Regular visits to your dentist and care of your teeth actually help to preserve your health in other areas of your body. Basically, keeping your teeth healthy is a big part of keeping the rest of you doing well, also. The medical community has long held that periodontal disease is actually connected to a number of other ailments in many different parts of the body. There have been studies that indicate that even unborn babies can be impacted by periodontal illness, as underweight births have occurred. Heart and mental health have also shown indications that they can in fact, be impacted by the health of your teeth.

Seeing a dentist is certainly only a part of the puzzle. The best way to be sure that you’re taking the best care of your teeth is to be regularly brushing, flossing and taking care of your gums as well. In between those annual visits, the care that you take here is what is really going to make a difference. Not just for your teeth- but for the rest of your body as well. If you find that flossing is a little difficult with regular floss, there are great products now on the market to make this much easier. Brushing and gum health can also be augmented with antiseptic rinses.

With each annual visit to your dentist, however, you’re going to be able to assess any issues you may be having with your entire mouth: your teeth, your gums and your tongue. Usually, when teeth are healthy the only thing the visit entails is a really good cleaning. This will be a much deeper clean that you will get at home and it’s a great way to start off a new year of taking care of your own teeth. The residual plaque will be removed and often in areas you simply won’t be able to address on your own.

Whenever you do have your teeth checked, you’re also being checked for any potential warning signs of periodontal disease. Usually, those signs are fairly obvious. Bleeding gums and mouth sores are the biggest indicators something may be wrong. The reason it is important to go in on a yearly basis, however is that this disease will typically not have any signs or symptoms when it begins and in its early stages. Caught early, the issue can be resolved before it gets serious.

If this is the case, there are a number of options in treatment available to you. Sometimes, in the more serious cases, tooth extraction will be in order. However, the general course is catching the disease before it gets to be too serious and this will just mean a little treatment, and surgery won’t be needed. Another serious concern that a dentist will watch for is oral cancer. Using a Velscope, your professional can detect cancers. There are a number of different things like this that are looked for when you do have an annual check up, and all of these things come together to better not just your mouth’s health, but the rest of you as well.

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Root canal treatment is one of the most common procedures in modern dentistry and has certainly saved many from deaths via blood infections not to mention the pain that constant tooth infection can bring, but what is it?

Root canal treatment (known also as endodontics) is necessary when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth, called the pulp, becomes infected. The infection is often unable to felt in the early stages and may only become apparent when the tooth darkens in color. This darkening is a sign that the nerve of the tooth is dying. It is often under these circumstances that treatment becomes necessary.

Many people underestimate how essential the treatment can be, the pulp area, being located in the mouth is at a much higher risk of infection. If this occurs an abscess will form, an inflammation of tissue surrounded by pus, this can be incredibly painful as well as inviting further complications such as septicemia as well the more obvious danger of the tooth dying and having to be removed. Some people opt to simply have the tooth removed straight away in order to save the hassle of having the treatment, even if you wish to take that option do not simply leave the infection.

The procedure is a very routine one that can be carried out at your local dentist. You may also be referred to an ondodontist which is a medical specialist in this arena. It depends largely on how severe your infection is. The aim of the procedure is to remove all infected tissue from the pulp area in order to rescue the root of the tooth. The root is cleaned down in order to stop any further infections. You will then receive a temporary filling that will keep the space open while still allowing the tissue to heal.

Once the root has been allowed some time to heal the temporary filling will be replaced by your dentist with a permanent filling that has been specially shaped to fit the area created by the removal of the pulp. Sometimes the tooth has become brittle due to the previous nerve damage so it may also need to be crowned in order to restore its strength. This will be done at the same time as the second stage of the root canal treatment.

Whilst many people try and put off root canal treatment it is not the ordeal it once was, advances in anesthetics mean that virtually nothing is felt at all and whilst you may need a few days of eating soup there is nothing to fear whatsoever. The consequences of delaying treatment are much worse, the risk of blood poisoning and further infections are very real.

The good news is that root canal treatment is very successful and it is rare for it to need to be repeated. In terms of aftercare it is relatively simple requiring regular brushing and not eating foods likely to damage the repair. It may be a good idea to wash out your mouth with a salt solution once in a while simply to ensure any further bacterial growth is inhibited during the crucial recovery process.

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There are several differences between dental implants and dentures. People often confuse the two because they both seem to take care of similar problems. Instead of just assuming that you need one option over the others, find out about the two and talk to your dentist about his or her professional recommendation.

Number of Teeth Replaced:
How many teeth are you looking to replace? If you are looking to just fill in one gap, an implant can get the job done. Each one is inserted individually into the gums. It takes some time but they are secure and will last an extended amount of time. On the other hand, if you have several teeth that need to be replaced, dentures may be the better option. You can have several missing places all addressed at the same time.

Cost:
It is not always easy to make a generalization about the cost of different procedures. There are varying levels of quality that patients can choose from to increase or decrease the overall cost. However, when you try to look at the big picture, in most cases, dental implants cost more than dentures. Each tooth is inserted individually and it takes time to sculpt and create each one to match the rest of the mouth.

On the other hand, there are lower cost dentures that will work, including sets that will replace all teeth at the same time. Talk with your dentist about which option is best for you. In some cases, it may come down to which procedure or materials your insurance will cover. It is always a good idea to contact your insurance company and get as much information about coverage. You can use this information when you speak to the dentist about your options.

Overall Look:
Today’s technology has made huge changes in the way that both dental implants and dentures look. Both blend into a person’s mouth better than they have in the past and some are done so well that most people cannot tell that a person has had either one done.

In most cases, the implant looks better fit in with a person’s smile. It is specifically made to match up to the surrounding teeth. The color, size, and shape are customized. In the case of dentures, because so many teeth are all being replaced at the same time, the change is much more different and noticeable.

Whether you choose dental implants or dentures your dentist can help you make the best decision. Talk with him or her about the positives that come with each. Also ask about the downsides. The more information you have the easier it will be to make the decision. Take into consideration what the dentist recommends. He or she will be able to help you find the best solution at the best price.

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Smokers’ teeth get discoloured due to repeated exposure to nicotine inhaled along with cigarette smoke. Stains develop gradually on the surface of the teeth and may not be easily noticed at first; over a period, this gradual development converts the smokers’ teeth into ugly dentures. Trying to remove these stains at home using normal teeth cleaning procedures like brushing with toothpaste or using teeth whitening rinses may not help much.

One would have to resort to more specific treatment(s). Some of the more preferred methods for whitening smokers’ teeth are discussed below:

In-Office Teeth Whitening: For well entrenched nicotine stains, professional whitening at your dentist’s should be the first line of treatment. This could involve use of whitening paste, heat and/or laser lights for enhancing whiteness. Admittedly, this may prove to be costly for many, especially if the procedure involves more than one sitting. However, this may be a necessity for stubborn stains; once done, the smokers should take regular precautions to ensure that the teeth remain as white as possible using more economical teeth whitening kits at home.

Whitening Gels and Strips: Stains that are in the initial stages of formation could be treated with whitening stripes The strip which is generally coated with peroxide based whitening gel, is applied on the teeth and allowed to remain in contact for half an hour. The procedure may require to be repeated for a few days for visible results.

Whitening gels, on the other hand, are used for heavily stained teeth. The whitening product in the form of gel is applied with brush and spread over the surface of the stained teeth. Sometimes, two application per day (remember that the teeth are heavily stained) may be advised.

Teeth Whitening Trays: Tray-based teeth whitening systems involve filling a tray (shaped similar to upper and lower dentures) with a jelly like whitening paste and wearing the tray on the dentures for a predetermined period of time which could vary from a couple hours for one day to a number of days; oftentimes, it becomes necessary to apply the trays overnight for a few days (depending on the degree of discolouration and desired level of whitening).

Side Effect: Sensitivity In many instances, smokers’ teeth become heavily stained before starting the whitening treatment. This being the case, the whitening product is applied for longer durations which may lead to the teeth becoming sensitive (e.g. to drinking cold liquid or eating cold foods, or even simple pressure on the dentures). It has been observed that the whitening kits that contain peroxide or carbamide are more prone to causing such sensitivity.

As a result of such adverse reaction, EU has severely restricted the use of peroxides in any form for teeth whitening. Happily, kits are now available for home use that do not contain peroxides. Many of these types of non-peroxide teeth whiteners, use age old revered baking soda to help get whiter teeth. No tooth stain is to tough for the good old baking soda to get rid of.

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Periodontal disease is a common and potentially very serious condition that affects your oral health. Some estimates suggest that as many as 50% of adult North Americans suffer from some degree of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Indeed, this condition runs the gamut from mild gum inflammation to more serious symptoms including bleeding gums, halitosis, and even tooth loss. More importantly, this disease can become quite costly to treat and may even be associated with more serious health issues associated with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, digestive disorders, and even respiratory disease. Also, because the bad breath, tooth loss, and gum symptoms can cause embarrassment and social anxiety, treatment or maintenance of periodontal disease is obviously important.

There are several possible causes for gum disease. Smoking, alcohol consumption, prescription medications, and other illnesses are well known risk factors for this kind of disease; however, proper oral hygiene can prevent the condition entirely. Indeed, if you notice early warning signs of periodontal disease from red, swollen gums, to bleeding gums, loose teeth, odd spacing between teeth, and bad breath, it is time to carefully consider your oral hygiene regime. If you suspect you are suffering from some degree of gum disease, you should visit your dentist immediately. A thorough cleaning along with assessment of the progression of the disease are important first steps in periodontal disease maintenance.

In assessing the severity of your periodontal disease, your dentist may utilize a number of diagnostic techniques. An oral examination in combination with x-rays will help your dentist understand how best to treat the condition. A common issue with this disease is that it can present differently between different patients because there are varying degrees of the disease. Therefore, maintenance recommendations from the dentist will also vary on a case by case basis.

Nevertheless, treatment of gum disease usually involves improved oral hygiene. Visit your dentist regularly for periodic cleanings. In the most severe cases of periodontitis, you will likely have to visit your dentist quarterly. Regular visits will help you track the progress of the condition, while also receiving deep cleanings to prevent future problems. In addition, your dentist will make several recommendations about what you can do at home to maintain good oral hygiene.

Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are important. For the best results, brush your teeth immediately when you wake. Be sure to carefully brush every surface of your teeth and avoid brushing immediately after meals. Ideally, you want your saliva to neutralize acids and particles in food before you brush, so it is best to wait for an hour after meals. Also, flossing is one of the most overlooked aspects of dental health, but regular flossing can help strengthen your gums and prevent plaque build up. Finally, your dentist may also recommend antibiotics or other medications to control infections that arise from periodontal disease.

The most important piece of advice dentists will give patients about periodontal disease is that prevention is the best policy. Maintaining good oral health will prevent infections, bone and tissue loss, and other symptoms of periodontal disease.

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Ok, so you brush your teeth everyday, but is that all you need to do to keep your mouth healthy? Brushing alone isn’t enough to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Regular flossing and six month check ups are equally as important as brushing.

Why Flossing is so Important

For years dentists have said, “You don’t have to floss all of your teeth, just the ones you want to keep”. Flossing helps prevent cavities and gum disease like gingivitis and periodontitis by removing plaque from between the teeth. To understand why flossing is so important we need to understand what plaque is and what it does.

Plaque is that yellowish, fuzzy film that starts to form on your teeth when you go too long without brushing. It is made up of saliva, microscopic food particles, and bacteria… lots of bacteria. Current research suggests that around 25,000 different species of bacteria live in the human mouth. Brushing removes most of the plaque on your teeth but the bristles on your tooth brush can’t get in between your teeth to remove the plaque that hides there.

When those thousands of bacteria remain between your teeth they eat the same food you do and produce acid as a waste product. That acid collects in the plaque and literally starts to dissolve the enamel of your tooth. That is how a cavity starts. Once the smooth enamel surface is broken down it becomes easier for more plaque to stick to the tooth and thus more bacteria and more acid.

Many mouthwashes kill a huge amount of bacteria but can’t remove the plaque itself. The remaining plaque is quickly recolonized by bacteria very soon after the initial mouthwash is used. The only way to effectively remove the plaque between your teeth is to floss. That is why dentists will continue to say, “You don’t have to floss all of your teeth, just the ones you want to keep”.

Why your six month check ups are crucial.

As dentists we currently have more tools than ever to help detect dental caries (cavities). Oral disease is similar to any other disease in the human body; when it is detected early the treatment is usually far less invasive, less expensive, less painful, and more successful than if the disease is found later on.

At a regular six month check up I have the chance to visually inspect the teeth, gums and other oral tissues. I can use all sorts of new technologies like digital x-rays and cavity detecting lasers that can find cavities months before they could be detected by the human eye. We can even identify areas that may become problematic before they cause problems and take measures to prevent cavities, like dental sealants.

As a dentist I strongly recommend six month checkups for all of my patients because with that frequency we catch almost all cavities when they are very small. Small cavities can be removed and repaired with small, long lasting fillings. When cavities get larger we start to get away from the world of fillings and into the realm of root canals and crowns, sometimes even extractions.

In dentistry an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And in case you are wondering about the conversion rate, one ounce equals regular six month checkups.

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The Advantages of Early Treatment:

Years ago it was rare for a child to undergo orthodontic treatment at a young age. Instead, treatment was most often performed when all adult teeth were available. Unfortunately, treatment at this older age often necessitated the removal of four permanent teeth.

Orthodontics has come a long way since then. Today, it is extremely rare for a child to require the removal of teeth. Crowded mouths that are identified at a young age can benefit from expansion treatment and thus avoid extraction treatment.

Interceptive or two stage treatment has a goal or correcting existing problems and reducing the severity of other problems which can develop in the future.

The advantages of early treatment include: protecting protrusive teeth from fracture during sports and/or accidents; correcting the dental framework to allow a more ideal eruption and/or development of the bite; improved self image at a younger age; and a higher degree of cooperation and enthusiasm from our younger patients.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children are screened for orthodontic treatment at age seven. Although this may seem young, the reason for the early screening is that by age seven lower front teeth are erupting and developing crowding can be identified. Additionally, by this age the direction of facial growth has often been determined and if orthodontic treatment will be required the treatment can often be planned pro-actively versus retroactively.

If you suspect a problem in your child’s mouth ask us to take a look.

Protecting Protruded Teeth:

When teeth protrude, who is at a greater risk for trauma, boys or girls?

In a recent issue of the American Journal of Orthodontics, an article was written comparing different types of orthodontic treatment. One of the factors studied was early correction of protruded teeth. The question was “does early correction of protruded teeth reduce the likelihood of trauma to these teeth?”

The answer to the question of who experiences more trauma, boys or girls, is very interesting. Boys and girls have an equal chance of traumatizing their teeth.

This finding surprised me; I had always believed boys experience more trauma to their teeth. In fact, boys and girls have a one in three chance of traumatizing their teeth. It is not surprising too that the further the teeth protrude, the more likely the teeth will be traumatized, and conversely, the more the teeth are pulled back, the less likely the teeth will be traumatized.

The take home message is clear. Protruding teeth should be moved back at as early an age as feasible in order to avoid unnecessary trauma to these teeth.

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How many teeth does a child have? Count them… 8? 16? 20? Would you believe 52? This sounds amazing, but it’s true. By birth all 20 of the baby (primary) teeth and several of the adult (permanent) teeth are forming. By age 3, almost all of the 32 permanent teeth are well on their way. What’s even more amazing is that there are several steps you can take now, while your child is an infant, which will determine their oral health well into adulthood.

TEETHING

The two lower front teeth are usually the first to arrive at about 6-10 months of age. Teething continues until about 2 1/2 years old, when the second primary molars erupt. During teething, the child’s gums may look a little red and puffy, and they may experience excessive drooling and grouchiness. Other signs of teething may include: loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and a transient low-grade fever. If your baby experiences: a high or prolonged fever, a rash, or vomiting, these are signs that something else may be wrong and you should consult your pediatrician.

To help relieve teething discomfort, you can give your child a cool teething ring or a frozen washcloth to chew on. The cold will help numb the gums and the chewing will help the new teeth cut through. Care must be taken not to allow your child to chew on objects that could break apart and pose a choking hazard. Infant Tylenol and preparations that numb the gums should be used sparingly and only as a last resort.

IMPORTANCE OF BABY TEETH

While it is true the primary teeth will eventually be replaced, they serve very important roles. Like your permanent teeth, your child’s primary teeth are necessary for: proper chewing and eating, speech development, and an attractive appearance. In addition, the primary teeth play an important role in the development of jaw bones and muscles, and help guide the permanent teeth into position. The second primary molars are not usually replaced until 12-14 years and generally must serve for 10 years or more.

ORAL HYGIENE

Cleaning should begin even before the first tooth erupts. After every feeding you should gently clean your infant’s gums with a clean damp gauze or washcloth. This will allow you to check that everything appears normal and creates a healthy oral environment for the first tooth to erupt into. You can continue to clean the first few new primary teeth with gauze or washcloth. Once your fingers are in jeopardy, it’s time to graduate up to a soft, child-size toothbrush. Brushing should be done at least twice daily, and most importantly, before bedtime.

TOOTH PASTE

Fluoride toothpaste is not meant to be swallowed and should not be used with young children until they can reliably rinse and spit. If they are receiving the proper dietary fluoride supplement, infants do not need the additional fluoride from toothpaste. There are now several toothpastes available in pharmacies and supermarkets that are especially formulated for infants. These infant toothpastes do not contain fluoride, are safe to swallow, and are less abrasive then standard children’s and adult tooth pastes.

Once your child is capable of rinsing and spiting, fluoride toothpaste should be used. Parents of young children should be especially careful with “good tasting” children’s toothpaste. Because of their pleasant flavor, some children like to eat these toothpastes. This should be strongly discouraged. Parents should ensure that only a small pea-size dab of fluoride toothpaste is used at each brushing.

FLUORIDE SUPPLEMENTS

Fluoride is one of our most effective tools for fighting tooth decay. By strengthening teeth, it helps prevent cavities between teeth, where the toothbrush can’t reach. Fluoride can also reverse small microscopic cavities before they become large enough to require restoration. Because there is no fluoride in the water in Suffolk and Nassau counties, most children living here should begin taking a dietary fluoride supplement by six months of age. Your child’s pediatric dentist or pediatrician can advise you on the proper fluoride supplement for your child.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES

One of the most emotionally and physically devastating oral diseases is early childhood caries. It causes severe, rapid decay of an infant’s teeth and can rob a child of their attractive smile. Often, the four upper front teeth may need to be extracted by age 2. The good news is this disease is 100% preventable.

Early childhood caries most often results when an infant is allowed to fall asleep with a bottle of milk, formula, juice, or sweetened water as a pacifier. During sleep, these liquids pool around the infant’s teeth for long periods. The naturally occurring bacteria (plaque) in the child’s mouth produce acids that attack the tooth surface. Unless promptly treated, it can completely destroy the primary teeth and cause infections and abscesses that can harm the developing permanent teeth.

So what can you do? Prevention is easy. If your child needs a comforter at nap-time, bedtime, or between regular feedings, give them a bottle filled only with cooled water. If they are getting enough nutrition during regular feedings, they do not need milk or juice at sleep time. If your child already has a sleep time milk/juice bottle habit, changing the routine may be difficult. Be persistent, don’t give in. The few sleepless nights that may result will be a worthwhile investment in your child’s future smile.

MEDICATIONS

Many children’s medications are sweet, sticky syrups. If left around the teeth, they can also lead to early childhood caries. To prevent problems: clean your child’s mouth after each administration, and avoid giving medications at sleep time when they may not swallow the entire dosage.

THUMB SUCKING AND PACIFIERS

The sucking reflex is very strong in a newborn. A sonogram will often reveal the child thumb sucking while still in the womb. Thumb sucking and pacifier habits are normal for infants and toddlers. These habits are preferable to a sleep time milk/juice bottle habit for comfort, as they do not cause tooth decay. If given up by around age 3 1/2, sucking habits pose very little chance of causing orthodontic problems in the permanent teeth.

VISITING THE PEDIATRIC DENTIST

Preventative dental care should start “the younger, the better”. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents schedule their baby’s first visit by 12 months of age. Early, routine dental care will ensure that any problems may be detected and treated early, or even avoided completely. Experience shows that children who have a “dental home”, and who participate regularly in a preventative program have much lower incidence of dental disease than those who are seen sporadically. In addition, pleasant visits to the pediatric dentist will help your child establish trust and confidence that will last a lifetime. Our office does not charge for “well baby” dental visits for children under 24 months of age. By getting an early start on preventative dental care, you can help ensure your infant’s 52 teeth are part of a healthy attractive smile for a lifetime.

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Some kids are better than others and take to brushing and flossing immediately, while some kids see taking care of their teeth as another fear chore. Help the kids in your life see the importance of dental health with these creative tips and tricks.

Teach your kids about their teeth

For kids who don’t like to brush, simply handing them a toothbrush and tube of toothpaste is not going to cut it, you must do more. You can do more by teaching them all about their teeth. Help kids see the different types of teeth that are in their mouths. By explaining that each tooth has different shape, different job, and therefore a different location. There are four types of teeth: incisors, cuspids, bicuspids, and molars. Use the following information to help explain the teeth and their jobs:

1. Incisors: Located in the front of the mouth (four up top and four on the bottom), the eight incisors have chisel-shaped crowns that cut food.

2. Cuspids: Located next to each incisor, the four cuspids have pointed edges to tear food.

3. Bicuspids: Loacted next to the cuspids, these four pairs of teeth crush and tear food.

4. Molars: The 12 molars come in sets of three at the back of the mouth. The wide surfaces of these teeth grind food.

Read books about dental health

In addition to teach your kids about the teeth and their jobs you should read with your kids. It is easier for young kids to grasp dental health if they see the it illustrated in a book. From the time your children are infants, you should be incorporating books about oral hygiene, teeth brushing, and flossing. There are even books about visiting the dentist. Incorporate these in to their regular reading. This also can decrease your child’s anxiety and fear about the dentist. Ask your librarian to help you located dentist books. They might even be able to order some for you!

The American Dental Association, ADA, is a good resource for parents to find books that help explain dental health to your kids. Read “Visit the Dentist with Marty” at ADA.org and let your kids play a game that teaches kids about healthy snacks called, “Let’s Raid The Kitchen!” on the hygienist’s portion of the ADA website.

Do an experiment

There are several websites available to parents that give step-by-step instructions and guided experiments that can make learning about dental health and oral hygiene more fun. Check out http://www.HealthyTeeth.org for information created by dentists for your younger children. Content ranges from sugar bugs to bad breath and everything in between.

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