Making sure you take proper care of your child’s baby teeth is very important, as these teeth help reserve the space for their adult teeth.  Here are is some additional facts about your child’s baby teeth.

* If your child baby tooth decays or is removed too soon, the space necessary for their adult teeth is loss and can only be regained though orthodontic treatment.

* Decaying and infected baby teeth can cause their permanent adult teeth to develop improperly, resulting in stains, pits and weaker teeth.

* Your child baby teeth also serves to helps speech development and aid in chewing food properly.

* Generally children begin losing their baby teeth around ages five or six and continue to lose baby teeth until the age of twelve and thirteen. With the exception of third molars (wisdom teeth) which begin to appear around age seventeen to twenty-one.

The main purpose of the study, which involved 19 adult participants, was to evaluate the safety, feasibility and effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for migraine sufferers.

There is evidence that MBSR can help alleviate chronic pain but not much evidence on its effect on migraines. Study showed MBSR safe and may reduce frequency and severity of migraines

MBSR is a standardized 8-week program that teaches people to become more mindful through learning mindfulness meditation, body awareness and yoga. It was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, a professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, as a way to help people cope with stress, anxiety, pain and illness. The researchers found that the patients who completed the MBSR program tended to have 1.4 fewer headaches per month that were less severe.

Health experts warn that excessive alcohol consumption causes mouth cancer and dental disease. According to the experts, in order to tackle this as fast as possible, screening and treatment for alcohol abuse is critical.  According to the report, individuals do not visit their general practitioner unless they are ill, whereas the majority of people visit their dentist for a routine check-up, as a result dentists have the chance to identify alcohol abuse.

The bacteria released with chronic oral infections can spread and contribute to disease in other parts of the body. Gum disease is linked to several other health conditions in seniors, including coronary heart disease and stroke. Having periodontal disease makes it more difficult for people with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels. It can also pose a threat to people with respiratory diseases or osteoporosis.

Apples may be good for the Doctor but not for your teeth.  According to studies done eating apples can be up to four time more damaging to your teeth then carbonated drinks such as soda.   Doctors are right in saying that eating apples is good, however what is bad for your teeth is the way you eat apples.  The high acidity level in apples can damage your teeth if you eat them slowly. Where as drinks most often associated with dietary erosion, particularly cola, showed no increased risk.

Many people feel that they would be able to spot the signs of gum disease before it really get too bad. However, gum disease is not easy to detect, especially early on. In fact, many seniors do not know that they have periodontal disease because it has been developing slowly over time. That is why regular dental visits are so important. A professional deep cleaning will remove any plaque build up in places you might not be able to reach on your own.

Scientists recently presented their work at the Society for General Microbiology’s Spring Conference in Dublin. Studies done show that oral bacteria that escape into the bloodstream are able to cause blood clots and trigger life-threatening endocarditis. Further research could lead to new drugs to tackle infective heart disease

Gum disease develops slowly over time and does not always show symptoms along the way. But that does not make it any less serious for seniors. In addition gum disease will not resolve by itself. What starts with a little redness of the gums and bleeding can develop into pockets around the base of the teeth, which eventually become loose and fall out. The only way to remove plaque deep under the gums is with regular dental cleanings.

Patients with congenital heart disease who have poor dental hygiene behaviors are increasing their risk of endocarditis. Teens with congenital heart disease floss, brush and visit the dentist less than their peers. But they have healthier behaviors when it comes to alcohol, cigarettes and illicit drugs. Adults with single ventricle physiology (a type of congenital heart disease) also have poorer dental hygiene practices than their peers despite having better health behaviors overall.

For some seniors they think that gum disease is just a part of aging. However that is not the case. Gum disease is caused by a build up of dental plaque. Gum disease is more common in seniors who face changes such as receding gums and a faster build up of plaque. Other factors such as smoking, dry mouth and taking certain medications can increase the risk of periodontal disease in seniors even more. Yet by maintaining good at home dental care habits and seeing your dentist regularly you decrease your risk of gum disease at any age.

With current technology, it may take four to six months before the bone surrounding the implant screw has healed and is strong enough so the patient can begin to benefit from surgery. Now, for the first time, a drug coating that has been tested on humans allows titanium screws to adhere to the bone better and faster. The Linköping researchers behind the method report that the results are good.

Having mild or occasional tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food and beverages is not unusual. But if it persists, it could be a sign of a cracked or broken tooth or even gum disease. The best way to get to the root of the matter is to see your dentist.

The old saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is never been more truer in regards to dentistry. Preventative dentistry is relatively easy, quick, and inexpensive. Preventive dental care first starts from home with brushing, flossing and eating a well. By taking care of your dental health and having good dental habits you will be able to avoid larger dental issues.

However preventive dental care does not stop there. Seeing a dentist for your twice a year check ups is also an important part of your dental care health. Only a dentist can catch small issues and correct them before larger dental care is needed.

When you combine having good oral health care habits with dental insurance, preventive dental care cost is more affordable. Many dental insurance plans want their insured’s to have preventive care services. Therefore preventive care is normally free to very low in cost to their members.

Not too many people have heard of root decay. Root decay can develop when your gums recede enough to expose your tooth roots as well as the cementum that covers them. After prolonged exposure, your tooth roots can start to develop tooth decay. Signs to look out for include a yellowish tint or “notches” near your gum line.

Orthodontic dental services is a specialty that focuses on aligning crooked teeth as well as fixing improper bites. (over, under and cross bites) Orthodontic dental care is mainly associated with children up to the age of 19 but more and more adult also seek out orthodontic services.

By having dental insurance in place in most cases you are able to save money off your orthodontic dental care needs.  Keep in mind however some dental insurance plans will only provide benefits for orthodontic services to children up to a stated age.  However there beside dental insurance plans there are also dental discount plans that help to save 20 percent office the cost of orthodontic care regardless of age.

It is time to enjoy another New Year and we wish you the best for this up coming year.