Comfort Dental Weymouth. Shahram Moghaddam, DMD Weymouth Family, General and Cosmetic dentist
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Comfort Dental Weymouth. Shahram Moghaddam, DMD Weymouth Family, General and Cosmetic dentist
At Comfort Dental Weymouth - Shahram Moghaddam, DMD Weymouth Family and Cosmetic dentist
Seeing your child in pain is difficult for any parent, so we all try to protect our kids from hurting. Unfortunately, teething is a normal part of your baby’s development; however, this time can be trying for both children and parents. Understanding the process and discovering how to soothe your little one can make teething go more smoothly.
When do children start teething?
Most of the time, baby teeth come in between the ages of three and 12 months. The bottom front teeth erupt first, followed by the four upper front teeth.
How can I tell if my child is teething?
The most common signs include fussiness, drooling, slightly swollen gums, and changes in appetite. Generally, the peak of unpleasantness hits between four and six months. After this point, babies tend to become accustomed to the teething sensations.
What can I do to comfort my baby?
Hard, cold teething rings will help sore gums. Make sure the toys are put in the refrigerator not the freezer because frozen objects may cause tissue damage. Gently massaging your child’s gums may also provide some pain relief.
Should I be worried if my baby doesn’t have any teeth yet?
Typically, your child will cut his or her first teeth by 12 months. Often, the age that the first tooth breaks through is hereditary, so if you or your spouse got teeth at six months, your baby will likely follow suit. If no teeth have appeared by 14 months, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist to make sure there are no problems delaying the eruption of the primary teeth.
The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding teeth. Because gingivitis is often painless, many people don’t realize they have a problem. Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that leads to bone degeneration and tooth loss if it isn’t stopped.
What are the signs of gingivitis?
Usually, the initial symptoms are mild. Swollen, red gums and bleeding when you brush are common indicators that you may need to talk to your dentist about a periodontal evaluation.
Are there any risk factors for gingivitis?
This condition is very common and almost anyone can develop gingivitis. You may have an increased risk for gingivitis because of poor oral health, tobacco use, older age, certain medications, hormonal changes, dry mouth, and substance abuse.
What causes gingivitis?
One of the primary contributors to gingivitis is plaque, the sticky, colorless film that regularly forms on teeth. As the plaque builds up, it irritates the gums and can cause damage. If plaque remains on teeth for more than a couple days, it will harden into tartar, which can only be removed by your dentist or hygienist.
How do I prevent gingivitis?
Good oral hygiene is a key part of keeping gums healthy. Remember to:
• Brush at least twice a day to remove plaque
• Floss regularly to get between teeth
• Have teeth professionally cleaned to remove tartar
• Schedule twice yearly checkups
• Use a prescription rinse to improve gum health
We often hear about how sugary treats and simple carbohydrates aren’t good for our waist lines or our teeth. Though it’s good to know what to avoid, knowing which foods promote oral health is even better. Take a look at this list of foods and beverages that will help keep your smile healthy and strong:
Celery
Not only does raw celery promote saliva production, which helps wash food and bacteria from your mouth, but it also has natural abrasive properties that massage gums.
Green tea
Regularly drinking green tea can kill oral bacteria that cause plaque because of potent antioxidants called catechins. As well, these catechins remove the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Kiwi fruit
Rich in vitamin C, kiwis provide this vital nutrient, which keep the collagen network in the gingival in good working order. When this network is compromised, bacteria can weaken the gums, resulting in inflammation and bleeding.
Wasabi
Often served with sushi, this Japanese horse-radish contains a substance called isothiocyanates that make it very hot. Isothiocyanates have been shown to inhibit the development of cavities.
Shitake mushrooms
Researchers have recently discovered that shitake mushrooms contain lentinan, a special sugar that prevents the formation of plaque.
Water
When you drink water, you can maintain good saliva production and keep your gums healthy, so try to consume eight glasses each day. If you can’t brush after eating, rinsing with water can help rinse debris and keep harmful bacteria in check.
Your diet impacts your overall wellness. Making good choices will keep your body healthy, including teeth and gums. We all know that you should get plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Certain foods and beverages provide particular benefit to your mouth.
Milk and yogurt
Low-fat milk and unsweetened yogurt are low acid foods. These options reduce the acid erosion that can weaken tooth enamel. Dairy choices, including cheese, also have the calcium you need for strong teeth and bones.
Green tea
Several benefits come from green tea. The antioxidant plant compounds, called polyphenols, in the tea prevent plaque from sticking to teeth, reducing your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Green tea may also help control bad breath.
Onions
Because onions contain powerful antibacterial compounds, they kill various bacteria that inhabit your mouth. Raw onions offer the most benefit.
Apples, celery, and carrots
These crunchy foods massage gums and clean between teeth, promoting a healthy mouth.
Sesame seeds
High in calcium, sesame seeds help build enamel, and they also slough off plaque, lessening the chances of cavity development.
Animal protein
Lean cuts of chicken, turkey, and beef, as well as eggs, contain phosphorous, which works with calcium to strengthen our bones.
Water
Drinking H2O keeps your mouth hydrated and helps with saliva production. Saliva acts as a natural cleanser, washing away food debris and bacteria from your mouth.
Though bad breath, also called halitosis, isn’t a life threatening issue, it can wreak havoc on your personal and professional life. From time to time, most people experience bad breath. Usually, something you eat or nasal congestion will cause episodes of less than fresh breath. Unfortunately, some people have chronic halitosis, which can be quite frustrating. Consistent problems with bad breath usually occur because of poor oral hygiene, certain medical conditions, dry mouth, and lifestyle choices such as smoking.
Follow these tips to help keep your breath fresh and clean:
• Prioritize daily oral care. Make sure you brush after each meal and floss at least once a day to remove food debris, a major contributor to bad breath, from your mouth.
• Don’t forget your tongue. Often the germs that produce unpleasant odors linger on your tongue. Brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper can help.
• Avoid temporary fixes. Mints and mouthwashes can actually dry out your mouth, which will make bad breath worse.
• Drink lots of water. By consuming enough water, you will increase saliva production and reduce dry mouth.
• Change your tooth brush regularly. Replace the brush every three to four months because old toothbrushes harbor bacteria.
• Chew sugarless gum. Like water consumption, chewing sugarless gum promotes saliva levels.
• Stop smoking. Although this is difficult, dropping your nicotine habit will give you fresher breath and improve your health.
• Talk with your dentist. In some cases, your doctor may recommend special toothpaste and rinses that are formulated to address chronic halitosis.
Healthy teeth are maintained not only by proper hygiene, but also by eating a nutritious diet. Certain vitamins and minerals promote oral health. In order to keep your smile strong and attractive, try including these ingredients in your diet.
Vitamin A
Your tooth enamel contains a protein called keratin, which needs vitamin A in order to form. This means that vitamin A strengthens your enamel. It also boosts your immune system, helping to fight infections in your mouth. Some foods with vitamin A are beef, eggs, liver, salmon, fortified milk, and some cheeses.
Vitamin C
Also called ascorbic acid, vitamin C is vital in developing, maintaining, and repairing your body’s tissues, bones, and teeth. Studies show that people consuming lower amounts of vitamin C are more likely to have gum disease. Because vitamin C is water-soluble, it is washed from the body once it has all it needs, making it necessary to access this vitamin daily. Some sources of vitamin C are fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, and spinach.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an important role in helping your body absorb and use calcium, which is responsible for strong, healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D can be supplemented or received through exposure to sunlight. It is also found in some foods like fortified cereals and milk, egg yolks, and fish.
Calcium
Calcium is a crucial mineral needed to create and maintain your teeth and bones. You must supply your body calcium in your diet to ensure good health. Calcium is obtained in foods like cheese, milk, leafy green vegetables, and yogurt.
Vitamin K
This vitamin strengthens your tooth enamel by helping to bind calcium to your teeth and bones. It can also avert tooth decay by preventing acid from hanging onto your teeth. Vitamin A is found in soybeans, dairy products, and green vegetables.
It’s often bad enough that you have to take medicine in the first place, but it’s even worse when they have uncomfortable side effects. Many medications affect your oral health, with one of the most common negative side effects being a dry mouth. It’s important to be aware of what medicines might dry your mouth out, and ways to relieve that symptom if it develops.
What medicines can cause dry mouth?
There are over 400 medicines that have been known to cause dry mouth. The most common types of medicines that promote this side effect are:
• Antihistamines
• Decongestants
• High blood pressure medicines
• Antidepressants
• Sedatives
• Pain relievers
• Parkinson’s disease medicines
• Antacids
Can dry mouth hurt my teeth?
Having a consistently dry mouth can negatively affect your oral health. Saliva washes away food particles and bacteria in your mouth. If you don’t have enough saliva to help clean your mouth, you’ll be more likely to develop tooth decay and gum infections.
What can I do to relieve my symptoms?
The first thing you should do is ask your doctor if there are medication alternatives that would treat your medical problem but not promote dry mouth. It that isn’t possible, here are some ideas about how to relieve your symptoms of dry mouth:
• Sip water or another sugarless drink often during the day.
• Reduce or cut out caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and tobacco since each of these contributes to dry mouth.
• Drink water or sugar-free drink while eating to aid chewing and swallowing.
• Suck on sugarless candy or gum, which encourages saliva production.
• Avoid spicy and salty foods, because they can cause pain in a dry mouth.
• Use a humidifier while sleeping.
• Ask your doctor or dentist about artificial saliva products.