Save Face; National Facial Protection Month

Would you know what to do if someone you were with, or even yourself, incurred a facial injury?  April is National Facial Protection Month, and for this month’s here is some information on what to do if these types of injuries occur.
 
The Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and the American Dental Association (ADA), offer the following first aid tips to assist you in case an accident occurs:
 
Fractured/Broken tooth
• Find the broken pieces, store in water or milk.
• See dentist within24 hours – may be able to reattach the broken pieces of tooth.
• Analgesics for pain.

Displaced tooth 
• See your dentist immediately.
• If the tooth is extruded (hangs down) try to reposition.
 
Knocked out tooth
• See your dentist immediately – time is essential! For best results, replantation should be done within 5 – 10 minutes.
• Upon locating the tooth, hold it by the crown (the wide part, not the pointed end/root).
• Rinse the tooth but avoid rubbing it or touching the root. Put the tooth back in its socket; cover with gauze or tissue and bite down to stabilize it. Or, briefly store the tooth in cold milk. Alternatively, spit in a cup and place the tooth in the cup.
• Do not let the tooth dry out. A tooth can usually be saved if cared for properly and reimplanted within an hour.
 
Facial cuts
• Cover the wound with a clean dressing and apply pressure.
• Dressing may become saturated; do not remove it. Apply more dressing and pressure.
• Go to a nearby hospital for emergency assistance.
Cuts inside of the mouth
• Gently rinse the mouth with cold water.
• Bite on some gauze, a clean cloth or tissue and apply pressure to the wound.
• Go to the closest hospital emergency department for immediate treatment.
 
Jaw injuries
The U-shaped lower jaw often suffers multiple breaks. An upper jaw fracture may cause visible distortion of the face. If teeth fit together properly when the mouth is closed:
• Apply ice to control swelling and take ibuprofen or a similar remedy to control pain.
• Restrict diet to soft foods and if no improvement occurs within 24 hours, seek dental care. If teeth do not fit together properly when the mouth is closed: • Immediately seek emergency care.
• Gently align the jaws.
• Immobilize the jaw; wrap a cloth bandage under the chin and secure it over the head.
• Apply ice to control swelling.
 
Broken nose
• Gently pack the nose with gauze or tissue.
• Apply ice. Do not blow nose. Head and neck injury
• Do not let the injured person be moved unless by professionals or if in danger.
• Immobilize the head by placing rolled towels on either side. • Keep the injured person warm to avoid the risk of shock.
• If unconscious, clear the person’s mouth and hold their tongue forward to maintain an open airway and seek emergency care

Why So Sensitive?

Does eating ice cream or taking a sip of hot coffee or tea make your teeth hurt? Is brushing or flossing uncomfortable? If so, you may have sensitive teeth.

Various causes of sensitive teeth include:

• Tooth decay

• Fractured teeth

• Old fillings

• Gum/periodontal disease

• Worn tooth enamel

• Exposed tooth roots

Normally, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth above the gum line. Under the gum line, a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is a layer called dentin. 

Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and when dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum, microscopic tubules in the dentin layer allow heat or cold or certain types of food to reach the nerves and cells inside of the tooth. Dentin can also be exposed when gums recede, resulting in hypersensitivity.

Sensitive teeth can usually be treated, depending on the cause of the sensitivity. Your dentist may suggest one of a variety of treatments:

• Desensitizing toothpaste. This type of toothpaste contains compounds that help block transmission of sensations from the tooth surface to the nerve.  This usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is noticeably reduced.

• Fluoride gel. An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.

• A crown, inlay or bonding. These types of restorations may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.

• Surgical gum grafting. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.

• Root canal. If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, 

Oral Health Tips for Kids, Part 2

How you care for your child’s teeth will affect their ability to learn and to grow up healthy. By encouraging good oral health habits in your family, you will keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong and give them a smile to treasure for a lifetime. Below are some tips to help keep your child’s mouth healthy.

Choosing a Toothbrush
There are so many toothbrushes available, the choice can be overwhelming for some parents. The following are recommendations to help you make the right choice:

• Choose the correct size, based on age (most toothbrush packages are now labeled for the appropriate age group)
 
• Choose a toothbrush with soft, round-tipped, nylon bristles. Medium or hard bristles can injure gums and wear down tooth enamel (this is true for adults as well).

• Replace your child’s toothbrush when the bristles look bent or worn, usually between two to four months of use, depending on the brand

• Let your child help them select their own toothbrush. Kids are more interested in brushing if they are involved in the process
 
• Electric toothbrushes are popular with children and are very effective. Many of the electric tootbrushes also have a built-in timer function, to remind children to brush for two full minutes.

Choosing ToothpasteToothpaste is another important tool in fighting tooth decay.  Do you know how much (if any) to use?
 
• Newborns without teeth should have their mouths wiped with a moist washcloth, after all meals.
 
• Once the first tooth appears in the mouth, depending on your child’s cavity-risk, it can be appropriate to use a “smear” of children’s toothpaste containing fluoride, on the bristles of a wet toothbrush.

• Usually around 2 years of age, children can begin using a pea size amount of children’s toothpaste.
 
• Children should be taught at an early age how to spit out their toothpaste, in order to not swallow the contents.

Proper Techniques for You and Your Children• Adults should help brush their child’s teeth until the ages of 6 or 7, depending on the ability of the child to correctly use their toothbrush.
 
• Try to place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth and use a gentle scrubbing/circular motion technique.
 
• Brush all surfaces of the teeth including the area near the gum line.
 
• Apply gentle pressure while brushing.
 
• Encourage your child to brush for at least 2 minutes, 2 times a day.

Oral Health Tips for Kids- Part 1:

Primary “Baby” Teeth
 
Did you know that baby teeth are at risk for decay as soon as they appear, usually around age 6 months. 

Infant tooth decay (aka baby bottle rot) most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth can be affected. In some cases, infants and toddlers experience decay so severe that their teeth cannot be saved and need to be removed.

Most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth by the time they are 3-years-old. As your child grows, their jaws will also grow, making room for their permanent teeth.

Tips for Kids: National Children’s Dental Month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month. This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, health care providers and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others.
 

The theme created for the 2016 American Dental Association campaign is “Sugar Wars.”  

Children are faced with a confusing array of food choices, from fresh produce to sugary and processed convenience meals and snacks foods. 

What children are eating today poses not only affects their oral health, also poses serious concerns regarding their overall health.
 
The following are some tips to help reduce a child's risk of tooth decay:

Sugary foods and drinks should only be consumed with meals. This is because saliva production increases while eating and helps neutralize acid production and rinses food particles from the mouth.

Limit snacks between meals. If children crave a snack, offer them nutritious foods.  


If your children chew gum, choose sugarless gum with xylitol or recaldent. Chewing sugarless gum after eating can increase saliva flow and help wash out food and decay-producing acid.
 

Monitor beverage consumption. Instead of soft drinks, sports drinks or energy drinks, children should drink water or low-fat milk.
 

Help your children develop good brushing and flossing habits. Parents should assist their children until the ages of 8-10, depending on the child’s ability to brush properly.
 

Schedule regular dental visits.  Children should be seen every 6 months for check-ups to monitor the development of their teeth and for regular teeth cleanings.

New Year’s Resolutions For A Healthier Smile!

A New Year’s resolution often involves some sort of short-term or long-term goal.  Ask yourself, what are your “goals” for oral health in 2016?  We at Beachside Dental want to help you achieve those goals!  Before you ever step foot into our office, here are some resolutions that will help you achieve the smile you desire.

1) Schedule a Dental Appointment
Nearly one third of people in the United States do not visit the dentist annually, according to the American Dental Association. Making a dental appointment is actually the first and most important step towards oral health. To make the process of scheduling your appointment easier, you can make an appointment at Beachside Dental on our website (www.beachsidedds.com) or even on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/beachindentist).

2) Daily Flossing
Brushing your teeth twice a day isn't enough.  Flossing will help to keep plaque from building up between your teeth or to remove particles of food from your mouth. If your gums bleed when you floss, this is a sign that your gums are inflamed and that you actually need to floss more often.  If you stick with this healthy habit, you’ll be on your way to a healthier smile.

3) Cut Back On Sugar
Cutting back or eliminating sugar can drastically reduce your risk for tooth decay. Here are some suggestions; Drink sugar-free sparkling water (flavored is OK) instead of soda, or chew a piece of sugar-free gum when you have a craving for something sweet.

4) Stop Smoking
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking nearly doubles your risk of having gum disease, and is linked to a host of other health issues. Prepare for the cravings you will have when you quit and find healthy activities to engage in to keep you from giving in to any temptations. General medical practitioners can help in conjunction with dentists, to help you address any nicotine addictions.

5) Eat Healthy
In addition to cutting back on sugary foods/drinks, consider eating as healthy as possible. Dairy products high in calcium are great for your teeth, as well as foods high in fiber which increase the amount of saliva in your mouth 

Why You Should Visit the Dentist Regularly

Ever wonder why dentists recommended you be seen every six months, even if your teeth don’t hurt or if you don’t usually have your teeth cleaned that often?  Some believe the reasons are financially driven, and that couldn’t be further from the truth; well sort of (I’ll explain more later).
 
The truth is, regular dental visits are essential for achieving optimal oral health, including your teeth and gums.  Depending on your treatment needs, you may even need more frequent visits for certain teeth cleanings, possibly every 3 to 4 months.

A Routine Dental Visit

Checking your teeth for cavities is just one part of a routine dental examination.  A dentist (or dental hygienist) will complete the following procedures during your visit:

• Examine the gums• Check for evidence of gum disease• Check for loose teeth• Examine your tongue• Check your bite• Looking for visual or radiographic evidence of tooth decay• Check for broken teeth• Check for damaged fillings• Evaluate any dental appliance you have• Check the contacts between your teeth• A Routine Cleaning
 
Another important reason for a routine dental visit, is to have your teeth cleaned thoroughly, beyond what a toothbrush or floss can do for you at home.  

If not removed, soft plaque can harden onto your teeth and irritate the gum tissue and possibly lead to periodontal disease.
 
Food or beverages and tobacco can stain teeth as well and can be removed by polishing your teeth.  A dentist or hygienist will also review important information about proper oral hygiene techniques and answer any questions you may have, general or specific, about your mouth.