Gum disease is linked to health problems such as heart disease and stroke. Three out of four adults are affected by gum disease during their lifetime. Some  tips on reducing your risk of gum disease are, come in every six months to see your hygienist for a routine cleaning and get an exam for oral cancer.  With our new VELscope technology, oral cancer screening is as easy as 1,2,3! 

• The mouth is a window into the health of the body.

• It is important to detect dental problems early so that your mouth and your entire body remain healthy.

• Regular cleaning keep your smile bright and healthy.

• A beautiful Smile says a lot about you!

If you have diabetes, make sure you take care of your mouth. People with diabetes are at risk for mouth infections, especially periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease can damage the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place and may lead to painful chewing problems. Some people with serious gum disease lose their teeth. Periodontal disease may also make it hard to control your blood glucose (blood sugar).

Other problems diabetes can cause are dry mouth and a fungal infection called thrush. Dry mouth happens when you do not have enough saliva—the fluid that keeps your mouth wet. Diabetes may also cause the glucose level in your saliva to increase. Together, these problems may lead to thrush, which causes painful white patches in your mouth.

You can keep your teeth and gums healthy. By controlling your blood glucose, brushing and flossing every day, and visiting a dentist regularly, you can help prevent periodontal disease. If your diabetes is not under control, you are more likely to develop problems in your mouth.

Take steps to keep your mouth healthy. Call Dr. Dean when you notice a problem.

If you have diabetes, follow these steps:

• Control your blood glucose.
• Brush and floss every day.
• Visit Dr. Dean regularly. Be sure to tell your dentist that you have diabetes.
• Tell Dr. Dean if your dentures (false teeth) do not fit right, or if your gums are sore.
• Quit smoking. Smoking makes gum disease worse. Your physician or Dr. Dean can help you quit.

Take time to check your mouth regularly for any problems. Sometimes people notice that their gums bleed when they brush and floss. Others notice dryness, soreness, white patches, or a bad taste in the mouth. All of these are reasons to visit  Dr. Dean.

Remember, good blood glucose control can help prevent mouth problems. 

Visit our webpage for more information on this 3D dental cat scan that we now have in our office!

Galileos sets new standards combining the lowest radiation dosage with superior image quality. Offering intuitive operation and optimized clinical workflow providing efficiency in both dentistry and 3D diagnostics- proven by numerous international clinical studies. GALILEOS represents the future of dentistry. 

Dr. Dean wants the best for his patients and this 3D cat scan machine is the next step into only the best in dentistry's future!

 During this season of summer celebrations, Dr. Dean would like to remind patients to keep a serious health issue top-of-mind: the importance of maintaining good oral health care habits.

Between barbeques and amusement park fare, summertime eating can be synonymous with sugary, sticky foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay if patients don't practice good oral care.  During the summer patients are out and about more and it is not always easy to brush after each meal.   It is important that patients maintain their oral health at home as well as getting regular care -both are essential to help prevent dental problems.

Since enjoying the occasional s'more or other sweet snack is part of the American tradition, Dr. Dean reminds patients to brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, which helps remove food and plaque. You should also floss to remove plaque between teeth and below the gum line where your toothbrush can't reach.

If you're not able to brush your teeth immediately after consuming a sugary food or drink, rinse your mouth with water to help wash it away.

Another tip is to minimize snacking, which creates a constant supply of acid in the mouth. Avoid constant sipping of sugary drinks or frequent sucking on candy and mints. In addition to soda, other beverages that may be high in sugar are certain juices and sports drinks -- check the label to see how much sugar you're drinking. 

• Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing.
• Unusual bleeding or persistent sores in the mouth that won't heal.
• Lumps or growths in other nearby areas, such as the throat or neck.

If a tumor is found, surgery will generally be required to remove it. Some facial disfigurement could also result.

Prevention

Prevention is the key to staving off oral cancer. One of the biggest culprits is tobacco and alcohol use. Certain kinds of foods and even overexposure to the sun have also been linked to oral cancer. Some experts believe certain oral cancer risk factors are also hereditary.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is one of the best defenses against oral cancer. Maintaining good oral hygiene, and regular dental checkups, are highly recommended.Coming soon.

Signs of Facial Aging

* Thinning of the lips, including the flattening of the philtral and upper ridges from the nose to the mouth

* Corners of mouth start to drop - which leads to loss of support for the lip edges and causes the "marionette" lines

* Decreasing of support for the lower third portion of the face 

Coming soon.

• Unusual sensitivity to hot and cold water or foods.
• A localized pain in your tooth or near the gum line.
• Teeth that change color.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by sugary substances in breast milk and some juices, which combine with saliva to form pools inside the baby's mouth.

If left untreated, this can lead to premature decay of your baby's future primary teeth, which can later hamper the proper formation of permanent teeth.

One of the best ways to avoid baby bottle tooth decay is to not allow your baby to nurse on a bottle while going to sleep. Encouraging your toddler to drink from a cup as early as possible will also help stave off the problems associated with baby bottle tooth decay.

• Each person's set of teeth is unique - much like their fingerprints - even in identical twins.

• Some cheeses are have been found to protect teeth from decay.

• The Mexican version of the Tooth Fairy is known as the Tooth Mouse, which takes the tooth and leaves treasures in its place.

• If you're right handed, you will chew your food on your right side. If you're left handed, you will tend to chew your food on your left side.

• The major causes of tooth loss in people under age 35 are sports, accidents and fights.

• George Washington's dentures were made from walrus, hippopotamus, and cows' teeth, as well as elephant tusks.

• The most valuable tooth was one a nobleman purchased - belonging to the famous scientists Isaac Newton - for $4,560. It was set in a ring.

• In 200 AD, the Romans used a mixture of bones, eggshells, oyster shells and honey to clean their teeth.

• Queen Elizabeth I's teeth were noticeably discolored. A German traveler, Paul Henter, speculated that the discoloration was due to the Queen's excessive consumption of sugar, making the first recorded association between sugar and tooth decay.

• The second most common disease in the United States is tooth decay. The first is the common cold.

Animal Chompers 

• Ants can lift an object up to fifty times their body-weight and carry it over their heads. They don't do this with their feet, but with their mouths.

• Crocodiles don't clean their own teeth - they let a plover (little bird) pick their teeth for scraps of leftover food.

• The largest toothed mammal in the world is the sperm whale. A whale's lower jaw, measuring 16'5" long, is exhibited in the British Museum of Natural History in London. The whale it belonged to reportedly measured 84 feet in length.

• A snail can have about 25,000 teeth (on its tongue).

• Horses teeth are extremely long and grow continually. They wear down, change shape and become discolored as they grow, so we can really tell a horse's age by looking at his teeth.

• A shark's teeth are literally as hard as steel.

 

 

 

 

Best matches for fun teeth facts

I bet you didn't think it was possible, but here are a few dental fun facts that may find you saying "Wow, I didn't know that!" Each person's set of teeth... Jump to text »

If you wince with pain after sipping a hot cup of coffee or chewing a piece of ice, chances are that you suffer from "dentin hypersensitivity", or more commonly, sensitive teeth.

Hot and cold temperature changes cause your teeth to expand and contract. Over time, your teeth can develop microscopic cracks that allow these sensations to seep through to the nerves. Exposed areas of the tooth can cause pain and even affect or change your eating, drinking and breathing habits.

At least 45 million adults in the United States suffer at some time from sensitive teeth.

Sensitive teeth result when the underlying layer of your teeth (the dentin) becomes exposed. This can happen on the chewing surface of the tooth as well as at the gum line. In some cases, sensitive teeth are the result of gum disease, years of unconsciously clenching or grinding your teeth, or improper or too vigorous brushing (if the bristles of your toothbrush are pointing in multiple directions, you're brushing too hard).

Abrasive toothpastes are sometimes the culprit of sensitive teeth. Ingredients found in some whitening toothpastes that lighten and/or remove certain stains from enamel, and sodium pyrophosphate, the key ingredient in tartar-control toothpastes, may increase tooth sensitivity.

In some cases, desensitizing toothpaste, sealants, desensitizing ionization and filling materials including fluoride, and decreasing the intake of acid-containing foods can alleviate some of the pain associated with sensitive teeth.

Sometimes, a sensitive tooth may be confused by a patient for a cavity or abscess that is not yet visible.

In any case, contact your dentist if you notice any change in your teeth's sensitivity to temperature.

A litte St. Patrick Day History
Saint Patrick's Day (Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig) is a religious holiday celebrated internationally on 17 March. It is named after Saint Patrick (c. AD 387-461), the most commonly recognised of the patron saints of Ireland. It originated as a Roman Catholic holiday but is now observed by Protestant churches also. It became an official feast day in the early 17th century. Over time, Saint Patrick's Day has gradually become more of a secular celebration of Irish culture.
Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland,[1] Northern Ireland,[2] Newfoundland and Labrador and in Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora, especially in places such as Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and Montserrat, among others.
According to legend, Saint Patrick used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish people.

Whitening procedures have effectively restored the smile of people with stained, dull, or discolored teeth.

The darker tissue of your teeth, the dentin, can become exposed as the outer layer of enamel is worn away by the effects of aging or things like caffeine and tobacco.

Food particles are naturally attracted to a tooth's enamel by a certain protein. Products like coffee and tea, berries and soy sauce are notorious for staining teeth. Over time, teeth actually become more absorbent and vulnerable to staining from food and other substances.

One type of stain-caused by traumatic injuries, medications and fluorosis-actually begins inside the tooth; brushing and flossing don't help. Another type of stain-one that can be more easily attacked by brushing, flossing and rinsing-is caused by external factors such as foods.

More and more people today are choosing tooth-whitening procedures to reverse the effects of aging and abuse from food and tobacco stains.

Some commercially available "whitening toothpastes" can be somewhat effective at removing stains and making teeth a few shades brighter. However, many of these products have abrasive substances that can actually wear away your tooth's enamel.

Whitening agents actually change the color of your teeth, but only are effective on certain types of stains. For example, bleaching agents have a difficult time removing brownish or grayish stains. These products also are not as effective on pitted or badly discolored teeth, or on restorations such as crowns, bridges, bonding and tooth-colored fillings (porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be more appropriate in this case).

Professional whitening performed by our office is considered to be the most effective and safest method; done properly, tooth whitening can last as long as five years. Over-the-counter whitening systems are somewhat effective as long as they are monitored and directions followed closely.

The first of diseased gum tissue is known as gingivitis. Bleeding and inflammation is present, along with tenderness when you brush. Gingivitis is the only stage of gum disease that is reversible. Maintaining regular six month cleaning appointments and proper brushing and flossing techniques can reverse this stage of gum disease.

Periodontitis

When gingivitis is left untreated, the bacterium morphs into a destructive agent which can damage the surrounding bone and supporting ligaments. Your teeth are suspended by these ligaments that attach to the bone. Receding gum tissue and bone loss can result from periodontal disease. Once periodontal disease has been diagnosed, it is permanent; however, it can be maintained and managed. More frequent cleanings may be needed to control the disease. A more involved cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing may need to be performed to treat periodontal disease. Scaling and root planing requires the gum tissue to be anesthetized and the hygienist to scale the hardened plaque(calculus) off of the root structure of the tooth. This will stop any further bone and ligament destruction and return the tissue to a healthy and manageable state.

Advanced Periodontitis

If periodontitis is left untreated, the final stage of gum disease has advanced, sometimes beyond repair. Destruction of the bone and ligaments leads to loose teeth and possible shifting of the teeth. If too much bone destruction is present, your teeth will need to be extracted. The bacterium present in advanced periodontal disease has been linked to stoke and cardiac arrest.

The presence of bleeding when brushing is an indication of the beginning stages of periodontal disease. The initial stage of periodontal disease, or gingivitis, can be reversible. Periodontal disease is often painless until it reaches more advanced stages, however there is a simple test that your dental team can use to uncover this problem even in its beginning stages. Like most diseases of the body early detection is essential. Also, remember to brush and floss. You will need to be an active participant in prevention. Gum disease is a serious infection that should always be taken seriously.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions you may have periodontal disease.
1. Do your gums bleed when you brush, floss, or eat?
2. Do your teeth feel like they are moving?
3. Are your gums receding?
4. Do your teeth look longer?
5. Do you have persistent bad breath?
6. Does your bite feel different?
7. Is it difficult for you to chew?
8. Have you noticed pus around your teeth?
9. Do your gums feel tender or look swollen?
10. Do your teeth or gums hurt?

We have cable TV in treatment rooms for patients to watch while work is being done. For the comfort of our patients we also offer blankets if they are chilled and warm towels for their mouth after treatment is finished.

We know that most people do not enjoy coming to the dentist and we want all of our patients to feel at ease and to be comfortable.

• Brush your teeth twice a day in a circular motion with a soft bristled toothbrush aimed at the gum.
• Floss every night in an up and down motion while keeping the floss in a U-shape and against the tooth surface.
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid sticky sugary foods.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Use antiseptic and fluoride rinses as directed.
• Sealants placed on young permanent teeth.

Our office has put into place a Patient Referral Program.

Current patients receive a $50.00 credit on their account for referring a friend or family member outside of their household.

The new patient that is referred will receive a $25.00 credit on their account just for becoming a new patient!

Patient referrals from our loyal patients is one of the best compliments!

***

We also offer a program, Whitening For Life. You get custom bleaching trays

made and you will get free whitening at each 6 month cleaning and check up.

All we ask is that you stay current with your cleaning and check up appointments. Contact our office for more details!

• Missing tooth roots are replaced with implants, which are covered under the gum line.
• A healing period of up to six months allows implants to take.
• The implants are uncovered and extensions attached.
• Replacement teeth are affixed to the implants and extensions.

In some cases, full upper replacements can be removed.

Anterior replacement

Implants are used to replace the front teeth (also called incisors and cuspids). Procedure steps include:

• Missing tooth roots are replaced with implants, which are covered under the gum line.
• A healing period of up to six months allows implants to take.
• The implants are uncovered and extensions attached.
• Replacement teeth are affixed to the implants and extensions.

Full lower replacement

The lower set of teeth is replaced with implants. Full lower replacement usually only uses four to six implants (near the front), which are used to anchor a denture. This obviates the need for denture adhesive.

Posterior replacement

Implants are used to replace the bicuspids and molars (the back teeth). Procedure steps include:

• Missing tooth roots are replaced with implants, which are covered under the gum line.
• A healing period of up to six months allows implants to take.
• The implants are uncovered and extensions attached.
• Replacement teeth are affixed to the implants and extensions.
  

Single tooth replacement

Procedure steps include:

• Missing tooth root is replaced with an implant, which remains covered under the gum line.
• A healing period of up to six months allows the implant to take.
• The implant is uncovered and an extension attached.
• Replacement tooth is affixed to the implant and extension.
  
  

Floss at least once every day. Like brushing, flossing should take about three minutes and can easily be done while doing another activity, such as watching television. Do not attempt to floss your teeth while operating a motor vehicle or other machinery.

Flossing techniques

There are two common methods for flossing, the "spool method" and the "loop method".

The spool method is the most popular for those who do not have problems with stiff joints or fingers. The spool method works like this: Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around your middle finger. Wind the rest of the floss similarly around the middle finger of your other hand. This finger takes up the floss as it becomes soiled or frayed. Move the floss between your teeth with your index fingers and thumbs. Maneuver the floss up and down several times forming a "C" shape around the tooth. While doing this, make sure you go below the gum line, where bacteria are known to collect heavily.

The loop method is often effective for children or adults with dexterity problems like arthritis. The loop method works like this: Break off about 18 inches of floss and form it into a circle. Tie it securely with two or three knots. Place all of your fingers, except the thumb, within the loop. Use your index fingers to guide the floss through your lower teeth, and use your thumbs to guide the floss through the upper teeth, going below the gum line and forming a "C" on the side of the tooth.

With either method of flossing, never "snap" the floss because this can cut your gums. Make sure that you gently scrape the side of each tooth with the floss.

Your gums may be tender or even bleed for the first few days after flossing - a condition that generally heals within a few days.

As we move forward with our blog, we hope to promote dental awareness as a vital part of your healthy lifestyle. Here you will find a variety of articles and topics including dental news, advancements in dental technology and treatment, practical dental health advice and updates from Dr. Dean and his staff.

We hope you find our blog to be helpful, engaging and informational to ensure your best dental health.

As always, feel free to contact us with any dental questions or concerns.

1. Dental Check Ups Include Oral Cancer Screenings

When you go for your regular dental check up, your dentist and hygienist are also screening you for any signs of oral cancer. Every hour of every day, someone dies of oral cancer in the United States. This serious dental disease which pertains to the mouth, lips or throat is often highly curable if diagnosed and treated in the early stages. Visiting your dentist for regular check ups and avoiding tobacco are the key factors in preventing oral cancer.

4. Brushing Twice a Day Helps to Keep the Cavities Away

7. Dental Problems Do Not Get Better or Go Away Without Treatment

 

Every good dental hygienist’s party trick is being able to tell if you’re left- or right-handed by looking in your mouth. We spend so much time and money on skincare, cosmetics and hairstyles, but so much less on our teeth and gums, which are an essential part of the way we look (not to mention the way we eat and the way our breath smells!).

Your Hygienst can look  in your mouth and tell you – correctly –If your right or left handed. It’s not rocket science, as we automatically gravitate to the side that’s easiest to brush, so right-handers typically pay less attention to the right side of their mouth where, as a result, there are likely to be more plaque deposits and therefore puffier gums prone to bleeding.

Many of us are damaging our gums by not clearing away the harmful bacteria in plaque that accumulate during the day. If left unchecked for 24 hours, these bacteria start to cause inflammation and bleeding gums (ie, gum disease) and the gum to come away from the tooth. If inflammation spreads into the bone, the tooth loses its foundation and eventually becomes loose. An overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth has also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and complications in pregnancy, as well as premature birth..

We recommend changing to a Philips Sonicare toothbrush (which comes with a UV cleaner to keep the head bacteria-free).

You don’t have to actually brush with this – the Sonicare’s high-frequency bristle motion does that for you. Instead, hold the toothbrush steady where tooth meets gum for a count of six on the inside and outside of each tooth – about three minutes in all. One (or ideally two) three-minute brushings daily plus flossing clears the bacteria completely before they can cause inflammation.

Ask Dr. Dean and our Hygienists about the Sonicare toothbrush and to get coupons here in our office!

1) How much is the Tooth Fairy paying per tooth? Around $2.00 per tooth according to Securian Dental Plans, an insurance provider. (Money Magazine)

2) Top of The American teeth stakes in the poll for greatest looking teeth were Hollywood actors Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts.

3) 32% of Americans cite bad breath as the least attractive trait of their co-workers.

4) 38.5 is the total days an average American spends brushing their teeth overtime.

5) 73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss.

6) A toothpick is the object most often choked on by Americans.

7) Every year kids in North America spend close to half a billion dollars on chewing gum.

8) More people use blue toothbrushes over red ones.

9) Like fingerprints, everyone's tongue print is different.

10) 78% of Americans have had at least one cavity by age 17.

Unlike this traditional method, Cerec uses a combination of infrared imaging, computer CAD CAM design and a precise milling machine to help complete the entire process is about 2 hours from start to finish - all in one appointment!

We have taken the time and considerable effort over the past two years to hone our skill in this technically  demanding treatment modality so that 95% of all our Cerec crowns are accomplished in one appointment.

Why would you want a Cerec crown instead of a conventional one?

• Less time in the dental chair - half the number of appointments; fewer local anesthetic episodes.

• Less tooth structure is lost in most cases. We can make most of the preparations for these crowns without cutting away as much of your natural tooth.

• Many lab crowns have a metal substrate that porcelain is bonded to. Cerec crowns are all porcelain - this means lower chances of allergic or immune response to the material in the crown.

• Cost is the same in our office for either type of crown.

• Less chance for complications - most temporary restorations leak or have other discrepancies that can sometimes lead to increased sensitivity and this can even create the need for further treatment such as root canal therapy. When the crown is started and finished in one appointment, the tooth structure is better sealed off and protected at an earlier stage with the result that risk of complications and/or sensitivity can be lowered.

• Cerec is patient friendly! Once the design process begins, you are free to move about the office, make phone calls, run a short errand or even have additional dentistry such as a couple of fillings done - further shortening the number of visits you might need. There is a time frame of about 20 to 30 minutes in the middle of the appointment where the crown unit is being designed/fabricated and your presence is not needed unless you elect to have other needed treatment accomplished in that time slot.

• Cerec is GREEN (environmentally friendly), it is efficient and it SAVES you MONEY ($).
  a) Fewer materials used - most materials in the process have a far lower negative impact on the environment.
  b) Fewer appointments mean fewer miles driven in your car for transportation.
  c) Fewer appointments mean fewer wasted disposable materials including paper products, syringes, plastic products, autoclave cycles, rubber gloves, masks and so on.

How does it work?

An infrared camera takes images of the tooth after shaping and a CAD CAM computer program immediately downloads the images creating three-dimensional virtual models that can be viewed and manipulated on the computer monitor. The operator in the dental office then uses the program to design the crown or onlay that will replace the missing tooth structure. This usually takes about three to five minutes. Next a porcelain block is selected, is inserted into a milling machine and the software program sends a signal to the milling machine to create the design in porcelain. This takes about 13 to 18 minutes. Once completed, the crown is polished, tried in the mouth, adjusted and bonded into place. The entire process takes about 2 hours and there is a period of about ½ hour for design and milling that can be used to accomplish other needed dental work.

How does it compare to conventional crowns?

The process of manufacturing a metal base lab crown involves significant amounts of expensive consumable materials beginning with impression materials in the dental office, continuing through model making devices and materials and on to alloys of metal that are increasingly costly followed by use of firing ovens, casting machines and the like. Most of these materials are not particularly biodegradable. With Cerec, there is a very limited amount of disposable material needed. This helps lower the waste stream, much of it carbon footprint related, as well as the cost.

Are there any drawbacks or contradictions to Cerec crowns?

This technology can be used almost all single crowns. Sometimes where aesthetic results are a high priority, an exact color match of surrounding teeth can be difficult and in these cases a laboratory technician may be able to produce better aesthetics with a laboratory fabricated and stained crown. At the present time, we are not able to build bridges in one appointment with Cerec. In almost all other cases, we would confidently recommend a Cerec crown in place of a laboratory-fabricated crown.

Will my Cerec crown last as long as a lab crown?

Any crown with porcelain in its structure carries risk of fracture. Metal crowns do not have this risk. At Dentistry Northwest, we warrant all of our crowns the same – five years – against breakage under normal wear conditions (not for accidents and the like) as long as the patient is following our recommendations for care, restoration and upkeep of the mouth. Our policy is identical for Cerec crowns and for laboratory crowns. Most crowns have a life expectancy of 10 to 20 years and many will last decades – even lifetimes.

Questions?  Please call us at 937-429-3160  to make an appointment.

Floss for a Longer Life

The first Labor Day in the United States was observed on September 5, 1882, by the Central Labor Union of New York.  It became a federal holiday in 1894, when, following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland put reconciliation with the labor movement as a top political priority. Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike. The September date originally chosen by the CLU of New York and observed by many of the nation's trade unions for the past several years was selected rather than the more widespread International Workers' Day because Cleveland was concerned that observance of the latter would stir up negative emotions linked to the Haymarket Affair, which it had been observed to commemorate.  All U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the territories have made it a statutory holiday.

 Pattern of celebration

The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday: A street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations," followed by a festival for the workers and their families. This became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civil significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

The holiday is often regarded as a day of rest and parties. Speeches or political demonstrations are more low-key than May 1 Labor Day celebrations in most countries, although events held by labor organizations often feature political themes and appearances by candidates for office, especially in election years. Forms of celebration include picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, water sports, and public art events. Families with school-age children take it as the last chance to travel before the end of summer recess. Similarly, some teenagers and young adults view it as the last weekend for parties before returning to school, although school starting times now vary.

 End of summer

Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer. In high society, Labor Day is (or was) considered the last day of the year when it is fashionable for women to wear white^.

In U.S. sports, Labor Day marks the beginning of the NFL and college football seasons. NCAA teams usually play their first games the week before Labor Day, with the NFL traditionally playing their first game the Thursday following Labor Day. The Southern 500 NASCAR auto race was held that day from 1950 to 1983 in Darlington, South Carolina. At Indianapolis, the National Hot Rod Association hold their finals to the U.S. Nationals drag race. Most school districts that started summer vacation in mid june will resume school near this day (schools that had summer begin near memorial day will have already been in session for about 3 weeks). 

The SomnoDent®MAS is a highly effective solution, for the majority of patients suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Its exceptional levels of patient acceptance and compliance as well as treatment efficacy are backed by a large body of clinical research.

91% of patients reported substantial improvement in sleep quality with the SomnoDent® MAS.¹
 More Advantages of the SomnoDent® MAS

Advantages of the SomnoDent MAS :

• Travels well
• Sleep free from attachments
• Speak and drink while in use
• Makes NO noise
• Does not requires electricity
• No cumbersome head gear
• No consumable parts to replace
• Does not limit sleep positions

"Keep a stiff upper lip" or "get a grip!" That's often the advice we get—and give—on how to cope with stress.

If you take it literally, the result could be grinding your teeth or clenching your jaws. It's called bruxism, and often it happens as we sleep, caused not just by stress and anxiety but by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked.

Symptoms include a dull headache or a sore jaw.  

You could have teeth that are painful or loose from severe grinding. This can lead to fractures in your teeth.

Dr. Dean can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep. Dr . Dean can also do Botox to relieve some of the stiffness in your jaw.

If stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax! Physical therapy, muscle relaxants, counseling and even exercise may help reduce tension.

Don't make your teeth the brunt of your stress.   

• Each person's set of teeth is unique - much like their fingerprints - even in identical twins.

• Some cheeses have been found to protect teeth from decay.

• The Mexican version of the Tooth Fairy is known as the Tooth Mouse, which takes the tooth and leaves treasures in its place.

• If you're right handed, you will chew your food on your right side. If you're left handed, you will tend to chew your food on your left side.

• The major causes of tooth loss in people under age 35 are sports, accidents and fights.

• George Washington's dentures were made from walrus, hippopotamus, and cows' teeth, as well as elephant tusks.

• The most valuable tooth was one a nobleman purchased - belonging to the famous scientists Isaac Newton - for $4,560. It was set in a ring.

• In 200 AD, the Romans used a mixture of bones, eggshells, oyster shells and honey to clean their teeth.

• Queen Elizabeth I's teeth were noticeably discolored. A German traveler, Paul Henter, speculated that the discoloration was due to the Queen's excessive consumption of sugar, making the first recorded association between sugar and tooth decay.

• The second most common disease in the United States is tooth decay. The first is the common cold.

Animal Chompers 

• Ants can lift an object up to fifty times their body-weight and carry it over their heads. They don't do this with their feet, but with their mouths.

• Crocodiles don't clean their own teeth - they let a plover (little bird) pick their teeth for scraps of leftover food.

• The largest toothed mammal in the world is the sperm whale. A whale's lower jaw, measuring 16'5" long, is exhibited in the British Museum of Natural History in London. The whale it belonged to reportedly measured 84 feet in length.

• A snail can have about 25,000 teeth (on its tongue).

• Horses teeth are extremely long and grow continually. They wear down, change shape and become discolored as they grow, so we can really tell a horse's age by looking at his teeth.

•  A shark's teeth are literally as hard as steel.

Frequently asked questions: dental fillings

Are dental amalgams safe? Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to amalgam? Is it true that dental amalgams have been banned in other countries? Is there a filling material that matches tooth color? If my tooth doesn't hurt and my filling is still in place, why would the filling need to be replaced? Read this interesting and informative discussion from the American Dental Association.

FDA consumer update: dental amalgams

The Food and Drug Administration and other organizations of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) continue to investigate the safety of amalgams used in dental restorations (fillings). However, no valid scientific evidence has shown that amalgams cause harm to patients with dental restorations, except in rare cases of allergic reactions.

ATSDR - public health statements: mercury

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers some scientific background on mercury (contained within silver-colored fillings), and whether it believes the substance presents any health hazards.

Analysis reveals significant drop in children's tooth decay

Children have significantly less tooth decay in their primary (baby) and permanent teeth today than they did in the early 1970s, according to the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA). The analysis reveals that among children between the ages of six and 18 years, the percentage of decayed permanent teeth decreased by 57.2 percent over a 20-year period. In addition, children between the ages of two and 10 years experienced a drop of nearly 40 percent in diseased or decayed primary teeth.

Alternative Materials

Advances in modern dental materials and techniques increasingly offer new ways to create more pleasing, natural-looking smiles. Researchers are continuing their often decades-long work developing esthetic materials, such as ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. As a result, dentists and patients today have several choices when it comes to selecting materials used to repair missing, worn, damaged or decayed teeth.

The advent of these new materials has not eliminated the usefulness of more traditional dental restoratives, which include gold, base metal alloys and dental amalgam. The strength and durability of traditional dental materials continue to make them useful for situations where restored teeth must withstand extreme forces that result from chewing, such as in the back of the mouth.

Alternatives to amalgam, such as cast gold restorations, porcelain, and composite resins are more expensive. Gold and porcelain restorations take longer to make and can require two appointments. Composite resins, or white fillings, are esthetically appealing, but require a longer time to place.

Here's a look at some of the more common kinds of alternatives to silver amalgam:

• Composite fillings - Composite fillings are a mixture of acrylic resin and finely ground glasslike particles that produce a tooth-colored restoration. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than that of an amalgam. Composites can also be "bonded" or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repair to the tooth. In teeth where chewing loads are high, composite fillings are less resistant to wear than silver amalgams. It also takes longer to place a composite filling.
• Ionomers - Glass ionomers are tooth-colored materials made of a mixture of acrylic acids and fine glass powders that are used to fill cavities, particularly those on the root surfaces of teeth. Glass ionomers can release a small amount of fluoride that help patients who are at high risk for decay. Glass ionomers are primarily used as small fillings in areas that need not withstand heavy chewing pressure. Because they have a low resistance to fracture, glass ionomers are mostly used in small non-load bearing fillings (those between the teeth) or on the roots of teeth. Resin ionomers also are made from glass filler with acrylic acids and acrylic resin. They also are used for non-load bearing fillings (between the teeth) and they have low to moderate resistance to fracture. Ionomers experience high wear when placed on chewing surfaces. Both glass and resin ionomers mimic natural tooth color but lack the natural translucency of enamel. Both types are well tolerated by patients with only rare occurrences of allergic response.
• Porcelain (ceramic) dental materials - All-porcelain (ceramic) dental materials include porcelain, ceramic or glasslike fillings and crowns. They are used as inlays, onlays, crowns and aesthetic veneers. A veneer is a very thin shell of porcelain that can replace or cover part of the enamel of the tooth. All-porcelain (ceramic) restorations are particularly desirable because their color and translucency mimic natural tooth enamel. All-porcelain restorations require a minimum of two visits and possibly more. The restorations are prone to fracture when placed under tension or on impact. Their strength depends on an adequate thickness of porcelain and the ability to be bonded to the underlying tooth. They are highly resistant to wear but the porcelain can quickly wear opposing teeth if the porcelain surface becomes rough.

Sealants

Research has shown that almost everybody has a 95 percent chance of eventually experiencing cavities in the pits and grooves of their teeth.

Sealants were developed in the 1950s and first became available commercially in the early 1970s. The first sealant was accepted by the American Dental Association Council on Dental Therapeutics in 1972. Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years. In fact, research has shown that sealants actually stop cavities when placed on top of a slightly decayed tooth by sealing off the supply of nutrients to the bacteria that causes a cavity.

Sealants act as a barrier to prevent bacteria and food from collecting and sitting on the grooves and pits of teeth. Sealants are best suited for permanent first molars, which erupt around the age of 6, and second molars, which erupt around the age of 12.

Sealants are most effective when applied as soon as the tooth has fully come in. Because of this, children derive the greatest benefit from sealants because of the newness of their teeth. Research has shown that more than 65% of all cavities occur in the narrow pits and grooves of a child`s newly erupted teeth because of trapped food particles and bacteria.

Application

Sealant application involves cleaning the surface of the tooth and rinsing the surface to remove all traces of the cleaning agent. An etching solution or gel is applied to the enamel surface of the tooth, including the pits and grooves. After 15 seconds, the solution is thoroughly rinsed away with water. After the site is dried, the sealant material is applied and allowed to harden by using a special curing light.

Sealants normally last about five years. Sealants should always be examined at the child`s regular checkup. Sealants are extremely effective in preventing decay in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.

Insurance coverage for sealant procedures is increasing, but still minimal. Many dentists expect this trend to change as insurers become more convinced that sealants can help reduce future dental expenses and protect the teeth from more aggressive forms of treatment.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) (also referred to in America as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM)) is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.

As well as providing a platform for breast cancer charities to raise awareness of their work and of the disease, BCAM is also a prime opportunity to remind women to be breast aware for earlier detection. 

NBCAM was founded in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (now part of AstraZeneca, maker of several anti-breast cancer drugs). The aim of the NBCAM from the start has been to promote mammography as the most effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer.

In 1993 Evelyn Lauder, Senior Corporate Vice President of the Estée Lauder Companies founded The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and established the pink ribbon as its symbol, though this was not the first time the ribbon was used to symbolize breast cancer. In the fall of 1991, the Susan G. Komen Foundation had handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors.

Oral changes with age

Is tooth loss inevitable in your later years? How much should adults be concerned about cavities? Here you will find helpful answers to some frequently asked questions about oral health questions you may have as you get older.

National survey reveals baby boomers miss links between oral and overall health

Baby boomers looking for the warning signs of adult-onset diseases may be overlooking key symptoms in their mouth that should signal alarms about their overall health. According to a survey commissioned by the Academy of General Dentistry, 63 percent of baby boomers (ages 45-64) with an oral symptom considered to be a key indicator of a more serious health condition, were unaware of the symptom`s link to the condition. Boomers` failure to recognize that oral health holds valuable clues could negatively impact their overall health.

Howl-O-Ween!

• Cosmetic fillings -- Alternative, natural-looking materials to conventional silver-colored fillings made from porcelain and composite resins, which are colored to match natural tooth enamel.
• Whitening/Bleaching -- Procedures that reverse the effects of such things as aging, food and tobacco stains, and medication use.
• Veneers -- Special thin laminates, called veneers, used to cover stains, correct discolored, worn down, cracked and chipped teeth, and close unsightly gaps between teeth.
• Bonding -- A tooth-colored material that looks like the enamel of your teeth and used to improve the color of a tooth, or close unsightly gaps.
• Cosmetic contouring and reshaping – A relatively simple procedure that can correct crooked, chipped, cracked, and even overlapping teeth.
• Crowns -- Synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain, that can be placed on the top of a tooth to restore its function and appearance, attach bridges, cover implants, or prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse.
• Crown lengthening -- Performed to reshape gums and bone tissue, and often used to correct a “gummy” smile.
• Bridges -- Natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth and restore the natural contour of your teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth. Bridges are sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures, because they are semi-permanent and are bonded to existing teeth or implants.
• Specialty dentures – Lightweight dentures that mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Most dentures are made from a combination of metals and synthetic material such as acrylic resin, and can be either partial or complete sets.
• Excessive or uneven gums – Gum lifts or soft tissue grafts can be used to even gum lines, or cover an exposed root.
• Ridge augmentation -- A procedure that can shore up dents and other abnormalities in your gum line.
• Grafts -- Small pieces of tissue taken from other areas such as the palate and surgically implanted to correct severe gum disease, cover exposed roots, stop bone loss and gum recession, and even reduce pain-causing root sensitivity.
• Replacement of lost gum tissue -- Gum tissue can be augmented or replaced by a variety of means, including soft tissue grafts.
• Implants -- Synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are sometimes a viable alternative to partial dentures.

                                                        Holiday Special

Botox  $12.50 Special $11.00

Juvederm  $475 for 1^st Syringe, $400 for 2^nd Syringe

Special $400 for 1^st Syringe, $350 for 2^nd Syringe

Dr. Charles Dean

(937)429-3160

*ask for details regarding our Holiday Specials

Foods to look for during the holidays:

• Foods that require a lot of chewing, meaning fibrous foods like apples, celery, and carrots, will whiten teeth because they naturally remove stains on teeth. They act as natural exfoliants.
• Greens such as spinach, broccoli, and lettuce prevent staining because when chewed they create a film over teeth that acts as a barrier. This biofilm prevents stain molecules from adhering to the teeth.
• With your glass of wine, coffee, or egg nog – keep a glass of water nearby. After every few sips, take some water and swish it around your mouth. That will help keep the staining pigments from lingering.

Even amidst all the holiday cheer, don’t forget the following tips.

• Whenever possible, brush your teeth soon after a meal if any of its components can stain. Think about food in terms of a white shirt – if what you have eaten will stain your white shirt, it will stain your teeth.
• Give extra attention to the areas between your teeth; that’s where stains tend to secure themselves and build up over time. The best way to do this is to floss every day, making a "C" shape around each tooth as the floss moves between each contact and moves under the gum. This removes the plaque and the stain molecules at the same time.
•  Never skip bedtime brushing after a staining meal. You’ve already allowed ample time for the pigments to make themselves at home. Waiting until the next morning is as good as putting a finishing top coat over the stains.

-Written by Jonathan Levine on Dr. Oz website

Like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products contain a variety of toxins associated with cancer. At least 28 cancer-causing chemicals have been identified in smokeless tobacco products. Smokeless tobacco is known to cause cancers of the mouth, lip, tongue, and pancreas. Users also may be at risk for cancer of the voice box, esophagus, colon and bladder, because they swallow some of the toxins in the juice created by using smokeless tobacco.

Smokeless tobacco can irritate your gum tissue, causing periodontal (gum) disease. Sugar is often added to enhance the flavor of smokeless tobacco, increasing the risk for tooth decay. Smokeless tobacco also typically contains sand and grit, which can wear down your teeth. 

Signs and symptoms that could indicate oral cancer include:

• any sign of irritation, like tenderness, burning or a sore that will not heal;
• pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips;
• development of a lump, or a leathery, wrinkled or bumpy patch inside your mouth; color changes to your oral soft tissues (gray, red or white spots or patches), rather than a healthy pink color;
• difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue;
• any change in the way your teeth fit together.

See your dentist or physician if you notice any of these changes 

*Information taken from the ADA website

While we are not associated with your dental insurance company in any way, we would like to help you maximize your insurance benefits. Each year you are allowed a maximum dollar amount for dental benefits. These benefits do not carry over from year to year, so if you don’t use all the benefits in a given year, you lose the unused portion. (Please note not all insurance plans run on a calendar year.  Please contact our office if you have any questions.) 

You may want to schedule any incomplete dental treatment or your routine periodic cleaning before the end of the year. 

Oral care tips:

• Brush all surfaces of teeth for at least 2 minutes once in the morning and before bedtime
• Replace toothbrushes as soon as they become worn (many now have a color indicator signaling when it’s time for a new one)
• Floss between teeth and down along the gum line of each tooth
• Use a rubber-tipped gum stimulator or interdental cleaner daily
• Visit the dentist and get a full exam and professional cleaning by a dental hygienist 2 times a year or more depending on your propensity for periodontal disease
• Have your dentist measure the depth of your gum pockets and have periodic X-rays to determine the health of gums, teeth and bone
• If you have dental anxiety, know that there are many new strategies that prevent the pain and quell anxiety prior to any oral procedures as well as specialized clinics for the super anxious
• Avoid sticky foods and frequent snacking to decrease acid load
•  Don’t smoke or chew tobacco (also increases risk or oral cancer)

With the early years of parenthood there is a lot on your plate and dental hygiene shouldn’t be something that goes unnoticed. As your toddler begins to smile more it’s important to learn the basics of toddler tooth care to ensure they stay healthy. We have a few helpful dental tips that will keep your toddler smiling well into his adolescent years, they are as followed:

• Tooth brushing.

Baby teeth are extremely vulnerable to decay as soon as they break through their gum’s and the best line of defense is simply brushing  their teeth twice a day preferably for two minutes at a time. When it comes to teaching your toddler how to brush their own teeth we recommend using tooth brushing games to make cleaning teeth a whole lot more fun!

• Get the right brush.

Sounds simple right? Based on your toddlers behavior will depend on what kind of brush you will want to buy but you do have the choice of a regular long handle toothbrush or finger brushing. Regardless of which brush you and your toddler decide to purchase remember to replace it every three to four months.

• Get the right technique.

The most important thing is teaching your toddler the right technique and with that said it is important to let your toddler pick up the brush and attempt to brush his/her own teeth from there you can direct them on what they should do. In addition it helps for them to visualize the entire process so make sure you have a mirror handy! To learn more about techniques that will your toddlers dental care please read here.

If you suspect your child is over due for a routine check up, we encourage you to visit your dentist. From there your dentist can examine your child’s mouth for further health issues and educate them on the importance of oral hygiene. If you have any questions about dental health care or need to schedule an appointment, please contact our office at 937-429-3160.

Information found on the Dr. Oz website

A confident smile and increased self esteem aren't the only benefits of correcting your smile with Invisalign — your oral health can be positively enhanced as well. Learn more about several common issues below that an experienced Invisalign-trained dental practitioner can work with you to correct.

Overcrowded teeth occur when there is simply a lack of room within your jaw for all of your teeth to fit normally. When left untreated, overly crowded teeth can cause an increased chance of gum disease as your teeth are harder to clean and can prevent the normal function of teeth.

Widely spaced teeth occur when you have extra space within your jaw. This could be due to small sized teeth, abnormal growth of the jaw bones, genetics, missing teeth and/or tongue protrusion. When teeth are missing, this issue can also be caused by the other teeth shifting due to extra space. Spacing issues can lead to some periodontal diseases including gingivitis and periodontitis that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.

Crossbites occur when the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned. It usually causes one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth, and can happen on both the front and/or the sides of the mouth. This issue can cause wear of the teeth, gum disease and bone loss.

Overbites occur when the upper teeth overlap significantly with the lower teeth. It's typically caused by either genetics, bad oral habits, or over development of the bone that supports the teeth. This issue can lead to gum problems or irritation, and/or wear on the lower teeth and can cause painful jaw and joint problems.

Underbites occur when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth, usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. It can also be caused by missing upper teeth. This issue can prevent the normal function of front teeth or molars which can lead to tooth wear. It can also cause painful jaw and joint problems.

It is important that you visit an experienced Invisalign-trained dental practitioner to see how well Invisalign fits your specific needs. And of course, there are other considerations when making the decision to straighten your teeth. Think about how Invisalign can fit in your life by providing a virtually invisible option to getting the smile you want.  Contact our office today for a free consultation.

Root canals are tiny passageways that branch off from beneath the top of the tooth, coursing their way vertically downward, until they reach the tip of the root.

All teeth have between one and four root canals.

Many tooth problems involve infections that spread to the pulp, which is the inner chamber of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. When the infection becomes worse, it can begin affecting the roots. A traumatic injury to a tooth can also compromise the pulp, leading to similar problems.

A diseased inner tooth brings a host of problems; pain and sensitivity are some of the first indications of a problem; but inside, a spreading infection can cause small pockets of pus to develop, leading to an abscess.

Root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high rate of success, and involves removing the diseased tissue, halting the spread of infection and restoring the healthy portion of the tooth. In fact, root canal therapy is designed to save a problem tooth; before the procedure was developed and gained acceptance, the only alternative for treating a diseased tooth was extraction.

Procedure

Root canal therapy usually entails one to three visits. During the first visit, a small hole is drilled through the top of the tooth and into the inner chamber. Diseased tissue is removed, the inner chamber cleansed and disinfected, and the tiny canals reshaped. The cleansed chamber and canals are filled with an elastic material and medication designed to prevent infection. If necessary, the drilled hole is temporarily filled until a permanent seal is made with a crown.

Most patients who have root canal experience little or no discomfort or pain, and enjoy a restored tooth that can last almost as long as its healthy original.

An estimated sixty-five percent of Americans have bad breath. Over forty-million Americans have "chronic halitosis," which is persistent bad breath. Ninety percent of all halitosis is of oral, not systemic, origin.

Americans spend more than $1 billion a year on over the counter halitosis products, many of which are ineffective because they only mask the problem.

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath is caused by a variety of factors. In most cases, it is caused by food remaining in the mouth - on the teeth, tongue, gums, and other structures, collecting bacteria. Dead and dying bacterial cells release a sulfur compound that gives your breath an unpleasant odor. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is exhaled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash only mask the odor. Dieters sometimes develop unpleasant breath from fasting.

Periodontal (gum) disease often causes persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, and persistent bad breath may mean a sign that you have gum disease.

Gum disease is caused by plaque - the sticky, often colorless, film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Dry mouth or xerostomia may also cause bad breath due to decreased salivary flow. Saliva cleans your mouth and removes particles that may cause odor. Tobacco products cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce your ability to taste foods and irritate your gum tissues. Bad breath may also be a sign that you have a serious health problem, such as a respiratory tract infection, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment.

Here are characteristic bad breath odors associated with some of these illnesses:

• Diabetes - acetone, fruity


• Liver failure - sweetish, musty


• Acute rheumatic fever - acid, sweet


• Lung abscess - foul, putrefactive


• Blood dyscrasias - resembling decomposed blood


• Liver cirrhosis - resembling decayed blood


• Uremia - ammonia or urine


• Hand-Schuller-Christian disease - fetid breath and unpleasant taste


• Scurvy - foul breath from stomach inflammation


• Wegner`s granulomatosis - Necrotic, putrefactive


• Kidney failure - ammonia or urine


• Diphtheria, dysentery, measles, pneumonia, scarlet fever, tuberculosis - extremely foul, fetid odor


• Syphilis - fetid

Bad breath may also be caused by medications you are taking, including central nervous system agents, anti-Parkinson drugs, antihistamines/decongestants, anti-psychotics, anti-cholinergics, narcotics, anti-hypertensives, and anti-depressants.

Caring for bad breath

Daily brushing and flossing, and regular professional cleanings, will normally take care of unpleasant breath. And don't forget your often overlooked tongue as a culprit for bad breath. Bacterial plaque and food debris also can accumulate on the back of the tongue. The tongue's surface is extremely rough and bacteria can accumulate easily in the cracks and crevices.

Eliminating periodontal disease and maintaining good oral health helps to reduce bad breath. If you have constant bad breath, make a list of the foods you eat and any medications you take. Some medications may contribute to bad breath.

Improperly cleaned dentures can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them.

If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and that the odor is not oral in nature, you may be referred to your family physician or to a specialist to determine the cause of the odor and possible treatment. If the odor is due to gum disease, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a specialist in treating gum tissues. Gum disease can cause gum tissues to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. When these pockets are deep, only a professional periodontal cleaning can remove the bacteria and plaque that accumulate.

Mouthwashes are generally ineffective on bad breath. If your bad breath persists even after good oral hygiene, there are special products your dentist may prescribe, including "Zytex," which is a combination of zinc chloride, thymol and eucalyptus oil that neutralizes the sulfur compounds and kills the bacteria that causes them. In addition, a special antimicrobial mouth rinse may be prescribed. An example is chlorhexidine, but be careful not to use it for more than a few months as it can stain your teeth. Some antiseptic mouth rinses have been accepted by the American Dental Association for their breath freshening properties and therapeutic benefits in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Instead of simply masking breath odor, these products have been demonstrated to kill the germs that cause bad breath. Ask your dentist about trying some of these products.

Sealants are liquid coatings that harden on to the chewing surfaces of teeth and are showing a great deal of effectiveness in preventing cavities-even on teeth where decay has begun.

The pits and grooves of your teeth are prime areas for opportunistic decay. Even regular brushing sometimes misses these intricate structures on the chewing surfaces of your teeth.

The sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces and are designed to prevent the intrusion of bacteria and other debris into the deep crevices on the tops of teeth.

Sealants actually were developed about 50 years ago, but didn't become commonly used until the 1970s. Today, sealants are becoming widely popular and effective; young children are great candidates for preventative measures like sealants (especially on molars) because in many cases, decay has not set in. Even on teeth where decay is present, sealants have been shown to fight additional damage.

Application

Sealants are applied by first cleaning the tooth surface. The procedure is followed by "etching" the tooth with a chemical substance, which allows the sealant to better adhere. After the sealant is applied, a warm light source is directed to the site to promote faster drying. Sealants usually need re-application every five to 10 years.

Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of your teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth.

Bridges are sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures, because they are semi-permanent and are bonded to existing teeth or implants. Some bridges are removable and can be cleaned by the wearer; others need to be removed by your dentist.

Porcelain, gold alloys or combinations of materials are usually used to make bridge appliances.

Appliances called “implant bridges” are attached to an area below the gum tissue, or the bone.

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. These disorders are often incorrectly called TMJ, which stands for  temporomandibular joint.

What Is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, which is immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head. The joints are flexible, allowing the jaw to move smoothly up and down and side to side and enabling you to talk, chew, and yawn. Muscles attached to and surrounding the jaw joint control the position and movement of the jaw.

What Causes TMD?

The cause of TMD is not clear, but dentists believe that symptoms arise from problems with the muscles of the jaw or with the parts of the joint itself.

Injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck – such as from a heavy blow or whiplash – can cause TMD. Other possible causes include:

• Grinding or clenching the teeth, which puts a lot of pressure on the TMJ
• Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket
• Presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ
• Stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth

What Are the Symptoms of TMD?

People with TMD can experience severe pain and discomfort that can be temporary or last for many years. More women than men experience TMD and TMD is seen most commonly in people between the ages of 20 and 40.

Common symptoms of TMD include:

• Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
• Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
• Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth (which may or may not be accompanied by pain)
• A tired feeling in the face
• Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite – as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
• Swelling on the side of the face

Other common symptoms of TMD include toothaches, headaches, neckaches, dizziness, earaches, hearing problems, upper shoulder pain, and ringing in the ears (tinnitis).

How Is TMD Diagnosed?

Because many other conditions can cause similar symptoms to TMD – including a toothache, sinus problems, arthritis, or gum disease – your dentist will conduct a careful patient history and clinical examination to determine the cause of your symptoms.

He or she will examine your temporomandibular joints for pain or tenderness; listen for clicking, popping, or grating sounds during jaw movement; look for limited motion or locking of the jaw while opening or closing the mouth; and examine bite and facial muscle function. Sometimes panoramic X-rays will be taken. These full face X-rays allow your dentist to view the entire jaws, TMJ, and teeth to make sure other problems aren't causing the TMD symptoms. Sometimes other imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computer tomography (CT), are needed. The MRI views the soft tissue such as the TMJ disc to see if it is in the proper position as the jaw moves. A CT scan helps view the bony detail of the joint.

Your dentist may decide to send you to an oral surgeon (also called an oral and maxillofacial surgeon) for further care and treatment. This oral health care professional specializes in surgical procedures in and about the entire face, mouth, and jaw area.

Information found on WebMD

You can practice good oral hygiene by always brushing your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner, replacing your toothbrush every three or four months and by eating a balanced diet and limiting between-meal snacks. Your dentist may also recommend an antimicrobial mouthrinse as part of your oral hygiene routine. Don't forget to schedule regular dental check-ups to keep your smile, and yourself, healthy.

February is Dental Health Month. Contact our office at 937-429-3160 to schedule your next dental check-up to make sure you have a healthy mouth!

February is Dental Health Month as well as American Heart Month. We would like to educate our patients on the connection between oral health and the heart.

Oral health and its relationship to total health underscore the need to educate consumers about the importance of quality preventive oral health care.

Research has identified periodontal (gum) disease as a risk factor for heart and lung disease, diabetes, premature, low birth weight babies and a number of other conditions. The 2000 Surgeon General's report, Oral Health in America, has called attention to this connection and states that, if left untreated, poor oral health is a "silent X-factor promoting the onset of life-threatening diseases which are responsible for the deaths of millions of Americans each year."

A major disease with an oral health connection is heart disease—the number one killer of men and women—claiming more victims than all forms of cancer and AIDS combined. In 2005, more than 80 million people had one or more forms of cardiovascular disease (CVD); almost 900,000 died in 2004 from CVD.(1) Numerous research studies have shown a connection between heart disease and key bacteria in periodontal disease. While research continues to explore this link, dental hygienists are instrumental in identifying the presence and extent of the periodontal infection and work with patients, both to treat existing periodontal problems and to prevent future complications.

To schedule your next cleaning and check-up contact our office at 937-429-3160.

Frequently asked questions: dental fillings

Are dental amalgams safe? Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to amalgam? Is it true that dental amalgams have been banned in other countries? Is there a filling material that matches tooth color? If my tooth doesn't hurt and my filling is still in place, why would the filling need to be replaced? Read this interesting and informative discussion from the American Dental Association.

FDA consumer update: dental amalgams

The Food and Drug Administration and other organizations of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) continue to investigate the safety of amalgams used in dental restorations (fillings). However, no valid scientific evidence has shown that amalgams cause harm to patients with dental restorations, except in rare cases of allergic reactions.

ATSDR - public health statements: mercury

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers some scientific background on mercury (contained within silver-colored fillings), and whether it believes the substance presents any health hazards.

Analysis reveals significant drop in children's tooth decay

Children have significantly less tooth decay in their primary (baby) and permanent teeth today than they did in the early 1970s, according to the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA). The analysis reveals that among children between the ages of six and 18 years, the percentage of decayed permanent teeth decreased by 57.2 percent over a 20-year period. In addition, children between the ages of two and 10 years experienced a drop of nearly 40 percent in diseased or decayed primary teeth.

Alternative Materials

Advances in modern dental materials and techniques increasingly offer new ways to create more pleasing, natural-looking smiles. Researchers are continuing their often decades-long work developing esthetic materials, such as ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. As a result, dentists and patients today have several choices when it comes to selecting materials used to repair missing, worn, damaged or decayed teeth.

The advent of these new materials has not eliminated the usefulness of more traditional dental restoratives, which include gold, base metal alloys and dental amalgam. The strength and durability of traditional dental materials continue to make them useful for situations where restored teeth must withstand extreme forces that result from chewing, such as in the back of the mouth.

Alternatives to amalgam, such as cast gold restorations, porcelain, and composite resins are more expensive. Gold and porcelain restorations take longer to make and can require two appointments. Composite resins, or white fillings, are esthetically appealing, but require a longer time to place.

Here's a look at some of the more common kinds of alternatives to silver amalgam:

• Composite fillings - Composite fillings are a mixture of acrylic resin and finely ground glasslike particles that produce a tooth-colored restoration. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than that of an amalgam. Composites can also be "bonded" or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repair to the tooth. In teeth where chewing loads are high, composite fillings are less resistant to wear than silver amalgams. It also takes longer to place a composite filling.
• Ionomers - Glass ionomers are tooth-colored materials made of a mixture of acrylic acids and fine glass powders that are used to fill cavities, particularly those on the root surfaces of teeth. Glass ionomers can release a small amount of fluoride that help patients who are at high risk for decay. Glass ionomers are primarily used as small fillings in areas that need not withstand heavy chewing pressure. Because they have a low resistance to fracture, glass ionomers are mostly used in small non-load bearing fillings (those between the teeth) or on the roots of teeth. Resin ionomers also are made from glass filler with acrylic acids and acrylic resin. They also are used for non-load bearing fillings (between the teeth) and they have low to moderate resistance to fracture. Ionomers experience high wear when placed on chewing surfaces. Both glass and resin ionomers mimic natural tooth color but lack the natural translucency of enamel. Both types are well tolerated by patients with only rare occurrences of allergic response.
• Porcelain (ceramic) dental materials - All-porcelain (ceramic) dental materials include porcelain, ceramic or glasslike fillings and crowns. They are used as inlays, onlays, crowns and aesthetic veneers. A veneer is a very thin shell of porcelain that can replace or cover part of the enamel of the tooth. All-porcelain (ceramic) restorations are particularly desirable because their color and translucency mimic natural tooth enamel. All-porcelain restorations require a minimum of two visits and possibly more. The restorations are prone to fracture when placed under tension or on impact. Their strength depends on an adequate thickness of porcelain and the ability to be bonded to the underlying tooth. They are highly resistant to wear but the porcelain can quickly wear opposing teeth if the porcelain surface becomes rough.

Sealants

Research has shown that almost everybody has a 95 percent chance of eventually experiencing cavities in the pits and grooves of their teeth.

Sealants were developed in the 1950s and first became available commercially in the early 1970s. The first sealant was accepted by the American Dental Association Council on Dental Therapeutics in 1972. Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years. In fact, research has shown that sealants actually stop cavities when placed on top of a slightly decayed tooth by sealing off the supply of nutrients to the bacteria that causes a cavity.

Sealants act as a barrier to prevent bacteria and food from collecting and sitting on the grooves and pits of teeth. Sealants are best suited for permanent first molars, which erupt around the age of 6, and second molars, which erupt around the age of 12.

Sealants are most effective when applied as soon as the tooth has fully come in. Because of this, children derive the greatest benefit from sealants because of the newness of their teeth. Research has shown that more than 65% of all cavities occur in the narrow pits and grooves of a child`s newly erupted teeth because of trapped food particles and bacteria.

Application

Sealant application involves cleaning the surface of the tooth and rinsing the surface to remove all traces of the cleaning agent. An etching solution or gel is applied to the enamel surface of the tooth, including the pits and grooves. After 15 seconds, the solution is thoroughly rinsed away with water. After the site is dried, the sealant material is applied and allowed to harden by using a special curing light.

Sealants normally last about five years. Sealants should always be examined at the child`s regular checkup. Sealants are extremely effective in preventing decay in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.

Insurance coverage for sealant procedures is increasing, but still minimal. Many dentists expect this trend to change as insurers become more convinced that sealants can help reduce future dental expenses and protect the teeth from more aggressive forms of treatment.

Oral Health Guidelines for Pregnant Women

Important Oral Health Information for Expectant Mothers

From Shawn Watson, former About.com Guide

Updated February 24, 2010

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAP) announced new oral health guidelines for pregnant women in 2009 tailored to assist them in maintaining healthy teeth and gums during their pregnancy and into the early stages of motherhood. Why is oral health care important during pregnancy? Mothers with gum disease have a higher instance of preterm birth, a potentially serious pregnancy complication that may cause health concerns for their infant, typically due to a low birth weight.

Pregnancy gingivitis is a common form of gum disease known to develop in almost half of all pregnant women likely due to the change in hormones. When kept at-bay, pregnancy gingivitis generally ends shortly after the birth of the child, although it should be monitored by a dentist periodically during pregnancy in order to prevent this form of gingivitis from progressing into more serious periodontitis, an advanced and irreversible form of gum disease that has been linked with preterm birth. Pregnant mothers with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to go into preterm labor. Prostaglandin, a chemical found in oral bacteria, may induce labor. And high levels of prostaglandin has been found in the mouths of women with severe cases of periodontal disease.

The following guidelines were developed by the AAP in response to the growing concern surrounding oral health during pregnancy:

• Oral Health Education - Counseling and early intervention by healthcare providers such as physicians, nurses, and dentists to provide expectant mothers with the tools and resources necessary to understand the importance of oral health care during pregnancy.
• Oral Hygiene - Removing the bacterial plaque, which researchers have connected to preterm birth and low birth-weight babies, is essential. Using the correct brushing and flossing methods greatly increase the amount of plaque that is removed from the teeth and gums.
• Fluoride - The American Dental Association recommends the use of toothpaste with fluoride by persons over the age of six. Echoing their sentiment, the AAP oral health guidelines advise the continued use of fluoridated toothpaste during pregnancy, and recommends the use of an over-the-counter alcohol-free fluoride rinse to help reduce the amount of plaque in the mouth.
• Nutrition - Educating expectant mothers about proper diet and nutrition during pregnancy will limit unnecessary sugar intake and in turn, prevent plaque build up.
• Treating Existing Tooth Decay - Expectant mothers are encouraged to have existing tooth decay treated during their pregnancy, which experts believe is a completely safe practice during pregnancy. Restoring decayed teeth will help achieve oral health by removing the bacteria associated with tooth decay.
• Transmission of Bacteria - Expectant mothers are discouraged from sharing food and utensils in order to prevent the transmission of the bacteria known to cause tooth decay.
• Use of Xylitol Gum - Expectant mothers are encouraged to chew xylitol gum (four times a day) as research suggests that chewing this gum may decrease the rate of tooth decay in children.

Talk to Your Dentist

If you are pregnant or are considering pregnancy, discuss any concerns you may have with your dentist. Women who are thinking about becoming pregnant may want to consider their oral health before becoming pregnant as research suggests that treating existing gum disease in pregnant women does not reduce the instance of preterm birth. Despite this fact, experts insist that regular oral health care should continue throughout pregnancy.

_Sources:

_{AAPD Releases New Perinatal and Infant Oral Health Guidelines. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Accessed: July 3, 2009. http://www.aapd.org/hottopics/news.asp?NEWS_ID=993}

_{New Data Show Periodontal Treatment Doesn't Reduce Preterm Birth Risk - January 29, 2009. Duke University. Accessed: July 3, 2009. http://www.dukehealth.org/HealthLibrary/News/new_data_show_periodontal_treatment_doesn_t_reduce_preterm_birth_risk}

_{The AAP Issues Statement on Periodontal Treatment During Pregnancy - January 30, 2009. American Academy of Periodontology. Accessed: July 3, 2009. http://perio.org/consumer/pregnancy-treatment.htm}

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?

There are many advantages to dental implants, including:

• Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
• Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that your teeth might slip.
• Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
• Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
• Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
• Improved oral health. Dental implants don't require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving your long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
• Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
• Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing your dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep your dentures in place.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care (see below), implants can last a lifetime.

Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?

In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders - such as diabetes or heart disease - or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis. If you are considering implants, contact our office at 937-429-3160 to set up a free consultation with Dr. Dean.

Information taken from WebMD

Causes of Tooth Loss

Physical trauma or injury: Severe blow to the face or injury can cause the teeth to become loose and fall out. Our teeth are quite strong and hence it takes quite a large amount of force to displace the teeth from their sockets.

Gum (periodontal) disease: Gum disease is the leading cause for tooth loss in adults. Gum disease is the inflammation or infection of the gum tissues surrounding the teeth.
When gum disease has progressed to an advanced stage, it causes the resoption (degradation) of the bone supporting the tooth. This leads to the tooth loosening and eventually falling out.

Dental caries: It is an irreversible microbial disease of the tooth which damages the tooth structure. Also known as tooth decay or cavities, it can result in tooth loss over a period of time.

Prevention of tooth loss

• Brushing and flossing: Gum disease and tooth decay occur often as a result of poor oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day to keep dental problems at bay. Flossing helps remove food debris in between your teeth and is recommended.
• Regular visits to dentist: It is recommended to visit your dentist regularly to identify oral problems in their initial stage.
• Fluoride therapy: use of fluoridated toothpaste and mouth wash is advisable as it prevents dental caries and hence tooth loss.
• Dental sealants: Dental sealants are often applied in children on the chewing surfaces of back teeth as it acts as a physical barrier against dental caries.

Treatment

Dental implants: Dental implant is the replacement of the missing tooth/teeth by an artificial tooth which are embedded in your jaw bone. It is the most advanced treatment for tooth loss and is costly.

Bridges: Dental bridges are also known as fixed partial dentures. They replace the missing tooth and are supported by surrounding teeth.

Removable partial dentures: These are removable dentures which replace the missing teeth.

Complete denture: In cases of completely missing teeth, a complete denture is an effective way to replace the missing teeth.

What looks like a bargain today may not be a good buy in the long run. While your out-of-pocket costs are, of course, an important part of your decision-making process when choosing a dental plan, they are not the only criteria to use when evaluating your options. Your primary focus should be to determine whether the coverage will satisfy your dental care needs. Consider the following:

1. Does the plan give you the freedom to choose your own dentist or are you restricted to a panel of dentists selected by the insurance company? If you have a family dentist with whom you are satisfied, consider the effects changing dentists will have on the quality or quantity of care you receive. Because regular visits to the dentist reduce the likelihood of developing serious dental disease, it's best to have and maintain an established relationship with a dentist you trust.

2. Who controls treatment decisions--you and your dentist or the dental plan? Many plans require dentists to follow treatment plans that rely on a Least Expensive Alternative Treatment (LEAT) approach. If there are multiple treatment options for a specific condition, the plan will pay for the less expensive treatment option. If you choose a treatment option that may better suit your individual needs and your long-term oral health, you will be responsible for paying the difference in costs. It's important to know who makes the treatment decisions under your plan. These cost control measures may have an impact on the quality of care you'll receive.

3. Does the plan cover diagnostic, preventive and emergency services? If so, to what extent? Most dental plans provide coverage for selected diagnostic services, preventive care and emergency treatment that are basic for maintaining good oral health. But the extent or frequency of the services covered by some plans may be limited. Depending upon your individual oral health needs, you may be required to pay the dentist directly for a portion of this basic care. Find out how much treatment is allowed in any given year without cost to you, and how much you will have to pay for yourself.

Every dental care plan is different. It's your responsibility to be informed about what your specific plan will cover. As a basis of comparison, the following services should be covered in full, with no deductible or patient co-payment:

Initial Oral Examination--once per dentist

Recall Examinations--twice per year

Complete x-ray survey--once every three years

Cavity-detecting bite-wing x-rays--once per year

Prophylaxis or teeth cleaning--twice per year

Topical Fluoride treatment--twice per year

Sealants--for those under age 18

4. What routine corrective treatment is covered by the dental plan? What share of the costs will be yours? While preventive care lessens the risk of serious dental disease, additional treatment may be required to ensure optimal health. A broad range of treatment can be defined as routine. Most plans cover 70 percent to 80 percent of such treatment. Patients are responsible for the remaining costs. Examples of routine care include:

Restorative care - amalgam and composite resin fillings and stainless steel crowns on primary teeth

Endodontics - treatment of root canals and removal of tooth nerves

Oral Surgery - tooth removal (not including bony impaction) and minor surgical procedures such as tissue biopsy and drainage of minor oral infections.

Periodontics - treatment of uncomplicated periodontal disease including scaling, root planning and management of acute infections or lesions

Prosthodontics--repair and/or relining or reseating of existing dentures and bridges.

Understand what routine dental care is covered by the plan, and what percentage of the costs will come our of your pocket.

5. What major dental care is covered by the plan? What percentage of these costs will you be required to pay? Since dental benefits encourage you to get preventive care, which often eliminates the need for major dental work, most plans are not generous when it comes to paying for major dental work, most plans cover less than 50 percent of the cost of major treatment. Most plans limit the benefits--both in number of procedures and dollar amount--that are covered in a given year. Be aware of these restrictions when choosing your plan and as you and your dentist develop treatment best suited for you. Major dental care includes:

Restorative care--gold restorations and individual crowns

Oral Surgery--removal of impacted teeth and complex oral surgery procedures.

Periodontics--treatment of complicated periodontal disease requiring surgery involving bones, underlying tissues or bone grafts.

Orthodontics--treatment including retainers, braces and/or diagnostic materials.

Dental Implants--either surgical placement or restoration

Prosthodontics--fixed bridges, partial dentures and removable or fixed dentures.

6. Will the plan allow referrals to specialists? Will my dentist and I be able to choose the specialist? Some plans limit referrals to specialists. Your dentist may be required to refer you to a limited selection of specialists who have contracted with the plan's third party. You also may be required to get permission from the plan administrator before being referred to a specialist. If you choose a plan with these limitations, make sure qualified specialists are available in your area. Look for a plan with a broad selection of different types of specialists. If you have children, you may prefer a plan that allows a pediatric dentist to be your child's primary care dentist. Since specialized treatment is generally more costly than routine care, some plans discourage the use of specialists. While many general practitioners are qualified to perform some specialized services, complex procedures often require the skills of a dentist with special training. Discuss the options with your dentist before deciding who is best qualified to deliver treatment.

7. Can you see the dentist when you need to, and schedule appointment times convenient for you? Dentists participating in closed panel or capitation plans may have select hours to see plan patients. They may schedule appointments for these patients on given days, or at specified hours of the day, restricting your access. Some dentist's fees for seeing you on weekends or during emergencies are high than those the plan allows. You may be required to pay additional costs yourself. If you select these types of plans, have a clear understanding of your dentist's policies as well as the plan's dentist-to-patient ratio. It's the best way to ensure your access to care is not unduly restricted and that you are not surprised by higher fees the plan does not cover.

8. Will the plan provide benefits to patients who may also be covered by another dental plan? It is not unusual to be eligible for dual benefits. You may be covered under your company's plan as well as under that of your spouse's employer. In analyzing your options, make sure to look for a plan that allows coordination of benefits.

You should be entitled to either 100 percent coverage or some form of premium credit. By coordinating benefits, you can eliminate being penalized or denied coverage when the two plans have conflicting exclusions.

Getting The Best And Most From Your Plan

To take full advantage of your dental benefits plan, visit the dentist regularly and get the preventive care that will keep your mouth healthy. Follow the treatment plan you and your dentist have developed. Do your dental homework--brush and floss regularly and maintain a regular schedule of oral examinations and teeth cleanings.

Should you need treatment for particular conditions, follow the procedure for predetermination required by your plan. Find out what your insurance will cover. Feel free to discuss a payment plan with your dentist for your portion of the treatment costs.

Making An Informed Choice

The law mandates that consumers with dental coverage receive a fully detailed patient information handbook--a Description of Benefits--that clearly outlines coverage, limitations and exclusions. Before selecting a plan that best suits your needs, ask your carrier or company benefits coordinator for a copy of the benefits handbook. If you have questions about coverage, exclusions, calculation of benefits or payment of benefits, ask before making your plan selection. Find out which plans your dentist participates in and why. That's the best way for you to get care from the dentist of your choice, and still take advantage of the costs savings due to you.

Selecting an insurance program wisely isn't simple. But having the facts to make an informed decision can make a difference. No plan is perfect; each has its advantages and limitations. Read the fine print. And by all means ask questions. The more you know about dental benefits, the better equipped you will be to select the best coverage for your dental health.

Most people can live with having some anxiety about going to the dentist. For those with dental phobia, however, the thought of a dental visit is terrifying. They may be so frightened, in fact, that they'll do just about anything to avoid a dental appointment.

A phobia is an intense, unreasonable fear. People can fear a specific activity, object or situation. People with dental phobia often put off routine care for years or even decades. To avoid it, they'll put up with gum infections (periodontal disease), pain, or even broken and unsightly teeth.

Dental anxiety and phobia are extremely common. It has been estimated that 9% to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of anxiety and fear. That's about 30 million to 40 million people. In a survey by the British Dental Health Foundation, 36% of those who didn't see a dentist regularly said that fear was the main reason.

People often use the words "anxiety" and "phobia" to mean the same thing, but they are different.

Those with dental anxiety will have a sense of uneasiness when it's time for their appointments. They'll have exaggerated or unfounded worries or fears. Dental phobia is a more serious condition. It's an intense fear or dread. People with dental phobia aren't merely anxious. They are terrified or panic stricken.

People with dental phobia have a higher risk of gum disease and early tooth loss. Avoiding the dentist may have emotional costs as well. Discolored or damaged teeth can make people self-conscious and insecure. They may smile less or keep their mouths partly closed when they speak. Some people can become so embarrassed about how their teeth look that their personal and professional lives begin to suffer. There is often a serious loss of self-esteem.

People with dental phobia also may suffer from poorer health in general, and even lower life expectancy. This is because poor oral health has been found to be related to some life-threatening conditions, such as heart disease and lung infections.

There are varying degrees of dental anxiety and phobia. At the extreme, a person with dental phobia may never see a dentist. Others may force themselves to go, but they may not sleep the night before. It's not uncommon for people to feel sick — or, in some cases, to actually get sick — while they're in the waiting room.

Dental phobia, like other mental disorders, can be treated. Without treatment, dental phobia is likely to get worse over time. That's partly because emotional stress can make dental visits more uncomfortable than they need to be.

People who are unusually tense tend to have a lower pain threshold. This means they may feel pain at lower levels than other people. They may need extra anesthetic or other pain treatments. They may even develop stress-related problems in other parts of the body. For example, they may have headaches or muscle stiffness in the neck or back.

Causes of Dental Anxiety and Phobia

People develop dental anxieties and phobias for many different reasons. When researchers interview patients, however, a few common themes emerge.

Pain — In a survey of people who had not seen a dentist for 12 months, 6% reported fear of pain as the main reason. The fear of pain is most common in adults 24 years and older. This may be because their early dental visits happened before many of the advances in "pain-free" dentistry.

Feelings of helplessness and loss of control — Many people develop phobias about situations — such as flying in an airplane — in which they feel they have no control. When they're in the dental chair, they have to stay still. They may feel they can't see what's going on or predict what's going to hurt. It's common for people to feel helpless and out of control, which may trigger anxiety.

Embarrassment — The mouth is an intimate part of the body. People may feel ashamed or embarrassed to have a stranger looking inside. This may be a particular problem if they're self-conscious about how their teeth look. Dental treatments also require physical closeness. During a treatment, the hygienist's or dentist's face may be just a few inches away. This can make people anxious and uncomfortable.

Negative past experiences — Anyone who has had pain or discomfort during previous dental procedures is likely to be more anxious the next time around.

Symptoms

There isn't a clear boundary that separates "normal" anxiety from phobia. Everyone has fears and concerns and copes with them in different ways. However, the prospect of dental work does not need to fill you with terror. If it does, then you may need some help overcoming the fears.

Some of the signs of dental phobia include:

• You feel tense or have trouble sleeping the night before a dental exam.
• You get increasingly nervous while you're in the waiting room.
• You feel like crying when you think of going to the dentist. The sight of dental instruments — or of white-coated personnel in the dentist's office — increases your anxiety.
• The thought of a dental visit makes you feel physically ill.
• You panic or have trouble breathing when objects are placed in your mouth during a dental appointment.

If this describes you, you need to tell your dentist about your feelings, concerns and fears. He or she will help you overcome these feelings by changing the way you are treated.

1. Understand your own oral health needs.

Talk with your dentist, other oral health care specialist, or hygienist about any special conditions in your mouth and any ways in which your medical/health conditions affect your teeth or oral health. For example, cancer treatments, pregnancy, heart diseases, diabetes, dental appliances (dentures, braces) can all impact your oral health and may necessitate a change in the care of your mouth and/or teeth. Be sure to tell your dentist if you have experienced a change in your general health or in any medications you are taking since your last dental visit.

2. Develop, then follow, a daily oral health routine.

Based on discussions with your dentist, other oral health care specialist, and hygienist and considering your unique general health and oral health situations, develop an oral health routine that is easy to follow on a daily basis. For example, people with special conditions - such as pregnancy, diabetes and other underlying diseases, orthodontic appliances - may require additional instruction and perhaps treatments to keep their mouth healthy. Make sure you understand the additional care and/or treatment that is needed, commit to the extra tasks, and work them into your daily health routine.

3. Use fluoride.

Children and adults benefit from fluoride use. Fluoride strengthens developing teeth in children and prevents tooth decay in both children and adults. Toothpastes and mouth rinses contain fluoride. Fluoride levels in tap water may not be high enough without supplementation to prevent tooth decay. Contact your water utility to determine the level for your area. Talk with your dentist about your fluoride needs. Ask if fluoride supplements or a higher strength, prescription-only fluoride product is necessary for you.

4. Brush and floss daily.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day (morning and before bed time) and floss at least once a day. Better still would be to brush after every meal and snack. These activities remove plaque, which if not removed, combines with sugars to form acids that lead to tooth decay. Bacterial plaque also causes gum disease and other periodontal diseases.

5. Eat a balanced diet and limit snacking.

Eat a variety of foods, but eat fewer foods that contain sugars and starches (for example, cookies, cakes, pies, candies, ice cream, dried fruits and raisins, soft drinks, potato chips). These foods produce the most acids in the mouth, which begin the decay process. If you must snack, brush your teeth afterward or chew sugarless gum.

6. If you use tobacco products, quit.

Smoking cigarettes or using smokeless tobacco products increases your risk of oral cancer and cancers of the larynx, pharynx and esophagus; gum disease; as well as causes bad breath, tooth discoloration, and contributes to other oral and general health problems.

7. Examine your mouth regularly.

Become familiar with the appearance of your own mouth and teeth through frequent examination. This way, you will be able to catch any changes at an early stage and have these changes examined by a dentist. Look for the development of any spots, lesions, cuts, swellings, or growths on your gums, tongue, cheeks, inside of your lips, and floor and roof of your mouth. Examine your teeth for any signs of chipping or cracking, discoloration, and looseness. If you experience a change in your bite or develop pain, call your dentist as soon as possible. An oral examination is particularly important to conduct if you are a tobacco user, since you are at an increased risk of developing oral cancer.

8. Visit your dentist regularly.

The standard recommendation is to visit your dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleanings. Talk with your dentist about the frequency that is best for you considering your oral health situation.

9. Develop a partnership with your dentist.

Don't be afraid to ask your dentist for more information if you don't understand a treatment or procedure. You should be able to have a free and frank discussion with your dentist about the following types of issues:

• What are the treatment options for a particular dental condition?
• How do these options differ in cost and in their durability?
• Do all the options solve the problem? What are the benefits and drawbacks of each option?
• Of the dental treatments being recommended, which are absolutely necessary, which are less urgent, which are elective, and which are merely cosmetic?
• What are the consequences of delaying treatment?
• How much will the treatment cost?
• When is payment due?
• What method of payment does your dentist expect?
• Do you have a clear understanding of all fees and methods and schedules of payment?

Information taken from WebMD

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Many people have abnormal sores in their mouths, with the great majority being noncancerous. An oral exam can't determine which sores are cancerous and which are not. If your dentist finds an unusual sore, you may go through further testing to determine its cause. The only way to definitively determine whether you have oral cancer is to remove some abnormal cells and test them for cancer in a procedure called a biopsy.

Not all medical organizations agree about the benefits of an oral exam for oral cancer screening. For instance, the American Dental Association recommends all adults undergo periodic oral exams when they visit the dentist. The American Cancer Society recommends discussing oral cancer screening when you visit your dentist.

Additional tests for oral cancer screening
Some dentists use special tests in addition to the oral exam to screen for oral cancer. It's not clear if these tests offer any additional benefit over the oral exam. Special oral cancer screening tests include:

• Rinsing your mouth with a dye before an exam. Your dentist may apply a blue dye to the inside of your mouth or ask you to rinse your mouth with a blue dye before your oral exam. Abnormal cells in your mouth may take up the dye and appear blue. The blue dye can't distinguish between cancerous cells and noncancerous cells, so for people with an average risk of oral cancer this test isn't as helpful. Some studies have concluded there could be some benefit for people with a very high risk of oral cancer, such as those who've already been diagnosed with one oral cancer and have a risk of a second cancer.
• Shining a light in your mouth during an exam. Your dentist may use a special light to examine the inside of your mouth. The special light makes healthy tissue appear dark and makes abnormal tissue appear white. Some researchers have reported finding abnormal areas with the special light that weren't discovered during a standard oral exam. But most studies haven't found this to be the case in general. There's little evidence that using a special light to examine the mouth has any advantage over a standard oral exam.

Who should consider oral cancer screening
People with a high risk of oral cancer may be more likely to benefit from oral cancer screening, though studies haven't clearly proved that. Factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer include:

• Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff, among others
• Heavy alcohol use
• Previous oral cancer diagnosis

Ask your dentist whether oral cancer screening is appropriate for you. Also ask about ways you can reduce your risk of oral cancer, such as quitting smoking and not drinking alcohol.

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• Analgesics - These are also called pain relievers and include common non-narcotic medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Analgesics are usually used for mild cases of discomfort, and are typically prescribed following such procedures as a root canal or tooth extraction.
• Anesthetics - Anesthetics can either be topically applied, injected or swallowed. Dentists often apply topical anesthetics with a cotton swab to an area of the mouth where a procedure such as a restoration will be performed. This numbs the affected area. Topical anesthetics are used in many dental procedures such as tooth restoration. Topical anesthetics also are used to prepare an area for injection of an anesthetic. Novocaine and Lidocaine are the most common kind of injectable anesthetics. Such medications block the nerves from transmitting signals and are used for more major types of procedures, such as fillings and root canals.
• Sedatives - Sedatives are medications designed to help a patient relax. This can be a powerful tool in avoiding pain. Sedatives are sometimes used in combination with other types of pain relievers and pain-killers. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a form of sedative. Conscious sedation involves administering a sedative while the patient is alert and awake. Deep sedation or general anesthesia involves administering a medication that places a patient in a state of monitored and controlled unconsciousness.

Types of sedatives include:

• Intravenous (IV) sedation - Usually in the form of a tranquilizing agent); patients given IV sedation are often awake, but very relaxed.
• Inhalation sedation - a form of sedation in which a medication (such as nitrous oxide) is administered through a special mask.

FACT #2: Dental insurance benefits differ greatly from general health insurance benefits. In 1971, your dental insurance benefits were approximately $1000 per year. Some 35 years later, you will note that your benefits are still $1000 per year. Figuring a 6% rate of inflation per year, you should be receiving over $5000 per year in dental benefits. Your premiums have increased, but your benefits have not. Therefore, dental insurance is never a pay-all; it is only an aid.

FACT #3: You may receive notification from your insurance company stating that dental fees are "higher than usual and customary". An insurance company surveys a geographic area, calculates an average fee, takes 80% of that fee and considers it customary. Included in this survey are discount dental clinics and managed care facilities which bring down the average. Any doctor in a high quality private practice will have fees that insurance companies define as higher than "usual and customary".

FACT #4: Many plans tell their participants that they will be covered "up to 80% or up to 100%" but do not clearly specify plan schedule allowance, annual maximum or limitations. It is more realistic to expect dental insurance to cover 35% to 65% of major services. Remember, the amount a plan pays is determined by how much the employer paid for the plan. You get back only what your employer put in, less the profits of the insurance company.

Gum recession is a common dental problem. Most people do not know they have gum recession because it occurs gradually. The first sign of gum recession is usually tooth sensitivity, or you may notice a tooth looks longer than normal. Often a notch can be felt at the top of the tooth, just below the gum line.

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals.

Types of dentures

Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position.

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. It will greatly enhance the facial appearance and smile.

Complete or full dentures are made when all of your natural teeth are missing. You can have a full denture on your upper or lower jaw, or both.

Complete dentures are called "conventional" or "immediate" according to when they are made and when they are inserted into the mouth. Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth. To make this possible, the dentist takes measurements and makes the models of the patient`s jaws during a preliminary visit.

An advantage of immediate dentures is that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the period of healing in the first six months after the removal of teeth. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit properly. A conventional denture can then be made once the tissues have healed. Healing may take at least 6-8 weeks.

An overdenture is a removable denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants. The natural teeth must be prepared to provide stability and support for the denture.

Partial dentures are often a solution when several teeth are missing.

Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by metal framework. Removable partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments. Precision attachments are generally more esthetic than metal clasps and are nearly invisible. Crowns on your natural teeth may improve the fit of a removable partial denture and they are usually required with attachments. Dentures with precision attachments generally cost more than those with metal clasps.

How are dentures made?

The denture process takes about one month and five appointments: the initial diagnosis is made; an impression and a wax bite are made to determine vertical dimensions and proper jaw position; a "try-in" is placed to assure proper color, shape and fit; and the patient`s final denture is placed, following any minor adjustments.

First, an impression of your jaw is made using special materials. In addition, measurements are made to show how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them (bite relationship). The color or shade of your natural teeth will also be determined. The impression, bite and shade are given to the dental laboratory so a denture can be custom-made for your mouth.

The dental laboratory makes a mold or model of your jaw, places the teeth in a wax base, and carves the wax to the exact form wanted in the finished denture. Usually a "wax try-in" of the denture will be done at the dentist`s office so any adjustments can be done before the denture is completed.

The denture is completed at the dental laboratory using the "lost wax" technique. A mold of the wax-up denture is made, the wax is removed and the remaining space is filled with pink plastic in dough form. The mold is then heated to harden the plastic. The denture is then polished and ready for wear.
 

Getting used to your denture

For the first few weeks, a new denture may feel awkward or bulky. However, your mouth will eventually become accustomed to wearing it. Inserting and removing the denture will require some practice. Your denture should easily fit into place. Never force the partial denture into position by biting down. This could bend or break the clasps.

At first, you may be asked to wear your denture all the time. Although this may be temporarily uncomfortable, it is the quickest way to identify those denture parts that may need adjustment. If the denture puts too much pressure on a particular area, that spot will become sore. Your denture can be adjusted to fit more comfortably. After making adjustments, you may need to take the denture out of your mouth before going to bed and replace it in the morning.

Start out by eating soft foods that are cut into small pieces. Chew on both sides of the mouth to keep even pressure on the denture. Avoid sticky or hard foods, including gum. You may want to avoid chewing gum while you adjust to the denture.
 

Care of your denture

It's best to stand over a folded towel or a sink of water when handling your denture, just in case you accidentally drop it. Brush the denture (preferably with a denture brush) daily to remove food deposits and plaque, and keep it from becoming permanently stained. Avoid using a brush with hard bristles, which can damage the denture. Look for denture cleansers with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the denture`s metal clasps. Plaque that becomes trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay.

Hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid to clean dentures is also acceptable. Other types of household cleaners and many toothpastes are too abrasive and should not be used for cleaning dentures. A denture could lose its proper shape if it is not kept moist. At night, the denture should be placed in soaking solution or water. However, if the appliance has metal attachments, they could be tarnished if placed in soaking solution.

Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning, brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft-bristled brush before you put in your dentures. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth. Selecting a balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important for maintaining a healthy mouth.
 

Adjustments

Over time, adjusting the denture may be necessary. As you age, your mouth naturally changes, which can affect the fit of the denture. Your bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, resulting in a loose-fitting denture. Loose dentures can cause various problems, including sores or infections. Dentures that do not fit properly can be adjusted. Avoid using a do-it-yourself kit to adjust your dentures, as this can damage the appliance beyond repair. Glues sold over-the-counter often contain harmful chemicals and should not be used on a denture.

If your denture no longer fits properly, if it breaks, cracks or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, see your dentist immediately. In many cases, dentists can make necessary adjustments or repairs, often on the same day. Complicated repairs may require that the denture be sent to a special dental laboratory.

Over time, dentures will need to be relined, re-based, or re-made due to normal wear. To reline or re-base a denture, the dentist uses the existing denture teeth and refits the denture base or makes a new denture base. Dentures may need to be replaced if they become loose and the teeth show signs of significant wear.
 

Common concerns

Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the dentures from tipping. As you become accustomed to chewing, add other foods until you return to your normal diet.

Continue to chew food using both sides of the mouth at the same time. Be cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones or shells.

Some people worry about how dentures will affect their speech. Consider how your speech is affected when you have a number of your natural teeth missing.

Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating troublesome words will help. If your dentures "click" while you`re talking, speak more slowly. You may find that your dentures occasionally slip when you laugh, cough or smile. Reposition the dentures by gently biting down and swallowing. If a speaking problem persists, consult your dentist.
 

Denture adhesives

Denture adhesives can provide additional retention for well-fitting dentures. Denture adhesives are not the solution for old, ill-fitting dentures. A poorly fitting denture, which causes constant irritation over a long period, may contribute to the development of sores. These dentures may need a reline or need to be replaced. If your dentures begin to feel loose, or cause pronounced discomfort, consult with your dentist immediately.

Cleaning Techniques

Remember to rinse and brush your dentures after every meal, and soak them in denture solution overnight. This also allows your gums to breathe while you sleep.

Here are some simple techniques for keeping your dentures clean:

• People can brush their dentures in a variety of ways. Some people use soap and water or a slightly abrasive toothpaste. Popular denture pastes and creams also can be used.
• Avoid using highly abrasive chemicals or pastes, or vigorously brushing with hard bristled toothbrushes. These can scratch or even crack dentures.
• Hold your dentures gently to avoid loosening a tooth.
• Clean your dentures with cool or tepid water over a water-filled sink. Hot water may warp a denture. A small washcloth placed in the bottom of the bowl will ensure that your denture isn't damaged if it falls.
• Soak your dentures overnight in any commercially available product like Efferdent or Polident, and remember to rinse your dentures before placing them back in your mouth.
• Remember to use a separate toothbrush to clean your own natural teeth, as well as all of your gum tissues. In lieu of a toothbrush, a soft washcloth may be used to wipe your gums.

Over time, even daily care of your dentures may require them to be cleaned by the dentist. A powerful ultrasonic cleaner may be used to remove hard accumulations of tartar and other substances.

General Procedure

When restoration procedures such as root canal therapy, crowns, or fillings are not enough to save a tooth, it may need to be pulled, or extracted.

Tooth extraction procedures today are far less painful than ever before, thanks to powerful anesthetics and sedatives. In many cases, a patient who has tooth pulled experiences little or no discomfort, and only minor bleeding.

Before a tooth is extracted, the area surrounding the tooth is numbed with a topical/and or injectable anesthetic such as Novocaine.

Patients with extracted teeth sometimes need to take an antibiotic, and at the very least, take precautions following the procedure to ensure that infection doesn't occur.

Smoking, vigorous brushing and rinsing, and drinking liquids through straws are discouraged during the post-operative period because they hinder healing and may cause the wound to open. Cold compresses applied to the outside cheek near the extraction area can help reduce any swelling and promote faster healing.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that erupt in the back corners of the upper and lower normal adult mouth. Unfortunately, most people experience problems from wisdom teeth; in most cases, this is because the teeth erupt too close to existing permanent teeth, causing crowding, improper bites, and other problems.

If wisdom teeth are causing a problem and are not pulled, they can sometimes become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can be extremely painful, as well as harmful to your oral health. Symptoms are easy to spot: severe discomfort, inflammation, and some kinds of infections.

Many people need to have their wisdom teeth extracted to avoid future serious problems. In general, the lack of the four wisdom teeth does not hamper one's ability to properly bite down, speak or eat.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have an impacted wisdom tooth:

• Facial swelling
• Infection
• Pain
• Gum swelling

Oldest Mother
On April 9, 2003, Satyabhama Mahapatra, a 65-year-old retired schoolteacher in India, became the world's oldest mother when she gave birth to a baby boy. Satyabhama and her husband had been married 50 years, but this is their first child. The baby was conceived through artificial insemination using eggs from the woman's 26-year-old niece, Veenarani Mahapatra, and the sperm of Veenarani's husband.

Most Surviving Children
Bobbie McCaughey is the mother who holds the record for the most surviving children from a single birth. She gave birth to the first set of surviving septuplets - four boys and three girls -on November 19, 1997, at the University Hospital, Iowa, US. Conceived by in vitro fertilization, the babies were delivered after 31 weeks by cesarean in the space of 16 minutes. The babies are named Kenneth, Nathaniel, Brandon, Joel, Kelsey, Natalie and Alexis.

Shortest Interval Between Two Children
Jayne Bleackley is the mother who holds the record for the shortest interval between two children born in separate confinements. She gave birth to Joseph Robert on September 3, 1999, and Annie Jessica Joyce on March 30, 2000. The babies were born 208 days apart.

Longest Interval Between Two Children
Elizabeth Ann Buttle is the mother who holds the record for the longest interval between the birth of two children. She gave birth to Belinda on May 19,1956 and Joseph on November 20, 1997. The babies were born 41 years 185 days apart. The mother was 60 years old when her son Joseph was born.

Highest Recorded Number of Children
The highest officially recorded number of children born to one mother is 69, to the first wife of Feodor Vassilyev (1707-1782) of Shuya, Russia. Between 1725 and 1765, in a total of 27 confinements, she gave birth to 16 pairs of twins, seven sets of triplets, and four sets of quadruplets. 67 of them survived infancy.

Highest Number of Children in Modern Times
The modern world record for giving birth is held by Leontina Albina from San Antonio, Chile. Leontina claims to be the mother of 64 children, of which only 55 of them are documented. She is listed in the 1999 Guinness World Records but dropped from later editions.

Tooth enamel may be worn away in several ways. One or more of the following factors may cause premature wear:

Attrition

Attrition is the gradual loss of enamel through "wear". A small amount of attrition may be caused by normal speaking and eating, but this typically doesn't produce excessive wear. More extreme cases of attrition are typically caused by Bruxism, the grinding of teeth against teeth. Bruxism typically occurs at night while the patient sleeps, so often the patient is unaware of the grinding or enamel loss.

Abrasion

Abrasion is the wearing away of tooth enamel by a foreign object. Common causes of abrasion are:

• Brushing too hard or too long
• Fingernail biting, chewing on pens or pencils, holding needles or pins between the teeth, etc.
• Oral jewelry - Patients with pierced lips and/or tongue often wear away the enamel on adjacent teeth

Erosion

Erosion is the chemical wear of tooth enamel. Typically this kind of wear is caused by an acid. Citric acid is one of the most common agents. Citrus fruit (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit) contain citric acid, as do most soft drinks and citrus juices (like lemonade). Some candies also contain citric acid. Many soft drinks contain additional harmful acids. Coffee and tea also contain corrosive acids. Bulimic individuals (people who intentionally and repeatedly induce vomiting) also expose their teeth to very strong stomach acids.

Occasional exposure to most dietary acids is rarely a problem, but repeated exposure to high levels of these acids can cause premature wear. Some common habits to avoid are:

• Regularly sucking on lemons or limes
• Regularly eating or sucking on candies, especially "sour" candies as they often contain sugar and citric acid!
• Drinking several soft drinks daily, even "diet" soft drinks
• Drinking several glasses of lemonade daily
• Drinking several cups of coffee or glasses of tea daily

Even if you only occasionally eat or drink highly acidic foods, it's a good idea to at least rinse your mouth with fresh water when you are finished in order to reduce the amount of time the acids have to work on your teeth.