Do you wake up with headaches?

If you usually wake up with an ache or pain behind your eyes, or have pain in the back of your neck and shoulders, before you think of seeing your doctor, perhaps you should think of seeing your dentist.

Your morning pain could be a result of problems in your mouth. Such pain is a common symptom of a condition known as “temporomandibular joint disorder,” also referred to as “TMJ” or “TMD”.   TMD is caused by improper alignment of the teeth and/or the jaw. Such misalignment places stress on the jaw, on the nerves, and on the muscles, and can result in morning headaches, migraines, neck and shoulder pain, or sore and tense facial muscles. If you display any of these symptoms, things won’t get better without professional help. (But, if you are reading this and thinking this does not describe any pain that you have, and you think you’re in the clear with TMJ or TMD, we have some news for you: Not everyone with TMJ disorder has symptoms.) Whether you’re symptomatic or not, if you have TMJ or TMD, you are vulnerable to problems that range from broken teeth or fillings, to loose teeth, or even toothache.

What can be done?

Well, you can begin by trying to rest your jaw. Many people find that simply resting the jaw helps to ease the pain. How do you do this? You can try a few things on your own:

• Avoid any hard foods, hard candies, and chewing gum.
• Make sure your teeth are never clenched except when you are chewing your food.
• Ask your dentist to show you some jaw exercises to relieve muscle stress.

For most people however, the most effective treatment for TMJ or TMD is a custom dental splint that fits over the teeth. The splint can be worn during the night—or even during the day, if necessary—and can reduce the damage done by repeated clenching of the jaw and grinding of the teeth.

If such conservative methods don’t work, there are still other options. The temporomandibular joints can be flushed out, or an injection of cortisone can help relieve inflammation and pain. In a worst-case scenario, you might even need surgery.

Don’t suffer unnecessarily from TMJ or TMD. Come in for a visit, and we’ll help you find the right solution for you!

 

Sugar, Acid, and Teeth

Last Friday, your “SmilesPlus” dentist attended a lecture given by a member of the faculty from the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. In an address to medical professionals at the Stanford School of Medicine, the lecturer said that “Science now suggests it is pH, rather than sugar, that causes pathologic shifts of biofilms, and that saliva plays a major role in the maintenance of optimal oral health.”

What one can learn from this is that, while keeping saliva at a normal pH of 7.0 can significantly reduce the risk of cavities, reduction in saliva flow, or dry mouth, will reduce pH.

What’s bad for your mouth’s pH:

• Consumption of diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol dry the mouth and reduce pH.
• Cigarette or Marijuana smoke will also reduce saliva flow, and hence lower pH.
• Medications: Furthermore, a long list of commonly used antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, antidepressants, antimicrobials, NSAIDS, most hypertension medicines, and a hot of others also reduce salivary flow and lower pH.  If you must take such medications, try to double up on your water consumption, and be sure to keep up with your regular dental checkups to avoid or catch early signs of dental cavities.

What’s good for your mouth’s pH:

• Drinking water frequently will help to avoid dehydration and dry-mouth syndrome.
• Increasing arginine-rich proteins in the diet has been shown to increase plaque pH. Some examples of commonly consumed Arginine-rich proteins are a variety of nuts (peanuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios), seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, squash), coconut, kidney beans, soybeans, watermelon and tuna.
• Xylitol: chewing Xylitol gums and mints and using toothpaste containing Xylitol after meals can help keep a neutral pH level in the mouth. Xylitol is a natural sweetener made from fibrous parts of plants.

The bottom line? Think about drinking plenty of water and chewing Xylitol containing gum after your next coffee or lunch break—to bring your mouth’s pH up to a healthy level.

How to Raise Cavity-Free Kids, Part 8: Dental Sealants

What Are Dental Sealants?

If you are a parent or a caregiver, your dentist or pediatric dentist may have advised you that applying dental sealants to your child’s back teeth will prevent cavities. What are these sealants, and why and how they are applied?

A sealant is a clear or tinted plastic protective coating that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars), which is the area where most cavities form.

Molars have many grooves and crevices (called “pits” and “fissures”), in which food can get stuck. Some crevices are so deep that even the bristles of a toothbrush can’t reach them. These pits and fissures provide the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, and that’s how cavities are created. Sealants, by covering the grooves and crevices, prevent this from happening. We recommend that sealants be applied to each permanent molar as soon as it erupts.

If a child is at high risk for cavities, the dentist may also decide to seal a child’s premolars (the teeth directly in front of the molars), or even the primary (baby) teeth.

How are sealants applied?

Applying sealants is a quick, painless procedure that can be done during a routine dental visit. The dentist cleans the area to remove any food or debris in and around the teeth, and then makes sure the teeth are completely dry, to insure that the sealant will stick. The sealant, applied in liquid form, flows over and into the pits and fissures, usually hardening in less than a minute. A special light is sometimes used to speed up the process.

Sealants usually last for many years, but, since they can eventually wear off, the dentist should continue to check the condition of the sealants during a child’s routine checkup visits, in case the sealant needs to be reapplied.

Remember, sealants are a big help, but they can’t keep your child’s teeth cavity-free without good home oral care and flossingl. Since the sealants can be applied only to chewing surfaces, it is still possible for children who have had sealants applied to get cavities between their teeth, if they neglect to floss. 

Soda and cavities:

Normal pH in our mouth is about 7.0, which is slightly more acidic than water. When we drink sugar-sweetened soda, the bacteria in our mouths get exposed to sugar; they metabolize it and produce acid. The acid causes the pH in our mouth to drop. At a pH of 5.2 or below, the acid begins to dissolve the hard enamel, the hard outer protective coating of our teeth. Over time this leads to erosion of our teeth that causes cavities and painful toothaches!

The best way to prevent cavities induced by sugar-sweetened soda is to drink it at one sitting along with the meal than sipping it throughout the day. Better yet, drink it through a straw in one sitting, this will help bypass contact of soda to your teeth and reduce exposure. Reducing the amount of frequent sugary beverages and brushing after meals and before bed will reduce risk of cavities significantly.

How to Raise Cavity-Free Kids, Part 6: Toddler years

Congratulations: Your child has passed that baby stage, and now you have a toddler. Here is some information for you to keep in mind regarding his or her oral health.

Since your toddler now has a mouthful of teeth,it is very important that you brush his teeth regularly with a small, soft toothbrush. Be sure to brush at least twice a day, using a gentle circular motion. Floss in between your child’s teeth once per day as soon as his teeth begin touching one another.

Please refer to the tooth-eruption chart from one of our previous posts, to monitor the eruption of these new teeth.

Since toddlers are usually very curious and learning to be independent, most want to brush their own teeth. You may allow them to, but we strongly recommend that you finish off the brushing yourself. They have not yet developed the motor skills required to brush efficiently, and they tend to miss out a lot of hidden plaque when they brush by themselves. Also, your toddler should be using non-fluoridated toothpaste, since accidental swallowing of the fluoridated toothpaste may upset his stomach.

 If the dentist has diagnosed cavities in your child’s mouth, it’s very important to have them filled as soon as possible. Remember: an infected baby tooth can permanently damage an adult tooth growing underneath.

Primary teeth are very small, and cavity bacteria pass through the enamel and reach the nerve surprisingly faster than most of us think. This is another good reason for your child to get his teeth examined every six months, to rule out early decay. As your curious toddler explores the world around him, this is the best time to introduce him to good oral-hygiene habits.

Habits children learn at this stage are habits they are likely to keep for a long time—maybe even a lifetime.  

 

How to Raise Cavity-Free Kids, Part 5: Baby’s First Visit to the Dentist

The goal of your baby’s first visit to the dentist is to give him or her a chance to get to know the dentist and dental office in a friendly, unthreatening way, and so your dentist will likely try to keep the visit very simple.

Although busy, working parents might sometimes have a grandparent or babysitter take a child to the doctor or dentist, It is important, at least for the first dental visit, that a parent or legal guardian be present, because he will be asked to fill out health-information forms about the child, discuss general health issues, and advise the dentist if the child has any specific medical condition or problem.

During the exam, the dentist’s movements will be slow and gentle, and he or she will speak to the child in a low, calm voice. Most dentists who are comfortable working with young children are able to handle all types of youngsters in a friendly, patient, and understanding way.

During this visit, the dentist will:

• Thoroughly examine your child’s teeth for tooth decay,
• Examine your child’s gums and soft tissue for disease or problems,
• Evaluate your child’s bite,
• Evaluate your child’s dental-eruption pattern and Identify any potential problems,
• Identify and talk about any habits that might be damaging to existing or future teeth,
• Talk about diet and nutrition needs for healthier and stronger teeth,
• Show the parent proper methods for cleaning the child’s gums and teeth at home,
• Talk about your child’s fluoride requirements, and
• Answer your questions or concerns.

If the child seems to be enjoying the first visit, then he or she may also get his teeth cleaned and polished, and have fluoride applied to his teeth. If the child seems apprehensive, the dentist might want to proceed with the examination with the parent holding the child in his lap or sits next to him, but often, a child behaves better if his parent is not present in the treatment room, and so you might also be asked to wait outside the treatment room.

A baby’s first visit to the dentist should be a fun experience for both child and parent. Remember, your child will take his cue from you. The most helpful thing you can do to help your child stay calm is for you to relax and stay calm yourself. Be prepared to ask a lot of questions. If you take your camera along, you’ll get some candid shots both you and your child will enjoy in the years to come!

How to Raise Cavity-Free Kids, Part 4: Preparing for the Big Day

Your Baby’s First Birthday:

Congratulations. You have a one-year-old; your baby’s growing up. Now it’s up to you to start him or her off on the right foot, by taking him for his first visit to the dentist. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends scheduling a visit to the dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth or the child’s first birthday—whichever comes first.

When you take your child to the dentist at this early age, your dentist can help you in many ways. The dentist can:

• Check for decay and other problems,
• Teach you how to clean your child’s teeth daily,
• Discuss harmful oral habits,
• Discuss the role of nutrition in good oral health, and
• Identify your child’s fluoride needs.

 

Preparing for the Big Day: 

It is very important that your child’s first visit to the dentist be fun and be a positive experience. Young children are often fearful of many things: of being separated from their parents, of the unknown, or of being injured. All these fears are perfectly normal, but dentists who treat children have many methods for helping anxious or fearful children comfortable in the dentist’s office.

Here are a few tips to help your dental visit go smoothly:

• Tell your child about the visit, but don’t go into detail. Say that the dentist may want to “count” his teeth or take some pictures of them. Leave it to the dentist to answer questions about dental tools, procedures, or anything you’re unsure about. Most dentists are trained to explain things to children in non-threatening, easy-to-understand terms. 
• Don’t tell your child that something may hurt or be painful. Don’t use words like “shots,” “needles,” or “drill.”
• Don’t tell your child about any unpleasant dental experience you may have had. 
• Don’t promise your child a reward for going to the dentist. 
• Stress to your child how important it is to maintain healthy teeth and gums, and explain that the dentist will help both of you do this. 
• Don’t make promises that the dentist can’t keep. Explain to your child that “the dentist will tell us” what needs to be done.

The best predictor of a child’s behavior in the dental office is the parent’s level of anxiety. In most cases, if the parent is anxious, the child is going to experience some difficulty.

You can play a big part in helping your child prepare for his or her first visit and set the tone for all future visits. It’s up to you to work with your child before his first visit to the dentist to make it a fun one!

By starting dental visits early, you’ll help your child build a lifetime of good dental habits. 

How to Raise Cavity-Free Kids,Part 3: Baby-Bottle Tooth Decay

What is baby-bottle tooth decay?

“Baby-bottle tooth decay” is a particular kind of tooth decay that occurs in infants and children. Although all teeth can also be affected, this kind of decay is seen mostly in the upper front teeth.

What causes baby-bottle tooth decay?

This type of decay occurs when a child is given a bottle of a sweetened liquid, like milk, formula, or fruit juice, and the liquid is left clinging to his or her teeth for long periods of time. These sugars feed the bacteria in the mouth, which then produce acids that attack the teeth for 20 minutes or more. After the teeth have been subjected to many such attacks, they can decay. Often, parents don’t even realize that the teeth are vulnerable to decay so soon after they appear in the child’s mouth.

Also, it’s not just what is in a child’s bottle that can cause decay; it also depends on how often and for how long a child sucks on the bottle. Sucking on a sweet liquid many times a day isn’t a good idea, but allowing a child to fall asleep with a bottle during naps or at night can be especially harmful. Unfortunately, by the time decay is noticed, it may be too late to save the teeth.

How Can Baby-Bottle Tooth Decay Be Prevented?

You can help protect your child from baby-bottle tooth decay by following a few simple suggestions:

•  Clean your baby’s teeth and gums after each feeding . (as discussed in a previous post on this blog: HowToCleanBaby’sTeeth)
• Don’t allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice, or any other sweetened liquid.
• If you must give your baby a bottle to get him to fall asleep at bedtime, make sure it contains only water.
• Don’t dip your child’s pacifier into sugar or honey. 
• Avoid filling your child’s bottle with liquids such as sugar water and soft drinks.
• If your local water supply doesn’t contain fluoride (a substance that helps prevent tooth decay), ask your dentist how else fluoride can be administered to your child.
• Begin your child’s dental visits by his or her first birthday, and continue them regularly.
• If you suspect your child has a problem with his teeth, take him to the dentist as soon as possible—even if you don’t have a visit scheduled. 

There’s nothing more beautiful than a baby’s smile. Make sure you do everything you can to keep your baby’s baby teeth bright and healthy!

How to Raise Cavity-Free Kids,Part 2: Baby’s First Year

The Newborn. A few days after your baby is born, you will need to begin cleaning his mouth. After each feeding, wipe his or her gums with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque. This will establish the importance of oral hygiene at an early age, and allow your baby to enjoy the feeling of having a clean mouth and clean gums. 

The First Year. When your baby’s first tooth erupts, you will need to begin brushing. You can use a small, soft toothbrush or a clean washcloth on the tooth or teeth, and clean and massage the gums in areas that don’t yet have teeth.

The Function of Baby Teeth. You might wonder why we need to pay so much attention to a baby’s gums, teeth, and mouth when he doesn’t have his permanent teeth—aren’t baby teeth going to fall out anyway?

Your child’s baby teeth are more important than you might realize. Strong, healthy teeth baby teeth are important for a child to chew, to speak, and to maintain space in his jaw for permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the teeth beside it may drift into the empty space, leaving insufficient space for the incoming adult tooth and making them crooked or crowded. The appearance of baby teeth is also important esthetically.

The Danger of Decay in Baby Teeth. As soon as teeth appear in your baby’s mouth, they are susceptible to decay, one serious form of which is a condition known as “baby-bottle tooth decay.” Since it is very important for a parent to understand and prevent baby-bottle tooth decay, we will take a closer look at that subject in my next post.

Remember: It’s never too early to think about your child’s good-looking smile!

How to Raise Cavity-Free Kids

Raising cavity-free kids? It’s no longer a dream; you can make it a reality with some simple instructions. In this series of sessions, my goal is to show you, step-by-step, how to:

• Prevent cavities in your child’s mouth,
• Help your child develop strong teeth that can resist cavities, and
• Develop good oral-hygiene habits that can help them keep teeth healthy for lifetime.

For you to understand this topic better, you need to have some background information on the eruption patterns of baby and adult teeth.

• Part 1: Dental Development and Tooth Structure

A baby’s very first tooth appears in his mouth when he is about four to eight months old, and, by the time he is three years old, he or she will probably have his full set of twenty baby (primary) teeth. A child will keep these primary teeth till he is about six years old.

A child’s permanent teeth begin to erupt when he or she is about six years old, and, usually, by the time he is twelve or thirteen, the permanent teeth have replaced all his baby teeth. In addition to having his permanent teeth replace his baby teeth, he will also grow two adult molars behind where the original baby teeth were, and he will probably get his third molars between the ages of sixteen and twenty—unless they are impacted (stuck behind the molars or in the bone).

Tooth Structure

A tooth is a bit like an iceberg: Only a portion of it is visible; much more lies beneath the surface. The part of the tooth that is not visible extends down (or up) into the gums, and then into the bones of the lower and upper jaw. Although some people think of a tooth as a solid piece of bone, it is actually a multilayered structure that is alive with nerves and blood vesselsWe

We will discuss how to take care of primary teeth during baby’s first year in the next post. Please feel free to email or comment if you have further questions.