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Keep Your Child Cavity-Free

Do you think that having at least one cavity as a child is normal?

 

You’re wrong: getting a cavity whether you’re young or old is preventable and is not something that happens to everyone.

 

Take a look below to learn how you can prevent your children from ever getting a cavity. (You also will learn how to prevent any more cavities from growing in your own mouth.)

 

Cavities really are the end result of tooth decay and tooth decay takes place over time. That is, you don’t not have tooth decay one moment, get tooth decay the next, blink and then have a cavity form. You actually can halt (and possibly even reverse) the tooth decay and cavity process!

 

First, a definition of what tooth decay actually is: it’s the end result of an infection caused by certain kinds of bacteria that use the sugars found in food to make acid. These acids, over time, work to make a cavity in a tooth.

 

Bacteria in our mouth forms what is called dental plaque. This is a clear, sticky film that we often feel on our teeth when we haven’t brushed in a while (it’s always forming, but we feel it more when we don’t brush to remove it). What’s more, the sugars and starches in the foods we eat and drink work with the bacteria in our teeth to make acids, which start to eat away our tooth enamel (the hard, outer surface of our teeth).

“Yum, candy!” say the bacteria and acids in her mouth. “Let’s start making a cavity!” 

Meanwhile, the calcium and phosphate found in our saliva works with the fluoride in our toothpaste and water to repair our tooth enamel by replacing the minerals eaten away from our teeth when the mouth acids go to work.

 

In a nutshell, our teeth lose and regain minerals throughout the day.

 

The more sugars and starches we ingest – and the less we brush our teeth – the more acid attacks our enamel, causing it to lose more minerals. As this goes on – more sugar, less brushing and fluoride – you might notice a white spot form on one or more teeth. This is a sign that minerals have been lost and not replaced and it’s an early sign of tooth decay.

Unless the enamel has a chance to repair itself using fluoride and minerals found in saliva, more minerals are lost and the weaker your enamel becomes, until it’s destroyed and a cavity forms.

 

A cavity is permanent damage, which your dentist repairs with a filling.

 

So how can you halt or reverse tooth decay?

 

Brush your teeth two or even three times a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride prevents the loss of minerals in your tooth enamel and even replaces those minerals that have been lost. It also lowers the ability of bacteria to form acid.

 

To keep your children from ever developing even a single cavity, remember that any time your children eat or drink anything with sugar or starch in it, bacteria will use it to produce acids, which will then start to attack the youngsters’ tooth enamel.

 

What’s more, the more frequently your children eat (between brushing sessions), the number of acid attacks they’ll see during the day, and the more the acid has a chance to win the war for your children’s tooth enamel.

 

So if your children eat frequently during the day, get them brushing three times a day, instead of the recommend two. And limit the amount of sugary and starchy foods they eat.

 

image courtesy of marin/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Dental cements and liners, as well as Dental Anesthetics, are an important part of your clinical dentistry practice. Technology is allowing for the constant improvement of these products, which means dental practitioners are continually seeking out new resources to stock their practices.

 

Kaya Dental, a new online dental supply company, offers a full line of high quality dental products, including cements and liners, dental anesthetics, topical anesthetic gel and more. Those looking to buy dental equipment, including Dental Implant Tools and hygiene/preventive products, can also find it all in one convenient location.

 

Dental Anesthetics

 

Local anesthesia isof utmost importance in modern-day dental practices. According to Margaret I. Scarlett, DMD, writing for dentalcare.com, patients are increasingly “demanding better and more painless dental procedures.”

“Even though local anesthesia was introduced to the dental profession more than one hundred years ago,” she writes, “today's options for anesthetizing specific sites in the mouth have become more varied, with dental professionals having many more options to ensure the comfort and safety of their patients.”

 

Those seeking out anesthetics from top manufacturers can click here to see Kaya Dental’s range of products including:

 

Anesthetic Products

 

  • Aspirating Syringes
  • Dental Cartridges/Lidocaine
  • Dental Needles
  • Hypodermic Needles
  • Hypodermic Syringes Only
  • Hypodermic Syringes w/Needle
  • Needles for Wand
  • Needle Recappers
  • Topical Gel Anesthetics
  • Topical Gel Unidose
  • Topical Liquids
  • Topical Ointment
  • Topical Sprays

 

Anesthetic Manufacturers

 

  • Beutlich LP Pharmaceuticals
  • Crosstex International
  • Exel Corporation
  • Keystone Industries
  • Medicom, Inc.
  • Quala
  • Septodont, Inc.
  • Sultan Healthcare, Inc.

 

Liners and Cements

 

Dentisty Today offers the following definitions for these important dental products:

 

LINERS

 

Liners are materials that are placed as a thin coating (usually 0.5 mm) on the surface of a cavity preparation. Although they provide a barrier to chemical irritants, they are not used for thermal insulation or to add bulk to a cavity preparation.

 

CEMENTS

 

Materials that are considered cements can be used for 2 different purposes; the first is to retain restorations or appliances in a fixed position in the mouth. The other is as a restorative filling material, used either alone or with other materials. In this situation, the material would be referred to as a base.

 

As with liners and bases, cements also reduce microleakage by sealing the interface between the tooth and the restoration. Dental cements can be categorized as either temporary (short-term) or permanent (final).

 

Clearly, the quality of these products in your dental practice is of utmost concern to dentists and their patients.

 

At Kaya Dental, those who buy supplies for their practice can choose from a wide variety of products and manufacturers, including:

 

Cements and liners (Products):

 

  • Bioactive Base/ liner
  • Calcium Hydroxide Liners
  • Cavity Varnishes
  • Mixing Pads
  • Resin Luting Cements
  • Temporary C & B Cements
  • Temporary Filling Material

 

Cements and liners (Manufacturers):

 

  • Crosstex International
  • EPR Industries
  • Pulpdent
  • Quala
  • Septodont, Inc.
  • Sultan Healthcare, Inc.

 

Visit this link for the entire menu of products for cements and liners.

 

Kaya Dental has a easy-to-navigate website at www.kayadentalsupplies.com. There, buyers can browse the complete selection, or click “All Products” and search “cements and liners” or “anesthetics” for these specific products.

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Search Engine Optimisation for Dentists

Dental Marketing Services in UK offered by top leading Dental Marketing Agency at an affordable and competitive price. Available internet marketing services only for Dental Practices include with SMS dental marketing, PPC dental marketing, and online Internet marketing and (SEO) Search Engine Optimisation for dentists practices. Apart from this Dental marketing agency offer dental websites designing services for dentists in all over the UK only at affordable prices. For affordable dental marketing services we are always available to help with competitive price.     

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Copywriting has become one of the best and most used segments for SEO development. If you are willing to have strong social signals, then it is important to take use of the best SEO copywriting networks. It is important to understand the algorithm of link building with SEO and copywriting to gain the results. If you blend the Facebook data along with Google, then you would notice that, the results of Search Engine Optimization for Dentists have become more active and optimized. SEO professionals who are working with Manual Link Building are linking the web links along with the popular social media networks for enhances link building process of dental websites.

Blending your copywriting for SEO and Social Media

SEO Copywriting has become one of the most important aspects of building links for online marketing for dental practices. If you were writing good content, then it would surely be promoted in the social circle. Along with this, your copywriting might get entertained as keyword oriented which would be profitable in the long term. If you maintain an internal link of any company, then the opportunities, which you would be having of web linking, will be more. You should always navigate your content writing links to social and SEO media so that you do not miss any opportunity of web linking.

Knowing in detail about the SEO techniques

It is important and essential to know about Best Dental SEO Services before you approach it so that you can be successful in your approach. Below mentioned are some, which you can take into use for Search Engine Optimization:

Keep it consistent: Keeping information about the services and products available on your website consistent is advised. This way, customers will not feel neglected when they are opting for the services.

Proper consultation: Consulting with the SEO experts before starting the process would do wonders for your website. As they have the knowledge and experience, they would be the right people to guide you with the entire process. 

Make it accessible: Whenever you are going for SEO for your dental website, make sure all the content and other sources are available for the users. This way, the popularity of the website can be enhanced.  

Make it simple and clean: While doing SEO, keeping the process simple would do wonders. If customers or clients are unable to understand what you have to offer, then the SEO would go in vain.

Do not over expose: While doing SEO for your website, try to understand that overdoing the tings might backfire for your website. Therefore, it is suggested not to overdo the process.

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Live Chat- Helping the Dental Websites

With technological advancement, companies are opting for various processes for enhancing their business online. It is even better for the consumers as they are able to get hold of every product or services they are willing to attain with few clicks. As online branding has become important, SEO (Search Engine Optimisation for Dentist) has become an essential aspect for the same, as online companies are able to promote their products and services with ease. In addition to this, use of SEO even helps the companies in attaining desired traffic to their website and improves rankings in various search engines. Some of the renowned dental companies are availing the services of SEO as it is helping them in enhancing their client base along with giving customers an ease to make appointments. Live chat, as a part of SEO has become one essential and successful tool for the online dental websites. Use of live chat is largely taken into practice as it is giving users an ease of availing information on anything and everything related to the products and services immediately.

Live chat for Dental Websites enables the application of developing a chat process with the customers and clients online while they are visiting the website. With live chat for website, your company representatives can interact directly with the customers and provide the systematic assistance while they book their appointments. As a part of UK Dental Marketing and real time chat application, customers find it easy to schedule their appointments. Live chat for website has been taken into use by the dental companies providing their services online as it helps them in various ways. It is the best method that has been adopted by the companies so that they can create goodwill in the market along with assisting the customers in a hassle free way.

Live chat for dental website has become a global platform by which international customers can get their queries solved and get dental patient reactivation with ease. Live chat for website is cost effective and is one of the best tools, which can help the online dental companies, enhance their business and productivity.

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Dental Health Challenges For Women

Maintaining good dental health is a challenge for all of us but it can be especially challenging for women. Women’s bodies have major changes that occur throughout life including monthly cycles and pregnancy. These changes are due to changes in hormones. As you may know, hormones can be responsible for dramatic shifts in our bodies chemistry.

Recent studies have shown an increased risk for periodontal disease in women due to hormonal changes. Fluctuations in female hormones seem to be the main risk factor. For women, this means it effects them over the course of their entire lives. Female sex hormone changes occur at puberty, menstruation, during pregnancy, and throughout menopause. The study found that as female sex hormones fluctuate throughout a woman’s life they can change conditions in the mouth that allow bacteria to grow and enter the bloodstream. This development can and usually does intensify certain health issues like bone loss in the body and especially the mouth.

Female Changes Through Life

Below you will find a list of some of the major hormonal events that a female must deal with that can affect her dental health as well as her overall health.

-Menstrual CycleIs the regular natural changes that occurs in the uterus and ovaries that make pregnancy possible. The menstrual cycle is required for the production of eggs, and for the preparation of the uterus for a possible pregnancy. About 80% of women report having some symptoms during the one to two weeks prior to menstruation. Common symptoms include acne, tender breasts, bloating, feeling tired, irritability, and mood changes. These changes can also include increased inflammation of gum tissues and sensitivity to your gums. Maintaining dental hygiene is even more important during the menstrual cycle changes to keep symptoms to a minimum.

There may also be an increase in the development of canker sores and blisters at this time. It is probably a good idea to watch these sores and ensure they go away in a  timely manner. If the sores become inflamed or linger for longer than 5-7 days it is best to see your dentist as soon as possible.

-Pregnancy. Another major period of change within a woman’s body. During pregnancy, hormones like estrogen, progesterone, as well as others, rise and fall on a weekly basis. Because of this, dental problems can be intensified and made more serious. Problems that were once unrecognizable before pregnancy may become unbearable during it.

When you’re pregnant, you become very aware of how important it is to take extra special care of your body. You should also know that pregnancy is a time to take extra special care of your teeth and gums. That’s because hormonal changes in your body during pregnancy can increase your chances of developing tooth decay, pregnancy gingivitisand advancement of periodontal disease .Studies have shown that women with existing periodontal disease are 7 times more likely to have preterm births and low birth weight babies.

Preventive dental cleanings and regular dental exams during pregnancy are not only completely safe, but are highly recommended by both dentists and physicians alike. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes to a  woman’s body. This increase in hormones causes the gums to bleed easily, become inflamed, and trap food causing increased irritation to your gingival tissue.

Researchers believe that periodontal disease may lead to premature birth by the spread of oral bacteria to the placenta or amniotic fluid. Systemic inflammation caused by periodontitis may also lead to preterm labor and membrane rupture. The probable culprit is a chemical called prostaglandin, released into the bloodstream during inflammation, which can induce labor. Prostaglandin is released in very high levels in severe cases of periodontal disease.

Almost one half of women experience pregnancy gingivitis, starting in the 2nd or 3rd month of pregnancy. It generally increases in severity all the way through to the eighth month. This pregnancy gingivitis can be very uncomfortable and cause inflammation, bleeding, redness or tenderness in the gums. If you already have poor oral hygiene and gum disease before pregnancy begins, expect an extreme progression in your periodontal condition as you end your first trimester and onward. In some women, gums swollen by pregnancy gingivitis can react strongly to irritants and form large growths. These are called pregnancy tumors. These are not cancerous and are usually painless in nature. This tumor may require removal by a dentist if it persists.

If you are planning to get pregnant, it is a good idea to see your dentist prior to trying to concieve to ensure your oral health is fine. You should have a complete dental exam at this time along with a dental cleaning and complete treatment on any other issues you might have to ward off complications during pregnancy.

-Menopause. Menopause may also contribute to some oral ailments such as the following:

1. Xerostomia (Dry Mouth). As a woman’s estrogen levels decrease it can lead to a drier mouth. Saliva is nature’s way of keeping our mouth clean and hydrated. Without sufficient amounts of saliva our teeth become more susceptible to tooth decay and periodontal infections. Dry mouth can also come from many medications (prescriptions or over the counter) that are commonly prescribed as we get older.

2. Menopausal Gingivostomatitis. This can occur to a very small percentage of women but can be very damaging. Gums that look dry or shiny, bleed easily and range from abnormally pale to deep red are hallmarks of this condition. Estrogen supplements are usually able to help to relieve these symptoms.

3. Bone Density Changes. The decrease in estrogen that occurs with menopause also puts women at greater risk for loss of bone density. Loss of bone in the jaw area can lead to tooth loss. Gum recession can also be a sign of bone loss in the jawbone. Receding gums also expose more of the tooth surface to potential tooth decay by exposing more areas of the tooth to the acids in the mouth. Gingival grafting may be necessary to cover the receding areas.

4. Change In Taste. This is especially true for salty, peppery or sour.

5. Burning Mouth Syndrome. This can affect the tongue, gum tissues, lips, and possibly the tissues inside the cheeks of the mouth. The burning mouth sensation generally occurs from changes in taste and the sensory nerves in the mouth. It can also be caused as a result of dry mouth, poor nutrition, and even allergic reactions to food or drug. If you note any of these symptoms contact your dentist immediately for help in relieving the discomfort.

6. Eating Disorders. Nutritional changes can occur from a woman’s change in her own body self image. These changes can lead to poor nutrition and improper eating habits. These changes can make our teeth more susceptible to teeth damage.

-Birth Control Pills. Another factor that may also contribute is the use of oral contraceptives or birth control pills. These pills trick the body into thinking it is pregnant through the use of hormones so that ovulation does not occur each month. Because the body believes that it is pregnant, the same problems that women experience during pregnancy may occur if the woman is taking birth control. Utilizing this medication makes it even more necessary for you to take good care of your oral hygiene and to pay close attention to any sensitivity, swelling, or discomfort in the mouth.

Female Dental Health Conclusion

As noted above, it is important for women to see their dentist regularly for examinations and dental cleanings as well as to maintain diligent dental care at home. Make sure to follow proper brushing and flossing habits, as well as using a strengthening fluoride rinse, and your teeth and gums should feel comfortable and healthy!

© 2015, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist

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5 Advantages of Invisible Braces Treatment

As compared to conventional braces, the latest procedure of Invisible Braces Treatment has many advantages. Read on to know some of the advantages of this preferred dental treatment
A few years ago only metal braces and brackets were used to correct various flaws of teeth including irregular and protruding teeth. With the advent of new technologies and materials, Invisible Braces Treatment has emerged to be the latest procedure to align and straighten crooked teeth.
This modern procedure of Invisible Braces Treatment, practiced by most of the dentists all over the world, has numerous advantages over the traditional metal braces. Some advantages of this latest option of braces are as follows :
  • Simple Procedure
As compared to the conventional braces, the procedure for invisible braces is much simpler as it is painless and requires no anesthesia or hospitalization. Treatment begins with the dentist taking x-ray, three dimensional photographs, and impressions of the patient’s teeth and gums. These braces are customized to fit in your teeth as per the prescription identified by the orthodontist. It takes over a month to make these braces.
  • 3 D Simulation
As the dentist takes the photos and impression of your teeth, models are made from these inputs, which are then scanned into a computer. 3 D simulation videos are created, giving an idea of the treatment prior to starting it, which turns to be a motivating factor for the patient. Moreover the patient also comes to know as to how he/she would look after the treatment.
  • Aesthetic Looks
As the name suggests, these braces are virtually invisible, giving more aesthetic look and feel as compared to the traditional metal braces. Made from a clear plastic or acrylic material, invisible braces, or clear aligners as they are called, have become the preferred choice of patients who value quality, looks as well as comfort.
  • Easy Maintenance
Unlike the conventional metal braces, the invisible braces can be removed, making it easier to brush and floss effectively, thus maintaining cleanliness and overall oral health. As these are made from acrylic material, there is no chance of any metal allergies. Moreover these clear aligners can also be removed for cleaning purposes as well as for any occasion.
  • Comfortable to Wear
Invisible or clear braces are more comfortable and effective than conventional braces. Since these have to be worn for a fixed period of time daily, they can be occasionally removed. Unlike the conventional braces that are made from metal, invisible braces are made from comfortable plastic, eliminating the chance of irritation to cheeks and gums.

Although costlier than the conventional metal braces, Invisible Braces Treatment has emerged as the top choice of patients seeking correction of their teeth with minimum discomfort while maintaining aesthetic looks.
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There are several kinds of dental treatments in the world of dentistry. Crown and bridges treatment fall under the category of restorative dental treatments and hold a lot of importance

It is a much known fact that oral health needs to be maintained in order to lead a happy and contented life. However there are times when one needs to opt for treatments such as crown and bridges treatment. It is very important to gather all the useful information about the treatment before making the final decision. Some people suffer from the problem of missing teeth or damaged teeth and in order to cure the problem they need to undergo these restorative dental treatments which are available with most dental clinics.

If one observes then in crown and bridges treatment the crown treatment is more expensive and there are several reasons to support the high cost. Crown treatment calls for exclusive expertise of the doctor plus it requires special equipment. A crown is primarily a cap shaped in form of a tooth and it is placed on the damaged teeth to save it from further damage. The best part about crowns is that they look much like natural teeth and feel like them too. Many people opt for this treatment and the decision highly relies on the need of the person.

The problem of missing teeth is also not uncommon among people. Bridges are the perfect solution for the same. The second component of crown and bridges treatment happens to be bridges and they are quite popular. It is obvious that missing teeth tend to leave gap between the teeth and the chances of other teeth moving from their place increase. Dental bridges reduce those chances a lot plus also bridge the gap between teeth. Both kinds of treatment have their individual importance and need.

There are many dental clinics that offer both or any one of the two dental treatments to their patients. It is essential to confirm all the details before making the final call. All the factors such as need cost and the right clinic must be considered. Dental treatments are a big deal and must not be taken lightly. Finding the right dental clinic that has the best panel of dentists is very important to get value for money and the treatment in the right manner.

Ref: -http://www.axissdental.com/basic-facts-regarding-crown-and-bridges-treatment/

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Dental Hygiene Tips For Travel

Summer is just around the corner which means school is out and traveling for many families. It is easy to overlook dental hygiene when on the road and forget to pack the essentials to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Below you will find some essentials to pack to ensure you keep up your dental hygiene while having fun on the road.

Dental Hygiene Essentials To Pack

-New Toothbrush. Start fresh and bring a new toothbrush on your trip. Then simply throw it out at the end of the vacation.

-Toothbrush Holder. This is a simple and cheap way to maintain a sanitary environment for your toothbrush.

-Travel Sized Mouthwash and Toothpaste. Not only will these follow the newer TSA regulations for air travel, they will make it easier to pack as well.

-Sugar Free Gum (preferably one with Xylitol). Being on the road it is not always easy to brush after meals or snacks. Keeping gum with you will allow you to freshen your breath and keep your mouth as clean as possible.

-Pain Medication. This can include Motrin or Aleve. Nice to have in case of a dental emergency while on vacation.

-Wax. Another good item to have in case of a dental emergency. If you accidentally chip a tooth, the wax can be used to cover the jagged edge of the tooth.

-Floss. Do not forget to floss at least once per day.

-Package of Colgate Wisps. This handy dental hygiene tool acts as toothbrush as well as a toothpick. These can help remove foreign objects lodged between your teeth.

-Plastic sandwich or freezer bag. Ever open your suitcase to find a tube of toothpaste or mouthwas exploded all over your clothes? It’s not a pleasant surprise. This can be prevented by putting your dental hygiene products in a sealed plastic bag.

-Electric Toothbrush/Charger. If you use an electric toothbrush make sure to pack the entire kit including the charger so you do not run out of juice while traveling.

-Waterpik Flosser Travel Size. The waterpik is an excellent adjunct to any dental hygiene program. If this is a product you use at home, then you would not want to leave without it.

Dental Hygiene Tips While Traveling

-Do not forget to brush after every meal. If you are unable to brush immediately, rinse with water after every meal.

-Limit snacking.

-Carry sugar free gum with xylitol to chew if you are unable to brush.

-Always brush and floss before bed.

Dental Hygiene Conclusion

Maintaining dental hygiene on the road can be quite challenging. Carrying your routine on the road is essential to stave off any dental issues down the road.

© 2015, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist

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Where to find the best dentist in Delhi

Your smile expresses your feelings to everyone around you, and it is mainly your oral health that lets you exult.  And if sometimes you acquire any dental problem, then it is very difficult to smile in the same way you used to do.  Thereafter, you approach a dentist in hurry without enquiring any information about them and probably it increments your problem instead.  Therefore, it is the outcome from experiences of so many people that it is better to scramble a little to find best dentist in Delhi before fixing an appointment with them. 

Now you may ponder how could you seek the best dentist in Delhi when you nothing about it. The answer is simple- research, whether you ask people around you, search online, inquire the patients, look for pamphlets or you go to the clinic directly. It is all about search one way or another and gathering maximum information before making any conclusion. So, information is your weapon, it is a preventive measure to avoid those dentists who don't meet your requirements and expectations. 

Search in your niche and enquire the locals

The first thing to do is to look for the dentists in your niche, and enquire locals in the neighborhood about them. If it seems worth going there, then you should go there to further enquire more about the clinic, dentist and hygiene, and if not then you must try walking extra miles to get the extraordinary care. Other thing you can do is to ask the patients about the dentists as they have gone through the process, so they are going to tell you better about rather than anybody else. Word of mouth is still powerful in today's world because it is not from the clinics personnel, but from those people who have no connections with clinics' profits.

There are various printed media through which you can find the Dental Clinic in Delhi such as:

  • Banners
  •  newspaper ads
  •  pamphlets,
  • magazines' ads

Internet is the best place to gather information

You can also plunge into the internet to extract the necessary information about dentists nearby you. It is a big medium to look for anything, and it can be ruled at all to get any information. It may be misleading sometimes as it is mostly about advertisements, but with the right approach and patience you can take out such information you would not be even aware of.  There are several forums sites, apps, or social networking sites where real people posts their review about everything whether it is the clinic, their staff members, dentists, hygiene , cost of treatment and so on. Therefore, it is a good place to look for any kind of information you need.

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Often people realize the value of regular dental checkups only after suffering from pain and discomfort. However it should not be the case as finding the best dental checkup clinic should be a priority for one and all.

A good dental clinic can help in ways more than one plus it enables the person to maintain excellent oral health. A person’s smile is his treasured accessory which cannot be put at risk at any cost. There are reasons more than one that can define the importance of visiting the best dental checkup clinic at regular intervals. The first reason is that is the person is suffering from a dental ailment then it can be diagnosed at an early stage if he visits his dentist regularly.

The result of early diagnosis would be better cure for the ailment and lesser risk of course. Dental issues such as tooth decay, if detected early can be cured quite conveniently by the dentist. Another very crucial reason to pay a regular visit to the best dental checkup clinic is that the dentist can provide some really useful tips for maintaining good oral health and a beautiful smile. Some of the dental clinics also arrange for oral lessons for the convenience of the patients.

There are definitely many dental clinics available in a particular neighborhood but not all can be qualified as the best dental checkup clinic. It is solely up to the seeker that which clinic he selects for his dental requirements. One can make the decision based on many different factors such as location and the services offered by the dental clinic. It has to be noted that the panel of dentists working at the clinic must be top qualified and experienced. Other than that the clinic must not quote a very big price for the dental checkups and must be affordable to the pocket.

 The ambience and staff at the clinic must be friendly as that is important too. The process of dental checkup must be carried out regularly in every six months. This advice is extended by all the dentists and must be followed by everyone in order to maintain amazing oral health. A good dentist makes sure that every visit of the patient counts and is not wasted in any manner. A thorough dental checkup by an experienced dentist can be beneficial in the short run as well as long run.

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Periodontal disease is a slow, progressive disease that can wreak havoc on our oral and systemic health. Many of the symptoms of periodontal disease sneak up on us and are often ignored. It is important not to ignore these signs and symptoms as periodontal disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss. Periodontal disease comes in many different forms including aggressive, chronic, necrotizing periodontitis, and periodontitis associated with systemic diseases.  Each of these types of periodontal disease has its own distinct characteristics and symptoms, and all require prompt treatment by a dentist to help halt subsequent bone and gum tissue loss. Risk of PD increases with age. For younger people, dental caries are a more important risk for tooth loss, while for older people, PD is the more important risk factor.

Risk Factors Of Periodontal Disease

-Age. Studies have shown that over 70% of all Americans aged 65 and older have some form of periodontal disease.

-Tobacco Use (including smoking). We are well aware of the health effects of smoking on our overall health. These diseases include various types of cancer, lung disease, and cardiovascular (heart) disease. Research has also shown that tobacco use also increases a persons risk for periodontal disease.

-Family History (Genetics). Some people are more susceptible to periodontal disease than others. This is because of our genetic makeup.

-Stress. Studies have shown that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, this includes periodontal diseases.

-Prescription Drugs (Medications). Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health. Just as you notify your pharmacist and other health care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health, you should also inform your dentist.

-Bruxism (Teeth Grinding). Bruxism can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.

-Presence Of Systemic Disease. Many systemic diseases can interfere with the inflammatory process. These include cardiovascular (heart) disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

-Poor Diet/ Nutrition. A diet low in important, essential nutrients can compromise the body’s immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Because periodontal disease begins as an infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums.

Periodontal Disease Signs And Symptoms

-Bleeding Upon Brushing, Flossing, Or Even Eating. This is one of the most common signs that periodontal disease is active. It is often overlooked as not a big deal. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease. As the bacteria and toxins build up in the mouth, the body responds by activating the inflammatory process, rushing our cells to stop the attack. This will cause the gum tissues to become inflamed and red. It is important to also note that bleeding gums can also be the sign of something more sinister like leukemia and blood platelet disorders.

-Unexplained Pain Or Swelling. Periodontal infections present in this manner. When an oral infection occurs, it is essential that you get to a dentist as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment. If the infection is left unchecked it will cause damage to the gum tissues and the bone supporting your teeth. It can also be carried to other parts of the body through the blood stream affecting your overall health.

-Persistent Halitosis (Bad Breath). Bad breath can occur from many things but peristent bad breath can mean progressive periodontal disease . As the gum tissues are destroyed, the areas where the oral bacteria can flourish will increase causing a foul odor in the mouth. There are other causes of chronic halitosis that should also be ruled out by your dentist prior to treatment.

-Change In Your Smile Or Loose Teeth. As periodontal disease progresses, your teeth will loosen and move out of position. This will effect the way your teeth fit together and even alter your smile.

-Teeth Become Longer In Appearance. As periodontal disease progresses it will lead to destruction of the bone and gum tissues. This will show up as gum recession. Once the gum tissues pull back they expose more of the tooth and root, making them appear longer than before.

-Pus Drainage. This goes along with the periodontal infection mentioned previously. An active periodontal infection will create pus which can ooze out from between the teeth and gums causing a bad taste and bad breath (malodor).

Periodontal Disease Prevention

Dental and Periodontal Examinations

Your dentist will complete a thorough examination with x-rays and periodontal charting. Notations about the visual condition of the gum tissue will also be recorded. In its earliest stages the gum tissue is usually red, puffy, and painless or slightly tender at this point. Plaque and tartar will more than likely be present to some degree. A periodontal probe will be used to measure around the teeth to see if your periodontal disease has progressed and to what degree. It is important to note that once bone loss has occurred you now have a more advanced form of periodontal disease.

Following the examination, your dentist will recommend a course of treatment for your periodontal disease. This will include a professional cleaning along with extra home care instructions. The goal in treatment is to reduce the inflammation and not allow progression of the disease. An antibacterial rinse (example, Listerine) may also be recommended for at home use. Yourdentist may also recommend repair of misaligned or crooked teeth to aid you in your home care efforts. Your dentist may also recommend a more frequent schedule(every 4-6 months) to control your periodontal disease.

Following removal of plaque and tartar, bleeding and tenderness of the gums should begin to subside within 1-2 weeks after professional cleaning and careful dental hygiene. Warm salt water or antibacterial rinses can also reduce gum inflammation. Taking an over the counter anti inflammatory medication can also aid in pain and inflammation reduction.

Healthy gums should look pink and firm with no bleeding upon brushing, flossing, or eating. Good oral hygiene must be maintained for your whole life, or periodontal disease will come back and possibly advance past the gingivitis form into advanced periodontal disease (also called periodontitis).

Steps to prevent periodontal disease should include:

-Routine dental visits. Usually recommended every 3- 6 months for examination and professional cleaning.

-Maintain At Home Dental Care. Brushing after every meal and flossing at least once a day.

-Rinsing with an antiseptic rinse as recommended by your dentist. Choose one with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.

Consult your physician if the bleeding is severe or chronic, gums continue to bleed even after dental treatment, or you have other unexplained symptoms along with the bleeding from your gums. These could all be the sign of a more serious condition than periodontal disease and should be checked out as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Preventing periodontal disease is up to the patient. Luckily, it is preventable with diligence and effort. Maintaining good dental hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly will lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles.

© 2015, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist

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Most people have their teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist. These para professionals undergo two to four years of training (most earn a two-year associate’s degree) in order to clean your teeth, x-ray them, and check them out for bigger problems (this is when your dentist might come in to inspect your teeth further). Dental hygienists also assist dentists when your cavities need filling, and during other oral/dental medicine procedures.

Your hygienist therefore knows your mouth much better than you do.

 

In other words, it’s wise to make your cleaning experience as pleasing as possible – for your dental hygienist!

 

Read below for some tips on how to do so.

 

  • If you wear lipstick, remove it before sitting in the dental chair. Lipstick can get on your teeth, on the hygienist’s tools, even on expensive x-ray equipment. It can get in the way of a thorough cleaning. You can put it back on as soon as your cleaning is complete.
  • Brush your teeth before coming in. Floss, too, if possible. Also, if you can, rinse your mouth out with a mouthwash before sitting down. Ask the hygienist for some, if necessary. She may say you don’t need to – she’s seen a lot worse in other patients’ mouths – but, still: it’s the courteous thing to do.
  • You hate to wait for appointments and so do other patients. If you’re late, it creates a domino effect that will affect every patient behind you. Be on time to your appointment. If you know you’re going to be more than 10 or 15 minutes late, be polite and call the office to let them know.
  • Your hygienist may ask you questions as he readies you for your cleaning. You two also may chat during the procedure. But try to keep the talking to a minimum once work has begun – it makes the hygienist’s job much easier and you’ll be done more quickly. Don’t feel that you’re being rude if you’re being quiet. Your hygienist understands.
  • Many people say that their gums never bleed until they come in for a cleaning.  The hygienist did not make your gums bleed. Bleeding gums are an early sign of gingivitis or gum disease. If your gums bleed during the cleaning (but not at home when you brush), it’s still a sign that you’re not taking good care of your teeth and gums. To ensure your gums don’t bleed during a professional teeth cleaning, brush twice a day and floss at least once. And do so consistently.
  • Keeping your mouth open – and wide open – can get uncomfortable after a short while. It’s perfectly OK to close your mouth and indicate you need to take a break. If you’ve had to hold your mouth open for a long-ish time and you have cotton or a dental instrument in it that your hygienist has indicated needs to stay in there for a while, come up with a signal before he places cotton or instruments in your mouth so that the hygienist can give you an idea of how much longer or remove them, if absolutely necessary.

 

Dental hygienists want your visit with them to be as pleasant as possible. These health professionals want you to speak up if you’re ever uncomfortable or nervous. In fact, if you’re very stressed about dental visits, speak to your hygienist or dentist before sitting in the chair: they probably have some sedation therapies at their disposal to help calm you.

 

image courtesy of stockimagess/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Dental phobia and dental anxiety is a serious issue affecting over 35 million Americans alone. Many people have such an overwhelming fear of dental care that they deal with constant pain and discomfort. Research has shown a definite body/mouth connection. Not maintaining good dental care can have dramatic negative effects on your overall health and well being. In recent years sedation dentistry has become quite popular, but sleeping through dental treatment does not allow you to develop the tools to overcome dental phobia and dental anxiety in a healthy manageable way. Common dental phobias include fear of dental pain, loss of control, and fear of needles or injections.

Top Methods To Cope With Dental Anxiety

Fortunately, both dental anxiety and dental phobia can be overcome with some work from both you and your dentist. You should never let fear stop you from seeking regular dental care. With proper steps taken by patient and dentist, and some patience, those fears will minimize so that you can not only seek treatment, but actually feel comfortable in the dental office. Some of the top methods for coping with dental anxiety and dental phobia include:

-Communication – For many, the dental phobia began as a child. A dentist might have scolded or talked down to their younger patients, making them feel like they did not have a voice in their treatment or even when it was uncomfortable for them. Even adults have reported these similar feelings, where they feel they might be ridiculed for being afraid. Open lines of communication can give back a full sense of control over your dental treatment. This control helps to decrease the feeling of helplessness. Being a part of the decision making on treatment, knowing what to expect, and knowing if you feel uncomfortable your dentist will stop, can make any dental patient feel better. Communication and control can be the differentiating factor between those suffering from dental phobia and dental anxiety, and those who have found a way to work past it. A good tip is, if you are anxious about something just come right out and talk to the dentist about it.

-“Talk” with your hands. Most dentists will give their patients hand signals to communicate. This is very important for those suffering from dental phobia. This gives the patients an increased control knowing the dentist can till listen to them while dental care is ongoing.

-Distractions – Developing the ability to take control of your mind and allow yourself to be distracted from the dental treatment. The top ways to achieve distraction are:

1) meditation - a relaxation of mind and body musculature.

2) audio distraction - listening to music, or the voice of your dentist while they talk you through the process with casual conversation. Even the sound of a soothing voice can lower anxiety levels. A good tip is to listen to an audio book while undergoing treatment. This will engage your ears and your mind to distract you from the task at hand.

3) visual distraction–  watching television or a movie, even staring at a relaxing picture during dental treatment. For many, wearing headphones can help to block out much of the dental noises that increase their anxiety, listening to a personal story about  the dentist, visualizing a relaxing setting, and muscle relaxation can make the experience much more tolerable and possibly even enjoyable!

-Be Prepared - Ask your dentist in advance what you can expect during your visit and how procedures, such as injections, are handled. Some may enjoy hearing a play by play and others will not. Talk it over with your dentist when going through your initial dental examination.

-Muscle Relaxation Techniques - The key here is to place focus on your body parts, relaxing them one at a time. You can start with your toes or hands and work your way across your body, squeezing then relaxing each area of your body progressively. This removes your focus on the dental care and places it on your body achieving the goal of relaxing and calming yourself. Try squeezing a stress ball in 1 or both hands.

-Take A Mini Vacation In Your Mind! - To help ease your nerves and control pain during dental treatment, imagine yourself in a relaxing, enjoyable setting. For example, visualize calming colors or scenes such as the ocean, think about the sound of the waves as you relax on your favorite beach or, if you enjoy hiking, imagine yourself walking along a trail next to a river. The more detail you add to the image, the less focused you will be on the dental procedure. This technique takes practice initially, but once you gain confidence in yourself and your dentist it will get easier to do. If you find that your mind drifts away from your image, gently turn your attention back to the scene you created. Try practicing meditation with visualization at home before your appointment when you feel stressed about upcoming dental treatment.

-Breathing Exercises - This is a great technique for your drive over to the dental office, or while waiting for your appointment. Deep breathing can be a great technique to relax your mind and body prior to dental work. By taking in slow, deep breaths, the oxygen flow will have a calming effect on your entire body. Remember, slow and deep, NOT short and fast, as this can cause you to hyperventilate.

-Take Frequent Breaks. Patients may need to take breaks during dental procedures, when anxiety builds up or they start to feel claustrophobic. If you feel like you need a break, let your dentist know and he/she will gladly stop to give you the time and space necessary.

-Acupuncture/Acupressure - Acupuncture/acupressure have many benefits for patients who are dentally anxious. For this to be fully effective, the acupuncture  should be completed as close to the dental appointment as possible, while some acupressure can be done during the dental appointment. This will not work for all patients but it has been a successful technique for many in attempting to overcome dental phobia and dental anxiety.

Conclusion

The key to overcoming and coping with your dental fear is to remember that you are not alone. If you choose the right dentist and dental team, they will be with you every step of the way, guiding you to help you overcome your fears. In the beginning it may seem insurmountable but one step and one appointment at a time, and the visits become easier and easier. You might actually begin to wonder why you didn’t do this earlier. Do not let dental phobia prevent you from being healthy in all aspects of your life. Take control of your health today!

© 2015, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist

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Oral Hygiene Advice to Live By

When it comes to practicing good oral hygiene, it’s all about making certain activities a habit. Make them a habit and you and children can expect good oral health throughout your and their lives.

 

Read below for our favorite oral hygiene advice – for life!

 

  • Once your children reach the age of 6, their adult molars should have erupted. This is a great time to talk to their dentist about placing sealants on their teeth. These coatings can make it harder for bacteria/plaque to form on their teeth, greatly reducing the potential for cavities (according to the Centers for Diseases Control).
  • Happy oral health habits should start young. As soon as your baby’s first baby tooth erupts, you should clean it gently with a soft cloth. Once the child is 2, you can start training her on how to brush her teeth. You can floss for her until she’s about 4 or 5, but you can start letting her do it on her own at about age 5 (you’ll supervise of course, until you can see that she can floss correctly herself).
  • Don’t drink sodas, even the sugar-free kind, as the carbonic acid in them can erode your tooth enamel.

An ice cold soda can be very refreshing on a hot summer’s day. It’s carbonic acid also can erode your tooth enamel….

  • Get your kids brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Make sure all adults in the home do the same so that your children will think this is normal. What children see is what they do, so if everyone brushes/flosses regularly, your children will, too.
  • If you can’t brush right away after eating, at least chew some sugar-free gum. Doing so will increase saliva, which neutralizes the acid in your teeth (which can erode your enamel over time) and washes away the bacteria that will form on your teeth.
  • If you can’t brush, but you have some anti-bacterial mouthwash handy, rinse your mouth with it after eating.
  • Don’t smoke. It stains your teeth and could lead to oral cancer. Start talking to your children when they’re very young about the serious health risks associated with smoking.
  • Limit sugar-laden and starchy foods: they are full of simple carbohydrates (sugars) that can produce enamel-eroding acids. They also create bacteria on your teeth that can become plaque, possibly leading to the formation of cavities.
  • If your child grinds his teeth, get him to a dentist. Tooth grinding (bruxism) can erode the surfaces of your child’s teeth, making them more susceptible to tooth decay. To prevent your child’s tooth grinding, your dentist may recommend a mouth guard that your child will wear at night.
  • Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning. Doing so removes the built-up plaque that wasn’t removed by your daily brushing/flossing. The dentist also can check your mouth for signs of periodontal disease and even oral cancer.

 

Follow these tips – and get your children to follow them – and all of you can enjoy a healthy smile for years and decades to come.

 

image courtesy of Iamnee/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Health is the most important thing in your life, and especially oral health as it lets you express how good you are feeling to the world through your smile? But every now and then, you may get any kind of dental problem like toothache, tooth decaying or misaligned teeth and it may snatch your wonderful smile. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the best dental doctor in Delhi so as eliminate the issue as early as possible at its root cause before it turns out into a permanent problem.   

Now the question arises how you are going to choose the perfect clinic for your treatment which offers multispecialty treatment under the supervision of best dental doctor in Delhi. The first thing you can do is to look for the certificates, accolades, experience and apparently the wonders achieved by the respective doctor.  It will give you an overview about his/her qualifications, expertise (which will further help in deciding whether that specialist is right for your problem or not), but it is not enough. You should explore/ enquire a little more to get real information from real people around you.

Some of the important factors that will help you in choosing the best dentists in Delhi/NCR are convenient location, assistance and hygiene, time taken for appointment, office environment, insurance etc.   It is better to look for any trusted dental clinic in Delhi nearby which is effective in treating your problems. In case if there is no clinic with reputed doctor in the proximity, then it is worth to walk the extra mile for satisfactory cure. You should also ask the people around you and the patients who have been through all those processes to get exact overview about the doctor.

You should prefer to approach the Dental Clinic in Delhi which provides multispecialty treatment such as immediate implants, metal free crown, invisible braces, root canal single sitting, instant teeth whitening etc. These advanced treatments are breakthrough in dental field which has made possible to treat severe problems immediately and more effectively than the conventional methods. It is not just the service; but it is also about the hygiene and environment under which it is performed. Try to gather information about the doctor: are they able to perform these surgeries under the shadow of advanced technology. 

All of these things should be under the budget; otherwise it is of no use to you. Some clinics also offer annual dental plan so that the next time you come alone or with your family- you can save something on your treatment. After taking all these points into consideration, you should fix an appointment with the doctor in case you feel uprising of any oral issue so as to cure it promptly.  

 

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If you notice that the inside of your cheeks appear to “peel” from time to time, it could be because you’re having a mild allergic reaction to your toothpaste.

But it also could mean something more serious:, gingivitis/periodontitis, canker sores or the more serious mouth ulcers, or even Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

If you notice peeling or sores in your mouth that don’t go away within a few days, get to a dentist ASAP!

Read below for more information on some of the different causes of mouth peeling.

  • First, the toothpaste reaction: some people have a mild allergic reaction to whitening toothpastes. If you suspect this to be the cause of the peeling, simply stop using the toothpaste.
  • Gums peeling is a sign of a more serious condition: you could have a very bad case of gingivitis or even periodontal disease. If you notice that your gums are peeling away from your teeth, you probably have one of these conditions. Both gingivitis and periodontal disease make your gum tissues become inflamed. If left untreated, your gum could start to recede from your teeth and some of your gum tissue may even peel away. If your gum is both receding and peeling away at the same time, get to your dentist ASAP!
  • You may have canker sores or mouth ulcers. These tend to look like small white pumps on your gums, As the sores/ulcers heal, some of the gum tissue around them may peel. It’s very important that you see a dentist regularly so that he can check for these sores, as mouth ulcers could be an indication of oral/mouth cancer!
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a very serious condition. Peeling inside your mouth is a symptom that occurs long after other symptoms have presented themselves. The condition usually is a reaction to an infection or a medication. The syndrome usually starts with flu-like symptoms (high fever, aches and pains) and then is followed by a purple or red rash that blisters and spreads along your skin and the mucous membranes of your mouth (and even your genitals, nose, and eyes).  The top layer of the affected areas of your skin can die and shed (hence, the peeling). Recovery can take months. If, in addition to flu-like symptoms, you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. The good news about Stevens-Johnson Syndrome? It’s rare!

If you’re at all concerned about the inside of your cheeks peeling, gums peeling from your teeth or any other symptoms appearing in your mouth, contact Plano dentist Dr. Darren Dickson at 972-596-5995.

Image courtesy of patrisyu/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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A Dental Clinic in Delhi NCR priorities customer satisfaction over anything else, and that is the reason they have built an astonishing reputation among the public. Most of the clinics provide multispecialty treatment to people of all ages within the budget.

People often fall into the trap of harmful foods which gradually deteriorates their teeth, and if the care is not taken promptly, it renders into awful diseases. It is not just the case with adults, but also with the kids who regularly consume chocolates. In order to prevent all these and cure oral issues from its roots, a reliable dental clinic in Delhi NCR could be your saviour and hopefully it may be present nearby you.

A reputed Dental Clinic in Delhi NCR is going to be very advanced with such hygienic environment that appeals to everyone even to those who refrain from it, and considered as one of the best in India. Here, dental clinics have highly qualified dentists, benevolent staff members and medical assistance, and 24 hours helpline always willing to assist you in every problem. The dental specialists in eminent clinics are more concerned with the results, satisfaction of the patients not with the profits what most of the clinics prefer over anything else. Any reliable clinic doesn’t make their services as a business medium; rather they prefer to make it their duties and obligations towards the society.

Now comes the crucial part i.e. the services offered by them to cure your dental problems of all types. Most of the clinics offer general services like crowns and bridges, dental implants, children dentistry, teeth whitening and so on. But some clinics offer advanced treatments like metal free crown, invisible braces, root canal single sitting, immediate implants, and instant teeth whitening. These treatments are more effective with immediate results and cost friendly than the conventional ones. They don’t just give the patients’ satisfactory results, but it also enhances the trust of the people towards dental clinic in Delhi NCR.

Some of the other factors what increments its credibility are the exclusive services like annual dental plan, all time helpline support, and the facility to fix an appointment with the preferred specialists. And the biggest thing is the presence of multispecialty dental chain across Delhi, and apparently in your vicinity. So, if you have any oral problem, you should immediately approach a reliable dental clinic in Delhi NCR to cure it at its early stages and prevent it from happening again the future.

Ref : http://www.axissdental.com/Why-Treatment-of-Dental-Clinic-in-Delhi-NCR-is-Reliable

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THE FORGOTTEN DISCIPLINE OF DENTISTRY

Everywhere you look in dental journals, you see articles on implants, cosmetic dentistry and esthetic dentistry. But no one seems to be interested in looking after the patients in long-term care homes. We have restored, crowned, and root canal filled their teeth, which are now being left unattended and susceptible to decay.

It has been shown demographically that the population is aging. The need for a greater emphasis on geriatric care can be seen in the following three case reports.

The first patient (Figs.1 and 2) was bedridden at home in the late stages of Parkinson's disease. I was asked to examine the patient because she had one tooth left in her mouth, which was sharp and causing some problems. On examination, I determined that she also had a number of root tips. The caregiver and the doctor saw the fractured right central incisor, but could not see the root tips of the left lateral, cuspid, first bicuspid, and first molar that were buried in the gingiva.

The patient was a mouth breather, which caused the oral tissues to be inflamed. In this case, we smoothed the sharp piece of the right central and provided palliative care. The patient was treated with 0.12 per cent chlorhexidine swabs in the area of her right central incisor, KY jelly for her lips, and lots of fluids. She was also prescribed an antibiotic. We will keep this patient under observation.

The second patient (Figs.3 and 4) was also homebound, and was in palliative care with cancer of the prostate that had metastasized. We were asked to examine the patient because "he has pain in his lip and in his tooth."

This patient had most of his teeth. However, because of his pain and the drugs he was taking (a hydromorphone drip Dilaulid), he was in the habit of biting his lower lip with the upper second bicuspid.

This had caused a laceration. We extracted the upper bicuspid and the laceration healed. No further treatment was administered at this time, as his condition was critical. We are maintaining him on a fluoride rinse at night and a 0.12 per cent chlorhexidine rinse twice a day.


The third patient (Figs. 5 and 6) was examined at our clinic. The patient was in her 80s. She had undergone a full mouth reconstruction many years ago, but the devastation of her bridgework was considerable. A whole abutment crown was empty where a tooth was supposed to be. This crown was anchoring a seven-unit bridge, which had a precision attachment holding a partial denture. The remaining abutments had root caries and needed repair.

We removed the decayed material in the crown and filled the crown with a flowable self-curing composite. The root tip remained in the bone. We showed the patient how to clean under the crown, but left it in place because she was too ill to undergo further surgery. The patient had a serious blood dyscrasia, which required her to receive periodic transfusions of blood to maintain her hemoglobin. We will keep her under observation.

The health of these patients' mouths was not exceptional. When people get sick, they neglect their teeth. This is only natural. However, It should be equally natural for family members, caregivers, nurses, and doctors to look in the mouths of geriatric patients to assess their unhealthy situation and seek appropriate treatment.

As dentists, we have a responsibility to educate other healthcare professionals and the general public about the oral health of geriatric patients" as well as how to assess and take care of the persistent infections that occur in the mouths of these individuals. We also have a responsibility to educate the allied medical professions about dental neglect, and its impact on the general health of their geriatric patients.

There is a tremendous need for organized dentistry and government to address the problems that exist in treating the Alzheimer patient, the elderly patient who has some form of dementia, the stroke patient who experiences some disabilities, and the cancer patient in palliative care.

We have healthy 70-year-old patients who have had all or most of their teeth restored or enhanced with fixed bridges, veneers, crowns, cosmetic restorative procedures, endodontic procedures, periodontal procedures (gingival grafts etc.), prosthetic appliances, and even orthodontics.

These patients have spent time and money to maintain and improve their oral health. But if they have a stroke, or other disabling disease, their access to quality dental care will likely be severely curtailed. They will probably be placed in a nursing home, where no one has the time or motivation to help them care for their teeth, or even to assess their oral health at admission. They eat each day, but no one is available to encourage them to follow good oral hygiene, or to take a brush to their teeth and gingiva.

We dentists, who have been well paid to restore and maintain the teeth of these patients in the past, forget or lose track of them once they are no longer able to visit our offices. Yet unless we meet our responsibility to educate the care-givers, family, and other health care professionals about the daily preventive dental care of these patients, their teeth will eventually rot in their mouths. By the time we get to see them, we will have a dilemma on our hands. It is difficult to provide restorative or corrective treatment, because these patients are very old, are often taking many medications for different ailments, and may have allergies.

Even patients who practice good oral hygiene to control calculus and plaque need to have their teeth professionally cleaned and scaled regularly. Unless you have seen it for yourself, it is hard to imagine what happens to the oral health of patients who either cannot care for their own teeth, or have no one to do it for them. Their mouths are full of plaque, calculus, inflammation, candidiasis, denture sore spots, hypertrophied tissue, loose dentures, xerostomia and even cancer.

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Here’s a worthy goal to shoot for: no matter how many cavities you’ve had in the past, vow to yourself that you’ll never have another.

 

As in never. Ever. Never have another cavity.

 

Read below for three things you can do to meet this goal.

 

1. Understand that there’s a reason why dentists insist that you brush twice a day, floss once a day and visit them twice a year for professional teeth cleaning: these habits work!

Your dentist keeps telling you brush your teeth because doing so really does prevent cavities!

Here’s why: cavities are caused by two things: carbohydrates and bacteria. Eat carbohydrates in the form of sugar and starch and the bacteria that live on your teeth feed on the carbohydrates you eat.

 

The bacteria then has to – well – get rid the waste products of its food and that waste excreted by the bacteria  produces plaque as well as acid. If not removed, these two eventually will eat through your tooth enamel and form a cavity.

 

So that’s why your dentist wants you to brush your teeth (removes plaque from the front and back of teeth) and floss (removes plaque from in between your teeth) and come in for a check up twice a year (so that you can get the still-extant and tougher plaque removed from your teeth professionally).

 

Bacteria on your teeth can double in as few as five hours; hence your dentist’s admonishment to brush twice a day. (Hint: three times is a lot better!)

 

2. Cut way down on sweets and starches. Seriously. Cut way back. And don’t eat sugary foods between meals. If you must have a sweet treat, make sure you have it with your meal, not as a snack. (And then go brush your teeth when done eating.)

 

3. Talk to your dentist about having a sealant placed on your teeth. These are coatings that are placed on your teeth to fill the ever-present grooves at the top of your teeth, helping to prevent cavities. Many of the grooves on your teeth are too deep and narrow for your toothbrush bristles to clean thoroughly, but sealants make the tooth smoother and easier to clean. In addition, since the grooves are smoothed out, there’s less surface area on your tooth for bacteria to hide in – they won’t be able to hide from your toothbrush!

 

Will following the three steps above guarantee that you won’t ever again have a cavity? Of course not! But they will lower your odds considerably. Truly.

 

image courtesy of cooldesign/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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