24hrdental.net's Blog – December 2015 Archive (80)

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria that are present in the mouth act on the food that you eat producing acid that eats away at the outer layer of the teeth. This gradual erosion of the outer layer starts to produce a cavity, which if not treated can get larger and deeper, affecting the gums too.

When you start getting cavities, it means that tooth decay has already set in and you will have to go to the dentist to get it…

RCT!! I have seen a huge range of responses to this most commonly done dental treatment at my practice. Most common one is "oh no!! I can't take up that pain."

Whereas few others jump from their chair and say "doctor please take out my tooth. I cannot take an injection"

Some have a sigh; others show anxiety but are ready for the procedure.

But there are many who feel happy as they know pain will be relieved and they can still save their ailing…

If you are wondering that wisdom tooth has something to do with dental philosophy, then you are absolutely wrong. The only reason behind the name is that the third molars erupt at an age when we are shifting to adulthood. That age is the age of wisdom- "mature and wise". Hence, as a creative gesture these tooth were called as 'Wisdom Tooth'.

When & Why?

The obvious questions that come into mind are "Why the wisdom tooth needs to be removed?" & "When is the right time to…

One of the most common issues kids experience as they grow up is crooked or misaligned teeth. Misaligned or crooked teeth are caused by biting hard items and chewing while the teeth grow. Because of this, there comes a time when kids need to opt for dental braces. With the use of braces, crooked teeth can be aligned properly in order to provide them with better dental features. Unfortunately, there are some dental problems kids can experience when using braces. Below are the…

When you wear traditional orthodontic braces to align your teeth or correct some other dental problem you may have, you will experience certain changes in your life. Certain foods that you love to eat such as beef jerky and other tough and stringy food items will have to disappear from your diet since consuming them will just be a big problem for you. You will also have to visit your dentist more often than you normally should since the braces will have to be adjusted from time to…

Millions of elderly Americans depend on Medicare as their main health care, which is why upcoming changes have them in a panic. Premiums are scheduled to rise for Part B enrolls as early as December. This is going to cause prescription costs to skyrocket. In addition to health care, the elderly need dental and vision as well, even more than ever.

While original Medicare has never covered "most" dental care, it also doesn't cover vision. These are two important coverage especially for…

Boy, I sure am glad I'm addicted to reading labels! Over the years I found my favorite time to read labels is waking up in the early morning with that first cup of java in an attempt to get the blood circulating to my brain. Well, one day just before brushing my teeth while still partially dazed, I scanned over the ingredients list on my toothpaste tube and nearly gagged. Sodium laurel sulfate? Eckkkk.....

Sodium laurel sulfate is an artificial "foam booster" used in many products…

What is a Dental Assistant?

An assistant is sometimes referred to as dental nurse who has taken up and graduated a dental assistant training. The assistant's duty is to serve and assist the dentist by giving out health care to patients. The dental nurse carries out duties in the dental office.

What is a Dental Hygienist?

The dental hygienist also assists the dentist in carrying out procedures and treatments. The…

Employees nowadays are very much particular about the kind of benefits that they are offered. Dental insurance is one employee benefit that is considered to be very important in an employee's overall health plan. Employers are aware that dental problems can mean financial loss.

Dental problems and their treatments are low risk compared to almost all other health conditions. This is the reason why offering a dental plan to…

Dental insurance plans are a little more complicated than an auto insurance. This is because insurance companies allow you to add (or subtract) dental procedures so that it fits your current situation. For instance, a young man in his 20s would not really need to be insured for dentures unless he is active in a physically taxing sport that involves body contact. He might prefer to be insured for preventive maintenance, diagnostics, root canal, extractions, and treatment for gums.

If…

Although modern orthodontics was not invented until the early 17th century, dental braces date back to ancient times. Aristotle, Hippocrates, and other historical figures contemplated and devised early systems to help people fix or straighten their teeth. Instead of the metal bands that are used today, early orthodontists used catgut, a natural fiber made of animal intestines, to straighten and close gaps in teeth.

Luckily, the field moved onto more effective methods. Braces were…

Among the many health risks of diabetes is a decline in oral health that makes patients more vulnerable to gum disease. According to dental professionals, this happens because diabetes slows the body's circulation, making the gums more susceptible to infection. The metabolic disorder also increases glucose (sugar) levels in saliva, which fuels the growth of dental plaque that attacks the teeth and gums. To protect against the…