Sunday, May 19, 2013

What to Drink



Find out how changing the drinks you consume could improve the health and appearance of your smile.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Monday, May 13, 2013

Toothbrush Mystery



Head to the toothbrush aisle with confidence. Learn how the differences in brushes may be better suited for your unique needs.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Smile Saver Quiz



Put your knowledge of oral health to the test with this fun Smile Save quiz.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Dental Care For Children: When Should Kids Visit The Dentist?

Many parents know that their children need dental care, but they're not exactly sure when their kids should have their first visit. If you're wondering, here's a quick guide to kids' dental care and what parents should do to make sure that their kids' teeth are properly cared for.

Good Dental Care Starts At Home

It's important to start proper dental care even before children have a first tooth! Parents can simply swipe the gums with a damp washcloth. Once your child has gotten his first tooth, parents should use a soft toothbrush that's designed for babies and just water. Once your little one can put things in his mouth, you can even give him the toothbrush to chew on. Just realize that you'll still need to clean his teeth -- this is just getting your child used to handling the toothbrush!

As many kids get older, parents are tempted to let them handle their own brushing. While it's a great idea to let kids brush their own teeth, parents should follow up with a quick brushing of their own to make sure that every tooth has been properly cleaned. And don't forget to floss! Kids need to floss just like adults do.

When Should Kids First Visit The Dentist

Many parents are surprised to realize that they should visit the dentist about six months after the first tooth has appeared. The visit will be a short one and is just designed to get your child used to having their teeth cared for! Parents never really know how their child will react when they get into the chair, but can make the visit easier on everyone if it's not scheduled when the child is tired or during their regular nap time!

During this first visit, the dentist will take a look at any teeth that have come through, and make sure the gums are healthy and not inflamed. Depending on how well the child is doing, the visit may include a gentle cleaning, and showing parents how to care for the teeth. This visit won't last long and is usually just to make dental care a part of a regular healthcare routine.

What If You've Waited A Little Longer

Since most parents don't realize that children should see a dentist so soon after their teeth have come in, many children don't have their first dental visit until they're two, three or even four. If you've waited a little longer, don't worry! Look for an office that's experienced in treating children and adults and a dentist that's comfortable working with children. Explain to your child that the dentist will take a look at their teeth to make sure they're growing correctly and that he might even take a picture of the teeth using a special camera. Before your visit, have kids practice opening their mouths wide and let them know that it won't hurt! Having a carefree attitude towards a dental visit can do a lot to alleviate any stress that your child might have about it.

Proper dental care starts at home, but that doesn't mean that your child shouldn't visit the dentist. Introducing your child to a dental office will help go a long way towards setting them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7688785

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Bring Your Smile Back

For many years in the past when people would talk about dentistry, it would refer to extractions, filling and standard dental procedures. Gone are those days of seeing dentists only for such needs. Today, dentists are much sought after for cosmetic dentistry, a way of 'beautifying' one's teeth and gums, giving you all the reason to put that smile back on.

Cosmetic dentistry involves many treatment options that cater to various needs of patients in today's demanding world. Most common treatments are teeth whitening, crowns, bridges, veneers and braces.

Teeth Whitening

This procedure is traditionally performed by filling a personalized mouthpiece with professional bleaching product, usually hydrogen peroxide, and applied your teeth. The oxygen component of the bleaching product causes teeth to lighten as soon as it gets into the tooth's enamel layer. Usually, more than one visit is required to complete the treatment depending on how light you want your teeth to be. Following sessions will either be done in the dentist's office or at home with the take-home tools that the dentist will provide you with.

A modern way of teeth whitening is using the laser procedure wherein laser is used to speed up chemical reaction of the whitening product applied, hence, treatment can be performed in just an hour.

Crowns

For various reasons, including, when a tooth is broken, misshapen or discolored, dentists recommend crown treatments wherein a tooth is completely with caps or what is popularly known as crowns to re-create the tooth's shape and appearance. Crowns are also used to protect weak tooth or cover a tooth that has a large filling, root canal or dental implant.

Crowns are very durable and may even last a lifetime if taken cared of properly. It can be made of porcelain, metal or ceramics and cost quite a sum that's why dentists only recommend it when all other procedures are not possible.

Bridges

Bridges are made from porcelain, gold or a combination of both and primarily placed to replace gaps with artificial teeth. The false tooth is permanently drilled or bonded with an adhesive to the teeth beside it. Bridges are best for people who only have few teeth missing and don't like dentures.

Veneers

Veneers are placed to cover teeth that are stained, broken, have spaces between or unsightly teeth. They, basically, do the same function as crowns but are less expensive.

Braces

Braces are treatments that apply pressure to crooked or misaligned teeth. It is a long process that involves regular dentist visits for tightening, cleaning, and stage by stage adjustments usually covering a period of one up to 3 years. After wearing braces, patients need to wear retainers to hold already aligned teeth until it is fixed in place.

Cosmetic treatments are performed to improve the appearance of teeth, but, would still require consistent practice of oral hygiene to preserve treatments longer and allow you to keep that smile longer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7663181

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Five Reasons to Get Cosmetic Veneers

Cosmetic veneers are very popular these days and it is not just with the young crowd. In fact, a large number of older dental patients are looking at updating their smiles as well. Anyone that has a smile that is less than perfect could benefit from dental veneers. Here are some outstanding reasons why:

Veneers can eliminate discoloration problems

Whether your teeth are simply stained from drinking too much coffee, or they simply have started to darken with age, porcelain veneers can restore your teeth to their former beauty. Nothing is more embarrassing than to smile and show all stains.

Cosmetic veneers can improve your dating prospects

If you have two men or women that are equal except that one has a radiant, nice smile, who would you go out with? We do live in a society that counts appearance fairly high on the dating scale. A wonderful smile is a big part of that quotient. A horrible smile can virtually kill your chances.

Porcelain veneers are coming down in price

Don't misunderstand... veneers are not cheap. Still, the cost as compared to several years ago is better. There are more and more dentists turning towards this as an option so the competition is getting stronger. Veneers will never be a cheap option, but they are at least possible for most anyone with enough commitment.

Veneers are strong and permanent

Most of the time, a veneer will be there forever. They are extra strong and are a wonderful option for those that are wanting to keep the basic structure of their own teeth. Crowns are there for folks that have a need, but veneers are generally going to utilize your existing teeth and will be very strong.

Cosmetic veneers will give you straight teeth

If you have uneven rows of teeth, then veneers can even them out perfectly. That is one huge draw for this type of dental work. In the end, you walk away with strong, permanent, straight teeth. Some folks have gone their entire lives with crooked teeth only to enjoy a perfect smile later in life. That is a strong motivator for those that have that problem.

If you are considering getting this type of dental work done, you should certainly consider asking around. The prices vary wildly as does the level of quality. Compare and contrast several places before settling on just one and you will end up with high quality work at a fair price.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7682431