It is important to note that while most people who have sensitive teeth are completely healthy (save for the mild discomfort that comes along with chomping on certain foods); harmful factors like tooth decay and other oral diseases can not and should not be ruled out. Be sure to consult with your dentist as quickly as possible if you suspect something may be wrong. They will be able to determine what the underlying causes are, in addition to being able to recommend a comprehensive treatment plan.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Although plenty of things can lead to sensitive teeth, the resulting effect is always the same. When the dentin (layer beneath the enamel) in your teeth becomes exposed, the nerve endings it covers are not adequately shielded from the stimuli they are forced to be in contact with. This does not just consist of hot or cold food either, as sweet and sour sensations can have just as powerful of an effect on the nerves. That being said, the dentin is often exposed due to rough or excessive brushing (hard-bristled tooth brushes are not recommended), tooth decay, oral trauma, teeth grinding and by using some types of teeth whitening products. Although the latter are very effective at brightening your smile, the downside is that the corrosive bleaching agents can also eat away at tooth enamel and also cause your gums to recede. Poor oral hygiene is also a key contributor to sensitive teeth, as the buildup of plaque and bacteria will also destroy enamel over time.

How Are Sensitive Teeth Treated?

Once tooth enamel is gone, it is gone forever; as you might expect, the best way to treat sensitive teeth is to strengthen the enamel that is still left. Using specialized toothpastes for this purpose is a good start, as are employing a healthy oral hygiene regimen and using a toothbrush that has soft bristles. It is also wise to avoid eating certain foods that can aggravate the condition. Stop grinding your teeth if you tend to do so and see your dentist on a regular and consistent basis.

Why Use Mouthwash

Brushing and flossing properly are great ways to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and gumline, but the process only agitates the daily plaque buildup temporarily. The many types of bacteria which create plaque will always be present in our mouths, but saliva helps regulate their population. Using a mouthwash after you brush and floss can help:

• Kill bad bacteria in areas of the mouth that a toothbrush and floss can’t reach.
• Reduce the chance of gum infections.
• Strengthen teeth.
• Freshen your breath.

Choosing the Right Mouthwash

There are several types of mouthwashes and it is important to find the right one for your needs. It is a great idea for everyone to use an antiseptic mouthwash which contains fluoride to help regulate bacteria while strengthening your teeth. Many mouthwashes often contain alcohol while others don’t; does your mouth tend to be dry throughout the day? Try using an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid intensifying your dry mouth. Non-alcohol based mouthwashes may be more expensive than the generic alcohol-based products, but it is a good idea to avoid the ones that contain alcohol because the acidity and sugars in alcohol tend to damage teeth over time.

Talk to your dentist at Harris Dental to help you choose the best mouthwash for you.

Medically speaking, laughter, or smiling also exercises your facial muscles. It is a great exercise while also keeping you happy. It is a positive physical emotion that makes you feel and look better, even if you are unwell. Scientists and researchers around the world have found laughter to be the best of medicines. While being depressed and sad leaves you feeling sick and exhausted, laughter has just the opposite effect. It is contagious and you can start laughing for almost no reason. But then, whoever needs a reason to laugh or smile? You can do it to stay and feel happy!

This certainly proves that laughter is by far the best medicine. In addition to working the facial muscles, good laughter also titillates other portions of your body.

It is seen that the three main parts of the brain work when engaging in good laughter:

1. Thinking or the cognitive area of the brain that facilitates understanding.
2. Movement or kinesthetic part for movement in the expression and muscles.
3. Emotional area that evokes feelings.

So not that we know that laughter IS the best medicine, how does it help us?

• Improves your mood
• It is a positive emotion
• It reduces stress and makes you look forward to what you are doing
• It improves your body and your mind
• Reduces anxiety and fear
• Helps build bridges and builds great relationships

Indulge in activities that bring happiness and improve your physical self. Good laughter is one of them that do this and much more.

Did you laugh today? We want to know what made you laugh in the comments below!

But what about adults, who suddenly feel the need to mend a crooked smile?
Adults too have the option of fixing their smile with the help of adult braces. It’s never too late!

Explore Your Options

Before you come to the conclusion that adult braces are the only option available for you, it is always best to consult your dentist. Your dentist would typically need to do a complete examination of your teeth and look into the jaw bone as well before coming to the conclusion that the answer to your problems are braces. If the dentist feels that they are the only possible solution to aligning your teeth and fixing your teeth, then adult braces it is.

Types of Adult Braces

Adult braces can be of different types. There can be regular metal ones and Invisalign. Regular adult braces, though visible, help to correct imperfections perfectly. However, if you are conscious of your braces showing, you can opt for Invisalign which is also one of the latest developments in the field of dental sciences. It helps to work wonders with rectifying and correcting your dental structure unobtrusively and being invisible as the words describes. You can wear it regularly, as also continue to eat and drink normally with Invisalign on.

Since as an adult, you may have a more than involved career and a work life. With that said, you may want adult braces that are less noticeable, yet more effective unlike the younger ones, who can make do with the regular braces. Depending on your choices the duration of treatment would also vary. As would it also on your dedication and regularity to wearing your braces.

How Dental Erosion Occurs

In dental parlance tooth erosion refers to a situation where the teeth enamel starts wearing off due to various factors. It gets the teeth to a point where they become super sensitive to touch and can be a painful situation. If one is in the habit of consuming a lot of acidic drinks, sooner or later the enamel might start to erode and the residue of such food is left behind. Sodas or juices with too much lime concentrate can be one of the culprits when it comes to dental erosion. Children, who are in the habit of consuming citric juices, can also start dental erosion if they are not in the habit of cleaning their teeth after every drink or meal. This is as far as external factors are concerned.

Internal and health problems can also lead to dental erosion. Those who suffer from acid reflux, throwing up and acidity are prone to dental erosion. It can also be due to temporary health issues like when one is pregnant, or for that matter after effects of medications as well. Typically when erosion sets in the teeth loses their opaqueness and turn more translucent. If they are allowed to grow it turns yellow and eventually the dentin starts to show forth.

Treatment for Dental Erosion

It is necessary to consult a dentist on the slightest signs of tooth erosion. It may help to start using fluoride fortified toothpaste or one that protects the enamel against further damage. Your dentist might suggest using a re-mineralizing agent that might help to protect the enamel of the teeth and stop erosion Stop consuming acidic substances and take special care of your diet. It helps to curb internal acidity that can take a toll on your dental health and make matters worse.

What Are Fever Blisters?

You may not be aware of the fact that you are developing blisters. What could start of as itching or soreness, pretty much like allergies, suddenly takes the form of blisters. They seem like bumps and boils but feel watery and filled with fluid. Often these fever blisters appeard on lips, mouth, on the gums, or that face. It is said that often these fever blisters are contagious, but haven’t been proven to the point of being sure. Because it is an evidence of an infection, one is always advised by dentists and medical practitioners to keep your hands clean, or to wash your hands after touching them, even if you have done so accidentally. Often these fever blisters are not just one off case. Even after one is tackled it is just a matter of time before another one springs up.

In case the fever blister is extremely painful, one is best advised to go to the dentist. However there are various home remedies that provide relief and comfort from these painful blisters.

Home Remedies for Fever Blisters

• Get over the counter medications like soothing creams that help moisten the area and provide comfort from the pain and the constant itchiness.
• Drink plenty of water. This might help to reduce the symptoms a tad bit. The fever blister might be very itchy, but try and avoid picking at it. That can make it all the more painful as well as run the risk of being infected.
• Try using herbal products for quick relief. Products like tea tree oil, herbal ointments, lemon balm and help reduce the effects of the blister. Sometimes warm compress is also helpful.
• Though there aren’t any remedy for viral infections, if the pain is beyond bearable, go to your dentist for help and advice.

Constant eruption of fever blisters, affect your immune system. It may help to consult the dentist and take vitamins that helps boost the immune system and makes you feel better, and also avoids them from re-occurring.

Bruxism can damage teeth and be the cause of jaw disorders. Gum problems can also surface if one gets into the constant habit of grinding teeth. Those who develop bruxism and constantly grind teeth while sleeping have been recommended mouth guards. Do these mouth guards really help?

Mouth guards are guards that are worn at night to prevent bruxism. It also wouldn’t be wrong to say that wearing mouth guards helps to minimize bruxism.

There are two kinds of guards that are available:

• One that can just be bought over the counter. This is made of a special material which when immersed in warm water and worn, takes on the shape of your teeth.
• On the other hand, a mouth guard that is prescribed by the dentists is custom made for the patient. Once a guard is prescribed a dummy guard is made out of plaster, which is then tested. It has to be a perfect fit before a final one is made at the lab. Needless to say this is far more of a perfect fit.

There are questions about how much do guard’s help in minimizing bruxism. They may not completely obliterate grinding, but help to protect the teeth. The teeth do not come in contact with one another and therefore are saved from abrasion. The constant brushing of the teeth is reduced and therefore the teeth get protected from the damage.

What Causes Bruxism?

There are various reasons that have been attributed to bruxism The causes may be attributed to stress, questionable lifestyle, anxiety, or dental disorders. It is important to relax and take steps to reduce your stress level in your everyday life. If grinding is because of dental disorders, it is necessary to consult a dentist for further diagnosis and right medication.

Why Do Gums Bleed?

Unfortunately it is a symptom of gum infection or that which is commonly known as gingivitis. It is a common symptom when the gums are infected and therefore become sensitive. The slightest of touch can get them bleeding and that is what the trace of pink refers to. If you think this is just a one-time issue, it really is not and needs to be taken care at the earliest possible time. It is a manifestation of a more serious problem.

Gingivitis and Periodontal Issues

Gingivitis is one of the many problems. There are other periodontal diseases that can be related to the gum bleeding issue. It could be a serious bacterial infection or more serious problems like oral cancer. Either way, the risk of losing your teeth permanently is there as infected gums cause the teeth to loosen up. It is imperative to immediately get in touch with your dentist or a periodontist to diagnose the problem.

On a less serious side, gum bleeding could also be a cause of high pressure, or allergies to certain types of medication like aspirin, sulphur and others. Sometimes blood thinners can also be the cause of gum bleeding. While these are not so serious issues, you may not know the actual cause until you get it diagnosed by a periodontist. It is never good to leave anything on luck, especially when it is a matter of health. However, try taking a preventive measure yourself by gently brushing your teeth after every major meal and flossing as well. This will ensure that you will stay in the pink of ‘Gum Health’.

It is very important to be in the pink of dental health. This is not just for your oral hygiene but for your overall well-being. Irrespective of one’s age one needs to be conscious and take steps to make sure that the teeth and gums are in a good condition right from an early age.

February 2013 is considered to be the National Dental Health Month for children. It is imperative to be conscious of the dental health of your children right from when they are toddlers. From the time when they have no teeth, to the evolving of the little whites, it is essential to take care of them sincerely. Babies and kids are prone to gum infection as they are mostly on milk and juices. Often they go to sleep while sucking milk or juice bottles, thereby making them prone to bacterial attack. So parents need to be completely aware and make sure that they clean the gums with tender fingers or start using baby brush to clean them as soon as they can.

Tips for Parents

As one grows older, kids are too distracted to spend a reasonable amount of time on their teeth. This is also the time for kids to get cavities due to the excessive consumption of sweets and gums. The good habits of brushing and flossing the teeth need to be inculcated right from their early days. They need to be taught the health benefits of being conscious about their teeth. In addition, take them to the dentist and teach them the correct ways of brushing. It is as important to spend time taking care of their teeth and for them to understand that it is as important as being involved in any game. Strong, clean teeth right from their growing years ensures that they have good oral health right up to their old age.

Make sure to ensure a regular visit the dentist for regular checkups. You and your children will be ensured of good dental health and therefore a good overall health for years to come.

There is ongoing research about the fact that bad oral health can be a sign of serious health problems like heart issues and cancer. Your mouth is the hotbed of germs and bacteria, unless taken care of in a proper manner. With that said, the bacteria can flow into the blood stream and play havoc with your overall health if steps are not taken to eliminate them.

Oral Bacteria Can Be a Breeding Ground for Other Health Issues

Often the food that we eat remains stuck in the crevices and hard to brush areas of the teeth. Over time it manifests itself in the form of plaque and gets deposited on the teeth enamel. Over time this takes the form of tarter. The bacteria and fungi that grow there in is the cause of different dental infections as well as cause gum infections. On the face of it, they may seem not to be as harmful, but in reality can also be the cause of deadly oral cancer.

Various Diseases Have Also Been Attributed to Bad Oral Health:

• Gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer and oral cancer is often attributed to extremes of bad oral health.
• Various forms of cardiovascular diseases has also been related to bad oral health. The bacteria in the mouth can bring about thickening of the artery walls which in medical terms is called atherosclerosis.
• Bad oral health could also increase the possibilities of diabetes.

It is therefore imperative to look after your oral health and pay importance to regular hygiene. Make sure to regularize your visits to the dentist and consult him in case a situation persists. Brushing and flossing is something that has to be adhered to meticulously after every major meal irrespective of your busy lifestyle.