Snake Venom In Dentistry ?

Snake venom is highly toxic to all humans but a special form of it that has been incorporated into dental glue has promising results allowing faster healing. Gingival Grafts are necessary for people who may have had some trauma as a result of accidents and dentists who have tried out the new glue have been noticing faster healing times compared to traditional suture closed wounds. It has been seen to promote faster tissue repair and thus allows patients to recover faster from dental operations such as grafts, implants and other necessary dental operations. The field of periodontics is undergoing rapid developments that have patients all smiles for they get the smiles they want when they want them .

Dental Emergencies

Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Here are some common dental emergencies and how to deal with them. For all dental emergencies, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Most dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients so be sure to call your dentist and provide as much detail as you can about your condition. If the accident occurs when your dental office is not open, visit your local emergency room. Question: What do I do if I knock out my tooth? Answer: For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, or in milk. Get to your dentist’s office right away. Q: What if I crack my tooth? A: For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down. See your dentist as soon as possible. Q: If I bite my tongue or lip, how do I treat it? A: If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress. See your dentist or go to the emergency room as soon as possible. Q: How do I treat a toothache? A: For toothaches, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between your teeth. Do not put aspirin on your aching tooth or gums; it may burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists, contact your dentist. Q: What if I think my jaw is broken? A: If you think your jaw is broken apply cold compresses to control the swelling. Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency department immediately. Q: How do I remove an object that’s stuck in my mouth or teeth? A: For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with a sharp or pointed instrument. See your dentist or go to the emergency room as soon as possible. Q: How can I avoid a dental emergency? A: There are a number of simple precautions you can take to avoid accident and injury to the teeth: • Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities. • Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth. • Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.

Concerns for Babies and Kids

Anesthesia and Sedation Your dentist might recommend that your child be administered anesthesia or sedation to relax them in order to safely complete some dental procedures. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay You can help prevent your baby from getting cavities or developing what is called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Early Childhood Caries, by beginning an oral hygiene routine within the first few days after birth. Start by cleaning your baby’s mouth by wiping the gums with a clean gauze pad. This helps removes plaque that can harm erupting teeth. When your child's teeth begin to come in, brush them gently with a child's size toothbrush and water. For bottle feedings, place only formula, milk or breast milk inside and avoid using sugary beverages such as juice or soda. Infants should finish their bedtime and naptime bottle before going to bed. Dental Emergencies Accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving and losing your child’s permanent tooth. For all dental emergencies, it’s important to take your child to the dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible. Here are some tips if your child experiences a common dental emergency: • For a knocked-out tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your child’s cheek and gum, or in milk. Call your dentist right away. • For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down. • If your child bites his tongue or lip, clean the area gently and apply a cold compress. • For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues. • For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments. Thumbsucking Sucking is a natural reflex and infants and young children may suck on thumbs, fingers, pacifiers and other objects. It may help them relax or make them feel safe or happy. Most children stop sucking by age 4. If your child continues to thumb suck that after the permanent teeth have come in, it can cause problems with tooth alignment and your child’s bite. The frequency, duration and intensity of a habit will determine whether or not dental problems may result. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs. If you are worried about your child’s sucking habits, talk to your dentist. Space Maintainers Space maintainers help “hold space” for permanent teeth. Your child may need one if he or she loses a baby tooth prematurely, before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. If a primary tooth is lost too early, adult teeth can erupt into the empty space instead of where they should be.When more adult teeth are ready to come into the mouth, there may not be enough room for them because of the lost space. To prevent this from happening, the dentist may recommend a space maintainer to hold open the space left by the missing tooth. Sealants Sealants are a fast and easy way of protecting your child’s teeth that act as barriers to cavity-prone areas. They are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth and sometimes used to cover deep pits and grooves. Sealing a tooth is fast and there is virtually no discomfort. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing but may have to be reapplied if needed. Both primary and permanent teeth can benefit from sealants. Ask your dentist if sealants will help your child. Mouthguards Mouthguards can help protect your child from a dental emergency. They should be worn whenever your child is participating in sports and recreational activities. Mouthguards cushion blows that would otherwise cause broken teeth, injuries to the lips and face and sometimes even jaw fractures. If your child participates in such pastimes, ask your dentist about custom-fitted mouth protectors. Malocclusion Malocclusion, or bad bite, is a condition in which the teeth are crowded, crooked or out of alignment, or the jaws don’t meet properly. This may become particularly noticeable between the ages of 6 and 12, when a child’s permanent teeth are coming in. If not treated early, a bad bite can make it difficult to keep teeth and gums clean where teeth are crooked or crowded, increasing the risk for cavities and gum disease. Bad bites can also: • Affect proper development of the jaws. • Make the protruding teeth at risk for chips and fractures. • Affect eating and speaking. • Make some teeth more likely to wear abnormally or faster than those that are properly aligned.

Nutrition Concerns

A nutritious diet and good oral hygiene routine are important parts of maintaining a healthy life. They become especially important if you lose your health. Eating nutritious food and staying on top of your oral health in the face of illness can make all the difference. Consider these common concerns about the impact of nutrition and oral health when dealing with disease and its symptoms: Cancer and Dental Health Good oral care is always important but it can be especially critical when someone is being treated for cancer. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, one-third of cancer patients develop complications that affect the mouth. Chemotherapy and radiation therapies can cause issues with eating and affect your mouth in other ways, too. For example, chemotherapy treatment sometimes causes painful mouth and throat sores. More critically, since chemotherapy lowers your immunity defenses, the natural bacteria that live in your mouth can easily infect these sores. Once infected, the sores can be difficult to heal, so it’s important to do everything you can to prevent them from happening in the first place. If you get mouth sores, try these tips to make eating easier and speed healing: • Eat soft or pureed foods, like mashed potatoes, pureed or cream soup, scrambled eggs, yogurt, cooked cereal, pudding and custard, cottage cheese, macaroni and cheese, and milk shakes. • Avoid tart, salty, spicy and acidic foods and drinks. • Choose cool or room temperature foods. • Blend and moisten dry or solid foods. • Drink through a straw to bypass mouth sores. • Eat high protein, high calorie foods to speed up healing time. For example, add protein powder to milk shakes or powdered dry milk to fortify mashed potatoes and soups. During cancer treatment, your mouth or throat may also become dry and irritated, or your saliva may thicken, making it difficult to swallow. To help ease the pain: • Drink lots of liquids to help loosen mucous. • Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugar-free candy to stimulate saliva production. Don’t chew ice; it can damage your teeth. • Eat soft, bland foods that are either room temperature or are cold. Puree fruits and veggies, try frozen ice pops or slushies, or soft cooked chicken, beef or fish. • Moisten dry foods with soup, broth, gravy, butter or margarine, or sauce. Dip or soak your food in what you’re drinking. Oral Care Tips • Two weeks prior to beginning chemotherapy, have your teeth cleaned and have any procedures completed, such as filling cavities, treating gum disease or fixing dentures. • Brush your teeth and gums. • Ask your dentist about using a daily fluoride rinse to help prevent dental caries. Avoid using most mouthwashes, since they typically contain irritants like alcohol that can make mouth sores even more painful. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist for suggestions on mild mouthwash options. • If you develop mouth sores, tell your doctor, since you need to treat them. This is particularly important if they are keeping you from eating. • Visit MedlinePlus, the National Institutes of Health’s website, for more information

Food Tips

You know that what you eat directly impacts your health, and that includes the health of your teeth and gums. But it can work the other way around too. If you have an orthodontic appliance, such as braces, or have had certain dental problems or procedures, the health and comfort of your teeth and gums can directly impact what you eat. Here are some tips for what to eat and how to avoid these common dental issues ; Braces Problems Chewing Problems Swallowing Dry Mouth Canker Sores Oral Surgery and Implants Braces Braces are delicate, and any foods that are sticky, chewy or hard can easily cause them to break, including: • ice • nuts • popcorn • hard candy • gum • chewy candy like caramel or gummi bears • whole hard fruit like apples and pears and hard, raw veggies like carrots • corn on the cob • hard pretzels • peanut brittle • pizza crust • hard rolls or bagels • ribs Any food that you need to bite into to eat is prime for breaking braces. You can get around this by cutting the food, such as corn off the cob or rib meat off the bone, or slicing apples and chopping carrots into small, bite-size pieces. You may also experience problems eating after your braces are tightened–teeth may feel sore. The first few days are the worst, so try eating softer foods like those listed below until the soreness passes: • scrambled eggs • oatmeal • soup with soft vegetables or pureed or cream soups • soft cheeses, including cottage cheese • smoothies and milkshakes • pudding and custard • meatloaf • mashed potatoes • sorbet and frozen yogurt • tortillas (soften by microwaving or steaming) • yogurt • soft-cooked, shredded chicken and meat • protein shakes • tofu • ripe fruits, such as peaches and nectarines, cut into bite-size pieces • couscous, quinoa, bulgur, soft-cooked rice • pasta and noodles • polenta • baked apples • peanut butter • chicken or tuna salad • refried beans • avocado • applesauce • macaroni and cheese • pancakes • soft bread • saltines and matzoh • mashed bananas • cooked veggies • hummus • canned or cooked fruit Problems Chewing Chewing problems may be caused by tooth loss, gum disease, cavities and ill-fitting dentures, so your first step should be a visit to your dentist to help determine the cause of your problem. Meanwhile, eating soft foods (see tips for braces) can you help maintain your nutrients until you can see your dentist. Problems Swallowing Swallowing problems can occasionally happen, but if it persists, talk to your doctor since it could be related to something serious. Causes of swallowing issues vary and treatment depends on what is causing the problem. If you are having trouble swallowing, to prevent choking and aspiration avoid these foods: • alcoholic beverages • extremely hot foods and beverages • caffeine • spicy foods • popcorn • bran cereal • nuts • cottage cheese (unless pureed) • skins of fruits • celery • dry, crumbly, or sticky foods (such as bread, cake, peanut butter, banana) Depending on level of swallowing difficulty, the following foods may be included in the diet. These foods are grouped into four different categories: • Thin liquids that dissolve quickly in the mouth such as frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelatin and broth. • Nectar-like liquids where liquid coats and drips off a spoon such as nectars, milkshakes, cream soup and vegetable juices. • Honey-like liquids that flow off a spoon in a ribbon like in yogurt, tomato sauce and honey. • Spoon-thick liquids that are thickened to pudding consistency such as pudding, custard or hot cereal. Dry Mouth Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. If you have dry mouth, talk to your dentist or doctor. Dry mouth can be a sign of certain diseases or can be caused by certain medications or the result of medical treatments. If you have dry mouth: • don’t use tobacco or drink alcohol • drink water regularly—with and between meals • avoid drinks that contain caffeine such as colas, coffee and tea since it can dry out your mouth • chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to stimulate saliva flow • avoid spicy or salty foods if they cause pain in your mouth Canker Sores There is no cure for canker sores but you may be able to reduce how often you get them by avoiding foods that irritate your mouth. Spicy foods, acidic foods like pickles and sauerkraut, and citrus fruits can cause irritation. If you have canker sores, help ease discomfort by eating bland foods until your sores heal, such as: • low-fat milk and other dairy foods • cooked, canned and frozen vegetables • mashed potatoes (fortify by mixing in powdered milk to boost nutrition) • cooked or canned fruit, including applesauce • hot cereals like oatmeal and cream of wheat (make with milk instead of water to boost nutrition) • soft cooked and shredded chicken, beef and pork • creamy-style peanut butter • pudding and custard • scrambled or fried eggs • tofu • soup Oral Surgery and Implants Your nutrition and dietary needs following oral surgery or getting implants depends on factors including your nutritional status prior to your procedure, the extent of your procedure, how much impact there is on oral function and how long your recovery is expected to last. A liquid or soft foods diet may be required for a few days or longer, until your mouth heals. Opt for nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods and lean meats, eggs and beans whenever possible since they provide vitamins, minerals and nutrients needed for healing, including zinc, protein, and vitamins A and C. Try these foods: • scrambled eggs • oatmeal or cream of wheat (make with milk instead of water to boost nutrition) • soup with soft vegetables or pureed or cream soups • soft cheeses, including cottage cheese • smoothies and milkshakes • pudding and custard • meatloaf • mashed potatoes (fortify by mixing in powdered milk to boost nutrition • sorbet and frozen yogurt • tortillas (soften by microwaving or steaming) • yogurt • soft-cooked, shredded chicken and meat • protein shakes • tofu • ripe fruits, cut into pieces like peaches and nectarines • couscous, quinoa, bulgur, soft-cooked rice • pasta and noodles • polenta • baked apples • peanut butter • chicken or tuna salad • refried or mashed canned beans • avocado • applesauce • macaroni and cheese • pancakes • soft bread • saltines and matzoh • mashed bananas • cooked veggies, like carrots, squash, green beans, spinach and other greens • spinach soufflé • hummus • canned or cooked fruit

Americans Score A "D"

Americans need a serious brush-up when it comes to their oral health , according to American Dental Association's(ADA) survey results released recently . On avergae , Americans scored a D on a series of true or false questions ranging from how to brush and what age should a child first visit a dentist to what causes cavities . The results include 90% of the respondants mistakenly believe they should brush after every meal , while the ADA recommends only twice a day ; 65% mistakenly believe they should replace their toothbrush twice a year , while the ADA recommends every 3 months ; 75% don't know what age to take their child to the denitst for the first time , while the ADA recommends within 6 months after the first tooth appears ; 81% mistakenly think that sugar causes cavities , while its really germs in the mouth that feed on sugar , then produce acid that attacks tooth enamel .To take the survey your self and test your dental IQ go to www.mouthhealthy.org

Fish Oil For Your Gums

Australian researchers have studied using fish oil as an adjunct therapy for patients with gum disease . They have been using a combination of fish oil and asprin , the long chain fatty acids , at a dosage of 50mg as the suggested dietary target in patients diets . The 500mg equates to approximately 2 fatty fish meals per week . It is not certain at this point if just fish oil alone is as effective as the combination but continued reaserch is on the way.

Dental Concerns With Adults Age 40-60

Gum disease The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, which is the only stage that is reversible. If not treated, gingivitis may lead to a more serious, destructive form of gum/periodontal disease called periodontitis. It is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are so important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Missing Teeth Did you know that the average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has three or more decayed or missing teeth? If you are missing one or more teeth, there are plenty of reasons to correct the problem. For one thing, a large space between your teeth may affect how you speak or eat. Even if it’s not noticeable, a missing molar can affect how you chew. Remaining teeth may shift and in some cases, bone loss can occur around a missing tooth. With today’s advances, you don’t have to suffer from missing teeth. Here are some options to replace a lost tooth or teeth. Talk to your dentist about which option is best for you: • Bridges. Anchored to your adjacent teeth, these can be removable or fixed, depending on your mouth, your dentist’s recommendation and your needs. • Dentures. An option if you’ve lost all or most of your teeth. • Implants. Most similar to a natural tooth. Sensitivity If hot or cold foods make you wince, you may have a common dental problem—sensitive teeth. Sensitivity in your teeth can happen for several reasons, including: • tooth decay (cavities) • fractured teeth • worn fillings • gum disease • worn tooth enamel • exposed tooth root Sensitive teeth can be treated. Your dentist may recommend desensitizing toothpaste or an alternative treatment based on the cause of your sensitivity. Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain. Ask your dentist if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity. Dry mouth Everyone’s mouth can be dry sometimes, but if you feel like your mouth is always dry, it may be time to seek treatment. Medications and certain health conditions can lead to dry mouth. A dentist will check your teeth for signs of decay that can result from decreased salivary flow. A physician will test for any underlying disease or conditions that may be causing your dry mouth. Having a dry mouth is not itself serious but taking care of your teeth and gums and regular dental visits are important when living with dry mouth. Without the cleansing effects of saliva, tooth decay and other oral health problems become more common. Patients using oral inhalers for asthma often develop oral candidiasis, an oral fungal infection, and are encouraged to rinse their mouths with water after using the inhaler. Tell your dentist what medications you are taking and any other information about your health that may help identify the cause of your dry mouth. Oropharyngeal Cancer Ororpharyngeal cancer can affect any area of the oropharyngeal cavity including the lips, gum tissue, check lining, tongue, jaw the hard or soft palate and throat. It often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore or swelling anywhere in the mouth or throat. During your dental visit, your dentist can talk to you about your health history and examine these areas for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer. Regular visits to your dentist can improve the chances that any suspicious changes in your oral health will be caught early, at a time when cancer can be treated more easily. The symptoms of mouth or throat cancer can include: • sores that bleed easily or do not heal • a thick or hard spot or lump • a roughened or crusted area • numbness, pain or tenderness • a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down. Make sure to tell your dentist about any problems you have when chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your tongue or jaw. Regular dental check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions.