Why dry mouth can be a problem and what to do about it

Your saliva plays an important role in your oral health and reduced saliva flow can lead to health problems.

Reduced saliva flow can lead to a dry mouth and this is a common problem among older adults.

It can be caused by various medical disorders and is often a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers and diuretics.

Dry mouth can be associated with various problems such as a constant sore throat, burning sensation, problems speaking, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or dry nasal passages.

Drying irritates the soft tissues in the mouth, which can make them inflamed and more susceptible to infection. Without the cleansing effects of saliva, tooth decay and other oral health problems become more common.

So, if dry mouth is not treated, it can damage your teeth.

Without adequate saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive decay can occur.

Your dentist can recommend various methods to restore moisture. Sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses.

Your options if you have many missing or damaged teeth

People who have not followed adequate dental care for some years may have already lost most of their teeth and feel a little hopeless.

Sometimes they ask a dentist to remove the remaining teeth as they are often broken and have deep cavities.

It’s true that, sometimes, removal of the remaining teeth and replacing them with full dentures is the only option.

But more often there are other options available.

Some or all of the remaining teeth could be repaired and used in conjunction with a partial denture. While a full denture replaces all of the teeth on the upper or lower jaw, a partial denture replaces some of the teeth.

If only a few weak teeth remain on the upper jaw, it might be preferable to have them extracted and a full upper denture made. Full upper dentures can be more secure than lower ones as the upper denture gets added stability from the palate and is not easily dislodged by the tongue.

If only a few teeth remain on the lower jaw, however, the dentist will usually aim to save them and use a partial denture if necessary.

Ideally, all teeth that can be saved should be saved but this is not always possible – often due to finances.

In such cases, having teeth removed and dentures may be the only option.

How to Teach Your Child Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Teaching your child good oral hygiene habits at a young age can help set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Here are some tips for teaching your child good oral hygiene habits:

• Lead by example: Children often learn by watching their parents, so make sure to model good oral hygiene habits yourself. Brush and floss your teeth regularly in front of your child, so they can see how important it is.
  
  
• Start early: Begin cleaning your child's gums with a soft, damp cloth or infant toothbrush as soon as their first tooth appears. This will help get them used to the idea of oral hygiene from an early age.
  
  
• Make it fun: Turn brushing and flossing into a fun activity by playing music or singing songs while you brush. You can also let your child choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste to make it more exciting.
  
  
• Set a routine: Make brushing and flossing a part of your child's daily routine, so they get into the habit of doing it regularly. Encourage them to brush twice a day and floss once a day.
  
  
• Monitor their progress: Check in with your child regularly to make sure they are brushing and flossing properly. Help them improve their technique if needed, and praise them for their efforts.
  
  
• Visit the dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Take your child to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, and use these visits as an opportunity to reinforce the importance of good oral hygiene habits.

By following these tips, you can help teach your child good oral hygiene habits and set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Lumineers: The Innovative Solution for Perfect Teeth

If you're looking to achieve a perfect, Hollywood smile without the hassle and pain of traditional dental veneers, Lumineers may be the solution for you. Lumineers are a type of ultra-thin veneers that are placed on top of your existing teeth to give you a brighter, more beautiful smile.

What are Lumineers?

Lumineers are ultra-thin veneers made of a special type of porcelain. Unlike traditional veneers, Lumineers are so thin that they can be applied directly to your teeth without the need for any drilling or removal of tooth enamel. This means that Lumineers are a minimally invasive solution for people who want to improve the appearance of their teeth without undergoing extensive dental work.

How are Lumineers applied?

The process of getting Lumineers is simple and painless. First, your dentist will take a mold of your teeth and send it to the Lumineers laboratory. The laboratory will create a custom set of Lumineers that are designed to fit perfectly over your teeth.

When your Lumineers are ready, your dentist will clean your teeth and then apply a special adhesive to the Lumineers. The Lumineers will then be placed directly onto your teeth and bonded in place using a special curing light. The entire process can be completed in just two visits to your dentist.

What are the benefits of Lumineers?

There are many benefits to choosing Lumineers as your dental veneer solution. First and foremost, Lumineers are a minimally invasive option that doesn't require any drilling or removal of tooth enamel. This means that you won't experience any pain or discomfort during the process of getting Lumineers.

In addition, Lumineers are incredibly durable and can last for up to 20 years with proper care. They are also stain-resistant, so you can enjoy all your favorite foods and drinks without worrying about discoloration or staining.

Perhaps the most significant benefit of Lumineers is the way they can transform your smile. Lumineers can correct a wide range of dental imperfections, including chips, cracks, gaps, and discoloration. With Lumineers, you can achieve a bright, beautiful smile that you'll be proud to show off.

In conclusion, Lumineers are an innovative solution for people who want to improve the appearance of their teeth without undergoing extensive dental work. If you're interested in learning more about Lumineers and whether they are the right option for you, schedule a consultation with your dentist today.

Tips on choosing the best dentist for you

Choosing the right dentist for your needs is one way to give you the best chance of maximizing your oral health.

If you don’t already have a dentist – or want to find one better suited to your needs – here are a few points to consider.

•  Get recommendations from family, friends, neighbors or co-workers
•  Ask your physician or a local pharmacist
•  If you are moving to a different area, ask your current dentist for recommendations in your new location
•  Contact the local or state dental society

You can also use Yellow Pages or the American Dental Association directory at www.ADA.org.

Effective dental care depends on a great relationship between the dentist and the patient so you may want to visit more than one before making your decision.

To help decide if a dentist is right for you, consider:

• Is the office easy to get to from your home or job?
  
  
• Are the staff helpful and friendly?
  
  
• Does the office appear to be clean, tidy and well organized?
  
  
• Is the appointment schedule convenient for you?
  
  
• What arrangements are made for handling emergencies outside of office hours?
  
  
• Does it cater for any special needs you have?

As you’ll need to work closely with your dentist in caring for your oral health, it’s worth taking time to ask questions and take notes to make sure you choose the right one for your needs.

What Should You Do in a Dental Emergency?

In a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is contact your dentist. If you don't have a dentist, you can find one by using online directories or calling a local dental society.

If you're in severe pain, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to relieve the discomfort. However, it's important to see a dentist as soon as possible to address the underlying problem.

If you have knocked out a tooth, it's important to try to find the tooth and to handle it carefully by the crown, not the root. You can rinse the tooth gently with water and try to re-insert it into the socket. If that's not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva and take it with you to the dentist.

In the case of a broken or cracked tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling.

In the case of a lost filling or crown, you can temporarily place a piece of sugarless gum in the cavity to help protect the tooth until you can see a dentist.

Building a strong relationship with your dentist

You’ll give yourself the best chance of good oral health if you build a strong relationship with your dentist.

That can sometimes mean asking the right questions and helping them to assist you in the best way possible.

So you want to make sure you have a dentist who will first of all explain techniques that you should use to help prevent dental health problems. They should be willing to show you step-by-step what you need to do.

You should also choose a dentist who is willing to take time to answer your questions, especially when they are recommending a course of treatment.

If you don’t understand any part of what your dentist recommends, don’t be afraid to ask for more information.

You may want to ask if there are other options to the solution they recommend. For example:

•  How do the options differ in cost?
•  Which solution will last the longest?
•  Do all the options solve the problem?

Ask the dentist which treatments are absolutely necessary, which are elective and Which are cosmetic.

Ask which procedures are urgently needed, and which ones are less urgent. Your dentist will help you prioritize between problems which need immediate attention and those that are less urgent.

Often, treatment can be planned over a period of time but make sure you understand any consequences of delaying treatment.

It’s naturally also important to make sure that you are given full information about fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled.