If you have Diabetes, you must take steps to keep your mouth healthy.

(From: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/Diabetes/DiabetesDentalTips.htm)

If you have diabetes, follow these steps:

• Control your blood glucose.
  
• Brush and floss every day.
  
• Visit your dentist regularly. Be sure to tell your dentist that you have diabetes.
  
• Tell your dentist if your dentures (false teeth) do not fit right, or if your teeth and gums are sore.
  
• Quit smoking. Smoking makes gum disease worse. Your physician or dentist can help you quit.

Take time to check your mouth regularly for any problems. Sometimes people notice that their gums bleed when they brush and floss. Others notice dryness, soreness, white patches, or a bad taste in the mouth. All of these are reasons to call Drs. Bernstein & Auerbach, dentists in New City, NY. They can help you monitor your dental health in connection with your overall health and your diabetes.

Remember, good blood glucose control can help prevent mouth problems.

Your Baby & Teething

Lightly rubbing a baby's gums with 2-by-2-inch gauze pads several times a day when they are teething will lessen eruption pain.
On the average, a baby will start to get its first teeth at about six months. Tooth eruption (teething) can cause discomfort for your baby, as well as many sleepless nights for you. During teething periods, your baby may exhibit excess drooling, runny nose, low-grade temperature and/or overall crankiness. To help this situation, you may purchase some 2-by-2-inch gauze pads at your pharmacy and lightly rub your baby's gums with them several times a day. This will remove a thin layer of plaque that forms on the gums, thus lessening eruption pain. Most babies will find this massaging very soothing, and some will derive pleasure from sucking on the gauze or your finger.

Visit our website: teethandgums.org

Canker Sores

When experiencing canker sores, avoid eating rough textured or spicy foods that will irritate them.
IS YOUR SORE CANTANKEROUS?
Canker sores (apthous ulcers) are often confused with fever blisters (cold sores). They are quite different, however. Canker sores are only found inside the mouth on the gums, cheeks, tongue or floor of the mouth. They cannot be transmitted from one individual to another.Cold sores are found outside the mouth, usually on the lips but may appear on the chin, outside of the cheek or the nostrils. They begin as a red blister, burst and crust over. The cycle takes 7-14 days to heal.
Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus, are contagious and are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. The virus is dormant most of the time and is carried by almost everyone. Fever blisters occur most often in young adults and adolescents and decline in people over 35 years of age. Certain factors activate their outbreak, particularly stress, colds, fevers and/or sunburn. To reduce occurrences, avoid kissing when the blisters are visible; don't squeeze or scrape the blister; wash your hands thoroughly before touching someone else; and use UV sunscreen on your lips before spending time in the sun.
Treatment of cold sores includes avoiding spicy and hot foods that will irritate them, applying phenol-containing over-the-counter ointments and administering some anti-viral antibiotics that will shorten their duration but not prevent their outbreak.
Canker sores begin as small red circular swellings that usually ulcerate (rupture) within a day, after which they become white, surrounded by reddish inflammation. They last 8-10 days. As open sores, they can be very painful to the touch.
Canker sores afflict about 20% of the population. Their cause has yet to be discovered, although they appear to break out more in stressful situations, from getting a small "nick" in the skin (mucous membrane) or from foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes. While they can occur in very young children, they are usually first seen between the ages of 10 and 20. It's not uncommon for them to erupt three to four times a year, but they occur less frequently or stop altogether in adults.
When experiencing canker sores, avoid rough textured or spicy foods that will irritate them. Try not to touch them with eating utensils or your toothbrush. Apply ointment that contains a topical anesthetic or some other active ingredient that will relieve the irritation. Call your dentist for some recommendations.
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Taking Care of Baby Teeth

Parents need to begin brushing a child's teeth around six months or when the first primary teeth begin to appear.

The first visit to the dentist should be between 30 and 42 months of age depending on the child's development.Primary teeth are important for several reasons. They allow the child to chew properly, maintain space for the later eruption of the permanent teeth, and are needed for proper speech development. Early loss of primary teeth can lead to future space crowding problems as the permanent teeth erupt. Orthodontic correction may be required. In addition early loss of primary teeth may cause some psychosocial issues for the child because of speech or appearance problems.
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Tooth Trauma

If a permanent tooth is knocked completely out, it is critical to get the person and their tooth to the dental office within one half hour.

Lost (Avulsed) Tooth
If a permanent tooth is knocked completely out, time is of the essence. Immediately call your dentist for an emergency appointment. It is critical to get the person and their tooth to the dental office within one half hour. This makes it possible to re-implant the tooth with a high degree of success. Find the tooth and, holding it by its crown, gently rinse it to remove dirt and/or debris. Do not scrub the tooth. If possible, gently place the tooth back in its socket as a means of transport. Otherwise, transport it in a cup of milk, salt water, or saliva. If none of these are available, use a cup of plain water. (Place the tooth between the cheek and gum, unless the child is too young).

Loosened (Extruded) Teeth
If a tooth is pushed either inward or outward, try to reposition it using light finger pressure. Do not force the tooth into its socket. Try to get the injured person to a dentist as soon as possible. The tooth may be stabilized and held in place with a moist tissue or gauze on the way.
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Fluoride

If your water district doesn't add fluoride to the water supply, your baby should be receiving drops of a fluoride/vitamin combination as soon as possible after birth.

The first permanent molars are already calcifying by age three months. It is in this formative stage that the tooth will incorporate the greatest amount of fluoride. Systemic fluoride is a safe and effective way to dramatically reduce dental decay, along with the cost of dental treatment.
Visit our website: teethandgums.org

Tooth Trauma

If a permanent tooth is knocked completely out, it is critical to get the person and their tooth to the dental office within one half hour.

Lost (Avulsed) Tooth
If a permanent tooth is knocked completely out, time is of the essence. Immediately call your dentist for an emergency appointment. It is critical to get the person and their tooth to the dental office within one half hour. This makes it possible to re-implant the tooth with a high degree of success. Find the tooth and, holding it by its crown, gently rinse it to remove dirt and/or debris. Do not scrub the tooth. If possible, gently place the tooth back in its socket as a means of transport. Otherwise, transport it in a cup of milk, salt water, or saliva. If none of these are available, use a cup of plain water. (Place the tooth between the cheek and gum, unless the child is too young).

Loosened (Extruded) Teeth
If a tooth is pushed either inward or outward, try to reposition it using light finger pressure. Do not force the tooth into its socket. Try to get the injured person to a dentist as soon as possible. The tooth may be stabilized and held in place with a moist tissue or gauze on the way.
Visit our website: teethandgums.org

Snoring

Snoring is a widespread problem, affecting 30-45% of the population. When taking into account those who are disturbed by snoring, meaning spouses and children, that number doubles. It can have social consequences, disrupting marriages and roommate relationships. Snoring can also have medical consequences, preventing a good night's sleep so that individuals wake up fatigued; or more seriously, it may be a byproduct of obstructive sleep apnea, in which the one who snores momentarily stops breathing during sleep. The sound of snoring results from the vibration of the uvula (tissue hanging from roof of the soft palate) and the back of the soft palate. It is caused by a narrowing of the air passages in the throat due to a variety of factors - long uvula or soft palate, large tonsils, excess fat deposits, blocked nasal passages from a cold or allergies and/or the relaxation (collapse) of the musculature of the throat and mouth during sleep.

There are three methods that offer relief from snoring:

The most common utilizes a device called CPAP (continuous positive air pressure). A stream of air is pushed through a tube connected to a mask that covers the nose. The continuous air pressure forces the airway to stay open during sleep. There are a large variety of plastic appliances, similar to mouthguards or orthodontic retainers, which are worn while sleeping. Some reposition the lower jaw (mandible) forward while others retain the tongue in a forward position. Essentially, they maintain an open, unobstructed airway in the throat. These appliances may be contraindicated for bruxers (people who grind their teeth). A third technique to consider is a relatively simple surgical procedure called uvulopalatoplasty. Some of the tissue from the soft palate and uvula, which collapse during sleep, is removed. This is usually performed in-office under local anesthesia. Sometimes IV sedation is used for greater relaxation. Patients may experience a moderate to severe sore throat for about a week after surgery.Why suffer any longer? Any of these treatments can reduce or stop snoring. Call your dentist for more information. Visit our website: teethandgums.org

Thumb-Sucking

Placing a band-aid on the thumb as a reminder may help a child stop sucking his or her thumb at an earlier age.

Infants have a natural instinct to suck as a way of nourishing and soothing themselves. Often, this leads to the child sucking on his or her fingers, a blanket, a stuffed animal or his or her thumb. Usually, this habit is given up by age four. If it continues it can be extremely detrimental to the development of the teeth and jaws, causing crooked teeth, an incorrect bite, speech problems and/or open-mouth breathing. This habit may result in psychological trauma if it continues into school age, when other children tease.What should a parent do? If possible, try to switch the child to a properly designed pacifier that fits the shape of the mouth. Pacifiers are less likely to create the same developmental problems (because they distribute forces over greater area), are usually discarded by the child at an earlier age and are easier to hide than a thumb.If the thumb sucking takes place during the day, discuss the problem with the child to discourage the habit. Placing a band-aid on the thumb as a reminder may help. Be positive and praise the child when he or she remembers. And reward the success. So, try this habit-breaking technique that is usually successful within two weeks. If your child is still sucking on his or her thumb or anything else by the time the permanent teeth erupt (around age 6), please call it to the attention of your dentist.
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Chewing Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free chewing gum after meals and snacks may help reduce the acid level in the mouth and its potentially detrimental effect on tooth enamel. Visit our website: teethandgums.org

Bottles at Bedtime

If you must give the baby a bottle in bed, be sure to fill it only with plain water. Many parents give their babies a bottle in bed to pacify them and enable them to fall asleep. Most people fill the bottle with milk, fruit juice or water mixed with a sweetening agent such as Karo syrup. Unfortunately, as your baby falls asleep, the tongue and nipple on the bottle pool the liquid around certain teeth. The acidic and/or sugar content of these liquids can cause severe tooth decay. This is called nursing bottle or baby bottle syndrome.
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Athletic Mouthguards

It has been estimated that wearing a mouth guard while playing sports will reduce concussions by 50%.
A mouthguard is a flexible plastic appliance that is worn during recreational and athletic activities to protect the teeth from trauma or loss and to prevent jaw fractures, neck injuries and concussion. It has been estimated that wearing a mouthguard will reduce concussions by 50%. Mouthguards also minimize lacerated and bruised lips and cheeks by keeping these soft tissue areas away from the teeth. This is especially true for youngsters with orthodontic braces.
The mouth is the most injured area of the body during contact sports. Wearing mouthguards is highly recommended for those participating in boxing, basketball, field hockey, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, soccer, wrestling, water polo and rugby.

The American Dental Association also suggests mouthguards for those partaking in acrobatics, gymnastics, volleyball, handball, racquetball, skiing, skydiving, squash, surfing, weightlifting, shot putting and discus throwing. Participants in recreational activities such as skateboarding and bicycling should wear mouthguards, especially in competition.

An effective mouthguard should remain in place during the activity while not interfering with speech or breathing. It should provide maximum protection and be comfortable to wear.
There are three types of mouthguards from which to choose:
Stock (Ready-made) - Most sporting goods stores carry these, and they are the least expensive. They are available in various sizes and shapes, but cannot be adjusted to fit your mouth. Often, they are loose and bulky and may interfere with speaking or breathing. These are the least desirable.
Mouth-formed ("Boil & Bite") - These are available in most sporting goods stores and are relatively inexpensive. The plastic mouthguard shell is boiled in water for 10-45 seconds, cooled under tap water and molded and adapted directly in the mouth. Compared to custom-made guards, the fit is not as accurate, and it may not last as long.
Custom-made - This type is highly recommended and the most effective. Dentists make them at the office or order them from a laboratory from a cast of your teeth. While they are a little bit more expensive than the store-bought variety, they provide the greatest protection and comfort. It is well worth the price for your safety and peace of mind.

Like any other sports gear, mouthguards can wear out and lose their effectiveness. They may have to be replaced after each sports season. However, proper care will increase their longevity. Heat is bad for mouthguards, because it may cause them to deform. Keep them out of direct sunlight and never leave them in a closed car. Rinse them under cold water with each use, and occasionally use soap and cold water to clean them. When not in use, either store your mouthguard in a well-ventilated plastic box or in a container immersed in water. Do not handle or try to wear someone else's mouthguard. Visit our website: teethandgums.org

Gum Disease: Prevention & Treatment

Eating a balanced diet, especially foods rich in vitamin C, B12, folic acid and calcium, will help strengthen your gums and bones against breakdown.
Periodontal (gum) disease will afflict three out of four adults after age 35, and it is the major cause of tooth loss.

Periodontal disease is the inflammation and infection of the supporting soft and hard tissue surrounding the teeth. In the early stages, it's called gingivitis and is characterized by redness, swelling, tenderness and bleeding. At this point the symptoms can be alleviated and the tissue returned to normal by daily flossing and brushing. If the process is allowed to continue, it advances to periodontitis, which is characterized by the loss of the tissue attachment to the teeth, a downward migration of the tissue and bone loss (pocketing). With the loss of its supporting structure, a tooth will become loose and fall out or have to be removed by the dentist.

There are various factors that contribute to gum disease. Allowing plaque (a sticky mixture of bacteria, food and debris) to accumulate on the teeth is the primary factor. The bacteria will produce toxins (poisons) that attack and destroy the tissue fibers that attach the gums to the teeth (gingival attachment). Eventually, the plaque will calcify and harden. When this happens, it can only be removed by a professional prophylaxis (cleaning).The periodontal infection becomes worse and progresses more rapidly in people who have other risk factors - people who smoke, are under great stress, have uncontrolled diabetes, consume alcohol in excessive amounts, have a systemic disease like leukemia that interferes with the immune system and/or have untreated tooth-related dental problems.

Warning Signs
Warning signs and symptoms include bleeding gums when you brush or floss, pus between the tooth and gum, gums that pull away from the teeth, chronic bad breath, tenderness, swelling and loose teeth. If you are experiencing any number of these symptoms, call it to your dentist's attention. Found and treated early enough, it can be totally reversible. Prevention Having a professional prophylaxis twice a year and flossing and brushing daily will minimize your risk. Eating a balanced diet, especially foods rich in vitamin C, B12, folic acid and calcium, will help strengthen your gums and bones against breakdown. Limit the frequency of eating foods loaded with refined sugar (sucrose). Other risk factors such as smoking should be eliminated, and related dental problems such as crowded teeth, spaces and cavities should be restored.

Treatment
If caught early, a professional scaling and root planing to remove plaque and calculus is performed. This may be supplemented with chemotherapeutic agents and/or antibiotics. Daily maintenance of flossing and brushing is critical.More advanced periodontitis usually requires surgery in which the gum tissue is cut and the bony pockets are reduced and contoured. Soft and hard tissue grafting procedures may be used to add or grow new tissue.Although there are some inherited tendencies to developing periodontal disease, it can be easily prevented in most individuals with a little time and effort. It's in your hands. Visit our website: teethandgums.org