2016 on Listen to Your Dentist When They Recommend Wisdom Teeth Extraction

What Teeth Whitening Can Do For You

Thu, 29 Dec 2016 13:42:41 +0000

If you are like just about everyone else out there, you also like the idea of having white teeth. However, things like time, food, drinks and other habits can fight your best efforts at keeping your bright, white smile. You may look in the mirror one day to find that your teeth are discolored and possibly even stained. When you find yourself in this position, remember that professional teeth whitening is available through your dentist's office to help you reclaim your whiter looking smile. If you're wondering whether or not it's worth going through the trouble of having your teeth whitened, you should read the information provided in this article. It will educate you on some of the many positive aspects that come with having a whiter smile.

People will subconsciously be more receptive to you

People may not realize they are being judgmental, but sometimes it is done subconsciously. A person may end up being more receptive to you when you have whiter teeth and they won't even realize that they are doing this. If you work in a commission job then having whiter teeth can actually help you to earn more money. If you work in a field where you are in an educational position, you'll have a greater impact on those you are educating when you stand before them with whiter teeth. If you are a therapist, or in another position where earning one's trust is important, then you are going to find it easier to gain ones trust when you have whiter teeth.

You will approach life in a more positive manner

When you feel better about yourself, you will approach things in a more positive manner naturally and without even thinking about it. You may not realize it, but you will smile more, be more open to talking to new people and you may even become more active in activities that you used to shy away from.

Conclusion

If you have been feeling a little down lately, then you'll want to do what you can to feel better about yourself. You'll be amazed how far a tooth whitening can go when it comes to your mood. Consider getting your hair done and going in to see your dentist for a professional teeth whitening session. Afterward, you may even want to go do a little shopping and pick yourself up something nice to help improve your mood.

Visit a place like Crystal Dental Care for more information.

When You Are Diagnosed With Sleep Apnea: How A Dentist Can Help Treat Your Condition

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 12:37:13 +0000

Sleep apnea is caused when the upper airway becomes obstructed. People who snore are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, and treatment is often necessary to correct the problem. When you ignore sleep apnea, you can face pretty serious health problems. It's a sleep disorder, where the person who suffers from it stops breathing numerous times throughout the night. This can lead to the brain not getting adequate amounts of oxygen and tissue damage occurring. Over the long term, sleep apnea can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. As sleep apnea is more common in those that are overweight, the first line of defense is to lose weight and get down to a more optimal size.

The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Machine (CPAP)

The standard of care for those who are suffering from sleep apnea is the CPAP machine. This is a device that continually blows air into the patient to keep the airway open at all times. While it can be a bit uncomfortable at first, most people feel so much better after sleeping with a CPAP machine that it is worth getting over the discomfort. The machine must travel with the person on vacations and can be a bit cumbersome to deal with. You can choose to sleep with a nasal canula if you sleep with your mouth closed, or you can have a full mask that allows you to sleep with your mouth open and still get the right airway pressure to keep it open.

Mouth Devices from Your Dentist

Another way to treat sleep apnea is by visiting with your dentist. You can be fitted for a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) or a tongue retaining device, which isn't as commonly used. The mandibular advancement device fits much like a mouth guard, and it has been successful at treating mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. Wearing a dental device to sleep over the long term can cause problems with the jaw, dry mouth, chapped lips and the bite, but these are mild compared to the pain and suffering one deals with when diagnosed with sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea can have a major impact on your daily life, without you even realizing it. If you are chronically tired and feel like you never get a good night's sleep, it's time to talk with your doctor about your potential for sleep apnea.

What Causes Gums To Recede?

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 10:23:46 +0000

Your gums are the pink tissue found inside your mouth, and they are there to hold your teeth securely in place. When the gums begin to wear away and shrink, dentists refer to it as receding gums. Receding gums can lead to problems if left untreated, and here are some of the top reasons people experience receding gums.

Age

Over time, your gums may naturally begin to wear out and shrink. There is not a lot you can do about age-related gum recession except for taking good care of your teeth and mouth over your lifetime. This will require good brushing and flossing habits, and you should make sure that you address dental problems early on when they initially begin.

Poor hygiene and habits

While gums may naturally wear away over time, they will also begin to recede if you do not provide proper care for your mouth. In addition, if you smoke or use any other type of tobacco, it can also lead to the recession of your gums. Brushing your teeth too hard is another bad habit that can damage your gums, and you can avoid this by choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush. The best thing you can do is take care of your teeth and avoid all types of tobacco products.

Health problems

There are a variety of different health conditions that can cause your gums to recede faster than usual, and this is more likely to happen if you have a health problem that causes inflammation. When the gums become inflamed, they are more prone to infections and other problems.

Diabetes is an example of a health problem that can lead to gum problems. With diabetes, uncontrolled blood-glucose levels lead to inflammation of the gums, and this can in turn lead to receding gums. To protect your gums with this disease, you must control your blood-glucose levels.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is a condition that is caused by bacteria on your gums, and this bacteria is found in plaque. If plaque is left on your teeth, it can damage your gums, and it can even cause you to lose bone mass in your jawbone. When your jawbone is not dense enough to support your teeth, your gums may begin to pull back and your teeth may fall out.

If your dentist tells you that your gums are receding, find out what he or she can do to stop this from worsening. To learn more about receding gums and the treatment options available, contact a clinic like Mammoth Spring Dental Clinic LLC.

3 Dental Problems That Can Be Corrected With Crown Lengthening

Thu, 03 Nov 2016 08:45:35 +0000

Crown lengthening is when a dentist cuts away gum tissue and, potentially, jawbones surrounding a tooth in order to make more of the crown visible. Lengthening can treat a wide range of dental problems including cosmetic dentistry issues and dental damage that needs correction from your general or family dentist.

What are some of the most common dental problems that can be corrected or treated with crown lengthening? Note that you should always contact your dentist for personalized treatment recommendations best suited for your particular dental problem.

Gummy Smile

Some people are born with an excess amount of gum tissue that sits higher up on the tooth than normal and makes the teeth look short. The positioning can result in an extreme amount of gums showing when the person smiles, which can cause cosmetic concerns.

If you have a gummy smile, your dentist can fix the problem using the milder form of crown lengthening. The dentist will numb your soft tissue then cut away enough of the excess tissue so that your teeth look the normal height. Your dentist might also use gingivoplasty to carefully shape the bottoms of the gums near the base of the teeth to create the most natural, visually pleasant appearance.

Severely Cracked or Broken Tooth

When a tooth cracks or breaks, the usual treatments are a filling or a crown depending on the severity and location of the problem. But a severe crack or break that goes all the way down towards the gum line can cost you too much natural tooth for the treatments. Your dentist would then need to use a crown lengthening procedure to give you more tooth space to hold the crown or filling.

The dentist will need to cut back the gums and file down some of the alveolar bone surrounding the base of the tooth since so much of the upper tooth is gone.

Once the crown lengthening is complete and the gums heal, your dentist can then place the crown or filling like normal.

Lost Fillings or Crowns

Did you have a filling or crown fail because the surrounding or underlying tooth was decaying without your knowledge? When the filling or crown fails, you might find yourself with a lot of damaged tooth. If the tooth is still viable, your dentist might decide to shave away the severe damage, lengthen the crown, and then install a new crown or filling.

3 Tips For Getting Dental Implants

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 07:39:08 +0000

In order to get all that you can out of your dental care, you need to be sure that you are always taking the time and energy to get thorough dental work done. The dental implant is a common and much needed form of dental care that can help protect your dentistry and transform your smile. A dental implant is an artificial tooth that is installed into your gums, usually when some damage or infection has taken place. Read this guide to learn more about dental implants and how they can be helpful.

#1: Do Your Preliminary Work And Prepare Yourself Before Getting Dental Implants

Prior to getting dental implants installed, you should sit down with a dentist to learn all that you can about the process. On a basic level, the dentist will provide numbing or sedation and install the dental implant into your gums, allowing it to set into place along with your natural teeth. Going over the details with a dentist can make you more aware and informed. You need to also be prepared for the cost of the installation. In many situations, people pay between $1,000 and $4,000 for dental implants. Once you have done your homework, you are ready to begin taking further steps toward actually getting the procedure.

#2: Begin Contacting Dentists Who Offer This Procedure

Because dental implants are currently a hot product that many people seek, you need to begin finding the best dentist for the job. Start with your primary care dentist to see if they offer dental implants. If your primary care dentist does not offer implants, they should be able to refer you to a specialist who does. Make sure that your specialist is highly regarded in their field and in your area, so that you can receive quality work that will improve your dentistry. You should also look into their patient availability, billing practices and overall service, to be sure that you are choosing the right practice.

#3: Check With Your Dental Insurance Plan

You need to check with your dental coverage provider to see if implants are covered. Going through your insurance will drastically reduce the financial burden of the service. Whether you have a PPO Plan, you will likely be covered up to a specific percentage, as outlined in your plan. If you have an HMO Plan, you will likely have a very specific dentist or specialist you must see, so checking with your plan is essential. Always consult your insurance plan to research the dental professionals within your network.

Keep these points in mind to get all that you can out of your dental implant needs. For more information, visit offices like Gordon Dental.

Gum Grafts Aren't As Scary As You Think: What To Expect

Wed, 28 Sep 2016 14:07:47 +0000

If your gums have receded, leading to a "toothy smile" look, your dentist may recommend gum grafts. However, a lot of people avoid getting gum grafts because the procedure sounds a bit intimidating or they're not sure what it entails. Gum grafts will allow you to have a more attractive, less "toothy" smile, and they'll help protect your teeth from decay. And the process is not nearly as hard as you might imagine. Here's what to expect:

Harvesting tissue.

There are two different types of gum grafts your dentist may recommend. In most cases, autologous gum grafts are advised. For this type of graft, tissue is removed from the roof of your mouth and grafted onto your gums. If tissue cannot be harvested from your own mouth for some reason, your dentist may recommend grafts using cadaver tissue. This means that gum tissue will be removed from a donor's mouth and transferred to your mouth.

Usually, tissue is harvested from your mouth just before it's transferred to your gums. This will be the first part of your procedure. Your dentist will inject a local anesthetic so you don't feel any pain. You'll probably be given a sedative like laughing gas, too. Once the tissue is harvested, it will be trimmed and a special growth factor will be applied to it.

Applying the grafts.

Basically, your dentist will stitch the harvested tissue to your existing gums. The edge of your gums may be cut to stimulate healing. Your gums will be numbed while this is being done, so the only thing you might feel is some pulling sensations. It should only take your dentist a few minutes to attach the grafts. If you're under the influence of laughing gas, you may realize what's happening, but you'll find it humorous or amusing rather than stressful.

After the procedure.

Once your grafts are in place, your dentist will allow the sedative to wear off. Your local anesthesia will keep working for a few more hours, so you won't feel pain yet. Your dentist will likely send you home with a prescription for a pain reliever to take when the pain starts to develop. For most patients, the pain is mild to moderate. You'll want to steer clear of crunchy foods and eat only soft foods like pasta, yogurt, and applesauce for a few days. Rinsing with salt water every few hours will keep you comfortable.

Don't let fear keep you from getting the gum grafts you need. If you have any additional concerns, speak with a cosmetic dentist.

Effective Relief For Orthodontic Discomfort Without Resorting To Pain Medication

Fri, 09 Sep 2016 15:45:16 +0000

Most people experience mild pain or discomfort at the beginning of their orthodontic treatment. However, this doesn't mean that you have to resign yourself to pain and expect it to dissipate on its own. You can take over-the-counter pain medication, or you can try pain relief methods that don't involve the use of conventional drugs. Here are three methods that belong to the latter category:

Use Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is the use of cold to alleviate pain; it works best on pain induced by inflammation. Inflamed body tissues generate pain by pressing on other tissues. Applying cold to the affected tissues reduces inflammation and the pain associated with it; it also numbs the tissues and reduces fluid buildup within the tissues.

Pain therapy for orthodontic pain can take several forms. For example, you can place an ice pack on the outside cheek of the affected gums or teeth. Eating cold treats, such as ice-cream, drinking cold water or sucking on ice cubes (don't chew on them as that may damage your braces) can also have the same effect.

Modify Your Eating Habits

The food you eat may also have a bearing on your orthodontic pain. Here are some of the diet modifications that may ease your discomfort.

Avoid hard foods. The strain of eating such meals may shift your braces and increase your discomfort when the braces bruise your gums. Soft foods, such as pudding, are best since they are gentle on the gums.
Avoid acidic foods since they may irritate any mouth sores you may have.
Avoid sticky foods; they may not be hard, but they may also interfere with the fit of your braces by sticking on them.

Massage the Affected Area

Massaging the affected check may also alleviate the pain. No, you don't have to schedule a session with a professional masseuse to enjoy the benefits. Just use your fingers to rub (gently) on the regions around your gums. The massage therapy works by different means, such as:

Relaxing your muscle to reduce painful spasms and contractions.
Improving blood and lymph circulation thereby delivering oxygen and nutrients to the affected tissues while carting away the wastes.

If at-home treatments fail to work, then your orthodontic discomfort may have a deep problem that needs to be addressed. Therefore, consult your dentist to diagnose the issue and have it fix. For example, it may be that your braces don't fit properly and need to be adjusted.

Tips For Oral Hygiene And Dental Care For Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Fri, 19 Aug 2016 10:02:06 +0000

While chemotherapy has great benefits for ridding your body of cancer, it is also a treatment that can be rough on your body. Taking care of your health while undergoing chemotherapy treatment is vital, including your oral health. Follow these tips for ensuring your teeth and gums remain healthy during and after your chemotherapy treatments.

Understanding Chemotherapy Side Effects That Impact Your Mouth

Discussing with your oncologist about any side effects that may occur because of chemotherapy is important. Many of the side effects do affect the mouth. The following are some of the more common side effects you may experience in your mouth during chemotherapy treatments:

Taste changes: Many cancer patients receiving chemotherapy experience a taste of metal in their mouth when they eat some foods. In many cases, patients stop eating enough to meet their nutritional requirements, a serious problem when your body is battling cancer. You might consider adding a sweetener to your foods like maple syrup. If you prefer a taste that is not too sweet, adding lime or lemon juice can help to squelch the taste on metal when you eat.
Tooth discoloration: Some people undergoing chemotherapy experience tooth staining. If your teeth have a deep yellowish color and you have had chemo treatments, your dentist can help. Some whitening treatments help, but in more severe cases, dental veneers are the best choice.
Painful gums: Sore gums and sores in the mouth are common in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Your dentist or oncologist can prescribe mouthwash and other medications to help soothe the pain and help heal the sores. Infection can be a serious problem as well because of chemotherapy lowering your immunity, so taking care to heal sores in your mouth is important to avoid it.

Dental Care Before Your Chemotherapy Starts

Visiting your dentist before your chemotherapy treatments starts is a good idea. In this way, you can have issues like cavities taken care of before your treatment for cancer. If you experience any of the oral side effects of chemotherapy, you certainly do not want those issues on top of painful cavities and existing teeth that are abscessed or infected. Be sure to tell your dentist, such as Leo Uicker DDS, you are preparing for chemo to learn any tips he or she has to help you take the best care of your oral health during cancer treatments.

Taking care of your health before, during and after chemotherapy can be tough, especially when you feel tired and sick from chemotherapy. However, by doing so, you have higher chances of getting the most from your treatments and feeling better about yourself at the same time.

Why Does A Person Get A Root Canal?

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 10:54:12 +0000

Various TV shows throughout history have pointed out how painful root canals can be. If they are really as painful as they are made out to be, why would anyone even want to get one? Sometimes they are a dental necessary. Here are the most common reasons someone will need to get a root canal.

The Pulp or Nerve Is Infected

When a tooth's pulp or nerve becomes infected, most dentists will perform a root canal. The infection can happen for reasons such as tooth decay or teeth cracking. The pulp and nerve are both removed—regardless of which one was infected—and the tooth is then resealed. Further damage is prevented due to this. Most of the time, this treatment can be finished with just a one or two appointments. It is very similar to a filling in that sense.

To Avoid Tooth Loss

The other main option to repair this type of damage to a tooth is to have it completely removed. This will mean you have a gap where the tooth once sat and will need to get it repaired with a false tooth later. The root canal may sound more painful at first, but there isn't the longer-term pain associated with tooth extraction. Root canals are also not surgery. There is a much lower risk of infection, and you could avoid the cost of dental implants for many years.

Keep Your Mouth's Structure

Losing a tooth and not instantly getting it replaced will lead to a compromise on your mouth's structure. There is the risk of food getting caught in the gap, and you may find it hard to chew your food. You also run the risk of weakening the surrounding teeth, as they don't have anything to keep them in position.

Opting to essentially mummify your tooth means you get to keep that structure in place. The tooth will be more brittle, but at least it is there. You can always strengthen the tooth with a crown later on to protect it from damage.

Don't Deal With Pain

There's no pain within the tooth once you have the pulp and nerve removed. You'll barely notice that it is even there, once the initial discomfort and numbness from anaesthetic wears off. With tooth extractions, the pain can last while the whole gum heals.

Getting a root canal is very much like a filling. The treatment is completed quickly and effectively, and you don't suffer the loss of a tooth. For more information, contact professionals like Barberio Frank DMD PC.

2 Tips For Keeping Your Mouth Healthy After A Socket Preservation Procedure

Fri, 15 Jul 2016 10:45:12 +0000

After an extraction, your teeth may shift and your mouth may begin to sink into the weak spots throughout your mouth. In order to prevent this, your dentist may recommend undergoing a socket preservation procedure. The procedure is designed to rebuild your bone and gum where your tooth was extracted. After this procedure, your mouth can take a while to heal since your doctor will need to create several incisions. The health of your mouth after the procedure is complete is important to prevent long-term issues. Luckily, there are a few tips that you can use to ensure that your mouth remains healthy after a socket preservation procedure.

Start Salt Water Rinses A Few Days After surgery

The first few days after the surgery is complete, your dentist will caution you against rinsing your mouth. During these first few days, your surgical site needs to develop a blood clot. The blood clot will protect your mouth from infection while the area heals. Rinsing can disrupt the development of a blood clot. Once the first few days elapse, you should begin using a salt water rinse several times a day. The rinse will get rid of any bacteria and other contaminants. The rinse needs to be used immediately after meals and before heading to bed. These are the times in which bacteria can grow and accumulate quickly. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a standard cup and use your head to move the rinse throughout your mouth.

Avoid Applying Excessive Pressure to the Surgical Area

It will take your surgical area months to fully heal. During this time, it is important to be mindful of the amount of pressure that is applied to this area. Eating hard foods or sustaining trauma from a high contact sport can cause your surgical site to rupture. This can cause the area to reopen before it has a chance to fully close. As a result, you should modify your lifestyle a bit after surgery. Instead of eating your favorite nuts as a snack, stick to a smoothie. Intense sports should be avoided in order to keep your chances of trauma to a minimum. Once the area fully heals, you will be able to resume your favorite activities without any issues.

Maintaining a healthy mouth after your socket preservation procedure is complete is important to ensure that you heal properly. Therefore, use these tips to ensure that your mouth remains in good condition post-surgery.

Teeth Whitening Solutions For Those With Anxiety

Tue, 28 Jun 2016 11:40:20 +0000

Some people just find the dentist's office a difficult place to visit. The whole ordeal can just be a lightning rod for anxiety. If you hate going to the dentist's office beyond reason but still need strong teeth whitening solutions, there are some options available becoming available that you might not have heard of before.

On-call Teeth Whitening

Currently, this solution is only available in a limited area, but there's every indication that it will expand in the near future. You can actually get some professionals to come into your house in order to make you more comfortable during the procedure. It's often the case that being in your own home makes you feel more in control and less prone to anxiety issues if this is a condition that you tend to struggle with often.

Gentle Approaches Focusing on a Smooth Procedure

You can get hydrogen peroxide gels with pH balance to whiten your teeth at the dentist's office instead of using more traditional approaches. Many of these offer both water and glycerin in order to minimize tooth dehydration during the bleaching process. This can lower discomfort. Concentrations tend to vary from 15 to 25 percent generally, but the lower concentration at 15 percent is often going to make for a less nervous experience.

These gels are then lit up with blue LED in order to help affect your teeth all at once and increase the speed that the procedure works at in general. You generally only need a maximum of three procedures in order to make it all work. This should help lower anxiety during the operation.

Deep Bleaching

This technique is useful for multiple reasons. For one thing, it works against the worst stains that exist in many cases. Secondly, you can also use it when you're at home for part of the process. The fact that you can do part of the procedure yourself at home is going to be a boon to people who need to reduce anxiety due to their particular conditions.

It's an alternative you can ask for instead of the regular chair-side cleaning that you often get that only works at the dentist's office. If you ask for this hybrid treatment, it could help you feel like you're more in control of the procedure. Overall, anything you can do that will lower your anxiety for getting the whitening procedure you want is a good thing. Contact a company like Graylyn Dental for more information.

Conditions That Can Affect Your Dental Implant Success Rate

Thu, 09 Jun 2016 07:36:25 +0000

The great news about dental implants is that they carry a high success rate for most patients (up to 98% or better). This is reassuring to hear if you are thinking about getting dental implants but are worried that they won't take. But while most people who get dental implants are able to enjoy them for many years with regular care, there is still that small percentage who end up having to have their implants removed or redone in order to get the best results. If you are concerned about having successful dental implant surgery, it's important to know the complications and conditions that can attribute to a lower success rate. Here are a few common factors that can affect your dental implant success rate.

Smoking

Smoking up to and after having a dental implant procedure done can increase your risk of infection and slow healing time. Smokers also are more prone to unhealthy gum tissue and gum disease, which can make the success rate of a dental implant go down. If you do smoke, now is an excellent time to stop: smokers experience a nearly 16% failure rate in dental implants.

Diabetes

Diabetics have a higher risk of cavities and gum disease than other individuals simply because their high blood sugar content affects their oral health on a regular basis. If you do have diabetes, you need to understand that you are at an increased risk for dental problems, even if you floss and brush your teeth regularly. This can make the success rate of your dental implants a bit harder if you don't have optimum oral health. Talk to your dentist about the risk factors associated with dental implants when you have diabetes, and make sure you are cleared for gum disease to ensure healthier gum tissue prior to getting the dental implant procedure done. Your dentist can also talk to you about ways you can keep your teeth healthier after having the procedure done to keep plaque and bacteria at bay.

Low bone mass

Low bone mass in your jaw can put your new teeth at risk of becoming loose or falling out. If you have low bone mass due to previous injury, vitamin deficiency, or a medical condition, your dentist may suggest doing a bone graft prior to having your dental implant done. This can help increase bone density to help keep your new teeth in place. Your dentist will discover your bone mass condition as they do pre-surgery X-rays, and they will discuss your risk factors and possible treatment then.

You will most likely have an excellent experience getting dental implants done, but if you are worried about the procedure, it's important to know the common conditions that can cause your implants to fail. Talk to a dentist, such as those at Fayetteville Family Dentistry, about all your concerns so you can have a positive experience.

Move Over Food: Sport Drinks Could Be Harming Your Child's Teeth

Fri, 20 May 2016 09:15:19 +0000

Today you can walk into a convenience store or grocery store and easily see multiple options of sports drinks to choose from. It is likely that your kids will want something with sugar in it. While many parents have no problem handing over a sugary drink to their child, they probably are not thinking about the effects it could have on their child's teeth. It is easy to hand over a sports drink when your kid is giving their all on the field, but you could be hurting them. In fact, about 62% of adolescents consume a sports drink on a daily basis. How does this create problems within the mouth?

The Facts Behind Sports Drinks

Scientists have been studying the effects of sports drinks on kids' teeth for many years. In one study, researchers found that these drinks can actually start to decay the teeth only after five days of consuming them. This is because the sport drinks contain a high amount of acid. In return, the acid on the teeth will start to damage the enamel.

While certain foods are known to cause tooth decay, the sport drinks can work much faster. That is because the sugar in foods turn to acid which ultimately damages the enamel. So, when your child drinks an acidic drink, they are essentially skipping a step in the process by consuming the acid directly.

Dental Issues Caused by Sports Drinks

Bacteria growth is another problem that parents should be wary of. Sports drinks contain a lot of sugar. The sugar is exactly what the bacteria needs in order to grow. When you feed that bacteria, it adds to what is already there, causing cavities and decaying teeth.

Picking a Better Option

Many parents will hand over a sports drink to their kid while they are doing intense activity. And commercials will tell you that the child needs to replenish their electrolytes. Water is the best at replenishing everything your child needs when enduring any type of physical activity. It contains no sugar, no acid, and no sodium, yet keeps your child hydrated. If water is not an option for your child, then you want to consider purchasing a sports drink that does not contain sugar. If only the acidic and sugary ones are available, it is best to have your child rinse their mouth out with water right after consuming these types of drinks. This will help remove the acid and bacteria until they are able to brush their teeth.

For more information and tips, talk with a dentist in your area, such as those at Alaska Dentistry For Kids.

2 Natural Rinses To Help Provide Pain Relief After Gingival Grafting Surgery

Wed, 04 May 2016 09:46:22 +0000

Gum recession can cause a large amount of damage to your teeth. Severe gum recession often causes tooth sensitivity and can weaken teeth. When this happens, your dentist (such as one from http://www.pikedentistry.com) may suggest gingival grafting as a way to stop the recession. Gingival grafting involves taking tissue from other areas of your mouth in order to cover the exposed dental root. This surgery can usually be performed quickly. After the surgery, your gums and areas where the tissue was moved may feel painful. Until these areas properly heal, it can be difficult to enjoy simple tasks like talking and eating a meal. Fortunately, there are a few teas that you can drink during this time in order to help reduce the pain.

Frankincense and Peppermint Rinse

Frankincense oil is often used in massage therapy as a way to treat muscle pain and soreness because of its analgesic properties. Peppermint can be added into the rinse because it acts as an antibacterial. While the frankincense works to reduce pain, the peppermint will fight off bacteria. A simple frankincense rinse can be used by placing a few drops of the essential oil into a pot of boiling water. Place a few leaves of peppermint oil in the mixture and place the pot to the side to cool. Once cool, pour a cup of the mixture and use it to cleanse around your gum line. Keep the rinse in your mouth for a few minutes, making sure that it is absorbed by your gums. Use the rinse after each meal in order to reduce any gum and tissue pain.

Cinnamon Rinse

Cinnamon is often used as the go-to remedy for dental health issues. The spice not only provides pain relief for things like toothaches and infections, but it also contains antibacterial properties. As a result, the spice is frequently incorporated as a main ingredient in mouthwashes and toothpaste. In order to create a simple cinnamon rinse, boil a few cinnamon sticks in a small pot of water. Allow the sticks to boil for at least a minute before removing from the stove. Allow the cinnamon mixture to cool, then soak your gums in the mixture. Leave the mixture in your mouth for a few minutes before rinsing with water. Repeat this process to ensure that your gums are clean and remain bacteria free.

Gingival grafting surgery is often necessary in order to ensure the health of your teeth. However, the pain after surgery can be unbearable. Use these rinses to help reduce this pain.

Use These Three Tips To Ensure Sugary Foods Don't Damage Your Teeth

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 11:22:05 +0000

Eating sugary things isn't good for your teeth. Sugar feeds bacteria, which can infect your gums and produce acids that erode your teeth enamel. However, it may be impossible for some people to give up on sugary treats altogether. If you are one of those people, use these three measures to minimize the effect of these treats on your dental health:

Eat Sugary Foods with Meals

It's better to eat the sugary or acidic foods with your main meals than to snack on them during odd times. Here are the two major reasons for this:

Saliva production shoots up during meal times. This is attributed to the mechanical action of chewing and the taste of food. The saliva helps to wash away bits of food that would otherwise remain on your teeth and feed bacteria. Saliva also neutralizes the acids that would cause enamel erosion if left on the teeth for too long.
You are more likely to brush and floss your teeth after a main meal than after a snack. This is especially true if you snack away from home or during odd times. Brushing and flossing gets rid of food remains that oral bacteria feed on.

Chew Sugarless Gum after Snacking

If you just can't stop yourself from snacking on sugary foods between meals, follow it up with sugarless gum. Sugarless gum increases saliva flow, which gives you the benefits outlined above. For best results, chew the gum for at least 20 minutes. For extra benefits, look for gums that contain active ingredients that reduce the risk of dental decay or help remineralize the teeth. However, don't forget that you still need to brush at least twice daily; chewing sugar-free gum doesn't take the place or brushing and flossing.

Drink Water Throughout the Day

If you can't avoid snacking on sugary treats, you need to drink water, not only after eating such a snack but also throughout the day. Drinking water after snacking has the same effect as increased saliva production; it helps to wash away food remains and bacteria. Secondly, natural water also neutralizes oral acids and prevents them from eroding your teeth enamel. Drinking water also stimulates saliva production, whose benefits have been highlighted above. Lastly, drinking water will help you to fight the urge of drinking more sugary drinks.

Using these tips in addition to daily brushing and flossing will go a long way in keeping your mouth healthy. Don't forget to eat balanced diets to keep your teeth strong and healthy, and have regular dental consultations to identify early dental problems you may have. To learn more, click here for info on dental services in your area.