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If you’re scheduled to have a tooth pulled, it’s perfectly normal to be a little anxious about it. Fortunately, modern dental technology means that virtually any dental procedure – including tooth extraction – can be performed with little or no discomfort for the patient. Here’s more good news about having a tooth pulled: you can be proactive in helping your mouth to heal at home after the procedure. In fact, many dentists will agree that at-home follow-up care is an extremely important part of any tooth extraction. Here are a few steps you can take at home after the procedure to speed up your recovery.

• Treat your pain. As is the case with any procedure, your body will heal much faster if you’re able to get adequate rest afterward, and you won’t be able to rest soundly if you’re in pain. For tooth extractions, most people can find comfort with over-the-counter painkillers. But if that doesn’t work for you, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for a stronger prescription. Just make sure to follow the directions carefully and only take the medication for a brief period of time until you are no longer in pain.
• Take a little time off work. Most dental patients can return to work relatively quickly after the procedure, but you should definitely plan on taking at least a whole day off after the extraction. Remember the importance of rest, and the best way to get sufficient rest is by staying home.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity. This is particularly important for the first 1 to 3 days after your procedure. Don’t bend over, exercise or lift anything heavy.
• Be careful about what you eat and drink. Immediately after the procedure, and for a few days afterwards, limit yourself to drinking beverages and eating only very soft foods. This will be more comfortable for you, and will also help to protect your stitches. Avoid using straws to drink liquids, since sucking can cause some bleeding to start again at the point of incision.

If you’re very nervous about your upcoming procedure, talk to your dentist about dental sedation methods that may help to relax you during your visit. Afterwards, follow these simple steps and any other instructions provided by your dentist to speed up the recovery process. After a week or so, you should be as good as new. But if you’re still experiencing discomfort after that period of time, contact your dentist.

When it comes to gum health, there is no substitute for regular trips to the dentist for oral exams and professional cleanings. No matter how diligent you might be with your own oral hygiene routine at home, you may still be in the early stages of gum disease and not even realize it. That’s why it’s so important to have your gums examined by your dental hygienist and/or your dentist at least twice a year.

There are, however, several natural home remedies you might want to try that have been shown to be beneficial to gum health.

• Vitamin C: Research has shown that people who consume very low amounts of vitamin C in their diets are also more likely to develop gum disease. It just so happens that vitamin C is good for your overall health as well, so including more foods that contain vitamin C in your daily diet can provide many benefits. Foods like oranges, strawberries, red peppers and cantaloupe are all good sources of vitamin C.
• Tea tree oil: Studies conducted over the past several years indicate that tea tree oil may be helpful in treating the early stages of gum disease. Be warned, however, that tea tree oil itself can actually be toxic, so don’t try to create your own concoction at home. Instead, look for toothpaste that lists tea tree oil as one of the ingredients.
• Cranberries: Researchers have found that some of the compounds found in cranberries actually help to control inflammation caused by gum disease.
• Neem: This name may not sound familiar, but studies conducted on the neem plant have shown that it’s very effective in fighting plaque buildup and helping to prevent gingivitis. Look for oral health care products that contain neem oil or neem gel. While we may not be familiar with neem in the U.S., people in India have chewed on neem twigs for years to help alleviate a variety of oral health issues.

Although all of these natural treatments have been shown to be effective at maintaining healthy gums, keep in mind that it’s important to make sure you have healthy gums to begin with. The only way to be certain of the condition of your gums is to visit your dentist for an oral exam and professional cleaning. Once you have your clean bill of oral health, you should feel free to experiment with some of these natural methods for maintaining your gum health.

On a hot, sunny day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a tasty cold drink. And it’s especially important to stay hydrated as the weather heats up. But remember that not all beverages are healthy choices. Here are a few oral health tips to help you enjoy your favorite summertime beverages and keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape throughout the upcoming season.

• When in doubt, choose water. When it comes to keeping hydrated, why not choose the beverage that’s best for your oral health AND your overall health? Water not only washes away leftover food particles and bad bacteria, it also helps to restore the pH balance inside your mouth. If you have access to fluoridated tap water, that’s an even better choice.
• Another healthy choice is milk. A great accompaniment to virtually any summertime meal is an ice-cold glass of milk. The calcium will help strengthen your teeth, and the protein in milk helps to maintain that all-important pH balance inside your mouth.
• Vegetable juice is another tooth-healthy beverage. This shouldn’t come as a big surprise. After all, if vegetables are good for you, then vegetable juice should be as well, right? That’s true, but only if the vegetable juice is low in sugar. Believe it or not, some are loaded with it, so read the label carefully and only choose those brands that are lower in sugar.
• Enjoy a refreshing iced tea! Some of the compounds in tea actually help to fight bacteria growth inside your mouth, and that in turn can help to reduce your risk of forming cavities and gum disease. Just make sure that your iced tea doesn’t contain sugar!
• Avoid carbonated drinks and/or sugary drinks. It may be tempting to have a cold soda at the beach or some other fun summertime venue, but the combination of the sugar and the carbonation of these drinks make them especially bad for your teeth and gums. Sugar feeds cavity-creating bacteria inside your mouth, and carbonation eats away at your tooth enamel.
• Whatever beverage you choose, use a straw. This is especially important for those rare occasions when you choose to drink an acidic or carbonated beverage – such as fruit juice or soda, for example. Using a straw helps to minimize the amount of time that your teeth are in contact with the less-than-healthy beverage.

It’s important in the heat of summer to stay hydrated. Just remember to do that with a tooth-healthy beverage, and you’ll continue to enjoy good oral health all through the summer months ahead.

It is becoming increasingly obvious that good oral health is an integral part of good overall health. Studies conducted over the past several years have shown a connection between gum health and a variety of serious conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. But an even more surprising discovery is that avoiding gum disease, in addition to other healthy habits, can help people to either avoid developing Alzheimer’s disease altogether or at the very least delay the onset of symptoms.

Research shows that even though a family history of the condition may increase the likelihood of a person developing Alzheimer’s, it is still possible to reduce that risk by engaging in healthy habits on a day-to-day basis. Some of those include eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and practicing a thorough oral hygiene routine.

Recent studies have found that people who develop periodontal disease early in life are four times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease later on. The connection appears to be inflammation. The inflammatory nature of gum disease may also destroy brain cells. In addition to practicing a daily routine of at-home oral hygiene, it’s also vital that people visit their dentists at least twice a year for regular exams and professional cleanings. No matter how diligent you are in brushing and flossing on your own, you’ll never be able to remove all the tartar that builds up on teeth over time. But routine cleanings by a dental professional will remove that buildup and reduce the risk of developing gum disease. Your dentist will also be able to detect periodontal disease in its very early stages and recommend effective ways to treat the condition before it progresses.

Although it’s sobering news to realize that Alzheimer’s disease impacts an alarmingly high percentage of our aging population, it’s heartening to know that each of us can take steps to reduce our chances of developing the condition. You can start by eating a healthy, plant-based diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables, along with lean protein. Avoid using tobacco and don’t drink alcohol to excess. Remember the importance of exercise. And don’t forget the connection between gum health and Alzheimer’s disease. Be sure to brush and floss twice a day, and visit your dentist routinely for professional exams and cleanings. Medical researchers have yet to develop an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s, but we can still take steps to either delay the onset of the disease or avoid it altogether.

Spring is here! And while it’s true that this is a beautiful time of year to get outside and enjoy the nice weather, if you suffer from allergies the spring months can be some of the hardest with regard to your allergy symptoms. Unfortunately, allergies not only cause issues like nasal congestion, headaches, and sore throats; they can also negatively impact your oral health. What follows are oral health conditions and symptoms that could be caused by springtime allergies.

• Toothaches – A toothache is often the result of tooth decay or some other issue taking place with a particular tooth. But a toothache can also result from allergies. When mucus builds up in your sinuses, it can cause pressure in and around your molars. If your toothache isn’t directly connected to a specific tooth, it could be caused by allergies.
• Dry mouth – Allergies can often make it difficult to breathe through your nose. That means your only alternative is to breathe through your mouth. That can result in dry mouth, and that in turn can lead to a reduced amount of saliva and an increase in tooth decay.
• Cold sores – If you’re prone to getting cold sores, they can be more common during the spring and warm weather months, since exposure to sunlight can act as a trigger for the formation of a cold sore.

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your mouth – and if you are also suffering from springtime allergies – remember that the two might be related. Just to be on the safe side, you should call your dentist if you’re not sure. Remember that a toothache can also indicate tooth decay or an infection that has spread to the pulp of the tooth, both of which are conditions that require the attention of your dentist. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist will be able to recommend a variety of treatment options as well.

For advice on how to treat springtime allergies, talk to your doctor. As you take steps to reduce your allergy symptoms, remember the importance of taking care of your oral health as well. The best way to do that is to maintain a regular oral hygiene routine at home by brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once. And remember to visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and oral exams. Taking care of your overall health and your oral health is the very best way to enjoy spring and all this season has to offer!

If you’re a parent, you are probably already planning an Easter basket for your little one. Kids love waking up on Easter morning to find a basket full of treats left behind by the Easter Bunny. And if you’re like many parents, you enjoy assembling the basket almost as much as your child enjoys finding it on that special day. But instead of stuffing your child’s Easter basket with the typical array of sugar-filled treats, remember how much damage candy can do to your child’s teeth – not to mention the sugar rush and associated sugar crash that all kids go through after indulging in typical Easter basket treats. Since most kids are more prone to cavities than adults, adding an abundance of sugar-laden candy at Easter isn’t going to help. Here are some tooth-healthy Easter basket options to consider:

• Decorated Easter eggs – What could be a better choice for an Easter basket than Easter eggs? To make these really special, include hard-boiled eggs that you decorated yourself, rather than eggs that your kids decorated and will no doubt recognize. Remember that eggs need to be refrigerated, so only include them at the last minute, and keep them in a special place inside the fridge so your kids can find them and snack on them later.
• Cheese sticks – Most kids love cheese, and it happens to actually be good for their teeth! So include a variety of individually wrapped cheese sticks in your child’s Easter basket. Just make sure that they’re a special brand or variety that your little one isn’t accustomed to having, which will make them a special treat for Easter morning.
• Nuts and/or trail mix – Another healthy alternative to candy are small packets of nuts or trail mix. Most kids love nuts, especially if they come in small, kid-size packages!
• Toys – Whatever toys you choose for your child’s Easter basket, they are sure to be a big hit! Traditional choices like stuffed animals are always good, but you might consider toys that will occupy your child’s time on the holiday – like crayons, coloring books, watercolors, or games, for example.

Of course, every child loves candy, so you might want to include a few pieces of your child’s favorites along with a variety of healthy snacks and toys. There’s no reason why you and your child can’t still make happy memories of Easter morning without all the sugar. In fact, you might be surprised at how much your child appreciates and enjoys the variety!

There are so many reasons to celebrate April this year, like the return of spring and Easter, to name just two. But there’s another excellent reason to celebrate April: it happens to be oral cancer awareness month. If you’re wondering why this is something to celebrate, we can provide you with one very good reason. Although oral cancer can be a devastating illness, it can also usually be easily treated if it’s diagnosed and caught in the very early stages. You can significantly lower your risk for developing this disease by altering your own personal habits, and by visiting your dentist on a regular basis for oral cancer screening exams. You may have the early stages of some types of oral cancer without even knowing it, but there are some symptoms that you should be aware of, including:

• A sore on the mouth or lips that doesn’t heal
• Bleeding inside the mouth
• Loose teeth
• Difficulty swallowing
• A lump in the neck
• Persistent earaches
• Numbness in the chin and/or lower lip

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist or doctor and schedule an appointment. Unfortunately, many people don’t know about the dangers of oral cancer, not to mention to relatively easy steps they can take to lower their risks. As a result, the American Cancer Society estimates that over 53,000 people in the US will develop oral cancer in the coming year, and over 10,000 will succumb to the disease. Those are pretty unsettling statistics, but now for the good news – there are some proactive steps you can take to lower your risk for developing this condition.

While some forms of the disease are due to a family or personal history of oral cancer or being infected with the human papillomavirus, there are also habits that can increase your risk for developing this condition. Here are some of those habits you should avoid:

• Smoking
• Chewing tobacco
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Sun exposure
• A diet high in monounsaturated fat, and red or processed meat
• Betel nut chewing

If you believe that you may be at higher risk of developing oral cancer, talk to your dentist or doctor. He or she can help you to make some positive changes in your lifestyle that will help to lower your risk. And remember that oral cancer is always much easier to treat if it’s caught in the very early stages, so see your dentist regularly for oral cancer screenings.

An illness that is treatable and, best of all, preventable – now that’s something to celebrate!

The good news about gum disease is that in most cases, it’s entirely preventable. The bad news is that an alarmingly high percentage of people don’t take the steps necessary to keep from developing it. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that half of Americans over the age of 30 have periodontal disease! People with gum disease not only risk losing their teeth; periodontitis (the advanced form of the condition) has also been linked to more serious health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

What follows is a list of the most common signs of gum disease.

• Bleeding gums: If your gums bleed as the result of brushing or flossing, it could be an early sign of gum disease.
• Swollen, red or painful gums: Check the appearance of your gums regularly. If they appear to be swollen, are sore, or are reddish in color, contact your dentist.
• Receding gums: It’s natural for gums to recede a bit as we age, but if you notice that your gums are noticeably receding and/or pulling away from your teeth – particularly if you’re not elderly, but even if you are – it could be a sign of gum disease.
• Bad breath: If you experience consistent bad breath, and can’t resolve it on your own, talk to your dentist.
• Sores on gums and/or pus between your teeth and gums: Either of these are symptoms of gum disease in the later stages.
• change in your bite: If your teeth aren’t fitting together as they usually do, it could be due to problems with your gum tissue.
• A change in how your dentures fit: Just because you wear dentures doesn’t mean you can’t develop gum disease! In fact, denture wearers are just as likely as anyone else to develop this condition. If your dentures aren’t fitting correctly, call your dentist.
• Loose teeth: Hopefully, you won’t reach this point, but if you notice that your teeth are loose, it’s entirely possible that you are experiencing periodontitis. Tooth loss is a very real possibility for people who leave gum disease untreated for extended periods of time.

An important reminder: the early stages of gum disease are hard to detect. That’s why it’s so important to visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine oral exams and professional cleanings. Your dentist will be able to detect gum issues very early on, and the sooner gum disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and cure.

Losing a tooth – whether due to an injury accident or having a tooth extracted – is very common among adults around the world. This is particularly true for older adults, who are more prone to losing teeth as they age. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 69 percent of U.S. adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one tooth. While it may be tempting to simply live without one or more teeth, you should know that there are consequences if you decide to do so. Here are some of the problems that may occur as a result of losing teeth and not replacing them.

• It impacts the appearance of your smile. If you’re missing a front tooth, it can have a very negative effect on the appearance of your smile. And people with unattractive smiles have a strong tendency to have low self-esteem and generally feel worse about themselves than those with nice smiles.
• It can result in bone loss. This may sound counter-intuitive, but it’s true. Bone tissue needs to be stimulated in order to maintain density. The alveolar bone tissue underneath your teeth, as well as the bone in your jaw, depend on pressure from the teeth for that stimulation. If it’s not there – as the result of even a single missing tooth – your bone density and form will suffer as a result. If your jawbone is compromised, over time the shape of your face will actually change, and the jawbone will become more susceptible to fracture.
• It can lead to your other teeth shifting. Over time, your other remaining teeth will actually move inside your mouth in an effort to fill in the gap left behind by one or more missing teeth. This can have a domino effect by starting with throwing off your natural bite. This, in turn, can lead to other problems, often affecting the way you chew food and even how you speak. If your bite is off, it can cause your other teeth to wear down. Eventually, it can even lead to issues with your jawbone.

Now for the good news: modern dental technology has provided today’s dental patients with a variety of methods to replace missing teeth. Some options include dental bridges, dental implants or partial dentures, to name a few. If you are missing one or more teeth, talk to your dentist today. He or she can provide more information about the different tooth-replacement alternatives and can help you decide which is best for you.

Valentine’s Day is a fun holiday for everyone, from little children to older adults. Unfortunately, the age-old tradition of celebrating the holiday with a box of chocolates isn’t always so wonderful for our oral health. The good news is that there are several ways to enjoy the holiday without wreaking havoc on your sweetheart’s teeth and gums. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, tooth-friendly this Valentine’s Day, we have some ideas for you.

• A fruit basket: Fresh fruit is not only good for your oral health, it’s good for your overall health as well! Consider sending your valentine a beautiful array of fresh fruits to celebrate the holiday. They come in a variety of sizes and assortments, so you’re sure to find one that will appeal to your special someone.
• Say cheese: You may not know it, but cheese is extremely good for your oral health. It raises the pH level in the mouth, and that helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay. If your valentine is a cheese fan (and who isn’t?), consider a cheese gift basket instead of the traditional box of chocolates.
• A dinner out: Having a nice dinner out is always a great way to celebrate, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. An added plus – if you decide to enjoy a special dessert, it’s a one-time indulgence. Just make sure to make your reservations early, since going out to dinner on Valentine’s Day is not a new idea!
• Flowers: The only thing more traditional than chocolate for Valentine’s Day is a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Whether it’s a dozen roses or a flowering houseplant, ordering a special gift through your favorite florist is always a wonderful way to show your affection. And remember that flowers and houseplants aren’t just for women – most men appreciate these thoughtful gifts just as much!
• A personalized gift certificate: If your special someone enjoys a certain hobby or activity, consider buying a gift certificate that allows them to enjoy that pastime. Skiers would love a day on the slopes. If your valentine likes to draw or paint, a gift certificate to an art supply or hobby store would be a thoughtful gift. Better yet is a gift card for an activity you can enjoy together – roller skating, ice skating, or bowling, for example.

If your valentine has a sweet tooth, and you can pass up the opportunity to buy that Valentine’s Day box of chocolate, make it dark chocolate, which is full of mouth-healthy antioxidants. And avoid anything that is sticky or chewy, since those candies are especially hard on the teeth.

This Valentine’s Day, consider a gift idea that’s “out of the box” – the candy box, that is – with these innovative ways to show your special someone how much you care.