Smoking And Drinking Can Cause Fillings To Fail

Yes, this is true. The Pittsburgh Dental School did some research and found that people who drink and/or smoke have a greater number of filling that fail.

It turns out that the chemicals in alcohol and a cigarette can actually degrade the bond used by dentists to put a filling in. It will actually cause the bond between the filling and the tooth's surface to fail and cause the filling to fall out.

The interesting thing is that a filling failure could also be a genetic condition in most people. A difference in the gene for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP2), an enzyme found in teeth, was linked to increased filling failure. Those that have that difference could be higher risk for filling failure, and drinking and smoking can amplify it in them quicker that a person without it who smokes and drinks.

Dental Humor

Some Dental Humor to finish out 2017! I love this one! 




Keep Smiling!

Tooth Jewelry.. Is It Really A Thing?

Yes, I actually saw this on one of my friend's Christmas List... Tooth Jewelry. I was shocked. I didn't know that it was actually a thing. So, i had to research it and sure enough, it is. There are actually companies that sell them and some even have dental centers that will put them on for you.

It is really simple. They are put on your teeth by dentist with dental composite glue. They can be permanent, or you can have them removed when you want. They have them in crystal, gold, with diamonds and just about any shape or design you want. They are said to have no ill effect on your teeth or limit your ability to eat anything.

So, if you are looking for a last minute gift idea, this may be something interesting for you to consider.

You can find them in various spots online.

Dealing With A Dental Emergency During The Holidays

Christmas is only 5 days away and nothing is worse than getting a toothache, losing a filling or crown and knowing the dentist is closed.

This can happen to anyone, anytime but it's best to be prepared. Below are some tips on how to survive holiday dental emergencies:

• Toothache - Brush and floss the area to make sure there are no food particles lodged underneath the gum line. If that doesn't work, try swishing warm salt water around in your mouth, do this 3 times a day and DO NOT swallow. Finally take some ibuprofen to help with the pain.
• Lost filling or crown - Try visiting a 24-Hour Pharmacy. In the dental isle you may find temporary dental filling material. This will seal up the hole until your able to see the dentist. 
• Abscess - This is the only time you should head to the emergency room for a dental emergency. If you have an abscess they will be able to provide you with the appropriate medication that will get you through until you can see the dentist. 

I like mentioned above, dental emergencies can happen at any time but the best way to help prevent these happening is by seeing your dentist for routine check ups every 6 months. 

Holiday Sweets? Don't Mind If I Do!

If you are one who is tempted by the wonderful holiday confections that seem to be everywhere during the Holiday season, no real need to fret...as long as you up your game a little bit with your dental routine.  A short seasonal burst of cookie indulgence isn't likely to cost you an expensive trip to the dentist, however if you brush your teeth every couple of days, well...you're risking it.

Simply make sure to brush 3 times, (yes, 3) per day and just as important, rinse after eating those sweets.  Not everyone carries a toothbrush so rinsing can be an effective way to get all the sugar out of your mouth until you get home.

So, go ahead and indulge!  Just use care and don't make a habit of it!   ;)

Happy Holidays,  Everyone!
Keep Smiling!

When Is The Best Time To Go To The Dentist?

No, this is not a joke... so those of you answering "Tooth Thirty" can just smile and read on!

In all seriousness, I have always wondered what time during day is the best time to go to the dentist. Believe it or not, it really depends on what you are having done. So here is the breakdown:

Cleaning: Morning - Morning cleaning tend to go quicker than afternoon ones

Fillings: Morning - Dentist tend to run more on schedule to start their day. So going in the morning to get that filling, will usually get you in and out quicker.

Major work: (Root Canals / Extractions): Afternoon A European research company found that local anesthesia last longer in the afternoon. So getting your major work done in the afternoon will allow you more time to get your medication, get home and have it kick in before the anesthesia totally wears off. So try for an "Tooth Thirty" appointment when you have major work being done!

Obviously, this all depends on your dentist's schedule. Certain procedures are schedule at certain times in some offices. So check with their availability.

Eggnog Is Just As Bad For Your Teeth As Soda!

I can not express my heartbreak when I found this out. Eggnog is one my of favorite holiday traditions and drinks. So when I read that with the amount of sugar that is in it,  I was quite surprised.

It kind of goes along with my misconception of what eggnog is. I assumed that it is more like milk, thus being better for dental health. I know milk is good for your teeth, I know eggs are good for your teeth. Knowing that both of them are in eggnog, one can only assume that eggnog, too is good for your oral health. Logical assumption... right?

Well it turns out that all of the flavoring, add-ins and sugar that is used to make that unique holiday taste, is enough to offset the good that the milk and eggs provide!

Fear not though, my fellow eggnoggers! We can still savor the flavor and enjoy our favorite holiday drink. Just simply rinse out your mouth really good and/or brush your teeth after you drink and you will be good to go!

The Holiday season is almost upon us again, and with that in mind I thought this blog was worth a re-post.  Enjoy and Keep Smiling!  

Tea Tree Oil For Dental Health?

If you follow your dentists recommendations on cleaning and flossing your teeth then you should have healthy gums and strong teeth.

There are many ways yo keep your mouth healthy but one natural remedy us using tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is taken from the leaves of a Melaleuca Alternifolia plant that is native to Australia. This plant is know for its natural disinfectant and has been used for many years in the medical and dental professions as an antiseptic.

Tea tree oil has many benefits for your dental health:

• Helps prevent plaque - The oil fights of microorganisms that destroys tissues in the mouth which cause plaque, receding gums and tartar deposits. 
• Helps eliminate bad breath - Using tea tree oil as a mouthwash has anti-deodorant properties.
• Helps prevent gum disease - 
• Rub a small amount of tea tree oil on swollen/sore gums.
• Add 3-5 drops of tea tree oil to a small glass of water and swish. Do this twice a day
• Apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly onto your toothbrush ans brush for at least to min. 
• Helps relieve pain form toothaches - Rinse mouth with a tea tree oil mixture (listed above) and then apply a small amount of Aloe Vera to the infected tooth. 
• Mouth sores - Rinse mouth with a tea tree oil mixture (listed above).

*Remember this is just a remedy to keep your mouth healthy and should not replace your dentist.

For more information click here!

Are Fruit And Veggie Purees Bad For Kids Teeth?

Squeezable fruit and veggie puree pouches are a convenient, easy and portable snack for kids that have became popular over the last few years that do not require refrigeration.

 Although these puree pouches provide the perfect amount of nutrients, vitamins,  minerals and are perfect for parents with hectic lives, they could be causing damage to your children's  teeth.

Paul Casamassimo, the oral health research and policy director at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says "the constant exposure of sugar on the teeth is detrimental". 

When you eat or drink foods that contain sugar, the bacteria in plaque produces's acid and the acid eats away at the tooth enamel which will eventually create cavities and because of the consistency of the puree pouches it may be particularly tough on the teeth if its allowed to sit there for long periods of time. 

So, if you allow your children to eat these pouches please make sure to have them rinse their mouth after eating them!

Cash Discounts Are Not Coverage

There are a lot of dentist now that will offer a discount to people who pay in full with cash or credit in their office. Now, there is even a certain app that you can download that will let you know which ones are offering that. It sounds good, but it is still not coverage.

A discount like this is similar to an in-house dental plan to which I know that I have cautioned everyone about in multiple blogs over the years. They work the same way and they have the same disadvantages. They will ONLY work at that particular dentist office. If you are referred to a specialist (which more and more dental centers are doing now these days) they you are stuck paying full cost out of pocket there too. I mean, if you have the money to do it, then great, it may work for you, but if you are like most of us that can not afford the high and still rising cost of a dental visit than adequate dental coverage is still a necessity for you.

I am all for shopping around for the best deal. Sometimes I drive people nuts when I go store hopping to pay the lowest price possible for anything I can. However, when it comes to my mouth, my teeth, my smile, my dental health, I stick with my dentist and use my coverage. I also have a heart condition that I was born with. As a result I need regular checkups with a cardiologist. I don't call 5-6 cardiologist offices every year to find out who has the cheaper price. I stick with the same cardiologist that I have had for many years, because he knows my situation and how best to treat it. It should be no different with your dentist. He or she knows your situation and how best to handle it. You should stick with your dentist and not shop around for this month's best price.

It is great that dentists offer discounts. It is a great way to get a new patient in their office, but be sure to check it out first. The deals don't always last and they not always what they are cracked up to be.