How can you possibly say this?

At first glance, this sounds ridiculous. Diabetes has to do with a glandular organ called the pancreas which is situated behind and slightly under the stomach and tooth decay is a rotting process which occurs in hard tissues of the teeth. The teeth are in the mouth and the pancreas in the peritoneum. They are very far from each other in the body space.

Have they anything in common?

Both teeth and pancreas are organs of digestion. The teeth are at the very beginning of the process, cutting up the food and mashing it in saliva into a suitable form to swallow into the stomach. When the stomach has done its job of further breakdown by acid, the food is pushed on into the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum.

The pancreas

It is here that the pancreas secretes its contents to bring about further breakdown by enzymes and begin the process of absorption. This process harvests the building blocks of the body’s biology from the food and takes it into the bloodstream to supply the cells of all the organs. One of these building blocks is carbohydrate (sugar), a major source of energy for the cells. The pancreas also produces a hormone called insulin which it secretes into the blood. It is this hormone, insulin which carries carbohydrate into the cells (insulin transport mechanism) where it can be burned as fuel to produce energy.

Diabetes

When the amount of carbohydrate that we bring into our bodies is excessive, the workload of the pancreas is greatly increased and this could be termed an overload. There are many consequences of this overload, one of which is cells becoming resistant to the insulin. One of the effects of this is the build up of carbohydrate (sugar) in the bloodstream (called hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar) which is the hallmark of the condition known as diabetes. There are many other effects on and consequences for the pancreas in the short and long term as well as many other effects and consequences for other organs and the body in general. Yet it boils down to carbohydrate (sugar) and the ability of the pancreas to deal with it. We could say therefore, that diabetes is the effect of diet-related ‘carbohydrate overload’ on the pancreas.

Tooth decay

The major factor in tooth decay is what they call ‘sugar frequency’. This could equally be called ‘carbohydrate frequency’. This is the number of times per day that we put sugar (sweet things) into the mouth. Each time we use or bring carbohydrate into the body via the mouth, it (the carbohydrate) is broken down into an acid by the bacteria in the mouth. The acid environment thus produced tends to demineralise the enamel (or dentine) of the tooth in the ‘at risk’ stagnation sites. These are sites on the tooth that are difficult to access by the common methods of hygiene. By repeatedly and or constantly producing the acid trauma at these sites , defects are created in the barrier of the tooth surface. These defects are populated by bacteria which thrive in the acid conditions and the cavity (decaying defect) is produced. The process continues and the cavity gets bigger. We could say therefore, that tooth decay is the effect of diet-related ‘carbohydrate overload’ on the teeth.

So the picture emerges…

The diseases of tooth decay and diabetes represent the effects of diet-related ‘carbohydrate overload’ on the two different tissues. Diet-related ‘carbohydrate overload’ is simply the reflection of our tendency to use sweet taste as a means of comfort or reward. It is thus a method we use to comfort ourselves in stress (feelings of discomfort or upset). It is no more than a ‘sweet’ habit, - an addiction to sweet things.

Diabetes and tooth decay speak of our discomfort with ourselves and the circumstances of our lives and the negative feelings that we do our best to sweeten.

Tooth decay and diabetes are the same disease with the same origin, but reflected in two different organs of digestive function.

My name is Philip Christie. I qualified as a Dental Surgeon at Trinity College, Dublin (Ireland) in 1980 and completed a Master’s Programme in Dental Science, again at Trinity College Dublin, by research in 1995. I have been working full time in dental care either in general practice or specialist practice since qualification. My main interest is and always has been prevention.

My real qualification is 23 years experience in dealing with real people and their problems face to face, as a clinical practitioner.

I am the author of “Something To Chew On: A Mouth Map To Health”. It is a Health Manual with a difference. Different because it is designed for the future and for success. It is different because it gives the power back where it belongs, to the person’s own self. Different because it prevents problems at source and saves on treatment and cost!

Philip.christie3@ntlworld.ie

http://www.peopleaspartnersinmedicine.com

It would appear that our era is currently riding high on the accomplishments of body aesthetics – and one of the more insightful quotes attesting to this comes straight from a cosmetic dentistry patient, who readily proclaimed: “If I have just one life, let me live it only with a show-stopping smile.”

Cosmetic dentistry is now delivering astonishing life-altering effects with advancements in whitening, repairing, straitening or replacing teeth – and according to LVI Global, the world-renowned school of advanced dental studies, much of it can be achieved without the need for unsightly, uncomfortable, and slow-acting metal braces. Procedures for chipped, broken, worn, discolored, uneven and crooked teeth may be completed in one to three visits.

Now, cosmetic dentists can deliver perfect, straight, beautiful teeth to patients using revolutionary procedures that eliminate the need for clunky braces. Simple, quick fixes can be found with the application of porcelain veneers, dental implants, crowns and dental bonding.

Porcelain veneers are an especially popular and effective method of improving bad teeth quickly. Porcelain veneers can eliminate the time and hassle of actually straightening teeth while still improving the appearance of crooked or gapped teeth. Veneers are ultra-thin slices of porcelain that are custom-fitted to cover your natural teeth. The greatest benefit of choosing porcelain veneers is the lack of time involved.

Through the application of porcelain veneers and many other procedures, cosmetic dentists are able to eliminate the hassle and time of traditional metal braces.

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry and see before and after pictures visit LVI Docs at http://www.lvidocs.com.

Dental insurance can be defined as the legal agreement between the client and service provider that entitles service provider or dental insurance company to pay off the bills of its client partly or completely, whenever client undergoes a dental checkup/ treatment. In other words, the dental insurance company reimburses you the paid amount, as per the agreement.

However it is important to note here that the dental insurance company is liable to pay the bills only for certain pre-defined medical treatments, and does not cover the entire range of available medical aids.

Why do you need dental insurance?

Simply for that million dollar smile!

Well, we all admire a model like grin of white teeth that sets us apart even in the crowds. However, the costly dental aids set us apart from maintaining the same. It is here when dental insurance benefits you by paying off your dental treatment bills, thus setting you at par to the glamorous models, much praised for their unblemished shiny white teeth.

Understanding cosmetic dental care…

Like any other dental operations, cosmetic dental care includes all the activities that give your teeth a striking look. In other words, you can call the cosmetic dental care as an act of designing a superb smile for yourself, with the help of a team of dental experts. The activities may include:

· Reshaping a tooth front or teeth
· Dental bonding
· Brushing and flossing
· Teeth Coloring
· Porcelain Veneers
· Treating Halitosis/Chronic Bad Breath, etc

How to choose the best dental insurance plan?

Well, the job is not as simple as it sounds; there is a whole range of plans that are offered by insurance companies, differing minutely in their scopes.

Therefore it is vital that you carefully study each plan, and choose the one that suits you the best. For example, if you are in the habit of visiting your doctor for regular check ups, you might choose a plan that pays off the billed visiting fees. However, if you require surgery, you may look for a plan well structured as per your needs.

Dental insurance helps us to plan for the health of our teath and our quality of life. To learn about affordable dental coverage visit http://dental-ins.info today.

Dental care of dogs is one of the most important things that need to be considered while taking care of pets. Regular and proper oral care is needed for dogs. Dental care is very important especially for security dogs, as teeth are considered the most effective weapons. A periodical check up with a veterinarian is compulsory. Bad breath from dogs is due to gingivitis. The indication of gingivitis can be noticed when dogs gums are swollen and painful. Immediate treatment can help them to get cured from this disease.

Dogs develop tooth decay when they are not taken care of regularly. They have bad breath and bleeding of gums indicating tooth decay. This is not limited to only tooth decay. Dogs start losing their teeth too. If these symptoms are not paid quick attention, the untreated bacteria may damage the heart, lungs and kidney. This may cause a shorter lifespan too. Brushing a dog’s teeth does not involve much time, as only the outside teeth require more attention. Brushing its teeth with toothpaste and a brush meant for pets will ensure good dental health. Brushing your dogs’ teeth will not only ensure their good health, but it also saves on veterinary bills.

The food habits of dogs play a big role in their dental care. Foods that are too hot or too cold tend to cause damage to their teeth. A proper consultation with the veterinarian will help understand the food habit of the particular breed of dog that you have.

One has to understand the importance of dental care of dogs, as it is very essential. If there is a problem regarding its health, one can come to know immediately. Any sort of disorder should be attended instantly. They also contract diseases immediately and hence it is essential to take right care of a dog. Regular practice will prevent severe health consequences for your dog.

Dog Care provides detailed information on Dog Care, Dog Day Care, Dog Dental Care, Dog Ear Care and more. Dog Care is affiliated with Large Dog Beds .

Everyone dreams of having shiny white teeth. However, not all of us are fortunate enough to have pearly white teeth. Stained yellow teeth can place you in embarrassing situations. In today’s competitive it world it is all the more important to look presentable to be successful in any field. Small glitches like stained yellow teeth which are so easy to fix must never come in your way of being successful in any aspect of your life. There are different types of teeth whitening methods which you can adopt for getting shiny white teeth.

Teeth whitening is a simple and hassle free method for anybody to have shiny white teeth. Use of teeth whitening toothpaste is the most common method used for teeth whitening. There are many types of toothpaste available in the market to help you. However always take care to use toothpastes which are recognized by the American Dental Association. You will have to use the toothpaste for a considerable amount of time to get the desired amount of whitening.

Teeth whitening can also be done at the dentist’s office. To do this you will need to visit your dentist’s office and undergo bleaching procedures. In the office, teeth whitening procedures are the quickest means for a person to lighten the stain on his teeth. This is also the safest means for teeth whitening. At the most a person will need one or two sittings with the dentist to get the desired amount of teeth whitening.

There are different types of whitening applications which can be applied on teeth overnight to get the desired levels of whitening. Mostly whitening strips are available to be applied overnight. The advantage of using the whitening strips is that the strip works on our teeth overnight when we are sleeping. Nonetheless this process needs to be repeated for several weeks before the desired level of whitening is achieved. The procedure is cheap compared to the in office whitening method adopted by a dentist.

It is advisable to get the dentists advice before you use any whitening paste for stained yellow teeth. Teeth are a very important part of the way we look. So it is recommended to get medical advice before you try out anything new on your teeth. Also if you are suffering from any type of dental condition, application of the whitening strip or strip can cause you harm. Using whitening strips can however be a messy affair. No one likes to handle a messy business, so going to a dentist for teeth whitening is the safest and the best option for your teeth.

Staining of teeth can take place due to different reasons. Smoking, chewing tobacco and consumption of large amounts of coffee and cola can make your teeth appear yellowish. It is best to reduce the intake of such foodstuffs. Also try to have a balanced diet daily as this will help you in maintaining a good oral health. Though normally all of us have good teeth, they deteriorate or remain healthy depending on the amount and care we take of them.

Austen Eddie holds a degree in Doctors of dental surgery program. He is working for Rubinsteindmd. For Cosmetic Dentist New York, Restorative Dentistry nyc, Dental implants Manhattan, Teeth Whitening visit http://www.rubinsteindmd.com/

For many years, orthodontists have recommended extracting pre-molars (bicuspids) to make room in the mouth for crowded teeth. This is a standard, accepted practice in the specialized dental field of orthodontics. Millions of patients have been treated this way and now have beautiful, straight teeth. Having straight teeth is certainly a worthwhile goal, but do these extractions have consequences worth considering? And can a crowded mouth be treated without extractions?

Let’s think about the tongue for a moment. It’s very strong and made of lots of muscle. It has a given size and must fit inside the mouth. If it sits too far back in the mouth, it blocks the airway, which can cause sleep apnea. If it sits too far forward, it can create a space between the upper and lower teeth, which can lead to TMD/TMJ. If there isn’t enough room in the mouth for the tongue, the tongue will sometimes make space for itself. By pushing out against the teeth like an orthodontic appliance, the tongue moves the teeth until it has enough room, and this can cause gaps between the teeth.

What kinds of situations exist where there is inadequate space in the mouth for the tongue? Overbites are one common situation. An overbite is where the lower front teeth are less visible than they should be. The bite is over closed and this reduces the volume inside the mouth. People with overbites frequently have spaces between their teeth because their tongue demands extra room. Bicuspid extractions for orthodontics are another situation that reduces the space inside the mouth for the tongue. After removing the bicuspids, the teeth are usually moved orthodontically to constrict the arch of teeth, eliminating crowding and gaps. When the dental arch is constricted, the tongue has less room.

What are the alternatives to having bicuspid extractions in conjunction with orthodontics? If the problem is crowded teeth, expansion of the arch is an excellent alternative. This can be accomplished with an appliance that gradually expands the palate. Sometimes a minor surgical procedure must be done to allow the palate to separate. Arch expansion provides sufficient room for the teeth and for the tongue. There is also another advantage that is more technical from a dental standpoint. When the arch is constricted, the teeth are often tipped inward. This causes the wrong parts of the tooth to bite, which can lead to excessive wear, bite problems, TMD, and an unaesthetic look.

What if the problem is an overbite? In the case of an overbite, the first obstacle to overcome is to find the proper relationship of the upper jaw to the lower jaw-without regard to the teeth. In other words, imagine a denture patient with no teeth. The dentist must still find the proper position of the upper jaw with respect to the lower jaw. When the patient has an overbite, dentists use TENS therapy to relax the jaw muscles in order to find the ideal jaw position. The ideal position is recorded precisely, then, an orthotic is made to act as an ideal facsimile of the lower teeth in proper jaw relationship to the upper teeth. Once this position is established and stabilized with an orthotic, orthodontic techniques can be used to permanently move the teeth into this jaw relationship. The overbite is eliminated, the tongue has more room, and the face is more balanced. Oftentimes, patients with overbites have a collapsed appearance of the lower third of their face. This type of orthodontic treatment to correct an overbite is like a non-surgical facelift.

Sometimes, extractions are necessary to get the best possible result. It is always best to find out what alternatives exist.

Josh Bernstein practices cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry (TMJ Treatments) in the San Francisco Bay area. For more information about TMJ or cosmetic surgery procedures in the San Francisco area, please visit his website http://www.allnewsmiles.com.

You may or may not know this but sometime near or around 1989, the concept of teeth whitening and home teeth whitening were introduced to consumers obsessed with making their smile brighter. As a precaution advocates for the consumer health awareness and the medical communities were given plenty of time to determine the effectiveness and safety of the new teeth whitening process. After much deliberation and debate the process of teeth whitening has been deemed both safe and effective. However, there are things that need to be considered when you’re considering the procedure for whitening your teeth. A few of the safety issues to consider include the following.

There has been some concern in both the consumer and medical communities at large regarding the risk of bleaching teeth whitening agents and their link to cancer. Fortunately, recent studies have indicated that the primary agent of concern, carbamide peroxide, has not caused any cancer in gums or mouth tissue. It has been proven that human saliva contains an agent or chemical composition that apparently offsets the amount of peroxide produced by agents that whiten teeth.

There has also been some undue attention and concern based on the fear of tooth enamel being damaged or wearing off due to bleaching agents. Medical experts have countered this fear with a study that concluded that fruit drinks and soft drinks actually cause more damage to tooth enamel than tooth whitening bleach.

Other important studies and tests concerning nerve endings being negatively affected by teeth whitening are still in the early stages. This is due in part to the fact that these studies take considerably longer than the others, anywhere from five to eight years after a teeth-whitening procedure. The good news is that in individuals that have been in for a five to eight year checkup after their procedure, there is little evidence of any damage done to the nerve endings.

Unfortunately, if you have had cps or crowns on your teeth, you are not a candidate for teeth whitening procedures. However, it is available to those who have had some relatively minor dental work or procedures performed on their teeth such as a root canal or a filling. Currently, the data and dental histories kept on file have not indicated any problems with these individuals, but, as a word of caution, it is important to note that these studies are still in the early stages.

Despite the fact that the above-mentioned studies are true and accurate, it is important to discuss this option with your dental health professional or hygienist before undergoing any type of dental related procedure. Remember that everyone’s dental history is different and although studies have supported that there is little risk in teeth whitening, like any medical activity, it is a procedure that could pose a slight risk to some consumers.

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

Did you know that there are two kinds of Teeth Bleaching Trays? Custom and Standard

Custom teeth bleaching trays are fitted to your teeth in a two step process. This is a clue you can use if you’re unsure of the quality of the teeth whitening kit you’re considering to purchase. Although not always true, the higher the quality of the tooth bleaching trays, the rest of the products and get included should also be of the same high quality. Why would a manufacturer go through the effort and expense to see that the teeth trays fit well only to use lower quality tooth whitening gels? The answer of course is that they probably wouldn’t risk their reputation on lower quality materials.

Simply put, high quality white teeth kits contain a material to take an impression or mold of your teeth. This mold is then sent to a lab that actually makes the custom teeth bleaching trays. Usually, this step can be completed in about a week. and don’t worry if you mess up the molding process. A quick call to any high quality company and they will send replacement material out free! The thing is that high quality companies know that if you’re satisfied with the product and service, they have gained a long term customer and goodwill. If you’re happy, the chances are that you will tell others about how wonderful the product is and everyone will benefit.

Custom trays are not uncomfortable because they are made to fit your mouth and teeth. These are similar to the teeth guards made for people who grind their teeth at night. A very soft material is used and it keeps the teeth whitener firmly covering your teeth for maximum effectiveness. This is the single most important element in successful teeth whitening whether at home or done through a dentist.

Many products offer thermoform type trays. These are like teeth and mouth guards found at the drugstore for high school sports. These are standard issue trays that do get the job done but are not the most comfortable to wear. These probably will not be comfortable enough for extended use for hours or overnight. Still if price is an object, the thermoform bleaching trays can successfully be used, though understand they will not be as comfortable. These type of trays may even need to be trimmed with scissors just to fit better and cover your teeth.

The bottom line is that once completed, you new whiter smile will last up to a year. Less if you are a coffee drinker or smoke but with your own teeth whitening trays, it’s a simply matter to just use them once a month or so to keep your teeth looking their best. Once a month maintenance can keep your teeth and smile bright and limit the stains caused by adult foods and beverages.

Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subject which include family, home, and health. She has done extensive research on teeth whitening products. You can get more information on Teeth Bleaching Trays right here.

Teeth whitening is more than a fad, it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry that will see more than 10 millions Americans spend over (an estimated) $2 billion this year. Teeth whitening is by far the most common cosmetic service provided by dentists right across America, and the sales growth in mail-order and over-the-counter products has surged on a massive scale.

But are brilliant white teeth really achievable? Is teeth whitening safe? Does it hurt? What is the best method? Can you do it at home? These are all very common questions, and in general you will find the answers to be: Yes, Yes, Not normally, (arguably) Bleaching, Yes.

Whiter teeth can be achieved via a number of different methods, both at your dentist (or professional teeth whitening office) and at home. In fact, many dentists actually perform the first one or two treatments, then get you all kitted-up so you can do the rest at home. but that’s for the ‘bleaching’ methods, there are other avenues you can travel down in your quest for whiter teeth that involve structural changes to your teeth, like ‘bonding’ and ‘porcelain veneers’.

Bleach-based teeth whitening products all basically have the same goal - to penetrate deep into your tooth enamel to rid it of stains. Tooth enamel is porous, so brushing and scouring products don’t work, and this is where bleach-based tooth whitening products come into play. You see the most effective methods actually use bleaching chemicals to penetrate deep into the tooth enamel. They set off an oxidising process that breaks down the staining compounds in the enamel leaving you with bright white teeth. Sounds simple, but there are many products on the market that fall short of promises. Most over-the-counter products only ever manage to whiten teeth marginally, while the more professional products can provide you with extreme changes to the whiteness of your teeth.

The entry-level teeth whitening product would be a whitening toothpaste. Some people have demonstrated a slight improvement in brightness, but because a toothpaste isn’t exposed to your teeth for very long (you only brush for a few minutes), they typically are not able to penetrate deep enough to have much effect. Some toothpastes actually contain very strong chemicals that are aimed at working quickly (based on the short timeframe they are exposed to your teeth) and instead of working to penetrate the enamel and oxidise/clean the stains, they can actually work as an abrasive that will etch away the enamel.

Next in line we have whitening strips. Whitening Strips are thin, flexible pieces of plastic that have been coated on one side with a thin film of hydrogen-peroxide bleach (normally 6-10% strength). They are pressed against the top and lower teeth and normally need to be worn for 30 mins (twice daily) for 7-14 days. They do work, but because they cannot get into all the nooks and crannies and gaps between teeth, the results can sometimes be blotchy and less desirable than anticipated.

Getting more serious, we have bleach-based tooth whitening products which will involve a tray being placed in your mouth that has been injected with a ‘bleaching’ solution (hydrogen peroxide). This procedure can be done at home or by your dentist, or by a combination of dentist / at home. You can buy cheap over-the-counter ‘boil and bite’ trays that are virtually ready to use out of the packet. You boil the tray to get it hot and mouldable, place it in your mouth and bite into it. The end-result is a ‘partially’ moulded tray that is ready for use. The disadvantage of this type of tray is that it will not fit snugly which results in inconsistent results and leakage of the bleaching gel into your mouth and gums. Leakage of the bleach into the mouth is undesirable for obvious reasons, and smears on/around the gums can result in temporary (and even long terms) bleaching of the gums.

Professional systems see you being fitted out with a custom-fitting tray which is essential to assure proper bleaching and consistent results. Using a custom tray will almost definitely result in less leakage into you mouth and gums. Custom fitting trays can be acquired directly from your dentist or from various online specialists who have a DIY custom tray kit. With this type of system you actually get shipped all the necessary items to make an impression of your teeth so your own custom-fitting stray can be made. You basically make your impression with the items provided, place it in the preaddressed packing envelope and mail it off. They will make your customized bleaching trays in a certified laboratory and send them back to you within 2-7 business days… than all you need to do is apply the gel into the tray and put it in your mouth for the recommended periods.

The most important part of a teeth whitening system is the gel that is used. You can have an expensive custom-fitted tray (mouthpiece), but if you don’t have the right teeth whitening gel, you will spend far too much time with the tray in your mouth and or your results will not be as expected. To understand the differences between whitening gels and why they are considered as the best tooth whitener, it is preferable to understand exactly what they are made of, and what they actually do.

Most gels contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, and some contain fillers and flavors. Carbamide peroxide actually breaks down into hydrogen peroxide in the mouth. Hydrogen peroxide is the active whitener (it’s the same chemical that will bleach your hair). The difference between most gels is the strength of the peroxide. Most gels these days are around 15% and up, with some of the most popular being around 22%. The strength of the peroxide obviously will play a determining factor in how long you need to leave the tray in your mouth, and tooth sensitivity can be a major part of deciding on what strength to use. But, in saying that, it is not actually the strength of the peroxide that usually causes sensitivity, but rather the length of time that the teeth are exposed to the chemical. That is why some people prefer to go for a higher strength (such as 22%) but use it for a shorter period of time. You can also get higher strengths like 35%, but these are only recommended for short ‘bursts’ of maintenance, perhaps monthly for periods of 15-30mins.

Other types of professional teeth whitening include bonding and porcelain veneers. These both involve actual structural change to your teeth. Bonding involves a composite resin that is moulded onto the teeth to change their color and to reshape them. The resin material can stain and chip over time. Bonding can usually be done in one office visit for $300-$700 per tooth. Porcelain veneers are shell-like facings that can be bonded onto stained teeth. They are used to reshape and/or lengthen teeth as well as to whiten. Veneers require at least two office visits and cost $700 to $1,200 per tooth.

There are many ways to get the white teeth that so many people desire. Have a peek at http://www.best-teeth-whiteners.com to learn more about the various methods.

Written by Jim McDonald, a writer for http://www.best-teeth-whiteners.com, an informative website about Teeth Whiteners and what is the best Home Teeth Whitening Kit.

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) popularly known as Nursing Bottle carries, Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is believed to be cause by the baby going to bed with the feeding bottle in its mouth. The major causative factor is the cariogenic liquids in the bottle. Frequent exposure to carbohydrates in the presence of a bacterial agent Streptococcus Mutans is a key event in the natural history of the disease.

ECC is a rapid demineralization of the tooth structure causing cavities. The cost of treatment is costly because of the necessity of general anesthesia for treatment. The cooperative capacity of babies and preschool children is a major hassle in treatment. Treatment generally is restoration of caries or surgical removal of carious teeth. This approach has had minimal effect with the recurrence of ECC. Relapse rates that have been reported within the first year of dental surgery have been approximately 40 percent. Alternate approaches are needed to tackle this epidemic.

Disease Process
ECC is an infectious disease. Frequent and prolonged exposure of the teeth to sugars present in the milk, formula foods, or fruit juices is the initiation process for the disease. These sugars combine with bacteria Streptococci Mutans, lactobacilli, food debris and saliva to form plaque (a sticky substance that adheres to teeth). The acids produced by the bacteria result in demineralization of the tooth enamel and dentin. Plaque if not removed regularly and thoroughly causes the tooth to decay.

Prevention is better than cure
Prevention is the responsibility of the parents. It is the most effective measure for your child. Apathy on your part results in your child being emotionally scared for life.

• Do not allow bottles, food or drink to bed. A toy for comfort is better than the bottle.

• You can choose a plain bottle for milk or water. It does not serve as an attraction to the child hence it is better. Water can be filled in the bottle during bedtime as water does not harm the teeth.

• When your baby is a year old it is better to throw away the bottles and use a cup for feeding.

• Keep your baby’s mouth clean. Keep a soft cloth to wipe your baby’s gums and teeth after feeding and before naptime.

• The dental hygiene of yourself and family is important. By taking care of your dental health you can prevent infecting the baby.

• Another most proven and effective measure is the regular use of fluoride. Foods, toothpaste, mouthwashes and water with fluoride content is an effective low cost way of preventing tooth decay.

• Fluoride bonds with the enamel of the tooth making it more resistant of sugar, plaque or bacteria. This aids in the re-mineralization of the teeth. Too much use of fluoride can cause spots on the tooth. Its use should be according to the directions of a physician.

Dental Care
Dental care is as essential as other medical care. The first dental visit of your baby should be within six month of the first baby tooth. This gives the dentist the chance to look for tooth problems and advise you on dental care.

• The normal treatment is surgical restoration of carious teeth with recommendations on dietary patterns

• In many cases even after the restoration is done the extraction of the tooth had to be done.

• Professionally applied dental sealant or a pit and fissure sealant that is placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth protect and prevent against caries. Sealants are recommended at the age of six.

Cost involved in Dental Care
Cost in dental care can be quite prohibitive leading to indifference to ECC. This has resulted in the widespread epidemic of ECC. Complete dental insurance coverage for family is a very good option for meeting the costs of dental care. All you have to do is pay a monthly premium and the dental insurance covers the entire or a percentage of the cost incurred on Dental bills. You may already be covered by med-claim. Many sites exist that offers your related ECC information and dental insurance help. You could search for big discount dental plans to find cheap offers and buy dental online plans for your child and the family.

Dentalinsurancehelper.com is a site that suits your dental insurance needs for information and packages. It will help you know avenues for better deals and dental health care.