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Cosmetic dental implants replace damaged, broken and badly decayed teeth. They are not always necessary and that is why they are a cosmetic treatment. However, missing, broken or decayed pearly whites can greatly affect your appearance and equally your self-esteem and how people perceive you. Missing pearly whites also makes your jaws and cheeks collapse making your face look hollow and much older than your actual age. They are a great way to improve your appearance, make your face look fuller and younger, all while making your smile appear as natural as ever.

The procedure

The complete procedure is a three-stage process with periods of healing in between. First, the cosmetic dentist has to evaluate the pearly whites and determine the entire procedure. The dentist will take you through what to expect, how to prepare and the results you want to achieve with the procedure. The three-stage process involves:

#1: The Implant Dentist places the implant underneath the gum and allows it to heal. It replaces the old root of the tooth. 
#2: This involves reviewing the implant for successful healing. The dentist will next take an impression in order to fabricate the tooth. Sometimes stage one and two can be performed on the same day. 
#3: In the final stage, the crown is delivered and it will look and feel like your own teeth!

How to prepare

Just like any other surgery, you need to prepare in advance. The following are some of the things you can do to make sure the procedure go smoothly:

A comprehensive dental exam: You should get a comprehensive exam so the dentist can discuss the best options for replacing your teeth. The exam includes X-rays and making models of the teeth and mouth.

A treatment plan: The treatment plan should be elaborate before beginning the series of surgeries. You should be ready financially and mentally. Make sure you prepare to take some time off from work allowing for healing between the procedures, although many times patients return to work the next day. You should avoid getting implants too close to big events like weddings.

Prepare for surgery: You should avoid eating or drinking for at least 8 hours before the surgery to reduce post-surgical nausea. However, if you opt to go for a local anesthesia, there are usually no restrictions.

Oral hygiene: It is crucial to maintain excellent oral hygiene before and during the treatment in order to avoid the risk of getting infections. Your doctor may have you on a regiment prior to and during the treatment.

Millions of people wear dentures. Many of these people say that they are happy they got new, good-looking teeth.

But what about those people who cannot accept their new reality? They used to have natural teeth, probably for many years, but during that time many dental problems appeared so in time their teeth deteriorated more than they expected.

Teeth are fully integrated to our bodies; they are part of ourselves. They are like our eyes, legs or arms. If you don't have any pain or any medical problems with them, you don't think about a potential loss.

You keep believing that your teeth will be with you forever. During that time, you might experience some issues with them from time to time, but I am sure that most people don't even think about losing them.

When problems start arising and chronic pain starts to show that something is wrong, glimpse the failure that might be coming arise.

You even might hear from the dentist that your teeth have to go due to overall infection in your mouth.

Many people who live with chronic pain do whatever it takes to be free from that.

I mean, you may be so overwhelmed and desperate to get rid of the pain that you decide to extract some or all your teeth, fast.

Dentists come from the medical field, and so they don't know so much about the human mind and the emotions coming from it.

Many of them don't understand why their patients are depressed. Some of them take on their patients' depression and suffer with them together because of their business failure.

What about you, then?

It's after your procedure, you come back home and you look to the mirror: no teeth!

Of course, you are in great shock. You feel like crying, and you are scared because your life won't look the same anymore.

Shame, guilt, fear, and feelings of hurt are getting you down. In a matter of time, you feel like you are dying inside; you feel like an outcast. This scenario is slowly putting you into the grave.

This is the grieving process, related to a great deal of sadness. Your feelings of great loss cause confusion because you don't know how and when you'll be finished with the emotional pain.

Many people, including the dentist, might say, "Just forget about it and keep living!

Life is so beautiful."

But such a traumatic incident as the loss of your teeth is also very traumatic to your mind.

Memories and, related to that, toxic beliefs about what you think about yourself and the shock you are holding inside can stay forever in a deeper subconscious mind.

It is still creating mental, toxic inner havoc, and you'll never know when a new life situation will trigger this pain again.

Today, there is solution to that situation. You can feel well again and accept what has happened to you before

In any one’s life, the most attractive thing is SMILE, it will be more attractive when our teeth is shining and white in color. Our Teeth is an attractive asset and provide us self-confidence and we can move freely whenever we talk or give speeches in a crowd. But, to have an attractive teeth we should maintain clean and hygienic. Although we take many precautions, we can be effected to many toothache problems due to Age, less gum in teeth etc.

Toothache can be caused to any one, it doesn’t depend on any particular age. Tooth pain is caused mostly when kids eat more chocolates, ice-creams etc. But, elders also will be affected for toothache problems, which are Dental infection, gum disease, plaque, injury, cracked teeth, poorly placed fillings or loss of tooth.

Causes of general toothache

1.Dental Infection:The general symptoms of toothache are throbbing toothache,Sensitive tooth with hot and cold temperatures,While chewing eatable items,Will get selling when tooth is infected.

2.Gum Infection:Gum infections are mainly caused due to less bone around the tooth and causes, less pain. It mainly effects at major stages in this type of categories.

3.Cracked Tooth:Sometimes while teeth is growing in early stage some are with minimal length or some may grow only half part, some get crack during any root canals, all these are causes for toothache due to the crack formed in a particular teeth.

4.Poorly placed fillings: Whenever your tooth is filled due to the problems caused by eating chocolates then your tooth will be effected by cavities, to avoid such cavities tooth filling process is implemented.

While doing this process, there should be taken proper care as tooth may be sensitive to bare pressure, and force. To avoid such complications, dentists should take proper care, and this process doesn’t make you feel so pain and very easy process. But, if the filling is not done properly then it may cause an increase in toothache.

Prevention:

Toothache problems can be caused to anybody, but we can prevent them to a particular stage and can take remedies, whenever pain occurs. The major steps for preventing toothache attack are:

To keep tooth hygienic and brush daily two times per day,Wash your teeth whenever, you consume chocolates, ice-creams, sweets or cold-drinks,For sensitive tooth, we should use such type of pastes which are available easily, now-a-days in market,Should avoid smoking and pan which spoil your tooth in appearance as well as they are unhygienic.

Remedies:                  

When such symptoms are occurred in any major situations, then we can follow immediate remedies for particular span of time, such as:

We can take Cinnamon piece under the tooth which is affected, by doing this pain will reduce within span of time.Drink salt water which is little warm.Use Olive oil in the affected area.All the above are the major causes for toothache problems and also preventive methods for toothache problems in our daily life.

Many children dislike going to the dentist. As in, really dislike going to the dentist! They are worried about getting a shot and feeling pain. Having to sit in the dentist’s chair with their mouth open for several a minutes a time isn’t all that easy, either. What’s more, the dentist is poking and prodding in their mouth with tools that make some pretty loud noises.

While some children are very afraid of going to the dentist, most just don’t like it and feel uncomfortable going. Still, most kids are troopers and go the dentist relatively willingly.

But what if you could make a visit to the dentist fun? It is possible. Take a look below for four ideas on how to do so.

1. Don’t wait; start young.

Your child should visit the dentist at least 10 times before starting kindergarten. This is to ensure that her milk (baby) teeth come in well and allows your dentist to treat any issues as they come up.

In fact, it’s best if you bring your child to the dentist as soon as that first milk tooth erupts, and definitely by the time your child reaches her first birthday.

Starting young not only ensures that your child’s teeth receive the care they need, it also helps your child look at the going to the dentist as a routine part of her life.

2. Visit the office before the official visit.

Let the office staff give your child a tour of the facilities. Look at teeth x-rays, play with the tooth models, sit in the dentist chair, talk to the dentist and his staff. Doing this can go a long way toward helping your child look forward to seeing his new friends.

3. Be positive, but don’t lie.

Don’t provide too many details about the dental visit, particularly if it’s your child’s first time seeing a dentist or if your child will be getting a cavity filled.

Talk about how the dentist will help keep your child’s teeth white and shiny and that he’ll be wearing a coat like her friendly pediatrician.

Keep a positive attitude but do not say everything will be fine or that nothing will hurt because your child could lose trust in you and your dentist if it turns out that she does need some type of treatment. Still, you shouldn’t use words such as pain, shot or hurt, as this can cause undue anxiety in the child as she anticipates these sensations.

4. Try to schedule the visit before a special and fun activity.

Remind your child that you will be taking her there right after her visit with the dentist and how much fun all of you will have.

Scheduling all dental visits before a special, fun activity can help your child associate going to the dentist with the activity. Going to the dentist will be just a speed bump on the road to entertainment.

Image courtesy of artzsamui/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When it comes to straightening teeth, Invisalign is the new way to do it. At least, two million people think so. Although it’s only been available since 1997, Invisalign has taken the orthodontic world by storm. Adults really love it, because it means they can go to a professional event or do that big presentation without showing a row of metal when they open their mouth. If you’re considering Invisalign for your treatment, but you’re still wondering if it will correct your teeth, here are some bite problems that Invisalign can correct.  More recently, Invisalign introduced Precision Cuts, which are elastic bands that can now be attached to your aligners to correct advanced cases. However, severe cases will still need to be treated with traditional braces.

1.Overcrowding

This occurs when your mouth is just too small to fit all of your teeth! Ideally, our jaw needs to be able to accommodate 32 teeth. When teeth do not have enough space, they can grow on top of each other, grow in crooked, or become impacted. Overcrowding can lead to an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Additionally, it can cause tooth decay, plaque problems, and a greater risk of gum disease. Sometimes, treatment involves tooth extractions.

2.Overbite

An overbite is any situation where the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. Orthodontists call this an overjet. An extreme example is buck teeth. Nearly 70 percent of bite problems in children are from overbite. Overbites are usually hereditary, but they can also be caused by tongue thrusting, prolonged pacifier use, thumb-sucking, or nail biting. Sometimes, the problem is in the way the teeth grew; sometimes, it’s because of a jaw problem.

3.Underbite

An underbite is where the lower teeth bite over the upper teeth. This is often caused when the lower jaw grows more than the upper one or the upper one doesn’t grow enough. Sometimes, both situations occur. An underbite can cause tooth wear and painful jaw and joint problems. Sometimes, surgery will be needed.

4.Crossbite

A crossbite results when both the upper jaw and the lower jaw are misaligned. This then causes some upper teeth to bite inside the lower teeth on one side of the mouth. This misalignment can create problems bone loss, tooth wear, and gum disease. Surgery may be necessary to correct a jaw misalignment of this sort.

5.Open Bite

This is a situation where the upper and lower teeth don’t meet in the center. This also tends to stem from genetics, excessive thumb-sucking, or the tongue’s resting position. Sometimes, an open bite can be treated with elastics or habit appliances, but if the issue is caused by jaw misalignment, surgery may be necessary.

6.Gapped Teeth

Sometimes, jaws continue growing abnormally and cause gaps between teeth. Gaps like this can leave individual teeth unprotected and cause a greater risk for periodontal pockets and gum disease.

These are six of the most common malocclusions (misalignments of the teeth) that Invisalign is capable of resolving if the situation is not too severe. Fortunately, many orthodontists offer both Invisalign and braces and can recommend the best solution for you needs.

No matter if you've visited the dentist a thousand (though we certainly hope not!) times or only a handful, there are certain things you need to remember when visiting a dentist. Though these may not be directly connected with your mouth, these things are the characteristics that set a good dentist apart from the rest. These things can make or break a deal with a client and can help put him at ease as well. Here's a list of the four things that every good dentist does that can help a client tell them apart from the rest of the sea:

1) They're Interested in What You Want To Say:

A good dentist will always be interested in what you're feeling. They might have their hand in your mouth but they know that you know how that feels so they will always be interested in how you would like your teeth and how you're feeling about them.

2) They Will Put You At Ease:

Going to the dentist is a scary ordeal and often one associated with pain. A dentist will make sure that you don't have to suffer unnecessarily. They will guide you through the procedure and explain exactly what they will be doing. A dentist will also listen to your suggestion and discuss it with you because at the end of the day, you're the one who will go home with your mouth.

3) They're up-to-date With The Latest Technology:

Perhaps no field of medicine is progressing as quickly as that of orthodontics. This is why a dentist keeps up to date with the latest changes so they can treat you more efficiently than ever, meaning that you will heal quickly, more efficiently and with less time taken.

4) They're Passionate About What They Do and How They Do It:

A good dentist is not only passionate about dentistry; they're good at what they do. Their passion not only shows in their work or their testimonials but also in their office's environment. A dentist will employ friendly staff who will be glad to help you. Additionally, a dentist will keep care that his surroundings, his person and especially his tools and the equipment he will be using are clean and sterile at all time. Remember that though the office or your dentist might not be too glamorous, they might be clean and well-maintained and that is what matters the most.

Have you ever had the phobia of visiting a dentist, whether during your youthful years or even up to the time you were older? Perhaps, you still have that fear. If so, you would be glad to know that modern dentists are committed to eliminating such irrational fear in dental patients. This is particularly so for dental practitioners dealing with young children.

Ingraining in your child the habit of having regular dental visits from an early age is something that will set him/ her up for a future of good oral health. This is something that is so important that the Australian government set up the Child Dental Benefits Schedule in early 2014, to ensure proper dental care for all children between the ages of 2 to 17 years.

However, the only thing that could mess up this noble pursuit is if your child develops a fear of dental visits from the onset. Therefore, you must try as much as possible to prevent any incidence that would occasion such a fear in your child. Thankfully, your children's doctor can help you achieve this goal.

How To Handle Your Kid's Dental Visit

It's never a wise thing to rudely surprise your child with a sudden dental visit, which he/ she was never expecting. Even you wouldn't be too happy if someone gave you such a rude surprise.

The best way to go about it is to prepare your child psychologically for what is going to happen at the "strange" doctor's office. If your child has some fears or misgivings about it, you need to explain - in a manner the he/ she understands - that there is really nothing to fear. You can even try to get him/ her used to the idea of going to the "strange" doctor's facility, by organizing a prior tip to the area in which the facility is located, so as to create a bit of familiarity with the place.

Even after you manage to get your child into the dental facility without any protests, you should continue trying to make the whole experience an enjoyable one by offering rewards for good behaviour. Of course, an expert dental practitioner would always have a child-friendly facility. This is much more than just having an interesting and captivating layout of the health facility, but also having staff that know exactly how to treat children and put them at ease.

Paediatric dentists are well-skilled in handling young children, even those who don't have the capacity to respond to the simplest of instructions. Even if your child cannot comply with a simple instruction to "open up", such a health practitioner would have a few tricks to get your child to do just that. Such strategies involve aspects as playful distractions that can easily entice the kid or soothing conversations to put the little guy at ease.

Understandably, there are quite a number of things inside a dental office that would startle a young child. This could be something as simple as the doctor's strange white coat or the light which such a doctor intends to shine onto your child's open mouth. Moreover, kids are normally restless and playful; hence, they need lots of distractions to keep them occupied. A competent medical practitionerunderstands all these, and he/ she knows just how to deal with all these aspects.

Cosmetic dentists are specially trained to fix your smile. He or she is focused more on the appearance of your teeth and the enhancement of your smile than retaining function or curing an oral disease. The practice is part science and part art, and the result is mostly about aesthetics and restoring your self-confidence.

What To Expect During Your Visit

A good cosmetic dentist will ask you to describe in full detail what you like and do not like about your smile. If you have been in an accident, or your smile has fallen into disarray over time, providing the practice with a photo of how you previously looked can help. You may also bring a picture from a magazine or of a celebrity to give the cosmetic dentist an idea of what you wish to look like after treatment.

After assessing your damage and discussing what you would like done, the cosmetic dentist will explain each of your treatment options to you. This is when he or she will discuss prices and the length of treatment with you, and you can decide if the procedures are right for your needs. Afterwards, he or she will conduct a brief oral exam since many cosmetic issues like missing or yellowing teeth can be a consequence of other health problems. Once that is squared away, he or she will begin the process of restoring your smile.

Types Of Procedures

There are many different procedures that these highly trained professionals can perform to improve your smile, but here is a brief list of some of the most common ones:

Bonding - Composite resin is attached to teeth to improve appearance.

Veneers - Hard shells are made to mimic tooth enamel and mask dental imperfections.

Crowns - Porcelain caps are made to cover heavily damaged teeth.

Whitening - Your teeth, along with a cleaning solution, is placed in a custom mouthpiece for hour-long visits.

Braces - Brackets made of metal, ceramic, or plastic are bonded to teeth and wired together to guide misaligned teeth to their correct positions.

Implants - A surgeon implants synthetic teeth surgically into the jawbone to replace those that are missing.

Bridges - False teeth that replace those missing by using those that are nearby as anchors.

Choosing An Office That You Can Trust

The best way to find a cosmetic dentist that you can trust is to contact the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry(AACD) for information. They are the leading national organization for the profession. Many times they will be able to verify the credentials of the office that you are considering, and can give you broad details about the dentist's schooling, advanced training, and certifications.

One of the most common reasons people get toothaches is because they eat or drink things that cause discomfort or pain. Hot and cold beverages are known triggers, as are hard snacks like peanuts. But what most patients do not know is why these edibles cause pain. More often than not, the explanation their family dentist provides leaves them scratching their collective heads about tooth sensitivity.

What Is It?

As hard as they may be, your teeth have nerves that are extremely sensitive. And when exposed to certain stimuli like hot and cold drinks, they can bring the strongest man to his knees. The sensation is often a shocking one that sends pulses of pain throughout the entire jawline. Although it may only last for a moment or two, most consider it a serious disorder that must be dealt with.

Causes

The most common cause of tooth sensitivity is gum disease that results in recession. When this happens, the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing their nerves. In extreme cases, a patient must avoid any food or liquid that may reach these areas. Other cause of sensitivity include:

- Age-related wear and tear. Acidic foods, tooth grinding, even excessive brushing can break down the enamel of your teeth over time. When this happens, the nerves inside them will be vulnerable to certain stimuli.

- Cavities near the gum line that expose nerves.

- Gum diseases. Periodontal disorders like gingivitis may cause the gums to recede and expose the roots of the teeth.

- Bruxism. A fancy term for grinding your grin, bruxism can wear down dental enamel in no time, exposing sensitive areas.

- Whitening products. Although generally safe, whitening products can cause gum irritation and inflammation that may cause gum recession.

- Age. No matter how healthy they may be, our pearly whites are more sensitive between the ages of 25 and 30.

- Plaque and tartar deposits. The presence of plaque on or near the root of a tooth can cause increased sensitivity.

- Excessive mouthwash use. Your family dentist may dissuade you from using certain mouthwashes because they contain acids that may irritate inflamed areas.

- Acidic foods. Because it wears down the enamel that protects vulnerable nerves, acidic food intake should be restricted.

Treatment Options

In most cases, mild sensitivity can be addressed without a specific dental procedure. Here are a few of the things you can do to help control the problem:

- Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush 
- Use a type of toothpaste that's made for people with sensitive teeth 
- Use a mouth guard to prevent bruxism 
- Visit your family dentist every six months 
- Limit acidic food intake

If, after making those changes, your pearly whites are still bothering you, talk to your dental professional. He or she may recommend a procedure that corrects the problem once and for all. Bonding, fluoride varnishes, and dentin sealers are the most popular options for folks with extremely sensitive teeth.

Dentophobia may be a fairly uncommon word, but the condition it describes is not. Millions of American adults freely admit that they're afraid to go to the dentist. This fear may range from mild jitters to outright terror at the thought of sitting down in a dentist's chair. According to a recent survey, about one in four people experience apprehension as their appointment draws near. It is no wonder dental professionals have unusually high cancelation rates.

The Dangers

This wouldn't be much of an issue were it not for the fact that human beings cannot take care of their teeth on their own. No matter how often some folks brush, floss, and gargle mouthwash, they can still get cavities. Tooth decay is a degenerative disease, meaning it tends to worsen over time, no matter what you do at home. It takes the skilled hand of a dental professional to repair this damage and improve overall oral health. In other words, you must visit your dentist on a regular basis!

The Solution

Also known as sleep dentistry, sedation dentistry uses medications to help patients relax during office visits. Although usually conscious, most patients do not remember much about the procedure they went in for. Because some folks have severe fear, sedatives can be used for tooth cleanings and other non-invasive procedures. Most of the time, however, sedation is required when painful procedures, such as root canals, force a patient to experience extreme apprehension and fear.

Who Needs It?

Because all medications carry with them certain risks, dentists must determine if sedation dentistry is appropriate in each individual case. A dental professional may administer medications to patients who have

- An extremely low threshold for pain 
- Problems sitting still in the dentist's chair 
- Unusually sensitive teeth and/or gums 
- A sensitive gag reflex 
- A need for extensive dental work

Who Performs It?

Most dentists are trained to administer minimal sedation, such as pills or nitrous oxide. But only a relatively small number have experience with moderate or deep sedation dentistry. These are levels of sedation that may require the administration of intravenous (IV) drugs or general anesthesia. Because these medications can be dangerous, dental professionals should complete the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) program in general anesthesia and deep sedation before administering them to patients.

How Safe Is It?

As we mentioned, all drugs have possible side effects. This is particularly true with anesthesia, which can be somewhat risky for certain people. Those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or are obese, for example, should consult their doctors before scheduling sleep dentistry. It is also extremely important to make certain your dentist has the training and experience needed to administer the medication you require for your procedure.

Sleep dentistry can help patients who suffer from dental phobia get the treatment they desperately need.

Straight teeth are not only desirable for good looks - the benefits extend far beyond vanity. Whole-body health is improved when you correct a severely misaligned bite. The following are additional reasons to invest in straight teeth and revitalize your overall wellness.

Efficient Digestion

Teeth play a crucial role in the first step of the digestive process. When the mouth suffers from extreme misalignment, it can take significant additional energy to properly chew food before swallowing. When food is inefficiently broken down, the body must work harder to process waste and absorb nutrients, potentially leading to gastrointestinal issues and general indigestion.

Easier to Clean

Properly aligned teeth are simply easier to keep clean. Straight teeth will have less debris stuck in between them, and without the awkward angles involved in brushing and flossing with a crooked smile, you can quickly and efficiently rid your teeth of plaque and bacteria each morning and night. Plaque that is not removed within 24 hours starts to turn into tartar, which must then be removed at a dentists' office. Removing plaque immediately can prevent gum inflammation, serious periodontal disease, tooth decay and tooth loss.

The occurrence of periodontal disease has been linked to an increased risk of other, more serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke and high cholesterol. One of the fastest and most rewarding immediate paybacks from undergoing orthodontic work is a cleaner bill of tooth and gum health after a regular dental checkup.

Reduced Risk of Abnormal Wear

Accelerated tooth wear is common among people with teeth out of alignment. Teeth that scrape or jut against others may experience premature enamel degradation. This leaves the tooth at a higher risk of developing decay. Also, a misaligned bite can create stress points in the jaw. This can lead to the development of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which results in jaw, neck and shoulder pain.

Mental and Emotional Confidence

Whether or not you are consciously affected by misaligned teeth, a straight smile encourages confidence in your physical appearance, releasing mental stress and stabilizing emotions surrounding your impression on others. Straight teeth can also help cure speech impediments that may have been worsened by a tight jaw or teeth out of position. The ability to clearly communicate while showcasing your newly straightened smile can transform your personal and professional life.

Pain Relief

A severely misaligned tooth or jawbone could result in frequent injury to the tissues in the mouth. People who continually bite their tongue, inside of their cheek or lips due to misaligned teeth may find orthodontic work to straighten their bite worth the pain relief it provides. In addition, a smile that is out of alignment can cause you to unconsciously clench your jaw, directing stress to the neck and shoulders and contributing to chronic headaches. Those who elect to relieve the anxiety and the pain they feel through tooth position correction will gradually see an improvement when orthodontic services are complete.

The health benefits of straight teeth can facilitate digestion, improve psychological outlook, reduce or eliminate pain, prevent future dental disease and assist you in properly caring for your teeth on a daily basis.

When considering dentistry for children, there's much more at stake than just the child's dental health. Dentists, parents and all other interested parties must also consider the attitude ingrained in children concerning dental health care. The reason is that such an attitude will have a crucial impact on the compliance of such a child to dental care later in life.

You shouldn't be worried that you might not have any control on the type of attitude your child develops concerning dental health care. It's actually possible to develop a positive dental attitude in your child through specific behaviour guidance techniques. Such behaviour guidance techniques, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), involve pharmacological as well as non-pharmacological methods.

One pharmacological-related method of developing a positive dental attitude in your child is pain management.

How Pain Management Can Help Your Child Develop A Positive Dental Attitude

Anything that you may not like as an adult also would often not be liked by kids. However, you might not fully comprehend how extensively a painful experience can affect your child. Being an adult, you might have developed a good number of coping strategies to manage pain, but a young child would have a very hard time coping with similar pain.

Indeed, a 2008 report by the "Pain" journal actually affirmed this common sense understanding that pain can have far-reaching adverse effects. The report identified pain in past dental visits as possibly contributing to patients' fear or behaviour problems. Hence, pain management is critical in preventing your child from developing a negative attitude towards dental health care.

Once the aspect of pain has been effectively handled, it's so much easier for a dental practitioner to build trust with the child. This will make the child more willing to comply with the necessary dental health care requirements. Definitely, any parent would love to see his/ her child being excited about a forthcoming dental visit, rather than protesting.

Regarding this aspect of pain, parents as well as dentists must guard against the all-so-convenient habit of comparing one child with another. Just because one child isn't protesting loudly like all the rest, doesn't mean that he/ she are feeling less pain than the rest. Of course, every mother would know that each child is uniquely special and the way children react to pain is completely different. Having a better understanding of a child's personality would give a clearer insight into what the child is actually experiencing, which would be far better than simply comparing one child's reaction with that of another.

Even as the evidence of pain between on child and another differs based on their personalities, it would also differ based on age difference. The 4-year-old age-group, in particular, would have a much lower capacity to communicate their sensitivity to pain, yet they actually have greater sensitivity to painful stimuli. This is something that a specialized paediatric dentist would understand and know how well to detect the reception of painful stimuli in children of different ages.

Just as it's said that "the customer is always right" in business, so also would it be said that "the patient is always right" when dealing with pain in health care. An expert medical professional would know better than to make assumptions of the extent of pain felt by a patient, since it's only the patient who knows how much it hurts.

With the back-to-school rush upon us, many of our patients are preparing for preseason sports practices and an exciting fall sports season. While many students in our community are focusing on grabbing the latest trends in sportswear and equipment, I have been fielding a lot of questions from parents (OK, and the occasional conscientious student) about mouthguards. As I frequently tell parents, because all the research points to the protective benefits that a mouthguard can provide, any student athlete playing contact sports should wear a mouthguard during practices and games.

Benefits of a Mouthguard

The mouth and face of a child or young adult can be easily injured if the proper precautions are not taken while participating in sports or recreational activities. The stats are staggering... Student athletes have a 10% chance of suffering a facial or dental injury while on the playing field and almost one-third of all dental injuries are sports-related. The good news is that many of these injuries are preventable... According to the Acadeny of General Dentistry, an athlete is 70 times more likely to sustain damage to the teeth when not wearing a mouthguard.

Wearing a mouthguard provides cushion during an impact and can reduce trauma to the teeth, lips, tongue, face and jaws. Most frequently, a mouthguard prevents broken and chipped teeth, reduces the likelihood of teeth being knocked out and lowers instances of jaw fractures.

Mouthguards are Especially Important When an Athlete is in Braces

Wearing a mouthguard is especially important for student athletes in braces. In fact, sports injuries can be exacerbated by braces when there is contact between the soft tissue in the mouth and the braces. A mouthguard can act as a barrier between the braces and the cheeks or lips, which reduces the risk of soft tissue lacerations (like cuts that can cause bleeding) or more significant injuries. For this reason, orthodontists generally recommend special mouthguards that are designed to fit over braces, so a student athlete can continue on the road to a beautiful smile without giving up the activities he or she loves.

Younger Athletes may also Benefit from the Protection of a Mouthguard

According to the American Dental Association, "more than half of the 7 million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by children as young as 5 years old... The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation (NYSSF) forecasted that more than 3 million teeth would be knocked out in youth sporting events" on an annual basis. We recommend that our patients begin to wear a mouthguard during contact sports as soon as their permanent teeth begin to erupt in the mouth, typically around 6-7 years of age (around the age most kids first visit an orthodontist). Depending on the type of activity, mouthguards may be advisable even earlier, so parents should consult their children's pediatric dentist or orthodontist.

Think of a Mouthguard as an Important Piece of Sports Equipment

While snagging a good football helmet, hockey stick or soccer cleats may be your student athlete's focus, a mouthguard is one most important (and inexpensive) pieces of sports equipment available. If you want your student athlete to smile like an All Star, it is strongly recommended that you add a mouthguard to your back-to-school list.

Who wouldn't love to have teeth that shine like pearls and brighten our smiles? Unfortunately, for most of us, our teeth often end up bearing the brunt of our fast paced lifestyle. This involves staining due to the constant consumption of tea, coffee or cigarettes.

Even if your teeth aren't stained as a result of the above, they don't really stay as white as we'd like them to be. This could be because of hereditary reasons, aging, poor dental hygiene, antibiotics, climactic conditions, infections, etc.

But all is not lost. If you want to restore your teeth to their pearly white glory, here are a four simple steps you can follow.

Brush and Floss well and regularly

Bacteria thrive on sugars and convert it to acid that causes enamel decay and yellowing of the teeth.

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing them will ensure that all food particles from in between are removed. This is very important for clean, healthy and sparkling teeth and gums and is actually the most inexpensive way of getting white teeth.

Flossing is essential for good dental health and also helps remove stains from between your teeth, where many whitening kits can't reach. In fact, if you practice good oral hygiene, you won't even need to purchase teeth whitening strips and waste any money on them nor will you face any dental issues such as tooth decay and smelly breath.

Consume food items that help whiten teeth

Studies suggest that you can actually whiten your teeth naturally by consuming crunchy fruits and vegetable like carrots, apples, celery as well as nuts. These foods are naturally abrasive and help scrub teeth clean naturally. Fruits like pineapples contain bromelain, which breaks up plaque on the teeth and apples are known to contain malic acid, a chemical which is also used in teeth whitening products to dissolve stains.

Apart from the above, leafy green vegetables like spinach, lettuce and broccoli, contain iron that forms a film over the teeth thus making them acid resistant and protects the enamel. Some more foods you can add to your diet, are raw onions, shitake mushrooms and basil minimise the bacteria in your mouth. Ginger is anti-inflammatory and thus, also good for your dental health.

Some studies suggest that eating a little cheese after meals prevents decay, helps repair teeth and keeps acid level in the mouth low. This along with the fact that dairy has calcium, which is essential for strong teeth also prove its importance for healthy teeth.

Mix up that Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Baking soda, an ingredient easily found in most kitchens, is actually an amazing, natural teeth-whitening product. Even if you do not happen to have these ingredients, you can easily purchase them from your local pharmacy or supermarket.

Mix a little hydrogen peroxide with some baking soda and make a paste. Using this, brush your teeth like always, making sure you brush all your teeth properly and reach every corner possible.

Hydrogen peroxide being an anti-bacterial agent, works really well as a total mouth and gum cleaner and helps keep the mouth free from germs and bacteria. Baking soda on the other hand is a gritty substance somewhat like sandpaper, so be cautious and use only a little bit while brushing. Also, ensure that you don't scrub your teeth too hard as that might lead to enamel damage, which is irreversible.

Avoid any food that may damage your pearly whites

Vitamin supplements such as chewable Vitamin C and multi vitamins are also damaging since they contain enamel-hurting acids that cling to the teeth. This is why you should always brush your teeth after chewing vitamins to minimise such damage.

"Often, consumption of food or drinks results in teeth stains. These stains develop from drinking coffee, tea, wine, or other dark or staining liquids. It's a good idea to rinse or brush your teeth after consuming these liquids to prevent staining," says Sherri Worth, DDS, a reconstructive dentist in Newport Beach, California.

Drinking a lot of water along with a couple of cups of green or black tea while avoiding acidic or sugary food items will further help the cause. If you use all of the above mentioned tricks, you will definitely restore your teeth to their former dazzling glory.

Temporomandibular joint syndrome is a pain that occurs in the jaw. This problem can travel through the entire joint which goes right up to the ear. Not only can it cause a lot of discomfort in the face but it could also spread to the neck and the ear.

Common Signs of TMJ Syndrome

Severe pain or discomfort in your jaw is the most common sign of TJM syndrome. Some of the common signs that you should look out for include:

• A loss of ability to open your mouth wide 
• The feeling that your jaw is locked or stuck in a certain position 
• Pain in any area of your face, especially around your mouth or through your face when you are chewing or talking 
• Swelling around your face 
• A tired feeling in the facial region 
• Funny noises that come from your jaw like a clicking or a grating sound

Diagnosing and Treating TMJ Syndrome

The difficult part about diagnosing this disorder is that there are a number of other problems that show similar signs. The best way is to visit a dentist and tell them exactly what has been happening. When you visit them, your joints will be checked properly for any tenderness. The dentist may also ask you to take an X-ray, MRI or CT scan in order to get a clear picture of what the problem is. By studying these results, it will be possible for the dentist to diagnose the problem and then treat it accordingly.

In severe cases, surgery may be required for this problem. However, you will usually be able to treat TJM disorders with a few home remedies. Application of ice packs and heat packs usually help to loosen the jaw. Medications are prescribed by dentists in order to ease the pain and relax the muscles. A splint can be designed to stop you from grinding your teeth in your sleep and night guards are also given to some patients. A little bit of regular dental work like filling your teeth, replacing old crowns and balancing the biting surface can also make a huge difference in the amount of pressure that is put on the jaw. By taking care of your teeth and watching what you eat and how you move your mouth, you can minimize the pain and treat the problem.

Preventing TJM Syndrome

Most of the time, this problem can be prevented by changing certain habits in your lifestyle. For example, if you have a habit of chewing gum and you start feeling an occasional pain in your jaw, you should avoid the gum as much as possible. You should also stay away from very chewy food and try to stop other bad habits like biting your fingernails or chewing the tips of pencils. To prevent your jaw from locking, you should place one hand below it whenever you yawn.

If you have certain habits that cannot be controlled like grinding of your teeth, you should take a trip to the dentist. Splints are often made for people who clench their jaw or have the tendency to grind their teeth when they sleep.

Periodontal Disease is caused by Bacterial Infection

Family dentists diagnose and treat periodontal disease to help you avoid losing teeth from a serious infection that spreads through soft tissues inside the mouth. Periodontal disease rarely occurs when you visit a dental professional on a regular basis to have plaque removed from teeth along with having cavities filled. Plaque is a hard substance that collects toward the base of teeth or in difficult to reach areas, and it contains bacteria that destroy dental enamel. Without quick intervention from a dentist, the bacteria multiply to invade your dental pulp and gum tissue.

Gingivitis Symptoms Begin

First Before developing this disease, you will have gingivitis that affects only the gum tissue with symptoms such as:

• Swollen tissue at the base of your teeth

• Reddish or purplish gum tissue

• A foul taste in your mouth

• Your gum tissue may look shiny

• Chronic halitosis despite daily dental hygiene

• Pain while drinking beverages or chewing food

• Bleeding from the gums while brushing or flossing your teeth

What Leads to Gingivitis?

You might be predisposed to gingivitis because of an inherited tendency, but in most cases, it is caused by poor dental hygiene, mental stress or bad habits such as smoking cigarettes. Poor diet may also increase the likelihood of developing gingivitis if you seldom consume vegetables or fruit that contains essential vitamins. If you have misaligned teeth, then removing plaque from tight spaces is often difficult, leading to bacteria that infects soft tissues in the mouth.

How It Is diagnosed

When you fail to seek assistance from a dentist for gingivitis as quickly as possible, the condition progresses to become periodontal disease. Cosmetic dentists can find evidence of this infection with a visual examination using a probe. In addition, X-ray images will show where there is infection inside the gum tissue. A diagnosis of periodontitis is serious because it can lead to infection in ligaments and alveolar bone that causes loss of teeth.

Dental Professionals Must Classify Periodontitis

There are seven levels of infection that family dentists look for to classify periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the first classification and is treatable with removal of plaque during a thorough dental cleaning. During this stage of periodontal disease, a patient often takes antibiotics to eliminate infection lurking in the oral tissues. The highest level of infection from periodontitis involves seeing abscesses on gum tissue. A dentist must also determine exactly where the infection is located by inspecting six areas around each tooth. When 30 percent of these sites are infected, the condition is considered localized, but if more are infected, then the periodontal disease is diagnosed as generalized. The last measurement of periodontitis infection is determining the amount of ligament loss.

How It is treated

It is important for you to realize that pain and loose teeth are the last or most severe signs of periodontal disease, and family dentists must intervene immediately with invasive treatment to remove the infectious tissue. The first treatment includes scaling the teeth with an instrument to remove calculus before debridement or removal of infected tissue. When X-rays reveal calculus on the roots of teeth, you require a root planing. For this procedure, you are anesthetized as the dentist inserts a curette to scrape infection from sensitive dental roots.

The best New Year’s resolutions are the ones that bring you a lasting reward, such as caring for your teeth.

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Related Posts: 5 Tips to Keep Your Teeth Healthy During the Holidays

Here are five ways you can improve your dental health for the New Year.

• Brush and Floss Daily
  You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, which is the best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing at least once a day will help remove plaque buildup between your teeth and gums. It’s crucial to maintain good oral health since mouth diseases can spread throughout your body. If you neglect cleaning your teeth and gums, it can lead to gingivitis and gum disease.
• Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetables 
  Fruits and vegetables are a high source of nutrients, antioxidants and fiber, which form the basis of a healthy diet. Not only will fresh produce like apples and carrots clean your teeth and freshen your breath, it will help your immune system fight against bacteria, inflammation and various diseases.
• Keep Alcohol Use Limited
  The Academy of General Dentistry warns that excessive alcohol use increases the changes of gum recession. Too much alcohol can also lead to addiction and overall poor health.
• Avoid Tobacco Products
  The dangers of smoking cigarettes are obvious, even without reading the cancer warning label. People who smoke cigarettes not only damage internal organs, they develop horrid looking stained teeth. By staying away from all tobacco products completely you will be protecting your own health as well as others in your circle.
• Visit Your Dentist Regularly
  Seeing your dentist at least twice a year will help catch dental health issues early. Regular visits amount to record keeping that lets a professional review your dental health progress. These visits will also help prevent problems such as pain, discomfort and expensive treatment.

Today, a broad variety of dental or orthodontic alternatives are available for anybody who wishes to have their teeth corrected. For example, if you're suffering from a misaligned bite or your teeth are crooked, you can have you teeth straightened using braces and dental retainers.

In Australia, most general dentists do carry out basic dental alignment although orthodontists have been specially trained in the correction of teeth irregularities. Most of these specialists belong to the Australian Society of Orthodontists and have been certified by the Dental Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

How Do They Work?

Braces operate by the continuous application of pressure on your teeth over time to gradually shift them in a specific desired direction. The shape of your jaw bone changes as your teeth move due to continuous pressure being applied.

Types Of Braces

If your orthodontist or dentist decides that braces are the ideal solution for your dental needs, they will prescribe a suitable dental appliance that is specific for your requirements. There is no single method that works for everybody. It is good to ensure that your orthodontist is using braces that have been approved by the Australian Government's Therapeutic Goods Administration, Department of Health.

Caring For Your Metal Braces

If the decision is finally made that you need to be on braces, you need to note some care aspects.

• Proper teeth care is important at all times, but this takes special significance when you are on braces. Go the extra mile and give special care to your oral hygiene.

• Steer clear of chewy foods, soft candies plus crunchy or very hard foods that possibly could cause damage to your braces.

• Regularly visiting your orthodontist or dentist allows for timely adjustments to your whenever required and it also accords you the chance of having any issues or questions clarified.

How Long Do You Need Braces?

The time you will need to be on braces depend on a number if very diverse factors and varies from one individual to the next. However on average, they typically last between one to even three years depending on the problem severity.

Will Braces Stop You From Taking Part In Sports?

When you are on braces, you may go on taking part in any sport of your choice. If there is a possibility of getting your mouth hit, you may need to put on a special mouth-guard. Made of durable plastic, the head gear has been designed to snugly fit over the braces, protecting your soft mouth tissues.

Do You Need To Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly?

You will need to visit the specialist nearly each month to ensure your teeth are getting steady amounts of pressure from the braces. If there's any need to create more pressure and tension on your teeth, your dental specialist may now and then make the needed wire, band and spring adjustments of your braces.

Depending on how severe are the needed changes, braces may in some special cases be inadequate in straitening your teeth or shifting yourjaw. In such situations, it may become necessary to use some external appliance like a headgear they you may need to wear at home.