Monday, July 29, 2013

Dentists and Hygenists Keep Your Mouth Healthy

 Dental Visit

Most people maintain their oral health with regular visits to a general dentist. A general dentistry practice focuses on taking care of your entire mouth, including cleaning teeth, preventing cavities, and evaluating your teeth and gums for signs of problems or infections. A general dentist can provide diagnostic procedures such as x-rays that are needed in preparation for specialized care such as orthodontics, dental implants, or surgery to remove impacted wisdom teeth.

 Routine Procedures

General dentists often perform routine procedures such as filling cavities and also the dentist or dental hygienist provides tooth cleaning or scaling. Your dentist also serves as a troubleshooter trained to identify early signs of gum disease, oral cancer, or temporomandibular joint disorders, and can coordinate your care with specialists, such as orthodontists if you need braces or endodontists if you need a root canal.

 Guiding the Patients

In addition, they provide patients with guidance and preventive health advice about how best to follow a regular oral health routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing.

 Additional Information

In addition, general dentists can provide many cosmetic procedures such as tooth-whitening, dental veneers, and dental bonding. Cosmetic dentistry is not currently a recognized dental specialty, but general dentists may have pursued additional education in order to perform cosmetic procedures such as bonding, teeth whitening, enamel shaping, and dental veneers. If you're interested in cosmetic procedures, start by talking to your general dentist. He or she can provide advice and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Article taken from: http://www.oralb.com/topics/dentists-keep-your-mouth-healthy.aspx

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Think before you drink: Erosion of tooth enamel from soda pop is permanent

You may be saving calories by drinking diet soda, but when it comes to enamel erosion of your teeth, it's no better than regular soda.
In the last 25 years, Kim McFarland, D.D.S., associate professor in the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in Lincoln, has seen an increase in the number of dental patients with erosion of the tooth enamel - the protective layer of the tooth. Once erosion occurs, it can't be reversed and affects people their whole life.
"I'd see erosion once in a while 25 years ago but I see much more prevalence nowadays," Dr. McFarland said. "A lot of young people drink massive quantities of soda. It's no surprise we're seeing more sensitivity."
Triggers like hot and cold drinks - and even cold air - reach the tooth's nerve and cause pain. Depending on the frequency and amount of soda consumed, the erosion process can be extreme.
She said according to the National Soft Drink Association, it's estimated the average American drinks 44 gallons of soda pop a year. Phosphoric and citric acid, which are common ingredients in many popular sodas and diet sodas, alters the pH balance in the mouth and can cause tooth erosion over time.
"It can be more harmful than cavities because the damage causes tooth sensitivity," Dr. McFarland said. "If a tooth is decayed a dentist can fix it by placing a filling, but if a tooth is sensitive there is really nothing a dentist can do.
"Tooth sensitivity can become a lifetime problem, limiting things we like to drink and even food choices. You could crown all your teeth but that is costly and a rather extreme solution," Dr. McFarland said.
"It hurts to consume cold and hot foods and beverages. Some of my patients tell me when they go outside in the winter they don't open their mouth or the cold air causes pain."
In addition, a significant number of scientific studies show a relationship between the consumption of soda and enamel erosion and cavities.
Dr. McFarland said it's best not to drink soda at all, but she offers tips for those who continue to drink it.
  • Limit consumption of soda to meal time
  • Don't drink soda throughout the day
  • Brush your teeth afterwards -- toothpaste re-mineralizes or strengthens areas where acid weakened the teeth
  • If tooth brushing is not possible, at least rinse out your mouth with water
  • Chew sugar free gum or better yet, gum containing Xylitol.
Article taken from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/263812.php

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

The First Tooth and Brushing Baby Teeth

Findings
In May of 2001, the Office of the Surgeon General released its first ever report on oral health in America.* The findings revealed that:
  • Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease.
  • Millions of school hours are lost each year to dental-related issues.
  • Poor suffer twice as many dental problems than their affluent peers.
With statistics like these, it’s increasingly critical to place more importance on our children’s oral care routines.

Before the First Tooth

To help prevent the buildup of plaque bacteria that can lead to decay, pediatric dentists and pediatricians highly recommend regularly cleaning your newborn’s gums with a damp washcloth following feedings. In addition, take measures to prevent baby bottle tooth decay, a disease that occurs in 15 percent of children and causes severe, swift decay of baby teeth. To help prevent it, do not put your baby to bed with a bottle of formula or a sugary drink, such as juice. The possibility of tooth decay is directly related to the number of times that sweet things are in contact with the teeth (formula contains some sugar).

Brushing Baby Teeth

Around four months, a child usually begins to teethe. When the first tooth comes in, it’s time to start brushing and also set up a dentist appointment. Cavities, gingivitis and tooth decay are common problems associated with your child’s growing teeth. Brush their teeth for two minutes, twice a day to help prevent decay and to help get your baby used to the recommended brushing time.

Do Babies Need Special Products?

Just as developing children require special attention, so do their teeth. Use a toothbrush with extra-soft bristles   until your child turns two to three, when it’s safe to switch to toothpaste with fluoride under your close supervision. When it comes to your baby, if you want to start training for using toothpaste in the future look for a cleanser that’s safe to swallow, fluoride-free and doesn’t contain artificial colors or preservatives, like Oral-B Stages Baby Tooth and Gum Cleanser. A fruity flavor and non-foaming formula help, too.
Look for products designed to meet a child’s needs at different stages, taking the following into consideration:
  • Dentition – The formation of the teeth and jaw
  • Dexterity – The ability to handle a toothbrush
  • Development – Emotional changes and interests

Other Children's Oral Care Statistics

  • Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease, five times greater than asthma and several times more common than hay fever.
  • Almost 20 percent of children between two and three have at least one untreated cavity before their first visit to the dentist at age four or five.
  • 50 percent of children have gingivitis.
  • Dental issues result in a loss of 51 million school hours each year.
  • Studies show that the dental cost for children who have their first dental visit before age one are 40 percent lower in the first five years than those who do not see a dentist until after their first birthday ($263 compared to $447).
*Visit www.dentalcare.com to access the Surgeon General’s report.
Article taken from: http://www.oralb.com/topics/brushing-baby-teeth.aspx

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Lack of Vitamin C Can Show in Your Gums

Lack Of Vitamin C Can Promote Gingivitis

Gum tissue conditions can have many causes, but don’t forget to consider poor nutrition. Inadequate vitamin C can promote bleeding gums that can develop into gingivitis if left untreated. Vitamin C also helps the body perform maintenance and repair on bones, teeth, and cartilage, and it also helps wounds heal.
If you suffer from bleeding gums and your dentist rules out poor dental hygiene, reassess your diet. Be sure to consume plenty of foods rich in vitamin C. They aren’t hard to find. Oranges, carrots, sweet potatoes, and red peppers are especially high in vitamin C. Try to get your vitamin C from actual fruits and vegetables, instead of fruit and vegetable juices. Besides being high in sugar, most fruit juices are quite acidic, and they can promote erosion of the tooth enamel. Fruit juices are fine in small amounts, but drink them with meals, or use a straw if possible to minimize the juice’s contact with your teeth.
Vitamin C is water-soluble, which means that the body doesn’t store it long-term and you need to consume it every day. Multivitamins or vitamin C supplements can help you get enough, especially if you are ill or following a restricted diet and you have problems eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. Many multi-vitamin formulas contain vitamin C, or you can find it an individual supplement. The Institute of Medicine recommends 90 milligrams per day for men older than 18 years and 75 milligrams per day for women older than 18 years.
Article taken from: http://www.oralb.com/topics/lack-of-vitamin-c-gums.aspx

Monday, July 22, 2013

Why Are Minerals and Nutrients Important for Oral Health?


You must include minerals and nutrients in your diet in order for the body's tissues to resist infection. The presence of too much or too little of any nutrient can have harmful effects, particularly on the mouth and teeth, and may contribute to oral diseases and infection.

Which vitamins and minerals are good for me?
There are many minerals and nutrients that are good for the entire body. Here are just some of the minerals and nutrients your body needs to stay healthy:

Calcium. Your teeth and jaws are made mostly of calcium. Without enough calcium in your diet, you risk developing gum disease and tooth decay. Calcium is found in many foods and liquids, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, beans, and oysters.

Iron. Iron deficiency can cause your tongue to become inflamed, and sores can form inside your mouth. Iron is found in many foods, including liver and red meat. Other iron-rich foods include bran cereals some nuts, and spices.
   
Vitamin B3 (niacin). A lack of vitamin B3 can cause bad breath and canker sores in the mouth. To boost your B3 levels, eat chicken and fish.

Vitamins B12 and B2 (riboflavin). You also can develop mouth sores when you do not consume enough of the vitamins B12 and B2. Red meat, chicken, liver, pork, fish, as well as dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, are good sources of vitamin B12. Vitamin B2 is found in foods like pasta, bagels, spinach, and almonds.
       
Vitamin C. Too little vitamin C will lead to bleeding gums and loose teeth. Sweet potatoes, raw red peppers, and oranges are great sources of vitamin C.
       
Vitamin D. It is very important to consume enough vitamin D because it helps your body  absorb calcium. A diet lacking or low in vitamin D will cause burning mouth syndrome. Symptoms of this condition include a burning mouth sensation, a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth, and dry mouth. Drink milk, and eat egg yolks and fish to increase your vitamin D intake.

Which foods may be bad for my mouth and why?
Not all foods are good for your teeth. If you consume these foods, do so in moderation, and be sure to practice good oral health care.
       
Carbohydrates. Bacteria feed on leftover foods in the mouth and produce acid, which causes decay. Carbohydrate-laden foods, such as chips, bread, pasta, or crackers, can be as harmful to the teeth as candy.
       
Sticky, chewy foods. Raisins, granola bars, jelly beans, caramel, honey, and syrup stick to teeth and make it difficult for saliva to wash the sugar away.
       
Sugary snacks. Snacks like cookies, cakes, or other desserts contain a high amount of sugar, which can cause tooth decay.
       
Gum and candy. Chewing gum and eating candy is very harmful to your teeth. As you eat, sugar coats your teeth, which can lead to cavities.
       
Carbonated soft drinks. Regular soda (or pop) contains an extremely high amount of sugar. Both regular and diet sodas also contain phosphorous and carbonation, which wears away the enamel on your teeth (causing them to become stained and brown).
       
Fruit or vegetable juices. Fruit and vegetable juices tend to be high in sugar, which can damage tooth enamel and lead to decay.
  
To ensure that you're getting the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your body needs, check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Web site at www.mypyramid.gov.

Above article from: KnowYourTeeth.com


Dentist West Palm Beach FL
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

New Report Concludes That Dental Implants Can Save Costs And Improve Quality Of Life

A report published as the lead article in the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants shows that dental implants offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional treatments for tooth replacement.
The report, which is also cited on PubMed, the US National Library of Medicine located at the National Institutes of Health, is based on a systematic review of all available studies published in English between 2000 and 2010 relating to the cost-effectiveness of various tooth-replacement options. In total, 14 studies on long-term costs were included in the final review, which yielded the following conclusions:
For single-tooth replacement, implant-based solutions were generally cost-saving or cost-effective in comparison with traditional tooth-borne prostheses (bridges).
For patients with full dentures, implant-borne solutions were associated with higher initial costs than traditional (non-fixed) dentures. However, the consensus of most studies was that, over the long term, dental implants represent a cost-effective treatment option. Additionally, patient acceptance, satisfaction, and willingness to pay for dental implants were high, particularly in elderly edentulous patients. A trend toward improved overall improved oral-health-related quality of life and decreased health care costs was also reported.
A key objective of this review was to conduct an extensive literature search and to consolidate all the relevant findings into one document that could serve as a single point of reference for healthcare professionals and patients. The fact that it has been published by a leading peer-reviewed scientific journal endorses the quality of the authors' research.

Article taken from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/262961.php

Friday, July 12, 2013

What is a Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a flexible appliance that is worn in athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth from trauma. The dental profession unanimously supports the use of mouthguards in a variety of sports activities.
 
Why should I wear a mouthguard?
A mouthguard can prevent serious injuries such as broken teeth, jaw fractures, cerebral hemorrhage and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Mouthguards are effective in moving soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances. They may also reduce the severity and incidence of concussions.
 
In what sports should I wear a mouthguard?
Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard. Players who participate in basketball, softball, football, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating and martial arts, as well as recreational sports such as skateboarding and bicycling, should wear mouthguards while competing.
 
Why don't kids wear mouthguards?
Parents are sometimes uninformed about the level of contact and potential for serious dental injuries involved with sports in which the child participates. Some, though not all, schools reinforce the health advantage of mouthguards for their contact sports. Cost may be another consideration, although mouthguards come in a variety of price ranges.
 
What are the different types of mouthguards?
Stock mouthguard: The lowest cost option is a ready-made, stock item, which offers the least protection because the fit adjustment is limited. It may interfere with speech and breathing because this mouthguard requires that the jaw be closed to hold it in place. A stock mouthguard is not considered acceptable as a facial protective device.
 
Mouth-formed mouthguard: There are two types of mouth-formed mouthguards. The first is a shell-liner mouthguard that is made with an acrylic material that is poured into an outer shell, where it forms a lining. When placed in an athlete's mouth, the protector's lining material molds to the teeth and is allowed to set. Another type is a thermoplastic, or "boil-and-bite," mouthguard. This mouthguard is softened in hot water and then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth by using finger, tongue and sometimes biting pressure.
 
Custom-made mouthguard: The best choice is a mouthguard custom-made by your dentist. It offers the best protection, fit and comfort level because it is made from a cast to fit your teeth.
 
How should I care for a mouthguard?

  • Clean your mouthguard by washing it with soap and cool (not hot) water. 
  • Before storing, soak your mouthguard in mouthwash. 
  • Keep your mouthguard in a well-ventilated, plastic storage box when not in use. Make sure the box has several holes so the mouthguard will dry. 
  • Heat is bad for a mouthguard, so don't leave it in direct sunlight or in a closed automobile. 
  • Don't bend your mouthguard when storing. 
  • Don't handle or wear someone else's mouthguard. 
  • Call your dentist if there are any problems.
Above article by: KnowYourTeeth.com

Dentist West Palm Beach FL
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Fluoride in Drinking Water Cuts Tooth Decay in Adults, Study Shows

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Adelaide, Australia, has produced the strongest evidence yet that fluoride in drinking water provides dental health benefits to adults, even those who had not received fluoridated drinking water as children.

 
In the first population-level study of its kind, the study shows that fluoridated drinking water prevents tooth decay for all adults regardless of age, and whether or not they consumed fluoridated water during childhood.
Led by UNC School of Dentistry faculty member Gary Slade, the study adds a new dimension to evidence regarding dental health benefits of fluoridation.
"It was once thought that fluoridated drinking water only benefited children who consumed it from birth," explained Slade, who is John W. Stamm Distinguished Professor and director of the oral epidemiology Ph.D. program at UNC. "Now we show that fluoridated water reduces tooth decay in adults, even if they start drinking it after childhood. In public health terms, it means that more people benefit from water fluoridation than previously thought."
The researchers analyzed national survey data from 3,779 adults aged 15 and older selected at random from the Australian population between 2004 and 2006. Survey examiners measured levels of decay and study participants reported where they lived since 1964. The residential histories of study participants were matched to information about fluoride levels in community water supplies. The researchers then determined the percentage of each participant's lifetime in which the public water supply was fluoridated.
The results, published online in the Journal of Dental Research, show that adults who spent more than 75 percent of their lifetime living in fluoridated communities had significantly less tooth decay (up to 30 percent less) when compared to adults who had lived less that 25 percent of their lifetime in such communities.
"At this time, when several Australian cities are considering fluoridation, we should point out that the evidence is stacked in favor of long-term exposure to fluoride in drinking water," said Kaye Roberts-Thomson, a co-author of the study. "It really does have a significant dental health benefit."
Article taken from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130311151255.htm

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Soda or Pop? It's Teeth Trouble by Any Name

It's called "pop" in the Midwest and most of Canada. It's "soda" in the Northeast. And it goes by a well-known brand name in much of the South.
 

People across North America use different words to identify a sugary, carbonated soft drink. But however they say it, they're talking about something that can cause serious oral health problems.
 

Soft drinks have emerged as one of the most significant dietary sources of tooth decay, affecting people of all ages. Acids and acidic sugar byproducts in soft drinks soften tooth enamel, contributing to the formation of cavities.
 

In extreme cases, softer enamel combined with improper brushing, grinding of the teeth or other conditions can lead to tooth loss.
 

Sugar-free drinks, which account for only 14 percent of all soft drink consumption, are less harmful1. However, they are acidic and potentially can still cause problems.

Read the entire article at: www.colgate.com
Above article written by: www.colgate.com


Dentist West Palm Beach FL
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Monday, July 1, 2013

Pay Attention to Post-Procedure Plaque Removal

Maintaining Oral Care

You may know that you can reduce your odds of developing serious gum disease by following a consistent oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing. Also keep in mind that daily flossing removes plaque, which can help stop gingivitis (an early form of gum disease) before it starts.
But even if you’re diligent in your oral care, an accident such as trauma to the face or a chipped or broken tooth can damage the nerves and the pulp in a tooth and cause you to need a root canal. You may think that a root canal is a painful procedure, but for most people, it’s no more painful than having a filling placed in a tooth. And a root canal can be the best way to preserve a damaged tooth.
Sometimes the nerve of a tooth may be damaged, and you may not have any symptoms at all. But in other cases, common indicators of a tooth infection that may require a root canal include toothache, discoloration of a tooth or swelling of the gums near the infected tooth.
A root canal is a minor surgical procedure in which your dentist numbs the affected area and creates an access hole to remove the decayed tissue. Then the hole is sealed, either at the same visit or a follow-up visit, and eventually a permanent filling or crown may be placed on the tooth. Root canals are generally successful, but it’s important to maintain your oral care routine in order to reduce your risk of post-procedure infections or complications.
Proper plaque removal is especially important after a root canal. Follow regular brushing and flossing to help keep the area clean, but if the area feels sensitive, be sure to use a soft-bristled brush or a brush designed for post-surgical care. You can also try a soft floss, like Oral-B® SATINfloss®, or a spongy floss, like Oral-B Super Floss®, to avoid irritating the area.

Article taken from: http://www.oralb.com/topics/pay-attention-to-post-procedure-plaque-removal.aspx