Important Oral Health Considerations For Women

Women can attribute bloating, irritability, moodiness, and the occasional hot flash or emotional outburst to hormones. But, according to an article in the May 2009 issue of AGD Impact, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) monthly newsmagazine, the state of one's oral health is hormone-dependant as well.

Hormonal changes occur throughout a woman's life, and related to these hormonal changes are changes in oral health. Puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause all can have an effect on a woman's oral health.

During puberty, fluctuations in hormones can make gums more susceptible to gingivitis. As a result, the gums may appear red and swollen, and they can bleed. During menstruation, women who have a tendency to develop canker sores and cold sores may develop a pattern in which these sores recur during every menstrual cycle.

During pregnancy, gingivitis may develop. In fact, gingivitis is the most common oral condition associated with being pregnant. Also during pregnancy, the chemical composition of saliva changes, thus reducing saliva's antimicrobial capacity. Sometimes, however, women will avoid dental checkups for fear that treatment might harm the developing baby. In fact, untreated decayed teeth can put a mother and her baby at risk for infection.

Some women also experience dry mouth while pregnant. "Since too little saliva can make you prone to cavity formation, it's important to alert your dentist to this symptom," says AGD spokesperson Gigi Meinecke, DDS, FAGD. "Frequent sips of water and using toothpaste which does not contain sodium laurel sulfate, a drying agent, can help. It's important to avoid mouth rinses containing alcohol as they can be very drying as well," she adds.

Menopause can be accompanied by a number of oral conditions. "Symptoms can include dry mouth, altered taste perception, pain, and burning sensations, says Dr. Meinecke. "Patients with these symptoms should see their dentist to rule out any other cause for their condition as well as receive recommendations for treatment," she adds.

Together, a patient and his or her dentist can create a treatment and prevention plan that specifically meets their needs. For more information about women's oral health, visit www.knowyourteeth.com.

Types of eating disorders:  

• Anorexia nervosa  
• Bulimia nervosa  
• Binge eating disorder  
• Food addiction  
• Pica

Article Source: http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=W&iid=341&aid=5512

If you are looking for a dentist in the South Bay, please do no hesitate to contact

South Bay Dental Solutions. We are located in Manhattan Beach, CA and provide all general and cosmetic dental services.

South Bay Dental Solutions

1213 Manhattan Avenue  

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 545-5910

Follow us on Twitter: @mbteeth 

www.southbaydentalsolutions.com

What Foods Cause Tooth Decay In Children?

Many different types of food can cause tooth decay in children, not just candy. Foods that are high in carbohydrates, as well as some fruits, juices and sodas, peanut butter, crackers and potato chips are culprits. Factors that cause tooth decay include the frequency in which the foods are eaten and the time they remain as particles in the mouth. 

Are children safe from soda and other beverages?

Dentists believe that kids who consume too much soda and not enough nutritional beverages are prone to tooth decay in addition to serious ailments later in life, such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Drinking carbonated soft drinks regularly can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel.  Enamel breakdown leads to cavities. If erosion spreads beneath the enamel, pain and sensitivity may eventually result. This can cause nerve infection, which can result in the need for a root canal. 

My children rarely drink soda. Are they still at risk for tooth decay?

Yes. Any prolonged exposure to soda can cause damage. Sipping a soft drink all afternoon is more harmful to your teeth than drinking a large soda with a meal and then not drinking any soda for the rest of the day. While many dentists advocate drinking nutritional beverages, such as milk, many agree soda should be consumed from a can rather than a bottle with a replaceable cap to discourage prolonged exposure to soda.

How can children prevent damage to their teeth?

Children at school should rinse their mouth with water after meals, leaving their teeth free of sugar and acid. Children also should seek sources of fluoridation. If you purchase bottled water, be sure that it is fluoridated. Encourage children to drink tap or fountain water. Use a straw when drinking soda to keep sugar away from teeth. Remember, bottled juices are not a good alternative due to the high sugar content. Regular dental checkups, combined with brushing with fluoride toothpaste, also will help protect children's teeth.

How can I help my child prevent tooth decay?

Parents should take their child to the dentist just after the first tooth appears. Brushing teeth after meals, regular flossing and fluoride treatments are the best ways to prevent tooth decay. Children should also be supervised as they brush. A good rule of thumb is that when children can dress themselves and tie their own shoes, then they are ready to brush unsupervised. Children should be supervised in proper flossing techniques until the age of 10. If you have any concerns about your child's dental health or want some tips on preventing tooth decay, ask your dentist.

Article Source: http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=N&iid=316&aid=1282

If you are looking for a dentist in the South Bay, please do no hesitate to contact

South Bay Dental Solutions. We are located in Manhattan Beach, CA and provide all general and cosmetic dental services.

South Bay Dental Solutions

1213 Manhattan Avenue  

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 545-5910

Follow us on Twitter: @mbteeth 

www.southbaydentalsolutions.com

Men's Oral Health

Men are less likely than women to take care of their physical health and, according to surveys and studies, their oral health is equally ignored. Good oral health recently has been linked with longevity. Yet, one of the most common factors associated with infrequent dental checkups is just being male. Men are less likely than women to seek preventive dental care and often neglect their oral health for years, visiting a dentist only when a problem arises. When it comes to oral health, statistics show that the average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day and will lose 5.4 teeth by age 72. If he smokes, he can plan on losing 12 teeth by age 72. Men are also more likely to develop oral and throat cancer and periodontal (gum) disease.

Why is periodontal disease a problem? 

Periodontal disease is a result of plaque, which hardens into a rough, porous substance called tartar. The acids produced and released by bacteria found in tartar irritate gums. These acids cause the breakdown of fibers that anchor the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets that fill with even more bacteria. Researchers have found a connection between gum disease and cardiovascular disease, which can place people at risk for heart attacks and strokes. See your dentist if you have any of these symptoms:

• Bleeding gums during brushing
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or separating teeth

Do you take medications?

Since men are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, they also are more likely to be on medications that can cause dry mouth. If you take medication for the heart or blood pressure, or if you take antidepressants, your salivary flow could be inhibited, increasing the risk for cavities. Saliva helps to reduce the cavity-causing bacteria found in your mouth.

Do you use tobacco?

If you smoke or chew, you have a greater risk for gum disease and oral cancer. Men are affected twice as often as women, and 95 percent of oral cancers occur in those over 40 years of age.

The most frequent oral cancer sites are the tongue, the floor of the mouth, soft palate tissues in back of the tongue, lips and gums. If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain, loss of function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurement following surgery and even death. More than 8,000 people die each year from oral and pharyngeal diseases. If you use tobacco, it is important to see a dentist frequently for cleanings and to ensure your mouth remains healthy. Your general dentist can perform a thorough screening for oral cancer.

Do you play sports?

If you participate in sports, you have a greater potential for trauma to your mouth and teeth. If you play contact sports, such as football, soccer, basketball and even baseball, it is important to use a mouthguard, which is a flexible appliance made of plastic that protects teeth from trauma. If you ride bicycles or motorcycles, wear a helmet.

Taking care of your teeth 

To take better care of your oral health, it is important to floss daily, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily and visit your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings. Here are some tips to better dental health:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach every surface of each tooth. If the bristles on your toothbrush are bent or frayed, buy a new one.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months or after you've been sick.
• Choose a toothpaste with fluoride. This can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40 percent.
• Brush properly. To clean the outside surfaces of your teeth, position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion using short, gentle strokes. To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle strokes over each tooth and its surrounding gum tissue. Spend at least three minutes brushing.
• Floss properly. Gently insert floss between teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or snap it into place. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and then the other.

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If you are looking for a dentist in the South Bay, please do no hesitate to contact

South Bay Dental Solutions. We are located in Manhattan Beach, CA and provide all general and cosmetic dental services.

South Bay Dental Solutions

1213 Manhattan Avenue  

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 545-5910

Follow us on Twitter: @mbteeth 

www.southbaydentalsolutions.com

What To Do In A Dental Emergency

Toothache

Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you use aspirin directly on the aching tooth or gum.  In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area and contact our office immediately. For temporary pain relief, ibuprofen is recommended.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room. Sometimes a wrung out teabag can be used as a compress, the caffeine in the tea helps control the bleeding.

Broken Tooth

Rinse the area with warm water, typically cold temperatures will annoy a fractured tooth. Recover any broken tooth fragments. Get immediate dental attention.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Recover the tooth and make sure to hold it by the crown only, not the root end. Rinse with saline or milk, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth until you get to the dental office. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water. Because time is critical, see a dentist immediately.

Cold or Canker Sores

Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist, warm salt water rinses can be helpful.

Article Source: www.southbaydentalsolution.com

If you are looking for a dentist in the South Bay, please do no hesitate to contact

South Bay Dental Solutions. We are located in Manhattan Beach, CA and provide all general and cosmetic dental services.

South Bay Dental Solutions

1213 Manhattan Avenue  

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 545-5910

Follow us on Twitter: @mbteeth 

www.southbaydentalsolutions.com