Painless Dental Procedures in 2010

A visit to the dental office for many was a terrorizing experience filled with pain. This began with a stinging injection, followed by the nerve-wracking sound of the dental drill and ended with having no feeling in your lips at all. All of these memories have made it difficult and in some cases impossible for even the most rational people to maintain regular dental visits for lack of pain free dental procedures.
Thankfully the advancements in dentistry techniques and procedures are in the process of finally bringing an end to the dental visit trauma commonly known as “dental phobia.” Not only are there several forms of sedation dentistry available to quell the fears of anxious patients, there are also many new ways dentists can perform the procedures as well.

One of the most dreadful instruments in the dental office is the dental drill. The sound of this device has become one of the most fear-inspiring in history capable of making even the strongest person shudder. Dentists are now able to use “air abrasion” – a new technology that hopefully will soon allow the traditional dental drill to take its well-deserved place in the history of dentistry.

Just as sand is used to resurface a building, air abrasion works by blasting a stream of water filled with minute particles of aluminum oxide to remove the parts of the tooth destroyed by a cavity. The result is a system that’s nearly painless plus this procedure eliminates the need for injections for pain. In addition, this method is more precise and results in less healthy enamel being lost while treating the cavity. To the relief of many, the developments in pain-free dentistry, even when the dental procedure calls for anesthesia, the need to administer them by injection may soon be a thing of the past as well.

What Should I Do if I Chip a Tooth?

Even with the best dental care, your teeth are not indestructible; serious trauma can result in damaged teeth leaving the person asking what should I do if I chip a tooth? Depending on the severity of the damage your dentist has several options. For the most part chipped and broken teeth are handled by dentists trained in reconstructive procedures. Cosmetic dentists are also trained to repair the structure and appearance of damaged teeth. The first thing to do if you chip a tooth is to try to recover the part of the tooth that has broken off and if possible, place it in ice to take with you to the dentist.

When you visit the dentist, one of the first things they will do is most likely take dental x-rays. You should also tell the dentist if you are experiencing any pain as a result of the injury that damaged your tooth. If the dental x-rays show no damage to the root of your tooth and you are not in any discomfort, the dentist has several options in repairing a chipped tooth. In cases where the tooth is only slightly damaged, some dentists may choose to simply use a file to even the edge of the tooth. However it is more common for the dentist to treat the tooth with a composite or porcelain veneer bonded directly on the tooth to give it a smooth, natural appearance.

On the other hand if the tooth is badly chipped or if you experience discomfort, the dentist may recommend a crown for the chipped tooth. This will serve as a cap that completely covers the tooth, protecting it and at the same time improving its appearance. The other option is for the dentist to use a filling on a badly chipped tooth much as they would repair a cavity.

Can Tobacco Products Harm My Mouth?

Although many people are not aware of it, cigarettes, cigars and “smokeless” tobacco products have been found to pose several serious health risks beside lung cancer. At the top of the list of concerns is the damage that these products cause to the teeth and mouth. Unfortunately, these risks are not limited to mature adults as young people have begun smoking or chewing tobacco, their risks for developing oral cancer increases four-fold.

There are many substances in tobacco products that are destructive to the cells of the body. A lot of attention has been given to nicotine because it’s the additive substance that is found in tobacco which makes this one of the most difficult habits to break. But the other problem with nicotine is that can cause narrowing of blood vessels, which impacts the blood circulation and smoking can also hinder your immune system.
Dentists routinely remove hardened dental plaque from teeth, but the fact is that if a person smokes there will be more of it to remove. Other problems caused by using tobacco include; bone loss, mouth sores and shrinking gums. These are just a few of the issues that a dentist will face when treating a patient who smokes.

Using chewing tobacco also is dangerous to your oral health because many of the brands of “smokeless” tobacco contain sugar: the number one arch enemy of healthy teeth. Individuals who chew tobacco are at even higher risk of developing cavities. Tobacco stains your teeth, causes bad breath and dehydrates the skin. Although nicotine is an addictive substance, it is also a relaxant which may be one of the reasons that many people smoke under stressful conditions. Individuals who smoke should see their dentists more frequently for checkups and dental cleanings, as well as begin reducing their consumption of tobacco in any form to protect their health.

Eruption of Child’s Teeth

Parents can begin to plan for the child’s dental care by knowing when to expect the eruption of a child’s teeth. In general, a child’s first tooth appears around 6 months of age and will gain 4 teeth every 6 months thereafter. Teeth are important not only for eating, but for the ability to speak clearly as well as their appearance. The first set of teeth or the primary teeth are often called “milk” or “baby” teeth which are replaced later in their development by permanent teeth. In the past, many parents did not understand the important role of this first set of teeth and neglected caring for them because they were not permanent.

Today research has shown that the 20 primary teeth are vital to help develop the muscles used for chewing as well as provide space holders for the permanent teeth to grow in properly. This makes it crucial that parents clean their child’s gums before their teeth appear to keep the mouth free from harmful bacteria that can damage their gums. In addition, when baby teeth begin to grow in, they should be cleaned after feedings and parents should schedule their first dental visit around their first birthday. By the time your child is 2 years old; all 20 of their primary teeth will have grown in.

A child’s primary teeth will begin to be replaced with permanent teeth by the time they reach 12 years of age with the first permanent molar growing in around the age of 6. A child usually has all of their permanent teeth by the time they reach 14 years old, with the “wisdom” teeth appearing by the time they reach 25 years of age. Children have both their primary and permanent teeth between the ages of 6 and 12, making regular dental care to protect the strength of the permanent teeth.

What’s the Best Toothpaste for My Child?

Good oral hygiene is important for everyone, but parents who want to encourage their child to brush their teeth may wonder: what’s the best toothpaste for my child? Unfortunately, the same toothpaste that adults use is not the best one for young children whose teeth are even more sensitive because they are in the development stage.

Many of the common ingredients in dental care products for adults can be dangerous to the health of children and damaging to their teeth. Mouthwash can contain as much of 30% alcohol and most of the toothpastes that adults use contain harsh abrasives and cleaning agents that can erode the enamel on young teeth and irritate a child’s sensitive gums. Parents should be sure to keep these adult products out of reach of young children.

Although fluoride is added to most toothpaste, parents should use no more than a “pea-size” amount when cleaning their child’s teeth and use a soft cloth to clean the mouth afterwards to avoid the child from swallowing the toothpaste. When a child begins to brush their own teeth, monitor them carefully to be sure that they spit out the toothpaste after brushing. This will help prevent ingesting fluoride which stains the teeth.

Low abrasion toothpaste made with Xylitol and a mild flavor is the best option because the level of abrasion in toothpaste can damage the enamel, make the teeth more sensitive to heat and cold and weaken the tooth making it more susceptible to chipping or breakage.
Children are very sensitive to flavorings and most of the flavorings used in adult toothpastes are for the purpose of masking the taste of the abrasive and cleaning ingredients. But these toothpastes are much too strong for children and one of the main reasons that children dread brushing their teeth twice a day.

Care of Your Child’s Teeth

Parents are often confused about how to care for their child’s teeth and when to begin an oral health routine for them. In the past many parents began to think about this part of the child’s health when their first tooth appeared, but new information has changed this viewpoint. New research shows that in fact the best time to begin good dental hygiene habits is after each feeding. Simply clean your baby’s gums with a soft damp cloth will help prevent the buildup of bacteria. This is a good preventive measure that can protect your child’s overall health.
Then your child’s first tooth appears, it’s time to schedule their first visit to the dentist. Parents should begin brushing their children’s teeth with a soft bristle brush twice a day to remove food particles that can lead to problems. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the condition of your child’s teeth and what care is required at different stages. Most dental experts advise that when your child is preschool-age, it’s a good time to start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Be aware that many children at this age may swallow toothpaste, and if too much fluoride is ingested it can lead to permanent stains on the teeth.

One of the benefits of using fluoride in toothpaste is to ensure strong tooth enamel. Today many cities are required to add fluoride to tap water but there are still areas where this is not the case. For families that live in these areas many dentists prescribe daily fluoride tablets to prevent dental problems when your child is about 6 months old. When fluoride tablets are prescribed for the care of your child’s teeth be careful not to give them more than the recommended dosage even if you miss a day to avoid causing fluoride stains.

What are Crowns and Why are They Used?

In dentistry there are many procedures that are “restorative” used to repair teeth such as dental crowns. But what are crowns and why are they used? What are commonly called “dental caps” are used to cover a tooth that has been damaged or is out of alignment with the other teeth. Many times dentists will recommend dental crowns to rebuild broken or decayed teeth or strengthen teeth as well as improve the person’s smile. Because a dental crown totally encases the tooth, it gives the tooth anew outer surface.

Dental crowns can be made out of porcelain or other ceramic material, gold or another metal alloy. In general a dentist might recommend placing a gold dental to restore a tooth to its original shape and to strengthen it. The use is preferred over dental fillings for cosmetic dentistry for several reasons, not just for the sake of appearance. The amount of work required to create a dental crown and the type of material used are the main factors that make crowns more expensive than fillings.

A dental crown is cemented into place and becomes the new outer surface for the tooth, effectively protecting it with total coverage. For this purpose, dental crowns are preferred over dental fillings because they are made from plaster molds your teeth, so that they will perfectly match your dental structure. Creating the dental crown in this way gives you a better fit and more comfort. Dental fillings cannot compare because they are made by your dentist using filling material to rebuild the tooth in your mouth. The dentist doesn’t have the same level of control of the outcome because all of the work is done inside of the mouth.

How Does Pregnancy Affect My Oral Health?

In general, women have special nutritional needs due to changes in their hormonal balance as a result of pregnancy and to support the development of the child they are carrying. It’s important to eat a diet that provides the nutrients that help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and also give your baby the nutrients that will ensure their health as well.

Your diet during pregnancy will change because of this: in particular your intake of the vitamins A,C,D, as well as calcium, phosphorous, protein will increase to support your oral health and the development of your child’s teeth in the second trimester of your pregnancy. Without the proper level of calcium in your diet during pregnancy, you can experience bone loss, not your teeth which increases your risk of developing osteoporosis. Be sure to ask their health care provider for recommendations to maintain their bone health during pregnancy. The nutritional demands of pregnancy may increase your appetite, but it’s important to maintain a watchful eye on the types of foods you eat to avoid tooth decay. Foods that are high in carbohydrates are particularly dangerous to your dental health because they encourage the bacteria that lead to cavities. Maintain a rigorous oral hygiene regimen of brushing and flossing your teeth after snacks and meals.

Dental checkups are important to keep your oral health at its best because an infection in your mouth can affect the health of your unborn child as well as your general health. When a radiograph is required be sure that this is a procedure that cannot be postponed until after your baby is born. If you experience a dental emergency during pregnancy and a radiograph is necessary, be sure that the dentist uses both a leaded thyroid collar and apron to minimize the impact of the radiation to you and your fetus.

How Does Diabetes Affect Oral Health

There are millions of Americans who have diabetes who may be totally unaware of the dangers this condition presents to their oral health. In addition to dietary considerations, there is research that shows that people with this condition are at higher risk for developing gum disease. Because diabetics are usually more susceptible to infections, their weakened condition makes it more difficult for their body defenses to ward off the bacteria that cause dental problems. Gum disease begins with gingivitis and if this is not treated can develop into periodontist, which is considered a serious health problem.
But the other startling fact is that oral health has taken the spotlight for people without this health conditions. The research shows that gum disease has an impact on the body’s ability to control blood glucose, which is an important factor in the development of diabetes.
All of the professional dental organizations as well as the Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health encourage individuals to take their oral health routine seriously. Regular dental checkups as well thoroughly brushing and flossing the teeth at home should be a part of everyone’s health regimen. When you visit the dentist, be sure that they are aware that you have diabetes so that they can provide you with the proper care. And it’s best to postpone any dental procedure if your blood glucose levels are not at a satisfactory level.
Most individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes must see their doctors regularly. The most important factor to keep a watchful eye on is the control of your blood glucose levels. This factor alone can reduce your risk for developing gum disease and loss of your teeth. Without good oral health habits and careful blood glucose control, your risk for infection that leads to gum disease is higher and will make managing your diabetic condition more difficult.

Why is Oral Health Important for Women

Answering the question of why oral health important to women is complex because of the different stages of life a woman experiences. Although both women and men experience a surge in their sex hormones during puberty, a woman’s health demands increase during this stage of life through menstruation. Later in life these demands can further increase due to childbearing, nursing and menopause.

These physical changes make it even more important for women to keep a close eye on their nutrition because it can directly impact the health of their teeth. Many women lose teeth after having a child because of a calcium deficient diet during their pregnancy. In addition the stress of childbirth and childrearing make women more susceptible to TMJ, gum disease and eating disorders.To help avoid problems, it is very important for women to see their dentist during the periods when their hormone levels are changing. Young girls during puberty may experience swollen gums due to the surge in hormones that can occur especially during menstruation. Mouth sores also can develop. Adult women who take oral contraceptives should consult their dentist before any major procedure. The ingredients in oral contraceptives can make a woman susceptible to gingivitis and developing complications during a tooth extraction (dry socket). During pregnancy women experience a surge in estrogen and progesterone which increases their risk for painful inflammation and bleeding of the gums. Women with periodontal disease are also at a higher risk for delivering their babies prematurely with low birth weight. Irritating plaque should be removed promptly to reduce the risk of “pregnancy tumors” these are non-cancerous growths that develop when swollen gums are irritated. Even though these lumps usually disappear after pregnancy, they should be taken seriously. If they develop a dentist should be consulted for treatment immediately.