Orthodontics helps us have a prettier smile and improves bite problems and oral health in general, but it can be a bit annoying and cause some oral health problems if we do not take proper care of it. Therefore, both to prevent discomfort and make the treatment more pleasant, food is a pivotal aspect to consider when we wear appliances.
If the orthodontics that we wear is fixed (braces) the first days of adaptation to the appliance, it is advisable to follow a soft diet based on: liquids, yogurts, purees, and foods easy to chew and swallow such as boiled or French omelet.
Once this period has passed, we must also pay special attention to the type of food that we are going to incorporate into our diet so that these do not interfere with the treatment in the sense that they cannot deform or detach the device.
The small pieces are the basic norm, so much for meats, vegetables, or fruits. It is better to break them into tiny pieces so that teeth and teeth have to exert as little pressure as possible. It is better if we peel the fruit before so that the skin does not get caught in the devices, and another trick is to cut the vegetables perpendicular to their fibers, which facilitates chewing. It is also recommended that fibrous meats are prepared in the form of a meatball or hamburger because this gives a smoother texture, and also, the fibers will not remain between the brackets.
Dental Treatment
And although to have a healthy diet you have to eat everything in a balanced way, there are certain foods that it is better to reduce their consumption during dental treatment.
Among them are nuts or hard or whole foods since they require more effort to chew and move the handles. In addition, in crunchy foods, when chewing them, they break into multiple pieces that remain between the teeth and the appliances, making oral hygiene difficult.
It is also recommended to avoid acidic foods (citrus fruits, pineapple, tomato, vinegar) because they can erode the enamel. In addition, if you have thrush, it is recommended to avoid irritating or scorching foods and liquids.
Selling a small business can be one of the most rewarding yet complex processes for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re moving on to new opportunities, retiring, or pivoting your career, ensuring a smooth and profitable business sale requires proper planning. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from preparation to closing the deal.
Key Steps to Sell a Small Business
1. Evaluate Your Readiness to Sell
Before you begin the process, it’s essential to determine if you’re ready to sell. Ask yourself:
Are you financially prepared to step away from the business?
Do you have a post-sale plan, such as retirement or a new venture?
Is the business in a favorable position, with steady cash flow and growth potential?
You may be wanting to know how to sell a business online. Well, selling a business too early or too late can impact its valuation. Timing your exit during periods of profitability and market growth ensures better offers from potential buyers.
2. Conduct a Business Valuation
Determining your business’s worth is crucial. A valuation provides a realistic market price that ensures you’re not undervaluing (or overpricing) your business. Valuation considers several factors, including:
Cash flow and profitability
Assets (such as equipment, inventory, and real estate)
Industry trends
Customer base and reputation
You can hire professional appraisers or accountants specializing in business valuations to ensure accuracy. This step also builds credibility with buyers during negotiations. It also helps to learn how to find a business broker in California.
3. Organize Your Financial Records
Buyers will scrutinize your business’s financial health, so it’s essential to prepare:
Profit and loss statements
Tax returns (for at least the last 3–5 years)
Balance sheets and cash flow statements
Inventory reports and lease agreements
Transparent and organized financials not only make the process smoother but also enhance trust with buyers. If your records are not in order, consider hiring an accountant to help.
4. Prepare the Business for Sale
Just like staging a house before selling it, presenting your business in the best light is essential. This includes:
Improving curb appeal: Clean and maintain physical premises.
Streamlining operations: Address inefficiencies and remove bottlenecks.
Addressing legal issues: Resolve any pending lawsuits or disputes.
Retaining key staff: A stable workforce can be an attractive selling point for buyers.
Positioning your business for a sale boosts its perceived value and helps attract serious buyers. This will help you learn how to sell a business quickly.
5. Determine the Right Selling Price
While your business valuation will give you a range, pricing strategy is critical. Too high, and you’ll scare off potential buyers; too low, and you’ll leave money on the table. Take into account:
Industry benchmarks and market conditions
Comparable business sales in your area
Buyer trends and financing availability
Setting a reasonable asking price encourages offers while leaving room for negotiation.
6. Decide Whether to Use a Broker
Hiring a business broker can streamline the sale, especially if you don’t have experience or time to manage the process. Brokers handle:
Marketing the business to qualified buyers
Managing negotiations and buyer screening
Ensuring confidentiality throughout the sale
However, brokers charge a commission, usually 5–10% of the sale price. If you prefer to sell privately, you’ll need to handle the marketing and negotiation yourself, which can be more time-consuming.
7. Market Your Business for Sale
Finding the right buyer is essential. To increase visibility, use a combination of:
Business-for-sale websites and online marketplaces
Local and industry-specific publications
Professional networks and word of mouth
Create a compelling listing that highlights the key benefits of the business, such as strong customer relationships, growth potential, and profitability. Remember to maintain confidentiality by only disclosing sensitive details to serious buyers under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
8. Qualify Potential Buyers
Not every inquiry will be a serious buyer. Before disclosing detailed information, screen potential buyers based on:
Financial capability to complete the purchase
Industry experience and operational capability
Motivation and long-term interest in the business
Working with qualified buyers helps you avoid wasting time and ensures a smoother transaction.
9. Negotiate the Terms of Sale
Once you have interested buyers, the negotiation phase begins. Be prepared to discuss:
Price: Buyers may request discounts or adjustments after reviewing financials.
Payment structure: This could include lump sums, installment payments, or seller financing.
Transition period: Buyers may request your involvement during the handover period to ensure a smooth transition.
Assets included in the sale: Specify what inventory, equipment, or intellectual property is part of the deal.
During negotiations, maintain flexibility while keeping your goals in mind. A win-win approach helps both parties feel satisfied with the agreement.
10. Prepare Legal Documents
Closing the sale involves several legal documents to formalize the transfer of ownership. These include:
Purchase agreement: Outlines the final sale terms and conditions.
Bill of sale: Transfers ownership of assets.
Non-compete agreement: Prevents you from starting a competing business.
Lease transfer agreement: If the buyer takes over your business premises.
Hiring a lawyer ensures that all documents are legally sound and protect your interests.
11. Close the Deal and Transfer Ownership
Once all terms are agreed upon, the closing process begins. At this stage, you’ll:
Sign the necessary legal documents
Transfer assets, contracts, and licenses to the buyer
Receive payment or the first installment (if seller financing is involved)
Provide training or support during the transition period
Closing can take a few weeks to finalize, depending on the complexity of the deal. Working with professionals ensures the process is smooth and legally compliant.
12. Notify Stakeholders
After the sale, it’s time to inform employees, suppliers, and customers. Be transparent and positive in your communication to maintain trust and ensure a smooth transition for all involved.
Key Takeaways
Start with a business valuation to determine the right price and attract serious buyers.
Organize financial and operational records to build trust with potential buyers.
Improve the business’s appeal by addressing operational inefficiencies and maintaining staff.
Decide whether to use a broker or sell privately based on your expertise and time availability.
Screen buyers carefully to ensure they have the financial means and operational ability to run the business.
Negotiate terms thoughtfully, including the price, payment structure, and transition period.
Hire a lawyer to prepare legal documents and protect your interests.
Communicate clearly with employees, customers, and suppliers once the sale is finalized.
Selling a small business is a journey that involves planning, negotiation, and strategic decision-making. With the right preparation and guidance, you can achieve a successful sale and move on to the next chapter of your life. Whether you’re seeking financial freedom, a fresh start, or retirement, executing a well-planned exit strategy ensures that your hard work pays off.
Ready for a successful exit? Now is the time to start your journey toward selling your business the right way!…
In the world of retirement planning, the 401(k) to Gold IRA rollover is a topic that has gained increasing attention in recent years. It’s a financial maneuver that allows individuals to diversify their retirement portfolios by incorporating the stability and potential benefits of precious metals, specifically gold.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the nitty-gritty details of what a 401(k) to Gold IRA rollover entails, why you might consider it, and how to go about it.
What is a 401(k)?
Before we dive into the intricacies of a 401(k) to Gold IRA rollover, let’s start with the basics. A 401(k) is a tax-advantaged retirement savings plan that is offered by many employers in the United States. This retirement vehicle is named after the section of the Internal Revenue Code that governs it, and it’s designed to help workers save for their retirement years.
There are two main types of 401(k) plans:
1. Traditional 401(k): Contributions to a traditional 401(k) are made with pre-tax dollars, which means you don’t pay income tax on the money you contribute. Instead, you pay taxes when you withdraw the funds during retirement.
2. Roth 401(k): Contributions to a Roth 401(k) are made with after-tax dollars, so you won’t owe taxes when you withdraw the money in retirement. This can provide tax-free income during your retirement years.
One of the primary advantages of a 401(k) is that it allows you to grow your retirement savings over time through investments in various assets like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more. These investments have the potential to appreciate in value, helping you build a substantial nest egg for retirement.
The Limitations of Traditional 401(k) Investments
While 401(k) plans offer many advantages, they also have limitations. One of the most notable limitations is the limited investment options typically provided by employer-sponsored plans. These options usually consist of a selection of mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, which may not fully align with your investment goals or risk tolerance.
Additionally, traditional 401(k) investments are tied to the performance of financial markets. This means that during periods of economic volatility, your retirement savings may be vulnerable to significant fluctuations in value. As history has shown, financial markets can experience periods of both boom and bust, which can impact the health of your retirement fund.
What is a Gold IRA?
Now, you may have reasons to invest in gold with Fidelity, but you can’t invest in actual physical gold with them. So, let’s turn our attention to the concept of a Gold IRA (Individual Retirement Account). A Gold IRA is a self-directed retirement account that allows individuals to hold physical gold and other precious metals as part of their retirement portfolio. Unlike traditional 401(k)s, Gold IRAs provide investors with the opportunity to diversify their holdings by incorporating tangible assets like gold coins and bars.
Here are some key points to understand about Gold IRAs:
1. Precious Metals: In addition to gold, Gold IRAs can also include other precious metals such as silver, platinum, and palladium. These metals are considered tangible assets and can serve as a hedge against economic instability.
2. Self-Directed: Gold IRAs are self-directed, meaning that you have control over the selection and management of the precious metals within your account. This level of control allows you to make strategic decisions based on your investment objectives.
3. Custodian: To ensure compliance with IRS regulations, Gold IRAs must be held by a qualified custodian or trustee. The custodian is responsible for facilitating the purchase, storage, and safekeeping of the precious metals within the IRA.
4. Tax Benefits: Similar to traditional retirement accounts, Gold IRAs offer tax advantages. Depending on the type of Gold IRA you choose (Traditional or Roth), you may enjoy tax-deferred or tax-free growth, respectively.
The 401(k) to Gold IRA Rollover Explained
If you have read this far in this article you are clearly wondering how to transfer your 401k to a gold IRA without a penalty and we have got some information from you on how to do it. Now that we have a solid understanding of both 401(k) plans and Gold IRAs, let’s explore how the two can be combined through a rollover. A 401(k) to Gold IRA rollover is a strategic financial move that allows you to transfer a portion or all of the funds in your traditional 401(k) into a Gold IRA. Here’s how it works:
1. Eligibility: Not everyone with a 401(k) can perform a rollover into a Gold IRA. Typically, you must have left your job or reached the age of 59½ to be eligible for such a rollover. In some cases, your plan may allow for “in-service” rollovers, even if you’re still employed.
2. Set Up a Gold IRA: First, you’ll need to establish a Gold IRA with a qualified custodian that specializes in precious metals. This custodian will guide you through the process and ensure compliance with IRS rules.
3. Transfer or Rollover: Once your Gold IRA is set up, you can initiate the transfer or rollover process. There are two primary ways to do this:
Direct Rollover: In a direct rollover, your 401(k) plan administrator transfers the funds directly to your Gold IRA custodian. This method is typically more straightforward and avoids potential tax implications.
Indirect Rollover: In an indirect rollover, you receive the funds from your 401(k) and have 60 days to deposit them into your Gold IRA. If you fail to complete the deposit within this timeframe, the distribution may be subject to taxes and early withdrawal penalties.
4. Choose Your Precious Metals: With the funds in your Gold IRA, you can now select the specific precious metals you wish to include in your portfolio. These metals will be purchased and held within the IRA, under the custody of the appointed trustee.
The primary motivation for individuals considering a 401(k) to Gold IRA rollover is to diversify their retirement investments and potentially protect their savings from economic downturns. Gold has historically been seen as a safe-haven asset, with its value often rising during times of economic uncertainty. By incorporating gold into your retirement portfolio, you aim to mitigate risk and enhance the stability of your investments.
Pros and Cons of a 401(k) to Gold IRA Rollover
As with any financial decision, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider when contemplating a 401(k) to Gold IRA rollover. Let’s explore these in more detail.
Pros:
1. Diversification: One of the most significant advantages of a Gold IRA rollover is the diversification it offers. Precious metals like gold often move independently of traditional financial markets, providing a potential hedge against stock market volatility.
2. Safe-Haven Asset: Gold has a long history of retaining value during economic crises. It can act as a store of wealth and a safe-haven asset in times of uncertainty.
3. Potential for Growth: While gold is known for stability, it can also appreciate in value over time. This potential for growth can enhance your overall retirement portfolio.
4. Control: With a Gold IRA, you have greater control over your investments, including the ability to choose specific precious metals and make adjustments as needed.
Cons:
1. Initial Costs: Setting up and maintaining a Gold IRA may involve fees and expenses that are not present with a traditional 401(k). It’s essential to understand these costs before proceeding.
2. Limited Liquidity: Unlike stocks or bonds, physical gold is not easily liquidated. Selling gold may take more time and involve additional costs.
3. Price Volatility: While gold can be a stable asset, it is not immune to price fluctuations. Prices can go up and down over time, impacting the value of your Gold IRA.
4. IRS Rules and Regulations: Many new people wonder can investors choose any gold coins for a gold IRA? The answer is: no. The IRS has specific rules and regulations governing Gold IRAs. Failing to follow these rules can result in penalties and tax consequences.
Now that we’ve laid the groundwork for understanding the 401(k) to Gold IRA rollover, including the basics of 401(k) plans, the concept of Gold IRAs, and how the rollover process works. We’ve also explored the pros and cons of this financial strategy, helping you weigh the potential benefits against the associated costs and considerations. In the next section, we’ll delve deeper into the steps involved in executing a 401(k) to Gold IRA rollover and offer tips for making informed decisions along the way.
We already explored the fundamentals of a 401(k) to Gold IRA rollover, providing insights into what a 401(k) is, the concept of Gold IRAs, and the advantages and disadvantages of making such a financial move. Now, in the second section, we will delve deeper into the execution of a 401(k) to Gold IRA rollover and provide you with essential steps and considerations to ensure a smooth transition.
How to Execute a 401(k) to Gold IRA Rollover
The process of executing a 401(k) to Gold IRA rollover involves several critical steps. It’s essential to follow these steps meticulously to avoid potential tax consequences and ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
1. Evaluate Your Eligibility
Before proceeding with a rollover, it’s crucial to determine whether you are eligible. Generally, individuals who have left their jobs, retired, or reached the age of 59½ are eligible for a 401(k) to Gold IRA rollover. However, some employer-sponsored plans may offer “in-service” rollovers, allowing participants to transfer funds even if they are still employed. Check with your plan administrator to confirm your eligibility.
2. Choose a Gold IRA Company
The process of choosing a gold IRA company to help you retire is a pivotal step in the rollover process. Your chosen custodian will play a vital role in facilitating the transfer, purchasing precious metals on your behalf, and ensuring compliance with IRS rules. Look for a custodian with a solid track record, transparent fee structures, and a commitment to secure storage options for your precious metals.
3. Open Your Gold IRA Account
With your chosen custodian, you will need to open a Gold IRA account. This involves completing the necessary paperwork, including an application and a beneficiary designation form. Your custodian will guide you through this process, making it relatively straightforward.
4. Initiate the Rollover
Once your Gold IRA account is established, you can initiate the rollover process. There are two primary methods for transferring funds from your 401(k) into your Gold IRA:
Direct Rollover: In a direct rollover, your 401(k) plan administrator transfers the funds directly to your Gold IRA custodian. This method is generally preferred as it avoids potential tax withholding and penalties.
Indirect Rollover: In an indirect rollover, you receive a distribution check from your 401(k) plan. You then have 60 days to deposit these funds into your Gold IRA. While this approach allows for flexibility, it comes with the risk of tax withholding and potential penalties if the funds are not deposited within the allotted timeframe.
5. Choose Your Precious Metals
Once the funds are in your Gold IRA, you can work with your custodian to select the specific precious metals you wish to include in your portfolio. This decision should align with your investment goals, risk tolerance, and diversification strategy. Your custodian will handle the purchase and storage of these metals.
6. Secure Storage
Precious metals held in a Gold IRA must be stored in an IRS-approved depository. These facilities are equipped with high-security measures to protect your assets. Your custodian will ensure that your precious metals are safely stored and accounted for.
Tips for a Successful 401(k) to Gold IRA Rollover
Executing a 401(k) to Gold IRA rollover involves several complexities and potential pitfalls. Here are some additional tips to help you navigate the process successfully:
1. Seek Professional Guidance: Consider consulting with a financial advisor or tax professional who specializes in retirement planning and precious metals. Their expertise can provide valuable insights and guidance tailored to your specific financial situation.
2. Understand Tax Implications: Depending on the rollover method you choose, there may be tax consequences. A direct rollover typically avoids taxes, while an indirect rollover may involve tax withholding and penalties if not completed within the specified timeframe. Be aware of these potential tax implications.
3. Compare Costs: Different Gold IRA custodians may charge varying fees for account setup, maintenance, and storage. Compare costs and fee structures to ensure you choose a custodian that aligns with your budget and financial goals.
4. Diversify Wisely: While diversifying into precious metals can be a wise move, it’s essential to maintain a well-balanced portfolio. Avoid over-concentration in any one asset class, including gold.
5. Stay Informed: The rules and regulations surrounding retirement accounts, including Gold IRAs, can change over time. Stay informed about IRS guidelines and consult your custodian or financial advisor if you have any questions or concerns.
Conclusion
A 401(k) to Gold IRA rollover can be a strategic financial move for individuals looking to diversify their retirement portfolios and potentially protect their savings from market volatility. By understanding the process and following the necessary steps, you can make an informed decision about whether a Gold IRA rollover aligns with your long-term financial goals.
Remember that this transition involves careful planning, selection of a reputable custodian, and compliance with IRS rules and regulations. Seeking professional guidance and staying informed about the ever-evolving landscape of retirement planning can help you navigate this financial journey successfully.
As you consider a 401(k) to Gold IRA rollover, it’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits of diversification with precious metals against the associated costs and complexities. This financial decision should align with your unique financial objectives and risk tolerance, ultimately contributing to a more secure and diversified retirement portfolio.
Gold as an asset is viewed as less volatile and risky than most other types of investments. It is an asset that helps mitigate portfolio risks during economic downturns, and gold can also help hedge against inflation.
Demand for gold heightens during economic uncertainty, especially when inflation kicks into high gear. This demand is reflected in gold prices for short periods. The biggest long-term driver of gold prices is job income growth. The expansion of the middle class globally has also had a major impact on the demand for gold.
Gold has outperformed quite a few asset classes over the years. Investors feel safe investing in gold for that reason as well.
Gold is always fashionable, too. Due to economic uncertainty in 2020, gold was a hot topic. Out of all the most common metals on Earth, gold is one of the most scarce. Thanks to gold prices, ETFs tied to the precious metal were dishing out serious returns this past year.
Just in the past year alone, gold ETFs on average produced a 26 percent return. In March alone, average returns for gold funds were above 11 percent.
Gold has done especially well over the last couple of years as a whole, too. What about those historic highs of 2011? What factors could play a big role in gold prices moving forward into the future?
A reemergence of Covid 19 and uncertainty about the world’s economic climate are possible drivers of gold prices. The value of the US dollar and US/China relations also play their parts. Interest rates and inflation are also common drivers of the gold market. There are quite a few other factors, too, including overprinting money.
News related to the Coronavirus represents uncertain times when it comes to predicting the gold market. Headlines about Covid variants tend to hinder the broader market but boost gold prices. Any global news hampering the economy is going to find investors singling out gold as a means for producing returns during uneasy times. While a repeat pandemic is likely not in the cards, uncertain economic times are always right around the corner.
Instead of focusing on buying gold during uncertain economic times and selling gold during times of increased economic growth, the best solution is to allocate a certain percentage of portfolio funds for gold investments over the long term. Investors that attempt to buy and sell gold are timing the market according to their emotions and what’s in the news. These investors are much more likely to buy and sell gold with larger amounts of money vs allocating a certain percentage of funds. This is not the way to invest in commodities to achieve wealth. Leave the buying and selling gold to the investors who are already wealthy.
The value of the US dollar has everything to do with gold prices. When the dollar weakens, the gold market does quite well. The dollar has certainly been weakening this year, a trend that is easily noticeable and almost mappable.
Tensions between US and China were driving gold prices up ahead of the pandemic. With a Democratic president in office now, however, tensions between US and China have lessened. While that is true, China and the US traditionally have a volatile relationship that flares up from time to time. This keeps that force in play helping to drive gold prices up on occasion.
The US and other countries are printing money at a record pace, too. This may boost the economies of countries throughout the world, but it also puts inflation into overdrive. Gold plays well with inflation, and this type of scenario is what is currently playing out within the global economy. Both inflation and overprinting money are two of the biggest drivers of gold prices.
Gold mining and gold reserves are also driving factors. Currently, countries are not selling gold reserves to make economic ends meet. Quite a few countries are increasing their gold holdings ( https://www.gold.org/goldhub/data/monthly-central-bank-statistics . What this means is there isn’t much pressure pushing gold prices downward.
Investment experts suggest that people allocate about 5 to 10 percent of their portfolio funds for gold investing. There are quite a few choices when it comes to investing in gold.
Investors can choose from sovereign gold bonds, gold bullion, gold ETFs, gold futures, collectible coins, and more. There is even a gold ETN that pays dividends on the premiums made from writing covered calls on a popular gold ETF that tracks the price of the precious metal.
It’s also a good idea to work with a company that specializes in tax advantaged gold investing. If you are looking to learn more about this method then you might want to read this Goldstar Trust review. We found it helpful in learning about gold IRA’s and how to roll over a portion of a 401k into precious metals.
Final Thoughts
Every investor needs to identify a timeframe when making investment decisions. Market research is also highly important as each investor is responsible for his or her due diligence. Just like with securities, gold is not a guarantee. The price of this precious metal fluctuates quite often based on a variety of global economic factors. Diversity is your friend as an investor, and it’s important right now to take the time to evaluate your standing with precious metals. Is your portfolio lacking?…
Everyone’s lives have been upended during these crazy times, so it’s reasonable to wonder if dentists are seeing an increase in dental problems like tooth decay.
The world got terrified and every one was forced to stay in their homes and this disrupted their normal lives. So it is understandable that a lot of folks did not go to the dentist for their regularly scheduled appointments every six months last year.
It is even understandable if you missed the whole year and did not see the dentist. Without these important regular checkups, you can be sure that there was an increase in the amount of tooth decay in patients, across the board.
Even if every patient flossed their teeth once a day, which we all know the vast majority of people do not floss regularly, if at all, you still can not remove all the plaque build up that occurs between and on the surface of your teeth.
This is why it’s so important to go to the dentist every six months. Not only can they do a great job flossing your teeth, they can get to all the hard to reach places in your mouth with their sharp dental picks. The dental picks are also very good at scraping off that dental plaque that will build up on your enamel and stubbornly refuse to come off even with the hardest brushing of a tooth brush.
Not only do you have the simple matter of time away from seeing the dentist, you have to consider the stress of the pandemic. Most people were pretty scared. What do you do when you are scared? Well, many people grind their teeth. Many people eat garbage food like lots of carbohydrates and lots of sweets (which are another form of carbs). This food gets in between teeth and does a great job of turning into decay in a very short period of time.
To learn more about how tooth decays starts, it’s symptoms and prevention techniques, be sure to read this article: Tooth decay symptoms & treatments – Illnesses & conditions – from the NHS
You see the bacteria that resides on foods and sugary drinks and starches, blend together and produce an acid. This acid attacks the hard enamel of teeth, which acts as a protective layer, but over time, and even acid attacks, the enamel gives way and starts to break down.
As long as this acid is continually kept at bay, you will be fine, but if you don’t stay on top of it, then decay sets in. The longer that decay sits on your teeth without intervention from professionals like the team at Southpoint Dentistry, the bigger problems you’ll have as the decay grows. The problem with the pandemic, is that it kept people away from the professionals that know how to best treat and prevent tooth decay.
Another peculiarity of the times is the mask situation. Everyone is forced to wear these silly masks. Because people are wearing masks and therefor others can smell their breath, I guarantee you a whole lot of people took this as a sign that they didn’t need to brush their teeth.
Now, I know it sounds crazy but you have to understand that people are lazy and they will get away with what they can get away with. But they can’t get away from themselves and that means a lot of people wearing going around smelling their stinky breath all day, but I digress.
There are even more unusual problems that you must consider about everyone staying at home and working from home, and one is the idea of “sheltering in place”. If you are so afraid that you think that buy staying at home you are “sheltering in place”, then there is a high likelihood that you will find it unnecessary to keep up with your hygiene like regular brushing and flossing.
Again, people are lazy and will get away with whatever they can get away with.
If folks are staying at home, away from friends, family, co-workers, and the pressures of society to keep up with their daily hygiene, they are likely to be lax and skip keeping their teeth clean. Add on top of this the nervousness of these crazy times with most people gaining weight from nervous eating of junk food, lack of going out, and an overall decrease in taking care of ones self, then you can see how there are likely a lot more people fighting with the problems that arise from tooth decay.
So what can you do?
The very first thing you need to do is schedule an appointment to see your dentist today. No more waiting, you need to go get your teeth cleaned by professionals. Even if you stay on top of flossing every day, and there are people that take care of their teeth and gums and floss every day, you still need to go in because the dentist can just do a better job than a patient alone.
Another thing many patients have forgotten about during the pandemic is the importance of x-rays. X-rays are a fantastic tool at spotting tooth decay before it becomes a big deal. X-rays can even spot weakness or softness on a tooth, that can turn into tooth decay over time. And the only way you can get an x-ray is to go to the dentist.
The entire purpose of dental hygiene is to constantly remove the build up of bacteria causing plaque. Over time, the build up of plaque on your teeth can transform in to tartar. Tartar is a hard calcified buildup on your teeth’s enamel that will not come off with simply brushing your teeth.
The plaque and tartar attack the enamel of your teeth and one they breakdown the enamel, they next start to breakdown the dentin. Dentin is the soft tissue that is protected by the enamel. Dentin is not nearly as strong as the enamel, so once plaque has access to dentin, your tooth decay accelerates.
Once the plaque penetrates the dentin, it can damage the pulp of your tooth. The pulp of your tooth is where the nerves and blood vessels that bring nutrients and life to your tooth reside. Once your pulp gets infected with plaque, you will begin to experience pain.
And this is what the whole idea of dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist is aimed at preventing, pain. The reason is because no one likes to be in pain obviously, but also, once you have reached the level of experiencing tooth pain a lot of damage has already been done to your teeth.
It is much harder and painful to fix damage than it is to prevent it in the first place. There is a reason that saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.”, exists. The pandemic is over, everything is fine. It’s time to start taking care of yourself and high time you go to the dentist!…
Typically, the central incisors, the lateral incisors, and the canines, both of the maxilla and the mandible, usually have a single root. The first and second premolars but only of the mandible also typically have a single root.
Each of the roots of a tooth will have at least one root canal, although some often have more.
When is a single root canal treatment necessary?
Endodontics is a dental procedure that involves the removal of the tooth’s soft center, the pulp.
This treatment is done when the pulp is injured, inflamed, or infected.
The most common causes of pulp damage include:
Deep decay due to untreated tooth decay
Performing multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
A fracture or crack in the tooth
An injury to the tooth from trauma.
Symptoms of damaged pulp
Whn the pulp is damaged, the most common symptoms are pain, swelling, and warmth in the gums.
Single root endodontic treatment
The treatment consists of extracting the inflamed or infected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and disinfecting it carefully to fill and seal the canal and thus prevent the re-entry of new bacteria.
Treatment steps
The first step of endodontic treatment begins with a detailed understanding of the morphology of the tooth. The teeth vary according to the type of tooth they are and according to their location in the jaws.
Before starting the actual treatment, the dentist will place a slight local anesthetic on the gum near the affected tooth. Once it has taken effect, a small opening will be made on the top of the tooth.
When infected or damaged pulp is exposed, it will be carefully removed using special tools called files.
Subsequently, the canal is cleaned and disinfected, and finally, the tooth will be filled and sealed with a sealing cement and a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. If there are several channels, each of them must be carefully cleaned.
Finally, the procedure will be completed by filling the opening of the tooth with a temporary material. This sealant will prevent saliva from seeping into the canal until the tooth is permanently restored.
It is possible that once the treatment is finished and once the effect of the anesthesia wears off, you will experience pain in both the tooth and the gum. These symptoms can be treated with pain relievers as prescribed by the dentist. If the pain is more or lasts longer than a few days, it is essential to contact the dentist who performed the treatment.…
Dental fissures are cracks that work their way over the surface of the tooth.
The fissures that occur only in the tooth’s enamel have the appearance of a crack and do not usually produce any symptoms.
Age is an important factor as most tooth cracks occur in people over 50 years of age.
How do dental fissures occur?
Chewing
In healthy teeth, cracks can be caused by chewing ice, candy, hard nougats, or other foods that are notoriously tough.
Temperature
They can also be caused by sudden changes in temperature in the mouth.
Bruxism
The habit of bruxing wears down the surface of the tooth, making it more vulnerable to cracks. On the other hand, the pressure itself produced during tightening can also spontaneously have a dental fissure.
Trauma
In cases where the tooth is endodontist, devoid of its nerve, and the dentin dehydrates and, therefore, the tooth weakens, and a fissure may occur when biting something more complex than expected.
How are they diagnosed?
Visual examination using magnifying glasses and study using a probe to see if the probe is caught in the presence of a crack.
Using a dental stain on your teeth can help the crack to stand out visually.
While X-rays cannot reveal small cracks, they can show poor pulp health, which is sometimes an indication of a crack.
Treatment of dental fissure
The treatment of a dental fissure or fracture depends on several factors:
The place where the crack is
The size of the crack
Whether or not it extends below the gum line
The dentist may recommend solutions such as sealing with a plastic resin to fill the crack or endodontic treatment if the crack extends into the pulp.
If the tooth, its root, and its nerve are severely damaged, sometimes the only option is to extract it.
Prevention
The best treatment for fissures is to try to prevent them.
When engaging in contact sport or work where injury could occur, it is essential to wear a mouth guard or a protective mask. It is also important to use common sense and avoid eating foods that can cause cracks, such as popcorn or nuts.
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Dental fissures are cracks that work their way over the surface of the tooth.
The place where the crack is