

1. Replace every 3-4 months
2. Never share your toothbrush
3. Always replace after you had a cold
4. Replace it after the bristles start to worn
5. Rinse your toothbrush regularly

If you are still not sure of a toothbrush that suits you, always seek help from a professional. Specifically, put into consideration the effectiveness, durability, comfort, and also long-term effect.
Effect on your gums, teeth surface, and generally, overall health.
Also, see
https://karendentalclinic.co.ke/dental-health/why-are-my-teeth-yellow-or-discolored/

Whether for correction of crowded or crooked teeth, or a misaligned jaw, known as malocclusion, different people wear braces/orthodontics for different reasons.
Dental braces are a way of straightening or moving your teeth, to improve how they look and how they work.
Braces move your teeth by exerting constant pressure on them for extended periods of time. The shape of your jaw gradually adapts to conform to this pressure.
Signs that you need braces
There are many reasons why you might want or be advised, to have braces.
Some of the most common reasons are:

1. overcrowded or crooked teeth
2. not enough, or too much, spacing between your teeth
3. upper front teeth that stick out
4. lower teeth that bite too far behind your upper teeth
5. upper front teeth that bite behind your lower ones

Which Types of Braces are the best?

There are different types of braces. Although we would all be interested in knowing the best orthodontics of them all, there is, unfortunately, no definite answer to that. This is because different types of braces work and are placed differently. Some are placed in front of the teeth, while others are placed at the back. Safe to say all correct and work totally differently.

Types Of Braces In Kenya
A while back, in fact so many years ago, braces meant large metal bands cemented around each tooth. Luckily just as every industry has grown with technology, so has the dental field.
Now, orthodontics means tiny wires placed on your teeth, wires that can also be very beautifully decorated.
Wait have we mentioned that there are clear ones as well? No wires, just braces that look exactly like your teeth? Well, let us get right into it.
There are around 5 main types of braces. Each associated with a unique set of advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into consideration to decide the best treatment option for individual patients.

1. Traditional Metal Braces

These involve brackets and wires made of metal attached to the teeth. These kinds of braces can be altered when required. Heat-activated archwires are a new addition to traditional braces. These utilize body heat in the mouth to allow the teeth to move them more quickly and with less discomfort than was previously possible.
This is the least expensive option of braces but very noticeable. However, they can be made more attractive to improve their appearance.

2. Ceramic

These and the traditional braces are similar in size and shape. The difference? Unlike the aforementioned type, these are made of ceramic material that blends into the natural color of the teeth. Thus making them less noticeable.
Mostly preferred by patients, this kind also allows greater freedom to drink and eat anything.

3. Lingual Braces

Unlike the prior 2, these types of braces are attached to the inside of the teeth. They definitely have an upper hand since they are not noticeable. However, their downside is that they are less effective as opposed to traditional braces, uncomfortable to the tongue, and very difficult to clean.

4. Invisalign

These are the most distinct type of braces since they do not involve brackets and wires but instead utilize a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth. These aligners are easy to remove and replace with the next one in the series every two weeks throughout the treatment period. Most individuals require between 18 and 30 different aligners to achieve the desired result. They are considerably more expensive and can only be used to correct minor to moderate dental problems in teenagers and adults.

5. Self-Ligating braces

This type of braces has similar efficacy to traditional metal braces and may increase control over the appliance, leading to more precise tooth alignment. They however utilize clips rather than elastic bands to hold the brace in place. Thus making it easy to clean. All these braces solve different problems. Make sure to involve a professional dental practitioner in the decision process.

Can Kids Have Braces?

According to https://www.mayoclinic.org/ it is a good idea to get an orthodontic evaluation by the time a child is 7 years old.
Whether to or not to go the braces way is highly dependant on the severity of your child’s dental problems.

How can I keep my braces clean?

1. Brush at least 3 times per day (to remove food debris and plaque).
2. Use a soft, round-bristle toothbrush.
3. Floss daily (use a floss threaded).
4. Use an interproximal brush if you have space between the teeth.
5. Brush with an electric toothbrush as an added aid (to clean the gum line, tooth surface and to clean around brackets).
6. Use an oral irrigator (apply an antimicrobial agent in the reservoir to help kill plaque biofilm).
7. Rinse with an anti-cavity fluoride rinse.

For the best braces, make sure to contact us. We pride the best orthodontic services in Nairobi.

Sources:

1. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Types-of-Dental-Braces.aspx
2. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=how-to-tell-if-your-child-needs-braces-1-4061
3. https://www.stanleysmiles.com/news-events/what-are-the-different-kinds-of-braces/
4. https://www.oralb.co.uk/en-gb
5. https://emeralddental.co.ke/teeth-alignment-orthodontics/
6. https://www.colgate.com/en-sa/oral-health/dry-mouth/bringing-teeth-into-alignment-with-orthodontic-treatment

If one of your resolutions for the New Year is weight loss, well you are not alone. Just like you, the majority of us have not left out weight loss when it comes to laying down our New Year plans.

We all know diet change/enhancement is one of the ways to getting us there. Making good decisions as far as your diet is concerned has benefits to not only your waistline, but also your dental health.

This therefore means, paying attention to your meals and beverages is of utmost importance. From how you prepare the food, all the way to your drink preferences.

This means you need to do some adjusting in how you have been doing things. Read on for small swaps that can make a big difference on the scale and in your smile.

When Planning Meals

You used to:
Have fatty foods, indulge in too much takeout, actually, you did not pay attention to what was on your plate.
Now:
Look at you now, controlling the amount of lean protein, vegetables, grains, and dairy you have each day. Keeping in mind how important this change is. You are doing great. Keep it up it is not in vain. Here is why.

Why:
The right kind of food will definitely get you feeling, looking, and working better. To our bodies, food acts as fuel.
The right food will therefore keep you going. Want to set out on a “What and how much can I eat in a day or per meal” plan? ChooseMyPlate.gov will help you create and keep to healthy habits.

1. Fruits and vegetables: These should cover half your plate at meals. They are high in water and fiber, which balance the sugars they contain and help to clean your teeth.
   They also help stimulate saliva production, which washes harmful acids and food particles away from teeth and helps neutralize acid, protecting teeth from cavities.

2. Grains: At least half of the grains you eat should be whole grains or low-sugar bread and cereals, such as oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and brown rice. Such meals are loaded with vitamins (Vitamin E) minerals and antioxidants that work to keep mouths healthy.
One of the main functions of vitamin E is to reduce inflammation. This is important in the fight against gum disease. This is according to https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/fatty-food-temptations#1

3. Protein: (Especially animal protein) contains phosphorous, a mineral that is absolutely vital in improving the strength of teeth and the jaw. In fact, when phosphorus is combined with calcium and vitamin D, healthy bones and teeth are the results! This is according to https://www.smiletownnorthdelta.com
Lean protein choices, such as lean beef, skinless poultry, and fish are worth the while.
However, your protein choices should not be limited to just that. Make sure to also include eggs, beans, peas, and legumes.

4. Dairy: When it comes to dairy, choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods. Milk and other dairy products such as cheese and yogurt are low in sugar, which is a good thing for your dental health. Plus, they contain protein and are full of calcium, which is good for healthy teeth and gums.
When You Need Something to Drink Now that we know how to go about that plate, let us now work on that glass. You used to: Reach for a soda.

Now:
You quench your thirst with water. Because water will also help you with that waistline. Look at you doing so well.

Why:
Fun Fact: Did you know, 1 in 10 Africans get at least 200 calories a day from sugary drinks like soda? A 20-ounce regular soda has an average of 227 calories. Cutting soda from your diet is an easy way to save on calories.

In addition, a regular can of soda contains about 12.5 teaspoons of added sugar. Imagine how much harm that amount of sugar could cause your teeth.

Now, if you dread dentist visits as much as many of us, we suggest you keep off that soda and take more water instead.

Water contains no calories, no sugars and helps keep cavities away by washing away leftover food and keeping dry mouth at bay.

When You’re Craving Dessert
You used to:
grab a cookie after dinner to feed your sweet tooth.

Now:
You reach for a piece of sugarless gum. Good job!

Why:
It’s a win-win: You can prevent dessert remorse and clean your teeth at the same time.
When You’re Working Out
Done with the feeding, let’s now sweat it
You used to:
Take a sports drink right after working out right? Well you probably didn’t know but this drink is loaded with sugar

Now:
This year, you will fill your sports bottle with water. Because after reading this article, you know better.

Why:
Staying hydrated is key when you’re exercising, but sports drinks also often add extra calories because they are full of sugar and can be acidic.

That’s why, hands down, water is the best beverage for your body and your teeth. If possible, drink tap water. The fluoride in the water can actually help rebuild weak spots on the outer shell of your teeth.

When You Could Really Go for a Snack
You used to:
Reach for the first food at hand.

Now:
Now that you are prepared and knowledgeable, choose healthy foods.

Why:
Opting for chips, crackers or whatever is around distracts you from this year’s “I will lose weight” resolution. Snacking on such unhealthy snacks makes it easy for calories to sneak up on you.

We do not want that, do we?

Limiting your snacking and making better choices can help control your calorie intake and give cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth less leftover food to snack on as well.

However, if you cannot keep off the snacks, how about you make it a nutritious snacking time? Snack on things like cheese, yogurt, fruits, vegetables or nuts to feel fuller, longer and help your overall and dental health at the same time.

If you tend to snack at night, try moving your evening brushing time up a bit.

A clean mouth just might motivate you to say no to that midnight.

To achieve a smaller waistline and A1 dental health, make these changes in your life.

What is a dental filling or cavity filling?

Also known as dental restoration, dental fillings are treatments used to restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structures resulting from caries or external trauma as well as to the replacement of such structures supported by dental implants.

This is according to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_restoration.
Commonly, the installation is done on patients whose teeth are chipped, worn out or suffer cavities. This professional restorative dental service should be done by a qualified dentist.

Types of filling

There are 5 main types of Cavity fillings.

1. Amalgam
   Silver in color and has been used for over 150 years to fill chipped or decaying teeth. They usually last up to 20 years with proper care and are primarily used for the back teeth.
2. Composite
   Strong fillings made of a combination of quartz, silica or other ceramic material in a resin base then colored to match your existing teeth.
3. Glass ionomer
   These are tooth-colored and lighter. They form a chemical link with the teeth and may release fluoride. As they are weaker than the other fillings, they are often used in pediatric dental care and on non-biting surfaces of the teeth.
4. Gold inlays
   These gold-colored fillings are the sturdiest of the fillings and are often used to cover wider areas of the teeth.
   Porcelain inlays are tooth-colored and are made digitally using CADCAM technology.

Pit and fissure sealants are used to prevent dental decay using a plastic coating to cover areas where pits, grooves and cracks have formed.

How do I know I need cavity filling?

1. You have tooth cavities
   If tooth decay causes cavity formation, the dentist will drill out the damaged part of the tooth and apply a filling. This filling lasts for five years or more.
2. You have realized small holes in your teeth
   The filling can be done on such teeth not only as a treatment but also prevention. If these little holes are not filled, they start accumulating food particles and bacteria that will cause tooth decay.
3. In case of a fractured tooth
   A fractured tooth can be cured with a white composite filling. Teeth fractures are caused while playing sports, an unusual accident, or an aging process.
4. You have discolored teeth
   Dentists may apply fillings to teeth that have become discolored due to the consumption of acidic foods and beverages. Teeth grinding and the use of teeth to open things can also cause discoloration.
5. After the gradual loss of tooth structure
   When a tooth is damaged, it may not be easy to retain its natural structure. In such scenarios, the dental filling may be required to enhance the support and visual uniformity throughout the mouth.

How does dental filling work?
The dentist first removes the decayed tooth material, cleans the affected area, and then fills the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material. By closing off spaces where bacteria can enter, a filling also helps prevent further decay.
What is the difference between Filling and root canal?
A root canal clears away bacteria and damaged tissue to relieve pain and save the tooth. A filling restores the function and cosmetic appearance of the tooth; a root canal cleans and protects the soft tissue inside the tooth from further damage.
Is it a painful procedure?
A filling does not happen in areas of the tooth where there are nerves, so you shouldn’t feel any more pain from the procedure than you would feel from cutting your hair. No nerves = no pain.

How long do fillings last?
According to https://allsmilesdentalgroup.com/ cavity/dental fillers usually last anywhere from 7-20 years, although this depends on the location of the filling, the size, and your dental hygiene.

Fillings put up with a lot of stress! Every time you chew, it is compromised. Little by little, your filling may loosen, which will create a pocket for food to collect and cause further decay.

This makes dental visits more paramount than ever! Visiting your dentist every 6 months could deter your filling from becoming a serious issue
How do I take care of my filling?
Once you undergo the filling process, make sure you take great care of your dental health. In fact, according to https://www.dramyfarmer.com/,you need to treat your dental fillings as you do your natural teeth. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day can keep your teeth, including your fillings, strong and healthy. Eating a well-balanced diet and limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks can also prevent further tooth damage and decay.

With composite fillings, you can eat and chew as normal. However, it is a good idea to avoid or limit hard-to-eat foods (e.g., apples and hard candy) as they can put stress on your fillings and teeth.
Avoid biting into hard objects such as fingernails, bottle caps, and pens. Liquids like coffee, tea, and red wine should also be avoided as they can stain both your natural teeth and fillings.
Insight Sources
https://www.dramyfarmer.com/
https://allsmilesdentalgroup.com/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/
https://www.katebraymandds.com/
https://www.news-medical.net/
https://emeralddental.co.ke/dental-fillings/

Wondering why you now have yellow teeth and not the normal beautiful white teeth? Discoloration of teeth is one of the most common problems that people experience. Teeth whitening becomes necessary with age.

The discoloration happens when the enamel layer starts wearing out. Many of our daily habits conspire to turn our teeth from white to yellow.

The food we eat, what we drink, and other habits e.g. smoking. However, the condition can be reversed. Teeth discoloration and staining happens mainly due to two sources of stain. Intrinsic and extrinsic staining.

EXTRINSIC DISCOLORATION

This stain occurs due to environmental factors including smoking, pigments in beverages and foods, antibiotics, and metals like copper and iron.

Here are more reasons for intrinsic stains:

Dental plaque: A clear biofilm of bacteria that forms along the gum line. This occurs due to the normal development and defenses of the immune system.

Calculus: The hard deposit on the teeth especially along the gum line. This happens when the plaque has calcified. The color of calculous varies. It starts as yellow then overtime starts turning darker and becomes more tenacious and difficult to remove.

Tobacco: Tar in the smoke from tobacco products forms a yellow-brown-black stain around the necks of teeth above the gum line.
Betel chewing: The extracted gel of betel leaf contains tannin, a chromogenic agent that causes discoloration of the tooth enamel. Tannin is also present in coffee
Betel chewing produces blood-red saliva that stains the teeth red-brown to nearly black.

Others include certain topical medications, certain foods, and metallic compounds.

What to do to remove extrinsic stains

Prophylaxis:

This is done using a slow-speed rotary hand piece and a rubber cup with abrasive paste, mostly containing fluoride.

Adversely, the action of the rubber cup together with the abrasive nature of the paste removes around one micron of enamel from the tooth surface every time prophylaxis is performed.

This method of stain removal may only take place in the dental office.

Toothpaste:

Pastes contain different abrasives. Hydrated silica, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium carbonate to polish and remove surface stains and /or low concentrations of active peroxide to bleach teeth.

The silica in most conventional whitening toothpaste mechanically scrapes stains off of teeth by using an abrasive called silica.

As far as toothpaste is concerned, always look for pastes that contain peroxide if you want real results. You start to notice the whitening after five or more days.

Microabrasion
This stain removal method can only be undertaken in a dental office, not at home. Here, the dental professional treats by use of an instrument that emits a powder, water, and compressed air to remove biofilm, and extrinsic staining.

This stain removal method can only be undertaken in a dental office, not at home.

INTRINSIC DISCOLORATION

Unlike the extrinsic, here, the staining occurs during the teeth development. Either before birth or during childhood.

They are stains that cannot be removed through mechanical measures.

Here are some sources of intrinsic stains:

Tooth wear and aging

A progressive loss of enamel and dentine due to tooth erosion, abrasion, and attrition. As enamel wears down, dentine becomes more apparent, and chromogenic agents are penetrated in the tooth more easily.
The natural production of secondary dentine also gradually darkens teeth with age.

Porphyria

A rare metabolic disorder in which the body fails to adequately metabolize porphyrins, which leads to accumulation or excretion of porphyrins into teeth.
The excretion of porphyrins produces purple-red pigments in teeth.

Dental caries

Tooth discoloration is inconclusive, however, the most reliable evidence suggests that carious lesion allows for exogenous agents to enter dentine and hence increased absorption of chromogenic agents causing discoloration to the tooth.

Dental trauma

May stain either as a result of pulp necrosis or internal resorption. Alternatively, the tooth may become darker without pulp necrosis.

Fluorosis

Dental fluorosis causes opaqueness of the enamel making them chalky white and porous, causing it to break down and cause the exposed subsurface enamel.
They occur due to excessive ingestion of fluoride or overexposure to fluoride during the development of enamel which usually occurs between the ages of one to four.

Restorative materials

The materials used during root canal treatments, such as eugenol and phenolic compounds, contain pigments that stains dentine.

Among many more.

HOW TO GET RID OF INTRINSIC STAINS

In-Office bleaching of discolored teeth

This procedure generally uses a light-cured protective layer that is carefully painted on the gums and papilla (the tips of the gums between the teeth) to reduce the risk of chemical burns to the soft tissues.

The bleaching agent is either carbamide peroxide, which breaks down in the mouth to form hydrogen peroxide, or hydrogen peroxide itself.

Bleaching is least effective when the original tooth color is greyish and may require custom bleaching trays. Bleaching is most effective with yellow discolored teeth.
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Looking for a tooth whitening clinic in Nairobi? Look no further. Karen Dental Clinic Nairobi is the place for you. We are the best dental practitioners in Nairobi