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Thumbsucking and using a Pacifier

October 15, 2020

Thumbsucking is a natural reflex for children. Babies feel secure and happy while sucking on thumbs, fingers, pacifiers, or other objects as this may help them to learn and explore about the world around them. Young children may also suck their thumb to soothe themselves and help them fall asleep.

How can My Child’s Teeth be affected by Thumbsucking?

Thumbsucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth, after the permanent teeth have come in. It may also cause changes in the roof of the mouth.

Pacifiers can also affect the teeth the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs, however it is an easier habit to break.

The intensity of the sucking is a factor that determines whether or not dental problems may result. If children rest their thumbs passively in their mouths, they are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs. Some aggressive thumb-suckers may develop problems with their primary (baby) teeth.

When Do Children Stop Sucking Their Thumbs?

Children usually stop sucking by the time permanent front teeth are ready to erupt and this could be between the ages of two and four years. If you notice changes in your child’s primary teeth or are concerned about your child’s thumbsucking, consult your dentist.

How Can I Help My Child Stop Thumbsucking?

• Praise your child for not sucking the thumb.
• Focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort to your child. Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure or needing comfort. 
• Your dentist can explain to your child what could happen to their teeth if they do not stop sucking. Your child might trust information from you, your dentist, or other trusted adults differently, so convey a consistent message.

“Thumbsucking and Pacifier Use”, Mouth Healthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/thumbsucking

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

September 30, 2020

You may have sensitive teeth, if the taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee is sometimes a painful experience.

Possible causes include:

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Fractured teeth
• Worn fillings
• Gum disease
• Worn tooth enamel
• Exposed tooth root

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth—the part above the gum line. Under the gum line, a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is dentin.

Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. Dentin may also be exposed when gums recede. The result can be hypersensitivity.

Sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. Your dentist may suggest one of a variety of treatments:

• Desensitizing toothpaste. This contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, and usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
• Fluoride gel. An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.
• A crown, inlay, or bonding. These may be used to correct a flaw or decay in a tooth that is causing sensitivity.
• Surgical gum graft. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal. If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, your dentist may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.

Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive tooth pain. Ask your dentist if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity.

“What Causes Sensitive Teeth” American Dental Association. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth

Why a healthy smile should also be a white smile

September 17, 2020

A straight and white smile is becoming more sought after than ever before. This mind-set began when we first started to develop an interest in mimicking the results of celebrity cosmetics, also called the ‘Hollywood smile’. 

Today, the price of cosmetic dentistry, like tooth whitening and adult orthodontics has become far more affordable and accessible. It means today’s Hollywood smile is now the ‘Love Island smile’. As a reality show, this creates an image that cosmetic dentistry is obtainable and as ‘normal’ as visiting the hairdresser or barber. 

More of us are taking an interest in searching for ways to improve our own smile. However, while changing the appearance of our teeth sits high on many people’s wish lists, it is important to remember the most important thing – the health of our smile.

A white smile can also be a healthy one

A perfectly white smile may not always be what it seems, and a white smile is not necessarily a healthy one.  White teeth as a result of tooth whitening are still susceptible to tooth decay and disease.

Just as white teeth can improve our self-esteem, suffering from tooth loss can have the opposite effect. Strong evidence suggests that gum disease is linked to wider conditions such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and dementia. The health of our mouth isn’t only important for the state of our smile, it is also incredibly influential for our quality of life.

We need to realize that the health of our teeth is the most important factor, far more important than the color. The good news is that with regular care at your dentist, regular brushing at home, and good dental care habits, you can be assured to maintain a smile that is both healthy and beautiful. 

How to keep a healthy mouth

A good oral health routine at home and regularly visiting our dentist is all we need to have healthy teeth and gums. It involves a few easy steps:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes. This is best done the last thing at night and one other time during the day.
• Clean in between your teeth daily with interdental brushes or floss.
• Use mouthwash daily.
• Chew sugar-free gum in between meals.
• Cut down on the amount of sugary foods and added sugar in your diet, and also reduce the number of times per day you consume sugary foods by limiting sugar consumption to mealtimes.
• Visit your dentist as often as they recommend.

By sticking to this basic routine, we can achieve that healthy, beautiful smile. 

Loat, Stephen, “Why a white smile should also be a healthy smile”. Oral Health Foundation.

https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/why-a-white-smile-should-also-be-a-healthy-smile

Food and drinks that spell trouble for oral health

August 31, 2020

Acids play an important role in oral health, however when hearing the word ‘acid’ we might be likely to recall the various chemicals we saw in glass bottles in science class at school. We may also think of it as the thing that can cause heartburn and indigestion. 

There are several foods and drinks that are high enough in acid to cause a problem for the health of your teeth. High acidity foods and drinks are the cause of dental erosion and can have serious consequences for the strength of the enamel that surrounds and protects teeth. 

How acid affects the mouth

Acids leave teeth vulnerable to damage by weakening the enamel. Every time we eat or drink anything acidic, the enamel becomes softer for a short while and it loses some of its mineral content. Enamel is the hard, protective coating of our tooth, which protects the sensitive dentine underneath. The dentine underneath is exposed, when the enamel is worn away which may lead to pain and sensitivity.

Naturally, saliva will slowly cancel out this acidity and restore the chemical balance in the mouth. However, if this acid attack happens over and over, it could result in permanent damage to the enamel.

The most common types of acid in food and drink are carbonic acids, citric acids, and phosphoric acids. These are the acids that weaken enamel, leading to dental erosion.

The main culprits when it comes to acidic foods and drinks are the two Fs: Fizz and Fruit.

Fizz

‘Fizziness’ is often a tell-tale sign of an acidic drink. The most common of these are fizzy drinks, sodas, pops, and carbonated drinks. Even the ‘diet’ brands that contain “Fizz” are harmful. 

Some alcohols are also acidic. Beer, cider, prosecco, white wine, and alcopops are all examples of alcoholic drinks that are highly erosive for teeth.

Dr. Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation says: “The best way for us to avoid the damage caused by fizzy drinks is to simply limit our exposure to them.” Try reducing exposure to acidic drinks by eliminating them outside of mealtimes.

Another tip is to swallow the drink quickly, without holding it in your mouth or ‘swishing’ it around. Again, it’s all about reducing the amount of time the teeth are being exposed to acid. Using a straw helps drinks go to the back of the mouth and avoids additional contact with teeth.

Dr. Soha Dattani, Director Scientific & Professional Affairs at GSK Consumer Healthcare says: “The drinks market is full of products which are high in acidity and that can play havoc on the enamel of our teeth. As consumers, this often makes it difficult for us to make healthy choices when choosing our drinks.” This is true whether we’re in a supermarket, a restaurant, attending events, or socializing.

Plain, still water is the best drink for teeth. Milk is also good because it helps to neutralize acids in the mouth.

Fruit

Fruits form an integral part of a healthy balanced diet. However, fruits can encourage dental decay as they contain citric acid.

Citrus fruits are the worst offenders as they have low pH levels, which means they are acidic. The most acidic fruits are lemons, limes, plums, grapes, grapefruits, blueberries, pineapples, oranges, peaches, and tomatoes.

There are a few things we can do to limit the dental damage caused by fruits.

Dr. Nigel Carter adds: “The first thing we can do, much as with fizzy drinks, is to keep them to mealtimes. Consuming fruit at breakfast, lunch, and dinner should provide the appropriate number of daily portions while not putting teeth under unnecessary strain.

Secondly, always try to consume fruit in its whole form and not as fruit juice. While most fruit contains natural sugar, many fruit juices also have added sugar. This is not good for teeth. Whole fruit is also packed full of vitamins, minerals, and fibre, which is often missing or reduced in concentration in fruit juice.

More tips and advice

Erosion of the enamel from acidic foods can cause sensitivity in your teeth- this may be one of the first signs of dental erosion. If you experience sensitivity to temperature or sweet foods, you should schedule an exam with your dentist.  Sensitivity can be treated with special ‘desensitizing’ products to help relieve the symptoms. This may include fluoride gels, rinses, or varnishes.

The symptoms of dental erosion can also be managed at home, while waiting for a dental appointment, with products like toothpastes designed to reduce sensitivity and strengthen enamel.  Your dentist will be able to advise which type of toothpaste is best for you.

Borthwick, Josh, “ What foods and drinks contain acid and why it spells trouble for our oral health”. Oral Health Foundation. https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/what-foods-and-drinks-contain-acid-and-why-it-spells-trouble-for-our-oral-health

Osteoporosis and Oral Health

August 4, 2020

Certain medications can influence dental treatment decisions and it’s important to let your dentist know about all the medications that you take. 

In the case of antiresorptive agents—medicines that help strengthen bones—these medications have been associated with a rare but serious condition called osteonecrosis (OSS-tee-oh-ne-KRO-sis) of the jaw (ONJ) that can cause severe damage to the jawbone.

Some bone strengthening medicines, such as Fosamax, Actonel, Atelvia, Didronel, and Boniva, are taken orally to help prevent or treat osteoporosis (thinning of bone) and Paget’s disease of the bone, a disorder that involves abnormal bone destruction and regrowth, which can result in deformity. Others, such as Boniva IV, Reclast or Prolia, are administered by injection. Higher and more frequent dosing of these medications are given as part of cancer therapy to reduce bone pain and hypercalcemia of malignancy (abnormally high calcium levels in the blood) associated with metastatic breast cancer, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma.

How do these medications affect dental treatment plans?

While osteonecrosis of the jaw can occur spontaneously, it more commonly occurs after dental procedures that affect the bone or associated tissues (for example, pulling a tooth). Be sure to tell your dentist if you are taking any medications for bone health so he or she can take that into account when developing your treatment plan.

It’s not possible to say who will develop osteonecrosis and who will not. Most people (more than 90 percent) diagnosed with ONJ associated with these medications are patients with cancer who are receiving or have received repeated high doses of antiresorptive agents through an infusion. The other 10 percent (of people with ONJ) were receiving much lower doses of these medications for the treatment of osteoporosis. It may be beneficial for anyone who will be starting osteoporosis treatment with antiresorptive agents to see their dentist before beginning treatment or shortly after. This way, you and your dentist can ensure that you have good oral health going into treatment and develop a plan that will keep your mouth healthy during treatment.

Continue regular dental visits

If you are taking antiresorptive agents for the treatment of osteoporosis, you typically do not need to avoid or postpone dental treatment. The risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw is very low. By contrast, untreated dental disease can progress to become more serious, perhaps even involving the bone and associated tissues, increasing the chances that you might need more invasive treatment. People who are taking antiresorptive agents for cancer treatment should avoid invasive dental treatments, if possible. Ideally, these patients should have a dental examination before beginning therapy with antiresorptive agents so that any oral disease can be treated. Let your dentist know that you will be starting therapy with these drugs. Likewise, let your physician know if you recently have had dental treatment.

Talk to your physician before ending medications

It is not generally recommended that patients stop taking their osteoporosis medications. The risk of developing bone weakness and a possible fracture is higher than those of developing osteonecrosis.

Talk to your physician before you stop taking any medication.

Symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw include, but are not limited to:

• pain, swelling, or infection of the gums or jaw
• injured or recently treated gums that are not healing
• loose teeth
• numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw
• exposed bone

Contact your dentist, general physician or oncologist right away if you develop any of these symptoms after dental treatment.

“Osteoporosis and Oral Health”. Mouth Healthy

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/osteoporosis-and-oral-health

Is Water Flossing the Perfect Tool for Better Oral Health?

July 16, 2020

Good oral health involves more than having a beautiful smile; it is key if we are to enjoy food, feel confident about interacting with others and avoid oral pain. Statistics however show that many Americans could improve in this department. Over 90% of Americans have had at least one cavity, and one in four has untreated tooth decay. Meanwhile, around half of all adults above the age of 30 have gum disease – according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Oral Health report. Dentists recommend brushing and flossing twice daily, but for those with gum disease and frequent plaque build-up, one gadget that should be present on your bathroom countertop is a water flosser.

How does a Water Flosser Work?

Water flossers usually consist of a small nozzle that sprays pressurized water, connected to a water reservoir by a tube. Water flossers  clean teeth and gums through a combination of water pressure and pulsations, which remove food residue and plaque from teeth. They work similarly to dental floss, but the pressure means that tiny pieces of food you don’t even notice can be efficiently removed. Water flossers can reach areas that floss cannot get into; for instance, beneath the gum line at the front of teeth. Users can alter the pressure according to their needs. Therefore, those with sensitive gums may use a lower setting, while those after a power clean can set their flosser on high pressure.

Are Water Flossers Effective?

The effectiveness of water flossers was put to the test in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry. Participants in the study were assigned to one of two groups. Group One used a manual toothbrush plus a water flosser, while Group Two used a manual toothbrush and waxed dental floss to clean between teeth. The results showed that the water floss group had a 74.4% reduction in whole mouth plaque and an 81.6% reduction in plaque between teeth. The dental floss group meanwhile, had a 57.7% and 63.45% reduction in plaque in these respective areas. The scientists noted that the water flosser was, therefore, a superior way to keep plaque at bay. It also indicates that dental floss is still a good way to improve oral health, even though it was less effective than the water flosser. 

When Might Your Dentist Recommend a Water Flosser?

Your dentist may recommend this method of daily cleaning if you have frequent plaque build-up or if your gums tend to become inflamed. If you have a condition like gingivitis, you may be recommended to wait until bleeding has stopped to use a water floss. However, a water flosser is not enough to treat more serious periodontal disease, and you should always consult with your dentist. You may be recommended a root scaling and planing treatment and perhaps later, a water flosser can play a role in the maintenance of your gum health. Water flossers also work well for teeth that are difficult to clean. For instance, if you have wisdom teeth that have not been removed, then teeth may be very tight and it may be very difficult to get dental floss in between then, but a water flosser may be a good alternative.

Because a water flosser cleans plaque and removes trapped food so effectively, it is ideal for teeth in odd positions, but it can also form part of a daily oral health routine for anyone wishing to obtain an optimal clean. Studies have shown that it is more effective than standard brushing and flossing, so if you are worried about decay and gum inflammation and disease, ask your dentist if a flosser is suitable for you. Flossers have removable tips, so one machine can be used by more than one family member.

Fallon, Jacqueline. “Is Water Flossing the Perfect Tool for Better Oral Health?”. The Dental Greek, 11 Dec 2018

COVID-19: Looking after yourselves and others through better oral hygiene

June 16, 2020

Maintaining great personal hygiene has never been more important, given the current pandemic situation that many of us across the world find ourselves in.

Advice around how to do this is something that we all should take note of. Especially, regular handwashing with soap for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer gel when this is not possible.

It is important to remember that being as hygienic as possible doesn’t just help protect you, but it also protects those around you.

The Oral Health Foundation has provided the following advice to help avoid catching or spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Do not share a toothbrush

You should never share your toothbrush with anybody else, no matter how close you are to them.

This is one way that viruses and blood-borne diseases can be caught from other people.

You should make sure that toothbrush heads are also kept apart from each other wherever you and the rest of your household store your toothbrushes.

Keep the toilet lid closed before you flush

If you store your toothbrush anywhere near your toilet, every time someone flushes, some of the toilet sprays will fly out and land on your toothbrush.

There has already been research conducted that suggests that the virus can be spread via faecal matter (poo).

Make sure you close the lid before you flush and keep your brush at a safe distance away from the toilet.

Change your toothbrush regularly

It’s important to change your toothbrush, or brush head, at least every three months. Perhaps even earlier if the bristles become frayed.

This helps to ensure you are brushing your teeth effectively. A worn brush can’t do the job it needs to.

Changing your brush regularly also helps prevent the spread of bacteria. 

Clean your bathroom regularly

Many of us store our toothbrushes, towels, flannels and other intimate items in our bathrooms.

Due to this reason, it is important to keep the bathroom clean at all times to ensure that there is no spreading of germs and viruses. 

Visiting the dentist

It is important to maintain regular visits to your dental team. It’s best to always call ahead before any appointments, especially during this period of uncertainty. You can ask about any special check-in procedures your dental office may have, or if they have any paperwork you can complete online before your visit.

Be prepared for your appointment to either be delayed or canceled. This is for the safety of both staff and patients. Emergency treatment may still be available but other, more routine procedures, may be postponed for the foreseeable future. Communicate with your dentist about your needs to make sure you receive essential care, without putting yourself or others at unnecessary risk.

Don’t forget the basics

Our oral health should always be a priority. In addition to visiting your local dental team when possible, don’t forget the simple day-to-day habits that will help you keep a healthy mouth.

Brush daily with a fluoride toothpaste last thing at night and at least one other time during the day.

Cut down on how much and how often you have sugary foods and drinks and drink plenty of water. 

Consider using a mouthwash and clean between your teeth every day with interdental brushes or floss. 

Bushel, George. “COVID-19: our guide to looking after yourselves and others through better oral hygiene”. Oral Health Foundation, 23 Mar 2020 https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/covid-19-our-guide-to-looking-after-yourselves-and-others-through-better-oral-hygiene

Problems with a Wisdom tooth and when you need to remove them

June 1, 2020

You’ve probably heard someone tell you about getting wisdom teeth removed irrespective of whether you are an adolescent, parent, or grown adult.

If your wisdom teeth haven’t been removed yet, you’re probably wondering the following:

Do I really need my wisdom tooth removed?

Not everyone needs to get their wisdom tooth extracted. There are specific reasons why a wisdom tooth needs to be removed and this article will explain them. 

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth get their name because they usually come in when you are older and you can expect these teeth around the ages of 17 to 21.

These teeth are located in the very back of your mouth. You can expect two on the top and two on the bottom although, this isn’t the case for everyone.

Wisdom teeth are molars and complete your set of 32 adult teeth. These molars are the toughest of them all, used to grind food, which is why they are wide and also cause a lot of problems.

Why do I need my wisdom teeth removed?

Here are the four main reasons why your dentist may say you need your wisdom teeth removed:

1. They are impacted: This means your wisdom teeth cannot come in properly and can cause a lot of pain. Most often they lie horizontally and remain below the gumline instead of being upright. 
2. They come in at the wrong angle: Wisdom teeth can push against and damage your surrounding teeth if they don’t come in straight and upright. 
3. Your mouth isn’t big enough: Some people have smaller jaws that do not have enough room for an extra set of molars. 
4. You can’t maintain optimal oral health: You are going to be more susceptible to cavities and gum disease, If you can’t reach your wisdom teeth with your toothbrush and floss

Common wisdom teeth problems

Over 10 million wisdom teeth are removed in the United States every year.

Watch out for these common problems associated with a Wisdom tooth:

• They can cause pain and bite problems: If your extra set of molars do not grow in properly, they can push your other teeth, causing mouth pain and bite problems. 
• Jaw damage: Cysts can form around unsuitable wisdom teeth. If left untreated, they can destroy bones, roots, and nerves. If a cyst turns into a tumor, you may require surgery.
• Sinus pain: Wisdom teeth in your upper jaw can push against your sinuses, leading to pain, pressure, headaches, and congestion.
• Cavities and gum disease: Inflamed gums can be hard to clean. As pockets between the teeth and gums form, bacteria can grow, which can cause cavities and gum disease 

When should you get your wisdom teeth removed?

The earlier the better.

Your bones become harder as you become older which can make the removal and recovery process more difficult.

Your dentist will use x-rays to determine:

• If you have wisdom teeth – you may not even know if they are hidden
• If you need to have wisdom teeth removed
• How many wisdom teeth need to be removed
• When you should have your wisdom teeth removed
  

Do you need to get your wisdom teeth removed?

You don’t need to get your wisdom teeth removed just because you have them.

Contact your dentist today to schedule an appointment or bring it up at your next six-month cleaning.

What To Know Before Getting Braces

May 15, 2020

Getting braces is not anymore a symbol of awkwardness captured forever in high school yearbooks. Getting braces has turned into a fun right of passage for middle schoolers with the introduction of colors, hashtags, etc 

The stigma once associated with adults getting braces has diminished with the advances in orthodontic technology like clear braces aligners. 

Here are a few things you should know before getting braces.

What do you need to know before getting braces?

Braces are not just about the look of the smile.
Braces can help to correct teeth, bite and jaw alignment issues and ultimately improve oral health.

You’ll need to get your dental work done first
Before getting braces, you’ll need to have teeth cleaning and have all other dental work completed. This may include having wisdom teeth removed so they don’t interfere with orthodontic treatment.

Adjustments to diet
It is a good idea to eliminate certain foods from your diet before getting the braces. It takes some time getting used to a brace and trying to change your diet after the braces have been put can be a challenge.
Some of the foods that can be removed from the diet are sticky or gummy food or food that requires heavy chewing. 

Brushing your teeth regularly

Items can easily get stuck between wires and brackets, and brushing will help resolve it easily and keep breath fresh.
Carry a toothbrush and travel-sized paste with you, as well as a gum-safe toothpick. 

Mouthguards for athletes
Mouthguards can prevent potential contact of the braces with the mouth which can result in an injury during sports.

Regular Orthodontist appointments.
Most patients will need to see their orthodontists every 4-6 weeks to ensure treatment is progressing properly and to have adjustments made. 

Mild Pain.
Patients may experience mild pain, especially after initial placement and when wires are tightened. You can work with your dentist to identify suitable pain medication to help with the pain.

Association between Children’s IQ & Fluoride

April 30, 2020

It is known that an optimal level of fluoride in water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults. The content of Fluoride in water, however, has an impact on a Child’s IQ. 

Quoting an article from the “American Academy of Pediatrics”

Women living in areas with fluoridated tap water had higher mean urinary fluoride levels than those living in areas without fluoridated tap water (0.69 vs 0.40 milligram per liter, or a difference of about 0.30 mg/L). Adjusted results showed that a full 1 milligram per liter increase in maternal urinary fluoride was associated with a 4.5-point lower Performance IQ score in boys. There was no statistically significant association for girls. In the group for which self-reported fluoride intake from all sources was estimated, each additional milligram of daily fluoride intake was linked to a 3.7-point lower IQ score in boys and girls.

The above finding prompted some questions around Fluoride intake during pregnancy. 

Should pregnant women drink fluoridated water?

The answer is YES.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which focuses on the significance of good oral well being during pregnancy, recommends that women use fluoridated toothpaste.

The American Dental Association remains committed to the idea of fluoridation of public water supplies as an effective public health measure to help prevent tooth decay.

The report also stated there was a possible need for some women to reduce fluoride intake during pregnancy.

What to conclude from this study?

Fluoridation continues to play an important role in safely preventing dental disease when used within its recommended levels.  Dental disease is widespread, causing millions of lost hours of school each year. Children who experience tooth decay are more likely to have pain that makes it hard for them to eat, sleep, and learn in school. Simply by drinking water, Americans can benefit from fluoride’s cavity protection wherever they live, work and play.