Put your dental IQ to the test! Can you tell the facts from the fallacies? Join us as we celebrate 160 years of driving dentistry forward by taking a trip through the ADA’s video archive.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Throwback Toothday: A Dental Pop Quiz
Put your dental IQ to the test! Can you tell the facts from the fallacies? Join us as we celebrate 160 years of driving dentistry forward by taking a trip through the ADA’s video archive.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Enamel: The Shield for Your Teeth
Tooth enamel is perhaps the most important aspect of your oral anatomy. Tooth enamel is the hardest and most mineralized substance in the body and serves as a shield on your teeth. However, enamel does not grow back, so it is vital to understand what it is and how to protect it.
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Kid-Tested, Dentist-Approved: 6 Teeth Cleaning Tips from Dentist Parents
As a parent, you may have more in common with your dentist than you think. Many moms and dads—even dentists—struggle to keep their children’s mouths and teeth clean. ADA dentist Dr. Gene Romo is a father of four – ages 13, 10, 8 and 2. “As you can imagine, there can be a wide range of behavior on who wants to brush and who doesn’t in our house,” he says. “I’m not just a dentist, I’m their dad, so making sure they’re establishing good habits early on is important to me.”
To keep your family’s smiles strong, try some of tricks of the trade from dentist moms and dads:
Establish a Fun Family Routine
In Dr. Romo’s house, there’s one rule everyone follows: “You have to brush before bed, and you can’t leave the house in the morning until you brush,” he says. “The most important thing is to make sure your family is brushing for 2 minutes, twice a day.”
Young kids love to imitate their parents, so take the opportunity to lead by example. “One thing I did with all my kids was play a game with them, kind of like monkey-see, monkey-do. We all have our toothbrushes, and they follow what I do,” he says. “When I open my mouth, they open their mouths. When I start brushing my front teeth, they start brushing their front teeth – and so on all the way until it’s time to rinse and spit. It’s just a fun way to teach them how to brush properly, and we get to spend a little time together, too.”
Making brushing a family affair also helps you keep an eye out for healthy habits. “Some kids want to do everything themselves, even toothpaste, so you can watch to make sure they’re not using more than they should – a rice-sized smear for kids 2 and under and a drop the size of a pea for kids 3 and up,” he says. “You can also do a quick final check for any leftover food when brush time is done.”
Try a New Angle
When her daughter was only 6 months old, ADA dentist Dr. Ruchi Sahota asked her husband to hold her while she brushed or brushed when her daughter was laying down. “You can see their teeth from front to back the best at that time,” she says.
If your child is old enough to stand and wants to brush in the bathroom, ADA dentist Dr. Richard Price suggests a different method. “Stand behind your child and have him or her look up at you,” he says. “This causes the mouth to hang open and allows you to help them brush more easily.”
Bigger Kids, Bigger Challenges
Checking up on your child’s daily dental hygiene habits doesn’t end as they get older. It’s more challenging when they get their driver’s license and head off to college, says ADA dentist Dr. Maria Lopez Howell. “The new drivers can drive through any fast food spot for the kinds of food and beverages that they can’t find in a health-minded home,” she says. “The new college student is up late either studying or socializing. They don’t have a nightly routine, so they may be more likely to fall asleep without brushing.”
While your children are still at home, check in on their brushing and talk to them about healthy eating, especially when it comes to sugary drinks or beverages that are acidic. After they leave the nest, encourage good dental habits through care packages with toothbrushes, toothpaste or interdental cleaners like floss with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. And when they’re home on break, make sure they get to the dentist for regular checkups! Or if school break is too hectic– you can find a dentist near campus to make sure they are able to keep up with their regular visits.
Play Detective…
As your children get older, they’re probably taking care of their teeth away from your watchful eye. Dr. Romo asks his older children if they’ve brushed, but if he thinks he needs to check up on them, he will check to see if their toothbrushes are wet. “There have been times that toothbrush was bone dry,” he says. “Then I’ll go back to them and say, ‘OK, it’s time to do it together.’”
If you think your child has caught on and is just running their toothbrush under water, go one step further. “I’ll say, ‘Let me smell your breath so I can smell the toothpaste,’” he says. “It all goes back to establishing that routine and holding your child accountable.”
…And Save the Evidence
It could be as simple as a piece of used floss. It sounds gross, but this tactic has actually helped Dr. Lopez Howell encourage teens to maintain good dental habits throughout high school and college.
To remind them about the importance of flossing, Dr. Lopez Howell will ask her teenage patients to floss their teeth and then have them smell the actual floss. If the floss smells bad, she reminds them that their mouth must smell the same way. “It’s an ‘ah-ha’ moment,” Dr. Lopez Howell explains. “They do not want to have bad breath, especially once they see how removing the smelly plaque might improve their social life!”
Above All, Don’t Give Up
If getting your child to just stand at the sink for two minutes feels like its own accomplishment (much less brush), you’re not alone. “It was so difficult to help my daughter to brush her teeth because she resisted big time,” says ADA dentist Dr. Alice Boghosian. Just remember to keep your cool and remain persistent.
“Eventually, brushing became a pleasure,” Dr. Boghosian says. She advises parents to set a good example by brushing with their children. “Once your child is brushing on their own, they will feel a sense of accomplishment – and you will too!”
Article Source: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/tips-for-parents?utm_source=mouthhealthyorg&utm_medium=mhtopstories&utm_content=parent-tips
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Explore the Causes of Bad Breath and Halitosis Remedies
Suffering from bad breath? Learn about the causes of bad breath with Colgate® to figure out the source of the problem. The causes of bad breath are not always obvious ones, like poor oral hygiene. Some other causes can include the digestion of food, dry mouth, medical conditions or smoking. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for fighting bad breath, so don't forget to brush!
Monday, September 16, 2019
Seal Out Tooth Decay
Brushing and flossing are the best ways to help prevent cavities, but it’s not always easy to clean every nook and cranny of your teeth – especially those back teeth you use to chew (called molars). Molars are rough, uneven and a favorite place for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria to hide.
Still, there’s another safety net to help keep those teeth clean. It’s called a sealant, and it is a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that adheres to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They’re no substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can keep cavities from forming and may even stop early stages of decay from becoming a full-blown cavity.
In fact, sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. This is especially important when it comes to your child's dental health. In October 2016, the Centers for Disease Control released a report on the importance of sealants for school-aged children, of which only 43% of children ages 6-11 have. According to the CDC, "school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants."
You may have many questions about sealants, and we have answers for you below. Read on to learn more about sealing out tooth decay.
How Do Sealants Work?
Think of them as raincoats for your teeth. When the cavity-causing bacteria that live in everyone’s mouth meet leftover food particles, they produce acids that can create holes in teeth. These holes are cavities. After sealant has been applied it keeps those bits of food out and stops bacteria and acid from settling on your teeth—just like a raincoat keeps you clean and dry during a storm.
Who Can Get Sealants?
Children and adults can benefit from sealants, but the earlier you get them, the better. Your first molars appear around age 6, and second molars break through around age 12. Sealing these teeth as soon as they come through can keep them cavity-free from the start, which helps save time and money in the long run. Ask your dentist if sealants are a good option for you and your family.
How Are Sealants Applied?
It’s a quick and painless process. Your dentist will clean and dry your tooth before placing an acidic gel on your teeth. This gel roughs up your tooth surface so a strong bond will form between your tooth and the sealant. After a few seconds, your dentist will rinse off the gel and dry your tooth once again before applying the sealant onto the grooves of your tooth. Your dentist will then use a special blue light to harden the sealant.
Can Sealants Be Placed Over Cavities?
Sealants can be used over areas of early decay to prevent further damage to your tooth. Because some sealants are clear, your dentist can keep an eye on the tooth to make sure the sealant is doing its job.
Are There Any Side Effects?
With the exception of an allergy that may exist, there are no known side effects from sealants.
Is There BPA In Sealants?
Yes, there is a tiny amount of BPA in sealants but not enough to cause you or a loved one any harm. In fact, you get more exposure to BPA by simply touching a receipt, using cosmetics or coming in contact with dust.
How Long Do Sealants Last?
Sealants will often last for several years before they need to be reapplied. During your regular dental visit, your dentist will check the condition of the sealant and can reapply them as needed.
Are Sealants Covered By Dental Plans?
Some plans do cover sealants, so call your dental benefit company to find out what kind of coverage you have.
Article Source: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sealants?utm_source=mouthhealthyorg&utm_medium=mhtopstories&utm_content=sealants
Friday, September 13, 2019
Why Should a Toothache Be Taken Seriously?
Chances are you've experienced a toothache. These dental conditions are common and have a variety of causes. Sometimes they are no more than tooth sensitivity. Other times they may cause debilitating pain.
If you have an aching tooth, you can either shake it off as tooth sensitivity if it isn't too severe or you think something is terribly wrong when the pain is excruciating. Sometimes you may be tempted to stick it out as long as you can, bearing with the pain and thinking it will go away on its own. However, this isn't always the case.
Sometimes toothaches may be the result of a chronic condition that hasn't been properly dealt with. Instead of clearing up on its own, it spreads, causing further damage to your teeth and gums.
As much as you may dislike the dentist, there are some circumstances whereby immediate attention from a dental professional is important. If your tooth, for instance, is causing constant, unbearable pain, will likely cause you to break down and seek immediate professional dental care.
A broken, cracked or chipped tooth can create a toothache that suddenly starts. When a tooth experiences trauma, such as being broken or chipped, the enamel of the tooth becomes weakened and compromised. The tooth enamel is the hard, translucent outer layer. It protects the inside of the tooth from infection and decay and it gives the tooth the stability and hardness to function properly. When the tooth enamel becomes compromised, the nerves inside the tooth and the roots of the tooth become exposed, leading to pain and sensitivity. In many cases, a broken, cracked or chipped tooth can be repaired.
Another source of toothache pain can come from a tooth that is abscessed. Tooth abscesses are the result of an untreated oral health condition that creates an infection. A tooth abscess is usually the result of an untreated cavity whereby the germs and bacteria from the tooth decay spread down (or up) into the root of the tooth. Abscessed teeth can be saved with a root canal. In instances where the tooth abscess is too great, the tooth will need to be extracted. You'll know whether you have an abscessed tooth or not. These often cause excruciating pain and can be accompanied by a host of other unpleasant symptoms including: fever, swollen, red gums, sore, swollen glands in the neck, unusual tastes in the mouth, bad breath, a stiff and swollen jaw and open sores on the gums that may drain. Abscessed teeth can lead to lost teeth and destruction of the gum tissue and jaw bone. The germs and bacteria that is in the pus that is excreted from the open sores of the gum can get into the bloodstream causing life-threatening health conditions such as a blood infection.
One's tooth sensitivity is often the result of an underlying oral health issue. It may stay at a temporary tooth sensitivity such as when a tooth is broken or chipped. In other instances, the pain can become worse, to the point where the pain is nearly unbearable. Regardless of how severe or not your tooth sensitivity is, it is worth it to have it looked at a dental professional. Your dentist will be able to diagnose the cause of your tooth sensitivity and apply the appropriate treatment.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9965144
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Causes & Treatments for Tooth Nerve Pain
Tooth nerve pain can occur in a variety of ways; sharp, stabbing, or a dull ache are all signs of tooth nerve pain and all of them make eating less than enjoyable. Getting to the cause of the nerve pain quickly will allow for treatment to begin sooner and for a return to normal eating and drinking habits.
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Throwback Toothday: Your Checklist for Popularity
A nice smile can help you make a good impression and make new friends this school year, so it’s important to have healthy dental care habits!
Join us as we celebrate 160 years of driving dentistry forward by taking a trip through the ADA’s video archive. #ADA160
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
What you need to know About Charcoal Teeth Whitening
Charcoal toothpaste is the new big thing in oral care, and with that comes a new way to whiten teeth. Learn all about charcoal teeth whitening and how it may help you here!
Sunday, September 1, 2019
Common Oral Health Issues in Older Adults
As long as many of us can remember, daily teeth brushing and flossing and visits to the dentist office every six months were a regular routine, howbeit, one we didn't particularly care for. We were told at a young age that good oral hygiene was the key in healthy teeth and gums. If proper care was done throughout our lives, we'll have more of our teeth remaining when we got older.
Yet, you likely have a grandparent or aging parents who have partial or full dentures. In fact, so many older adults have dentures that the two have subconsciously become synonymous with each other. In certain instances, poor oral hygiene is the root cause of someone losing most, if not all, of their teeth. However, this is not the case for everyone. As we age, our teeth wear out like the rest of our bodies, and are therefore more prone to disease, infections, and complications.
Many of the common oral health issues that occur as we age are exacerbated by other health issues and common medications that older adults take for those health issues. Specifically, these are the common issues of the teeth and gums that can occur:
- Tooth loss
- Oral cancer
- Thrush
- Cavities (tooth decay)
- Gum disease
- Infections of the mouth and sinuses
- Inability to taste
- Denture lesions
- Oral candidiasis
- Dry mouth
- Mucosal lesions
- Receding gums
Dry mouth can cause a variety of oral health issues, namely tooth decay, and gum disease. As we age, our saliva production gradually decreases. Saliva is the body's built-in mouth cleaner and it plays an essential role in keeping the mouth healthy, functioning properly and looking great. When not enough saliva is produced, trapped bacteria, mostly in the form of lodged food particles, have a better environment to thrive and attach onto teeth. The acid produced by this bacteria eats away at the tooth enamel, slowly penetrating deeper into the tooth. If cavities aren't treated, they can lead to tooth death and the tooth will need to be extracted. Untreated decayed teeth can also form an infection in the root of the tooth, which is in the jawbone. The infection can spread into the jawbone tissue, making the jaw weaker.
Heart medication and medication to treat blood pressure and cholesterol and depression have a known side effect of producing dry mouth.
In addition, the strength of seniors' teeth and gums are naturally weakened from many years of use, wear and tear. As we age, for instance, our enamel, the hard, outermost protective covering of the tooth gradually deteriorates, making our teeth more vulnerable to injury, decay, infections, and staining.
The lack of taste, whether it's caused by medication or other underlying health conditions such as kidney disease or chronic liver disease, can lead older adults to unintentionally harm their already compromised oral health. This might include adding excessive salt to flavor food or consuming very hot foods that burn the gums.
It is important for older adults to be vigilant about their oral health care. Regular visits to a dentist can help prevent or help the progression of oral health issues so that patients can keep more of their teeth and have strong gums.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10002164
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