Seaweed has been of pharmaceutical, industrial, and botanical interest for centuries. Its high nutrient content made it a popular food in Asian countries. The Japanese, Romans, and Chinese used it to treat medical issues. Seaweed is high in vitamin K, an important source of minerals, and is low in sodium. Recent research indicates that seaweed may help keep your gums healthy. Continuous research on the oral-systemic connection has shown that healthy gums could mean a healthy heart and an overall healthier body. So, what’s this about seaweed?
How to Make Your Teeth Stronger
There are several different things you can do throughout the day to enjoy better dental health besides just brushing and flossing your teeth. In fact, with the limited time most people actually spend brushing and flossing, what you do throughout the rest of the day might be an even bigger influence. Fortunately, you don’t have to go to great lengths to keep your smile strong and healthy. With good hygiene and knowledge of how your teeth interact with your food, you can make your teeth stronger and healthier without having to make any drastic changes. (more…)
Bad Breath Basics For Babies
Does your baby have bad breath? It is a rare occurrence but it can happen. There are a variety of reasons a baby can develop bad breath. Some of the reasons are the same as why adults do, others are not. Your Gary Indiana dentist, Dr. Cain, provides dental services for children and adults. In today’s blog find out about the bad breath basics for babies, why babies develop bad breath and what you can do about it.
Dental Terminology 101
Does dental terminology have you grinding your teeth? If so, you’re not alone. Dental terminology can be confusing. Find out how much you know about dental speak by taking your northwest Indiana dentist, Dr. Nicholas Cain’s true or false quiz, Dental Terminology 101, below.
What’s the Problem with Dry Mouth?
Saliva is one of your best defenses against tooth decay and other dental problems. This moisture helps you chew food, rinses food particles out of your teeth, and neutralizes acid that attacks your enamel. Dry mouth (xerostomia) occurs when your mouth is not producing enough saliva. This condition can be more than just bothersome; it can actually be detrimental to your oral health. However, there are many treatments or remedies that can help prevent dry mouth to protect your oral health from related issues.
The Causes and Symptoms of Dry Mouth
Dry mouth has various causes, including medication (a lack of moisture is a common side effect). In addition, dehydration, certain health conditions, smoking, and narcotics like methamphetamine can all lead to xerostomia.
Besides a lack of saliva, the condition can cause problems such as sores, hoarse throat, and bad breath. It can also lead to poor nutrition, as you might have trouble chewing or swallowing certain foods.
How Do You Treat Dry Mouth?
There are certain remedies you can try at home to help improve your condition. You can:
- Drink plenty of water
- Chew sugar-free gum—this promotes the production of saliva.
- Limit caffeine
- Avoid tobacco products and excessive alcohol consumption
Do not neglect your oral health at this time, as brushing, flossing, and other treatments can become more important if you are not producing enough saliva to help defend your mouth.
If these home remedies do not work, or if you have chronic xerostomia, you can schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss alternative treatment options. You may need to talk to your regular doctor, as well; if medication is the cause of your condition, then the doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative. In many cases, we can prescribe certain rinses or medication to help stimulate saliva, if needed.
ABOUT YOUR GARY, IN DENTIST:
As a native of northwest Indiana, Nicholas Cain, DDS, is dedicated to providing excellent general, preventive, and family dentistry services to the community that raised him. To schedule your appointment, call Healthy Smiles today at 219-938-2637.
A Lesson About Tooth Loss
The more you know about your dental health, the more you may realize how simultaneously resilient and vulnerable it is. For instance, permanent teeth that are built to last for life can be lost prematurely if you don’t keep them clean and healthy. The lesson to be learned about tooth loss is that the better you take care of your teeth, the longer they’ll last, and the less trouble they’ll give you in the long-run.
How it Happens
Given its wide-spread occurrence, you might think that preventing tooth loss is a losing battle. If you know someone who’s lost teeth, particularly older members of your family, then you might be especially worried about it affecting your smile in the future. However, tooth loss isn’t an inherited trait (although a propensity for it may be). The most frequent reason behind missing teeth is severe gum disease, which infects the gums and jawbone that support them. Other reasons include extensive tooth decay, traumatic impact, or damage such as cracks and fractures that are too invasive to repair.
How to Prevent It
If you’re anxious about tooth loss, then rest assured that you learned one of the most important ways to prevent it early in childhood—brushing and flossing your teeth every day. By doing so, you can control the mechanisms (i.e., the bacteria in plaque) that are responsible for gum disease and other oral health issues. In addition, be sure to visit your dentist at least once every six months so we can thoroughly clean your teeth, especially around your gums. While you’re here, we’ll also inspect your mouth for signs of dental health issues. If necessary, we can prescribe treatment to prevent such issues from leading to tooth loss.
What to Do When You Lose a Tooth
If you’ve already lost a tooth, or have one or more teeth that must be extracted because they can’t be saved, then we can restore your smile with a customized dental prosthetic. Depending on how many teeth must be replaced, we may recommend a dental bridge, partial denture, or complete denture to reestablish your bite, and your smile’s aesthetic appeal.
ABOUT YOUR GARY, IN DENTIST:
As a native of northwest Indiana, Nicholas Cain, DDS, is dedicated to providing excellent general, preventive, and family dentistry services to the community that raised him. To schedule your appointment, call Healthy Smiles today at 219-938-2637.
Quiz: What is Bruxism?
Do you grind your teeth? Many people who suffer from bruxism may not even be aware they need treatment. This is due to the fact that most people grind their teeth during sleep. Recognizing the symptoms of this disorder is crucial. Dr. Nicholas Cain discusses the common warning signs and causes of this serious dental health issue.
Diabetic Patients Have Increased Risk for Gum Disease
November is American Diabetes Month® (ADM) which is an effort by the American Diabetes Association to raise awareness of the millions living with the disease and the issues surrounding diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, almost 30 million children and adults in the US live with diabetes. 86 million Americans possess prediabetes and could potentially develop type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association speculates that the US spends $245 million in diabetes care costs. Diabetes can damage many parts of the body including the nerves, the heart, kidneys and other crucial elements. Diabetes can also take a toll on one’s oral health particularly on one’s likelihood for developing gum disease. In today’s blog your Gary dentist Dr. Cain discusses the effect of diabetes on oral health. (more…)
Gary Dentist Answers Questions about Teeth Whitening
Dazzling white teeth aren’t just for movie stars. Your compassionate family dentist Dr. Cain provides two types of teeth whitening right here in his welcoming Gary office. In today’s blog Dr. Cain answers patients’ frequently asked questions about professional teeth whitening. (more…)
Protecting Teeth: Ration or Gorge on Halloween Candy?
Children across the nation are gearing up for Halloween 2014. They are planning their costumes and dreaming of buckets of candy coming their way. Parents on the other hand dread the potential side effects of excessive sugar coating their children’s teeth. Your Gary dentist Dr. Cain offers some tips to surviving Halloween with our teeth unscathed and free of cavities. (more…)