There is a new ingredient in toothpaste, developed by dentists, called Novamin. Novamin can reduce teeth sensitivity. Many times teeth become sensitive when gum tissue recedes, exposing a tooth’s roots. Roots contain small holes or tubules that lead directly to the tooth nerves. Novamin plugs up the holes cutting off contact with nerves and eliminating pain.   

It is made from a compound from elements naturally critical for bone and tooth mineralization: calcium, phosphorus, silica and sodium. In their common forms, these elements have very limited value in tooth healthy. But in their rare ionic form, they can make teeth stronger and help eliminate tooth sensitivity

People may think that dental exams are about X-rays and teeth cleanings. Maybe a filling here or there if they are unlucky.  However, dentist may be able to recognize and diagnose numerous other potential health problems.  According to Dawn West, DMD, RN with Tuffs University School of Dental Medicine, when you go for a dental checkup you might actually be saving more than just your teeth and oral health, because the mouth is the gateway to your entire organism and there might be several important signs of other diseases existent in there that a dentist may be able to see.

Significant link between smoking and gum disease. According to a new study done at Ohio State University, smoking causes the body to turn against its own helpful bacteria.  The study shows how cigarette smoke also wipes out good bacteria in the mouth making the tissue much more susceptible to attack from bad bacteria, which leaves smokers more vulnerable to gum disease, and tooth decay.

While many people many know the basic tips for staying healthy and feeling well is by having a balanced diet and exercise.  However did you know your oral health can play a big roll in your overall health?  By having good oral health care habits you can maintain not only good oral health but over all wellness.

Dental implants can be are useful in several ways in order to replace missing teeth.  A single implant can be used to replace a single tooth missing tooth.  Where as if you are missing several teeth, or even all of your teeth, dentures or dental bridges can be attached to dental implants. Compared to tooth-supported bridges and gum-supported dentures, using dental implants to support these restorations provides optimum stability, comfort and function.

There are many people that have some aspect of their smile that they would like to improve.  Cosmetic dentistry is a way to achieve a beautiful as well as healthy smile that you can feel confident about.  If you do not like to smile simply because of the way your teeth look consult a cosmetic dentist about the possible smile improvements that can be made.

Believe it or not dental problems can begin early. One of the bigger concerns is Early Childhood Caries (BBTD or Nursing Carries) Once a child’s diet includes anything besides breast-milk, erupted teeth are at risk of tooth decay.  Early Childhood Caries can be preventable, with proper at home dental care habits for your child and regular dental visits.  The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems.

BBTD or Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is cause when a child is left with a baby bottle that has any liquid other the water.  To avoid  BBTD do not put your baby to bed with a bottle. Milk, formula, fruit juices and other such drink all have sugar in them.  If sugary liquids stay on your baby teeth for long periods of time it can lead to tooth decay.  

Other habits to avoid would be giving your child bottle or sippy cup filled with sweet drinks to carry around with them throughout the day.  Teach your child to drink from a cup as soon as possible. (Normally around their first birthday.)

Many people may know that fluoride protect teeth from tooth decay. Fluoride can even heal early tooth decay. Fluoride is added in drinking water of many towns and cites, ask your dentist if your water has fluoride in it. If not ask about other kinds of fluoride treatments that can help keep your child’s teeth healthy.

Having healthy teeth are important even for baby teeth. Having health teeth and good oral habits starts from home.  Children need healthy teeth in order to help them chew and to speak clearly. 

Baby teeth also hold the space for their adult teeth to come in correctly.  Make sure you are taking proper care of your baby teeth.  If you are not sure talk to your dentist.  Your dentist will be glad to show you proper dental care for your child.

When teeth first start to come in, for some babies they may have sore or tender gums. To help ease their teething pain, gently rubbing your child’s gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a wet gauze pad.   You can also give the baby a clean teething ring or a frozen baby cloth to chew on. If your child is still cranky and in pain, you may want to consult your dentist or physician. Generally children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the time they are three years old.

Primary teeth (Baby Teeth) are just as important as the permanent teeth (Adult Teeth) Typically primary teeth begin to appear when the baby is between ages six month and one year.  

Primary teeth serve many functions such as chewing, speaking and holding the space in the jaw for permanent teeth.  The American Dental Association advises that a baby should be examine by a dentist within six months after the first tooth comes in but now later then their first birthday.   

For a baby the first dental visit is a well baby checkup for their teeth. The dentist will check for tooth decay and other problems.  In addition the dentist will be able to show you how to clean your child teeth properly and how to evaluate any adverse habits such as thumb-sucking.

As soon a your child teeth erupts tooth decay can occur.  There for once your child cuts their first tooth gently with a child size toothbrush and water. For children over the age of two you can brush their teeth with a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Make sure your child spits out the toothpaste and rinse with water.

Many people do not receive dental benefits though their employer, and they may not know how to buy dental insurance directly.  Some people that do not have dental insurance go without feeling that the cost of dental insurance is too high and will not really save them money on their dental care needs.    

However that is really not the case.  The only dental insurance or dental plan that does not save you money on your dental care are the ones people have and still do not use.  Most dental insurance plans offer free preventive dental care, such as office visits, basic cleanings, and X-rays.  This alone can save you hundreds of dollars.   

But why buy dental insurance online? The internet opens the doors to more options, an it is much easier to compare many different dental plans and plans types. You can search on line for dental insurance and take your time in finding the best dental plan that fit you and your family needs.

April was Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and about 40,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with  oral cancer every year. One person dies from this affliction very hour of every day. The outlook doesn’t have to be bleak, though.  Along with seeing your medical doctor, dentist can also do oral cancer screenings.  Ask your dentist about oral cancer screenings many dentist provide such service for free.

Close to 50 million Americans live in rural or poor areas where few to no dentists practice. Many more dentists do not accept Medicaid patients, and the shortage of dentists is only going to get worse,   Under the Affordable Care Act, 5.3 million more children will be entitled to dental benefits from Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. However little is being done by the dental profession or by the federal or state governments to prepare for it.

Dental Journal, health experts warn that excessive alcohol consumption causes mouth cancer and dental disease. According to the experts, in order to tackle this as fast as possible, screening and treatment for alcohol abuse is critical. According to the report, individuals do not visit their general practitioner unless they are ill, whereas the majority of people visit their dentist for a routine check-up, as a result dentists have the chance to identify alcohol abuse.

Apples may be good for the Doctor but not for your teeth.  According to studies done eating apples can be up to four time more damaging to your teeth then carbonated drinks such as soda.  

Doctors are right in saying that eating apples is good, however what is bad for your teeth is the way you eat apples.  The high acidity level in apples can damage your teeth if you eat them slowly. Where as drinks most often associated with dietary erosion, particularly cola, showed no increased risk.

Scientists recently presented their work at the Society for General Microbiology’s Spring Conference in Dublin. Studies done show that oral bacteria that escape into the bloodstream are able to cause blood clots and trigger life-threatening endocarditis. Further research could lead to new drugs to tackle ineffective heart disease

Patients with congenital heart disease who have poor dental hygiene behaviors are increasing their risk of endocarditis. Teens with congenital heart disease floss, brush and visit the dentist less than their peers. But they have healthier behaviors when it comes to alcohol, cigarettes and illicit drugs. Adults with single ventricle physiology (a type of congenital heart disease) also have poorer dental hygiene practices than their peers despite having better health behaviors overall.