Your Toddler's Teeth

February is National Children Dental Health month. Most parents often wait too long before taking their toddler to the dentist. Most children get their first between 3 and 6 months. The Academy of General Dentistry recommends taking your child to the dentist 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth.

It is important to begin a cleaning routine as soon as the firtst tooth is erupted. Use a warm washcloth or a moistened cotton swab to clean your child's teeth after every meal. This get the child used to having something in his or her mouth. After this, graduate to a small, soft toothbrush. You don't need to add toothpaste into the regimen until your child is 2 years old; use only a pea-sized amount.

Teeth Whitening

Although teeth whitening may be one of the safest, non-invasive and cost-efficient ways to improve your smile, cautions should be taken prior to using do-it-yourself kits or a trip to the mall. Proper whitening depends upon the use of a custom-made bleaching tray, which only a dentist can properly fit. Some Internet companies sell the materials that allow consumers to make their own whitening tray. But only dentists can assure the proper use of these materials. Without supervision and expertise, these materials can cause damage to existing dental work or the teeth themselves. A dental exam should be done prior to starting any bleaching procedure.

Dental Health and Your Heart Health

Researchers are finding possible links between periodontal (gum) infections and other diseases throughout the body. Current studies suggest that there may be a link between gum disease adn cardiovascular disease. In fact, some research suggests that gum disease may be more serious risk factor for heart disease than high blood pressure (hypertension), smoking, high chloresterol, gender and age. People who have gum disease seem to be at a higher risk for heart attcks.

Vegetarianism and Dental Health

A vegetarian diet can experience deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B12, or complete proteins. An adult on a vegetarian diet for a prolonged period of time can be at an increased risk for periodontal (gum) disease from a lack of vitamin D and calcium. Teeth may soften when there's a shortage of vitamin D, becoming more susceptible to decay. Deficiency in vitamin D is rare, however, since it is produced in the body with sun exposure, but it can develop in those who do not consume milk or fish.

Dental Implant

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. The benefit is that implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support and they are very stable. Implants are a good solution to tooth loss because they look and feel like natural teeth.

Once in placed, implants can now be used to support bridges, crowns, dentures or eliminating the need for dentures altogether. The cost tends to be greater, but the implant supported crowns and bridges more closely resemble real teeth.

Why Do I Need X-rays?

Radiographic, or x-ray, examination provide your dentist with an important diagnostic tool that shows the condition of your teeth, its roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial bones. X-rays can help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal (gum) disease, abscesses and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. They can pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible with a visual examination.

Dental x-rays require exposure to very low levels of radiation, which makes the risk of potential harmful effects very small. Precautions are always taken to minimize your exposure to radiation.

So You Want to Pierce Your Tongue?

Oral piercing can cause pain, swelling, infection, drooling, taste loss, scarring, chipped teeth and tooth loss. Most dentists discourage oral piercing because of these risks.

Fractured teeth are a commom problem for people with oral piercings. People chip teeth on tongue piercings while eating, sleeping, talking and simply chewing on the jewelry. It is not unusual for the tongue to swell after being punctured, and in some cases the tongue swells so much that it can cut off your breathing. Infection can result from piercings. The tongue is covered with bacteria, so any infection can be serious. Bacteria can find its way into the bloodstream at the site of puncture.

Maintaining your piercing will decreased complications. Keep the piercing clean with antiseptic mouthwash after meals and brush the jewelry the same as you would your teeth. After the tongue as healed, take the piercing out and brush it daily.