No matter if it's stained teeth, crooked teeth, periodontal disease or other issue turning your smile into a frown - make your New Year's resolution to give yourself a better smile this year.

There are so many options now for cosmetic dentistry and above all, the health of your mouth can affect the health of your entire body. It's important for women that are expecting to get their teeth checked as gum disease and other oral issues have been shown to have a direct effect on the growing fetus. It can also affect your psychological well being to not have a good smile. When you work with the public, unfortunately you need to put your best face forward and the includes having a good smile.

If you have gaps, broken or missing teeth, there are bridges and veneers to overcome those obstacles. Waterlase is great for helping clean up a smile and there are numerous treatments for gingivitis. No matter what your age, you can use braces to straighten your teeth and if you don't want the unsightly metal - Invisalign braces are barely there and let you get a beautiful, straight smile without metal showing.

Make 2008 the year you treated yourself to a new and healthy smile - find a dentist in your area and start a regimen of treatment to get your mouth healthy and beautiful.

Labels: bad-breath, dental, dental-plans, dentist, invisalign, oral-care, orthodontist, veneers, waterlase, whitening

There are many myths about dental health during pregnancy. Although many women, especially first time mothers, feel overwhelmed with responsibilities during their pregnancies - oral health is very important.

Let's dispel the myths and learn the facts about your dental health when you're pregnant.

• You know that good nutrition is important when you're pregnant, however did you know that by eating right you're actually helping your baby have a beautiful smile in his or her future. Include foods with calcium and vitamin D in your diet, this will help build healthy teeth and bones, even though that first pearly white won't erupt until mid to late in your baby's first year.
  
  
• Some women have dental problems during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can make your gums sore, swollen and bleeding. This can be prevented by brushing and flossing your teeth daily. If you did not have your teeth cleaned before you found out that you were pregnant, having your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist or dentist early in your pregnancy may help prevent most gum problems.
  
  
• The "Gum Bump" is common. Some women develop a “pregnancy tumor” on their gums. This is a painless bump on your gums that can be pink, red or purple. It will usually not cause any problems, but care should be taken to keep the area around the tumor clean. See your dentist if you think you may be having this problem.
  
  
• Those cravings can cause dental issues. When the snacks are sweet, tooth decay or cavities occur. It is important to snack less often, or eat sweets at the end of a meal instead of between meals.
  
  
• A common myth is that a dental visit can be harmful to your growing baby. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, iIt is important to see your dentist and dental hygienist during your pregnancy to prevent dental problems and address any that are occurring. Try to schedule a minimum of one visit during your pregnancy and ideally two, one early and one late to make sure there are no dental issues. After your baby arrives, it may be several months before you will be able to find the time for an appointment.
  
  
• If you need to have emergency dental care during your pregnancy, you may need to have some X-rays taken of your teeth. Always be sure to remind your dental care professional of your pregnancy. Care should be taken to limit or avoid nitrous oxide, some prescribed antibiotics and some pain medications. Your dentist can contact your obstetrician with any questions.
  
  
• A number of studies indicate that certain oral health issues can actually lead to premature birth. If you have gingivitis or other oral issues - get them under control before getting pregnant or talk to your oral health professional about safe treatment options once you're expecting. Bacteria can enter your blood stream through the mouth and then make their way to your uterus. The result can be a release of the hormones that begin the delivery process and your baby can arrive early and/or underweight.
  
  Take the best care you can of yourself during your pregnancy - if you don't already have a regular dentist - get one during your pregnancy and begin a good oral health regiment that will ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby!
  

Labels: dental, dental-plans, dentist, invisalign, oral-care, orthodontist, veneers, waterlase, whitening

If you have tried everything to get rid of bad breath (also known as halitosis) from brushing several times a day, trying every mouthwash on the market and going through packs of mints at an alarming rate, you may want to visit a dentist.

While it is true that not brushing often enough as well as several types of food can result in bad breath, which may not be the problem or may not be the only problem. Smoking and other tobacco products tend to make your mouth dry and that dryness combined with the stale smell of tobacco can result in very unpleasant odors. Even having chronic dry mouth can produce bad breath so you want to be sure to drink plenty of water. There are also some over the counter products that your dentist can recommend that may help reduce dry mouth.

Poor oral hygiene is also one cause for persistent bad breath and as such a regular, thorough teeth cleaning by a professional is probably the best way to start improving your habits. After the cleaning you can reduce the chance of further problems by following the advice of your dentist and brushing your teeth at least twice a day as well as flossing to remove food debris in between your teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Brushing or scraping your tongue will also help to remove bacteria that cause unpleasant odors. Using a mouth rinse or mouthwash along with these other vital oral hygiene steps greatly reduces the chance of bad breath.

Due to the fact that there can be specific dental conditions, such as gum disease, cavities and oral cancer that cause bad breath visiting a dentist is the best way to determine what is causing the problem and see what options may be available to you.

Labels: bad-breath, dental, dental-plans, dentist, oral-care, orthodontist

Before exploring the treatment for plaque you need to know what it is and some of the ways you can get it. Plaque is the soft, yet sticky substance that can accumulate on your teeth from food debris and bacteria. Plaque can form because of inadequate brushing and flossing habits which may result in the formation of cavities and even gum disease.

Obviously correct brushing is vital in the treatment for plaque as well as its prevention. However, it is not the only treatment that is available. Flossing your teeth daily and correctly is equally important as it helps remove food build-up that causes bacteria and plaque to form.

Using a dry brush first, without toothpaste, when brushing your teeth can help in the treatment of plaque. It is also very effective in its prevention as it reduces the amount of plaque deposit that can form on your teeth. You should brush your teeth a minimum of twice a day or more if it is feasible.

Using a mouth rinse or mouthwash is just as important in the treatment of plaque. It is a great follow-up to daily brushing and flossing as it not only freshens your breath, it is also an effective tool in the prevention of plaque and bacteria.

A thorough check up and teeth cleaning is of course a major asset in learning the steps that are necessary and vital in maintaining proper oral hygiene. While brushing and flossing are great tools that are, of course, necessary for proper dental care and reducing plaque, visiting your dentist and learning correct oral hygiene is not only an effective tool in the treatment for plaque, it is also imperative that it be used to help with the prevention of additional plaque formations as well as other dental conditions.

Labels: bad-breath, dental, dentist, oral-care, orthodontist

Going to the dentist can be a frightening prospect for a child; ok it can be pretty scary for adults too, but what is the basis for the fear? Obviously for children it can be simply the idea of something new and unknown. Or perhaps it is not a first visit and there was pain involved with the last visit. Even without first hand experience of pain they have probably heard a few horror stories from friends or older siblings.

If you feel that this is a major problem for you or your child be sure to check out a procedure called Waterlase. This process uses laser energy and water to perform many different types of procedures. Lasers are considered the standard of care in medicine for many surgical procedures, and Waterlase was originally approved for hard tissue procedures and has continued to be approved for numerous other dental procedures.

Countless numbers of dentists have performed millions of procedures using Waterlase, reducing the need for shots, drills and anesthesia. It also allows dentists to cut teeth, gum tissue and even bone with fewer traumas than the normal tools of drills and scalpels. This, naturally, reduces the pain normally involved with some of those procedures.

Another appeal of this type of dentistry is that there is very little “build up” time. Normally some dental procedures require quite a bit of pre-planning and only so much could be done at one time. Or it requires a referral to a specialist. This leaves you with plenty of time to worry and dread your upcoming appointments. With Waterlase most procedures can be done right away and in less time with less referral to specialists.

If you have been postponing a trip to the dentist for any reason, ask about Waterlase and see if perhaps you are a candidate for this procedure.

Labels: bad-breath, dental, dental-plans, dentist, invisalign, oral-care, orthodontist, waterlase

Dental insurance coverage is almost as much of a necessity as medical insurance coverage and at times paying cash for necessary dental work can put a strain on your budget. Dental insurance is not always offered by companies or employers making it necessary for you to decide what type of coverage to get or if you can even afford it at all. When making this decision as to whether or not to get insurance (either through your employer or through an independent agent) you need to check out several plans and be sure to ask questions.

For example, most companies have a yearly maximum amount that they will pay. It does renew every year, but if you have not used all of your benefits they normally do not carry over. Some companies require that you go to a contracted dentist, so you need to ask if that is the case or if you are allowed to select your own dentist. If they require you to use one of their dentists consider asking if they have a listing of
these dentists in your area so that you can see if they have a dentist in the area that you would consider going to see first. Some companies and plans will allow you to go to your own dentist, but they may also reduce the amount of costs they will cover.

Most dental insurance companies have what is called a UCR (Usual,Customary and Reasonable) fee guide. Basically what this means is that the companies set their own prices that they will allow for all dental procedures. This amount is not necessarily what the dentist charges but what the company wishes to pay. For instance, if a dentist charges $65 for a check-up your insurance company may only allow $45 for a check-up because that is the fee (UCR) they have set up. There is one advantage that you will have if the company requires you to see one of their contracted dentists you should not have to pay the difference between the fees.

You may even check with your current dentist to see what types of plans they offer, if any. Or, if you do not have a dentist, speak with family and friends for word of mouth recommendations or contact a company that specializes in locating dentists. They will take all of your requirements and see if there is something suitable for you.

Labels: dental, dental-plans, dentist, oral-care, orthodontist

Thanks to the giant strides that have been accomplished in the cosmetic dentistry field, great smiles are not just for models and movies stars anymore. One great example of this is the availability of porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers (or laminates) are extremely thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded onto your teeth, creating a huge cosmetic improvement for your teeth. If you are thinking that porcelain is basically a delicate and brittle substance you are right. However, when it is bonded to a sturdy substructure (such as your tooth) it becomes very strong and durable.

Porcelain veneers may be used to make cosmetic changes to teeth that are worn, chipped, discolored or even misaligned. However, there are some cases where porcelain veneers may not be the best choice or even an option. For example, there are some procedures where porcelain veneers may be used as an alternative to orthodontic treatment, such as correcting small gaps in your teeth or slight misalignment. But if the space is too large or the misalignment is severe then veneers may not be a viable option. If the tooth that is being considered for porcelain veneers is badly broken or has a serious decay problem, there may not be enough of the tooth left to ensure that it will bond effectively with the veneers.

So, what dental problems may be good candidates for porcelain veneers? Old fillings that have become stained, small imperfections of the teeth and misshapen problems are all good candidates for porcelain veneers.

They have several advantages over other procedures including a much more “life-like” appearance that helps ensure your smile will be as natural as possible. While other bonding materials are susceptible to staining and discoloring, porcelain veneers are very stain resistant, allowing for many years of worry free smiling.

If you feel that you might be a candidate for porcelain veneers schedule an appointment with your dentist so that a thorough examination can be done. Once the exam is completed you and your dentist will be able to make an informed decision.

Labels: bad-breath, dental, dental-plans, dentist, invisalign, oral-care, orthodontist, veneers, whitening

Are you one of those people that have a great smile, but are afraid to show it because you have a chipped or missing tooth? Or, perhaps you have a partial denture and are embarrassed about the way it looks with the metal clasps showing. Well, now there is something you can do about it.

For the longest time removable partial dentures were thought to be effective only if they were rigid. Fortunately people are always looking for ways to improve upon existing products and developing new ideas. The dental industry is no different as is evident with new products and procedures being developed all the time. One example of this is Valplast’s flexible, removable partial dentures.

Valplast’s partial dentures combine flexibility and strength but still manage to make them light weight, resulting in total comfort. They are virtually invisible, with no metal clasps and the material is a great match to tissue in your mouth so that all people will notice is your smile.

Preparation for this type of procedure is pretty simple because your teeth themselves do not need to be altered or changed in any way so the completion is also usually quicker than other methods. This procedure is non-invasive and most people become accustomed to the partial almost immediately. Sometimes there may be a little irritation and a short adjustment period, especially if you have never worn a dental appliance before. These partials are virtually unbreakable are more durable than acrylic partials and will not absorb odors or stains.

There are some conditions that may result in Valplast not being an option for you or possibly not the best option. Some examples are the quality of your existing teeth is too poor to support Valplast. You may have too few teeth left or you may have poor soft tissue support resulting in the need for a more rigid appliance.

If you feel that you would like to try Valplast, make an appointment with your dentist so that a thorough exam may be completed and the two of you can decide if Valplast is a viable option for you.

Labels: bad-breath, dental, dentist, oral-care, orthodontist

Many people put off finding a dentist, usually until they need one on an emergency basis. Although finding a qualified dentist on an emergency basis is not difficult it is normally a better idea to find one before you have a dental emergency.

Having a dentist prior to an emergency can be helpful for a number of reasons. The first being that you will already know a dentist to contact if one is needed quickly and the dentist will already be familiar with your history or any special needs or complications that you may have. Even if your dentist is not available there is normally an on-call dentist covering for them and their patients. If you have a situation where you would need additional services not performed by your regular dentist, they can normally recommend someone and give you a referral, explaining the situation.

If you are looking for a dentist there are a few things you can do to make it a little easier on yourself. For instance, asking family members for their opinions or suggestions is a great way to get information from people that you know and trust. Likewise, co-workers and friends are another source to consider when looking for a dentist. You may also want to consider asking your physician and/or pharmacist for recommendations.

Naturally there are several questions you will want to ask when looking for a dentist. Are they accepting new patients? How long have they been in practice and how long they have been at their current location, If you or a family member has special needs (Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Autism, etc.) you will want to make sure that the dentist is equipped to handle these needs. Do they see both children and adults? Is the location convenient and are the office hours something you can work with?

Of course you may have different or more questions that you want to ask and the dentist should be willing to discuss these things with you. Already having a dentist that you know and trust makes those emergency situations a little easier to handle.

Labels: bad-breath, dental, dental-plans, dentist, oral-care, orthodontist, veneers, waterlase, whitening

If you have tried everything to get rid of bad breath (also known as halitosis) from brushing several times a day, trying every mouthwash on the market and going through packs of mints at an alarming rate, you may want to visit a dentist.

While it is true that not brushing often enough as well as several types of food can result in bad breath, which may not be the problem or may not be the only problem. Smoking and other tobacco products tend to make your mouth dry and that dryness combined with the stale smell of tobacco can result in very unpleasant odors. Even having chronic dry mouth can produce bad breath so you want to be sure to drink plenty of water. There are also some over the counter products that your dentist can recommend that may help reduce dry mouth.

Poor oral hygiene is also one cause for persistent bad breath and as such a regular, thorough teeth cleaning by a professional is probably the best way to start improving your habits. After the cleaning you can reduce the chance of further problems by following the advice of your dentist and brushing your teeth at least twice a day as well as flossing to remove food debris in between your teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Brushing or scraping your tongue will also help to remove bacteria that cause unpleasant odors. Using a mouth rinse or mouthwash along with these other vital oral hygiene steps greatly reduces the chance of bad breath.

Due to the fact that there can be specific dental conditions, such as gum disease, cavities and oral cancer that cause bad breath visiting a dentist is the best way to determine what is causing the problem and see what options may be available to you.

Labels: bad-breath, dental, dental-plans, dentist, invisalign, oral-care, orthodontist, veneers, waterlase, whitening