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First visit with kids to the dentist

 

First visit with kids to the dentist

Babies hit new milestones daily, and of course, their dentist visit is another milestone in their lives and must be taken seriously by parents. A child first dentist visit should take place after the first tooth appears. But it shouldn’t be later than his or her first birthday since some kids’ teeth can have cavities. Cavities are permanent damaged areas in the hard surface of the teeth that can develop into tiny opening or holes, so it is pertinent for a parent to be proactive about kids’ first dental visit and health. So as stated by experts at the academy of general dentistry, kids should have their appointment as soon as the first tooth erupts so that the dentist can look at them so that issues like finger sucking habits, infant feeding practices, infant mouth cleaning, baby bottle tooth decay can be addressed as early as possible.

 

     • Preparing for the first visit

You have to get everyone involved in this visit prepared you to need to prepare yourself, the kid or kids and also the dentist. If you need everything to go as planned then you need to prepare everyone beforehand for a smooth visit.

 

     • Preparing yourself

If you have some questions, concerns or doubts, then you need to discuss them with the dentist before the appointment date. Try and be honest with your fears when you are with the dentist but try not to instill the same fears or anxieties into your kid or kids.
A parent needs to stay calm and show support for the kids while in the dental room. So no need being apprehensive because the fact is that kids can pick such feelings up and become anxious too.

 

     • Preparing the kids

It will be better to schedule the visit when kids are still fresh and alert; morning appointments will be a lot better, especially for very young ones. For those that are a little older maybe preschooler it is pertinent to educate them a bit and give them general knowledge about what to expect at the dental center. Ideas like why it is essential to see or visit the dentist, have them practice how to open and close their mouth to get them ready for when the dentist would be checking their teeth, and if they can see a video of a first dental visit too, it will be beneficial for the kids. At least they will have full knowledge of what to expect and be less fearful about the appointment.

 

     • How to prepare the dentist

Since this will be the first dental visit, then the dentist should be provided with the kid or kids complete medical history. Let the dentist know about the kid’s other life experience too; Example are the stubborn? Exhibit fearful or hysterical traits or is a defiant. This information will help the dentist deal uniquely with the kids during the examinations and treatment procedures.

 

Tips on having a smooth first dental visit

• Give your kids a light meal on the appointment day and brush their teeth after the meal to keep their mouth fresh for the dental examination and also to avoid them being hungry during the duration of the visit.

• Avoid keeping their appointment during their naptime; pick a time that the kids are always alert and more cooperative for activities. As an earlier state, the morning time is the ideal time for a lot of kids.

• You can go with some snacks so that the kids can snack on after the examination, don’t let them have it before the exams to avoid it sticking to the kids’ teeth before the tests.

• Help the kids keep calm during the dental visit by making them see it as a usual fun and happy activity. Work with the dentist to make the kids happy to see the dentist even though the dentist might be a stranger to them.

 

Expectations during the first visit

Expectations of your child’s first visit to the dentist vary according to the age of the child or kids. The first appointment sometimes is short and informal like the kids getting to meet with the dentist and familiarizing with the dentist, but other dentists do go a notch higher by poking around the kid mouth and try to check for decay and also check on the kid’s jaw, bite and gums. Again if the dentist noticed any stain or a high risk of cavities on the teeth, the dentist would clean the child’s teeth. The dentist can also examine the child to be sure that the jaw and teeth are developing just the way it should, and he or she will also check for mouth injuries. When the examination is over, the chances are that the dentist will talk to you about good oral hygiene habits that the child needs to adopt and maintained.

You will be allowed to ask questions of concern, especially issues relating to tooth-friendly foods, thumb-sucking and every other questions or interest that are about the kids’ oral health. It is advisable to go along with a list of questions to avoid forgetting some very vital questions you needed to ask the dentist. Bear in mind that your child can cry a bit during the examination, you don’t need to worry because it’s not an unusual thing but show support to the child since it is a new experience for the child.

 

Topics you need to discuss on the first visit with kids to the dentist

The dentist is always ready to provide the necessary information you need on dental development problems and related issues. So you need to know the topics that will be valuable for the oral health of your kids. You should ask questions about the under listed oral needs of the kids.

• Teething

• Proper nutrition for the teeth

• Developmental milestones

• Fluoride needs

• Good oral hygiene practices that will be needed for the kids’ gums lip sucking, early tooth loss, tongue thrusting and prevention of cavity.

• Schedule of dental checkups

 

How to help your kids overcome fear during their first visit to the dentist

Kids will always be kids because they love to show fear or anxiety over first time activities and going for their first dental checkup isn’t an exception, so you have to be patient with them and let them know you completely understand and recognize their fears. All you need do is to help them overcome those anxieties and fears. You can use the below tips to help them before and during the visit.

• Use positive language and let them know the essence of visiting the dentist that it gives them healthy, sharp teeth, use simple words that they will understand and motivate them to cooperate with the dentist.

• Take along with you some comforting toys; this will help keep them relax in the waiting room and on the dentist chair.

• Promise them a treat after visiting the dentist, of course. This will be very helpful and help the kids to be focused by keeping to her side of the bargain and please fulfill yours too so that it will be helpful again in the next visit.

• Always be a good cheerleader, congratulate your kids after each process of the visit. This will help motivate them and encourage them to continue cooperating throughout the procedures. Keep on urging them on to finish up every necessary examination.

 

Choosing a dentist for your kids first visit

It is always an excellent choice to choose a dentist that is either a mum or a dad for kids but preferable a dentist that have more experience or is skilful with handling young kids. This should be about someone that has specialized knowledge or training in caring for children’s oral needs, and this is when a pediatric dentist comes in. A pediatric dentist is very different from the regular dentist; a pediatric dentist has at least two extra years of training beyond the standard dental studies, the two extra years enable the dentist to acquire knowledge on the treatment of a child’s developing teeth, management of the developing teeth, physical development and growth, child behaviour and other special needs that need to be provided for the child’s dentistry. So it will be a whole lot of good to chose a pediatric dentist for your kids first visit to the dentist because the pediatric dentist office décor is designed to care for children and help put them at rest when there are in the centre,

 

How often to see the dentist after the first visit

The next visit will depend on the looks of your kids’ teeth, so this is one area that will determine the next appointment with the dentist. Well, some experts are of the views that kids should return to see the dentist at least once every six months provided there are no severe dental issues, so you shouldn’t forget to ask the dentist for the next visit. The dentist is in a better position to tell you the best time interval to have appointments with the dental centre for your kids.

 

How to protect your kids’ teeth at home after the first visit to the dentist

It is always good to build on the right dental care that was given to the kids at the dental center during their first visit; this will help keep their teeth healthy until the next visit and even years to come. It is pertinent to do your part of helping to maintain your kids’ teeth just like any part of the body that needs utmost care. The following can be done for you to help care for your children’s teeth.

• Clean the child’s gums with an immaculate damp cloth before the teeth start growing

• You can start brushing the kid’s teeth with a soft small bristled toothbrush, and then gradually introduce a fluoridated pea size special kid’s toothpaste; this is because kids tooth paste has a lower amount of fluoride than the regular toothpaste. The fact is that kids consumes half of the took paste during the brushing session and too much fluoride in a child’s body can leads to dental flourosis { which is the tiny white streaks in the enamel of the kid’s tooth}. The child should spit out the toothpaste during the brushing session.

• Reduce the incident of tooth decay by not giving the child or kids a bottle of sweetened liquid or milk when about putting the child to bed and making the child take a nap. Again try to limit the duration of time a child has a bottle of liquid like milk or juice in his or her mouth. A child should finish taking the bottle within 4-5 minutes or even less.

• Don’t be too impatient with brushing your kid’s teeth; help brush their teeth for at least the first six years of the child’s life. Though you can gradually teach the child how to brush, it is better to allow the child to watch you do it and follow your same pattern of cleaning to reduce any dental issues.

• Most importantly stop offering the kids treats and foods that increase tooth defects. Avoid giving them a lot of fruit leather, sticky or hard sweets and candies, sweetened drinks and sugar. Instead provide foods rich in calcium, fibre and offer fruits too instead of juice.

• The fibre in food helps to scrape the teeth clean, and calcium filled foods like milk, cheese, yoghurt will help make the teeth strong.

 

Conclusion:

Having a first visit to the dentist with your kids is very important, especially for kids between 8 and 24 months because this period is an excellent time to instill good dental habits into your kids. Your kid’s temporary teeth are a vital part of the body to be cared for as early as possible because they hold the space for the permanent teeth. The fact is that decay in baby teeth also increases the risk of deterioration in the child’s permanent teeth. So remember to schedule the first visit to the dentist when once your child is due for one and you will be doing your child or kids a whole world of good with their oral cavity,

Questions You Should Ask During A cosmetic Dentistry Consult

smile-designCosmetic dentistry is a thing of the future. Everyone wants to have a white, pearly smile, with perfectly aligned teeth. If you are not really much into orthodontics and braces, cosmetic dentistry might be the right solution for you. But not all dentists provide all types of restorations and solutions.

That is why a lot of patients tend to schedule consults at several different dental offices. We are talking about procedures that can turn out to be very costly, so you definitely want to be careful of who does them. Since you will be paying the money, it is a good idea to ask questions until you are 100% certain with your decision.

 

Bleaching, veneers, crowns, inlay, onlay, dental bonding are just a part of the cosmetic procedures you can opt for to improve the appearance of your smile.full-ceramic-crowns

We all need some extra help from professionals, especially when it comes to huge decisions such as this one. There are patients who need a complete restoration of their smile, so that means they will be spending a whole fortune on cosmetic dentistry. Even if it’s only whitening, there are certain things you should know before you decide to bleach your teeth. Always ask everything you want to know more about, even the tiny details. Check out the questions below and let your dentist know if you have any other concerns.

 

 

Explore Your Options

spectroshadeIt doesn’t matter if you are already at the dental office, or at home. Either way, there are so many dental procedures available at the moment, that even individuals who are not medically educated can learn more just from the internet. The best way to start is to check out the websites of several different dental offices that you are considering to visit. In most cases, they already have the procedures that they offer explained on the website. This doesn’t mean that you’ll completely understand every single moment that will happen, but you’ll get a general idea of what you would like to get done. Cosmetic dentistry offers a number of different solutions, some are very simple and basic, while others require a more complicated approach. If you know the options beforehand, it will be easier for you to understand what the dentist can do for your smile. You will also know from the start if you can afford those procedures. Almost all dentists have the prices available once you visit the website.

Don’t stop until you feel like you’ve found the right dentist for you. After you’ve done your research online, start scheduling appointments and consultations. Once you’re there, you can ask all the questions that you find appropriate. You will notice that not all dentists offer the same range of cosmetic procedure. During the consult, different doctors will offer different types of approach, plus let you know the final price of the treatment. You will find it very easy to choose the right clinic for you at the end. Most patients notice which dentists are completely involved in the process of improving your smile and which ones do it only for the money. Not all practitioners are equally skilled in doing every single procedure.

 

Ask For Pictures

before-after-smile-makeoverEven if you saw Before And After pictures on their website, feel free to ask the dentist for more. While you are looking at them, you will learn more about the procedures that were done for every single patient. Some of the cases might be even very similar to what you expect to get at the end.

There might even be a dental office where you won’t like the After pictures at all. It is a good idea to know what the professionals who work there are capable of.

 

What Are Their Qualifications

Not all dental professionals are equally trained and educated. After finishing dental college, there are dentists who decide to specialize in a certain field. Also, a lot of them participate in special courses that offer advanced training in many different fields. One of those is cosmetic dentistry. If the dentist that you are visiting has gone through several of those courses, you might feel more comfortable that your smile is in the right hands. But, of course, that is not always the case. There are so many skilled dentists out there who simply have the eye and hands for creating the perfect cosmetic restorations. Also, the dental technician plays a very important role in this type of dentistry. In some cases young dentists are more familiar with the new techniques, in other, the older ones offer extensive experience. There is no right or wrong way. During your consultation, you’ll be able to draw the right conclusion on what works best for you.

There is one thing that you  have to ask. Every single dentist has to be licensed at the state where they practice. They have to pass the exam and get accredited as a dental professional. Without this license, no one is allowed to work at a dental office.

 

What Materials They Use

emax-cad

If you are all about details, you definitely want to ask this question. On the market, there are many brands that deliver dental materials. Just like with everything else, the most expensive ones are usually also the high-quality ones.

The dentist will be able to explain to you which materials and techniques they use for several different

cosmetic procedures. If you write everything down or remember, when you get home you can Google them and read more about other people’s experiences with those materials. Also since there is a range of methods, you will learn more about how exactly does the procedure take place.

Ask Which Procedure They Suggestvita-suprinity

You will see that most of the dentists that you visit will offer you similar solutions. They might use different methods to get the final result, but the main procedure will be similar. Once the dentist lets you know their suggestion, they will also tell you how much everything will cost.

Pros And Cons

This is a thing we all want to know. Each cosmetic procedure has a good and a bad side. There will always be a better and a worse one. All you have to do is ask about the pros and cons of the procedures you are considering getting. The dentists that you consult are professionals and will be able to give you precise answers. Some of the details that you’ll get might change your mind or help you make a decision.

 

How Long Will The Procedure Last

Different dentists have a different approach to performing a procedure. If you want to know how long will the procedure last, you should most definitely ask. The dentist will give you a detailed explanation about how many visits it will require, and the estimated time for every visit. Also, you can ask whether there will be any pain. Another great thing to know is the longevity of the cosmetic restoration. For example, teeth whitening as a temporary solution for whiter teeth. Veneers are not a permanent one, but definitely a long-term. For each one, the dentist might be able to give you a guarantee of how long you will have the restoration in your mouth.

 

How Long Will The Procedure Last

Different dentists have a different approach to performing a procedure. If you want to know how long will the procedure last, you should most definitely ask. The dentist will give you a detailed explanation about how many visits it will require, and the estimated time for every visit. Also, you can ask whether there will be any pain. Another great thing to know is the longevity of the cosmetic restoration. For example, teeth whitening as a temporary solution for whiter teeth. Veneers are not a permanent one, but definitely a long-term. For each one, the dentist might be able to give you a guarantee of how long you will have the restoration in your mouth.

Ask For A Preview

If this is an option, you shouldn’t be shy and ask for a preview. There are special programs that create a before and after picture from your potential transformation. It is one of the best ways to decide exactly what you want.

Please  set  this video in  a frame:

This is, of course, not possible for teeth whitening, but it’s an option for several other cosmetic restorations.

 

How Long Will The Results Last

It is also very important to know will the final result last. In other words, the length might affect your final decision. If you find out that you’ll have to spend thousands of dollars on a procedure that will only provide you with white teeth for less than a year, you might end up not doing it. If it’s a good investment that lasts for a long time, you will definitely consider spending the money and time on it.

 

Are There Any Side Effects

There are several dental cosmetic procedures that require reshaping the form of your teeth and removing a part of the dental substances. This is definitely not a simple thing to do since there is no turning back. Every single patient should be aware of the fact that crowns, bridges, veneers and even whitening can have certain side effects. When you are doing the consult with dentists, always ask which are the side effects and how common they are. The complications are very rare, but you can experience hypersensitivity and many more symptoms.

Diode Lasers

Diode Lasers

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Diode lasers slowly became the most commonly used lasers in dentistry. FDA first approved them over 20 years ago. Since then there has been a great advancement in technology. Each year different brands present new, better lasers that make the work of dentists much easier. Plus, they provide a better experience for patients when they visit the dental office. Lasers are definitely a better option compared to conventional dental treatments and procedures. Among the many advantages, you will find less to almost no pain, quick procedure, less bleeding, faster healing process and more. Diode lasers are available in wavelengths from 800 through 1064 nanometers. The ones that feature 810nm are the most common ones. They can literally be used in every single field of dentistry.

NSK Dio500 Laser

This is a brand new laser type that has a great use in many different fields of dentistry. It was constructed for an odontological application. It makes the job of our dentists much easier and your experience much more pleasant. Just like any other laser the pain is almost completely done. The procedures are done with just a little bit of anesthetic. The bleeding is literally minimal and the healing process is very fast. There is no need for stitches. The NSK Dio 500 laser is ideal for soft tissues. Thanks to the many advancements in dental technology, with this laser dentists, can perform many procedures in oral surgery such as tongue and lip straps, stimulating treatment, use it in endodontics, conservative periodontics, abscess incision, frenectomy, gingivectomy, bleaching, mouth ulcers, peri-implantitis, hemostasis and more.

How do diode lasers work?

These lasers have active mediums that involve gallium, arsenide, and aluminum. They have a great effect on tissues that contain a lot of pigments, collagen, hemoglobin, and melanin. That is why diodes are very successful in treating soft tissues. These tissues highly absorb the wavelengths and that is how the laser carries out its effect. The diodes are cleared for the following procedures: excising, incising, coagulation, ablation. They can be used in two modes, the first one is continuous waves and the second one pulsation. The first mode is usually applied for most surgical procedures, while the pulsed mode for procedures that require a lot of accuracy and control.

Uses

Diode lasers find their use in oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics, general dentistry, periodontics and more. The FDA has already approved a large number of procedures that can be performed with these lasers. Among them you will find: teeth whitening, diagnostics of dental caries, pulpotomy, decontamination of root canals, aphthous ulcer treatment, herpetic lesion treatment, coagulation, reducing the bacterial levels and treating inflammation, removing coronal pulp, detection of subgingival calculus and more.

Detection of caries and subgingival calculus

This is a diagnostic measure that helps dentists located caries and subgingival calculus. For this purposes, they usually use a diode laser with a wavelength of 655nm.

Disinfection of pockets and root canals

LASER4

A lot of people are affected by periodontal disease. Pocket cleaning, scaling and root planing is very commonly used procedures in dentistry. Diode lasers can be of great help in this field. The whole point is to remove all the harmful bacteria and granulation tissue present in the pockets. That way the tissue will get a chance to heal. Bacteria such as Prevotella Intermedia and Porphyromonas Ginigvalis are just a part of the pathogens that cause this disease. Thanks to diode lasers they can be effectively destroyed. Dental offices use wavelengths between 810 and 980nm. The pathogenic bacteria absorb the laser waves and that is how they are destroyed. The laser penetrates deep into the tissue and has an immense effect on treating the disease. After the treatment dentists note a drastic reduction in the numbers of bacteria. Diode lasers are also commonly used in decontaminating root canals. The whole procedure is much easier, the patient doesn’t feel almost any pain and is not stressed.

Gingival contouring

Dental aesthetics today is more important than ever. A lot of patients come to the dental office asking for the perfect smile. For those who are not happy with how their gums look there is a procedure named gingival contouring. With this type of treatment, professionals reshape the gingival tissue in many different ways. Some patients are experiencing hyperplasia of the tissue. That means that there is extra soft tissue surrounding their teeth. In some cases, it can even cover them. The best treatment option is to reshape the gums and make them look great again. Diode lasers are very useful for this procedure. If the doctors do a surgical procedure where they excise the extra tissue with a scalpel, the healing process can take a long time. Plus, there is a lot of blood that can impair visibility. There is also a chance of post-operative infection and pain. With the laser, they avoid all of these unwanted effects. The healing time is extremely fast, there is just a slight discomfort and the patient doesn’t go through the trauma of seeing blades.

Dental surgery

Diode lasers are very useful in dental surgery. Among the many procedures available, dentists usually use them for gingivectomy, frenectomy, vestibuloplasty, operculectomy, uncovering unerupted teeth and more, removing tissue around implants, treating lesions such as fibromas, ranulas, mucoceles and more. These lasers are a much better option than conventional surgery. There are less bleeding, a faster healing process, and less post-operative pain.

Uses in orthodontics

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Diode lasers are usually applied to soft tissues before starting an orthodontic treatment. In some cases, patients are in the need of a frenectomy. If it’s performed with a laser the healing process is very fast and the braces can be applied in only several days after the procedures. Also if there are some teeth that are covered with gum tissue, they can be uncovered with diode lasers.

Crown troughing

This might be the most common procedure performed with these lasers. Dentists use them to prepare the soft tissue before getting an impression. It is very useful especially for restorations such as crowns and bridges. The procedure takes up to one minute without any pain. It makes the job of dentists much easier and it’s a pleasant experience for patients.

Pregnancy and Oral Health

When you are expecting your body will go through a lot of changes. Some of those will appear in your oral cavity. It is very important to know what kind of changes will happen and to know the proper ways to take care of your oral health. There are many conditions that are related to pregnancy and appear more often in pregnant women. Some of these women get too obsessed with overthinking things about the baby and don’t pay too much attention to their teeth. The thing is that they don’t get how important the oral well-being is both for their body and for the baby.

Why do These Changes Appear?

The changes are a result of the many things that happen in the body of an expecting mom. First of all, the hormone levels are significantly altered. The hormonal changes lead to an increased blow flow in the oral tissues and also an immune system that is more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections.

Which are the Most Common Oral Problems During Pregnancy?

 

Pregnancy Gingivitis

pregnancy-gingivitis

This is by far, the most common problem that a lot of expecting moms experience. The wild hormones are responsible for this condition. The symptoms are identical with the regular gingivitis. You will experience bleeding from the gums, especially when you are brushing your teeth. The gums will be red and inflamed. They will also be more susceptible to bacterial invasion. That is why the gingivitis should be treated from the start. If not it might progress to periodontal disease, which is very hard to control during pregnancy. The second trimester is the time when gingivitis is most likely to occur. If you notice any of these changes, you should schedule a visit to your dentist.

Morning Sickness

The morning sickness and vomiting are the biggest enemies of your teeth. The acids that pass through your mouth are strong and can lead to dental erosion. You will experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Although you might think that the best idea is to brush your teeth right after the vomiting, you shouldn’t do that. Because of the acids tooth’s structure is already weakened, by brushing your teeth immediately, you only damage the enamel even more. Instead, you should rinse your mouth with water several times. Baking soda is another good idea, that will help you restore the normal pH levels in the mouth. All you have to do is mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water and swish it in your mouth. This is only a temporary condition, but it is good to visit a dentist for further advice.

Pregnancy Tumors

Although the name might sound scary, these formations are not malignant and are only temporary in most cases. Pregnant women tend to develop these tumors during the second trimester. That is when they notice weird-looking lumps localized near the upper gum line. The gums will be red and inflamed, and the tumors look like raspberries. They might bleed and cause discomfort when eating or talking. The pregnancy tumors tend to disappear right after the baby is born. In the cases where they cause a lot of difficulties, the tumors can be removed.

Increased Risk of Caries

Unfortunately, expecting moms are at a greater risk of dental caries. This happens for several reasons. Because of the hormonal changes the body might have a lower ability to fight bacteria. Also, pregnant women tend to eat much more sugar, which is high on the list of risk factors for caries. Not having the proper oral hygiene is also a cause of tooth decay. Morning sickness and the acids that go through the mouth weaken the enamel. That increases the chances of getting dental caries.

How to Deal with Oral Problems During Pregnancy?

First and foremost, don’t ever forget to take care of your oral health. Providing the perfect oral hygiene is of utmost importance. You should schedule regular checkups with your dentist. He will be able to follow the changes in the mouth and give you advice on many topics. You should let him know that you are pregnant as soon as you know. That is important mostly because of medication. If he is prescribing you any medication, he should be aware of the fact that you are expecting. That way he can make sure that everything he does is safe for the baby. Antibiotics and pain medicine shouldn’t be prescribed during pregnancy.

A lot of dental procedures should be avoided during pregnancy. Usually, dentists only do procedures that are necessary. The recommended time to get dental work done is the second trimester. But, it would be ideal if that could wait until the baby is born. If you are aware of any dental problems that you have and you are planning on having a baby, you should take care of your teeth first before getting pregnant.

You will be advised to brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should use floss to completely remove the tartar between your teeth. Pregnancy gingivitis is correlated with bad oral hygiene. Some of the studies even show that having gum disease during pregnancy is connected with the risk of a premature birth. Your diet has a huge impact on your teeth. You should avoid foods and drinks that contain a lot of sugar.

All of the dental problems associated with pregnancy can be avoided with good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dental office. But if some of those occur, then you should go to the dentist as soon as possible. Gingivitis should be stopped and treated in the early stages before it progresses into periodontal disease. Pregnancy tumors are usually not treated, but if they cause a lot of discomforts they can be removed. In 50% of the treated cases, the tumors tend to appear again shortly after the removal. Right after the birth, these formations disappear.

Dry Mouth- Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What is a dry mouth?

dry-mouth
Dry mouth, or also known as xerostomia, is a condition where the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva. It can happen to everyone to have a dryer mouth than usual, but as long as it’s temporary it’s probably not a big deal. If this starts happening very often, or if it’s a condition that’s been present for a longer time, that raises red alarms. If you are dehydrated you might also feel that in your oral cavity, and it is a temporary thing that will go away once you hydrate properly. Also, the same thing can happen if you are anxious or nervous.

What is the importance of saliva?

Saliva is one of the most important factors in your mouth that keeps the whole oral cavity safe from bacteria and help with many functions. First of all, saliva contains many proteins that neutralize the harmful products of bacteria and also acids. It also cleans the surfaces of the oral cavity from food leftovers and bacteria. This is how it fights against caries. Saliva is very helpful in the whole process of digesting the food. Once you bite onto food, saliva moistens the bite and helps it move through the oral cavity and esophagus without damaging any tissues. Also, the digesting process starts in the mouth, with the enzymes that the saliva contains. It effectively helps your ability to taste the food.

Saliva fights against fungi and viruses, and it protects your mouth from ulcers and sores. If the glands don’t produce enough saliva, that will affect all of the functions in the mouth, including chewing, swallowing and speaking.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a dry mouth are very easy to notice. You will start feeling a very dry and sticky feeling that you usually don’t feel. You will notice that you have less saliva in your mouth and that it is thicker. Your taste perception might change. You will experience difficulties in speaking, chewing and swallowing. Because the lubricating effect of saliva is missing that might cause sores, cracks, dry lips and pain. You will be always thirsty, but drinking water won’t help much. The condition will cause problems with your tongue also, where you will feel weird tingling sensations. Your throat and nose will be dry, and that might lead to infections. The whole appearance of the oral cavity will be changed. The surfaces will evidently be dry, shiny and a deeper shade of red. You will notice gum inflammation, dental caries, and bad breath. A burning sensation is also very likely to happen.

What are the problems that a dry mouth can cause?

A dry mouth can cause many problems, some of them even can even have a huge impact on the everyday life. Of course, the problems with teeth and gums are the most noticeable ones, but not the worst ones. People that are affected by xerostomia have a much higher incidence of caries and gum disease. They suffer oral infections much more often than people with normal saliva flow. Yeast infection, or also known as thrush is the most common one. They will also notice sores and cracks, especially located at the angles of the lips. Patients with dentures are the ones that have a lot of trouble dealing with dry mouth. This condition makes it almost impossible for them to wear the dentures. You will not be able to enjoy food like before, you will have a hard time chewing, swallowing and also the sensation will not be the same.

Causes

Xerostomia can be caused by diseases and conditions that affect the salivary glands but that happens less often. The most common causes of this condition are certain medication, general medical conditions, aging, smoking,

1. Medication

medication

Tons of medication that are used to cure certain diseases can cause side effects such as xerostomia. Drugs such as antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics, bronchodilators, the ones used to cure anxiety, nausea, obesity, pain, psychotic disorders, Parkinson’s disease are the ones that can lead to a dry mouth as a side effect.

2. Diseases

Many general medical conditions can affect the salivary glands. Sjogren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that attacks the glands in the mouth and eyes. It is a very serious Syndrome and people that have it are really struggling with the symptoms. They have a much higher incidence of tooth decay and gum disease, and the older ones have a hard time with dentures. Other autoimmune diseases that can cause xerostomia are systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Alzheimer’s, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, hypertension are just a part of the more common diseases that can lead to this condition.

3. Aging

Aging is a perfectly normal process that cannot be stopped. Many older people have trouble with dry mouth. The main reason for this is not just the process of aging but also the many additional factors that are present. Older people very often take many medications because of their health problems.

4. Radiation therapy

Therapy treatments that are used to fight against cancer can affect the salivary glands. Chemotherapy and radiation, especially if they are done in the area of face and neck can reduce the saliva flow. In some cases, the condition will only be temporary, while in others there might be permanent damage. It all depends on the doses of radiation used in the treatment.

Other causes of dry mouth include smoking, nerve damage, conditions that cause dehydration, drugs, and alcohol abuse.

Treatment

The treatment of xerostomia depends on the cause. If you experience any of these symptoms you should visit your dentist. He will determine the cause and help you treat the condition. If you’ve been taking medication that is causing a reduced saliva flow, then there is an option to change them with another type or reduce the dose. To lessen the symptoms dentists usually prescribe special products that act like an artificial saliva, or even medication that stimulate the salivary glands.
dry-mouth-relieve

Types of dental pain and what they mean

A toothache is the most common reason for a visit to the dentist. This pain can be caused by many different factors. The first and most common one is dental caries, followed by gum disease, dental trauma, hypersensitivity, alveolar osteitis, temporomandibular disorders and much more. But not every dental pain is the same. The characteristics of the pain may vary and that is how dentists set up diagnosis for a specific case. Pain is definitely not a good symptom. No matter the cause of the pain, every single time you feel it, you should schedule a visit to the dentist.

bruxism-pain

Sharp, intermittent pain

Sharp pain can be short and intermittent or prolonged. Short and sharp pain can be a result of dental hypersensitivity. Tooth sensitivity may be caused by cavity lesions, gingival recession, erosions, pain right after tooth scaling and root planning, after dental procedures such as crowns and bridges, after tooth bleaching and more. The pain is stimulated by hot or cold drinks and food and it lasts for a short time.

pulpitisAnother reason for short and sharp pain is reversible pulpitis. If caries has reached the dental pulp and the pulp is inflamed than it reacts with pain. If the pulpitis is reversible, that means that the pulp still has the ability to fight the inflammation. Teeth with reversible pulpitis are very sensitive to cold, and the pain only lasts for as long as the trigger is in touch with the tooth. Once the cold stimulus is gone, the pain stops. Deep cavity lesions are the number one cause for a reversible pulpitis, while dental trauma is the second one.

Tooth fillings that are improperly made can also cause a sharp, intermittent pain. If there is space between the tooth and the filling, or the filling is too high that the patient will feel pain every time he bites on that tooth. Those fillings should be removed and restored with new ones.

Sharp, prolonged pain

Irreversible pulpitis is characterized by sharp a pain that lasts long. Once the bacteria have caused irreparable damage to the pulp that condition is called irreversible pulpitis. Caries lesions that haven’t been taken care of lead to this. The patient feels extreme pain, and in most of the cases, he cannot locate the tooth from which the pain originates. After some time (usually days) the pain stops because of necrosis of the pulp. If the tooth is not treated the infection will spread to the periapical tissues.

An acute apical periodontitis causes prolonged, sharp pain and it is one of the most intense and painful situations in dentistry. The pain is deep and throbbing, spontaneous, and it gets worse with time. The patient sometimes can locate the tooth, while other times the pain can irradiate. The gums around the tooth are usually red and swollen. The patient might feel like his tooth is high, and the pain gets worse while biting. The apical periodontitis requires immediate visit to the dentist.
decay
Acute pericoronitis causes prolonged severe pain that is combined with trismus (difficulty in opening the mouth), swelling and sometimes fever. Pericoronitis is actually an inflammation of the soft tissues that surround a tooth that is partially erupted. Pericironitis is most common with third molars. The pain might also irradiate towards the ear, head and neck.

Sharp pain only when you eat

The most likely reason for a sharp pain when you bite down on food is decay. When you bite on the decayed tooth, the food puts pressure on the dentine tubules that have been exposed by bacteria and you feel a painful sensation. The best thing to do is visit a dentist as soon as possible, before the caries gets to the pulp and causes irreparable damage. Also fillings that are high, chipped or broken might cause that feeling when you bite. Those fillings need to be replaced.
decay-patient
Another condition that might cause pain when you eat is the syndrome of cracked tooth. It is usually presented as a sharp pain that happens when you bite down, because of the pressure on the tooth. Tooth cracks can be very difficult to diagnose.

Dull pain

dry-socket
Alveolar osteitis or alveolitis is a complication that happens after a tooth extraction and causes a dull, throbbing pain. If after the extraction, the tooth socket stays dry, and there is no blood clot formed then there might be an infection in the socket. The pain is usually located in the socket but it might also irradiate to the head and neck. It requires a visit to the dentist.

A tooth with chronic apical periodontitis might cause dull pain. These type of teeth are asymptomatic in most cases, but some patients might feel a dull pain from time to time, or when they bite on food. The apical periodontitis happens when a tooth is not treated in time, the pulpal tissue is not vital anymore and the infection has spread into the periapical tissues. It can be seen only on an x-ray.

Temporomandibular disorders cause a dull pain, that appears in the area of the temporomandibular joint, but it can spread to the neck, head, and jaws. People with TMD wake up with headaches, earaches, and pain in the masticating muscles. The opening and closing of the mouth are painful and difficult. Patients can hear clicking and popping sounds when they chew, open or close their mouth.

12 Signs that you need to visit a dentist

Good oral health is of great importance for people of any age. There probably isn’t a single person out there that likes going to the dentist, but regular visits are of utmost importance in preventing many dental diseases.
There are certain signs that might point out that there is something going on in your oral cavity and that you need to schedule a visit to the dental office. Even if there aren’t any symptoms present, that doesn’t mean that you have to skip dental appointments. There are certain problems that might be present but do not show any symptoms. Another thing why regular visits are important is the prevention of dental diseases.

Pain

pain-in-teethsThe top and most common reason on why people visit the dentist. Pain is the most obvious sign that there is something wrong. It might be coming from your teeth, jaw or other structures that are a part of the oral cavity. Tooth pain can vary from a light pain to a very severe, unbearable one. No matter the type of pain, it is a certain sign that you need to visit your dentist.

Problems with the gums

If you have gums that are swollen, sensitive, intensely red and are bleeding, that might be an indication of more serious problems. Gingivitis and periodontitis, if not treated on time can lead to receding gums or even tooth loss. If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms, it’s time to schedule that visit.

Tooth sensitivity

If you are feeling pain when you are drinking cold or hot drinks or eating hot or cold food that means that your teeth are hypersensitive. Hypersensitivity can be a result of many conditions including tooth decay, periodontitis, gingivitis and more. The sooner you visit the dentist, the sooner you will find out the reason and get it treated.

Dry mouth

Dry mouth can be a result of age, certain medication, medical disorders and more. If it is not treated it will lead to more complications. Saliva is very important in preventing caries and many other dental diseases. Dry mouth can affect chewing, swallowing, speaking, so it is very important to get your symptoms checked as soon as possible.

Bad breath

bad-breathBad breath, or halitosis, can be a result of gingivitis, tonsillitis and other oral problems. If you’ve been having bad breath, in spite of brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, then there might be something going on. You should schedule a visit because gingivitis, if not treated on time, can lead to very serious consequences. Another thing that might lead to bad breath is an infected tooth or other infections in the oral cavity. Sometimes halitosis can be combined with bad taste.

Headaches, joint and muscle pain

Woman having a migraine
If you wake up in the morning with headaches, or you feel pain in your temporomandibular joint or masticatory muscles that might be a sign of one bad habit. It is called bruxism and it means that you are grinding your teeth during the night. Many people are not even aware that they are doing in until someone hears or sees them. There are also other conditions that are connected with joint pain and headaches. All of these signs need to be checked out.

Spots and sores in the mouth

Spots and sores can appear due to many different reasons. Sores can be a result of bacterial or viral infections, dentures, other diseases, any kind of irritation in the mouth and more. If the sores are present for more than a week they should definitely be evaluated by a dentist. They can point out to many serious problems including oral cancer. Other changes in the mouth include leukoplakia, candidiasis and more.

Weird taste in your mouth

Having a metallic taste in your mouth is a big deal. This is one of the common signs of gingivitis and periodontitis. Both of these conditions do not end well if they are not treated on time. If you’ve been experiencing a metal taste in your mouth, make sure to visit your dentist.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women very often have dental problems. Pregnancy has the tendency to make previous dental problems even worse for many women. Regular checkups are very important during that period.

Uncommon changes in the mouth

uncommon-changes-in-the-mouth
Take the time once in a while to take a look at your mouth. Any changes in color, consistency, lumps that are located on your lips, tongue, cheeks, palate should be looked at by a professional. Some of those changes can mean that there is a serious condition going on, so early discovery might be significant.

Medical conditions

Some patients that have other medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, infectious diseases, eating disorders might need special dental treatment. Also, patients that are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy need to visit the dentist more often than others.

Smokers

cigarette-smoking
Any kind of tobacco is very harmful to the health, especially to the oral one. Smokers are at greater risk for many oral diseases including oral cancer.

Many oral diseases do not show any signs at all. That is why regular visits are crucial. It is recommended to visit your dentist at least twice a year. You don’t have to wait for symptoms and signs to show so that you have a reason to schedule an appointment.

7 Tips to get a bright and shiny smile

With the growth in popularity of social media and people’s desire to look like celebrities, having a white and perfect smile has become a trend that everyone wants to adopt. It is not about having healthy teeth anymore, but the need to look perfect like the actors and singers we follow on Instagram is becoming more important than health. There are so many everyday habits that stand in the way between you and your bright and white teeth. Smoking, drinking colored drinks, eating certain types of food do contribute to coloring your teeth and having a yellow smile that you might feel ashamed of. Age is also one of the main factors that bring out the darker shades to your teeth. Here are some easy and efficient tips on how to improve and keep your smile whiter and brighter.

1. Great oral hygiene

You always have to start from the basics. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and regularly flossing means a great deal to a healthy and white dentition. By completely removing the plaque that builds up on your teeth’s surfaces you also remove some pigments or pieces of food that can color your teeth. Using the proper brushing and flossing techniques will not only keep your teeth healthy, but it will prevent the teeth from getting colored. Combining this with whitening toothpaste and whitening rinses is proven to get good results in getting a whiter smile.

2. Home whitening products

At the moment there is a wide variety of whitening products that you can use at your home that can be both inexpensive and effective if used properly. It is always recommended to have your teeth bleached by a professional, but if you decide to do it at home make sure that you carefully read and follow the instructions. Whitening strips, toothpaste, whitening trays and gels, whitening rinses, pens are just a small portion of the products that are available on the market. If you decide to use an at-home whitening system you have to be sure that it is a certified product. If these products are not used properly they can cause damage to the teeth’s hard tissues and to the gums.
home-whitening-kit

3. Food and drinks

Drinks such as coffee, tea, wine and carbonized drinks are a big factor when it comes to teeth staining. All of these drinks contain pigments that cause a gray or yellow shade to your teeth. Drinking these beverages with a straw can be helpful because they will not get in touch with your teeth. Foods such as citrus fruits, raspberries, blueberries should also be avoided. Instead, you can try and eat more greens such as carrots, broccoli, kale, strawberries, apples, they will not only keep you healthy but also keep your smile bright. Most of these vegetables and fruits stimulate the saliva flow which is very beneficial in removing bacteria. Crunchy foods and snacks have the effect of an exfoliator that removes bacteria from your teeth and prevents plaque to build up on the surfaces. Drinking and eating dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese is also a very good idea, they contain calcium that is great for keeping the enamel strong. Another very helpful tip is to swish water in your mouth after every meal for at least 30 seconds. This will remove the food remains on your teeth and lower the chances of teeth discoloration. Just try and do your best in cutting down or eliminating these foods and drinks from your everyday life.

4. A visit to the dentist

If you are skeptic about whitening your teeth at home, the safer option for you is to schedule a whitening session with your dentist. Most of the dentists nowadays offer whitening treatments, that provide better, safer and faster results compared to the at-home whitening procedures. If you are looking for a more drastic change in the color of your teeth this is probably the best option for you. This is by far the most efficient way to a brighter smile, but it is also more expensive. Also having your teeth cleaned by a dental professional will significantly help in improving your teeth color. With this procedure, the dentist or hygienist removes all of the plaque, calculus and some of the stains and you will notice the results immediately. This procedure is recommended twice a year.

5. Quit smoking

Smoking is one of the top factors that cause teeth staining. The nicotine and tar that are present in cigarettes can cause discolorations in a very short amount of time and make your teeth yellow or even brown. I know that the thought of giving up cigarettes might sound hard for most people, but it can bring a lot of benefits both to your general health and to your oral health. This small change can bring plenty of good in your life.

6. Create an illusion

Ladies do not hesitate to wear bold lipstick colors that will make your teeth look whiter. Those are mostly lipsticks that have a blue undertone such as red or burgundy. Always avoid lipsticks that are based on a yellow or orange undertone such as pink and light lipsticks, because the chances are greater that your teeth will appear even more yellow or grayish.Dental-clinic-in-Manila-Philippines

7. Keep on smiling

Even if your teeth are not as white as you’d like them to be, keep on smiling! The people that smile are always the most beautiful ones.

If you are having any doubts, or need advice on what is right for you, do not hesitate to consult your dentist. He will be able to answer your questions and point you in the right direction of getting a whiter smile. Once you get whiter teeth you have to try and maintain that because the results are not permanent. Avoiding certain drinks and food, keeping a high level of oral hygiene, regular visits to the doctor’s office, eliminating bad habits will only help your white smile to last longer.

Oral Cancer Prevention

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue

Regardless how delighted a person may seem, there is always a little voice in the back of one’s thought that worries about all the devastating risks in life. Sooner or later, that voice can become deafening in regards to issues such as various types of carcinoma. Still, when it comes to a disease such as cancer, many individuals may not discover they have it until the symptoms have been widespread in the body. Fortunately, we can offer patients a chance to feel reassured or catch the signs early on for a more efficient treatment at our office.

Oral cancer is an important disease to understand, as it is one of the top diseases affecting the facial region. Cancer prevention is the steps taken to lower the chance of getting cancer. Do you know that by preventing cancer, the number of new cases of cancer in a group or population is lowered? This will then decrease the number of deaths caused by cancer.

To prevent new cancers from beginning, scientists look at risk factors and protective factors. Oral cancer is cancer of the mouth or throat. In 2017 alone, an estimated 49,670 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer, and more than 9,700 will parish due to the disease. Oral cancer is twice as common in men as in women. All the aspects that increase your chance of developing cancer are called a cancer risk factor; the factors that decrease your chance of developing cancer is called a cancer protective factor.

Individual risk factors for cancer can be avoided altogether, but many cannot. For example, smoking and inheriting certain genes are risk factors for some types of cancer, but in this case, only smoking can be avoided. Among the advice given are regular exercise and a healthy diet. These are protective factors for some types of cancer. Avoiding risk factors and increasing protective factors may lower your risk, but it does not mean that you will not get cancer.

There are various ways to prevent cancer are being studied, including:

1. Changing lifestyle or eating habits.
2. Avoiding things known to cause cancer.
3. Taking drugs to treat a precancerous condition or to keep cancer from starting.

Avoiding the use of tobacco and not drinking alcohol in excess can prevent most oral cancer. However, one in four people (25%!) diagnosed with oral cancer has no risk factors. It’s important to see your dentist regularly for screenings.

Oral cancer is a problem that can be drastically reduced altogether. This is because oral cancer is a highly preventable disease and also very treatable if caught early.

People should be aware of the precaution they can take to lower the risk of getting the carcinoma. It is too bad if somebody does not heed the advice of experts and end up with the disease that can be fatal. Certain groups of people still chew betel nut and areca, which is well known to be a carcinogenic food. If you chew those, stop! Think twice if you want to expose your oral mucosa to the risk.

For example, they should stay away from the use tobacco in any form. Besides that, limit alcohol so that it doesn’t exceed more than one drink each day if you’re a woman or two drinks each day for males. Another general but sound advice is to stay out of the sun, especially between 10 am and 4 pm when sunlight is strongest. Use the lip balm with SPF 30 or higher. Last but not least, eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

In conclusion, everyone is at risk for oral cancer because, like all cancers, there is a danger of developing this deadly disease no matter the age.

Advancements in Regenerative Dentistry

Regenerative dentistry is becoming a buzzword in the industry. We are experiencing exponential growth in all areas of our lives. Healthcare is one aspect that is getting disrupted almost every month. When it comes to medical/dental niche, what’s interesting nowadays is the topic of tissue engineering.

Regenerative dentistry has been popularized due to advancements in biologic therapies that apply differentiation and various growth factors which are capable of inducing natural biologic regeneration. In 1920, it was described that the application of calcium hydroxide for vital pulp therapy in dental procedures. There was also an evaluation for a revascularization method for re‑establishing a pulp‑dentin complex in permanent teeth with pulpal necrosis.

Dental.

Though the regeneration of a lost tissue is known to mankind for several years, it is just recently that research on regenerative medicine/dentistry has gained momentum and eluded the dramatic yet scientific advancements in the area of molecular biology. Our ever growing understanding of concepts and wisdom in the regeneration of oral/dental tissues coupled with experiments on stem cells has high probability to result in a paradigm shift in the therapeutic armamentarium of dental and oral diseases culminating in a largely intense search for “biological solutions to biological problems.”

Stem cells have been successfully isolated from a variety of human tissues including orofacial tissues. The first ever evidence from pioneering studies has documented the likely breakthrough that stems cells offer for multiple life-threatening diseases that have so far been far more successful than modern medical care. The evidence gathered so far has kickstarted many elegant studies exploring the role of stem cells and their manifold dental applications.

When you take a look at the advancements in regenerative dentistry, you’ll notice a sojourn of the origin of stem cells, their properties, characteristics, and their potential applications. It also focuses on the various challenges and barriers that we have to surmount before translating laboratory results into successful clinical applications heralding the dawn of regenerative dentistry.

What is it that can make regeneration of dental pulp possible? The three key ingredients for regeneration are progenitor/stem cells, morphogens, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold.

Another thing which scientists and researchers are working on is pulp revascularization. Pulp revascularization is defined as re introduction of vascularity in the root canal system. Though blood vessels are indispensable constituents of dental pulp, pulp regeneration is considered not yet complete without an odontoblastic layer that lines the dentin surface. Also needed is the nociceptive as well as parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve fibers, in addition to interstitial fibroblasts and not forgetting, the stem/progenitor cells that serve to replenish all pulp cells in the regenerated pulp when they undergo apoptosis and turnover.

For regenerative procedures to be successful, it depends a lot on the design of scaffold. Scaffolds made of ceramic can be modified to obtain desired permeability, controlled dissolution rate, and specific surface characteristics to enhance cellular activity. Change in pore size and volume affects the mechanical stiffness of the scaffold.

Through the use of computer‑aided design and 3D printing technologies, scaffolds like polymers can be fabricated into precise geometries with a broad range of bioactive surfaces. Such scaffolds have the potential to provide environments conducive to the growth of specific cell types such as pulpal cells. Future in regenerative endodontics is very promising owing to the discoveries and advancements in scaffold technology.

What then are the practical usage of regenerative dentistry? It has been used for almost 100 years now, the way dentists apply calcium hydroxide so that a dentine bridge can be formed near the pulp-dentine complex. That is one of the oldest applications. Other than that, we are using various materials that are able to regenerate some aspect of the pulp during endodontic procedures. Perhaps in some day, we can fully restore the tooth to vitality even when the pulp is totally necrosed. When the day comes, it will be a victory for technological advancements in regenerative dentistry.