EasyChoiceDental.com - Dental Care Articles

Laser dentistry calms some patients' fears

People who squirm at the sound of a dentist's drill may find a pleasant alternative in laser treatment, which many people consider more relaxing.

Laser instruments - which do not produce the same whirring sound as a drill - may be used for surgery, to improve upon tooth bleaching and to aid the process of tooth restoration.

Some of the specific procedures that may be performed with laser dentistry include dental fillings, benign tumor removal, gum reshaping and surgeries, and cold sore treatment.

According to the Academy of Laser Dentistry, patients generally need a lower level of anesthesia when undergoing laser procedures - and they also bleed less and do not feel as much pain.

However, dentists are not able to use lasers to treat teeth with existing fillings or remove mercury fillings, crowns or onlays. They are also unable to fill cavities between teeth using laser treatment.

Back-to-school for kids' dental health

As children head back to school for their first day of classes, it is the ideal time to introduce and reinforce good dental habits.

Now that kids are readjusting to a set breakfast, homework and bedtime schedule, make sure brushing twice a day and flossing daily are part of this routine.

In addition, youngsters can brush and floss after meals at school to remove plaque and bacteria, Assistant Professor Julie Jenks of the USC School of Dentistry Pediatric Dental Clinic told the Los Angeles Downtown News.

Meanwhile, the types of foods included in a child's lunch can significantly affect their oral health, with sugary and starchy snacks a common cause of tooth decay and cavities.

"Fresh fruits and veggies make the healthiest snacks and things like apple slices, carrot sticks and string cheese even come in lunchbox-friendly packets," Jenks commented.

Finally, it is recommended that children visit a dentist before their first day of school, as part of their regular cleaning schedule. The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry says that kids should get a check-up every six months.

Consult with a dentist before whitening teeth

Although dental experts generally agree that teeth whitening is a safe procedure for those who desire a brighter smile, they also suggest that patients talk to a dentist before undergoing treatment.

Dr Mickey Bernstein, president of the American Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry, told CNN.com that young people who use whitening products prematurely may not achieve the effective results they want, as their teeth are still growing.

He also warns that some patients use treatments too frequently, which leads to tooth sensitivity.

Seeing a dentist will help avoid these scenarios and also determine that tooth discoloration is not a result of a different underlying dental problem.

There are various options available for those who would like to whiten their teeth. One popular method utilizes high-concentration peroxide and is carried out in a dentist's office.

Another uses bleaching gel placed in a nightguard that is custom-fitted to a patient's mouth, with application completed over the course of a couple weeks.

Over-the-counter products such as whitening toothpastes and strips are also available. Look for those that contain the ADA seal of approval.

Dental care check-ups help fight oral cancer

Getting a regular dental check-up can help people detect the warning signs of oral cancer and prevent it from turning deadly.

Too often, this cancer is caught in its late stages, when it has already progressed. More than one-quarter of those who are diagnosed with oral cancer die of the disease, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

A visit to the dentist can be instrumental in identifying early signs of the condition, such as a small, flat spot or sore.

Although most spots and sores in the mouth are not cancerous, a dentist will be able to assess the situation and decide whether to perform further tests.

Be sure to see a professional immediately if you have a sore that bleeds easily and does not heal within two weeks, a change in the color of your oral tissue, a lump or thickening in the mouth, pain or numbness in the mouth or lips, or difficulties chewing or swallowing.

Between 70 and 80 percent oral cancers are caused by smoking and tobacco use, according to the National Institutes of Health.

A broken tooth: Dealing with a dental health emergency

Although tooth enamel is incredibly strong, some accidents - such as a blow to the mouth or biting down on something hard - may result in a broken tooth.

The type of injury suffered can range in severity from a chip to the outer layer of the tooth to a deep break that can cause pain and heavy bleeding.

If an adult or child breaks their tooth at home, they should visit a dentist as soon as possible to assess the damage, the American Dental Association recommends. If the injury is deep, it should be considered a dental emergency.

Meanwhile, the pieces of the tooth should be saved and rinsed under warm water. The person should also rinse their mouth out to clean it.

If there is any blood, a piece of gauze can be applied. Also, a cold compress laid against the cheek or lips in the injured area can help reduce pain and swelling.

To reduce the risk of chipping or breaking a tooth, the ADA recommends that athletes wear mouth guards when participating in sports. Also, the association warns against chewing ice, hard candy and popcorn kernels.

Dental health may help create an attractive smile

For many people, the importance maintaining a bright and attractive smile is one reason they take good care of their teeth and gums.

Others, however, may not realize the effect that that oral health can have on our ability to feel and look our best.

Earlier this year, the Journal of Periodontology published the results of research conducted at the University of Michigan that linked gum disease to people's ability to display a smile.

As part of the study, 21 patients were observed while they watched a comedy program. The scientists analyzed various aspects of the participants' reactions, including the width of each smile, the number of teeth shown and how often a person covered their mouth.

By linking the results to dental health histories, the team discovered that patterns of gum disease did impact the patients' ability to smile.

Dr Susan Karabin, president of the American Academy of Periodontology, said the findings show that gum disease "may affect more than just overall health."

"It can also impact actual quality of life, making caring for one's teeth and gums all the more important," she explained.

Separate research has also linked gum disease to a variety of health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Warning about dry mouth and dental health

Dental care is a topic that affects all ages, from infants to seniors. With this latter group in mind, various dental professionals have raised concerns about the impact of some medications on oral health.

Saliva is important for a healthy mouth because it rinses away food particles, remineralizes teeth and neutralizes acids. Usually, our mouths produce saliva naturally when we eat.

However, a reduction in saliva flow may develop as a result of using certain medications that are common among seniors, such as antihistamines, decongestants, diuretics and pain killers, according to the American Dental Association.

Dry mouth may lead to a higher risk of gum disease, tooth decay or oral infections. Denture wearers may also suffer discomfort.

Families and friends of older people are encouraged to be vigilant when looking for signs of decay or oral pain in their loved ones.

Dentists may also have some suggestions for how to create an adequate flow of saliva in the case of dry mouth, such sucking on sugar-free candy, using a room vaporizer to add moisture or taking an over-the-counter saliva substitute.

Men told to mind their dental health

Dental care is important for every person, regardless of age, gender, race or nationality.

However, a new appeal has been launched urging men in particular to make sure they are not neglecting their dental health, seeking regular care rather than waiting until a problem comes up.

Men are more likely than women to develop gum disease and also twice as likely to suffer from oral cancer, according to the Pennsylvania Dental Association.

With these statistics in mind, the association is reminding males about the importance of regular brushing and flossing, as well as the oral health benefits of following a balanced diet.

"Studies have shown that systemic diseases, like diabetes, have a direct effect on the health of your gums and bone surrounding your teeth," commented Dr Steven Grater of the PDA.

He said that "continued dental care" and regular visits to the dentist are vital in order to help protect people against these health problems.

Around 80 percent of Americans have some form of gum disease, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Warning about bottle's effect on baby's dental health

Parents may think they are doing all they can to protect their baby's wellbeing, but some may not realize the negative effects that certain bottle habits may have on their dental health.

American Dental Association guidelines warn against allowing a child to go to bed with a bottle or sippy cup that contains a sugary drink such as fruit juice, milk or formula.

This practice could result in a condition known as "baby bottle tooth decay," in which these sugars collect in the child's mouth, feeding the bacteria that cause plaque.

Babies are more susceptible to this type of damage when they sleep because the flow of their saliva decreases, which means their mouth is not adequately cleansed, according to the Academy of General Dentistry.

Parents can help prevent baby bottle tooth decay by limiting the amount of sugary drinks consumed by their child, as well as cleaning their baby's gums after every feeding with a moist washcloth.

Once a child's first tooth appears, moms and dads should use a soft toothbrush to clean its surface as well.