Dental Care » Dental Care

Help your teen put their best smile forward

Jennifer — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:46:53 +0000

The 21st century teen values a healthy smile. New options in braces like Invisalign Teen make straightening teeth easy while being virtually invisible.

New 21st century orthodontic solutions

(ARA) – For the 21st century teen, a great smile isn’t just for school photos, it’s an everyday accessory that’s seen on their Facebook and MySpace pages, during IM sessions, on cell phones and more. It’s no wonder today’s tweens and teens want to put their best smile forward. So as a parent, how can you help?

First, understand that technology has made a big difference in teeth straightening for teens. Metal braces are gradually being replaced by more advanced, subtle options that are an ideal fit for kids’ active, social lifestyles — good news for teenagers who are already self-conscious about their appearance.

“Braces are dramatically different today compared to 10 years ago because today’s teens are far more socially aware, technologically savvy, face a greater degree of stress as they work to achieve educational goals and are involved in a variety of active sports and performing arts,” says Calif.-based orthodontist, Dr. David Boschken. “There’s no room for them to be sidelined with broken braces, or to even be distracted by the discomfort sometimes associated with fixed braces of any kind.”

Boschken explains that removable braces, like Invisalign Teen, are fast becoming a popular choice. The system uses a series of clear aligners made of lightweight plastic that sit smoothly on the teeth allowing for a more comfortable fit. Because the aligners can be removed, kids can eat, brush and floss as they would normally. Teens can smile with confidence while straightening their teeth since this treatment, unlike traditional metal braces, is virtually invisible.

Over one million people have made Invisalign their treatment of choice for achieving a beautiful smile. The new teen system adds special features that give parents peace of mind, like a blue dot wear indicator that is designed to fade from blue to clear, so parents can gauge whether their teen is wearing their aligners as much as they should be. Although the cost is about the same as traditional braces, the time savings can be invaluable for busy parents and teens with fewer office visits, no emergency trips for broken wires and shorter appointments.

Boschken offers some additional oral care tips to help active teenagers achieve and maintain a healthy smile:

1. Practice good oral hygiene now to reap long-term health benefits.
Help educate your teen about the risks of poor oral hygiene and gum disease, which has been linked to a range of serious general health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, cancer and low energy levels (not to mention bad breath). Make sure your teen brushes at least twice a day. Flossing is also important — especially in cases where teeth are crowded — to remove the plaque between teeth that is not removed with regular brushing. Finish with a fluoride mouthwash to help kill germs and keep tooth enamel strong.

2. Care for your braces.
No matter what type of braces your teen has, make sure they clean their teeth regularly to achieve the best possible results. Remind them to brush often and floss once daily between brackets for those with metal braces, or simply remove the clear aligners to brush and floss.

3. Visit the dentist regularly.
Even for today’s busy teens, it’s important to schedule regular dental appointments and teeth cleanings. Like adults, children and teens should visit their dentist every six months for a check-up. If your teen is experiencing any problems, more frequent visits may be necessary.

4. Visit an orthodontic specialist early.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. Most patients begin orthodontic treatment between ages 9 and 16, but some problems may be easier to correct if treated early.

“Between school, sports, social media and friends, teenagers today want a great smile so they can make a lasting impression,” concludes Boschken. “From new choices in braces, to advanced oral-care products, today’s teenagers have more lifestyle-friendly options than ever before.”

To find an Invisalign Teen-trained orthodontist in your area, go to www.invisalignteen.com/healthysmile.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

Jennifer — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:13:06 +0000

Brush Up on Your Oral Health Today for a Healthier Tomorrow

(ARA) – With the economy taking a nose dive, Americans are cutting back on spending — from food and travel to even medical treatments. Both health care and dental care are taking a back seat to more urgent needs.

According to a recent survey by Cigna, a leading provider of health benefits, 41 percent of Americans are taking worse care of their health because of the economy. In fact, nearly half of Americans report that someone in their household has skipped necessary health care in the past year due to the cost, according to a recent Kaiser Foundation Poll. A recent study published in “Health Services Research” found that an increase in unemployment may be associated with fewer preventive care visits.

Even though times are tough, it is still important to take care of your body, particularly your oral health. With 92 percent of adults ages 20 to 64 experiencing dental caries — which can lead to cavities — in their permanent teeth at some point in their lives, proper oral care routines and preventive dental care visits are more essential than ever for achieving a cleaner, healthier mouth.

New York-based dentist Dr. Gregg Lituchy advises “include a fluoride rinse in your daily oral care routine to help protect your teeth against cavities. I recommend my patients use an anti-cavity fluoride rinse that delivers multiple benefits, such as Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash from the makers of Listerine Antiseptic, a product that has been trusted for more than 100 years and has more than 50 clinical studies supporting its safety and efficacy.”

Dr. Lituchy offers four easy tips to help reduce the risk of oral care problems and maintain a beautiful smile — without hurting your wallet:

* Multitask. Rinse your mouth with an anti-cavity mouthwash while you’re washing your face.

* Avoid sticky situations. Foods that stick to your teeth create an environment for bacteria to thrive, so the best strategy is to brush your teeth after meals and snacks.

* Don’t skip your dental check-ups. Visiting your dental professional at least twice a year is the best way to maintain good oral health and detect problems early on that could cause you more economic pain in the future.

* Technique matters. Learn the proper way to brush and floss. Ask your dental professional or visit the American Dental Association Web site, www.ada.org, which offers educational tutorial videos.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Dental Care Without Insurance

Jennifer — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:38:47 +0000

CBS recently aired an alarming story on people trying to get dental care without insurance, apparently this is a problem for many Americans:

“Over 100 million Americans do not have dental insurance. Thousands seek help at free dental care clinics that are often overwhelmed with the high demand for their services. Seth Doane reports.”

Maryland Dentist: How To Get Back That Dazzling Smile

Author — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:15:18 +0000

If you have been worrying about the discolorations on your teeth, you better find a good Maryland dentist fast. Bad teeth is really bad for your image so make sure that you go to a Maryland dentist right away and have those teeth fixed. If you have just moved into the State of Maryland and you do not really know any good dentist in this area, do not worry, you can easily find a good Maryland dentist by asking for referrals from your friends at work.

Finding A Good Maryland Dentist

There are a few things that you need to consider if you want to find a good dentist in Maryland. First, you need to check out your dental insurance company. If your dental insurance policy specifically states that you have to go to a dentist who is affiliated with the insurance company, you better find a dentist that is affiliated with the insurance company if you do not want to end up paying for your dental procedures from your own pockets. Moreover, you need to check if your dental insurance policy covers for cosmetic dental procedures. Note that most dental insurance companies do not really pay for these things so if you dental insurance policy does not cover teeth whitening, forget about going to an affiliate dentist. There is really no point of trying to find a Maryland dentist that is affiliated with your insurance company if your insurance company will not pay for the treatment anyway.

If your dental insurance policy does not cover teeth whitening, you need to look seriously into your bank account before you to start hunting for a good Maryland dentist who can give you back your dazzling smile. Always remember that cosmetic dental procedures can be quite expensive so you need to make sure that you can afford it. To determine how much money you can afford to pay for teeth whitening, you need to do the math properly. Check out how much money you need to spend every month on your basic necessities and then compare this amount to the amount of money that you will most likely earn each month. The difference between the two amounts is the savings that you can use to pay for your teeth whitening treatment. If your only have limited savings each month but you desperately need to get your teeth restored to its former glory, consider getting a loan for this purpose. There are many financial companies out there that offer loans for cosmetic dental procedures.

Shopping for a Dentist Drill

Author — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 05:21:42 +0000

The dentist drill is a small and high speed drill that is very commonly used in dentistry and which is mainly used to remove plaque and decayed tooth material from a patient`s mouth. This is most often done immediately prior to the insertion of a dental filling and they are also used in the treatment of dental caries.

These drills are truly incredible and the typical drill can rotate at up to 800,000 rpm which is why they are so effective at removing buildup from the teeth.

Of all the different dentist tools one of the most important and commonly used is the dentist drill. The dentist drill is used for a variety of different purposes and is definitely one of the most necessary tools that any dentist will need. Anyone who is shopping for a dentist drill should know that there are a few companies in particular that they are going to want to check out.

The Selection

One company offering dentist drills is Enkay, which is a company that has been an importer and distributor of hand tools, drill accessories, hobby tools and polishing accessories since 1952. This shows that they have the experience and knowledge that a customer should be looking for from this sort of company and also they are great because they provide customers with a much less expensive alternative to the larger and more expensive tool distributors.

They are a family owned and operated tool importer and they have been providing high quality tools for nearly a century now. Their product line consists of everything from hand tools, drill accessories, hobby tools, polishing accessories and more.

Another great company to go through for a dentist drill is Dr. Tungs. This is one of the most well known companies for all dentistry tools and their commitment is to provide and offer their customers with natural and much more effective oral care products. They use only natural ingredients and recyclable and biodegradable materials.

They actually were responsible for manufacturing and distributing the first ever commercially available stainless steel tongue cleaner in the world. They are definitely one of the most reputable companies here and one of the first that anyone looking for any sort of dentist tool will want to check out.

Another good idea is for a person to speak to their dentist to get more information on this and to find out more about the options that they have here.

What Your Dentist Know About Dental Problems And Tobacco Use

Author — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 05:19:20 +0000

According the studies, many dental problems are associated with smoking. No, cigarettes are not the only ones that cause dental problems. Experts have discovered that all forms of tobacco products including smokeless tobacco, the hookah water pipes and cigars can cause a lot of dental problems. If you are one of those people who love to smoke, you better visit your dentist and ask him or her for advice on your to preserve your teeth. Better yet, consider quitting the habit of smoking and save yourself from a lot of medical problems. Note that smoking does not just affect your teeth, it affects your whole body so if you want to stay healthy, stop smoking.

Dental Problems Caused By Smoking

Your dentist knows a lot about dental problems cause by smoking so you should talk to your dentist about this matter. For instance, your dentist knows that smoking can cause bad breath, teeth stain and will greatly increase your risk of getting oral cancer. Make no mistake about it. Dental cancer is just like any other types of cancers, it can be quite fatal when not treated early. If you have been smoking for a long time, you better consider quitting the habit if you want to live longer. Aside from causing oral cancer, smoking can increase the risk of gum disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of teeth loss among adults these days. If you are concerned about your teeth and your gums, stop puffing that cigar and learn to lead a more healthy life.

Aside from causing serious dental problems such as oral cancers and gum diseases, your dentist also knows that smoking can weaken your immune system. When your immune system is weak, your body will have a hard time protecting itself from infections. This means that if you smoke a lot and then you have oral surgery procedures, the healing process after the oral surgery can be quite slow. The slow process of healing can be quite uncomfortable and expensive at the same time. Note that you may need more medications to help your body heal after the oral surgery procedure so you get to spend more money on medicine and dentist fees than you should have if you have not been smoking all these years. Yes, kicking the habit of smoking may not be easy but if you are really determined to stop smoking, you can do it with the help of the people around you.

Fitting Healthy Habits in the Spaces Between Your Day

Jennifer — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 05:32:58 +0000

(ARA) – When it comes to grooming and health routines, last-minute schedule changes can unravel even the best planned tasks. Take it from an expert — New York City celebrity stylist Rebecca Weinberg — and find spaces throughout the day to incorporate important, healthy practices.

“I always tell my clients that rather than wait until the end of the day to take care of their skin, smile and body, they should fit certain important habits in the spaces between their activities,” says Weinberg, who won an Emmy for her work on Sex and the City.

Weinberg, who sees up to five clients a day, shares a few helpful tips she has learned from her work.

Healthy Smile = Beautiful Smile
Most people think of their oral care routine as a pre-bedtime at-home activity, but it doesn’t have to be: especially flossing, as it’s easy to carry in your purse or bag. New Glide Whitening Plus Scope Flavor floss is great because it can multi-task as well as you do, providing a burst of instant refreshment and preventing surface stains in between teeth. Do away with your gum and mints, and engage in something that’s actually healthy and will improve your gum health!

Exercise To-go — Take your exercise routine out of the gym.
People always feel guilty if they can’t make it to the gym on a busy day, but why not incorporate exercise into your everyday routine? Rather than taking the elevator to your office, use the stairs. Or when the weather is nice outside, get off the bus a few stops before your final destination and walk the rest of the way. It will help you unwind before you get home and keep your body in shape.

Refresh Your Style
The outfit that seemed fun and fresh when you left the house can feel boring by the end of the day when you’re getting ready to head out to after-work activities. Flashy accessories are the best way to refresh an outfit between a day at work and a night on the town. Throw on a gold chain necklace and a big cocktail ring and replace the bulky purse with a clutch.

Keep Your Energy Levels Up
We handle stress poorly and are more susceptible to illness when we fail to make good nutrition a priority. The key is to throw a low-fat, protein-packed snack — like a handful of almonds or a low-sugar energy or granola bar — into your work bag. By keeping healthy snacks within reach, you’ll be better prepared to handle the day by maintaining energy levels in the spaces between meals.

Just by fitting these simple practices into your schedule will allow you to take advantage of the spaces between and make the most of your day.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Cleaning Your Teeth Help Keep Your Immune System Healthy

3 Tips for Finding Good Dental Care

Jennifer — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 20:01:28 +0000

Finding dental care is very important especially if you wake up in the middle of the night with excruciating pain. The truth however is that no dentist will see you for the first time at 3 AM. The most you can do is drive to the ER where they can give your strong pain relieving medication. Then, you’ll have to find dental care the next morning when the pain may have returned.

Not a good scenario

To avoid such a situation, try finding dental care when your tooth doesn’t hurt. You should have a dentist whom you got to for regular six monthly check ups. This way most problems can be nipped in the bud so that you do not need to have a3 AM emergency; but even if for some reason you do, your dentist might be on call or may have an emergency answering service. Here are three ways to finding good dental care.

Insurance Company

If you are fortunate enough to have dental insurance from your employer or otherwise, then finding dental care is easer as you will have a list of dentists to choose from. Call up a few in your area and ask them about what areas the dentist specializes in and if the hours and location are convenient for you. If you are finding dental care for the entire family, ask if the dentist sees children as well. Always make sure with the receptionist if they accept your insurance and if so, what part is your responsibility for regular visits as well as treatment for fillings and extractions if need be. Compare rates between a few dentists’ offices before making your first appointment.

Friends and Family

If you do not have dental insurance or have a discount card that is accepted by many dentist offices then asks around for recommendations. Referrals from your friend can make a big difference as the person they are recommending is not just another name in the phone book; it is someone they have trusted for a while. Many dentist offices give referral discounts too, so inquire if you and your friend can save some money this way

1-800 Dentist

If both these methods fail and you are still finding dental care, then call or go online to the much advertised 1-800 Dentist website or toll free call. The friendly operator will find you pre-screened dentists in your area and may try to accommodate special requests like pediatric dentistry, orthodontists or things like Saturday appointments.

Some Points To Ponder With Regard To Dental Care

Jennifer — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:45:32 +0000

It is normal practice in the United States for most companies to provide their employees with dental insurance though there are also some that will not offer this facility. So, if you happen to be one of those who have to struggle with meeting expenses for dental care you need some help fast. You can either choose to go it minus any insurance and have the gumption to meet all of the medical costs of dental care on your own or you can look for dental insurance to cover you in case of emergencies.

More Than Sporting A Great Smile

The trouble is that a good smile is not all that you should be worried about when it comes to your dental health and you need to also consider seriously your overall health and to illustrate the point you may consider what having diabetes means to your dental health. A person that has developed diabetes can also expect to suffer from tooth decay, gum disease and salivary gland dysfunction as well as fungal diseases as too infections and even delay in getting healed.

Nevertheless, if you follow the right steps for ensuring your proper dental care, you can keep such problems in check and a good step in this direction would be to visit your dentist and get preventive oral health care once or twice in a year. Though people easily tend to forget dental care, it can definitely lead to adverse health conditions and also general bad health, and all that that will mean is that will you need to have a plan for your dental health whereby you follow the required steps to keep away bone diseases, as well as infections and even gum diseases.

Thus, if you are on the lookout for dental care that is not going to cost you the earth you may even consider going to a dental school clinic where you can be sure to get dental care at vastly reduced cost and where you can even get the facility of paying only a part of the total cost of dental care thereby ensuring that you only pay for materials and equipment and get the professional services for free. If you want to find a dental school clinic you should get in touch with your state dental society who will point you in the right direction.

You can also take certain steps for your own personal dental care such as making it a point to brush your teeth twice daily and changing your toothbrush once after three months of use and also take to flossing your teeth properly as well.

Dental Floss: Little Investment, Big Reward

Jennifer — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:47:39 +0000

We all have been working ourselves up since we were kids to protect our teeth and gums from having dental problems, which is why we do whatever we can in our power to combat plaque and cavities that could damage our teeth and affect our perfect smile. But sometimes, no matter how hard we try to make it all happen, there were some things that may seem beyond our control that even if we do our best to brush our teeth, there were some bacteria that are left that could damage our teeth and give us other dental health problems.

And if you already feel hopeless with your brushing to get all the bacteria that may be lurking in between your teeth that may cause plaque buildup and permanent oral damage, we could rely on the dental floss to help us with this kind of problem. Here are some of the benefits that we could get from using a dental floss as part of our dental hygiene and you will be amazed as to how it could greatly affect our teeth in a good way.

Do This Everyday

Some of us may find that flossing our teeth every time that we brush could be a waste of time but most of us do not know that bacteria could be invisible to the naked eye and we may be mislead into thinking that if we can’t feel them, then they must not exist. But the reality is that the bacteria that may be lurking in between our teeth, could sometimes not be seen and may be attached to our gums and that though alone could make some of us cringe.

And if these bacteria were not prevented and avoided, what may develop is a plaque or worse, could lead us to have gingivitis and for us to improve our dental health, we should start with the dental floss. All of the dental professionals agree that using a dental floss once a day is the best way where we could combat and prevent plaques and as we all know, plaques are the ones who is responsible for promoting dental health problems, both tooth decay and gum disease.

Aside from that big advantage that could get from using a dental floss, they are also good in instantly removing food debris that may be hard to reach when brushing. So invest a few minutes and a little amount of money to buy a dental floss and make it a part of your everyday life. It is for sure that a little effort; a little investment would go a long way.