You Can Clean Your Dentures at Home!

 Many products made for cleaning dentures can be expensive and harsh.  If your dentures have metal parts, some commercial denture cleaners can cause them to corrode over time.  Here is a short list of inexpensive, reliable (old time, tried and true) products that you can use to clean, disinfect and even help remove tartar from your false teeth! (Yes, even false teeth can get a buildup of tartar over time, cultivating an unhealthy array of germs and bacteria.)

Here goes!:

1. BAKING SODA.  Make a paste with a little bit of the soda and water and use your denture brush to clean your dentures.  It will freshen, too.

2. VINEGAR.  Use equal parts of vinegar and water and soak your dentures for 20-30 minutes. This will also help to remove tartar buildup.

3. HYDROGEN PEROXIDE.  This is especially useful for disinfecting.  Soak in a 3% or 6% solution (the usual strength sold in stores) for approximately 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Now, there were a couple of other suggestions that I found online that I didn't think were particularly useful; that is, they were not things that I would personally try for cleaning something that you would put in your mouth! Someone on another website suggested a bleach/water solution for disinfecting and a teaspoon of Calgon water softener added for removing tartar. Of course you would need to rinse your dentures especially well so as not to get the bleach solution in your mouth. Hmmm...I don't know...  To me, that falls into the same catagory as fixing your dentures with super glue.  What do you think?

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 at higher risk for filling failure and drinking and smoking can amplify it in them quicker than a person without it who smokes and drinks.

Original post from February 29th, 2017

Dental Technology Detects Patient Anxiety Levels

 I don't really think I need to talk to much about the stress of going to the dentist. Hence the reason most people do not go unless they have to. Long waits in the waiting room, long waits in the opertory and just the stress of not know what is going to be need and if it will hurt or not.

Well, researchers at Columbia University are using new technology to help with that. They are designing a new dental center that is built to monitor and reduce patient stress as well as speed up the process of a dental visit.

It is designed around a bracelet that the patient is given when they check in. This bracelet is equipped with RFID (radio frequency identification) technology. Once activated, the center will be able to tell where in the office the patient is located, what procedure they are getting, any dental information on file, how long they have been waiting and measure the patients stress level by measuring heart rate and respirations. They will also be able to tell the real time stress level of the patient while the procedure is being performed.

This is one piece of technology that I personally am very interested in and, if proven to work, would love to see in every dental center across the nation. Especially if it speeds up the visit like they suggest.

Games and Activities for Kids

It's time for Spring break! I'm sure all you parents will be struggling to find fun activities for your children to do after a few days, Right? Well...You're in luck! I have a few activities that are not just fun but also serve as a learning experience!

Oral health is an important part of our overall health, so here are a few fun activities to do with your children to teach them the importance of taking care of their teeth:

• Eat this, not that!:
• Cut out pictures of food from magazines. Ask the children to find pictures of healthy foods and pictures of unhealthy foods. Put all the pictures into a large pile. Take two small brown paper bags and draw a "happy tooth" and a "sad tooth". Together, sort out the pictures and place them into the correct bag.
• Apple Activity:
• Show the child an apple and have them pretend that it's a tooth. Using a stick, poke a hole into the apple. Explain to the child that the hole is like a cavity, a small hole that forms if they don't brush, floss, or eat healthy foods. Place the apple where the child can see it every day. After a few days, ask the child to explain what the apple looks like. Proceed to explain why it's important to take good care of our teeth and why we need to see the dentist regularly.
• Egg Activity:
• Show your child a hard-boiled egg and explain that the eggshell is like your teeth. Place the hard-boiled egg into a jar of vinegar. Ask your child what they think will happen to the egg. In a few days remove the egg and have the child examine the eggshell. Explain that the same thing will happen to their teeth if they don't properly take care of their teeth. 

All of these activities were found on different websites. All you have to do is search for dental activities if you would like more fun ideas for your child!

Why We Should Never, Ever, Ever Use Our Teeth As Utensils!

 From the time we are babies, we put objects in our mouths.  Toys, rocks, keys, marbles, the dogs ear, the cats tail, however, we learn as we get older that the dog and the cat are off limits...(snicker)   Some of us never learn though, that our teeth were not meant to be used as tools! We open bottles, can tabs, plastic containers and bags that should be cut with scissors...we have oral jewelry implanted on our lips or tongue and fiddle with them all the time. We hold our keys in our mouths, our pens and pencils, sun glasses, hair clips and other things and never even think about the damage we could be causing to our teeth! Misusing our teeth in this way can cause serious chipping, cracking and misalignment, whether by accidental occurrence or over time. This adds up to $$$ spent for tooth repairs and it all could have been prevented if we had just used our common sense in the first place and avoided the impulse to chew on something that wasn't food!

The bottom line is this: Objects that are not meant for human consumption should never be put in our mouths!
Keep that in mind, and Keep Smiling!

Did You Know...

• If you don't floss you miss cleaning 40% of the tooth surface.
• Dentists recommend keeping your toothbrush at least six feet away from the toilet to avoid airborne particles.
• If you are right-handed, you tend to chew food on the right side of your mouth. If you are left-handed you tend to chew on the left side of your mouth.
• The greater the amount of time food remains in the mouth, the greater chance of decay.
• In 200 AD, the Romans used a mixture of bones, eggshells, oyster shells, and honey to clean their teeth. 
• You are supposed to replace your toothbrush after getting sick.
• Your teeth are unique, just like your fingerprints. This is why dental records sometimes are used to identify human remains. 
• Your tooth enamel is the hardest part of your body.
• You make 10,000 gallons of spit in a lifetime.

Natural Treatments For Adults With Thrush

Adults and children of any age can be afflicted with thrush.  

Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the tongue, gums, inner cheeks or lips.  It looks like a white pasty coating on the tongue or patchy white sores on the inner cheeks or roof of the mouth.  
Babies, people with compromised immune systems and diabetic people are commonly prone to this type of infection.  It can be difficult to treat, but there are some things you can do at home to help.

1. Check your diet! Avoid sugar and starchy foods. Large amounts of sugar and white carbohydrates can bring on or worsen a bout of candida (Thrush).  Eat fresh raw vegetables and lean proteins or yogurt, or you can eat foods that contain vinegar, such as sauerkraut or pickles to actually ward off the infection.!
   
2. Try a natural remedy such as grapefruit seed extract (a few drops diluted in water,just wish a few times a day) coconut oil ( excellent to cook with in place of vegetable oils), plain, sugar free yogurt (yogurt contains healthy bacteria that helps to balance the ph in the body).  Adults with the infection can also take acidophilous capsules or liquid to help reduce the growth of bacteria.

3. Remember to clean your toothbrush and your tongue scraper with a bleach/water solution after each use to avoid reinfecting yourself when you brush your teeth. 

4.  For babies, always see your healthcare professional.  Their sensitive little mouths require a doctor's care.   

These are some of the ideas I came up with from around the web.

Enjoy, & keep smiling!

Future Prevention Of Yellow Stains On Teeth After Braces!

If you have braces or are getting them put on soon, I'm sure you are looking forward to the day you can get them removed, right? I know I did when I had mine put on years ago!

I didn't have my braces until I was an adult, so I was very conscious of keeping my teeth clean at home and I had professional cleanings every four months to prevent white spots on my teeth. That was my main concern with braces because I remember back in high school seeing my friends coming back to school with their braces removed but they had white spots on their teeth from where the brackets were placed and had "yellowish" looking teeth.

I came across an article that discusses how researchers from Valencia (Spain), London (England), and Sul (Brazil) are trying to develop an adhesive material that will prevent white spots from appearing on the teeth of people who wear braces.

This is copied from the article: 

The study compares three experimental dental adhesives which contain a bioactive nano-mineral called halloysite and whose nanotubes have been loaded with triclosan, a strong antibacterial and fungicidal agent in different concentrations: 5, 10, and 20 percent. The research compares the three new, experimental biomaterials’ polymerisation properties, their antibacterial strength, and bioactive properties, which not only prevent demineralization of the teeth but also promote remineralization.

The three experimental materials tested in the laboratory have demonstrated an ability to stop bacterial proliferation in the 24 hours following their use, but only the one with the highest concentration of triclosan, at 20 percent, has maintained this property after 72 hours. As far as the remineralizing effect, all three tested materials have proven to be effective two weeks after their use in dental enamel samples submerged in experimental saliva.

These results are a promising step forward in the development of new adhesives that are capable of preventing the appearance of the bacteria that demineralize the enamel surrounding the brackets and, at the same time, remineralize the area and thus prevent the appearance of white stains on the teeth.

 Luckily I didn't have any white spots or staining after my braces but this may be helpful for young children who are wearing braces!

The article was found here!

Ringing in the Ears - Is it TMJ?

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction...the long name for TMJ, is a very real disorder with some specific characterizations.  TMJ affects the joints in the jaw bone close to the ears. One of the common symptoms is Tinnitus, or, ringing in the ears. Many people accept it as a natural aging process.  Consequently, it can go undiagnosed for years, resulting in hearing loss and permanent damage to the inner ear.  It is frequently misdiagnosed as another disease or disorder such as Meniere's Disease.  

TMJ is treatable and can be managed when detected early.  Don't delay!  Hearing loss and ringing in the ears are not always a result of aging!   

Visit your dentist to find out if this could be affecting you.  

Keep Smiling! 

Oral Cancer Screening At Home

Six easy steps to check for oral cancer at home!

1. Tongue - Extend your tongue as far as it can go, examine the sides and underside for white and red patches, and feel your tongue for lumps.
2. Lip and Cheek - Feel for lumps or bumps while looking for white and red patches.
3. Double-Digit Probe - Examine the floor of your mouth from the top to bottom simultaneously for lumps and red and white patches.
4. Palate Tickle - Check the roof of your mouth for lumps and areas of softness on the hard palate, looking for white and red patches.
5. Neck Caress - Palpate your neck for enlarged lymph nodes.
6. Tonsils - Depress the tongue and check for enlarged tonsils and any white or red patches.

Remember this does not replace seeing your dentist, this is just a cautionary screening. If you notice any unusual patches or unexplained soreness contact your dentist immediately.

Dental Office Decor - Just How Important is it?

Have you ever wondered why your dental office is decorated a certain way...or maybe why it isn't?  The fact is, color can make a waiting room or an operatory look inviting, or make you want to turn and run!  Imagine that you walked in to a dental office for the first time and the walls were, say, a dark shade of ming orange and the chairs were red.  You might immediately turn around and head for the door and see that the accent wall is, eeek!  A deep shade of purple.  Now, there is a dentist in serious need of a decorator!

So, would you immediately distrust that dentist?  He or she may be the best technical dentist in the state, but the fact is, color speaks volumes to a patient in a waiting room, and first impressions are everything. There is actually a psychology to color in the medical/dental world.

Green, in pale variations, is a relaxing color.  Seafoam is very popular and is also relaxing.  Blue denotes honesty and security and softer shades of pink and mauve are calming. In contrast, red in darker shades is an angry color...it can enhance an already bad mood, or make an anxious patient more anxious. The idea is that it should be inviting and you should have a sense of being in good hands immediately when you walk in.
Now, that is not to say that you should turn and run if the colors are wrong, but in case you ever wondered why you may feel a certain way or get a certain impression when you walk into a dental facility, it could be the decor!

Keep Smiling!

What is Dental Sleep Medicine?

By definition, according to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine,  Dental Sleep Medicine is an area of practice that focuses on the management of sleep-related breathing disorders, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, through the use of oral appliance therapy and/or upper airway surgery.

More and more dentists are entering into this field of treatment.  The way it works is this: A qualified physician diagnoses the condition through a series of studies done on the patient, then the dentist provides treatment; ( i.e. usually a custom fitted oral device, worn during sleep and designed to keep the airway open by supporting the jaw and tongue.)

A loved one may notice heavy snoring or interrupted breathing patterns that can happen many times during the sleep cycle, however, if you live alone the following signs could be an indication that you may need to be checked out:

                  Mild to heavy daytime sleepiness
                  Morning headaches
                  Depression
                  Decreased libido
                  Inability to concentrate

Additionally, if you are overweight  you may have a higher risk for sleep apnea.  Essentially, through oxygen deprivation and lack of refreshing sleep, this disorder can wreak havoc on your body over time. It can put you at risk for high blood pressure, stroke and even heart attack, not to mention the risk of sudden death while sleeping due to the closing of the airway.

Many people have this disorder and are unaware of the danger it poses.  It is effectively a silent killer.  If you think you or a loved one may have this, contact your healthcare provider and arrange for a screening.  

It could save your life!

Facts, Disorders, and Treatments For TMJ

TMJ is your Temporomandibular Joint that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull.  This joint allows you to move your jaw up and down and from side to side. 

Facts:

• 1 in 8 Americans are currently affected by TMJ. 
• TMJ is 4 times more common in women than men.
• Men are found to have more wear on their teeth and bite. 

Causes:

• Head, neck, and jaw misalignment
• Genetics
• Grinding or clenching teeth
• Trauma
• Diseases like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Arthritis
• Stress

Symptoms:

• Headache
• Aching pain in or around the ear
• Jaw locking or popping
• Tenderness in the cheek and jaw
• Pain and difficulty eating
• Dizziness
• Sharp facial pain
• Facial swelling
• Neck and upper back spasms

Treatment:

• A dental splint helps keep the teeth in alignment and prevents tooth grinding
• Physical therapy with the jaw
• Trigger point acupuncture
• Botox to help relax the muscles of the jaw

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above see your dentist right away!

Coenzyme Q-10 for Fighting Periodontal Disease

 I am always looking for natural, effective ways to heal the body without the use of drugs.  I found this while searching for a supplement to help heal gum disease.

Coenzyme Q-10 is essential to the body to help build new cells.  It is a component that can reduce inflammation and assist in healing infection. Gingivitis and Periodontitis are bacterial diseases of the gums.  There are lots of ways to prevent and treat gum disease, such as regular cleanings, scaling, root planning and topical rinses. However, for those who prefer a more holistic approach, consider Coenzyme Q-10. 

Here is a link to an article explaining the dental health benefits of taking a Coenzyme Q-10 supplement.

Always check with your doctor and/or your dentist before taking any supplement, and, as always,
Keep smiling!

Troubled By A Toothache?

We all know tooth pain is the worst possible pain. It makes eating and drinking very difficult, and may also cause an infection in or around the tooth called an abscess.

Here are some warning signs of an abscess:

1. Throbbing pain
2. Tender tooth
3. Gums are red and swollen
4. Swollen face
5. Fever

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call your dentist right away!

Did You Know? Fun Facts about Animal Teeth

 I thought it might be fun to post something more lighthearted than dental facts. Here are some facts about different animals I collected from various sites on the web. Just a little fun trivia for everyone to read. Enjoy!

• Beavers, Gophers, Rats, Mice and Hamsters teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. They must grind their teeth down to keep them at a reasonable length.
• A dolphin has only one set of teeth to last throughout it's lifetime.
• An Armadillo has 104 teeth.
• A Blue Whale is the largest mammal on earth but it has absolutely no teeth!
• A Cat's jaws cannot move sideways.
• Turtles and Tortoises are toothless.
• Rabbits are born with their permanent teeth.
• African Elephants have only 4 teeth.
• Mosquitoes have 47 teeth. (They drink blood, what's to chew, lol?)
• A snail has thousands of tiny teeth, yet it's mouth is smaller than the head of a pin!

Keep smiling!!!

Question From Our Member...Thumb Sucking

Questions From Our Members

E. Blake of Oakland, California asks: 

“I took my 4-year-old to the dentist for her first visit.  The check-up went fine, but the doctor told me that if I didn't break her thumb sucking real soon she would need braces later on.  Is that really possible?”

Savon’s Answer

First, we need to say that we are not dentists here but we do have a great group of dentists that we get advice from.

Thumb sucking, finger sucking, or the use of a pacifier puts unnecessary pressure on the teeth, as well as the bone and soft tissues of the mouth.  Because these parts of the mouth are still growing, it can cause issues with jaw growth and tooth movement.  Extended thumb sucking can lead to what we know as “Buck Teeth”.

You should pay close attention to your child‘s thumb sucking habit.  Your child may be a passive sucker, where the thumb simply rests gently against the mouth.  If your child falls into this category, there is less of a chance for damage to occur.  But if your child aggressively sucks his thumb, pressure will be placed on the mouth and teeth, leading to improper alignment and mouth and jaw growth. It can also affect the shape of the face if not stopped early enough.

Original post, from our January 2023 newsletter!

Update on Dental Treatment in Mexico - Safety is an Issue!

Update to a previous blog:  For those of you considering Mexico as a place for cheaper medical and dental treatment, please consider safety first.  Our government has issued travel warnings to some Mexican states due to increasing violent criminal activity.  *Those states include Baja California, Tijuana, Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas.  The popular city of Algodones, where many people choose to have treatment, is located in the Mexican State of Baja California. 

Many people still choose to outsource their dental and medical care.  Many come through the state of Arizona from other states to cross the border for dental care. Algodones is just on the other side of the border from Yuma, AZ.  There are mixed feelings on this topic, but the fact remains that the risk may not outweigh the benefits.  Just food for thought.  

Be safe and Keep smiling!

*(Source: travelinglifestyle.net - publication 01/23/23.)

What's an impacted tooth?

An impacted tooth is a tooth that gets blocked as it is pushing through the gum into your mouth. A common tooth to get impacted is the wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars usually begin to come in between the ages of 17 and 21. In most cases, they may become impacted due to the lack of room in your mouth. They may come in sideways or be tilted in your jaw.

You can have an impacted tooth and not even know, as some are painless. When an impacted wisdom tooth tries to come in it can become infected and swollen. Sometimes you even feel pain in nearby teeth, or in the ear on that side of your face.

If untreated an impacted tooth can lead to an infection called pericoronitis. This infection can spread to the throat or into the neck. Impacted teeth also can get cavities, and lead to tooth movement, decay, or gum disease. It also can change the way your teeth come together.

Original Post on October 13th, 2010 by btflbutterfly77

Temproary Home Remedies For Common Oral Problems

Here are a few ways to treat some dental problems from home, until you can visit your dentist.

Sensitive Teeth:
Cause~ Exposed nerve root.
Treatment~ Lay off whiting treatments, brush teeth a little softer than normal.

Lost Tooth: 
Cause~ Sports.
treatment~ Rinse it with milk and push it back in right away, then bite down gently on a soft cloth or moistened tea bag to hold it in place. Then visit your dentist.

Burned Palate:
Cause~ Hot food.
Treatment~ Try using Kenalog in Orabase, an over-the-counter corticosteroid paste that creates a protective coating on the burn and speeds healing.

Burned Tongue:
Cause~ Hot drink or food.
Treatment~ Rinse your mouth with a solution of 1 teaspoon of salt and a cup of warm water.

Jaw Soreness:
Cause~ Temporomandibular joint disorder.
Treatment~Try sleeping on your side or back with a supportive pillow, instead of facedown.

Canker Sore:
Cause~ Sugary foods/Citrus.
Treatment~ Apply vegetable oil to a cotton ball and hold it against the sore three or four times a day.

Lost Filling:
Cause~Popcorn, Peanuts, Carmel.
Treatment~You can use sugarless chewing gum (chew it first) or soft wax to caulk the hole and reduce the sensitivity until you can visit your dentist.

Gum Pain:
Cause~Gingivitis (gum disease), tobacco use.
Treatment~ You can ease the pain by swishing peppermint tea around your mouth.

Smoking Causes More Than Bad Breath

Quitting smoking isn't easy, but there is a reason why you should make the effort to quit. Smoking causes more than just bad breath, it can lead to oral cancer - which includes the mouth, throat, salivary glands, tongue, and lips.

Early signs of oral cancer include:

• Lumps
• Red or white patches
• Difficulty chewing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Numbness in the mouth
• Thickening of the cheeks
• Voice changes

Oral cancer's top risk factor is tobacco whether it's from smoking or chewing.

To help prevent oral cancer you should visit your dentist regularly for check-ups, and keep up on your oral routine at home by brushing and flossing daily.

When to file a complaint with the Dental Board

I thought this might be worth re-posting, as so many people these days tend to over-react to situations that they feel they are not in control of.  It doesn't apply to everyone, certainly, but nonetheless, I think it bears repeating.

Too often when a patient encounters a problem with a dentist, he/she will go directly to the Dental Board of Examiners before exploring other options for resolution. This is a very time consuming and tedious process, for both the patient and the doctor. There is almost always another way! Here are some tips for resolving issues with your dentist:

• Make sure the problem is the kind of issue that warrants a complaint with the board. Issues such as billing, overbooking appointments and rudeness by office staff are NOT reasons for a Dental Board complaint. These types of complaints can usually be resolved with a verbal or written complaint to the office manager. If this is not effective, then a written complaint to the owner/corporate entity will usually do the trick.
• If the issue is a quality of care issue, and you feel that you are due a refund or wish for the doctor to re-do the procedure or replace an inferior product, the first option is to try to discuss the problem with the doctor directly, bypassing the office staff. Be clear and concise. State what you believe is the problem and let the doctor know what you expect him to do. Lack of communication is the number one problem in these types of disputes.
• If the above option fails, try putting your complaint in a formal written letter, addressed directly to the doctor (never the center or office manager) and send it certified mail, registered (so only he/she can sign) and request a return receipt. Again, state very clearly in your letter of complaint exactly what the issue is and what you would like the doctor to do. Let him/her know that you are aware of all of your options and that you are attempting a resolution before you take the problem to a higher level. You will most definitely get his attention.  Make sure to give the doctor ample time to address the letter. 10 days is usually sufficient, though it doesn't usually take that long. In my years of working in this field, I have found that this option is almost always the most effective.

• Always try to be open to compromise. 

Remember, don't make a hasty decision! Go to the Board of Dental Examiners ONLY after you have exhausted all avenues for resolving the problem. 

As always, keep smiling!  

Prepping Children For The Dentist

Do you have a young child that needs to visit the dentist, but you are worried about how they will handle the visit?

Preparation is the best method when it comes to going to the dentist.

Here are a few tips on preparing your child for their first trip:

• Choose a dentist wisely - Seek a dentist that will fit your child's needs. You may want to consider a pedodontist (pediatric dentist) these dentists specialize in children's dentistry and usually, their offices are very inviting to children such as they have games while waiting, a theme throughout the office. etc.
• Let them observe - Take your child to one of your dental appointments and let them watch. The best observation is dental cleaning!
• Sunglasses - This will help keep the brightness out of their eyes and allow them to keep their eyes open to reduce anxiety.
• Trust the staff - This is not the first time they have worked with children, they will have tricks up their sleeves to help make the experience go smoothly. 

Always remember that the office staff wants you to have a great experience!

How COVID 19 Can Impact Oral Health

 A Covid 19 infection can lead to a number of oral problems, according to studies.  If your have had Covid, read on to discover how it might affect your oral health.

Dry mouth, or Xerostomia, is becoming more widespread since the onset of Covid-19.  Aside from losing your taste and smell, your saliva glands can be affected leaving you with dry mouth.  Dry mouth can lead to increased bacteria which can cause dental cavities and halitosis (bad breath).  Additionally, wearing a mask can cause dry mouth, and we all know that due to COVID, there are many more people wearing masks these days.  Masks cause you to mouth breathe, mouth breathing causes dry mouth.  There you have it. 

Covid 19 can cause damage to the blood vessels in the body, including those that supply blood to the mouth. This can lead to mouth sores and ulcerations, and gingival breakdown, which in turn can lead to infections.  

In addition to all of that, Covid causes stress in our lives.  Stress can have a direct effect on our oral health, as with any other part of our body.  

Now that things are returning to somewhat "normal" be sure to make regular visits to your dentist.

Take care of your oral health, and Keep Smiling!