Fear of the dentist has a long history and originally, way back, there was some physical cause for it. But dentistry has come a long way, and we’re fortunate to live in a time when dentists can and do address this fear. Perhaps you feel afraid of needles, maybe you have an extra-sensitive gag reflex, maybe just lying back in the dentist chair already instills anxiety in you. Maybe even just the idea of sitting in a dental chair brings on the fear. The fear can be on the level of anxiety, or it can be so severe as to be a phobia. A phobia would put you into a state of panic or terror, prevent you from sleeping the night before your appointment, (or several nights), and perhaps cause vomiting.

Sedation dentistry and sleep dentistry are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference:
· In sedation dentistry (also called conscious sedation dentistry), you’re in a drowsy, relaxed state, and conscious of where you are and what’s happening
· In sleep dentistry, you’re asleep and not aware of what’s happening

Ways of Administering Sedatives
Before beginning on any dental work, your dentist will discuss the options with you and listen to your concerns. There are several ways the relaxing medication can be administered, and your dentist will explain the pros and cons of each method:
· Orally – about an hour before your appointment time. You will have already seen your dentist, been given the prescription, and had it filled.
o Have someone drive you to the dentist’s office, and home again afterwards, because this medication will last for about 6 hours. By the time you arrive, you’ll be feeling drowsy and quite free of anxiety. The dentist will use a local anesthetic to eliminate pain.
· Inhalation – a mask is placed over your face while the dentist works, and you breathe in the gas, usually nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which relaxes you. A local anesthetic is also used.
· Intravenously – this is done after you arrive at the dentist’s office. It’s less frequently done, but is completely safe and in fact the drug is more effective when given this way, as opposed to orally
· With this option, you’ll also be monitored for blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. This keeps you safe. A local anesthetic will be used to block pain.
· Intra-muscular – the medication is injected into muscle of the upper arm or thigh. This is less commonly used for adults, but is frequent in pediatric dentistry. Again, a local anesthetic is also used.
o You’ll feel drowsy and calm.

Whichever way the sedating medication is administered, the dentist’s chair will feel comfortable and you’ll feel calm and safe in the reclining position. You’ll be so relaxed that your cosmetic dentist can perform several dental procedures in one visit, thus reducing the number of visits required to complete all the work.

Sleep Dentistry
This is a term for dentistry done while you’re under general anesthesia. It’s not often done, as the sedation options take care of most people’s anxiety. When it’s done, a trained and certified professional will monitor you while the dentist works on your teeth. To do this type of dentistry, the dentist must have completed at least 2 years of specialized training and be certified by a dental board

Four Levels of Sedation
The above methods of eliminating anxiety provide a choice of 4 levels of unconsciousness:
· Anxiolysis – this is the lightest sedation. Nitrous Oxide is the most popular way of inducing this state. · Conscious sedation – this is a moderate level, created either by Nitrous Oxide or IV sedation, where you’re awake and able to respond to requests from the dentist or his nurse.
· Deep sedation – in this level you’re halfway between consciousness and unconsciousness, and may or may not be able to respond to requests. At this level, you’re being monitored, as described under intravenously above.
· General anesthesia – this is total unconsciousness, where you’ll be given breathing assistance and closely monitored.

Who is a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Anyone could be a candidate for it, if they find that their fear is preventing them from obtaining dental care. Besides fear, there are some other scenarios that call for sedation dentistry:
· For young children, who have trouble sitting still for very long.
· For someone who has trouble controlling their movements, such as with cerebral palsy or Parkinson’s disease.

So there’s no need any more to allow fear or anxiety to deteriorate our teeth. We can now choose to have sedation dentistry, or even outright sleep dentistry. We can call a sedation dentist to schedule all the appointments we need, and can finally have all the dental work done that we’ve been postponing.

To find more information or schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Miller, DDS, of Albany, New York today.

If your baby is suffering terribly from teething and the usual remedies such as teething rings and pacifiers aren’t working but you don’t want to use a teething gel, you may be interested in using a homeopathic remedy for your baby’s teething.

Homeopathic remedies are a safe, non-toxic way to help relieve the pain and make the baby happier. You should use a homeopathic remedy in conjunction with expert advice and guidance. What follows is a selection of homeopathic remedies. Different remedies work better for some babies rather than others; what works best for your baby may be a case of trying and seeing.

Apis mellifica: Used to relieve swollen gums. The use of Apis mellifica, (whole honeybee), as a homeopathic remedy was discovered in 1835 by Rev. Brauns, in Thuringia, Germany. In 1853, Dr. Constantine Hering published the proving of Apis mellifica in his American Provings. The easy preparation and effectiveness of Apis made it a popular remedy.

Calcarea carbonica: Some babies are slow when it comes to teething and the experience can be very distressing for late developers. . This remedy has been shown to be useful for such babies. Babies who need this remedy are usually chubby, slow to learn to crawl or walk, and their heads often sweat during naps or sleep at night.

Chamomilla: especially helpful for a baby whose gums are red, swollen and tender to the touch, who is irritable, worst at night, and comforted by being carried. You can get homeopathic chamomile teething drops or give cool chamomile tea well diluted.

Essential oil of cloves: has natural local anaesthetic properties. You can administer the clove oil by adding one drop in one or two tablespoons of organic sunflower oil.

Kreosotum: This remedy can ease a child’s stress when she has irritating saliva and severe discomfort during teething. Kreosotum is especially beneficial should a baby’s teeth succumb to decay soon after erupting from the gums..

Natural Stick of Licorice: is known to sooth babies when the chew down on the stick.

Pulsatilla: especially good for teething babies who are clingy, nervous or tearful.

Silicea (also called Silica): Slow, difficult teething that makes the baby tired and nervous may be helped by this remedy. Children who need Silica often have fine hair and seem a little delicate, with low resistance to colds or other illnesses.

Sulphur: good if your baby has a reddish irritation or rash on the chin or diaper area during teething episodes. Diarrhea (often whitish) may occur because of stress. The baby is irritable and anxious, feeling worse from being warm.

Homeopathy Dosage Directions:

You should select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. Always follows the dosage instruction on the label; never, ever deviate unless advised by your doctor.

Robin O’Brien is a successfully webmaster and founder of http://www.my-teething-baby.com, where he provides help, support and advice on teething remedies for your baby.

Despite some recent success with the prevention of tooth decay, it still remains a significant problem in children. Tooth decay can start early; in fact, you need to be able to spot and help prevent it right from the time your baby first starts teething.

So, what exactly is tooth decay and what are its causes? Tooth decay is caused by bacteria (germs) that find a home in the sugars can build up on your child’s teeth. Germs need three things t flourish; food, water and warmth – all of which are found in plentiful supply in your baby’s mouth. Over time, these bacteria dissolve the enamel, or outer layer, of the tooth. This damaged area is called a cavity.

Primary teeth are usually called baby teeth or milk teeth and first start to erupt through the gums of your baby between 4 to 6 months of age. Teething lasts until all 20 teeth appear, the children being usually around 2 ½ years of age by this time. Teething is a major milestone in the development of your child but it is also, quite often, a painful one. The eruption of primary teeth, or teething, can cause sore and tender gums that appear red and puffy. To help relieve the pain, you can give the baby a cold teething ring or a damp washcloth to chew on. My mother used to give me a cold carrot stick to suck on.

If you’re bottle-feeding you need to be more aware of tooth decay - most often called baby bottle tooth decay. One reason bottle-fed babies are more prone to tooth decay rather than those who are breastfed is due to the sugars found in milk formula, although the sugar levels in today’s formulas are markedly less then they used to be. However the biggest contributor to baby bottle tooth decay is the practice of putting baby to bed with a bottle, which he can suck on for hours. Yet another cause of decay is the use of pacifiers; a personal hate of mine! Not only does the use of pacifiers dipped in sugar exacerbate decay, it makes babies look most unattractive.

In summary, when you bottle-feed you must be more aware of how your child can contract toot decay and on how to prevent it. The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry has developed the following guidelines for preventing baby bottle tooth decay:

• Don’t allow a child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices, or other sweet liquids. Never let a child walk with a bottle in her mouth.

• Comfort a child who wants a bottle between regular feedings or during naps with a bottle filled with cool water.

• Always make sure a child’s pacifier is clean, and never dip a pacifier in a sweet liquid.

• Introduce children to a cup as they approach 1 year of age. Children should stop drinking from a bottle soon after their first birthday.

By simply following the above recommendations you’ll help prevent baby bottle tooth decay and alleviate a lot of discomfort for your baby. You’ll also get the added bonus of making your baby’s smile even more beautiful.

Robin O’Brien is a successfully webmaster and founder of http://www.bottle-feeding-baby.com where he provides help, support and advice. You can visit his site to find out more on baby bottle tooth decay and other issues to do with bottle feeding baby.

Most of the time, teeth whitening is a very safe and painless and procedure. However there are times when the effects of the teeth whitening process can be mildly painful. The good news is that it’s usually relatively simply to overcome this problem. Most of the problems caused by teeth whitening are caused either by a reaction to the bleaching process, or an increase in sensitivity of the teeth after the teeth whitening procedure.

If you find that your teeth are very sensitive after the teeth whitening procedure, then one of the simplest solutions is to reduce the amount of time you wear the gel applicator. Most applicators, which are generally a molding of your teeth, are worn in the mouth for around an hour. But if you’re experiencing sensitivity after the procedure, reduce the time you wear it. Many people find the applicator uncomfortable initially, so it may be worth starting out with a shorter period of time and gradually building up to one hour.

Another solution is to buy toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Most local grocery or drug stores sell toothpaste containing potassium nitrate. This helps to soothe the nerve endings in the root of the tooth. You can also buy specially designed toothbrushes. When you run the toothbrush under hot water, the brush gets softer and so there is less friction when you brush your teeth and gums. Your dentist may also suggest or prescribe a product containing fluoride, which helps reduce sensitivity by constantly re-mineralising your teeth.

Almost all teeth whitening procedures involve some type of bleach. If you have gum disease or a history of sensitive or worn teeth, it may be better not to go ahead with the process. If you’ve recently had crowns or caps fitted to your teeth, or if you’re pregnant, then it’s important that you avoid any teeth whitening procedure that involves bleach. It’s very important to check with your dentist before you commence any teeth whitening procedure.

There’s no doubt that a vibrant, white smile is very attractive, and can give your spirits a great lift. However it’s important to realise that teeth whitening does involve some risks, and so it’s important to take any necessary precautions before commencing. Take the time to educate yourself, so that you know if you need to make any changes to the procedure, or avoid it altogether.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of BrighterSmileWhiterTeeth.com. He provides more information on the teeth whitening risks and teeth whitening benefits that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

While teeth whitening procedures performed in a dental practice office and teeth whiteners that can be applied at home are a fantastic way to improve one’s smile, the latter mentioned methods are not a quick method. According to circumstances, if you are looking to get and maintain a healthy smile with beautiful white teeth, you must take some stain preventing measures. There is a sequence of actions that you can do to ensure your teeth whiteness.

In the pluses of applying teeth whitening products, you will want to minimize the habit patterns you have that produce teeth stains automatically. Smoking is not only catastrophic for your well been, but it’s bad for your bright smile. The nicotine in cigarettes stains teeth to the extent that teeth whitening products have to work overtime: the amount of time it takes to accomplish the desired result from teeth whiteners nearly takes two times more if the individual using the product is a smoker. Further, if one is applying teeth whiteners and keep on smoking, the act of smoking defeats the purpose of whitening the teeth in the first place.

Also, in addition to applying teeth whiteners, you should also avoid ingesting stain producing liquids and foods. Coffee and tea are some of the biggest culprits: coffee stains accumulate rapidly and lengthen the time period that a teeth whitener must be applied to reverse the results of staining. If you want to have your cup of coffee, be sure to brush your teeth just after to minimize the appearance of coffee stains.

If you want to read more about to get whiter teeth, click over to Basil Cyndinar’s site at http://whiterteeth.info-docror.com

You probably have noticed the recent influx of advertising directed towards the appearance of your smile. But what’s really in a smile? Why are people literally putting their money where their mouth is?

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), having a healthy smile has been shown to improve a person’s overall health and emotional well-being.

An improved smile can boost a person’s self image, making them more confident in their daily lives. Higher self-esteem can motivate a person to pursue a new career, perhaps even a career they had previously ruled out because of a lack of self-esteem and confidence.

“Our smile is an extension of ourselves. When your smile is in alignment with who you are, then doors start to open…. people find new opportunities in life they never imagined were possible,” says Dr. Lori Kemmet of Incredible Smiles, a Boulder Cosmetic Dentistry Center.

Numbers tell the truth, and this holds true for the value Americans place on their smiles. A recent survey of U.S. adults by the AACD found the following:

* 92 percent of respondents believe attractive smiles are an important social asset.

* 87 percent said they always remember someone with an especially attractive smile.

In terms of personal and professional fulfillment:

* 85 percent of those surveyed said an unattractive smile makes a person less appealing to the opposite sex.

* 74 percent felt an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chances of career success.

Yet, despite the value Americans place on a smile, only 50 percent are satisfied with the appearance of their own smiles!

“A smile is not only a reflection of a person’s oral health, but of their self-esteem and passions for life,” says Kemmet.

And the good news is that the benefits of cosmetic dental procedures are no longer just for those with deep pockets. Cosmetic dentistry is for anyone who desires to improve the quality of their smile, their oral health and their self-esteem. In fact, cosmetic dentistry is more affordable than it was a decade ago.

Why is it becoming so popular?

AACD Executive Director, Dr. Ken Zakariasen says, “In an age of increased oral consciousness, unlike a generation ago, people are keeping more of their natural teeth as they grow older. Maintaining an appealing smile is a major part of their desire to stay fit, healthy and attractive.” There is nothing that can enhance one’s quest for a youthful appearance more than a beautiful smile.

Jeff Bailey is Chief Cosmetic Consultant for Incredible Smiles, the premier provider of complete Cosmetic Dentistry Services in the Denver Metro area. To schedule a Free Consultation, please visit our website.

Many of us wish that we had a whiter brighter smile. Many things dull and stain our teeth. Age has an affect on how white are teeth are along with things like coffee and Tea. With the popularity of the many different flavored coffees on the market there are many people needing to whiten their teeth. There are many teeth whitening products available today.

Home teeth whitening systems are a popular way to bring back that youthful bright white smile. Many people in show business use teeth whiteners to keep their smile looking it’s best. It’s no secret that bright white teeth and a healthy person are tied so closely together. You can now get that same healthy white smile like the celebrities at your convenience and at home.

There are two basic pieces to a home teeth whitening system. The first is a teeth bleaching tray which keeps the active ingredients in the whitener gel firmly against your tooth surfaces. If you think about it, your mouth is wet and anything that isn’t held in place would quickly get diluted and washed away.

The second key part of any whitener system is the gel itself. This material comes in syringes and is a mixture of the whitening agent, typically carbamide peroxide and inert fillers. Be careful as many teeth whitening systems offer more whitening gel but the product is actually more filler and less active ingredient. The result is that some of these whitener systems actually have less material that makes your teeth white which means you need more to get the same amount of whitening power.

Teeth whitening systems all rely on a bleaching technique to whiten the stains and yellowing of your teeth. When using any system, it’s important to follow the directions. Still if you think about it, the whitening speed is dependant on the time spent with the whitener gel against your teeth. To be effective, many systems claim they’re effective for several hours, but most recommend limiting a single whitening treatment to between 20-60 minutes.

If you have sensitive teeth, a shorter time more often may limit the possibility of your teeth becoming overly sensitive. Keep in mind though that home teeth whitening is not a quick, once and done solution. It’s more of an ongoing whitening process until you reach your desired level of white. Millions have used teeth whitening systems and kits without problems. The materials have been shown to be both effective and safe over years of use.

Still, if you have sensitivity in your teeth and gums, you may want to cut back on the length of time you are whitening your teeth. You may also want to check the level of active ingredient in your whitening gel. There are several very aggressive products on the market that use a much higher level of carbamide peroxide which tends to increase teeth sensitivity. Lastly, if you continue to have problems, stop using the product and get yourself to the dentist.

Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects which include family, health, and education. For More information on Teeth Whitening and teeth whitening products visit the site at http://www.4-home-teeth-whitening.com and http://www.4-home-teeth-whitening.com/direct_white.html

Did you know there is more to Orthodontia than having straight teeth when the treatment is finished? The orthodontist knows if the teeth aren’t straight at the completion of a case, the patient will not be very happy. I’ll write more on that in just a minute.

Did you know the American Association of Orthodontics recommends age seven for the initial orthodontic evaluation? In the past, orthodontic treatment was often postponed until the adolescent years, when all the permanent teeth had erupted. It is now known that many orthodontic problems can be treated earlier and much easier by working with the growth that takes place in younger children.

Although treatment may not begin at this young age, an early examination allows orthodontists to monitor your child’s dental development to determine the best time to start. Early detection can sometimes reduce the need for removal of permanent teeth. And because younger children are more enthusiastic and cooperative, total treatment time is often reduced. Additionally, if a child has a habit such as, finger or thumbsucking or a tongue thrust when he or she swallows, it is best to stop these habits much sooner than later. In many cases, positive orthodontic results can be achieved which would not otherwise be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

If the child’s teeth are not ready for braces, an orthodontist should have a Pre-Orthodontic Guidance Program in place. The patient will be seen every 6, 9 or 12 months at no cost to you. This allows the orthodontist to monitor growth, maturity and eruption of teeth. If primary teeth need to be extracted or if adult teeth are erupting in a way to cause problems, the orthodontist can be proactive.

It is often said in medicine, to the cardiologist, time is muscle. For the orthodontist, moving teeth is slow business. Having straight teeth is almost always the desire of the patient. Sometimes there is a desire to have diastemas or spaces closed. Teeth spaced tightly together or crowded in the arch can create periodontal problems just as teeth improperly spaced can cause food impaction thus resulting in periodontal disease.

The overall objective of the orthodontist is for proper jaw-joint function and long-term dental health. When these objectives have been met, the teeth are straightened to give an aesthetically pleasing look and cosmetic benefit. If there is too much space to close, sometimes-cosmetic bonding is required after orthodontic treatment to give the patient that award-winning smile.

Having sold ethical and proprietary pharmaceuticals in the past, I recall many negative side effects. In Orthodontia, this is not the case with a very qualified and experienced orthodontist. Get a referral. Usually the first referral made by your dentist is the one of choice. Just so you’ll know, a referral by your dentist is not required for a patient to have an orthodontic evaluation. In this instance, a referral from friends, co-workers, neighbours or friends of your child is an excellent start. The orthodontist will work closely with your dentist. You will be informed to continue visits to your dentist every 6 months for routine cleanings and checkups. This is of greater importance and imperative while wearing braces!

Everyone deserves an award-winning smile like that of Julia Roberts! Schedule a smile evaluation for your child or yourself! The consultation should be at no cost to you! You can then look forward to a beautiful and healthy "side effect" …straight teeth!

© 2006 Avis Ward of AWard Consulting, Inc.

Avis Ward is a Consultant to Dental Healthcare Professionals specializing in Case Acceptance and Marketing. More information about Avis can be found here: http://aviswardconsulting.com/

Bad Breath

Bad Breath is a very unpleasant cause of embarrassment. Medically known as Halitosis it is a very common problem seen in many people. Most of the people with bad breath are unaware of this problem and they tend to be told by their friends/family members or acquaintances.

Causes:

There are many causes of bad breath like hunger, gum diseases, food particles trapped in mouth and hormonal changes. Some foods like garlic and onions contribute to bad breath. The food you take once is absorbed by the bloodstream, gets transferred to the lungs from which it is expelled when you exhale. This bad odour will stay until the food is eliminated from your body and even brushing and flossing will not help much. You should watch what you eat and when you eat. Sometimes not eating for a long time can also cause bad breath. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating. Develop the habit of brushing and flossing after every meal as the food particles remain in the mouth collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. These particles rot in the mouth leaving an unpleasant odour.

Dry mouth can also cause bad breath. Saliva is very necessary to cleanse your mouth and remove particles that may cause odour. See a dentist immediately if you suffer from dry mouth and increase your fluid intake. Smoking also causes dry mouth and thus bad breath. So if you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit. Tips for Oral hygiene:

Oral hygiene if maintained properly, risks of bad breath are lowered considerably. Some tips get rid of bad breath are:

Maintain a good oral hygiene: It is very essential to reduce bad breath. Go for regular dental check ups and cleaning. Avoid eating food that causes bad odour.keep a check of what you eat and when. Even some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors so you always rinse and gargle after taking such medicines. Let your dentist know if you have had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.

Brush and floss properly: Make it a habit to brush twice daily and never forget to brush before going to bed. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Use dental floss to get rid of any food particles sticking between your teeth or gums.

Tongue cleaning: Use a tongue cleaner always to remove food particles from the cervices on the tongue.

Fluid intake: Increase your fluid intake to get rid of dryness of mouth. Drink at least 10 glasses of water everyday.

Dental checkup: Never miss your appointment with the dentist. Go for regular check up as it is very essential to keep oral diseases away.

Jeffrey Meier of Jam727 Enterprises offers medical information and Information on many other subjects at http://www.Jam727.com

There is some confusion regarding the use of home teeth whitening kits or solutions and the quality of work done by your dentist or dental office. When it comes to teeth whitening, there are several important differences that anyone should consider.

The first consideration is the convenience getting to the end result. There’s no question that a dentist is interested in your overall dental care. Therefore they are more likely to focus on healthy, usable teeth and less on esthetics. If you think about it, this is actually a good thing.

Understand that the quality of the teeth whitening however is very comparable. The dentist typically will use much stronger whitener gels to achieve faster results. They may also use a laser or blue light which when used with "special" gel is claimed to work even faster. Speed however is not the reason why you’re considering getting your teeth whitened, it’s for a brighter smile.

The dentist will achieve results faster but they also need a formal appointment which makes the dental method less convenient.

The next important point of interest is the ability to whiten or what the final result will look like. Here, both the home teeth whitening solutions and the dentist both do an excellent job. The difference is that although the dentist may get faster results, there is a risk of your teeth becoming sensitive to temperature extremes due to the aggressive nature of the dental whitening materials used.

Another point is the need for occasional maintenance treatments. The benefit here definitely goes to the home whiteners because you can treat your teeth anytime you feel they are starting to get a little stained or dull. The dentist method will require another appointment and treatment at their office.

Finally there’s the overall cost. A high quality home teeth whitening product can be obtained for under 150 dollars. This is typically more than enough to whitening and brighten your smile in less than a couple of weeks. The dental method typically can cost several hundred up to as much as 800 dollars for the initial treatment without considering the expense of the maintenance treatments that will be needed.

Bottom line is that if you have strong and healthy teeth, using a home whitening solution can save you money and deliver the same bright smile and unstained teeth as the dentist. In the end, home whitening is both an economical, safe and convenient way to whiten all your teeth and bring back that youthful smile.

Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects which include family, health, and Home. For More information on Teeth Whitening visit http://www.4-home-teeth-whitening.com and http://www.4-home-teeth-whitening.com/best_tooth_whitening_product.html