How to Avoid Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a result bacteria repeatedly attacking your teeth. The growth of bacteria is facilitated when we eat acidic or sugary foods. The bacteria also known as plaque, fixes itself to the crevices in the gums and teeth. Failure to remove this bacteria in time results in tooth decay.

A lot of tooth decay related problems can be avoided by adhering to devoting yourself to proper dental hygiene. Make sure to Brush at least twice a day is a must to maintain healthy teeth, also make sure you are using a fluoride toothpaste.

All about Tooth Decay
When the bacteria interacts with the food you eat creates an acidic byproduct. This byproduct beaks down the tooth's surface. The breakdown of this surface is tooth decay. Every time you eat, there is an attack that is going on in your mouth.

Your body is constantly trying to fight back against the destructive acids, it creates saliva, that helps neutralize the acid and wash it away. The saliva also contains calcium and phosphate to rebuild the areas of the teeth when they become damaged.

Foods & Beverages to Avoid
Certain foods can tip the scales and make your body lose the fight. Sticky foods such as caramel and raisins, should be avoided because it facilitates an acid attack that cannot be repaired naturally. It is important not to let your children fall asleep with a bottle, or let them carry the bottle around with them because the liquid will be used by the bacteria to create acids that will result in tooth decay. This condition is known as baby bottle syndrome. To help in the prevention, it is important to limit the amount of sugar you ingest; as well as avoid sticky foods and sodas for snacks.

Plaque
You can help reduce your chances of having tooth decay by following a simple daily routine. First is to make sure that you brush twice a day at a minimum, also make sure to floss daily. Additionally it is important to have your teeth cleaned professionally twice a year.

Preventing Tooth Decay
There are some ways to help prevent tooth decay even beyond what is mentioned above. To prevent tooth decay forming in the molars, one very effective solution is to have a dentist paint a plastic coating called a pit and fissure sealant on these areas. This will act as a barrier that will protect the tooth from acid and plaque.

Fluoride is also another important factor to take dental health one step further. A Fluoride rinse or using a fluoride toothpaste will help protect your teeth from decay, by supplying your teeth with needed ingredients to help in natural tooth restoration.

Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Basics

The field of cosmetic dentistry is growing at an unprecedented rate. When home whitening strips came out, the effectiveness grew into a viral explosion of people becoming obsessed with the color of their teeth. There are two major types of teeth whitening and we will take a look at each. As all both of them vary in their effectiveness.

In-Office Cosmetic Whitening: This is the most effective and quickest way to whiten your teeth. The procedure uses a highly concentrated amount of peroxide gel. This procedure cannot be done at home because certain precautions need to be taken to protect the gums. The dentist will put a protected with the help of a rubber dam to prevent the peroxide from hurting the gums.

The cost for this type of treatment can be pricey. The peroxide is normally left on your teeth from 15 to 20 minutes. In some cases they will leave it on for an hour, if there are stubborn stains. Normally this procedure will cost around $650, and normally dental insurance will not cover it. However you can normally get the procedure discounted from 20-60% by using a company like True Dental Discounts.

Professional Take-Home Cosmetic Whitening Sets: Take home strips are recognized by many dentists as a legitimate product to whiten your teeth over time. Take home strips and gels contain lower concentration of peroxide gel. These OTC strips normally cost around $100 to $400 and need to be left on your teeth overnight.

Teeth Whitening Options: OTC teeth whitening strips and gels are the cheapest and most convenient way to whiten your teeth. Normally you can find teeth whitening strips or gels, in any major department store. The gel can be applied in a few different ways, the most popular being whitening strips, whitening trays, or whitening gels.

Sometimes these whitening kits are not designed to whiten all your teeth, but only whiten the front teeth. The kits normally range between $20 to $100. The home whitening kits generally work well for most people with mild staining, however many people with severe stains end up disappointed by the results. If you do have more severe staining it is best to go to a dentist to have your teeth professionally cleaned.

Signs of a great toothbrush

You know how important it is to brush your teeth twice a day to fight plaque and cavities -- but are you using the right brush? In reality, every person’s mouth is different, which means everyone needs different traits in a toothbrush. For instance, look at the size of your mouth: If you have a generally small mouth, it’s a good idea to find a brush with a small head.

Small-headed brushes allow you to angle the brush more effectively in a small space and can get into hard-to-reach corners. In terms of the handle of the brush, look for one with a good grip. Handles are made to fit in varying-sized hands, so make sure the one you pick fits nicely in yours. If you have arthritis, pay special attention to the surface of the handle and select one that won’t slip easily. Finally, when it comes to the bristles, most people benefit from a brush that is soft, but not too soft.

Packages specifically labeled “soft” are generally not the right choice, unless your dentist recommends it for you. Instead, look for ones that feature “medium” bristles. These ones will not be so rigid that they hurt your gums, but they will also stand up under pressure and remove plaque effectively. If you have any questions about choosing the right brush, talk to a dentist on your True Dental Discounts - dental plan. He or she can recommend the right brush for your mouth and even give you pointers about improving your technique.

Good oral hygiene may be linked to memory health

In the last decade, mountains of research have been conducted on the brain and the way a person’s memory changes over time. But before you reach for the Ginkgo Biloba, you may want to consider reaching for the toothbrush instead. Researchers at West Virginia University are studying the effects of gum health on a person’s memory, and many experts predict that brushing and flossing may reduce the number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Studies have already shown that gum disease increases a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke, perhaps due to the inflammatory response caused by periodontitis or microorganisms in the mouth. Now, researchers suspect that mental health can also be affected by a person’s gums. According to the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, connections have already been found between severe dementia and gum disease.

To keep your gums healthy, it is important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, as well as use fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash. Most importantly, schedule regular visits with a dentist on your True Dental Discounts - dental plan and ask questions. Staying informed is the first step to staying healthy.

Tips for Choosing a dentist that is right for you

Whether you have recently moved or are simply looking for a dentist that fits your family, there are many factors to take into consideration before selecting a new dental provider. Oral health is extremely important –both for your teeth and for your overall well-being – which means it is critical to find a professional that will meet your needs. Some questions to ask include:

• Is the office staff friendly, professional and helpful? 
• Does the dentist make time to answer my questions? Do I feel comfortable expressing concerns? 
• Do the dentist and hygienists explain all procedures and discuss techniques that promote oral health? 
• Is the office clean and neat? Are proper hygiene practices used, including wearing gloves and throwing out contaminated items? 
• Is the office in a convenient location in relation to my home or work? 
• Does the office make special arrangements for people with dental emergencies? 
• Is information regarding payment plans and appointment schedules easy to understand? 
• Was the dentist highly recommended by my friends, colleagues, or acquaintances? Does he or she have a reputation for being accurate, skilled and knowledgeable? 
• Finally, is the dentist a True Dental Discounts participating dental provider, allowing me to receive discounts at all my appointments? 

As a member of the Aetna Dental Access program, you are eligible to receive 15 to 50 percent on most dental services. Why wait?

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.

Causes of taste disorders vary widely. Although it can be a congenital condition existing at birth, many people experience a loss of taste after certain types of injuries and sickness. According to NIDCD, these include: upper respiratory and middle ear infections; exposure to radiation therapy near the head or neck; exposure to insecticides or chemicals found in certain medications; injury to the head; and surgeries on the ear, nose or throat, including tooth extraction. Taste disorders can also be caused by tooth decay and poor oral hygiene. For this reason, it is important to visit your True Dental Discounts dentist every six months and take care of any issues in your teeth or mouth. It could mean the difference between tasting a delicious strawberry and chewing on a bland piece of fruit!

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.

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 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. Wisdom teeth are removed while a patient is under anesthesia, so it is important to talk to an oral surgeon on your dental plan about your options. He or she will describe the procedure and give you tips to make your recovery as smooth as possible.

The importance of fluoride for children

You may have heard your dentist talk about the need for fluoride, but have you ever paused to consider exactly what it does? Fluoride is an element that is used to prevent tooth decay by strengthening a person’s teeth. By hardening molars and other teeth, fluoride helps to prevent cavities in adults and children alike. However, it is especially important for children to get enough fluoride because their teeth are still growing and are prone to decay. Fluoride is found naturally in water and some foods, but most people get supplements from products like toothpaste and mouth wash.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that most children up to age 16 may need some time of fluoride supplement. It’s important to talk to your dentist about your child’s dietary and oral hygiene habits in order to determine a need for extra fluoride. Children who consume large amounts of sugar or have a history of decay are especially at risk. If it is decided that a fluoride supplement is needed, a dentist will use one of several options. He may use water fluoridation or also suggest a topical treatment in the form of a gel or foam.

These treatments are applied at the office and are considered to be both safe and effective. Only a small amount of fluoride is needed to make a difference, but the earlier a child’s teeth can be treated, the better. Keep this in mind as you consider asking your dentist about your children’s fluoride needs. A little treatment now could save them many cavities down the road.

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.

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 happens if I have a taste disorder?

If you’ve talked to a dentist on your True Care Advantage plan and suspect you may have a taste disorder, he may recommend you visit an otolaryngologist (also known as an ear/nose/throat doctor) for further testing and diagnosis. An otolaryngologist can measure the lowest concentration of taste you are able to experience. He or she will also conduct a comprehensive examination of the ears, nose, and throat and review your dental records.

If you do have a taste disorder, there are many possible ways of restoring your senses. For instance, your doctor may recognize that the disorder is caused by a medication you have been taking and prescribe a new one. Or, the disorder may be a result of severe allergies or a respiratory condition that can be cleared up. Until then, however, the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders gives a few suggestions to improve your eating experience with a reduced tasting capacity... (read more)