Is Stress Taking it’s Toll Out on Your Teeth:  Stress can do more then just rattle your nerves.  Stress can cause forgetfulness, lack of sleep, hair loss and headaches. However did you know it can also cause you to have dental problems.  People that are under stress can tend to clench or grind their teeth. This can happen while you are awake or even in your sleep.  Grinding or clenching your teeth over time can cause you to have dental problems such as the wear down of your teeth, cracking or braking of your teeth and even in some cases cause temporomandibular joint problems.

How your tongue can cause you to have bad breath: One often thinks of dental hygiene as daily brushing twice a day and flossing. However the tongue can often be over looked, even though it is a source of bacteria that can cause bad breath. When brushing your teeth gently brush your tongue and use a mouthwash that kills germs this will help keep your tongue clean as well as your breath fresh.

Children and the Consequences of Eating Fast Food. 

Having fast food once in a while is not an issue per say, the problem comes to children that life revolves around Fast Food.  Daily eating habits are important to not only your teeth but your overall health care.         

Food that gets stuck in between teeth and gums can cause tooth decay and gum issues which can lead to pain.  Dental pain can affect their school life disturbing their concentration and hindering their learning capacity.          Eating too much fast food can result in obesity, diabetes and problems related to the heart.  Studies have shown that obesity and diabetes can cause larger dental issues with teeth and gums.  Bad teeth and gums in turn can also cause heart problems.       

For young children still growing fast food normally lacks nutritional value and does not have enough calcium. Lack of calcium can cause harmful effects on new teeth coming in which could be unhealthy and lack strength. This is not to say have no fast food but to balance out your children diet and make sure proper dental hygiene is being followed.

Dental Braces are commonly use to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth. Braces are used in many cases of malocclusion such as open bite, deep bite, cross bite and other structural and cosmetic flaws.         

There are different types of braces depending on your needs and what is best advise by an Orthodontic dentist.    

When people thing of traditional braces visions of stainless steel wire covering the full mouth with metal brackets. These types of braces are normally not the preferred option.  Though these type of braces are now outdated they still present a more affordable dental option for those interested.        

There are Ceramic Braces that are not as apparent as the more traditional braces but they are susceptible to damage by accidental blows or trauma.   Lingual braces are fitted from behind the teeth so therefore not as apparent from the outside.         

The more poplar braces are the Invisalings.  Invisalign are clear braces resembling tooth color. They blend in with the teeth making them virtually invisible. Invisalign are removable enabling the wearer to snap them on and off when required.

What can happen when children do not learn to floss: The reason why flossing is important is that it helps to remove plaque lodged between the teeth.  As plaque hardens it turns into tartar which can only be removed by a oral hygienist or dentist.        

Tartar harbors bacteria which produces acids which can damage your gums and cause swelling and bleeding. This is a condition known as gingivitis.  Gingivitis if left untreated can lead to periodontal disease which eventually causes bone deterioration and tooth loss.

Studies suggest that even in a well developed country such as United States of America only 12% floss their teeth daily.  That many people are not aware of the necessity of flossing. Many people sadly believe that regular brushing is enough to keep their teeth and gums healthy. However this is not the case.         

In a recent study of 51 twins one set of twins was instructed to just brush where the other set of twins was to brush and floss. Their dental health was examined before and after the study. The study results showed the group that flossed had 38% fewer bleeding gum sites than before the intervention and overall gum bleeding improved by an average of 42%        

If your child is only brushing their teeth then they are only cleaning their teeth about 65% leaving 35% dirty.  Make sure your children are brushing and flossing daily for proper dental health care habits. 

Teaching your kids to brush their teeth effectively:  Knowing how to brush effectively is important in having proper dental care habits.  When first learning how to brush their teeth on their own, kids tend not to brush correctly. Therefore dental decay issues may still arise.       

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is the standard advise. Though some dental experts recommend brushing after every meal whenever possible.       

The standard brushing time is at least three minutes.  For children that can seem like a very long time so here are some tips.  If you have a fun kitchen timer that they like you can set it for three minutes.  Another option is to play a song on the radio. There are kids friendly stations like Radio Disney average song time is 3 1/2 minutes.     

Teach your child to thoroughly brush their teeth. Show them to brush along the gum line, and to angle the toothbrush slightly towards the gums.  It can be hard to tell but try your best to tell them not to brush too roughly.     

Get them focus on cleaning every tooth surface and teach them to gentle brush their tongue to scrape off bacteria that can cause bad breath.  You want to replace their toothbrush every three to four months.   If need be have their dentist show them how to brush their teeth at their dental check up.

Making Sure Your Child is Getting the Most Out of Their Dental Checkup. 

There are steps you can take to make sure you child is getting the most out of their dental checkups.  Since their oral health is also closely related to their over all health care make sure to communicate with their dentist any concerns or problems they are having.     

Your child dentist should know about any new health problems they may have since the last visit. As an example diabetes effects teeth and gum health.   You may want to make a list of any medication or supplement to take to the dentist, since some medication and supplements can effective teeth health.     

It is important to let your child dentist know ahead of time if they have any dental anxiety.  Dental fears are common in children and most dentist can work to make your child more comfortable during the checkup process.       Lastly talk to your child dentist about any changes you may have notice with your child teeth or gums.  The sooner the dentist know about pain, sensitivity, or a suspicious you may have notice, the earlier he or she can diagnose and treat it

In addition to teaching your children about daily brushing and flossing habits seeing their dentist regularly for checkups is important in maintaining their oral health care. Checkups are more then just a basic cleaning done by a dentist.  What you can expect from a dental checkup.    

X-rays:  (if you had not had them in the past year) are the dentist tool to look for gum disease, or other dental problems.   

Examination:  The dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth, to look for changes or signs of a problem.    

Education: At this point after having X-rays and a oral Examination the dentist will go over any dental or hygiene problems that were detected.   

Cleaning and Polishing of your teeth:  After reviewing your child teeth the dentist or a dentist hygienist will clean and polish their teeth.  Removing the tartar build up. They may go over dental hygiene care with your child if they see they are not brushing or flossing well. Showing them how to floss or pointing out areas that they need to focus more on. 

Maintaining Your Dental Veneers. 

Veneers can be costly and since many dental insurance plans do not offer dental benefits on veneers, you want to make sure to take proper care not damage them.   On average dental veneers can lost up to 10 years or more with proper care.      

However veneers are thin and they can break, chip or even fall off if take care of. To avoid this from happening to your veneers do not bit your nails, chew on hard object like pencils or ice cubes.       

Do not use a hard bristle tooth brush and stay way from toothpaste with abrasive like baking soda. It is still important to maintain proper dental hygiene and to see your dentist regularly for your checkups. 

Thinking about dental veneers and if they are right for you.  

For people that have gaps between their teeth, chipping, cracks or even uneven teeth veneers may be a good option for you.  Veneers can also help people that have dark stained teeth that whitening die not help.     

However veneers are not for teeth that have tooth decay, fractures and or large fillings.  In cases like those you will need to address the dental issues of tooth decay and crowns may be best advised.  Also veneers are not advise to people who clench or grind their teeth as veneers can crack or chip.       

To find out if veneers are the best dental option, talk to your dentist and go over the different options that will best work for you and your dental care needs.

Joining a discount dental will help you save on your dental care.  

If you are not looking for a long term dental insurance plan that either has long waiting periods or year or more commitment, a dental discount plan may be the dental plan option  you are looking for. 

Having a dental plan with limitations may not work well for you.  With a dental discount plan you get dental saving off all your dental care needs without having waiting periods, maximum limitations, or deductibles. 

You do not want to face consequences of having poor oral hygiene. 

By having poor dental and oral hygiene you invite plaque build up around the base of your teeth and gum line. Which will cause your gums to be red and inflamed. If allowed to continue it will start to cause tooth decay and gum disease. This if still left uncleared for can lead to destruction of bone and other fragile tissues supporting your teeth, and you could lose your teeth.