Fluoride Reduces the Ability of Decay-Causing Bacteria to Stick

You may be asking yourself: what’s the deal with fluoride? Well, maybe not. But scientists have been asking that question for the past 50 years. They want to know exactly how fluoride prevents tooth decay, and a new report suggests that fluoride penetrates into a thinner layer of enamel than previously believed and helps harden it. The experiment, reported in the ACS journal Langumir, also found that fluoride reduces the ability of decay-causing bacteria to stick. Scientists are one step closer to understanding exactly how fluoride works, but the consensus is still that it works!

How to Pick the Best Toothbrush

Picking the right toothbrush is as integral to maintaining your teeth health as flossing (you are flossing, right?) The American Dental Association suggests only buying toothbrushes that carry their Seal of Acceptance, as those toothbrushes have to meet a number of safety and health requirements. They also find that brushing with a manual toothbrush is as effective as brushing with an electric toothbrush. If you’re having trouble getting your little ones to brush, you may find that a powered toothbrush appeals to them as a more fun way to brush.

No Need to Toss Toothbrush After a Sore Throat

We’re often wary of using the same hygiene products that we did when sick because of fear of reinfection. Some health care professionals suggest children throw away your toothbrush after being diagnosed with strep throat, but a new study by Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) finds that it may not be necessary. The study tested 54 patients between 2-20 years of age, 14 with strep, 13 with sore throats, and 27 who were well. PAS looked for GAS growth on the toothbrushes to indicate that they should be thrown away, but only found that one (used by a patient without strep) grew GAS. The good news is that you probably don’t have to go out and buy new toothbrushes after suffering from strep throat or a sore throat.

As a new parent, you might find the task of child-rearing daunting and a bit scary. We are here to help…at least with your baby’s dental care. Our goal is to help you create a healthy oral care routine for your child at an early age. Here are a few tips for increasing your baby’s oral hygiene.

Infant Bad Breath

Bad breath is caused by the waste product produced from the bacteria in the mouth as it feeds on the foods we eat that have not been washed away by saliva. Leftover formula, breast milk, and food in the mouth are breeding grounds for bacteria. Bacteria can also enter the mouth from bottles, pacifiers, teethers, toys, and blankets. If you notice that your infant does have bad breath, you can do the following to help relieve it or eliminate it:

• Wipe Mouth and Tongue With Gauze
  Gently wipe the tongue, gums, cheeks, and lips to remove any excess liquids or food particles after each feeding.
• Give Infant Water After Each Feeding
  After each feeding, give your baby water to sip on. The water will help wash away any excess liquid in the mouth.
• Prevent Bacteria Growth
  Wash bottles, toys, pacifiers, teethers, and blankets frequently to prevent bacteria growth.

Teething and Teething Relief

Teething is a natural part of your babys development. Teething can begin as early as four months and will occur off and on until the baby is about 2½ years old. The first tooth generally erupts around six months of age. Teething can simply be miserable for both the baby and the parents. Here are some tips to help your baby and you get some relief:

• Cold, wet washcloth
  Baby’s love to chew on a cold, wet washcloth simply because it is easy to chew on. The material gently rubs their gums and the cold helps soothe tender, swollen gums.
• Teethers
  You can purchase any number of teethers in pharmacies. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are smooth and some have grooves and nubs on them. Basically, you just stick the teether in the freezer to harden. The cold soothes the babys gums as they gnaw on it.
• Frozen Food
  You can purchase a teether that has a mesh bag on a ring. Basically, you place a frozen strawberry, frozen peas, ice cube, or any frozen fruit into the mesh bag. The baby gets to gnaw on a favorite food without you having to worry about the baby choking on any pieces.
• Infant Tylenol
  Its common for a baby to run a fever from teething, especially at night. Infant Tylenol works well to help reduce the fever. Always consult with your pediatrician first.
• Baby Orajel
  This is a gel that you rub over the infant’s gums to numb the gum tissue and provide some temporary relief from teething.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
?

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is a name given to a condition in which the baby teeth have become decayed. According to MouthHealthy.org, (a site created by the American Dental Association), this condition is found most often on the upper front teeth, but it can affect all teeth in the mouth. One of the most common causes of this condition is when the baby falls asleep with a bottle of milk, formula, fruit juice, or sugary drink. The liquid remains on the baby teeth as the baby sleeps and becomes a magnet for bacteria, which eventually leads to decay forming on the teeth. This is a serious condition and one that is easily preventable by following these simple recommendations:

?

• Give the baby water to drink when going to bed or between feedings.
• Wipe gums after each feeding.
• Brush your baby’s teeth with water in the morning, after eating, and before bed.
• Don’t use toothpaste until your baby is one year old.

When and How to Brush Your Baby’s Teeth

The primary teeth, (baby teeth, milk teeth), begin to erupt around six months of age. As soon as the first tooth erupts, you should begin brushing your babys teeth. These teeth are susceptible to decay and other problems just like adult teeth.

• Purchase an infant toothbrush or one that slides over your finger.
• Wet brush with water and gently rub over the teeth and gum tissue.
• Don’t use toothpaste until the baby is at least one year old. A baby can’t rinse and you don’t want them to swallow toothpaste.
• Make sure to brush both the front and back of the teeth.
• Brush in the morning, after each meal, and before bed.
• Flossing is not necessary at this stage.

Feature Image By: 0_kelso_0

Free eBook: ABC Dental Health ­- Simple ways you can help your kids avoid dental disasters

Learn how to properly care for your baby and child’s teeth, develop good oral hygiene routines, and how to respond to dental emergencies.

Download eBook Now

Do you know what to do when a dental emergency strikes Do you know how find an emergency dentist?

Scenarios like these could happen to you…

• It’s 4:00 a.m. and you’re wide-awake due to severe toothache.
• Or, your child was playing and got hit in the mouth and a tooth is loose, broken, or came out.
• Or, you were eating and your crown came off or you lost a filling.
• Or, your denture broke in the sink as you were cleaning it.

The above situations are common dental emergencies. Here’s the good news, there are things you can do when these emergencies strike that can help you save the tooth or relieve discomfort.

Toothache or Infected Tooth
Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are critical to preventing decay. When you first notice the toothache, gently brush, floss, and rinse your mouth to remove any trapped food particles. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Call your dentist and schedule an appointment. If the gum tissue has a “pimple”, do not pop the bubble. Call your dentist immediately. If the pain is severe, call your dentists office, your medical doctor, or go to the emergency room or clinic.

Loose Tooth, Broken Tooth, or Tooth Fell Out
Call your dentist immediately. Do not wiggle any loose teeth. If the tooth has broken, gently rinse your mouth to remove any debris. Mold dental wax over the tooth. This will protect your cheek and tongue from any rough edges. If the tooth has fallen out, rinse the tooth root with water to remove any debris. Do not scrub the tooth or root. Place the tooth in milk and go straight to the dentist office.

Lost Crown, Bridge, or Filling
For a loose crown, bridge, or filling, call your dentist for an appointment. If the crown, bridge, or filling has come out, gently brush your teeth and rinse your mouth. Mold orthodontic wax over any sharp edges. Call your dentist immediately.

Broken Denture
Place the denture in water. Call your dentist. Do not try and glue the broken denture.

No matter what time of the day or night it is, call your dentist if you have an emergency. Many dentists will have an emergency phone number to call. If the dentist is away, a dentist usually has an emergency dentist on call. If you are on vacation, look in the local phone directory for “emergency dentist.”

Have an emergency? Call us directly at 407.545.4151.

Featured Image By: KOMUnews

There are four options available when it comes to replacing missing teeth: (1) partial denture, (2) complete denture, (3) dental bridge, or (4) dental implant. Over the past few years, more and more people are choosing dental implants over other options to replace missing teeth. However, one major concern that people have about dental implants is the cost involved. The truth is, a dental implant could actually save you money in the long term and here are the reasons why.

Life Span
A dental bridge will last an average of 10-15 years before it will need to be replaced. A complete denture will last an average of 3-5 years. A partial denture has an average life span of 10-15 years. A dental implant has an average lifespan of 25 years.

Effects on Other Teeth
Both a partial denture and a dental bridge require the support of other teeth. These appliances can place pressure on other teeth causing them to weaken over time. Sometimes, supporting teeth need to be crowned to provide enough strength for the bridge or partial denture. The supporting teeth for a bridge are difficult to keep clean and require the use of a floss threader. If the supporting teeth weaken and begin to fail, additional expenses incur to repair and strengthen the tooth and/or the tooth may need to be extracted. The causes of tooth failure include inflections that require root canals, cracks and breaks, or loosening due to gingivitis. More expenses incur if an extraction of a supporting tooth is needed due to needing a new appliance.

A complete denture places pressure on the gum tissue and underlying bone. The bone tends to “flatten” over time, changing the fit of the denture. The gum tissue can become irritated easily with sore spots and ulcers. This is especially true when the denture or partial denture needs to be adjusted, which is common.

Dental implants are not prone to these problems. They do not need the support of any other teeth in the mouth. They are brushed and flossed just like natural teeth.

Function & Esthetics
A dental implant is the closest thing you are going to get to a natural tooth. They look authentic and function more effectively than other dental appliances because they are permanent. They fuse to your jawbone, which holds the implant tightly in place.

Considering a dental procedure or cleaning? Check out our new patient special and schedule your appointment today!

Feature Image By: Nurse_Carla

Whether you are new to an area looking for a family dentist, looking to seek treatment at another dentist, or are a new patient, it is important for you to become familiar with the dentist, the staff, and office policies. The following will explain what you need to know about your dentist in order to determine if the dentist and the practice in general is going to be a good fit for you and your family.

Education and Years of Practice
Where did the dentist attend dental school and how many years has the dentist been treating patients? This general background information could give you some insight as to the type of training the dentist received. For example, a dentist educated in Europe or Asia, may approach dentistry different than a dentist educated in the United States. Some dentists specialize in a particular area or two of dentistry as well.

Dental Philosophy
Is the dentist the type to aggressively approach dental treatment or the type to take a more conservative approach? Is the dentist open to new methods of treating common dental problems or does the dentist lean on the side of caution and stick with treatment options and materials that he/she knows has a proven track record? Does the dentist incorporate technology such as enhanced imaging, intra-oral cameras, and lasers?

True Family Dentist
When deciding on a family dentist, you want to make sure that the dentist will be a good fit for your entire family. Is the dentist good with treating small children from the ages of 2 to 6? Is the dentist able to treat people with special needs? Are you responsible for the care of an elderly parent? Is the dentist able to treat an elderly person? Some dentists will refer a patient to another dentist if they prefer not to work with small children, a person with special needs, or the elderly.

A dentistry that is truly family-friendly will go above and beyond to secure the trust of the parents while subduing the anxiety of the young patient. Taking the child on a brief tour around the office to explain the equipment tends to ease their anxiety. Allowing a relative to stay with the child during cleanings helps as well. To read what our patients are saying about us, check out these testimonials.

Featured Image By: dillweed

Have you ever suddenly felt a sharp pain in one of your teeth? Have you ever had a constant dull ache in your jaw or noticed a small pimple on your gum tissue? These experiences likely left you wondering what it could be? How serious is it? You may have been fearful of the unknown and intimidated by the potentially painful and awkward encounter with your dentist. Sound familiar?

Good news! There is a new interactive application created by The American Dental Association, (ADA), called the ADA Dental Symptom Checker that allows you to get more information on what your symptoms might be indicating. This will empower you to be more informed about your dental health and allow you to communicate with and understand your dentist when a diagnosis is made.

How the tool works is quite simple. The first step is to visit the Mouth Healthy.org website or use the app on iTunes or Google Play. You will then select your gender, your age group, and the location where you feel the sensitivity. You will then select all the symptoms that you feel and the level of pain you feel. From there, the tool will give you a general idea of the dental conditions associated with your symptoms and general information on the different recommended dental procedures used to diagnose and treat the dental condition.

Please note, the Dental Symptom Checker gives you a general idea of common causes of the symptoms you feel and is not an actual diagnosis.

For example, lets say that you feel pain, swelling, you notice a chip in the tooth, it feels as though your tooth is loose and you select moderate as the pain level. The tool will display results such as a chipped tooth, impacted tooth, and sinusitis. Clicking on any one of these possible conditions will give you more information on the condition. You will be able to read an explanation of the condition, common symptoms, dental procedures – the treatment – and the recommended action to take.

You will always want to consult with your dentist to determine exactly what is causing your symptoms and the dental procedures needed to correct your dental condition. Have questions? Give us a call today at 407.545.4151!

Feature Image By: www.mouthhealthy.org

2013 is here and if you’re like millions of Americans, you made a New Years resolution. The most popular resolutions are directed at enhancing personal health.

Did you know that smiling can be a gateway to better health? In fact, smiling releases endorphins in our brains that transfer these endorphins down our spine spreading the feel good emotions throughout our body.

But who would want to smile more if you had dental issues? Maybe you want whiter teeth? Maybe you want to straighten a crooked tooth? Maybe you want to replace some old stained fillings? Whatever it is that you don’t like about your smile, chances are, there is a dental procedure or appliance that can give you that perfect smile you have always wanted.

These are the most common cosmetic and restorative procedures you should consider:

Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening has grown in popularity over the last few years. There are tooth whiteners in toothpastes and you can purchase tooth-whitening kits at your local pharmacy. There are also whitening procedures your dentist can do in the office that are quite effective.

Veneers
Veneers are often used in cosmetic dentistry to achieve perfect smiles. Veneers are similar to a crown except they do not fit over the entire tooth as does a crown. Think of it as a covering that slides onto the front of your tooth. Veneers can cover-up a stained or discolored tooth, make teeth look more uniform in color, or make a tooth appear longer or wider.

Composite fillings
Composite fillings are often referred to as “white fillings” or “bonded fillings.” The use of them is very popular in cosmetic procedures as well as restorative procedures. As does a veneer, the use of a composite material can make teeth look more uniform in color, length, and width.

Crowns
Crowns are a common restorative procedure in which a “cap” is made from porcelain that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are often used to help strengthen a weakened tooth. They are also used in cosmetic dentistry procedures to achieve a beautiful smile.

Replace Missing Teeth
There are 3 main restorative procedures used to replace missing teeth. They are a partial denture, bridge, or implant. Complete or full dentures replace all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw.

Always begin your goal of having that perfect smile by visiting your dentist and having a comprehensive teeth cleaning. You’ll be starting with a clean slate so to speak. From there, you and your dentist can discuss your options and exactly what you want to achieve with your smile. Let us help you keep your resolution – schedule your appointment today!

Feature Image By: the_moment

Because the placement of dental implants is a surgical procedure, you can expect some mild discomfort after the implant has been placed and the local anesthetic wears off, similar to what you may have felt when the tooth was extracted. However, because a local anesthetic is given for the placement of the implant and abutment, you won’t feel anything other than slight pressure as the dentist performs the procedure.

But the best way to expel fear of the unknown is to inform you on what the procedure actually entails and how it will be completed. We have found that the more educated our patients are, the less they fear the procedure.

The term ‘dental implants’ refers to the placement of an implant, (resembles a screw), into the jawbone. The job of the implant is to provide support for the artificial crown that looks and acts much like a natural tooth. Every natural tooth has a crown, the hard white tooth above the gum line, and the root that holds the tooth

in the jawbone. When a tooth is extracted, both the crown and the tooth root are removed. The implant replaces the missing root.

The following will explain the dental implant procedure itself so you can get a better understanding of the procedure and what to expect:

The first step involves the placement of the dental implants directly into the jawbone. A local anesthetic is given to numb the area. When you are completely numb, the dentist will cut a small slit into your gum tissue to expose your jawbone. A hole is then made for the implant to be placed. When the implant is in the correct position, a few stitches are placed to close your gum tissue.

The second step involves the placement of the abutment. The abutment is a post that will connect the dental implant to the artificial tooth. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area before the abutment is placed.

There is an average of a 3 to 6 month healing period from the time the dental implants are placed and the placement of the artificial tooth onto the abutment, which is the third step in the procedure. This healing period is referred to as osseointegration, which simply means the jawbone growing and attaching to the implant.

So, will getting dental implants hurt? When done correctly, this procedure should only attribute to mild comfort. The time spent healing after the surgery is the most critical step of the process. In extreme cases, medication can be prescribed to help keep severe pain at bay.

Please try our new patient special today!

What Exactly is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants have become increasingly popular over the last several years and as a result have become a quite common procedure in the dental industry. The implant, usually made from Titanium, fuses with your bone to create a near perfect replacement for missing or injured teeth.

As sited by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, “With an overall success rate of about 95% and almost 50 years of clinical research to back them up, dental implants are frequently the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth.”

With the realistic appearance of the implants, it is also almost impossible to distinguish them from your other teeth.

How Would Dental Implants Improve My Overall Health?

The obvious benefit is the self-esteem boost you’ll receive from improving your appearance. Self-esteem has a strong effect on your stress levels which in turn has a very strong connection to your health. Someone in distress experiences increased headaches, chest pains, irregular sleeping patterns, and elevated blood pressure. These symptoms of stress lead to additional health complications that are as serious as a heart attack. This is likely why stress accounts for 75 – 90% of all doctor visits. Dental implants can help alleviate the negative stress felt by some over their appearance as a result of missing or injured teeth.

Dental implants are very important in regards to your jaw health if you’re missing a tooth. When you lose teeth, it affects how your jaw aligns and unfortunately your jaw could drop or move which would cause jaw problems. After the tooth is extracted, the jaw begins to immediately change if an implant is not put in the missing tooth’s place. Other teeth will start to move to the empty spot and the jaw bone will begin to dissolve. This can cause TMJ pain, abnormal biting movements, and a handful of other jaw related problems.

Losing teeth can also cause loss of muscle in your jaw and face and thinning of your lips. When a missing tooth is not replaced by an implant, it can cause the other teeth to shift and become crooked. In this case, orthodontic work will be necessary which can become a quite painful and expensive process in comparison.

There are many ways dental implants improve your overall health while restoring your self-image. Do you have a personal story of how your health has been improved since receiving dental implants?

To begin, there will be an initial consultation, followed by some x-rays to determine if you are a good candidate for the operation. At times, there are some procedures that need to be preformed before the implant. These include sinus lifts and bone grafts. Often this is due to the amount of time many people wait after an extraction and prior to an implant. It is important to have the implant as close to the extraction as possible.

Dental implants serve as the “root” of the tooth (cap). It is a titanium post that is implanted into your socket from where the prior tooth had grown. In most patients, this is done post extraction and in others, the site has been healed for awhile. After it has healed, you are then able to go and have a crown fitted just as if it were a natural tooth. Many patients have had complete restorative success that has changed their smiles and their lives.

Ask your doctor on the various choices of anesthesia. You may choose to be awake or anesthetized based on your level of anxiety. It’s a wonderful and safe way to restore your smile! No matter what, choosing a quality doctor who values a well made product, is the most successful decision you can make for your implant procedure.  So make a call to your doctor today about being a candidate for a dental implant. Improve your smile and your life!

Please be aware that Behner Dental Partners has different financing options available, including for cosmetic procedures, which may include no-interest financing for up to 24 months with approved credit. Don’t hesitate to give us a call or speak to our reception desk about financing.

Here is a graphic illustrating how America is covered.

Dental infographic

Here are some of the most important vitamins for good gum health! After all, healthy gums are something to smile about.

Vitamin C

This one is a biggie! Vitamin C supports your immune system which helps wound healing and helps to ward off gingivitis, among other things.

Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, have noted that people who are deficient in vitamin C are more likely to develop gingivitis, and people with adequate amounts of vitamin C may find some gum health benefits by increasing their vitamin C intake.

Natural sources of vitamin C include the following:

• Papaya (this one has a lot!)
• Bell peppers
• Parsley
• Citrus – oranges, lemon juice
• Strawberries
• Mango
• Broccoli
• Kale

>>>Remember, getting your vitamins and minerals from foods are better than pills and supplements! You want the vitamins occurring naturally in food for better absorption. Besides, wouldn’t you rather eat great food than swallow a pill?

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important to healthy gums primarily because it promotes healthy teeth and bones. If your teeth are in good condition, you are less likely to develop dental problems that contribute to poor gum health.

Benefits of vitamin D for gums include

• Lower risk of excessive inflammation

• Lower risk of some bacterial infections

Vitamin D is unique because our bodies can create it by absorbing sunlight through our skin. That’s not so much of a problem for us in Central Florida, is it? However, if you find that you are not in the sunlight a lot or wear a lot of sunblock, etc, you may want to consider supplements or these types of foods:

• Fish oils from Salmon, Mackerel, Tuna in oil, Sardines in oil
• Milk fortified with vitamin D
• Egg yolk
• Swiss cheese
• Fortified breakfast cereals

Vitamin B9

Vitamin B9 is more commonly known as folate or folic acid. Vitamin B9  promotes cell growth and overall health, which will affect the condition of your gums.

Folic acid can be found naturally in the following foods:

• Beans like dried or roasted edamame (green soybeans), garbanzo (chick peas), and lentils
• Peanuts
• Spinach and other dark leafy greens
• Peas, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocadoes
• Yeast extract, like Marmite (a British food with a strong flavor – an acquired taste!)
• Citrus and fruits like bananas and oranges
• Beef liver

Other Vitamins

Strive to obtain the recommended daily requirements for all vitamins in order to maintain good overall health and a healthy immune system to help you ward off gum infections or diseases. Be mindful of vitamin A, the B vitamins, vitamin E, and vitamin K.

References

• University of California, San Diego: Gingivitis
• McKinley Health Center: Vitamins and Minerals
• National Institutes of Health/MedlinePlus: Vitamin C
• Girlshealth.gov: Vitamins and Nutrients
• “Journal of Clinical Periodontology”; Folate Mouthwash: Effects on Established Gingivitis in Periodontal Patients; Angela R. C. Pack; October 1984 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) has been an October tradition for more than 25 years. BCAM is an international awareness campaign – often referred to as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month [NBCAM] in the U.S. – that has helped to make great strides in breast cancer awareness, treatments, and victims’ access to services, but there is still plenty more left to do. 

It all starts with getting the facts, of course. 

Myths & The Surprising Facts About Breast Cancer

Misinformation is often the biggest obstacle in progress. Below are some surprising truths about breast cancer, and its risks and triggers.

Men are not immune to breast cancer.

Breast cancer is affects an overwhelmingly larger proportion of women than men. Men are 100 times less likely to get breast cancer. However, according to the American Cancer Society, about 2,190 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed among men, and about 410 men will die from breast cancer. 

Aging is an important risk factor in men: Men with breast cancer are, on average, about 68 years old when they are diagnosed.

Not all lumps are breast cancer.

Only a small percentage of lumps turn out to be cancer. That is not to say they should be ignored.

Women who conduct routine self-exams of their breasts and surrounding areas should be able to recognize a persistent lump or changes in their breasts.  It is important for a doctor to do a follow-up exam to treat or dismiss it. 

We urge women (and men) to take charge of their health by performing routine breast self-exams, establishing ongoing communication with their doctor, getting an annual clinical breast exam, and scheduling routine mammograms to screen for breast cancer.

A family history of breast cancer does not mean you are likely to develop it.

Only about 10% of people diagnosed have a family history of breast cancer.

A family history may put someone in a higher risk group if a first-degree relative – their mother, sister, or daughter – has had breast cancer. Start regular diagnostic breast imaging 10 years before the age of that relative’s diagnosis.

There may also be a risk of a familial breast cancer gene if:

• Multiple generations have been diagnosed on the same side of the family
• Several individuals in a family who are first-degree relatives to each other have been diagnosed
• Several family members under age 50 have been diagnosed

Taking care of overall health can help lower the risk of breast cancer.

Obesity, alcohol, and smoking all contribute to a higher risk of breast cancer. Moderate physical activity and a sensible diet low in fats boosts the immune system and keeps weight in check, thereby reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Please help Behner Dental take care of the whole you! Keep an open line of communication with us and with your physicians. 

What is a Complimentary Cosmetic Consultation?

Who doesn’t want a more beautiful smile? It’s just that there are so many questions to be answered before venturing into cosmetic dentistry.

What We Do at your Complimentary Cosmetic Consultation

Our goal is to provide you with confidence that we are going to listen and communicate with you about your individual wants and needs. We have incorporated several tools to make understanding your choices easier, allow you to visualize your outcome, and help you find a way to make your dreams come true. At your consultation, we will:

• Take diagnostic photos for you to evaluate
• Show you presentations of smiles transformed by Drs. Behner & Behner
• Educate you with a DVD on specific procedures and make sure you have been properly informed
• View a portfolio of photos that represents our patients’ level of satisfaction
• Use digital imaging to show you your unique smile potential
• Fabricate mock-ups to use as a guide throughout your treatment

Transforming your smile can literally be a life-changing event! Call us for your free consultation today.

From Valentine’s Day to Halloween, to all-too-often snacking and emotional eating, the biggest consumers of candy and chocolates are grown-up households without kids.

As advocates for your dental health – and your overall health – may we say: Here’s one big area where we can all stand a little reduced intake.

How simple is that?!

Behner Dental is at it again! We are giving away a Rotadent electronic rotary toothbrush!

Behner Dental Toothbrush Giveaway Details

The contest runs through the end of this week. Winners will be notified on Twitter (and be announced on Facebook as well).

Just tweet your answer and add a #behnerdental to it! We’ll look through and decide on a winner at the end of the week. Good luck!!

Dental implants are an artificial tooth root. It anchors an artificial tooth to the gum (you would need artificial teeth to replace teeth that you lose to extraction).

Dental implants involve your gum and the bone underneath, so the ideal candidate would need good dental health.

Factors The Affect Dental Implant Candidacy

1. No nearby cavities
2. Good gum health, no gingivitis or other gum diseased
3. Good bone structure in gums

Most people are good candidates for dental implants. If you were born with a cleft, there may or may not be good bone structure to help support an implant. Children may need to wait until their bone structure is grown. Conditions and diseases that may contribute to bone loss may affect candidacy as well.

If bone structure is insufficient, a bone graft may need to be performed to complete a dental implant procedure.

Of course, ideal candidates for dental implants have good overall health. Most dental implant procedures require anesthesia. Your body must be able to withstand the surgery and recovery. People whose candidacy for surgery may be troublesome include those with:

• Immune deficiencies
• Drug addictions
• Hemophilia
• Diabetes

For the most part, if you are in generally good health, you are a good candidate for dental implants. Discuss the matter with your dentist. Dental implants are the best way to permanently fix a smile that may be missing teeth!

From August 27^th through September 3^rd, Behner Dental will be holding a #SmileStyle contest on Instagram!

How To Participate In The Giveaway

To participate:

1. Snap a photo of your best, funniest, most unique smile
2. Upload it to Instagram using the hashtag #SmileStyle

Don’t have an Instagram account? You can also upload the photo to Twitter using the same hashtag #SmileStyle! Or do both to increase your chances of winning!

What can you win?!

Behner Dental is giving away an OxyCare 3000 oral irrigator with 4 subgingival tips! A $145 value, yours free!

• Tune into the Behner Dental Facebook page and Twitter feed for contest updates and be the first to see who wins!
• To monitor the contest entries, simply follow @BehnerDental on Twitter and the #SmileStyle hash tag on Instagram via your mobile device

Remember, the contest ends September 3^rd so make your entry count! The winner will be announced and contacted on September 4^th! 

Toothpaste — not gels but the actual white paste — clean teeth, obviously, but it can help bring a sparkle to other areas of your life. It can clean, whiten, buff, and fix more than you might have thought.

Toothpaste for Cleaning

Use toothpaste to clean:

• Crayon marks on walls. Rub toothpaste in with a damp cloth, wipe off with clean damp cloth.
• Carpets. Scrub in with brush and wipe away with a damp cloth.
• Yellowed piano keys. Apply carefully with a brush and wipe away gently with a soft, damp cloth.
• Hazy car headlights. Check out that Before/After pic! Beautiful, huh?
• Baby bottles and plastic sippy cups. A bottle brush and toothpaste can get that milky smell out. Just rinse well with plenty of water afterwards.
• A dirty iron. We mean the ones for ironing, not the ones for golf. Though, it might clean those too (at least until the next time you take them out).
• Kitchen and bathroom chrome. Scrub some toothpaste and rinse off to make that chrome gleam again.
• Your hands after car or bike repair. Toothpaste can cut through car grease.
• Your hands after nail polish removal. If you don’t like that polish remover smell, toothpaste will get rid of it.
• Jewelry. NOT for pearls. For other jewelry, buff on toothpaste with a soft brush, then buff off with a soft cloth or soft towel. You can even leave toothpaste on overnight for extra-dull jewelry. Or make a soak by dissolving some toothpaste in a little bit of water, and dropping your rings and earrings and such overnight. Wipe clean with a soft towel. It’ll look brand-new!

How awesome is toothpaste?!

To make it easier, we’ve added a cool new page to our website outlining our $59 New Patient Special. If you or your friends are into FourSquare, a check-in to Behner Dental will unlock the New Patient Special as well!

Don’t forget to tell your friends about the iPods and aromatherapy pillows, and all the things we do to try to make all of our patients comfortable. You know you can talk to us honestly about procedures that make you uncomfortable. We will always try to accomodate our patients.

Other Simple Conveniences for New Patients

1. New Patients can print out forms here if they’d like to complete them before getting to the office: http://behnerdental.com/new-patients/
2. You can make appointments online: http://behnerdental.com/appointments/

Thank you. We look forward to speaking with you and making you comfortable.

The Columbia University College of Dental Medicine found that a pre-diabetes determination can be made by simply going to the dentist. These findings were published in their Journal of Dental Research.

Diabetes Is An Alarming Trend in America

The study has huge implications for those Americans who are developing Type 2 diabetes at alarming rates. Unlike Type 1, Type 2 Diabetes is acquired, mostly from poor diet. Early detection can stop the disease from progressing.

According to the American Diabetes Association, a whopping 25.8 million Americans now have diabetes. That’s 8.3% of the US population and 90% -95% of that is from Type 2.

The Study Method

The study at Columbia looked at approximately 530 adults with at least one diabetes risk factor:

• Family history of diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Hypertension
• Obesity

Each patient received a periodontal examination and a stick of their finger for a hemoglobin A1c test. Later, they received a plasma glucose test to determine the presence of diabetes or pre-diabetes.

The researchers found that a basic algorithm of only two dental parameters (the number of missing teeth and percentage of deep periodontal pockets) was necessary to identify patients with unrecognized pre-diabetes or diabetes. The addition of the hemoglobin A1c test further improved the algorithm’s performance.

“Periodontal disease is an early complication of diabetes, and about 70% of U.S. adults see a dentist at least once a year,” says Dr. Ira Lamster, Dean of CDM and senior author of the study.

“This study will hopefully become part of any routine dental checkup,” Jeffrey Epstein remarked, whose foundation supports cutting edge science research (and who helped support this study).“Together with a hemoglobin A1c test, it will vastly improve the prevention of Type 2 diabetes.”

About the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

Founded in 1916, as the School of Dental and Oral Surgery, the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine is committed to the oral health of vulnerable populations and has an active outreach program dedicated to that. The College also links its research and teaching programs to the resources of the University and is renowned for its comprehensive approach to dentistry.

Tax Free Weekend in Florida starts 12:01 a.m., Friday, August 3, 2012, and ends at midnight Sunday, August 5, 2012.

During this period, no Florida sales tax or local option tax will be collected on sales of clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $75 or less per item, or on certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item.

Tax Free Week Shopping Items

Clothes and accessories that qualify for sales tax exemption:

• Baby clothes
• Backpacks
• Barrettes and bobby pins
• Bathing suits
• Belts
• Book bags
• Boots
• Bras
• Caps and hats
• Coats and wraps
• Diaper bags
• Diapers
• Dresses
• Handbags
• Jackets
• Jeans
• Pajamas
• Pants
• Ponytail holders
• Purses
• Raincoats
• Scout uniforms
• Shirts
• Shoes and sneakers
• Skirts
• Socks
• Sweaters
• Suits
• Ties
• Tights
• Underclothes
• Vintage clothing
• Wallets

The full list of items that qualify to be sales-tax free can be found HERE.

This is a great time to help out our kids and grandkids who may have back-to-school expenses to worry about. This is also a GREAT opportunity to help out your local community by donating school supplies to teachers and schools that need it. Remember, many of our Florida teachers shell out for school supplies out of their own pockets. If you can afford to help them, this weekend is the time to do it!

School items that qualify to be bought sales tax-free:

• Blank CDs
• Binders
• Calculators
• Cellophane tape
• Colored pencils
• Compasses
• Composition books
• Construction paper
• Crayons
• Erasers
• Folders
• Glue
• Highlighters
• Legal pads
• Lunch boxes
• Markers
• Notebook filler paper
• Notebooks
• Paste
• Pencils
• Pens
• Poster board
• Poster paper
• Protractors
• Rulers
• Scissors

Ink and toner cartridges, staplers and staples, and correction fluid are among the items that do not qualify to be tax-free.

*(Chapter 2012-32, Section 22, Laws of Florida)

Are we the only ones in the world who think these are cute? They’re teeth gifts, or more specifically, they are teeth-shaped gifts. We found teeth magnets and a teeth-shaped cookie cutter on Amazon!

Perhaps you could use the teeth magnets to hold little notes on the fridge about taking care of those teeth and not eating so many sweets? After all, teeth need to be healthy so they stay in the mouth and not on the fridge holding up notes. This set of 6 teeth includes one gold tooth — silly but useful. They might be a good gift for that grade schooler in your life who is starting to lose their baby teeth. These teeth magnets are a symbolic representation of the big changes these kids are going through, plus they’re a convenient way to put up school papers, pictures, and schedules on the fridge.

The teeth cookie cutter is a fun little take on sweets. We’re not going to tell you to stay away from sweets altogether, and we’ve been known to enjoy a cookie or two, but it’s still important business to brush and floss after eating treats. If you don’t have your toothbrush with you, a good rinse will do until you get to your brush. Maybe this teeth-shaped cookie cutter is a sweet way to remind you and the kids of how important taking care of teeth is, particularly after cookies. The shape makes the cookies easy to hold, too, doesn’t it?

Please go take a look at Behner Dental‘s Pinterest page at http://pinterest.com/behnerdental!

Who doesn’t want a more beautiful smile? It’s just that there are so many questions to be answered before venturing into cosmetic dentistry.

What We Do at your Complimentary Cosmetic Consultation

Our goal is to provide you with confidence that we are going to listen and communicate with you about your individual wants and needs. We have incorporated several tools to make understanding your choices easier, allow you to visualize your outcome, and help you find a way to make your dreams come true. At your consultation, we will:

• Take diagnostic photos for you to evaluate
• Show you presentations of smiles transformed by Drs. Behner & Behner
• Educate you with a DVD on specific procedures and make sure you have been properly informed
• View a portfolio of photos that represents our patients’ level of satisfaction
• Use digital imaging to show you your unique smile potential
• Fabricate mock-ups to use as a guide throughout your treatment

Transforming your smile can literally be a life-changing event! Call us for your free consultation today.

• It’s a reflection of personal hygiene.
• It’s a reflection of socio-economic status.
• Confidence in their teeth makes a person smile more — adding to their allure

It seems that no matter how flawless a person looks, his smile can still make or break the way people judge his appearance. For this reason, dental technologies that enhance oral cosmetic beauty are more popular than ever before. If anything, it gives them more reasons to smile. Still, when they really want to keep their smile looking perfect, they’ll have to continue practicing basic oral care.

The Basic Truth About Oral Cosmetic Beauty

Keep your mouth free of food particles. Basic oral cosmetic beauty starts there. It’s simple to do but requires a time investment on your part.

The investment in oral beauty is as follows:

1. Brush after meals, but not immediately. Give it a few minutes so that the acids in food have a chance to be washed away by your saliva. And get those gums.
2. Once a day is not enough.
3. Don’t use side-to-side motions for the front teeth. Try circular motions instead.
4. Brush for 4 minutes. Never less than 2 minutes.
5. Use other devices to help, like water picks, sonic toothbrushes, or mouth rinse.
6. FLOSS.

If you notice hard build-up on your teeth, you won’t be able to get it cleaned up yourself. Go see a dentist or hygienist for your  teeth cleaning. Insurances will cover this. Even if you don’t have insurance, it’s relatively cheap. It’s a small investment for a boost in beauty and confidence.

No matter what you believe about them, both good and bad, they are great health advocates because your oral health can be indicator of your circulatory, respiratory, and cardiac health. So — ignoring oral pains with numbing toothpastes and such is not the answer.

A Dentist’s Other Functions

From childhood (even babyhood!) to old age, your dentist is there. Their duties include the obvious things, like cleaning your teeth, teaching you how to floss, and taking care of oral problems. But they do a lot of peripheral things as well, like answering any and all questions about oral health while you’re in the office, giving you free samples, taking phone calls, or providing info through their website that you can use everyday.

No matter how seriously you’ve taken your oral health in the past, and regardless of whether you ever went to see a dental professional as a child, there is no greater means to protect and preserve your teeth than the tools, techniques, and expertise of a licensed and board-certified dentist.

Dental professionals understand that the phrase ‘dental work’ incites mortal fear, but when it comes to the removal of infected or decaying teeth, bone, or tissue, it is a necessity to be rid of them so they will not continue to destroy your entire mouth. When your oral health gets to the stage that the dentist is no longer giving advice they are warning you, that is all the motivation you should need in order to take action. And once you take that first step, keep going. This is why dental professionals seem so persistent; they know that you have to stay on top of the condition of your oral health because it is always telling you something important.

Even the most subtle change in your smile can make a dramatic difference in the way you look and feel about yourself. Talk to your dentist about the options most suitable for you, what your expectations are and the dental fees involved.

Some options for improving your smile are:

• Tooth whitening (bleaching) brightens teeth that are discolored or stained. Bleaching may be done completely in the dental office or the dentist may dispense a system for you to use at home.
• Bonding can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or have spaces between them. With bonding, tooth-colored materials are applied, or bonded, to the tooth surface.
• Enamel shaping involves modifying teeth to improve their appearance by removing or contouring enamel. The process, which often is combined with bonding, usually is quick and comfortable and the results can be seen immediately.
• Veneers are thin custom-made shells designed to cover the front side of teeth. Made of tooth-colored materials, veneers are used to treat spaces between teeth and teeth that are chipped or worn, permanently stained, poorly shaped, or slightly crooked.

The better you feel about your teeth, the better you’ll feel about your smile. Behner.

A Few Suggestions for Fighting Dentist Anxiety

1. It’s often best to share your dentist anxiety. If you’re tense or anxious, tell your dentist and the dental staff. Getting your concerns out in the open will let your dentist adapt the treatment to your needs.

2. Try to choose a time for your dental visit when you’re less likely to be rushed or under pressure. For some people, that means a Saturday or an early-morning appointment.

3. If the sound of the drill bothers you, bring a portable audio player and headset so you can listen to your favorite music. During the dental visit you might try visualizing yourself relaxing on a warm beach.

These positive techniques work wonders for many with dentist anxiety. Try them on your next dental visit!

Next read about preventing bad breath.

Tooth decay can:

• Cause your child pain.
• Make it hard for your child to chew.
• Make your child embarrassed to talk or smile.

Your child’s first teeth are important. Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth. Starting good tooth care habits now so your child’s smile will last!

Take simple steps to prevent tooth decay:

1. Start cleaning your child’s teeth even before the very first tooth comes in (with gum massagers or your finger).
2. Teach your child to brush 2 times a day.
3. Protect your child’s teeth with fluoride.
4. Give your child healthy, low-sugar foods and drinks.
5. Take your child to the dentist for regular checkups.

Is my child at risk for tooth decay?

Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood problems. Almost half of kids ages 2 to 11 have had decay in their baby teeth.

Bacteria in the mouth use the sugar in food to cause tooth decay. Eating and drinking lots of sugary foods and drinks puts your child at risk for tooth decay.

Remember, good tooth care can prevent tooth decay – it’s as simple as that.

General Dentistry

• Dental care or dental practice that can be called restorative, general, or family dentistry
• Addresses dental problems that require treatment, such as diagnosing oral disease
• Also involves preventative care and maintenance
• Ongoing care
• Helps alleviate health problems that stem from a bad bite or gum infections

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry improves the appearance of mouth, teeth, and smile. It may involve ongoing care, but it usually consists of one-time procedures. Some focuses of cosmetic dentistry include:

• Teeth Whitening: Most commonly recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure. It is also the most popular.
• Dental Veneers: Conceals chips, injuries, or misaligned teeth. Made of ultra-thin material which is designed to slide over your teeth. It looks like natural teeth which last long, and are relatively easy to apply. Great for gaps.
• Smile Makeovers: A custom-made design in order to improve overall appearance. A wide variety of techniques, such as porcelain dental veneers, dental implants, gingival sculpting and teeth, can create a stronger and more youthful smile.
• White Fillings: Tooth white fillings made from porcelain or composite materials can make your teeth stronger, long-lasting, and more natural-looking. White fillings are virtually undetectable and are easy to apply.
• Dental Implants: Artificial tooth root replacements used as a part of prosthetic dentistry. Fills the vacant space due to tooth loss. Dental implants can enhance youthful appearance as it fills missing teeth which can cause the face to collapse, making you look older.

Cosmetic dentistry is available to anyone who wants to improve their smile and look more youthful. Start with a consultation or tour of our office, if you’d like.

Most people visit their general dentist for all of the dentistry needs. You can also visit a pediatric dentist if you have children. A pediatric dentist is specially trained to handle children and can help your children relax and have a good time, even at the dentist. Some other types of dental services are: periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontic, cosmetic dentistry, and wisdom teeth specialists.

Need a Good Dentist? Use the Internet!

There are a lot of dental services in the world. You want to make sure you are getting the best dental services in your area. A great way to find a good dentist in your area is to use the internet. You can search for different terms that will prompt dental answers. For example, you can try searching for the following words:

• dentist Altamonte Springs
• Orlando dentist
• general dentistry
• Altamonte wisdom teeth
• Altamonte family dentistry
• Altamonte dental
• Altamonte dentist
• pediatric dentistry Altamonte
• dentists Altamonte
• cosmetic dentistry Altamonte

Searching for these different dentist terms will help you find a good dentist in your area. Once you find dentistry services that fit your needs, you can read dental reviews online to see the best options for you when it comes to your oral health care.

A good dentist is the key to never having a bad dental experience again. A good dentist should be trustworthy, reliable, and friendly. Make sure to interview a dentist before making a final decision. Ask to tour the office and see what the dentistry is like.

See our dental reviews on Yelp. Thanks! Behner Dental.

If you are worried that you have big gums or are afraid to smile because your gums will be exposed, you might be interested in crown lengthening. However, it is important to know the facts about this procedure. One important fact is that it involves dental surgery, and it is important to discuss it with your family dentist.

Crown Lengthening Basics

For many years, the technique known as crown lengthening has been used for various dental health situations. It is only in recent years that cosmetic dentists in Orlando, FL, and other places are implementing it as a cosmetic dentistry procedure for a better smile.

Crown lengthening can also help even out your gum line if you do not have a level gum line. This will give your smile more symmetry. The surgery can correct problems resulting from tooth decay and fractures that occur under the gum line by exposing more of the crown of the tooth.

Crown lengthening is performed using local anesthesia. First, the cosmetic dentist will numb the area. Tiny cuts are made that allow the dentist to separate the gums from the teeth. It is at this time that the gum removal takes place.

Some people do not require any further procedures. By removing the tissue of the gum they get the appropriate crown exposure. But, some people still have soft tissue or bone showing and covering the crown of the tooth. In this case, the oral surgeon will take out a small piece of the tooth. Finally, the gums are cleaned with a sterile wash that includes salt water. The procedure is completed by stitching the area closed.

Crown Lengthening: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

There are great reasons to have crown lengthening, and some not so great reasons to undergo this procedure. It is now a common dental procedure, but you must keep in mind that surgery is involved.

The Pros: One of the best aspects of crown lengthening is that it only needs to be completed one time. Many cosmetic dental procedures require touch ups after several years. Crown lengthening only requires one surgery and proper oral health care at home along with your regular, normal dentist visits. Also, by lengthening the crown and reducing the gum line you narrow the chances for tooth decay as you will be brushing more of the tooth and flossing more of the exposed areas.

The Cons: On the down side, this type of treatment is expensive. Prices vary between locations and dentists. Cosmetic dentists will give you an estimate for your procedure and may offer financing. If there is a medical reason for your procedure you can file a claim with your dental insurance company.

As crown lengthening is a surgery you should expect some recuperating time. You may have swelling of the gums and some pain. This can last for up to a few weeks in rare cases. In extraordinary cases there are complications such as bleeding or other problems.

If you’d like to discuss crown lengthening with your local professionals, give us a call at 321-594-2300.

Causes of Bleeding Gums

Inadequate plaque removal. Bleeding gums are mainly due to inadequate plaque removal from the teeth at the gum line. This leads to a condition called gingivitis, or inflamed gums.

If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and dental appointments, it will harden into what is known as tartar. Ultimately, this will lead to increased bleeding and a more advanced form of gum and jawbone disorders known as periodontitis.

Age. As we age, many people find that their gums begin to recede (which may look unattractive). Receding gums can also lead to tooth loss.

Your dentist can determine whether your bleeding gums are caused by canker sores, receding gums, periodontal infection, periodontal disease, or other causes. An examination to determine whether you have bleeding gums is an important part of choosing the appropriate course of action.

Treatment for Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums and other oral health problems are treatable if they are caught early. Millions of people neglect to take care of their gums, teeth, and mouth, often with tragic results.

If you have a toothache, canker sore, receding gums, or excessive plaque or tartar, then you should take steps to correct the problem. Bleeding gums are unhealthy and unattractive. You don’t have to live with bleeding gums. If you have bleeding gums and are located in the Orlando area, give us a call or contact us through BehnerDental.com. We will be happy to talk with you and discuss your treatment options.

Dental care plays a very important role in the maintenance of a healthy life and in building self-confidence.

Dental Care Tips For The Vacationer

Dental care requires planning if you’re going on a vacation or an extended holiday.  You want to make sure that the vacation goes as smoothly as possible. One thing most people never prepare for is a dental situation while traveling. We usually spend little time thinking about our teeth until a problem arises. A small thing like a tooth ache can bring your vacation to a grinding halt. This dental care guide will help you properly prepare your teeth for your next vacation.

Proper vacation planning should include a plan for proper dental care. One of the best things about oral hygiene is that you can actually prevent most of the serious problems from ever starting by brushing and flossing regularly.  Regular cleanings and oral examines from a dentist will help prevent any serious issues and make sure your teeth are as healthy as possible.

Sooner or later nearly every person will find that they are in need of a major dental procedure. The timing of these procedures needs to be considered when planning your vacations. Recent dental work is extremely sensitive to air pressure. Flying too soon after a root canal or tooth extraction could lead to serious severe tooth pain. Most dentists will recommend two to four weeks of recovery time before flying.

Your travels may take you to remote locations that lack good dental facilities and you will need to be prepared. Here are a few of useful dental care tips:

• Dental emergencies need to be handled properly and promptly.
• Be sure to pack a dental emergency kit. These kits may very well save your teeth as well as your vacation. These compact dental care kits are easy to pack and available at most locations selling first aid kits.
• Create a nightly routine even on vacation of brushing and flossing after meals.
• If you are on an extended holiday be sure to keep up with your regular dental exams as well.

These simple dental care tips can help your next vacation be one of the best yet. Take great care of your teeth and enjoy your travels. If you need to get checked out before you leave, contact us at Behner Dental Partners of Altamonte Springs, Florida, and we will be happy to oblige you so that your smile stays bright on that vacation of your dreams.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.

• Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Tooth decay–causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove the sticky film on teeth called plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.

• Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.

• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

Antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes reduce the bacterial count and stop bacterial activity in dental plaque, which can cause gingivitis, an early, reversible form of periodontal (gum) disease. ADA-Accepted antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes have substantiated these claims by demonstrating significant reductions in plaque and gingivitis. Fluoride mouth rinses help reduce and prevent tooth decay. Clinical studies have demonstrated that use of a fluoride mouth rinse and fluoride toothpaste can provide extra protection against tooth decay over that provided by fluoride toothpaste alone. Fluoride mouth rinse is not recommended for children age six or younger because they may swallow the rinse. Consumers should always check the manufacturer’s label for precautions and age recommendations and talk with their dentist about the use of fluoride mouth rinse.

Please contact us  about what types of oral care products will be most effective for you. The ADA Seal on a product is your assurance that it has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. Look for the ADA Seal on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes and floss.

Remember to get an annual check up and do the basics everyday. Keep smiling!

Bad breath can be caused by such things as oral dryness, stress, hunger (ketosis), eating certain foods such as garlic and onions, smoking, or poor oral hygiene.

Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When people don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulates on the bits of food left in the mouth and between the teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria make the breath smell.

 Bad Breath Solutions

How to Cure Bad Breath with Natural Treatments

* Chew peppermint or carnation for better breath smell.
* Swallow one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before each meal.
* To lose the bad breath eat pumpkin daily
* Brush your teeth with baking soda.
* Blanch parsley and drink several times a day to help bad breath.
* Drink chamomile tea
* Lose the bad breath: blanch Thyme-Leaved Savory and gurgle.
* Gurgle salty water.

Also, remember to visit your dentist.  Prevention is a must when dealing with oral healthcare. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at Behner Dental Partners of Altamonte Springs, FL.

Many dentists are concerned about the diet and oral health of their patients. Their patients are consuming record numbers of sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks that affect their teeth. These items generally have little if any nutritional value, and over time, they can take a toll on teeth.

Diet and Teeth

Aside from the basics of everyday oral hygiene, diet and food choices among children and teens are important factors that affect how quickly youngsters may develop tooth decay. When bacteria (plaque) come into contact with sugar in the mouth, acid is produced, which attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more. This can eventually result in tooth decay and/or gum disease.

What can you do?

• Maintain a healthy diet and pro-active lifestyle.
• Make sure water is readily available.
• Limit the number of between-meal snacks. When you must snack, choose nutritious foods that are low in sugar.
• Brush thoroughly twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste that has the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
• Floss or use another kind of inter-dental cleaner daily to remove plaque (a thin film of bacteria) from under the gums and between teeth.
• Schedule regular dental visits for checkups and cleanings — and ask questions about diet and nutrition.
• Keep a food diary for a week. Record every item you eat and drink, including hard candies or chewing gum that contains sugar. Compare the diary to the food Pyramid recommendations. If you need help or need to see a dental professional, be sure to contact us and we will be pleased to help you get started.

Cosmetic Dentistry could be your ticket to a million-dollar smile! That’s what Behner Dental specializes in — smiles!

A smile can be the most eye-catching feature of a face. With dentistry’s many cosmetic dentistry advances, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, or misshapen teeth. You now have choices that can help you smile with confidence.

Even the most subtle change in your smile can make a dramatic difference in the way you look and feel about yourself. Talk to your dentist about the options most suitable for you, what your expectations are, and the dental fees involved.

Your Options in Cosmetic Dentistry:

• Tooth whitening (bleaching) brightens teeth that are discolored or stained. Bleaching may be done completely in the dental office or the dentist may dispense a system for you to use at home.
• Bonding can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or have spaces between them. With bonding, tooth-colored materials are applied, or bonded, to the tooth surface.
• Enamel shaping involves modifying teeth to improve their appearance by removing or contouring enamel. The process, which often is combined with bonding, usually is quick and comfortable and the results can be seen immediately.
• Veneers are thin custom-made shells designed to cover the front side of teeth. Made of tooth-colored materials, veneers are used to treat spaces between teeth and teeth that are chipped or worn, permanently stained, poorly shaped or slightly crooked.
• Braces are not just for kids. Orthodontics may be needed if teeth are crooked, crowded, or do not meet properly. If your dentist thinks you should see a specialist for treatment, he or she will refer you to an orthodontist.

Take a virtual tour of our office and see if we are a good fit for your cosmetic dentistry needs. Thank you from Behner Dental Partners.

Dental bleaching

A child’s deciduous teeth are generally whiter than the adult teeth that follow. As a person ages, the adult teeth often become darker due to:

• Changes in the mineral structure of the tooth, as the enamel becomes less porous
• Staining by bacterial pigments, food, and tobacco
• Internal staining of dentin 

Certain antibiotic medications (like tetracycline) can also cause teeth stains or a reduction in the brilliance of the enamel.

Methods of Whitening Teeth: How Powerful So You Want?

According to the FDA, whitening teeth restores natural tooth color and bleaching whitens beyond the natural color. There are many methods to whitening teeth, such as brushing, bleaching strips, bleaching pen, bleaching gel, laser bleaching, and natural bleaching. Traditionally, at-home kits for whitening teeth use overnight trays containing a carbamide peroxide gel which reacts with water to form hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide has about a third of the strength of hydrogen peroxide. This means that a 15-percent solution of carbamide peroxide is the rough equivalent of a five percent solution of hydrogen peroxide.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits use small strips that go over the front teeth. The peroxide oxidizing agent penetrates the porosities in the rod-like crystal structure of enamel and bleaches stain deposits in the dentin.

Power bleaching uses light energy to accelerate the process of bleaching in a dental office. The effects of bleaching can last for several months, but may vary depending on the lifestyle of the patient. Factors that decrease whitening teeth include smoking and the ingestion of dark-colored liquids like coffee, tea, and red wine.

Internal staining of dentin can discolor the teeth from inside out. Internal bleaching can remedy this. If heavy staining or tetracycline damage is present on a patient’s teeth, and whitening teeth is ineffective, there are other methods. Bonding, when a thin coating of composite material is applied to the front of a person’s teeth and then cured with a blue light, can be performed to mask the staining. A veneer can also mask tooth discoloration.

We are whitening teeth experts here at Behner Dental Partners.

So come in or give us a call at 321-594-2300 and we will see if we can help. Maybe it’s your class reunion or a date with that special someone. What better way to say hello than with a brilliant white smile?

Crowns and conventional bridges or dentures may not be your only options when replacing missing teeth. For some people, dental implants offer a smile that looks and feels very natural. Surgically placed below the gums over a series of appointments, implants fuse to the jawbone and serve as a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture.

Dental implants offer stability because they fuse to your bone. Integration of the implants into your jaw also helps your replacement teeth feel more natural and some people also find the secure fit more comfortable than conventional substitutes.

Dental Implants are Not For Everyone

Candidates for dental implants need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. A thorough evaluation by your dentist will help determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.

1. First, surgery is performed to place the anchor. Surgery can take up to several hours, and up to six months may be required for the bone to grow around the anchor and firmly hold it in place. Some implants require a second surgery in which a post is attached to connect the anchor to the replacement teeth. With other implants, the anchor and post are already attached and are placed at the same time.

2. After the gums have had several weeks to heal, the next step is begun. The artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step can take one to two months to complete.

Dental implants surgery can be done either in a dental office or in a hospital, depending upon a number of factors. A local or general anesthetic may be used. Usually pain medications and, when necessary, antibiotics are prescribed. Your dentist will give you instructions on diet and oral hygiene.

If you find yourself in need of an analysis or in need of a dentist who is an expert in dental implants and procedures, contact us at Behner Dental and we will gladly assist.

Mark Twain once said, “Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it a thousand times.”

The effects of smoking are hard on your body and especially on your oral health.

Why is it so hard to quit?

Quitting tobacco is difficult because all forms of it—cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco—contain nicotine. Nicotine is the agent in tobacco that’s capable of causing addiction or dependence. However, you can quit once and for all.

The reasons for quitting are simple:

1. You’ll lower the chances of having a heart attack, stroke or cancer, including oral cancer.
2. A smoke-free environment is healthier for those around you, especially if you have kids.
3. If you’re pregnant, you’ll improve your chances of having a healthy baby.
4. The money spent on tobacco can be used on other things.
5. You’ll help reduce the awful effects of smoking on teeth.

What are the effects of smoking on teeth?

• Oral Cancer
• Periodontal (gum) disease—a leading cause of tooth loss and sensitivity
• Delayed healing after a tooth extraction or other oral surgery
• Few options for some kinds of dental care (smokers can be poor candidates for particular treatments such as implants)
• Bad breath
• Stained teeth and tongue
• Diminished sense of taste and smell

What effects can smokeless tobacco have on my oral health?

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.

The bottom line is, however you do it, the effects of smoking on teeth is damaging, even deadly.

So, please, make a concerted effort to stop now. At Behner Dental Partners, we want you to live as long as possible and smile as brightly as you can.

Behner Dental prides itself on having the most educated and professional employees possible for our wonderful customers. A previous staff member, Lori Barnett, RDH, BASDH, had some kind words to say about her customer service experience with our dental practice.

While gaining “exceptional professional, educational, and personal opportunities,” Barnett began her career immediately upon graduating from high school. After attending Orange County Vocational School in Orlando, Florida, she obtained a certificate as a Certified Dental Assistant with expanded functions and joined our qualified, expert staff, providing exceptional customer service.

Ms. Barnett stated, “I was fortunate to find a position as a chair-side dental assistant for Dr. Ronald Behner, working in a family-oriented, general dental practice.” She expressed that, “It was this great dental team and their commitment to dentistry that inspired me to continue my career in dentistry.”

Her kind words are appreciated — and spot-on! Our employees strive to “provide high-quality dental care to all of their patients, as well as work together as a team to make the office operate efficiently and productively.”

Ms. Barnett added, “We were always learning — there was great emphasis placed on continuing education.”

With continued education, our team is constantly looking to enhance their knowledge and skills on a daily basis. Behner Dental holds themselves to the highest standard possible for the sake of their customers — and the statements by Lori Barnett displays this perfectly.

Behner Dental Commits to Customer Service

Come stop by our office and see how we treat our guest with the utmost respect they deserve, on a professional and personal level. Our staff strives for excellence, and it is reflected when you walk through the doors. Of course, you can always see our other testimonials from previous customers that reiterate our professionalism and quality.

Contact us to see how we can bring this level of customer service to you!

This year, we are celebrating by reminding parents and caregivers to start developing good habits at an early age. It’s a sure-fire way for children to get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Remember, as soon as teeth appear in the mouth, tooth decay and cavities can occur.

Two Steps to Prevent this Occurrence without Professionally Cleaning Children’s Teeth:

1) Bottles before bed/nap: Infants should finish their bottle before going to bed. Decay can be caused by exposure of a baby’s teeth to sugars in formula.

(In other words, never put your baby to bed with a bottle.)

2) Moist cloth teeth cleaning: Wipe your child’s teeth off with a moist cloth after every feeding. This method will scrap off excess residue left by food.

Children’s Teeth and Dentists

Children’s teeth cleaning visits should start within six months of the appearance of the first tooth. We recommend scheduling their first appointment no later than their second birthday. Seek out a pedodentist or a dentist who knows how to deal with children. Behner Dental Partners will help your child through their first appointment by sitting down with them and explaining what a dentist appointment is all about, and teaching them important lessons on how to take care of their teeth.

Persuade your infant or young child to drink from a cup by their first birthday.  This will decrease the chances of tooth decay immensely.

Choose the right cup.  Sippy cups unfortunately do not allow your child to sip.  Cups that have a free-flowing spout instead of sippy cups are more ideal. Other choices for your child are training cups that have an attached straw, or twist-to-open tops like sports bottles.

For more information on dental hygiene and children’s teeth, feel free to contact us! Our talented staff can answer all of your questions and get your children’s teeth nice and clean!

Common restorative procedures used to treat dental injuries resulting from contact sports include, but are not limited to:

• Partial dentures. These are made on a regular basis for players missing their front teeth, because of their convenience. During a game, removable dentures are not worn to prevent additional injury to the player and subsequent damage to the denture.
• Dental bridges. These replace missing teeth. Dental bridges are not removable from the mouth, are obtainable in two appointments, and are natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
• Dental implants.  These are used to permanently replace missing teeth. Assuming a hockey player is a candidate for dental implants, they are placed after his hockey career has ended because the risk of potentially devastating bone fracture lingers due to how the implant fuses to the bone.
• Dental crowns. These are used to restore teeth that have suffered considerable damage as the result of an injury. Teeth that have been root canaled because of an injury are also recommended to have a crown placed on the tooth to prevent possible fracture of the restored tooth.
• Dental veneers. These are generally used as an aesthetic restoration for teeth that have been slightly fractured or have been root-canaled due to dental injuries.

Mouth guard wear for players with any type of dental restoration is advised because of the risks associated with possible re-injury of the teeth. In some cases, the damage to a dental restoration affects the surrounding teeth and bone, creating additional problems in the future.

Dental injuries sustained by those participating in contact sports do not always involve the teeth.  But if you’ve injured your teeth in a sports contest, look us up for a consultation and let us help you bring your smile back to life.

We know that in-depth writings about dental equipment — even for something as cool as a dental laser — probably aren’t on your reading lists. All you really need to know is what they’re called, what they do, and why they’re great for you.

So Here’s the Quick 101 on Diagnodent — Dental Laser Extraordinaire

Diagnodent is a small, portable dental laser that we use to better detect tooth decay that’s not visible. It’s painless and non-invasive because it uses a harmless dental laser beam to measure fluorescence inside each tooth’s structure.

The readings from the Diagnodent dental laser light are translated into both numeric and audible output, giving us information about the size of the cavity. Healthy teeth have little or no fluorescence. Teeth with decay have higher levels of fluorescence.

Well, there you have it—the next time you visit Behner Dental Partners in Altamonte Springs, FL, you’ll know a little bit more about this little dental laser — one of the important technologies we use to help you keep you and your smile healthy for life!

The Behner Way to Care

The choice Dr. Behner made to provide the Diagnodent dental laser here in our practice directly benefits all of our valued patients. Just like other areas of medicine and dentistry, early detection and treatment is of immeasurable value in preserving your health—and it will save you money, time, and hassle in the future! We keep little problems from becoming big ones.

Fortunately, today’s advances in dentistry and oral health awareness are causing these silver alloy fillings to gradually become a thing of the past. Here at Behner Dental, we offer you beautiful white composite fillings that match your teeth. When you open wide and visit with people, your fillings will no longer draw unwanted attention. In fact, it’s practically impossible to even tell the fillings are there!

Reasons to Get Rid of Silver Fillings

If you still have silver amalgam fillings from your past, we recommend that you consider having them replaced—and not just because of their less aesthetically-pleasing appearance. Silver amalgam fillings don’t bond as well to teeth—in order to make sure the filling is held in place, it has to be prepared with “undercuts” that can weaken the tooth structure and result in fractures. Amalgam fillings can also corrode over time as they swell and expand, putting you at risk for cracks. Additional problems can also occur as moisture and bacteria leak through microscopic spaces that develop between the tooth and the filling over time. Often, if not given immediate attention, this can cause a tooth to decay completely and/or break.

White composite fillings don’t require undercuts in your teeth, making them much more proficient in bonding, and definitely superior. In fact, such fillings can actually help strengthen teeth. And of course they’re much more aesthetically pleasing.

Still have questions about silver amalgam fillings and what to do about them? Set up an appointment with us. We’d love to go over all the options with you.

The average person will develop four wisdom teeth, but that’s not always the case. Many people develop supernumerary (extra) wisdom teeth while others fail to develop any wisdom teeth at all.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

The average mouth will only comfortably hold 28 of the 32 teeth we are predisposed to have. Since the wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt, there is often little room left to accommodate their size and anatomy, which often causes the wisdom teeth to either:

• Become impacted under the gum tissue and bone
• Partially erupt into the mouth, resulting in only part of the tooth exposed above the gumline
• Fully erupt into the mouth in an undesirable position — usually tilting forward, pushing on the tooth in front of it.

It is quite possible that each one of your wisdom teeth will erupt differently from one another. For example, you could have one impacted wisdom tooth, and the rest could fully erupt.

In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth left untreated could lead to infections, cracked teeth (as they push into teeth around it), and lots of pain. 

During your regular dental check-up, your dentist may take a orthopantomogram x-ray, also known as a panorex, to diagnose whether or not your wisdom teeth need to be removed. This x-ray gives the dentist a clear view of the area around the wisdom teeth, to determine the type of extraction necessary for each wisdom tooth. If the dentist discovers a reason for you to have your wisdom teeth removed, he will access the position of the wisdom teeth and how each root is formed. Depending on his findings, your dentist will make the decision to perform the wisdom teeth extractions for you, or refer you to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for your wisdom teeth extractions.

A healthy mouth and healthy body go hand in hand. Good oral hygiene and oral health can improve your overall health, reducing the risk of serious disease and perhaps even preserving your memory in your golden years. The phrase “healthy mouth, healthy you” really is true — and backed by growing scientific evidence.

It’s never too early to start teaching your children to take care of teeth and gums — healthy habits learned in childhood can pay off in adulthood. And, if you’re tempted to shrug off your good oral hygiene habits — brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly — remember that you’re a role model for your kids. Keep in mind these six ways having healthy teeth and gums helps boost overall health.

Boosts Your Self-Esteem and Confidence (Mental health is part of your overall health!)

Decayed teeth and gum disease are often associated not only with an unsightly mouth but very bad breath — so bad it can affect your confidence, self-image, and self-esteem. With a healthy mouth that’s free of gum disease and cavities, your quality of life is also bound to be better — you can eat properly, sleep better, and concentrate with no aching teeth or mouth infections to distract you.

May Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Chronic inflammation from gum disease has been associated with the development of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, blockages of blood vessels, and strokes.

Experts stop short of saying there is a cause-and-effect between gum disease and these other serious health problems, but the link has shown up in numerous studies. The findings of these studies may suggest that maintaining oral health can help protect overall health.

Preserves Your Memory

Adults with gingivitis (swollen, bleeding gums) performed worse on tests of memory and other cognitive skills than did those with healthier gums and mouths, according to a report in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

Those with gingivitis were more likely to perform poorly on two tests: delayed verbal recall and subtraction — both skills used in everyday life.

Reduces Risks of Infection and Inflammation in Your Body

Poor oral health has been linked with the development of infection in other parts of the body.

Research has found an association between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. Experts say the mechanism of destruction of connective tissues in both gum disease and RA is similar.   Eating a balanced diet, seeing your dentist regularly, and good oral hygiene helps reduce your risks of tooth decay and gum disease. Make sure you brush twice a day and floss once a day. Using an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste can help reduce bacteria in the mouth that can cause gingivitis.

Signs of grinding teeth may include:

• Sore jaw
• Tooth sensitivity
• Headaches
• Loose teeth
• Ear aches
• Ringing of the ears

Your dentist will help you figure out the probable cause of your bruxism (the technical term for grinding teeth). Grinding teeth may be the result of a number of factors including: stress, diet, or misaligned teeth.

The dentist can then help you determine an appropriate treatment. Therapies may involve stress management, dental splints, mouth guards, or even more extensive dental procedures.  Because grinding teeth is common in children and often outgrown, sometimes no treatment is recommended.

If you are prescribed a treatment, you’ll need to stick to it.  So, for example, if you’re told to wear a mouth guard or a bite splint, you’ll need to use it exactly as your dentist instructs. Splints are among the most common method of protecting and stabilizing the teeth against bruxism.

The Culprits of Gingivitis

The primary culprit of gingivitis is ineffective oral health care. We’re not talking about expensive dental treatments. What needs to be done is routine, everyday care: proper tooth- and tongue-brushing, flossing, and vitamin intake through proper nutrition.

Easy Daily Care for the Prevention of Gingivitis

The most effective weapons against gingivitis is good daily care. Here are some very effective and proven tips for the prevention of gingivitis.

Follow these tips, and you can effectively ward of this gum disease from affecting you and your healthy smile.

• Make sure that you are brushing your teeth at least 2-3 times per day, and for at least 2 minutes each time
• Ensure that you are flossing your teeth at least one time per day for the prevention of gingivitis
• Use an antibacterial mouth wash at least 1-2 times per day to kill any bacteria for the prevention of gingivitis
• Scrape or brush your tongue daily for the prevention of gingivitis
• See your dentist every 6 months for the treatment and prevention of gingivitis

Natural Methods for the Prevention of Gingivitis

There are some natural methods that you can incorporate for the prevention of gingivitis as well. Some people are allergic to common ingredients found in dental products: like sodium laurel sulfate (toothpaste), fluoride and alcohol (toothpaste and mouthwash).

Try using natural products that don’t contain these ingredients. Make sure that you are eating a balanced diet, adhering to a strict oral hygiene schedule, and that you are taking plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for the effective prevention of gingivitis. You can also look into natural mouth products that are designed for the prevention of gingivitis – which you can easily find by asking your dentist or hygienist at your next dental appointment.

That being said, there are several natural remedies for gum disease.

A few common natural remedies for gum disease include:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Tea Tree Oil
• Reduction of Stress
• Coenzyme Q10
• Cranberry
• Electronic Tooth Brush
• Water Flossing System
• Natural Mouthwash
• Neem Bark Extract
• Peppermint Oil
• Spearmint Oil
• Clove Oil

As for the oils and extracts, and a lot of other natural remedies, it’s not in our place to tell you how to use them. However, we can get behind the idea of reducing stress and getting your vitamins! (As a matter of fact, those are the best natural remedies of all.) If you need help choosing a good electronic toothbrush or water pick/floss, give the best dentist in Altamonte Springs a call or mention it on your next visit!

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay. In children under six years of age, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride also helps speed remineralization as well as disrupts acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults.

A dentist in his or her office can also apply fluoride to the teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish. These treatments contain a much higher level of fluoride than the amount found in toothpastes and mouth rinses. Varnishes are painted on the teeth; foams are put into a mouth guard, which is applied to the teeth for 1 to 4 minutes; gels can be painted on or applied via a mouth guard.

Fluoride supplements are also available as liquids and tablets and must be prescribed by your dentist, pediatrician, or family doctor.

When Is Fluoride Intake Most Critical?

It is certainly important for infants and children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years to be exposed to fluoride. This is the timeframe during which the primary and permanent teeth come in. However, adults benefit from fluoride too. New research indicates that topical fluoride — from toothpastes, mouth rinses, and fluoride treatments — are as important in fighting tooth decay as in strengthening developing teeth.

In addition, people with certain conditions may be at increased risk of tooth decay and would therefore benefit from additional fluoride treatment. They include people with:

• Dry mouth conditions : Dry mouth caused by diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, certain medications (such as allergy medications, antihistamines, anti- anxiety drugs, and high blood pressure drugs), and head and neck radiation treatment makes an individual more prone to tooth decay. The lack of saliva makes it harder for food particles to be washed away and acids to be neutralized.
• Gum disease : Also called gingivitis, gum disease can expose more of your tooth and tooth roots to bacteria increasing the chance of tooth decay.
• History of frequent cavities : If you have one cavity every year or every other year, you might benefit from additional fluoride.
• Presence of crowns and/or bridges or braces : These treatments can put teeth at risk for decay at the point where the crown meets the underlying tooth structure or around the brackets of orthodontic appliances.

Source:  Web MD

There’s a wealth of information in ads, magazines, on TV and on the Internet about teeth whitening, but it is important to separate fact from fiction.

Myths about Teeth Whitening include:

• All teeth whiten the same;
• Once my teeth are whitened, they will stay bright forever;
• Whitening toothpastes bleach teeth;
• Dental insurance will pay for tooth whitening.

Teeth whitening is a common cosmetic dentistry procedure used to lighten or whiten the shade of the teeth. Every year, thousands, if not millions, of people spend the combined amount of over $10 billion on cosmetic teeth whitening procedures.

If you are thinking of getting your teeth whitened, you should first see your dentist to have you teeth checked for cavities and gum disease. Your dentist can also clean your teeth to remove any surface stains.

Below are 5 Myths About Teeth Whitening.

1. “Dental insurance will pay for teeth whitening.” Unfortunately, teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by most dental insurance plans.
2. “Whitening toothpastes bleach teeth.” Very few — if any — whitening toothpastes can chemically whiten your teeth. In fact, most — if not all — of the whitening toothpastes contain only mechanical, abrasive products that help you scrub off surface stains when brushing.
3. “Once my teeth are whitened, they will stay white forever.” After you get your teeth whitened, you will have to continually maintain your whitening results by periodically using whitening treatments at home. Otherwise, your teeth will slowly darken over time. Avoiding intensely colored beverages such as coffee, tea, wine, or orange juice can prolong the whitening results.
4. ”All teeth whitening gels are the same.” There is a wide range in teeth whitening product strength. The strongest whitening gels are used by the dentist for in-office whitening procedures. The next strongest whitening gels are given to you by your dentist to be used at home. The weakest gels are bought over-the-counter.
5. “Veneers, crowns, and tooth-colored fillings will be whitened just like my teeth.” If you have veneers, crowns, or tooth-colored fillings and whiten your teeth, you may be disappointed after whitening that your dental work no longer matches the color of your teeth. This is because the whitening gel does not affect the shade of your restorations. If you need veneers, crowns, or fillings, ask your dentist if you can wait until after teeth whitening to do them. Otherwise, you may need to get them redone after your teeth are whitened.

topDentists™ is an exclusive peer review survey in which general dentists and specialists throughout the Orlando area cast thousands of votes on the abilities of other dentists and specialists; and because listings cannot be purchased, inclusion in topDentists™ is considered a singular honor.

Bad Habit 1: Crunching, Sucking, and Sipping

You slurp down an ice-cold soda or iced tea and then crunch, crunch, crunch the leftover ice. What’s the harm?

The brittleness and cold temperature of ice cubes can actually cause teeth to fracture. Or they can cause microscopic cracks in the surface of the enamel, which could lead to bigger dental problems over time. Crushed ice is less harmful than bigger cubes, but it still doesn’t get the blessing of most dentists.

Right up there with ice cubes are popcorn kernels, which can also put undue stress on a tooth and cause it to fracture. And some people keep the pits of fruit such as peaches, apricots, and plums in their mouth to suck on and then crunch on.

Sipping sugary soda throughout the day is another bad habit. The constant exposure to sweet and acidic beverages can foster tooth decay.

–> Switch to crushed ice in drinks, or better yet, substitute something that’s healthier to chew, such as baby carrots. Sip soda through a straw to minimize soda exposure to your teeth. Be sure the straw is positioned toward the back of the mouth, not resting against your teeth.

Bad Habit 2: Using Teeth as Tools

Patients rely on their teeth for a number of odd jobs: to tear open a bag of potato chips, uncap a bottle of nail polish, pull out a watch stem, straighten a bent fork tine, or rip a price tag off a piece of clothing. This can be hard on your teeth, traumatizing them or causing the edge of a weakened tooth to chip off or even fracture.

–> Think about what you’re putting in your mouth before you use your teeth as tools. And keep simple real tools such as a scissors and pliers handy to do the dirty work and let you maintain good dental health.

Bad Habit 3: Grinding Your Teeth

Whether you grind your teeth during the day, at night, or both day and night, it wears them down. Often teeth grinding is a nervous habit, reflecting anxiety.

Your dentist may suggest wearing a mouth guard for teeth grinding at night. Custom models made by your dentist cost more than over-the-counter ones, but they generally fit better and work better, too.

Sometimes, it helps simply to be aware that you are grinding your teeth and find another way to disperse the nervous energy or deal with the anxiety.

Bad Habit 4: Using a Hard-Bristled Toothbrush

Some people think the firmer the toothbrush, the better. This isn’t so, especially for older adults. With age, the gums push back and the roots of the teeth become exposed, often increasing sensitivity. The root is covered with cementum, which is worn away more easily than enamel. A brush with too-firm bristles may irritate the gums and lead to sensitive teeth.

–> Ask your dentist or hygienist what toothbrush might be best to maintain your dental health, depending on your individual gum and tooth problems.

Bad Habit 5: Not Brushing or Flossing Properly

Some people floss and brush their teeth regularly, but not often enough. You should aim to brush twice a day, and be sure to replace your manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three or four months.

Flossing teeth should be done daily, too. If you aren’t sure if you floss properly — and many people aren’t — ask your dentist or your hygienist for a demonstration on your next visit. The American Dental Association also says antibacterial mouth rinses can reduce bacteria that can cause gum disease.

You may find a powered toothbrush better, especially if you have hand, arm, or shoulder problems that make manual brushing difficult. If you have children, be sure to buy them child-sized brushes so they fit their hands and mouth, and are easier to use.

Thanks to: WebMD

Santa may be recognized for his red suit and hat, but Santa just ain’t Santa without that endless smile! He is a regular visitor to Behner Dental Partners. You might have met him on Christmas eve at Walt Disney World, or at merry gatherings and events around town.

This year, Behner Dental was honored to welcome him to our Altamonte Springs office especially since, at this time of year, Santa is the busiest man in the world! Of course, we respect how practical he is about keeping that smile sparkling year-round.

Keep smiling, Santa!

Happy Holidays, From Drs. Behner & Behner and Staff!

***

For parents and adults:

Santa sometimes pretends to be a man named Dan Wright when he’s feeling especially merry! If you’d like him to pop in to your Christmas party or event, write him a letter at TheWrightSanta@gmail.com!

We introduced one Behner Dental Partner last post. Well, here’s the other Partner and younger half of our favorite father-son team, Dr. Julian Behner! 

Dr. Julian Behner

Dr. Julian Behner graduated with honors with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Florida (UF) College of Dentistry.  He was selected to be a clinical instructor for the Department of Prosthodontics at UF.  Dr. Behner is a member of the American Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, and the Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.   When he’s not making smiles beautiful in his dental office, Dr. Behner is often attending seminars and conventions to provide his patients with the latest technological advancements in dentistry. Dr. Behner has been selected by a vote of his peers as one of the top dentists in Orlando for 2012 by topDentists™! Behner Dental Partners’ listing will appear in the April 2012 issue of Orlando Magazine.

EDUCATION

•    University of Florida College of Dentistry with Honors
•    Academy of General Dentistry
•    Clinical Instructor – University of Florida College of
Dentistry, Prosthodontics Department
•    American Dental Association
•    Florida Dental Association
•    Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society

SOCIETY AND ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

•    Academy of General Dentistry
•    American Dental Association
•    Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
•    Florida Dental Association
•    Dental Society of Greater Orlando
•    Central District Dental Association

Dental crowns are mainly used to:
1. Build a tooth or teeth that are broken or decayed
2. Strengthen the teeth
3. Improve the look of a teeth or tooth.

Making a dental crown is an art as much as it is a science. Before casting or fabricating, a dental technician has to take into account several factors, like your bite and jaw movements from several angles. Dental crowns are created away from your mouth, unlike fillings, which are created in your mouth. Dental fillings do not contribute much to the cosmetics of your smile, whereas dental crowns do.

This is one area where the right dentist makes all the difference in the world!

Isolite makes for a completely new dental experience. It is a powerful addition to any practice. It opens the mouth, lights it, and provides suction, all in one.

The soft Isolite mouthpiece:

• Retracts the tongue and cheek and keeps them safely away from the dentist’s tools
• Continuously suctions fluids and debris
• Protects the throat from dropped material

Oral cancer is easily identified with early screening, and dental hygienists have a very important role in early detection. One of the biggest problems associated with oral cancer is that in the early stages of its development, it is often painless, and the physical signs may not be obvious to the patient. However, by providing opportunistic cancer screenings to patients in their annual dental check-ups, dentists have opportunities to catch oral cancer in its early stages.

When found at early stages of development, oral cancers have an 80%-90% survival rate. Unfortunately, at this time, the majority are found as late-stage cancers. This accounts for the very high death rate of about 45% at five years from diagnosis; there is also high treatment-related morbidity in survivors. Published studies show that currently less than 15%-25% of those who visit a dentist regularly report having had an oral cancer screening. This is unfortunate considering how many lives could be saved if the cancer was found early.

Nowadays, Oral Cancer Affects Younger People

For decades, oral cancer had been a disease which mostly occurred in older, longtime tobacco users. Today that is no longer the case. We now know that HPV16, one of about 130 versions of the sexually transmitted Human Papilloma virus, is the leading cause in oral cancer — and is found in about 60% of newly diagnosed patients.

The fastest growing segment of the oral cancer population are people in the 25-50 age range, who are never smokers. This group primarily comes to the disease from HPV16.  This makes identifying the “high risk” individual much more difficult.

Dentists are the first line of defense against this disease. Early detection saves lives — something we take very seriously.

In stark contrast to earlier dental thinking, modern dentistry attempts to save teeth rather than pull them. One of the many ways dentists save infected teeth is through root canal therapy.

Although root canals have a bad reputation for being painful, new technology and up-to-date anesthetics guarantee the patients don’t have to feel as much pain as they imagine. Root canals are always the ideal option when teeth have become infected or are badly decaying. These days, patients are at ease during the procedure – there is only a small amount of discomfort when it comes to root canals.

Does that make you feel any better about getting a root canal?

Who deserve smiles more than these kids?

Our team decided to share some spirit and happiness with the kids and the staff at Arnold Palmer Hospital by having a pumpkin decorating party.  There were some great ideas and a festive atmosphere. Hopefully, the kids were able to put their troubles aside for a few moments to just be kids. The facility itself at Arnold Palmer is colorful, and the staff is well-equipped to deal especially with children. After all, it’s bad enough to have to spend so much time in a hospital — the very least we can do as adults is to make that experience as healing and not-so-scary as possible. We believe Arnold Palmer accomplishes that, and Behner Dental is happy to support a worthy cause.

Electric toothbrushes get your teeth cleaner and your gums healthier, simply by virtue of providing more cleaning strokes per minute than plain brushing. The great thing is, you have so many choices now!  And with the high cost of dental services today, it pays to keep your teeth white and bright.

The Rotadent toothbrush is a handy little battery-operated, cordless dental tool. It comes in white with your choice of 3 different color accents (black,blue, and pink), or solid black.

Rotadent’s other great features and accessories include:

• A brush head stand to cradle the handle unit and brush heads
• A battery charger
• 3 brush heads
• Roda-Point interdental cleaners

Replacement charger, brushes, and Roda-Point interdental cleaners can be ordered separately in boxes of 20. They are similar to a toothpick and when used properly, the results are the same as dental floss. If your planning a trip to Europe any time soon, you can even order a special 230-volt plug-in battery charger that will adapt to European outlets.

Anything that makes toothbrushing easier, and even fun, is a win in our book.

Maybe you’d like a brighter smile or better vision. Maybe you want to freshen your look. Or maybe your family pet needs a surgery you didn’t plan for. But if your insurance doesn’t cover all the costs for the procedure you want and need, where do you turn? CareCredit, a GE Money Company, gives you convenient payment options so you can get the procedure you want, when you want it.

So what exactly is CareCredit?

CareCredit is a personal line of credit that helps pay for healthcare procedures and treatments. It can be used to provide medical services for your entire family, including your pets! CareCredit works like a credit card but it does have two distinct advantages:

1.  0% interest financing every time you use it
2. Can only be used for healthcare services and to pay medical bills.

If you pay your minimum monthly payment and pay off the entire card balance by the end of your promotional period, you will pay no interest. And if it turns out that you do need additional time to pay for your medical bills or debt, you can take advantage of the extended payment plans with very low, fixed interest rates. To learn more or to apply for the General Electric CareCredit card, dial (866) 893-7864, ask your dentist, or find additional ways to get help with debt and bills.

1. Did You Suffer an Impact Injury?

One of the most common causes of loose teeth is impact injuries. Our teeth are bones and are also susceptible to breakage, like any other bone in the body. If you hit your teeth on a hard surface, this can jar them loose from where they sit in the lining of the gums. In some cases the tooth can be saved, yet in some other cases it may have to be splinted or extracted.

2. You Might Have Gum Disease

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and tooth decay, as well as loose teeth worldwide. It is estimated that around 80% of people have some form of gum disease or another. Bacteria in the gums can infect a tooth and cause it to become loose.

If left untreated, you could be placing your oral health and overall health at dire risk. It is very important that you see a dentist as soon as possible if you have loose teeth so that you can find out what is going on and remedy the situation.

3.  You May Have a Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth can cause loose teeth. If a tooth suffers an impact injury it can become cracked or fractured, exposing the pulp, nerve and dentin inside of the tooth. Over time, bacteria will attack and infect this crack or facture in the tooth. Once the tooth becomes infected that can spread to the nerve and the root, and cause the tooth to become loose in the mouth.

4. You Might Have an Infected Tooth

An infected tooth is a common cause of loose teeth. Sometimes bacteria attack the nerves, root and pulp of a tooth, causing it to die. When this happens, the body may sometimes try to naturally push the tooth out to relieve the infection. In many cases the infection can be treated and the loose tooth can be saved.

Common Treatments for Loose Teeth

There are some common treatments for loose teeth. In many cases, if loose teeth are caused by impact injury or gum disease, you can seek oral treatment for them that won’t require the extraction of the tooth. Sometimes the loose tooth will heal on its own from an impact injury as the gums heal.

In other cases, a dentist may apply a tooth splint to the tooth to keep it from moving around. A dentist may also prescribe to you oral antibiotics if the tooth is infected or the gums are infected. If the tooth is cracked or fractured, they may extract the tooth and repair it with a crown.

Have you ever been jealous watching the perfect smile you see on television, movies, or magazines? Have you ever asked yourself: ‘How is this smile so white?’ Chances are, these stunning beauties were not born with a perfect white smile. It’s likely that a talented cosmetic dentist designed that smile  for them.

Why shouldn’t you enjoy a beautiful smile, too? Perhaps with the help of a cosmetic dentist.

What are Veneers?

A veneer is a restorative thin layer of material placed over a tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface. Composite and dental porcelain are the two main types of veneer material types.

A composite veneer may be directly placed (built up in the mouth), or indirectly fabricated by a licensed professional and later bonded to the tooth. In contrast, a porcelain veneer may only be indirectly fabricated.

What Problems Are Solved By Porcelain Veneers?

• Worn-down teeth
• Damaged or broken teeth
• Discoloration of teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Spaces between teeth

There are two main advantages of porcelain veneers:

1. The first advantage is that they are very ‘true to life.’
2. The second advantage of veneers is that they are resistant to stains.

Talk to your dentist. The physician must first consider your needs and also gather enough information to create your personal veneers in the dental lab.

Introducing laser dental treatment with Diagnodent. Our dental office  has a simple, fast, and painless dental examination using Diagnodent, a harmless laser scanner, which will help us with the early detection of dental cavities. With this laser dental treatment, even very small lesions are now detected at the earliest stage, enabling us to protect and preserve your teeth and smile.

Diagnodent Laser Cavity Detection System

The Diagnodent laser cavity detection system is the most significant breakthrough in diagnosing tooth decay since the dental x-ray. With the widespread use of fluoride in both drinking water and toothpastes, it is much harder to detect tooth cavities than ever before. This is because the fluoride hardens the enamel so that most tooth decay starts in microscopic defects in the hard surface, and can readily spread into the softer surface beneath. This destroys the tooth from the inside out.

The Diagnodent dental laser system is a pen-like probe that sends a safe, painless laser beam into the tooth and checks its health. A number scale and an alarm will signal when there are signs of hidden dental cavity. This allows us to determine if decay is lurking beneath the apparently healthy tooth surface. This dental laser technology allows us to catch tooth cavities at an earlier stage, before the tooth is destroyed from the inside out. This dental laser cavity detection will help prevent more extensive dental procedures.

Shorter and more gentle strokes for a longer period of time are more effective than brushing too hard. Make sure you brush all surfaces of your teeth and gums, and don’t forget the hard-to-reach areas.

There are many toothpastes to choose from, such as toothpaste for sensitive teeth, some for teeth prone to plaque, etc. Ask your dentist what they recommend for you for your teeth.

Also, make sure you get the proper toothbrush. The ideal toothbrush will have soft bristles because they are easier on the gums, meanwhile removing plaque and debris. You may also want to opt for a smaller brush head to better reach those hard-to-reach spots in your mouth.

Do not forget to change your toothbrush at least twice a year or, ideally, every couple of months. As the toothbrush gets older and used, it can start carrying germs, as well as start losing its impact on the teeth and gums as the bristles wear down.

The pioneering treatment promises to transform the approach to filling teeth forever.

Tooth decay begins when acid produced by bacteria in plaque dissolves the mineral in the teeth, causing microscopic holes or ‘pores’ to form. As the decay process progresses these micro-pores increase in size and number. Eventually the damaged tooth may have to be drilled and filled to prevent toothache, or even removed.

The very thought of drilling puts many people off going to see their dentist, whether or not they actually need treatment. This tendency to miss check-ups and ignore niggling aches and pains means that existing problems get worse and early signs of decay in other teeth are overlooked.

New Paint-On Technology

It’s a vicious cycle, but one that can be broken, according to researchers at the University of Leeds who have developed a revolutionary new way to treat the first signs of tooth decay. Their solution is to arm dentists with a peptide-based fluid that is literally painted onto the tooth’s surface. The peptide technology is based on knowledge of how the tooth forms in the first place and stimulates regeneration of the tooth defect.

“This may sound too good to be true, but we are essentially helping acid-damaged teeth to regenerate themselves. It is a totally natural non-surgical repair process and is entirely pain-free too,” said Professor Jennifer Kirkham, from the University of Leeds Dental Institute, who has led development of the new technique.

The ‘magic’ fluid was designed by researchers in the University of Leeds’ School of Chemistry, led by Dr Amalia Aggeli. It contains a peptide known as P 11-4 that – under certain conditions – will assemble together into fibres. In practice, this means that when applied to the tooth, the fluid seeps into the micro-pores caused by acid attack and then spontaneously forms a gel. This gel then provides a ‘scaffold’ or framework that attracts calcium and regenerates the tooth’s mineral from within, providing a natural and pain-free repair.

The technique was recently taken out of the laboratory and tested on a small group of adults whose dentist had spotted the initial signs of tooth decay. The results from this small trial have shown that P 11-4 can indeed reverse the damage and regenerate the tooth tissue.

“The results of our tests so far are extremely promising,” said Professor Paul Brunton, who is overseeing the patient testing at the University of Leeds Dental Institute. “If these results can be repeated on a larger patient group, then I have no doubt whatsoever that in two to three years time this technique will be available for dentists to use in their daily practice.”

“The main reason that people don’t go to the dentist regularly is fear. If we can offer a treatment that is completely non-invasive, that doesn’t involve a mechanical drill, then we can change that perceived link between dental treatment and pain. This really is more than filling without drilling, this is a novel approach that enables the patients to keep their natural teeth!”

University of Leeds

Gum Recession

It is important for the aging population to pay attention to certain scenarios that may present in the oral environment with age. The saying, “S/he’s a bit long in the tooth,” originates from the fact that gum recession over time tends to expose more and more of the root surfaces of one’s teeth. Often associated with this root exposure is increased sensitivity to cold and hot liquids and air brought in through the mouth. A simple solution to this problem is to have your dentist bond a desensitizing agent to the tooth or to place a filling on the exposed surface. These treatments are incredibly effective at eliminating tooth sensitivity both painlessly and immediately. Patients are thus free to enjoy ice cream, coffee and cold beverages that same day.

Exposed roots are also more predisposed to cavities, or “root caries.”  This is because the tooth structure below the gum line consists of a softer mineral than the more resistant enamel on the outer portion of a tooth. Routine cleanings and check-ups, sometimes with even greater regularity than the typical six-month recall, can serve to head off at the pass any cavities that may otherwise run amuck.

Decreased Saliva

Decreased salivary flow can result with age as well. Our saliva contains a buffer against the acids that result when foods break down in our mouths. The absence of this saliva leaves our teeth more susceptible to tooth decay. Certain medications can interfere with normal salivary production as well. A dentist may elect to counteract this decreased salivary flow with other medications. The best defense against the harmful effects of low salivary flow is the same as that for most age-related dental challenges: good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist!

Snacking smart can help prevent tooth decay. During snacking, your teeth are affected by a number factors, including the frequency you eat sugary snacks, the duration the sugary foods stays in the mouth, and the texture of the sugary food. This article outlines tips to avoid dental tooth decay while still having the ability to snack.

Reset pH With Cheese

The consequence of certain foods and snacks on your teeth can depend on not only what you eat, but also when you eat, and in which order particular foods are eaten. According to a dental studies, following a meal, the pH level in your mouth often drops and your mouth becomes more acidic, a possible harmful situation for your teeth. After a meal, eating cheese or nuts can help clear the mouth of trace carbohydrates, and my even help reset the mouth’s pH to decrease dental plaque formation. Consuming cheese also results in an increase the quantity of saliva in the mouth, which helps wash away food particles. Cheese can neutralize the acids in the mouth and help sustain a pH balance that is safe for teeth as well as provide a coating of calcium.

Dried Fruit Doesn’t Make a Good Standalone Snack

Dried fruit products such as raisins might make for a nourishing snack or gratify the need for something sweet after a meal, but be mindful that their sticky nature makes them to prone to stick to dental tooth surfaces, allowing bacteria present in the mouth to feed off the sugars, promoting plaque development and dental tooth decay. These foods seem to be a healthy snack, but they actually make bad standalone snacks from a dental standpoint unless you are able to wash and brush away the leftovers after eating. Consuming them with a meal is a better alternative, as the meal will stimulate the release of more saliva in the mouth, which will help wash away sugar and carbohydrates.

Diet Soft Drinks Are No Less Harmful To Teeth

When choosing a soft drink, many health-conscious people will choose a diet soft drink over a regular one thinking that substituting the sugar with a low-calorie sweetener will help not only our body weight, but our teeth, too. Unfortunately, as your dentists at Behner Dental Partners will tell you, the effect on teeth is nearly as bad with a diet drink as a regular one. This is because the phosphoric and citric acids in all soft drinks, whether diet or regular, are consumed throughout the day, the teeth are continuously bathed in acid. The consequence is that, as the dental enamel dissolves and the underlying tooth structure (dentin) is uncovered, the tooth is left vulnerable to sensitivity and dental cavity development. Make an effort to replace your soda with plain water instead, or if you do desire a soft drink, it is better to drink it all at once instead of sipping it throughout a long duration of time.

With technological advancements in the cosmetic dentistry, it is now possible for you to create a more attractive appearance with smile makeovers or a full mouth reconstruction.

Smile Makeovers

The cosmetic dentist will use dental implants, teeth whitening, and dental veneers to help give you that boost in confidence for most smile makeovers.

Full Mouth Reconstruction

For full mouth reconstruction, we use advanced restorative treatments that are specially designed to help eliminate problems with bite, bone structure, severe wear and tear of teeth, pain, and other problems.

It’s no fun, walking around being self-conscious about how you look. Feeling like you’re embarrassed about your appearance can affect all areas of your life. Studies prove that attractive people get more jobs, more money, have more friends, and more opportunities. Looking and feeling good doesn’t have to be a struggle.

1. Fluoride is added to the drinking water in many towns and cities. Check with your town or child’s doctor if you aren’t sure whether there is fluoride in your water.
2. If your water doesn’t have fluoride in it, a doctor or dentist can give your child fluoride drops. The doctor or dentist may also paint a fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth.
3. Start brushing your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste by age 2. Use just a pea-sized amount of toothpaste — if young children swallow too much fluoride, their adult teeth may have white spots. 

The sooner kids (and adults!) learn about the harmful effects of soda, pop, Coke, or whatever it is called in your area of the country, the less likely they might be to subject their teeth to overexposure to these beverages.

Despite the popular thinking that sugar is the enemy in soda, the key ingredient responsible for the majority of tooth destruction is the acid in these drinks. This fact supports the line of reasoning that diet soft drinks can be just as harmful to the oral environment as sugar-laden beverages. The introduction of energy drinks to the market and the overwhelming number of teens enjoying them have led to the increased incidence of decay in this demographic.

Adults would be wise to follow the same advice and limit the intake of these beverages. Diligent oral hygiene practice and rinsing with water after drinking soda or energy drinks can help to reduce potential damage to tooth structure. As always, be sure to maintain regular dental check-ups for diagnosis and cleaning. These are easy enough steps to take to keep that dental drill out of your mouth, isn’t it?

Laser tooth whitening is the fastest road to whiter teeth. Tooth color is a seemingly small but very influential dental issue that people face.  Although the color of teeth is an aesthetic factor, for a lot of people, the problem of discolored or yellowed teeth is bigger — one that affects their overall appearance and their confidence.

So, for years, people have tried one tooth whitening product after another. Some work but only after several weeks or months. Some of them don’t make much of a difference. Some of them do not work at all.

Thanks to dental care technology, there is now a very effective, highly guaranteed way to get whiter teeth, and you can get it in just a single day.

What to Expect from Laser Tooth Whitening

The laser tooth whitening procedure produces different effects on different people, based on the natural color of their teeth. This is one thing you need to remember when you ask for a laser whitening procedure from your dentist: you have to keep your expectations straight. Laser whitening cannot completely change the color of your teeth. It can only make the current color of your teeth lighter, but this often makes a significant difference.

Plenty of excuses

There are all kinds of ways that people justify their failure to floss. You may have heard some of these reasons. You know, flossing takes too long, the string always breaks, I can’t get the floss between my teeth, it hurts my gums, and it doesn’t really help your teeth.

“Flossing takes too long.” Well, how long does it take to drive to the dentist, sit in the waiting room, sit in the dentist chair, and then drive back home after the work is completed? The loss of a few seconds each day will more than pay off in the long term. 

What about the floss breaking. Does it happen? Of course. But you can minimize the breaks by using the newer Gore-Tex type floss, such as Glide uses. The fibers are stronger. They resist cutting and breaking which makes your flossing experience much more pleasant.

One of the major complaints of many people is that the floss is difficult to slide between close teeth. The Gore-Tex type floss is not only strong, but very slick. It slides between your teeth much smoother with little hanging or tearing of the floss.

Another complaint heard occasionally is, “The floss hurts my gums.” This is usually heard from someone who has not flossed for quite a while and their gums are tender. Proper flossing will clean your teeth and strengthen your gums. It really does help your teeth and gums.

Start now

If you haven’t flossed for a while use these six simple steps.

1) Use Gore-Tex type floss.
2) Tear off between 16 to 20 inches of floss.
3) Slide it gently between your teeth, allowing it to conform to the shape of your tooth.
4) Slide the floss up and down your tooth.
5) Follow this procedure between each set of teeth.
6) Don’t forget to floss both sides of your back teeth.

Sometimes there may be food that is difficult to remove from between your teeth. This usually happens between teeth that are too far apart. You can tie a knot in your floss and gently drag it between your teeth. The knot will pick up the material and pull it out from between your teeth. The point is to be very gentle. You do not want to damage your gums doing this.

Flossing daily combined with brushing twice a day will help insure your dental health and well being.

From an aesthetic point of view, the loss of teeth can have a psychological effect on people who might feel too self-conscious to smile or talk. Teeth loss can have a negative effect on eating by causing bite-related irregularities. Regardless of the nature of problems related to tooth loss, dental implants may offer a simple remedy with proven results.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth root replacements that are used as a part of artificial replacement dentistry in order to counter tooth loss. The loss of teeth can result from:

• Aging
• Trauma to the mouth
• Poor oral hygiene

Implant dentistry has benefited greatly from scientific and technological advancements. However, it is not a defined specialty inside of dentistry and the procedure does not require a specific license by law in order to be performed by a dentist.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

In order to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants, it is important to seek the advice of a dentist who is experienced in implantology. The dental implant procedure is surgery. Therefore, it is important to seek the advice of a dentist who is specifically trained in surgery of this nature.

The patient should also be aware that there are over 60 different implant companies and that if he or she goes to a different dentist for repair, that dentist may not have access to or have limited experience with the implants used by the previous dentist.

The dental implant procedure is performed to replace missing teeth. Implants can be performed anytime after adolescence when bone growth is complete.

Certain medical conditions, such as active diabetes, cancer, or periodontal disease, may require treatment before the implant procedure can be performed.

It should also be noted that in order to determine candidacy for a dental implant, it is necessary to evaluate bone density and quantity. In some cases, implants may not be advised if bone loss has occurred due to periodontal disease and you are not a candidate for bone regeneration or grafting. In certain cases, bone grafting can be derived from your bone, a synthetic bone, or a bovine bone to provide the right support for the implant.

1. Abra­sive tooth­pastes with bak­ing soda — while the bak­ing soda alone won’t destroy your veneer, it removes the glaze over time, mak­ing the crowns look dull and lifeless.
2. Not wear­ing a pro­tec­tive night­guard — when invest­ing large amounts of money in the veneers, invest a lit­tle extra in a night­guard to pro­tect them from night­time grind­ing. 
3. Not wear­ing an ath­letic mouth­guard — if you play con­tact sports, get a mouth­guard. A stray elbow can eas­ily break teeth.
4. Drink­ing a lot of soda, sports drinks (such as Gatorade, Mon­ster, etc) — acidic drinks (even diet ones!) are the worst.
5. Not brushing/flossing — again, a crown or veneer does not make a tooth “immune” to den­tal decay. Neglect­ing to brush and floss, and not get­ting reg­u­lar den­tal check­ups, is an invi­ta­tion to cav­i­ties.
6. Try­ing to open pack­ages with your teeth — just like the hard candy, try­ing to tear some­thing with porce­lain is not the kind of force it is designed to take. Just don’t.
7. Using alcohol-based mouth rinses — the alco­hol degrades the bond­ing cement over time, so the edges leak, stain col­lects, and even­tu­ally cav­i­ties develop.

3 Million Teeth Knocked Out

“Basketball and baseball are the two biggest mouth-injuring sports,” says Stephen Mitchell, D.M.D., associate professor in the UAB Department of Pediatric Dentistry. “And the most common injuries we see are broken, displaced or knocked out teeth, and broken jaws.”

According to a report by the U.S. Surgeon General, craniofacial injuries sustained during sporting activities are a major source of non-fatal injury and disability in children and adults, accounting for up to one-third of all sports injuries. The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation estimates that more than 3 million teeth will be knocked out in youth sporting activities this year.

How To Protect Your Boys and Girls

The increasing participation of girls and young women in competitive sports means that they, just like their male counterparts, should know the risks of dental injuries and use additional protective gear as appropriate, Mitchell says.

Mitchell says mouth guards and helmets with face protectors are the best way for kids to avoid dental injuries while playing sports.

“If the child has a full set of permanent teeth then a custom guard can be made that will provide protection but be small enough to make it easy to communicate with teammates,” Mitchell says. “But if they still have some of their baby teeth, a custom guard is a waste of money. Parents will be better off going to the store and buying one of the guards that can be boiled and molded to their child’s mouth.”

What To Do If Prevention Fails

So what should you do if, despite your best preventive efforts, your child still hurts his or her teeth or jaw?

If a tooth is broken or cracked, see a dentist within 24 hours, Mitchell says. If a tooth or teeth have been displaced or knocked out, Mitchell says, take the child immediately to the emergency room and to try to preserve the tooth.

“A tooth that has been knocked out needs to be back in the mouth within 30 minutes for the best chance of long-term survival,” Mitchell says. He offers these tips for preserving the tooth, which can even help past the ideal 30-minute window:

•  Avoid touching the root because it can be damaged easily.
•  If the tooth is dirty, hold it by the upper part and rinse it off with milk until most of the dirt is washed away. If you don’t have milk, don’t clean it. Wiping it off may cause more damage.
•  If your child is old enough not to swallow it, try to gently put the tooth back in its socket for the best chance of preservation.
•  If you can’t get it back in the socket, put it in a cup of milk and head for the dentist or emergency room.

“We tell people to put the tooth in milk because the cells around the root are still alive after it is knocked out and milk can provide nutrients to the cells to help keep them alive,” Mitchell adds. “Do not put the tooth in water. It can cause the cells to burst and makes saving the tooth much less likely.”

Jaw injuries may be much less obvious than a broken or knocked-out tooth but they are no less serious, Mitchell says. If a child falls hard enough to cut their chin, or takes an especially hard hit, it could easily cause breaks in the jaw. In an injury such as this, a child should be seen by a doctor within 24 hours.

No matter the injury, Mitchell says caring properly for the mouth afterward is key to successful healing.

“Following an injury a child’s mouth will be sore and they will want to do everything they can to make it not hurt. But, continuing to brush their teeth and practice good oral hygiene is extremely important,” he says. “It is the same as keeping any other wound clean, the cleaner the mouth is kept, the better it heals.”

Tooth loss is simply the result of an oral disease – not the aging process. Senior citizens can keep all of their teeth with proper care.

Regular dental visits are especially important for older people since many suffer from dry mouth, which slows down the flow of saliva. Saliva plays a major role in preventing tooth decay by rinsing away food particles and neutralizing harmful acids. Dry mouth often comes with old age, but can also be caused by medications. To help keep your mouth moist, increase your fluid intake, ask your dentist about an artificial saliva product, or chew sugarless gum after a meal.

Along with regular dental visits, seniors should floss daily and brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Seniors are most likely to get cavities where old fillings have chipped or where root surfaces are left unprotected by receding gums.

Even seniors with no teeth still need to visit the dentist regularly.

Today, it is estimated that over 177 million people worldwide have diabetes and one-third to one half remain undiagnosed.

There is also significant concern about the growth in prediabetes. Prediabetics have blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered as diabetics. Over 350 million people worldwide are believed to have prediabetes. 

Diabetes and Gum Disease

Diabetes can worsen gum disease and, at the same time, gum disease can make diabetes harder to control. 

When a diabetic’s blood sugar is elevated, the sugar in their salvia increases and feeds the bacteria in the mouth. This is the perfect environment for gum disease.

Take Care

As a diabetic or prediabetic it is important that your oral routine includes the following:

• Thoroughly brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss every day. 

• If you smoke, it’s important that you quit. If you are diabetic, smoking increases your risk of gum disease significantly.
• Visit your dentist every 6 months. Be sure to tell your dentist that you have diabetes.
• Also, contact the dentist if you notice soreness in your gums, dry mouth, white patches or a bad taste in your mouth.
• Maintaining control of your blood glucose is equally important for oral health as it is for your overall well-being.

Gum Health May Indicate Heart Health

1. Recent studies suggest that people with periodontal disease very often have heart disease as well.
2. A painful or tender jaw may be signaling an increased likelihood of a heart attack.
3. People who have gum disease can be at a higher risk for heart attack.

This all means that those twice-a-year dental exams are more important than you may have thought. If you are at risk for heart disease, you already have a heart condition, or you have any other larger health issues, it’s especially important that don’t skip dentist visits. Also, let your dentist know about your health history and current conditions and what medications you may be taking. Additionally, if you have heart disease, it is vital that you brush and floss properly. You may want to invest in a Sonicare toothbrush to make sure you are cleaning your teeth well and making an investment in your overall health.

Indian medicine used the twigs of the neem or banyan tree to make toothbrush and other oral-hygiene-related products. The first recorded toothbrush was made around 3000 BC, and was made with a small twig with frayed straw.

Let’s Call That Thing That Brushes Teeth…A Toothbrush

The name toothbrush was not used until the year of 1690 — 4690 years after they were invented — when a man named Anthony Wood wrote about a man buying a device that brushes your teeth.

The man who was credited with mass producing the toothbrush is a man by the name of William Addis of England. In 1770, he had been jailed for causing a riot; while in prison, he decided that the established way to clean teeth back then, which was to take a rag with soot and salt to the teeth, was not working (don’t do that, though — soot is known to cause lung cancer).  William took a small animal bone and drilled holes in it. He obtained some hair bristles from a guard and created the first toothbrush.

It isn’t cheap to go to a dental professional. It isn’t cheap to have your teeth cleaned or X-rayed. And if you need work done, that’s more complicated — it will not be inexpensive. Obviously, neglecting your teeth is much more costly over time, as eventually, you’ll need to address the issues. The very best solution to avoiding dental issues is to take preventative measures early and often. Most steps one can take are cheap and simple.

The fact is: oral cleanliness is not that hard to achieve.

Stay away from meals that may stain your teeth. Certain meals and/or food items are harmful to the mouth area. Foods full of sugar are a huge no-no.  Sugary gum can also be unhealthy. Chips, hard breads, and crackers can be harmful to your teeth as well.  Although fruit is typically healthy for you, dried fruit is harmful. Especially raisins. Sorry, raisin lovers.

Before bedtime is a great time for you to perform a daily flossing of the teeth. Flossing is one of the most useful actions you can take. It’s awkward at first, but the simple truth is that the floss can find those little areas that hide from the toothbrush. Plaque can build when the debris between your teeth isn’t properly removed. Nowadays, one can find those handy little flossing sticks, too.

Realistically, it’s quite elementary. Do basic things such as brushing and flossing frequently. Your teeth and mouth are essential enough to warrant some daily attention.  And a lot of times, if you think it’s bad for your teeth and gums, it probably is. Just make sure to keep steadily performing the daily actions that we’ve mentioned above, and your smile will continue to light up the world.

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Periodontal disease can affect one or many teeth. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. The following also affect the health of your gums.

Smoking/Tobacco Use

As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease, and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

Genetics

Research proves that up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early interventive treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.

Puberty, Pregnancy, and Menopause in Women

A woman’s health needs are unique. Though brushing and flossing daily, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are important for oral health throughout life, there are certain times in a woman’s life when extra care is needed, such as puberty or menopause, and times when you have special health needs, such as menstruation or pregnancy. During these particular times, a woman’s body experiences hormonal changes that can affect many of the tissues in her body, including the gums. Gums can become sensitive and can react strongly to the hormonal fluctuations. This may make a woman more susceptible to gum disease. Additionally, recent studies suggest that pregnant women with gum disease may be more likely to deliver preterm, low birthweight babies.

Stress

As you probably already know, stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.

Medications

Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health. Just as you notify your pharmacist and other health care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health, you should also inform your dental care provider.

Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth

Has anyone ever told you that you grind your teeth at night? Is your jaw sore from clenching your teeth when you’re taking a test or solving a problem at work? Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that causes altered levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes develops from either a deficiency in insulin production (a hormone that is the key component in the body’s ability to use blood sugars) or the body’s inability to use insulin correctly. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes; however, more than half have not been diagnosed with this disease. If you are diabetic, you are at higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal diseases. These infections can impair the ability to process and/or utilize insulin, which may cause your diabetes to be more difficult to control and your infection to be more severe than a non-diabetic.

Other Systemic Diseases

Diseases that interfere with the body’s immune system may worsen the condition of the gums.

Poor Nutrition and Obesity

As you may already know, a diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body’s immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Because periodontal disease is a serious infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is simply a gas which you can breathe in. It has no color, smell, and doesn’t irritate. It was discovered in 1772. Humphrey Davy (1778-1829), one of the pioneers of N2O experimentation, described the effects of N2O on himself following self-administration for a toothache and gum infection as follows:

“On the day when the inflammation was the most troublesome, I breathed three large doses of nitrous oxide. The pain always diminished after the first four or five inhalations; the thrilling came on as usual, and uneasiness was for a few minutes swallowed up in pleasure.”

The excerpt above pretty much summarizes the effects of nitrous oxide: it kills pain – and it induces a pleasurable feeling. After 5 minutes or so of breathing in the gas, you should feel a euphoric feeling spread throughout your body. It really kind of feels like a ‘happy lightheaded’ feeling. Some people find that there are auditory or visual effects as well. You will feel a bit lightheaded and often people get ‘the giggles’ (hence the name laughing gas). As an interesting aside, nitrous oxide was one of the drugs of choice for young people in the late 1700s and early 1800s, when laughing gas demonstrations were a popular source of entertainment and enjoyment.  We do not condone this gas as proper for recreational use but do find it an effective mild anesthetic. Hopefully, this helps clear up any hesitation or inhibitions you might have about it.

SofTouch is a remarkable occlusal splint developed by Annalan Laboratory – to ease insertion and eliminate anterior trauma and pressure. With its strong outer shell of heat-cured acrylic, and its soft inner acrylic liner for tissue and tooth-bearing surfaces, SofTouch is comfortable and durable (description from their site).

SofTouch has consistently received enthusiastic reviews from the nation’s leading clinicians as an effective, economical, non-invasive way to preserve restorations and implants.

ADVANCED. Opalescence Boost features a unique, chemically-activated formula that allows us to whiten your teeth without the bothersome heat or ultraviolet rays. It also contains potassium nitrate and fluoride, which help to improve oral health by strengthening enamel, decreasing sensitivity, and offering increased cavity prevention.

IMMEDIATE RESULTS. The procedure is safe and effective, and offers a brighter, whiter smile after just one appointment.

UNIQUE. The product features a unique syringe-to-syringe mixing system, which ensures its freshness and delivers an evenly mixed product. With its distinct red color, Opalescence Boost eases placement and removal.

Come on in and ask us about it!

• Smiles improve your appearance. Charles Gordy once quipped: “A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks.” All you need to do is think about how you feel about a person who is frowning and a person who is smiling – who tends to be the better looking?
• Smiles make things right again and say much more than words can. If you’ve goofed, said something less than complimentary, feel lost or alone, or feel down, a smile can set things right again. A smile lets other people know that you’re prepared to be open to them, and that you’re willingly agreeing to set things right where needed.
• Smiles create trust and rapport. A smile is a great way of establishing mutual feelings of being on the same level as others, whether that is one-to-one or in front of a group giving a presentation. A smile says “I’m OK, you’re OK, and we’re all going to enjoy one anothers company.”
• Smiles make you feel good. Even if you’re feeling a little blue, insert happy thoughts into your mind and just add that smile. The smile will trick your mind into feeling better, as endorphins are released to reduce physical or emotional stress.
• Smiles make other people feel good. An open-mouthed smile is visible from further away than a frown, offering people reassurance that you’re friendly. And it makes people feel better to see a smile, from afar or close up.
• Wrinkles are better when they’re smile lines rather than frown lines. Mark Twain said: “Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been”; viewed this way, smiles are an indication of your overall character, which becomes more and more outwardly telling as you age!
• Smiling is a good long-term predictor of happier life outcomes. Smiling attracts health, happiness, friends, success, and a longer life.

Good communication and trust in your dentist is vital. You are investing several thousand dollars into this treatment, so you deserve to receive the best smile possible. Check before and after photos, ask questions, and consult with several dentists just as you would if you were seeking plastic surgery. Simply being qualified to perform the procedure is not enough. You want to find a dentist who has an artistic eye.

In the primate threat, the lips are curled back and the teeth are apart — ready to bite. If the jaws are relaxed, then clearly the animal is not prepared to do any damage. These displays are combined with other facial gestures to express a whole range of feelings. In humans, smiling is something done in public, but it does not reflect true friendly feelings — think of politicians smiling for photographers.

What is especially interesting is that this is not learned but pre-programmed behavior. Children who are born blind never see anybody smile, but they show the same kind of smiles under the same situations as sighted people.

Guess this means we’re all born to smile.