When it comes to added sugar candy is not the only culprit. Many sodas have up to 11 teaspoons of sugar per serving. In addition sodas also contain phosphoric and citric acids, which eat away at tooth enamel. You are not all that much saver with diet soda either. Diet soda lets you skip the sugar, but they may have even more acid in the form of the artificial sweeteners.     You do not have to stop drinking these types of drinks all together, however try limiting the amount you drink. Also rinse your mouth out with water after having these types of drinks whenever possible.  Another good tip is do not sip soda though out the day. If you are going to drink soda and or diet soda then drink it with a meal

All sugary treats can promote tooth decay, however some candies are worse then others. Gummies candies tend to stick on and in between teeth, keeping the resulting acids in contact with your tooth enamel for hours. We are not saying you can not eat gummy candy but if you do be mindful of this fact. Make sure to brush and floss extra well after having these gummy treats. Also try having these types of candies during a meal instead of as a separate snack. More saliva is produced during meals, which helps rinse away candy bits and acids

Bruxism or other wise know as teeth grinding, is a serious dental issue that needs to be address by your dentist. Teeth grinding can wear teeth down over time, as well as chip or crack your teeth. It is most often caused by stress and sleeping habits, which can make this dental issue hard to control. Avoiding hard foods during the day can reduce pain and damage from this habit. Wearing a mouth guard at night can prevent the damage caused by grinding while sleeping.

The memory and walking speeds of adults who have lost all of their teeth decline more rapidly than in those who still have some of their own teeth, finds new research. The association between total tooth loss and memory was explained after the results of a study were fully adjusted for a wide range of factors, such as sociodemographic characteristics, existing health problems, physical health, health behaviors, such as smoking and drinking, depression, relevant biomarkers, and particularly socioeconomic status. However, after adjusting for all possible factors, people without teeth still walked slightly slower than those with teeth.

We are not saying not to get tongue piercings if you want to, however be mindful of the risks of having a tongue piercing. Biting down on the metal stud can crack a tooth. Lip piercings pose a similar risk. And when metal rubs against the gums, it can cause gum damage that may lead to tooth loss. The mouth is also a haven for bacteria, so piercings increases the risk of infections and sores. Think about discussing the health risks with your dentist first.

One of the causes of sensitive teeth is wear and tear through brushing too hard, using a hard-bristled brush. This can wear down the enamel and expose the dentine.

To help reduce tooth sensitivity, brush with a soft-bristled brush, taking care around the gums so as not to damage or remove gum tissue. Also, make sure to floss regularly and use interdental brushes. The point is to gently dislodge food debris and plaque. You can also use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.

It is also important to visit a dentist regularly and ask them about correct oral hygiene.

Giving a baby a bedtime bottle of juice, milk, or formula, can put new teeth on a path to dental decay. The baby may become used to falling asleep with the bottle in his or her mouth, bathing the teeth in sugars overnight. It is best to keep bottles out of the crib.  However if you must give your baby a bottle fill it only with water.

Whether you play football, hockey, baseball or any other contact sport, do not get in the game without a mouth guard. A mouth guard protects the upper row of teeth. Without it, your teeth could get chipped or even knocked out when the action gets rough. Self-fitting mouth guards may be purchased at a store, or you can have one custom made by your dentist.

Question: I want something I can wear daily that does not look like ridiculous cartoon teeth while I save up for actual dental work. My teeth are stained, and gaped/crooked and it is really something that upsets me. I found some different types of temporary false teeth online but still not sure what to do. Obviously, snap in teeth are not going to look perfect and natural but I’d really like to find something that is passable for the time being.

Answer: I would say that Snap on smile is the best and looks the best. Snap on smile is a good temporary solution.  It is a removable appliance that covers your teeth. However since they go on top of your teeth, they do not always blend well with your gums and may not look natural if you show your gums when you smile.

Another thing to keep in mind is price. If price is a factor for you, they can run between $500 – $1000 per arch.  That is a lot of money to just cover up teeth that still need to be repaired.  In addition most dental insurance companies do not offer any benefits for snap on smiles.

This may not be what you want to hear but I would really look into this more and talk to your dentist and see what options are good for you.  Make sure it cost effective.  You stated you are in the process of saving your money to fix your teeth, I would not waste money on something that is temporary and instead just focus on getting the required dental care you need for your teeth so that you can have a better smile as well as good oral health.

You might think chewing on ice is harmless, after all many people do have this habit. However munching on hard, frozen cubes can chip or even crack your teeth. Causing serious damage to your teeth that are not cheap to fix.  Think twice before chewing on ice.

Question: I want something I can wear daily that does not look like ridiculous cartoon teeth while I save up for actual dental work. My teeth are stained, and gaped/crooked and it is really something that upsets me. I found some different types of temporary false teeth online but still not sure what to do. Obviously, snap in teeth are not going to look perfect and natural but I’d really like to find something that is passable for the time being.

Answer: I would say that Snap on smile is the best and looks the best. Snap on smile is a good temporary solution.  It is a removable appliance that covers your teeth. However since they go on top of your teeth, they do not always blend well with your gums and may not look natural if you show your gums when you smile.

Another thing to keep in mind is price. If price is a factor for you, they can run between $500 – $1000 per arch.  That is a lot of money to just cover up teeth that still need to be repaired.  In addition most dental insurance companies do not offer any benefits for snap on smiles.

This may not be what you want to hear but I would really look into this more and talk to your dentist and see what options are good for you.  Make sure it cost effective.  You stated you are in the process of saving your money to fix your teeth, I would not waste money on something that is temporary and instead just focus on getting the required dental care you need for your teeth so that you can have a better smile as well as good oral health.

Most people know that flossing is a fundamental step in keeping our teeth and gums clean, however this is if you do it right. Snapping and popping your way through the process probably does more damage than good, causing friction on tissue and damage at the gum line. Instead, use about two inches of floss between your fingers, unroll a fresh section of floss for each tooth, and keep the floss tight against your tooth to break up plaque while leaving your gums in good shape.

The research found that incisor teeth grow quickly in the early stages of the second trimester of a baby’s development, while molars grow at a slower rate in the third trimester. This is so incisors are ready to erupt after birth, at approximately six months of age, when a baby makes the transition from breast-feeding to weaning.

We all know by now how important brushing your teeth is as part of your daily dental habits. However, are your brushing technique still below par? Maybe you do not brush often enough or worse, at all?    It takes only about two minutes to properly clean your teeth and gums. Angle the brush 45 degrees toward your gum line, and use gentle, circular strokes. Make sure the bristles on the brush are not bending, if they are, you are brushing too hard and wearing down your teeth and gums.

Indemnity or Dental Insurance Plans This type of dental plan pays the dental office (dentist) on a traditional fee-for-service basis. A monthly premium is paid by the client and/or the employer to an insurance company, which then reimburses the dental office (dentist) for the services rendered. An insurance company usually pays between 50% – 80% of the dental office (dentist) fees for a covered procedures; the remaining 20% – 50% is paid by the client.

These plans often have a pre-determined or set deductible amount which varies from plan to plan. Indemnity plans also can limit the amount of services covered within a given year and pay the dentist based on a variety of fee schedules.

Some typical features of these plans:

High deductibles before coverage begins (well-designed plans don’t apply the deductible to preventive services)

Probationary periods on certain procedures that last up to a year

Annual dollar limit on benefits

Chose your own dentist

Your average monthly cost: $35+

Companies selling these plans are regulated by state insurance departments.

It can be easy to become laxed in your dental hygiene. But do not let the happen. You dental care health starts at home. It is very important to take care of your oral health by brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Also make sure to use a mouth-rise that kill germs and fight plaque. There have been many studies done that show a direct link of your oral health and overall health. Poor oral health can result in poor overall health. Make sure to see your dentist regularly to maintain proper dental health

In the 1960s, a singer named Betty Everett belted, “If you wanna know if he loves you so, it’s in his kiss!” Covered by Cher in the 1990s, the song neglects to mention what is also “in his kiss” – 80 million bacteria, according to a new study published in the journal Microbiome.

We can understand how cost can be a large factor when it comes to making and keeping needed dental appointment.  However one sure way of reducing your dental care cost is by having dental insurance.  Most dental insurance plan provide preventive dental care for free. And when you maintain proper preventive dental care, you also reduce your risk of needed larger more costly dental care services in the future.

We know it can be hard to keep your dental appointment when dealing with dental fears. However, dental fears can be addressed so you do not have to defer needed dental care. Here are some tips that may help

1) Talk to the dentist and let him/her know about your dental fears. Your dentist will know how to address and talk to you about your fears so you can feel better and more relaxed about having dental services render.

2) Listen to music.  It may help you to relax while having dental services render to listen to your favorite songs. The dentist can tap you on the arm if he/she needs your attention for a second.

3) Have full understanding of the dental services needed. The more you know about what you are going to have done the more you can relax.  It is the fear of the unknown that can stress you out.

4) Book extra time for your dental appointment so you are not feeling rushed and if you need a brake the dentist will be able to give that to you without worry about running late for the next appointment.

What are the ins and outs of discount dental plans? When it comes to dental discount plans, the good news is afford ability, breadth of services, and immediate coverage. The bad news is greater financial risk and responsibility on your part.

Although the monthly cost of most discount dental plans is very low compared to the price of a traditional dental insurance or indemnity insurance policy, there’s more allover financial risk with a dental discount plan. No care is totally covered, so an expensive procedure will mean a big out-of-pocket expense, even with the dental plan. And even when undergoing a low-cost service (like cleaning), you’ll still be expected to pick up a part of the cost.

However, on the plus side, discount dental plans are effective immediately – so are many procedures you need now will be covered as soon as you buy the dental discount plan. Traditional indemnity and/or insurance dental plans usually impose a waiting period of between 6 and 18 months for any major procedure. The last “pro” is that all good dental discount plans should come with a money-back guarantee.