If you visit your dentist on a regular basis for dental exams and professional cleanings, chances are that you have reaped the benefits provided by a trained oral hygienist. These dental professionals are an important part of the oral health care team, and make huge contributions to keeping patients’ teeth and gums healthy. If you have an interest in becoming a dental hygienist, or if you are just curious about what kind of training and background your hygienist has likely gone through, here are a few facts you should know about what it takes to become a dental hygienist.

• Education: Hygienists attend courses offered by a variety of different educational institutions, including universities, dental schools, community colleges and technical colleges. Hygienist courses offered by community colleges typically require at least two years to complete, and when they are done, the students receive associate degrees. This is often enough to enable a graduate to become licensed and go to work in a dentist’s office. Hygienists who want a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in their field need at least four years of higher education. Specific requirements for admission to a hygienist program vary greatly depending on the school.
• Experience: Part of the coursework included in any accredited dental hygiene program involves the student working with patients under the supervision of an instructor. This is a necessary part of any program, since the student will need a sufficient amount of actual experience prior to graduation, obtaining a license, and beginning work in a dental office. So you can rest assured that any student who has graduated from an accredited program will have had a sufficient amount of actual experience before graduating.
• Licensure: Each state requires that a dental hygienist be licensed within that state before he or she can work there as a professional hygienist. Before she can be licensed, a hygienist typically needs a degree from an accredited dental hygiene program, a passing score on the licensing exam given by that specific state, as well as a passing score on the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.
• “R.D.H.” designation: Once a person is successful in graduating from an accredited program and obtaining a license from the state in which she plans to work, she can use the initials “R.D.H.” after her name. This indicates that she is a Registered Dental Hygienist.

Hygienists are educated, trained, professional members of our dental health care community. The job they do on a regular basis is to remove plaque and tartar buildup on teeth, as well as to assist the dentist in the early detection of gum disease. So never underestimate the important role that your hygienist plays in your good oral health!

Habitually clenching or grinding your teeth while you’re asleep or awake is called “bruxism.” If you do this once in a while, it doesn’t pose a problem. But if you do it a lot, it can cause a variety of serious issues, including jaw pain and headaches, as well as teeth that are worn, broken or even loose. Bruxism can also damage existing dental restorations and appliances such as bridges, dentures, crowns and implants.

Now for the good news: there are effective remedies that will help you to stop grinding your teeth. Here are some of those:

• Relieving stress – One of the leading causes of bruxism is stress, so taking steps to reduce your level of anxiety and stress can reduce the amount of time you spend grinding or clenching your teeth. There are a variety of ways to reduce stress, including regular exercise or enjoying a warm bath before bed, for example. Talk to your dentist or doctor for more ideas on how to alleviate stress.
• Be aware of your habits while you’re awake – If you habitually clench your teeth while you’re awake, stay aware of this bad habit and make a conscious effort to keep your teeth apart when your mouth is closed. Simply being aware of habits, and making the effort to stop the bad ones, can make a huge difference.
• Wearing a night guard – Talk to your dentist about night guards. These are appliances designed to be worn at night while you’re asleep. They keep the teeth separated and help to open up the airway in the back of the mouth. Your dentist can create a custom-fit night guard that will help protect your teeth if you grind them at night.
• Relax your jaw – Applying a warm wet cloth to your jaw, or gently massaging the area in and around your jaw before you go to bed, can help ease the tension in the jaw muscle. This will help to reduce jaw clenching while you sleep, and may also help to alleviate any discomfort in the jaw that is a result of teeth grinding and clenching.

If you suffer from bruxism, talk to your doctor or dentist. This condition can be effectively treated, often by using a combination of techniques designed to protect your teeth and alleviate the stress that may be the reason behind the habit to begin with. The first step is to have an honest, candid discussion with your healthcare providers.

Most of us know to avoid foods like candy and other sugary treats to reduce our risk of developing tooth decay. But you may not know that the wrong beverages can also compromise your oral health. Here are a few tips on which drinks are tooth-friendly and which ones are not.

Tooth-Friendly Drinks

• Water: Believe it or not, plain old water is great for your oral health. If it’s fluoridated, which is the case in many cities across the US, it’s even better. Water not only helps rinse away any leftover food particles; it also helps to restore the pH balance inside your mouth. If you’re drinking fluoridated water, that fluoride helps to fight tooth decay.
• Milk: You may not be surprised to learn that drinking milk is great for your oral health. The calcium in dairy products helps to strengthen teeth, and a protein called casein fights cavities.
• Vegetable juice: The vitamins contained in veggies are great for your teeth and gums. Just make sure that the vegetable juice you choose is low in sugar.

Drinks that are NOT Tooth-Friendly

• Sodas: Many of us have heard about how bad sugary sodas are for our overall health. But they’re also bad for our teeth and gums. In fact, it’s fair to say that sugary sodas are the worst thing you could drink when it comes to your oral health. Not only does the sugar contribute to higher risk of tooth decay, but the acidity in carbonated sodas eats away at the enamel on your teeth.
• Fruit juice: If you think that fruit juice is healthy, think again. Many packaged juices have high levels of sugar. That, combined with the acidity of the fruit, wreaks havoc with your teeth and gums. If you choose to drink fruit juice, just do so in moderation and select a brand with no added sugar.
• Sports drinks: Equally bad for your teeth as soda and fruit juice are sports drinks. Most of these beverages are extremely high in sugar and salt. Sports drinks increase your risk of tooth decay and can damage your enamel if you drink them often.

If you’re trying to eat foods that contribute to healthy teeth and gums, good for you! But don’t forget that what you drink can have just as much of an impact on your oral health as what you eat. Be sure to choose your drinks carefully and remember: water, milk and veggie juice are the best!

If you are experiencing some level of pain, discomfort, or some other symptom related to your teeth and gums that you may not notice on a regular basis, it can be hard to decide if and when to contact the dentist. Naturally, if something is wrong, you want your dentist to treat it as soon as possible. But how do you know for sure whether or not you need to make a trip to the dental office? To help you make that determination, we’ve compiled 8 signs that indicate it’s time to call your dentist.

• You have a bad toothache. This is usually an indication of tooth decay – or, even worse, an abscessed tooth — so you should call your dentist before the decay gets worse.
• You’re suddenly sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. Sudden sensitivity – particularly in or around a certain tooth — can mean tooth decay, so you’ll want to call your dentist to schedule an appointment for a filling, crown or root canal (whichever is necessary).
• Your gums start to bleed when you brush and/or floss. This can be an early sign of gum disease, and the earlier you catch it, the easier it is to treat. Call the dentist.
• You have a bad taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath that you can’t get rid of. This could be anything from tooth decay to chronic dry mouth to gum disease. Your dentist can help determine what the problem is and how to treat it.
• Your jaw hurts when you chew food or open your mouth wide. This could indicate TMJ disorder, which is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint in your jaw. There are ways to treat this condition, and your dentist may be able to help.
• Your mouth feels dry all the time. You may be suffering from chronic dry mouth, a condition that can usually be easily treated, so you should schedule an appointment with your dentist.
• You have other health issues. If you have diabetes, heart disease or an eating disorder like bulimia, for example, it can definitely impact your oral health. In fact, if you have any other ongoing medical problems, schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss how the other issues may impact your teeth and gums.
• You haven’t seen a dentist in more than 6 months. Everyone should see their dentist twice a year for professional exams and cleanings. If you have seen your dentist in over 6 months, call to schedule an appointment today.

While it’s true that you don’t want to call your dentist at every provocation, when in doubt – particularly if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort – you should make an appointment just to be on the safe side.

Enamel is the hard outer layer of a tooth. Although enamel is quite strong, it’s not indestructible. And once it’s gone, it doesn’t grow back. Generally speaking, there are two types of enamel erosion that you might experience:

• Intrinsic erosion occurs when the enamel is weakened due to exposure to gastric acid. This is particularly common in people who suffer from acid reflux or bulimia, for example.
• Extrinsic erosion is the more common form. It takes place when teeth are exposed to too many acidic foods and beverages, such as sugary desserts, fruit drinks, citrus fruits, diet sodas, and wine, to name a few.
  Whether you suffer from intrinsic or extrinsic erosion, there are several symptoms that may indicate the enamel of your teeth is eroded, including the following:
• Increased tooth sensitivity – One of the most important functions of tooth enamel is to protect the dentin layer of the tooth. When the enamel is eroded, it can result in dentin being exposed to the outside environment, foods, and beverages. This can result in an increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, as well as to extremely sweet foods and even the outside air temperature.
• Discolored teeth – When the enamel is weakened and more dentin is exposed, the surface of the tooth becomes discolored. People with eroded enamel often have a yellowish tinge to their teeth. And because teeth whitening products are effective only on the enamel layer, the yellow hue of the dentin cannot be changed by whitening your teeth.
• The transparent tooth edges – If the enamel of your teeth is weakened, you might also notice that the edges begin to look almost transparent.

While it’s true that enamel can’t grow back once it’s gone, it is possible to prevent further erosion from occurring. This involves treating the underlying cause of the erosion. If it’s intrinsic, you’ll need to seek help to treat the acid reflux, bulimia, or whatever other condition is causing your teeth to be exposed to gastric acids. If you have extrinsic erosion, your dentist will likely recommend that you eliminate or limit your intake of acidic foods and beverages.

If your teeth are discolored due to eroded enamel, there are some options that will not only help protect your teeth but also restore them to their white appearance. Ask your dentist about treatments such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding, both of which involve the application of an extremely thin yet strong dental material to each tooth surface.
If you notice any signs of eroded enamel, talk to your dentist to find out more about your treatment options.

It’s an unfortunate fact of life: the vast majority of kids get cavities. As inevitable as that may be, as parents we all want to protect our children as much as possible from the unpleasant aspects of life – and that includes tooth decay. You may not be able to ensure that your little one will never get a cavity, but there are some steps you can take to help reduce their chances of developing tooth decay. What follows are some helpful dental tips for you and your family.

• Start cleaning your baby’s teeth right away. Even before he or she starts teething, be sure to wipe a clean, damp washcloth over their gums to remove any leftover formula and prevent harmful bacteria from developing.
• Take your child to the dentist for the first time by the age of one. This may sound early, but it’s what is recommended by the American Dental Association, and it helps get your little one accustomed to visits to the dentist. It also gives your dentist the opportunity to identify and resolve any potential dental issues early on.
• Use an infant toothbrush. Once your baby starts to develop teeth, brush them twice a day using an infant toothbrush and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste. And when we say tiny, we mean it – use a dab the size of a grain of rice.
• Begin flossing early on as well. When your baby’s teeth begin to touch each other, it’s time to floss between them once a day.
• Increase the amount of fluoride toothpaste you use when your little one turns into a toddler. Use a pea-sized portion for brushing your toddler’s teeth. You should also start teaching them how to spit out toothpaste at this age, which will help get them ready to brush their own teeth later on.
• Supervise your older kids. When your kids are capable of brushing and flossing on their own, be sure to supervise them while they do it each day. This will ensure: a) that they are actually brushing and flossing; b) that they are doing it correctly and thoroughly; and c) that they’re not swallowing toothpaste.

In addition to practicing a regular oral hygiene routine at home, regular trips to the dentist are essential to help protect your kids from developing tooth decay. Professional cleanings will remove plaque and tartar buildup, which are precursors to cavities. And if your child is particularly prone to developing decay, your dentist can recommend procedures that may help – such as fluoride treatments or a sealant, for example.

As parents, we may not be able to ensure that our kids never get a cavity. But we can, at least, reduce their chances for developing cavities by following these simple guidelines.

If you’ve ever yearned for a perfect-looking smile – the kind we see celebrities flashing across our TV and computer screens – the answer may be more attainable than you could have ever imagined. Many famous people with the smiles we all envy have undergone a dental service that is offered by countless dentists all around the US: porcelain veneers. This amazing dental technology is not only readily available at most dentists’ office; it’s also remarkably easy, quick and painless.

A veneer consists of an extremely thin layer of porcelain that is applied directly over the patient’s natural tooth surface. The procedure involves the dentist preparing the surface of the tooth, then applying the veneer using a long-lasting adhesive. In most cases, the entire process can be completed in a single trip to the dentist’s office. And the results are amazing! Veneers are incredibly effective in covering minor flaws in teeth, including stains, spots, chips, gaps, uneven lengths, minor misalignments and tiny cracks, to name a few.

While it’s true that veneers can be damaged, the material is surprisingly strong and durable. In fact, if you take some precautions and care for your teeth by visiting your dentist regularly and practicing a daily oral hygiene routine at home, your dental veneers could last as long as 15 or even 20 years. If the veneer on a tooth does become worn or damaged, it can easily be replaced.

Veneers are a great way to protect your natural teeth since they are not easily damaged, stained or scratched.

Before you reach for the phone to call your dentist, we do have some important reminders about veneers. This service is usually (although not always) considered to be a cosmetic dental procedure, which means that your dental insurance may not cover it. If you have any significant dental issues – such as gum disease or cavities, for example – those problems will need to be resolved before you can have veneers applied. Veneers are intended for adult teeth and are not recommended for children or teenagers whose teeth are still developing. While veneers may be effective in covering minor misalignment defects, they are not a replacement for orthodontic appliances, so teeth that are quite crooked will need to be straightened with braces or aligner trays.

Talk to your dentist for more information and to find out if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Thanks to modern dental technology, your movie star smile could be only a phone call away!

One of the easiest ways to enjoy a more beautiful smile is with teeth whitening. In fact, it can be as easy as making a trip to your local drug store or supermarket to choose any one of a variety of over-the-counter whitening products. But before you invest in one of these whiteners, you should know that OTC products are never as effective as having your teeth whitened by your dentist, who will not only use a stronger whitening agent, but also create a custom-made tray that will deliver that product evenly across the surface of every tooth.

But whether you choose an over-the-counter product or decide to have your teeth whitened by your dentist, you should know that you may experience some side effects from whitening. For most people, these side effects are short-lived and relatively mild, but others might experience more intense side effects. It all depends on your teeth and gums, as well as the current state of your oral health. So before you go through with the process, here are some important reminders about what you might experience after whitening.

• Increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks: For most patients, the sensitivity is minor and only lasts for a brief period of time. But if you have sensitive teeth to begin with, you could experience more than minor discomfort, and it may last longer than you expect it to.
• Sore throat: Although this is a relatively rare side effect, some people do experience a slightly sore throat after the whitening procedure. This typically goes away within a few hours.
• Pain in the front teeth: This side effect usually occurs during the whitening process and goes away as soon as the procedure is done.
• Bluish tinge on teeth: If you use whitening products too frequently, you could over-whiten your teeth, and that will make them look slightly blue.Although significant side effects from whitening are extremely rare, they do happen, which is all the more reason to visit a dentist to have your teeth whitened. Your dentist will use only the most trusted and proven effective whitening products and will be careful to protect your gums and teeth to minimize sensitivity issues. Your dentist will also review your dental history and make an assessment with regard to the current state of your overall oral health, so he or she can help you decide whether or not whitening your teeth is the best choice for you.

An endodontist is a dental professional who specializes in root canal treatments. A root canal is a procedure where the nerves and pulp of a tooth are removed, which is usually required if an infection exists and it has spread to these areas of the tooth. Although many dentists perform root canals, some do not. Those who don’t typically perform root canals will refer their patients to an endodontist for treatment. But there are those situations where even a dentist who is experienced in root canals may recommend that a patient visit an endodontist for treatment. What follows are some of those situations.

• Lack of experience: Although many dentists offer root canals as one of the services they provide to their patients, most don’t actually perform root canals very often. If a dentist doesn’t feel comfortable with his or her level of experience with this procedure, the dentist may refer the patient to an endodontist for treatment.
• Complexity: The complexity of a root canal procedure varies from one patient to the next. If a general dentist comes across a patient who requires a complicated root canal, he or she may feel more comfortable referring that patient to an endodontist – even if the dentist has significant experience performing more routine root canals.
• Availability: If a root canal needs to be done right away, as is often the case when the infected tooth is creating a great deal of pain or discomfort for the patient, an endodontist is sometimes recommended. Because these dental professionals focus solely on root canals and not on general dentistry, they are usually more capable of adjusting their schedules to get the patient in right away.
• Technology: Because endodontists specialize in root canal treatment, they are more likely to use the latest state-of-the-art technology specifically designed for this procedure. This might include digital imaging, fiber optics, and/or ultrasonic instrumentation, for example.
• Efficiency: Dental professionals who specialize in one specific area of dentistry – such as endodontists, for example – are typically capable of getting patients in and out relatively quickly. In fact, most root canals performed by endodontists can be completed in a single visit to the office.

Endodontists work hand-in-hand with general dentists to make sure that your root canal procedure will go smoothly, that your affected tooth will be saved, and that you will heal quickly after the procedure is complete. If your dentist refers to you an endodontist for treatment, don’t be alarmed. On the contrary, this type of referral is usually an indication that your dentist wants to provide you with the highest quality service possible – even if it means that someone else will be providing that service.

It’s natural for our teeth to begin to turn yellow as we age. Although that’s not a particularly appealing thought, most of us can fight back against the dreaded yellow hue by using a whitening toothpaste and having our teeth professionally whitened from time to time. But if you consistently eat foods or drink beverages that stain your teeth, keeping them white can be an uphill battle. Here are a few foods and drinks to avoid — or at least keep to a minimum – to help your pearly whites stay white.

• Citrus and citrus juice: Acidic foods and drinks can damage the enamel on your teeth. Once that happens, your teeth will take on a yellowish hue. Even more bad news – once your enamel is gone, you can’t replace it, and no amount of professional whitening will restore your teeth to their natural color. Among the worst culprits in the acidic food and drink category are lemons and limes. Keep your consumption of these to an absolute minimum for healthy enamel.
• Coffee and tea: For most of us, coffee and/or black tea is just part of our daily routines. Unfortunately, these two beverages wreak havoc with your teeth – and the darker the brew, the worse the stains will be.
• Red wine: This is bad news for wine lovers. The tannins in red wine cause significant staining of your teeth. As it turns out, tannins bind to the tooth surface, and that allows pigments in the wine to take hold and stain your teeth.
• Balsamic vinegar: The dark, acidic nature of balsamic vinegar clings to the surface of your teeth, and that makes it an effective tooth-staining substance. Fortunately, most of us don’t actually drink it, but you might think twice before eating it on a regular basis – like in salad dressings or with bread and olive oil, for example.
• Curry: A favorite spice in both Indian and Thai foods, curry can also badly stain your teeth. That vivid yellow color looks good on the plate, but not so much on your teeth.
• Tomatoes: Once again, the color of the food can be a good indicator of how badly it can stain your teeth. Tomatoes not only stain; their acidity also erodes tooth enamel.
• Beets: Have you ever noticed how beets leave a stain behind on your hands and your cutting board and/or kitchen counter? They do exactly the same with your teeth.
• Berries and cherries: Just about any fruit can stain your teeth, but the deeper the color of the fruit, the worse it will be for staining. Cherries and berries both fall into this category.

Of course, we’re not suggesting that you eliminate these foods and beverages from your diet entirely. In fact, many are highly nutritious and beneficial to your overall health. But if you want to keep your teeth as white as possible, just practice a little moderation when it comes to these top tooth stainers.