Findadentist Blog

Surprising Reason Women Lose Teeth....

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:48:00 +0000

According to an old saying, "Every child costs the mother one tooth" may have a little bit of truth to it.

Research was published this week that shows women who gave birth to more children tended to lose more teeth than their counterparts that few to no children. There was no difference in the socio-economic lines either. Rich or poor - the tooth lose occurred nearly the same.

The study was done by examining long term data of 2600 US women from the ages of 18-64 and sorting that data into three types: low, middle and high socioeconomic status.

In the highest socioeconomic group, women with no children were missing on average less than one tooth, those with one child were missing about two teeth and those with four or more were missing about five teeth.

Among the women in the lowest socioeconomic group, those with no children on average were missing two teeth, those with one child were missing an average of three teeth and those with four or more were missing more than eight teeth.

The trend also held true in the middle socioeconomic group, said the researchers at New York University and Yale University in Connecticut.

A similar study was done in the 1980's in Scandinavia and nearly identical results were recorded.

The reasons however weren't clear. Women can be more prone to gingivitis when they are pregnant and most women limit their dentist visits when they are pregnant.

Source : http://news.aol.com/health/story/ar/_a/more-kids-means-fewer-teeth-for-mom/20080530094709990001

Top 5 Reasons You Could Be a Bad Co-Worker...Guess Where Bad Breath Is?

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:27:00 +0000

It's amazing how many people have bad breath in the work place. In a poll conducted by American Workplace, 5000 people were asked what annoyed them most about their co-workers.

The top 5 reasons for annoyance with co-workers were :

1- Too many personal or sick days taken off with that co-worker's duties piled on top of other people.

2- Smoke breaks taken numerous times throughout the day resulting in other people covering that person's desk or tasks.

3- Bad breath and the need to get in people's faces when talking.

4- Taking other people's lunches or not pitching in on company lunches.

5- Gossiping about co-workers, spreading rumors.

As you can see, bad breath is a big one. Bad breath can be caused from the sheer laziness or forgetfulness of not brushing their teeth before work, gastric problems or more serious dental disease.

The sad part is although it's difficult to change the spots of someone that loves to spread rumors, smoke and takes too many days off from work - it's easy to fight dental disease. You can find a dentist in every town and brushing and flossing is a complete no-brainer.

If you might be in the #3 category, do your co-workers a favor and handle it -now.

Colgate Peroxyl can be a savior when you have braces!

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:16:00 +0000

If you are wearing braces or have worn braces you know that the slightest irritation can create a mouth sore. You also know that this mouth sore hurts like nothing else you have ever experienced and you would do anything to stop the pain. First and foremost you should consult with your doctor, dentist, or orthodontist first.

This is not an advertisement for Colgate Peroxyl but I can tell you that it helps and it works. I can also tell you that my doctor recommended recently and it helped. I can also tell you that I immediately went to my orthodontist and had him smooth out the anchor bracket on my molar that was causing the irritation.

Just prove that this is not an advertisement...! Colgate is taking us all for a ride on this product... They put it in a box and put it in a nicely designed bottle and charge you a ton! I am not a chemist but I am sure there is one out there that can comment on the ingredients and the actual cost to produce such a product.

I guess if Pfiezer can make absurd margins, why can't Colgate.... ?

Regardless of the cost the product is helpful and has a very nice flavor. Do not drink it.

How important is the brand and model of the Toothpaste you use?

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:18:00 +0000

How important is the type and brand of toothpaste that you use? Are you the type that buys what is on sale? Do you only buy Crest and Colgate in the same why you only buy Coke and Pepsi?

If you buy Crest. Is it ok to buy an one of their several versions? How about Colgate? If you just buy Colgate, are you ok with any version of Colgate?

I remember once a business trip, a close friend of mine asked me for some toothpaste because he failed to pack some as he rushed out the door to make his flight. Of course I offered my toothpaste to him and he gladly went on his way. 30 minutes later on our way down to the lobby to have breakfast he asked me, "Man, how in the heck do you used that crap to brush your teeth?" and I said, "what was wrong with the toothpaste?" He said, "Your toothpaste tastes like sugarless gum!" I laughed of course and asked him, "what kind of toothpaste do you use at home?" He said, "I can only use "Tom's of Maine"

So there you have it.... One mans sugarless gum is another mans toothpaste!

So let us know what you think about toothpaste and which ones that you prefer. Or even better yet.... Share some stories with us about some of the stuff that you don't like. In my house we have three versions from three different manufacturers.

Veneers or Whitened - A Question for the dentists?

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:34:00 +0000

Are movie stars walking around with really sensitive super white teeth or do they usually have veneers that are whiter than the average smile ?

Remember Sammy Hagar? Or that Winger video? I cannot think of anything or anyone lately that has ever had such white teeth on the big screen. There was someone recently on David Letterman that had ridicoulsly white teeth, but I cannot remember who it was... It might have been Sylvester Stallone actually.

OK, so here is a question for the readers that are not dentists. Who have you seen lately that has teeth that could light up a small city at night?

Make sure you pick the right Dentist and right practice.

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:14:00 +0000

Picking the right dentist and the right practice is not something to take lightly. You do not want to be changing dentists frequently. It is important to find a qualified dentist that also matches your personality. We all know that going to the dentist can be uncomfortable, so take the time to find a Dentist and practice that you enjoy seeing, that also enjoys seeing you.

Going to the dentist should not be uncomfortable in any other area outside of your mouth. You should not accept a poor bedside manner from the staff or the Dentist. Just because he or she is a doctor do not be afraid to express your concern for his or her lack of concern for your comfort. Your dentist doesn't have to be your best friend but he or she should be friendly.

The front staff should be polite and friendly. I am never surprised to learn that the most successful dentists have the most polite and friendly staff working to keep the patient happy and to make them feel appreciated. Regardless if the service is for cosmetic dentistry or a cleaning.

As consumers and patients we have decisions. I am not telling you to look for the friendliest dentist or the friendliest staff. But if that is important to you than do not ignore your needs or preferences. If you prefer a very serious practice that doesn't joke or have relaxed demeanor, than make sure you look for a practice that looks and feels more like a Church or library.

If you like blue don't wear red. Do not be afraid to find the practice that fits your needs and personal preferences.

We all need a dentist. Try to find a practice and a dentist that you can build a relationship with for years to come.

PS check the air in your tires... we all need to take small steps to use less fuel.

Does your Dentist have a MySpace page ?

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:22:00 +0000

Would you trust a dentist that has a myspace page? Have you ever looked for your Dentist on Facebook or MySpace to see if he or she has a page?

At what point do social networks become acceptable for the medical industry?

We want to know what you think.

Ever wonder what it must be like to be a Dentist outside of the office?

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:26:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered what it must be like to be a dentist? I am sure each of you have wondered what it must be like once you get your bill from the front desk. But all kidding aside.

Imagine if every time you looked at a smile you were critiquing over bite or under bite. Jaw alignment. Gum disease. Plastic surgeons also get to do this without thought. It's almost as though you are forced to be extremely vain, when you really are not. Do you get what I am saying, here?

Imagine being an interior designer and walking into your friends living room and feeling an overwhelming feeling to want to fix the mess that you are looking at. Or being a carpenter that remodels bathrooms and wondering how someone could live with such a messed up bathroom. The difference is that your neighbor or golfing partner is constantly saying to himself or herself, damn I wish I could just move that one tooth for him but he will get mad or get insulted if I say something. Maybe his best friend, like thousands of others, is deathly afraid of going to the dentist.

Who do you think has the worse job when it comes to not being able to openly say what they are thinking? Do you think therapists have it the worse? Constantly knowing that his neighbors need to be in counseling for some serious issues that they have never dealt with? The fashion designer that always wants to tell her friends that they look terrible? Imagine always wanting to tell someone that their outfits make them look 20 years too old but they cannot, just because of what they do for a living. Or maybe a makeup artist? Oh thats a good one, right! We all know someone that puts on way too much blush! LOL :) So imagine if you have a group of friends made up of the following 1. Dentist 2. Plastic Surgeon 3. Interior Designer 4. Fashion Designer 5. Makeup Artist 6. Priest ( to tell you that you are sinning ) 7. Psycho-Therapist

Now thats a good dinner party.....!

Is Your New Year's Resolution A Better Smile?

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 03:36:00 +0000

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.

Pregnant? You Should Know This About Your Teeth

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 13:32:00 +0000

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!

Embarrassed by Bad Breath?

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 04:19:00 +0000

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.

Effective Treatment for Plaque

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 03:22:00 +0000

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.

Waterlase, What is it?

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 04:04:00 +0000

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.

Dental Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 04:06:00 +0000

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.

Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:07:00 +0000

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.

Valplast – Flexible Partial Dentures

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 04:03:00 +0000

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.

Teeth Whitening Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:11:00 +0000

Have you considered having your teeth whitened? Or have friends had this done and they look great, but you are still a little apprehensive about the different procedures that may be used? With a little research, as well as talking to people that have had it done, you can base your decision on facts.

There are a few things that you may want to be aware of and consider before making a decision on teeth whitening. If you have dental insurance check it carefully as most will not cover this type of procedure. If you have crowns, tooth colored fillings, bridges or veneers they will not lighten when you have your teeth whitened (bleached).

Teeth whitening done by a dentist usually produces more effective and quicker results because they usually have a stronger bleaching agent than kits you buy over the counter. Most dentists recommend that if you have any cavities they should be filled prior to having your teeth whitened. Touch ups are usually needed to keep your shade. The frequency of touch ups depends on your habits, such as drinking coffee, tea, cola, red wine and smoking. Blueberries can stain your teeth so try to brush them as soon as possible after you eat.

Some people experience tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, which are common side effects of having your teeth whitened. It is also recommended that you have a dental cleaning prior to having your teeth whitened to help remove surface stains.

You should also keep in mind that the whitening of teeth does not have the same results on every sort of discolored tooth. For instance, someone with teeth that appear to have a gray tint might not be happy with the results because they do not bleach as well. A person with yellow tinted teeth might have better results.

Of course as with any health related issue or decision you should make an appointment with your dentist in order to discuss the best procedure available to you.

Finding a Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 04:28:00 +0000

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.

Are Wisdom Teeth Necessary?

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 21:11:00 +0000

What are wisdom teeth and why are they called that? Wisdom teeth are actually third molars and are normally the last teeth to develop and appear in your mouth. The reason they are called wisdom teeth is because they normally appear during your late teens or early twenties, an age often referred to as the “age of wisdom”.

Most people are under the assumption that wisdom teeth always need to be extracted. However that is not necessarily the case. There are times when a jaw is not large enough to accommodate the size of your wisdom teeth and that may cause one or all of them to fail to erupt. Meaning they become impacted (trapped) in the jaw bone and for nine out of ten people at least one of their wisdom teeth remains underneath the gum due to lack of space.

Not all dentists feel that it is necessary to remove wisdom teeth. Sometimes opting to leave them in allowing time to elapse to see if the teeth will erupt. Some feel that the age of 16 is too young to extract the molars but waiting until the root is completely formed (around the age of 21) makes it more difficult with a greater risk of complications. Therefore, some feel the optimal age to extract third molars is 18 to 19 years of age.

Some other reasons for extracting wisdom teeth are the possible destruction of the next tooth. Meaning if it erupts into a second molar there is a possibility that it will cause destruction of the molar which can cause decay to develop. Sometimes the force of a molar erupting causes teeth to shift resulting in crowding and overlapping of your other teeth. This also means that a break in the gum caused by the teeth erupting can cause an infection.

There are many factors to consider when deciding on a course of action for your wisdom teeth. Therefore it is most beneficial to allow your dentist to do a check up, assess the situation and help you make an informed decision about your teeth and if it's wise to have your wisdom teeth removed at this time.

Embarrassed by Bad Breath?

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 20:32:00 +0000

Orthodontist

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:00:00 +0000

In route to the orthodontist. I find the practice after driving around the block a few times. The office is on a what appears to be a residential street and my GPS system is telling me I am in the right place. I pick up my cell and call the front desk and tell the young lady where I am and she says to me You are in the right place and our address is this and you can see us very easily if you just come back up the street. I do it again. Turn around and head back up the street. I cannot see a single business anywhere. After a few more turnarounds and another phone call I am in front of the office. It was right in front of me and I still couldn't find it Oh well, now I am a little nervous. It looks like this orthodontist is working out of his home office!! I park my car and walk in. Boy was I impressed. A flat screen monitor that asked me to sign in and the place looked great on the inside. Beautiful waiting room and lots of eager patients waiting to get their next torque or better, get their braces taken off!

An office manager/dental assistant comes out and says hello, let me show you around. She proceeds to give me a detailed tour of the facility and shows me where I will be treated. Because I am an adult, I get access to a private room with one dental chair. The younger generations are in the bull pen room with several chairs and a central command center, complete with sinks and supplies for the patients, dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants. After the tour I am sat down and we talk about my needs and concerns. After that I am asked to watch a video. The video was an infomercial for Invisalign. I am very familiar with Invisalign and was hopeful that I would be a strong candidate for the clear appliances. I was also pretty certain that I Invisalign would not move my teeth enough and would need to get traditional braces in order to get the best results. After the Invisalign video I was taken into an Xray room where I had to stand in the middle of a machine that scanned my jaw by moving around my head from back to front. After that they took a few more Xrays using those things that have to get wedged in your mouth. They don't hurt but its always strange. Ok all done with the Xrays. Now we are headed into the photo studio. Time for some sexy head shots. I mean teeth shots. Nothing like openening your mouth as wide as possible so that some dental assistant can photograph your teeth.

Okay, I am glad the photo shoot is over.

Braces

noreply@blogger.com (Good Info to Know) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:37:00 +0000

So you are thinking about braces. Or maybe you need braces and you have no choice. Well the good news is.. they have gotten a little better over the years!! For starters you have the infamous Invisalign teeth fixing magic that nobody knows you have on. You may also have the option of clear braces if they are in your budget and your orthodontist offers them to you as an option. Because I will be documenting my experience with braces, you should know that I have chosen clear braces. I will be fitted with full braces on both upper and lower teeth.

So where do you begin. How do you get braces. How do you know if you will need braces. Do you want perfectly straight teeth and decide on your own. If you do, now what should you do?

For me its not a cosmetic concern, for the most part. I would personally prefer not to wear braces for two years, however I need to get a bridge repaired and I do not want to have another Maryland bridge installed. If you do not know what a Maryland bridge is I will explain. I have a tooth missing and a very simple and easy way to fill the gap is to create a fake tooth and give it metal wings. These metal wings are then bonded to neighboring teeth. The problem with Maryland bridges is that have a short shelf life. The tend to loosen and brake off in a short period of time. Most of the dentists I have went to give them a shelf life of 3 years. I had he first bridge fall off once while chewing gum.

Ok so when am I going to get to the braces. Well because I don't want to get another Maryland bridge and I have some missing bone in my jaw, I need to get my teeth straight so that a cosmetic dentist can work his or her magic using another type of bridge, sort of.

So here I am at the dentist. I tell him what I want to do after he offers a few solutions and I tell him that I would like to see an orthodontist and which one would he recommend. He tells me the name of the Doctor and provides me with a little bit of history about the orthodontist and gives me his honest opinion of his work and relationship with this particular orthodontist. I respect my Dentists opinion so I have his office manager book me an appointment for an initial consultation. A few days later I am on my way to see my orthodontist and his supportive staff.