Have you heard about laser dentistry? If you find yourself scared of going to the dentist on a regular basis, you aren’t doomed to a lifetime of poor oral health. Today’s medical advances help you overcome dental phobia through new and innovative dental techniques. Many dental phobias are related to the instruments used, which may include needles, loud machinery, and invasive techniques. Laser dentistry, however, helps you overcome these fears.

See whether you can get laser dentistry.

Many people are afraid of getting fillings because of the needle and drill often used in such procedures. Dentists who use lasers, however, are able to perform fillings without having to use these machines. It is much quieter to get a laser filling, and you are unlikely to feel the panic that might be induced by having a drill approaching your mouth! Laser technology can even help locate and prevent tooth decay and treat other oral diseases.

Laser dentistry and other low-stress options.

Laser dentistry can be combined with other techniques that have been specifically developed to be less invasive. For example, 3D imaging systems help reduce the fear of x-rays and painful dental photography. If your fear is not limited to particular instruments, your dentist can use several cutting-edge techniques together, not just laser dentistry, to avoid triggering a particular dental phobia.

Talk to your dentist about laser dentistry.

If you don’t mention your phobia, your dentist may never know that they should suggest laser dentistry in the first place. Make sure you talk to them about your fears, even if they seem silly – the dentist has likely heard it all before! A compassionate team of medical professionals can answer questions, help you relax, distract you, and explain what is going on in order to help you avoid the fear response.

Dental phobias are common, but techniques like laser dentistry can help you get a filling without the needle and drill traditionally involved in doing so. Better still, when you know that fixing any dental problems will be this easy, it can help you remain calm so that you can get a normal dental checkup without worrying about what will happen if they find an oral health problem.

While dental hygiene is the most important factor in making sure your smile stays healthy, there is some evidence that your genes could affect your risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease. If your parents have bad teeth, then you may have a higher than average risk of suffering from the same problems yourself, but you can still make a big difference to your teeth through good dental hygiene and a healthy diet.

What part in tooth development do genetics play?

The shape and positioning of your teeth is genetically predetermined. However, modern dentistry and orthodontics provides many solutions to straighten out your smile. From near-invisible clear braces to crowns for crooked teeth, you can improve on what nature gave you to create the smile you really want.

Tooth genetics and dental health

The relationship between genes and dental health is more complex. Dental decay is caused by bacteria, which are present in the mouths of all humans regardless of their individual genetic makeup. However, your genes can affect how well the defence mechanisms in your mouth are able to fight back against the bacteria.

Genetics and Cathepsin C

A study in the journal Nature Genetics showed that some people have a genetic mutation that causes them to produce lower levels of a protective enzyme found in saliva. The enzyme, known as cathepsin C, plays an essential role in fighting infections of the gum tissue. People who are genetically programmed to produce less cathepsin C therefore have a higher risk of gum disease, which can lead to teeth needing to be extracted. However, experts say that by adopting good oral hygiene habits, even people whose genes put them at high risk of gum disease can delay the onset of the condition by years or even decades.

There is some evidence to suggest that your genes could bear some responsibility for any problems you may have with your teeth. But the take-home message is clear: whatever your genetic code, you can minimize your risk of dental health problems by keeping your teeth clean, eating a healthy diet that avoids the sugars that bacteria love to feast on, and visiting your dentist for regular examinations.

Reference

http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-204_162-72408.html (news article)

http://www.nature.com/ng/journal/v23/n4/full/ng1299_421.html (original study)

Periodontal disease or periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease.  Periodontitis is very common, especially in older adults. Symptoms associated with this form of gum disease include inflammation and redness of the gingiva. The gums may also bleed when brushing the teeth. Advanced periodontal disease may cause affected teeth to become loose in their sockets. Rarely severe, untreated periodontitis may lead to tooth loss.

What is Coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10 (coq10) is a fat-soluble substance the body produces naturally. Normally found in high concentrations in the heart, liver and kidneys, coq10 is a potent antioxidant. It also plays a key role in the production of energy in cells and can help convert nutrients extracted from food into energy in the body. Deficiency of coenzyme Q10 is very rare.

Are there Coenzyme Q10 supplements?

Supplemental coq10 may be used for a variety of disorders. These include angina, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, gingivitis, periodontitis, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Studies indicate that periodontal disease sufferers have a lower concentration of coq10 in their gum tissues than their healthy counterparts.

Coenzyme Q10 and Periodontitis

The management of periodontitis depends on the severity and extent of the disease. Treatment may include oral hygiene education, professional plaque and calculus removal. In severe cases, minor surgery may be required to open and clean deep pockets in the gums or to support loose teeth.

How is Coenzyme Q10 administered?

Administration of coq10 for periodontal disease is typically both local and oral. Toothpastes with added coenzyme Q10 are widely available and may be applied directly onto affected gums. Oral supplementation for gum disease generally ranges from 100-200mg a day. Since coq10 is fat-soluble, it is best absorbed when taken with food. The substance is typically well tolerated with very few side effects. These include gastrointestinal upset and loss of appetite.

The future of Coenzyme Q10

More studies are needed to establish clear treatment guidelines regarding the optimum form and dose of coenzyme Q10 for periodontal disease.  A number of clinical studies have shown that patients with periodontitis, who have been treated with coenzyme Q10, together with traditional therapeutic interventions, have experienced quicker tissue repair and faster healing. There appears to be a therapeutic benefit in the inclusion of coenzyme Q10 to the treatment regimen of periodontal disease sufferers.

Dental Fillings Lifespan

The lifespan of a dental filling depends on several factors. Fillings that replace a large amount of tooth tissue are more likely to need to be replaced with a crown at some point in the future. If you have a tooth that requires a very large filling, your dentist might recommend that you have a crown placed now to avoid the possibility of needing further treatment in the future.

How your lifestyle effects your dental fillings

Lifestyle factors also play a role in the lifespan of dental fillings. If you want your fillings to last, then you will need to stick to a healthy oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing your teeth thoroughly each morning and evening, flossing between teeth, and seeing your dentist regularly for check-ups.

Why did my dental filling fall out?

Fillings are often lost when biting down on a particularly chewy piece of food, but another common way that a filling can fail is that the tooth holding the filling can crack and break into pieces. The risk of cracking is greater for fillings that are made of dental amalgam – the silver material traditionally used to fill teeth – because this material expands and contracts with fluctuations in temperature. Over time, this slight movement can cause cracks to develop in the teeth.

Problems with Dental Fillings

Dental fillings provide an effective solution to the problem of tooth decay, which can spread quickly if teeth are left unfilled. However, some dental experts fear that certain types of fillings could harm patients. Dental amalgam is made from mercury, which is highly poisonous. Some studies have shown that there is a risk of mercury gradually leaking out of the filling and into the patient’s body.

A safer alternative to dental amalgam

A safer alternative to dental amalgam is resin composite, which is a type of reinforced plastic. As well as being non-toxic, composite fillings also preserve the structure of the tooth more effectively than amalgam fillings, so the tooth is less likely to crack.
 

If you have concerns about your dental fillings, see your dentist as soon as possible. Rapid treatment may be necessary to prevent further decay or damage occurring.

Following are a number of methods to help reduce thumb sucking:

• Encourage them with creative activities—particularly those that occupy the hands. Puzzles, games and crafts are all excellent ideas.
• Limit television time. Many children will suck their thumbs while they watch TV.
• Apply a bandage or a bad-tasting substance to their thumb. When they begin to suck, the taste will dissuade them.
• Avoid punishing them for sucking their thumb, while offering praise when they continue to avoid the habit.
• Breaking the habit during sleep is somewhat harder. Remind your child why you are encouraging them to break the habit. The changes to their facial structure and social image are good deterrents. When you notice them sleeping with their thumb in their mouth, move it away gently. Remind them before bed to try to avoid sucking their thumb.

 

Thumb sucking is a response to stress. While you attempt to break this habit, try to limit your child’s stress in daily life. Make sure they eat enough and get enough sleep. Try to avoid punishing them for sucking their thumb, as the additional stress can cause further thumb sucking. If your child continues to suck their thumb after these methods have been tried, you might wish to consult a pediatrician or dentist about various devices and techniques you can try.

Causes of toothaches

A toothache can be caused by a decaying, fractured, or cracked tooth, leaking filling, or exposed gums, among other causes. If you feel your tooth aching, you’ll want to get to the dentist as soon as possible so you can treat the cause of the ache. Until then, you may be able to remedy the toothache or stave off the worst of the pain with a home cure.

What to avoid

Many people feel a toothache when they eat hot, cold, or sweet foods. Especially if your toothache is caused by an irritated or exposed tooth root, direct contact with these types of foods can make the pain much stronger. Make a note of what triggers your toothache so you can let your dentist know.

Temporary symptom relief

If you’re looking for temporary relief from your symptoms, try rubbing toothpaste formulated for sensitive tooth onto the aching spot, or brush normally with it. This can take days to work, but try to keep it up if you frequently experience toothaches so you can reduce their severity and frequency over time. You can also take painkillers to help cope with the pain, though this treats just the symptom and not the cause.

Salt water rinses

Gently rinse your sore tooth with warm salt water and you may find some relief. Mix a teaspoon of salt into a cup of hot water, then use this solution two or three times a day if you find it helps. Otherwise, discontinue use, as it may not relieve all toothaches.

It’s always a good idea to see your dentist as soon as possible when you notice a tooth aching or twinging more than usual. A toothache can be a sign of a serious dental problem, and the sooner you can catch and treat it, the more convenient, inexpensive, and painless your treatment will be.

1) Bad breath is most commonly caused by poor dental hygiene:

Chronic problems with bad breath are typically due to an unwanted coating of bacteria on your teeth and gums. This coating almost always results from failing to brush your teeth in the right way, or from failing to brush them at least twice every day. Without effective brushing, food residue lingers in your mouth and eventually produces the offensive odor that is characteristic of bad breath. If you are concerned that your breath is unpleasant, your first course of action should be to increase the frequency of your brushing and check that your technique is appropriate.

2) Smoking is the second most common cause of bad breath:

If someone brushes their teeth often and brushes them correctly, habitual smoking is another likely explanation for bad breathing. Of course, it is important to note there are also much more significant reasons why you should stop smoking. Being a smoker makes you more likely to suffer from gum disease, creates unsightly staining on your teeth, and substantially increases your risk of developing some form of oral cancer in your lifetime.

3) Xerostomia is sometimes responsible for bad breath:
In cases where bad breath is not caused by food residue or by smoking cigarettes, the most common cause is something called xerostomia. This condition also involves a malodorous buildup of bacteria, but the specific reason for this buildup is a poor flow of saliva. If you suspect that you are suffering from xerostomia, you will need to speak to your dentist in order to better identity the root cause of your dry mouth. This condition can be caused by malfunctioning salivary glands, particular medications, or breathing through your mouth instead of your nose. If the cause of your xerostomia cannot be eliminated, you can purchase an artificial saliva product that can help to reduce bad breath.

4) Some cases of bad breath are caused by underlying health problems:

In rare cases (i.e. slightly less than 10%), chronic bad breath is a symptom of an underlying illness that is unrelated to the teeth and gums. Some examples include digestive system malfunctions, throat infections, upper respiratory infections, kidney and liver problems, and sinus infections. If you have bad breath and have managed to rule out the other causes mentioned above and below, visit your doctor as well as your dentist.

5) Gum disease is often accompanied by bad breath:

In other cases, bad breath is a symptom of ongoing gum disease. If you are suffering from this condition, you are likely to have bleeding gums, visible inflammation, and a noticeably unpleasant taste in your mouth. If you are concerned about symptoms of gum disease, make an appointment with your dentist in order to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan.

6) There are things you can do to help prevent bad breath:

Above all, you must ensure that you brush your teeth twice a day and do so in a thorough manner so as to avoid bacteria building up and causing an unpleasant smell. Flossing will also help, as without using dental floss you are only cleaning three out of the five surfaces of your teeth. In addition, you may want to consider buying an antibacterial mouthwash that contains cetylpyridinium chloride.

7) You can perform a test to find out whether you have bad breath:

Finally, if you are concerned about your breath but are unsure about whether it is genuinely unpleasant to others, you can test your breath by smelling your wrist after licking a small patch of skin.

When it comes to gaining influence and persuading people to warm to you, your smile could be your greatest asset. Research has shown that an attractive smile is an important factor in making a good first impression, whereas people who avoid smiling can come across as cold or unfriendly.

What People Think of Your Smile

A survey conducted by independent research group Kelton in 2012 revealed that almost half of all Americans think that a person’s smile is their most attractive feature, and that a beautiful smile can persist into old age. An even greater percentage of people said that a smile matters more than any other factor when forming a first impression of a new acquaintance.

Unfortunately, not all smiles are treated equally. Over a third of people surveyed said that bad teeth make a person appear less attractive, and a quarter consider people with less-than-perfect teeth to be under-confident.

Can a Beautiful Smile Lead to Success?

The findings of the study are perhaps not surprising. Beautiful smiles adorn the covers of celebrity magazines and beam at us from the television. Even though the range of who is considered attractive varies wildly, encompassing a wide range of skin tones, hair styles, and facial features, the one thing that all heartthrobs have in common is a gorgeous smile.

Celebrity Smiles

Who would have guessed that movie star Tom Cruise once had crooked teeth? Clips from the 1980s movie The Outsiders reveal the young star’s misaligned teeth, which according to co-star Patrick Swayze made Cruise so self-conscious that he avoided attending photo shoots. Dental work fixed Tom Cruise’s smile and allowed him to develop the confidence he needed to have an amazingly successful cinematic career.

Other celebrities who have enjoyed success since upgrading their smile include Zac Efron, who had a noticeable gap between his front teeth as a young teenager. Kirsten Dunst, Demi Moore, and Miley Cyrus have also undergone dental work to transform their flawed smiles into gorgeous grins.

Invest in Your Smile

With so many stories of people achieving success after having their smile fixed, it is not surprising that more Americans are willing to spend money on their teeth than on any other part of their appearance, such as their hair or skin.

The good news is that changing your smile can now be achieved without having to lock your teeth away behind ugly metal braces. Thanks to the development of invisible braces – a system known as Invisalign – both celebrities and ordinary people can improve the appearance of their smile without embarrassment.

Are You Losing Your Smile?

Many of us believe that if you are born with good teeth, you will have a great smile for the rest of your life and vice versa. This actually isn’t the case, as teeth move, grow, and change throughout an adult’s lifetime. Proper dental care can result in a healthy, bright smile, and neglecting your teeth can turn a great smile into a dull one.

This is why it is so important to visit your dentist for regular checkups and to see how your teeth are doing. If your teeth are shifting and you are losing your smile, your dentist can refer you to get Invisalign braces – which most adults prefer so they can avoid the stigma of getting braces – as soon as possible.

Prompt action is what you need if you suspect you might lose your smile. Your dentist can help you figure out whether you are brushing and flossing often enough, and if you get Invisalign braces, you must follow the instructions carefully in order to rearrange your teeth again so they are properly aligned. If you have been noticing that you are seeing the edges of your teeth when you smile, your teeth look different than they used to, or you don’t like your smile anymore, you should seek out dental care.

Unfortunately for adults, teeth can move as quickly as they do in children. With braces and plates to guide them, they will at least move in the right direction. If you want to recreate an old smile, you can certainly do so, and if you never had a great smile to begin with, you may even get your teeth to shift into a better smile than ever.

Even if you have a great smile right now, continue to visit your dentist for checkups and don’t put off these visits. A lot can change in a few months if your teeth tend to move around; some adult teeth move just as fast as children’s teeth. Putting off treatment will make it more frustrating to shift your smile into something you are proud of later on, so take advantage of dental care now while time is on your side.

There are various types of toothpaste available on the market: pastes that guard against tooth decay, or gels that protect teeth from acid attack, other designed specifically for sensitive teeth, but which toothpaste should you choose? Which toothpaste preserve the tooth enamel? Which ones actually clean well? Here to shed light on the subject is a new evaluation method.

A perfect set of teeth can symbolize health and youthfulness, or even influence career prospects, so it’s no wonder that everyone wants to have beautiful teeth.  So one thing everyone should be concerned about when it comes to thorough oral hygiene, is how well or badly does their toothpaste clean? How effective is it and preserving that shine on their teeth or the strength of the enamel? These are the questions all manufacturers of dental hygiene products want answered.

Those answers are being delivered by the researches from Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM, in Halle. Teaming up in a tight knit collaboration with the Microtribology Centre µTC in Karlsruhe, they’ve developed a way to compare and evaluate toothpastes in their lab by testing for the abrasive effect of any given toothpaste.

The abrasive effect of toothpastes is what helps your teeth stay clean. The effect for every toothpaste is designed to remove dental plaque, but too much of a good thing is never good, as too much abrasiveness can damage the tooth enamel, which does to repair by itself.

If it’s time for you next dental appointment, give Kerrisdale General and Cosmetic Dentistry a call, and we’ll be happy to advise you on how best to care for your teeth.