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Boy, I sure am glad I'm addicted to reading labels! Over the years I found my favorite time to read labels is waking up in the early morning with that first cup of java in an attempt to get the blood circulating to my brain. Well, one day just before brushing my teeth while still partially dazed, I scanned over the ingredients list on my toothpaste tube and nearly gagged. Sodium laurel sulfate? Eckkkk.....

Sodium laurel sulfate is an artificial "foam booster" used in many products from garage floor cleaners and other industrial cleansers to store bought soaps and shampoos. In a concentrated form it is not only an irritant, but some studies have even linked it to cancer. Some debate the fact that it may pose a threat to our health and environment, and I can be open minded enough to agree that the amount used in most products is within a concentration appropriate for the product's purpose that certainly won't kill you overnight if the product in question is used as directed. (Although I personally prefer to avoid products with it.) However, in my mind, I can't justify the reasoning of it being used in a product that's to be used in my mouth several times a day!

I decided to do some further research on ingredients commonly used in toothpaste and the results have surprised me. It turn out that sodium laurel sulfate wasn't the only thing I should be worrying about.

One of the of the concerns I had already been aware of was with fluoride. There have been studies proving that over-exposure could cause forms of cancer in time. What's interesting is, in my research I actually came across one point of view that was a big 'ol "so what? Everything causes cancer nowadays." Ordinarily, I'd almost agree. The difference is toothpaste is easily ingested and even if you rinse well trace amounts are sure to get left behind. Multiply that by three times a day for the rest of your life...

Then the real shock sets in! There are now studies that prove fluoride has very little to no effects in the prevention of tooth decay! Alright then.... It seems like an entirely pointless risk to me now.

A newer ingredient that has been added to toothpaste as an antibacterial agent is triclosan. It's formulation and structure has been compared to some of the most toxic known chemicals. Some argue that it is in fact safe, but setting the chemical's composition aside, there are also other concerns. Being an antibacterial agent, it takes exercise away from our immune systems. Just like the theory of the overuse of antibiotics- bacteria and viruses will eventually build stronger and stronger resistances which will make it harder to treat more serious conditions in the future. Antibacterials don't discriminate either. "Good" bacteria could also be killed, creating an imbalance.

Some toothpastes also contain "hydrated silica". Now this, I already knew, was pretty much sand. What I am still trying to figure out, is why one would want it in there toothpaste?

There were a couple of other questionable additives that I have read about, more than half of what I've read about are additives also used in pesticides. It sounds like there's yet another product on the market that ruffles up interesting debates in regards to safety.

Am I saying, "everyone hurry up and throw out your toothpaste before you die!" Absolutely not. I simply think people should be informed so that they can make their own decisions and in the very least, have the opportunity to know it's a good idea to have an extra good rinsing after brushing your teeth. The only thing I do strongly encourage is that if you have small children- please keep this in mind and keep an extra eye out for them while brushing! I remember how much I loved the taste of my Sesame Street toothpaste as a kid, so most of my worries are for them. Ingesting enough of this stuff can easily be toxic for a small child.

If you are interested in safer solutions you can always check out your local health food store for more natural toothpastes, but as many of times products such as these tend to cost a little. For a thriftier approach, I know many that use plain baking soda on their toothbrushes. Some even drip just a few drops of hydrogen peroxide on their brushes before the baking soda.

For myself, personally, I've had a hard time adjusting to these methods so I have found a few more tolerable solutions. Sometimes mixing a few drops of a natural orange, lime, or peppermint essential oil makes the experience easier to deal with in regards to plain baking soda. My favorite method by far is making my own natural homemade recipe for toothpaste. What I do is take a small container of baking soda and slowly mix in natural vegetable glycerine until it reaches a similar consistency to the toothpaste that we're all commonly used to. Then I sparingly add a few drops of my essential oils to taste. Glycerin is naturally sweet and mildly antibacterial, so if you make a little at a time there's no concerns of it spoiling. Oddly enough, not only does this taste surprisingly decent, but my teeth are actually whiter than ever!

An Easy-to-Score Index Offers A Reliable Glimpse into Your Dental Future

Losing teeth due to untreated periodontal disease, the most severe form of gum disease, can cause serious consequences like sunken cheeks, chewing and speech problems as well as reduced confidence. But periodontists now have a reliable tool to help predict if a patient will keep their natural teeth.

The new Miller-McEntire Periodontal Prognostic Index is based on 35 years of data collected by renowned periodontist Preston D. Miller, Jr., DDS. This valuable tool scores seven independently confirmed factors essential to periodontal status and health.  By looking at age, smoking status, diabetes A1C levels (average blood sugar), molar type, tooth pocket (probing) depth, tooth mobility, and furcation (bone loss), the index can be used by trained periodontists to predict the exact probability of overall tooth loss in 15 and 30 years.

Scoring Examples

According to the index, smokers of more than a pack a day score a hefty “4,” where non-smokers score “0.” Smoking is so closely related to periodontal disease that smokers increase their chances of losing their teeth by 246%! According to the index, overall scores less than 4.32 mean the patient should never lose a tooth.

A “Criteria for Success” patient checklist that accompanies the index reminds patients to follow regular dental maintenance, including cleaning the tongue. Research indicates that 80% of bacteria in the mouth resides in the back of the tongue.

Revolutionary Tool

The findings of the Miller-McEntire Periodontal Prognosis Index are revolutionizing the way periodontists render treatment. Decisions on whether to keep a natural tooth or not can be more accurately made with quantitative data as opposed to just qualitative prognoses.  Gone are the guesswork days of “Doc, how long will I keep my teeth?”

Equally as important, the index allows patients to become better educated about their individual conditions.  Patients can track their own progress and identify the areas they can directly manage in conjunction with their periodontist. It’s hoped the information provided will motivate patients to complete suggested periodontal treatment, to quit or cut back on smoking, to better monitor blood sugar levels and to practice better oral hygiene. A lower index can mean an improved prognosis and less chance for losing teeth.

It’s exciting to forecast plans for a patient’s dentition in the 15 to 30 year range, and with such great certainty.  This allows the patient, periodontist and hygienist to have more complete understanding of their roles as team members in the care and maintenance of dentition.

Dr. Miller personally trained Drs. Robert A. Levine and Philip L. Fava of The Pennsylvania Center for Dental Implants and Periodontics. Their practice is located at Einstein Center One, Suite 211-212, 9880 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19115. The Center offers “All-on-Four™ dental implants, SameDay Smile®, esthetic (or “Smile Zone”) dental implants and crown and bridge implant restorations in addition to laser treatment of periodontal disease and reconstructive dental surgery. For more information, visit www.padentalimplants.com.

What is a Dental Assistant?

An assistant is sometimes referred to as dental nurse who has taken up and graduated a dental assistant training. The assistant's duty is to serve and assist the dentist by giving out health care to patients. The dental nurse carries out duties in the dental office.

What is a Dental Hygienist?

The dental hygienist also assists the dentist in carrying out procedures and treatments. The hygienist is licensed and can perform treatments and procedures themselves, which a dental assistant is not allowed to perform.

Duties of a Dental Nurse or Assistant

The dental nurse is the one who takes the duties in the dental office. He or she is concerned of making each patient comfortable. He or she receives the patients and assists them during the treatment. He or she obtains the patients' information, taking note of the signs and symptoms of the illnesses and diseases afflicting them, and asking them about their medical history. The dental assistant is the one in charged of sterilizing and disinfecting the equipment and instruments in the dental clinic.

Duties of a Hygienist

The hygienist is also an assistant to the dentist. He or she performs tasks to help the dentist in certain procedures and operations. They also do the cleaning of the patient's teeth. He or she also checks the teeth and gums of the patients and making it sure that they do not have any disease. The dental hygienist could also take and process dental x-rays and help out with the fillings. He or she also applies fluoride on the patients' teeth after cleaning.

Salary of an Assistant

An assistant's average pay in an hour is around $14-$17 (US). Some of the dental assistants enjoy the privileges of coverage of dental procedures and other health services.

Salary of a Hygienists

The hygienist's average pay per hour is around $30. This is about twice as big as the assistant's salary.

Other Information about a Dental Assistant and a Dental Hygienist

The hygienist takes more courses and is required of higher education compared to the dental assistant. The dental nurse or assistant training is a precursor to becoming a dental hygienist. Before anybody could become a dental hygienist, one must learn to perform all the tasks of an assistant. The hygienist must be an assistant first. Both of them perform and work for and with the dentist. They both assist the dentist; however, there are times that an assistant works under the supervision of a dental hygienist. Nonetheless, both of them perform a very essential role in the dental clinic. The training that is required of from the dental hygienist is also about twice as of the dental assistant. The hygienist trains for at least two years at school. Aside from such training, the hygienist is sometimes required of associate degree to be able to work as a dental hygienist. The degree could be that of a bachelor's degree or sometimes a master's degree. If you are planning of being a dental hygienist, an excellent dental assistant trainings a good start for your training.

Employees nowadays are very much particular about the kind of benefits that they are offered. Dental insurance is one employee benefit that is considered to be very important in an employee's overall health plan. Employers are aware that dental problems can mean financial loss.

Dental problems and their treatments are low risk compared to almost all other health conditions. This is the reason why offering a dental plan to your employees is a sound decision. Dental health concerns can often be prevented through prophylaxis and only involve minimal costs. Once a dental problem is diagnosed in its early stage, treatment can immediately be administered. Early treatment is considerably less expensive than treatment during advanced stages. Financial factors are important considerations when deciding on which health benefits are to be included in your employees health plans. Dental insurance plans are the most cost effective of all the health benefits plan.

How to Choose the Right Dental Insurance Plan

There are a lot of factors to be considered when choosing a dental insurance. But before we go through these factors let us first discuss in detail what a dental insurance plan is. A dental insurance plan is an agreement between a company and an insurance provider. This agreement is comprised of several details pertaining to the benefits that a company's employees will receive.

There are dental insurance companies that give partial reimbursements for dental expenses and exclude certain types of treatments in their plans. A company looking a dental insurance company should carefully sift through all the offers that they receive from various companies to find one that will best benefit their employees. Choosing a dental insurance provider is similar to finding the right dentist for you and your family. You have to consider several options before deciding on one that best suits your needs and provides the best services.

A lot of plans do not cover dental conditions that have been existent before insurance coverage was purchased. There are also plans that do not cover implants and other procedures. These conditions may mean that dental treatment may only be paid partially or an insurance parlance may be availed for the Lease Expensive Alternative Treatment (LEAT).

Dental insurance companies have their own way of determining the UCR level (usual, customary, and reasonable) for each geographical area. Companies operating within the same geographical area may not necessarily have the same UCR level. This means that the UCR level defines a patient's liability because in some plans a patient may receive more benefits while in another plan he may have to pay more. This all depends on the type of dental plan that is offered by the employer.

Some Important Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Dental Benefits Plan

Ask yourself these questions as you evaluate your dental plan options:

Will you have the freedom to choose your own dentist?

Will you have a say in the type of treatment that will be administered?

Will routine and preventive dental care be covered? Will it cover orthodontic treatment, oral surgery, placement of dental caps and crowns, root canals, treatment of periodontitis and other dental conditions?

Will it cover services that are diagnostic and preventive in nature such as sealants and fluoride treatments, and x-rays?

Will major dental care such as implants, dentures and treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) be covered?

Will specialist referrals be allowed? Will you be allowed to choose your own specialist or will your choice be limited to a list?

Will emergency services be covered? Will you be provided emergency provisions when on tour?

Will a large percentage of monthly premiums go into actual care and not into administrative expenses?

Every employee should carefully consider these factors before deciding on a dental plan. Additionally, when deciding on getting treatment, patients should consider their dental plan but not solely base their decision on it.

What are the Various Dental Insurance Plan Models?

There are two dental insurance plan models:

a. Managed Care

This type of dental plan is a restricted form of dental insurance which aims to reduce costs and reimbursements. Coverage in this type of model is restricted, and access to care if limited as a list of preselected dentists, specialists, treatments and hospitals is provided. Types of treatments and their frequency are also limited and usually indicated in the coverage policy.

b. Fee-for-service

This type of dental plan gives patients the freedom to choose their dentist, specialists and treatments. Fees are paid in full as determined by the service provider. 
Types of Dental Insurance Plans 
1. Managed Care Dental Plans 
There are two kinds of plans under this type:

a. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

This is a plan wherein a patient can only go to a dentist that is included in the preferred provider list provided by the insurance company. In this agreement, the dentists in the list have agreed to give the insurance company discounted pricing for the fees. However, some PPO plans allow patients to choose their own dentists but are subject to penalties. This type of plan is cheaper than other types of plans in this category.

Ask yourself these questions when evaluating a PPO dental plan:

What percentage of the premium will be used for administration?

What effect will the discounts have on the decision for choosing a dentist? How will the discounts affect the treatment options?

What will we be the liability of the employer when something happens to an employee in the hands of a preferred dentist?

What are the factors considered when choosing a preferred dentist?

What provisions are given for emergency treatments? Are there provisions for emergencies that will occur outside the geographical area?

Does the PPO plan allow for specialist referrals? Are the choices limited to a list of preferred specialists?

b. Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO)

In this type of dental plan patients are not burdened with financial payouts when availing of treatments. In this type of agreement, insurance companies pay the dentists a fixed amount per month for every individual or family enrolled, regardless of whether or not they come for a visit within a month. Then dentists provides certain types of treatments to enrolled patients at no additional costs. For other types of treatments, co-payment is required. DHMO plans encourage dentists to provide good service to patients while keeping the costs low. This plan is considered to be the cheapest of all options.

Ask yourself these questions when evaluating a DHMO:

What percentage of the premium will be used for administration?

How will the employer know how many employees avail of treatments from a certain dentist or specialist?

What is the average waiting period for each employee to get an initial appointment? What is the average period between every appointment?

What is ratio between dentist and patients?

How are the preferred dentists chosen?

How many dentists are present within a geographic area?

What is the average acceptance rate for dentist applying to participate in the DHMO?

How many dentists have already withdrawn from the program?

Are the dentists compensated fairly? Is the compensation package at par with the work load?

What are the provision given for patients needing specialist care? Are there enough specialists within a geographic area?

Are there provisions for emergency treatments? Are there provisions for emergencies that will occur outside the geographic area?

2. Fee-for-Service Dental Plans

a. Direct Reimbursement Plan (DR)

This type of dental plan is a self-funded wherein a patient is reimbursed for actual cost of treatment or service. Reimbursements are made regardless of the type of treatment availed. In a DR plan, patients are given the freedom to choose their own dentists. Employers pay for a percentage of the actual cost of treatment, but they are not required to pay for monthly premiums. Which means that employees who do not need any dental treatment will not receive any dental benefit. Additionally, employers are responsible for determining which type of treatments their employees need. The American Dental Association highly recommend this type of dental benefits plan.

Dental insurance plans are a little more complicated than an auto insurance. This is because insurance companies allow you to add (or subtract) dental procedures so that it fits your current situation. For instance, a young man in his 20s would not really need to be insured for dentures unless he is active in a physically taxing sport that involves body contact. He might prefer to be insured for preventive maintenance, diagnostics, root canal, extractions, and treatment for gums.

If this is allowed by the insurance company, and it usually is, then the payments scheme will probably decrease. Thus, a young man will be able to afford the dental insurance plan with his current financial status.

Dental insurance plans are also categorized according to premiums. Premiums in this case refers to the dental procedure. There are minor premiums and major dental premiums. Most, if not all, minor procedures are covered by the basic package by about 70%. This means you should the remaining 30%. Most major procedures fall under the 50% rating, which means there is a monetary responsibility on your part to shoulder the balance. Some insurance companies shoulder the total costs of minor procedures if the policy can allow for it. This is the kind of dental insurance plan you should aim for.

Regarding payment, you have a choice of paying monthly or annually. Some insurance companies even allow quarterly payments. If you compute the monthly charges, the total amount would be more than the amount you would pay if you chose the annual payment scheme. The advantage of the monthly payment scheme is that it is easier to manage.

All insurance companies will put a limit to the number of procedure you can have in a year, as well as in your lifetime. Ask your insurance agent about this. It is referred to as the Annual Benefit Cap and the Lifetime Benefit Cap.

These are just some of the basics of dental insurance plans. As you delve deeper into the details, you will discover that it gets easier to understand.

With discount dental plans now being offered by finance companies as an alternative to dental insurance, more and more people are beginning to see hope. Hope, that is, in being able to afford to get expensive dental treatments at a discounted rate.

If you want to find the best discount dental plan, finding one online will make the process easier for you. You save on time and effort because most of the important information is already posted on the web. Keep in mind though that the features of discount dental plans will differ depending on the company that is offering it. Thus, you will need to compare and contrast the plans against each other to find the one that you feel will work best for you.

There are many advantages of discount dental plans such as the unlimited charges in discount dental plans, and the savings in discount dental plans. The fee you will pay for one year will be more than covered by the savings in discount dental plans. This is because the discount rates ranges from 10 to a whopping 60% off from the regular rates. You can just imagine how much that is at the end of the year.

There are some conditions you must meet to avail of the discount. First, you need to be updated with your payments. Second, you will need to pay in cash. Third, you will have to use the services of qualified dentists in the list of the finance company. You cannot use your own qualified dentist unless he is on the list.

If you compare the conditions and terms against the advantages of discount dental plans, you will not even spare a second thought, especially if you compare it with dental insurance. Dental insurance terms can be very rigid and uncompromising because it has a limit on the number of times you can get maintenance procedures, as well as be required to submit existing dental conditions. This is because existing dental conditions cannot be covered by dental insurance.

Thus, with the availability of discount dental plans so easy with the internet, finding a good one will not pose a problem at all. 
If this is allowed by the insurance company, and it usually is, then the payments scheme will probably decrease. Thus, a young man will be able to afford the dental insurance plan with his current financial status.

Dental insurance plans are also categorized according to premiums. Premiums in this case refers to the dental procedure. There are minor premiums and major dental premiums. Most, if not all, minor procedures are covered by the basic package by about 70%. This means you should the remaining 30%. Most major procedures fall under the 50% rating, which means there is a monetary responsibility on your part to shoulder the balance. Some insurance companies shoulder the total costs of minor procedures if the policy can allow for it. This is the kind of dental insurance plan you should aim for.

Regarding payment, you have a choice of paying monthly or annually. Some insurance companies even allow quarterly payments. If you compute the monthly charges, the total amount would be more than the amount you would pay if you chose the annual payment scheme. The advantage of the monthly payment scheme is that it is easier to manage.

All insurance companies will put a limit to the number of procedure you can have in a year, as well as in your lifetime. Ask your insurance agent about this. It is referred to as the Annual Benefit Cap and the Lifetime Benefit Cap.

These are just some of the basics of dental insurance plans. As you delve deeper into the details, you will discover that it gets easier to understand.

With discount dental plans now being offered by finance companies as an alternative to dental insurance, more and more people are beginning to see hope. Hope, that is, in being able to afford to get expensive dental treatments at a discounted rate.

If you want to find the best discount dental plan, finding one online will make the process easier for you. You save on time and effort because most of the important information is already posted on the web. Keep in mind though that the features of discount dental plans will differ depending on the company that is offering it. Thus, you will need to compare and contrast the plans against each other to find the one that you feel will work best for you.

There are many advantages of discount dental plans such as the unlimited charges in discount dental plans, and the savings in discount dental plans. The fee you will pay for one year will be more than covered by the savings in discount dental plans. This is because the discount rates ranges from 10 to a whopping 60% off from the regular rates. You can just imagine how much that is at the end of the year.

There are some conditions you must meet to avail of the discount. First, you need to be updated with your payments. Second, you will need to pay in cash. Third, you will have to use the services of qualified dentists in the list of the finance company. You cannot use your own qualified dentist unless he is on the list.

If you compare the conditions and terms against the advantages of discount dental plans, you will not even spare a second thought, especially if you compare it with dental insurance. Dental insurance terms can be very rigid and uncompromising because it has a limit on the number of times you can get maintenance procedures, as well as be required to submit existing dental conditions. This is because existing dental conditions cannot be covered by dental insurance.

Thus, with the availability of discount dental plans so easy with the internet, finding a good one will not pose a problem at all.

Although modern orthodontics was not invented until the early 17th century, dental braces date back to ancient times. Aristotle, Hippocrates, and other historical figures contemplated and devised early systems to help people fix or straighten their teeth. Instead of the metal bands that are used today, early orthodontists used catgut, a natural fiber made of animal intestines, to straighten and close gaps in teeth.

Luckily, the field moved onto more effective methods. Braces were invented in the early 19th century. Since that time, metal braces have been the teeth straightening system of choice for dentists and orthodontists around the globe. They can be used to fix a myriad of problems, from overbites and malocclusions to diastemas (gaps) and other aesthetic issues. Both parents and their children abhor them, but for different reasons.

Parents can't stand them because they're expensive, and kids hate them because they are uncomfortable and unsightly. Just about every wearer has been called a "brace face" or a "metal mouth" at one time or another. Kids can be cruel, and metal braces give them all the ammunition they need to launch an unprovoked attack.

Cosmetic alternatives to traditional metal have existed for decades. The clear plastic versions, for example, are cemented onto the backside of the teeth instead of the front, making them invisible to observers. In addition to being pricier, however, clear braces are also far more likely to cause tongue irritation since the brackets and wires are on the insides of the teeth and near the tongue.

What Is Invisalign?

As we have seen, braces have limitations. The traditional system is unsightly and the more modern alternative causes oral irritation, which may result in soreness, cuts, and even infections. Fortunately, there is another option that does not rely on metal brackets and wires-Invisalign.

Invisalign is a tooth straightening system that utilizes custom-made aligners that gradually shift your smile into its proper place. These aligners are made of smooth, comfortable, and almost undetectable plastic that is worn over your teeth until the treatment is complete.

How Do They Work?

With traditional metal models, dentists must make regular adjustments based on your progress. In most cases, the wires must be tightened periodically to expedite the straightening process. But that is not necessary or even possible with Invisalign. Instead, the patient is simply given a new set of aligners when needed-sometimes as often as every two weeks. Simply pop them in and wear them until your teeth shift enough to require a new set of aligners.

In addition to the obvious aesthetic advantages, Invisalign is also functionally superior. You won't have to worry about your favorite foods getting caught in wires or brackets, which makes them even more of an eyesore. Because the aligners are removable, this new system allows you to eat the foods you like at any time. You can also brush and floss normally, which can be a chore with regular braces. Last but not least, the smooth plastic Invisalign trays will not irritate your gums and cheeks as traditional metal often does.

Because Invisalign does not require regular orthodontic adjustments, cosmetic dentists may offer this option to their patients

If you’re of a certain age, you may have heard your parents – or even yourself – humming this tune. (Although it may not be as passé as we feared, for Elmo and Michael Bublé provided a delightful rendition of the 1944 novelty song as recently as 2012.) Or you may have sung it to your 7-year-old child when he lost those two front baby teeth.

But if that cute kid grows up without taking proper care of his teeth, he could lose his adult teeth when older…and that definitely wouldn’t be an adorable sight to see.

So how can you help your young child understand how important it is to practice good oral hygiene habits now and long into the future?

We’ve put together a short list of some tips you could try. Take a look below.

1.      The earlier you start talking to your child about taking care of his teeth, the better.

How early is best? Toddler-age. You’ll still be helping to physically brush your child’s teeth when he is 2 or 3, so make sure you make it a regular part of his routine each morning and evening. Talk to him about why it’s important and how easy it is to keep a healthy and bright smile.

2.      Practice good oral hygiene habits yourself.

Children do as you do and much more so than what you say. They are watching you constantly and if you don’t make a habit of brushing/flossing and going to the dentist for checkups, they’ll balk big time at having to do so themselves.

3.      Don’t talk about what a pain it is to go the dentist.

You always should say how you’re looking forward to going and discussing how you’re doing with your own oral health with the dentist. Even if you’re afraid yourself of the dentist and truly do loathe having to go, go! And be calm about it when speaking with your children. (And be sure to talk to your dentist about your anxiety. He has ways of helping lessen your fear and anxiety.)

4.      Consider going as a family for your regular checkups.

Making it a family affair shows that the entire family thinks enough about these checkups to go as a unit. In addition, you can make the outing even more enjoyable by heading to a movie afterward, or going out for lunch/dinner. (Skip the sweets, of course!)

5.      If you discover you have a cavity or need dental work, talk to your child about it.

Let your child know that it’s your own fault you have a cavity or otherwise need dental work. You know what you should have done better – you should have brushed/flossed more, or and not eaten all those sweets – and you promise to take better care of your teeth from here on out.

Then, when you return from your next checkup without any issues, make sure you let your child know that your dental habits are the reason for this “good” checkup.

6.      As your child ages, talk to him about gum disease, tooth loss, etc.

There’s probably someone in your family or close circle of friends who has lost one or more teeth. Gently, and without disparaging the individual, explain that he or she more than likely could have prevented the problem just by brushing/flossing/seeing a dentist regularly.

7.      Praise your child for his good oral hygiene habits.

As your child continues to practice good dental habits, congratulate him on his hard work and remind him that if he keeps it up, he should be able to keep all his teeth for the rest of his life.

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Among the many health risks of diabetes is a decline in oral health that makes patients more vulnerable to gum disease. According to dental professionals, this happens because diabetes slows the body's circulation, making the gums more susceptible to infection. The metabolic disorder also increases glucose (sugar) levels in saliva, which fuels the growth of dental plaque that attacks the teeth and gums. To protect against the disorder, follow these simple tips.

1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly.

Because diabetics are at a much higher risk of gum disease than the average patient, you should never miss a dental appointment. In fact, you should schedule regular checkups two to four times a year. With professional cleanings and regular examinations, common mouth conditions, such as ulcers, dry mouth, and infections can be controlled. To prevent bouts of low blood sugar, it may be a good idea to eat before you see your dentist. It is also crucial that you inform him or her of any oral problems you may be having -- no matter how minor they may seem.

2. Follow A Strict Oral Hygiene Regimen.

All diabetics should and really must brush and floss daily, preferably after every meal. This will help remove the plaque that can cause gum disease, thereby lowering your risk for mouth ulcers and infections. It is recommended that you complete your oral hygiene routine at least three times a day. Because your risk of oral infection is elevated, it is important to avoid aggressive brushing that can cause cuts and sores. You may even want to use a soft-bristled brush or an electric model for a safer, more comfortable brushing experience.

3. Control Your Blood Sugar.

As we mentioned, sugar stimulates plaque growth, which causes tooth decay and gum disease. Because diabetics have more glucose (sugar) in their blood, they also tend to have a lot more plaque on their teeth. But if you can keep your blood sugar low, you can reduce your risk of periodontal disease.

4. Don't Smoke.

In a perfect world, nobody would smoke -- especially people with diabetes. The unhealthy activity causes a laundry list of serious complications, including oral infections and periodontal diseases. According to dental professionals, smoking can more than double your risk of cavities and infections.

5. Clean Your Dentures.

If you have diabetes and you wear false teeth, you are more prone to developing oral thrush -- a fungal infection of the mouth. Typically caused by denture irritation or wear, thrush can be prevented with regular cleaning. It is also recommended that you remove your dentures in between meals to give any irritated tissue the opportunity to heal. Your dentist might also advise you to limit your sugar intake when your mouth is bothered or raw.

When followed to the letter, these simple tips should help you control diabetes-related dental issues

Dubai is a charming destination that attracts many tourists every year, but it is also an ideal destination for the best orthodontic treatment. A lot of people are hesitant to smile freely because of discolored teeth. They seek for brighter and whiter teeth for which the Teeth whitening Dubai treatment is quite popular. It is also a safe process. Teeth whitening is all about bleaching the teeth to make it lighter and it can also lighten the present color with the help of existing shades.

Why Dubai?

The Teeth whitening Dubai treatment is ideal for those who want bright and white teeth. Teeth whitening should only be done by an experienced dentist who is a professional as this may put your dental health at risk. In Dubai, the doctors will closely examine the teeth and see if you are capable to go for teeth whitening. They will not put your dental or oral health at risk and will highlight the complications if any. Complications may arise only in rare situations but Dubai doctors will always let the patient know the complete detail before they pursue with the teeth whitening procedure.

People should avoid going to salons or taking home whitening dental kits as these can include a lot of risk. The teeth should be examined by a professional dentist only to get best results.

The process:

For teeth whitening, there are two most suitable procedures offered for best results. Firstly you can choose for the home treatment where you would need to wear the light weight custom made trays with bleaching gel on your teeth everyday for 30 to 60 minutes every day for two to three weeks. Secondly you can choose laser whitening or zoom where zoom uses the light activated agent with hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel. In this process the light will shine on the teeth for 15 minutes and you would need to do 4 sittings in this. The total number of sittings can be completed within a day.

The other process is laser whitening but instead of light, laser is used for whitening the teeth and the process will take around 30 minutes to complete. Those patients who want Teeth whitening Dubai treatment completed within a few hours instead of wearing the trays can go for this treatment. The results will be same and you will get to see that the Dubai hospitals have a comfortable and relaxing environment where the treatment will take place and after a few hours you will be able to return home. The treatment is of high quality and doctors offers promising results. The treatment cost is also very nominal. So, fix an appointment today with the dentist in Dubai and enjoy white teeth without any risk.

Adults and children alike suffer from chronic bad breath occasionally or regularly. Although common, chronic bad breath is not a laughing matter as it might signal a more serious medical problem that needs to be treated and solved.

So how can you treat or cure chronic bad breath?

To successfully cure chronic bad breath, it is first necessary for you to note and understand its underlying causes. Once you have identified what causes chronic bad breath to occur, it would then be easy for you to find a solution and treat it.

So to begin, note and understand that there are several possible causes of chronic bad breath. The list may include poor oral hygiene, periodontal infection or gum disease, intense buildup of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth, chronic sinus infection, candidiasis, unfavorable habits like smoking and drinking, poor digestion, liver and kidney disease, constipation, so on and so forth.

Given those underlying causes, it is now easy for you to agree that chronic bad breath is not something that should be ignored. So when you notice that something is wrong with your breath, start looking for a possible cure or treatment of chronic bad breath.

Well, there is one particular solution that is deemed effective to cure chronic bad breath - the use of low concentrations of carbamide peroxide. This treatment is actually revealed by certain researches at the Academy of General Dentistry's 53rd annual meeting which was held in Washington, D.C. just recently. According to some reports, the carbamide peroxide is an odorless ingredient that can not only be used to disinfect and bleach teeth, but can also cure chronic bad breath.

However, before you can apply the carbamide peroxide to cure chronic bad breath, you need first to consult a dentist who can customize trays or mouth guards that are made to fit tightly around your teeth. This is very much important as the solution is applied by placing it in the tray and into your mouth where it remains for an hour. Once the treatment is done, you maybe required to do the treatment by yourself at home. You can cure chronic bad breath at home for an hour everyday. Many of those who have tried this cure have claimed that after three treatments, you will notice a significant change in your breath.

There are also other solutions formulated to cure chronic bad breath. But, the truth still remains that to successfully cure chronic bad breath, you need to work closely with your dentist to find out other possible health concerns associated with chronic bad breath. This is also highly advisable to fully identify the most suitable plan for treating this condition. Chronic bad breath is no laughing matter, after all.