Conventional dentures vs. immediate dentures

In the event that you need dentures, you will likely be faced with a choice between conventional dentures and immediate dentures. As the name implies, immediate dentures are inserted right after the natural teeth are removed from the gums. Conventional dentures, on the other hand, are not inserted for about six to eight weeks, once the gums have healed.

According to the American Dental Association, dentists conduct a preliminary visit in order to make models of a patient’s jaws for immediate dentures. These dentures are helpful because the wearer does not have to go without teeth for weeks while waiting for the gums to heal.

However, one disadvantage is that gums and bones can shrink over time, requiring people to get immediate dentures refitted. Talk to a knowledgeable dentist on your True Dental Discounts - dental plan to figure out which option is better for you.

What should I do in a dental emergency?

Although no one expects to find themselves in a situation that requires immediate dental treatment, the reality is that mouth-related emergencies are fairly common. Whether it’s a broken tooth, a nagging toothache, or a swollen jaw, you or your children may need an emergency appointment with your dentist. In the time before you get into the office, though, the American Dental Association offers suggestions about how to treat emergencies at home:

• Broken tooth: Rinse mouth with warm water; apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. 
• Severely bitten lip or tongue: Gently clean with a cloth; apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, go to the emergency room right away. 
• Cracked tooth: Avoid any hot or cold beverages, as the tooth will be extremely sensitive to temperature. Do not chew on that side of the mouth. Call the dentist immediately. 
• Broken jaw: Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Go to the dentist or emergency room right away.
• Knocked-out tooth: Gently rinse the tooth in water if it is dirty – do not scrub! If possible, hold the tooth in its socket and drive to the dentist immediately. Otherwise, some experts recommend keeping the tooth in milk until you arrive. 
• Toothache: Rinse mouth with warm water; gently floss to remove any pain-causing debris caught between the teeth. If desired, use an over-the-counter pain reliever; however, do NOT apply aspirin directly to the gum, as it may burn the tissue. Call your dentist if the pain does not subside.
• Food or other objects caught between teeth: Gently use floss to remove the offending object. Never use a sharp object or cut your gums. If floss cannot solve the problem, call your dentist.

In all cases, it is best to contact a dentist in the event of a dental emergency. Most dentists, including the ones on your True Dental Discounts - dental plan, set aside time during their day to account for emergencies. When you call, explain your issue as thoroughly as possible so the dentist can be prepared for your arrival.

Most of the time, the problem will be easily diagnosed, and the dentist will inform you of any needed follow-up appointments to address the issue. For instance, a nagging toothache may be caused by tooth decay that the dentist can remove and fill.

Pregnancy and your gums

When you find out you’re pregnant, your gums are probably one of the last things on your mind. Yet, research suggests that taking care of your teeth and gums should be at the top of your list, along with picking out a name and buying diapers. The American Academy of Periodontology estimates that about half of pregnant women experience gingivitis. The symptoms of gingivitis range from swelling and redness to bleeding and tissue tenderness. This may seem like a small concern in relation to having a baby, but researchers have discovered a link between periodontal disease and pre-term births.

According to the AAP, pregnant women with periodontal disease are up to seven times more likely to give birth early, meaning they are at risk of having an underdeveloped or low-weight baby. The cause of this link is thought to be a chemical called prostaglandin, which, in high levels, can cause labor to be induced. Fortunately, women who receive treatment for their gingivitis and periodontal disease can reduce their chances of having a pre-term birth. If you’re pregnant, make an appointment with your dentist so you can clear up any problems right away. Dentists can remove plaque and tartar from the gums and help you get rid of any signs of gingivitis, leaving you with a healthy and low-risk pregnancy.

Oral health warning signs for people with diabetes

If you have diabetes, you know how important it is to take care of your mouth. According to the National Institutes of Health, people with diabetes have an increased risk of developing mouth infections, particularly gum disease. It’s a vicious cycle: diabetes puts people at risk for periodontal disease, and periodontal disease makes it hard to control blood glucose levels. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a dentist on your True Dental Discounts plan immediately:

• Dryness
• Soreness
• White patches
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing

To prevent any serious damage to the mouth, NIH suggests that people with diabetes pay extra attention to their blood glucose levels: “If your diabetes is not under control, you are more likely to develop problems in your mouth.” In addition, it is critical to brush and floss on a daily basis and make regular appointments to visit the dentist. Tell your dentist if you have diabetes so he or she can look closely for signs of gum disease and talk to you about preventing further issues.

The dentist can also help you address any fitting problems you may be having with your dentures. Finally, if you smoke, quit. Tobacco products worsen any existing oral conditions and can contribute to new problems. Your dentist can refer you to a program that will help you break the habit.

Is your tooth cracked?

Believe it or not, it’s possible to not be aware of a cracked tooth in your mouth. Many cracks are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye, or sometimes even an X-ray. To determine which tooth is cracked, dentists often ask patients where they are experiencing sensitivity to temperature as well as sticky, sweet, or sour food. They make also ask where the pain is centralized while chewing.

According to the American Dental Association, cracked teeth hurt because “the pressure of biting causes the crack to open.” Once that pressure is released, the crack quickly closes, and the person feels a sharp sensation of pain. Even further, cracked teeth can cause the pulp inside the tooth to become irritated or even damaged. In advanced cases, a dentist may have to perform a root canal to save the tooth. Treatments for cracks range from bonding to complete extraction, depending on the severity of the crack.

Teeth can crack for a variety of reasons, including chewing on hard candy, nuts or ice; uneven chewing pressure; grinding of the teeth; and experiencing an accident that involves a hit to the mouth. The ADA suggests that the most important thing to remember is that regular dental checkups help prevent tiny cracks from becoming a large problem. If you experience pain or sensitivity in a tooth, do not continue to chew on that side of your mouth.

Call your True Dental Discounts dentist and have him or her identify the source of your pain. Treated early, cracks can be easily repaired without stress to your mouth or your wallet.

What is sialadenitis?

In short, sialadenitis is a disorder of the salivary gland. One of several related disorders, this condition is caused by a painful bacterial infection in a person’s salivary gland. Many times, this infection is caused by staphylococcus or anaerobic bacteria. According to researchers at Harvard Medical School, sialadenitis is most common in elderly adults and very young infants.

Symptoms include a painful lump in the cheek or under the chin, or foul-tasting pus released into the mouth from the salivary duct. In severe cases, the person may experience flu-like symptoms, including a fever and chills. The most severe cases usually occur in elderly people who do not receive treatment for their symptoms. Researchers suggest that several factors may increase a person’s risk of developing sialadenitis, including dehydration, malnutrition, chronic illness, and certain medications like antihistamines and diuretics.

Infants who are born prematurely and people in professions like trumpet-playing and glassblowing may also be at increased risk. If you or someone in your family is faced with sialadenitis, it is important to seek the help of a health care professional. A doctor or dentist can gently examine your head and neck to check for any potential gland issues. Fortunately, sialadenitis can typically be cured with an antibiotic that causes symptoms to subside within a couple days. In more severe cases, surgery can be performed to drain the gland.

So remember: If you ever notice a lump or swelling in your neck, jaw, or mouth, contact a dentist on your True Dental Discounts dental plan immediately – particularly if the lump is painful or makes it difficult to chew or swallow. Awareness of your body is the first step toward remaining healthy, so stay alert and seek help when needed.

Common forms of low vision

There are many degrees of visual impairment, ranging from complete blindness to mild vision loss that can be corrected with glasses. During an appointment with your optometrist, he or she may test your eyes for several types of low vision. According to the American Optometric Association, these include reduced central vision, reduced peripheral vision, blurred vision, generalized haze, extreme sensitivity to light, and night blindness.

Each type of low vision has a different effect on your sight. For example, a loss of your central vision creates a blind spot in front of you but leaves your peripheral, or side, vision intact. While this can make it difficult to read or recognize faces, it does not usually affect your mobility. On the other hand, a loss in your peripheral vision can make it difficult to walk, drive or read because you cannot see anything above, below, or to the side of your eye level. Commonly described as “tunnel vision,” this type of low vision restricts your sight to that which is directly in front of you.

Two additional types, blurred vision and generalized haze, both make sight difficult due to visual distortion. People with blurred vision cannot focus on either near or far objects, even with corrective lenses. And for those with generalized haze, everything appears to be under a film or glare. Finally, vision can also be affected by light and darkness. People who have extreme light sensitivity often feel pain or discomfort in lighted areas. Even regularly lit rooms can cause images to glare or appear washed out. Conversely, people with night blindness have trouble seeing in dimly lit spaces, including dark restaurants and theaters, as well as outside at night. Both types of light sensitivity make it difficult for people to drive cars and often require special accommodations.

If you think you may have any of the above conditions, it is important to schedule an appointment with an optometrist on your True Care Advantage plan. He or she will conduct a comprehensive visual acuity examination and identify any existing low-vision issues. The doctor can give you information about adapting to low vision at home and may also suggest participation in low-vision rehabilitation, which has helped many people across the country. Contact your optometrist’s office to learn more.

What are taste disorders and their causes?

It’s easy to take your sense of taste for granted: you know grapefruits will be sour, mashed potatoes will be buttery and starchy, and ice cream will be sweet. But what if you could no longer experience those tastes as strongly – or at all? According to the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders, nearly a quarter of a million people visited a doctor last year for problems with their chemical senses, including taste.

Several types of taste disorders exist, including phantom perception, which causes a person to experience a lingering, unpleasant taste with no apparent cause; hypogeusia, which reduces a person’s ability to experience the basic types of taste – salty, sweet, sour, bitter and umami; and ageusia, which results in no tasting ability whatsoever. It’s important to note that complete loss of taste is not common; it is more likely that the person has a condition resulting in the loss of smell, which is closely related to the sense of taste... (read more)

What are some causes for a painful tongue?

People often think about the dentist as a professional that deals with teeth. In reality, however, dentists are concerned with the entire mouth – including your tongue. For this reason, he or she may talk to you about the appearance of your tongue and why your tongue affects your overall health. One of the biggest problems people experience with their tongue is having it be sore and bumpy.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are several causes of a sore tongue, including trauma, canker sores, smoking, and oral cancer. The most obvious cause, trauma, can be a result of biting your tongue or burning it on something that’s too hot... (read more)

Tips and tricks for flossing your teeth

If you’ve already developed a consistent and healthy brushing schedule, congratulations! You’re halfway down the road to achieving good oral hygiene. The other key to having a healthy mouth is learning proper flossing techniques.

The British Dental Health Foundation recommends flossing at least once a day, and they give five suggestions to make your next flossing session more successful... (read more)

Brighten your Smile with Teeth Whitening Treatment

If you’re like most people, you enjoy the small daily pleasures found in drinking a cup of coffee before work or sipping a glass of wine with dinner. But have you considered the effects those and other beverages can have on the color of your teeth? Coffee, wine, sodas, cigarettes and many other products can stain a person’s teeth over time.

In these cases, many people turn to the power of whitening procedures to restore the luster and beauty of their teeth. There are a number of choices when it comes to whitening your teeth, including at-home products, but the most powerful and effective methods can be found right in your dentist’s office... (read more)

Consult your Dentist before Teeth Whitening

Tooth whitening has become a common practice in America – many people turn to in-office or at-home whitening products to erase years of food and drink stains. But how do you know which whitening method to use?

According to the American Dental Association, the best way to select a whitener is to speak with your dentist. Dentists, such as one on your True Care Advantage plan, can advise you on the best treatments for your individual situation. Depending on the coloring of your teeth, whiteners may or may not be effective. For instance, although people with yellow-colored teeth often benefit from whitening their teeth, those with grayish or brown teeth may not experience the same success.

Along the same lines, people who have had tooth-colored fillings or bonding on their front teeth will likely not get favorable results from bleach treatments. In those cases, a dentist can help you figure out an alternative treatment, such as veneers... (read more)

Should you get your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Many people wait until they feel pain in their mouth to get their wisdom teeth – also known as third molars – removed. However, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, waiting is not always the wisest choice. Even if your mouth doesn’t hurt, extensive damage can be occurring under the surface. People who wait longer often have more complicated procedures because the roots of the teeth grow longer and make removal more difficult.

AAOMS estimates that 85 percent of people will eventually need their wisdom teeth removed and suggests that this is best done in young adulthood. Removing the teeth by the time a patient is a young adult helps ensure optimal healing and reduces the chance for periodontal infections in the surrounding tissues... (read more)

Dental Health for your Baby

You may know that it’s not a good idea to consume food or beverage that has come from a damaged container, but do you give your prescription drugs the same amount of scrutiny? It’s dangerous to take medication that has been tampered with because it could negatively impact your health or introduce elements to your body not intended by the drug manufacturer. To prevent these negative consequences, the FDA suggests people consider... (read more)