The enamel is the very outer layer of the tooth surface. This material is remarkably strong. In fact, enamel is actually harder than bone! Knowing that, it may be surprising to learn that it’s very common for enamel to become eroded. We constantly expose our tooth enamel to whatever foods and drinks we consume, and that can often include sugar and acids, both of which damage enamel over time. Most concerning of all is the fact that once enamel is gone, it does not grow back!

What Causes Enamel Erosion?
We’ve already mentioned how acidic foods and drinks can damage enamel. The same holds true for carbonated beverages and drinks that contain caffeine. Certain medications can make you more prone to enamel erosion as well, as can teeth grinding (also known as bruxism).

Symptoms of Enamel Erosion
If your enamel is badly eroded, it will be obvious. Your teeth will become discolored – often turning a yellowish color. Once this happens, tooth-whitening products won’t work to restore your teeth to a more natural white hue, since whitening agents only work on the enamel layer of the tooth. Your teeth will also become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks, since the enamel layer that protects the rest of the truth structure has been compromised. This can also mean that your teeth will become more prone to cracking or breaking. It’s easy to see why your enamel is so important to good oral health!

Treating Eroded Enamel
Now for the good news: if your enamel has minor damage, there are actually products available today than can help to repair tiny abrasions in the enamel, strengthening whatever enamel you have left. Using products that contain calcium and fluoride can help to remineralize the tooth surface and strengthen whatever enamel is remaining. Look for toothpastes that are specially designed to help remineralize teeth and reduce sensitivity.

Avoid foods and drinks that are acidic and can result in further damage to the enamel. This includes some fruits and fruit juices, as well as wine, coffee and tea. If and when you do indulge in these foods and drinks, rinse your mouth out with water immediately afterward to wash away acidic particles.

If you grind your teeth, your dentist can help you to address this issue as well. Mouth guards worn while you sleep can help to reduce the amount of damage done to your enamel if you grind your teeth at night. Ask your dentist what other steps you can take to save whatever enamel you have left on your teeth surface.

Have you ever wondered how celebrities get those picture-perfect, beautiful smiles? The answer is often dental veneers. This cosmetic dental procedure is painless, fast, and produces stunning results. But, as is often the case with almost any type of dental procedure, it may not be the right choice for everyone. What follows are some frequently asked questions about porcelain veneers that can help you decide whether or not you are a good candidate for this popular dental procedure.

Q: What exactly are dental veneers?
A: A veneer consists of a thin shell (usually made of dental porcelain or plastic) that is applied directly over the patient’s natural tooth and secured by a special dental adhesive.

Q: What are some reasons why people choose dental veneers?
A: Veneers are often a good choice for people with worn enamel (which can’t be whitened by tooth-whitening products), worn down teeth, misaligned teeth, or chipped teeth. Veneers can also repair other problems, such as teeth that are irregularly shaped or have large gaps in between them.

Q: What is the process involved in getting dental veneers?
A: The procedure begins with the dentist preparing the tooth surface by removing an extremely thin layer of enamel from the tooth surface, after which he or she will create an impression of your teeth. This mold will be used to create your custom veneers by an outside lab. Your dentist may supply you with temporary veneers while the permanent ones are being made. The final step involves your dentist fitting you with your new porcelain veneers using a specially designed bonding material to adhere each veneer to the tooth surface.

Q: How long do veneers last?
A: Porcelain veneers are extremely durable and stain-resistant. Typically, they last between 5 and 10 years before needing to be replaced.

It’s important to remember that veneers are considered to be cosmetic dentistry, which means that they are not covered by most dental insurance policies. Although they can be somewhat pricey, most patients consider them to be an excellent investment. Veneers require no special care – you simply brush and floss as you normally would. And it’s important, of course, to continue to visit your dentist on a regular basis for checkups and professional cleanings. To find out more about porcelain veneers, and to help decide whether or not they are the right choice for you, call your dentist to schedule a consultation visit.

Kids love playing games. But when it comes to brushing and flossing, most kids would skip it altogether if they could. If you’re having a hard time getting your little ones to brush and floss every day, turning that daily hygiene routine into a fun time can really help. Here are a few ideas to make dental hygiene fun for your kids.

• Start with the right supplies. There are plenty of kid-themed toothbrushes and toothpastes, so find your little one’s favorite animated characters to liven up their brushing and flossing routine. And make sure to find kid-friendly dental floss that is gentler on their sensitive gums.
• Combine dancing and brushing. Most kids – and most adults, for that matter – don’t brush their teeth for as long as they should. Kids should brush their teeth for two minutes, so why not help them make the time go faster? Play their favorite songs for two minutes, and encourage them to dance along with the tunes for two minutes. The time will fly by!
• Brush your teeth at the same time. You know the old saying that you have to lead by example? Brushing and flossing at the same time as your kids is a great example of just how true that is. Brushing together also gives you a chance to watch them as they brush and floss to make sure they’re doing it thoroughly and properly.
• Find fun books about oral hygiene for kids. There are plenty of great books available that are intended to teach your little ones all about oral health and how important it is to brush and floss each day. Sharing these books with your kids will help them to understand how important it is to take care of our teeth and gums, and that going to the dentist doesn’t have to be scary.
• Choose a dentist that advertises as a “family dentist” and/or one that specializes in pediatric dentistry. It’s hard for kids to feel comfortable going to the dentist, and dental professionals who are trained in working with kids and are accustomed to having little ones for patients are best equipped to make your kids’ trips to the dentist easier.

If you have a hard time getting your kids to brush and floss each day, maybe it’s time to take a different approach. Instead of nagging them to get it done, why not make it fun? That’s the best way to help your kids maintain good oral health and develop daily oral hygiene habits they can follow for a lifetime.

If you’re like most parents, summer is a busy time of year. Whether you’re juggling getting kids to summer school or other activities, or just trying to keep up with your family when your kids are around the house all day long each day, summertime can be a hectic time for parents. But just because it’s busy, don’t forget to keep your little ones on the straight and narrow when it comes to their teeth and gums. Here are a few reminders to help you maintain good oral health for your kids throughout the summertime months.

• Keep them away from sugar. We know – this sounds like a nearly impossible task. But believe it or not, there are plenty of healthy snacks that your kids will actually enjoy, and that will be good for their teeth and gums at the same time. Instead of letting them have baked goods and candy, give your little ones cheese and nuts at snack time. Celery and no-sugar peanut butter is another great choice.
• Give them plenty of water. Making sure your kids are hydrated during the hot months is not only good for their overall health – it’s essential for their oral health as well. Water is the best choice. In fact, sugary sodas have been shown to be one of the major contributors to cavities, so keep them away from soda except on rare occasions. Tap water is actually the best choice if you live in a community with fluoridated water since your kids’ teeth will benefit from the extra dose of fluoride.
• Make sure they stick with their daily oral hygiene routine. Just because school is out of session doesn’t mean brushing and flossing are over too! Remind your little ones to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. If you need to – especially if they’re very young – watch them as they brush to make sure they’re being thorough. It helps to buy a kid-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste too.
• Keep their teeth protected. Summertime sports activities can be hazardous for your kids’ teeth. If they play sports – or even if they just stay active by playing outside – make sure they wear mouthguards to protect their teeth. You can ask your dentist to create a custom mouth guard for your little one, or you can just buy a one-size-fits-all style at a sporting goods store. The custom guards work better than the generic style, but any protection is better than none at all.

For kids, it can be tempting to not only take a break from school during the summer, it can also seem like a good time to take a break from other daily routines, like brushing and flossing. Keep your little ones on track this summer so they can enjoy good oral health all through the summertime months.

Good oral health is important for all of us. After all, your oral health is closely related to your overall health. In fact, unhealthy teeth and gums have been linked to much more serious issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease. The need to enjoy healthy teeth and gums is something we all share in common, which is why we’ve compiled a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding oral health.

How often should I visit the dentist? Most people should schedule an appointment to see their dentist twice a year for routine oral exams and cleanings. But some patients will need to visit more frequently, particularly those with gum disease or some other ongoing dental issue. Routine exams are the only way that your dentist can diagnose problems in their early stages, when they are much easier to treat and resolve. And professional cleanings by a trained hygienist are absolutely vital in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

What causes cavities? Tooth decay is caused when bacteria builds up on teeth and produces an acid that destroys tooth enamel. A cavity itself can become painful if not treated promptly. But cavities can also lead to more serious issues if they are left untreated – issues such as infection or even loss of the tooth. Fortunately, there are easy ways to avoid cavities altogether, such as following a good at-home oral hygiene routine and visiting your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings.

What are some of the most common oral health problems? Tooth decay and gum disease are the most common dental health issues faced by people of all ages. The good news is that both of these conditions can be relatively easily treated if they’re caught early enough. And they can be avoid altogether if the patient is diligent about oral hygiene and visits to the dentist.

How often should I replace my toothbrush? In order to practice an effective oral hygiene routine, you need the right tools for the job. That includes a good toothbrush and dental floss. For most people, the right toothbrush is one that has soft bristles and is shaped in such a way that it fits comfortably inside your mouth and allows you to easily reach the surface of every tooth. Once the bristles of a toothbrush become worn or frayed, the brush should be replaced – which is typically every 3 months or so.

If you have more questions about oral health in general, or about a specific dental issue you are experiencing, call your dentist. He or she would be happy to provide more information and, if need be, schedule an appointment.

Everyone is different. That’s especially true when it comes to our teeth and gums. But according to the ADA (American Dental Association), there are a few oral health problems that are especially prevalent. What follows is a list of some of the most common issues people face related to their teeth and gums:

Gum Disease
One oral health problem that is becoming more and more common in dental patients throughout the U.S. is also one of the most preventable: gum disease. Also referred to as gingivitis, gum disease in its early stages is not only preventable but also relatively easy to resolve if treated soon enough. If gingivitis is not addressed right away, it can lead to a much more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. You may have the very early stages of gum disease without even knowing it. Typically, dentists recommend that patients with gingivitis improve their at-home oral hygiene routine and visit the dentist twice a year for oral exams and professional cleanings. Your dentist might also recommend use of a water flossing device and an anti-bacterial mouthwash on a daily basis. Treatment options vary depending on how far the gum disease has progressed.

Sensitive Teeth
If you experience pain or discomfort when trying to enjoy hot or cold food or drinks, you’re not alone. Sensitive teeth is a common condition that affects countless people throughout the U.S. Although dental patients of any age may experience sensitivity from time to time, it’s more common in older adults. Sensitivity may be caused by tooth decay, worn-down fillings, cracked teeth, worn enamel, receding gums, an infection or gum disease, to name just a few. If your sensitivity is caused by a specific dental issue – such as a cavity or an infected tooth root – your dentist will no doubt recommend that the issue be resolved through the appropriate dental procedure. But if you have sensitive teeth due to some other cause – such as worn enamel or receding gums, for example – your dentist will probably recommend use of a desensitizing toothpaste. There are a variety of these products on the market today, and many of them work surprisingly fast to alleviate sensitivity.

Missing One or More Teeth
You may be surprised to learn that it’s quite common for adults in the U.S. to have one or more missing teeth. Fortunately, modern dental technology provides a variety of ways to resolve this problem. Some of those options include dental bridges, partial dentures, and dental implants. Whatever method you choose, it’s important to replace missing teeth – even if it’s just a single tooth. If you don’t, your other teeth will eventually shift in place to fill in the gap left behind by the missing teeth, and that can lead to a variety of other issues.

Whatever oral health challenges you may experience, you should know that many other people face the same issues! Luckily for us, an experienced and trained dental professional can resolve almost any problem you may experience with your teeth and gums, as long as the issue is caught early on. That’s why it’s so important to visit your dentist at least twice a year.

Nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas”) is a very common form of dental sedation. In fact, the vast majority of dentists throughout the U.S. offer laughing gas as a way to help their patients relax during dental procedures. So, what are the benefits of nitrous oxide and why is it so popular? We’ve compiled some helpful information to help you understand why laughing gas is so commonly used by dentists.

• Laughing gas really earns its name. The effects of nitrous oxide not only help to relax a patient; it usually provides a somewhat euphoric feeling, leaving the patient just a little giddy.
• Once laughing gas is administered, a person typically experiences a slight amount of light-headedness, some tingling sensations in the extremities, a feeling of happiness, and finally some drowsiness.
• Nitrous oxide is considered to be an extremely safe method of sedation, and can even be used with older children.
• Laughing gas is nothing new! In fact, it was first used by dentists in the 1860s. And prior to that, in the late 1700s, British aristocrats actually engaged in parties where nitrous oxide was the main intoxicant!
• In addition to dental patients, laughing gas is also used for women undergoing childbirth as a way to relax the new moms during delivery.
• The form of nitrous oxide used in most dentist offices is actually a combination of 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide.
• Laughing gas typically produces no side effects, although it may cause very young children to feel queasy. For this reason, most dentists avoid using it for their youngest patients.
• Nitrous oxide is often the perfect choice for patients who have a fear of needles, since it’s administered as a gas.
• The effects of the sedative begin very quickly after it is given to the patient, but they also wear off quickly. So dental patients who choose nitrous oxide as a sedative usually have no problems driving themselves home after the appointment.
• Most dentists recommend that patients eat a small meal prior to their visit to the dentist office if they plan on using laughing gas, but only a small meal. If your stomach is too full or too empty, nitrous oxide may make you feel a little queasy.
• Laughing gas is usually less expensive than other forms of dental sedation.

To find out more about nitrous oxide, and to help decide whether or not it’s the right choice for you, talk to your dentist. If you or a member of your family is anxious about an upcoming dental appointment, laughing gas may be able to help.

Most of us probably get a little nervous before a doctor or dentist visit. But for some patients, a trip to the dentist office is downright terrifying. Dental phobia is very real, and some people may even postpone their dental appointments or cancel them altogether to avoid experiencing that kind of anxiety. When that happens, the patient’s oral health suffers, and oral health is directly connected to overall health, so it’s important to go to the dentist!

Fortunately, there are ways to alleviate the stress of dental phobia. One of the most effective ways to do that is with oral sedation. This method involves the dentist prescribing an oral sedative for the patient, which is taken a short time prior to the dental appointment. The effects of the sedative are quite noticeable. The patient will remain awake but feel completely relaxed through the entire visit. The strength of the sedation will depend on the patient’s needs. It can range from light to more moderate, depending on the dosage prescribed by the dentist. There are typically no risks or side effects from oral sedation, although the patient will need a ride to and from the dental appointment.

Severe anxiety about dental appointments isn’t the only time when oral sedation is used. People who have quite sensitive teeth also benefit from this method of sedation, as do people who have to undergo lengthy dental procedures (such as a root canal or a dental implant for example). If you have a low pain threshold or a highly evolved gag reflex, you might also find that oral sedation makes a dental appointment much more comfortable than it would be otherwise. Patients who don’t like needles typically prefer oral sedation over IV sedation, since it’s administered orally rather than through a needle.

If you experience extreme anxiety about visiting the dentist, or if you have an upcoming lengthy dental procedure or any of the other symptoms listed above, ask your dentist if you might benefit from oral dental sedation. Remember the important role that your oral health plays in your overall health. In this day and age, there’s no reason why anyone should have to postpone or cancel dental appointments because of anxiety. We are fortunate enough to live in a time when dental technology has become so advanced that even the most fearful patient can undergo virtually any dental procedure in a calm, comfortable, relaxed frame of mind.

Most of us have heard of the term “impacted,” usually in regard to a wisdom tooth. But what that exactly means may remain a mystery to many people. In the simplest terms, an impacted tooth is one that has not fully erupted through the gum surface. This can happen for a variety of reasons. For example, there may not be enough room for the tooth, or it may be pointed in the wrong direction. And although the term is most typically used in conjunction with wisdom teeth, any tooth can be impacted.

In fact, it’s fairly common for children to experience impacted teeth, particularly when their permanent teeth start coming in. If a baby tooth doesn’t fall out in time to make way for the permanent tooth, the new tooth can become impacted. When a tooth is impacted, it can be painful, and it can also negatively affect surrounding teeth. For that reason, it’s important to fix an impacted tooth as soon as possible.

There are a variety of methods that dentists use to treat impacted teeth, and which one your dentist chooses will most likely be determined by how severe the problem is. If a child has an impacted tooth, it may be fixed by something as simple as removing the baby tooth that is in the way of the new permanent tooth. But if other problems exist – for example, if the patient’s jaw is too narrow to accommodate the normal number of teeth – other methods may be called for, such as orthodontic treatment or even oral surgery. As is almost always the case with dental issues, the earlier a problem is caught, the easier it is to treat. The same holds true for impacted teeth. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children get checked by an orthodontist before the age of 7.

In teenagers and adults, the most common instances of impacted teeth are wisdom teeth that are trying to erupt in a mouth that is not large enough to accommodate them. Wisdom teeth are actually a third set of molars that erupt in the very back of the patient’s mouth, behind their existing adult molars. Not everyone gets wisdom teeth, but those that do will need enough room to accommodate those extra molars. Because not everyone’s mouth has adequate room, dentists often recommend that wisdom teeth be removed to alleviate the discomfort of impacted teeth, and to eliminate the possibility for other problems occurring later on.

If you believe you or a member of your family may be experiencing an impacted tooth, contact your dentist today. The good news is that there are a variety of effective treatment methods to resolve this dental issue, but the earlier the problem is detected, the more easily it will be treated.

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!