Everyone knows, or should know, the basic rules for good oral care. Brushing and flossing the teeth daily and visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups should be part of our dental care routine but there are other guidelines for maintaining good dental health.

It is also recommended that we:

• Limit the intake of starches and sugary foodstuffs
• Replace sweetened drinks with water or unsweetened tea when possible
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash

Smoking discolours the teeth and tongue and is a risk factor for gum disease and cancer. Smokers should give up the habit for their dental and overall well-being. More detailed information can be found in the article at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324708.php

If used carefully, pacifiers can benefit baby, however, it's important to be aware of the down sides too:

- The dentist will recommend that pacifiers are only used at nap times as prolonged use can affect the development of baby's mouth shape, jaw and teeth.
- Future dental problems can include an incorrect bite and misaligned teeth.
- Dentist opinions differ on when children should be weaned off their pacifier with recommendations ranging from 6 months to 2 years.

"Unfortunately, children who experience teeth or jaw alignment issues from pacifier misuse will require orthodontic intervention in the future."

Read the full story here:

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-does-a-pacifier-impact-your-childs-oral-health/

Composite resins have proven very popular and are fast becoming the number one choice for patients requiring certain procedures from their dentists.

Made from a mix of plastic resin and finely ground glass-like particles, composite resins are suitable for:

• Filling most cavities
• Repairing small chips and cracks in teeth
• Fixing small gaps in teeth

Although some studies show that composite fillings can be less durable than amalgam fillings, the composite resin is less noticeable as the resin will match the existing colour of the teeth -- which patients do appreciate.

Other benefits and uses for composite resin are detailed at https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/composite-fillings

Have others complained that you seem to constantly snore while sleeping? Do you to awake in the middle of the night feeling as if you are out of breath?

If so, you might be surprised to learn that a condition known as obstructive sleep apnoea could be the culprit. Sleep apnoea is primarily the result of airways that unconsciously narrow when you are at rest. As your body cannot obtain enough oxygen, you may begin to snore loudly and wake up gasping for breath.

However, there are other health issues which can result from sleep apnoea. These include (but are not always limited to) heart disease, high blood pressure and feelings of irritability throughout the day.

If you have grown concerned, it is first a good idea to perform a sleep test at home. These examinations can be easily carried out and they will often be used to determine what additional steps you should take.

For instance, many dentists will provide you with custom-made mouthpieces that can be worn when you sleep. These modify the position of your jaw; helping to reduce your symptoms or even to cure them entirely. Sleeping throughout the night will therefore become a reality.

Do you have sleep apnoea? An in-home Sleep Test provides a quick, convenient and affordable way to have sleep apnoea confirmed. All studies are independently analysed by experienced NHS-qualified sleep professionals, and use the WatchPAT recording device for unrivalled accuracy.
Learn more about sleep apnoea: https://www.sleeptest.co.uk

Although your child's baby teeth will eventually fall out, it's really important to take good care of them:

- You can keep baby's gums clean before their baby teeth even come through by wiping with a clean damp cloth wrapped over your finger.
- Use a baby toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for babies as soon as their first tooth comes through.
- Start taking baby for check-ups at the dentist within six months of their first tooth emerging.

"If your baby still does not have any teeth don’t worry every child has its own time."

Read the full story here:

https://healthtian.com/5-babys-teeth/

Cosmetic dentistry treatments such as dental veneers, teeth whitening, and braces can help improve your smile and self-esteem. You need not worry about pain as this type of dentist work has come a long way in recent years.

Key takeaways:

-  Professional teeth whitening will usually need a thorough dental cleaning first to remove any bacteria and plaque.
-  Dental veneers are bonded to the front of the teeth to repair uneven, cracked or broken teeth.
-  Braces and clear aligners are far less noticeable than in the past, and can straighten teeth in months, not years, and are affordable.

Read the full story here:
https://www.getholistichealth.com/79988/the-advantages-of-cosmetic-dentistry/

Dental emergencies are bound to happen, so it's good to be prepared:

- Make an emergency appointment with your dentist if teeth have been knocked out, any isolated bleeding, pus in the gums or severe pain.

- If you lose or break a filling you can get a temporary filling and ibuprofen for any pain from the chemist until you can visit the dentist.

- If you get something stuck between your teeth you can try flossing to remove it -- but if it's still stuck, it's best to get your dentist to remove it soon.

- If your face swells up and this is accompanied by breathing problems, head to A&E immediately.

"Without immediate treatment, a problem with your teeth or gums could quickly become a major threat to your overall health."

Read the full story here:

https://consumer.healthday.com/encyclopedia/dental-health-11/misc-dental-problem-news-174/dental-emergencies-645351.html

Everyone experiences the occasional bad breath episode, but if this problem is a common occurrence, you’ll want to follow these steps to get rid of it.

Key takeaways:

   - Be very strict with your oral care: brush your teeth, floss, use a non-alcohol mouthwash and a tongue scraper.
   - Keep hydrated to avoid dry mouth, one of the main causes of bad breath.
   - Adopt healthy eating habits and quit smoking.

If the problem persists after doing all this, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for advice.

Read the full story here:

https://www.drmichaels.com/blog/ways-to-eliminate-bad-breath

Sometimes a crack in a tooth is so small that it will require a dentist to identify the problem. The presence of a crack is often characterised by sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink or pain while chewing.

Should these symptoms manifest themselves they should be discussed with your dentist who has a variety of options available to locate the crack.

These options include:

• Magnifying glass
• A pointed tool called a dental explorer which catches on any crack
• Dental dye

During an examination the dentist “will check the gums for signs of inflammation” which is a common side-effect of cracked teeth.

More detailed information can be found at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322015.php

Dental veneers are used to improve the look of your teeth. They are thin shells which your dentist can colour to match your natural teeth.

Key takeaways:

- Dental veneers are very thin shells of porcelain that can be used on discoloured, chipped, broken or misaligned teeth to enhance their appearance.
- If your dentist thinks veneers are suitable, they will first prepare your teeth for the veneers.
- The veneers are then cemented on to the tooth, making any necessary adjustments beforehand to ensure a good fit.

"Veneers can be different shades of tooth colour, so it’s important to discuss your needs with your dentist to determine which shade is right for you."

Read the full story here
https://www.getholistichealth.com/56688/what-you-need-to-know-about-dental-veneers/