At about six or seven months of age, the baby of your dreams, the one who makes you smile and go all goo-goo-ga-ga, is likely going to do a full 180 on you and turn into a biting, drooling, screaming machine … or, at least, a crying/whining one. The most frequent reason for this change in behavior is quite often, you guessed it – teething. So, for those parents who haven’t yet gone through this uncomfortable growth stage, let’s walk you through three of the most common symptoms you’re likely to deal with when the tooth monster finally appears.
Teething is something every child and parent has to deal with together. It’s a true test of teamwork and fortitude. Every child is different, and you’ll figure out what works for you over time. And frankly, you might have plenty of time to figure things out since teething can last up to a year or more! Ask your friends, ask your family, and ask your dentist for help, and rest assured that while arduous, teething will not last forever!
If it were possible to bottle up the pure joy of teen experiences after years of orthodontic treatment, it could probably be used to bring peace to the world. There is nothing quite like that feeling of un-tethering oneself from the bonds of metal and plastic, and sensitive teeth that can hardly stand the tippy-tippy touch of a finger after a tightening. The sense of freedom is truly marvelous. However. As soon as the chains of braces are broken, there’s another nemesis to contend with – the dreaded retainer. And, getting your teen to follow the rules in wearing and taking care of one can be a challenge. Here’s the fuel you need to keep them on track.
Whether or not you’ve worn braces previously, most people are familiar with what a retainer is, and the purpose behind wearing one. Many incorrectly assume, though, that retainers only come into play after having worn braces for a few years. In fact, since a retainer can be worn by anyone with a need to straighten their teeth, even adults with mildly crooked teeth can skip braces and go straight to the retainer. Maybe even you might benefit!? The other misconception people have is that once a person’s teeth are straightened by braces, their teeth will always remain in their newly aligned state. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.
The reason a retainer must be worn has to do with the “spongy” nature of the innermost bone that encases the tooth. It’s because of the recovering nature of this type of bone tissue that we’re even able to move a person’s teeth through orthodontics. And, just as teeth can be moved into place because of this type of bone, they can also shift out of place without proper reinforcement. Thus, the reason for a retainer – it applies force to direct, or set teeth in place. This effort is particularly crucial in the days, weeks and months after the removal of your teen’s braces, and many dentists even suggest a retainer should be worn all of one’s days to guarantee straight teeth!
So, for a retainer to produce the results your investment deserves, and the look your teen desires, it has to be worn according to the guidelines set by their orthodontist, no “ifs” or “buts.” And, it must be properly cared for, so it’s around to be worn in the first place.
And that’s it! Wearing a retainer really isn’t all that bad, and putting in place good habits will mean your teen really won’t even recognize they’re wearing one, especially since they’ve had braces on for so long already. The rewards are worth it. Simply remind your teen that for many people, not wearing a retainer as instructed by their dental team is often the number one reason why they’ll have to wear one again as an adult – or worse, yet, will need to wear braces again when they’re older. And no one wants to relive that experience!
In the United States, November is a month of both celebration and change. Sundays are filled with football; plans for Thanksgiving preoccupy our minds; and for most of us, temperatures edge closer to freezing as the sun seems to have better places to be past 4pm. There’s also the sudden rise in the appearance of moustaches across the land as “Movember” launches, and men align in solidarity to support men’s health issues – the “Mo” being short for moustache, and all. In the spirit of these two themes (celebration and change), we thought we’d offer-up a few dead-simple, good-for-you food switcheroos to help you celebrate!
Enjoying a lazy Sunday in front of the television, or better yet at the game itself, is hard to beat. And, we’re here to help you pick better snacks for game-day. Hut one, ‘hut two, ‘hut … ‘hut … ‘hut!
Just as Thanksgiving caps off the end of the month rather nicely, it also plays nicely into the close of this article! Why? Well, because everything we’ve said above you’re also going to have to deal with on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving has it all. It’s also got screaming kids, a wide array of desserts (don’t eat too much!), and lots of great family time. So cozy up to someone you love this November and give appreciation for everything and everyone we have in our lives.
… who wants the cranberry sauce?!
These days, a trip to the dentist is a fairly uneventful affair. Patients report comfort levels far exceeding those in the recent past; pain relief medications are more effective and take effect more rapidly; and materials used in treating patients are more adaptive to tooth structures than ever before. Each of these improvements is designed to provide patients with the best clinical outcome and a degree of comfort previously unheard of. However, for a small percentage of patients, post-appointment pain can still crop up and linger for days or weeks on end. Why?
It’s Good To Be You – Sometimes.
Excluding rare instances of product malfunction or dentist error, the main reason a tooth is likely to hurt after a filling has to do with many highly individual factors in your mouth. The structure of your teeth, past dentistry, personal habits (like clenching and grinding), and even the durability of the blood vessels, tissues, and nerves within your teeth, play a part in whether you remain pain-free after your anesthetic wears off.
What Can Bring About the Pain?
How Long Will the Pain Last?
This is the $64,000 question – and the most difficult to answer. The short answer is, it depends. It depends on your overall health, the health of your teeth, and the exact reason for the pain you are experiencing. In the vast majority of cases, pain that exists after a restoration tends to dissipate within a few days.
However, if pain persists beyond a week, you should call your dentist to inform them of your symptoms. Depending on the type of work you had done, your dentist may decide to perform additional X-rays, or suggest you wait a bit to see if things settle down with the passage of time.
Believe it or not, it’s not unheard of for some patients to experience discomfort for months after a filling is placed. The key is to be in communication with your dentist so you can monitor the situation correctly. While certainly not ideal, maybe you can find some comfort in the idea that you are as unique as you’ve always thought you were!
Fill thos
e candy bags, October is here! The month every kid across the land dreams could take place every day, and the only day when dressing up and eating gobs of candy is not only allowed but encouraged. Now, that’s a good deal for a kid. But what if you’re a parent? Everyone knows healthy snacks are the way to go every other day of the year that is not Halloween, so how do you give in a bit and let your children enjoy the festivities while keeping these healthy habits top of mind? Here are five teeth-friendly habits that’ll ensure you’re still communicating the right message.
The goal should be to let them enjoy Halloween, and to show them how to make the enjoyment of the day last beyond its initial weekend. If you make the agreement with your children ahead of time how the candy is going to be handled, you’ll have little problems moving forward, and in this way, everyone wins
It’s the “Case of the missing tooth!” Quick, call CSI, or Marcus Welby, M.D., or maybe Sherlock Holmes … “Help! we’ve got to find out where that permanent tooth is” … “I don’t see it,” you say as you struggle to look upside down into your child’s mouth … “when is it going to come in?” Yes, that IS a great question! You might also want to be asking one you might not have thought to ask at all … “will it EVER come in?”
Tooth eruption is a complicated thing. In fact, the reasons as to why and when a tooth enters the visible world of our mouths are so complex that people who study the topic are still called “theorists!” That’s some complicated stuff. So, let’s un-complicate it a bit and take a look at the two reasons you’re most likely not seeing a permanent tooth replacing the primary tooth the tooth fairy now has in her possession.
First off, your child could merely be experiencing what is referred to as “delayed eruption.” This can be caused by all sorts of things including a mouth that is already a bit crowded, dietary inadequacies, illness, or genetics. So, if seems like you’ve spent months waiting for that tooth and are starting to get worried, schedule an appointment to see your dentist who can give you an idea as to what’s happening in your child’s mouth. Most likely the tooth will present itself when it’s ready … much like our kids do when they’re preparing a mini-play for you and your relatives in the living room. It takes time.
The other reason you might not see a permanent tooth peeping through your child’s gums just might be because it’s congenitally “missing.” In that case, you might want to pull up a chair, or maybe a recliner, because if that’s the case, the tooth you’re looking for won’t ever come in, and you’ll be waiting a rather long time. All the more reason to consult with your dentist if you’re at all concerned. Believe it or not, though, such failed eruption of a permanent tooth is a fairly common condition, with some reports suggesting nearly 20% of all adults are congenitally missing at least one tooth.
Should your child have a congenitally missing tooth and reaches an age where surgery is an option, you may wish to consider a dental implant to serve as a replacement tooth for the one that does not appear. Also, non-surgical options such as a bridge or a partial denture can also be good solutions. In most cases, when it’s appropriate, your dentist will suggest some sort of space maintainer to prevent the shifting of other teeth, so this is something worth thinking about as time goes by.
The good news is, there are solutions for each concern, and knowing what you’re dealing with is the best first step in the right direction, so do bug your dentist – they’re always happy to help!
We want you to stay ahead of the curve and not succumb to these smile saboteurs. This year, keep it simple by avoiding these 19 simple no-no’s, and you’ll be on your way to doing everything right for an amazing smile for life!
1. Chewing on Ice
It’s natural and sugar free, so you might think ice is harmless. But munching on hard, frozen cubes can chip or even crack your teeth. And if your mindless chomping irritates the soft tissue inside a tooth, regular toothaches may follow. Hot foods and cold foods may trigger quick, sharp jabs of pain or a lingering toothache. Next time you get the urge for ice, chew some sugarless gum instead.
2. Playing Sports With No Mouth Guard
Whether you play football, hockey, or any other contact sport, don’t get in the game without a mouth guard. This is a piece of molded plastic that protects the upper row of teeth. Without it, your teeth could get chipped or even knocked out when the action gets rough. Self-fitting mouth guards may be purchased at a store, or you can have one custom made by your dentist.
3. Bedtime Bottles
It’s never too early to protect teeth. Giving a baby a bedtime bottle of juice, milk, or formula, can put new teeth on a path to decay. The baby may become used to falling asleep with the bottle in his or her mouth, bathing the teeth in sugars overnight. It’s best to keep bottles out of the crib.
4. Tongue Piercings
Tongue piercings may be trendy, but biting down on the metal stud can crack a tooth. Lip piercings pose a similar risk. And when metal rubs against the gums, it can cause gum damage that may lead to tooth loss. The mouth is also a haven for bacteria, so piercings raise the risk of infections and sores. Bottom line, discuss the health risks with your dentist first.
5. Grinding Teeth
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can wear teeth down over time. It is most often caused by stress and sleeping habits. This makes it hard to control. Avoiding hard foods during the day can reduce pain and damage from this habit. Wearing a mouth guard at night can prevent the damage caused by grinding while sleeping.
6. Cough Drops
Just because cough drops are sold in the medicine aisle doesn’t mean they’re healthy. Most are loaded with sugar. So after soothing your throat with a lozenge, be sure to brush well. Whether the sugar comes from a cough drop or a hard candy, it reacts with the sticky plaque that coats your teeth. Then bacteria in the plaque convert the sugar into an acid that eats away at tooth enamel. Hello, cavities.
7. Gummy Candy
All sugary treats promote tooth decay, but some candies are harder to bear. Gummies stick in the teeth, keeping the sugar and resulting acids in contact with your enamel for hours. If your day just isn’t the same without a gummy critter, pop a couple during a meal instead of as a separate snack. More saliva is produced during meals, which helps rinse away candy bits and acids.
8. Soda
Candy isn’t the only culprit when it comes to added sugar. Sodas can have up to 11 teaspoons of sugar per serving. To add insult to injury, sodas also contain phosphoric and citric acids, which eat away at tooth enamel. Diet soft drinks let you skip the sugar, but they may have even more acid in the form of the artificial sweeteners.
9. Opening Stuff With Your Teeth
Opening bottle caps or plastic packaging with your teeth may be convenient, but this is one habit that makes dentists cringe. Using your teeth as tools can cause them to crack or chip. Instead, keep scissors and bottle openers handy. Bottom line, your teeth should only be used for eating.
10. Sports Drinks
There’s no doubt a cold sports drink is refreshing after a good workout. But these drinks are usually high in sugar. Like soda or candy, sugary sports drinks create an acid attack on the enamel of your teeth. Drinking them frequently can lead to decay. A better way to stay hydrated at the gym is to chug sugar-free, calorie-free water.
11. Fruit Juice
Fruit juice is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, but unfortunately most juices are also loaded with sugar. Some juices can have as much sugar per serving as soda. For example, there are only 10 more grams of sugar in orange soda than in orange juice. Fruits are naturally sweet, so look for juice that has no added sugar. You can also reduce the sugar content by diluting juice with some water.
12. Potato Chips
The bacteria in plaque will also break down starchy foods into acid. This acid can attack the teeth for the next 20 minutes — even longer if the food is stuck between the teeth or you snack often. You might want to floss after eating potato chips or other starchy foods that tend to get stuck in the teeth.
13. Constant Snacking
Snacking produces less saliva than a meal, leaving food bits in your teeth for hours longer. Avoid snacking too frequently, and stick to snacks that are low in sugar and starch — for example, carrot sticks.
14. Chewing on Pencils
Do you ever chew on your pencil when concentrating on work or studies? Like crunching on ice, this habit can cause teeth to chip or crack. Sugarless gum is a better option when you feel the need to chew. It will trigger the flow of saliva, which can make teeth stronger and protect against enamel-eating acids.
15. Drinking Coffee
Coffee’s dark color and acidity can cause yellowing of the teeth over time. Fortunately, it’s one of the easiest stains to treat with various whitening methods. Talk to your dentist if you’re concerned about discoloration of your teeth.
16. Smoking
Cigarettes, as well as other tobacco products, can stain teeth and cause them to fall out as a result of gum disease. Tobacco can also cause cancer of the mouth, lips, and tongue. If you were looking for one more reason to quit, think of your smile.
17. Drinking Red Wine
The acids in wine eat away at tooth enamel, creating rough spots that make teeth more vulnerable to staining. Red wine also contains a deep pigment called chromogen and tannins, which help the color stick to the teeth. This combination makes it easy for the wine’s red color to stay with you long after your glass is empty.
18. Drinking White Wine
You might think sticking to white wine would spare your teeth. But the acids still weaken the enamel, leaving the teeth porous and vulnerable to staining from other beverages, such as coffee. Swishing with water after drinking or using toothpaste with a mild whitening agent can fight the staining effects of red and white wines.
19. Binge Eating
Binge eating often involves excessive amounts of sweets, which can lead to tooth decay. Binging and purging (bulimia nervosa) can do even more damage to dental health. The strong acids found in vomit can erode teeth, making them brittle and weak. These acids also cause bad breath. Bulimia can lead to a variety of serious health problems, so be sure to talk to your doctor if you have been purging.
‘Tis the season for giving, and a healthy smile is one of the best gifts all year long. According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), maintaining oral hygiene is extremely important, especially during the minefield of sugary soirees and cocktails galore.
“Holiday get-togethers tend to lead people to consume sugary treats and drink alcoholic beverages more than usual,” says AGD spokesperson George Shepley, DDS, MAGD. “Additionally, with their busy schedules and increased stress levels, I’ve noticed that my patients’ oral hygiene suffers. They forget the most basic of oral hygiene tasks that can counteract the effects of sugary snacks and drinks.”
If all you want this holiday season is to keep your two front teeth, or all of your teeth for that matter, then check out Dr. Shepley’s tips on how to save your smile. Save your smile with these easy pointers.
Wine
Think red wine is the only problem? Think again. Whether red or white, the high acidity levels in wine can eat away at a tooth’s enamel. Tooth enamel is critical in the protection against decay and cavities. To avoid damage, refrain from swishing the wine around in your mouth, and drink water in between beverages to rinse the teeth of the acid. Cheers!
Sweets
We all like to indulge this time of year, but beware. Bacteria in the mouth thrive on the sugars, so eating those sweet treats can increase your risk of developing cavities. Awareness is the key. If you are not able to brush and floss after munching on sweet treats, drink water or chew a piece of sugarless gum. This will boost saliva flow in the mouth and help wash away bacteria.
Stress
Even though they can be magical, the holidays stress us out. Increased anxiety can cause people to grind or clench their teeth, causing jaw pain, headaches, and chipping. “Finding ways to alleviate your anxiety can help, like deep breathing, exercise, and a calming bedtime ritual. It’s also important to see your dentist if you notice problems. Solutions like a custom night guard might work for you,” advises Dr. Jeremy Friedman.
Drs Jeremy and Kara Friedman encourage all of their patients to remember that the gift of oral health is one that keeps on giving all year long!
“A healthy smile should always be at the top of your wish list,” says Dr. Kara Friedman. “Brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily is still the best thing you can do for your smile.”
Getting started on the right foot can make a difference that will last a lifetime. By helping your children establish good habits at an early age, you are increasing the likeliness that they will continue these habits throughout their lives. Following are tips for how to care for your toddler’s teeth.
• At minimum, brush your child’s teeth in the morning and at bedtime using a small, soft toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
• Brush every surface of the mouth (including the tongue) in small, circular motions for at least two minutes
• If possible, brush soon after your child has a high-carbohydrate, sweet or sticky snack or drink (including juice). If brushing is not an option, rinse your child’s mouth with water.
• Replace your child’s toothbrush every three to four months.
• Around age 4 or 5, your child will be ready to practice brushing his or her own teeth. Children still need your help brushing until they are 8 years old or until they can tie their shoes.
• Once a day, floss in between teeth that touch.
Opt for healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits and vegetables. Avoid juice, soda, candy and high-carbohydrate snacks such as crackers, cereal and pretzels. These foods feed the germs that can cause cavities. Constant snacking on sticky foods or sipping sweet drinks throughout the day can cause tooth decay.
