When it comes to dental problems, one of the most common ones is wisdom tooth. Wisdom teeth are normally removed because they're located too far at the back of the mouth, making them a great source of discomfort. They are also often hard to reach with a toothbrush hence they're prone to developing cavities.

Anyway, most people want to have them removed even if the process can be quite complex because these teeth serve no real good purpose. The actual wisdom teeth removal is definitely a big production but since it's performed by highly trained dentists, patients simply rest in assurance that the procedure will go smoothly.

The concern is usually focused on the recovery period because that's when complications may arise and it's the responsibility of patients to prevent those. If you're up for wisdom teeth removal, dentists have instructions on how to manage the after-effects of the procedure and reduce the risk of complications.

To control bleeding which mostly occurs on the day of the removal but may also happen when food or outside objects makes contact on the affected area, rinse first with water, avoid spitting too much and then cover the "open" sockets with small cotton logs until bleeding stop and blood clots. Also to prevent bleeding, stay away from hot beverages and drinking with a straw within 24 hours since the extraction. If you smoke, abstain for as long as you can as well.

To manage the pain, take acetaminophen like Tylenol or the prescription medication provided by the dentist according to specified dosage instructions. A non-toxic option is to hold a cold pack against your jaw - this is usually effective in numbing the pain. For bruising and swelling, an ice pack will definitely help; just hold it over the area and your swollen cheeks will reduce in size in two to three days. Bruising takes longer to heal though but an ice pack will remain to be your trusty aid.

Drink lots of cold water as well for not only will doing so help wash away any food particles in your mouth but h2O also plays an important role in preventing infection and promoting speedy healing. Avoid physically exerting yourself too much - the rush of blood may loosen the blood clot from the socket. For a week after the procedure, rest as much as you can for a faster complete recovery. To prevent the sockets from getting "disturbed," eat soft food for the first 24 hours. Mashed potatoes, carrots, applesauce - mostly baby food and ice cream should comprise your diet for the day.

Lastly, avoid brushing your teeth 24 hours after the procedure; just use a pH balanced mouthwash. But, if you really need to brush, be careful not to disturb the wound and rinse using warm water with a pinch of salt.

Oral cancer affects over 45,000 Americans every year, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. At least 8,650 people will die from it every year. The five-year survival rate after a diagnosis is 57 percent. As with most cancers, early diagnosis is key in receiving the appropriate treatment and reducing the mortality rate. How can you spot the early signs or even prevent it from occurring?

What Is Oral Cancer?

This type of cancer can strike the following parts of the mouth: the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, tonsils, interior surfaces of the jaw and salivary glands. The classification is a subgroup of head and neck cancers.

Risk Factors for Development

Those who smoke tobacco and drink alcohol on a regular basis are more likely to develop this cancer. The disease is also more prevalent in men than women. If you have been infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), you are more likely to develop the disease as well.

Spot the Earliest Signs

The early signs are often confused with other oral health issues. If you notice any of the following indications, talk to your doctor or dentist immediately:

• An ulcer or sore inside your mouth that will not heal
• Mouth inflammation persisting for over three weeks
• Painful swallowing or lasting sore throat
• Any unexplained lumps in the mouth
• Jaw and neck pain
• Loosening teeth
• Red or white patches on the tongue or inside the mouth

The danger of this cancer type lies in its lack of early detection. The reason for high mortality rates in oral cancer diagnoses is due partly to patients not discovering the health problem until the cancer is in its later stages, after the primary tumor has metastasized.

If the dentist suspects oral cancer is developing, he or she may refer the patient to an oncologist or ear, nose and throat specialist. The medical professional will take a biopsy of the tumor or surface lining while the patient is under general or local anesthesia. Once it is diagnosed, further testing is required to determine how much the disease has spread. They may conduct an endoscopy of the throat or utilize X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to investigate the extent and stage of the cancer and decide on the appropriate treatment, which could involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, drug treatment or other measures.

Prevention Strategies

First, to reduce the chances of developing this disease, quit using tobacco and reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. Follow guidelines for general wellness, including eating a healthy, balanced diet including fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly. Wear sunblock on your lips and face and limit exposure to sunlight in general.

Take your dental health seriously. Follow through with your twice-yearly dental checkups and alert your dentist to any signs of discomfort or abnormalities in your mouth and the surrounding tissues. Brush and floss twice a day. Once each month, examine the inside of your mouth using a light source and a mouth mirror and tell your dentist if you see suspicious patches or bumps.

Neglecting your teeth only does your body a disservice in the long term. Always remember to schedule your twice-yearly examinations to identify and put a stop to any cancer development.

How do you keep strong, functional, and good-looking teeth?

There is no short cut to attaining this goal. In order to retain your healthy teeth, you will need to follow a proper dental care guide. Something that helps you prevent the pains and diseases brought about by poor dental health and will avoid you the costly dental care.

Here are some easy and effective tips to care for your teeth:

Do the basics of dental care.

Healthy teeth and gums starts with good dental hygiene. Never forget the basics of dental care. Brush and floss as instructed and you can prevent your teeth from getting damaged.

• Ideally, brushing should be done twice a day. The right technique is to brush gently in oval motions the inside and outside chewing surfaces of your teeth. Brush your tongue as well.
• As for flossing, clean between the teeth in a rubbing motion but never snap the floss into your gums as it may damage this sensitive part of your mouth.
• Rinsing with mouthwash every after meal can kill germs. Fluoride mouth rinse can reduce and prevent tooth decay.

Include calcium in your diet.

Your teeth and gums are healthy if you get enough calcium in your diet. Some foods rich in calcium are soybeans, yogurt and cheese. Including them in your meal every day not only will improve your dental health but your overall health as well.

Avoid too much sugar.

More sugar means more tooth decay and weaker teeth. Sodas, desserts, and other sweets are tempting but remember that these foods contain too much sugar. Sugar can convert acids in your mouth that cause decay so it is best to reduce you intake on this.

Eat fruits and veggies.

These foods have high water content and they are good as they promote saliva production. Did you know that bacteria in your mouth can be prevented by your saliva? Aside from that, it also cleans your oral cavity. So grab some fruits and veggies and include them in your diet.

Clean your teeth with natural toothbrush.

Firm or crisp foods like apple, raw carrots, and celery can clean your teeth. If you have no way of brushing your teeth, use this natural toothbrush.

Use your teeth for eating only.

Some people have the habit of using their teeth to chew ice, open bags of chips, loosen knots, and other actions that are actually bad for their teeth. Avoid using your teeth for anything else other than eating.

Give up alcohol and smoking.

Alcohol and cigarettes are bad for your teeth. You are at a risk of oral cancer with excessive alcohol. Smoking on the other hand increases your risk of gum disease and tooth loss.

Visit your dentist regularly.

Your dentist has the best dental tips and recommendations that will ensure good dental health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9119703

Everyone wants whiter teeth. When asked what the number one thing you would change about your smile, it almost always includes whiter teeth. People who whiten their teeth are often inspired to take better care of their teeth to maintain their new smile. Studies have even shown that whitening your teeth makes people more confident in themselves and to the people around them. To top it off, whitening your teeth can make you look 5-10 years younger because yellowing teeth is a sign of aging.

The first step in getting a brand new, whiter smile is to start with a professional cleaning! Brushing and flossing everyday has it's obvious benefits, but even still, calculus (hard deposits) builds up on your teeth in those hard-to-reach places that your hygienist can get off during a cleaning. At that appointment your dentist will usually check for any cavities and want to fill them and do any other work before moving on to the whitening process.

Why Do Teeth Get Darker Anyway?

To understand how whitening your teeth works, knowing why they get stained is a good place to start. Teeth have layers; the hard, outer layer being enamel. This layer of our teeth is porous allowing for staining agents to get down into the teeth and build up over time causing the teeth to appear darker. Hydrogen peroxide (or carbamide peroxide which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide) breaks up those particles by oxidation and makes the teeth appear whiter again. Whitening is completely harmless to the teeth, though it may make them a little hot/cold sensitive for a couple days.

Choosing Your Whitening System

• Take Home Bleach (bleach trays): After any work has been completed on your teeth, impressions can be taken of your teeth and custom trays are made.
• Tubes of bleach are available to buy for your trays and range in their potency.
• The higher the percentage of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, the faster it will work, but may also cause more sensitivity
• With this system, you can whiten your teeth as much or as little as you want until you get to your desired shade. The process may take a little time, so be patient. Take a before picture so you can compare. Because it can be a gradual change each time, it's hard to tell how much you really HAVE whitened over time.

In-Office Whitening

• This type of whitening uses a higher percentage of hydrogen peroxide and lasts about 30-60 minutes
• Depending on the amount of stain you have, you may need multiple sessions still, but stain is removed at a much faster pace
• Patients stay in the dental office for this procedure

The Bottom Line

Everyone's teeth can be whitened, but everyone will whiten at a different pace. Both bleach trays and in-office whitening have pros and cons, but both will give you the same results. Bleach trays allow for you to do touch-ups down the road for years to come, but take longer at first to get white. In-office whitening is much faster, but is a one-time thing and is often more expensive than trays.

Decide what works better for you and you can be on your way to your new, pearly whites!

Every time you go to the dentist you probably hear the same question: have you been flossing? If your answer is that you don't or that you only do sometimes then your dentist will stress the importance of regularly flossing your teeth. Your dentist will also probably give you complimentary floss. Still, though, many people don't floss their teeth at all, or they don't floss regularly. You probably know you should be flossing, but you don't realize how serious the repercussions can be. Dental care professionals don't say this because they own stock in a floss company!

What Exactly Is Floss?

Floss is a soft thread. It's either going to be made of a multi-filament nylon or mono-filament Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Nylon floss can be waxed or unwaxed and comes in assorted flavors to make the process more pleasant. Sometimes this type of floss will break or tear. PTFE is less likely to shred and break, but both varieties are effective when used correctly.

What Is Flossing?

Flossing, when done properly, reaches parts of your teeth that you toothbrush can't, like between your teeth and under your gum line. To floss, you should start with about 18 inches of your floss thread. Wind it around your middle fingers until you've got about 2 inches to work with. Hold the floss between your forefinger and your thumb, make sure that it's pulled tight and then just work it up and down between your teeth. Be sure to get the floss under your gum line gently, never forcing it. Your gums are very delicate, and if you floss too hard, you can actually cut them. Continue making your way around your mouth using clean sections of floss as you go. That's all there is to flossing.

Why Is Flossing So Important?

Your toothbrush only cleans the surface areas of your teeth. No matter how often you brush or what type of brush you use, it simply won't reach every part of every tooth. There's a tight space between each of your teeth and there's actually a small gap between your teeth and gums too. The tiny particles of food and tiny bacteria that contribute to the formation of plaque have no problem getting into these spaces. Mouthwash can help to kill the bacteria, but it won't help to remove the bits of food that get stuck there, and it doesn't get rid of plaque that has already formed.

Plaque, if left unattended, will eventually turn into tartar. Plaque is a sticky substance that brushing and flossing removes with little effort, but tartar is hard and crusty. Only special tools used by dental professionals and a process known as scaling can remove it. Tartar also makes it more difficult for your regular, at-home techniques to remove new plaque that builds up.

Fighting plaque is a lifelong battle, and it's the main goal of pretty much all dental care. Plaque starts to form between 4 and 12 hours after each brushing, which is why both brushing and flossing are both extremely important. Each time you brush you should also be taking a few moments to floss. The two go hand-in-hand, and they are two tools that work together to complete the job that is cleaning your teeth. When your plaque turns to tartar and you can't remove new plaque, then that new plaque is more likely to turn into even more tartar. This is a dangerous cycle.

Dental health not only keeps your smile looking its best, but it also prevents bad breath, gum disease, and periodontal disease. Tartar creates a home for even more bacteria leading to gingivitis, a gum infection. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. The final and most severe stage of gum disease is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is painful and all around unpleasant. It can even lead to the loss of teeth that have become too infected to save or that have become loosened by the condition eating away at your gums and roots.

Brushing keeps your teeth clean and looking great on the surface, but it's the places you can't see where plaque and tartar can really do the most damage. If your teeth look fine when you smile, but you have bacteria eating away at your gums and teeth below your gum line, then your mouth still isn't healthy. It's only a matter of time before you start experiencing the negative consequences. Simply flossing can save you a lot of trouble and money down the road.

I dedicate this article to those who have been traumatized by dentists and still struggle withdental issues.

The problem is deeper than your broken, painful teeth. It is about how your previous dentists treated you and how they hurt your feelings.

Many people struggle with dental anxiety and stay away from dental procedures at all costs.

I also struggled with my teeth and got cheated and treated badly by dentists in the past. I got to the point where I started to analyze why it happened to me, and what's wrong with them.

In my opinion, dentists who behave nastily to their patients show greediness, pretend that they are on the top in their field, and leave their patients with pain because of their own inner fear of not being good enough specialists. They simply don't have the right personality and skills to work with people.

Dentistry is not only fixing teeth. It is something more: it is understanding and compassion of dental issues. It is also the ability to communicate and create positive, trustworthy, healthy relationships with their patients.

If your smile looks good and you have no pain, you are perceived differently, like a normal person. You feel normal and you are healthy, so you can keep going with life.

But the situation changes when you lose your teeth or the last remaining ones hurt.

Lots of people are ashamed about what happened to them, or they just feel ridiculed and not understood by the dentist.

Teeth are one of the most fragile, intimate parts of the body. When a person (here, the dentist) violates that important place and makes the condition of oral health worse, the emotional trauma begins.

From my own personal experience, I suffered from many dental problems and finding the right diagnosis took me two years of dental procedures.

During that time I met many specialists, many of whom didn't treat my teeth or me well.

Afterwards, during my own personal healing journey, I used a special process to remove toxic emotions. I felt emotionally devastated, but it was only temporary.

Toxic memories, fear, guilt, shame, stress, and low self-esteem are some of the many emotions related to dental PTSD, which drains your essential life-force energy.

People say, "It is OK, don't worry." But it is not OK! Emotions and your heart are great indicators of your inner truth.

Those people are afraid of questioning dentists' work. Dentists might be nice and treat you somehow OK, but only when you agree with what they say.

The situation changes if you start asking questions and looking for the truth.

Yes, the unbearable truth hurts.

Questioning a dentist's work may reveal their inadequacy, their own insecurities and their lack of important dental education.

Many people have been hurt by dentists and still suffer. But now, it is possible to remove all toxicity and bring your dignity and emotional resilience back to your life.

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

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.