tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51587097750817195622024-03-05T20:12:04.025-08:00Murfree DentalDr. John Murfree | Murfreesboro Tennessee DentistMURFREE DENTALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00719693044539506490noreply@blogger.comBlogger384125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-16905440469740240872022-04-25T22:43:00.001-07:002022-04-25T22:43:00.197-07:00What Causes Sensitive Teeth?<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">If you sometimes find the taste of something hot or cold painful on your teeth, you may suffer from sensitive teeth.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Sensitive teeth is a common problem which may be caused by cavities and fractured teeth.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">But it can also be caused by worn tooth enamel, a cracked tooth or an exposed tooth root.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the body and it protects the crowns of healthy teeth. A layer called cementum protects the tooth root under the gum line.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The part underneath the enamel and the cementum is called dentin, which is less dense than enamel or cementum.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The dentin contains small hollow tubes or canals called tubules. When the dentin loses its protective covering, the tubules allow hot, cold, acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">This causes hypersensitivity and occasional discomfort but fortunately, the irritation does not cause permanent damage.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Following proper oral hygiene helps prevent the gums from receding and causing the pain of sensitive teeth.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Brushing your teeth incorrectly or even brushing too much can cause gum problems.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Your dentist will advise you on the best daily routint to maximize your oral hygiene.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-77702694387085058242022-04-18T20:35:00.001-07:002022-04-19T20:35:53.454-07:00How cancer treatment affects oral health<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">When someone is undergoing cancer treatment, its important that they involve their dentist in their program of care.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">They should schedule a dental exam and cleaning before the treatment actually begins and then repeat it periodically during the course of treatment.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Its important that they tell the dentist that they are being treated for cancer and that they also discuss any dental procedures, such as extractions or insertion of dental implants, with the oncologist before starting the cancer treatment.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Its therefore a good idea to ensure that the dentist and oncologist have each others details to enable them to discuss any issues to help the patient.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">And the dentist and physician should be informed about any issues such as bleeding of the gums, pain, or unusual feeling in the teeth or gums, or any dental infections.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Maintaining excellent oral hygiene during cancer treatment is vital to reduce the risk of infection and to help aid the treatment process.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-60478876123282066812022-04-11T18:30:00.000-07:002022-04-12T18:30:42.591-07:00How to make visiting the dentist easy for kids<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Your child should have their first trip to the dentist by the time they are 18 months old and it’s good to make the process as easy as possible for them from the start.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Dental staff are used to dealing with young children and they will know how to make them feel comfortable.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Sometimes, children under three may be treated on the parent’s lap. In this case, the parent sits in the dental chair facing the dentist, and the child is on their lap.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The dentist will tell the child what he or she is going to do in terms they can understand. They will usually have fun dental toys they can use to help.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">They will start with an oral examination checking the teeth present and looking at the development of the jaw, gums and soft tissues.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Naturally, as in any new situation, some children are initially unsettled but this is usually short-lived as they get used to it.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Parents can help by ensuring they are calm and relaxed as any anxiety will transfer to the child.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">With older children, the parents may stay in the background though sometimes children behave better when the parent is not in the room!</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Work with your children and your dentist to find the best way of ensuring they get the treatment they need with minimum worries for everyone.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-42196398125431301492022-04-04T22:16:00.003-07:002022-04-04T22:16:15.627-07:00How a healthy diet can help you have healthy teeth<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Eating the right food plays an important role in developing healthy teeth and gums.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to fight infection and this can contribute to gum disease.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Although poor nutrition does not cause gum disease directly, the disease may progress faster and could be more severe in people with diets which are low in nutrients.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The U.S. Department of Agriculture makes recommendations on the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed by your body – including your teeth and gums – to promote health and prevent disease.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">We have different needs at various stages life and depending on our physical activity. The DOA website provides more information and your dentist will be able to discuss how your diet affects your teeth.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Here are some steps you can take to make sure what you eat doesn’t harm your teeth.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Maintain a healthy diet<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Drink plenty water<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Limit the number of between-meal snacks. When you must snack, choose nutritious foods that are low in sugar<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Keep a food diary for a week recording every item you eat and drink</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">It will also help if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings and talk to your dentist about how your diet affects your teeth.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-51526475137371011312022-03-28T19:17:00.001-07:002022-03-30T19:17:46.494-07:00Common mouth sores: causes and cures<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Mouth sores can be very annoying and painful and can have many causes.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The causes can range from infections – bacterial, viral or fungal – to a loose orthodontic wire or a denture that doesn’t fit or a sharp edge from a broken tooth or filling.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">But mouth sores may be symptoms of an underlying disease or problem.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">So, if you’ve had any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer, it’s a good idea to get your dentist to check it out.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Here are some of the most common mouth sores:</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Canker sores: These are small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. They appear inside the mouth and are not contagious though they often return. Problems such as poor immune systems, viruses or fatigue and stress may be involved. They usually heal on their own after a week or two.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Cold sores: Cold sores are annoying and painful. They are also known as fever blisters or Herpes simplex and are groups of fluid-filled blisters. They often erupt around the lips and sometimes under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores caused by herpes virus type 1 are very contagious and the virus stays in the body. Cold sore blisters usually heal in a week by themselves.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Candidiasis: This fungal infection (also called moniliasis or oral thrush) occurs when the yeast Candida albicans reproduce in large numbers. It is common among denture wearers and people who have dry mouth syndrome are very susceptible to it. The focus is on preventing it or controlling the conditions that caused the outbreak.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Any mouth sores that last more than a few days should be checked with your dentist.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-36625750556523843632022-03-21T18:15:00.000-07:002022-03-27T18:15:57.030-07:00How sedation and general anesthesia can make your visit to the dentist easier<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">While local anesthetics are often used in dental treatment, there is sometimes a need for anti-anxiety agents – such as nitrous oxide – or sedatives to help people relax during dental visits.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Dentists may use these agents to induce “minimal or moderate sedation”.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">In this case, the patient reaches a relaxed state during treatment but can respond to speech or touch.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Sedatives can be administered before, during or after dental procedures by mouth, inhalation or injection.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">More complex treatments may require drugs that can induce “deep sedation”.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">This reduces consciousness and causes a loss of feeling which helps to reduce both pain and anxiety.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Sometimes patients undergo “general anesthesia” where the drugs lead to a temporary loss of consciousness.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">A dentist may recommend deep sedation or general anesthesia for certain procedures with children or with adults who have severe anxiety or for people who have difficulty controlling their movements.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">While these techniques to control pain and anxiety are used to treat tens of millions of patients safely every year, its important that you let your dentist know anything that might affect your ability to benefit from them for example, tell them about any illnesses or health conditions, whether you are taking any medications and if you’ve had any problems with allergic reactions to medications.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-19763228564802502692022-03-15T00:49:00.000-07:002022-03-16T00:50:06.779-07:00Treating Sensitive Teeth<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Sensitive teeth is a common problem that causes many people to feel discomfort with hot or cold foods and drinks.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">It can also make it uncomfortable to brush or floss the teeth and therefore can lead to further oral problems.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">However, sensitive teeth can be treated.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">If you suffer from this, your dentist may suggest that you try a desensitizing toothpaste, which contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">For desensitizing toothpaste to work, you normally have to make several applications.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">If the desensitizing toothpaste does not help, your dentist may suggest further solutions.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">For example, fluoride gel – which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations – may be applied to the sensitive areas of the teeth.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">If the sensitivity is caused by receding gums, your dentist may use bonding agents that “seal” the sensitive teeth.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The sealer is usually made of a plastic material.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">If there is severe hypersensitivity which cannot be treated by other means, there is the option of endodontic (root canal) treatment.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Sensitive teeth is a problem that can stop you enjoying your food but is one that can often be solved.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-2457259765257601942022-03-07T16:47:00.004-08:002022-03-07T16:47:55.736-08:00Common questions about dental insurance<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Understanding what’s covered by your dental insurance is an important part of making sure you get the best oral care possible.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Here are some common questions that arise when people want to understand their cover better.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">– If treatment my dentist recommends is not covered by my insurance, does that mean it’s not necessary?</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Some plans make exclusions such as sealants, pre-existing conditions, adult orthodontics, and specialist referrals. This depends on your dental plan and you should not let the level of cover determine whether you need treatment.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">– My dental benefit will only pay for a large filling but my dentist recommends I get a crown. Which should I choose?</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Some plans will only cover the least expensive solution but it may not be the best option for your needs. You should decide based on your health needs and not on your insurance cover.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">– My dental plan says it will pay 100 percent for checkups and cleanings but the insurance company says I owe for part of the dentist’s charge. How can this be?</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Some plans provide cover based on a “customary fee” for each procedure. So, if your dentist’s fee is higher, your benefit will be based on a percentage of the customary fee instead of your dentist’s fee. Although these limits are called “customary,” they may not accurately reflect the fees that dentists charge in your area.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">– Will my plan cover the care my family will need?<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />If your employer offers more than one plan, check the exclusions and limitations of the coverage as well as looking at the general benefits. It’s a good idea to discuss your family’s likely needs with your dentist before choosing a plan.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The plan document should specify who is eligible for coverage under the plan.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Plans offered by the same provider or employer can vary according to the contracts involved so your dentist will not be able to answer specific questions about your benefit or predict what the coverage for a particular procedure will be.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">If you have specific questions about coverage, talk to your plan provider.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-47015762552760589862022-02-27T22:02:00.000-08:002022-03-01T22:02:45.653-08:00Treating facial pain and jaw problems<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Chronic facial pain is a problem faced by millions of Americans.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Common symptoms can include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth or even head and neck aches.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">If you are suffering from this type of pain, your dentist can help identify its source with a thorough exam and appropriate x-rays.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Sometimes, the problem is a sinus or toothache or it could be an early stage of periodontal disease.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">But for some pain, the cause is not so easily diagnosed.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">There are two joints and several jaw muscles which make it possible to open and close the mouth. They work together when you chew, speak, and swallow.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">These structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints, the TMJs.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">There are several ways the TMJ disorders may be treated.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Diagnosis is an important step before treatment.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Part of your clinical examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Your dentist may take x-rays and may make a cast of your teeth to see how your bite fits together.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">To help you deal with this pain, your dentist will recommend what type of treatment you need and may refer you to a specialist.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-37620349196176360352022-02-21T21:42:00.000-08:002022-02-22T21:42:19.693-08:00How dental implants can give you a better smile<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">If you have missing teeth, you dont just have to rely on crowns, conventional bridges and dentures.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Many people are now choosing dental implants as the best way to restore their smile and solve dental problems.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Implants are placed below the gums during a series of appointments. They fuse to the jawbone and provide a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">As they are fused to the bone, they offer greater stability. And, because they are integrated into your jaw, your replacement teeth will feel more natural.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">This secure fit often also makes them more comfortable than other solutions.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">In order to have implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">To find out whether you could be a candidate for dental implants, talk to your dentist about what they could do for you.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-56880616917491914952022-02-14T19:46:00.004-08:002022-02-14T19:46:32.123-08:00How the food you eat can cause tooth decay<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">When you put food in your mouth, it immediately meets the bacteria that live there.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Plaque, for example, is a sticky film of bacteria.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">These bacteria love the sugars found in many foods. So, when you don’t clean your teeth after eating, the bacteria and the sugar can combine to produce acids which can destroy the enamel – the hard surface of the tooth.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">In time, this can lead to tooth decay. The more often you eat and the longer foods are in your mouth, the more damage occurs.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Many foods that are nutritious and important in our diet contain sugars – such as fruits, milk, bread, cereals and even vegetables.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">So the key is not to try and avoid sugar but to think before you eat.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">When you eat is also important because each time you eat food that contains sugars, the teeth are attacked by acids for 20 minutes or more.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">This means that foods that are eaten as part of a meal cause less harm. More saliva is released during a meal, helping to wash foods from the mouth and reduce the effects of acids.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Here are some tips to follow when choosing your meals and snacks.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Eat a variety of foods from different food groups<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Limit the number of snacks that you eat<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– If you do snack, choose nutritious foods, such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, or a piece of fruit</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Its also important to brush your teeth twice a day and to clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">And of course regular visits to your dentist will help prevent problems from occurring and catch those that do occur while they are easier to treat.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-73239944882093585562022-02-07T17:52:00.000-08:002022-02-11T00:44:58.211-08:00What dentists are doing to improve services for older adults<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">As people are living longer and enjoying good health for many years, dentists are increasingly offering improved services to recognize the special needs of older adults.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">This growing segment of the population is wearing fewer dentures and they are keeping their natural teeth longer. They are also concerned to maintain good health and a great smile for many years.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">However, patients in this group sometimes require special consideration because reduced mobility and dexterity may make daily oral hygiene difficult.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">And certain medical conditions and impairment may make them more anxious when visiting the dentist.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">For example, problems with vision or hearing loss may cause worry. Always let the dentist and staff know if you have any concerns so that they can adjust their treatment and their pace to meet your needs.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Older patients can sometimes put up with problems such as toothaches, bleeding gums and clicking dentures because they are not aware of the wide range of treatments and techniques now available.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Dentists are increasingly sensitive to the special needs of and the importance of dental health in the older patient.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">As many older patients are more health conscious than ever before, regular visits to the dentist ensure their oral health is an important part of their overall health.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-91311348319206630792022-01-24T18:55:00.000-08:002022-01-27T18:55:33.117-08:00How older adults can handle dry mouth and taste problems<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Reduced saliva flow that results in a dry mouth is a common problem among older adults.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">It is caused by certain medical disorders and is often a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers and diuretics.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Some of the common problems associated with dry mouth include:<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Constant sore throat<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Burning sensation<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Problems speaking<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Difficulty swallowing<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Hoarseness or dry nasal passages</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth. Without adequate saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive cavities can form.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Your dentist can recommend various methods to restore moisture. For example, sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Another issue that can affect older adults is a loss of appetite due to a change in your sense of taste. Besides an age-related decrease in the sense of taste and smell, certain diseases, medications and dentures can contribute to a decrease in your sense of taste.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Whether you are suffering from dry mouth or problems with your sense of taste, your dentist will be able to make suggestions to help.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-8018682399476772302022-01-17T17:38:00.000-08:002022-01-24T17:38:28.496-08:00Whats involved in getting a dental implant?<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Dental implants are increasingly popular as a way to replace missing or damaged teeth.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Their great advantage is that they look natural and feel secure helping you to restore your smile and eat more easily.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Implants are an ideal solution for many people but they are not an option for everyone.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Placing implants requires some surgery so patients must be in good health, have healthy gums and have adequate bone to support the implant.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">They must also be committed to taking action to maintain their oral hygiene and to visiting the dentist regularly.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The process for placing implants is as follows:</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">First, surgery is performed to place the anchor. This can take up to several hours. Following the surgery, you may need to wait up to six months for the bone to grow around the anchor and firmly hold it in place. Sometimes follow up surgery is required to attach a post to connect the anchor to the replacement teeth. Alternatively, the anchor and post may already be attached and are placed at the same time.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">After the gums have had several weeks to heal, the next step is to fit specially-made artificial teeth to the post portion of the anchor. This can take a few weeks to complete as several fittings may be required.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Implant surgery can be done either in a dental office or in a hospital, depending upon a number of factors. A local or general anesthetic may be used. Usually pain medications and, when necessary, antibiotics are prescribed.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">After your implants are fitted, your dentist will give you tips and advice on maintaining your oral hygiene.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Your dentist can help you decide whether you would be a good candidate for implants.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-81316162146714020402022-01-10T21:25:00.000-08:002022-01-18T21:25:47.798-08:00How implants changed dentistry<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Implants are one of the most important developments in dental care over recent years.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">They have created opportunities that didn’t exist before for people to improve their dental health and create the smile they want.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Implants were discovered by Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon Dr. P.I. Branemark and they have transformed the quality of life for people who have missing teeth.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The basis of a dental implant is a titanium rod about 1cm long. This is placed inside the jawbone and is designed to serve the same purpose as tooth roots.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Implants can either be used to replace lost teeth or to help keep dentures in place more securely.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">One of the reaons implants have changed dental care so much is that, previously, there was often no other way to replace missing teeth permanently.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">And there are many people who cannot tolerate removable dentures or don’t want to wear them for some other reason.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The introduction of implants had made a big change in their lives.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-92109762553597036162022-01-03T23:56:00.001-08:002022-01-05T23:57:11.022-08:00Dental plaque – what it is and how to avoid it<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">You’ve probably heard people talking about plaque and maybe you’ve some idea of what it is.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">But its useful to know a bit more about it so that you can do whats necessary to minimize the risks.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">When you’ve eaten a meal or snack, the bacteria in plaque release acids that attack tooth enamel. When this happens regularly, the enamel can weaken. This eventually leads to tooth decay.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The food we eat often causes plaque bacteria to produce acids. So, if you eat a lot of snacks, your teeth may be suffering acid attacks all day.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">If you don’t remove the plaque through effective daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth, it can eventually harden into calculus or tartar.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Another effect of plaque is that it also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red and tender or causing them to bleed easily.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">If you want to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, make sure you have a balanced diet and avoid having too many snacks between meals.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">When you feel like a snack, go for foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese or a piece of fruit.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-1801330225259177842021-12-28T00:17:00.000-08:002021-12-29T00:17:56.396-08:00How scaling and planing can help clean your teeth properly<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Dental plaque is a film that builds up on your teeth and, if it is not removed through good oral hygiene, it can lead to tooth decay and gum problems.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Over time it can ultimately form a hard, rough sediment known as dental tartar or calculus, which attracts further plaque buildup.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Calculus has to be removed by a trained professional such as a hygienist or dentist.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">They may do this by manual tooth scaling or using an ultrasonic device.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">If the buildup is light or moderate, the dentist or hygienist may use manual scaling instruments of various shapes and sizes.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">If the buildup of tartar and stains is heavy, an ultrasonic cleaner may be used. This may be followed by hand scaling.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Build up of plaque can cause inflammation of the gums leading to breakdown of the connection between the teeth and the supporting structures.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Root planing is a procedure to treat gum disease by thoroughly scaling the roots of teeth to establish a smooth, calculus-free surface.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">This treatment may require local anesthesia to prevent pain. Thorough periodontal scaling customarily involves several dental visits</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">If conditions are more advanced, surgery may be needed for complete debridement of the roots to arrest the disease process.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Some people tend to have more buildup of calculus than others and some may be more prone to periodontal inflammation or the development of tooth decay.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">It’s therefore important to follow your hygienist’s advivce on how often to return for regular cleanings – even if your insurance only covers two a year.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-4146967668949754472021-12-20T19:46:00.001-08:002021-12-26T19:46:55.010-08:00Maintaining proper nutrition as an older adult<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Maintaining proper nutrition is important for everyone, young or old but many older adults find it difficult to eat a balanced diet.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">They may avoid meats, raw vegetables and fresh fruits because they have trouble chewing or swallowing.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">These problems can be caused by painful teeth, ill-fitting dentures, dry mouth or changes in facial muscles.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Others find their sense of taste has changed, sometimes due to a disease or certain medications.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">As a result, older adults often have diets lacking in calcium, protein and other nutrients essential to dental and overall health.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">A balanced diet has to be based on the five food groups:<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Milk and dairy products<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Breads and cereals<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Meats and dried beans<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Fruits<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Vegetables</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Sometimes a multi-vitamin or mineral supplement will help but it’s best to use supplements only after discussion with your physician.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">If your teeth are stopping you from eating the food you enjoy – or that you need for good health – your dentist will be able to help you find a solution.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-59188155169665578932021-12-13T18:30:00.001-08:002021-12-13T18:30:03.293-08:00The keys to keeping your mouth healthy<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">A healthy mouth is a good indication of your overall health and helps you to keep a great smile and continue eating what you want for many years to come.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">There are a few steps you can take to make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible:<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Brush your teeth twice a day using a good quality toothbrush<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Renew your toothbrush regularly. It will only keep your mouth healthy if the brush is in good condition and the bristles are strong. You should replace it at least every three or four months<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Clean between your teeth. Your toothbrush can’t reach everywhere and bacteria can linger between the teeth so it’s important to clean between them every day using floss or an interdental cleaner<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />– Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and oral examinations</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Your dentist will be able to give you tips on what other products you should consider to help improve your oral health.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">For example, antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes can reduce the germs in your mouth and reduce the risk of gum disease.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Also, fluoride mouth rinses can help reduce and prevent tooth decay. Studies have shown that using mouth rinses provides valuable protection over and above that provided by fluoride toothpaste alone.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Look out for the ADA seal when buying toothbrushes and other dental products. This is a sign that the product has met American Dental Association standards for safety and effectiveness.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Following these steps can help ensure that you continue to enjoy great oral health.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-24317982421171669512021-12-06T21:26:00.000-08:002021-12-06T21:26:00.182-08:00How cancer treatment can affect your oral health<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">More than 1 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer each year and many of them will develop problems with their oral health as a result of their cancer treatment.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">While it’s natural that they’ll be focused on their cancer treatment, it’s important not to overlook the importance of a dental examination as part of the process of maintaining overall health.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">For example, radiation therapy of the head and neck area may lead to certain complications such as dry mouth, sensitive lesions in the oral cavity, hypersensitive teeth, rapid tooth decay and difficulty swallowing.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Chemotherapy and other medication can also have significant effects in the mouth.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">To help prevent, minimize and manage such problems, the dentist and oncologist can work together – before and during cancer treatment.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Many medications lead to dry mouth, which can lead to a higher risk of gum disease and other problems.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The dentist may therefore recommend a saliva replacement, an artificial saliva that is available over-the-counter at pharmacies.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Frequent fluoride applications may also be recommended.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />If you are receiving treatment, schedule regular screenings with your dentist and contact your dentist or physician immediately on any sign of mouth infection.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">This may have serious implications for your overall health.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Your dentist and physician both want your treatment to be as safe and effective as possible.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-92220190055260644372021-11-23T17:13:00.000-08:002021-11-25T17:13:28.416-08:00Diabetes and your dental health: How your diet can affect your teeth<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">When diabetes is not controlled properly, high glucose levels in saliva may create problems that lead to an increased risk of tooth decay.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Your teeth are covered with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. After you eat food that contains sugars or starches, the bacteria react with these sugars to release acids that attack tooth enamel. This can cause the enamel to break down and may eventually result in cavities.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth with floss or an interdental cleaner helps remove decay-causing plaque.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Plaque that is not removed can eventually harden into calculus, or tartar. When tartar collects above the gumline, it becomes more difficult to clean thoroughly between teeth. This can lead to chronic inflammation and infection in the mouth.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Because diabetes reduces the bodys resistance to infection, the gums are among the tissues likely to be affected.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Periodontal diseases are infections of the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place. Patients with inadequate blood sugar control appear to develop periodontal disease more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth than those who have good control of their diabetes.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Because of the lower resistance and longer healing process, periodontal diseases often appear to be more frequent and more severe among persons with diabetes.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">You can help reduce these risks through good maintenance of blood sugar levels, a well-balanced diet, good oral care at home and regular dental checkups.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-87319082386889912002021-11-16T18:31:00.000-08:002021-11-21T18:32:03.078-08:00How sealants can give your teeth extra protection<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Sealants are made from plastic material applied to the back teeth to protect the enamel from plaque and acids.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The plastic bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of the back teeth – premolars and molars.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Although thorough brushing and flossing can help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, the toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The benefit of sealants is that they protect these vulnerable areas by “sealing out” plaque and food.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Your dentist can apply sealants quite easily and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The teeth being sealed will first be cleaned. Then the chewing surfaces are roughened with an acid solution which makes it easier for the sealant to stick to the tooth.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The sealant is then ‘painted’ onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Sometimes a special curing light is used to help the sealant harden.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />They usually last several years before a reapplication is needed. Your dentist will check the condition of the sealants during your regular visits and reapply them when necessary.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Sealants are ideal for children because the risk of developing pit and fissure decay starts early in life. However, many adults can benefit from sealants as well.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Your dentist can tell you whether sealants would help your oral hygiene program.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-36785523256667608662021-11-09T23:44:00.000-08:002021-11-14T23:45:13.872-08:00How removable partial dentures can help you<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Removable partial dentures usually involve replacement teeth attached to plastic bases, connected by metal framework.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">They attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments. Precision attachments generally look better than metal clasps and are nearly invisible.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Crowns may be required on your natural teeth to improve the fit of a removable partial denture.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">When you first get a partial denture, it may feel awkward or bulky. But you will gradually get used to wearing it.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">It will also take a bit of practice to get used to inserting and removing the denture. It should fit into place easily and you should never force it.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Your dentist may suggest that you wear your partial denture all the time at first. While it will be uncomfortable for a while, it will help you identify if any parts of the denture need adjustment.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">After making adjustments, your dentist will probably recommend that you take the denture out of your mouth before going to bed and replace it in the morning.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">With a denture, eating should become a more pleasant experience compared to having missing teeth.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">But, initially, youll need to eat soft foods cut into small pieces. And avoid foods that are extremely sticky or hard.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Some people with missing teeth find it hard to speak clearly so wearing a partial denture may help. However, youll probably need to practice certain words at first to get completely comfortable.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">While it can take a little geting used to initially, a partial denture can help you enjoy your food with less worries.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-42357193449992090082021-11-03T23:44:00.001-07:002021-11-03T23:44:02.050-07:00How a baby’s first teeth develop<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">A newly born baby usually has no teeth visible but most have begun to develop primary or baby teeth.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">These generally begin to appear about six months after birth.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Over their first few years, they will develop all 20 primary teeth and will usually have them all in place by age three.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The teething process is uncomfortable for many babies and they can become sleepless and irritable. They also might lose their appetite or drool more than usual.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">If your infant has a fever or diarrhea while teething or continues to be cranky and uncomfortable, call your physician.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Sometimes when a tooth erupts, an eruption cyst may develop. The tooth will eventually rupture this as it pushes through the gums and these cysts are usually harmless and should be left alone.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">If a baby has sore or tender gums when they are teething, it can help to gently rub the gum with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a wet gauze pad.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">When this happens, your dentist or pediatrician may suggest a pacifier, teething ring or a special numbing salve for the gums.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">When the teeth begin to erupt, you should brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a little water to prevent tooth decay.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Toothpaste is not recommended until a child reaches age two. When a child begins using toothpaste, you need to supervise the brushing to make sure they don’t swallow it.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Regular dental checks should begin after your child’s first tooth appears or by their first birthday.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5158709775081719562.post-70697493146055706842021-10-25T20:32:00.000-07:002021-10-29T20:32:39.158-07:00Is bottled or tap water better for your teeth?<p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">With many people concerned about the taste and purity of tap water, the sales of bottled water have increased significantly in recent years.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Tap water goes through a process of purification designed to eliminate suspended materials, remove tastes and odors and kill microorganisms.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Fluoride is added to most tap water supplies with the aim of reducing cavities.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Fluoride becomes incorporated into our teeth as they develop and makes them more resistant to decay. It can reverse the progress of early cavities and reduce the need for dental treatment.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Mass water fluoridation has played an important role in reducing tooth decay.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">The problem with bottled waters is that they usually don’t contain fluoride.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">So there is a risk that drinking bottled water can increase the risk of cavities for some people.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">If you drink a lot of bottled water, you can make up for this by using fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Libre Franklin", "Helvetica Neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">Your dentist may even suggest a fluoride supplement if they notice an increase in cavities.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0