tntadmin – Page 5 – Best Dentist News

Prepare Yourself for Common Dental Emergencies This Holiday Season

tooth pain With big family dinners, presents, and cold weather to worry about this holiday season, the last thing you probably have on your mind is the state of your teeth. But what if the worst happens? After all, there are some accidents and injuries you just can’t prepare for. You might be enjoying a hard candy or running down the ice-covered sidewalk when CRACK! Suddenly, you’re experiencing a dental emergency, and in situations like this, time is of the essence. The most important thing to do is to stay calm and not panic. Then, follow these helpful tips below:

I knocked my tooth out!

Hold the tooth by the top (the crown section) and gently rinse the root in water if it’s dirty. Don’t scrub it or deliberately remove any of the attached tissue that might still be holding onto it. If it’s possible, set it back into its socket. If it won’t stay, place it in a cup or plastic baggie of milk. Then, contact your local dentist as soon as possible to arrange an emergency dentistry appointment. Make sure to bring the tooth with you to their office! Once you’re there, they’ll be able to let you know whether reattachment is a viable option.

I broke my tooth!

First, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Cold compresses will help keep the swelling down until you make an dental appointment.

I lost my temporary crown!

Try to find it, if you haven’t lost it! Once you have, dry your natural tooth, place a small dab of toothpaste of top of it, and then carefully reattach the crown. This usually works as a solid temporary solution until you can reach your local dentist.

My tooth really hurts!

First, rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water. Then, use dental floss to ensure that there are no food particles or debris caught between your teeth that might be causing the pain. Be sure not to place aspirin or any other painkillers against the gums near the aching tooth, as this might cause a burning sensation! If the pain doesn’t go away after these steps, contact your local dentist.

Be Thankful for Your Smile!

For those trying to stay healthy around the holidays, you may have already sworn off second or even first helpings from the dessert table. However, there are still plenty of dishes that can cause damage to your waistline and your smile. Many main-course Thanksgiving foods contain high levels of sugar and fat. However, there is some confusion about one in particular.

The Cranberry Sauce Debacle

Research from Rutgers University has shown that cranberries are extremely beneficial in fighting plaque thanks to proanthocyanidine, a natural chemical compound found in the fruit. You may know that a buildup of plague can lead to cavities and gum disease, an incurable condition which affects the entire mouth, but you may not know that standard cranberry-based holiday fare probably won’t help your smile.

The Problem

Cranberry sauce, a popular holiday dish, usually contains large amounts of sugar to balance the tartness of the cranberries. Most of the many benefits of cranberries can only be reaped in the natural state, without additives. Sugar plays an active role in deteriorating enamel and increases the production of plague. In fact, a single serving of cranberry sauce can easily contain over 20 grams of sugar, which is comparable to a bar of milk chocolate!

The Solution

Are you responsible for making the cranberry sauce? Try tinkering with the recipe to reduce or substitute the sugar to reduce the overall content. If you truly enjoy this condiment in its traditional state, immediately brush and floss after your dinner. Happy Thanksgiving!For those trying to stay healthy around the holidays, you may have already sworn off second or even first helpings from the dessert table. However, there are still plenty of dishes that can cause damage to your waistline and your smile. Many main-course Thanksgiving foods contain high levels of sugar and fat. However, there is some confusion about one in particular.

snow woman For those trying to stay healthy around the holidays, you may have already sworn off second or even first helpings from the dessert table. However, there are still plenty of dishes that can cause damage to your waistline and your smile. Many main-course Thanksgiving foods contain high levels of sugar and fat. However, there is some confusion about one in particular.

The Cranberry Sauce Debacle

Research from Rutgers University has shown that cranberries are extremely beneficial in fighting plaque thanks to proanthocyanidine, a natural chemical compound found in the fruit. You may know that a buildup of plaque can lead to cavities and gum disease, an incurable condition which affects the entire mouth, but you may not know that standard cranberry-based holiday fare probably won’t help your smile.

The Problem

Cranberry sauce, a popular holiday dish, usually contains large amounts of sugar to balance the tartness of the cranberries. Most of the many benefits of cranberries can only be reaped in the natural state, without additives. Sugar plays an active role in deteriorating enamel and increases the production of plaque. In fact, a single serving of cranberry sauce can easily contain over 20 grams of sugar, which is comparable to a bar of milk chocolate!

The Solution

How Can Green Tea Help Your Smile?

Many of us could use a little pick-me-up in the morning, and coffee is largely the drink we turn to. Sure, it causes tooth stains and bad breath, but go into any Starbucks on your way to work and you’ll see a packed house. But what if I told you that switching from coffee to green tea could help you improve your oral health and reduce your visits to the dentist?

It’s true!

Green Tea and Overall Health

Green tea has been consumed for centuries due to its medicinal benefits, which includes improve heart health, regulating body temperature, promoting digestion, and improving mental processes. In America, black tea is often the tea of choice, but it contains far fewer antioxidants and more caffeine. The unfermented leaves of green tea, on the other hand, contain much higher concentrations of polyphenol and catechin—important antioxidants—which are important for treating high cholesterol, cancer, diabetes, liver disease, and more.

Green Tea and Oral Health

Besides supporting your overall health, research has also shown that green tea can:

Reduce periodontal inflammation
Kill oral cancer cells
Inhibit the formation of plaque
Repel odor-causing bacteria

If your daily routine involves one or more cups of coffee, give green tea a chance to see what kind of difference it could make in your life.

Gum Disease Linked to Rheumatoid Arthritis? Yep!

floss girl Research has shown a link between gum disease and a number of health problems, including diabetes and heart disease. Researchers have also long known about a link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, but they haven’t known why the two were linked. New research is showing why these two inflammatory problems might be connected.

The research, carried out by University of Louisville School of Dentistry Oral Health and Systemic Diseases researcher Jan Potempa, PhD, DSc, shows that the bacteria that causes gum disease can worsen rheumatoid arthritis, leading to early onset and speeding up progression. This means increased damage to bone and cartilage. Gum disease can lead to chronic inflammation and destruction of the cartilage in the joints.

Studies have also shown that people with gum disease experience higher rates of rheumatoid arthritis.

This is just one more reason that you need to take extra care to prevent and fight against gum disease. The best way to protect yourself from the ill effects of gum disease is through a combination of regular visits twice a year to the dentist and daily brushing and flossing. Many people neglect to floss regularly. It is recommended that you floss once a day, which allows you to sweep away the bacteria that causes gum disease from below the gum line. Brushing alone cannot adequately protect you from gum disease. And gum disease isn’t just linked to rheumatoid arthritis. It’s the leading cause of tooth loss as well, and contributes to a variety of other systemic diseases.

So if it’s been a while since your last visit to the dentist, make sure to make an appointment soon to find out about your gum disease status and any other oral health problems that might be threatening your overall health and wellbeing!

Eight Tips for Keeping Plaque in Check

general dentistry Have you ever noticed that your teeth feel a little…well, fuzzy at the end of the day? What you’re feeling isn’t fuzz, of course, but plaque. You may have heard your dentist talk about plaque before, but do you know what it is?

Plaque is a sticky biofilm made up of hundreds and hundreds of naturally-occurring bacteria. These bacteria feed on the food we put in our mouths, and they especially love foods high in sugar or other carbohydrates. As these bacteria feed on these particles, they create an acidic byproduct that damages tooth enamel, resulting in cavities.

So, given how destructive plaque, bacteria, and this acidic byproduct can be, you may be wondering what you can do to keep it in check. Below are eight tips for managing and getting rid of plaque.

Tip #1

Brush at least twice a day, but if possible, after every meal.

Tip #2

Floss at least once a day. Flossing will help you remove pieces of food or particle of plaque from beyond teeth, where they can contribute to decay.

Tip #3

Consider adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your at-home oral health regimen. Reducing the amount of bacteria from your mouth will reduce your vulnerability to decay. A fluoride mouthwash can also help you strength your tooth enamel.

Tip #4

Chew sugarless gum after and in between meals. Gum helps remove particles of food from between teeth and stimulates the production of saliva, which neutralizes acid.

Tip #5

Reduce the amount of sweet or starchy foods you consume. Even a natural snack like raisins can be problematic.

Tip #6

Avoid smoking or any kind of tobacco use. Besides being bad for your health, smokers routinely have higher amounts of hardened plaque.

Tip #7

Make regular checkups and cleanings with your local dentist a priority. A cleaning by a professional hygienist will help you get rid of plaque in places that are hard to reach with normal brushing and flossing.

Tip #8

Dental sealants protect the chewing surfaces of teeth from bacteria and plaque with a thin layer of plastic. This effective option works especially well for back teeth and may help children who are more vulnerable to decay.

Do you have questions about plaque or how to prevent it? Has it been more than six months since your last checkup or cleaning? Call your local dentist today for an appointment.

Five Myths about Porcelain Veneers and the Real Truth Behind Them

30332440 Ever since Hollywood celebrities started relying on them for transforming their smiles into stunners, porcelain veneers have picked up steam as a truly transformative cosmetic dentistry method that can cover up stains, chips, cracks, and even gaps. These beautiful restorations are handcrafted in dental labs and customized for each unique tooth, ensuring a completely seamless, natural appearance. However, there are also several rumors that dentists have encountered concerning this procedure that may be scaring off potential patients who’re striving for the smile of their dreams. Today, we’d like to clear up five of these misconceptions!

People Will Easily Be Able to Tell That It’s Not Your Real Smile

While this may have once been true concerning older versions of veneers, which were very thick and opaque, the right clinician can truly make all the difference. Porcelain veneers are so beautiful and natural looking that they blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile!

You Have to Cut Down Your Whole Tooth/Teeth to Have It Placed

This is an exaggeration. It is necessary for your teeth to undergo some reshaping; after all, you don’t want your new porcelain veneers to look too bulky simply for the sake of preserving tooth structure. But the amount often mentioned is excessive. If you still feel uncomfortable with the process, “prep-less” veneers are often available as an alternative, which are only 2mm, or the width of a single contact lens.

They Are Painful and Cause Sensitivity

The only instance in which you may experience some pain or sensitivity is when you’re wearing your temporary veneers in the interim before your permanent ones are finished. Once your new porcelain veneers have been placed, this sensation will be completely eliminated.

Their Bright White Color Looks Unnatural

While some patients may prefer a blazing white shade, your dentist will be happy to ensure that your porcelain veneers are whatever color you want them to be! It’s always up to the patient.

They’re Too Expensive

While this may sadly be true for some patients, many dental practices can offer payment plans or alternative financial options that may reduce your monetary obligations down to a couple hundred dollars a month!

Be sure to talk to your local dentist about porcelain veneers! Who knows – your dream smile may not be as far out of your reach as you think.

Before-school Children’s Dentistry Visits!

kid flossing You may be ready to send your kids back to school, but don’t forget to schedule their dental appointments! It’s easier to bring your children to the dentist when they don’t have to miss class, and it will be less of a hassle for you. Although kids undoubtedly would like to get out of school for their dental visit, protect their wellbeing and education with an earlier trip to the dentist!
Regular children’s dentistry appointments are a vital part of their dental health. It’s recommended by the American Dental Association that kids should see a dentist at least twice a year for routine checkups. If your child has never seen the dentist, then don’t wait! Examinations are an opportunity for your dentist to check for any decay or growth problems, and to stop them before complications arise.
A children’s dentistry exam is also great for reminding your child of the importance of proper dental hygiene. The gentle team at your dental office will explain different, easy-to-remember techniques for daily care. They can also offer handy tips about flossing, a practice that most children won’t perfect until well into adulthood. It’s never too late early to begin instructing excellent dental care! Dentists want to help your child improve their oral health any way that they can.
Remember, the more regularly your child sees the dentist, the less likely they will be to develop serious dental problems later in life. Great dental hygiene will save your child time in the dental chair receiving restorative treatment, which they will be happy about. Just give your dentist a call today to schedule a children’s dentistry appointment.

Bad Breath? It Could be a Sign of a Serious Problem

No one wants to have bad breath. If you suffer with bad breath, you might try brushing your teeth more often, mouthwash, and mints to get rid of it. But there may be deeper issues causing your bad breath, which is why you should visit your 837375_98129162Sm dentist if you’re experiencing chronic halitosis (the technical name for bad breath).

What can cause bad breath? The list includes:

Foods with strong odors, like onions or garlic.
Excessive dieting.
Poor oral hygiene.
Gum disease.
Dry mouth.
Smoking or chewing tobacco.
Various health conditions.

The first thing you can do to try to get rid of your bad breath is to make sure you’re brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day. Brushing and flossing removes food particles that may have been left in the nooks and crannies of your teeth and gums. These food particles, if not cleaned away, will actually begin to deteriorate in the mouth, giving off a bad odor — not to mention contributing to decay and gum disease. Make sure you’re thorough about your oral hygiene.

If you have a lack of saliva because of a medical condition or some other cause, make sure to regularly swish with some water. Saliva helps clean the mouth, and this will help clean away odor-causing debris. Also, make sure you’re not eating any especially stinky foods!

If you’re experiencing bad breath and have tried using better oral hygiene habits and avoiding smelly foods but haven’t found relief, it could be a symptom of a serious problem. Health conditions related to bad breath include liver or kidney problems, lung infections, diabetes, and bronchitis. It is also a common sign of gum disease, which can break down the supporting structures in your mouth and eventually cause tooth loss or other problems if left untreated. Bad breath may seem like a superficial concern, but it can be much more than that. That’s why we recommend you visit the dentist if you’ve been noticing a chronic bad taste in your mouth or bad breath.

How Antioxidants Can Help You Support Your Oral Health

You might have heard that certain foods or beverages are high in antioxidants, and that antioxidants are good for your health, but do you know why? In today’s post, we offer a brief explanation.

First, you have to understand something about the human body. Our bodies are made up of cells, which are themselves made up of molecules. If you were to look inside these molecules, you would see atoms, which are composed of two positive protons and two neutral electrons.

For reasons as diverse as stress and poor eating to pollution or tobacco use, an atom may lose one of its electrons, destabilizing it. To make up for losing one of its electrons, this unstable “free radical” will steal an electron from a nearby atom, leading to a chain reaction of electron-stealing. This is what’s known as oxidation.

If oxidation isn’t treated somehow, it can contribute to a range of health problems that includes:

Diabetes
Gingivitis
Heart attack
Cancer

But treating oxidation is simple. An antioxidant is a molecule with a spare electron. They combat oxidation by donating their spare electron to free radicals, neutralizing them and preserving surrounding atoms that were at risk.

Where will you find antioxidants? In coffee and green tea, fruits and vegetables, legumes and seeds, and more. In short—nutritious foods in general are an excellent source of antioxidants.

How many servings do you need each day? As little as five and as many as nine.

Want to learn more about fighting oxidation with antioxidants? Talk to your local dentist today for more information and for tips on what to eat to improve your overall health and wellbeing.

How to Help Your Child Overcome Their Fear of the Dentist’s Office

dental fear Children are known for being incredibly stubborn over some issues, and the dentist’s office is one of the most dreaded places for someone with a smile that’s still developing. It’s not that hard to understand – after all, most adults dislike visiting the dentist as well. Still, when a child becomes frightened or anxious about their regular check-ups, it can make it very difficult for them to sit still long enough to receive the crucial care they need to maintain their teeth. Here are some helpful tips for helping your loved one learn to feel comfortable at the dentist’s office:

Take Them Sooner Rather Than Later

Children are often frightened by unfamiliar places, sounds, or people; avoid this problem by taking them with to your own dental appointment when they’re around one year old. This, coupled with very gentle, quick check-ups for them too once they’re old enough, will help them become accustomed to their surroundings gradually instead of being forced to take it all in at once. Once they’re ready to start attending regular check-ups, they should feel comfortable enough to avoid any tearful scenes in the waiting room.

Try To Avoid Scary Words

Even if your little one does develop dental problems early on, do your best to avoid potentially scary words such as “pain” or “shot.” In fact, do your best to avoid discussing their dental care with a negative tone. Your dentist and their staff will be sure to talk to them in a reassuring way about the work they’ll do.

Don’t Try and Relate To Their Fear

As we’ve already said, many adults also feel fear when it comes to dental visits. However, please don’t share those thoughts with your child or tell them any horror stories from previous visits you’ve had. While this may seem like a good idea to lower yourself to their level, it will only prove to your son or daughter that there is something to be scared of and make them worry unnecessarily.

Do Your Best to Avoid Bribery

Promising your child a special treat if they make it through their appointment often sends the wrong message about what is truly important to your little one; plus, it could make them feel even more anxious and pressured. Instead, focus on how important good oral hygiene is and help them practice at home. Teach them that strong, healthy teeth are their own reward!