Thumb sucking -how to break the habit?

January 6, 2017Habitadmin

Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for children which gives them gratification.
Thumb sucking Affects Child’s Teeth?

After permanent teeth come in, sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth, alignment of the teeth and changes in the roof of the mouth.

The intensity of the sucking like they are passively or vigorously sucking, determines whether or not dental problems may result.

Children Stop thumb sucking?

Children usually stop sucking between 2-4 years.

Consult your dentist if you notice changes in your child’s primary teeth, or are concerned about your child’s habit.

What should be done for Stopping Thumb sucking?

Encourage your child for not sucking.
Focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort to your child.
For an older child, ask him to stand in front of mirror and see himself. How he looks and tell what is bad for him.
Your dentist can praise your child and explain what are the adverse effects of thumb sucking to him.

If these tips don’t work,break the habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night. You can apply asafoetida (hing) or band-aid.

Your dentist or pediatrician may prescribe a bitter medication to coat the thumb or the use of a mouth appliance.

6 Advantages of dental cleaning

December 30, 2016Cosmetic Dentistryadmin

1.Cavity prevention

The whitish film that builds up on your teeth is called plaque and is the leading cause of tooth decay. This acidic substance eats away at the tooth and leads to cavities. Plaque can be removed by brushing, flossing and dental cleanings

2. Stop tooth loss

Gum disease, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. As gum disease advances, plaque moves further down the tooth where it can destroy the supporting bone in your jaw, causing teeth to loosen and fall out. The chance can be greatly reduced through regular dental cleanings combined with good oral hygiene habits.

3.Bright smile

Drinking coffee, tea and wine or using tobacco can stain your teeth. A dental cleaning removes stains and you get the clean polished teeth.

4.Fresh breath

Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent persistent bad breath. Even if you brush and floss regularly, getting a cleaning is a great way to keep your mouth healthy.

5.Boost your overall health

Regular dental cleanings lower your risk for some diseases, like heart disease and stroke. Many life-threatening medical conditions can be detected in their early stages during a routine oral exam.

6.Save money

You may be able to save money in the long run by helping to protect your oral health and potentially avoiding more costly and extensive procedures.

Myth and Fact about Veneers

December 17, 2016Cosmetic Dentistryadmin

Myth: A lot of tooth structure needs to be filed before veneer application

Fact: These days veneers can be made as thin as 0.3mm, so very less preparation is needed than in old times.

Myth: Application of veneers is painful

Fact: There is no pain during the procedure as the preparation is done under local anesthesia.

Myth: Veneers are very bright and noticed easily.

Fact: These days veneers are quite natural. The thickness, color and shape can blend perfectly with patient’s own teeth.

Myth: Veneers require a lot of care.

Fact: Veneers require care similar to your natural teeth. You need to avoid an abrasive and hard bristled brush. Brush twice and floss once daily.

Myth: Veneers can be used in place of orthodontic treatment.

Fact: In case of minor misalignment , veneers can definitely help. But traditional orthodontics is required for major cases.

Ultimate Strategies for tongue cleaning

November 25, 2016Generaladmin

1. Halitosis stinks

Bad breath can have a negative impact on a person’s life, relationships, and self-esteem. Most bad breath comes from the bacteria at the back of the tongue (an area that’s difficult to reach with a toothbrush), studies show that crevices of all areas the tongue are cleaned properly using scraper.

You can get a good taste of food.

If you don’t take clean toxic mucus on the tongue, your taste buds can become blocked. This causes inability to recognize the taste of food. Removing build-up from the surface of tongue will open up its pores and better expose your taste buds allow for greater food taste and help your body digest and assimilate food.

Increase your immunity.

The tongue is part of the first line of defense. Scraping your tongue prevents toxins from being reabsorbed into your body and boosts overall immune function.

Dental health is on downfall.

This oral hygiene practice promotes general tooth and gum health and removes bacteria and toxins responsible for periodontal problems, plaque build-up, tooth decay, loss of teeth, gum infections, and gum recession.

You’d like to improve your digestive health.

Scraping activates saliva production and promotes Agni (the body’s digestive fire) for the digestion.

How to scrape your tongue

The daily routine for maintaining oral health includes scraping tongue in the morning upon rising, and on an empty stomach.

A tongue scraper is a long, thin, flat piece of metal that is bent in a “U” shape.

Stand in front of a mirror, scrape your tongue by holding the two ends of the scraper in both hands and placing the scraper as far back on tongue as possible. Do with firm but gentle pressure; scrape the surface of your tongue in one long stroke. Rinse the scraper and do until your tongue feels clean and is free of coating (usually 5 to 10 times).

5 Tips on Keeping Your Gums Healthy

November 17, 2016Generaladmin

Tip 1: Brush Teeth, Gums, and Tongue Twice a Day

It is important to remember to brush your teeth once in the morning and once in the evening. Brush for 2 minutes every time . Brush along the gum line as well as your tongue which helps to reduce the amount of bacteria that live on the surface of the gums.

Tip 2: Floss Once a Day

A toothbrush cant clean properly in between your teeth and crevices. Plaque and food get lodged into these crevices which causes bacteria to form in between the teeth and gums. Floss everyday.

Tip 3: Stop Smoking & Tobacco.

Smoking and tobacco has an adverse effect on the periodontal health and general health of the body. Quit smoking to prevent any gum disease.

Tip 4: Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

The dentist can perform a regular check up to determine the health of gums and teeth. Your dentist will check your medical history and its signs in oral cavity. They will also perform cleaning ,if required.

Tip 5: Watch for Signs of Gum Disease

Keep checking for sign of gum disease. You must check to see if you have any tender or swollen gums. Watch for loose or separating teeth. If you are experiencing any kind of pain or swelling, you should see your dentist as soon as possible.

Effects of Gum Disease on General health

November 8, 2016Generaladmin

Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

Diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which in turn can increase blood sugar and diabetic complications.

People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because people with diabetes are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes. Those people who don’t have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.

Research has suggested that the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways – periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.

Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts people with diabetes at increased risk for diabetic complications.

Gum Disease and Heart Disease

Heart Disease

While a cause-and-effect relationship has not yet been proven, research has indicated that periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease.

Scientists believe that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the association.

Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for ineffective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

Stroke

Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to others.

Gum Disease and Other Systemic Diseases

Osteoporosis

Researchers have suggested that a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Studies suggest that osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports the teeth may be decreased, which means the teeth no longer have a solid foundation.

Respiratory Disease

Research has found that bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can be aspirated into the lungs to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with periodontal disease.

Cancer

Researchers found that men with gum disease were 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers.

Post-operative Jaw exercises

October 25, 2016Generaladmin

1.Immediately following surgery: Since surgery causes soreness in the muscles and bones of your jaw, movement may be difficult initially. We do not recommend any specific exercises during the first week to ten days after surgery. However, simply attempting to open your mouth and move your jaw side to side several times a day may help increase movement.

2.Ten days to four weeks after surgery: Stand in front of a mirror and attempt to open and close your jaw as much as possible. At ten days after surgery you should be able to get one finger in between your teeth, and this should increase to two fingers by four weeks. Simply move your jaw forward and backward, side to side, and open and close, attempting to increase your mouth opening with your jaw muscles only. Moist heat placed on the side of your face before and during these exercises may make them more comfortable and more effective. Do not use finger pressure on your teeth to help stretch your jaw opening at this time.

3.Four to eight weeks after surgery: During the fourth to eighth week after surgery you should be able to get two fingers in between your front teeth very comfortably and can begin using very gentle finger pressure between the back teeth on each side of your mouth to help gently stretch your jaw muscles. Again, doing these stretching exercises as well as moving your jaw side to side and forward and backward will help. Moist heat can also be used at this time. Use of a millimeter ruler to help measure jaw opening will help you monitor your progress and improvement. By the eighth week you should be able to place three fingers between your front teeth. It is also very important to move the muscles used for facial expressions.

5 Things to remember while having Braces

October 17, 2016Uncategorizedadmin

1. Watch What You Eat

When you wear braces, you need to be more aware of what you eat.

Do’s. Watching what you eat can promote overall and oral health. Eat a balanced diet that is low in sugary foods to minimize plaque or stain formation around your braces.

Eat lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and legumes.
If you eat something sugary, consider brushing your teeth when you’re done.

Don’ts Eating too many sugary and starchy foods can cause plaque to build up around the brackets, which can cause staining of the teeth, causing cavities or leading to gum disease. You should especially avoid sticky and chewy foods, such as dried fruits, caramel, toffee, corn on the cob and chewing gum, all of which can become stuck and be hard to remove from braces.

Hard foods are another no-no. Foods such as nuts, ice, popcorn and beef jerky can break the wires of the braces and loosen the brackets. Even otherwise healthy foods, such as raw apples and carrots, can be problematic because their hard texture can damage the wires. To eat crunchy foods, cut them into small, bite-size pieces

2. Dental care and cleaning your braces.

Whether you’re wearing Invisalign or standard braces, you need to clean your teeth properly each time. Any food trapped between your teeth or braces has the potential to bring serious dental issues. Clean each tooth using toothpaste and a soft bristle brush. Always use a mirror to have a close look at each gap between your teeth and braces to ensure you’ve done a thorough job. Also, use a gentle mouthwash to give additional protection. If you experience any pain, loosening, or damage to your braces, you’ll need to visit your orthodontist as soon as possible.

Braces can be life changing. If you care for your mouth properly and watch your diet, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful new smile.

3.Brushing and flossing are as important as ever.

You have braces on your teeth to straighten them or correct another type of orthodontic issue, but your braces do not clean your teeth for you. If you don’t clean them, you may experience tooth decay under your brackets, which can lead to a variety of other issues. Brush and floss when you wake up, after you eat, and before you go to bed. Your mouth will feel fresher and cleaner, you won’t have to worry about having food particles stuck in your mouth, and you’ll avoid major dental hygiene problems.

Get a special toothbrush for braces.

Since braces require placing devices on your teeth, use a proper toothbrush or toothbrushes. Purchase a regular brush and consider adding a braces-specific proxabrush to get between brackets

Get a regular brush with soft bristles.
Make sure the brush size and shape fit your mouth, which can help reach all areas of your mouth.
Buy a proxabrush, or “Christmas tree” brush, if you like. This may help you more effectively clean between braces
Replace any brush with frayed bristles or every 3-4 months.

4.Avoid grinding your teeth. If you clench or grind your teeth, you could damage your teeth or braces. Ask your dentist or orthodontist about using a mouth guard.

Grinding wears can cause sensitivity and damage such small chips and cracks in your teeth.
Avoid biting your nails, opening bottles, or holding things in
your mouth.

5. See your dentist and orthodontist regularly. Regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist are important to maintaining oral health. You should also visit your orthodontist regularly to help correct your teeth. Visit your dentist at least twice a year and your orthodontist as often as they suggest.

Myth and Fact about Root canal treatment

October 10, 2016Generaladmin

Myth – RCT is a painful procedure.

Fact -RCT is done to relieve pain caused by pulped inflammation or a dental infection. Slight pain postoperative can be managed with painkillers.

Myth – Getting RCT done is a very costly affair.

Fact– No, Not really. Your natural teeth are like diamonds in your mouth. With RCT, you are saving your tooth. Consider the cost of replacing your natural teeth with bridge or implant. Then, you will find out that saving your own tooth at any expense is better than losing your natural tooth forever.

Myth – There should be no pain after RCT

Fact– The patient will feel better in a significant way after the procedure. Sometimes, there is sensitivity and slight pain after the treatment. Painkillers are there for your help. Antibiotics can be given if there is infection.

Myth – RCT is done in several appointments.

Fact– These days RCT can be done in single appointment provided there is no severe infection. It all depends on the tooth condition and its anatomy.

Myth – A tooth should be extracted if there is pain.

Fact-The RCT success is very high. A Root canal can be re-treated if there is pain/infection. Extraction should be considered as the last option as saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages like efficient chewing, normal biting force and sensation and helps you to maintain your natural smile. Most importantly,You can continue eating the foods you love to!

Myth and Fact about Dental health

October 4, 2016Complication of Extractionadmin

Myth 1: Wisdom teeth must always be removed.
Fact: Wisdom teeth don’t always cause trouble when they do show up. In fact, there may not even be a need for extraction if they are healthy and properly aligned. However, wisdom teeth often pose complications such as partial eruption then they only partially break through the gums. This allows bacteria to form around the tooth and result in pain, jaw stiffness, swelling, and other dangerous complications.

Myth 2: We get our wisdom teeth when our other adult teeth come in.
Fact: Wisdom teeth don’t come in until age 17-25, which is commonly known as the “age of wisdom”. But that’s only if they come out at all. About 35% of us never get wisdom teeth!

Myth 3: Ice cream and milkshakes are great after an extraction.
Fact: The fact that they’re soft makes it easy to ingest and the fact they’re cold helps soothe the pain and the swelling. However, it’s important not to use a straw because suction can dislodge the clots resulting from the surgery.

Myth 4: It is best to remove wisdom teeth before starting orthodontic treatment.
Fact: This varies from case to case. While there is some concern that wisdom teeth may cause the other teeth to move, thus hindering the effects of the treatment..

Myth 5: You can tell if you have wisdom teeth.
Fact: Not being able to see your wisdom teeth does not mean they’re not there. That’s because wisdom teeth can be enclosed within the soft tissue or the jawbone. Therefore, an x-ray must be taken to reveal any hidden teeth, as well as any potential problems with their growth.