Signs It's Time to See Your Dentist

An apple a day may not keep the dentist away. Recently the Chicago Dental Society listed the top five signs that one should immediately see a dentist. If you have one or more of the following it's definitely a good idea to get it checked out:

1. Bleeding gums
2. Sensitivity to hot/cold, or sweet foods and drinks
3. Chronic bad breath
4. Puffy red or receeding gums
5. Dark spots of holes in your teeth

Ignoring any of these early signs can end up costing you in the end with expensive dental surgeries and procedures. To save yourself the time, money and pain it is recommended you get regular (at least once a year) check-ups with your dentist to catch these problems early.

Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions

Bad breath, or halitosis is one of the most common oral health problems affecting people of all ages (and the people close to them ;). Experts say that the problem of bad breath is the result of open-air bacteria entering the mouth, stomach, or nose. Contrary to popular belief, problems associated with the nasal and sinus passages may be more commonly responsible for bad breath. This is because an abnormality in the nasal ways may inhibit the natural mucus flows allowing bacteria to pass from the nose to the back of the tongue where they may remain and cause an unpleasant odor. Many different types of bacteria contribute to the problem. Disgustingly, all of the bacteria responsible for bad breath are also found in: corpse scent, decayed meat, rotten eggs and other revolting odors.

Since your mouth is one of your most valuable physical assets, allowing you to communicate with others, it should be of utmost importance to maintain proper dental hygiene. So, what can we do to avoid bad breath?

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day
2. Floss between each tooth once a day
3. Antiseptic mouthwash used in the mornings, evenings and after eating is very helpful
4. Be sure to follow specific cleaning instructions when using dental appliances such as braces, retainers, and dentures
5. Eat Healthy!
• Interestingly, diet plays a huge role. Everyone says breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it is true in more ways than one. Eating breakfast aids in producing saliva flow after sleeping which helps to rid of bacteria that flourishes while we sleep.
  
• Also, fibrous foods are reccommended to help maintain a healthy mouth.
  
• Don't forget to drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks.
  

Wisdom Teeth

Most of us have our wisdom teeth removed when we turn 18 years old. It is not however necessary for everyone to undergo this procedure. Those who require the surgery have wisdom teeth that are impacted under the jaw bone. According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, if people do not have the wisdom teeth surgically removed they run the risk of developing periodontal disease which may lead to "coronary-artery disease, stroke, kidney problems, diabetes and obstetric complications, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons."

Many people do not have impacted wisdom teeth and may be able to avoid the surgery by simply having regular dental checkups. The downside for them is there exists the chance that their teeth may continue to grow into their twenties and the tooth becomes more embedded in the bone while the bone hardens. This can mean a more difficult and painful surgery later on in life.

People need to consider the pros and cons of the extraction surgery. Although it can be a painful process that puts one out of a commission for about a week, there will at least be no chance of developing periodontal disease or the risk of a later more complicated surgery.

Source: www.chicagotribune.com/features/health/chi-0120_health1_r_djan20,0,3717404.story

Cosmetic Dentistry

A person's smile is one of the most prominent features on their face. Advancements in cosmetic dentistry have made it possible for everyone to have a beautiful and healthy smile. Procedures such as tooth whitening, veneers and dental implants can change your life giving you the confidence you need to succeed and excel everyday. You don't have to go to a dentist and pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars to greatly improve your smile though.

What is Invisalign? How can it help you?

Invisalign is a trademark of Align Technology Inc., named for a process of orthodontics: an "invisible" way of straightening teeth without using braces. Instead of metal braces, you are fitted to clear custom-fabricated aligners which will gradually move your teeth into the right place.

The advantage to having Invisalign is that you are able to make your teeth straighter and more properly aligned. This can be both cosmetic or a functional change that is needed for your dental health and well being. Invisalign aligners are replaced every two weeks, so there is less force per week and less pain than tightening down a wire across the teeth - the way standard metal braces are designed. Invisalign is also quicker than many other cosmetic treatments.

Although there are many advantages, one needs to know that there are several disadvantages as well. Because the Invisalign aligners are removable, they are not always in contact with the teeth, which may affect performance. You must get in the habit of keeping them in all the time and may be tempted to often remove them. Also, you must take them out each time you eat. Another small but important precaution to note is that there are occasionally people who show allergic reactions to the implantable grade plastic. The FDA has recorded the symptoms to be mainly minor symptoms such as sore throat, cough and nausea, however.

Talk to Your Dentist. Be sure to consult with your local AACD member cosmetic dentist to find out if Invisalign is right for you.

Losing Hair? Alopecia Tied To Dental Health

In a recent NBC report, researchers claim to have found that some hair loss cases (alopecia) were actually closely tied to having infections of the teeth.

"We have found that bald patches caused by tooth infection are not always in the same place. They normally appear on a line projected from the dental infection and can thus can be located on the face at the level of the maxillary teeth, above a line through the lip-angle to the scalp, beard, or even to the eyebrow. Nevertheless, they can also be located far from infection outbreak," researchers Gil Montoya and Cutando Soriano said in a news release.

The researchers also said some cases of alopecia may be attributed to auto-immune problems, meaning the body attacks hair follicles as if they were invaders.

Bruxism

Bruxism is the fancy word for when people grind or clench their teeth. Don't think that you are the only one with this problem, 8-10% of adults share in suffering from this sleeping disorder. It is the third most common sleeping disorder following snoring and sleep talking.

During sleep Bruxism the upper and lower teeth come into contact up to 40 minutes every hour and at a force of 115 kilograms. This creates jaw pain, headaches, and damage to the teeth and surrounding tissue.

So what can you do? Stress, smoking, alcohol, and caffeine are believed to set off or worsen the condition so steer clear of those. Dentists may also fit you for a customized mouth guard to help protect your teeth and alleviate some of your symptoms.