Friday, November 28, 2014

5 Unfriendly Foods Your Dentist Wants You to Avoid

If you want to maintain a healthy smile, you may want to avoid eating or drinking certain things that can cause advanced decay or wear on your teeth. Any dentist will tell you that your food and drink choices can adversely affect your oral health. Here are some things you should avoid:

Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is a good addition to your overall diet, but it's not so great for your smile. Dried fruit is very sticky and sometimes contains extra sugar. The stickiness of the dried fruit allows that sugar to become adhered to your teeth for a long period of time. This can cause cavities as well as dental erosion. If you enjoy eating dried fruit from time to time, your dentist may recommend that you choose varieties that are low in sugar. Also, remember to brush immediately after eating it.

Citrus

Citrus fruit is a great source of vitamin C, but it is also very acidic. Acidic fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit can cause you to lose tooth enamel, which cannot be reproduced. In addition to the breakdown of enamel, acidic fruits are higher in sugar. Too much sugar leads to tooth decay over time. It is still fine to enjoy citrus, but be sure to drink a glass of water afterward to flush the acid from your teeth.

Coffee

Coffee has some overall health benefits, but it can also cause damage to your teeth. Coffee and tea can easily stain your teeth. However, coffee can be very sticky, which allows other food particles to adhere to your teeth. This is especially true for coffee drinks that contain ingredients like cream, caramel, and other sticky items. If you enjoy drinking coffee, you dentist may recommend having it black from time to time. Be sure to limit sugary and sticky additions to your coffee.

Soda

The dentist is not usually a big fan of soda. Soda is full of sugar, which is terrible for your teeth. It is also full of acid that can break them down. It is even worse when you sip soda throughout the day. When you drink it all day long on a continual basis, you are allowing your teeth to remain in a constant bath of acid. If you must have soda every day, either drink it all at once or have it with a meal. This way, your teeth will be exposed for a shorter amount of time. Afterward, be sure to brush your teeth really well.

The food and beverages that you eat and drink can really wreak havoc on your teeth. Your dentist can provide you with an exhaustive list of things to avoid if you want to have a beautiful, healthy smile. You can have a bright, shiny smile by simply eating a healthful, teeth-friendly diet.

Fenton residents trust Michigan Smiles when they're looking for a dentist to keep their teeth healthy. Learn more at http://michigansmilesdental.com/.
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Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving!

We Would Like To Wish You and Your Family a Very Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!


Saturday, November 22, 2014

What Causes Cavities?

Dental cavities are common and effect 90% of the population. In the early stages, they may not cause pain, but if they are left untreated they can continue to compromise the tooth and become painful and unsightly. Cavities are holes in the two outer layers of the tooth, called the enamel and the dentin. Both of these layers are in place to protect the pulp, the interior of the tooth. This is the living tissue where the blood vessels and nerves can be found. Scheduling regular dental check-ups that include a thorough cleaning and x-rays will alert your dentist to any problems before they become severe.

Where Do Cavities Come From?

Cavities are caused by tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria is allowed to find a home in the mouth. This particular bacteria feeds off certain types of sugars found in food and drink which is known as fermentable carbohydrates. If theses sugars are allowed to stay on the teeth, the bacteria feed on them and make an acid. A sticky film coats the teeth called plaque. Plaque consists of a combination of bacteria, acids, saliva, and food particles. This plaque softens the teeth and creates small areas of erosion which the bacteria enters and works to further the decay.

What Can I Do To Prevent Them?

The first defense against the formation of cavities is to eat right in the first place. Avoid sodas, sugary snacks, starchy foods, honey, hard candy, and even milk; all are foods which are known to create a great environment for bacteria to grow. The next line of defense is to brush and floss regularly. Your dentist can advise you as to the best and most effective cleaning techniques. Other ways to help avoid tooth decay include making sure that you receive enough fluoride and to have a sealant applied to your teeth. Particularly in children, fluoride helps to strengthen the tooth enamel which leads to fewer cavities. Sealants are applied to the back teeth to fill the nooks and crannies where bacteria can thrive. Sealants consist of a plastic coating that is painted onto the teeth in a painless procedure. Sealants have been successful in preventing tooth decay in young children as well as adults who are cavity prone.

Once a cavity is formed, your dentist may choose to fill your tooth with a silver dental amalgam, composite material, gold, or porcelain. Porcelain fillings are becoming more popular even though they are often as expensive as gold fillings. A great benefit to using porcelain to fill a cavity is that the color can be matched to the natural color of the tooth.

Taking the time to visiting a dental clinic regularly for a full check-up gives the dentist the opportunity to not only make you aware of any problems that may arise and advise you on the needed action, but it also allows the dentist to educate you or your child on proper dental hygiene.


Lawrenceville Dental Associates is a general dentistry practice that offers comprehensive dental care for patients in Lawrenceville and Gwinnett County. Ken Tralongo, CEO of Tralongo Management, and his practice are made up of a team of four highly trained and experienced Lawrenceville dentists, as well as a friendly and professional support staff.
Learn more at http://www.Lawrencevilledentalassociates.com/.
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Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Why Should You Use Fluoride?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fluoride, when used correctly, is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay. The CDC has supported the inclusion of fluoride in water and toothpaste to promote dental health.

Why is Fluoride Important to Dental Health?

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water. It replaces minerals lost in tooth enamel due to plaque, bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It helps people of all ages prevent and even reverse early decay. However, it is particularly important for certain age groups.

Fluoride is especially important for infants and children from six months to 16 years old because this is the time when primary (baby) teeth and permanent molars grow in. However, children under the age of six should use only dab of toothpaste that contains fluoride. Check with your dentist before choosing toothpaste for a young child and make sure you are supervising the tooth-brushing process.

Adults with certain conditions may also need added fluoride. These conditions include gum disease (gingivitis), frequent cavities and dental work such as crowns, bridges or braces that increase their risk of tooth decay. If you have any of these, ask your dentist if a fluoride supplement or treatment is warranted.


What are the Sources of Fluoride?

Close to two-thirds of the U.S. population has a water supply with adequate levels of fluoride and 43 of the 50 largest U.S. cities have water fluoridation systems. If you are not certain about the fluoride levels in your drinking water, check with the water supplier or your local dentist. If you get your water from a well, have a sample tested. Wherever your water comes from, if it does not contain fluoride, your dentist may recommend fluoride tablets or drops.

Most bottled water does not contain the recommended levels of fluoride. To find out how much fluoride bottled water contains, check the label or contact the manufacturer. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million.

Toothpaste is generally an excellent source of fluoride. Some brands of mouthwash also contain fluoride, so rinsing regularly with one of those will help your teeth. There are also prescription mouthwashes with higher concentrations of fluoride.

Fluoride supplements and treatments are available, but only through a prescription from your dentist.

Is Too Much Fluoride Dangerous?

It is difficult for adults to ingest a hazardous level of fluoride from fluoridated water, toothpaste and mouthwash. However, because children are smaller, their use of fluoridated products should be monitored, as noted previously. If you have a little one in the house, keep all products with fluoride out of their reach.

Too much fluoride can cause a condition called fluorosis. This can damage tooth enamel by causing white specks and brown discoloration. This generally occurs in young children. The discoloration can be removed by a dentist with professional-strength abrasives or bleaches.

The CDC agrees with experts in the field of dentistry about the importance of fluoride. It has stated that "frequent exposure to small amounts of fluoride each day" reduces the risk of tooth decay. It recommends that people drink fluoridated water and brush their teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.

Norcross Dental Associates is a comprehensive family dental practice. Their team of highly trained and experienced professionals provide general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. The goal of Ken Tralongo, CEO of Tralongo Management, and each Norcross dentist specialist in his practice is to deliver top-quality care in a warm and compassionate environment.
Learn more at http://www.norcrossdentalassociates.com/.
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Sunday, November 16, 2014

Is Dry Mouth More Than Just A Nuisance?

For those with chronic dry mouth (that feeling that there is not enough saliva in the mouth), they know it's more than a nuisance. The salivary glands are not working properly. Not only does it affect chewing, swallowing, enjoying certain foods, digestion and even speech, it also affects teeth.

Dry mouth (xerostomia) can cause cavities. Most people may experience dry mouth from time to time if they are nervous or under stress. However, dry mouth that is persistent is not normal, it is not part of aging and it is not good. The saliva in the mouth washes away food particles and acts as a neutralizer for the acids in the mouth that cause decay of tooth enamel. Without the necessary saliva, the propensity for teeth to get cavities is greater. Without saliva, the mouth is more prone to bacterial and fungal infections. Saliva also is important for re-mineralization of enamel and contains digestive enzymes.

Symptoms of xerostomia include a sticky, dry or burning feeling in the mouth. The throat may also feel dry and one has a feeling of being thirsty. Lips may crack and the tongue may feel dry and rough. Sometimes the person may have trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting or even speaking. There may be an infection in the mouth or mouth sores. And bad breath is prevalent.

Causes of xerostomia are most often from breathing through your mouth while sleeping or side effects of some medication. Other possibilities for these salivary glands not working properly are from diseases such as HIV/AIDS or diabetes, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or nerve damage. Smoking, chewing tobacco and consuming alcohol can also cause dry mouth.

There are a variety of treatments for xerostomia depending on the cause. If one sleeps on their back there are devices to help keep the mouth closed. They include a chin strap and an oral vestibular shield that prevents the mouth from opening. However, consciously flipping on the stomach or side may be all that is needed. A nightshirt with a tennis ball in a sock pinned on the back can even help.

If a person is on one of the 400 medications that can have dry mouth as a side effect, they should see a physician for possibly changing or adjusting the dosage of the meds. Some examples of commonly prescribed drugs that can cause dry mouth are those for high blood pressure, depression, allergies, acne, diarrhea, obesity and asthma.

A person with dry mouth can also improve their saliva flow by frequently sipping on water, sucking on sugar-free candy containing xylitol, using a room humidifier - especially in the bedroom, and purchasing over-the-counter artificial saliva products. A dentist can prescribe an oral rinse that often helps. In some cases, there are medications that are used to get salivary glands working properly again.

Since tooth decay is exacerbated with dry mouth, it is imperative to keep the teeth clean. Home dental cleaning at least twice a day is necessary. Avoiding sugar or high carbohydrates helps. Professional cleanings every three months are recommended. So, dry mouth is more than just a nuisance. It can be a pain in the tooth.

Dr. Piero, a Holland, MI dentist for over thirty years, is the inventor of Dental Air Force® (http://www.dentalairforce.com). Articles published are on periodontal health related to heart disease, respiratory health, diabetes, strokes, and other systemic diseases. He is the Executive Editor for Journal of Experimental Dental Science, a contributing author to Hospital Infection Control: Clinical Guidelines and soon-to-be published book, Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.
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Thursday, November 13, 2014

Dental Studies Report Systemic Health Links

For many years, medical professionals and dental practitioners have focused only on their own personal fields in the health industry, devoted to medication and solutions related to the body and the mouth, correspondingly. Having said that, the latest studies have highly indicated that dental health could be a sign of systemic health.

The effect of dental health on overall wellness has been restudied throughout the last twenty years with a wide variety of epidemiological research displaying a connection among bad dental health and a selection of health ailments such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and pneumonia.

Below are a few studies conducted on the matter:

Study #1: Department of Periodontology at Skanstull, Folktandvården

Information had been gathered from the dental care documents and the health surveys of 1006 patients. Stepwise multiple linear regression examinations were implemented to determine links among systemic problems as self-governing factors and amount of leftover teeth as well as the comparative rate of recurrence of gum pockets of 5 mm or higher as the primarily based variable.

No substantial links between researched systemic disorders and gum disease severeness were discovered if the comparative consistency of profound gum pockets were to be used as the medical measure for the extent of the gum disease. On the other hand, rheumatoid disease, diabetes, and heart problems had been determined to be considerably linked to the quantity of missing teeth, which might signify one element of gum wellness. This outcome held accurate in non-smoking participants only.

Study #2: University of North Carolina, School of Dentistry

This study involved a United Kingdom and Ireland combination specialized general opinion evaluation, carried out by a selection of medical professionals and dental practitioners. The group examined released research, concentrating on the previous five years, on the contributory part of gum disease to systemic health. Specifically, proof relevant to a role for gum disease in heart problems and in diabetes had been considered.

Preliminary reports of large epidemiological information units have been searched through to find connections between periodontitis and systemic illness results, however a causal association still must be confirmed among gum disease, diabetes, and heart disease by means of future research.

Even though additional studies are necessary to determine the connection, there is a likely probability of gum disease to both heart disease along with to diabetes management and advancement, which is why this wellness knowledge is important in order to promote better dental health.

Study #3: School of Dentistry, the University of Queensland

This study consisted of one thousand older individuals that were chosen from four treatment centers. The frequency of health conditions had been examined making use of authenticated self-reported wellness surveys. The gum conditions were discussed from the latest appropriate radiographs within the records.

Individuals with periodontal problems experienced an increased incidence of systemic illnesses when compared to basic practice population. General public sufferers had a larger occurrence of systemic conditions in comparison to sufferers in privately owned practices for both basic practice and gum disease sufferers. In individuals with further developed periodontitis, hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bronchitis were most common. People with periodontitis additionally had taken far more prescription drugs and were more prone to experience several problems when compared to the general dental patients.

Those going to public dental facilities have an elevated occurrence of systemic disease in comparison to all those going to personal facilities. In addition, periodontal individuals possess a more significant frequency of illnesses when compared with basic practice sufferers. People with average or worse periodontitis display a rise in the occurrence of a few systemic conditions formerly documented to be threat factor for gum disease.

Dr. Piero, a Holland, MI dentist for over thirty years, is the inventor of Dental Air Force® (http://www.dentalairforce.com). Articles published are on periodontal health related to heart disease, respiratory health, diabetes, strokes, and other systemic diseases. He is the Executive Editor for Journal of Experimental Dental Science, a contributing author to Hospital Infection Control: Clinical Guidelines and soon-to-be published book, Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.
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Monday, November 10, 2014

Tooth Problems? Four Tips On Choosing Dentists For Your Needs

Are you experiencing a bad toothache and need to find dentists in your area? Finding one is easy when you know where to look, and there are a number of methods people resort to when searching for dentists. There's the old school method of looking through the phone book or asking a friend for a referral; then there are newer methods like Internet reviews and web searches. Whichever method you choose, this article has got you covered.

Recommendations and Referrals

Chances are you know someone who regularly sees a dentist, so perhaps the best referral can come from them. Just ask them about who they see, what their experiences are like, and if they are happy with the work being done. Referrals and recommendations are two of the most efficient ways to find new dentists in your area, so don't be afraid to ask around. Additionally, make sure you seek out multiple opinions before deciding on anything.

Internet Searching and Online Reviews

Back in the old days, we used to resort to the Yellow Pages or some other clunky book to find anything. Fortunately, we don't have to do that anymore thanks to the Internet. The Internet is chock full of reviews, advertisements, and all sorts of helpful tools that weren't around years ago; and yes, there's even an online Yellow Pages. So take advantage of this, and who knows, maybe you'll find your next favorite doctor without having to leave your desk. But beware of putting a lot of real estate into online reviews: just like with recommendations, you should always seek multiple opinions before setting any appointments.

Narrowing Your Choices

Now that you've completed your research, it's time to narrow your choices. But there's one more thing you need to do: make appointments. Some dentists may call your initial meeting a "free consultation," while others may call it an "intake interview." Regardless of what anyone calls your first meeting, this is your opportunity to meet face-to-face with your new doctor. Think about the questions you want to ask. Are you open on weekends? How do you deal with emergencies? Will you accept my insurance? Only you know which answers will suffice as proper, so it's good to think about them now before you go in.

Observe, Evaluate, and Report

Make a mental note as to how the receptionist greeted you, look around the office, and conduct a mental inspection. Is it clean? Were you greeted with a smile? Do you notice any strange looking machines? If so, feel free to ask what they are and what they are used for. Believe me, you don't want your wisdom teeth pulled the old-school way.

Bring a list of questions with you. Dentists love to talk about their new technologies, so make sure to ask about their equipment. Ask for testimonials as well, and don't be afraid to ask them about who takes care of their teeth. Trust me, dentists, unlike say tattoo artists, do not work or practice on themselves.

Your own personal report is going to have the final say. At the end of the day, if you feel comfortable with your visit, you liked what heard at the interview, and you like the doctor, chances are you've found a good match.

When searching for reliable dentists, Jersey City, NJ residents can learn more about their options at http://www.njcosmeticdentist.com/3.
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Friday, November 7, 2014

Dentists And Your Wisdom Teeth

Ah, wisdom-tooth surgery. The laughing gas, the puffed-up cheeks, the ensuing days of eating only ice cream. Not everyone gets wisdom teeth, but those who do often need to have them pulled before they can cause complications.

Wisdom teeth compose a second set of molars that grow behind your existing molars. They can cause pain as they grow and push against the gums and other teeth. But whether you're feeling pain or not, let's take a look at how you and your dentist can detect and remove these pesky bones.

Diagnosis

An x-ray at your routine dental checkup will allow your dentist to look for complications with your wisdom teeth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but, oddly, some can have up to nine or ten. These obsolete molars serve no practical purpose, but can be dangerous if they're pushing against your regular molars. Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Extraction is usually only necessary if the teeth threaten to push other teeth out of whack, or to damage gums or nerves. They can also form cysts inside your gums and can also grow toward major nerves in your jaw.

Surgery

If needed, dentists will recommend an oral surgeon to perform your surgery. Don't worry about the pain of the surgery - dentists use several methods of numbing the surgical area. Before the surgery, you'll choose whether the surgeon will administer anesthesia or laughing gas. The former will knock you out cold, and you'll wake up after the surgery with a few less teeth and no memory of how you lost them. Laughing gas will prevent you from feeling pain, but you'll be awake, watching as the procedure takes place. Some dentists may also administer simple Novocain, locally numbing your gums but still keeping you conscious. Surgery is fairly short - extraction usually takes 30 minutes at most. Afterwards, your gums will be stitched back together to prevent bleeding.

Recovery

After surgery, your job is to care for the tender, stitched surgical areas in your gums. They may bleed regularly for a few days, so you may be advised to softly bite down on gauze over the extraction points.

Your mouth will likely hurt for the first few days, and you may be prescribed painkillers to combat this. You'll need to restrict yourself to soft foods - yogurt, ice cream, Jello - until the surgical wounds heal. You'll also have to gargle with salt water to clean the areas, as you won't want to attack those spots too harshly with a toothbrush. Do not prod or pull at the stitches, as this will only increase bleeding and slow the healing process. The stitches are plastic, and will dissolve naturally in your mouth after a week or so. As they begin to loosen on their own, you'll know that the healing process is moving along.

When looking for friendly, professional dentists in Lakewood, Ohio visit Greg Devor DDS. Learn more about our services at http://www.gregdevordds.com/.
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Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Be Aware of These Dental Problems

It is important to take good care of your teeth. Make sure to see the dentist on a regular basis. As the famous maxim goes, "One ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Brush your teeth properly at least two times daily. Likewise, floss each day and eat a wholesome. It is also important to be aware of common dental issues.

Bad breath is a widespread predicament with slightly more than 80 percent of people affected by halitosis. This condition is quite discomforting. It can be caused by improper brushing, decayed teeth, gum diseases, oral cancer, dry mouth, and microbes on the tongue. Most individuals use mouthwash to cover up this problem. However, it is not a permanent solution since oral rinse cannot cure this disorder. You need to seek dental assistance.

Dental cavity or caries take place when plaque (bacteria) which is sticky and yellow in color forms on your teeth. The condition becomes serious once cavities blend with starch, sugar and other food particles. The end product is acid that undermines teeth enamel. It is the hard substance located in the shell of a person's teeth. Try to stay away from sugary snacks and beverages. Get dental check-ups regularly. Periodontal disease is associated with the gums but ends up eventually in tooth loss. The initial stage is gingivitis or swollen gums around the roots. Periodontitis is more serious since severe infection can impair soft tissues and destroy bones that support the teeth. You can help avert cavities through flossing and brushing.

Oral cancer is an acute ailment. In fact, it is a problem for millions of people globally. It affects the lips, mouth and throat. However, this cancer is curable if detected and treated early. Mouth cancer is common for persons more than 40 years of age. Majority of cases are connected to consumption of alcohol and smoking. Too much exposure to sunlight also enhances the risk of this malady. Mouth sores are annoying but usually disappear after some time just like ulcers and cold sores.

Tooth erosion refers to the loss of the structure. It is normally produced by acid that also damages the enamel. Symptoms include sensitivity to more serious problems like breaking. On the other hand, sensitivity also affects many people. You can suffer from occasional pain from sweets, hot and cold drinks as well as ice cream. Sensitive teeth can be cured by dental experts.

If you are looking for information on Mount Lawley Orthodontics, you can visit Mount Lawley Dental Clinic at: http://www.mountlawleydentalclinic.com.au/orthodontics/.
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Saturday, November 1, 2014

Shakira’s Smile Lights Up Her Fans



With the help of Crest 3D White, Shakira’s bright smile energizes any audience. She uses Crest 3D White LUXE for whiter teeth, locking out future stains, and so can you!