Tuesday, May 29, 2018

How At-Home Oral Care and Professional, In-Office Care Help Your Oral Health


You've probably have going to the dentist as long as you can remember as a little kid. Like some patients, maybe the busyness of life or the fact that not you're an adult, you aren't forced to see the dentist.

Maybe at one point your oral hygiene was important to you. As a kid, you did all you could to not get a cavity and get that prize reward. As you aged, however, the health of your teeth and gums has taken a back seat.

You may think that you don't need to see the dentist. After all, your mouth looks and feels great, except for the minor tooth discoloration.

Here are reasons why both at-home oral care and regular visits to the dentist office are important in maintaining great oral health:

At-Home Oral Care

Most of your oral health is your responsibility. You only go to the dentist twice a year (or more if you have a dental issue). That means all the other days, you're the only one to clean your teeth and gums and spot any irregularities.

Brushing your teeth and flossing take only a few minutes every day. Flossing and brushing your teeth on your schedule and in the privacy of your own home can't get any easier.

Proper, at-home oral hygiene does mean more than just brushing for a couple seconds and flossing between a few teeth. You'll need to start off with a soft-bristled toothbrush that is no more than three months old and fluoride toothpaste. Brushing for two minutes, twice a day and flossing on both sides of each tooth will dramatically lower your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

What happens when you're at work and can't brush your teeth or floss? Swishing with water, in fact drinking a lot of water is a great way to clean out your mouth after eating or drinking beverages that can stain the teeth in between brushing.

Oral health conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease happen gradually. Skipping just one day of brushing or flossing can give cavity-, gum disease-, bad breath-causing plaque a foothold. This makes at-home oral care vitally important.

If you notice something doesn't look or feel right in your mouth, you're the only one who will notice. If the condition is severe, a visit to the dentist office may be in order.

You're the only one who can care for and monitor the health of your mouth day in and day out which plays a big role in your oral health.

Regular Office Visits

Even if you already do all the abovementioned things as part of your at-home oral hygiene routine, regular visits to the dental office are still necessary. Why?

Those dental conditions or irregularities you found that are causing severe, chronic discomfort will be best diagnosed by a trained dental professional. A dentist will also know the best course of treatment to take.

Dental offices will also have more tools and equipment than what you have at home, including specialized tartar scrapers, powerful toothbrushes, and more concentrated toothpaste. The operation of such equipment by the hygienist will also allow for a deeper and more though cleaning of hard-to-reach places. Dentists can also deep clean your gums using special tools and procedures and ward off possible gum disease.

Your dentist, in short can offer the best, most effective treatment of dental issues and provide a deeper cleaning than what you can do at home.

Good at-home dental hygiene won't ensure good dental health no matter how white and healthy your teeth look. Only relying on the occasional dental office visit and the dentist recommendations also won't bring about healthy teeth and gums.

Both a solid at-home dental hygiene regimen and regular visits to the dentist office are needed to ensure the best care of your oral health.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9942472

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Dental Solutions to Bruxism


Bruxism is the unconscious grinding of the teeth. For most patients, the teeth grinding occurs at night while they sleep. Headaches, a sore jaw, a stiff jaw and broken and cracked teeth are some of the telltale symptoms of bruxism.

If you've been diagnosed with bruxism, you may be overwhelmed by the multiple treatment options available. There is no cure for bruxism, but many treatment options are available that reduce the triggers of the teeth grinding.

There are many causes of bruxism including stress, sleep apnea, habits, psychological disorders and dental occlusions issues.

The treatment options for bruxism fall into two main categories, both of which target the triggering symptoms that cause bruxism.

Examples of both kinds of bruxism treatment are listed below in their corresponding categories. Depending on your specific bruxism case, you may either be better treated with a treatment option that reduces the occurrence of bruxism or with a treatment option that reduces the severity of the bruxism symptoms. It is not uncommon for treatments of both the symptoms and the occurrence of the bruxism to be prescribed at the same time.

Bruxism Treatments That Target the Symptoms of The Disorder

· Using a warm, wet washcloth on the jaw

· Applying ice cubes or an ice pack to the jaw

· Massaging and stretching jaw muscles, the neck, and face to relieve trigger point tension

· Getting physical therapy

· Doing exercises to relax the jaw

· Focused facial relaxation

· Visiting a chiropractor

· Using muscle relaxants to relax the jaw

· Crowning teeth

· Tooth reconstructive surgery

Bruxism Treatments That Target the Disorder Itself

· Stress and anxiety reduction and management

· Drinking more water

· Getting more sleep

· Eating soft foods

· Not chewing gum or on other objects

· Consciously relaxing the face and jaw throughout the day

· Buying a teeth grinding mouth guard (you can also get a customized night one at your dentist)

· Avoiding alcohol, which increases the urge to clench the teeth

· Avoiding caffeine, which can make you jumpy and tense

· Buying dental splints

You should discuss all your bruxism treatment options with your dentist. The best treatment option will depend on the severity of your bruxism, how often it occurs, the extent of the damage it has caused, your personal preferences, the length of the treatment and the costs of the treatment.

It is not uncommon for patients to be unaware they have bruxism because they don't experience any of the noticeable symptoms. For these patients, it is important they have regular dental check-ups and cleanings at their dentist's office. A dentist can identify the wear and tear of the teeth because of bruxism.

Bruxism isn't a dental issue to be ignored. The pain can be severe and uncomfortable and the damage it causes to the teeth and gums can lead to tooth loss, broken teeth and weakened gums that can be more susceptible to gum disease.

The grinding down of teeth as a result of bruxism can lead to flattened teeth which negatively affects the look of a patient's smile which can lower their self-esteem, and overall happiness and quality of life.

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Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Crest Gum Detoxify: Help Reverse Early Gum Damage


Every day, harmful plaque bacteria builds up around your gums that, left untreated, could lead to bleeding gums, gingivitis, and gum disease. Gum Detoxify is a daily toothpaste that penetrates those hard-to-reach places to help treat gum issues before they start.

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Dental Issues You Shouldn't Ignore


You dislike going to the dentist and, for the most, feel that your mouth looks and feels great. You have a strong oral hygiene routine and you don't have many dental issues.

Most of your dental issues are minor and heal quickly. You don't need to see a dentist over a toothache or bad breath, you think.

Despite your dislike or fear of the dentist, here are some dental issues you shouldn't brush off and ignore:

Bad Breath

Everyone gets bad breath, but before you blame the garlic on your pizza from last night or your sloppy oral hygiene habits, you may want to reconsider. If you have chronic bad breath or worse than usual bad breath that doesn't diminish no matter what you do, a potentially serious dental condition may be to blame. Most cases of bad breath are caused by chronic halitosis, where a stubborn biofilm of bacteria hangs out in the mouth.

A more serious condition, periodontal disease, may be the source of your bad breath.

Bleeding Gums

Do your gums easily bleed, even with teeth brushing? Bleeding gums is a hallmark sign of gum disease. If treated early, before it progresses to periodontal disease, gum disease can be easily treated and reversed.

Even if you don't experience any pain or discomfort, it is highly recommended to see your dentist. Periodontal disease is not good and can result in lost teeth and weakened jawbones if not treated.

Enamel Erosion

When the enamel of your teeth get eroded, staining isn't the only thing you need to worry about. Compromised tooth enamel also makes teeth susceptible to decay and fractures.

It's important to have decayed teeth or those with eroded enamel filled to prevent further damage to the teeth. Fillings can also help replenish the minerals lost from a weakened enamel.

Toothaches

Like tooth sensitivity, there are many causes of toothaches. Tooth pain can be a sign of eroded enamel, tooth decay, gum disease or even related to migraines and myofascial pain.

A toothache doesn't just make your life miserable, it can point to a potentially serious underlying oral or overall health condition.

Dry Mouth

If you think your dry mouth is an unpleasant, harmless condition you must bear with, think again. A dry mouth isn't just uncomfortable, but it can make your mouth vulnerable to disease, and infections.

Saliva is crucial in keeping your mouth clean. With dry mouth, saliva production is decreased, making your mouth the ideal environment for plaque, bacteria and germs to flourish.

Loose Teeth

Untreated tooth decay and gum disease can lead to loose or lost teeth. If you have a lost tooth, it may be able to be saved. If it can't the diagnosis of a dental professional can identify and treat the underlying tooth decay or gum disease to keep them from getting worse and causing additional teeth to be lost.

Loose teeth can also indicate the presence of an infection in the mouth or an autoimmune disease.

Lost Teeth

Whether you were in an accident or took a fall and knocked out a tooth, it's important to make an appointment with the dentist ASAP. Though the tooth is lost, the space in the mouth where the tooth was can be the doorway to crooked teeth, a misaligned bite and eventually the breakdown of the bones in the jaw and face.

Mouth Sores

Any kind of sore can be unpleasant. Sores in the mouth are especially a nuisance as they can be painful each time they are accidentally irritated, which, being in the mouth can be quite often. Sores in the mouth can also be symptoms of an infection or disease.

Burns, ill-fitting dentures or orthodontic wear or other health conditions such as diabetes and herpes can cause these unpleasant sores. In a few, rare cases, oral cancer is to blame. Oral cancer is easily treatable when caught early. In the later stages, however, it is difficult to treat and is often fatal.

Tooth Sensitivity

While teeth can get sensitive for a variety of reasons, some of which aren't anything to be concerned about, if the sensitivity results in chronic or severe pain or discomfort, it is a good idea to visit your dentist.

Tooth sensitivity can be the result of a fractured tooth, a loose filling or a tooth that is decayed and has a weakened enamel.

While not all dental concerns involve pain or discomfort, or are even noticeable, they no less pose a threat to your oral health. Regular visits to your dentist are important in keeping your dental health in great shape and prevent future, more serious issues from occurring.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9942448

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Dental Health Is More Important Than Ever


No one can deny the importance of regular dentist visits. As a window into the overall health of an individual, dental health is crucial. It can show early signs of many diseases and also leaves one with a healthy smile. Research continues to prove that any conditions of the body can be discovered via oral health, and of course poor oral health can lead to other problems.

Since research also shows that good oral health may actually prevent certain diseases from occurring. Cheap dental plans are available to ensure that everyone has a chance for good oral health care.

Be on the Lookout for Gum Disease

The relationship between gum disease and other health complications has been discovered by the ADA or American Dental Association along with many other organizations. Heart disease and stroke are both found to be related to poor oral health. Another condition that is affected directly by poor oral health is pregnancy. Women often give birth to smaller and pre-term babies when they don't execute good oral health care.

Further studies prove that almost 100% of diseases that involve all the organs of the body have some relation to poor oral health. Anyone who is suffering from ulcers of the mouth, swollen gums, dry mouth or other oral issues should be seen immediately to assess for the following diseases:
  • Leukemia
  • Diabetes
  • Oral cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Kidney disease
Since most patients on cheap dental plans get periodic oral health examinations there is a good chance that they will have early diagnosis of possible health problems in the early stages before it becomes a bigger issue.

Avoid Unnecessary Pain

Those who don't take the time to enroll in a cheap dental plan and don't care for their gums and teeth may be subject to more health problems than those who do. Facial pain and of course oral pain are usually because of gum infection. Tooth loss is another problem as the gums support the teeth and if they aren't doing their job, teeth will easily fall out. Gingivitis is said to affect a large percentage of the world's population, in fact almost all of it. It is an early form of gum disease and can be easily detected during regular visits under a cheap dental plan.

One can also protect their heart and other organs by avoiding oral infections. Important functions are ceased when inflammation occurs due to bacteria build up.

Finally, digestion issues can be brought on from poor oral health. Failure of the intestines, irritable bowel syndrome and many other digestive disorders are just some of the problems that one can face.

What Can Be Done

Regular visits to a dentist under a cheap dental plan can keep one's mouth healthy as possible and prevent problems, but also help detect any happenings that can lead to possible health issues. Exams are crucial and dentists can guide patients to proper hygiene and nutrition and identify any potential problems.

They will teach patients good oral hygiene that includes brushing teeth twice daily for at least two minutes using a toothpaste with fluoride, daily flossing to remove plaque that isn't reached during brushing, and a healthy diet full of vitamins.

Further, even on cheap dental plans, dentists will advise patients to not smoke or use chewing tobacco. These products promote oral cancer and gum disease. Preventative care is the most important way to find early signs of periodontal disease. A great dental provider will ensure there are regular checkups scheduled and keep their patient informed on every detail of their oral health, as dental needs change throughout a patient's life.


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Monday, May 14, 2018

How Veneers, Crowns and Dental Implants Help Patients


Dental technology continues to enhance and improve the dental experience for patients, giving them multiple options for common dental issues that were previously unavailable.

This is true for dental patients who have cracked, chipped, worn, rough teeth or have teeth that are missing.

In the past, patients with less than perfect teeth had to live with the embarrassment and discomfort as dental treatments were more expensive and considered unnecessary, cosmetic procedures.

Over time with new technology, once pricey, elaborate procedures have become quick, routine procedures that are no longer for the wealthy.

It is rare to naturally have a perfect smile where all the teeth are white, smooth, proportional and straight. It is the small deviations of a person's smile that makes it their one-of-a-kind smile. Many patients, however don't see their imperfections this way. Some patients have trouble chewing, and speaking as well as headaches and jaw pain that is a result of their dental imperfections.

It is the crooked, non-proportional, jagged teeth that are most often treated by a dentist in order to ease the patient's pain and discomfort as well as enhance their confidence and self-esteem.

What kind of dental treatments are available for patients with less than desirable teeth?

The most common are veneers, crowns and dental implants.

What Are Veneers, Crowns and Dental Implants?

You've likely heard of these before and have a vague idea of what they are and what they do. Here is a brief summary of each:

Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are placed to the front of teeth to enhance or correct their shape, size and texture. Veneers are a quick procedure that can immediately change your smile for the better.

Crowns

Crowns are great options for patients who have moderate tooth decay or teeth that are chipped, cracked or worn-down. These gold, zirconia or porcelain coverings, go over the impacted tooth to prevent further damage and to keep the strength of the tooth intact.

Dental Implants

For patients who are missing a few teeth here and there, smiling can be unpleasant. You may think your smile is forever ruined and the thought of dentures scares you. Dental implants are the best solutions for your case. Implants are for patients who still have most of their natural teeth. Dental implants fill the empty space left behind with a naturally-looking tooth-like crown.

The Benefits of Veneers, Crowns and Dental Implants

Veneers, crowns and dental implants can do wonders in restoring or enhancing your natural, unique smile. All three teeth procedures can give you your dream smile that you'll be proud to show-off. The confidence in one's smile can also improve your mood and make you more approachable as you'll be laughing and smiling away.

Besides enhancing your smile to its maximum potential, these dental treatments can correct and restore the proper functioning of your bite, allowing you to comfortably bite and chew and speak clearly. Being able to do these basic oral functions, a patient's quality of life can be greatly improved.

With modern dental equipment and technology, patients who have a less than ideal smile because of their tooth imperfections now can easily achieve the smile they've always wanted.

Patients should contact their dentist to discuss which option would best achieve their desired results.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Anna_Bird/2355855

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Friday, May 11, 2018

Ready, Set, Rec! May Edition


Recreation Manager Reggie Hubbard tells us all about the great activities taking place in the coming months with the City of Vacaville Community Services Department.

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Dental Veneers: Giving Everyone the Perfect Smile


A dental veneer, at its very basic, is a porcelain material used to cover the front bit of the tooth to change or enhance teeth that are stained, chipped, broken, or undesired.

If you want dental veneers, you will probably need to visit the dentist at least two times. However, that should not scare you. Getting veneers are painless and ultimately rewarding. Here is everything you need to know.

  • Getting The First of Many Impressions
Like most dental restoration procedures, before you get your shiny veneers, the dentist takes impressions of your teeth. He may also take impressions during actual installation of the veneers, and in some cases, even at the final placement of the veneers.

The dentist uses the first impressions to make a stone replica of your dental structure. The model goes to the dental laboratory for several reasons. The lab technician can use the model to fabricate the veneers that will go on your teeth. He can also use the same replica to make a wax dummy to show you what the replica would look like.

The wax model can be used as temporary veneers while waiting for the final veneers to come out of the lab.

  • Veneer Shading
Getting a color shade is an exciting process for everyone looking to get a set of new veneers. The ultimate choice in color is directed by certain qualifications, as well as the dentist's recommendations.

You may find that the dentist recommends a shade, which in his opinion appears natural compared to the rest of the teeth. Going with this shade gives you an attractive and faultless set of choppers. Furthermore, the shade can be made to match your skin tone, while still maintaining the desired whiteness of your teeth.

Sometimes it might be necessary to visit the dental lab before your veneers are made to make them to your exact specification. The lab technicians may also want to get a feel of the shade of the surrounding teeth to make naturally looking veneers. This is especially important if you are looking for veneers consistent with the rest of your teeth.

  • Tooth Preparation
Typically, veneers require little in the way of preparation. The dentist may remove minuscule amounts of enamel to smooth out the tooth before the veneer is installed.

For that reason, you may not require local anesthetic during the procedure, which must be a relief for folks out there with needle fever.

However, for teeth that had a root canal, a local anesthetic is necessary. The dentist then uses a thick paste to get an impression of your teeth. The paste is filled into a tray and then placed on your teeth where it stays until the material sets. It should not take more than five minutes before you're done.

In 10 business days, you should have your new veneers, but meanwhile, you can enjoy temporary veneers made from acrylic material.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/William_Jam_Smith/1490931

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Saturday, May 5, 2018

Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year for Healthy and Stronger Teeth


Despite massive improvement in oral healthcare, many people yet fear to visit the dentist for routine checkups. This should not be your case since without regular screening from dental surgeon, even the minor ailment may become severe. A tiny spot on the tongue may be risky, it should not be overlooked at all. Save yourself from the pain and cost associated with the treatment for teeth repair by visiting your dentist at least two times in a year. If you fall under the category of high risk people, you should be visiting your dentist's chamber regularly. Read to know why visiting the dentist twice a year is important and good for oral health.

  • Dental problems can be treated on time - Visiting your dentist once every six months gives you a chance to detect any dental problem (that may arise) and treat it before becoming worse. It's quite easy to fill a small cavity than perform root canal treatment on your damaged teeth. Various problems like cavities and loose fillings do not cause pain until they are serious. As such, you should seek advice of your dentist who can spot them at the initial stage.

  • Your present dental condition will be accessed - Regular visits to your dentist will allow him to spot minor problems and treat them immediately. For example, if there is a spot on the tooth enamel or mark on your tongue, dental surgeon will provide right treatment to solve your dental and oral problems. Besides, seeing the dentist frequently allows him to examine the progress of such issues and suggest proper treatment, when needed.

  • Get rid of cavities, gum disease and tooth ache - Cavities, gum disease and tooth ache are some causes for tooth loss and damage. A regular visit to your dentist will help identify cavities as soon as they arise and deal with them immediately. A filling can be applied immediately to stop cavities and save your teeth from further decay. Your dentist will check the health of gums, which may be another sign for tooth loss and damage.

  • Overcome the problem of bad breath - You will have to clean your mouth and get rid of gum disease for fresh breath. If you have bad breath, know the cause behind it by checking your food habits and medicines. Routine checkups will enable the dentist to solve bad breath problem and make you feel great. He will clean those areas in your mouth, tongue and teeth where toothbrush may not be able to reach. Brush your teeth twice everyday with Fluoride toothpaste to keep them strong and healthy.

Your smiling face boosts your self-esteem and makes you feel confident. Unfortunately, if there is some problem with your teeth or you really don't like them, you'll probably not smile and try to hide them as a matter of embarrassment and discomfort. A dentist will be able to fix these issues when you visit him twice a year.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kevin_L_Miller/2308322

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Wednesday, May 2, 2018

What Is Dry Mouth and When Is It a Problem?


Many medications and illnesses have a side effect called "dry mouth". A lot of people don't understand what exactly dry mouth is and why it is a problem. If you have ever suffered from it though, you know it isn't pleasant and brings on even more issues. To help bring more clarity to this medical issue, here is an explanation on what dry mouth is, when it becomes a problem, and how it is treated.

What is Dry Mouth?

The condition of dry mouth is exactly how it sounds; the mouth feels dry. This is more than just your standard feeling you get when you're thirsty. Instead, the mouth feels dry all the time. Some of the symptoms that are:

· Frequently feeling thirsty, even after drinking

· A dry feeling throat that is often sore

· A sticky or dry feeling in the mouth

· Tongue looks red and raw and feels dry

· Sore in the corners of the mouth

· Cracked lips

· Odd burning and/or tingling feeling in the mouth and tongue

· Hoarseness

· Constant bad breath

· Difficulty speaking, tasting, swallowing, and chewing

· Dry nasal passages

· Periodontitis and Gingivitis, marked by red, bleeding gums

· Tooth decay

While everyone experiences these symptoms at one time or another, it isn't considered dry mouth until it is extreme or lasts for more than a few days.

Why is it a Problem?

The reason the mouth feels dry is that there isn't enough saliva being produced. This condition is not necessarily a major concern, but it depends on the circumstances. The doctor or dentist you visit will help find the root of the problem, which determines how much attention it needs. There are many reasons it comes, including:

· Side effect of a medication

· Dehydration

· A sign of another health problem

If you are taking any medications, that is the first suspect to dry mouth. If that is ruled out, the amount of water you drink every day is examined. A physical exam may take place to rule out any major problems like nerve damage, malfunctioning salivary glands, diabetes, and oral cancer.

For many sufferers, the biggest problem of dry mouth is constantly feeling uncomfortable. The unquenchable thirst interferes with daily routines and the sores on the mouth hurt. It also interferes with wearing dentures. What's more is that saliva is vital to maintaining the pH balance in your mouth. It also helps wash away bacteria and food left in your mouth. Without enough saliva, your teeth are at a major risk for decay, gum disease, and infections, like thrush.

How is it Treated?

The first step is to talk to your doctor if you are taking any medications. They can help you make adjust your dose or switch brands to minimize the side effect. If not, another medication or mouth rinse can be used to increase saliva production or just restore moisture to the mouth. They can also run tests to make sure there are no underlying issues if medication isn't the source.

Talk to a dentist about possible causes and treatments as well. They will want to examine the damage done to your teeth and gums to make sure you are okay in those areas. Most dentists can do oral cancer screenings and prescribe mouth rinses too.

Other ways to boost saliva or general moisture in the mouth are to:

· Suck on candy or chew gum (sugar-free varieties, of course)

· Increase your water intake to keep the mouth moist

· Keep a vaporizer near you, to increase moisture in the air

· Try not to breathe through your mouth, but through your nose instead

· Use a saliva substitute that is found over-the-counter in most pharmacies

It is best to not let dry mouth go on for too long, if you can help it. Don't self-diagnose and treat without visiting your doctor or dentist to ensure that there are no major problems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Anna_Bird/2355855

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