Pediatric dentistry isn’t just for kids

When your children are small, going to a pediatric dentist can be a great way to relieve their anxiety about the dentist. Pediatric dentists are trained to meet the specific needs of children, which means they often have more success relating to their patients and making the process as smooth as possible. But what happens when your children turn into teenagers? According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, teenagers should continue to see their pediatric dentist through adolescence.

Pediatric dentists also specialize in teen dental issues, and it is important for your teenager to continue seeing a dentist who knows his or her history. Teenagers’ mouths are still rapidly changing, which makes it even more critical that they continue regular appointments at the dentist. In addition, adult teeth emerging from the surface are susceptible to decay, and a pediatric dentist can monitor the growing process to ensure your teen’s mouth stays healthy as she transitions into adulthood. The Academy also emphasizes the importance of instilling good oral hygiene habits in teens, who by now are making their own dietary and hygiene choices.

A pediatric dentist can help guide them in these choices and will press upon them the importance of maintaining healthy teeth. Talk to a pediatric dentist in your True Dental Discounts, dental plan and ask about promoting the oral health of your teenager. He or she will become a great resource and can help ensure your teen enters adulthood with beautiful teeth.

Ouch! What to do if your child gets a tooth knocked out

Summertime can be one of the most fun and active seasons for your child, but it can also be one of the most dangerous seasons when it comes to dental injuries. It is not uncommon for children to fall off a bike or get injured during a sport and realize they have lost a tooth. If this happens, don’t panic. Teeth can be saved in most cases when an adult can quickly jump into action. First, though, check two things: make sure your child does not have any other serious injuries that may require an ambulance, and determine if the tooth that was knocked out was a baby tooth or an adult tooth.

If the tooth was a baby tooth, don’t worry about finding the tooth or getting it placed back into the mouth. It is still a good idea to see the dentist to make sure no other damage was done, but it is not vital to save the tooth when an adult tooth will soon be erupting anyway. If, however, it was an adult tooth, there are several things you can do to preserve the tooth and increase the chances of it being successfully replanted into the mouth. Just remember that the faster you locate the tooth and get your child to the dentist, the more likely it is that the tooth can be saved. If a tooth is knocked out:

• Do not let the tooth dry out, and do not soak it in water. If the tooth is dirty, put it in milk immediately.
• Do not scrape or touch the root surface.
• After making sure the tooth is clean, put it back into the socket and hold it in place on the way to the dentist. If it cannot be put back into the socket, keep it in a glass of milk to prevent it from drying out.
• Go straight to your True Dental Discounts, dentist or a hospital immediately. During treatment, a dentist will give your child a “splint” to keep the tooth in place while it heals.

It is important to remember that knocked-out teeth can often be prevented by reminding your child to wear a mouth guard during recreational and sporting activities. Teeth are surprisingly easy to damage, so it’s always better to be overly cautious and protect your child’s beautiful smile.

Good oral hygiene may be linked to memory health

In the last decade, mountains of research have been conducted on the brain and the way a person’s memory changes over time. But before you reach for the Ginkgo Biloba, you may want to consider reaching for the toothbrush instead. Researchers at West Virginia University are studying the effects of gum health on a person’s memory, and many experts predict that brushing and flossing may reduce the number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s. Studies have already shown that gum disease increases a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke, perhaps due to the inflammatory response caused by periodontitis or microorganisms in the mouth.

Now, researchers suspect that mental health can also be affected by a person’s gums. According to the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, connections have already been found between severe dementia and gum disease. To keep your gums healthy, it is important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, as well as use fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash. Most importantly, schedule regular visits with a dentist on your True Dental Discounts dental plan and ask questions. Staying informed is the first step to staying healthy.

Myths about proper toothbrush care

You’ve used a toothbrush to care for your teeth your whole life. But do you know how to care for your toothbrush? Test your knowledge with these myths and facts:

• Myth: Rinsing a toothbrush cleanses it of any bacteria.
• Fact: While it is a good idea to thoroughly rinse a toothbrush after using it to clear it of any debris or toothpaste, water cannot remove germs the brush has picked up in your mouth. For this reason, it is important to not let your toothbrush lean against or touch another person’s toothbrush. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, toothbrushes should be allowed to air dry and stored in an upright position, away from other brushes.
• Myth: It is OK to share a toothbrush with a family member.
• Fact: Sharing toothbrushes increases your risk for infection because it allows for an exchange of body fluids (saliva). This is especially important to remember for people who have contagious diseases or weakened immune systems.
• Myth: It is a good idea to soak a toothbrush in mouthwash to disinfect it.
• Fact: In addition to not being necessary, soaking toothbrushes in mouthwash can eventually lead to cross-contamination, either because multiple people’s brushes have touched the same solution or because the same person has exposed a brush to the solution over an extended period of time.
• Myth: Toothbrushes should be disinfected in a dishwasher or microwave.
• Fact: Putting a toothbrush through a cycle in the dishwasher or microwave can damage the brush.
• Myth: Toothbrushes must only be replaced after each visit to the dentist.
• Fact: It is important to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months – or sooner if the brush appears to be splayed. The CDC suggests that the mechanical effectiveness of a brush is reduced after a few months of wear, therefore decreasing its ability to eliminate plaque.

For more information about the proper care of toothbrushes, talk to a dentist on your True Dental Discounts, dental plan.

Did you know? Mothers can pass cavity-causing bacteria to their babies

Every time a mother shares a utensil with her baby, she could be putting the baby at risk for tooth decay. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, babies are not born with the harmful bacteria that can lead to cavities; instead, they get it from their mothers. This transfer often happens when moms put baby spoons in their mouths before feeding their child or allow a baby to put its fingers in their mouth. Mothers who have a history of dental problems are most likely to pass harmful bacteria to their children because they have an increased number in their own mouths.

The AAPD suggests that dads can also pass bacteria to their children, but not at the rate that mothers do. Moms who have not had cavities since their teens or earlier are less likely to put their children at risk, but it is still important to protect babies’ teeth. Studies have shown that infants who are exposed to tooth-decaying bacteria are much more likely to get cavities throughout their lifetime than those who do not get the bacteria until later in life. For more helpful tips about keeping your child’s teeth healthy, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist on your True Dental Discounts, dental plan.

Signs of a great toothbrush

You know how important it is to brush your teeth twice a day to fight plaque and cavities — but are you using the right brush? In reality, every person’s mouth is different, which means everyone needs different traits in a toothbrush. For instance, look at the size of your mouth: If you have a generally small mouth, it’s a good idea to find a brush with a small head. Small-headed brushes allow you to angle the brush more effectively in a small space and can get into hard-to-reach corners. In terms of the handle of the brush, look for one with a good grip. Handles are made to fit in varying-sized hands, so make sure the one you pick fits nicely in yours. If you have arthritis, pay special attention to the surface of the handle and select one that won’t slip easily.

Finally, when it comes to the bristles, most people benefit from a brush that is soft, but not too soft. Packages specifically labeled “soft” are generally not the right choice, unless your dentist recommends it for you. Instead, look for ones that feature “medium” bristles. These ones will not be so rigid that they hurt your gums, but they will also stand up under pressure and remove plaque effectively. If you have any questions about choosing the right brush, talk to a dentist on your True Dental Discounts, dental plan. He or she can recommend the right brush for your mouth and even give you pointers about improving your technique.

Effects of cancer treatments on oral health

Most cancer patients who undergo radiation therapy are aware of the risks and side effects associated with the treatment, but not all are familiar with its effects on oral health. According to the American Dental Association, approximately one-third of Americans diagnosed with cancer suffer from painful oral complications after receiving radiation therapy. Radiation in the head and neck regions of the body can cause patients to develop dry mouth, hypersensitive teeth, rapid tooth decay, and lesions. They may also experience difficulty swallowing.

Although most of these effects are caused by radiation, chemotherapy may also result in damage to the oral cavity. To prevent these effects, the American Dental Association suggests that a patient’s oncologist and dentist work together before and during treatments. Patients undergoing cancer treatments should typically brush their teeth gently twice a day and may need to use a special saliva-replacement product to combat dry mouth. An increase in the frequency of fluoride treatments may also be recommended. The most important thing for patients to remember is to maintain constant and proactive communication with their dentists and oncologists.

Both health professionals care about their patients’ well-being and can benefit from coordinating their treatments. If you are anticipating cancer treatments in the near future, talk to your True Dental Discounts dental plan dentist for individualized advice and recommendations. He or she will perform a full oral examination and work with you to maintain your healthy smile.

Tips for Cleaning your child’s teeth

Although a baby’s first visit to the dentist should be by his or her first birthday, parents must also be vigilant about their child’s oral health at home. Do not wait until your child has multiple teeth before establishing a routine. At the first emergence of a tooth, parents should keep it clean by gently rubbing it with a terry cloth washcloth or clean piece of gauze once a day. As more teeth grow in, parents may begin to use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush. Most babies that are at least five months old can use the infant toothpastes sold at drugstores.

For young children, remember to never put more than a small smear of toothpaste on the toothbrush, as swallowing too much can be dangerous. If your child is too young to brush his or her teeth independently, it may be helpful to sit behind the child and tilt his or her mouth back toward you so you can see every section of the teeth and gums. The British Dental Health Foundation suggests brushing in small circular movements and focusing on one area at a time. In addition, it is important to remember to brush behind the teeth as well as on the gums.

Although most children ages 4 and older can start brushing their teeth on their own, parents should supervise the routine until at least age 7 to make sure the child is brushing thoroughly. If you have difficulty getting your kids to brush their teeth, try establishing a routine that is consistent and fun. Regular, direct praise can go a long way in encouraging children to keep their teeth clean and healthy. For more information about oral hygiene and young children, talk to a pediatric dentist on your dental plan. He or she can help you find a routine that fits your family and give you advice to keep your children’s smiles sparkling.

Choosing a dentist that is right for you

Whether you have recently moved or are simply looking for a dentist that fits your family, there are many factors to take into consideration before selecting a new dental provider. Oral health is extremely important –both for your teeth and for your overall well-being – which means it is critical to find a professional that will meet your needs. Some questions to ask include:

• Is the office staff friendly, professional and helpful?
• Does the dentist make time to answer my questions? Do I feel comfortable expressing concerns?
• Do the dentist and hygienists explain all procedures and discuss techniques that promote oral health?
• Is the office clean and neat? Are proper hygiene practices used, including wearing gloves and throwing out contaminated items?
• Is the office in a convenient location in relation to my home or work?
• Does the office make special arrangements for people with dental emergencies?
• Is information regarding payment plans and appointment schedules easy to understand?
• Was the dentist highly recommended by my friends, colleagues, or acquaintances? Does he or she have a reputation for being accurate, skilled and knowledgeable?
• Finally, is the dentist a True Dental Discounts participating dental provider, allowing me to receive discounts at all my appointments? As a member of the Aetna Dental Access program, you are eligible to receive 15 to 50 percent on most dental services. Why wait?

What happens if I have a taste disorder?

If you’ve talked to a dentist on your discount dental plan and suspect you may have a taste disorder, he may recommend you visit an otolaryngologist (also known as an ear/nose/throat doctor) for further testing and diagnosis. An otolaryngologist can measure the lowest concentration of taste you are able to experience. He or she will also conduct a comprehensive examination of the ears, nose, and throat and review your dental records.

If you do have a taste disorder, there are many possible ways of restoring your senses. For instance, your doctor may recognize that the disorder is caused by a medication you have been taking and prescribe a new one. Or, the disorder may be a result of severe allergies or a respiratory condition that can be cleared up. Until then, however, the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders gives a few suggestions to improve your eating experience with a reduced tasting capacity:

• Eat foods that vary in color and texture. This reduces the bland quality of some meals.
• Add herbs and spices to boost the flavor of your food. Garlic or spicy peppers can make a big difference. Do not try to increase the flavor by adding extra sugar or salt, however, as this can have negative consequences on your health.
• Add cheese, bacon bits, butter, olive oil or toasted nuts to mild-tasting foods like vegetables if your diet permits it.
• Avoid eating dishes that combine a bunch of flavors or foods, like casseroles. These make it difficult to distinguish individual tastes and can become bland.

No matter your strategy, it is important to work with a trusted health professional to regain your sense of taste. Although helpful in increasing the enjoyment of foods, the sense of taste also plays a crucial role in keeping you healthy. A person relies on taste to avoid eating spoiled or poisonous foods, and loss of taste can lead to many other serious health issues. People who lose their sense of taste often change their eating habits, adding too much salt or sugar in an attempt to regain flavor, and develop heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions. In rare cases, loss of taste can also indicate the presence of degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. Talk to a doctor if you have concerns and make sure you stay alert for any changes in your health.