Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Dental Fear: Don’t be Afraid of the Dentist or Loose Your Teeth


Fear of the dentist is a problem that many people have and that is very hard to overcome.

This fear normally prevents some people from visiting their dentist and taking good care of their teeth.
The primary way to keep your teeth healthy is to prevent the problems prior to them beginning.
The people who fear dentists will usually quit seeing their dentist, which results in problems.

When a person who fears dentists finally does go to the dentist, they usually find that maybe smallest of complications are critical and lots of work is required in addition to as intervention from their dentist.

In spite of the fact that you may not understand it, having your teeth cleaned often is the best way to keep your teeth healthy, and to prevent problems such as cavities and decay.

It is important that there is trust between the patient and the dentist. Because you are going to be seeing the dentist on a regular basis you want to ensure that you can trust him.
The first time you see the dentist, you should tell him about your uneasiness. He should be willing to discuss it with you or else you need to find a new dentist.

You should tell your dentist up front if you have a fear of dentists. That way, he can work with you to conquer your fear. Sooner or later, you should be able to overcome your fear and have a great relationship with the dentist.

It may take some time but the dentist has to be willing to work with you. Before long, you should be over your fear and happier than ever to visit the dentist.

The fact is that is that many people have a real fear of dentists or of visiting a dental office. This unreasonable fear prevents them from learning how to brush their teeth the proper way, having a root canal, or getting the perfect products for teeth whitening.
In addition, they may lose all of their teeth just because they are afraid to visit a dentist.

Via: Worldental

Monday, September 20, 2010

Don't Let Dental Myths Destroy Your Teeth


Don’t Let Dental Myths Destroy Your Teeth


It’s common knowledge that brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist twice a year are good ways to take care of your teeth. But many aspects of dental care are misunderstood, which prompted a faculty member at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine to share the truth about six common dental myths:

Myth 1: Poor oral health only matters to your mouthTooth decay is the most common childhood disease. Decaying teeth can be painful, which can affect a child’s concentration in school. Mouth pain can make poor nutrition more likely as the child eats foods that are easy to chew which are often lower in nutrients. Long-term problems associated with tooth decay can include thinking and growth problems as well as obesity.

Problems with oral health can begin before a child is even born. During pregnancy, what mom eats can affect how the teeth develop in her baby. Lack of calcium, vitamins D and A, and protein can result in oral defects in the unborn child. Lack of vitamin B6 or B12 may also be a risk factor for cleft lip or cleft palate.

Myth 2: Large amounts of sugar cause tooth decayThe problem with sugar and cavities isn’t the amount of sugar. It’s the length of time the sugar stays in the mouth. Soft drinks and hard candies that dissolve slowly in the mouth are in contact with teeth for longer periods of time, which increases the risk of cavities. Teens who drink a lot of soda are at higher risk of tooth decay. Diet or sugar-free drinks as well as liquids with higher acid content such as lemonade have a lower risk of tooth decay, but may also contribute to the loss of tooth enamel.

Myth 3: It’s okay for baby teeth to decaySome parents are not worried about their child’s baby teeth decaying since those teeth will be replaced by permanent teeth. Unfortunately, the same sugary juices and other foods and drinks that cause tooth decay in baby teeth can also cause problems for permanent teeth. The crowns are the flat surfaces of the larger teeth or molars.

As the permanent teeth develop directly under the baby teeth, the crowns of the permanent teeth can be damaged as the baby teeth decay. In addition, the baby teeth act as place-holders for the larger permanent teeth. If the baby teeth decay and fall out too soon, the permanent teeth may lose their spaces and come in crooked, requiring braces at a later date.

Myth 4: Osteoporosis only affects the bonesOsteoporosis is a condition that results in weak, brittle bones. Some people believe osteoporosis only affects the bones in the spine and hips. In actuality, any bone can be affected by osteoporosis, including the bones in the jaw that hold the teeth in place. Vitamins D and K and calcium are important for the health of the bones in the jaw.

Myth 5: Denture wearers eat betterIt may seem that getting dentures or “false teeth” will improve the diet of people with poor teeth. But dentures that don’t fit well can cause mouth pain and problems chewing that lead to poor food choices that can result in poor nutrition. Dentures should fit correctly to allow wearers to chew. Significant weight gain or loss should trigger a visit to the dentist to have dentures adjusted.

Myth 6: Tooth decay is only a problem for young peopleWhile young people seem more likely to get cavities, there are many oral conditions that can affect adults and seniors. As we age, our gums can pull back from our teeth, resulting in root decay along the base of the teeth. In addition, some common medications including antihistamines, sedatives, antidepressants, and diuretics can reduce the production of saliva leaving the mouth too dry which can lead to oral problems. Saliva works in the mouth to remove bacteria and clean the teeth. Drinking extra water can help ease this problem by rinsing the mouth clean.

Good oral hygiene is important at all stages of life. Brushing, flossing, and annual dental check-ups can limit tooth decay resulting in a reduced risk of a variety of other health concerns.

Source:Science Daily

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Clinical Study Shows Dental Stem Cells Regrow Bone


Clinical study shows dental stem cells regrow bone

NEW YORK--StemSave, a leader in the field of stem cell recovery and cryo-preservation, has lauded research published in the November issue of the European Cells and Materials Journal that cites reconstruction of the human mandible bone with autologous dental pulp stem cells.


StemSave commends Italian researchers from the 2nd University of Naples for their work.

This marks the first time dental stem cell research has moved from the laboratory to human clinical trials. The repair and regeneration of bone is particularly significant for the oral maxillofacial field because the repair of these bones, which aid in orofacial functions like speech, chewing, swallowing and facial expressions, are intricate and complex.

According to Dr. David Matzilevich, MD, PhD, science advisor to StemSave, "These clinical studies are so significant because autologous dental stem cells were expanded in vitro and for the purpose of oro-maxillofacial bone repair. These cells also facilitated the graft, eliminating immunologic complications such as rejection or excessive inflammation. This is compelling because it creates an environment which proves to be more favorable and successful for new mandibular bone to grow.

"This approach," continued Dr. Matzilevich, "also appears superior to current methodologies utilizing cadaverous tissue or grafting tissue from another part of the body. I am very excited that dental stem cells have emerged as critical players in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine now that they have been proven to differentiate into multiple lineages."

Added Art Greco, CEO of StemSave: "This breakthrough clinical study, which uses the patient's own stem cells harvested from their teeth to repair bone, is the first of what we believe will be an expanding number of applications to treat a broad array of disease, trauma and injury. And because dental stem cells are easy to recover as part of routine dental procedures, this represents the first of many upcoming uses in the field of personal and regenerative medicine and supports the wisdom of banking your own stem cells from your teeth.

Source:http://www.dentalindia.com/latnews.html