Many people are striving for the whitest brightest teeth possible. With the variety and availability of dental whitening methods having white bright teeth is easy to achieve. However before running out and getting that over the counter whiten kit or before heading to the mall to zoom whiten you teeth you should make a dental appointment for a basic dental cleaning first.

Having your teeth cleaned by the dentist will remove surface stains that need to be remove before whitening your teeth for optimum results. Also this gives you a chance to talk to your dentist about teeth whitening products. You may not know this but not everyone can their teeth whiten or they may need to have them whiten only by a dentist.

Talking to your dentist first will help you determine what is best for you. Since any type of dental restorations like veneers, bridges, and crowns can not be whiten with Hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. As well as teeth that have internal staining, discoloration from developmental conditions or by a root canal, may not be affected by the typical whitening process.

If you ever had your teeth whiten you may know the trick about drinking stain-able drinks such as coffee though a straw in order to maintain you newly whiten teeth.
However, drinking sodas, sports/energy drink and juices though a straw is also a good idea in order to help protect your tooth enamel.

Many of those types of drinks contain acids, such as citric and phosphoric, that can erode dental enamel, even if they are diet or sugar-free versions. By drinking though a straw you can position it toward the back of mouth limiting the contact the drinks have with your teeth.  Therefore helping  to preserve the tooth enamel.

Most people know that smoking is bad for your over all health and can cause a multitude of health related problems, however smoking is also a major contributor to many dental problems. Here are some dental problems that are associated with smoking or using tobacco. Gum disease, receding gums, stained and discolored teeth, tooth loss due to gums disease, bad breath, tartar build up which can lead to tooth decay, and oral cancer. It hopefully goes without saying that one should quit smoking to avoid oral and dental problem associated with smoking as well as the multitude of health problems. However, if you are a smoker not quitting they make sure to see your dentist at least twice a year and more if advise by your dentist.

Most people know to brush their teeth at least twice a day for good oral health care habits. Flossing daily is also a at home dental health habit that most people know to do. However do not forget your tongue. While brushing your teeth you should gently go over you tongue. This help get rid of bacteria that is on your tongue. By brushing your tongue you also help control any bad breath odor.

Fighting Bad Breath in Teens. Although bad breath can effect anyone at any age, for teenagers it can be very difficult to deal with since they are at a time when they rely heavily on how others may perceive them. Poor oral hygiene can be a primary cause to bad breath issues but it not the only factor. Many teens do not have access to regular dental check ups and it is important that teens see a dentist at least twice a year.

Going beyond oral hygiene habits to address other reason to bad breath you want to look at the foods a teen may be eating. Strong and spicy food can cause bad breath as well as dairy products. Other reasons for bad breath include gum Disease, cavities (tooth decay) as well as health issues such as acid reflux and upset stomach. If you you rule out dental issues check with a doctor to see if the cause of your bad breath is a medical issue.

It is very important to have regular oral health check up by your dentist for people that have HIV. This is because, compromised immune systems will generally have the first symptoms show up in their mouth. It a study done by Kevin C Heslin of UCLA in 2001, it was reported that 90% of people living with HIV have at least one dental manifestation of the disease.

The study also stated that any HIV Health care entity that does not provide dental care as a part of their program is not meeting the needs of their patients. So the importance of good dental care in the management of HIV is very clear.

Dry Mouth is a Common Problem Among Seniors. Xerostomia or other wise know as dry mouth is a common problem among older adults. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation an estimates that 20 percent of elderly people suffer from dry mouth. Dry mouth is also a hidden cause of tooth loss and gum disease in 30 percent of adults. There are many reasons why you may have dry mouth but for older adults one large factor is that dry mouth can be a side effect to many medications. Medications such as blood pressure, decongestants, antidepressants and pain pill other medications may also cause dry mouth so if you are experiencing dry mouth issue be sure to discuss treatment options with your dentist.

Oral hygiene is just as important to infants as to children and adults.  Even though a baby may not have teeth you still need to provide for daily oral hygiene for your infant.  Infants require daily oral hygiene, because the tissues in the mouth require cleansing to prevent irritation and infection.  Thrush is a treatable fungal infection caused by yeast that often appears in areas of the mouth that may have torn tissue, due to the constant sucking of a pacifier, bottle, or during breastfeeding. The tiny tears remain moist, and if not removed, the yeast can cause this painful condition.

Dentist may be able to Fill in the Health Care Gap According to a study done, almost 20 million American who see a dentist at lease once a year do not see a doctor or any other general health care provider. This suggests that a dentist could be able to screen these people for systemic health disorders, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, a new study says.

Dentist can Creates Healthy Confident Smiles.

For many of us we do not have the whitest smile or the perfect teeth we may want to have. Making it harder for us to smile freely with out worrying if your teeth are not making the impression you may like. Receiving the dental care needed to fit our smiles can sometimes be out of reach. However it does not have to be.

Here are a few tips that may help you receive affordable dental care. First find an affordable dental plan. There are many good HMO dental plan that are low cost and offer affordable coverage’s. There are even dental discount plans that are low in cost and help keep your dental care cost lower. Try to find a dentist that is willing to workout a payment plan if still needed. Many will if asked. When shopping dentist check to see if they have a web site for their practice. Not only will their web site tell you more about the dental practice but many times they offer saving on the website that they do not offer directly.

Finding the Best Dentist though Referrals. Many people have dental insurance that lets them choose their own dentist but how do you know you are picking the best dentist for you? One way is by getting referrals. Most people have a large referral base but they just do not use them. Look toward your family and friends, people at work. You can even choose to ask your friends on social medias like Facebook or Tweeter. Most people have been to the dentist and will be happy to tell you if they feel their dentist is a good choice for you.

Can Wisdom Teeth be the Winning Lotto Ticket in Your Child’s Mouth?

Study are suggesting that the early prophylactic removal of developing third molars (wisdom teeth) can avoid future surgical problems and expenses. The developing tooth bud can supply valuable pluripotent stem cells that may be used to treat diabetes, liver disease or for anti-aging or regenerative medicine. The surgical removal of wisdom teeth does have risks which include a 6% chance of permanent numbness of the tongue, lip, gums or teeth. There is also significant discomfort during or following the procedure.

However compare to the removal of the developing tooth germ or tooth bud is a low risk procedure that is done with minimal trauma or post op complications. Also more importantly this developing tooth bud is an ideal source of powerful multi or pluripotent stem cells.

Each individual state will determined the extent of dental coverage provided by the Medicaid Medical Card.   Generally speaking most states will offer general care and preventative dental services for children on the Medical Card.  This would include check-up exams, cleaning and fillings for cavities.  Yet you should check with your own states benefits to make sure what is and is not covered under Medicaid.

Babies can start teething as soon as three months but normally for most babies teething beings around six to seven months of age.  The first teeth that will usually appear will be the lower incisors (front teeth).    As your child grows and develop more teeth, you can use a toothbrush that is designed for your child’s age. Avoid using toothpaste that contains fluoride until your child is old enough to understand that swallowing the toothpaste should be avoided.

How Often Should Your Child Visit the Dentist? Once your baby’s first teeth have erupted and you have taken them for that all-important first dental visit. How often your child should see a dentist can depend on the child. Some children are more prone to tooth decay then others. For those child that easily get dental decay they may need to see the dentist more then the standard twice a year check up. Talk over your child dental needs with your dentist. Have a full understanding of the suggested dental care and know what you can do from home to keep your child teeth and gums healthy

Estimates show about 1.1 million men and women suffer for eating disorders in the UK.  This figure is even thought to be higher since many people with eating disorders keep the problem secret.  A study done by University of Bergen in Norway, showed that patients who suffer from eating disorders, such as Anorexia and Bulimia, experienced substantially more dental health problems. For example, sensitive teeth, severe dental erosion and facial pain compared to people without eating disorders.

The Steps in having Orthodontic Treatment.

Although orthodontic treatment is customized to meet each person own unique needs, the steps necessary for treatment, remain fairly standard. First there is Diagnostic and Treatment Planning. This is where the orthodontic dentist will make a diagnosis to determine the most effective way to treat your bite issue.

Next Step is the Active Treatment. Once treatment is determined your active treatment will begin. which may include attaching the appliance, or customizing aligner trays for invisible braces. You will return to your orthodontist’s office several times during this step for adjustments and or for new trays. Then the last step is Retention. Once your teeth have been realigned, you will require a retainer to ensure your teeth do not shift back into their previous position.

Bone Creating Protein is More Effective then Bone Grafting in Dental Implants. A bone creating protein has be found to be more effective then bone grafting in dental implants. Some people that get dental implants may have either not enough bone or bone that is too thin to hold the dental implant when that happens, the current solution is to do a bone graft to anchor in the permanent prosthetic teeth. However, that technique can be problematic because it involves additional surgeries to harvest the bone Studies done at the GHSU Laboratory for Applied Periodontal & Craniofacial Regeneration found that implanting bone morphogenetic protein in the sinus more new bone will form within four weeks than using conventional bone grafting at the same site.

Twittering about your dental pain. In a new new study it shows that Twitter can be used as a new way for the public to communicate their health concerns. Studies found that Twitter users are already extensively sharing their experiences of toothache and seeking advice from other users. 772 tweets were analyzed and frequencies calculated. Of those tweets, 83% were primarily categorized as a general statement of dental pain, 22% as an action taken or contemplated, and 15% as describing an impact on daily activities. Among the actions taken or contemplated, 44% reported seeing a dentist, 43% took an analgesic or antibiotic medication and 14% actively sought advice from the Twitter community.

Understanding the difference between a routine cleaning (Prophylaxis) and a Deep Cleaning.

Routine/Prophylaxis Cleaning:  focuses on preventive dental care and the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums by the removal of calculus, plaque, and common stains. Normally performed twice a year by a dental hygienist or dentist along with your dental check up.

Deep Cleaning:   is a procedure designed to help avoid periodontal disease (gum disease) Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of calculus,and plaque on the crowns and root surfaces of teeth. It can begin as localized gingival inflammation and progress to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and the bone that supports the teeth. Left untreated, this disease progresses to the ultimate loss of teeth.