Thursday, October 31, 2019

Gum Disease


Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth.

Here are some warning signs that can signal a problem:

  • gums that bleed easily
  • red, swollen, tender gums
  • gums that have pulled away from the teeth
  • persistent bad breath or bad taste
  • permanent teeth that are loose or separating
  • any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • any change in the fit of partial dentures

Some factors increase the risk of developing gum disease. They are:

  • poor oral hygiene
  • smoking or chewing tobacco
  • genetics
  • crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean
  • pregnancy
  • diabetes
  • medications, including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives

See your dentist if you suspect you have gum disease because the sooner you treat it the better. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing.

Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. Chronic periodontitis affects 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States. It can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time. If it does, your teeth will feel loose and start moving around in your mouth. This is the most common form of periodontitis in adults but can occur at any age. It usually gets worse slowly, but there can be periods of rapid progression.

Aggressive periodontitis is a highly destructive form of periodontal disease that occurs in patients who are otherwise healthy. Common features include rapid loss of tissue and bone and may occur in some areas of the mouth, or in the entire mouth.

Research between systemic diseases and periodontal diseases is ongoing. While a link is not conclusive, some studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as diabetes or stroke.

It is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good dental care at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. Remember: You don’t have to lose teeth to gum disease. Brush your teeth twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Article Source: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gum-disease

Monday, October 28, 2019

Ghosts Undercover presented by Crest


Just in time for Halloween, the brave @Jennizzle helped us with a haunted toothpaste from the past in this episode of Ghosts Uncovered

Friday, October 25, 2019

Toothbrushes: Finding the Right One | Consumer Reports


With literally hundreds of toothbrushes to choose from, Consumer Reports ShopSmart tells you what's most important in buying a toothbrush.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Throwback Toothday: The Fearless Flosser


Brushing your teeth is only half the job. Clean between teeth daily for a super smile. Join us as we celebrate 160 years of driving dentistry forward by taking a trip through the ADA’s video archive. #ADA160

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay


You can help prevent your baby from getting cavities or developing what is called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Early Childhood Caries, by beginning an oral hygiene routine within the first few days after birth. Start by cleaning your baby’s mouth by wiping the gums with a clean gauze pad. This helps removes plaque that can harm erupting teeth.

When your child's teeth begin to come in, brush them gently with a child's size toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.

For bottle feedings, place only formula, milk or breast milk inside and avoid using sugary beverages such as juice or soda. Infants should finish their bedtime and naptime bottle before going to bed.

Article Source: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/concerns

Sunday, October 13, 2019

What is TMJ? The Causes of your Jaw Pain


Experiencing jaw pain, popping, or pain around your ears? Do you have issues opening your mouth wide? Learn more about what can be TMD, with Colgate®. Possible causes include jaw clenching, teeth grinding, poor posture, or an injury to the joint.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Your Life


Is your smile the way you want it to be or are there significant flaws that keep you from showing it off to the world?

Most people can identify at least one characteristic of their smile that falls short and where improvements can be made.

While restorative dentistry can get your teeth and gums into tip-top great health and proper function, cosmetic dentistry can make them look their best.

Cosmetic dentistry can achieve the following smile enhancements:

  • Whiten teeth
  • Reduce or eliminate tooth discoloration and staining
  • Repair small chips and fractures on teeth
  • Reverse tooth wear by improving the support and structure of teeth
  • Correct misshapen teeth
  • Reduce or fill in spacing or gaps between teeth
  • Lengthen teeth
  • Correct the symmetry of one's smile Strengthen and reduce the pain of sensitive teeth

Some patients may be hesitant at the idea of undergoing cosmetic dental procedures, seeing them as unnecessary. For others, it might be the cost. Is cosmetic dental work worth the price?

Cosmetic dentistry often gets put into a box that encompasses such procedures as teeth whitening and veneers. However, cosmetic dentistry is much more than that. Dental implants, for instance, is a cosmetic dental procedure.

Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way and can now not only make teeth look great, but can also refine the tooth's functioning.

Regardless of your concerns and views of cosmetic dentistry, many patients have had their lives changed as a result of a cosmetic dental procedure.

Here are ways cosmetic dentistry can change your life:

Improve your self-image and self-confidence. Cosmetic dentistry can whiten, reshape and smooth teeth, giving you a flawless look that you'll not be ashamed to show the world.

People who feel good about how they look are happier and smile more often. In addition, those who smile are seen as more welcoming and confident.

Smiling and showing off your pearly whites is also a great way to make a positive first impression.

Always look good and turn heads. Some patients opt to undergo cosmetic dental procedures because of an upcoming event such as a wedding, high school reunion or job interview. A white, straight, symmetrical smile will help you get the attention and praise from others. However, with the lower costs of cosmetic dentistry and the ease and quickness of many of the procedures, patients don't need a special occasion to give their smiles a needed facelift. Looking good every day can be just as powerful.

Improve your oral health. After your smile makeover is complete, you'll want it to last as long as possible. To retain the new bright, straight smile, good dental hygiene, and lifestyle and dietary changes are required.

A lack of proper oral hygiene will make the pearly white fade as well as the lifestyle choice of smoking. Certain foods and drinks such as coffee, tea soda, citrus, candy, and bread can sabotage your new, perfect smile.

Live with reduced pain. Crooked, misshapen and misaligned teeth can cause potentially severe pain in your jaw, neck, face, and head. Veneers and dental implants can help lengthen and reshape teeth as well as fill in gaps between teeth. Properly aligned, proportional and straight teeth can reduce or eliminate pain, which can improve your quality of life.

You can live a longer, happier life. Want to learn another benefit of smiling? A longer, happier life. A confident, pain-free smile can add years to your life. Smiling reduces stress which has a negative effect on the body. Besides reducing stress, smiling also boosts the immune system.

Teeth whitening, implants, veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures can bring about significant, positive changes to your life. Cosmetic dentistry can beautify your smile by whitening, lengthening, and reshaping teeth as well as fill in embarrassing gaps. Besides making your smile look the best it can be, cosmetic dentistry can make your life happier and longer by improving the health of your mouth and reducing pain and discomfort.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9926833

Monday, October 7, 2019

7 Tooth-Friendly Halloween Treats


Do dentists give out candy for Halloween? You’d be surprised how many do! The American Dental Association asked dentists what they give trick-or-treaters each year, and most of them—76 percent—say they hand out some type of candy. Some paired their candy with a reminder to brush and even a toothbrush.

However, many people choose to give something other than candy, whether it be for health reasons or allergy awareness. If you're looking for sugar-free Halloween handouts, here are some frightfully fun treats that aren’t terrors for teeth.

Things That "Glow" Bump In the Night
Little ones scared of the dark? Light up the night by handing out glow sticks, bracelets or necklaces in place of sugary treats. In addition to being a fun add-on for the kids’ costumes, they’ll also help parents keep track of their little ghouls.

Trick-or-Treating Thirst Quenchers
Running from house to house in a heavy monster suit is thirsty work! Offer your trick-or-treaters small bottles of water to wash away any sugar they might be snacking on between houses. (Some bottled water brands contain fluoride, which can help fight cavities. Check the label or contact the company to see if it’s in the bottles you buy.)

Sweet, Without the Sugar
Here’s one treat that’s actually good for your teeth! (Just make sure to check with parents before handing it out that they are old enough to chew gum.) Research shows that chewing sugarfree gum after meals, or after chowing down on Halloween candy, stimulates saliva production, which helps prevent cavities. Look for one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Trick-or-Trinkets
Keep the fun going long after Halloween with these non-edible treats! You can buy small toys like kazoos, yo-yos, bouncy balls, monster finger puppets and other goodies in bulk online or in discount stores. Or add to your trick-or-treaters’ costumes with inexpensive accessories like plastic spider rings, vampire teeth or pirate eye patches.

Stamps (or Stickers!) of Approval
Spooky stickers and pre-inked stamps let kids leave their mark on just about anything. Pair them with copies of this downloadable brushing calendar so they can celebrate National Brush Day on Nov. 1 as they brush away the sugar left behind by the rest of their trick-or-treating haul.

A Disappearing Act
Give your little visitors some (soon-to-be-invisible) ink this year. Look for Halloween-themed designs like pumpkins, ghosts and witches.

On-Point Pencils
Pencils with a festive design—not those boring yellow ones!—and erasers shaped like pumpkins or ghosts are a fun and useful treat kids can take to school after the Halloween fun is over.

Article Source: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/non-candy-halloween-treats?utm_source=mouthhealthyorg&utm_medium=mhtopstories&utm_content=non-candy-treats

Friday, October 4, 2019

Could Humans Ever Regrow Teeth?


98% of American suffer from tooth decay, but scientists may have found a way to fix that. Is there a way to regrow your teeth?

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

What Are the Symptoms of Teeth Grinding?


Dr. Christina Friis-Moeller talks about the causes and symptoms of teeth grinding (bruxism).