A beautiful smile begins with healthy teeth and gums but for some people this can be difficult to maintain. Around 10-20% of adults in America have a significant fear of dental treatment. Researchers have been investigating the reasons around this fear and are looking at ways to improve dental care.

Luckily, there are many things dentists can do to help terrified patients, such as cultivating a gentle bedside manner and keeping frightening-looking instruments out of sight.

Key takeaways

- The fear of pain can be inherited

- Poor childhood experiences at the dentist may influence fear as an adult

- Sight of dental instruments and noise of the drill can worsen fear

If you suffer anxiety or fear at the thought of visiting a dentist try to locate one with a gentle manner and pleasant environment. Also pay attention to your oral health routine to minimise the amount of dental treatment needed.

"Going to the dentist might be unnerving, but sound oral hygiene practices can help you keep this ordeal to the minimum."

Full article:

http://www.naturalnews.com/2017-03-27-scared-of-the-dentist-scientists-fear-genetic.html

In order to maintain healthy teeth and a white smile, regular trips to the dentist may not always be enough. Those who sleep for only a few hours each night are at a much higher risk of developing gingivitis (gum disease) over time. It is therefore crucial to understand the important role that sleep plays in regards to oral hygiene. Let us take a quick look at what researchers have uncovered and how these findings can be applied to our daily lives.
- Less than six hours of sleep on a nightly basis drastically increases incidences of gum disease.

- Gum disease has been linked with other serious conditions such as diabetes, stroke and even heart disease.

- Most adults should be able to enjoy between seven and eight hours of sleep each night.

"Getting enough sleep has proven to be a major influential factor in keeping your smile healthy."

Read more:

http://yourdentalhealthresource.com/your-lack-of-sleep-may-be-impacting-your-dental-health/

Nail biting is a cause of poor dental and general health. Reasons, why people bite on their nails include stress, anxiety and not using the nail cutter. Unfortunately, victims of this bad habit are unaware of its harmful effects. Here is how nail biting is damaging your teeth and smile!

Key takeaways:

- The hard substance that makes up our nails (keratin) cracks your teeth, erodes your enamel and tears your gums leading to oral diseases.

- Biting nails to relieve stress leads to Bruxism, a condition where one grinds their teeth during sleep or anxiety.

- Unless you often wash your hands, nail biting introduces bacteria to your body, thereby infecting your mouth's cavity and general health.

Protect your smile by using other means of relieving stress, trimming nails with a nail cutter and visiting your dentist for treatment of damaged teeth.

For more, visit:

http://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-nail-biting-affects-your-teeth/

Frequent brushing is one of the secrets to a winning smile, but the benefits of frequent brushing go beyond the aesthetic. Below we give you three reasons why you mustn't overlook your dental hygiene.

Key takeaways:

- A study found that adults who don't brush regularly are more likely to develop dementia

- Bacterial overgrowth due to infrequent brushing may be linked to heart disease

- Poor dental hygiene is now considered one of the triggers of diabetes

Moreover, researchers believe that poor dental hygiene may be behind all types of oral cancers, and is also responsible for an unpleasant condition known as gingivitis. In addition to teeth brushing, you can ensure you keep your oral hygiene in check by visiting your dentist once a year and avoiding foods and drinks that are known to cause cavities and other dental problems.

Read the full story here: http://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-to-best-take-care-of-your-new-dental-implants/

When most of us envision a bright smile and healthy teeth, regular brushing and flossing come to mind. Although a dentist will obviously recommend such daily practices, a lesser-known fact is that a condition known as acid reflux can severely damage tooth enamel if left unchecked. Common symptoms include heartburn and the occasional upset stomach. However, this acid can also impact the teeth if it travels to the mouth.

What are some ways to avoid this serious situation?

- If you suspect that you may suffer from acid reflux, consult with a trained doctor as soon as possible.

- Eating smaller meals may reduce its symptoms.

- Quitting smoking is also known to have a positive impact over time.

"If you have acid reflux disease, medically known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you could be receiving some serious damage to your teeth and not realize it."

Read more:

http://yourdentalhealthresource.com/acid-reflux-may-be-damaging-your-smile/

Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is caused by a buildup of bacteria, which forms within a substance known as plaque. Over time this hardens to become tartar, which then begins to cause damage to teeth, gums and surrounding tissues. There are certain factors which can increase the risk of developing gum disease, such as: smoking, a poor or unbalanced diet, failure to maintain good oral hygiene, certain illnesses and stress. The following treatments may help to reverse the damage caused by gum disease, in order to restore a healthy smile:

- Establish and maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine consisting of brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist for regular checkups.

- Increase the amount of wild caught fish, raw vegetables and foods which are high in fat soluble vitamins. Chewing gum containing xylitol may also help.

- Limit your consumption of processed foods and those which are high in sugar and hydrogenated fats.

If you want to reverse gum disease, you must start with a healthy diet.

Read the full story here: https://draxe.com/gum-disease-natural-cures-causes/

It is well known that the risk of developing cavities and tooth decay can be minimised with a thorough oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist. However, despite following these guidelines, there are certain factors which can increase the likelihood of suffering from these problems:

- There are certain medications which can increase the chances of developing tooth decay. Individuals suffering from eating disorders also have an increased risk of cavities.

- If certain areas are harder to reach when brushing and flossing, bacteria can build up, which can then cause damage to the teeth.

- Sucrose left in the mouth, as a result of eating sugary foods, can cause any bacteria to multiply more rapidly. This then increases the rate at which tooth decay can develop.

Although these factors can increase the risk of developing cavities, regular check ups at the dentist can help to identify and treat problems in their early stages. Seeing your dentist regularly helps rectify the problem, so you can have a smile to be proud of.

Read the full story here: http://positivemed.com/2017/03/10/5-ways-may-vulnerable-cavities/.

Gingivitis is the medical term for gum disease. A dentist will normally detect this ailment by examining the condition of your gums. If they are swollen, painful or receding from your teeth, you may be suffering from gum disease.

There are numerous factors which play a role in developing gingivitis. Some common causes are a poor diet, emotional stress, diseases that lower the immune system and naturally, improper cleaning habits. Thankfully, this condition is normally reversible if detected early enough.

What are three expert suggestions which will protect your gums and enable you to display a healthy smile?

- Avoid processed foods and those high in substances known s hydrogenated oils.

- Flossing twice a day will help to remove food particles that have become trapped between the teeth.

- Quitting smoke will reduce your chances of developing gum disease.

"Both plaque and tartar and the bacteria involved irritate and inflame the gums."

Read more: https://draxe.com/gum-disease-natural-cures-causes/

Tooth nerve pain and sensitivity can affect your quality of life, restricting the foods that you are able to eat and the activities that you can enjoy. Inside the mouth, each tooth is covered in a hard, protective coating called enamel. Certain factors can damage this enamel coating, causing it to wear away and reveal the soft tissue beneath. This leaves the teeth much more open to external elements, causing sensitivity and pain.

Read the suggestions below to reduce tooth nerve pain, prevent further damage to the enamel and regain your quality of life:

- Forceful brushing using a toothbrush that is too firm will not result in a happy smile. Swap to a softer bristled brush and opt for a gentler approach.

- Loose fillings, cavities and gum disease are all factors which increase wear and tear on tooth enamel. Visit your dentist regularly for check ups.

- Avoid acidic foods and tooth whitening products bought over the counter, as these can damage enamel.

Often, people who have sensitive teeth experience a combination of factors that lead to their tooth pain. Read the full story here:

http://yourdentalhealthresource.com/sensitive-teeth-learn-more-about-tooth-nerve-pain/

From the very first few days after birth it is time to take care of an infant?s oral care even though there are no teeth as yet. Bacteria will still grow on leftover food and drink particles so it is important to keep the mouth and gums clean. Cleaning is quick and easy and should be done after every feeding as part of the daily routine.

An online article by Dr. Sowmya Kanumilli gives some simple procedures to follow which will help ensure your baby will avoid dental problems as much as possible and have a healthy and happy smile for that first visit to the dentist.

- From the earliest days use a clean gauze or washcloth to gently rinse and wipe the gums and inside of the mouth to remove leftover foodstuffs.

- As the infant grows and the first teeth appear you can switch to a very soft-bristled toothbrush which is readily available in stores.-

- Once the first teeth have erupted, gentle flossing can also be used carefully for cleaning in combination with the soft-bristled brush.

Using toothpaste for brushing is quite acceptable but the taste may not be to a new infant?s liking and, as Dr. Kanumilli points out ?just a light smear on the brush is more than enough? in her article which can be read in full at

http://yourdentalhealthresource.com/oral-care-for-infants/.