Monday, September 13, 2010

Understanding Dental Tooth Sensitivity

Understanding Dental Tooth Sensitivity
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amy_Reid] Amy Reid

What is tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity can be defined as short, sharp pains that come from exposed dentin (the layer of tissue found beneath the hard dental enamel that contains the inner pulp). Individuals with sensitive teeth may find the pain can be triggered by hot, cold, sour, or sweet beverages or foods, forceful brushing or flossing, or even cold air.

What causes the sensitivity?
Dental sensitivity is caused by the movement of fluid with tiny tubes (pores) located in the dentin, which results in nerve irritation. When the hard dental enamel of a tooth is worn down or gums have receded, the surfaces of these tin tubes can become exposed, resulting in pain while eating or drinking certain foods, such as ice cream or hot coffee.

How common is this condition?
Dental sensitivity is one of the most common complaints dentists get among dental patients. According to the Richmond Hill Dental Association, one in five people in the United States experience tooth sensitivity at some point in his or her life.

How can I avoid tooth sensitivity?
Excessive consumption of acidic beverages, such as orange juice or cola, can wear down hard enamel and put you at risk for dental sensitivity. Limiting your consumption of acidic foods and beverages can prevent the erosion of hard dental enamel. Dentists have determined conditions such as bulimia nervosa and acid reflux also can have similar erosive effects on tooth enamel. Abrasion of the enamel from aggressive use of a toothbrush also can lead to teeth sensitivity. Notify your dentist Richmond Hill if you experience tooth sensitivity. The dentist can monitor the dental condition and help remedy the sensitivity.

I have tooth sensitivity. What can I do to prevent pain?
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing in a circular motion will minimize dental enamel abrasion and thus reduce dental sensitivity. Using toothpaste containing a de-sensitizing agent that protects exposed dentin by blocking the tubes connected to nerves can alleviate pain. In-office treatments, such as topical agents or dental sealants, can be applied by a Richmond Hill dentist to help reduce sensitivity. Of course, limiting your intake of acidic foods and beverages is always recommended.

For more details about tooth sensitivity or other dentistry-related topics visit our [http://www.bcdentalcare.ca]dentist Richmond Hill and [http://www.bcdentalcare.ca/NewPatients/tabid/472/Default.aspx]Richmond Hill dentist websites.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Understanding-Dental-Tooth-Sensitivity&id=4986892] Understanding Dental Tooth Sensitivity

What Braces Type Are You?

What Braces Type Are You?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dianne_Valdez] Dianne Valdez

Some kids are worried or scared about getting their braces and the way they may look. Others can't wait to get them. It may help to learn more about braces and the different types of treatments there are to straighten your teeth and improve your smile. You'll find getting braces is a great worthwhile experience. Lots of kids and adults don't have perfect teeth so, don't worry if yours aren't straight. Orthodontics is the solution. Take a look at your classmates or colleagues. Many of them probably don't have straight teeth either. Sometimes teeth just don't grow in proper alignment. There may be crowding or spacing between your teeth. If your upper jaw is noticeably ahead of your lower jaw, or your upper teeth are too far in front of your lower teeth when you smile then you have an overbite. If your lower jaw is ahead of your upper jaw, and your lower teeth are in front of your upper teeth then you have an under bite or a cross bite. These problems can be treated with braces.

If your parents or friends had braces back in the day, you may have seen pictures of them with their mouths full of metal and you are picturing yourself looking like them, right? Today, braces are less noticeable. Traditional metal braces are still used but they are not half as bad. The bracket size is typically smaller than before. Did you know you could change the color of the O-ties, which holds the wires in place around the brackets every time you visit the Orthodontist? You could even pick more than one color! Match your o-ties to your clothes, school colors, your mood, or holiday season, like black and orange for Halloween. There's even glow in the dark. For those of you who are more reserved there are silver colored O-ties to blend in with the brackets. You might also be interested in getting clear or tooth colored braces, also known as cosmetic brackets. They are virtually unnoticeable. It's great for not drawing too much attention to your mouth while undergoing Orthodontic treatment. They work exactly the same as traditional braces. There are even lingual braces that go on the back of your teeth where no one can see them. Another method is called Invisalign, for those who's teeth are not severely misaligned. Invisalign is a series of clear trays that are computer generated to help you straighten your teeth little by little; you would wear a different tray every 2 weeks until treatment is complete.

These are a few choices you have when it come to getting braces to help you achieve a Hollywood smile. So which ones are right for you?

A Beautiful Smile is Timeless!

Williams & Williams Orthodontics welcomes all ages from 7 to 70 years old. It's never too late to get braces. Our mission is to provide the best possible orthodontic care to our patients in a professional, comfortable and warm environment. Our main goals are to listen and address our patients concerns, excel in the quality of treatment and exceed our patient's expectations.

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Top Tips on How to Correct Your Crossbite and Crowded Teeth

Top Tips on How to Correct Your Crossbite and Crowded Teeth
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dr_Jagmail_Basrai] Dr Jagmail Basrai

Crossbite and crowded teeth are two of the most common dental problems that children and adults around the world are faced with. Thankfully, there are several new and improved methods and procedures that are available that can help you counter these problems and provide you with the beautiful smile that you have always dreamed of.

But before we start about the options available for people and children suffering from crossbite and crowded teeth, it is important to understand what they actually mean.

Crossbite is a dental condition where the one or more tooth of a person will be sitting in a reversed order. This means that the person suffering from this dental condition will find that his teeth or tooth has rotated in its position causing it to face the wrong direction from how it was originally supposed to be placed. This is a very usual occurrence, especially in young children who often cause such reversal of teeth due to tongue thrusting habits or excessive thumb sucking. In a large number of cases, crossbites and crowded teeth condition also arise due to hereditary and they must be tackled as soon as possible.

Crowded teeth are also a common problem that is faced by many adults and kids. There are several dental procedures and methods that are now available to correct crossbite and crowded teeth problem. In many people, crowded teeth conditions also cause the tooth to reverse, thereby creating a crossbite.

In most cases, the teeth do not settle back into their original place by itself and usually require dental help. For small children, it is always best to start the correction of the problem as soon as possible.

Treatment for Crossbite and Crowded Teeth

The treatment for such conditions often involves the requirement for the jaw bones to be expanded. This is necessary to give the teeth or tooth enough space to rotate back into position. But expansion of jaw bone sis easier before the fusion of the facial bones takes place. That is why it is very important to get the treatment done as soon as possible in young children. 16 years for girls and 19 years for boys are the age limits before which tit is best to get these treatments done.

A good orthodontist will have the solution as to how to approach the problem of crowded teeth and crossbites effectively. Each case is different and the plan of action will differ from patient to patient, depending upon what the dentist finds in the panoramic x-rays that will be taken of the teeth structure.

Crossbite and crowded teeth not only make the face look unattractive, they can also later on cause a number of serious health problems. Therefore, it is prudent to get the condition checked as soon as possible with your local dentists.

Most dental insurance cover the costs of the surgery or expenses that would be involved in the treatment for crossbite and crowded teeth. So check with your insurance agency today and consult your local dentist for advice.

For More FREE Tips and Videos Click here http://www.basrai.co.uk

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-Tips-on-How-to-Correct-Your-Crossbite-and-Crowded-Teeth&id=4697388] Top Tips on How to Correct Your Crossbite and Crowded Teeth

Freshen Breath - Avoid Dry Mouth!

Freshen Breath - Avoid Dry Mouth!
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Pazzal_Taffon] Pazzal Taffon

Have you ever felt having a dry mouth? It is disappointing and annoying. Sometimes, you cannot even taste the food that you eat. It gives a lingering feeling of soreness in the throat as well. Even using mint gargles sometimes do not help. The problem just keeps coming back. To the greatest dismay of so many people, this condition leads to having a bad breath.

The importance of saliva is one of the most neglected yet important things to freshen breath. But certainly, without it, the body metabolism won't be balanced. Saliva is the first liquid that has contact with the food that we eat. It helps in the initial breakdown of food. It is also very necessary to moisten and cleanse the mouth. It neutralizes acids produced by plaque. It also washes away dead cells that accumulate on the important parts of the mouth like tongue, throat, gums, and cheeks. If these fry cells stay in the mouth, they decompose eventually cause bad breath. Salivary gland problems minimize the release of saliva.

When there is inadequacy in release of saliva by the salivary glands, it leads to having dry mouth and hence, will not freshen breath. It also happens in people who are used to using mouth in breathing. This further develops the said condition.

It is also informally known as pasties, cottonmouth, drooth, dough mouth or des from the word desert. However, the medical term for it is xerostamia. Bad breath is just one of its symptoms along with speech and eating difficulties, an increase in the number of dental and infections in the mouth.

Getting rid of dry mouth is one of the best ways to freshen up breath and eventually stop bad breath. A famous way to stop it is drinking plenty of water or artificially sweetened beverages. Any drink that can keep the mouth moist is highly advisable. They are also people who find it effective to suck on artificially sweetened candies. This helps trigger the salivary gland and produce more saliva. To freshen breath some more, washes and sprays that can prove to counter dry mouth are also recommended. But the best way to avoid dry mouth is to see a dentist even if it is not persistent.

A dentist can provide instructions on how to brush the teeth properly. He will also make sure that you have regular teeth cleanings, perhaps thrice or four times a week. Also, with his help, you'll be able to find out if you have other oral problems like tonsil stones, gingivitis and cavities.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Freshen-Breath---Avoid-Dry-Mouth!&id=4990591] Freshen Breath - Avoid Dry Mouth!

Bruxism - A Painful Ordeal

Bruxism - A Painful Ordeal
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Charlene_S] Charlene S

Ever wondered why your teeth or head hurt when you wake up? Or why you have fractured teeth? Do you make weird noises while sleeping? If you suffer from these circumstances, then you probably have a condition known as Bruxism.

What is Bruxism

Bruxism may not be a common word to hear and yet it affects millions of people around the world. It afflicts children and adults and it can be quite serious, depending on how chronic it is. Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching the teeth while one is sleeping or awake. Grinding of the teeth while sleeping is known as "nocturnal bruxism" and it is even observed among babies who are experiencing teething.

Symptoms of bruxism include: pain in the teeth, jaw pains, headaches, fractured teeth, broken dental fillings, early loss of teeth, shaky teeth, inflammation of the gums, ear ache, tight shoulders and muscle pains.

What Causes Bruxism

Bruxism does not have one definite cause. It can be brought about by stress, anxiety or even as a reaction to drugs taken to treat depression. It can also be caused by neurological disorders affecting the muscles and nerves of the face. Typically though, bruxism occurs when the teeth are not aligned or properly positioned, thus leading the person to habitually grind.

How To Treat Bruxism Bruxism cannot be completely cured however treatment methods are extended to relieve the severe symptoms that accompany bruxism. Popular treatment methods are drug therapy, hypnotherapy, occlusal orthotics, psychotherapy, and stress reduction.

Since stress is determined as one factor that causes bruxism, an evaluation of the patient's background should be conducted. Areas in the life of the patient that stress him or her should be discussed to try and manage the symptoms of bruxism. With stress management, the patient will soon find himself able to handle stressful situations better, thereby lessening the chances of having bruxism symptoms surface again.

This article is written by Charlene S. If you are looking for a holistic [http://www.dentistsgrandrapids.net/]Grand Rapids Dentist, visit Dr. Kevin Flood's Dental and Wellness Center for clients in Cascade, Ada, East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Caledonia, Wyoming, Bryon Center, Jenison, Rockford, Grandville, Michigan.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Bruxism---A-Painful-Ordeal&id=4993165] Bruxism - A Painful Ordeal

Flossing - Commonly Asked Questions

Flossing - Commonly Asked Questions
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Charlene_S] Charlene S

Many people tend to view flossing as an accessory oral hygiene habit that does not exactly need to be done. Wrong idea. Most of us were not trained to floss when we were children because most of our attention was on learning and maintaining the habit of brushing our teeth. Yet surprisingly, flossing can be as equally important as brushing because there are some things it can do that brushing alone cannot. For example, taking out food particles trapped in between the teeth.

If you do not floss, then probably now is a good time for you to start cultivating that habit. After all,you do not want rotten food particles to be stuck in between your teeth and cause bad breath. Before you start, read through our answers to some commonly asked questions about flossing. This will give you an overview on the right way to floss.

What is dental floss made of?

Dental floss is made of either thin nylon filaments or plastic ribbons. It comes in a bundle usually 10 to 50 meters long.

What are the benefits of flossing?

The main benefit of flossing is the removal of stuck food particles. This prevents bacteria from amassing around those particles and feeding on them. Furthermore, with the absence of food particles and thus bacteria build up, you have lesser chance of developing bad breath.

How often should I floss?

You should floss daily at least once, especially following a meal. If you have gaps in your teeth and tend to pocket food, then it is advisable that you floss more often. Moreover, designate a time of the day when you can conveniently floss. You can choose to either floss in the morning or before bedtime. Whatever your chosen time is, what is important is that you develop flossing into a daily habit.

How long should I floss?

There is no specified length of time for flossing. Floss until you feel you have taken out all food particles from between your teeth. There is no need to rush either as flossing hurriedly can cause injury to your gums.

How much floss should I use?

Use as much floss as needed. Also, use only clean floss for each side of the tooth. Do not reuse the floss as this can simply carry the bacteria from one tooth to another.

What type of floss should I use?

There are many types of floss in the market and you may want to try them all before deciding to permanently use a certain kind. As a guide though, waxed floss is used by people with crowded or tightly spaced teeth. On the other hand, if you have rough tooth edges then a shred-resistant floss is best for you.

This article is written by Charlene S. If you are looking for a holistic [http://www.dentistsgrandrapids.net/]Grand Rapids Dentist, visit Dr. Kevin Flood's Dental and Wellness Center for clients in Cascade, Ada, East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Caledonia, Wyoming, Bryon Center, Jenison, Rockford, Grandville, Michigan.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Flossing---Commonly-Asked-Questions&id=4993220] Flossing - Commonly Asked Questions

Keeping Your Braces and Mouth Clean

Keeping Your Braces and Mouth Clean
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dianne_Valdez] Dianne Valdez

Congratulations! You just got your braces! Wearing braces could increase the bacteria your mouth holds because now you have this piece of metal covering the front of your tooth which food gets caught in. That's why you need to know the proper way to brush your teeth to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. I am providing you with some simple steps showing the correct way to brush your teeth while wearing braces.

• Use toothpaste recommended by your dentist or one that has the approval seal of the American Dental Association. Use a soft bristle toothbrush, make sure to point the brush in a 45° angle towards the gums to remove food, plaque bacteria and debris.

• Brush teeth right after each meal and right before bed. Brushing away food prevents bacteria accumulation and residue or stains on teeth. Staining may not be obvious until after the braces are removed.

• Brush your mouth like you usually would with strong gentle strokes. Front, back, and your tongue.

• Be careful when brushing around the braces. Start from the top and brush down.

• Floss with waxed floss using the standard flossing technique. It may be easier to use floss threaders. These allow you to thread the floss through a large eye of the floss threader, like a needle eye of a needle wile sewing with needle and thread. Use the floss threader to easily carry the floss through the wires and floss properly with ease. The floss threaders can be found at drug stores and possibly your Orthodontist's office. Be careful while flossing. Tugging the floss loose could bend the wire, break or loosen the braces. Any shredded pieces of floss left behind can introduce bacteria that increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. Use floss threaders to make it easier to floss around the wire. FLOSS, FLOSS, FLOSS, morning afternoon and night.

• It's a good idea to rinse with an antimicrobial mouth wash to wash away the debris from those hard to reach places under the gums that the floss couldn't get to.

Replace your toothbrush at least every 3 months or you're your toothbrush looks worn. Get a new brush after recovering from a cold because germs from the illness could stay on your toothbrush.

These are a few simple steps to keeping your braces clean and your mouth nice and healthy while wearing braces. A healthy mouth aids in optimal treatment and great final results in attaining that fantastic smile you've always wanted!

A Beautiful Smile is Timeless!

Williams & Williams Orthodontics welcomes all ages from 7 to 70 years old. It's never too late to get braces. Our mission is to provide the best possible orthodontic care to our patients in a professional, comfortable and warm environment. Our main goals are to listen and address our patients concerns, excel in the quality of treatment and exceed our patient's expectations.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Keeping-Your-Braces-and-Mouth-Clean&id=4997375] Keeping Your Braces and Mouth Clean

The Different Type of Dentures and Their Benefits

The Different Type of Dentures and Their Benefits
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Getch] Kevin Getch

For dental patients who are in need of dentures, the process can be a trying one, as a person's self-esteem can be shaken when faced with the loss of one's teeth. If you are in need of dentures, you will first want to know a little about the kinds that are available, and how your Beaverton, OR dentist will go about the implantation process.

Dentures are removable replacements for people who have missing teeth and some of the surrounding tissue. There are two types of dentures that your Beaverton, OR dentist can available to patients: complete and partial dentures.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures replace multiple or sometimes single teeth. Since partial dentures are used when some teeth are still present, they are often used in cases of younger people who may have suffered an injury or gum disease. A partial denture can be attached to the teeth with clasps or with crowns with precision attachments, which are hidden clasps.

Complete Dentures

As the name suggests, full or complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing. While there are, of course, exceptions, complete dentures are usually used by the elderly. Complete dentures are made after the patient's teeth are removed and the gum tissue has started the healing process.

There are two types of dentures within the complete denture category: conventional and immediate dentures.

A conventional denture is made and ready to be placed in the patient's mouth about two to three months after the teeth have been removed. However, immediate dentures are made in ahead of time and can be placed as soon as the teeth are removed.

The advantage to the immediate denture option is that the patient doesn't have to be without teeth for the healing period. But, since bones and gums shrink over time, particularly during the healing process, immediate dentures will require more adjustments during the healing period as compared to conventional dentures. Generally speaking, immediate dentures should be considered only as a temporary solution until such time as conventional dentures can be made.

Dentures are custom made for each patient, tailored to the unique anatomy of their mouth and jaw. This means that you will need several appointments with your Beaverton, OR dentist to develop a working model of the final product. Once your dentist has your dentures made, you will need further consultations to adjust your new teeth may be needed.

Take note: dentures should be taken care of much like regular teeth. They should be removed at least once a day to be brushed and cleaned with a denture brush and cleaner. Initially, your new dentures should also stay in over night during the adjustment period. Speak with your Beaverton, OR dentist about the specifics of your dental care.

My father was a dentist for 40 years and now I am now working with a [http://www.morellidentistry.com]dentist in Beaverton OR as a search marketing consultant. We are unique in the Beaverton area as we have a [http://www.morellidentistry.com/dentures-beaverton-or.html]Dentures Lab on Premises. If you have questions about full or partial dentures feel free to give us a call.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Different-Type-of-Dentures-and-Their-Benefits&id=4998109] The Different Type of Dentures and Their Benefits

The Truth Behind Whiter Teeth

The Truth Behind Whiter Teeth
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Darren_St_Romain] Darren St Romain

There are many options to whitening your teeth. Teeth naturally darken with age and due to the accumulation of surface stains their appearance can be altered. Smoking and drinking large amounts of coffee or tea can be a main factor in this alteration.

Drinking more water is the easiest way to help save your teeth from bacteria, especially during a busy day. Drinking water after a sugary drink or food item can reduce the particles that coat your teeth and water also encourages the production of saliva, which is the body's natural defense against bacteria and plaque.

It is important to have a diligent oral hygiene routine if you are concerned with keeping your teeth bright and healthy. Try and brush after every meal, floss, use mouthwash, and again, drink lots of water.

Although many people opt to whiten their teeth at the dentist, there are a number of natural remedies to whitening your teeth. There are whitening tools already in your home and if not you might want to add them to your grocery list, save the money and time from visiting a dentist and whiten your teeth at home, the natural way.

Strawberries contain an enzyme that will whiten your teeth. You can either take the fruit and directly rub on your teeth or you can mash up the strawberry and apply with a toothbrush like a toothpaste. Kiwis holds more than 100% of the suggested daily dose of vitamin C. Among other things, vitamin C helps stop your gums from breaking down. Remember to brush your teeth with actual toothpaste after application to remove the sugar and any food particles left behind from this treatment. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are high in calcium and contain phosphate. These two things help strengthen tooth enamel and neutralize the pH of your mouth, protecting it from bacteria that thrive in an acidic environment. Green tea contains an antioxidant called "catechin" which not only eliminate bad breath, but also kill bacteria that turns sugar into plaque. Another benefit to drinking green tea is that it helps prevent periodontal disease. Crunchy Fruits and Veggies like celery, apples, carrots, and broccoli all are abrasive and so they naturally scrub stains off the teeth, eating something crunchy like carrots or celery particularly after eating a meal will clean the teeth by producing saliva and removing plaque. Chewing on sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame seeds helps protect teeth from bacteria because they are high in natural fats and reinforce enamel.

You can create a mixture of about 1 tsp of baking soda and just a sprinkling of salt and apply to your teeth with a toothbrush. Another bonus of this baking soda remedy is that it kills plaque-causing bacteria and reduces harmful acids in your mouth. Orange peels contain an acid that naturally whitens teeth, take the white side of an orange peel and rub against your teeth, then brush your teeth after.

Keep in mind that all these teeth whitening remedies should be used in moderation, because as with any excessive treatment, they have the potential to harm your teeth with overuse.

All toothpastes remove surface stains through the action of mild abrasives. Whitening toothpastes contain special chemicals or polishing agents that have additional surface-stain removing properties, but don't alter the intrinsic colour of the teeth. If you opt to use more expensive remedies common teeth whitening options are identified and outlined below.

At home whitening is usually done by applying a bleaching solution to a custom-formed mouthguard that is left in the mouth for a specified time. Some products are intended for twice-daily use for up to two weeks. Others are intended for overnight use for one to two weeks. Home whitening systems like Crest Whitestrips require that you wear strips for a certain amount of time each day. They are generally gentler and certainly less expensive than having your teeth whitened in a dental office.

The in-office whitening procedure usually takes 30 to 90 minutes, and one to three visits to the dental office. A protective gel, shield or rubber dam is used to protect your gums from the bleaching agent which is usually a form of hydrogen peroxide. A bleaching agent is then applied onto your teeth and heated or high-intensity lights are used to enhance the whitening process.

Further Reading:
Health Canada website - The Safe Use of Home Tooth Whitening Kits:
rel=nofollow http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/iyh-vsv/life-vie/teeth-dents_e.html

Darren St Romain is a search marketing consultant from Toronto, Ontario. With ten years in the New Media Industry, he has had the pleasure of working with such organizations as LifeCapture Interactive, Nurun: A Quebecor Company, March of Dimes and OnCorp Direct. Since 2006 Darren has been focusing on search marketing and social media optimization. For more articles about business start ups, healthcare, dental and legal industries, see http://blog.oncorp.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Truth-Behind-Whiter-Teeth&id=4998546] The Truth Behind Whiter Teeth

Dentist cured my needle phobia in first visit.

Dentist cured my needle phobia in first visit.
Author: Haynes Darlington M.Sc. PharmD. CCPE

New drug achieves profound anesthesia for scaling and or root planing without being injected with needle. Oraqix is the first FDA approved system for periodontal work.

Gloss phobia, more commonly called the fear of public speaking, is thought to be the most common of all phobias. As many as 75 percent of all people are afraid to speak in front of an audience. Without going in to all phobias and their rankings, my observation is that needle phobia in the dental office is by no means abnormal and ranks up there among the highest.



Dentists still have to work around needle phobia. However, the future looks encouraging with the first FDA approved needle free anesthesia product for scaling and root planing.

This story is about my friend Sergio and his wife Lina. They were the perfect couple. Lina was a bit trendier, but by no means could one describe her as “the flavor of the day”. She had the smarts, and a solid head for business, probably groomed by her father who, like many Italians emigrated from Italy to find their fortune in the Western world, the land of opportunity. Sergio and Lina were comfortably set. They were off to a good start after their wedding, with the help of her dad and family, pretty well owned their first home sooner than most of their friends.



Lina had been pressuring Sergio to get some cosmetic work done on his teeth. The daily espresso coffees and his mother's blueberry pies were beginning to test the strength of a solid Roman Catholic marriage. Lina's desire to pop an impromptu kiss on Sergio was starting to wane because of his discolored teeth. She wondered how can “I persuade him at least, to go for a dental check-up”? Her goal for Sergio was to have his teeth cosmetically improved to show off the fashionable celebrity white-teeth-smile and nothing was going to stop her.



The whitening of teeth has become a billion-dollar business and celebrities have had no small part in raising the bar for the perfect smile. Another cosmetic fashion statement which is showing its colors is the art of tattooing one’s body parts. I mentioned this purposely, because a visit to the tattooing studio is far more popular that a visit to the dentist, although, ironically there is a common factor, namely pain. Why is this? Why is it that people will pay huge sums of after-tax dollars to have a tattoo sculptured in sensitive parts of the anatomy and yet be hesitant to visit the dentist? Maybe vanity is more powerful than oral health! Or maybe the School of Body Art has out-marketed the college of dentistry? How often have you seen a young woman/man flashing a tattoo, but in need of obvious orthodontic or other dental work? We have to rely on anecdotal reports in the absence of a truly scientific study.



Back to my friends Sergio and Lina. Researchers have come to the rescue with a product that brings effective needle-free anesthesia for patients during scaling and/or root planing procedures. Oraqix fits the perfect scenario for a patient who is needle phobic. This product is the first FDA approved system for the above indications. Hopefully this addition to dental armamentarium will allay the fear of the dreaded needle. Fear of finding other latent problems incurring a cost is an irrational decision. Why should one have two standards for maintaining perfect health? Oral health is no less important that physical health. The diagnosis of oral cancer is by far more often seen by the dentist than by medical doctors. If for no other reason it makes good sense to keep the oral cavity healthy and free of possible terminal diseases.



Four out of five Americans claim a desire for whiter teeth. Never before have so many options been available. Nu-pro is a dentist prescribed take-home system that has been designed to address the patient's tooth whitening requirements and offers two formulations with dramatic results in one to two weeks. Who are the best candidates for do-it-yourself whiteners? Before you spend a dime on whitening your smile, your dentist will explain what is best for you and the reason why. Teeth should be healthy without cavities or recession of the gums thereby exposing sensitive root structure. If whitening agents come in contact with an open area on a tooth with a clear path to the nerve center of your tooth, you won't care what color your teeth are because they will have to peel you off the ceiling.



You need to have a proper evaluation by your dentist. A talk to your dentist will determine if you do have tooth discoloration and what is the cause. There are two major ways teeth become discolored. Teeth naturally discolor as we age, and we all have lighter or darker teeth, just as we have different complexions. Everyday habits and food consumption penetrate the tooth's enamel to cause extrinsic and intrinsic stains: There are as many reasons for tooth discoloration as there are solutions. Over-the-counter whitening doesn't work if the discoloration comes from an injury to a tooth, for example. Also, if you have teeth that have tooth-colored fillings or crowns that are dark or discolored, again, over-the-counter whiteners do not whiten porcelain or tooth colored filling materials.



Stains can be caused by foods such as coffee, tea, red wine, and nicotine. Rule of thumb, if it stains your carpet, it can stain your teeth. What kind of results can we expect from an over-the-counter product? Today Over-the-counter whitening products work differently and better than ever before because the technology has changed so dramatically. Will your teeth look as different as if you had full mouth veneers? No. But if you have a pretty smile, that you want whiter and brighter, the newest over-the-counter options are very effective. Here's a look at some of the latest options. Most people hate the messy trays you stick in your mouth. What are the alternatives?



Crest White strips, night effects (liquid strip gel). Crest White strips continue to be the OTC gold standard in whitening -- and a beauty secret for millions of Americans, (mostly women). When you look in dressing cabinets, you see them right next to the lipsticks. Whiter teeth give women confidence and make them look younger and prettier. A great new whitening product is hitting store shelves now. It's called Night Effects and it's very exciting because it works while you sleep. The first generation products made to whiten teeth while we sleep included a tray and stuff oozing out of it. I dare you to sleep with that unit in your mouth and not destroy your bed linen. Bearing in mind that these are all Over-the-counter products. Dental prescribed take-home products are still the most effective. So what has been improved for the OTC shopper?



Night Effects is great for a couple of reasons: First, it's good for people whom for whatever reason, cannot whiten during the day. Second, the coating sticks to your teeth. You've heard me say that for a product to work, the whitening agent has to stay in contact with the teeth. The problem with some of the other over-the-counter products is that they tend to quickly wash away when they come in contact with saliva, food or drink. Night Effects appears to be the first paint-on product to address this problem. The patent process they use is as follows. Immediately after applying the gel, the product forms a liquid strip coating that stays on your teeth overnight. The liquid strip slowly releases the whitening ingredient into your teeth to remove stains and loosen stain-causing build-up. In the morning, you simply brush the liquid strip coating and stains away.



Researchers have overcome the overnight challenge by developing a silicon-based gel applied with a brush. Secondly, it is not water soluble like other paint-on products. Because of this new technology, the whitening gel stays on your teeth for hours while you sleep. Over-the-counter whitening serves a selected market, however for the clinically accepted procedures, it is best to have your dentist involved. Author Information:

Haynes Darlington M.Sc. PharmD. (CCPE) joined the pharmaceutical industry in 1969. In 1982 he was assigned to the dental team to make submissions to regulatory agencies (FDA) and HC (Health Canada) to obtain acceptance for Articaine hcl into North America for Dental use as a local anesthetic. He is highly respected among peers in the field of pharmacology and bio-chemistry. In 1999, Haynes received The Team Excellence Award from The City of New York. The award recognized the value and professionalism of a continuing education program.


Local anesthesia is fundamental to dentistry. The goal at this site is to provide dentists with a review of the pharmacological and biochemical properties of commonly prescribed agents. Anecdotal evidence of local anesthesia failure is about 18 %. Our presentations will explain the possible complications of new medications and local anesthetics. How certain changes in our "life styles" such as the use of illicit compounds may be impacting on this upward trend. C E courses are ADA C.E.R.P Certified.

Comments to author. localanesthetics@yahoo.ca M.Sc. PharmD. CCPE
Please visit WWW.AnestheticsNews.com New York City’s Oral Health, Programs and Policy. 1998Mid Winter Clinic (Chicago) 2002Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Convention.2002Jasper Dental Congress.2003NDA of Washington DC. 2004ACFD (Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry. 2005Haynes Darlington has attended many workshops on Local Anesthetics, with opinion leaders in the U. S. & Canada.
His major accomplish was gaining regulatory approval for Articaine Hcl in North America (1982) and its rapid growth internationally. His extensive knowledge of Biochemistry, Pharmacology and application methodology of local anesthetics, result clinically in fewer failures. You will find his lectures informative, proactive and stimulating. His lecture is sub-titled "Things they never taught me in dental school!"

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