Sunday, March 30, 2014

Teeth Cleaning At Any Age

Taking good care of your teeth is an important part of personal health no matter what age you are. Oral health and general health go hand in hand; you can't be healthy and feel well without having good oral health.

Because oral diseases are progressive and cumulative over time, starting your life with good oral health is very important. As your child grows, healthy teeth and gums are crucial for their speech development, healthy eating habits and the confidence to have good social skills.

Cavities are the most common type of oral issue kids have. Cavities can most likely be prevented by brushing teeth and flossing once or twice daily. Removing plaque build-up and any sugar that sticks to teeth is imperative to the prevention of cavities. Family history is also an important key to whether a person will have tooth issues, however even if cavities and gum disease run in your family you can still stave off bad things as long as possible if you maintain good oral hygiene.

Brushing your child's teeth twice daily, especially right before bedtime, is a great way to start their oral health the right way.

First Dentist Visit

Opinions vary on when children should have their first dental checkup. Some advice says to have your child have a quick first checkup around their first birthday. This may be a bit extreme since your baby may not even have many teeth at this age. Some doctors advise to have your child start regular dental checkups around three years of age.

Before you take your child to your regular family dentist, it's a good idea to call ahead and make sure your dentist is comfortable treating children. There are dentists who practice specifically in pediatric dentistry. No matter which type of dentist you take your child to, their very first visit should be all about having a positive experience so they are not afraid to continue going to regular checkups. A good dentist will build trust with your child and explain to them what is going to happen so they are not afraid. In some practices, parents may stay in the room with their child and perhaps hold their hand so they are not quite so frightened this first visit.

Regular Checkups

Your child's dentist will be able to make a recommendation on how frequently they should be getting regular checkups. A safe bet is to have them every six months, the same as adults. This may change to a more frequent status if they need extra work done, such as fillings, braces, or anything else above and beyond a regular cleaning and checkup.

Adult Visits

Continue the twice yearly dental visits through adulthood. Even if you don't have any mouth or jaw pain, or can't see any deficiencies in your teeth, regular dental visits are mainly about prevention. Dentists can catch things happening in your mouth and teeth before they become a painful problem for you.

However, if you develop issues within your teeth or gums, you may have to have more frequent visits to the dentist. Some patients can be seen every 3-4 months if they suffer periodontal disease or gum disease.

As people age, so do their teeth, and they become more likely to be susceptible to cavities and oral diseases. Don't put off your dental visits; the less frequently you visit the dentist, the fewer chances you are giving yourself to fight off problems that may come up with your teeth. No matter how well you maintain your good dental routine at home, there are build-ups that naturally occur that only your dentist can remove.

If you want to keep your original teeth as long as possible (and trust that's the best way to go), make sure you are brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting professional dental checkups twice a year.

By Renee Maikon DDS http://www.familycedarrapidsdentist.com/ https://plus.Google.com/117185531496915882486
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Friday, March 28, 2014

Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes: Which to Choose?



Dr. Mark L. Waltzer, D.M.D., F.A.G.D., a participating dentist with Delta Dental, compares electric to manual toothbrushes and their role in maintaining good oral and overall health.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Oral Health Tips That Could Save Your Life!

It may come as no surprise that men are less consistent about taking care of their teeth: that's why the oral health tips presented here are specifically geared towards helping men keep their mouths healthy. From your gums and heart disease to sports related tooth loss, we're offering some insight into how best to keep your mouth and teeth healthy.

Oral Health Tips for Men:

  • Quit smoking - now. If not for your lungs, do it for your gums. Studies show that unhealthy gums and heart disease are linked, and smoking can harm your gums. It can also lead to mouth or throat cancer.

  • Don't ignore bleeding gums. Treatments are available to help you if you're showing signs of gingivitis. But an over the counter rinse won't help you if you're suffering from periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease. If you have the symptoms of gum disease, it's time to see a dentist.

  • Make time for an oral cancer screening. Though the symptoms of oral cancer are usually pretty obvious, you can still miss them. In some cases, you may exhibit no symptoms at all. Speak with a dentist about your risks. He or she may recommend a cancer screening.

  • Wear a mouth guard. Men who play sports put their teeth in danger. By wearing a mouth guard, you can protect your pearly whites from cracks and fractures. You can also help keep them firmly rooted in your mouth, where they belong.

  • Start flossing more. Flossing doesn't just protect you from tooth decay: it also helps your gums. It may save you from needing bleeding gums treatments later.

  • Learn to brush correctly. It's possible to brush your teeth "incorrectly." Tilt the brush at a 45 degree angle, and use short strokes that clean your teeth AND brush over your gums. And don't forget to brush your tongue; bacteria build up there, too.

Learn about the Links between Your Gums & Heart Disease

Being "heart smart" means you have to do a bit more than law off the salt, or switch to an all-bran breakfast diet. In spring of 2012, the American Heart Association announced that there is a connection between poor gums and heart disease. Symptoms of gum disease may include:

  • Red, tender or swollen gums

  • Bleeding

  • Gums pulling away from your teeth

  • Loosening teeth

  • Changes in your bite

  • Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

When you have gum disease, your mouth can become infected. The bacteria causing the infection can spread to your heart, causing a stroke or a heart attack. It's why it's so important, if you have bleeding gums, to seek treatment. You should also consider an oral cancer screening if your symptoms are severe.

These oral health tips could end up saving your life. The American Dental Association recommends that men who take heart medication be aware of symptoms such as dry mouth, too, since saliva can help reduce your chance of cavities by washing away bacteria. Dry mouth is a side effect of some heart medications, so it's important to see a dentist regularly if you're on a prescription.

Dr. Goldberg of Howell Dental Associates received his D.D.S. from University of Maryland at Baltimore. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, the Jersey Coast Dental Forum, and the Seattle Study Club. His pursuit of continuing education annually exceeds state requirements including the Mid-Atlantic Dental Implant Center and a 2003-2004 Residency in Implant Prosthetics.
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Friday, March 21, 2014

Healthy Smiles from the Start



Learn how to keep your smile healthy during pregnancy and how to keep you baby's smile healthy.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Improving Your Looks With Cosmetic Dentistry

We all want to have a great smile. A great set of teeth is usually required for us to feel confident about smiling and showing our teeth to people. A pretty face, nowadays, is not enough to really be completely confident with ourselves. The society sees beauty differently nowadays. Keeping up to the standards of our society when it comes to being beautiful is not that easy as it was in the past.

Cosmetic dentistry is one of the popular options by individuals who would like to improve their smiles. Through the different procedures under this field of science, the aesthetic appearance of our teeth is enhanced. Cosmetic dentistry involves many processes and techniques. Some of the most common cosmetic dental procedures are addition of dental materials to the teeth or gums, removal and restructuring of the gums, teeth-whitening and removal of stains, as well as teeth straightening and strengthening.

Through the enhancement and improvement of our teeth, our general appearance can be greatly improved. Teeth discoloration is very common nowadays. Though there maybe whitening products available for our teeth, undergoing tooth bleaching via our trusted professional dentist is still the fastest way to lighten them.

Placing porcelain veneers and other composite materials to hide our teeth imperfections is also a very common dental procedure we can undergo nowadays. They can close gaps between our teeth, disguise discolorations, hide ingrown craters and bulges as well as align and elongate the appearance of our teeth. Our gum lines can also be lifted to change and improve the way it looks. The tissues and bones under are teeth are re-shaped to create the appearance of longer, symmetrical and align teeth.

Though there are myths that revolve around cosmetic procedures making individuals think twice of getting one. Defying these myths is possible if we manage to find a dentist that is capable of explaining and educating us with the procedures and facts about dental procedures involved in cosmetic dentistry. Prosthodontics and Orthodontics are the specialists that predominantly focus on dental aesthetic procedures and cosmetic dentistry. Finding one you are comfortable with will make your dental visits a less worrisome.

So can cosmetic dentistry help in improving our general appearance? It can. As we improve the appearance of our teeth, our confidence improves together with it. A great smile on our face will also bring more positivity in our lives. We do not have to cover our mouths when smiling or when laughing. Cosmetic dentistry can improve not just your smile but as well as your looks and your life.

You can find a professional cosmetic dentist that will help you achieve the perfect smile you dream of having. Find more information via FreedomDental for more details about cosmetic dental procedures and dental professionals within your area.
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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

What to Do About Sensitive Teeth

Spring's right around the corner, the season of ice cream, shaved ice and serious dental pain for those with tooth sensitivity. It might sound like nothing of an ailment but, for those who suffer from it, it's more than just uncomfortable. It's painful. Plus, you have to constantly avoid your favorite foods or take to drinking white wine with a straw (which can be pretty embarrassing on a first date). There are a number of reasons teeth are, or become, sensitive, and your dentist will need to do some research to find out the "roots" behind your unique situation.

Sometimes it's trauma or dental disease that's too blame. Or maybe your bite is off, causing trauma to your teeth. The good news? That can often be rectified with a root canal or braces and you'll soon be enjoying your Slurpees pain-free. Other times tooth sensitivity comes and goes, and it's normal to be a little sensitive after a dental cleaning. However, if the sensitivity persists and you suspect decay or a crack, see your dentist pronto. The teeth may be out of alignment or "bruised," but the most common culprit is exposed dentin. That's the hardened tissue that's right below the enamel-and it has tiny nerve fibers. If it gets exposed, whether from decay or too aggressive of brushings, teeth get sensitive.

Choose the Right Products

There are a number of effective desensitizing toothpastes on the market. If the tooth enamel has become so worn that dental fillings aren't an option, toothpaste for sensitive folks is a good approach. These over the counter (OTC) products have ingredients that fill "tubules" in the dentin. It's kind of like caulk, and you simply rub the toothpaste on the sensitive area and spit (don't rinse). Your dentist can recommend the best brand for your needs.

Don't Forget the Fluoride

Fluoride rinses are something nearly everyone can benefit from, tooth sensitivity or not. It helps with decay and as an added benefit freshens your breath. If you live in a region where fluoride isn't added to the water, this can be especially beneficial. The OTC rinse recommended by many dentists is Act! since it's alcohol-free, but if your case is a little more severe, you may benefit from a stronger, prescription fluoride rinse.

Regular Checkups

An annual or bi-annual professional cleaning can work wonders when removing plaque. This gummy material leads to an acid which can be a real irritant for teeth-if your teeth are already naturally sensitive, this can exacerbate things. Additionally, brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. This is one regimen you need to stick to strongly.

Pick the Right Toothbrush

Most people choose a toothbrush based on looks or price, and don't replace it nearly often enough (every three months is recommended). Those with sensitive teeth can be greatly helped by opting for a soft-bristle toothbrush. Hard bristles can harm the enamel, and when gum lines recede (a natural aging process), the dentin becomes more vulnerable than ever. Use a light, steady pressure for optimal results.

Most importantly, see your dentist or orthodontist if you have any concerns and don't skip those regular checkups. Tooth sensitivity can be a sign of a more serious problem. And if you're shying away from at-home cleanings because of tooth pain, you're not just risking your oral health but also letting unattractive stains build up.

Jillynn Stevens, Ph.D. is a writer with a vast array of subject matter expertise. Along with publishing articles for large and small businesses, she researches, writes and publishes reports on various public policy issues. If your sensitive teeth as a result of misalignments, consider Smile Ranch Orthodontics in Lehi and Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Sunday, March 9, 2014

Does Baking Soda Work Well as a Teeth Whitener?



Baking soda works well as a teeth whitener when mixed with water into a paste and brushed on the teeth every other day or once a week. Whiten teeth with baking soda, making sure to rinse thoroughly after brushing, with tips from a licensed dental assistant in this free video on oral hygiene.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

How to Correctly Choose a Tooth Brush



When choosing a toothbrush, select a hard-bristle brush if cleaning dental work like crowns and bridges, but if not, use a soft-bristle brush because it is easier on the gums. Learn how to pick out a tooth brush in this free oral and dental hygiene video from a licensed dental assistant.

Monday, March 3, 2014

When Is It Time to See the Dentist?

Many people aren't sure when they should go to the dentist. Most know they should go when they get a toothache, but going to the dentist shouldn't just be a solution when things go wrong. Going to the dentist should be a bit more frequent than that, and should be looked at, not only as a place to fix dental problems, but as a place to prevent them.

There are several reasons one should make a trip down to your friendly local dentist. One we all know is when we have a really bad toothache, but the dentist is there to help with more than our occasional cavity.

Emergency Reasons to See A Dentist

There are certain situations where you should see a dentist as soon as humanly possible. These situations include knocked out teeth and severe fractures. The quicker you get in to see the dentist, the higher the chances are that they can save your teeth and your smile.

Urgent Reasons to See A Dentist

If you crack a tooth and experience any pain or sensitivity, such as to hot or cold foods, you should make an appointment with the dentist as soon as you can. Also, if a tooth is shifted out of place, it is important to make an appointment rather quickly. If you explain your situation when you call, many times they will be able to put you into an appointment ahead of others depending on how urgent they think it is.

Important Reasons to See A Dentist

Any time you have a cracked tooth, or a simple ache, it is important to call and schedule an appointment with your dentist. Even if a cracked tooth doesn't cause any pain or discomfort, you need to have it checked in case it needs smoothing by one of the tools the dentist has. You should also make an appointment to see your dentist if you see any abnormal conditions in your mouth, such as an odd colored patches (red, white, or other colors) or sores that won't go away.

How often should I have regular trips to the Dentist?

Regular visits to your local dentist can prevent a problem from occurring in the first place. Depending on your dental care habits, you should get to the dentist every six to twelve months for a routine cleaning and checkup. Not only will it keep your oral health in good standing, it will also serve as a routine screening for problems such as cavities, oral cancer, and chipped or cracked teeth.

If you start to experience dental pain, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Cavities or cracked teeth may need immediate attention to prevent infections or further damage.

Dental Consultations

You should schedule an appointment to consult your dentist about any cosmetic dental work you may want done. They will be able to answer questions you may have about different cosmetic dental procedures, and they will be able to help you decide which is best for you in your situation. Whether you are thinking of whitening, gum lifts or getting veneers, you should talk it through with your dentist.

If you are experiencing dental pain, have questions about dental care, procedures, and hygiene, or you need cosmetic dentistry in the Queens, New York area, visit Preferred Dental Care's website at http://preferreddental.co/cosmetic-dentistry for more information.
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