expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Ammaar Abidi, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Ammaar Abidi is a dentist practicing in Memphis, TN. Dr. Abidi specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
9 years Experience
Dr. Ammaar Abidi, DDS
  • Memphis, TN
  • University of TN College of Dentistry
  • Accepting new patients

Can calcium deficiency impact teeth?

Yes calcium deficiency can most certainly impact the health of the teeth. However, there are other factors that could influence the teeth as well such as genetics and diet. I would READ MORE
Yes calcium deficiency can most certainly impact the health of the teeth. However, there are other factors that could influence the teeth as well such as genetics and diet. I would recommend you, if your son is showing softer or weaker teeth. Go to a dentist and see if your son needs fluoride treatment. It can help harden his enamel which may help protect his teeth longer.

How can I close the gap between my frontal teeth?

You have a significant gap that is best restored with braces. Other options do exist but some may require unnecessary removal of tooth structure or the final outcome will not READ MORE
You have a significant gap that is best restored with braces. Other options do exist but some may require unnecessary removal of tooth structure or the final outcome will not be as nice as braces. I would recommend the use of braces as the final result would be best that way.

Is reflux giving me bad breath?

There are several reasons why you can have bad breath or unwanted odor. There are certain bacteria's that involved but acid reflux can certainly be a cause as well. I would recommend READ MORE
There are several reasons why you can have bad breath or unwanted odor. There are certain bacteria's that involved but acid reflux can certainly be a cause as well. I would recommend drinking more alkaline water and help maintain oral (mouth) PH to be more neutral or alkaline than acidic. See if that helps restore your breath.

Why are some people's canine teeth sharper than others?

There are several factors that make teeth sharp. Naturally, genetics are the most common cause but certain diets and habits can also effect the appearance of the teeth.

Front tooth cavity

You can always crown or veneer your front (anterior) teeth. However, color matching composite fillings are done usually to maintain more of the natural tooth structure. Generally, READ MORE
You can always crown or veneer your front (anterior) teeth. However, color matching composite fillings are done usually to maintain more of the natural tooth structure. Generally, dentists recommend doing procedures that are minimally invasive and try to avoid extensive preparations to preserve natural tooth structure as long as possible.

Do dentists offer services to the uninsured?

Many if not most dentist should have a payment plans for uninsured patients. Also, no dentists should ever turn you away just because you lack insurance.

How can I stop pushing on my front teeth when I swallow?

The best solution would be to get an evaluation done by a dentist or an orthodontist. If you have a tongue thrust and its causing your teeth to move again, its best to get an appliance READ MORE
The best solution would be to get an evaluation done by a dentist or an orthodontist. If you have a tongue thrust and its causing your teeth to move again, its best to get an appliance but that of course will be determined once you visit a dental office.

How often to use mouth wash?

I think fluoride rinse over night is pretty good especially if you are cavity prone (of course do not eat or drink after). Since i am not sure about the severity of your dental READ MORE
I think fluoride rinse over night is pretty good especially if you are cavity prone (of course do not eat or drink after). Since i am not sure about the severity of your dental decay i cannot necessarily recommend an increase in the usage.

Can effects from TMJ ever be reversed?

There are several TMJ specialists that could take a finer look into your problem. However, generally when you start having crepitus (crackling sound), it has to do the movements READ MORE
There are several TMJ specialists that could take a finer look into your problem. However, generally when you start having crepitus (crackling sound), it has to do the movements between the condyle on the jaw, disk and/or the ligaments in the TMJ. To avoid further grinding i would recommend a mouth guard but unfortunately the option to get sound fixed might require surgical intervention.

Brushing too hard?

Mechanical wear on the gum line is a common problem seen by dentists. Many patients do not have the proper brushing technique or are unaware of how hard they are brushing. I believe READ MORE
Mechanical wear on the gum line is a common problem seen by dentists. Many patients do not have the proper brushing technique or are unaware of how hard they are brushing. I believe electric toothbrush will be better as the forces are more controlled. However, i would still recommend using a soft bristle if your gums are currently wearing. Also, why your 1st dentist failed to recognize it might be due to several factors but mechanical damage can manifest abruptly at times. He might have not seen the trend, but you may have exhibited the effects by the time you went to the other dentist and by then it might have been apparent.

Wisdom teeth removal

In general, It is usually based upon the difficulty of extraction of the the wisdom teeth. If the wisdom teeth are fully erupted then it is usually extracted by the dentist. However, READ MORE
In general, It is usually based upon the difficulty of extraction of the the wisdom teeth. If the wisdom teeth are fully erupted then it is usually extracted by the dentist. However, case difficulty that might require removal of soft tissue as well proximity of the underlying nerves are most likely referred to Oral Surgeons.

Can I whiten my teeth with baking soda alone?

Most of the home remedies to whiten teeth have not been tested and may have safety issues due the lack of quality control (i.e how much quantity to use, what are the concentrations READ MORE
Most of the home remedies to whiten teeth have not been tested and may have safety issues due the lack of quality control (i.e how much quantity to use, what are the concentrations required and how often these procedures should be performed). Nevertheless, several patient have informed me that Coconut Oil pulling, Baking soda with hydrogen peroxide has helped whiten their teeth. I unfortunately am not aware of the best application and the method of use.

Skin is shedding on the inside of my mouth (my cheeks). Is this normal?

Certain toothpastes formulations that include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), pyrophosphates and flavoring agents can cause peeling or sloughing of skin. I would recommend trying READ MORE
Certain toothpastes formulations that include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), pyrophosphates and flavoring agents can cause peeling or sloughing of skin. I would recommend trying a different toothpaste.

Clicking in my jaw

Yes it is, clicking of the jaw may be related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. It is wise to get it looked at by a specialist, especially if any pain is associated with READ MORE
Yes it is, clicking of the jaw may be related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. It is wise to get it looked at by a specialist, especially if any pain is associated with it.

What is a dry socket?

Dry socket ialso known as alveolar osteitis, it happens after extraction of the teeth especially in lower jaw (mandible), but can also affect the upper jaw. Dry socket occurs because READ MORE
Dry socket ialso known as alveolar osteitis, it happens after extraction of the teeth especially in lower jaw (mandible), but can also affect the upper jaw. Dry socket occurs because the blood clot formed after extraction is removed, dislodged or even dissolves before the wound heals. It can lead to unbearable pain because of exposing the underlying bone and nerves. I would recommend going to a dentist so they can clean it properly and apply a medicated gauze in the region.