Getting your kid to stop sucking his thumb might be one of the toughest habits to break as your progeny grows from being a baby into a toddler then into a young child. Dental experts say that children start sucking their thumbs as a way to comfort themselves. Not all children experience dental issues as a result of this habit, but there are some who experience overbites, open bites and posterior crossbites. Dental specialists say that if your child still has baby teeth and the thumb sucking stops early enough, his teeth will naturally correct themselves. However, if your child has a posterior crossbite, he will have to see an orthodontist.

Dental providers say that most kids stop this behavior as they get older, but if you’re in a rush, there are some gentle ways to break your child’s bad habit. Dental specialists say most children stop sucking their thumbs between the ages of three and four. However, if your child hasn’t gotten to the thumb sucking stage, encourage them to suck on pacifiers instead. Dental care providers say pacifiers are less likely to cause dental problems than thumbs or other digits.

If your child is approaching five years of age and is still a hardcore thumb sucker, you need to start encouraging them to stop, although you should remain very gentle in your approach. Dental care experts say that it is normal if during the process, your child has a setback and begins sucking his thumb again. This is a self-soothing technique and it will fade away when your child builds up the confidence he needs.

Since most children suck their thumbs as a way to soothe themselves or cure boredom, try keeping them occupied with a fun activity. Some parents even apply a safe-to-ingest paint on the child’s thumb that doesn’t exactly taste like hot dogs or candy. Dental professionals say this method isn’t very successful, but it’s worth giving a try.

Of course there are a lot of gimmicks out there that claim to help, such as thumb covers and shirts with the sleeve sewn shut, but ordinarily, these just cause more frustration for your child. If all else fails and you still cannot get your child to stop sucking his thumb, dental experts say there is a dental appliance that can be inserted in the mouth that inhibits the placement of the thumb the way your child likes, thus, discouraging him from the practice. However, this dental solution is usually only applied to children who have begun to get their permanent teeth.

Many Americans are understandably nervous when it comes to seeing their dentist. Let’s face it – it IS a scary situation. There are so many noises and sensations that can make even the sturdiest stomachs flip flop. The sounds of a drill may be all it takes to send a scared patient out the door and away from much-needed dental care.

Many dentists now offer sedation dentistry to ease their patients’ fears and make for a more comfortable and stress-free cleaning and/or procedure. However, if you’re not convinced that whatever the dentist prescribes will be effective enough, you should know some basics about the common medications that are disbursed.

Ativan, also known as Lorazepam, is usually given in the form of a tablet. Its dose ranges from 0.25 mg to 4 mg. Dental care providers typically utilize Ativan for longer dental appointments (up to three hours). Patients can expect to feel the effects of this sedative within 30 to 60 minutes, meaning the dentist may prescribe the medication prior to your appointment so you can arrive ready for your procedure.

Valium, also known as Diazepam, is another commonly-dispensed sedative. Dentists will advise that patients take the valium the evening before an appointment and perhaps will be given another prior to the actual procedure. This pill comes in doses between 2 and 20 mg and takes approximately 20 to 40 minutes to take effect.

Halcion, also known as Triazolam, is used for shorter dental procedures that may last between two and four hours. The doses are prescribed anywhere from 0.125 mg to 0.5 mg and usually take 15 to 30 minutes to become effective.

In this day and age, it should be a no-brainer that smoking is an unhealthy habit. Smoking is linked to almost every type of cancer, as well as other lung conditions and heart problems. This addictive habit is also detrimental to your dental health for many reasons. On a superficial level, smoking causes bad breath and tooth discoloration. Seasoned smokers often have yellow or brownish teeth due to this bad habit. More importantly, tobacco use increases a person’s chance of developing oral cancer.

Many people are aware that smoking is bad and that there are harmful ingredients to a cigarette, but there may be some who are not sure what exactly is in a tobacco cigarette that makes it so harmful. In addition to causing harm to your dental health, there are at least six other toxins than can lead to serious health issues if a person continues to engage in this habit.

Formaldehyde is a prevalent ingredient in cigarettes. If this word sounds familiar, it may because you have heard it being used in conjunction with embalming a body. Anything that is powerful enough to prohibit the decay of a human body and considered toxic should not be whimsically dismissed by a smoker. Dental experts will tell you that formaldehyde is a probable human carcinogen and is a registered pesticide.

Hydrogen cyanide is another harmful ingredient and is commonly known as poison. Most dental health experts say this is one of the most toxic agents in cigarettes and is likely to be the culprit for many of the short-term and lasting effects of cigarette smoke.

Tar is another commonly known ingredient in cigarettes and in itself contains hundreds of carcinogenic or hazardous chemicals. Coupled with carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that restricts the passage of oxygen to tissues, dental specialists say your heart, brain and lungs are going to be seriously compromised.

Benzene and nicotine are two more toxins that are toxic to humans. Benzene is a probable carcinogen and is considered toxic, while nicotine is considered an herbicide and insecticide.

No one wants to have bad breath. It’s embarrassing and can cause you to be constantly concerned over whether or not you’re offending someone anytime you get in a three-foot radius of them. But what causes bad breath and how can you get rid of it?

Bad breath can be caused by poor dental hygiene or it can be an indication of a dental condition. Most instances of bad breath are caused by the bacteria that accumulate in the mouth; however, there could be other factors such as medication or diet. If you have been experiencing bad breath and have ruled out exterior causes, it might be time to take a closer look at your dental routine.

Dental experts say bad breath can stem from food particles that are decaying on or between your teeth. Even if you brush immediately after eating, it also important to floss so you can remove these food particles from the areas of your teeth that can’t be accessed by a toothbrush. It is also important to use a tongue scraper to remove the microorganisms that coat your tongue (dental experts don’t recommend brushing your tongue because it can damage taste buds).

Bad breath can also be caused by unclean dentures or gum disease. The use of alcohol and tobacco exacerbate malodorous breath, so you may want to consider dropping these unhealthy habits. However, breath issues can also be a factor of diet. Obviously some foods such as onions or garlic cause bad breath, but taking vitamins can also have an adverse effect.

Dental professionals maintain that bad breath is not a disease, but is a sign that there is something “off” in the mouth. If you are experiencing chronic bad breath, talk to your Bloomfield dentist about your dental regimen.

What if you could find out your teeth are at risk for decay or cavities before any real damage takes place, sometimes even years in advance? Laser dental decay detection offers just that: a chance to enhance your dental regimen so that decay, and thus more complicated dental procedures are not likely.

Most Bloomfield dentists offer laser detection to their patients and the process is fairly simple. Using a diode laser, the handheld device scans the surfaces of your teeth in search of decaying areas. If there is any plaque or tartar build-up, those parts of the tooth will glow under the light of the laser. Laser detection helps you and your Bloomfield dentist see decay even in the earliest stages. This allows you the chance to brush more often or better in order to stop the decaying process.

Dental specialists recommend taking advantage of this innovative service. If your Bloomfield dentist offers laser detection, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars in future dental costs. Plaque build-up does not take long to occur; in fact, within 20 minutes of eating food or drinking something your teeth will begin to form plaque. The longer it remains on your teeth, the more likely cavities will occur.

If you are interested in dental laser detection, contact your Bloomfield dentist and ask if this particular service is offered. Make sure to maintain a regular dental routine to stop decay in its tracks. Just a few minutes a day and some extra effort will help keep your bright, shiny smile cavity-free!

Root canals are a scary prospect for most people. Even without knowing exactly what occurs during a root canal, most people have the connotation of a very painful dental procedure. But perhaps knowing is half the battle. For many people, understanding the step-by-step procedure might help them relax and realize that root canals are not as scary when they know what to expect.

The first thing you should know about your root canal is that you will be numb. The Bloomfield dentist will administer local anesthesia to ensure you have no feeling around the affected area. If you have never had these shots, they are tiny pinches that are mostly uncomfortable more than painful. If the idea of the numbing shots is enough to get you rattled, the Bloomfield dentist will offer you nitrous oxide to help you relax. It is just as important to him or her that you are at ease.

Once the area is numb, a rubber dental dam will be placed over your mouth to prevent saliva from touching the affected tooth. This is also placed here to protect your mouth from the dental tools that will be used. Once everything is prepared, the Bloomfield dentist will begin by drilling a hole into your tooth (remember, you WILL be numb!). This will give him access to the nerve and a part of the tooth called the pulp chamber. The nerve will be removed, along with any other affected tissue, before the root canal is cleaned, enlarged and shaped in preparation for the temporary filling. The permanent filling will be performed during another appointment. The Bloomfield dentist may apply medication to prevent an infection, and if the tooth is already infected, you may be prescribed antibiotics.

After the filling and possible medication, you’re done! At least for this visit. You will need to return and have the temporary filling removed and switched out for permanent material. The Bloomfield dentist will place a crown over the tooth to restore function and also to give the tooth proper structure and a natural appearance.

Now, that doesn’t sound that bad, does it?

Receding gums is a condition that sometimes creeps up on you over time. This dental condition can occur because of age, but it can also happen when extreme brushing takes place. If you have receding gums or want to try and prevent this from happening to you, here are some tips and information about what causes this dental issue.

Receding gums are often noticeable because your teeth will appear longer than they did before. Another indication may be your sensitivity to cold and hot food and liquid, mostly because part of your tooth’s nerve is exposed. Dental professionals say receding gums can be a result of slow changes of the gingival, abnormally tilted teeth, or a stronger-than-usual band of mouth muscles that are attached to the gingival. This muscle’s contraction generates a constant pull, which can create receding gums. Last but not least, overly aggressive brushing can also wear down the gum lines.

In addition to longer-looking teeth and perhaps an unattractive smile, receding gums can also lead to having food stuck in the roots of your teeth. This will lead to quicker decay and possibly bad breath if the food isn’t removed.

It is important to receive dental care if you have receding gums. Treatments of this condition range from scaling, root planning and graft surgeries. If you have to have a graft surgery, typically your Bloomfield dentist will remove healthy tissue from another section of your mouth and cover the exposed area with this tissue.

Schedule an appointment with your dental care professional today and find out how you can prevent or treat receding gums.

We have all heard of root canals, but what exactly are they? What kind of dental issues necessitate a root canal?

When a tooth becomes seriously decayed or has suffered a traumatic injury and is in danger of being lost, a root canal is the best solution to save the tooth. It might sound like an easier solution to just have the tooth pulled, but this can cause further dental problems. Losing a tooth can cause other teeth to shift and can even cause gum disease. So unfortunately, the best solution is to have a root canal, as scary as that sounds.

If the decay has created a deep cavity, the pulp of your tooth could become exposed to saliva, which can cause an infection. If the infection worsens, an abscess may form. This type of decay causes the tooth to die, which affects the surrounding tissue. As the tissue becomes infected, pus will begin to accumulate around the root. This infection will eventually seep into the bone. Having a root canal will stop the tooth from being completely lost.

A dental root canal is a commonplace procedure, but it will take more than one visit to complete. During the first visit your tooth will be numbed, drilled, cleaned and shaped. A temporary filling will be inserted until the next visit. Once the tooth is filled with permanent filling, a crown will be placed over top. This procedure should protect your tooth for the rest of your life, given you engage in proper dental hygiene and visit your dentist regularly.

Anyone who has ever been interested in whitening his or her teeth knows there are over a dozen whitening products out there. From dental whitening strips to gels, there are many choices available, but only professional dental whitening has the lasting and high-quality effects you’re looking for!

New to the dental scene is Zoom! This whitening application is quicker, simpler and much more convenient than the typical store-bought products that can take up to 14 days to achieve a fraction of the results you desire. When you get Zoom! whitening treatments, the results are immediate and will be very noticeable.

Your Bloomfield dentist will begin by preparing your mouth for the Zoom! procedure. After your lips and gums have been isolated, a dental technician will apply the Zoom! whitening gel to your teeth. Afterwards a specially designed light will activate the chemicals in the gel to whiten your teeth. After a short time, the procedure is over and you’re left with a smile that is six-to-ten times whiter! Dental professionals say the whitening process may even continue for a few days after the in-office procedure.

In order to maintain your beautiful, whiter smile, Bloomfield dentists recommend using custom-designed gel trays. Your Bloomfield dentist will take an impression of your teeth in order for a gel tray to be designed just for you. The Zoom! whitening gel is placed in the dental tray and can be worn overnight or for just a few hours each day. This process needs to be completed daily for three to four weeks in order to achieve optimal results. Once you have achieved your desired shade, continue with the trays once every few months.

Zoom! offers exceptional whitening results without the inconvenience of typical store-bought products. Contact your Bloomfield dentist today and ask about how you can get a whiter, brighter smile with the help of Zoom!

Temporal Mandibular Joint Dysfunction, also known as TMJ, is a common dental complaint among Americans. The symptoms are usually headaches, toothaches, sore jaw, vision problems and hearing impairments. Typically you know if you have TMJ, but what is causing this jaw disorder?

The causes of TMJ are varied, but most people who have it usually also experience large amounts of stress. Females between the ages of 20 and 50 are statistically proven to have a higher risk for developing TMJ Disorder. Other factors that can contribute to the dysfunction are teeth grinding, gum chewing, nail biting, sleeping on one side of your face or yawning widely. Accidents or any trauma to your head or mouth area could also lead to the development of TMJ Disorder.

It is important to consider your stress level if you suffer from TMJ. Experiencing stress can cause excess muscle tension in your jaw, and not only does this affect your jaw, but it can also have a negative effect on all aspects of your life.

When it comes to treating TMJ, there is no single solution that is right for everyone. Your dentist may recommend replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting your bite, filling gaps in between teeth or removing wisdom teeth. Plastic dental bite guards are also often used to prevent clenching or grinding that might be contributing to the TMJ Disorder. If left untreated, your dentist may have to recommend surgery to repair a badly damaged joint.

Don’t let TMJ ruin your teeth, joints or sleep. Call your dentist today if you are one of millions of Americans who suffer from TMJ Disorder.