OptiSmile Advanced Dentistry in Sea Point believes in daily brushing and flossing to help remove food particles and bacteria to protect your teeth and gums. Dental Sealants prevents tooth decay and can also stop decay in its earliest stages.

Dental sealants can protect against tooth decay by preventing food particles and bacteria settling on the tooth’s surface. In summary, sealants:

– Are applied quickly and painlessly over teeth by a dentist and should last for several years with no side effects.

– Can be placed over early signs of decay to prevent further damage.

– Should never replace a good oral hygiene routine.

Brushing and flossing daily and seeing your dentist for regular checkups are the best protection against tooth decay.

“Ask your dentist if sealants are a good option for you and your family.”

Read the full story here: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sealants

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders cause pain when children chew, speak or yawn. The joint connects the lower jaw to the skull and reaches its adult position during the teenage years.

Key takeaways:

–  A dentist will identify the cause of your child’s TMJ pain before a treatment plan is developed.

– Non-invasive treatments such as a splint can help reduce stress on the joint and reduce teeth grinding.

– A misaligned bite deemed to be causing the TMJ pain may need to be referred to an orthodontist.

“If your child is grinding their teeth, either a TMJ splint or a mouthguard will be needed to help curb the damage. You can also limit hard foods, use warm or cold packs on the affected area, or employ the help of physical therapy or even massage to help stop your child’s TMJ discomfort.”

Read the full story here

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/tmj-treatment-options-for-children/

Detailed examination of infants’ teeth has shed new light on the roots and diagnosis of autism.

Key takeaways:

– Scientific research has shown that how infants metabolise two mineral nutrients (zinc and copper) might predict autism.

– Lower levels of copper and zinc in baby teeth have been linked to autism.

– Both autism and ADHD might in the future be revealed in the “growth rings” in baby teeth.

Researchers also plan to use baby teeth to investigate brain metabolism cycles, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and related conditions.

Read more on this story here:https://consumer.healthday.com/cognitive-health-information-26/autism-news-51/baby-teeth-give-clues-to-autism-s-origins-detection-734271.html

Here’s what you need to know if you are having a dental procedure that requires anaesthesia.

Key takeaways:

– If you’ve been given Novocaine, you can expect numbness to last for up to 1 hour.

– You may feel the effects for longer than that if you’ve been given other drugs.

– Anesthesia takes longer to wear off if one or more teeth are infected.

The exact timing and effects vary from person to person, so don’t hesitate to ask your dentist about what you can expect in your specific situation.

Read the full story here: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321880.php

People who suspect they may have sleep apnea can benefit from a visit to their dentist.

Key takeaways:

– Dentists can easily spot common symptoms of sleep apnea, such as dry mouth or teeth damage.

– A dentist can also refer you to a sleep specialist to get the diagnosis confirmed.

– Dentists can offer oral sleep appliance treatment, which helps keep the airways open while you sleep.

A final takeaway message: don’t delay making that dental appointment, because your health is at stake.

Read the full story here: https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-does-a-dentist-diagnose-sleep-apnea/

Children with adult teeth can often encounter problems if they are accidentally damaged. As a parent, it is your responsibility to know what do to in such an event. We have put together a quick checklist to consult if necessary.

– Keep in mind that you have one hour before the nerve within the tooth begins to die.

– If the tooth was knocked free, clean it thoroughly.

– Reinsert the tooth gently before going to the dentist.

“If your child fractures or chips a tooth, call your dentist instead of the emergency department.”

Click this link for additional advice:

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-to-do-if-your-child-chips-loosens-or-loses-a-tooth/

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind for anyone undergoing wisdom teeth removal.

Key takeaways:

– Some swelling, discomfort, and bruising in the area are to be expected.

– You can take painkillers to help with the discomfort, or any other medication prescribed by your dental surgeon.

– Stitches are removed 1 week after surgery, and healing should be complete after 2 weeks.

Your dentist will let you know about the best ways of speeding up the recovery process while at home.

Read the full story here: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321657.php

You might be concerned if you notice a bit of blood when flossing. While this could be completely normal, there can be other instances when blood signals a more serious issue with your teeth or gums. What does the average dentist have to say?

– Those who have just begun to floss could initially irritate their gums.

– Flossing incorrectly could cause your gums to bleed.

– It is best to floss vertically (up and down) as opposed to side-to-side.

“You shouldn’t bleed when you floss unless it’s your first time flossing in a long time. ”

Learn more here:

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-can-i-know-if-im-flossing-correctly/

Problems with your gums, lips, cheek lining, teeth and tongue can indicate more serious issues in your body. Here are signs to look out for.

Summary:

– While two or more cavities at the same time could be a sign of diabetes.

– Worn tooth enamel could mean you have acid reflux.

– Bleeding gums is a sign of acute gum disease, which can result in kidney and heart disease and stroke.

– White patches are a warning sign for oral candidiasis, dry mouth and oral cancer.

See your dentist immediately for treatment.

Read more here:

http://www.health.com/oral-health/oral-symptoms#91e274f6-0309-4f45-89fc-0efbd737ab40%22.