Tooth injuries

Most people don’t think about tooth injuries until they sustain one, which is obviously a problem if the injury is serious and you need to act quickly.

The most common injury is to a tooth that has a filling or crown. These are far more likely to break or chip, because they are not as strong as the real thing. These can sometimes be damaged by something as simple as hard or sticky food. You’ll want to get this kind of damage taken care of sooner than later, but there’s no need for immediate concern.

 

Another common cause of tooth injury is sports related head and face trauma. As you would probably guess, the more physical contact there is in the sport, the more likely the injury. Basketball is one of the most common culprits, (even though it’s “non-contact”) because so few players wear a mouthguard. If you do sustain a serious injury, (such as a tooth fracture or knocked out tooth) contact a dentist right away to avoid permanent damage.

Of course, the best way to take care of a tooth injury is to avoid it! Wear a mouthguard if you are playing a sport that could result in an injury. You can pick them up for a few dollars at a sporting goods store, or we can even have one custom made for you if you’d like something more comfortable.

Teeth Grinding Facts

Teeth grinding typically occurs during sleep and is often a symptom of stress, result of having missing or crooked teeth, or commonly just the effect of having an abnormal bite. While this habit does not cause severe damage if occasional, persisting episodes can lead to headaches, soreness of the jaw and potentially eventual loss or loosening of teeth.

Most realize they have been grinding because a loved one informs them of the behavior, or because they feel tenderness in their teeth upon waking. If the symptoms are sporadic, the tendency to grind or clench teeth is likely stress-based and not serious. If this is the case, trying one or a combination of these tactics may help stop or at least reduce the frequency of teeth grinding:

• Consulting a therapist to assist with stress management
• More frequent exercise or physical therapy to reduce stress and tension levels
• Taking a muscle relaxer before bedtime
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption
• Avoid excessive chewing, including gum, pens or anything other than food that trains the jaw to clench
• Keep hydrated

If grinding becomes an issue on a regular basis, it is best to consult your dentist about options to curb the problem and protect your teeth. Upon examining your teeth, your dentist will be able to tell the extent of the damage and may recommend the wearing of a mouth guard to prevent further grinding.

My Favorite Celebrity Smiles

 

The one thing we can all agree on though, is a that a beautiful smile goes a long way. Not only do you come across beautiful on the outside, but a warm, radiant grin makes you look even more beautiful on the inside too! And of course, when we want some toothy inspiration, where else do we turn but celebs?

Whether natural or enhanced, celebrities can almost always be counted on to flash a winner. Below are a few of my favorites, who do you think shines brightest on the red carpet?

Jessica Alba

It may be the glow of motherhood, but Jessica just shines from within. Her confidence and charm are radiated through her gleaming smile and I can’t help but put her on top of my list.

Chace Crawford and Blake Lively

I admit, the show Gossip Girl has this unexplainable ability to catch my eye. I may pause a little longer than I would like to disclose, but I can’t help but notice the great smiles. I have to say, “Serena” and “Nate” have particularly sticking grins.

Gisele Bundchen

Well who can’t put the highest paid supermodel in the world on this list? Not only is she married to one of my favorite QBs, she’s got a grin that can light up a room with her perfectly straight teeth that are beautifully white.

Is Chewing Gum Really Good for your Teeth?

In fact, it is!

As long as a few guidelines are followed... There have been quite a few studies done on the topic, and some do show that chewing gum can have an indirect positive effect on your teeth. Gum stimulates production of saliva which is a natural buffering agent that washes the teeth and neutralizes some of the acid produced by bacteria which is what erodes enamel and eventually causes cavities.

And if you’re one of those people who doesn’t produce enough saliva in general, gum can help here too! Chew gum for 10 minutes every hour for two weeks and you can actually increase your salivary flow to a functional level which will lead to an increased buffering capacity.

However, as I said, it’s important to remember a few guidelines. Since gum typically contains some type of sweetener, be sure to avoid the ones containing sugar. Artificial sweeteners like Xylitol are a much better choice and some can actually prevent cavities. Sugar can be harmful to your teeth if you chew gum with sugar too often or, interestingly, if you remove the gum from your mouth too soon. So if you must chew gum with sugar, chew it for at least 15 to 20 minutes. After this time, the sugar is gone, but the saliva is sufficiently stimulated to rinse away some of the sugar residue.

But the better choice: sugar-free gums.

original Source: http://www.brightnow.com/our-blog/chewing-gum-really-good-your-teeth

Electric toothbrushes or ???

We’ve all seen the commercials for power toothbrushes, usually featuring scenes of seemingly impenetrable plaque being scrubbed away with little effort.

• But is the electric toothbrush all it’s cracked up to be?
• Does it really clean your teeth better than manual brushing?

The answer is not a simple one. Like anything else, there are pros and cons with each option, and there is no one-size-fits-all toothbrush for everyone.

Electric toothbrushes have a lot of great feature that make them an attractive choice. Many have built in timers to help you know how long to brush, and the moving bristles and/or sonic waves can help break up plaque. The downside is that they can be expensive, and the ongoing cost of replacement heads can pile up. Be sure you know what you are getting into. Keep in mind, regularly replaced manual toothbrushes will do a better job of cleaning your teeth than worn out electric heads.

Manual toothbrushes are tried and true, and can work just fine if used properly. Technique is especially important with manual toothbrushes, because you have to do all the work. Many people develop bad habits, simply swabbing the toothbrush around for a few moments. Don’t just passively brush, pay attention. Avoid “spacing out” while brushing, taking care to clean all the surfaces.

So which toothbrush is best for you? The one that you will use frequently, and effectively. And don’t forget, no matter which toothbrush you decide to use, daily flossing and regular dental visits are still a must to keep your mouth healthy.

Original Source: http://www.brightnow.com/our-blog/manual-vs-electric-toothbrushe

A Mother Completes Our World

A Mother's Love Is Forever

I've been with you
since before your birth.
I'll stand by your side,
as long as I'm on this earth.
A mother's love is special,
a never-ending gift.
A love that's always there
if you ever need a lift.
I think of you often,
never missing a day.
My love is forever,
and always sent your way.
You're never far from the caring
thoughts in my heart.
No matter how many miles
ever try to keep us apart.
A mother's love, your gift,
the gift I'll always give to you.
As we watch our lives go by,
no matter what you say or do.

[[Collected]]

New dental clinic, free services may benefit low-income families

The United Way of Champaign County has reported that a group based association has raised roughly $300,000 to help pay for the development of another dental consideration center. The new focus is slated to open in spring 2011, as indicated by The News Gazette.

The facility will advantage families and people who have practically no dental protection scope and need administrations at a reasonable expense.

By building new centers, dental consideration associations are endeavoring endeavors to give more individuals in the U.S. with an opportunity to see a dental practitioners all the time. In 2007, just 63 percent of individuals matured 18 to 64 years saw a dental practitioner, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. Read full article "New dental clinic, free services may benefit low-income families"