Do you have a dental insurance policy? Before scheduling any extensive dental work, review it to learn what it covers and any exclusions that exist. It's much better to be prepared from the beginning.
Are mouthwashes effective? While not a replacement for brushing and flossing, mouthwashes have been proven to reduce bacteria that can lead to oral problems. In addition, they can be an effective alternative during times when brushing is not possible.
For those with sensitive teeth, it may be a warning sign for gum ailments. People with gum diseases often find out too late, because such diseases often start without symptoms. Slow down gum disease by scheduling regular cleanings and using antibacterial mouthwashes daily.
According to a report, people who drink 3 or more glasses of soda each day have 62% more tooth decay, tooth loss and fillings than others. Limiting the intake of these drinks will help keep your teeth healthy.
Making custom dentures takes a lot of time. A patient will have to see the dentist several times to make sure the dentures will fit perfectly. Custom dentures are made using quality material to ensure they'll last a long time.
Are you puzzled as to whether to buy a toothbrush with stiff, medium or soft bristles? While it may seem like the firmer the bristle, the better the cleaning power, they can actually harm your teeth and gums. Dentists recommend using brushes with soft bristles.
If you are pregnant, congratulations! Just be sure to maintain all your dental appointments. The changes you are going through can be problematic for your teeth and gums if you're not careful.
Do you have jaw pain or headaches? The cause may be in your head. If your teeth are misaligned (known as malocculuson) or have cavities, they can trigger other health problems.
Have bad breath? Try using a tongue scraper every morning. Bacteria builds up on your tongue, which can cause foul odors in your mouth. A tongue scraper is much more effective than a toothbrush for removing this bacteria.
Can you sleep wearing dentures? Yes, but it is recommended that they should be removed. Removing your dentures at night will give your gums and jaw some time to relax from the pressure of the denture during the day.
Sedatives will give a feeling of deep relaxation and dampen pain, but there may be other effects, such as losing track of time or retaining little memory of your time in the office. Dentists are highly trained in sedation to make sure bad effects are kept minimal.
If your child has never been to the dentist and is apprehensive about visiting, schedule a "get-to-know-you" visit. Your dentist will explain what goes on, show him or her the different tools, and create that initial friendly bond that will make future visits easier.
Do you know that an average human produces 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime? That is equivalent to water required to fill 2 swimming pools.
While some people with jaw pain also tend to clench and grind their teeth, others who habitually clench their teeth never develop TMJ disorders. That’s why it’s important to check with a doctor if you suspect you may have a TMJ disorder.
What are prosthodontists and what do they do? A prosthodontist is a dentist that makes oral prostheses. He or she specializes in replacing broken, decaying, or missing teeth with dentures, bridges, implants, veneers, and crowns.
Electric toothbrushes can be a great alternative to manual toothbrushes, especially when they come with two-minute timers that make sure you brush long enough. Before buying an expensive model, check with your dentist to see which style he or she recommends.
Do you often find yourself having to make multiple dental appointments to treat one condition? Because lasers often don’t require patients to receive anesthesia, some dental procedures with lasers can be performed in one visit.
World Dental has classified green tea as a top ten beneficial food for teeth. Polyphenol antioxidant compounds help to reduce cavities and plaque and are found in green tea. Green tea also contains fluoride which strengthens enamel and supports healthy teeth.
If you are having a tooth extracted, care needs to be taken to prevent dry socket - a painful condition in which food and bacteria accumulate in the exposed area and cause an infection to develop.
Before toothpaste was invented, people did some pretty strange things to keep their mouths clean. In the first century AD, people sometimes wore bones of small animals to ward off toothaches, and they also liked to use mouthwashes made from pure wine.
Just like brushing, daily flossing is recommended to maintain good dental health. Flossing is highly effective in removing food particles that brushing cannot, plus, it helps stimulate gums and prevents them from bleeding.
Frank Simon from the United States holds the record for the heaviest weight balanced on teeth. In May 2007, Simon balanced 140-lb refrigerator at a show in Rome, Italy.
