Mouth Guards: Do You Really Need Them?

For athletes, mouthguards are commonplace and often required – kind of like what a wedding ring is for married couples.Just take a look at a sport like rugby. Odds are pretty good that someone will lose a tooth or two during a scrum. Of course, athletes don’t have to wear a mouth guard, but we all know that athletes who play contact sports should do so, just so that their teeth are protected.

Do You Really Need A Mouthguard?

Dental injuries are the most common injuries in the oro-facial region, and almost 90% of these injuries are sports-related. In a recent study, it was shown that sports-related dental injuries could result in lost teeth, avulsed teeth or teeth that required expensive long-term endodontic treatment. However, this same study also showed that properly made, custom-fitted, dentist-made mouth guards could reduce the effect of sports-related injuries like concussions and direct dental trauma. In fact, the mouth guard could also absorb and disperse the shock energy from afull-face assault.

The National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety also recommends and supports the use of mouth guards for athletes. According to the Foundation, a properly made mouth guard could protect teeth and save the patient more than $5,000 in dental treatment. Avulsed and replaced teeth could easily cost the patient about $15,000 to about $20,000 in lifetime treatment costs. A good mouth guard could reduce the chances of this happening by as much as 45%.

What Are The Different Types of Mouth Guards And Which One Should I Choose?

Three different types of mouth guards are used to protect teeth from injury, including:

Stock mouth guards are the most common variety and can be purchased from any pharmacy. They are cheap and easy to wear but they do not conform to the tooth surface. As a result, they do not provide adequate protection and almost all dentists do not recommend the use of stock mouth guards.

Boil and bite mouth guards are the next most popular variety. These guards are made by heating a thermoplastic material and adapting the material to the teeth. Although these mouth guards are quite good, they do not provide adequate protection.

Custom-fitted or dentist-made mouth guards are perfect for a range of athletic and medical reasons. The dentist uses a special measuring material to custom-make the guard to fit the teeth. The close fit and stability means that this variety is the most comfortable. It can be a little expensive but this is well worth the protection and comfort.

Most professionals recommend the use of a custom dentist-made mouth guard to protect teeth. A well-made, custom guard can easily last for 10-12 years and it can be made in any colour or shape required.

Who Else Needs a Mouth Guard?

 

Apart from athletes, are also recommended for anyone who needs to protect their teeth from injury likechildren and adults who grind their teeth, athletes in non-contact sports like gymnastics, skateboarders, mountain bikers, etc. Custom-made dental mouth guards are also used to splint the jaws to prevent jaw stress and to deliver topical medications in the case of chronic gingival diseases.

How Is A Custom Mouth Guard Made?

The entire process is very simple. The dentist will then take a measurement of the teeth and make a dental model. The dentist will them send the model to a dental laboratory and the dental technician fabricates a custom dental mouth guard for the patient. This usually takes about two weeks. Once the guard is ready, the patient can start wearing the mouth guard immediately.

Contact your dentist immediately if you need a mouth guard for medical reasons. And if an athlete wants to retire with all of his real teeth, it would be a good idea to use a dentist-made mouth guard to protect those beautiful pearlies as well.

Six Serious Oral Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

You may eat the best foods and have an active lifestyle but can crop up unexpectedly. As a result, most dentists recommend a biannual check-up to ensure that the oral cavity is free of serious dental problems and hidden medical conditions. However, irrespective of dental check-ups, it is a good idea to keep a close eye on your oral health. If you see any of these oral symptoms, get in touch with a dentist immediately for a complete dental and medical evaluation.

Symptom #1 – Ulcers That Do Not Heal

The oral cavity is filled with thousands of bacteria that can cause serious symptoms. Ulcers can occur due to a poor diet, poor oral hygiene, broken fillings, injuries, etc. Most ulcers also resolve with simple medications like topical creams and lotions or an improved diet. However, in some rare cases, ulcers persist no matter what treatment is provided and may even grow larger. These ulcers may be a sign of oral cancer, and they require aggressive treatment. As a result, keep a close eye on oral ulcers that persist for more than two weeks and get a dental and medical opinion immediately.

Symptom #2 – Popping or Clicking in the Jaw Joint

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is responsible for coordinating your lower jaw with the cranial or skull bones. However, changes in the dentition can affect the range of jaw motion causing the joint to move in different ways. This also results in facial pain, earache, headaches, dizziness, uncomfortable bite, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint, soreness in the neck and shoulder, pain while chewing, difficulty in swallowing, etc. If you experience these problems, get in touch with a dentist right away to treat the problem. Ignoring the problem can cause serious long-term TMJ damage that may require surgical intervention.

Symptom #3 – Flat Teeth

Normal teeth have a bumpy surface that is coordinated with the opposing tooth surface. Look at your teeth in the mirror. Do they appear flat and without bumps on the surface? This may be because you grind your teeth, and the grinding motion has levelled the tooth surface making your teeth appear flat. Years of grinding teeth can result in teeth ground down to nubs, and this can cause serious problems like sensitivity and TMJ problems. Get in touch with your dentist immediately for expert help.

Symptom # 4 – Bleeding Gums

Everyone has mild gingival bleeding and a little spotting while you brush is normal. However, get in touch with a dentist if you experience the following symptoms:

Blood pooling in the mouth when you get up in the morning

Swollen friable gums that bleed at the slightest touch

Foul odour

Thick white pus oozing out from the swollen gums

Food impaction between the teeth

Gingival and periodontal problems are treatable, but you have to contact the dentist immediately to ensure that the treatment is started quickly.

Symptom # 5 – Sore and Painful Areas in the Mouth

Sore and painful areas are possible due to cheek bites, hot food and any number of other normal reasons. However, persistent numb, painful, sore and bleeding areas in the mouth require immediate attention to rule out oral cancer or other serious conditions.

Symptom # 6 – Loose Teeth

Teeth that move or fall out expectedly should elicit serious concern. It can be indicative of underlying bone loss, loss of gum support and even medical conditions like osteoporosis. If your teeth appear loose or move from their original position, get in touch with a dentist immediately.

When Should You Be Extra Vigilant?

With age, changes do occur in the environment of the oral cavity. Some patients may also have systemic conditions that are contributing to their poor oral health. However, any dental condition that does not resolve in two weeks requires extensive investigation, and you should check with your dentist immediately.

The Hidden Dangers of Dry Mouth and How to Prevent It

Dry mouth does not seem like a serious concern. After all, nearly every one of us has experienced dry mouth at least once in our lives. All we have to do is take a sip of water and your dry mouth goes away. However, it can be a serious issue. Imagine your mouth continuously free of much-needed saliva no matter what you do.

How Does Happen?

In a normal mouth, the salivary glands work together to produce saliva that moisturizes the mucus membrane of the mouth. Saliva also has other functions like lubricating the mouth and tongue for speech, helps in mastication and softens food for digestion, helps in swallowing food, prevents tooth decay by washing away food particles, etc. Saliva also contains very important antibacterial compounds that destroy bacteria and fungi and maintain the health of the oral cavity. As a result, decreased saliva production can affect multiple parts of the oral cavity and cause long-lasting problems.

Causes of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can have a number of different causes. It can be due to underlying medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. It can also be caused by diseases like salivary gland cancer, Sjögren’s Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson disease, etc. For some patients, dry mouth may also be caused by medications. More than 400 different medications can cause dry mouth, but the condition usually reverses itself when the medication is stopped.

Symptoms of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can be uncomfortable and it can become a chronic condition. The most common symptoms of dry mouth include the following:

Difficulty in swallowing, chewing and speaking

Sticky, dry feeling in the mouth

Burning mouth, tongue and lips

Cracked lips

Dry rough tongue

Frequent feeling of thirst

Mouth sores

Infections in the mouth

The Hidden Dangers of Dry Mouth

Patients with dry mouth find it difficult to do simple things like swallowing. Ideally, in a normal patient, saliva is produced throughout the day to lubricate the mouth. Saliva production increases while eating food and while speaking or in any activity that require lubrication of the oral cavity. However, when saliva production decreases, every function of the oral cavity is affected. Speech becomes difficult, as the oral cavity is dry. Saliva also assists in mastication, and a deficiency of saliva can cause food particles to linger in the mouth. Normally, after saliva also sweeps food away from the mouth and clears away the oral cavity. In dry mouth, the food particles are not swept away and they stick to the surface of the tooth. This increases the chances of getting cavities. Along with cavities, patients frequently experience oral fungal infections as the normal antibacterial activity of saliva is absent. Other problems may also occur but this varies from patient to patient depending on the now bad the dry mouth is.

Dealing with Dry Mouth

The symptoms of dry mouth can be treated easily with artificial saliva, salivary stimulants like pastilles and sugar-free chewing gum and systemic drugs, like pilocarpine, can be used to control the condition. General measures like frequent sips of cold water, sucking on pieces of ice or sugar-free candy, eating partially frozen melon or pineapple chunks, and local applications of petroleum jelly are also helpful in controlling the condition. Apart from local measures, it is also important to diagnose the underlying medical condition that is causing the dry mouth. For example, drugs are the most common cause of dry mouth and your general physician can adjust the medication or control the dose of medications like antipsychotics, beta-blockers, diuretics, antihistamines, antimuscarinic drugs and tricyclic antidepressants.

In the end, if the condition becomes very uncomfortable doctors can try to transfer part of a salivary glandfrom one location to another to compensate for the decreased salivary flow. However, this may or may not work and alternative procedures like acupuncture can also be used to stimulate saliva formation.

6 Home Remedies for Curing Canker Sores

Canker sores are irritating and painful – and they never seem to go away quickly enough. The ulcers are open, painful and they keep coming back, even though there is nothing wrong with your oral health or your general health.

So What Causes Canker Sores?

The medical term for canker sores is apthous stomatitis, and the exact cause of the condition is not known. The condition is characterized by the formation of repeat ulcers in the mouth, irrespective of the patient’s general health. Researchers feel that a combination of factors like nutritional deficiencies, trauma, stress, hormones and allergies could contribute to the formation and development of ulcers. Most ulcers are small, about one to two millimetres in size, but patients have reported larger ulcers. Symptoms may range from minimal pain to severe debilitating pain and difficulty eating and drinking.

Treatment

As the cause of the condition is not known, most doctors offer palliative treatment that helps to control the pain. You will most likely be prescribed a corticosteroid ointment or an over-the-counter solution to control pain. To soothe the ulcer, you can also use an antimicrobial mouthwash. However, apart from these remedies, you can also use home remedies to help control the ulcer and reduce the pain sensations.

#1 – Honey

Honey is sweet and it is a lovely thing to eat but it is just as great on wounds. Did you know that honey has a strong antibacterial property? Since ancient times, honey was used to dress wounds to reduce infection and to promote healing. Ayurvedic medicine recommends mixing honey with a pinch of turmeric powder to form a paste. Topical applications of this paste, left on for 15 minutes, can promote healing.

#2 – Baking Soda

Baking soda seems to work really well and it’s probably a common ingredient in every kitchen. A simple mix of baking soda and water should help to control the pain and the ulcer.

#3 – Yogurt

Yogurt contains millions of beneficial probiotic bacteria. Increasing your intake of this beneficial bacterial can definitely improve your health and stabilize your digestion. Some naturopaths also recommend wiping fresh yogurt on to the ulcer to reduce infection and to promote healing.

#4- Up Your Vitamin Intake

One of the causes of oral sores is a vitamin deficiency. Popping a multivitamin pill may cause the ulcer to heal faster. You can also try improving your diet by adding fresh leafy vegetables, legumes, and fruits to improve your health.

#5 – Liquorice Root

#6 – Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has very strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, and it is commonly used to prevent infections in wounds. Ideally, the oil is diluted anywhere from five to 10 percent with water and used as an oral rinse to promote healing.

A Word of Caution

While most ulcers resolve by themselves in a week, home remedies help control the condition. However, you should visit your dentist or a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms:

Unusually large sores that keep increasing in size and that spread from their primary location.

Intolerable pain, even after using prescribed medications and creams

A high fever, body ache and general malaise,

An unusually high number of canker sores in your mouth at the same tie

These symptoms may indicate underlying medical conditions that have to be dealt with immediately. It’s a good idea to visit your dentist immediately for an urgent evaluation in case the ulcer bleeds or changes in appearance.

Will a Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth Get Your Teeth Just as Clean?

Toothpaste is something we all use. In fact, most of us use toothpaste twice a day to keep our teeth clean. However, some of us need special toothpastes. For example, for children, you may have purchased toothpastes with funny colors and an intriguing taste. For your sensitive teeth, you may be using a special desensitizing toothpaste that is formulated to reduce sensitivity and ensure comfort. However, you might have a few questions about these types of toothpastes. You already know that your child’s toothpaste works as it contains added fluoride to prevent cavities. However, does your desensitizing toothpaste work just as well?

How Does Toothpaste Help In Oral Hygiene?

Ideally, your toothpaste acts like soap. It helps to clean your teeth and mouth, leaves a lingering fresh taste in your mouth and sweetening your breath. However, toothpaste is only as good as your brushing technique. Most dentists will first recommend you use an acceptable brushing technique and then, focus on toothpaste. This is because proper brushing is the only way that the toothpaste will actually reach all the corners of your mouth and clean your teeth. As a result, the modified Bass technique is ideal to ensure that your toothpaste is effective. Of course, when you use a good brushing technique, the beneficial ingredients in the toothpaste can act on the teeth and oral cavity and ensure better dental health.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Sensitivity occurs due to damage to the tooth’s surface. A healthy tooth is covered with a thick enamel coating that insulates the nerve on the inside of the tooth. However, due to many reasons, the outer coating is rubbed off, resulting in fluid and air from the outside of the tooth reaching the sensitive interior. A simple explanation would be like having an open wound in your mouth exposed to salty, sour, or spicy sensations. The nerve inside the tooth is exposed to all the oral sensations and this causes the unpleasant electric feelings experienced by suffering patients. It is possible to control these sensations by blocking the open pores on the tooth’s surface and reducing the fluid seepage into the tooth center.

What Does Desensitizing Toothpaste Contain?

Most toothpaste brands contain the same stock ingredients with a few differences to account for taste and color. However, desensitizing toothpaste will have a few extra ingredients that are supposed to harden the tooth’s surface and reduce sensitivity. The most common ingredients in the desensitizing toothpaste are Potassium Nitrate, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Chloride, Stannous Fluoride, and Strontium Chloride. These ingredients work on tooth’s surface and physically block the tooth pores, reducing the sensitivity felt by the patient. Apart from these special ingredients, desensitizing toothpaste will also contain ingredients to fight bad breath like Chlorine Dioxide, Zinc Chloride, essential oils; anti tartar ingredients like Pyrophosphate, Hexametaphosphate, and Zinc; anti cavity ingredients like Fluoride, Xylitol; anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis ingredients like Stannous Floride and Triclosan.

How Do You Use Desensitizing Toothpaste?

Desensitizing toothpaste has a slightly different method of use. Dentists recommend taking a pea-sized amount and placing the toothpaste directly on the dental areas that are most sensitive. The toothpaste is left in place for two minutes to act. After that, the patient can brush with the toothpaste in the same manner as they would normally and the desensitizing toothpaste works the same way to clean the teeth, perfume the breath and freshen the mouth.

However, do not be fooled by label claims. If you are already using a desensitizing toothpaste and are unhappy with the results, get in touch with your dentist immediately before your teeth are permanently damaged.

What Happens if Your Baby is Born with Teeth?

It’s not unheard of for newborns to have teeth. According to the National Institute of Health, one infant in every 2,000-3,000 is born with natal teeth. There is no definitive reason for this, but the natal teeth are usually associated with three syndromes (oculo-mandibulo-dyscephaly with hypotrichosis or Hallermann-Streiff syndrome, chondroectodermal dysplasia or Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, and pachyonychia congenita or Jadassohn-Lewandowski syndrome.) In a few cases, natal teeth are seen without any underlying cause, and these usually fall off due to poor root support.

Appearance of Natal Teeth

Natal teeth usually look just like normal milk teeth. However, in a rare few conditions, the teeth may appear conical or peg-shaped. Hebling (1997) classified natal teeth into four distinct categories as follows:

1.Shell shaped crown poorly attached to the underlying alveolus by gingival tissue and with no root.

2.Solid crown poorly attached to the gingiva with no root or little root.

3.Eruption of incisal margin of the tooth through the gingiva

4.Swollen gingiva with a palpable tooth but no eruption into the oral cavity

The most common teeth to erupt into the oral cavity are the mandibular (lower) central teeth. Cases of the maxillary (upper) teeth also occur.

Complications from Natal Teeth

What it Doesn’t Mean

There are a lot of wives tales that go along with newborn teeth. Among the popular superstitions:

England: Babies born with natural teeth were allegedly destined to become a famous soldier.

France, Italy: Like England, infants born with natural teeth are allegedly destined for greatness, only as a world conqueror.|

Africa, China, India and Poland: Infants in these countries are destined for something a little less savoury– they’re allegedly supposed to turn into monsters and carried with them misfortune.

Management of Natal Teeth

Most dentists recommend removing natal teeth that are poorly attached to the underlying gum. The dentist will take X-rays to assess the position of the underlying permanent teeth. Based on the X-ray, he can then make an informed decision about extraction. If the tooth is firmly attached, then topical fluoride applications may be necessary to prevent caries and to maintain oral hygiene. Some dentists may also carry out alternative procedures like grinding down or smoothing down the surface of the tooth. To prevent injuring the baby or mother, it is also possible to cover the tooth with a dome of composite resin. Professional barriers in the form of Stomahesive wafers/rings are also recommended to prevent injury to the mother and baby. Even if the tooth is extracted, periodic follow-ups are recommended to check the condition of the underlying permanent teeth.

Ideally, you should take your child to Canada Bay Dental immediately if he or she has natal teeth. The dentist will evaluate the oral condition, take the necessary X-rays, and then recommend a treatment. It’s possible that the tooth or teeth will not be extracted if it does not interfere with breast feeding, although parents may wish to have the tooth or teeth removed to prevent potential problems on down the line.

However, parents who decide to keep the teeth should follow regularly clean the baby’s teeth. All you need is a clean, damp cloth. If you notice any bleeding or any kind of trauma to the child (or mother), then you need to visit your Canada Bay Dental dentist.

Fruits and Veggies Aren’t Just Good For Your Body, They’re Good for Your Teeth, Too

The best way to keep your teeth healthy is by brushing and flossing. But a tooth-friendly diet can also prove to be very helpful in reducing oral debris, brightening your teeth and keeping your gums healthy. A balanced diet contains the necessary amount of fibre, vitamins and minerals required to keep your body and teeth healthy. However, we’ve also listed a few food items that will also improve your oral health.

Fibre Rich Fruits and Vegetables

High fibre foods are ideal for your body and great for your teeth. The fibre has a detergent-effect on the gums and teeth. It also stimulates salivary flow and rinses the food debris out of the mouth. As a result, food particles do not stay in the mouth, and there is a lower chance of developing cavities.

Dairy Products

Dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt are excellent for oral health. These products increase salivary production and wash away oral bacteria, preventing cavities. At the same time, the fermented dairy products like yoghurt and cheese are great as they contain high amounts of probiotic bacteria like lactobacilli. These bacilli can actually bind oral bacteria and reduce oral bacterial loads and prevent cavities.

Green Tea and Black Tea

Both teas contain different types of polyphenols that interact with dental bacteria. This suppresses dental bacteria, prevents plaque formation and reduces the acid production capacity of oral bacteria. This directly contributes to a healthier oral cavity – and less cavities.

Fluoridated Foods

Fluoridated water, dehydrated foods, powdered juices, etc. are usually rich in fluoride content, and they can definitely boost your oral and dental health. Some commercially prepared food items may be high in sugar but also are just as high in fluoride to protect teeth and ensure oral health.

Nuts

Nuts contain a high amount of minerals and vitamins that are essential to re-mineralize the surface of teeth. They can also accelerate saliva formation to cleanse the mouth after eating.

Firm Fruits

Any type of firm crunchy fruit like apples and pears are excellent for cleaning the tooth surface. They contain high amounts of fibre and low sugar that buffer the acid content of the oral cavity and prevent dental caries.

Sugarless Chewing Gum

Chewing gum is a great way to clean the tooth surface of plaque and bacteria. The munching action of the teeth and cheeks can actually physically clear the tooth surface of lingering bacteria and reduce the amount of plaque on the tooth surface and in the mouth. Some sugarless chewing gums also contain xylitol that can prohibit the reproduction of oral bacteria and enhance oral health.

Water

You’ll be surprised at how good plain water is for teeth. Water contains minerals and added fluoride that increases the strength of teeth and ensures overall protection. It can also flush away extra acid and keep the oral cavity clean.

Ice

You can’t have water on this list without ice – something everyone crunches on from time to time. But is biting down on ice bad for your teeth? As it turns out, your mum (and your dentist) was right all those years: chewing on ice can be very harmful, because you’re wearing down the enamel, and that can cause chips or cracks. This, in turn, can lead to oral sensitivity or cause problems with your fillings.

Although these may seem like simple tips, most of us find it difficult to follow them due to our hectic modern lifestyles. Nonetheless, try to add as much fresh fruit and vegetables to your diet as possible, and visit your Canada Bay Dental dentist every six months to ensure optimum oral health.

Back to Basics – Fundamentals of Home Tooth Care

We all know how important it is to take care of our teeth. But it never hurts to have a reminder of the fundamentals of home tooth care. Although we love to see our patients, we know you’d like it better if you didn’t need to come in more than the twice yearly check-ups and cleanings that we recommend. Here are a few tips to help prevent unwanted dental problems.

Brush Your Teeth

Seems pretty obvious, doesn’t it? Brush your teeth twice a day? But how easy is it to stumble into bed after a long day at work, or perhaps an energetic night out, and think, Oh I’m just too tired, I’ll do it in the morning.

Wrong.

Before bed brushing is probably one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Just imagine how many things you’ve eaten or drank over the course of your day. All the residue of that food and beverage, is now sitting on your teeth, slowly decaying, slowly feeding the ever-present bacteria in your mouth, helping to solidify that film of plaque that covers your teeth. Eating away at the enamel of your teeth. And it’s going to be sitting there, all night – aaaaal niiiight…

Floss Your Teeth

This really isn’t optional. Flossing is so important, because there are so many little nooks and crannies hidden between your teeth – places that you can’t possibly reach with your toothbrush. For the same reason that it’s so important to brush your teeth, it’s also vital that you remember to floss. All of those decaying food particles can do as much damage to the hidden surfaces of your teeth as they can to the parts that are more accessible.

The parts of your teeth that depend on flossing are more vulnerable for a few reasons. Not only are they harder to reach with a toothbrush during brushing, but they are also less apt to receive the benefits of water you may drink during the day. Even saliva, that helps to fight the effects of acid-producing bacteria, may have a harder time reaching these relatively inaccessible surfaces.

Cut Down on Your Sugar Intake

By now we should all be familiar with the fact that sugar is the primary cause of cavities. It functions as the main food for the bacteria that produces cavity-causing acids in our mouths. Sugar is often found in sticky foods that are more likely to adhere to the surfaces of your teeth. Candies, pastry and other sweets can leave lingering residue that goes straight to work on starting cavity formation. Other sweet things like jelly and syrup often accompany sticky foods like peanut butter or pancakes. If left undisturbed, they will also contribute to the accumulation of plaque on the teeth.

Now here’s the part that may be one of the more vital pieces of healthcare advice for our time.

You may have noticed that we are hearing more and more about the dangers of sugar when it comes to overall health. The increased amount of sugar in our overall diet has been named as the culprit for a significant rise in the incidence of potentially deadly conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and morbid obesity.

Research is showing that the high amount of sugar we ingest may even be more dangerous than the amount of fat we take in. Sugar, and particularly processed sugar, is linked to a variety of inflammatory processes. There is even a link cited with cancer. We must also remember that carbohydrates – that is, bread, cake, pastries, and cookies – also end up as sugar inside the body.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that the very foods that cause an increase in harmful bacteria in the mouth are also now being shown to be linked with dangerous conditions that occur elsewhere in the body. It’s for both of these reasons that we consider cutting down on sugar to be an essential part of a daily home tooth care regimen. Especially when we consider that there are some wonderful alternative snacks to be found in fresh fruits and vegetables, snacks that also provide essential vitamins and minerals, and not just empty calories, we think it’s a good piece of advice.

Besides, if you can prevent cavities at the same time as you cut down on the risk of gaining too much weight and developing serious health problems, it seems like a win-win situation, doesn’t it? Of course there’s still room for the occasional treat, but as they say, everything in moderation.

Alligators Can Grow New Teeth: Why Can’t We?

Alligators Can Grow New Teeth: Why Can’t We? Although we grow new teeth, unfortunately, we have just two sets of them. Deciduous teeth or milk teeth are a smaller set of teeth provided to compensate for smaller jaw size in children. As the child grows, the jaw and skull size increases, and deciduous teeth are pushed out by a new set of permanent teeth. These larger teeth occupy the jaw completely and they remain with us until the end. This arrangement is actually an evolutionary ploy that enables children and adults to eat, speak and talk properly.

Could teeth cloning be on the horizon? Read on to find out.Continue reading

Why Is It Important For Us To Care For Our Permanent Teeth?

Every part of the human body can repair or regenerate itself up to a limited amount. In fact, this is what happens after trauma and injury. For example, the body repairs a bone fracture within a month and the bone can take up a normal workload again. However, the replacement tissue that appears in the injured area is distinctly different in appearance and function. It may act like bone and look like bone, but it is always of a slightly lower quality and functioning. As a result, tissue replaced after an injury is usually called scar tissue. This repair process is the same all over the body except for the teeth. After tooth damage, dental repair does not take place and scar tissue is never made.

Why Does This Happen?

The outer layer of a tooth is called as enamel and it is harder than bone. However, unlike bone that is a living structure, enamel is dead. It has no blood supply and it acts as an insulator on the tooth surface to protect against sudden temperature and acidity changes that are normal in the oral cavity. In case of poor oral hygiene, oral bacterial use salivary protein to create acids that eat away at the enamel. If the enamel was living, the patient would have been able to feel the enamel dissolving in the form of dental pain. However, this does not happen. As the enamel is dead, it is painlessly damaged until the acid eats deeper and deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching living areas of the tooth that then manifest as dental pain, swellings and infections. By the time this happens, it’s too late to do anything except dig out the decayed tooth tissue, sterilize the cavity and fill the space with a neutral dead restorative material. If the damage is extensive, dental repair does not take place at all but the dentist has no option but to extract the tooth. And tragically, once a permanent tooth is removed, no extra teeth will pop up in its place.

The Holy Grail of Dentistry

At present, most of dentistry focuses on preventive dental care (preventing cavities from happening) and restorative care (in which cavities or damaged teeth are restored partially back to health.) But for researchers, this has never been enough. The Holy Grail of dentistry has always been to try to grow or transplant new teeth into patients who have already lost teeth. If it possible to transplant corneas, livers, lungs and hearts, then why not teeth?

Current Research: Cloning Teeth

At present, most research focuses on stem cell research and cloning in which researchers plan to collect stem cells from bone marrow and clone teeth embryos to be implanted into empty sockets to grow new teeth. Although the theory is sound, it has not been realized into actuality. Animal trials are on to test the procedure and they have showed significant success but human testing is more than 10 years off in the future. Small teeth require about 60 days to grow in the lab, but the entire process of cloning is technique sensitive. Researchers are still not clear on how to actually carry out the tooth implantation and encourage adequate food supply inside the dental socket and in the patient’s mouth.

For this reason, alligator dentition has created a sensation. According to researchers at the University of Southern California, alligators have three different sets of dentition in their mouth. One consists of baby teeth, an extra set and a stem cell set that convert into new teeth at any time. In fact, alligators are known to grow more than 50 new teeth during their lifetime due to the unique dental stem cells present in their oral cavity. For researchers this is an exciting discovery. Human stem cells have to be guided into creating teeth but the training and scaffolding process could be cut short by using alligator stem cells. In an alligator, if teeth are lost, certain types of proteins are released that automatically activate the dental stem cells reserves and tell them to make new teeth. By identifying these proteins and using these stem cells, it could be possible to speed up the process of making and growing human teeth in the laboratory.

The good news is that human trials are on and they have provided positive results. However, until then, we’ll have to brush our teeth and visit the dentist (we aren’t alligators, after all!)

Five Tips for Choosing a Dentist

For most patients, choosing a dentist is not easy. The reason? Finding a dentist that you and your family are comfortable with isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Some dentists are great at their job, but they don’t necessarily put you at ease. Some might not listen to their patients as closely as they should, while others just charge too much for their services. In the end, you as the patient need a dentist who will listen to your oral health problems and provide the best dental care procedures within an affordable budget. Rest assured, though, that with afew tips,you will find a good dentist to care for you and your family.

#1 – Check with the Australian Dental Association

The ADA keeps current with the latest information about its members. The association has a complete list of their dentists in an area, their specializations, education, clinic location, etc. As a result, if you are moving to a specific location, you can easily use the onsite search engine to find a professional quickly and efficiently. In case the dentist has any pending legal cases against him or her, you might also get relevant information about it on the website.

#2 –Dental Facilities and Dentist Personality

Good dentists usually offer a range of facilities. Apart from general dental care, they will also offer specialized dental care facilities like emergency care, and home care facilities. They will also follow conventional dental treatment procedures by starting with a thorough dental examination, a complete medical assessment and evaluation procedure. After the evaluation, the dentist will recommend a course of treatment and explain the treatment to you. You should be able to talk to the dentist and discuss your worries and concerns. Remember, your dentist will be with you for a very long time and if you aren’t comfortable with his or her chair side manner and facilities, it really means you will not be comfortable with him or her in the long term.

#3 – Continuing Professional Development

All dentists are required to continue their education though CDE or Continuing Dental Education classes. This helps them learn about the latest dental techniques, the latest dental treatment modalities, dental materials, etc. Most states and territories have a basic requirement of CDE, but good dentists usually go above and beyond this requirement to improve their skills and to add to their dental knowledge. This continuing education can be very useful for patients as they are provided with a huge range of dental treatment procedures and expert dental help at an affordable price.

#4 – Infection Control

Now it is necessary for dentists to follow stringent sterilization and infection control measures. For example, your dentist should sterilize all equipment used on each patient. The dentist should wear a mask and gloves, should sterilize the handpiece, dental table, and the dental chair in between every appointment. To ensure maximum infection control, the dentist should be able to prove that he maintains cross contamination and sterilization processes recommended by the ADA and the Occupational Health Services Australia (OHSA).

#5 – Skill

Simply put, a dentist’s skill level is just as important as anything else. Some dentists just seem to do an excellent cosmetic dental procedures even with the simplest of materials and a basic dental degree. As dentistry is a hands-on profession, skill is something you have to evaluate before you choose a dentist. If possible, inquire about experience and ask for before/after pictures that will help you make an informed decision.

Do not be afraid to discuss your oral health problems with your dentist. All dentists are trained to listen to patients and help them with their oral problems. Choose a dentist who is interested in your health and your oral problems, as they will be invested in making you feel better. The more the dentist cares for you, the better the treatment will be. /p>

Why Are The Primary Teeth So Important?

Baby teeth are cute, aren’t they? For some reason, I’ve always thought that baby teeth appear whiter and more adorable than permanent teeth. They also seem to be squarer and much more prettily made than permanent teeth. However, why do we need primary or deciduous teeth? Is there any particular reason for losing one set of teeth and getting another? Moreover, if there is a reason, why don’t we keep replacing our teeth as we age just like alligators? Why are we just limited to two sets of teeth?

All very interesting questions and why don’t we find the answers right away!

Evolutionary Explanation for Two Sets of Teeth

The reasoning for these two sets of teeth is pretty simple. According to researchers, the baby mammalian skull is small and it cannot accommodate too many teeth. As a result, evolution granted children smaller, much cuter teeth that could fit into those adorable baby-talking jaws. Once the bones of the face and cranium developed into adult size, the tooth fairy removes the old teeth much to the satisfaction of money-hungry children who are paid for those lovely teeth. As these baby teeth are los, they are referred to by many names like ‘deciduous’ which means annual shedding. Baby teeth are also referred to as milk teeth, primary teeth, etc. After a certain period, a temporary trigger activates the formation and movement of permanent teeth that are located under the milk teeth. When the trigger activates, the permanent teeth push their way out into the mouth and literally displace the milk teeth. For some reason, the teeth are synced with age and skull size. That means permanent teeth are geared to start pushing themselves into the mouth only when the jaws are grown enough to accommodate these teeth. It is an interesting process but researchers still do not understand how it works. They have been able to find genetic triggers like Pa-9, which does causes milk teeth to soften and breakdown and aid the growth and eruption of permanent teeth.

So what is The Function of Milk Teeth?

Essentially, milk teeth are placeholders in the oral real estate. They hold the space for permanent teeth and guide them into the position they will occupy for the rest of their life. Most milk teeth also hold the bud of evolving permanent teeth under their roots and they guide the permanent teeth into the correct position in the oral cavity. If milk teeth are lost early due to damage, caries or injury, the permanent teeth tend to wander here and there in the mouth and eventually pop out where ever they want to in the mouth. This leads to a whole set of complications like overcrowding, misaligned teeth and dental problems that will require expensive treatment in the future. As a result, even if the child does experience dental problems like cavities, they have to be treated immediately to prevent tooth loss. In case the has to be removed, a good dentist will make placeholders that will ensure that permanent teeth erupt into the right place at the right time.

Could we evolve to have an endless supply of teeth?

Well, evolution is tricky that way. It usually tries to fulfill essential needs and do away with unnecessary body parts. We lost several unessential body parts along the path to being what we are at present and we are still evolving. There is a very good chance that an increased life span and good diet may cause human physiology to evolve to create new teeth for us in the long run. Researchers like Dr Fraser at the University of Sheffield also state that millions of years may be required, but evolution and a little push in the form of research could result in the ability to regrow teeth past those two sets nature has granted us.

E-cigarettes: What Do Dentists Think of Them?

Electronic cigarettes, aka e-cigarettes have been around for quite a while. Although they have come into popularity over the last couple of years, these latest e-cigarettes are actually part of a second wave of the products. The original version was created in 1963, and the most recent incarnation was originated in 2003. Although it’s believed that they do not pose the carcinogenic risk of regular tobacco burning cigarettes, it’s still too early to assess the long-term impact of utilizing these smoke-free cigarette substitutes.

History of the E-cigarette

The original version of the e-cigarette was actually patented in the year 1963 by Herbert A. Gilbert. This early design looked like a cigarette with its emission of vapours, but only contained sweetened water. In 2003, a Chinese pharmacist named Hon Lik invented a nicotine based cigarette that jump started the current trend.

Health Concerns of E-cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes do not pose the cancer risk inherent in tobacco cigarettes, and they can’t burn your gums and lips. They are battery powered devices that vaporize a mixture of water, propylene glycol, nicotine and various flavourings. Although nicotine is quite habit forming, it has not been shown to have any serious, long-term effects. Propylene glycol has been approved for public use and is known for creating fog and smoke effects. However, there have been no definitive studies regarding the direct inhalation of propylene glycol, and some health professionals caution against inhaling any chemicals into the lungs, citing the organ’s inability to protect itself.

One thing we do know is that nicotine can cause dry mouth, and that can increase the risk of oral infection, dental caries and periodontal disease, as well as interfere with the body’s ability to heal after oral surgery, such as a tooth extraction.

E-cigarettes as an Aid in Smoking Cessation

According to a new study, e-cigarettes have not been shown to help people to quit smoking. Although they seem to be useful as a less toxic substitute for traditional tobacco cigarettes, people who use them do not cut down on their smoking and are no more likely to quit than old-fashioned smokers. To be fair, the study was not based on a huge sampling, and many of the people enrolled in the study were not trying to quit in the first place. It would seem that many smokers do enjoy their cigarettes, and are merely looking for a less toxic way to indulge their favourite habit.

It makes sense that other forms of nicotine delivery such as the patch or chewing gum might be more effective as smoking cessation tools, since they satisfy the needs of the nicotine addiction without the actual physical experience of smoking. Removing this part of the habit probably breaks the psychological pattern more effectively than re-creating the smoking experience.

In short, although e-cigarettes do seem to be “the lesser of two evils,” when compared with tobacco cigarettes, there is no comprehensive evidence to guarantee their overall safety. Moreover, there have been recent concerns regarding the toxicity of the nicotine liquid used to refill certain reusable models, and the risk of small children or babies accidentally ingesting quantities of this sometimes sweet smelling liquid.

Others have expressed concerns at the potential for e-cigarettes to function as a gateway to lure teenagers into the nicotine habit. Once in, they may convert to traditional smokers.

For now, it does not appear that there is any widespread approval among dentists on the subject of e-cigarettes. As medical professionals, we would not recommend the regular inhalation of any foreign chemical substance into the body, regardless of its delivery system. However, recognizing the perils of cigarette smoking, and the inherent risks of cancer to the mouth, throat and lungs, e-cigarettes may indeed be a safer alternative for those smokers who have no intention of ever giving up their nicotine habits. For them, this may be the best we can hope for at the moment.

Vogue Flashes Zoom a Smile!

Here comes the bride… Last month Vogue Australia visited our dental clinic and tried our Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening Treatment, recommending to future Aussie brides on their Vogue’s bridal slideshow.

Whether you’re about to walk down the aisle or simply want a brighter smile, give us a call on 9743 5744 and find out about this revolutionary new treatment!

Dental Health Care For Alzheimer’s Patients

Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease. It makes the patient forget everything they’ve spent a lifetime learning – and this can be really tough for the patient, his friends and family. In the last stages of the condition, patients can slip in to complete submissiveness and ignore even basic sanitary needs. Everything suffers, and oral health in particular is completely neglected, leading to dental cavities, gum problems, foul mouth odour and tooth loss, among other challenges.

Relationship between Oral Health and Alzheimer

The actual cause of Alzheimer’s is not known but in the last few years, researchers have noted a few unusual facts regarding the disease and oral health. According to the researchers at the University of Central Lancashire, bad teeth and gum disease could be contributing to the disease or worsening the condition in an affected patient. The patient’s forgetfulness worsens the dental neglect and this results in a cruel circle in which the patient’s worsening mental condition exacerbates the oral condition as well. Another factor that contributes to poor oral health is Alzheimer’s medications. These medications can cause dry mouth and altered oral bacteria that can also contribute to poor oral hygiene and dental problems.

The Role of the Caregiver: Critical To Good Oral Health

Alzheimer’s patients require special dental care from expert caregivers. The caregiver will also have to slowly take on additional responsibility for the patient’s dental health as the condition worsensto ensure that the patient remains comfortable. Below is a short guide that should prove helpful.

Early stages of Alzheimer’s – During the early stages of Alzheimer’s, the patient can usually care for their teeth themselves. At this state, it is necessary to implement as many preventive dental care measures as possible. The patient and his caregiver are encouraged to visit the dentist 4-8 times a year for comprehensive dental care. The dentist will clean and polish teeth, fill any cavities, evaluate gum and periodontal health, apply topical fluoride as prevention, etc. To ensure optimum home care, the patient can use an electric toothbrush with a high fluoride-content toothpaste and a fluoride-impregnated dental floss.

Middle stages of dementia – During this stage, the patient is relatively healthy and the dentist will usually focus on preventive oral care measures. The dentist will also train the caregiver and the patient on basic oral hygiene measures like tooth brushing, flossing, dental care procedures, etc.

Later stages – During the later stages of the condition, the caregiver will have to take over most of the procedures required for oral hygiene. A dentist or hygienist can provide guidance or support on the correct way to clean the patient’s teeth. Some patients may not accept dental care and conscious sedation or general anaesthesia may be required to complete treatment.

Medications – The patient will usually be on strong medications like anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, and sedatives that alter the condition of the oral cavity and decrease oral saliva. This altered environment can cause oral ulcers, tongue ulcers, cracks in the corners of the mouth, etc. Patients may also find it difficult to wear their dentures due to the lack of saliva. To control these conditions, the dentist may provide denture fixative and artificial saliva to help the patient.

During the later stages of the condition, the dentist will work closely with the caregiver and family to provide dental treatment. Some dentists may also do home visits to care for patients that cannot travel.The dentist and dental hygienist will also reinforce basic oral care measures with the caregiver, family members and the patient

In Conclusion

Dental care for Alzheimer’s patients is not difficult, but it requires a multi-pronged approach. Good quality preventive care in the early stages of the condition is critical for ensuring a stable oral condition. As the condition progresses, the responsibility for maintaining oral health will then shift over to a collaboration effort between the home caregiver and the dentist.

Why is Oral Hygiene So Important During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a wonderful time as your body is undergoing so many changes on the inside and the outside. You are growing a completely new person inside your body, and even though this is beautiful, it still takes a huge physical, mental and emotional toll on your body.

Oral Health Affected During Pregnancy

Your body is secreting many different chemicals to ensure the health and wellbeing of the baby. However, these same hormones may affect the mother’s body as well, causing oral health problems like gingival bleeding, pregnancy tumours, swollen gums, etc. These problems are usually caused due to flaring hormone levels, but they usually settle down after pregnancy. Unfortunately, if they are left unattended during pregnancy, they can be very uncomfortable for the patient. New research also suggests that gum disease during pregnancy may result in low-birth weight and preterm babies. According to researchers, oral bacteria may trigger the release of prostaglandins that can induce premature labour. These findings are inconclusive and additional research may be required but dentists and parents are unwilling to take a chance. As a result, most dentists recommend that patients follow basic diet, dental care and preventive care procedures to ensure better oral health.

Dental Care before Pregnancy

If you are planning to get pregnant or if you are already pregnant, visit your dentist immediately. An appointment during the first trimester of pregnancy or before pregnancy acts as a baseline for the dentist. Your dentist can assess your dental health, carry out any preventive care procedures that are required, fill cavities, clean teeth, and generally get your oral cavity up to perfect condition. The dentist will also schedule an additional appointment in the second trimester and third trimester to ensure that your gum health is up to par.

Dental Care during Pregnancy

Dental care during pregnancy is just as important as before pregnancy. However, you may have to be a little extra careful about the dental care procedures you follow. Consider the following tips as a guideline:

Brush your teeth twice a day to ensure plaque and food debris is clear from your mouth.

Floss your teeth properly. Flossing will clean dirt from in-between the teeth, reduce the chances of causing gum bleeding, and gum swellings.

Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to prevent gingivitis and foul oral odour.

Use a tongue cleaner to remove bacteria and food debris from the surface of the tongue.

If you have an infection, make sure you use medication that is safe for your developing baby.

Should you develop a dental infection, your dentist may require an X-ray. To minimize exposure, consider requesting a protective lead apron or avoid the X-ray until delivery is complete.

Rinse your mouth out after every meal and make sure you use a soft toothbrush to prevent damaging your gums and teeth.

Avoid the use of herbal medications or herbal dental products during pregnancy. Make sure you let your dentist and your doctor know before you use these medications.

Morning pregnancy is common during the first three months. This stomach acid may damage your teeth and gums. To prevent this, rinse your mouth with plain water or use a medicated mouthwash to clean your mouth.

Watch What You Eat

To ensure better overall health, it’s always a good idea to increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Cut down on sugary snacks made from processed food and make sure you exercise as much as possible. You should also know that baby teeth start developing around the third month of pregnancy, and eating well should ensure better dentition for your baby.

After Having Your Baby

You may be very busy after your child is born. However, don’t neglect your dental health. Schedule a dental appointment and make sure you up excellent oral hygiene to prevent any gum or teeth problems.

Braces and What to Expect

Braces often come with a negative stigma, so if you or your child is a candidate for braces, you’ll want to reduce anxiety and make the transition easier. When teeth are not straight, health issues can occur, so it is important to fix and align the teeth – this is where braces come in. Crooked teeth can also negatively impact self-esteem, so getting them straightened has a positive impact both emotionally and physically. Whether you need to have braces or not and which type is best for you or your child is something you will need to discuss with an orthodontist, since a general dentist does not put on or maintain braces.

What Are the Different Types of Braces?

These days, there are different types of braces that you can choose from, and they tend to be less noticeable than previous versions. Metal braces are still an option, but you can also talk to your orthodontist about braces that match the colour of your teeth or are clear and nearly invisible. The wires in today’s braces are also smaller, and the material helps to straighten teeth faster.

How Do Braces Work to Straighten the Teeth?

Braces apply a steady pressure to the teeth, which encourages the teeth to move to their proper position. Braces are frequently adjusted to ensure that there is always the right amount of pressure to push teeth into the correct alignment. If braces are not quite enough, other devices can be added. These are generally worn as you sleep, so don’t panic if your orthodontist also recommends headgear or neckgear to straighten your teeth. On average, it takes about two years for braces to correctly align your teeth. After the braces are removed, a retainer may be necessary to ensure that the teeth stay in their new positions. Your orthodontist will tell you when and how to use your retainer.

What Is Life Like with Braces?

When you wear braces, you need to take extra special care of your teeth, and you will also need to modify a few things to ensure that your teeth stay healthy. Braces seem to attract and catch certain foods, so when you eat, you need to check your teeth after each meal to ensure that food is not stuck between them. If you find food in your braces, use special care to remove the gunk so it doesn’t sit on your teeth and cause further problems. Since flossing can be more difficult, your dentist can give you a special kind of floss that works around your braces. When you get your braces adjusted, your orthodontist can also do a quick floss to ensure optimal cleaning. There is no need to follow a special diet, but there are certain foods you want to avoid when you have braces because they can cause problems. Foods that are sticky and hard are generally to be avoided, and you also want to avoid popcorn. Staying away from foods that are heavy in sugar will help prevent tooth decay. If you do eat or drink something sugary, be sure to brush afterward. You can live a normal life while you have braces. Remember, they are only a temporary road to a permanently beautiful smile.

Enamel: Can You Ever Really Get It Back?

Tooth enamel is essentially a protective covering for the teeth. It is a thin, tough shell, and it is actually the hardest tissue found in the human body. It covers the part of the tooth known as the crown, which is the part you see when you look into your mouth. Enamel is clear, so when your teeth change colour, this is due to the dentin – the layer under the enamel – changing. You need to take good care of your enamel so it lasts as long as possible and your teeth retain the protection they need to stay strong and healthy.

What Is the Function of Enamel?

Enamel protects teeth from the things you do each day, such as biting, grinding, chewing and crunching. It can crack and chip despite being very hard. This layer also helps to insulate your teeth so that chemicals and temperatures do not cause pain. When enamel is damaged, it is damaged forever, and there are no proven remedies to bring lost enamel back. This is because there are no living cells in enamel.

What Causes Enamel Erosion?

Acid can wear away enamel from your teeth, so you need to be mindful of things that are acidic. The following also cause enamel erosion:

1.Excessive consumption of soft drinks

2. Low salivary flow and dry mouth

3.Acid reflux disease

4. Certain medications

5.Certain environmental factors

6. Fruit drinks

7.Diet

8.Gastrointestinal problems

9. Genetics

Plaque can also play a role in tooth decay, so it is important to brush and floss regularly so that all plaque is removed from the teeth and doesn’t cause damage. If plaque is left to sit on teeth, the enamel gets worn down over time and pitting results. The pits will gradually grow and increase in size. Tooth surface erosion can also be affected by environmental factors. The following are considered to be tooth surface erosion environmental causes:

1.Attrition: This is caused by grinding teeth, such as with the condition known as bruxism. Many people do not know they grind their teeth at night until they start to wake up with jaw pain.

2.Abfraction: This caused by stress fractures in the tooth. These can occur when a tooth is bent or flexed.

3. Abrasion: This happens when the teeth experience wear and tear from things like improper flossing, chewing tobacco, brushing too hard or biting on hard objects.

4.Corrosion: This happens when the tooth surface is exposed to acidic conditions, such as with vomiting, certain medications, GERD, alcohol or foods that are highly acidic.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Enamel Erosion?

1. Sensitivity: Since the enamel protects the teeth, once it starts to wear down, you may notice that your teeth are more sensitive to things like temperature and sweets. In the later stages of enamel erosion, this sensitivity can become
quite

2.severe and cause considerable pain and discomfort.

3.Cracks and chips: You can look at the edges of the teeth and see that they are becoming more jagged and rough.

4. Cupping: On the surface of the teeth, you may notice indentations.

5. Discoloration: Your teeth will start to appear more yellow as the enamel is further worn down.

Ask your dentist what you can do to protect your enamel and keep your teeth healthy and strong for years to come.

What should I use to clean my baby’s teeth?

At Canada Bay Dental.Ideally, a child’s entire milk or deciduous dentition is in place by 2 years of age. This is ideal as the child can learn how to chew food and swallow properly. However, this eruption pattern is not without its own problems. As a child develops teeth very, very early in life, they have to be taught how to care for them properly. In fact, it is the parent’s responsibility to care for baby teeth from six months onwards to ensure that teeth are clean and cavity free.

Start By Caring For Your Child’s Gums

This is very important and most parents forget to do this when the baby is small. After a breast or bottle-feed, use a soft washcloth to clean the baby’s mouth and gums. This removes any food particles in the mouth and prevents oral bacterial or fungal conditions. Clean your baby’s mouth at least twice a day and wipe down your baby’s gums especially at night or after a night feed. You can use a soft washcloth or towel dipped in warm water to do the job.

Caring For Teeth When They Start To Arrive

Once the baby teeth arrive, the process is much the same. For small babies, you can use a washcloth to clean individual teeth. As the teeth increase in number, you can shift over to a toothbrush. Choose a toothbrush that has a small head, with extra-soft short bristles and with a large handle.

At first, you can just wet the toothbrush and gently clean around the tooth. When the child gets two or more teeth, you can graduate to a larger toothbrush and start using toothpaste as well. As a general precaution, most dentists recommend using toothpaste only after the child is one year old or more. Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and make sure the child spits out all the toothpaste after brushing. Avoid using fluoridated toothpaste in small children but you can use it once the child is two years or more.

Brush around the teeth and help your child to brush his or her own teeth. You will have to supervise the rinsing and spitting process until your child is at least 6-years of age. Teach your child to clean his or her tongue with a separate tongue cleaner or by using the toothbrush itself. Most children cannot use a mouthwash until they are over the age of 8 years and it is not a good idea to give it to them. You should know that almost every country now uses fluoridated tap water and a simple rinse is more than enough to strengthen teeth in a small child.

Regular Dental Checkups

Take your child to the dentist every six months to catch early caries and to ensure that your child is following proper dental care measures. Your dentist will also be able to follow the eruption of teeth into the cavity and help in case he or she notices dental problems.

The best way to ensure dental health in children is by practice and patience. Children mimic what adults do and you have to enforce oral hygiene measures by first gently brushing your child’s teeth yourself and then brushing your teeth with your child everyday as they grow up. After 8-years of age, children usually learn to maintain their own oral hygiene but a parent’s job is never done and you may have to check their teeth now and again. Combine oral hygiene measures with regular biannual dental checkups and you will not have anything to worry about.

Bad Breath Got You Down? Simple Steps to Good Breath

Bad breath. It’s embarrassing, it’s not appealing, and half the time, it’s hard to tell you have it! The good news is, there are some easy things anyone can do to cut down on bad breath, simply by changing behaviours and using a few simple ingredients.

First Steps to Cutting Down on Bad Breath

Brush your teeth. Simple. It’s so obvious you might not even think of it, but the fact it, most bad breath is caused simply by a dirty mouth. This leads to a build-up of bacteria or plaque, and that can bring with it a bad odour. Keeping your mouth clean is the first and most important step to fresh breath.

Floss. Decaying food trapped between teeth can be another source of bad breath. Flossing regularly keeps it free from organic matter that will inevitably go bad. Think of your mouth as a microcosm of your kitchen counter, your dining table or your bathroom sink. You wouldn’t want to leave old food lying around on them. Besides, your mouth is a hot, moist place, and you know what happens to old food in that environment. Who wants to be walking around breathing that all over the place?

Brush your tongue. It’s an extra step to take while brushing your teeth that can make a huge difference. Plaque and tiny food particles can also get stuck in between the minute folds of the tongue, contributing to an unpleasant odour in your mouth.

Rule out a treatable dental problem. Your dentist can diagnose a broken tooth, cavity or gum infection that could be the source of your breath issues. Of course it’s always a good idea to stay current on regular dental check-ups, but when bad breath is giving you a hard time, it’s even more important to stay on top of your oral health.

Rule out other medical problems. Sometimes bad breath can be caused by a sinus or lung infection, a gastro-intestinal problem, or even diabetes! Regular check-ups and maintenance of chronic medical conditions are essential to total health. Often, bad breath can be a helpful indicator of a larger problem brewing somewhere else in the body.

Smoking. The reasons to quit smoking are endless, but perhaps nowhere does it affect one’s vanity more than in the impact it has on one’s breath. Cigarette smoke creates a sour, unpleasant smell that is especially noticeable to non-smokers. Unless you plan to chew an endless amount of gum and breath mints, be prepared for your nicotine habit to be one of the first things people notice about you when you get up close, even if you don’t have a cigarette lit.

What else can I do?

Watch what you eat and drink! Certain foods and beverages like onions, garlic, strong cheeses, coffee, wine, whiskey and beer are notorious for leaving lingering odours in your mouth. If you choose to indulge in any of these treats, consider whether the people with you are doing the same. If you and your friends all share that loaf of garlic bread, you’ll be less likely to offend one another. Otherwise, there’s always gum and breath mints.

Eat parsley. It’s a natural breath freshener. Think of that the next time you leave a sprig sitting on the side of your plate. If it came with an order of shrimp scampi, it’s now your best friend.

Certain herbs and spices have natural breath enhancing properties. “The Big Doctors Book of Home Remedies” suggests chewing on cloves, fennel or anise seeds, as a way to freshen your breath after a spicy meal.

Another one they suggest is to create your own homemade gargle made from extracts of sage, calendula and myrrh gum, all of which are available at health food stores. Simply use equal parts of each and gargle with the mixture four times a day. It can be stored at room temperature in a well-sealed jar.

Perhaps the simplest and easiest way to keep your breath smelling fresher throughout the day is to simply swish water in your mouth after every meal. Of course, brushing your teeth after you eat is always a good idea, but while you don’t always have access to a toothbrush, you can usually get some water. If you have questions, talk to your Canada Bay Dental dentist today for more tips on keeping your breath fresh and minty.

Can Probiotics Absorb Candy’s Sugar Punch?

Candy has always been considered the traditional villain in dentistry. The sugar content alone encourages oral bacteria and results in rapid bacterial proliferation. But prohibiting children from eating candy is an uphill battle, despite the fact that overconsumption can lead to rampant caries and a lifetime of dental problems. Times have changed, though, as probiotic candy is here to save the day. According to research, it’s now possible to include probiotic bacteria in candies and mints to prevent dental caries.

How Does It Work?

Ordinary candy and sweets contain a very high amount of sugar. This acts as food for all oral bacteria, including one oral bacterium in particular called streptococcus mutans. The Streptococcus mutans strain is responsible for causing oral caries or dental cavities. This bacterium reproduces very fast, eating the sugar in the mouth and producing vast amounts of acid as a by-product. This acid actually damages the tooth, causes dental defects, and eventually results in dental cavities. Researchers believe that adding a special strain or probiotic bacteria to all types of candy will provide an active competition to the Streptococcus mutans strain and prevent it from causing dental caries. Researchers tested more than 600 different strains of probiotic bacteria against the Streptococcus mutans strain, and they finally picked Lactobacillus paracasei. This Lactobacillus paracasei, is most commonly found in yoghurt and kefir and it seems to actually compete and kill the Streptococcus mutans strain. In fact, both strains seem to have built-in hatred toward each other as Lactobacillus paracasei attacks Streptococcus mutans, causing it to clump up and stagnate. This means there are far fewer bacteria in the mouth to use the sugar from candy to create oral cavities.

Feasible Long-Term Idea?

Although this seems like an effective way of controlling bacteria inside the mouth, the long-term effects are yet known. According to researchers, the Lactobacillus paracasei attacks free floating bacteria found in saliva but it does not have an actual effect on the bacteria found attached to teeth (in plaque). However, other researchers have managed to bypass the problem by adding Lactobacillus paracasei to fluoridated toothpaste. The brushing process removes the biofilm, and Lactobacillus paracasei immediately hooks on to the free-floating streptococcus mutans. Patients can then spit out their new bacterial buddies, resulting in a reduction in their oral bacterial load.

Manufacturers of the toothpaste Plidentia followed the toothpaste users for four weeks and noted results. The results, not surprisingly, showed that that streptococcal load decreased in almost all users. Cashing in on the research, several companies are now making oral lozenges and chewing gums that contain Lactobacillus paracasei. And now you’ll find lines of probiotic toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain proprietary mixtures of probiotic bacteria, including one that contains two powerful probiotics, M18 and BLIS K12, that work the same way as Lactobacillus paracasei. Patients can purchase the probiotic candies from specialty stores or brew their own probiotic drinks and products to reduce their chances of oral cavities.

Does That Mean You Can Party This Halloween?

Unfortunately, no matter how much probiotic bacteria you eat, nothing can beat good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Take the time to visit Canada Bay Dental at least once a year to ensure your teeth are in perfect condition and ask about probiotic products before you start gorging yourself on candy!