Joshua Hong, DDS Blog

Did You Know These Amazing Foods Could Help Improve Your Oral Health? Dig in!

June 17, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Oral Health — tntadmin @ 10:12 am

When oral health is at stake, the most common suggestions we come across are the don’ts, especially the ones related to foods. But what if you find crunchy, delicious and naturally sweet food options to maintain good oral health? Well, below is a compilation of some of the best foods for oral health.

Farm Fresh

The list of health benefits of various vegetables and fruits is endless. Well, you might be surprised to know that they score high when it comes to maintaining good oral health also. Let’s see how –

  • Vegetables such as kale, spinach and other green leafy vegetables are packed with calcium, fiber and all things good. Use them in soups, as toppings or even in your smoothies to maintain healthy pearly whites.
  • Also, soups which are broth based make for perfect relief-providing foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal. Go ahead and enjoy a bowl of warm tomato or cream of celery soup and feel your teeth flexing muscles happily!
  • Vegetables like carrots and celery are both great sources of vitamin A. Celery also contains vitamin C. Both these vitamins act as antioxidants and help boost the health of your gums.
  • Choose dried grapes – raisins. They are a good source of phytochemicals which may help in fighting the cavities and gum-disease causing bacteria.
  • Fruits such as apples and cranberries are also clear winners when it comes to healthy teeth. Eating apples leads to production of saliva which washes away residual food particles and bacteria, while its fibrous texture stimulates the gums. Cranberries contain polyphenols which may help in keeping plaque from sticking to teeth, thereby lowering the risk of cavity formation.

Dose of Dairy Goodness  
Most of the dairy products help lower the level of bacteria in your mouth. Also, cheese and yogurt are some of the most recommended dairy foods after oral surgery. Both of these are rich in calcium and protein which help in strengthening tooth enamel. The ‘good bacteria’ present in yogurt do a world of good to your teeth and gums. And, its smooth texture along with light consistency makes yogurt an ideal food to eat after wisdom tooth removal. Just ensure that you stick to a plain sugar-free yogurt. Invent delicious ways to include some of this dairy goodness in your diet.

Lean is in
When it comes to healthy food choices for oral health, lean proteins will always rule all the trends. Yes! White meat, dark meat without skin, fish, low-fat dairy products, quinoa –a low-fat grain plus a complete protein, milk, eggs, beans and legumes etc., are all great sources of lean protein. They are rich in phosphorous which contribute to the strength of your teeth.

Nuts about Nuts
Nuts such as almonds and cashews are powerhouses of proteins and minerals. They also have low carbohydrate content which means, they don’t increase the risk of cavities. The omega-3 fatty acids in nuts strengthen your teeth and help keep the gum tissue healthy. What’s more? The chewing action stimulates the production of saliva, which also contributes towards protecting your teeth from the possibility of decay.

Make an appointment with our friendly Smile Team at Joshua Hong DDS in Goodyear, AZ and know more about eating right for a healthy smile. And, follow your food love!

Planning for Oral Sedation Dentistry: What to Tell Your Dentist

June 6, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Sedative and Pain Free Dentistry — tntadmin @ 11:38 am

A lot of people feel anxiety, worry or even pure terror before a dental appointment, even if they’re just going in for teeth cleaning. Some are so afraid that they avoid checkups even when they have tooth or gum problems, which get worse if they’re neglected. Sedation dentistry is a common solution for dealing with dental anxiety.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

In sedation dentistry, medication is used to help anxious patients relax and feel at ease during a dental procedure. It’s also known as “sleep dentistry”, but doesn’t always involve general anesthesia. The level of sedation depends upon the severity of your fear as well as how invasive the dental procedure will be.

Sedation levels include:

  1. Minimal sedation, where you’re awake but feel relaxed.
  2. Moderate sedation, where you’re conscious but may not remember much of the procedure, and speech may be slurred.
  3. Deep sedation, where you’re barely conscious. You may even fall asleep but the dentist can wake you with a gentle shake.
  4. General anesthesia, where you’re completely unconscious and will not awaken until the medication wears off.

Your dentist may use one of these types of sedation:

  1. Inhaled sedation, where you breathe in nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”.
  2. Oral sedation, where you take a pill about an hour before the procedure to help you feel relaxed or drowsy.
  3. IV sedation, where medication is injected into your veins and controlled by the dentist.

Oral sedation is the most common choice, and can be used for minimal to moderate sedation. It’s generally combined with a local anesthetic to prevent pain or discomfort.

What to Let Your Dentist Know before Oral Sedation Dentistry

While oral sedation dentistry is safe, you need to provide your dentist with a complete health history in advance. Here’s what to include:

  • Any past and current medical issues and treatment you’ve received, including prescription medication.
  • Over-the-counter, herbal or alternative medications/supplements/remedies you’re taking. These may react with oral sedatives, so give your dentist a full list.
  • What you’ve eaten in the last few days. This may seem unimportant, but certain foods such as grapefruit can interfere with the medication.
  • Lifestyle factors such as smoking or alcohol consumption, which can also affect the absorption of medication used for oral sedation dentistry.

Ensuring Your Safety and Planning for Your Dental Appointment

Here are some additional tips to remember if you’ve decided on oral sedation:

  • Be clear about your medical history, especially problems like diabetes, so medication and aftercare can be customized accordingly.
  • Unless your dentist tells you otherwise, avoid eating or drinking for at least 6 hours before your dental appointment.
  • Don’t eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice for 72 hours before and after oral sedation dentistry.
  • Get someone to drive you to and from the clinic, and avoid operating heavy machinery or driving till the sedative wears off.
  • Take the day off from work if you’re getting oral sedation, or at least half a day after a quick procedure.
  • If your dentist suggests it, take oral sedation medication the night before to make sure you’re well-rested.

If you have any questions about oral sedation dentistry or other methods of dealing with dental anxiety, contact the team at Joshua Hong DDS in Goodyear, AZ now!

5 Rare Dental Diseases You’re Unaware Of (Until Now)

May 26, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Oral Health — tntadmin @ 10:30 am

Taking the right steps at an early stage is the best way to prevent any problem. This is why parents must have their child screened by a dentist at the age of seven because it is the best time to diagnose any underlying teeth problems so that they can be addressed in time. Your child could be suffering from a dental problem or may show signs of a future dental problem but if you are unaware of the symptoms, the problem may go undiagnosed until it becomes major. Here are 5 very unusual dental conditions which every parent must be aware of:

  1. Dental Agenesis

The term denotes the absence of one or more teeth and the condition is typically caused due to a developmental failure. Despite being one of the most common dental anomalies the pathogenic mechanisms and genetic background of this condition are still poorly understood. It typically affects bay teeth after a child loses his/her primary teeth. Since there is little that can be done in this case, dental implants can give your child a confident smile and self-esteem in particular.

  1. Germinated Teeth

Tooth germination typically occurs when two teeth sprout from a single bud and the condition is akin to tooth fusion. When several chambers of tooth pulp are shooting out from a single root, it gives rise to problems like tooth decay and bad bite due to overcrowding. If the tooth is wide and prevents adjacent teeth from erupting normally, an extraction becomes necessary.

  1. Hypodontia

This is an extremely rare condition wherein the patient has all of his/her teeth missing. The missing teeth simply never grow due to a genetic abnormality that only affects permanent teeth. A child suffering from hypodontia will never develop any teeth after losing the primary set of teeth. However, dentists also come across cases where the child has more than six teeth missing but not all. Little can be done in case of hypodontia which is why implants and dentures are the only solution parents have to ensure that their child’s ability to speak, eat and socialize is not affected adversely.

  1. Supernumerary Teeth

Medically known as Hyperdontia, this condition is characterized as having too many teeth, however, most cases involve just one extra tooth. Since supernumerary teeth develop in the gum, they often go unnoticed until you notice a crooked eruption. Generally dentists recommend an extraction in case of overcrowding but orthodontia may also be a viable option.

  1. Talon Cusps

The most distinct feature of this dental condition is a claw-like growth behind the teeth. Talon cusps usually emerge in the front of the mouth or behind the canines or incisors. This condition can cause problems such as malocclusion, bad bite, plaque, irritation of the gums and overcrowding. If the cusp contains pulp, a root canal treatment becomes necessary and if it does not contain pulp, the dentist may simply grind it down.

If your child is showing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is best to have your child examined professionally and even if there are no evident symptoms, a dental checkup is important. It helps in identifying potential dental problems that could invite an orthodontic procedure. Also, an early diagnosis can help your child cope with dental problems better and enable your dentist to ensure the best possible outcome. This is why every parent should have their child examined for unfamiliar dental problems that could invite expensive procedures at a later stage.

 

How Common Medications Are Affecting Your Oral Health – Symptoms and Side Effects

May 17, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Oral Health — tntadmin @ 10:47 am

Most over the counter medicines have side effects including oral side effects. So, the next time you pop a pill be sure to check that it is not causing any harm to your oral health. Medications surely make you feel much better but all of them whether taken orally or injected, have the risk of side effects and oral problems. You would be surprised to know that medicines used for treating the symptoms of common cold, pain, high blood pressure, allergies, depression, and even cancer are known to negatively impact your oral health. This is why you should discuss your prescriptions with your dentist and not just your doctor. This will help you learn more about medications that can cause oral side effects and know how you can limit them.

Know Your Risk and Reduce It  

The most common side effects of OTC medicines on your dental health include:

  1. Dry Mouth

Medically known as Xerostomia, dry mouth is usually caused by certain chemotherapy medicines, antidepressants, narcotic pain medications, anti-spasm medications and antihistamines. More than 400 medications are known to cause an uncomfortably dry mouth by drastically reducing the amount of saliva. This dryness causes irritation and inflammation of soft tissues and increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

  1. Gum Swelling

Also referred to as Gingival Overgrowth, this condition is typically associated with anti-seizure medications, blood pressure medications prescribed to heart patients and immunosuppressant drugs that are prescribed to patients when undergoing an organ transplant procedure. When gum tissues become so swollen that they start growing over the teeth, they create a favorable environment for bacteria to thrive and this can severely damage your surrounding tooth structures. The best way to prevent this medical condition is to maintain meticulous dental hygiene prior to starting the medication.

  1. Tooth Decay

Prolonged use of sweetened medications including vitamins, syrups, cough drops and antacids can cause tooth decay. To prevent tooth decay you can either ask your doctor to prescribe sugar-free alternatives or immediately rinse your mouth after taking these medicines.

  1. Discolored Teeth

Tetracycline drugs are known to cause tooth discoloration if taken when the teeth are still developing. Today tetracycline and related antibiotics are not prescribed to children below the age of 8 and also to expectant mothers to prevent permanent staining of teeth. However, tooth discoloration can be effectively treated using cosmetic dentistry techniques like bleaching, dental veneers, and bonding procedures.

  1. Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are usually caused by inhaler medicines that are prescribed to asthma patients. These inhalers often trigger a yeast infection which is medically known as oral candidiasis. Rinse your mouth every time after using an inhaler to prevent this side effect.

  1. Mouth Sores

Ulcers often occur inside the mouth and most over the counter medicines are known to cause mouth sores including aspirin, penicillin, streptomycin, phenytoin and sulphonamides. Chemotherapy drugs can also cause canker sores on the tongue and in the moist tissues that line your mouth.

  1. Metallic Taste

Many medicines can interfere with your sense of taste and make your food taste metallic, bitter or salty. Such taste changes are common among people taking multiple medicines. Drugs known to cause taste changes include allergy medications, blood thinners, corticosteroids, asthma medicines, blood pressure medications, cholesterol-lowering drugs, smoking cessation products, thyroid medicines, muscle relaxers and chemotherapy drugs.

These are only a few of the many side effects caused by over the counter medicines so it is important that your dentist knows what medicines you are prescribed. This will ensure that you receive the best dental care and prevent the unpleasant effects of prescription drugs.

If you are combating any of the side effects of over the counter medicines, call us today at 623.925.8822 and know what you need to do to protect your teeth and gums.

A Complete Parental Guide on Protecting Your Kid’s Teeth When Playing Sports

April 27, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Oral Health — tntadmin @ 11:50 am

Spring is in full swing which means more time outdoors! As baseball and soccer take the center stage in your child’s life, you need to ensure that falls and collisions don’t do any major damage. Keep your child’s teeth safe from flying baseballs and footballs with the following precautionary measures and keep the fun going:

  1. Use the Right Protective Equipment

It is all fun and games until somebody breaks a tooth, right? Sports are entertaining only when your child is fully prepared with proper equipment especially when playing contact sports. Injuries and falls can happen anytime so protect your child’s teeth with the right protective gear. Wearing face masks, shoulder pads, chest protectors and gloves when playing rugby, soccer, basketball, football, baseball and hockey may feel like a hindrance to your child initially but they efficiently prevent tooth fracture, painful extrusions and splitting of the lips.

  1. Wear a Sports Teeth Guard

A sports teeth guard is designed to seamlessly fit along your child’s teeth and gum line for protection in case of a collision. Easily available at sports stores, you can also have your dentist customize the teeth guard to perfectly fit the size and shape of your child’s teeth.

  1. Put on a Helmet

Helmets not only protect your child’s skull from accidents and concussions but also guard the mouth from injuries. Wearing helmets when biking, skateboarding, and playing other speed and impact sports will reduce the chances of fractured tooth and oral trauma.

  1. Use Sports Eyewear

Even non contact sports can result in severe eye injuries. Sports eyewear offers ultimate protection against fast moving bats, balls, racquets, jabs and elbows.

  1. Follow the Rules

Injuries should not keep your child from pursuing his/her favorite sport but ensuring their safety during practice sessions is your responsibility. No parent would like to see their child venture into the football field from the wrong end and get tackled by a sea of players. Making sure that your child has a complete understanding of the rules and regulations before playing any sport will greatly reduce the risk of injury.

  1. Eat Superpower Foods for Strong Teeth and Healthy Bones

A healthy diet that is rich in proteins, fibers and dairy will keep your child’s teeth strong and bones healthy.  Strawberry, kiwis, nuts, seeds, veggies, celery and fibrous foods are essential for growing children who actively participate in sports.

  1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is imperative to the health and safety of your child’s teeth. Getting your child into the habit of brushing twice a day and flossing regularly will ensure proper oral protection both on the field and off the field. It is also a good idea to have your child visit the dentist for removal of plaque and professional cleaning.

While recreational and school sports help children develop discipline, leadership qualities and learn social skills, they are also a major cause of serious injuries that often leave children with missing teeth. Taking your child to the dentist twice a year is the best way to keep your child’s teeth in top condition and prevent dental problems.

Joshua Hong DDS is here to help you tackle your child’s every dental problem, any sports season. Call us today at 623-925-8822 for a caring dental appointment that helps your little heroes win every battle – whether it is against the sugar bugs or school players.

Harmful Habits You Need to Quit Now to Keep Your Teeth Healthy!

April 12, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Oral Health — tntadmin @ 10:10 am

Being able to chew your food so digestion happens effectively is crucial for your body to absorb nutrients. For that, you need your teeth!

Being able to talk right, to pronounce words correctly so that others can understand you is absolutely essential. For that, you need your teeth!

Being able to smile at someone – be it your crush, your colleague, your child or anyone, really makes you feel good. For that, you need teeth!

Being healthy and avoiding unwanted diseases is crucial. For that also, you need teeth!

So, you get the point. Your teeth are very important for your overall health and well-being. Taking better care of your teeth doesn’t only mean routinely maintaining oral hygiene. It also requires a deeper understanding of the impact that your various routine activities have on your teeth and gums.

Here are some activities and habits that can be detrimental to your oral health:

  • Unconsciously Acquired Habits
    Thumb sucking is usually attributed to children. But, it is also seen in quite a few adults. Persistence of this habit exposes your mouth to harmful germs and bacteria from your hand, and can also lead to misaligned teeth. This may in turn affect your ability to chew and speak.

    Clenching and grinding of teeth is another potentially harmful habit. Some may grind their teeth while asleep, and others may unconsciously do so when under stress, in deep thought or as a nervous tick. Continuous grinding will put stress on the teeth and jaws, and wear down the enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to cracks and breakages.

    The best way to get rid of such habits is to consciously redirect your attention and focus towards non-intrusive activities. However, in severe cases, you should consult your dentist about preventative measures.

  • Using Teeth as Tools
    Teeth have specific functions. When they are utilized for activities that they are not meant for, it often results in unwanted hassles.

    Chewing on ice is something a lot of us do. It not only puts pressure on your teeth, but also exposes them to an unsuitable cold temperature.

    Also, using your teeth instead of a bottle opener, scissors or pliers, exerts extra pressure which may loosen your teeth or result in cracked enamel. Similarly, nail biting due to stress or unavailability of a nail cutter leads to wear and tear of the teeth, and exposes your mouth to harmful and infection-causing microbes.

  • Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices
    You already know that tobacco consumption is extremely harmful for your entire body including your teeth. Regular consumption does more damage than leaving you with just a permanent bad breath and discolored teeth. It seriously increases your chances of contracting mouth cancer. The best way to avoid such adverse health conditions is to immediately quit consuming tobacco in any form and contact your dentist for reversing the damage such as spotted teeth. Getting a piercing in or around your mouth is another harmful lifestyle choice that has long lasting impacts. It not only increases the risk of sores and lesions but also the chances of mouth infections and gum disease. They are known to disrupt the alignment of your teeth.

    Other unhealthy habits include not cleansing your mouth after meals and consuming sugary foods and liquids. It is essential to rinse mouth after every meal to avoid the risks of cavities due to food residue.

    Mostly damage due to such habits is not immediately visible and requires a professional assessment. Therefore, it is important to regularly schedule oral examinations with your dentist.  Contact us now at Joshua Hong DDS in Goodyear AZ, and we can guide you better.

Ready for Your Very First Denture? Not Until You Read This

March 20, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Dental Implants and Dentures — tntadmin @ 10:18 am

Dentures – whether used for replacing all or some of your teeth, can seem daunting. Even small acts like chewing and speaking with dentures initially can cause discomfort or pain. Apart from getting habituated to them, it is also essential to maintain them properly.

We have listed below some important aspects to help you get comfortable with your new dentures and handle them correctly. Let’s take a look:

Oral Hygiene

The importance of oral hygiene can never be undervalued. And, with people using dentures, it becomes all the more essential. You should keep a close watch on the condition of your gums, rest of your natural teeth if any, tongue and the insides of your cheek. Also, the dentures are prone to getting stained or damaged by bacteria. So it is crucial that you don’t neglect their maintenance. Use a brush with soft bristles and consult a dentist to know how to clean your dentures properly.

Denture Care

You should regularly soak your dentures as instructed. This helps remove any residual food particles, harmful germs and bacteria. It is unadvisable to use any kind of cleaning solutions for dentures while they are within the mouth. Hence, always soak them in an appropriate container.

Choosing Adhesives

Denture adhesives can help you with adjustment problems, by easing the discomfort. However, this does not mean that anybody with dentures can use such adhesives. The needs vary according to the user and the design of the dentures. Before choosing any such adhesives, it is mandatory that you check with a dentist about it.

Consume More Water

Be it with dentures or with natural teeth, a dry mouth leads to decay and bad breath. So, make a conscious effort to drink more water. This will help you get rid of soreness and irritation caused by using a denture in a dry mouth.

Eat Wisely

Dentures are built to suit the natural design of your jaws. But, at an early stage you should bear in mind that you are not used to chewing with them. Therefore, to avoid harming them or yourself, and to keep them healthy in the long run, you should watch what and how you eat. It is best to not eat sticky or sugar and acid rich foods. Start with softer foods and small pieces, so chewing becomes easy and comfortable.

Practice Talking

First time denture users often avoid talking to avoid irritation and at times embarrassment. However, dentists suggest that they should in fact knowingly make an effort to talk more. This can help them get comfortable with their dentures faster.

It is however important to know that your natural teeth if maintained well, can eliminate the need for dentures. This can be done by including some simple habits in your daily routine. Like eating wisely, using a soft brush and correct brushing ways, regular flossing, drinking liquids like juices with straws, quit smoking, having a basic awareness about oral health and undergoing periodic dental check-ups.

Get in touch with us at Joshua Hong DDS in Goodyear AZ today, to know more about how you can retain healthy natural teeth for years. And, even if you are using dentures then we can help you to get used to them, effortlessly. Our dedicated Smile Team is ever-ready to resolve any of your concerns related to oral health.

Millennials Beware: What Avoiding Dental Visits Can Actually Lead to

March 11, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Oral Health — tntadmin @ 11:19 am

A study by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) indicates adults age 20-44, otherwise known as Millennials or Gen Y, are the segment with the highest percentage of untreated decay in their permanent teeth. This is because of the growing trend of self-diagnoses after researching symptoms on the internet.

Further research into the matter indicated that adults age 20-34 are more likely to have avoided the dentist for 2-3 years. And, that is where the downfall of oral health begins. If you are a part of Gen Y and the above mentioned habits seem familiar to you, you should take a look at what’s in store for you!

  • Bruxism
    More commonly known as constant teeth grinding may not seem like a serious dental problem at first but it can wear out your teeth and cause them to chip or break gradually. Chronic teeth grinding may result in fracturing, loosening, or even loss of teeth, in some cases. Persistence of such a problem will not only damage your teeth, but it may also affect your jaws and result in malfunctioning of the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) which can even change the appearance of your face.
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
    This disorder is extremely tough to diagnose as these symptoms occur in areas other than the jaw and require physical examination of your mouth by the dentist as well as specialized tests such as the BITE Test in certain cases. If a dysfunctional TMJ goes unnoticed, it can lead to:

    1. Loss of hearing
    2. Speech abnormality
    3. Severe headaches
    4. Oral deformation
    5. Digestive tract health problems
    6. Immune dysfunction
  • Hypersensitivity
    As you begin to age, you may begin to notice heighten sensitivity in your teeth due to consumption of extremely cold or hot foods. This can happen due to decaying teeth, chipped teeth, worn-out enamel, tooth decay or even gum disease.  The severity depends on the health of your teeth. However, if left untreated for long amounts of time, it may lead to hypersensitivity and eventually result in loss of teeth.
  • Dry mouth
    The lack of saliva can cause significant damage to your teeth and gums as it washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, while maintaining the health of the soft and hard tissues in the mouth. The reduced supply of saliva or the lack thereof may can ultimately result in tooth and gum decay.
  • Gum disease
    People usually don’t show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s.  The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, which may lead to periodontitis, a more serious, destructive form of the same, if it is left untreated. This can result in significant damage to the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth and putting the sufferer at risk of losing teeth and supporting bone.
  • Oropharyngeal Cancer
    The symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer usually start as a tiny, white or red spot or sore or swelling anywhere in the mouth or throat. It could be anything ranging from a sore lump to numbness in certain areas. Such symptoms aren’t indicative of oral cancer and require further inspection by trained professionals to ascertain the root cause of the same.

    As you can see, to ensure you are safe and protected from the above mentioned oral problems, timely dental check-ups are an absolute must. This will improve the chances of catching suspicious changes in your oral health early and preventative measures can be taken well in time.  If you are facing any problems while chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your tongue or jaw, make an appointment with our experienced Smile Team at Joshua Hong DDS and we will make sure relief is on the way.

A Parental Guide to Improving Children’s Oral Health This NCDHM

February 8, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Oral Health — tntadmin @ 6:06 am

This National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) Take an Oath for Your Child’s Oral Health

February 2017 is National Children’s Dental Health Month and it brings together thousands of dental professionals, healthcare practitioners and dedicated educators to raise awareness about children’s oral health and the benefits of proper dental care. This year’s NCDHM campaign will promote the slogan “Choose Tap Water for a Sparkling Smile” to children and their teachers, parents, and caregivers. The American Dental Association in collaboration with the ADA foundation will undertake a month-long awareness program and use versatile publicity resources and fun activity sheets to raise awareness at various events. Be a part of this initiative and educate your child on oral health. The time that you invest in their oral care today will pay lifelong dividends in the form of healthy gums and cavity-free teeth.

How Optimal Oral Care Translates To a Happy and Healthy Child

Parents lay the foundation of healthy teeth in their children by establishing a proper oral hygiene routine. For this, parents should be equipped with all the important information they need about their children’s oral health. Use the following 5 tips to protect your child’s teeth and gums from decay and cavities:

  1. Make sure that your child brushes his/her teeth twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste that efficiently removes plaque and prevents cavity. Make sure your child does not swallow the toothpaste.
  2. Flossing daily will remove plaque from under the gum line and in between the teeth. This will prevent the accumulated plaque from turning into tartar and your child won’t have to undergo a professional cleaning session.
  3. Feed your children a well-balanced diet that does not include starchy, sweet, and sugary foods.
  4. Use fluoridated drinking water and dental products that contain fluoride.
  5. Make sure your child’s toothbrush has soft and rounded bristles. Replace the brush every four months.

Dental health for Children is just as important as their overall health and well-being. Daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits will reduce the incidence of cavities, decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Only parents can introduce, inculcate and reinforce healthy oral habits in children as they grow. Lead by example and help your child understand the importance of brushing and flossing for an improved quality of life. Start with your Children’s first dental visit at the earliest and prevent little problems from becoming dental abscesses and emergency room visits.

Other Ways to Protect Your Child’s Teeth & Gums from Decay

Decrease the amount of sweet juices and sugary foods from your child’s diet as they damage the teeth’s enamel. Immediately visit the dentist if your child experiences sudden bouts of throbbing pain when chewing hot or cold foods. Never leave a cavity untreated because it can cause severe pain and serious oral infections which can later invite early teeth extractions and expensive restorative treatments.

Key Points to Consider for your Children’s Dental Care

  • Tooth decay occurs when bacteria produce acids while breaking down sweet and sugary foods and drinks. If these acids are not washed away, they can damage the tooth’s enamel.
  •  Certain medicines have high sugar content so it is important to clean your child’s teeth after a dose of sweet liquid medicines.
  • The best times to brush your child’s teeth are in the morning and before they go to bed.
  • Give your child a glass of water after every meal to make sure all the sweet and sugary substances are washed away.
  • You can inculcate the habit of flossing in your children from the age of 4.
  • Limit the intake of cookies, candies, potato chips, pretzels, soft drinks, and fruit juices.
  • In case your child chips or knocks out a tooth, contact your dentist immediately.

This National Children’s Dental Health Month, take an oath – to inculcate an oral hygiene routine in your children at an early age, so that their teeth remain healthy and happy even in old age.

Forward Head Posture may be Linked to TMJ Disorder

January 17, 2017

Filed under: Blog,TMJ Treatment — tntadmin @ 6:04 am

Jaw joints also known as temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are one of the most used joints in our body. Our daily actions like swallowing, yawning, talking, etc. make use of jaw joints. You can feel these joints by placing your fingers in front of your ear and move your jaw. Any problem associated with these joints is called TMJ disorder. Like any other disease in our body, TMJ disorders exhibit some visible symptoms, which if we watch closely can save us a lot of trouble. These symptoms include headaches, speech abnormalities that are generally unexplainable and can’t be treated by a speech therapist, pain in ear and jaw, etc. TMJ can make your daily tasks difficult as with the time, the pain starts reverberating to neck and shoulders.

Among the other symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, one important symptom is forward head posture. Some people start to position their head ahead of their shoulders as if they are having problems in holding it up. This particular symptom is called forward head posture and can also cause neck pain.

  • Posture and TMJ Link There is an obvious connection between head, neck, and jaw. Posture has an impact on TMJ and can lead to abnormalities and dysfunction. Research has revealed a connection between forward head posture and TMJ. This connection is often overlooked by dentists. It is important to watch the relationship between masticatory and cervical muscles when you are noting effects of head posture on TMJ. Forward head posture (FHP) can cause the head to shift beyond its normal axis. This posture can alter the neuromuscular influences on the masticatory system which further affects the resting position of the mandible. Being one of the important TMJ symptoms, FHP should not be ignored and should be immediately brought to doctor’s attention to find out any links with TMJ.
  • Realigning the Posture Postural realignment is important in order to treat FHP. The primary aim of postural realignment is to lift up the occiput and move it away from the cervical spine. Further, it helps in neutral alignment of the lower cervical spine. Also, it facilitates the neutral alignment of the shoulder region which can help in correcting the forward head posture.By achieving the postural realignment, one can accomplish functional restoration. Realignment of the posture can positively affect the TMJ treatment. While it can decrease the chances of the disorder getting serious, it can potentially lower the pain that can occur from TMJ disorder.

It is always good to identify the TMJ symptoms at the earliest and take appropriate action. If you take note of symptoms like FHP at an early stage, it can save you from a lot of pain because once the disorder gets serious, it takes a long time for the medication to take effect and cure it.

Whenever you feel a slight abnormality in your posture, immediately consult an experienced dentist. Make an appointment with our Smile Team at Joshua Hong DDS and we will make sure that you rule out the possibility of it being linked to TMJ because usually this connection is overlooked. As a matter of fact, the sooner we recognize TMJ symptoms, easier it will be for us to treat it. So, call and make an appointment today .

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