Improper dental care may be harming more than just your teeth. Gum disease, gingivitis, and tooth abscesses can lead to much more serious health problems, as the following infographic shows.

If you think you may be clenching or grinding teeth, your first and most important step is to see a dentist. He or she will likely be able to tell if you are, in fact, grinding teeth. Having regular dental checkups is crucial because you may be grinding teeth at night and may not know it unless your dentist – or sleeping partner — tells you.

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.

Gingivitis is a disease of the gums caused by bacteria infecting the gums and attacking the lining, forming a film called plaque that eventually hardens into tartar. Over time, swelling pockets of infection in the gums turn into gingivitis.

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.

First, make sure you get a clear picture of the state of your gums with a visit to the dentist. Don’t undertake treatment (with or without natural remedies) on your own without a proper professional on your side — and that includes visits to your doctor, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.

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 is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water. Every day, minerals are added to and lost from a tooth’s enamel layer through two processes: demineralization and remineralization.

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.

Behner Dental Partners’ own Dr. Ronald Behner and Dr. Julian Behner have been selected by topDentists™  to be included in their database for 2012 as top dentists in the Orlando area. They will also appear in the April 2012 edition of Orlando Magazine.

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.

You practice good dental care: brushing your teeth, flossing fairly regularly, and seeing your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. Good for you! But you’re probably also engaging in one or more bad habits that can undermine the good ones and compromise your dental health. Here‘s our list of five of the worst dental habits, why they’re harmful, and what you can do to stop them.

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

A dental crown is also known as cap. They are dental reinstallations and cemented to encase the tooth to build, strengthen and improve the appearance of your tooth. They cover up the whole area of the tooth that is visible to make a new outer surface. It is made up of porcelain, a metal alloy or gold.

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 on the rise. In the U.S. alone, 100 new individuals will be diagnosed with oral cancer daily, and one person will die every hour of every day because of this disease. The good news is that it does not have to be this way … and it starts with you.

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?

We want nothing to do with having kids miss out on holidays. So the staff of Behner Dental spent this Halloween with kids at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Arnold Palmer Hospital, named after the legendary golfer, is a world-renowned medical facility that specializes in the care of chronically or terminally ill children and their families. It is a 158-bed pediatric care facility that provides in-patient care in a home-like setting that is especially outfitted for kids, to minimize stress and generate smiles. Arnold Palmer Hospital is known around the world for its cutting-edge technology in pediatric care.

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.

CareCredit has helped over seven million people pay for and get the healthcare treatments they want and need.

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.

Behner Dental Partners reminds you to brush and floss for a reason. Even though brushing and flossing seem like a simple and basic thing, most people do not really know how to make the most of your brushing. For example, you should brush for an average of 2 minutes.

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.

Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a pain-free way of tackling dental decay that reverses the damage of acid attack and re-builds teeth as new.

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

As the average lifespan of our nation’s population is increasing, so too is the need for maintaining proper oral health care. The goal, of course, is to retain our teeth for all of these extended years. Though aging can have some negative effects on our teeth, we are encouraged to report that many elderly clientele are even more diligent and knowledgeable in the area of oral hygiene than some of their younger cohorts. While dentures are still available, their prevalence in the dental office is significantly reduced from years in the past.

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.

Fluoride is an important protectant against that terrible invader of childhood, cavities. Here are 3 simple steps to make sure your child gets enough (and not too much) fluoride.

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.

We hope we’re singing to the choir here, but flossing is quite a simple task and it makes us wonder why more people can’t or won’t do it.

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.

Millions of adults have lost teeth. More and more men and women are doing something about it with dental implants. Today’s dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from other teeth, so after the procedure, you will appear to have a mouth full of healthy teeth to show off.

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.

Here are 7 ways that cosmetic dental work can be negatively affected. With a little effort on your part, none of it has to ruin the investment you’ve made in your smile.

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.

The crunch of helmets as players tangle for a loose football, the swoosh of the net as an outside jumper is made, and the crack of the bat as a guaranteed double sails into right center field are awesome sounds to sports fans, but for dentists, they’re reminders that a player is just one misstep away from a dental injury.

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.

Diabetes and Prediabetes Cases Are Dramatically On The Rise

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.

The mouth is the gateway to the body. And just like a headache is often an indication of health problems elsewhere in the body, the status of our teeth and gums can indicate larger health conditions.

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.

Before the toothbrush, items like chewsticks (sticks that you chew on), twigs, bird feathers, animal bones, and porcupine quills were used as a scraping device to remove debris.

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.

You may be already familiar with a few of the necessary must-dos to attain oral cleanliness.

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.

Inhalation sedation, laughing gas, relative analgesia, RA, happy gas, gas, nitrous, nitrous oxide, N2O-O2… this one has more names than any other sedation technique. And deservedly so. Inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide (N2O) and oxygen (O2) has been described as “representing the most nearly ‘ideal’ clinical sedative circumstance”…

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.

Do you have headaches or muscle tension? If your massage therapist isn’t doing enough for you, try your dentist.
Nocturnal bruxing — nighttime teeth grinding — and teeth clenching can cause headaches and muscle tension during the day. A nightguard that fits over your teeth is a non-invasive way to protect your teeth, including any dental implants, and may help get some of those headaches and muscle tension under control.

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.

Behner Dental offers Opalescence Boost, a favorite at the Emmy’s. Opalescence Boost is an in-office, chemically-activated whitening treatment that offers results in about an hour.

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.

Baring one’s teeth is not always a threat. In primates, showing the teeth, especially teeth held together, is almost always a sign of submission. The human smile probably evolved from that.

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. 

Periodontal (gum) disease is a chronic, infectious and inflammatory disease of the gums and supporting tissues. It is caused by the normal bacteria that exist in everyone’s mouths, which, if unchecked, can create inflammation around the tooth; the gum starts to pull away from the tooth, creating spaces (periodontal pockets) that become infected. The inflammation sets off a cascade of tissue-destructive events that can pass into the circulation. As a result, periodontal disease has been associated with heart disease, type 2 diabetes, respiratory and kidney disease, and problems in pregnancy such as miscarriage and premature birth. Around 10% of the population is believed to have severe periodontal disease. Regular brushing and flossing of teeth is the best way of preventing it.

Recently, researchers followed a group 3737 pregnant women, who were taking part in a Western Australian study called the SMILE study, and they analyzed information on pregnancy planning and pregnancy outcomes for 3416 of them.

They found that women with gum disease took an average of just over seven months to become pregnant — two months longer than the average of five months that it took women without gum disease to conceive.

In addition, non-Caucasian women with gum disease were more likely to take over a year to become pregnant compared to those without gum disease, possibly because these women appeared to have a higher level of inflammatory response to the condition.

Women who are trying to conceive need to be as healthy as possible and are encouraged to:

• Maintain a healthy weight — overweight and obesity affects fertility negatively
• Stop smoking and drinking
• Start folic acid supplements
• See their dentist to have any gum disease treated

Gum disease is easily treated, usually with no more than four dental visits!

There’s nothing like a bright smile to make you look healthier and more youthful. Of course, certain foods stain teeth more than others. Dark-colored drinks like coffee, cola, and tea are some of the worst offenders.

Thankfully, you don’t have to cut these foods out of your diet completely to keep your teeth sparkling white. (What would some of us do without our coffee?)  Just make sure you limit your intake of them or rinse your mouth out with water, floss, and brush your teeth — or, at the very least, chew gum — immediately after consuming them. There are also many foods that act as natural teeth whiteners - apples, broccoli, spinach, celery, and strawberries are just a few of the foods that you can eat afterwards to help clean your teeth.

Here’s a quick list of foods that stain teeth:

1. BLACK COFFEE: Bad news for coffee lovers – those daily cups of java that you love are dimming your smile. The darker the coffee, the worse it is for your teeth. You can try lightening your coffee up with some milk, which will also give you an added bonus of calcium and vitamin D, which are both good for maintaining healthy white teeth.

2. TEA: Tea has been proven to be excellent for overall dental health. It is rich in compounds called tannins that attack cavity-causing bacteria and plaque. However, black teas cause the worst stains, so stick to the light colored teas like green, white, and herbal blends. If you don’t want to give up your black tea, drink it through a straw. One more thing, make sure that your tea isn’t too hot or cold, because both hot and cold temps open up the pores in your teeth and degenerate tooth enamel, causing more permanent stains.

3. RED WINE: It contains polyphenols which help to prevent periodontal diseases that damage the gums and bone around teeth, which ultimately leads to tooth loss. However, those polyphenols are also responsible for causing tooth staining. The alcohol in red wine is highly acidic and wears away tooth enamel, exposing the soft yellow dentin underneath.

Brushing your teeth right after drinking red wine can be especially harmful and actually cause scratching of your tooth enamel. Drinking red wine through a straw would look really dorky, so isn’t a very viable option for avoiding tooth staining. However, you could rinse your mouth out with water afterwards, in order to help neutralize the negative effects, or switch to drinking lighter colored wines.

4. COLA: Dark-colored sodas are not only staining, but are also full of harmful phosphoric, citric acids, and sugars that erode tooth enamel and cause tooth decay, which leads to a dull, ugly smile. Since most people like their soda cold, this creates further dental problems. Cold drinks make tooth enamel more porous and vulnerable to staining. If you’re not ready to give up your soda habit, then at least drink it through a straw, to minimize contact with your teeth.

5. CRANBERRY JUICE: Cranberry juice and other dark-colored fruit juices are highly pigmented and can cause yellowing of the teeth. Cranberry juice contains very high amounts of sugar in order to offset its natural bitter taste, and as we all know, sugar isn’t very good for teeth. Drink it through a straw or rinse your mouth out with some water after drinking it. You could also switch to drinking white cranberry juice or other lighter-colored fruit juices.

6. POPSICLES: Popsicles are a colorful summertime favorite, but those dyes that color your lips and tongue funny colors are also staining your teeth. Plus, they’re full of sugar and the cold iciness opens up the porous surface of your tooth enamel, which causes even worse staining. If you want a sweet summer treat, try freezing some fresh fruit.

7. SOY SAUCE:  Soy sauce sticks to teeth and its deep colored pigments can cause bad stains. So, go easy on the soy sauce the next time you’re at the sushi bar, and  rinse your mouth out with some water or green tea after eating it.

8. BALSAMIC VINEGAR: Balsamic vinegar is a lot like soy sauce – it is deeply pigmented, clings to teeth, and causes tooth discoloration. You could pair it with lettuce when drizzling it over your salad. Lettuce forms a protective barrier over teeth to help keep them free from stains. You could also switch to using a lighter colored vinegar.

9. TOMATO SAUCE: Italian food would just be a bunch of tasteless carbs without it, but tomato sauce is highly acidic, and much like soy sauce and balsamic vinegar, clings to teeth and causes stains. You could have a spinach salad before eating your pasta or pizza. Much like lettuce, spinach will form a protective film over your teeth, helping to keep them free from stains.

10. BLUEBERRIES: Blueberries are excellent for your overall health and are jam-packed with nutrients and antioxidants, which are very helpful for maintaining strong and healthy teeth. However, that deep berry blue can cause deep staining on your teeth, so be sure to rinse your mouth out thoroughly with water.

11. BEETS: Beets are rich in vitamins and minerals that are highly beneficial for keeping your teeth healthy and white. However, they are richly pigmented and can stain teeth, especially if you don’t brush your teeth within an hour after eating them.

12. CURRY: Curry gives Indian cuisine that exotic flavor and colors it a beautiful hue of yellow or brown. Of course, there’s nothing beautiful about those colors when it comes to your smile, so eat curry sparingly. Just make sure to combine it with foods like spinach, that will protect your tooth enamel — and brush your teeth and tongue thoroughly after eating curried dishes.

Of course, there’s nothing like professional help to maintain or jump-start your whiter, brighter smile. We’ll be here for you!

See for yourself the difference a smile can make.

Experience the subtle difference by visiting Behner Dental Partners. We focus on family values and aesthetic dental care. Here you will be treated like part of the family and welcomed into our home. At every visit you are provided a comfortable and caring environment with the attention focused on the subtle details of your unique smile.

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We look forward to making you smile as much as possible. Thank you.