“My bad teeth are hereditary!”

One of the most common questions that we receive is, “Aren’t soft teeth hereditary?”

People all have the same types of bacteria in their mouths, those that cause periodontal, or gum, disease and those that cause cavities.  However, the types of bacteria occur in different quantities from person to person.  Some people might have more of the type of bacteria that makes them susceptible to bone and tissue loss, while other people might have more of the bacteria that causes tooth decay.  Some of the lucky few might have low counts of both, and therefore a lesser chance for either.

There is definitely a hereditary link, but like most all medical conditions, it can all be overcome with proper dental hygiene.  Here are a few tips to help avoid dental problems:

• Brush at least twice a day for 2 minutes each time.

Brush in a circular motion with a soft bristled tooth brush and remember to brush every side of every tooth (including the backs) while remembering to brush along the gum line.  The majority of plaque begins to accumulate in all the nooks and crannies between your teeth and along your gums.

• Floss at least once a day.

Floss is used to clean plaque and bacteria off the sides of the teeth where your bristles cannot reach, and not for removing food from in-between teeth.  Remember to adapt the floss to each tooth as you go in-between them.

• Reduce sugar intake.

Bacteria thrive off of sugar and other carbohydrates.  Reducing the intake of foods and drinks heavy in sugar, especially before bedtime, will help in maintain a healthy mouth.

• See your dentist regularly.

Bacteria in the mouth DOUBLES every month so maintaining regularly scheduled visits and cleanings is vital to a healthy smile.

Straight Teeth

Straight teeth are beautiful, but that’s not the only reason to have properly aligned teeth.  Although it might be the first reason why someone would seek Orthodontics, there are many more overall health benefits.  Here are some of the more common benefits to having straight teeth:

• Hygiene Becomes Easier – It is easier to get the bristles of a tooth brush and floss in between straight teeth.  When teeth are crooked, plaque and bacteria accumulates in all of the deep nooks and crannies where even a professional cleaning has a hard time removing.
• Less Bacteria = Less Problems – Having a clean mouth will reduce the likelihood of more advanced problems, such as gum and bone loss, and tooth decay.  This means far less time and money spent at the dentist!          
• Your Bite Sets – Each tooth has an opposing partner that it naturally fits into.   When properly aligned, they are balanced and wear evenly.  They rely on each other for support and balance, and will last much longer if straight.
• Your Jaw Seats – The jaw and muscles have a natural place of rest.  When teeth are miss-aligned, there are interferences that prevent the jaw from seating, resulting in what is commonly called TMJ.  With straight teeth, there is a drastic reduction in TMJ-like symptoms.

Orthodontics provides beautiful smiles, but many people fail to realize that putting the teeth where they belong provides many other health benefits and prevents future problems.

Halloween Candy, OH NO!!!

It’s that time of year.  Fall is here and that means Halloween is around the corner.  It’s time to decide whether or not you will let your child eat all of that candy.  It will make their teeth fall out, oh no! 

It is common knowledge that sugar causes cavities.  When someone sips on a sugar loaded beverage, such as soda, it changes the chemical make-up in your mouth that creates an environment perfect for cavity formation.  This is similar to what happens when eating candy for prolonged periods of time.  A piece of candy here and there is okay, but when you slowly eat candy over time, bacteria thrive and cavity formation is accelerated.  Also, it is important not to eat candy right before bedtime or naps, unless proper hygiene methods are carried out.

Sugar in your diet definitely affects your teeth.  However, with proper portion control, timing, and good has oral hygiene habits, sugar can be enjoyed.  Nothing substitutes regular visits to the dentist.  Most decay, if caught early, will result in needing a filling.  If the decay is left to fester, it may result in needing baby root canals and silver caps, if not the complete loss of the tooth.

Maintaining “Baby Teeth”

Many people think that baby teeth are not important because they will simply fall out.  This is far from the truth!  Although children will lose their first baby tooth around 6 years of age, some of their teeth will not fall out until as late as 12.  With that being said, it is important to maintain a healthy mouth so that your child has a great foundation for their permanent, or adult, teeth.

One of the most important reasons why baby teeth need to be maintained is to preserve space for the permanent teeth to come in.  With the premature loss of a baby tooth, other teeth will drift into the space, and subsequently block out their permanent teeth from coming in.  This is a huge nightmare when it comes to getting braces and trying to relieve crowding.  It also complicates oral hygiene.  Straight teeth are much easier to keep clean and maintain.

As with all other medical check-ups, nothing substitutes regular visits to the dentist.  Most complications can be prevented and avoided if caught early.  Also, don’t forget that children get their first permanent molar at age 6.  They might often complain of sore gums around this time.  It is important to put sealants on them as soon as possible to avoid tooth decay. 

So, before baby teeth are written off as unnecessary, remember the complications of going without teeth!

We all know someone whose front tooth has chipped or been knocked out.  Times like this can be traumatic, especially if your child is back to school and under the supervision of someone else’s care.  However, with today’s technology and techniques, your child can be back in action in no time.  Here are some quick tips to help with the situation:

• A chipped or fractured tooth can typically be fixed with bonding if the nerve is unexposed.
  
  
• An avulsed (knocked-out) tooth should be placed in a solution until proper care can be reached.
• The best storage solution is Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS), which most Nurse Office’s should carry.
• If HBSS is unavailable, milk is the next best storage solution, followed by saliva. Water should only be used as a last resort.
  
  
• Care should be taken not to touch the root surfaces of the tooth so that the cells are not damaged, even if there is debris on them.
• The tooth can be swished around in solution to remove any larger debris particles.
  
  
• If the tooth is re-implanted within 1 hour, it can have a 70% probability of survival.
  
  
• Ibuprofen is typically the best choice for tooth pain.

The best way to avoid a traumatic situation is to wear a mouth guard during any activity that involves contact.  As with any dental emergency, proper treatment by a Dentist should be sought as soon as possible to avoid further damages as well as to ensure the best prognosis.