Halloween may be known for haunted houses, creepy zombies and monsters that roam in the night. However, the sweeter side of Halloween, the overload of candy, can produce much scarier results than ghosts and ghouls. Completely avoiding candy at Halloween may be too difficult for you, and not very festive. So, here are some tips to help stay healthier during the holidays and avoid those terrifying cavities later on.
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Milk contains natural sugars in the form of lactose, which can cause cavities. Therefore, it is essential to brush your baby/child’s teeth after breastfeeding and bottles. The sugars from the milk can sit on their teeth if their teeth are not being brushed, and cause cavities. Often, cavities will appear on the upper front teeth because this is where the milk passes through and tends to pool. It is essential to brush after breastfeeding and after giving your child bottles of milk.
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Invisalign is a tooth alignment process, much like braces, that gradually straightens your teeth and aligns your bite. It involves a series of clear plastic aligners that are worn for 1 to 2 weeks each, before switching to the next aligner set in the treatment series. The clear aligners apply slow, gradual pressure on the teeth in strategic areas to change the positioning. “Attachments” are bonded onto some tooth surfaces to allow the aligners to have traction when moving the teeth. Invisalign treatment, on average, takes around 18 months, but each case is different, and the more complex the case is, the more time that may be needed.
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On average, the first tooth to erupt, or come into the mouth is one of the lower front teeth. This usually occurs around 6 to 8 months of age. Just like other milestones, a child’s teeth can develop at different rates. Some can be much earlier than six months, and some may not get teeth until they are close to their first birthday. Slower teething can be
a benefit in some ways. Once teeth erupt, they are exposed to foods that can increase the risk of cavities. Generally, children who experience teething early have a higher risk of cavities. Be sure to properly clean your baby’s teeth once they erupt in the mouth.
One of the most important aspects when choosing the a suitable a mouthwash is to make sure it has the seal of approval from the CDA (Canadian Dental Association.) This seal of approval means that the mouthwash contains active working ingredients and can help to improve your gum and oral health. Mouthwash can help reduce gum inflammation, bleeding, and overall bacteria count in your mouth.
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Your dental hygienist will recommend that you come in for a professional dental cleaning every 3-6 months. The frequency is based on the health of your teeth and gums, certain risk factors, and certain medical conditions. But, what is a professional dental cleaning, and what does it involve?
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A comprehensive or complete oral exam is a detailed exam of your gums, teeth, jaw, mouth and overall oral health. This type of oral exam employs meticulous diagnostic strategies to ensure that all oral conditions are diagnosed. A complete oral exam takes place every 3 – 5 years or at the first visit to a new dental office. This type of exam is more comprehensive than the check-up exam performed during a dental cleaning. A comprehensive oral exam can identify oral issues due to the detailed nature of the exam.
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Having “soft teeth” is not just a saying; it may be linked to a real condition. The condition is called hypoplastic enamel, and it is becoming more prominent among children.
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Brushing, flossing and sometimes even mouth washing are all crucial factors involved in an adequate at-home oral hygiene regimen. Brushing and flossing help to reduce bacterial build up on the teeth and gums, which reduces susceptibility to cavities and gum inflammation. It is recommended to brush at least twice a day and to floss at least once a day. Make sure to help your child brush and floss their teeth until around the age of 8. Begin using fluoridated toothpaste around the age of 3 (about the size of a grain of rice.) If your child is particularly cavity prone, try incorporating a daily fluoride mouthwash to help prevent further cavities.
One common cause of a sunken face is getting older or ageing. One reason that the face takes on a sunken look is due to loss of bone in the mouth. When the bone in the jaw is lost or when it shrinks, it creates a sunken look. Keeping that in mind, it is easy to understand how one or more missing teeth will also produce the same results. In health, the skin on your face rests over the teeth and gums. However, when teeth are missing in the mouth, the skin sinks.
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