Acid reflux is caused when the esophageal sphincter, which separates the stomach from the esophagus, allows acid to seep. Often, this acid can cause heartburn, but not always. In the absence of heartburn symptoms, one of the first indications that a person may have acid reflux is the erosion of the enamel on their molars or the backside of their teeth. Since your stomach acid can eat away at the enamel on your teeth, your dentist may be the first to notice the symptoms of acid reflux when they detect tooth enamel loss. If detected, your dentist may refer you to a specialist who may prescribe treatment or recommend lifestyle changes specifically for acid reflux treatment, such as avoiding acidic foods.

As you age, you become more vulnerable to developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease. According to current studies, symptoms of these diseases can manifest themselves in the mouth, making dentists key in diagnosing the diseases. Your dentist may be the first health professional to notice a problem. In addition, it is essential to visit your dentist regularly because some oral problems, for instance, root decay, can only be detected in its early stages by x-ray examination.

Your dentist can diagnose and treat dental health problems before they become more prominent, more serious dental issues. However, they can only do that when you are making and keeping your regular dental appointments. New research suggests that your mouth’s health mirrors your body’s condition as a whole. When your mouth is healthy, chances are your overall health is good. On the other hand, if you have poor oral health, you may have other health problems. So, seeing a dentist helps keep your mouth in shape and allows your dentist to watch for developments that may point to other health issues.

Health Benefits of Flossing. Flossing is a significant part of your daily dental care habits for your teeth and gums. People only sometimes realize how important it is to care for their gums and teeth. Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. In addition, according to recent studies, it has been shown that the health of your gums may be connected to some chronic diseases. Gum disease has been linked to and may be a risk factor in developing Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and diabetes. Experts are studying how inflammation in the mouth caused by gum disease may influence other areas of the body, such as the brain, heart, and pancreas. Although the exact connection between gum disease and some other chronic diseases is unknown, this connection between medical and dental conditions highlights the importance of maintaining good oral health to achieve good overall health.

Regardless of age, brushing your teeth is crucial. Brushing your teeth helps to remove the thin film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth each day and contributes to tooth decay and gum disease. It is suggested that you brush your teeth for at least two to three minutes with fluoridated toothpaste; if possible, brush your teeth after every meal or at least twice a day. However, you will want to pay special attention to your dental care habits as you age. Although tooth decay can occur in any area of the tooth, as you age, decay is more likely to develop around an old filling or the root of the tooth that can become exposed by receding gums. Therefore, make sure to visit your dentist regularly so that they can keep an eye on these factors.

The leading cause of tooth loss in adults is not the aging process but gum disease. It is essential to understand that gum disease can happen at any age. However, with good oral health habits and a healthy lifestyle, you help keep your gums and teeth healthy for a lifetime.

Question: I don’t particularly like having to go to the dentist. There is an old saying that an apple a day helps keep the doctor away, so is there anything that works for a dentist?

Answer: Even if you eat an apple, you still need to see a doctor for no other reason than your annual check and exam. The same goes for visiting a dentist. See your dentist regularly for dental checkups; basic cleanings are essential. If you have excellent at-home oral habits (important in maintaining good dental and oral health), you should not avoid seeing a dentist for your checkups. 

Cavities can still happen. By seeing your dentist, they can spot a small cavity and fix it before it becomes a much larger cavity with more extensive dental care needs. But that is only some of what a dentist does at your checkup. They look for signs of gum disease/gingivitis and oral cancer. Seeing a dentist is vital to having and maintaining good oral health.

Question: I must have four teeth pulled before I can have braces. I never had my teeth pulled out or any significant dental treatment. Does it hurt?

Answer: Pain depends on the person. However, if you are not under anesthesia during the dental process of pulling your teeth, the dentist will typically numb out your mouth enough so you do not feel any pain. If you feel any pain, you only need to let the dentist know so they can numb that area more. You may have some pain after the process is done. The dentist may prescribe something for the pain if necessary, or you can generally take an over-the-counter product such as Advil or Alive.

When brushing your teeth, you will want to use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste helps to prevent tooth decay. Ask your dentist if you need a mouthwash that contains fluoride or one with ingredients that fight plaque. Also, look for toothpastes that the American Dental Association has approved.

Why is having good dental hygiene habits so important? We talked about having good oral hygiene habits throughout many posts. However, what are the benefits of having good oral hygiene habits? The Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene:

1) Taking care of your teeth and gums helps prevent tooth decay.
2) Good at-home dental habits help prevent gum disease, which can damage gum tissue and the bone that supports teeth, leading to the loss of teeth.
3) Good at-home dental habits help to shorten your time at the dentist and make going to the dentist more pleasant.
4) What to save money? Having good dental habits helps to save you money, too. You can reduce the need for fillings and other costly dental procedures by preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
5) You do not want to have bad breath. Brushing and flossing helps rid your mouth of the bacteria that cause bad breath.
6) You like having white teeth. Good dental habits help keep teeth white by preventing staining from food, drinks, and tobacco.
7) Teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and by having good at-home dental habits, you help ensure you have a pretty smile and one that lasts.
8) Lastly, remember that having good at-home dental hygiene habits does not negate having to see a dentist regularly. Make sure to make and keep your dental checkups.

Research confirms that good oral health is integral to good general health. Studies have found that this link is even more critical for anyone with diabetes. That is why it is vital to practice good dental care habits. Basic dental care involves brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, and eating a mouth-healthy diet, which means foods high in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products.

No matter how great your dental habits are at home, visiting the dentist for regular dental checkups would be best. It is critical to have someone who knows teeth keep tabs on yours. See your dentist regularly so they can look for signs of disease. And remember, how often you need to go will depend on how well you care for your teeth. Most people have to visit only twice a year.

There have been many benefits linked to drinking green tea. With regards to your teeth, green tea provides a natural source of antioxidant compounds that help to prevent plaque from accumulating on your teeth. There by reducing the risk of dental cavities and bad breath. In addition some green teas also contain fluoride that can further help to prevent tooth decay. You will want to check the label for this before buying.

Dental fears can keep people from seeing a dentist regularly it is important to understand the different dental fears and address them. One such fear is the fear of injections. There are many people that are terrified of needles and the thought of having one inserted into the mouth is often dreaded. Beyond this fear, other people have a fear that the anesthesia has not yet taken effect or that it was not a large enough dose to eliminate any pain before the dental procedure begins.

One way of addressing this type of dental fear is by wearing a sleeping mask that covers your eyes. Part of the fear is in seeing the needle. Yet when closing your eyes, there can be tension which is not helpful in reducing stress and can intensified the fear. Where as a sleeping mask will cover your eyes without the stress. And remember if you do feel any pain during a dental procedure you only need to tell the dentist, so if need be he or she can numb the area out some more for you

Did you know if you are missing one or more teeth you may see a difference in your chewing as well as speaking. You may even notice a difference in your face and profile. For many people missing teeth can cause low self esteem. Making them smile and laugh less for fare of people seeing their teeth. Proper dental care can and will help fix your teeth. Bridges will not only fix the gap cause by missing teeth but will restore the shape of your face as well as alleviate the difference in your bite. A dentist could also advise fixed or partial dentures when needed. Bridges and partial will look just like your normal teeth and give you back the smile you want to have. Another option though be it normally a more costly option would be dental implants. Dental implants are artificial teeth that attaches directly to the jaw.

Not everyone can have implants but a dentist can advise if dental implants  is an valid option for you. Talk to a dentist, go over all your dental options and see which one you feel will be best for you. Most dental insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost for dental bridges, partials and or dentures. At this time it is still hard to find dental insurance that offer coverage’s for dental implants. Therefore when it comes to implants you may want to review dental discount plans for cost savings. However read your dental insurance plan terms and conditions and when in doubt call the company so you can know for sure what you are and are not covered for. Keep us in mind for any of your dental insurance dental plan needs. We are hear to help you get the best dental plan for your current dental needs.

Whitening toothpastes does contain chemicals or polishing agents that can help to remove surface stains from teeth. Therefore if your teeth are darker then they used to be due to surface stains, whitening toothpaste can help to brighten your teeth. On the other hand if your teeth are darker due to deeper stains, either because of injury, age or certain medications, whitening toothpastes will not give effective results. Unlike bleaching whitening toothpastes do not change the color of the teeth to a whiter shade. If you fall into this case scenario then talk to your dentist to find out your other teeth whitening options.

Although many dental insurance plans do not offer dental benefits for cosmetic dental services, you can still keep your cost lower with a dental discount plan. Most dental discount plans will provide around a 20 percent saving off the cost of cosmetic dental care, which can save you hundreds of dollars. A dental discount plan is worth checking out if you or your child needs dental services that are not covered under your current dental insurance plan.

Just like adults children smile more when they have nice teeth. A healthy smile helps children feel more confident. A Pediatric or Cosmetic dentist can inform parents on new dental treatments to enhance or restore a child’s smile. New dental treatments can help create beautiful smiles and they do not have to break a parent’s bank account.

Studies show that breast-feeding is beneficial for both a baby’s health and development. However, if your baby prefers to be breast-fed often or for long periods of time, once a tooth appears and other foods/beverages have been introduced into his or her diet, your baby is at risk for severe tooth decay. Therefore make sure to clean your baby’s mouth with a wet washcloth after breast-feeding, and encourage a bottle with plain water during the nighttime.

Even before you baby cuts his/her first tooth proper dental care habits are important to maintain. Before the first tooth erupts clean the baby’s mouth and gums with a soft damp cloth or an infant toothbrush at bath time. By doing this it helps to ready your baby for the teeth cleaning process to come. It also remove any additional bacteria in your baby’s mouth.