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!