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March 12th, 2010
It’s that stuff in your mouth; you know, the fluid you’re constantly telling your children or perhaps your spouse to stop spitting and blowing bubbles with. But it serves purposes that go far beyond the disgusting unpleasant, in fact, it helps break down food and protects the mouth from decay. People who have a lack of saliva production can experience a substantial amount of tooth decay due to building plaque, eroding enamel, and even fungal growth. Bacteria is able to take over the mouth without anything to moderate it, and this can cause serious complications.
There are products on the market to help protect dry mouths, but increased oral care is also necessary.
- Everyone should be brushing at least twice a day, but for those with decreased quantities of saliva, it’s even more crucial, and best to brush after every meal especially particularly sugary items
- Don’t skip flossing! Do so daily to prevent the build-up with plaque
- Skip the sugary foods that will increase the likelihood of tooth decay. If it’s not possible to escape the craving, brush right after eating
- Pick a toothpaste with fluoride
- Make sure you visit the dentist as recommended, he/she may also have additional tips to help you care for your teeth
Via: About.com and UI Healthcare
Tags: dry mouth, how saliva protects oral health, oral care with dry mouth, tooth decay, ToothSavers
Posted in Dental Tips, Oral Health for Seniors | No Comments »
March 11th, 2010
Many Americans find themselves complaining about the costs of oral care, particularly when they do not have dental insurance to help subsidize the costs. However, in the United States we are fortunate, compared to other countries that have extreme wait times just to get in for a check-up and cleaning. In Australia those in need of oral care have been known to wait for as little as a year and as long as six; with even longer waiting periods for those in need of services relating to dentures.
(Image Credit: Flickr Creative Commons)
Oral care is important, and while in the United States sometimes costs can cause people to delay necessary dental services; at least we do have access available to us when we need it.
At ToothSavers we try to accommodate timelines and costs so care doesn’t need to be delayed for any reason. We have patients that travel around the New York area to come to our practice because of what we can offer. Here’s a testimonial from one of our patients:
“At first I thought it was ridiculous to travel 60 miles from my home to have dental work done. Well, it was well worth the trip! I must commend the staff for their courtesy in getting us in and getting us out!”
- Anthony Mammone
Via: The Age
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March 10th, 2010
Unfortunately, there are many Americans that do not have insurance that covers the cost of dental care; and particularly for those with large families, even the more affordable rates can quickly become unreasonable.
Finding help for dental care is easier than you might think. Simply take a look at your state dental association, and see if there are any charity organizations that can help cover costs for those who can’t afford dental care. This ensures that oral health is always a priority, regardless of the financial costs.
Medicare in many states also helps cover the costs of oral care for families in lower income brackets, though it is necessary that individuals find a dental clinic that will accept Medicare.
For those in New York State, visit the New York State Dental Association website or contact us to discuss your circumstances and your budget.
Tags: dental costs, dental coverage, dental expenses, dental insurance, New York Dental Association, ToothSavers
Posted in Dental Questions, Dental Tips | No Comments »
March 2nd, 2010
We know that most people don’t look forward to visiting the dentist, but for some, it can go far beyond a minor inconvenience or dislike to a true fear or phobia. Understanding the three different types of dental fear is important so you can communicate your concerns to your dentist and he/she can choose the right way to make you as comfortable as possible when you visit for treatment.
 (Image Credit: Flickr Creative Commons)
- Dental Anxiety – dental anxiety is a very common issue. This is what many Americans feel before visiting the dentist and when they arrive in the office. Anxiety in this instance refers to feelings of fear due to the unknown. It’s not a crippling fear, though it’s widespread since 75% of people face this.
- Dental Fear – dental fear appears in individuals who have already had a procedure done that has caused pain or discomfort, and they are fearful of feeling those sensations again when it becomes time. For some people, dental fear can develop from a process as simple as teeth cleaning, or it may appear for something more invasive like a root canal. In some cases, it might not even be a previous experience, someone simply telling the patient about the pain or discomfort may cause this fear.
- Dental Phobia – this is a real psychological aversion the visiting the dentist. Fear can arise just from seeing a dental office or something associated with the dentist. This category of fear can also be challenging for a dentist to treat when the patient is conscious
No matter which type of fear you may have when it comes to visiting the dentist, make sure that your oral health isn’t compromised. Talk to your dentist and see what they can do to make sure you receive appropriate treatment in a way that helps you remain more at ease.
Via: Medical News Today
Tags: dental fear, dental phobia, new york dentist, scared of dentist, ToothSavers
Posted in Dental Tips, dental procedures | No Comments »
February 26th, 2010
It’s always a dilemma when you appreciate a professional service provided if it should be rewarded with a gift. Honestly, dentists and healthcare professionals have no expectation that they will receive any gift, not even during the holiday season. If you do want to give something, make it a small gesture that can be used in the office; a personalized notepad, engraved pen, or a gift certificate to a local store or restaurant.
What all dentists, doctors and other professionals really appreciate more than anything is to know that they’ve satisfied their patients with their services. A written testimonial sent to the office or posted online really does mean a lot, or even a referral to a friend. After all, dentists are in the business to help make sure that their patients’ emotional and physical health is improved.
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February 24th, 2010
February is about to come to a close; the month that represented National Children’s Dental Health month in the United States. The season might have come to a close, but that doesn’t mean the importance of caring for children’s teeth comes to an end. If you’ve been reading, you’re already aware that some elements of dental care should start from birth, and that children should see a dentist by the time they’re a year old.
(Image Credit: Flickr Creative Commons)
You know how to care for the gums and teeth of your child, but if you’ve recently had your first baby, you might not know when to expect their teeth to appear. Here’s a general guideline to help you understand to ensure you put dental care first, and also understand whether or not teething might be a good excuse for your child’s recent mood swings!
- 6 months – around this time, babies should receive their first teeth. Typically they are the lower incisors around the bottom front of the mouth, and 2 appear
- 8 to 12 months – the upper central and lateral incisors appear within this time frame and are the four teeth on the top front
- 4 teeth everyone 6 months until age 3 – by age 3, children should have all of their baby teeth. 2 at a time typically appear, and are on opposite sides of teeth that are already erupted
- 6 to 12 years – primary (baby) teeth are lost in this period. Some children lose more closer to the younger age range, and others closer to the older; there is no rule, except that around age 12 all of the baby teeth should be shed and replaced by permanent, adult teeth
Via: Just The Facts, Baby!
Posted in Dental Questions, Dental Tips, Oral Health for Children | No Comments »
February 22nd, 2010
As a follow-up to last week’s post on the economy, stress and oral health; we’re featuring bruxism, which is the technical term for grinding and clenching your teeth. As you’re reading, take a minute and focus – are you doing it right now?
So, now that you already know what bruxism is; here’s what it does to your body. You might think it’s nothing to worry about, this common reaction to stress, but it does take a toll on your mouth and your body. It can damage and degrade your teeth, result in headaches and earaches, cause jaw pain and muscle pain and more. So, the most important thing for you to know is how to prevent bruxism, and that’s where your dentist comes in.
Treating Bruxism:
- Reparation of teeth – teeth can be worn down from grinding or clenching, and a dentist can help restore them. This can also include the replacement of any fillings that might have been dislodged
- Preventative appliance – a bite splint or bite plate can be provided and created by your dentist to fit your mouth. This alleviates pressure on your jaw and your teeth when you clench at night
- Psychological care – if your dentist narrows the cause of bruxism down to stress, he/she may recommend that you seek psychological care to deal with the underlying issues
Via: DentalHealthSite
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February 20th, 2010
Although the American economy is beginning to show signs of improving, it’s still not thriving and then can have an effect on the dental industry. There are some trends that dental professionals are noticing with their patients, and unfortunately, they aren’t positive.
- Stress effects oral health – as people feel the stress placed upon them by the state of the economy and the way it affects their lives, it can take a toll on oral health. Not only can people neglect to care for their teeth properly, they might also begin grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw
- Oral health no longer the priority – with the state of the economy, people have lost jobs, lost healthcare insurance, or received pay cuts. As their financial well-being changes, this causes them to make sacrifices. Basic oral care, such as visits to the dentist for cleanings might be put off due to lack of affordability as people struggle to pay other bills.
If you are struggling with the above issues, please contact one of our offices so we can discuss how we can help you deal with the effects of stress on your oral health, and try and accommodate you financially so your health becomes a priority again.
(Image Credit: Flickr Creative Commons)
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February 17th, 2010
The dental industry is often shrouded by distrust. Since many Americans pay out of pocket for their dental care, they watch every penny and often find themselves thinking that perhaps a dentist is only telling them they need a certain procedure because they want to get more money out of them. Unfortunately, as in all of healthcare, there are some dentists that do operate this way. This is why it truly is essential to do your research before you choose to visit a dentist. Ask family and friends about their personal experiences at local dentist offices. Learn where they found great value for their care along with superior quality of treatment and customer service. Don’t hesitate to ask a dental office about their payment policies either; if they are not upfront with you then they might be a dentist that’s focused strictly on financial gain, and the truth is these are not people you can trust. Of course, to be successful, any dental practice needs to see profit; but their focus should also be upon improving health and emotional well-being with their services.
At ToothSavers, we do everything that we can to ensure that all Americans have access to the dental care they require, so we work with our patients to come up with a payment structure that works for them. It’s just not fair for indidviduals to have to sacrifice their health because they don’t have the financial resources today.
Here’s a testimonial from one ToothSavers patient who we treated, making health the priority over finances.
“There’s no way that you could have known who I am or what I’ve been though over the past 4 years. When I came to you with my dental problems I knew they were extensive, but I saw hope, something that I was in danger of losing. When you were talking about a credit check I knew that I was in trouble seeing as how I had just fought cancer and lost my husband to a chronic illness. I sat in the chair hoping for a miracle and was so fortunate you provided one. Thank you seems so little for what you’ve given me. Hope that things will be okay. I do promise to pay you back within 2 years and will never be able to express how much I appreciate everything you and your staff have done for me.”
- Suzanne, New Jersey
(Image Via: Flickr Creative Commons)
Tags: costs of dental care, dental insurance, paying for dental care, ToothSavers, untrustworthy dentists
Posted in Dental Questions, Dental Tips | No Comments »
February 16th, 2010
Although many parents have been made aware that dental care should start with their children in some way shape or form almost from birth, there’s still a misconception out there that it’s not necessary. Parents believe that since their children’s baby teeth are only temporary proper care is not required and that any issues that do surface are not reason for concern. Unfortunately, not enough healthcare providers that deal with children encourage parents to start as early as they should.
Children should see a dentist by their first birthday, because the treatment of tooth decay, cavaties and other oral health issues can prevent them occurring again in the future. Poor oral health is also related to diet and nutrition problems which can lead to obesity, and has links to behavioural issues.
It’s important that paediatricians begin encouraging families to take control over the oral health of their children from the onset. Dentists that see parents who have older children should also ask about other kids in the household to encourage them to be brought in, so their care becomes a priority as well.
Tags: baby teeth, children's health, children's oral care, dental care, encouraging dental habits
Posted in Oral Health for Children, dental news | 1 Comment »
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