If you really take notice you will find that many people have a mouth full of metal due to tooth fillings. Although over the past few years more people are opting for the resin or porcelain fillings, as a more aesthetically pleasing choice. Regardless, dental fillings are commonly seen because cavities are a problem especially within America. Our sugar laden diets tend to catch up with us if we are not careful. Sugar and plaque contribute to cavities especially when a person doesn't make the effort to brush and floss their teeth properly.
Function
Sometimes, the only option is to eliminate the cavity, and replace the missing tooth fragments with a filling in order to save the tooth and make it whole again. The main purpose of a tooth filling is to prevent tooth loss. If cavities are not dealt with early on it can result in tooth loss. A tooth filling is meant to fill in the space where the cavity was. Most people wind up getting fillings at one point or another in their lives.
Types
There are many different types of tooth fillings. Resin dental fillings are light in color. This type of filling is made from plastic. These fillings tend to be less noticeable because they blend in nicely with teeth. Amalgam fillings typically contain mercury, which is a known to a poison. There is some debate about whether or not the mercury leaks from the fillings into the body. According to the American Dental Association it is still unknown. The amalgam fillings are made with a combination of silver, mercury and other substances. Porcelain fillings are another option which has no known or perceived risk. Porcelain tends to be one of the most expensive fillings you can get.
Time Frame
Tooth filings can last throughout your entire life time depending on several factors. Deeper fillings usually don't last as long because deep fillings undermine the entire structure of the tooth. Biting down hard on food could result in pieces of the filling or tooth crumbling off. These larger fillings tend to break down sooner, and in many cases are only a temporary fix.
Considerations
If you need tooth fillings you might want to consider opting for porcelain fillings rather than mercury fillings. Even though it is not certain if mercury leaks out of amalgam fillings you might want to opt for the more expensive resin fillings as a precaution. Just remember that it may cost more for the porcelain fillings.
Prevention/Solution
Cavities can be prevented if you practice good oral hygiene and make it a priority to visit the dentist. Our busy lives tend to make it difficult to take the time needed in order to take proper care of our teeth. However, if we put forth the effort to make our teeth a priority we can prevent dental problems in the future.
Always brush your teeth gently for at least 3 minutes or longer. Brush with a soft bristle tooth brush gently but thoroughly. Brushing too hard or too fast can lead to a reseeding gum line. Some people brush their teeth after every meal, but not everyone has time to do this. At least brush and floss in the morning and at night before bed. Flossing is essential because it removes food from in between the teeth. Floss between all teeth.
The type of toothpaste you choose is a personal choice. However, some of the most effective brands are actually derived from soap. Search the internet for tooth soap rather than tooth paste if you want a deep down clean. However, the type of soap found in tooth soap is very different than the type of soap you wash your dishes with. Tooth soap is derived from olive oil and other whole foods.
The ingredients found in most traditional toothpastes are toxic if ingested according to the warning label.
You can also prevent cavities by cutting back on sugary foods. Instead opt for healthy organic vegetables which help strengthen your teeth because of the minerals contained in these foods. Calcium is found in broccoli, carrots and other vegetables.
Tags: porcelain fillings, amalgam fillings, between teeth, brush floss, dental fillings