Dental Info

As a parent, you want to raise a healthy child that is healthy—and that should include establishing a strong foundation of oral and dental health. I was fortunate enough to raise three cavity-free daughters, and while you may think that being a dentist gave me an unfair advantage, that’s not the case at all. Once you know how cavities form, as well as the specific cause of cavities in babies, toddlers, and big kids, you can take a proactive approach and prevent cavity development in your own kids. Since tooth decay can happen to any exposed tooth—even if it’s just poked through—babies as young as six months can get cavities. It’s shocking but true. And because I know you don’t want that to happen to your child, this article will provide all the information you need to understand the causes and prevention of tooth decay in kids. How do Cavities Form? When you eat sugary foods, processed carbs, or any other food that turns to sugar once consumed, naturally-occurring bacteria in your ...

In the modern healthcare system, we tend to view oral health and overall health separately, as if the two are completely unrelated. But research is starting to prove what I’ve known to be true for many, many years about the mouth-body connection. Essentially, what happens in the mouth happens in the body. If you’ve ever thought that gum disease or multiple cavities were concerns that start and end in the mouth, keep reading. In this article, I unpack the truth about the mouth-body connection and reveal six key ways that oral health impacts everything from heart to respiratory health. I also provide tips on how to improve and maintain your oral and dental health in an effort prevent some of these common conditions. Why is the Mouth-Body Connection So Important? More than leading to bad breath or tooth decay, medical practitioners and scientists are starting to realize that poor oral health can impact every other part of the body and contribute to seemingly unconnected illnesses. M...

This question might be better phrased " Can someone be too old for significant dentistry?. The answer is not really. It is not age that actually matters, it is the state of their health that matters. Some patients are too frail or ill to safely treat in a dental office. In that event the K.I.S.S. rule (keep it simple stupid!) usually applies. No point making treatment plans involving anything more than the simplest dentistry.  Some may need special precautions and some should  be seen in a hospital setting. It is not just a matter of the age, but instead it should be a question of their health and their ability to handle dental appointments. If a patient has an ailment that makes them a poor candidate for dentistry then dentistry should be delayed until they can be stabilized enough to take care of their tooth problem. Some patients with advanced Alzheimers will probably not be able to complete procedures in a standard dental office setting, since they will not be able to fu...

Whitening strips are among the most popular health and beauty products around. Brightening up your pearly whites is a great way to give your smile a boost, and with all the over-the-counter options, there’s no reason not to pick one up and try it out. Denver dentist Dr. William Paini wants you to be informed about every aspect of dental health, so here’s a guide to which whitening options can give your teeth a bright new shine.   Teeth Whitening : The Basics Nowadays, there are three basic types of in-home whitening: toothpaste and mouthwashes, whitening strips, and gel trays. While whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes are the least expensive products on the market, they are also the least effective at creating a noticeable change in the short-term. This is because they don’t have a significant amount of the active ingredients in most whitening products, which are hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. However, they are effective at removing surface stains. On the other hand, gel trays...

Do you have a spouse or loved one that complains about your snoring? Do you wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air? Do you find that you are always exhausted during the day and just can’t seem to ever catch up on sleep? If these symptoms sound familiar, you may be suffering from sleep apnea . Portland dentist Dr. David Case wants you to know you are not alone, there is a solution, and wants to help you get the restful sleep you deserve. Read on to learn about what sleep apnea is and how we can treat it. If you have any questions, our team at Family Dental Health is happy to answer them. Sleep Apnea and Your Health Getting restful sleep every night is a crucial part of your daily health. Although snoring may seem harmless, it indicates your breathing is obstructed and may be a sign of sleep apnea. However, it’s important to note that if you snore occasionally, it does not necessarily mean that you have sleep apnea. If the soft tissues of the mouth and throat become too ...

Essential oils are time-tested treasures gaining new popularity among fans everywhere. These potent liquids are fun and fresh ingredients that you can customize for almost any oral hygiene need.  As with any DIY dental treatment, do your research and be cautious. Not all oils are safe to ingest, and some may hurt you if applied directly to your skin. Essential oils are distilled from plants and usually sold singularly with one ingredient per bottle, although you can also find oil blend products. Like other supplements, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate their safety or efficacy. The Las Vegas dentists of Wagner Dental share more information below. Using Essential Oils for Oral Health Those in the natural health field are concerned that dangerous chemicals in conventional health products may hinder natural bodily functions, especially the endocrine system. The attraction to using essential oils in dentistry is that they may not pose such a risk to the body. Cinn...

What is oil pulling? Claiming to achieve everything from whiter teeth and healthier gums to decreased body aches and pains, oil pulling is the latest trend in DIY detox therapies. Newly popular among celebrities and lovers of natural health and wellness, oil pulling is a dental hygiene practice that actually dates back centuries through the Indian medical tradition Ayurveda. Simply put, oil pulling uses common plant-based oils (coconut is a favorite) in place of store-bought mouthwash. Users swish, or “pull”, one tablespoon of oil in the mouth for 10-20 minutes every day. The volume of oil usually doubles in size due to the collection of saliva and toxins from the mouth during this process. Users are strongly warned to spit out the oil because it contains the microorganisms which pulling aims to extract. Oil is believed to draw toxins out of the mouth by sticking to their outer, fatty layer. Since oral hygiene is linked to health in all parts of the body, it’s believed that the benef...

At Dubuque Periodontics, we understand that dental insurance can be a tricky thing to navigate. Evaluating dental plans and considering deductibles, benefits, which treatments are covered, and the mountain of other information insurance companies provide can be a headache in and of itself. Dr. Fili wants every Dubuque patient to have the power to control their own health, so here’s a simplified guide to the basics of dental health insurance. Dental Insurance Dental insurance is an excellent investment that helps Dubuque residents ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles. However, in order to get the best value from your dental insurance, there are a few things you need to know. Here are the answers to the most common questions we hear at Dubuque Periodontics. What is Dental Insurance? Having dental insurance means that an insurance provider will pay for a percentage of the dental care that you need every year. Plans vary in terms of how much they cost, how much they cover, and which de...

In a great tale of opposites, lemon juice can be both acidic and basic, or alkaline. Read more from Seattle dentist AJ Gollofon, DDS to find out why people are talking about this, and what it means for your oral and overall health. What Is pH & Why Does It Matter? Drinking lemon juice (usually diluted in a glass of water or added to a cup of tea) is a beloved health tonic among fans of natural medicine. Potential benefits include lower cholesterol, lower inflammation in the body, and increased metabolism and energy. Lemon also contains high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C that boost your immune system. On a scale of 0-14, a pH of 7 is neutral (pure water) while numbers below 7 are acidic (unhealthy), while numbers above 7 are basic or alkaline (healthy). Believers in holistic health blame many ailments on the body’s pH being too low or too acidic. Increasing your body’s pH is called “alkalizing.” Lemon juice in its natural state is acidic with a pH of about 2, but once me...

You did it! You got the consultation, booked the appointment, and you actually showed up on the big day. You saw the dentist and now all that has left you hungry! The question is: what can you eat after having dental work done? You need some soft food recipes! For some of us, it’s nostalgic to remember having a frozen treat after the dentist when we were kids. Depending on how extensive your dental work is—you will need to be cautious of what you consume in the days following major dental work -and milkshakes will only get you so far. Many foods can be troublesome after dental surgery or extensive dental work. Ask Dr. Colleran for their recommendation about specific foods and for how long you should avoid them. Michael Colleran, DDS in San Luis Obispo can be an especially helpful resource for patients navigating what to eat after dental restoration services . Here are some soft food recipes that will treat your mouth and your body well. Breakfast For a warm breakfast, oatmeal topp...

Every parent remembers seeing their baby’s first teeth emerge, watching the rest pop up, and finally cheering as their child loses their first baby tooth, all in the blink of an eye! In fact, baby teeth come and go so quickly that some people are led to believe they don’t have an impact on a child’s dental health later in life. Dr. Gordon wants you to know that that couldn’t be further from the truth! At Gordon Dental Associates, we are committed to giving our community access to reliable information on dental care, so here are the facts about why baby teeth matter. A Guide to Baby Teeth Baby teeth, also known as deciduous, primary, milk, or lacteal teeth, are a set of 20 teeth that will be in your child’s mouth for most of their childhood. Although baby teeth usually emerge at around 6 months, they begin forming in the womb as early as 16 weeks. By age 3, children should have all 20 of their baby teeth. By age 13, all their permanent teeth (except for wisdom teeth) will have come i...

The technology of dental medicine is advancing by the minute. There are now sophisticated techniques for diagnosing and tracking oral cancer, correcting crooked teeth in less than a year, treating periodontitis (advanced gum disease ) without surgery, and much more. Yet, when it comes down to diagnosing issues and creating an effective treatment plan, nothing beats a fresh set of X-rays. Dr. Buck uses dental X-rays to see the whole picture, in order to keep your teeth healthy, bright, and beautiful. What Are X-Rays? X-rays have been around since 1895, when Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen first discovered that his cathode ray tube could penetrate black paper and cast shadows of solid objects. X-rays are on a shorter wavelength than visible light and pass through soft tissue in the human body, providing a detailed picture of what’s going on inside. Without X-rays, the treatment of everything from cavities to broken bones to cancer would be much more difficult. Beyond medicine and science, X-r...

A hole in your smile is never a positive thing. It negatively affects physical appearance, eating, speaking, and your overall sense of confidence and well-being. Let Central Avenue Dental bridge the gap between where you are with your smile and where you want to be! A missing tooth or teeth can also cause jaw pain and bite misalignment. Without a full set of teeth, your other teeth tend to move into the empty space, causing unnatural alignment in your bite and jaw—which can be very uncomfortable and can lead to bigger headaches and TMJ/TMD problems. Dr. Michael Berglass shares how each tooth plays an important role in your health and everyday life, and how dental bridges can restore your smile and the function of your teeth. Types of Bridges Depending on your needs, there are three common kinds of bridges that your dentist may recommend. The difference between each type of bridge is how they are installed and secured. The core of every bridge is the false tooth or teeth that rep...

Gold crowns and other types of gold restorations ( inlays and onlays)  are increasingly less popular with dentists and their patients. It is a shame, because other than these crowns are not tooth colored, they are close to an ideal restoration. They are virtually unbreakable, kind to opposing teeth, require less reduction of underlying tooth structure and have a simpler tooth preparation requirements. They work with long teeth, short teeth and in between sizes. Possibly I am old fashioned, but I still prefer this type of crowns for my second and third molar restorations since these teeth can experience more occlusal stress than more anterior teeth. They work well for bruxers ( tooth grinders) and personally I like the way they look in the posterior section. Where as ceramic crowns need a greater thickness to work well, Gold crowns need much less, There  is never a need for them to be bulky since they can be paper thin on the buccal and lingual and still work fine. So why...

When you’re suddenly struck with a toothache, floating ideas of home remedies may quickly come to mind. Whether you heard it from your great-aunt or saw it on Pinterest, at-home treatments are everywhere. Lexington dentist, Dr. Kevin Brewer can explain more about how to care for a toothache and when to come in for a visit. Common causes of toothaches are infections, cavities , damaged enamel, a cracked tooth or an exposed root – all good reasons to get yourself to the dentist! Home remedies for a toothache may work for immediate relief, but they’re not likely to last long, and they may not be completely safe. If you like using household ingredients for personal care, you may look into your own pantry for something to relieve the pain, but do your research prior to use–and before things get too out of hand, call your dentist to prevent worse pain or problems. What Are Common Home Remedies for a Toothache? The best-case scenario is some pain relief with a simple ingredient or treatm...

Last week a patient came into the office to have a cavity filled. She requested a copy of her radiographs be emailed to my office prior to her visit. Her school schedule would not allow her time to get back to the dentist who had diagnosed her cavities, so instead she made an appointment with  me, to complete her fillings. Her dentist sent us a "composite full set of radiographs". This is essentially a photograph of her individual check up x-rays but can not be fully integrated into our software in order to view enlarged images. consequently we are unable to digitally manipulate the grey scale of enlarged images. This manipulation can make the differentiation of incipient lessons from those of  true decay that penetrates into dentin ( the softer part of the tooth underneath the harder enamel).  I asked my front desk person to call her dentist  and ask which were the teeth that had diagnosed decay and if possible could they send us the actual individual JPEG ima...

Believe it or not there are a number of different reasons that teeth can become sensitive to cold. Yes one reason is that a tooth has a large cavity , but that's not the only possibility. In my experience teeth can also become cold sensitive because they have a crack, from tooth grinding, a periodontal abscess, after a deep cleaning,  acid re-flux, from erosion of cervical enamel, from mouth breathing (desiccated teeth are sensitive!) and tooth bleaching. With the possible exception of a  cracked teeth, most of the time the cold sensitivity disappears when the condition causing it is cleared up  For tooth grinding, wearing a night guard is often the solution. Once the night time pressure is taken off the sensitive tooth, symptoms subside. If a cavity is fixed and the pulp is not exposed, usually the restored tooth is not sensitive to cold. Of course occasionally a deep cavity, after it is cleaned out and restored, may eventually need a root canal but not usually. ...

During the week, mostly I have simple meals for dinner, since usually I run out of gas by dinner time and have no energy to do much real cooking, but on the weekends, I sleep late and often plan a meal or two to make for lunch or dinner. Since my apartment is in Queens ( the most diverse NYC borough) there are no shortage of supermarkets that supply ethnic cooking ingredients. Queens has a large Asian population and my apartment is  a short hop and a skip to many Asian markets. Often they feature excellent fresh seafood including live lobsters and blue crabs. Yesterday I felt "adventurous" and I googled "Crab Feast" and found out what I needed to do to make my own. I made an excursion to a Asian market in Fresh Meadows and bought a dozen very live crabs to steam in vinegar and water with a generous helping of Old Bay Seasoning. I covered my table with cut up Trader Joes paper bags and we had our own Crab Feast. It was a big success, but the consensus was that n...

Ok, I have been blogging continuously for a long time. I may have one the oldest continuous dental blogs (since 2005) in the world? I am not sure, but I haven't found an older continuously operational dental blog. I started writing the blog in order to offer explanations about dental problems and how to diagnose a handle them, geared to a lay audience.  After hundreds of these type of posts I branched out and now  I write some posts geared toward dentists as well. I haven't hit a writer's block so far and find that my blog can be used to help fuel my social media posts for my Practice's Facebook page . Google has been very good to me; so far the blog has had over two million page views, most of which came courtesy of Google searches. My most popular posts tend to be related to queries about tooth problems that my earlier posts addressed. My blog has not only increased help increase my visibility on the internet but has increased my visibility in public media and l...