Richard C. Caven D.M.D.

Have you noticed a dull pain in your jaw or headaches when you wake? Are you going through a tense time in your life? You may want to see your dentist, because you may be one within the 10 to 15 percent of Americans who grind their teeth at night.

Teeth grinding can cause some serious damage to both your teeth and your jaws. If you allow it to go untreated, your teeth may wear down so much you’ll need restorative dental work—or even dentures.

Not only will it damage your teeth. It can cause your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to overwork, resulting in the joint’s inability to function normally—TMJ disorder. That condition, in turn, can cause trouble chewing, yawning, or even talking.

Unchecked Teeth Grinding Causes Damage to Teeth and Jaws

Two main problems come from teeth grinding that goes untreated over time. They are:  

Damage to teeth: Teeth grinding can wear down the enamel in your teeth, causing them to be more susceptible to decay. If it goes on too long, your teeth may wear down so far that you’ll need crowns or other restorative dental procedures. You may even need dentures if they wear down too far.

TMJ disorder: When you overwork any joint in your body over a long period of time, it does damage. Your jaw isn’t any different. If you have awakened to unexplained headaches or jaw pain, see your dentist. You may grind your teeth at night and be in the first stages of TMJ disorder.  

Teeth Grinding Can Be Treated Easily if Detected Early

Don’t neglect your twice-yearly dental checkup. Your dentist can detect unusual wear on your teeth before it does extensive damage to your teeth or jaw. If you have symptoms before your normal appointment, call your dentist to schedule a visit. Your dentist can start you on treatments such as the following:

Oral bite splints or mouth guards to prevent you from grinding your teeth during sleep

Stress reduction techniques: meditation, relaxation techniques, an exercise routine, or therapy

Reducing your intake of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages

Eliminating habits like biting your nails, chewing on pencils, or clenching your jaws.

Applying warm compresses to your jaw just before going to bed

Twenty years ago, you probably didn’t hear much about TMJ disorder. Now, information about the condition is all over the internet. What happened? Is there something in the environment that caused the disorder to occur more often?

Actually, the answer is simple. More medical and dental professionals have learned that their patients’ mysterious symptoms: jaw pain, earache, neck pain, ears ringing, and strange popping and clicking noises when they open and shut their mouth are signs of TMJ dysfunction. With more information available, doctors can more accurately diagnose the cause of their patients’ symptoms: TMJ disorder.

Secondly, think about what all has happened over the last 20 years. The U.S. economy has expanded beyond its borders to include the world. U.S. companies regularly hire people from all over the world to work for them. This increased competition for jobs has caused more stress for Americans, particularly young people, as they work their way through school and into their first jobs.

Stress, as it turns out, is one of the major causes of TMJ disorder. The reason? When people are stressed, they clench and grind their teeth, putting more tension on their jaw. Over time, this results in an overuse injury—TMJ disorder. Over 10 million Americans have received a TMJ diagnosis. If you’re one of them, here’s what you can do.

Educate Yourself About TMJ Disorder

Because TMJ disorder is an injury of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that works every time you open and shut your mouth, overuse can cause the joint to become inflamed and ineffective. You can’t stop eating or talking, but you can learn some ways to better deal with the diagnosis. Read all you can about your condition. Ask your doctor and dentist for help. Your doctor may recommend hot or cold compresses, anti-inflammatory medication, or rest. If teeth clenching or grinding is a problem, your dentist can fit you with a device that can stop you from grinding your teeth. If your disorder comes from misaligned teeth, your dentist may recommend an orthodontic appliance to correct the misalignment, which causes your jaw muscles and ligaments to work harder to chew your food—or even to talk.

Reduce Your Stress Level

Find a way to reduce your stress. Yes, a mouth guard can stop you from clenching or grinding your teeth during the night, but you need to reduce the overall tension in your life. Find something you love to do that will help you relieve stress. Whether it’s painting, exercise, music, sports, or a relaxing walk along the beach, take the time to give your mind a break from all your worries. If you still find it difficult to lose the stress, see a therapist or other stress management professional to help you find another way to get rid of some of your stress.

If diabetes were contagious, it would be an epidemic. Almost 30 million people who live in the United States have diabetes. Another nine percent have yet to be diagnosed. Many researchers estimate that a third of American adults will have the condition by 2050.

If you’re one of that 10 percent who has diabetes, you need to know that the condition makes oral health care more difficult. You can stay on top of your oral health, though, with these dentist-approved tips.

Know What Oral Health Issues You’re at Risk For

These conditions occur more frequently in people with diabetes or pre-diabetic conditions. No matter if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you need to see your dentist if you notice any of the following:

Advanced gum disease: If your gums are sore, bleeding, or if your teeth are loose, you may have gum disease. Gum disease can make it harder for you to manage your blood sugar, too, so it’s important to see your dentist at the first sign of trouble. Neglected, gum disease can cause bone and tooth loss, as well as more serious health conditions.

Oral infections: When you have high glucose levels in your mouth, fungi that cause thrush thrive. This can lead to painful white patches in your mouth that make eating and drinking difficult.

Dry mouth: Diabetic patients have an increased risk for dry mouth, which can, in turn, cause gum disease and other oral issues.

Maintain Good Oral Health

When your blood glucose is under control, most of the risk factors for serious oral conditions go down. See your doctor regularly to keep on top of your condition. Here are some other tips to help you maintain good oral health:

Brush and floss daily: At the very least, brush your teeth two times during the day. Make sure that you floss at least once during the day. A good oral health care regimen can help stave off gum disease.

Quit smoking: Smoking can exacerbate your gum disease symptoms. If you have trouble keeping it in check, ask your dentist or doctor to refer you to a smoking cessation program.

See your dentist twice a year: Dental visits are even more important for diabetes patients, since they need to keep a good eye on their oral health. Reduce the risk of complications. Have your dentist check your oral health every six months.

When you spend a big chunk of change on new porcelain veneers, you want them to last a long time. Well cared for, these cosmetic dental devices can last up to 20 years. While there are no guarantees, dentists can provide patients with tips that can help people get more mileage out of their veneers.

Though they are made from tough materials designed to stand up under hard wear, porcelain veneers can crack and break. To get the most out of your dental veneers, follow these important tips from the cosmetic dentistry experts at Caven Dental:

Remember to Follow These Five Porcelain Veneer Care Tips

Maintain a daily dental hygiene regimen: Though dental veneers will not decay, remember that a natural tooth lies underneath each of them. Care for the underlying teeth and gums, and your veneers will have a better shot at longer life. You know the drill. Brush twice daily, floss once to keep your entire mouth in tiptop shape.

Don’t bite and chew hard and sticky foods: If you like to sneak a lollipop now and then--or maybe you like to revert back to your childhood to see how long you can keep those hard cinnamon candies in your mouth without taking them out for a break, we won’t judge. But please, let these candies melt in your mouth. Don’t crush them with your teeth. The same goes for ice and other hard substances. Don’t try to crack nuts with your teeth. A nutcracker costs way less than new veneers.

Protect them when you engage in active sports: If you play contact sports or participate in activities where falls occur often such as rock climbing, ice skating, or horseback riding, protect those pearly whites with a mouth guard. Even if you use a helmet—and even a face cage—give your teeth an added layer of protection with a mouth guard.

Protect against stains: Dark-colored drinks and foods can stain your veneers. Coffee, wine, grape juice, and tea are some of the most common sources of staining. Tobacco usage, both chewed and smoked, can also stain both veneers and natural teeth. After you gulp down your  morning cup of joe, rinse out your mouth before you return to work. It     only takes a few seconds, but rinsing after you consume foods or drinks  that can cause stains can help keep your new veneers sparkling white.  

See your dentist every six months: When your dentist cleans your teeth, she or he will also check your veneers for signs of wear or breakage. This way, you can nip small problems in the bud before they become big ones. 

You know you need to see a dentist for routine checkups and teeth cleanings, but you just can’t force yourself to pick up the phone. It’s been years since your last dental appointment. Maybe you’ve never seen a dentist in your life. You’ve heard horror stories about drills, about dentists who shame patients for not keeping up with routine visits, and about lectures that treat adult patients like naughty children if they don’t floss or brush their teeth every day. You’re shaking in your boots at the thought of that dentist’s chair.

Relax. At Caven Dental, our staff doesn’t shame patients. Yes, we encourage regular oral care. Instead of lecturing patients, though, we provide information about the benefits of regular brushing and flossing. But never will we treat our patients as if they were children.

If you fear dental visits, you’re not alone. It may surprise you to discover how many of your fellow Americans share your fears. Knowing that, most dental practices today provide anxious patients with various techniques to help them relax. Many can even provide sedation if other methods do not work. The important thing is for you to let your dentist know about your fears so that your dentist can work with you to calm your fears.

Knowing what happens on your first visit to the dentist may help you conquer any anxiety you may feel. Here’s what you can expect:

What You Can Expect During Your First Visit to the Dentist

Meet and Greet With Your New Dentist and Staff: After the receptionist calls your name, you’ll follow her or him to an examination room. You’ll sit in a chair designed to help your dentist examine your teeth while you relax. A dental hygienist will greet you and ask you a few questions about your teeth and your general health. Be honest. No one’s judging you. Your dentist just needs to have as much information as possible to provide a treatment plan that works.

Screening for Oral Cancer: Untreated, oral cancer can be fatal. Nearly 9,500 Americans die from the disease every year. With early diagnosis, oral cancer can usually be treated successfully. Therefore, your dentist will check your mouth and throat for early signs of the disease.

Discussion of Long-Term Plans: If there is something about the appearance of your teeth you don’t like, mention it to your dentist. S/he can come up with a plan to help you address that issue. Your dentist may also provide you information about the importance of regular checkups and teeth cleanings to your general health.

Examination of Each Tooth: Your dentist will check each tooth for symptoms of decay, as well as signs of breakage, chipping, or wear.

Examination of Your Gums: Because gum health is essential to your oral and overall health, your dentist will check you for any symptoms of gum disease. If s/he finds any signs, he or she will recommend a course of treatment.

Evaluation of Your TMJ: Finally, your dentist will take a look at your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Since it connects the skull to the jaw, this joint works every time you open or close your mouth. Pain in this sensitive area can impact your everyday activities. If you have signs of TMJ disorder, your dentist will recommend a course of treatment.

All things have a shelf life, including cosmetic dental work. Whether it be bridges, veneers, crowns or a standard teeth whitening procedure, they’ll eventually need to be addressed again down the line when time and wear and tear catch up with it.

If it has been a while since your cosmetic dental procedure, you may need to consider a replacement. Unlike the teeth you were born with, cosmetic dental devices wear out. Sometimes your teeth shift and the device no longer fits. Other times, you may simply not be satisfied with your former procedure. Here are some things you need to consider the next time you visit your dentist:  

Talk to Your Dentist About a Replacement If…

Your  current device doesn’t feel right: If your teeth have shifted since your last procedure, or if your former dentist made an error during the procedure, your current device may cause you discomfort. A badly-fitting crown or bridge  may still look good, but can cause your mouth to become sore—or even cause TMJ disorder from an uneven bite. If your current device isn’t comfortable, talk to your dentist to see if a replacement can bring you relief.

Your current device is past its prime: Each type of device or procedure has a range of useful life. With good care, some devices can last as long as 15 years. Others need to be replaced or redone as often as every six months. Ask your dentist how often you need to have your work replaced. If you’re nearing the end of that time frame, ask your dentist to check your device during your next checkup. You may need to schedule a replacement procedure.

Your current device shows signs of wear: If you play sports or enjoy chewy and crunchy foods, your dental device may wear out sooner than normal. If you notice signs of wear, breakage, chipping, or holes in your device, see your dentist as soon as possible for a replacement consultation.

What Happens During Cosmetic Dental Replacement Procedures

If your current device is still in your mouth, your dentist will first examine how it fits. After s/he examines your teeth, s/he will remove your current device. Often, your dentist will need to take new impressions of your mouth to ensure a custom fit for your new device. If dental technology has improved since your former procedure, your dentist might recommend a new material or a new device. After your dentist finishes taking impressions of your mouth, s/he may install a temporary device to protect your teeth until the new device arrives back from the lab.

According to the FDA, if you’re over 3 years old, you shouldn’t consume more than 50 grams of added sugar per day. However, many Americans – namely children – still do, and it can lead to some significant health setbacks, such as tooth decay and weight gain. Here’s a look at how to curb sugar from your child’s diet.

Americans love their sugary treats. From Hershey bars to the iconic “American apple pie,” Americans gobble up sugar at an alarming rate. Our kids, of course, are no exception. Look at the ads on your kids’ favorite cartoon TV shows. Sweet snacks and cereals number among the top contenders for kiddie prime-time advertising spots.

Yet, according to the federal government’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), both children and adults aged three and older should eat no more than 50 grams of added sugars in a day. That works out to about 12 teaspoons. Unless you’ve already switched your family over to a low-sugar diet, you probably have consumed much more sugar than that even before you put dinner on the table.  

If you want to help your kids—and you—lead happier, healthier lives by cutting back on your sugar consumption, remember these tips:

How to Kick the Sugar Habit

 Check out the facts about added sugar and poor health: If you stray too far from the FDA’s sugar standards, you put yourself and your family at risk for not only tooth decay, but also metabolic and cardiovascular disorders as well.

Check     out the labels on your kids’ (and your) favorite foods and beverages: Nearly one-half of American’s excess sugar consumption     comes from beverages. The worst culprits are sports drinks, sugar-added juices, and sodas. Instead of sodas and sports drinks, try     naturally-sweetened juices, water, and milk instead. Convenience foods, too, add sugar as a cheap way to boost flavor. Enhance flavor naturally with herbs and spices and cook at home. On weekends, take a couple of hours to prepare your next week’s meals ahead of time. You’ll be surprised how much healthier you and your kids will feel after a few months of a low-sugar diet.

Replace sugary snacks with healthful ones: Sometimes your kids—and you—just need a little snack to get you through the day. Instead of grabbing a handful of sugary cereal or a snack cake, reach for some veggies instead. Add a dip made from Turkish or Greek yogurt, and you’ll add some needed protein as well. Fruits with natural (no sugar added) peanut butter dips, as well as cheese, also provide healthy alternatives to sweet snacks.  

Model a healthy lifestyle: After you’ve made the next week’s meals this weekend, don’t sit back in your easy chair, munching on Twinkies. Get off your duff and exercise. Take a walk, swim, run, or hike. Just show your child that healthy living is the good life. When you return from your workout, grab a high-protein, low sugar snack to refuel your body. Don’t forget to hydrate with pure, natural water. 

It's estimated that as many as 15 percent of all Americans avoid regularly seeing the dentist due to anxiety and fear. Fifteen percent translates to nearly 40 million people that are potentially not getting the dental care they need to maintain ideal oral health. But now, these people have a way to get the treatment minus the fear - with sedation.

If you put off going to the dentist out of fear, you have a lot of company. Nearly 15 million of your fellow Americans share your aversion. You may have heard about dental sedation, but are a little afraid to ask your dentist about it. Don’t worry, no dentist worth seeing will shame you because of your fear. Most will welcome your desire to get proper dental care, sedation or not. Here are some answers to dental patients’ most common questions about dental sedation:

How Does Dental Sedation Work?

In sedation dentistry, a dentist administers medication to her or his patient to relieve anxiety. Depending on your choice of sedation levels and health conditions, your dentist can administer the medication by inhalation, through an IV, or orally.

It may surprise you to know that many patients choose sedation even for their semi-annual teeth cleaning, as well as for more complicated procedures, such as root canals. Depending on your anxiety level, your dentist may recommend minimal, moderate, or deep sedation.

With minimal sedation, you’ll be awake, yet feel a sense of relaxation—as if you were at a hair salon instead of at a dentist’s office. You can usually drive home after a procedure performed under minimal sedation.

With moderate sedation, you’ll be a little groggy. For that reason, you’ll need to find someone to drive you home. With deep sedation, you’ll be nearly unconscious. You’ll awake with little or no memory of the procedure. Of course, with this level of sedation, you’ll not only need someone to drive you home, but also to keep an eye on you for a few hours while you recover from the medication’s effects.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Dental Sedation?

If you’re in reasonably good health, you might benefit from dental sedation if you have any of the following issues:

a low tolerance to pain

sensitive teeth

difficulty sitting still during a procedure

a strong gag reflex

need a complex, lengthy dental procedure

Are there Alternatives to Dental Sedation?

Some patients need help to relax but are just not ready to take medication for their anxiety. Others may have health conditions that make them or their doctor wary of sedation. Here are some techniques you can learn to help you relax that don’t involve medication:

Anxiety-reduction techniques: Controlled, mindful breathing or other forms of meditation may allow you to reduce your anxiety level. The bonus? You can use these techniques anywhere—whether with your cranky boss at work or on a busy highway filled with road-rage junkies.

Relaxation techniques: Similar to meditation, these techniques involve controlled muscular movements instead of controlled breathing. In one of these techniques, called progressive muscle relaxation, patients tense and then relax all of the muscle groups in their body one group at a time. When patients finish the process, their entire body feels a sense of relaxation.

Are There Risks With Dental Sedation?

Although in general, dental sedation is safe for most patients, there are some health conditions that cause the risk factor to rise. If you have a chronic health condition, such as asthma, obesity, sleep apnea, or a cardiovascular condition, ask your family doctor about the risks before you schedule a procedure with sedation. For most patients, though, the health benefits that come with getting proper dental care far outweigh the risks involved in sedation.

Back in the day, dentists made fillings from an alloy of silver. These fillings, however, contained small amounts of mercury, an element that can cause harm to the human body. For that reason, dentists have stopped making fillings from silver alloys. Here are some reasons dentists have chosen the current lineup of materials to make today’s fillings, crowns, bridges, and other dental appliances:

Porcelain: The material of choice for fillings, veneers, bridges, and crowns, porcelain can be matched to the color of a patient’s teeth. Its strength, light weight, and durability make it the most popular material, even though it is more expensive.

Gold: Even though jewelry made from gold can be expensive, dental fillings made from the material is more affordable than many other materials. Its only drawback is that it cannot match the color of patients’ teeth. For this reason, dentists prefer to use gold for appliances in the back of the mouth that no one but the dentist will see.

Ceramics and ceramic resins: These durable materials make it less likely that patients will chip or break their dental appliance, even with hard use. These materials also feel more natural when patients chew their food.

Porcelain veneer fused to metal: If a patient wants a long-lasting but more economical choice for his or her front teeth, dentists can order crowns made from a porcelain veneer fused to metal. The drawback, however, is that crowns made from this material makes a patient more susceptible to gum disease. If a patient chooses this material, he or she must pay more attention to dental hygiene, especially flossing, to avoid gum disease.

Stainless steel: If a patient wants traditional braces instead of Invisalign or other less-visible alternatives, the braces will probably be made from stainless steel. Stainless steel stands up to the often-acidic environment of the mouth and is strong enough to move the patient’s teeth to where they need to go.

Titanium: Dental implants need to be strong, last a long time, and feel like natural teeth. Titanium’s unique properties give it an edge over other materials for this surgically implanted appliance.

Has your dentist advised you that you might benefit from a dental crown? Have your friends mentioned that they may be getting dental crowns? If you’re curious about dental crowns and how they can benefit you, you’ve come to the right place. Compiled by dentists themselves, these facts can help you understand more about the benefits of this common dental procedure:

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns fit over the tooth like a permanent cap to restore injured or weakened teeth to their original appearance and function. Dentists also use them to camouflage dental implants (artificial teeth surgically implanted to replace missing teeth) and to stabilize dental bridges.

What materials are used to make dental crowns?

If your tooth is visible when you smile, your dentist may recommend a porcelain crown or a crown made from metal with a porcelain veneer. Porcelain can be more easily matched to your natural teeth. If, on the other hand, your tooth is in the back of your mouth, you may be able to have a less-expensive metal crown made from chromium, nickel, or a gold alloy.

When will I need to have my crown replaced?

If you practice excellent oral hygiene, you may be able to stretch your crown’s useful life to as much as 15 years. If, however, you grind your teeth or do not care for your teeth regularly, your crown may only last for five years.

Why do I need a temporary crown?

Permanent crowns are custom fitted to the contours of your tooth. Because your dentist must send the impressions of your teeth to the lab that manufactures the permanent crown, you need to have protection for your tooth while you wait. Your dentist can construct a temporary replacement in her or his office. Made from stainless steel or acrylic, these temporary crowns are not as strong as the permanent ones. Avoid chewy, hard, or sticky food. In fact, try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth if you can. Exercise care when you brush and floss until you receive your permanent crown.

How should I take care of my permanent crown?

Treat your new dental crown as if it were a natural tooth. Brush at least twice a day; floss at least once a day. It’s a myth that a crown can protect the tooth underneath it from decay and gum disease. Make sure to brush your gums as well as your tooth.

How much will I have to pay?

Dental crowns made from metal, in general, cost less than porcelain ones. If you’re trying to save money, choose a crown with a porcelain veneer fused to metal if your tooth is easily seen when you smile. Crown prices vary, per tooth, from $600 to $1,500, depending upon the region in which you live and the material from which your crown is manufactured. If you have dental insurance, it may cover at least part of the cost. If you have an HSA, it may cover all of its cost.

When you look in the mirror, does an older you smile back? If so, you may not need a plastic surgeon to restore your youthful appearance. Relief may be as near as your local dentist. These days, to complement cosmetic dental procedures, many dentists offer Botox and Juvederm injections to help their patients look as young as they feel. Here are some facts about both Juvederm and Botox procedures:

About Botox Injections

The very bacteria that can cause breathing paralysis and death if ingested in food can actually, in small amounts, be a safe way to reduce wrinkles. The bacteria acts on the muscles of your face that cause wrinkles, reducing their activity, which in turn causes your face to have fewer wrinkles.

Botox Pros: Botox injections take only 10 to 15 minutes. Unlike their foodborne progenitors, the bacteria in Botox injections have proven to be a safe and effective way to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Compared to Juvederm, Botox is a bargain--$250 compared to the $1,000 you’ll need to shell out for a Juvederm treatment. No anesthetic is required for Botox injections. A simple cold pack can keep you pain-free throughout the procedure.

Botox Cons: Botox treatments only last for three or four months. Side effects, though rare, can persist after the treatment. They include facial pain, bruises, and headaches.

About Juvederm Injections

In a Juvederm treatment, your dentist will inject moisturizing hyaluronic acid under your skin. By hydrating your skin, your skin will become plumper, dewier, and take on a youthful appearance.

Juvederm Pros: A Juvederm treatment produces immediate results. It is effective with all skin types and carries fewer risks of allergic reactions than does Botox. It lasts much longer than a Botox treatment: up to six months in some cases.  

Juvederm Cons: With a Juvederm injection, you are more likely to suffer a few minor side effects after the procedure, such as swelling, pain, and bruises. It is much more expensive than Botox. A single treatment may set you back $1,000.  

Maybe when you were young, your parents didn’t have the money to pay for braces to straighten your teeth. Now that you’re an adult, you want to finally bare your teeth when you smile. You want the confidence that comes with a perfect, gleaming smile. Yet you don’t want to spend years with metal braces that make your teeth look like those of a robot.

Relax. There are now two alternative treatments that can give you the smile of your dreams without a mouthful of metal. Meet Six Months Smiles and Invisalign, two high-tech corrective dental treatments that lose the metal and work in a fraction of the time that traditional braces take. Here is a rundown of the pros and cons of each of these corrective procedures:

Invisalign: A Streamlined Solution

Invisalign uses computer imaging to create a plan to shift your teeth from what they are today to an ideal smile. Custom-made trays provide a snug fit around your teeth, using thin, yet strong, clear plastic to gently straighten your teeth.

Pros: In addition to its invisibility, perhaps Invisalign’s greatest benefit is that you can remove the devices when you eat or brush your teeth. The thin plastic also makes Invisalign a great choice for those for whom comfort is a big factor.

Cons: Invisalign’s cost ranges from $3,500 to $5,000. Compared to Six Month Smiles, count on Invisalign taking twice as long to complete your treatment.

Six Month Smiles: A Quick, Efficient Solution 

An updated version of traditional braces, Six Month Smiles’ clear plastic braces create a treatment that works rapidly to straighten your teeth.

Pros: True to its name. Six Month Smiles delivers treatment quickly. Most cases take only six months to complete. It’s also less costly than Invisalign, with an average cost per treatment of $4,000.

Cons: Because they are a fixed devices, Six Month Smiles cannot come off when you eat or brush your teeth. Count on spending more time to remove food and to floss your teeth. They also protrude out from your teeth, as opposed to Invisalign’s flat trays. If comfort is a key issue for you, Invisalign would be a better choice.

Want to restore your missing tooth after an accident or extraction? You may want to check out the possibility of a dental implant. A dental implant takes the place of your natural tooth’s root. Like a natural root, it serves as a support for the artificial tooth. Dental implants can be placed both into your jawbone (an endosteal implant) or on top of your jawbone (a subperiosteal implant).

The success of either kind of implant depends upon your ability to meet certain criteria dentists use to screen patients for dental implants. To help you assess your chances at success, here are some of these criteria:

Healthy gums: Because gum tissue supports your teeth, healthy gums are a key component in the outcome of the procedure.

Satisfactory bone density: Since the dental implant is inserted into your jaw bone or on top of your jaw, having adequate bone density also plays a role in the procedure’s success.

Excellent oral health: One of the best ways to prepare for a dental implant is to keep their oral health in tiptop shape by brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day. Use an antiseptic mouthwash to add more protection from bacteria and be sure to see your dentist twice a year for checkups and tooth cleanings.  

Patience: The entire process can take almost a year. There will be several procedures: a bone graft, the actual insertion of the implant,     and the installation of the artificial tooth itself. These procedures     require that you recover completely before the next phase can begin.

Other health factors: If you want a dental implant, you may want to quit smoking. Smoking is a risk factor that may lessen your chances of success. Oral cancer patients who have received treatment with biophosphate medications are also at high risk for dental implant     failure, as are people with autoimmune disorders and other conditions that     may impede healing.

You’ve just returned from the dentist. Your dentist recommended that you undergo a root canal. You may have heard several rumors about these procedures. The trouble is, these stories are almost never based on the facts.

Take it from a dentist. When you have a severely decayed and infected tooth, a root canal procedure is often your best option. Know the facts and take the worry out of your mind. Knowledge about the procedure can help you prepare. Here are some answers to the questions that are usually on the minds of patients who need to undergo a root canal:

What will my dentist do during the procedure?

Your dentist will anesthetize you so you will feel no pain during the treatment. Next, she or he will drill into your tooth and remove the infected pulp and the decayed part of the tooth. After the diseased part is removed, your dentist will provide you with a temporary filling that you’ll wear for about six weeks. Finally, she or he will administer your permanent filling. You’ll get to keep your tooth, and your mouth will be restored to good health.

What sorts of symptoms may indicate that I need a root canal?

Again, dentists—and those patients who have experienced modern root canal procedures—know that the symptoms that necessitate a root canal are much more severe than any discomfort after the procedure. They include the following:

Sensitivity to extreme temperatures that never goes     away

Pain when you bite or chew your food

Severe toothache

Mouth pain that interrupts your sleep

Will there be any pain?

Again, with the anesthetics and high-tech equipment available today, you should not feel any pain at all during the procedure. You may experience a little discomfort during the first 48 hours after your root canal, but it will be nothing compared to the symptoms that sent you to the dentist’s office in the first place. Most patients find that over-the-counter pain medicine provides complete relief from their discomfort.

How long will my root canal procedure last?

Even in complicated cases, root canal procedures are relatively short, usually two hours or less. With no complications, most dentists can finish them in 30 minutes.

What do I do to care for my temporary filling?

Because your temporary filling is not as strong as your permanent filling will be, your dentist will ask that you don’t eat hard, chewy, or sticky food for the six weeks before you receive your permanent filling.

Is there an alternative procedure?

The only alternative procedure is extraction. Extraction, unlike a root canal treatment, can cause you great pain after the procedure. That’s only the beginning. Your teeth may begin to shift after the procedure. This can cause your bite to change. You may even develop TMJ issues.  

Better you should keep your tooth, undergo the root canal procedure, and then enjoy the way you feel after you receive your permanent filling. After you receive your permanent filling, you can eat whatever you like with no fear that it will cause you pain.

Have you heard about oil pulling? It numbers among the hottest new trends in alternative dentistry. It’s actually not a new idea—it has its roots in ancient Ayurvedic medicine—but it’s one of the oral care routines that many holistic dentists recommend to their patients.  

Oil Pulling Explained

For those of you who haven’t heard about this treatment, oil pulling is a home-administered treatment in which patients swirl a tablespoon of sunflower oil, sesame oil, or coconut oil around their mouth for about 15 to 20 minutes. Patients swirl the oil around slowly, making sure that the oil travels all over their mouth and tongue, even into the cracks between their teeth. After they finish, they spit out the oil and brush their teeth.

Many holistic dentists claim that the procedure traps bacteria in the oil. That, in turn, rids the mouth of the harmful bacteria that reside there. Getting rid of the bacteria, they assert, helps to whiten teeth, kill plaque, stop bad breath, cure cavities, stop migraines, and detoxify the entire body.

If oil pulling could do all that, all dentists would use it. But studies show only minimal benefits from the practice. Like swirling antibacterial mouthwash, flossing, or brushing, oil pulling provides mild improvements in gum health. There is no evidence that it reduces cavity damage or detoxifies a patient’s body.

In fact, oil pulling can produce several unpleasant side effects: exhaustion, dry mouth, thirst, and loss of sensation in many patients’ mouths. Therefore, the American Dental Association has not recommended oil pulling. They recommend sticking to proven standards for daily oral care, including brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. They also recommend that patients have their teeth checked and cleaned every six months.

Although oil pulling may be the latest rage among the holistic medicine crowd, you needn’t rush to implement it into your oral hygiene regime. If you use the time-tested daily regime that most dentists recommend, your mouth should maintain optimum health.

No one likes to get bad news, particularly from their dentist. When a patient hears that he or she has cavities or gum disease, that patient just cringes from the thought of the unpleasant procedures and dentist bills that are sure to follow.

There’s one way to avoid most of that bad news. If you floss once a day, in addition to brushing twice daily and seeing your dentist for a teeth cleaning every six months, you’ll have more perfect checkups and more money in your pocket. Here’s why you should floss every day:

Flossing Is the Key to Better Checkups

To avoid gum disease and cavities, you need to get all of the food particles and plaque that lies between your teeth. A brush simply can’t get it all. Neither can a brush get all of the plaque that lies at your gum line or just beneath. Floss, however, can nab that food and plaque before it can do its destructive work.

If plaque and food hardens, it forms tartar at your gum line. If it goes untreated, the buildup of plaque can lead to gingivitis, which is gum disease in its early stages.

Your dentist can usually treat gingivitis by scraping and cleaning your teeth. If it doesn’t get treated in time, the plaque travels way beneath your gums’ surface. This usually means that you’ll develop periodontitis, the late stages of gum disease. Severe gum disease is a serious matter. Though in the beginning it’s only inflammation and bleeding, periodontitis can lead to tooth and bone loss.

The news gets worse for the 80 percent of people who don’t floss daily. The buildup of bacteria in their mouths from a lack of proper dental hygiene can spread to other parts of their bodies, causing serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.

How To Floss Like a Pro

So, now you’re convinced that you need to floss. If you’ve never flossed your teeth, or if it’s been a while since you did, here are some tips:

Instead of in the morning, floss at night, before you brush your teeth, just before bedtime. That way, you can go to sleep knowing that your teeth aren’t harboring plaque and food particles that can build up an overload of bacteria by morning.

Cut a 15-18-inch piece of floss. As you work it back and forth between your teeth, make sure you don’t miss any spaces. Looking in the mirror may help you as you floss. If you can, try to work the floss below your gum line.

If it’s difficult for you to reach into the back part of your mouth to floss, buy a special tool that uses air and water pressure to remove the plaque from your teeth. If you can’t track one down, ask your dentist for a recommendation.

If you have had a broken tooth, a dental implant, or a dental bridge, chances are your dentist has installed a dental crown to protect your tooth or stabilize the surrounding teeth. Crowns can last as long as 15 years or as few as five. The choice is yours, barring any accidents. If you take good care of your crown, you may be able to get as many as 15 years of service before your dentist needs to replace it. Here’s how:

Keep Away from Chewy, Sticky, and Hard Foods

Sticky and chewy foods can pull at your dental crown. Over time, this can cause it to loosen, at which time you may need to replace it. Hard foods create a hard impact on the crown when you chew them. That can cause the crown to break down prematurely. Avoid the following foods, or at least don’t eat them as often. When you do, chew them on the other side of your mouth.

Chewing gum

Caramels, taffy, gummy candies and vitamins, Swedish Fish, Starburst, and other sticky candies

Raisins, prunes, dry figs, and dates

Hard raw vegetables, such as radishes, celery, and carrots

Popcorn

Hard candies such as suckers, jawbreakers, peanut brittle, and hard tack

Ice (You may suck or sip drinks with ice, but never chew it)

Take Good Care of Your Crown

A good program of dental hygiene tailored for crown wearers can help you extend the life of your crown. Here are some tips to help you care for your crown.

During the first few days after you receive your crown, chew your food on the opposite side of your mouth. Do the same if you have to eat hard or chewy foods.

When you floss your teeth, gently slide the floss out of the spaces between your teeth near the crown. If you lift it out, it could pull on the crown and eventually loosen it.  

Practice good dental hygiene. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss once daily, and don’t neglect the area where your crown meets your gum. Gum disease can form under a crown just as it does under a natural tooth.