Why are baby teeth so important? They help your child speak and chew normally. They also help hold spaces for the subsequent adult teeth.
Bruxism (clenching and/or grinding of the teeth) affects millions of Americans. Some people are aware they grind their teeth and some have no idea. Regardless, bruxism can lead to severe wear on the teeth or problems with the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). Typically we recommend a custom made appliance to help protect the teeth, the joint, and even alleviate any pain associated with bruxism. But are their other holistic approaches we can try to help reduce the bruxism? Some studies suggest there is a chance.
Around age 6 your child will begin to see the eruption of their first adult molar teeth. Once they get closer to 12, their next round of molars will come in. Because these teeth have so many pits, fissures and grooves, they are especially susceptible to cavities. To combat the start of tooth decay, we recommend placing sealants as soon as the teeth erupt and your child is able to tolerate the procedure.
Oral cancer can be particularly dangerous because it can go undetected in its early states. This can make dentists the first line of defense in the fight against oral cancer. As the sixth most common cancer, it account for almost 5% of all cases. Over 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer each year and results in over 8,000 deaths. If oropharyngeal cancer is included, the number increases to over 15,000 per year.
UCR charges are the maximum allowable amounts that a particular insurance plan will cover. Even though it sounds like the standard rate for dental care, it is not. The insurance companies can set whatever amount they want for the UCR charges and it may stay the same amount for many years despite inflation. The important thing to remember is if your dental bill is higher than the UCR, it doesn’t mean your dentist has charged too much!
Mini dental implants have recently become an option to help anchor complete and partial dentures. Some dentists like the idea that they can be less invasive and are less likely to get close to nerves or vessels. Patients like mini implants because they cost less than traditional implants. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type and why we should remain cautious about where mini implants are being used.
With school starting again and all of the hustle and bustle to get ready each morning, it can be easy for routine dental care to be forgotten. We want to offer just a few tips to help keep your kids teeth healthy even with a hectic schedule.
Oil pulling is an old remedy that started in India and has been all the rage due to news coverage and social media websites. It requires swishing edible oil (coconut, sesame, or olive) for at least 20 minutes before. The idea is swish until the oil looks white, which allegedly shows that bacteria have been removed from your mouth. While it may eventually prove effective in some cases, most dentals are hesitant to get behind the practice of oil pulling until further legitimate research can be properly done.
The Associated Press has reported that up to 60% of Americans have dental benefits, which is the highest level in decades. But according to Oral Health America, the nation’s older population may be getting left behind. Almost 70% of senior citizens are without dental coverage. We will discuss why many seniors are without dental benefits and what options are available.
If you have a history of cavities or stains on your teeth, it is clear why you need to visit the dentist on a regularly. But for those who seldom have cavities or don’t accumulate a lot stain, you may wonder why we insist on cleanings and exams every six months. Even while there is plenty of studies and vast amounts of data to support six months check-ups, the bottom line is we base our recommendations on early detection and preventative care.
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