Thursday, January 31, 2013

New Study: Drinking Coffee May Reduce Your Risk Of Oral Cancer


A brief on oral cancer:


Where coffee comes in:


What that means now:


Until then, Cheers to coffee!

This information was gathered from an online article.  To read the original article in full, please click HERE.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Dental Sealants 101

What is a dental sealant?
A dental sealant is a thin, white, plastic coating used on the surfaces of your teeth (molars specifically) to help prevent tooth decay.  The procedure is painless and only takes a few minutes.  

How do they work?
Just how it sounds!  The sealant is applied to the molar surface which allows a light, but powerful protective coating to seal in the tiny cracks and crevices that could potentially trap food and bacteria, which could lead to tooth decay and other long-term problems.

When should I consider getting  them?
Most dentists suggest applying sealants as an extra measure in preventive care early on as your adult teeth grow in.  Because most tooth decay in teens and children are found in this area, the earlier you get them, the better.

Do all teeth need sealants?
No, just molars.  Molars are far more vulnerable to tooth decay because they are designed for chewing.  The rest of your teeth are shaped and designed for their specific purpose and sealants just simply aren’t needed.

How long do they last?
The average life of a sealant is anywhere between 5-10 years.  Over time, they can wear down or chip, at which point, they should be reapplied.

Does this mean I won’t get cavities at all?
Definitely not.   While they do offer a strong layer of protection, they are not designed to replace your daily dental maintenance.  They protect, they do not prevent.  Maintaining healthy dental habits will better allow the sealant to do what it is supposed to.

Does my regular dentist do them?
Yes, a general dentist should be able to do it, or the hygienist.  A specialist is not necessary.

Are they covered by insurance?
Because it is considered a preventive procedure, most insurances and dental plans cover sealants at 100%.  Obviously this will vary, so be sure to check with your provider beforehand.  

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Dental Myths - Fact or Fiction?

Myth: White teeth are healthier teeth?
Fact: White teeth my look prettier, but teeth are not meant to be pure white. Brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and avoiding food/drinks that will stain your teeth will help you keep your teeth white as possible.

Myth: Baby Toothpaste is better for young children?
Fact: Some baby toothpaste does not have enough fluoride in them to prevent tooth decay.

Myth: Only sugar in sweets are bad for my teeth?
Fact: Yes sugar in the sweets are bad for your teeth and over all health but dried fruits, juices, honey have all natural sugars that can cause tooth decay a well. Limit your intake of foods with sugar and brush your teeth twice a day.

Myth: There's no need to brush baby teeth?
Fact: Even though the child will lose these teeth, they still need to be brushes. This will also help establish good habits.

Myth: Bad breath is only caused by not brushing your teeth?
Fact:  Most cases of halitosis (bad breath) are caused by bad oral hygiene.

If you have any dental questions or concerns ask your dentist!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Caring For Childrens Teeth

From brushing their first tooth to their first dental appointment, here is how to take care of your children's teeth.

  • It's never to early to start brushing, brush your baby's gum with a soft toothbrush.
  • As soon as their first tooth appears start brushing it with a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Children under the age of three should only have a smear of toothpaste on their toothbrush. Children between the ages three and six should get a pea sized amount of toothpaste.
  • Brush your children's teeth for at least two minutes, two times a day.
  • Children between the ages seven and eight should be brushing their teeth on their own with supervision.
  • Make sure your child does not eat or shallow the toothpaste
Making sure they brush properly:

  • Gide your child's had to show them the correct movement.
  • Use a mirror to show them where they are brushing.
  • Set a timer, so they know how long to brush.

Take you child to thee dentist when they are young, this is so they become comfortable at the dentist. This will also help detect any problems at an early stage.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Fear Of The Dentisit?

Dentophobia, also known as fear of the dentist. Did you know one in four people fear going to the dentist?

Having a fear of the dentist can mean different thing to different people. Maybe it's the thought that it will hurt, the sounds, the smell, or even previous bad experiences.

If you are anxious about seeing the dentist here are 8 tips to ease your dental fear:

  1. Find a dentist that you feel comfortable with. Ask a friend or a family member for recommendations.
  2. Once you found your dentist, call and make an appointment to walk through the office, meet the staff and get a feel of the environment.
  3. Pick an early morning time, less time to think about the visit.
  4. Take a friend or family member with you.
  5. First appointments are usually check ups.
  6. Agree with a sign, so the dentist knows when you need a break.
  7. Start with simple procedures and work your way up to more difficult procedures.
  8. Take your ipod with you to drown out the noise.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Tips For Healthy Teeth



A healthy diet:




Here are some tips to achieve a healthy smile!