Brushing, flossing and regular check-ups with your dentist are essential ways to protect your smile. However, it is also important to remember that consuming sugar causes bacteria in the mouth to multiply and produce acid, which damages the enamel coating of the teeth. Saliva helps to get rid of excess sugar and acid.

- Snoring, exercise and some medications reduce the amount of saliva.

- Acid reflux damages enamel, leaving teeth vulnerable to decay.

- Biting hard foods can also damage enamel.

Your dentist can spot decay forming a mile away.

Read the full story here: http://www.refinery29.uk/bad-oral-dental-health-habits?utm_r29_redirect=us

Of itself, leukoplakia is not a serious condition and will usually clear up in a few days but this is not always the case and treatment by a dentist may be required. The symptoms are plaque-like white or grey patches that can appear on the cheek linings, gums, tongue and the bottom of the mouth. Leukoplakia is strongly associated with smoking but anything which irritates the mouth and tongue can contribute to the condition. These can include:

- Excessive consumption of alcohol

- Overuse of abrasive dental products such as teeth whitening agents

- Badly fitting dentures or braces

As explained in a recent online article by Jennifer Huizen the use of tobacco and tobacco products is ?considered to be the largest influencing factor? in the development of leukoplakia. As the article stresses, leukoplakia will generally clear up in a matter of days but this is no reason to just smile and be complacent. On rare occasions the condition can worsen or even be a portent of the onset of oral cancer.

For the full details you can read Jennifer Huizen?s very informative article at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317689.php

New technology could make visiting the dentist less scary. Up to 10% of dentists in Europe are now using lasers to prepare cavities and both patients and dentists prefer this new method. Experiments are also being carried out in the fields of stem cell research, nanotechnology and remineralization of teeth.

Key takeaways:

- Lasers can promote healing, prepare cavities and be used in root canal therapy

- Implants can be custom designed by 3D printers

- It could soon be possible to grow or implant a new tooth

The best way to avoid the dentist is to maintain good oral health and choose a healthy diet. Dentists of the future will certainly have a wider range of less painful treatments for tooth problems. That's something to smile about.

"Although dental procedures are becoming kinder and gentler, it?s best to avoid the dentist?s chair (besides checkups) whenever possible. Good oral hygiene can help."

Full article:

http://www.rd.com/health/healthcare/new-dental-technology/

Many of us loathe trips to the dentist due to a fear of drills and similar tools used to treat cavities. However, a new laser technology may soon change the ways in which a dental professional cares for our teeth and ensures a lasting smile.

Lasers are a minimally invasive treatment option and yet, their results may actually be more impressive than traditional drilling techniques. In order to appreciate what may soon become a reality, let us look at a few reasons why lasers are changing the oral hygiene community.

- Lasers are obviously much less painful to the patient.

- Laser techniques have proven themselves to be just as effective as traditional methods intended to treat cavities.

- While currently quite expensive, many feel that this technology could become economically viable to patients within three years.

"Ninety percent of patients who?ve had cavities filled by drill and laser prefer lasers."

Read more:

http://www.rd.com/health/healthcare/new-dental-technology/

The modern dentist enables us to maintain a healthy set of teeth and to enjoy a cutting-edge smile. However, humans may have been concerned about oral hygiene for millennia. A preserved set of teeth has recently been dated to no less than 13,000 years ago. There were signs of surface modifications as well as the presence of plant fibers and tar. Could these have possibly been used to treat an underlying condition? What do the experts think?

- Some believe that the application of tar could be used to protect cavities.

- The presence of bitumen may suggest that individuals were aware of its inherent antiseptic properties.

- If these treatments are proven to be medicinal, they would be the first examples of ancient dental intervention.

"The internal surface modifications to the pulp cavities, in addition to the presence of bitumen and organic fibers, is an unusual occurrence among Late Upper Paleolithic hunter-gatherer."

Read more:

http://gizmodo.com/going-to-the-caveman-dentist-was-probably-a-nightmare-1794128593

Menopause can cause a wide range of distressing symptoms, including some dental health ailments such as gum disease and tooth loss. But luckily, some studies have shown a link between hormone replacement therapy and improved dental health.

Key takeaways:

- Gum disease, loose teeth, inflammation, dry mouth, and jaw bone pain are common symptoms experienced by women undergoing menopause

- Hormone replacement therapy was found to provide relief to women suffering from gum disease, and in some cases it even helped prevent the development of this condition

- The effectiveness of HRT in relieving gum disease symptoms is greatly improved when good oral hygiene habits are maintained

Hormone replacement therapy is not a substitute for dental hygiene. If you are going through menopause and experience dental health issues, speaking to your dentist is your best bet when it comes to taking care of your smile.

Read the full story here: https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/details/957

A tooth abscess is an unpleasant dental condition that can interfere with daily habits like eating and chewing, so it's important to be wary of them if you want to protect your smile.

Key takeaways:

- Dental abscesses are caused by untreated cavities, tooth decay, and chipped or broken teeth that eventually lead to bacterial infection

- Red and swollen gums, a mild or severe toothache, fever, and a strange taste in your mouth are common symptoms caused by a dental abscess

- An abscessed tooth is often treated via root canal therapy, and in severe cases the infected tooth may need to be removed

As it happens with other dental conditions, the most important thing when it comes to tooth abscesses is preventing their appearance and being on the lookout for symptoms. Speak to your dentist if you notice anything unusual!

Read the full story here: http://yourdentalhealthresource.com/what-is-an-abscessed-tooth-and-how-is-it-treated/

Dental implants are an excellent way to replace missing teeth so you can still have that beautiful smile. It's important to follow your dentist's instructions after having an implant in order to keep the area clean and to allow the site to heal.

Once the crown has been positioned you must continue to keep the site clean and free from food debris in order to prevent the build up of bacteria and plaque.

Key takeaways:

- You can start to gently brush and floss the area once the implant site has healed

- Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste

- See your dentist if you experience any problems with the implant

A dental implant can last for life and good oral care will prolong the life of the crown.

"Although it?s extremely rare to have dental implants reject, the better care you take of them, the longer the crown on your implant will last."

Full article:

http://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-to-best-care-for-your-new-dental-implants/

Getting braces is the best way of repairing crooked teeth, treating crowded teeth and maintaining a natural smile that will last a lifetime. While it is normal for teeth to shift a bit as they settle in position, excess shifting could mean more treatment is needed.

Here is how to prevent excess shifting after you remove braces.

Key takeaways:

- If the shifting is normal, your teeth should still fit in your retainer.

- To prevent your teeth from shifting out of position, you should wear your retainer every day for the rest of your life.

- Excess shifting can occur when you neglect your retainer, forcing you to get another one that fits.

Teeth shifting just after braces are removed is normal but proper care, wearing a retainer and regular visits to the dentist are necessary steps for a gorgeous smile!

Read more at:

http://yourdentalhealthresource.com/teeth-shifting-after-braces-is-it-normal/

A beautiful smile begins with healthy teeth and gums but for some people this can be difficult to maintain. Around 10-20% of adults in America have a significant fear of dental treatment. Researchers have been investigating the reasons around this fear and are looking at ways to improve dental care.

Luckily, there are many things dentists can do to help terrified patients, such as cultivating a gentle bedside manner and keeping frightening-looking instruments out of sight.

Key takeaways

- The fear of pain can be inherited

- Poor childhood experiences at the dentist may influence fear as an adult

- Sight of dental instruments and noise of the drill can worsen fear

If you suffer anxiety or fear at the thought of visiting a dentist try to locate one with a gentle manner and pleasant environment. Also pay attention to your oral health routine to minimise the amount of dental treatment needed.

"Going to the dentist might be unnerving, but sound oral hygiene practices can help you keep this ordeal to the minimum."

Full article:

http://www.naturalnews.com/2017-03-27-scared-of-the-dentist-scientists-fear-genetic.html