Concerned about a brighter smile and better health, many smokers now turn to e-cigarettes as an alternative to conventional cigarettes made of rolled paper and dried tobacco leaves. Many health organizations, however, are concerned about the health and dental implications of these devices.

All about E-Cigarettes

E-cigarettes, short for electronic cigarettes, are battery-powered devices that look like conventional cigarettes. E-cigarettes provide doses of vaporized substances to the user in an aerosol form. The devices contain a heating element that vaporizes a liquid solution.

Depending on the brand of e-cigarettes, the liquid solutions may contain nicotine and flavorings. Nicotine stains teeth. A recent study suggests an association between nicotine and periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease. While all conventional cigarettes contain nicotine, some e-cigarettes solutions do not contain this substance.

Many manufacturers offer e-cigarettes that look like conventional rolled cigarettes that contain tobacco. Some produce pen-like e-cigarette devices that look quite different from traditional cigarettes.

Other names for e-cigarettes include electronic vaping devices, personal vaporizers or VPs, and electronic nicotine delivery systems, otherwise known as ENDS.

The Dangers of E-Cigarettes

E-cigarette use is growing dramatically among adolescents, who face special dental health problems. According to a survey by government health regulators, as many as 6.8 percent of all students in grades 6 – 12 have tried e-cigarettes at least one time. The number of middle school kids trying e-cigarettes for the first time increased to 2.7 percent; 20.3 percent of these young, first-time e-cigarette users said they had not yet tried conventional cigarettes. This comes at an age when kids are at greater risk for tooth and gum disease because they are getting braces, go through phases in their diligence to oral hygiene, and are getting the last of their permanent teeth.

The overall effect of e-cigarette use on public health is still unknown. Government agencies note that some researchers are concerned about the effect these devices can have on the developing brains of adolescents, an increased risk for addiction, and the potential for e-cigarettes to become a gateway to conventional tobacco use. Anyone considering switching to e-cigarettes as an alternative to cigarettes should consult with a doctor and a dentist first to discuss the overall health risks. .

Sources:

Malhotra, Ranjan; Kapoor, Anoop; Grover, Vishakha; Kaushal, Sumit. “Nicotine and Periodontal Tissues.” Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology. 2010 Jan-Mar, 14(1): 72-79.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “ Electronic Cigarette Use Among Middle and High School Students – United States, 2011-2012.” September 6, 2013.

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In pursuit of a whiter smile and healthier lifestyle, many smokers are switching to e-cigarettes. Major health organizations are concerned about the possible health risks associated with these electronic devices. Researchers are still working to discover whether using e-cigarettes causes medical or dental problems, and if these risks outweigh the benefits of using these devices as replacements for conventional cigarettes. Anyone considering e-cigarettes to prevent damage caused by conventional cigarettes or concerned that e-cigarettes have caused dental problems should consult with their dentist.

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, affects thousands of people but many aren’t aware that it is an actual medical condition with a number of potential causes and treatments. Does your mouth often feel parched? Is it difficult for you to eat dry foods? Are you constantly sipping liquids to regain the moisture in your mouth? If so, you could be suffering from dry mouth. Read on to learn about potential causes of dry mouth and dry mouth treatments.

Causes of Dry Mouth

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the thickened or reduced saliva flow that causes dry mouth, including:
•    Medications
•    Diabetes
•    Anemia
•    Salivary gland infections
•    Blockage of salivary ducts by tumors or stones
•    Stress
•    Radiation therapy
•    Dehydration

Additional factors that may contribute to dry mouth include smoking cigarettes, mouth breathing, and poor or dry air quality.

Treatment for Dry Mouth

Fortunately, there are a number of treatments your dentist can suggest to help you keep your mouth properly moistened.  The first step in treating dry mouth is to find out what the cause is. If the patient has a blockage in the salivary ducts, there are a number of effective therapies depending on the location and size of the obstruction. Some patients may be able to work with their doctors to find alternative medications that are less likely to cause dry mouth. There are also over-the-counter saliva substitutes and mouth rinses that can help restore optimal saliva flow. Finally, many patients find that chewing gum or sucking on hard candies (especially sour candies) can help stimulate the flow of saliva and relive dry mouth.

Dry mouth can be uncomfortable, and it can also cause cracks or sores on the lips, difficulty speaking, and bad breath. Dry mouth can also affect a person’s sense of taste and it can become the source of oral fungal infections and dental decay. If you suffer from chronic dry mouth, it’s a good idea for you to discuss the issue with your dentist so that he or she can address any problems that may be contributing to the condition before they affect your oral health.

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Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can be caused by a number of factors, including certain medications.

Some researchers estimate that up to 2.4 million children actively suck their thumbs. Thumbsucking is a natural and normal activity for children. Just after birth, sucking on a thumb or pacifier helps an infant develop the muscles needed to nurse. Thumbsucking often makes a child feel comforted and secure, and it often helps a child fall asleep. Despite these benefits of thumbsucking, this is a habit that should be stopped between the ages of 2 and 4 because it can cause serious oral health repercussions. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, it’s safe for a child to suck his or her thumb only until their permanent teeth come in.

When a child’s permanent teeth come in, sucking can impede proper growth and it can adversely affect the alignment of the teeth. Thumbsucking also brings about changes in the roof of the mouth.  According to pediatric dentistry experts, the intensity of a child’s sucking has a lot to do with the damage to his or her mouth. A child who sucks more aggressively is more likely to have deformed teeth requiring braces in the future. In some cases, a child’s teeth are so affected by thumbsucking that it can affect his or her speech.

So, how do you get your child to stop sucking his or her thumb? Positive reinforcement works well, especially as many kids use thumbsucking as a way to cope with insecurity and anxiety. If you notice your child sucks his or her thumb more when they are stressed out, try to eliminate as many of those stressors as you can. If your child is a bit older, it may be helpful for him or her to have a chat with your dentist to explain how thumbsucking can hurt their teeth and to offer encouragement. If these methods don’t work, try putting a bandage on the offending thumb to remind your child not to suck.

Source:
American Dental Society, Thumbsucking

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Thumbsucking is safe for younger children, but can cause serious oral health issues if it goes on for too long.

Talk to your dentist if you have questions about your child’s thumbsucking.

Are electric toothbrushes really that much better than manual toothbrushes? The simple answer is, yes.

These days, it’s hard to turn on the TV without seeing a commercial for electric toothbrushes.  But are electric toothbrushes really that much better than manual toothbrushes?

The simple answer is, yes.  Most dentists highly recommend using an electric toothbrush to keep your teeth as clean and plaque-free as possible.  Still, not all electronic toothbrushes are created equal, and it’s important to explore your options before you buy one to make sure you get the best product.  Here’s a head-start on the research.

The first thing to know about electric toothbrushes is that they aren’t the same as the battery-operated toothbrushes you can buy at the drug store for less than $10.  A true electric toothbrush is rechargeable and plugs into the wall, and the average price is $50 to $75, though you can find them for as little as $25 and as much as $100.  Electric toothbrushes come with brush heads that need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months, and they can come with a variety of features, such as special models for tooth whitening, gum massaging, or sensitive teeth.  Despite the apparently high initial price of an electric toothbrush, though, they may cost less than manual toothbrushes in the long run as they don’t need to be replaced as often.

A major benefit of electric toothbrushes is that they offer a more thorough clean than manual toothbrushes.  Not only are electric toothbrushes faster, but they also offer advanced designs that make cleaning molars and the gum line easier.  In an American Dental Association survey, more than 80 percent of electric users said they improved oral cleanliness after switching from manual toothbrushes.

Another benefit of electric toothbrushes is that they can keep people from brushing too hard, which can injure the gums and remove enamel, contributing to tooth sensitivity.  With an electric toothbrush, there is no need to apply pressure to get your teeth clean.  Some models even lose power if the user begins to brush too hard.

Electric toothbrushes are also great for smaller children, who may not have the dexterity to properly brush with a manual toothbrush.  The larger handles make these toothbrushes easier to grip, and the design of electric toothbrushes makes it much easier to get at the molars and the areas behind the teeth that kids have trouble reaching.

For those of you who are concerned with being environmentally, electric toothbrushes are also the “green” option when it comes to brushing your teeth.  The heads and handles of manual toothbrushes aren’t recyclable.  Some experts claim that the plastic between 14 and 42 electric toothbrush heads equals the amount of plastic in one manual toothbrush.
Using an electric toothbrush is a great way to keep your teeth their cleanest, but it’s not the only step you need to take.  Even if you use an electric toothbrush, you still need to brush your teeth at least twice a day.

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If you brush your teeth at least twice a day, you are off to a good start on the journey to optimal oral health.  However, for many Americans brushing their teeth is the entirety of their daily oral care routine, and they neglect their gums and other areas of their mouths.  To keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong, it’s important to take a “whole mouth health” approach to your dental care.

Flossing is an essential part of any good oral hygiene routine that is often neglected by Americans.  Flossing can remove food particles and bacteria that can become lodged between the teeth and at the gum line, where your toothbrush can’t reach.  As gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States, keeping your gums healthy is a necessary step on the way to whole mouth health.

In addition to daily brushing and flossing, a healthy diet is crucial to maintaining a healthy mouth.  The ADA recommends that you eat a variety of foods from each of the basic food groups in order to get the vitamins and minerals that are essential to oral health .  It’s also a good idea to limit snacks between meals and to avoid foods high in sugar, which can be detrimental to your teeth.

Maintaining a well-rounded oral health routine at home is essential to keeping your teeth and gums in top condition, but the ADA maintains that it’s still important to visit your dentist twice a year for a comprehensive examination and cleaning.  During your twice annual visit to the dentist, a hygienist will gently remove tartar and give your teeth a cleaning more thorough than you can perform at home.   X-rays will also be performed to help your dentist see whether the underlying structures of your mouth are healthy.  Your regular visit to the dentist’s office is also a good opportunity to review your oral hygiene routine with your dentist and to discuss any techniques or products that may be helpful in maintaining oral health.  For a complete list of over-the-counter oral health products approved by the American Dental Association, visit www.ada.org.

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Dental care is about more than brushing your teeth.  Learn how caring for your gums and mouth is an important part of a good oral hygiene routine.

In most cases, babies’ teeth begin to appear at about six months of age, but it is normal for children’s teeth to erupt at any point between three and twelve months of age.  It takes up to a few years for all 20 of a child’s primary or “milk” teeth to erupt¹.  If a child has not begun teething by fifteen to eighteen months, it’s best to consult a physician.

Though some parents report no ill side effects when their children are teething, most children experience teething symptoms such as:

• Problems sleeping
• Refusing food
• Irritability
• Excessive drooling
• Rubbing ears and cheeks

When a tooth erupts, an eruption cyst may develop.  This is normal and the cyst should be left alone, as the tooth will eventually rupture it as it pushes through the gum.  The above mentioned teething symptoms are normal, and should gradually improve.  If, however, these symptoms do not abate or your child develops a fever or diarrhea, it is best to contact his or her pediatrician.

There are a number of simple remedies parents can use to alleviate teething symptoms in babies.  Gently rubbing the irritated gums with a wet finger or gauze pad can often help.  If your child is eating solid foods, try feeding him or her something cold, which may soothe the gums.  Many dentists and pediatricians also recommend a clean teething ring or pacifier for teething children.  If your child seems to be in discomfort and these methods are not helping, you may try a mild pain reliever, but only after consulting with a physician.

When your baby’s first teeth erupt, you should brush them with a soft, baby-sized toothbrush moistened with a little water.  Toothpaste is not recommended for children under two, and then it should only be used under supervision to make sure the child does not swallow toothpaste, which can cause an upset stomach.

Most pediatric dentists recommend that a child makes his or her first visit to the dentist roughly six months after the eruption of the first tooth, and no later than one year old.  This can help establish a good relationship between the child and the dentist, and pave the way for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.

¹American Dental Association

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Is your baby teething?

Learn what parents can expect during this time, and find tips on easing discomfort during teething.

Latex is made from the sap of the rubber tree, and can be found in many household products and medical and dental supplies such as gloves, masks, and syringes.  Some people can develop an allergy to latex after repeated exposure to latex products.  When a person is allergic to latex, his or her immune system overreacts when latex comes into contact with a mucous membrane.  Since dentists wear latex gloves and are in regular contact with the mucous membranes of the mouth, dental patients need to be especially vigilant in alerting their doctors to any latex allergies.

Latex allergies can present in three types of reactions: irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and immediate allergic reaction.  An irritant contact dermatitis reaction results in skin abnormalities such as itching, burning, dryness, scaling, and lesions.  Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed reaction to the additives used in latex processing, and can cause similar symptoms as irritant contact dermatitis.  With this type of reaction, however, the symptoms are more severe, more widespread, and can last for longer.  The most serious form of latex allergy reaction is an immediate allergic reaction.  This may present such symptoms as a runny nose, cramps, severe itching, or hives.  In some very rare cases, patients who have severe allergic reactions to latex may progress to anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening.  If you believe you are experiencing an allergic reaction to latex, make immediate contact with your dentist or doctor, call 911, or proceed to the nearest emergency room.

According to the Cleveland Clinic¹, certain people are at a higher risk for developing a latex allergy.  People who have the following conditions have an elevated risk of developing an allergy to latex:

• Allergies to chestnuts, avocados, kiwis, tomatoes, or bananas
• A deformed urinary tract or bladder
• Defects in bone marrow cells (myelodysplasia)
• Exposure to rubber dams used in dental procedures
• A history of multiple surgical procedures
• Exposure to rubber-tipped catheters
• A history of allergies, asthma, or eczema

There is no cure for a latex allergy, but patients can avoid reactions by preventing contact with latex.  If you are allergic to latex, you are advised to let your dentist know about your condition at least one day in advance of a dental appointment so that he or she may follow the practice’s latex-free protocol in preparation of your visit.

¹The Cleveland Clinic

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If you are allergic to latex, let your dentist know about your condition before your appointment so that the dental staff can follow the practice’s latex-free protocol.

It is not uncommon for patients to dread a trip to the dentist’s office because they associate dental treatment with discomfort.  According to the  American Dental Association (ADA), dentists have been using pain management techniques for more than 160 years¹.  To help patients relax and to ease discomfort or pain, dentists now offer a wide range of anesthesia options.  Learn about the dental anesthesia options available to patients today, and which option may be right for you.

The most common form of dental anesthesia is local anesthesia.  To prevent surface level pain, a dentist may apply a topical anesthetic.  This is commonly used to soothe mouth sores or to prepare the patient for the injection of a local anesthetic, such as Novocain®.  Injectable anesthetics are designed to prevent pain in a specific area of the mouth by blocking nerves and numbing mouth tissues.  The effect of these anesthetics is temporary.  Local Injectable anesthesia is often used for patients who require fillings or crowns, or who need treatment for gum disease.

Nitrous oxide, often referred to as laughing gas, is an inhalable dental anesthetic that is used commonly with patients who experience moderate dental anxiety, often in combination with local anesthetics.

For patients who experience more severe dental anxiety or those who wish to undergo a number of treatments in one visit, sedation dentistry is often a good option.  With sedation dentistry, the patient either swallows a pill or is given intravenous sedatives that produce a state of “conscious sedation” where the patient is awake and responsive, but thoroughly relaxed.

In some cases, general anesthesia is appropriate for dental patients.  General anesthesia renders the patient unconscious.  General anesthesia may be applied when the patient is profoundly anxious, a very young child, physically or mentally challenged, unable to stay still for a period of time, or when the patient requires extensive dental treatment such as oral surgery.

Following dental treatment, some patients may experience discomfort.  In these cases, the most commonly used form of pain relief is over-the-counter non-narcotic analgesics, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen.  In cases where patients have undergone significant treatment and may be experiencing a higher level of discomfort, narcotic analgesics such as codeine may be prescribed.

These days, in addition to offering traditional anesthesia and sedation techniques, many dentists employ alternative means of relaxation for their patients, such as supplying the patient with headphones or a movie to watch, a warm blanket, aromatherapy, and even massage performed on the hands or feet while the patient is in treatment.  If you suffer from dental anxiety or are preparing for an uncomfortable dental procedure, you should discuss your trepidations with your dentist.  He or she can recommend the appropriate anesthesia, and may also recommend some relaxation techniques to help you deal with dental anxiety and phobia.

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It is not uncommon for patients to dread a trip to the dentist’s office because they associate dental treatment with discomfort.  To help patients relax and to ease discomfort or pain, dentists now offer a wide range of anesthesia options.

People who play sports often require a lot of equipment, but one essential piece of sports equipment that is often neglected is a mouth guard.  Every year, thousands of athletes sustain injury to their teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongues that could have been prevented if they had been wearing a properly fitted mouth guard.

While a mouth guard may be an obvious necessity for players of contact sports such as football and boxing, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that participants in many non-contact sports also wear a mouth guard.  Below is a partial list of sports for which the ADA recommends a mouth guard¹:

• Acrobatics
• Basketball
• Bicycling
• Boxing
• Equestrian events
• Extreme sports
• Field events
• Field hockey
• Football
• Gymnastics
• Handball
• Ice hockey
• Inline skating
• Lacrosse
• Martial arts
• Racquetball
• Rugby
• Shot putting
• Skateboarding
• Skiing
• Skydiving
• Soccer
• Squash
• Surfing
• Volleyball
• Water polo
• Weightlifting
• Wrestling

To be effective, a mouth guard should have several features.  It should be durable, resilient, and comfortable.  It is also important that a mouth guard be easy to clean, and that it not restrict the athlete’s speech or breathing.  There are three different types of mouth guards:

• Stock mouth guards, which are ready-made
• Mouth guards that can be formed to the mouth at home, often referred to as “boil-and-bite” mouth guards
• Mouth guards custom-made by a dentist

To determine which type of mouth guard is best for your individual purposes, it’s best to consult with your dentist.  He or she can also instruct you on how to care for your mouth guard, but in general you should rinse the mouth guard with antiseptic mouth rinse before and after using it and store it in a firm container that is perforated to allow air circulation.  Also inspect your mouth guard for wear and tear, and replace it regularly to ensure optimal protection.

With the right mouth guard, athletes in every sport can be sure their teeth will remain protected.  That’s something to smile about!

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Mouth guards can help prevent dental injuries!

While a mouth guard may be an obvious necessity for players of contact sports such as football and boxing, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that participants in many non-contact sports also wear a mouth guard. 

Most parents agree: it’s difficult to get their children interested in doing a proper job of brushing their teeth.  A great way to make tooth brushing time more enjoyable is to purchase kid-approved dental products, such as character-inspired tooth brushes and mouthwashes that turn plaque a “gross” color so that kids will want to brush more to remove it. Another way to get your child into brushing his or her teeth is by purchasing a brand of toothpaste that your child loves.

What can make toothpaste appealing to children? For some kids, it’s the packaging: many children’s toothpastes come in tubes or containers that are brightly colored and feature some of kids’ favorite cartoon characters.  Some children may not be fans of traditional, mint-flavored toothpaste, which may create a burning sensation in their delicate mouths.  In these cases, parents have a wide variety of kid-friendly flavors to choose from, as most toothpaste companies have developed special lines of products that are aimed specifically towards children.

In truth, the best toothpaste for kids is the one your child will use.  If your child hates the toothpaste you have in the house, he or she is less likely to do a thorough job brushing or brush at all.  The trick is to make tooth brushing time a pleasant experience so that children will be more likely to develop strong oral hygiene habits that will carry them into adulthood.

It’s not enough to buy the gimmicky products designed to help get kids brushing: parents have to take the time to impress upon children the importance of dental hygiene.  Make sure your child brushes at least twice a day, and supervise younger children to ensure they are doing a thorough job and not swallowing any toothpaste. With children, it is also important to lead by example. If you brush your teeth every time your kids do, they will take brushing much more seriously. In addition to regular brushing, it is crucial that children visit their dentist regularly. A dentist will be able to identify signs of trouble as well as recognize if your child is missing certain areas of their mouth when brushing.

The American Dental Association (ADA) does not endorse or recommend specific toothpaste products as being better than others, but it does add its seal of approval to acceptable dental products.  For a complete list of products approved by the ADA, visit www.ada.org.

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Parents can help make brushing fun!

Every child deserves a healthy smile, but how do you get children to brush their teeth regularly? The trick is to make tooth brushing time a pleasant experience. With positive reinforcement, children will be more likely to develop healthy brushing habits that will carry into adulthood.