Mouth Sores? Irritated Gums? Try Aloe Vera Gel

We've all heard or have read about the benefits of using Aloe Vera for healing...i.e., scrapes, scratches, burns and ailments such as stomach ulcers, etc. It's not surprising, therefore, that dentists have incorporated its uses into the field of dentistry.
Some dentists have found it useful in their own practices for healing and preventing dry socket following extraction, periodontal disease, mouth sores, canker sores, denture irritation...the list goes on and on!  This miracle plant has many, many uses.  Check with your dentist or at your local health food store for Aloe Vera gel or Aloe Vera toothpaste!
As always, keep smiling!

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 by Clay III on December 29, 2017

Could Your Headaches Be Caused By Orthodontic Treatment?

It is possible. If you are not prone to headaches already, the answer is usually no. However, if there is  a headache it is generally caused by an adjustment. 

For some patients, however, orthodontic treatment can cause unexpected problems that can lead to distortions because of excessive adjustment. This can cause undue strain on the temporomandibular joint, which may lead to excessive strain and the eventual perception of generalized headaches and migraine pain.

The remedy for this is not a quick one. Attempts to correct it in one reconstructive treatment typically do not have good results. The best correction process for this problem is done over an extended time period. Adjustments are incremental, which allow the jaw structures to achieve healthier repositioning through a natural process.

Correcting a distortion of can be done through the use of different types of dental components ranging from new posterior crowns, gold onlays and porcelain onlays. For some patients, orthotic devices can be used.

In any case, if you are wearing braces and start getting headaches that last more than a day or two, you should consult your orthodontist right away.

Keep Smiling!

What To Avoid For Better Teeth And Breath?

Have you ever wondered what hidden culprits cause bad breath and staining?

1. Dark Liquids - Although the enamel on your teeth is the hardest substance in the human body, it is not flat and smooth. Your tooth enamel contains microscopic pits and ridges that can hold particles of food and drink. Pigments from the dark-colored drinks/foods can become embedded in those cracks and ridges and if the proper steps are not taken this can cause permanent staining on your teeth.
2. Onions and garlic - These are hard to avoid since they are flavor-enhancing ingredients. When you eat garlic/onions you produce several sulfur-containing gases. Allyl methyl sulfide is a "sticky" molecule, and it adheres very easily to the tissues in your mouth and that's why your breath smells funky.
3. High-Protein Foods- Bacteria love glomming into proteins, so high-protein foods contribute to halitosis. The top contenders are fish, red meat, and beans. Hold the protein and swap out meat courses for vegetarian options a few times a week. 

Dentistry IS Science. It is also an Art. But does this justify the high cost?

So often we will have someone call our office and they are absolutely shell shocked at the cost of a dental procedure or a treatment plan.  Let me start by saying that dentistry is rarely simple anymore. It is a science, yes, but it is also a fine art, and in many cases you get what you pay for. Cosmetic dentistry, in particular, is among the most costly. If you've ever seen a full mouth reconstruction done, you'll have great respect for the dentist/artist.  This is a craft that requires at least 8 years of schooling, constant continuing education and even further instruction and practice to be able to perfect these restorations and perform oral miracles.  Not to mention the high cost of the technical machines and tools needed.  If you understand that, you understand why the cost is so high.  But, if you are one of those people who visits the dentist every 10 or 20 years, there is no avoiding the shell shock factor, which is why I've linked this blog to an informative page.
I recently found a site that gives the average consumer an idea of what restorative dentistry costs.  It is broken down by procedure and it's probably the most informative, simple breakdown I have seen to date.  If you are considering cosmetic restoration or have many dental issues and are in need of a full-mouth makeover, look HERE  first.  I think you'll be glad you did.
The moral of the story here is to visit the dentist regularly for cleanings (for prevention, if nothing else) and stay informed. Don't become a shell shock victim!

Keep Smiling!

How Missing Teeth Damage Your Health And Appearance

The consequences of missing permanent teeth go far beyond self-consciousness. Here are a few ways an unwanted gap may affect your mouth and face.

• Teeth rely on each other to stay in position. A space in your smile is an invitation for surrounding teeth to shift and drift out of place.
• Your teeth support your facial muscles. Without a full set of teeth, the muscles and skin may begin to sag, giving your cheeks a sunken look and making you appear much older than you are.
• Missing teeth may make it more difficult to chew your food completely, practice proper oral hygiene, and may affect how you speak.
• Your jawbone relies on stimulation from your teeth to remain strong and thick. When teeth are missing, the bone will weaken and deteriorate. Dental Implants are especially effective in promoting bone health.

 *Information is from a flyer from my dental office...Dr. Ghasem K. Darian - Winning Smiles Dentistry

Original Post from September 2018

Oral Thrush - Anyone can Get It - It's Undesirable, But Treatable

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 swish 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 re-infecting yourself when you brush your teeth. 

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

These ideas were collected from articles around the web, and are not intended to take the place of medical advice.  Always see your physician to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  

Enjoy, & keep smiling!

Oral Device To Help Tourette Syndrome?

Do suffer from Tourette Syndrome? You may be in luck! Researchers at Osaka University in Japan have developed a removable oral device that can help adults and children with their tics.

There are many ways to treat tics which include behavioral therapy, medication, and surgery. However, these treatments work differently for each individual person. This is why the researchers at Osaka University decided to develop a custom-made oral splint. This device is similar to a mouth guard and retainers but is only applied to the back molars which increases the Occlusal Vertical Dimension. 

According to Jumpei Murakami, author of the study says "Biting down on the device immediately improved both motor and vocal tics in 10 of the 14 children and 6 of the 8 adults that participated in the study." "What's more, these effects were long-lasting. Long-term improvements in motor tics after more than 100 days were especially evident in patients who were younger when their tics first started."

Osaka University plans to do larger-scale studies! 

It will be interesting to see the results of the larger study and how it changed the lives of people who suffer from Tourettes.

Information is found here!

Yogurt is Among the Best Foods For Teeth

 Cheese, milk and yogurt are packed with calcium, which strengthens enamel and fortifies bones.  It's something that kids like, so get them started on it young to help prevent cavities. For adults, the calcium is essential for bone loss and strong enamel.

Other foods that promote healthy teeth are:

Water - drink plenty of it! Hydration prevents dry mouth, which can lead to a build up of bacteria and plaque and cause cavities.

Leafy Green Vegetables

Crunchy vegetables such as celery and carrots

Coffee and Tea - Believe it or not!  These popular beverages contain polyphenols, which are antioxidants. They reduce inflammation and combat cell damage.

These are just some of the everyday foods we eat that help fortify and promote the health of our teeth and gums. 

So, Eat, Drink and be Merry!