Bad Teeth – More Than Just Ugly
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It is a mistake to think that having bad teeth is nothing more than a cosmetic problem. Rotting teeth cause a number of problems, some of which are actually fatal. Proper dental care and prevention are critical for those who hope to avoid unsightly teeth and potentially dangerous health problems.
Consider the adult with no dental insurance who opts to forgo their yearly cleaning and prevention visit. Over time, their teeth weaken and develop cavities. Eventually infection sets in. Unless the patient goes to the doctor immediately, the infection can develop into an abscess, get into the blood stream, and cause the entire body to go septic – a potentially fatal condition. While it may seem like a trial to find the time or the money to visit a dentists, it is the smart thing to do.
We can begin to develop these healthy habits by teaching children about proper dental care and preventive measures. It isn’t enough to make your kids brush their teeth, instead, show them how, brush yours with them, and make sure they are using the proper technique.
If you cannot afford dental care for yourself or your family, many dentists will work with you to build a payment plan that will work for you. Another option is to visit a school of dentistry for preventative visits.
Bad teeth are not just ugly – they are potentially very dangerous and should not be overlooked. See your dentists at least once a year and never ignore painful teeth or gums.
Helping Children Feel Calm at the Dentist Office
Cover of A Visit to the Dentist (Little Bill)
It’s not uncommon for people to feel anxious at the dentist. Sometimes one bad experience puts a patient off from keeping regular visits. Younger people in particular are more likely to feel nervous in the dental chair. Let’s take a look at simple ways to help keep children calm about visiting the dentist.
When your youngster is in line for a photo with Santa, there’s always a few children who are dead set against climbing up and sitting camera ready without a fight. If Santa doesn’t stand a chance, the masked adult with the tiny drill can’t be expected to do better. Their dental fears may seem to stem from an unreasonable source. However, being afraid of a monster in the closet or a basic tooth cleaning is overwhelming from the position of a young child.
Have a talk with your child and see what makes them feel anxious about their visit. By giving your child a moment to explain their reasons behind the anxiety, you can proceed best from there. Try a practice run by “playing dentist” with your little one to help them ease into a more comfortable state of mind. Take turns being the patient. If they can see that you are comfortable, it will help ease their own apprehension. Have a book on hand to read about kids visiting the dentist or purchase a toy dental kit.
Sit in on their visit. Children will feel reassured with a parent by their side. Finding a pediatric dentist that they can feel comfortable with is the foundation for many stress-free visits to come.
6 Best Videos on Dental Care
Words are not enough—you want to see the best on dental care, see what prevention techniques you should incorporate, how young you should get your child brushing her teeth, how best to save money on your next dental bill.
Good news.
These videos in dental care will help:
- Learn How to “Keep your Teeth & Gums Healthy” from Carol, a registered dental hygienist, at YouTube.com.
- Do you brush your teeth too hard? How long should you brush? How can you break bad habits? Learn what NOT to do when it comes to your teeth from this ABC News Video and interview: abcnews.go.com.
- Get the latest on “Dental Care Tips for Kids” by watching an informative ehow.com video. A mother shows you tips and tricks to help keep your kids teeth clean.
- How do you get dental care without dental insurance? This YouTube video shows you how the “America’s Dentists Care Foundation” helps out those who can’t afford it. To find out when the next “event” will be, go to adcfmom.org.
- Learn how to floss the right way at: monkeysee.com. Learn about the different types of flosses and which is best for you.
- This YouTube video discusses “How to Heal Lip Sores,” from Michelle, a dental assistant.
Because dental care is important for young and old alike, it’s a good idea to get all the facts and helps you can to make your teeth healthier as well as giving you the edge to make your next visit to the dentist as short and as painless as possible.
Best Dentistry Blogs for Patients
You need some help but you’re not ready to call the dentist—yet. What can you do minimize tooth pain, get rid of swollen gums, and keep your breath fresh?
These blogs will help you before you decide to make that needed trip to the dentist.
- The “Dental Hygiene Blog” helps you to better understand bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, lip lesions and more. Why do you have yellow teeth, for example? And what can you do about wisdom teeth pain? http://www.sanedentist.com/common-dental-problems/.
- Think a natural remedy might work to solve your tooth pain? Try “Christiana’s Home Remedies.” Tooth abscess? Gum boil? Christina may be able to help you. Additional information on allergies, acne, and depression is also offered on this blog. http://www.christinas-home-remedies.com/tooth-abscess.html.
- Get as close to the real thing without stepping into the office when it comes to dental care on this blog. The “Dental Health Site” assists you with everything from bad breath and canker sores to problems with yellow teeth. Get the latest information on oral thrush, plaque and tartar and tooth decay. http://www.dentalhealthsite.com/.
- “Smile Again Dental Blog” takes the cake or at least, the carrot, when it comes to great information. Learn more about cold sores, orthodontic treatment, toothbrush use, dental implants and more on this blog. “Smile Again Dental” is more about giving you information to help your oral health, and less on trying to get you to come into their office—unless, of course, it’s time.
After reading one or more of the above blogs, you may decide you can’t “wait” to see the dentist, though your legs and heart may be telling you otherwise. The good news is that you can help yourself with many of the issues at hand before making that needed trip.
Keep your Teeth Healthy as an Adult
You know the rules, the way to brush and not to brush. Still, as you get older, those little cavity suckers seem to be eating your mouth out. You’ve had root canals, pulled teeth experiences, and even gingivitis. For years you have been told to floss, but you haven’t. You have been told to visit the dentist twice a year from the dentist as well as your good old insurance policy, but do you?
Here’s what you can do to keep your teeth and gums in the pink!
- Choose your toothbrush carefully. You probably don’t want hard bristles. Soft bristles help you to brush without hurting your gums.
- Brush twice a day. Use a toothpaste with flouride.
- Floss at least once a day. Take the weekend off if you’d like to, but resume on Monday.
- Or invest in a Water pik toothbrush. A lot like flossing, but far more fun. Around $50.
- Gargle with mouthwash after brushing. Keep your breath smelling fresh, and give your teeth and gums an extra kick.
- Visit the dentist twice a year. Even a small cavity is a better experience than a large one.
- Whitening your teeth doesn’t keep your teeth any more healthy, but whitening does make your teeth look healthier. Try this free home whitening remedy here: http://www.essortment.com/all/whitenyourteet_pry.htm or ask your dentist what she recommends.
Knowing the rules of teeth brushing, as you know, if only half of the battle. The difficult part comes in the doing. Start out small. Perhaps floss twice a week to start, or floss only at night when you’re not in a hurry. Find a way to remember what you’ve started; whether it is sticking a handy reminder on your vanity mirror or keeping the items for use out on the counter until you have it down.
Keeping your teeth healthy may not appear easy at first, but like everything else you start and somehow manage to finish, healthy teeth will come in time, and you’ll be glad you did it.
