Are you planning on having a family? Then both you and your partner need to improve your dental care. Poor oral health can cause diminished fertility in both women and men.
If this is your first visit, it is likely that we will take x-rays of your mouth. But relax, the dosage is low and highly unlikely to put your health at risk.
Reports have revealed that in North America, over 3 million miles of dental floss are purchased every year. That is certainly a very good habit to continue.
At what age should your child start seeing the dentist? The ADA recommends that the first visit should take place within a few months after the first tooth pops through or by his or her first birthday.
If you haven't been diligent in taking care of your teeth, don't delude yourself into thinking a last minute brushing will hide your negligence. It won't. Always brush and floss at least twice a day.
Dental lasers are used for the painless and suture-free removal of benign tumors from the gums, palate, sides of cheek, and lips. This is a great option for younger or elderly patients who may not be able to properly care for their mouth after surgery.
Dentistry is a proud and ancient profession. The first known dentist was the Egyptian scribe Hesy-Re (circa 2600 BC), whose tomb bears the inscription “the greatest of those who deal with the teeth and of physicians.”
Your dentist will determine the type of sedation that’s right for you and your particular procedure. Medications differ and are not appropriate for every patient. For instance, some of the drugs take action quickly but then rapidly fade in potency, whereas others are going to last for hours.
Dentists can use dental lasers during a professional dental cleaning to remove tartar, and may also use them as a replacement for the traditional root planing procedure, which is typically performed using a surgical instrument called a "curette," which can actually damage surrounding tissue.
For the best, and most thorough, cleaning of your teeth, invest in an electric toothbrush. To make sure you use it long enough, choose a model with an automatic timing mechanism (yes, they do exist).
Do you know dried fruit is worse for your teeth than normal fruit? This is because the drying process releases free sugars which can lead to the build-up of plaque.
Root canals aren't all that bad. In fact, according to a recent study, almost two-thirds of those surveyed said they would rather have one than sit next to a person talking on a mobile phone.
Up to 20% (or even as high as 30%) of patients are afraid of the dentist. This is where a sedation dentist can help. They can give a patient a sedative to make the whole experience much more comfortable and much less painful.
After brushing your teeth, dentists recommend waiting about 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing. But don't sit around with foam in your mouth (unless you enjoy looking like you have rabies). It's OK to go ahead and spit it out.
Chewing your food does more than prepare it for swallowing and digestion, it also contributes to healthy teeth. This is because it stimulates saliva production which then helps wash away teeth-staining particles.
Ever wonder why bony structures like teeth have nerves inside? Apparently, this is to keep you from destroying them. By having a feedback mechanism, your brain stops you from chewing on things that are too hard for the teeth to manage.
If part of your fear of the dentist stems from feeling as though you can’t breathe, drinking extra water in the days leading up to your procedure could help. Since dehydration can make mucous thicker, this can make some people feel as though they’re choking when lying back in the chair.
Your dentist is not just a tooth person. These professionals are a part of your general health team and can often detect diabetes, potential cardiovascular problems, and other health issues before your family doctor has a chance.
You can only see two-thirds of your teeth, as the rest are hidden below the gums. Gum care is just as important as teeth cleaning, and a regular trip to the dentist can ensure that optimum oral health is achieved.
One of the ways that cavities form is that bacteria combine with leftover food in your mouth and attack the teeth. Good oral hygiene, consisting of regular (and proper) brushing and flossing, is the most effective preventive measure.
Did you know that people wearing custom dentures are less likely to rely on denture adhesive? That's because custom dentures are designed to fit perfectly and rely on suction instead of adhesives.
Your kid should learn to spit while brushing when he or she reaches age 2. Do not give your child water to swish and spit because this can cause your kids to swallow toothpaste.
Despite what you may have heard on the street, extensive studies through the years have shown that oral health problems are not hereditary, they are the result of poor or bad oral hygiene. Take proper care of your teeth every day and they'll last a lifetime.
Highly acidic foods are damaging to your teeth. When possible, use a straw when drinking something acidic like lemonade. If you don't have a straw, rinse your mouth out after.
Despite advancements in dental technology, sometimes, there is just no way to save a badly damaged tooth. In these cases, a dentist will have no choice but to extract it to eliminate pain and prevent infections that will end up making things worse.
The recommended amount of time that you should spend brushing your teeth is a full two minutes. To help ensure that you do not stop brushing early, you can use a timer.
Mouthguards are not just for those who participate in sports. They can also be designed to help with sleep apnea, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching when sleeping. We can recommend a device tailored to your needs.
Humans have only two sets of teeth in their entire lifetime - baby teeth and permanent teeth. So once you have your permanent teeth, take care of them by brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups.
Did you know that dental implants existed since around 600 c.e.? At that time, shell pieces were hammered into the jaws of Mayan women to appear like human teeth.
Do you ever worry that you’ll end up in dentures like your grandparents? Although there’s no way to predict your oral health decades from now, a good oral hygiene regimen that involves daily flossing and regular dental check-ups could help you keep your teeth well into your golden years.
At what age should your child first see a dentist? According to the American Dental Association (ADA), your child should see a dentist by their first birthday.
While fluoride is beneficial to teeth, too much of it can be harmful. In fact, excessive exposure during childhood can result to fluorosis, a condition where the teeth appear mottled. As such, teach your kids to use the right amount of toothpaste and make sure they rinse thoroughly after brushing.
If your tooth cracks or is decayed beyond repair, your dentist will probably recommend an extraction. However, as pulling out a tooth will leave a gap, he or she may also recommend that you get a prosthetic to take its place.
If you have dentures, it's important to clean them correctly. First, wash away loose particles, then brush them with an approved denture cleaner, gently scrubbing every surface. And, just like real teeth, clean them at least twice a day.
If you've been to see your doctor about symptoms like facial pain or severe headaches but haven't gotten any relief, it might be time to see your dentist. TMJ disorders can be the root cause of many symptoms that seem unrelated.
Although enamel loss is irreversible, there are ways in which to prevent loss of enamel. Limit soda intake and avoid acidic beverages. When drinking acidic drinks, be sure to use a straw to reduce tooth exposure to the acids that adversely impact tooth structure, which can lead to problems, such as cavities.
Do you know that an average woman smiles 62 times a day? Can you guess how many times an average man smiles? Well, surprisingly, they smile only 8 times a day.
Think about it, if every time you bathed, your skin started to bleed, you would quickly contact a doctor to find out what the problem was. Well, consider contacting the dentist for the same reason if you gums bleed every time you brush your teeth.
Do you have a lip, tongue, or other piercing of the mouth? Regular dentist visits are very important as mouth bacteria can collect in the piercing site and cause serious oral health issues as well as severe damage.
In the Dark Ages, there was a belief that replacing a lost tooth with someone else’s tooth would cause the lost tooth to grow back. Strangely enough, teeth that were derived from hanged criminals were believed to be the most effective.
A tongue scraper and mouthwash can help combat bad breath. If you still have bad breath, you may have gum disease that requires your dentist's help.
In many cases, symptoms of TMJ syndrome are episodic and directly correlated to stress and lifestyle. Things you can do to prevent a recurrence of TMJ include eating soft foods, avoiding chewing gum, maintaining proper posture, and practicing stress reduction and relaxation techniques.
Unless you have had a particularly aromatic meal beforehand, there's no need to brush your teeth right before your dental visit. Why? Your breath could be an indicator of other health problems.
What is gingivitis? It is a gum disease that results from plaque and tartar not being properly removed from the teeth and manifests itself as red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Daily brushing, flossing and regular cleanings are the best ways to prevent it.
Veneers are worth every single penny spent. Why? Because veneers are stain-resistant and with proper dental hygiene, they can last for up to 20 years!
When you apply too much pressure while brushing your teeth, you run the risk of causing damage to tooth enamel or the gums that are around your teeth.
Laser dentistry is not only used for adults! A laser frenectomy is a treatment option for children who have a restricted frenulum (tongue tied) and babies who cannot breast feed adequately due to limited tongue movement.
There was a time when it was believed kissing a donkey was a sure cure for an aching tooth. However, we prefer to use a more modern approach to dealing with this type of dental problem.
Did you know dentists recommend to keep a toothbrush at least six feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush?
The second most common disease in America, after the common cold, is tooth decay. More than 51 million hours of school are lost each year due to dental related illness, which is why it is vital that good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups start at an early age.
Regular dental visits are important, especially for little children. When the child becomes accustomed to visiting a dentist, the child will not feel scared when receiving necessary treatment at a dental clinic.
Do you know thumbsucking can cause mouth problems in your children? Frequent thumbsucking can affect the roof of the mouth and the development of the jaw and even result to crooked teeth.
If you are one of the millions of people who grind their teeth at night (bruxism) or clench your jaw muscles, then you may be making yourself susceptible to TMJ. Visit your TMJ dentist to better get a handle on these habits before they become more serious.
Toothbrushes can be classified according to size (infant, toddler, child, or adult), head (angled, compact, or full-sized), and bristles (soft, medium, and firm). Given these choices, it is important to pick the most appropriate one to ensure that it does the job properly.
Regular dental visits are important, especially for little children. When the child becomes accustomed to visiting a dentist, the child will not feel scared when receiving necessary treatment at a dental clinic.
Do you know thumbsucking can cause mouth problems in your children? Frequent thumbsucking can affect the roof of the mouth and the development of the jaw and even result to crooked teeth.
Do you avoid making regular dental appointments because you had a bad experience with a dentist as a child? With all the advancements that are constantly being made in dentistry, you may find that what you hated as a kid is no longer an issue.
We all know that pain from dental disorders may cause difficulty in speaking and eating. But did you know that it can also affect the learning and focusing capabilities of your child?
If you are one of the millions of people who grind their teeth at night (bruxism) or clench your jaw muscles, then you may be making yourself susceptible to TMJ. Visit your TMJ dentist to better get a handle on these habits before they become more serious.
Toothbrushes can be classified according to size (infant, toddler, child, or adult), head (angled, compact, or full-sized), and bristles (soft, medium, and firm). Given these choices, it is important to pick the most appropriate one to ensure that it does the job properly.
Regular dental visits are important, especially for little children. When the child becomes accustomed to visiting a dentist, the child will not feel scared when receiving necessary treatment at a dental clinic.
Do you know thumbsucking can cause mouth problems in your children? Frequent thumbsucking can affect the roof of the mouth and the development of the jaw and even result to crooked teeth.
