How can I prevent cavities?
- Brush your teeth twice a day in a circular motion with a soft bristled toothbrush.
- Floss every night in an up and down motion while keeping the floss in a U-shape and against the tooth surface.
- Avoid sticky sugary food especially carbonated beverages.
- Eat a balance diet of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean protein.
- Use a mouth rinse that contains fluoride.
- Have sealants placed on young permanent teeth.
- Visit your dentist at least every six months.
- Avoid smoking.
Is Dental Amalgam harmful?
The Food and Drug Administration and other organizations of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) continue to investigate the safety of amalgams used in dental restorations (fillings). The FDA has reaffirmed that dental amalgam is a safe, effective material for use in dental restorations. No valid scientific evidence has shown that amalgams cause harm or adverse health effects to patients with amalgam dental restorations, except in rare cases of allergic reactions.
What are Canker Sores and how can I treat them?
People sometimes confuse canker sores and cold sores, but they are completely unrelated. Both can be painful, but knowing the differences can help you keep them in check. A canker sore is typically one that occurs on the delicate tissues inside your mouth. It is usually light-colored at its base and can have a red exterior border. A cold sore, or fever blister, usually occurs on the outside of the mouth, typically on or near the nose or lips. A cold sore is contagious because it is caused by the herpes simplex virus, and it is usually painful and filled with fluid.
In most cases, patience is the best medicine for treating canker sores. A healthy diet and good oral hygiene are usually the best remedy, but some special rinses and anesthetics can help. Cold sores can be treated effectively with some over-the-counter topical creams; sometimes an antiviral medication will be prescribed by your doctor.
Should I wear a mouth guard?
Anyone who participates in a sport that carries a significant risk of injury should wear a mouth protector. Sports like basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and football all pose risks to your gum tissues as well as your teeth. We usually think of football and hockey as the most dangerous to the teeth, but nearly half of sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball.
Mouth protectors, which typically cover the upper teeth, can cushion a blow to the face minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. Mouth protectors are also available for lower jaws and teeth. A properly fitted mouth protector may be especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. If you have a retainer or other removable appliance, do not wear it during any contact sports. There are several types of mouth guards you can buy. If you are not sure which mouth guard would best fit your needs please contact our office for questions.
What causes tooth loss?
The most common cause of tooth loss in adults is dental decay and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease affects the gums and bone structure that supports the tooth. If plaque is not removed daily, it can build up to a hard deposit called calculus. This is a harmful by product that can irritate the gums and cause gingivitis which is an early stage of periodontal disease. If gum disease develops, the tooth can no longer be supported which can lead to tooth loss.
Some parents believe that they do not need to take care of baby teeth because they simply fall out later. It is important to care for baby teeth as well as adult teeth because poor dental health in children can cause adult teeth to negatively grow in and develop. The most common form of tooth loss in children is tooth decay. If dental health and dental visits are neglected, children can loose teeth due to decay and develop mouth pain or abscesses.
What are the detrimental effects of oral piercings?
Oral piercing, usually on the tongue or around the lips, can be harmful and carry long term consequences such as cracked or chipped teeth, swelling, and problems with swallowing and taste. The most serious long-term health problems from oral piercing are damage of soft tissues such as the cheeks, gums and palate, as well as opportunistic infections. Any kind of body piercing may put you at risk of contracting deadly infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.
Tongue piercings have been known to cause blocked airways from a swollen tongue. In some cases, a tongue piercing will cause uncontrolled bleeding.
