Get the Whiter, Brighter Smile You've Been Wanting!

Your smile is the way you greet the world. Why not put your best self forward with the confidence of a more beautiful smile?

When it comes to whitening, your dentist is your best resource. Only dental professionals have access to the professional-strength whitening of Philips Zoom.

Philips Zoom is the #1 patient-requested professional whitening treatment. In fact, over 10 million patients have already used Zoom to achieve brighter, healthier smiles.

Why Philips Zoom?

Phillips Zoom is not only proven to whiten teeth up to eight shades, it's also safe.  While other whitening products can harm teeth and gums, using Phillips Zoom with Relief ACP actually gives you greater luster and protects enamel.

Call today at (248) 474-5572 to set up your Zoom whitening appointment.

Branham Dental Arts Does the Harlem Shake!!

Branham Dental Arts had a great time doing the Harlem Shake!  Check out our version!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-yIFx30sAA

Chewing Gum Helps Reduce Decay

Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay.The chewing of sugarless gum increases the flow of saliva, which washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth. Increased saliva flow also carries with it more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel.

The only varieties of gum with the ADA Seal are sugarless. They are sweetened by non-cavity causing sweeteners such as aspartame, xylitol, sorbitol or mannitol. Of course, chewing sugar-containing gum increases saliva flow too, but it also contains sugar which is used by plaque bacteria to produce decay-causing acids. Further research needs to be done to determine the effects of chewing sugar-containing gum on tooth decay.

Don’t let chewing sugarless gum replace brushing and flossing. It’s not a substitute. The ADA still recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning plaque from between your teeth once a day with dental floss or other interdental cleaners.

Look for chewing gum that carries the ADA Seal. The ADA Seal is your assurance that the sugar-free chewing gum has met the ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. You can trust that claims made on packaging and labeling for ADA-accepted products are true, because companies must verify all of the information to the ADA. Products with the ADA Seal say what they do and do what they say.

Feel free to call us at (248) 474-5572, send us an email branhamdentalarts@comcast.net or visit us on the web at www.branhamdental.com.

Water Filtration and Fluoride Removal

The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs (the men and women who hand out the ADA Seal of Approval) recently granted that coveted seal to the makers of the PUR faucet mount water filter.  The council's findings showed that the product effectively filtered tap water and did not remove the fluoride that us dentists are always griping at you about. The PUR water filter is the only ADA approved filtration system.  Water fluoridation is a safe, beneficial, and cost effective public health measure for preventing tooth decay.

If you have any questions or we can help you with you dental needs feel free to contact us at branhamdentalarts@comcast.net.  You can visit us on the web at www.branhamdental.com.

Are Dentures the Right Fit For You?

What is a denture?

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjoining tissues. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from shifting position. Complete dentures are either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional denture is placed in the mouth after all of the teeth have been removed and the extraction sites have healed. An immediate denture is placed as soon as the teeth are removed.

Who Needs a Denture?

Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture improves chewing ability and speech,

and provides support for facial muscles. A denture can greatly enhance a patient’s facial appearance and smile. 

How Do You Get Dentures?

The denture process takes about one month.  There are normally five or more appointments needed to complete the process.  The process includes the initial diagnosis; the making of an impression and wax bite to determine the dimensions and proper jaw position; a "try-in" to assure proper color, shape, and fit;  placement of the final denture;  and any minor adjustments.  New denture wearers need time to get accustomed to their new "teeth," because even the best-fitting dentures will feel awkward at first.  Your normal speaking ability usually resumes shortly after final denture placement.  In addition, in order to become accustomed to chewing with the new denture, it is often recommended that you start with soft, easy-to-chew foods.  To ensure proper fit, see your dentist on a regular basis.

How do you care for a denture?

• Remove and brush the denture daily with a denture cleanser or toothpaste and a brush designed specifically for cleaning dentures.
• Avoid using boiling water to sterilize the denture, because hot water can cause the denture to lose its shape.
• If you wear a partial denture, remove it before brushing your natural teeth.
• When you’re not wearing the denture, soak it in denture cleanser or water.
• To avoid misplacing your denture, store it in the same place after removal.

Should a denture be worn at night?

While you may be advised to wear your denture almost continually during the first two weeks—even while you sleep—under normal circumstances, it is considered best to remove it at night. Research has shown that removing the denture for at least eight hours during either the day or night allows the gum tissue to rest, and permits for normal stimulation and cleansing of the mouth by the tongue and saliva. This promotes better long-term health of the gums. 

Are there any alternatives to dentures?

Dentures are no longer the only way to restore a mouth that has little or no teeth. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. Implants and bridges may more closely resemble the “feel” of real teeth, but they tend to be more expensive than dentures. Not everyone is a candidate for implants and bridges, however. Talk to your general dentist to learn more. 

Call us today, (248) 474-5572 or send us an email @ branhamdentalarts@comcast.net for a complimentary consultation to see if dentures are the best option for you! You can visit us on the web @ branhamdental.com.

As part of Children's Dental Health Month, our office, Branham Dental Arts, visits local preschools and talks to the children about their oral health.  It is a wonderful opportunity to speak with our littlest patients and start them out on the right path.

Krystle (our financial coordinator) and Dr. Branham discussing
healthy/unhealthy food for teeth with the children from Mother
Hubbard Nursery School.

It is always a joy to spend time with children in any setting and we felt very privileged to be able to spend a few hours with two wonderful groups of children.  This week we visited with Mother Hubbard Nursery School in Livonia, MI.  What a wonderful group of children!

We also visited with Sunny Day Care and Montessori in Farmington, MI on Wednesday.  They braved the cold weather and snow to come and listen to our presentation.  They were a great bunch of children and we even had the pleasure of having some older children who were having a snow day come and listen to us as well.

Dr. Branham with the students from Sunny Day Care and Montessori.

We are always welcoming new patients!  Feel free to call us at (248) 474-5572 or send us an email: branhamdentalarts@comcast.net

General Health and Relationship to Overall Health

Your oral health may affect, be affected by or contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:

• Endocarditis. Gum disease and dental procedures that cut your gums may allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If you have a weak immune system or a damaged heart valve, this can cause infection in other parts of the body — such as an infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis).
• Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to oral bacteria, possibly due to chronic inflammation from periodontitis — a severe form of gum disease.
• Pregnancy and birth. Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
• Diabetes. Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection — putting the gums at risk. In addition, people who have inadequate blood sugar control may develop more-frequent and severe infections of the gums and the bone that holds teeth in place, and they may lose more teeth than do people who have good blood sugar control.
• HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
• Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis — which causes bones to become weak and brittle — may be associated with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.
• Alzheimer's disease. Tooth loss before age 35 may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.
• Other conditions. Other conditions that may be linked to oral health include Sjogren's syndrome — an immune system disorder — and eating disorders.

How can I protect my oral health?

To protect your oral health, resolve to practice good oral hygiene every day. For example:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
• Floss daily.
• Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.
• Schedule regular dental checkups.

Also, watch for signs and symptoms of oral disease and contact your dentist as soon as a problem arises. Remember, taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.  If you have any concerns about your dental health, please feel free to call our office, Branham Dental Arts, and schedule an examination at (248) 474-5572 or send us an email:  branhamdental@comcast.net

Baby Those Baby Teeth

It’s never too early to start taking care of your little one’s teeth. In fact, proper oral health care should start well before your baby’s first teeth even erupt. For a lifetime of healthy smiles, follow these guidelines to ensure your child gets off on the right tooth. Just say “no” to bottles in bed. Never put your baby to sleep with a bottle or sippy cup filled with milk, formula, fruit juice, or other sweet liquid. The sugar in these beverages can cause cavities in your baby’s teeth, leading to “baby bottle tooth decay.” Instead, let your child finish his or her bottle before bedtime. If you must give your baby a bottle when he or she is going to sleep, fill the bottle with water instead. Be sure your baby drinks fluoridated water. By the time your baby is 6 months old, he or she will require some fluoride for healthy teeth. Most babies can get all of the fluoride they need from the water they drink. Keep in mind that bottled water usually doesn’t have any fluoride, however. If you have questions about fluoride, talk to your pediatrician or dentist. Clean your baby’s gums. Twice a day, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a wet, clean, soft cloth. You should start doing this before your baby’s teeth even come in, or “erupt.” When can you expect to see that first tooth? The average age is 6 months, but some infants don’t get their first tooth until they are 14 or 15 months old. Some babies see their first tooth when they are as young as 3 months old! Brush new teeth. Once the first teeth come in, you can clean them using a soft, flexible children’s toothbrush and water. Continue to clean your baby’s entire mouth, not just the new teeth. Gently brush his or her first teeth with a tiny amount of fluoridated tooth- paste. Switch to a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste once your child is age 2. See a dentist. Whether it’s the first tooth or the first birthday—no matter which happens first—it’s time for your child’s first dentist appointment! Your dentist will examine your child’s mouth and advise you on any concerns you have, such as thumbsucking. If you are having trouble brushing your child’s teeth, your dentist can show you a few methods to ensure you are doing a thorough job. Regular exams are essential to your child’s oral health so be sure to keep regular appointments with your child’s dentist. February is National Children Dental Health Month. We are always accepting new patients and we LOVE kids. Call us at (248) 474-5572 to schedule an appointment for your child or yourself today!

Thumbsucking: Rules of Thumb

One of the most asked questions from parents of toddlers is about thumbsucking. Is it harmful? At what age should their child stop? What will happen if the child doesn't stop? These are all very good questions and I hope I can shed a little light on the subject for you! Sucking is of your baby's first reflexes. In infants and young children, it makes them feel secure and happy, soothed, relaxed and most often manifests in older children when they are tired. Prolonged thumbsucking will result in changes to the permanent teeth (alignment and growth) and can cause changes in the roof of the mouth. The intensity of the sucking is a large factor on the amount of changes. Thumbsucking normally ceases between the ages of two and four because during this period the child spends more hours awake and exploring their world. Peer pressure normally causes school-aged children to stop. Tips for helping your child curb the habit: 1) Instead of scolding, praise them when they are not. 2) Remember children often suck their thumbs when they are insecure. Focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety. 3) Children who are sucking for comfort will feel less of a need when their parents provide the comfort. 4) Your dentist can encourage children to stop sucking and explain what could happen if they continue. 5) If these approaches are failing, reming the children of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the had at night. I have a one year old toddler who currently sucks her thumb and cringe everytime I see it go in her mouth as a dentist. But, I also know from my years in practice that children rarely carry the habit beyond 4 years of age. Good Luck!

Protecting Your Child's Teeth With Dental Sealants

Left:  Sealed Molar    Right:  Unsealed Molar

Our teeth are constantly being covered with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque.  When we eat or drink anything that contains sugar or starch - such as milk, bread, cookies, candy, soda, juice, fruit and many other foods and beverages - bacteria turn the sugar and starch into acids that can attack tooth enamel.  For some people, repeated acid attacks eventually result in decay.

One of the most common places that tooth decay develops is on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, called premolars and molars.  When you run your tongue along the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, you can feel depressions and grooves.  The indentations, called pit and fissures, help to grind food.

Regular brushing and cleaning between teeth with floss or another interdental cleaner helps remove food particles and bacteria from the smooth surfaces of tooth enamel.  However, pits and fissures are difficult to keep clean.  That's because toothbrush bristles cannot reach into the microscopic grooves to remove plaque bacteria and tiny particles of food.

Because pits and fissure are difficult to keep clean, we recommend dental sealants.  A dental sealant is a plastic material that is applied to a chewing surface of a back tooth.  The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acid.  Ask us how dental sealants can benefit your child!

How many teeth are in a pack of cigarettes??

A one-pack-a-day smoking habit can cost you the loss of at least two teeth every 10 years, reports the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

 

Smokers are about twice as likely to lose their teeth than non-smokers, according to the results of two separate 30-year studies that investigated the relationship between smoking and tooth loss among males and females at Tufts University in Boston.

What are Mouth Rinses?

Mouth rinse or mouthwash is a product used for oral hygiene. Antiseptic and anti-plaque mouth rinse claims to kill the germs that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. Anti-cavity mouth rinse uses fluoride to protect against tooth decay. Mouth rinses are generally classified either as cosmetic, therapeutic, or a combination of the two. Cosmetic rinses are commercial, over-the-counter (OTC) products that help remove oral debris before or after brushing, temporarily suppress bad breath, diminish bacteria in the mouth, and refresh the mouth with a pleasant taste. Therapeutic rinses have all of the benefits of cosmetic rinses but also contain an added active ingredient that helps protect against some oral diseases. Therapeutic rinses also can be categorized according to use: anti-plaque/anti-gingivitis rinses or anti-cavity fluoride rinses, for example.

 

Dentists will prescribe special rinses for patients with more severe oral problems, such as cavities, periodontal disease, gum inflammation, and xerostomia (dry mouth). Therapeutic rinses also are strongly recommended for those who can't brush due to physical impairments or medical reasons.

 

Should I use a mouth rinse?

Whether or not you should use a mouth rinse depends upon your needs. Many dentists consider the use of fluoride toothpaste alone to be more than adequate protection against cavities. Although anti-cavity rinses with fluoride have been clinically proven to fight up to 50 percent more of the bacteria that cause cavities, and most rinses are effective at curbing bad breath

and freshening the mouth for up to three hours, initial studies have shown that most OTC anti-plaque rinses and antiseptics are not much more effective against plaque and gum disease than rinsing with water.

 

Most dentists are skeptical about the value of these anti-plaque products, and studies point to only a 20 to 25 percent effectiveness, at best, in reducing the plaque that causes gingivitis. Mouth rinses can cause harm by masking the symptoms of an oral health disease or condition.

 

How should I use a mouth rinse?

Before using mouth rinses, dentists suggest that you brush and floss your teeth well. Then, measure the proper amount of rinse as specified on the container or as instructed by your dentist. With your lips closed and the teeth kept slightly apart, swish the liquid around with as much force as possible. Many rinses suggest swishing for 30 seconds or more. Finally, thoroughly spit the liquid from your mouth. Teeth should be as clean as possible before applying an anti-cavity rinse to reap the full preventive benefits. Consumers should not rinse, eat, or smoke for 30 minutes after using rinses, as these practices will dilute the fluoride and rinse it away.

 

Are there any side effects?

Yes, and they can vary depending on the type of rinse. Habitual use of antiseptic mouthwashes that contain high levels of alcohol (18 to 26 percent) may produce a burning sensation in the cheeks, teeth, and gums. Many rinses with more concentrated formulas can lead to mouth ulcers, sodium retention, root sensitivity, stains, soreness, numbness, changes in taste sensation, and painful mucosal erosions. Most anti-cavity rinses contain sodium fluoride, which can lead to fluoride toxicity if taken excessively or swallowed. Because children tend to accidentally swallow mouthwash, they should only use rinses under adult supervision. If you experience any irritating or adverse reactions to a mouth rinse, discontinue its use immediately and talk to your dentist.

The Mystery of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Most people can relate to the uncomfortable feeling that occurs after scalding their mouth on hot soup or coffee. It's a relief when that burnt feeling subsides after several days. But imagine experiencing that burning sensation all day, every day. The condition is called burning mouth syndrome (BMS), and damage to the nervous system during menopause may be to blame, according to an article published in the May/June 2011 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

 

BMS affects nearly 5 percent of Americans and causes a constant burning sensation, most commonly on the top of the tongue, lower lip, and roof of the mouth.

 

"The cause of BMS is currently unknown, but our findings support the theory that this is a neuropathic condition," says lead study author Gary D. Klasser, DMD. "For reasons unknown, it seems that the BMS patient's nerves are not sending and/or processing information correctly—there's a short circuit in the nervous system and the brain can't turn off the pain receptors."

 

Although BMS can affect both sexes, the study confirms by a 7:1 ratio that women in their menopausal and post-menopausal years are more likely to be affected by BMS.

 

"For a small percentage of women, it is these hormonal changes that may alter taste and the way in which a person interprets pain," says Dr. Klasser. "The alterations may be enough to start the cascade of events that lead to BMS."

 

With no physical signs, it is very difficult for many health practitioners to recognize, diagnose, and manage BMS. As with most BMS sufferers, the patients in this study experienced oral burning symptoms for several years and visited multiple health practitioners prior to receiving a definitive diagnosis of BMS.

 

"Besides reporting oral burning, patients describe experiencing a dry, gritty feeling in the mouth, as well as alterations in taste," says AGD Spokesperson Eugene Antenucci, DDS, FAGD. "But because many health practitioners are not familiar with BMS and cannot see any physical symptoms, patients often leave the doctor's office frustrated and untreated."

 

Although no cure currently exists, health practitioners who have an understanding of the syndrome can help patients manage their symptoms.

 

"BMS is not a matter of life or death, but it is a matter of quality of life," says Dr. Antenucci. "Patients who believe they suffer from any of these symptoms should speak with their general dentist and seek out a health practitioner who has experience with this condition."

 

Medications, both topical and systemic, are available to treat BMS. Patients should consult their doctor to determine the medication that is best for them.

 

Some helpful ways for patients to alleviate the symptoms of BMS without taking medication are to drink water regularly to keep the mouth lubricated; avoid spicy, hot, acidic foods that can amplify symptoms; chew sugarless gum to increase saliva flow; and avoid tobacco and alcohol products that can cause irritation to the oral tissue.

 

Have a heart to heart with your dentist

Congestive heart failure (CHF), a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to the body's organs, affects more than 3 million people in the United States, with approximately 400,000 new cases each year.

 

People with a history of an untreated or poorly managed CHF, may be at high risk during a dental treatment for infection, cardiac arrest, stroke and heart attack, according to the lead author of a new study that appears in the May/June 2002 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed publication of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

 

"Bacteria released during a dental cleaning travels through the bloodstream and to the areas that help pump blood to other organs," says Nelson L. Rhodus, DMD, MPH, lead author of the study. "Patients with untreated CHF are at high risk for infections because the bacteria released can trigger blood clots that may exacerbate the existing condition."

 

Dr. Rhodus hopes his findings help increase patient awareness about getting CHF under control so patients can receive dental treatment.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue. It is the major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss, affecting three out of four persons at some point in their life. Periodontal diseases include gingivitis and periodontitis.

 

What causes gum disease?

 

Bacterial plaque – a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth – is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. If plaque isn't removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus (also known as tartar).Toxins produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. These toxins cause the breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets that fill with even more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper, and the bacteria moves down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. The tooth eventually will fall out or require extraction.

 

Are there other factors?

 

Yes. Genetics is also a factor, as are lifestyle choices. A diet low in nutrients can diminish the body's ability to fight infection. Smokers and spit tobacco users have more irritation to gum tissues than non-tobacco users, while stress can also affect the ability to ward off disease. Diseases that interfere with the body's immune system, such as leukemia and AIDS, may worsen the condition of the gums. In patients with uncontrolled diabetes, where the body is more prone to infection, gum disease is more severe or harder to control. Pregnant women experience elevated levels of hormones that cause the gums to react differently to the bacteria found in plaque, and in many cases can cause a condition known as "pregnancy gingivitis."

 

What are the warning signs of gum disease?

 

Signs include red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, gums that pull away from teeth, loose or separating teeth, pus between the gum and tooth, persistent bad breath, a change in the way teeth fit together when the patient bites and a change in the fit of dentures. While patients are advised to check for the warning signs, there might not be any discomfort until the disease has spread to a point where the tooth is unsalvageable. That's why patients are advised to get frequent dental exams.

 

What does periodontal treatment involve?

 

In the early stages of gum disease, most treatment involves a special cleaning called scaling and root planning, which removes plaque and tartar around the tooth and smoothing the root surfaces. Antibiotics or antimicrobials may be used to supplement the effects of scaling and root planing. In most cases of early gum disease, called gingivitis, scaling and root planing and proper daily cleaning achieve a satisfactory result. More advanced cases may require surgical treatment, which involves cutting the gums – sometimes with the assistance of a laser – and removing the hardened plaque build-up and recontouring the damaged bone. The procedure is also designed to smooth root surfaces and reposition the gum tissue so it will be easier to keep clean.

How do you prevent gum disease?

 

Removing plaque through daily brushing, flossing and professional cleaning is the best way to minimize your risk. Your dentist can design a personalized program of home oral care to meet your needs.

 

What is the role of the general dentist?

 

The general dentist usually detects gum disease and treats it in the early stages. Some general dentists have acquired additional expertise to treat more advanced conditions of the disease. If the general dentist believes that the gum disease requires treatment by a specialist, the patient will be referred to a periodontist. The dentist and periodontist will work together to formulate a treatment plan for the patient.

 

How can I maintain treatment at home?

 

Sticking to a regular oral hygiene regimen is crucial for patients who want to sustain the results of periodontal therapy. Patients should visit the dentist every three to four months (or more, depending on the patient) for spot scaling and root planing and an overall exam. In between visits, they should brush at least twice a day, floss daily and brush their tongue. Manual soft nylon bristle brushes are the most dependable and least expensive. Electric brushes are also a good option, but don't reach any further into the pocket than manual brushes. Proxy brushes (small, narrow brushes) and other interdental cleaners are the best way to clean between the recesses in the teeth and should be used once a day. Wooden toothpicks and rubber tips should only be used if recommended by your dentist.

Mouthguard Warrior Kids

Most people, kids included, have experienced the "weekend warrior" syndrome, where you think your body is invincible to injury and that you do not need protective gear such as helmets for your head and pads for your knees, shins and elbows. In particular, teeth are often forgotten. Although the dental profession unanimously supports the use of mouthguards in a variety of athletic and recreational activities, consumers remain resistant to and ill-informed of the importance and advantages of wearing a mouthguard during their weekend activities.

 

"There are three reasons most people don't wear mouthguards: cost, the ‘headache factor‘ and image," says David Kumamoto, DDS, FAGD. "What people fail to realize is how many serious injuries such as concussions, jaw fractures and neck injuries are prevented by mouthguards."

 

It is estimated that mouthguards prevent more than 200,000 injuries each year. Although orofacial injuries are traditionally associated with contact sports such as football and hockey, findings show that soccer players are more likely than football players to sustain an orofacial injury and basketball players have a risk up to 15 times that of football players. These statistics do not include the number of people participating in leisure sports such as flag football and pick-up basketball games with friends. And, more people currently participate in organized soccer than those participating in competitive football, where mouthguards and face masks are mandatory.

 

"Pick-up games prove more of a risk than supervised sports because there are no officials to enforce game rules," says Dr. Kumamoto. "But even supervised sports have their share of serious injuries due to the lack of protective equipment. Sudden falls and accidental collisions during a game or athletic activity can cause dental injuries."

 

"Of the three types of mouthguards that are currently available, a custom-made mouthguard by your dentist offers the best protection, fit and comfort level because it is made from a cast to fit your teeth," says Dr. Kumamoto. "Mouth-formed guards are available at sporting goods stores and are less expensive than custom-made guards, however the fit is not as good and it will not last as long. A stock mouthguard, the least expensive choice, offers the least protection since little can be done to adjust the fit. However, even the least expensive mouthguard is better than none."

 

The Academy of General Dentistry recommends that players participating in basketball, softball, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating and martial arts, whether for an athletic competition or leisure activity, wear mouthguards while competing.

Dental Sealants: Is My Child a Candidate?

  By age 19, tooth decay affects nearly 70 percent of America's children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Left untreated, tooth decay, also known as cavities, may result in pain and infection.

 

One highly effective option to help prevent cavities is dental sealants – a thin plastic film painted on the chewing surface of teeth.

 

Dental sealants have been proven a safe and cost-efficient dental procedure for patients prone to cavities. Even health care task forces are recognizing the benefits of dental sealants, recommending school-based programs.

 

However, an article in the February 2006 issue of AGD Impact, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) monthly newsmagazine, cites several reports that explain dental sealants are still underused, despite their advantages in averting tooth decay for an average of five to seven years.

 

"Studies show that many children are exceptional candidates for dental sealants.," says AGD spokesperson Mark Ritz, DDS, MAGD. "Parents should consider sealants as a preventive measure in their child's oral health and discuss this option with their dentist."

 

Surveys show the majority of all cavities occur in the narrow pits and grooves of a child's newly erupted teeth because food particles and bacteria are not easily cleaned out. A risk assessment by a dentist best determines if a child is a candidate for dental sealants.

 

Dental sealants act as a barrier to "seal-off" space between the tooth surface and any small food particles or bacteria that may otherwise cause a cavity in an "unsealed" tooth.

 

Paired with twice-daily brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste, a healthy diet and visiting the dentist twice a year to monitor the sealants' placement or bond on the tooth, properly applied dental sealants are 100-percent effective in preventing cavities.

 

"Remember that dental sealants do not protect against gum disease such as gingivitis, oral cancer or many common dental conditions," says Dr. Ritz. "Regular dental checkups are vital to monitor overall oral health."

 

Benefits of dental sealants:

 

• Paired with good oral health care, sealants are 100-percent effective against cavities in teeth that are sealed and properly maintained.
• Minimally invasive, safe and effective preventive procedure.
• Costs less than getting a cavity filled.

Taking Herbal Supplements? Tell Your Dentist

Alternative medicine isn't so alternative anymore. Once dismissed as a fad or fringe movement, alternative medicine has become an increasingly popular component of mainstream health care, including dentistry.

 

But patients need to use caution when using any alternative, "natural" treatments, including herbal supplements.

 

"'Stop, look and listen' applies to the health-food counter as much as the intersection," says Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Eric Z. Shapira, DDS, MAGD. Most patients neglect to include vitamins and herbal remedies when listing their medications for their dentist or physician. But even the most common herbs, such as St. John's wort and ginkgo biloba, can cause serious health problems if taken in combination with other drugs or taken in extreme dosages.

 

"People think herbs are harmless because they are considered 'natural,' and they think, if one is good, 10 are better," said Dr. Shapira. But overdoing it with supposedly safe herbs can cause health problems as serious as internal bleeding and heart arrhythmia, Dr. Shapira warns.

 

He also points out that all drugs are natural. "Almost all medicines start out as plants, but established drugs have the benefit of being standardized and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration," he says. Herbal medications are not standardized or regulated in any way.

 

Dr. Shapira urges patients to be well informed before taking any herbal concoction or embarking on an alternative therapy such as acupuncture, chiropractic or even aromatherapy. That means more than reading the manufacturers' promotional material or Internet sites.

 

 

 

Recommendations for some natural remedies for oral health:

 

Fluoride – This naturally occurring mineral has been proven to protect teeth from decay. Many municipal water supplies contain fluoride. Other sources are fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash and topical rinses and pastes applied in the dental office.

 

Alcohol-free mouthwash – Some common mouthwashes contain alcohol to cover up the smell of plaque. But alcohol dries out the mouth, which can cause discomfort and create an environment for more plaque to thrive.

 

Tea – A folk remedy that works, wet tea bags can provide relief from canker sores, swollen gums and toothache.

 

Zinc – This mineral is widely available in lozenges that can relieve the pain of a sore throat, but use sparingly. As with any herb, vitamin or mineral, patients need to follow directions and inform their dentist of its use.

The importance of x-rays

Radiographic, or X-ray, examinations provide your dentist with an important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, its roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial bones. X-rays can help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal (gum) disease, abscesses and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. X-rays also can show the exact location of impacted and unerupted teeth. They can pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible to detect through a visual examination.

Your radiographic schedule is based on your dentist's assessment of your individual needs, including whether you're a new patient or a follow-up patient, adult or child. In most cases, new patients require a full set of mouth X-rays to evaluate oral health status, including any underlying signs of gum disease, and for future comparison. Follow-up patients may require X-rays to monitor their gum condition or their chance of tooth decay.

See a Baby Tooth? See a Dentist

 

Baby teeth are worth more than just a dollar under the pillow. Providing proper care and oral hygiene during a child's first year of life can mean a lifetime of good oral health.

 

Traditionally, parents have waited to bring their children to the dentist until primary teeth begin to appear. A 2002 consumer poll by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry shows that nearly 70 percent of parents wait until their children are 3 years old before taking them to the dentist. But a dental visit by age 1 – or within six months of the eruption of the first baby tooth – is crucial, says Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) spokesperson Cynthia E. Sherwood, DDS.

 

Dr. Sherwood says this early visit gives a dentist the opportunity to see potential problems such as early-childhood caries (also known as baby bottle tooth decay); educate the parent on proper oral hygiene for the child; and give the toddler a positive experience in a dental setting. This can do wonders in allaying fears and boosting the child's future attitude toward visiting the dentist, Dr. Sherwood says.

 

Education is the heart of the age-1 exam. "When we see a toddler, we primarily talk to the parents about growth, development, thumb sucking, bottle and breast feeding, oral hygiene and nutritional issues, use of fluoride and why baby teeth are important," Dr. Sherwood said.

 

During this first visit, the dentist usually will sit knee-to-knee with the parent, with the child nestled in the parent's lap, and the dentist will ask the parent to demonstrate how she or he brushes the child's teeth. Then, if parent and tot are comfortable, the dentist will turn the child around onto his or her lap, so the dentist can get a good look at the child's teeth and gums. This "pleasant, painless visit" should take no more than 15 minutes, Dr. Sherwood said.

 

"Sitting knee-to-knee with the parent, playing with the baby and talking with the parent, I can get a very good sense of the child's oral health care, and this position gives us a good opportunity to get a good look at the child's teeth," says Dr. Sherwood. "It's a great experience for everyone involved."

 

Toddler dos and don'ts:

 

DO:

 

• Take your child to the dentist within six months of the eruption of the first baby tooth, definitely by age 1.
• Follow your dentist's advice regarding nutrition, hygiene routine, fluoride and dental-visit schedule.
• Teach your child how to brush around age 3, and brush your teeth with your children to model good technique and spot problems.

DON'T:

 

• Think baby teeth don't matter "because they'll just fall out anyway."
• Allow children to have continual access to a bottle or "sippy cup" filled with anything other than water.
• Give your children the impression that visiting the dentist is unpleasant.