Anesthetic May Stop Growth Of Wisdom Teeth!

Researchers from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine have discovered a statistical association between the injection of local dental anesthesia given to children ages two to six and evidence of missing lower wisdom teeth. The results of this epidemiological study, published in the April issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association, suggest that injecting anesthesia into the gums of young children may interrupt the development of the lower wisdom tooth.

"It is intriguing to think that something as routine as local anesthesia could stop wisdom teeth from developing. This is the first study in humans showing an association between a routinely- administered, minimally-invasive clinical procedure and arrested third molar growth," said corresponding author, Anthony R. Silvestri, D.M.D., clinical professor in the department of prosthodontics and operative dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.

Wisdom teeth are potentially vulnerable to injury because their development - unlike all other teeth - does not begin until well after birth. Between two and six years of age, wisdom tooth (third molar) buds begin to develop in the back four corners of the mouth, and typically emerge in the late teens or early adulthood. Not everyone develops wisdom teeth, but for those who do, the teeth often become impacted or problematic.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons reports that nine out of 10 people will have at least one impacted wisdom tooth, which can cause bad breath, pain, and/or infection. For this reason, many dentists recommend surgery to remove wisdom teeth to prevent disease or infection.

A developing wisdom tooth, called a bud, is vulnerable to injury for a relatively long time because it is tiny, not covered by bone, and only covered by a thin layer of soft tissue. When a tooth bud first forms, it is no bigger than the diameter of the dental needle itself. The soft tissue surrounding the budding tooth is close to where a needle penetrates when routine dental anesthesia is injected in the lower jaw, for example when treating cavities.

Using the Tufts digital dental record system, the researchers identified records of patients who had received treatment in the Tufts pediatric dental clinic between the ages of two and six and who also had a dental x-ray taken three or more years after initial treatment in the clinic. They eliminated records with confounding factors, such as delayed dental development, and analyzed a total of 439 sites where wisdom teeth could develop in the lower jaw, from 220 patient records.

Group one, the control group (376 sites), contained x-rays of patients who had not received anesthesia on the lower jaw where wisdom teeth could develop. Group two, the comparison group (63 sites), contained x-rays from patients who had received anesthesia.

In the control group, 1.9% of the sites did not have x-ray evidence of wisdom tooth buds. In contrast, 7.9% of the sites in the comparison group - those who had received anesthesia - did not have tooth buds. The comparison group was 4.35 times more likely to have missing wisdom tooth buds than the control group.

"The incidence of missing wisdom teeth was significantly higher in the group that had received dental anesthesia; statistical evidence suggests that this did not happen by chance alone. We hope our findings stimulate research using larger sample sizes and longer periods of observation to confirm our findings and help better understand how wisdom teeth can be stopped from developing," Silvestri continued. "Dentists have been giving local anesthesia to children for nearly 100 years and may have been preventing wisdom teeth from forming without even knowing it. Our findings give hope that a procedure preventing third molar growth can be developed."

Silvestri has previously published preliminary research on third molar tooth development, showing that third molars can be stopped from developing when non- or minimally-invasive techniques are applied to tooth buds.
Article taken from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/258596.php

Try These Teeth Whitening At Home Tips!

10 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Clean

Dare to bare your teeth. If you feel self-conscious about your smile try these tips. Your chompers will be white in no time.

From: Stealth Health, Reader's Digest Canada

Go On a White-Teeth Diet

What goes in, shows up on your teeth. So if you’re quaffing red wine and black tea, or smoking cigarettes or cigars, expect the results to show up as not-so-pearly whites. Other culprits to blame for dingy teeth include colas, gravies and dark juices. Bottom line: If it’s dark before you put it in your mouth, it will probably stain your teeth.
So step one: Brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking foods that stain teeth. Step two: Regularly use a good bleaching agent, either over-the-counter or in the dentist’s office. Step three: Be conscious of the foods and drink in your diet that can stain your teeth, and eat them only when a toothbrush is around. If there isn’t one, eat an apple for dessert—it will provide some teeth-cleaning action.

Hum While You Brush

The ideal amount of time to brush in order to get all the bacteria-packed plaque out is at least two minutes, British researchers found. Hum "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"  to accompany your brushing (this song lasts exactly two minutes). Or, keep a timer in the bathroom and set it for two minutes.

Grip Your Toothbrush Like a Pencil

Does your toothbrush look like it just cleaned an SUV? If so, you’re probably brushing too hard. Contrary to what some scrub-happy people think, brushing with force is not the best way to remove plaque. According to Beverly Hills dentist Harold Katz, D.D.S., the best way to brush is by placing your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums and gently moving it in a circular motion, rather than a back-and-forth motion. Grip the toothbrush like a pencil so you won’t scrub too hard.

Drink a Cup of Tea a Day

Flavonoids and other tea ingredients seem to prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to teeth, and also block production of a type of sugar that contributes to cavities. Tea also contains high amounts of fluoride.

Use Alcohol-Free Mouthwash to Rinse Away Bacteria

Most over-the-counter mouthwashes have too much alcohol, which can dry out the tissues in your mouth, making them more susceptible to bacteria. Some studies even suggest a link between mouthwashes containing alcohol and an increased risk of oral cancer. To be safe, be a teetotaler when it comes to choosing a mouthwash.

Get In Some Tongue Action

Clean your tongue with a tongue scraper every morning to remove tongue plaque and freshen your breath. One major cause of bad breath is the buildup of bacteria on the tongue, which a daily tongue scraping will help banish. Plus, using a tongue scraper is more effective than brushing your tongue with a toothbrush, says Dr. Katz.

Put Some Arm and Hammer into it

Brush your teeth with baking soda once a week to remove stains and whiten your teeth. Use it just as you would toothpaste. You can also use salt as an alternative toothpaste. Just be sure to spit it out so it doesn’t count as sodium intake! Also, if your gums start to feel raw, switch to brushing with salt every other day.

Use Tools, Not Teeth

Keep rubber bottle openers and a small pair of scissors in your purse or desk drawer. That way, you won’t have to use your teeth as tools, which can damage them. In fact, never, ever use your teeth as tools for anything except eating.

Water Your Mouth

Drink a glass of water for every hour that you’re at work. That way, when you get home, you’ll have finished your recommended daily dosage. If you work at home or part-time, make sure that you drink at least one eight-ounce glass every hour for eight hours. Not only does water help keep your digestive system healthy, control weight, and hydrate your skin, but it also helps keep your teeth even more pearly white. The more water you drink, the more bacteria you flush off your teeth and out of your mouth, which means less risk of gum disease, fewer cavities, and fresher breath.

Chew Big Red Gum

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago found that the cinnamon-flavored chewing gum reduces bacteria in the mouth. The reason? The gum contains cinnamic aldehyde, a plant essential oil used for flavoring that inhibits the growth of cavity causing bacteria.
Article Taken From: http://www.readersdigest.ca/health/healthy-living/10-ways-keep-your-teeth-clean

Help With Trama To The Lips And Tongue

What Is It?
Trauma to the lips, tongue and the inside of the mouth is quite common. The soft flesh of the lips and their exposed location make them vulnerable to injury. A blow to the face can crush your lips against your teeth, causing bruising or cuts. Your teeth can cut the inside of your lip or puncture your skin. A fall or blow may cause you to bite your tongue.
Any cut inside the mouth usually bleeds heavily because of the rich supply of blood to the area.
Symptoms
Symptoms include bruising, swelling or cuts on the lips or tongue.
Diagnosis
Your health care professional will ask about your recent trauma and do a thorough physical exam of the area. If the lips are injured, he or she will check the teeth and bone for damage, and look for pieces of chipped tooth.
Expected Duration
The healing time for a lip or tongue injury will depend on how badly it is cut. However, the mouth has many blood vessels, which promotes quick healing.
Prevention
Many lip and tongue injuries occur during sports or other active pastimes. They often could be prevented through the use of a safety mouth guard. Mouth guards are made of soft plastic that is adapted to fit the shape of the upper teeth. Guards made for heavier contact sports may cover both the upper and lower teeth. Mouth guards protect both the lips and teeth by providing a shield in front of the teeth and a softer biting surface for the back teeth. Preformed guards are available in sporting goods stores. A dentist can create a custom-fit guard.
Routinely using seat belts and car seats can reduce the risk of trauma as a result of car accidents.
Treatment
At home, you can clean injured skin surfaces with mild soapy water and a soft, clean cloth. To clean cuts inside the mouth, rinse with salt water or a hydrogen peroxide solution (one part hydrogen peroxide and one part water). Be sure not to swallow this peroxide rinse. However, do not be concerned if it foams. This is what the rinse normally does when it contacts mouth tissue.
If your lip is swollen or bruised, apply a cold compress. If there is bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth for at least five minutes. Using ice can help limit swelling, bleeding and discomfort. Wrap crushed ice in clean gauze or a clean piece of cloth and hold it on the area affected.
Certain injuries will require treatment by an oral surgeon or plastic surgeon. It is particularly important to have an experienced surgeon stitch cuts that cross the vermilion border. This is the line that forms the junction between the skin and the fleshy part of the lip. Experience is required to make sure this boundary heals correctly. Even a small irregularity will remain noticeable.
The doctor will first thoroughly clean the wound with lots of saline or a hydrogen peroxide rinse. Cleaning removes bacteria as well as foreign matter such as dirt that might have entered the wound. A betadine solution will then be applied to the area to disinfect it. Puncture wounds to the lip will then be closed from the inside out. Stitching all layers reduces the chance of scarring..
Small puncture wounds in the tongue usually heal without any treatment other than cleansing with antiseptic or hydrogen peroxide rinses. Large cuts may require stitches.
The mouth contains many bacteria. For this reason, an antibiotic often is prescribed after a cut to the lip or tongue to prevent infection.
When To Call a Professional
Seek medical care if:

• Bleeding cannot be controlled with pressure and a cold compress
• You have a deep cut
• A cut crosses the border between the lip and facial skin
• The lip is punctured
• An infection develops after an injury — Signs of any infection usually will be evident about four days after the injury. Signs include:
  
  • Redness
  • Tenderness
  • Fever
  • Drainage of pus

If a tooth is loose or broken, visit your dentist.
Prognosis
The outlook is excellent. The rich blood supply in the mouth promotes rapid healing, often with little scarring.
Article taken from: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-Basics/Dental-Emergencies/Dental-Emergencies/article/Traumatic-Injuries-of-the-Lips-and-Tongue.cvsp

Ear and Jaw Pain May Be Your TMJ

What Is It?
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are problems that affect your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or jaw joint. They also can affect the muscles of the face that help you to chew.
If you place your fingers just in front of your ears and open your mouth, the movement you feel is your TMJ. It is a small ball-and-socket joint with three parts:

• The ball, called the condyle
• The socket, called the glenoid fossa
• A small, fibrous disk that sits between the condyle and the glenoid fossa

Studies estimate that 20% to 30% of people have TMD symptoms. Women are more three times as likely as men to develop TMDs. This may be because the collagen that holds the disk in position between the ball and socket is structurally different in women. This may cause more women to have dislocated disks, which can lead to TMDs. In addition, some studies have shown that hormones such as estrogen play a role.
TMD is a general term, not a specific condition. There are several types of TMDs, each with its own name. Often, people will say they "have TMJ." TMJ is the name of the joint, not a disease or condition.
The causes of TMD are not understood completely, but can include:

• Trauma to the jaw, either by a direct injury to the jaw or long-term clenching or grinding of the teeth (bruxism)
• Tension or stress, which triggers muscle spasms
• Poor alignment of the teeth (malocclusion)
• Arthritis of the jaw joint, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
• Tumors of the jaw joint

Symptoms
TMDs have several symptoms:

• You feel pain or tenderness in the area in front of your ear, especially when you chew, speak or open your mouth wide
• Your jaw becomes stuck open or closed, or feels stuck
• You have spasms in your facial muscles. They may make it difficult to open your mouth or make it feel as though your teeth don't meet normally.
• You hear clicking, popping or cracking sounds or feel a grating sensation in your jaw when you open or close your mouth
• You get headaches that tend to start in the front of the ear and spread to the rest of the head or neck

Diagnosis
An important part of the diagnosis is reviewing the history of your problem. This includes how long you've had symptoms and when they occur.
Your dentist will:

• Look at the way your jaw moves
• Examine your teeth for signs of habits such as clenching or grinding (bruxism)
• Feel around the TMJ and the muscles of your jaw and neck for signs of tenderness

The dentist might use a stethoscope to listen for joint sounds that would suggest a disorder involving the disk or bones of the joint.
Your dentist will determine whether your problem is a muscle disorder or if it involves the bones or disk of the joint. Usually, a regular X-ray or a panoramic X-ray can rule out a serious disorder within the joint.
If a more detailed view of the joint is necessary, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computed tomography (CT) scan might be used.
The exam also will be used to check for other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. Examples include arthritis, sinus infections, toothache, earache and neurological problems. These conditions and TMDs have similar symptoms.
If you have a TMD, your dentist or physician will be able to tell you what type it is and how it can be treated. Dentists who are specifically trained to diagnose this condition are called orofacial pain specialists.
Expected Duration
Some TMDs can last for only a few weeks - for example, when they are caused by injury to the jaw. Other types of TMD, such as a problem caused by arthritis or bruxism, can last months or even years, depending on how they respond to treatment.
Prevention
A TMD caused by bruxism or clenching may be corrected by using an occlusal guard or splint. This is a molded piece of acrylic used to change the position of the jaw (it moves the lower jaw forward). The change of position reduces the pressure on the joint. An occlusal guard is also called a night guard, though some people wear it in the daytime. To help you deal with stress, you may want to work with a psychologist. Relaxation therapy or biofeedback may also help reduce stress.
Treatment
The treatment of a TMD depends on its cause.
Most TMDs are related to sore muscles that sometimes have spasms. This type of TMD usually responds to conservative treatment. Examples include:

• Soft diet — Avoid hard or crunchy foods. Don't bite into large items, such as a thick sandwich, with your front teeth. Instead, cut food into small pieces and chew with your back teeth.
• Physical therapy — This can include heat, massage and ultrasound.
• An occlusal guard or splint to help stop teeth clenching and grinding
• Stress reduction therapy, including biofeedback and psychological counseling
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Prescription drugs that ease inflammation
• Prescription drugs that relax muscles
• Bite adjustment — This might include reshaping teeth slightly so that they meet properly.
• Replacement of missing teeth

If these measures do not help, surgery might be considered. Arthroscopic surgery often is an option. This technique uses two or three very short incisions around the TMJ. A tiny camera is inserted through one incision. Surgical instruments are inserted through one or two other incisions. Inflamed tissue is removed and the joint is rinsed.
More invasive surgery might be necessary in rare cases, if the jaw locks because of a dislocation or scarring. The surgeon will remove or adjust the obstructing disk.
When To Call a Professional
Call your doctor if:

• Your jaw movement is limited.
• You have injured your jaw and are taking over-the-counter pain medicine, but the pain doesn't go away after several days.
• You have swelling in the area of your TMJ.
• Jaw pain keeps you up at night or makes eating difficult.
• You have frequent headaches.

Prognosis
With proper care and control of habits, the symptoms should go away. Some cases may go away in less than a month. Other cases, such as those involving arthritis or people with long-standing or severe bruxism, may take longer.
Article taken from: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-Basics/Common-Concerns/Temporomandibular-Disorders/article/Temporomandibular-Disorders.cvsp

Foods For A Healthy Mouth!

Everyone knows that sugary foods can lead to problems with teeth and gums, but did you know that eating the right foods can actually help combat problems such as gum disease and improve the health of your teeth? The benefits of good brushing and flossing are enhanced tremendously when supported by a healthy diet and there are plenty of foods that will help improve your smile.
Eat Lots of Fruit and Vegetables
When it comes to lowering the number of dental negligence claims UK citizens could learn a lot by eating foods which are common in the Mediterranean regions. Mediterranean diets tend to have a very high level of fruit and vegetables with plenty of vitamin C which is essential for keeping gums healthy. Foods such as oranges, kiwi fruit, broccoli and celery are all rich in vitamin C and can really help to combat problems with teeth and gums.
Eaten raw, celery is particularly beneficial as it helps you produce more saliva which helps combat cavities by remineralising your tooth enamel as well as massaging your gums and cleaning between your teeth while you are chewing it. Citrus fruits are also great for stimulating saliva production and are essential to maintain good hydration to keep your gums healthy and lower the risk of gingivitis or periodontitis.
Whole Grains and Pasta
It might come as a bit of a surprise but eating whole grains and pasta can also have a noticeable effect on the condition of your teeth. Foods such as bread and crackers are actually very high in sugars, resulting in increased plaque levels which are very damaging to teeth. Pasta will provide you with carbohydrates to help you feel full without additional sugars. Another benefit to eating foods which make you feel fuller for longer is that you are less likely to reach for the biscuit tin a couple of hours after you've eaten your main meal.
Grains and seeds such as sesame seeds are also very beneficial and are part of the reason our prehistoric ancestors had healthy teeth and gums. Not only are they very rich in vitamin C, they also help to remove plaque as you chew. Try sprinkling some seeds over your salad a few times a week to help with cleaning your teeth while boosting your levels of essential vitamins.
Increase your Intake of Dairy and Fish
Teeth need calcium in order to remain healthy and strong, so it makes sense to eat dairy products to improve their condition. Dairy products also contain nutrients such as protein and phosphorous which are valuable assets when it comes to neutralizing plaque acids. Eating a small cube of cheese after you meal is a great way to combat plaque, but be wary with dairy foods such as fromage frais and yoghurts as they can contain high levels of hidden sugars.
Fish is another great food to eat to improve the health of your teeth and gums as it is a fantastic source of Vitamin D, which is essential to help your teeth use the calcium in your diet. Fish also contains essential fats and oils which promote healthy gums as well as enhancing your skin, hair and nails. Fish is a good alternative to red meat and should be eaten a couple of times a week for optimum health benefits.
Just as with any other part of your body, the health of your teeth and gums is a reflection of how well you look after yourself. Ensuring you have a healthy balanced diet will help to ensure an attractive, happy smile.
Article taken from: http://www.blissplan.com/wellness/the-best-foods-to-eat-for-healthy-teeth-and-gums/

Dental Crowns And Bridges

What are Dental Crowns and Tooth Bridges?
Both crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, which you can take out and clean daily, crowns and bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants, and can only be removed by a dentist.
How do Crowns Work?
A crown is used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function. Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Other materials include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. These alloys are generally stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for back teeth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it is both strong and attractive.
Your dentist may recommend a crown to:

• Replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining
• Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
• Restore a fractured tooth
• Attach a bridge
• Cover a dental implant
• Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
• Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment

How do Bridges Work?
A bridge may be recommended if you're missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. The imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments. As with crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges. Your dentist can help you decide which to use, based on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations and cost. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.
How are Crowns and Bridges Made?
Before either a crown or a bridge can be made, the tooth (or teeth) must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will fit over it properly. After reducing the tooth/teeth, your dentist will take an impression to provide an exact mold for the crown or bridge. If porcelain is to be used, your dentist will determine the correct shade for the crown or bridge to match the color of your existing teeth.
Using this impression, a dental lab then makes your crown or bridge, in the material your dentist specifies. A temporary crown or bridge will be put in place to cover the prepared tooth while the permanent crown or bridge is being made. When the permanent crown or bridge is ready, the temporary crown or bridge is removed, and the new crown or bridge is cemented over your prepared tooth or teeth.
How Long do Crowns and Bridges Last?
While crowns and bridges can last a lifetime, they do sometimes come loose or fall out. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice good oral hygiene. A bridge can lose its support if the teeth or bone holding it in place are damaged by dental disease. Keep your gums and teeth healthy by Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily. Also see your dentist and hygienist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
To prevent damage to your new crown or bridge, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects.
Article Taken From:  http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-Basics/Checkups-and-Dental-Procedures/Crowns-Bridges/article/What-are-Dental-Crowns-and-Tooth-Bridges.cvsp

Losing Baby Teeth!

There's a huge range of normal when it comes to losing baby teeth. Although most children lose their first tooth at 5 or 6, some start as young as 4, and others won't get to meet the Tooth Fairy until 7. Your child will usually be the first to know when a tooth is loose because she can feel it moving. Most kids are very proud when they have a wiggly tooth and will want to show it to you (and anyone else willing to look), so prepare yourself if you're the squeamish type. It's totally fine for your child to play with her loose tooth -- most kids love to move them around with their tongues. Just remind her to wash her hands before putting them anywhere near her mouth.
You'll probably be relieved to hear that most parents do not have to intervene and actually pull a baby tooth, since they tend to fall out naturally during a meal or while your kid is absentmindedly wiggling it. But if the permanent tooth has broken through the gum underneath, you may need to help matters along so this new tooth doesn't become damaged by the old baby tooth rubbing against it. Before pulling your child's tooth, wash your hands thoroughly and always use a clean piece of gauze to grab it (expect to see a little bit of blood). If you're not up to the task, many school nurses are happy to yank out a loose tooth if asked nicely by a nervous parent.
Article taken from: http://www.parents.com/advice/big-kids/hygiene/when-do-baby-teeth-start-to-fall-out/