Dental Care and Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are popular among young athletes – they are bombarded by marketing messages and popular professional athletes which drives greater consumption. However, sports drinks are sugary and acidic so these “harmless and healthy” liquids can actually wreak havoc on teeth.

 

The combination of acidic components, sugars, and additives in sports drinks combine to erode the tooth’s surface, weakening the enamel that protects teeth from bacteria. The enamel erosion ultimately makes teeth more susceptible to bacteria and that can lead to hypersensitivity, staining, and tooth decay. So it’s critical to limit the amount of sports drinks that your child or young teenager consumes during sports.

 

Don’t have your student athlete brush his/her teeth immediately after finishing a sports drink. Consumption of acidic drinks causes tooth enamel to soften, making teeth more susceptible to more wear from the abrasives in toothpaste. Wait 45 minutes to an hour before brushing. In that time, saliva will start its work to re-mineralize the tooth structure and neutralize the damage. Saliva won’t remove the sugar residue, so you still have to brush.

 

Most children should see their dentist for a regular cleaning and check up every six months. Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, five times more common than asthma. It’s also preventable with proper care. Dr. Chopra and his staff can help identify early signs of erosion, the causes and offer solutions on how to prevent further damage and more serious problems from occurring.

Dental Care for Seniors

Dental Care Program for Children and Adults with Autism

 

How To Keep Your Toothbrush Clean and Safe

How To Keep Your Toothbrush Clean And Safe

 

Because one of the main purposes of a toothbrush is to remove bacteria from your mouth, it’s important to keep your toothbrush sanitary and free of bacteria.

Keep these tips in mind to keep your toothbrush clean and safe:

 

Keep it covered on the road, but not at home. When you travel, put your toothbrush in a travel toothbrush holder-don’t let it roll around uncovered in your suitcase or toiletry bag where it can pick up dust, dirt, and bacteria. But don’t store a toothbrush in a toothbrush holder at home-the chronically moist environment can promote bacteria growth. If you must use a covered toothbrush holder frequently, look for one with small holes to let air in. When at home, store your toothbrush upright in a cup or a toothbrush holder that allows it to air dry and has several openings to keep multiple toothbrushes separate.

 

Consider a sanitizer. There are commercially available "toothbrush sanitizers," but there’s no solid evidence to suggest that they actually keep toothbrushes cleaner than simply rinsing them with water after use and allowing them to dry. If you want to try a sanitizer, look for one that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for "reducing bacterial contamination that occurs naturally on toothbrushes." Be suspicious of sanitizing products that make unrealistic claims. And never try to clean your toothbrush by putting it in the dishwasher or microwave; the high temperatures can damage the brush.

Toothache Remedies

Toothache remedies are only short term solutions until you can see the dentist. Never delay seeing a dental professional to obtain an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. Remember the pain can go and things can become much worse without you realising until it is too late.

 

Cavities: dip a cotton pellet into clove oil (from the local pharmacy) and place this in the cavity. This contains a dental analgesic called eugenol.

 

Sharp teeth where fillings have fallen out: buy a temporary filling from the local pharmacy. Before you place it in the tooth, make sure the tooth is cleaned then dried so the filling sticks to the tooth.

 

Gum pain can be helped with good brushing technique even if it is painful. If this does not work then consider some topical anaesthetic from the pharmacy. Rub this onto the dried gums with cotton wool.

 

Jaw pain: If the jaw joints hurt, place ice cold substances next to it. If the muscles hurt, place warm substances next to it. Obviously do not burn or freeze the skin.

 

Visit a dentist as soon as possible to investigate the cause of any problems you may be having. We welcome you to inform us of any other toothache remedies which have not been mentioned.

The Three "F's" of Good Dental Care

Many people have heard that children no longer have cavities. It is true; many children do not have cavities, but 50% still do. In fact, 80% of the cavities nationwide are found in 20% of children. In many children, the first cavities occur at about 6 years of age when the first permanent molars erupt and the spaces close between the back teeth. Suddenly, the teeth contact, food collects, flossing is not done, and cavities start.

 

We have found cavities on your child?s teeth. These cavities are either in the grooves on the biting surfaces or in between teeth as noted on the cavity decaying x-rays. The tendency to develop this type of cavity can be a life long problem. There are numerous factors that contribute to the development of cavities.

 

Many of these factors are out of control; for example, the makeup of your child?s saliva, the shape of their teeth, and the type of cavity producing bacteria in their mouth. However, a number of contributing factors can be controlled. These include the amount of plaque buildup on the teeth, the types of food that are consumed, and exposure to fluorides. In order to minimize or prevent these cavities from continuing to develop, we recommend the following; the 3 F?s:

 

1) Flossing - this should be performed EVERY NIGHT after brushing. Most children are unable to perform this adequately without your assistance. Floss aids such as Johnson & Johnson?s Wild Flossers, Oral B Floss Aid, Butler Flossmate, or the Glide Flosspick make it fun and easy to perform.

 

2) Fluoride - rinse with a topical fluoride rinse such as ACT or Fluorigard or brush on a prescription high-potency fluoride gel after nighttime brushing and flossing. Also, apply fluoride containing sealants on the surfaces of the permanent molars.

 

3) Foods- avoid in between meal snacks that have high sugar content and are sticky. Many snacks that are thought to be ?healthy? such as raisins, Fruit Roll-ups, Fruit by the Foot, Fruit Gushers, Fun Fruits, etc. are actually candy due to their tackiness and high sugar content. Of course, candies such as Skittles, Starbursts, Gummy Bears, Gummy Worms, and Blow Pops are extremely sticky and can result in dental decay. The use of prepackaged juices as between meal drinks also exposes your child to the risk of cavities. Remember, the frequency of consuming foods, especially sugary ones, can be as important in producing cavities as the sugar content of the food. Keep snacking to a minimum and offer your child healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables.

 

Having regular 6-month check ups and periodic bitewing x-rays will help to prevent and detect these problems in the future, but remember prevention starts at home!

Do You Really Need to Visit Your Dentist Every 6 Months?

Have you ever wondered why the American Dental Association and your dentist recommend you come back every six months? It’s because regular dental visits are essential for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. And in between those examinations, it’s important that you work to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. If you need additional help, your dentist may even suggest more frequent visits.

What Goes On During A Regular Visit

Checking your teeth for tooth decay is just one part of a thorough dental examination. During your checkup appointment, your dentist (or dental hygienist) will likely evaluate the health of your gums, perform a head and neck examination (to look for anything out of the ordinary) and examine your mouth for any indications of oral cancer, diabetes or vitamin deficiencies. Don’t be surprised if your dentist also examines your face, bite, saliva and movement of your lower jaw joints (TMJs). Your dentist or dental hygienist will then clean your teeth and stress the importance of you maintaining good oral hygiene at home between visits.

Many dentists will pay special attention to plaque and tartar. This is because plaque and tartar can build up in a very short time if good oral hygiene is not practiced between visits. Food, beverages and tobacco can stain teeth as well. If not removed, soft plaque can harden on the teeth and irritate the gum tissue. If not treated, plaque can lead to gum disease.

During your regularly scheduled dental appointments, your dentist will likely look at your gums, mouth, tongue and throat. There are several routine parts to a dental examination.

The Head And Neck Examination

Your dentist will start off by:

• Examining your face
• Examining your neck
• Checking your lymph nodes
• Checking your lower jaw joints (TMJs)

The Clinical Dental Examination

Next, your dentist assesses the state of your teeth and gums by:

• Examining the gums
• Looking for signs of gum disease
• Checking for loose teeth
• Looking at the tissues inside of your mouth
• Examining your tongue
• Checking your bite
• Looking for visual evidence of tooth decay
• Checking for broken teeth
• Checking for damaged fillings
• Looking for changes in the gums covering teeth
• Evaluating any dental appliance you have
• Checking the contact between your teeth
• Taking X-rays

The Dental Cleaning

During the final part of the dental visit, your dental professional cleans your mouth using these methods:

• Checking the cleanliness of your teeth and gums
• Removing any plaque and tartar
• Polishing your teeth
• Flossing between your teeth
• Reviewing recommended brushing and flossing techniques

Once your examination and cleaning have been performed, they’ll tell you about the health of your teeth and gums and then make any additional recommendations. It’s important that you see your dentist every six months and that they give you routine examination and cleaning. Remember, by seeing your dentist on a regular basis and following daily good oral hygiene practices at home, you are more likely to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Cavity Protection Begins with Baby Teeth

For hundreds of years the tooth fairy has traded gifts for baby teeth left under pillows while children sleep. Unfortunately, the tooth fairy does not take bacteria or infection that the cavity may have left behind. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that one out of 10 2-year-olds are already infected with at least one cavity.

 

From the time a child is born, plaque can build up on the gums. Plaque is formed from the combination of acid, saliva and bacteria present in the mouth. While a baby’s teeth are not yet visible, an environment of bacteria sets the stage for poor oral health once the teeth begin to grow in. Children are born with their teeth developed below the gum line and, according to the American Dental Association, decay can begin as soon as a tooth appears.Unlike adults, a child gets a “second chance” with his teeth, but just because children’s primary teeth fall out and are replaced does not mean that care for the first set should be neglected.

 

Cavities lead to tooth decay and even tooth loss, as a result of bacteria left in the mouth. They are also contagious; meaning that a cavity in a primary tooth can easy spread to a neighboring permanent tooth. An infection in the root of a primary tooth may spread to the upcoming permanent tooth. Even more serious, premature tooth loss can cause long term problems for a child’s oral health.

 

Establishing good habits with children at a young age is crucial for ensuring future oral hygiene. It is encouraged for persons of all ages to brush and floss twice a day. Kids need to understand that brushing and flossing is not a “chore,” but a chance to protect their teeth and overall health.

 

The biggest enemies of tooth-brushing for kids are sugary snacks. Packed with sugars that promote plaque and tooth decay, their consumption counteracts the efforts of tooth-brushing. Forming the habit of brushing is also a challenge because kids may become frustrated for many reasons. Brushing can feel like a chore, especially when they’re being forced to do it twice a day. If a child doesn’t like the taste of his toothpaste he certainly won’t be eager to brush, especially if he is using too much. For a kid-sized mouth, only a drop of toothpaste the size of a pea is needed. Too much will result in excess froth, and a mess all over the bathroom counter.

 

Most kids don’t get excited to brush their teeth, and parents can have a hard time obtaining cooperation. Kids will be kids, so make brushing fun! Try turning the task into a game or using a reward system to generate excitement. Let kids pick out their own toothbrush at the store so that they feel some ownership with their own brush. Also choose “kid-friendly” toothpaste. Many types of toothpaste that adults use may be too spicy for little taste buds, so choose bubblegum or another flavored kid’s paste. 

How To Deal with a Dental Emergency

Like cavities and gum disease, many dental problems develop gradually after months (or years!) of dental-health neglect. But sometimes, pain or tooth sensitivity can come on suddenly, and you may need immediate dental care, either at the emergency room or from your dentist.

It's not always easy to know whether a tooth, gum, or mouth problem requires emergency care — or what to do about it. In fact, most Americans are unprepared to handle a dental health emergency, according to a survey of 1,000 participants.

Think your mouth issue is a dental health 911? Here’s a handy guide to situations that are generally considered dental emergencies:

• Lip or tongue bite with excessive bleeding. If you accidentally bite your lip, tongue, or other soft tissue in your mouth, clean the area and apply a cold compress to decrease swelling. If the bleeding is severe, or will not stop, go to the emergency room.
• Broken or cracked tooth. In the case of a broken or cracked tooth, call your dentist immediately. Until you can get to your dentist's office, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress outside the affected area.
• Damaged braces. If your braces become damaged, call your orthodontist right away. Some instances of damaged braces need to be fixed immediately; others can wait until your next appointment.
• Injury to your jaw. If you suspect you may have broken your jaw, apply a cold compress to the area and immediately go to your dentist's office or to the emergency room.
• Loose tooth. If one of your teeth is partially dislodged, see your dentist right away — they may be able to save the tooth. Until you can get to your dentist's office, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply a cold compress to the affected area to relieve pain.
• Tooth that has been knocked out. Grasp your lost tooth by the crown and rinse its root if it is dirty, avoiding scrubbing the tooth or removing pieces of tissue that may be attached. You can attempt to reinsert the tooth into its socket in your mouth, but if that doesn't work, you'll need to see your dentist quickly. The American Dental Association recommends placing the tooth in milk, which acts as a preservative until you can get to a professional.
• Lost filling or crown. When one of your fillings or crowns falls out, put the filling or crown in a safe place and call your dentist to make an appointment. Applying clove oil to the sensitive areas in your mouth and dental cement from the drug store on your tooth's surface can help decrease sensitivity, but check with your dentist before doing these things.
• Object lodged between your teeth. If something gets stuck between your teeth, try to gently remove it with dental floss. If the object still won't come out, call your dentist. Depending on the situation, he or she may want to see you quickly.
• Painful swelling. Call your dentist to schedule an appointment if you have painful swelling in your mouth, as you may have an abscess, an infected pocket of pus that can lead to a serious systemic infection. Until you can see your dentist, try rinsing your mouth with saltwater to relieve the pain and pressure.
• Pericoronitis. This is an infection that occurs when your wisdom teeth don't come into your mouth properly. If you experience symptoms of pericoronitis, which may include swollen and irritated gums, a bad taste in your mouth, or bad breath, or you are not able to fully open your mouth, see you dentist as soon as you can.
• Sudden or severe toothache. If your tooth is aching, rinse out your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the tooth to make sure there is nothing lodged between your teeth. Call your dentist if your toothache does not go away.

Some dental emergencies can lead to life-threatening infections or permanent damage if not treated rapidly, so if you're in doubt, always call your dentist. The earlier you seek treatment for a dental problem, the better your chances are for a full recovery and continued dental health. 

The Gag Reflux

The gag reflex, located on the back wall of the throat, helps keep objects from going down your windpipe. If you have ever put your fingers too far back in your mouth and felt like gagging or throwing up, you've discovered the gag reflex. Some people have a very sensitive gag reflex. This makes going to the dentist very difficult.

If you are one of these people, talk with your dentist about your concerns. Sometimes, a new dentist or hygienist may place instruments in a sensitive spot, touching the soft palate (the entrance to your throat). If you warn the dentist or hygienist ahead of time, they should be able to avoid certain sensitive areas.

It's also possible that something you are doing makes the problem worse. For example, some patients draw their tongue back to give the dentist room to work, but they end up gagging themselves. You and your dentist or hygienist can work together to find ways to avoid gagging movements.

Distraction may also work. Patients who are highly concerned about gagging become tense in the chair. This can make you even more sensitive. Bring a portable music device and listen to music, practice meditation or focus on trying to keep your feet elevated one inch off the chair. These kinds of distractions can help keep your mind off your throat.

Can Stess Affect Your Dental Health

You already know that stress affects your smile. It ceases to be genuine and warm when you are stressed. But did you know that stress affects your dental health? What stress does not affect, you would ask. True, it is an all-pervasive problem. And it can trigger many more – psychological, physical, social. We will restrict our discussion to stress and dental health. Let’s look at the connection closely.

People who are stressed ignore a lot of important things including oral care. This makes the mouth susceptible to various dental problems and gum diseases. Some start smoking or drinking more in order to ‘de-stress’ themselves. This increases the chances of being affected by gum diseases and other dental problems.

Some people start grinding their teeth when stressed. This habit causes their teeth to chip or break.

If stress prolongs for too long, it makes it difficult for the body to fight infections, making you prone to the gum diseases – gingivitis and periodontitis.

Stress is directly responsible for conditions like dry mouth, canker sores, burning mouth, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), and myofacial pain dysfunction (MPD).

Some anti-depressants and stress-relieving medicine can cause dental problems such as dry mouth. Also, one of the side effects of such medication is vomiting which can cause erosion of the teeth enamel.

Don’t stop paying attention to yourself because you are stressed about something. Don’t miss your appointments with the dentist. Maintaining a smile will not only help reduce your stress but also brighten others’ days.

Keep smiling!

The Basics of Flossing

 

It may sound like a simple question, but do you really know the basics about how to floss your teeth properly?

This video may help you refresh your memory, and subsequently refresh your oral health.

 

Now your day, and your smile can be brighter!

 

What You Should Know about Tooth Whitening

In the blossoming world of cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening reigns supreme. Universally valued by men and women alike, whitening (or bleaching) treatments are available to satisfy every budget, time frame and temperament. Whether in the form of one-hour bleaching sessions at your dentist's office, or home-use bleaching kits purchased at your local drugstore, teeth whitening solutions abound. Yet only 15 percent of the population has tried the cosmetic procedure, and there is a lot of misinformation.

The long and the short of it is that teeth whitening works. Virtually everyone who opts for this cosmetic treatment will see moderate to substantial improvement in the brightness and whiteness of their smile. However, teeth whitening is not a permanent solution and requires maintenance or "touch-ups" for a prolonged effect.

Bleaching vs. Whitening

According to the FDA, the term "bleaching" is permitted to be used only when the teeth can be whitened beyond their natural color. This applies strictly to products that contain bleach – typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

The term "whitening," on the other hand, refers to restoring a tooth's surface color by removing dirt and debris. So any product that cleans (like a toothpaste) is considered a whitener. Of course, the term whitening sounds better than bleaching, so it is more frequently used – even when describing products that contain bleach.

Teeth Whitening Options

Three major teeth whitening options are available today. All three rely on varying concentrations of peroxide and varying application times.

In-Office Whitening

Significant color change in a short period of time is the major benefit of in-office whitening. This protocol involves the carefully controlled use of a relatively high-concentration peroxide gel, applied to the teeth by the dentist or trained technician after the gums have been protected with a paint-on rubber dam. Generally, the peroxide remains on the teeth for several 15 to 20 minute intervals that add up to an hour (at most). Those with particularly stubborn staining may be advised to return for one or more additional bleaching sessions, or may be asked to continue with a home-use whitening system.

In-office teeth whitening cost: $650 per visit (on average) nationwide.

Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Whitening Kits

Many dentists are of the opinion that professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits can produce the best results over the long haul. Take-home kits incorporate an easy-to-use lower-concentration peroxide gel that remains on the teeth for an hour or longer (sometimes overnight). The lower the peroxide percentage, the longer it may safely remain on the teeth. The gel is applied to the teeth using custom-made bleaching trays that resemble mouth guards.

Take-home teeth whitening kit cost: $100 to $400.

Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening

The cheapest and most convenient of the teeth whitening options, over-the-counter bleaching involves the use of a store-bought whitening kit, featuring a bleaching gel with a concentration lower than that of the professionally dispensed take-home whiteners. The gel is applied to the teeth via one-size-fits-all trays, whitening strips or paint-on applicators. In many cases this may only whiten a few of the front teeth unlike custom trays that can whiten the entire smile.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening cost: $20 to $100.

Teeth Whitening Risks

Teeth whitening treatments are considered to be safe when procedures are followed as directed. However, there are certain risks associated with bleaching that you should be aware of:

• Sensitivity: Bleaching can cause a temporary increase in sensitivity to temperature, pressure and touch. This is likeliest to occur during in-office whitening, where higher-concentration bleach is used. Some individuals experience spontaneous shooting pains ("zingers") down the middle of their front teeth.
  
  Individuals at greatest risk for whitening sensitivity are those with gum recession, significant cracks in their teeth or leakage resulting from faulty restorations. It has also been reported that redheads, including those with no other risk factors, are at particular risk for tooth sensitivity and zingers.
  
  Whitening sensitivity lasts no longer than a day or two, but in some cases may persist up to a month. Some dentists recommend a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate for sensitive teeth.
• Gum irritation: Over half of those who use peroxide whiteners experience some degree of gum irritation resulting from the bleach concentration or from contact with the whitening trays. Such irritation typically lasts up to several days, dissipating after bleaching has stopped or the peroxide concentration lowered.
• Technicolor teeth: Restorations such as bonding, crowns, or porcelain veneers are not affected by bleach and therefore maintain their default color while the surrounding teeth are whitened. This results in what is frequently called "technicolor teeth."

Maintaining Your Teeth Whitening Results

To extend the longevity of newly whitened teeth, dentists are likely to recommend:

• At-home follow-up or maintenance whitening – implemented immediately or performed as infrequently as once a year.
• Avoiding dark-colored foods and beverages for at least a week after whitening.
• Whenever possible, sipping dark-colored beverages with a straw.
• Practicing excellent oral hygiene – brushing and flossing after meals and at bedtime.

Having Dental Issues? Let's Review the Basics of Dental Care

Having Dental Problems? Its time to brush through the fundamentals of Dental Care

We often get to hear that eyes speak a lot about a person. They of course do! But what about teeth? I believe they contribute a lot in making or marring the personality of an individual. One glossy smile empowers you to win hearts very easily.

A smile flashed from a healthy set of teeth tends to attract and leave an impression. On the other hand, you may find bad breath and yellow teeth equally repulsive.

No other make-up effect can throw the same impact as clean pearly white teeth and fresh smelling breath.

Dental care is an integral part of hygienic and healthy living. Dentistry deals with dental care diagnosis, impediment, and management and curing of dental infections including gums, tooth decay, associated structures of mouth and flawed teeth. Considering dental care as a tooth whitening system is a safe and gentle way of curing discolorations and blemishes on teeth or enhancing and maintaining the natural color. Other than keeping your teeth in good condition, maintaining good oral health also builds self-confidence in overall appearance. Teeth cleaning appear more tempting if the result promises a brighter smile.

Several people are suffering from dental illness due to absolute idleness or lack of knowledge for adequate dental health. They fail to comprehend that teeth, gums and related mouth structures are extremely important for a sound health, physical appearance and overall well-being. Any dental condition, if not treated properly and in time, can lead to a bad situation. In fact, dental conditions are indicators of some other serious health problems, such as diabetes and HIV infection.

Following some simple techniques of personal hygiene can go a long way in preventing severe dental disorders in human beings.

1. Brushing your Teeth – You can enjoy FREE dental healthcare just by practicing the conventional way of brushing your teeth. Brushing teeth, twice a day, is a necessary and priority exercise for preventing tooth decomposition and gum ailments. However, it is also important to brush your teeth using the proper motion with your toothbrush.

2. Toothbrush Power – Your toothbrush is your key weapon to fight dental ailments. Remember to change your brush regularly and pay attention to form and size of toothbrush. Coarse bristles can pose extreme damage to your tooth enamel and injure your sensitive gums.

3. Submitting to Fluoride – Fluoride assists in protection from tooth decay. Using appropriate toothpaste containing fluoride is the best remedy for dental care.

4. Regular Check-ups – Proper and in time diagnosis of dental problems can save you a lot of physical and monetary loss. Regular visits to your dentist can be one of the surest means to have perfect dental health. Experts recommend visiting your dentist’s office regularly every 6 months.

5. Flossing your teeth – Regular flossing post brushing is another simple way for preventing any gum disease. The accurate way to floss your teeth is to place the floss very gently amidst your teeth along the gum portion. Flossing discards the debris / plaque from the gum area of your teeth which cannot be reached and removed by your toothbrush. First time flossing may lead to slight bleeding, which will eventually cease once you start flossing your teeth regularly.

6. A Good Balanced Diet – Eating a well nourished and balanced diet is another criterion for securing good dental health. Make sure that your everyday diet contains enough of calcium, iron and vitamins in proper quantity. You may even consume pill supplements of vitamin and calcium if your diet is not carrying enough proportion.

7. Mouthwash Backing – Always remember to use mouthwash daily if you are concerned about your oral health, but only after recommendation from your dentist. Mouthwash is an excellent solution for maintaining excellent oral health as it keeps your mouth clean and fresh. Most dental specialists insist on the use of a fluoride-based mouthwash. Fluoride prevents and destroys bacteria responsible for causing plaque that leads to cavities and other gum diseases.

8. Dental Insurance – Dental care maintenance can be a costly affair. Therefore, acquiring dental insurance from a sound dental insurance company can mitigate the worries and hassles of otherwise expensive rate oral or dental care. Check for the dental insurance that covers the cost of dental treatment, from a regular dental health check to a severe or urgent situation.

Making the small effort that it takes to follow the basics of good dental care can pay off greatly over the years, giving you not only a beautiful smile, but a strong and healthy mouth that will last you a lifetime.