Causes of cavities include bacteria that are consumed by simple sugars in the mouth that are then turned into plaque. Plaque is a hard substance that causes the enamel and dentin in one’s teeth to soften, therefore resulting in a cavity.  The soft layers are then dissolved by saliva, and it leaves a cavity (hole in tooth).  Unfortunately, if cavities are not filled by a dentist, they can erode and damage the pulp of the tooth, which eventually will damage sensitive nerves.  Infection, death of the tooth, and other major problems can result if a cavity is not taken care of.  More serious procures like root canals are then necessary to try and save the remainder of the tooth, its root, and its patient’s otherwise healthy mouth.

Enamel on baby teeth is extremely porous, making them more prone to cavities.  Statistics show that it takes over seven years to regrow the enamel on a damaged tooth.  Therefore, children tend to get more cavities than adults.  Cavity causing bacteria’s such as lactobacillus acidophilus and streptococcus are hard to diagnose, as they are very similar to the other types of healthy bacteria that form in the mouth.  Odontomyces viscose bacteria live on the back of the tongue and can attack exposed cementum (hard outer layer of tooth root, embedded in dental bone).

Cavities can be prevented by eating and drinking well. Nutritional counselling may be helpful for those that are unaware of how to eat to prevent cavities.

Learning oral hygiene, like rinsing with a mouthwash and flossing regularly is just as important as brushing your teeth three times a day.

Eating fewer snacks between meals will also result in a healthier mouth with fewer cavities.  Every meal is like an “acid attack” on your teeth. The more you can refrain from snacking, the healthier your mouth will become.

Fluorides are often found now in our drinking water, but should also be in our toothpaste to prevent cavities. A healthy mouth equates to a healthy human body. Everything is connected, so if you take care of your mouth, the rest of your body will thank you. Remember to visit your dentist often, and make sure that you take your oral health as seriously as the rest of your health.

(Image Credit: Flickr Creative Commons)

Oral care is important, and while in the United States sometimes costs can cause people to delay necessary dental services; at least we do have access available to us when we need it.

At ToothSavers we try to accommodate timelines and costs so care doesn’t need to be delayed for any reason. We have patients that travel around the New York area to come to our practice because of what we can offer. Here’s a testimonial from one of our patients:

“At first I thought it was ridiculous to travel 60 miles from my home to have dental work done. Well, it was well worth the trip! I must commend the staff for their courtesy in getting us in and getting us out!”

-        Anthony Mammone

Via: The Age

What all dentists, doctors and other professionals really appreciate more than anything is to know that they’ve satisfied their patients with their services. A written testimonial sent to the office or posted online really does mean a lot, or even a referral to a friend. After all, dentists are in the business to help make sure that their patients’ emotional and physical health is improved.

So, now that you already know what bruxism is; here’s what it does to your body. You might think it’s nothing to worry about, this common reaction to stress, but it does take a toll on your mouth and your body. It can damage and degrade your teeth, result in headaches and earaches, cause jaw pain and muscle pain and more. So, the most important thing for you to know is how to prevent bruxism, and that’s where your dentist comes in.

Treating Bruxism:

1. Reparation of teeth – teeth can be worn down from grinding or clenching, and a dentist can help restore them. This can also include the replacement of any fillings that might have been dislodged
2. Preventative appliance – a bite splint or bite plate can be provided and created by your dentist to fit your mouth. This alleviates pressure on your jaw and your teeth when you clench at night
3. Psychological care – if your dentist narrows the cause of bruxism down to stress, he/she may recommend that you seek psychological care to deal with the underlying issues

Via: DentalHealthSite

1. Stress effects oral health – as people feel the stress placed upon them by the state of the economy and the way it affects their lives, it can take a toll on oral health. Not only can people neglect to care for their teeth properly, they might also begin grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw
2. Oral health no longer the priority – with the state of the economy, people have lost jobs, lost healthcare insurance, or received pay cuts. As their financial well-being changes, this causes them to make sacrifices. Basic oral care, such as visits to the dentist for cleanings might be put off due to lack of affordability as people struggle to pay other bills.

If you are struggling with the above issues, please contact one of our offices so we can discuss how we can help you deal with the effects of stress on your oral health, and try and accommodate you financially so your health becomes a priority again.

(Image Credit: Flickr Creative Commons)

1. That the procedure results in excruciating pain – yes, dental implants involve screwing a titanium screw into the jaw; and sure that sounds like it might be a source of pain. But, cosmetic dentists are skilled and have access to modern technology. Most who have experienced the process claim the pain is less than a tooth extraction, and following the procedure, many don’t even require pain killers.
2. That implants are like dentures – there’s a belief that dental implants are similar to dentures and that they need to be removed and cared for similarly. In reality, they are a prosthetic and are closer to real teeth. They are not removable, and feel like a permanent part of your mouth!
3. They look fake – while some dentures can be obviously fake in appearance, this is not the case with dental implants. They are designed to fit in appearance with the rest of an individual’s teeth, including shape and color

Via: ArticleSnatch.com

Actress Brittany Murphy’s untimely death at the age of 32 from what has assumed to be cardiac arrest is making headlines around the world and causing individuals and industries to reevaluate how they deal when such a situation occurs. Many dental clinics are prepared to respond to such a medical emergency in their offices, and Florida even made it law that all practices have a defibrillator.

If you have  a dental practice, and you’re wondering what you should do to prepare for a medical emergency like cardiac arrest, here are some suggestions:

1. Have a defibrillator – all staff should be trained in the use of a defibrillator, and it should be kept in an easily accessible place in the office where everyone present has access to it if it’s required

2. Receive first aid training - it’s recommended that at least one person present in a dentist office at all times has received first aid training. Certification cards expire every 2 years.

3. Discuss safety drills - safety drills are handy for any medical emergency, not just cardiac arrest. Every member of the team in the dental practice should have a role. One might be tending to the person who has fallen ill, while another calls 911 and another ensures that other patients in the office are kept out of the way and have the situation explained to them as necessary.

4. Keep records - if you have a defibrillator , it needs to be inspected regularly (depending upon the laws and recommendations in your state). Keep this documentation to reduce liability.

Via: Flickr Creative Commons

Originally Posted at ToothSavers.Wordpress.com