How to Temporarily Ease Dental Pain Until You Can See Your Dentist

It’s Sunday afternoon and suddenly your tooth starts throbbing with pain. The dentist’s office is closed for the weekend the discomfort is intense. You know that this is a job for your dentist, but what if it’s the weekend or after-hours? What can you do?

There are several ways to ease your dental pain until you can see your dental professional ranging from old home remedies to over-the-counter medicines.

The first way to ease dental pain is to rub essential clove oil on the gums and around the area of the toothache. Clove oil is an old home remedy that acts as a natural, topical painkiller. The antiseptic properties of natural clove oil help to disinfect and soothe aching teeth. Apply the clove oil to a cotton ball and insert between the teeth and gums or use a cotton swab to dab the affected area directly. Clove oil is harmless and will numb the area for about thirty minutes at a time. When the pain returns, simply reapply more clove oil. You can find clove oil at most drug stores in the first aid section.

Another way to temporarily stop dental pain is to apply baby teething gel to the affected area. This is the same product that is used to rub on the gums of babies when they’re cutting new teeth. Because baby teething gel is made for babies and children, it comes in pleasant flavors and the dosage of painkilling ingredients is mild. Baby teething gel can be found in the baby aisle of any grocery or drug store.

If your tooth pain is caused by a cracked tooth or a cavity, applying banana to it can instantly relieve the pain. Gently pack a small piece of banana into the aching tooth for instant relief. Because banana is mild and non-acidic, the banana helps to temporarily fill the crack or small hole where the nerve is exposed.

Whatever remedy you use, try not to focus on the pain. Put your attention on something else. Watch a funny movie or do some sort of pleasant, non-stressful activity that you enjoy. Getting your attention off of the ache will do wonders to ease the pain.

Now that you’ve temporarily handled the pain, call your dentist and make an appointment immediately. Chances are, you’ll reach an answering service or you’ll be referred to an emergency number to reach your dentist after-hours.

It is recommended that you have an emergency dental kit on standby just in case you have a sudden toothache and can’t get to your dentist for a few hours or even the next day. Make up your own dental emergency dental kit complete with cotton balls, cotton swabs, clove oil and baby teething gel and store it someplace handy. The next time you’ve got a toothache and have to wait to see the dentist, you’ll be glad you did.

Five Ways to Naturally Whiten Your Teeth

It can be nearly impossible to keep stains from forming on your teeth. Even with regular visits to the dentist, stains and discoloration can still build up. It can be even harder if you smoke or drink a lot of coffee. With these five natural remedies, you won’t have to let stains and discoloration stop you from showing your smile.

Baking Soda and Salt

People have used baking soda for years to whiten their teeth. To see results, mix a little baking soda and salt with water and brush your teeth like you would normally do with toothpaste. By brushing with this mixture after every meal, you will see whiter teeth after only two months.

Strawberries

Though most berries can cause unsightly discoloration, the acid in strawberries can actually help whiten your teeth. All you need to do is mash one with a fork until the strawberry becomes a paste and then use it like toothpaste. Since strawberries contain sugar, which is bad for your teeth, make sure to rinse your mouth out with water afterward to stop cavities from forming.

Electric Toothbrush

Studies have shown that people who brush with electric toothbrushes have healthier teeth with fewer stains. Electric toothbrushes are effective because they are able to get rid of virtually all plaque build up, which can help stop stains and discoloration from forming on your teeth.

Eat Apples

It only takes an apple or two everyday to notice a whiter smile. Apples work because their crunchiness acts as a natural abrasive that will help remove the plaque that causes staining and discoloration. Make sure to drink a glass of water afterward to rinse your mouth of any sugar left from the apple.

Olive Oil

After you have finished brushing your teeth, dip your brush into a small cup of olive oil and brush one more time. The olive oil will make your teeth whiter by killing any bacteria left in your mouth after you’ve brushed.

You don’t need a series of expensive trips to the dentist to make your teeth look whiter. It can be achieved easily with natural remedies found around your home. These remedies, which can include eating apples or brushing your teeth with baking soda, will achieve the same result as an expensive chemical treatment at a dental office. Before you go to the dentist, try these home remedies first.

Why Women Have Poorer Dental Health Than Men

During the hunter-gatherer era, women’s dental health was inferior compared to that of men. When ancient man’s lifestyle changed upon discovery of farming, women’s dental health became even worse. There are different explanations for this. Some say that women had poor teeth because of cultural factors like cooking duties, which necessitated them to nibble on a lot of raw foods.

However, a new study done by anthropologist John Lukacs looks at an entirely new factor – the increasing pregnancy rates which involved changes in both hormones and diet. As ancient man became more settled and focused on agriculture, women tended to bear more children. Their dental health was affected because they went through a lot of physical changes.

Lukacs went through previous studies regarding prehistoric and existing humans. He observed a similar trend cutting through various cultures and nationalities. In general, women developed more cavities than men as they grew older. However, an interesting observation was that both men and women developed more cavities as the societies turned agricultural. This was attributed to having lesser diversity in diet as people learned the practice of farming and ate only what their crops produced.

For women, however, Lukacs found evidence on how increased pregnancy rates accompanied by higher levels of estrogen affected the health of their teeth. During pregnancy, women produce less saliva, and the quality of their saliva does not have the ability to protect their teeth from acid-producing bacteria. Changes in dietary cravings during pregnancy also contribute to women’s poor dental health. Women tend to want sweet foods particularly on their third trimester. They also eat more frequently because their stomachs are smaller.

However, Lukacs explained that he is not negating the other cultural factors that led to poor dental health in women. He stressed that taking a wider perspective and including the biological factors give a better understanding and explanation regarding the subject.

The following advice will help you to handle dental emergencies quickly and efficiently

It’s the weekend, and you just cracked a tooth while eating. Your active youngster falls during a soccer game and knocks out a permanent tooth. You wake in the middle of the night with a raging toothache. Any of these, and similar, scenarios can happen, and usually won’t wait for the dentist’s office to open. You have your dentist’s emergency number, but that doesn’t guarantee immediate relief, and you need to know what to do now in order to avoid disaster or further difficulties down the road. The following advice will help you to handle dental emergencies quickly and efficiently.

Problem: Cracked or broken tooth

What to do: Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any food particles. Avoid swelling with cold compresses applied externally. Make arrangements to see the dentist as soon as possible. If a piece has broken right off, place it in a small container of milk or water and take it with you.

Problem: Tooth knocked out

What to do: Find the tooth, if at all possible. Holding it carefully by the crown, gently rinse off the root, if dirty. Use a washcloth or other barrier over the sink drain while rinsing to keep the tooth from washing away. Do not scrub or remove any tissue still clinging to the root, as it can help with a successful reattachment. Do NOT handle the root. If you can, place the tooth gently back into the empty socket. If not, place it in a small container of milk or water to take along with you. See the dentist as soon as you can.

Problem: Object lodged between teeth

What to do: Swish a mouthful of warm water around first, to attempt to dislodge the object. If not, try to remove it by flossing gently, being careful not to damage or irritate the gum. If this does not work, you can try to remove the object with an instrument such as a plastic toothpick with a blunted tip, but NEVER use a sharp instrument. If all attempts are unsuccessful, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Problem: Toothache

What to do: There can be many causes for a toothache, but the result is always the same—exquisite pain. No matter what you think is causing the pain, the first step is to rinse with warm (not hot or cold) water. With a mirror or someone’s help, check for an object that may be lodged between the teeth in the affected area. Remove it gently, if possible, using no sharp instruments. Floss thoroughly, being careful not to damage or irritate the gum. Until you can see your dentist, take an anti-inflammatory pain medicine, such as aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, or Tylenol, as directed on the package. A numbing agent designed for infants’ teething pain (like Oragel) can be applied directly, according to the product’s instructions, but never allow a tablet of aspirin or other painkiller to dissolve directly over or next to the affected area, as this can burn the gum, causing even more discomfort. Visit your dentist, even if the pain lessens or disappears, in order to find the cause before the pain returns.

Help Your Dentist to Help You

You may not need to visit your dentist often. If you are lucky, you will only need routine check-ups and, now and again, a quick scale-and-polish.

Some people seem to inherit perfect teeth that need very little in the way of treatment, while others find themselves in the dentist’s chair more often than they would like. There are many ways in which you can maintain your teeth so that the time and money you spend at the dental surgery is kept to a minimum. Your dentist will help you to look after your teeth, but there is a lot you can do, too.

Make sure you clean your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and again before you go to bed. Brushing your teeth gives them more than a nice taste; it helps to reduce the tartar that causes plaque and removes bacteria-causing food particles from along the gum line, the surfaces of the teeth, and the spaces between them, so reducing the risk of gingivitis (gum disease). Many toothbrushes today have a tongue cleaner incorporated into the design; using this every time you brush your teeth will keep the tongue clean and healthy.

Flossing is another essential part of your daily teeth-cleaning regime, although only if it is carried out correctly. Many people find it difficult to floss efficiently; in this case, you will find other tools and materials available to make the job easier but just as effective. Interdental brushes, that look like mini bottle-brushes and are available in various sizes, are on sale wherever you find teeth-cleaning products. Another item to try is dental tape. It is slightly wider and bulkier than floss, and a lot easier to manipulate.

A mouthwash is a great idea but only if the one you choose contains the right ingredients. Buy one that contains chlorohexidene and you will have chosen the best one to help with all dental conditions including gum disease. Bear in mind that chlorohexidene temporarily stains the teeth, but the staining is removed with brushing.

Keep an eye on the amount of sugary drinks and snacks you take. Sugar is the number one cause of tooth decay and is found, either naturally or as an additive, in many of the foods we eat today.

Make and keep regular appointments with your dentist. You may feel it is a waste of time if you never need treatment, but part of the dentist’s job is to make sure that you are cleaning your teeth properly. He will also advise on the tools and techniques to use and, just as important, your diet. Another vital aspect of the dentist’s work is to check for signs of disease, including oral cancers. If he suspects anything, he will be able to refer you to the correct specialist for further investigation.

If you decide you would like to have your teeth whitened, always seek your dentist’s advice before buying an over-the-counter product to use at home. Using an inferior product may cause long term damage to the teeth. Some whitening products that are available in supermarkets and pharmacies can actually increase the sensitivity of teeth and should be avoided. Your teeth may not even be suitable for such a procedure, and your dentist is the best person to advise.

Your dentist will arrange for you to have dental check-ups every six months. If your teeth are very good, he may suggest yearly visits instead, but leave it to him to decide how often you need to see him. He is the expert so respect his advice and guidance.

By following the advice and tips in this article, you will be doing all you can to ensure that your teeth last for as long as possible, even for the rest of your life.

Choosing Dental Insurance

Proper dental care contributes much to your overall good health and well being. As such it is important that you visit your dentist regularly for check-ups, teeth cleaning and preventive care. Is the high cost of dental services preventing you from doing so? If so, there is a greater risk of having to pay more for corrective procedures further down the road. The best way to ensure good dental health for you and your family is to enroll in an affordable dental insurance plan.

Choosing an insurance plan that is right for you begins with an assessment of your family’s dental needs. Does your family need only regular check-ups and preventive care? Is there a family member who needs corrective procedures such as braces? Is there someone with an existing dental condition who needs continuing care? Answering these questions will help determine whether you need basic or enhanced dental insurance coverage.

Types of dental insurance plans: As with any kind of insurance, enrollment in a dental insurance plan requires the payment of a premium. There are two main types of dental insurance plans, indemnity and managed care, each carrying specific advantages and disadvantages.

In an indemnity or fee-for-service dental insurance plan, you pay your dentist for services provided and claim reimbursement from the insurance provider. These plans usually require the payment of a deductible. Services that are “regular and customary” are either partly or fully funded. There is an annual limit for plan coverage. Read the fine print to understand what services are covered. Indemnity plans allow you more choice in selecting a dentist. Pre-certification by the insurance provider may be required for some services. You may be wait-listed for some procedures. There is more paper work involved in claiming or disputing reimbursements.

A managed care dental insurance plan is usually less costly than an indemnity plan due to the way it is set up. The insurance provider partners with a network of dental care professionals who agree to provide certain services at a lower fee to policy members. This is on account of referrals provided to them by the insurance provider. There is usually no deductible or up-front payment. There is little paper work involved with claims. A discount is provided when you submit your insurance card or number. One disadvantage with this type of insurance is that it may not be available if you are traveling and have no access to your dental network.

Different types of managed insurance plans: Managed care dental insurance plans take various forms. If you subscribe to a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan, you will have to pay a higher cost if seeking dental services outside the preferred network. In a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or Dental HMO (DHMO) plan, the dentists within the network provide a discount to plan members since they receive a prepayment from the insurance provider. While basic services are covered, a co-payment by a member maybe required for more complex procedures. You may also have to pay the entire cost of any dental service obtained from outside the network.

Another form of managed care dental insurance plan is called a Point of Service (POS) plan where the plan member gets to choose a dentist from within or outside the dental network. Initially the plan member names a dentist who agrees to provide the service required. If the member requires the services of another dentist, he has to first go to the dentist named in the contract to arrange for such service. While this dental insurance plan provides flexibility in choosing a dentist, there is usually a higher cost for choosing a dentist from outside the network.

Payment for dental insurance: You can pay for dental insurance in several ways. Purchasing a family dental insurance policy from an insurance provider can be costly. Compare quotes from several insurance providers for the coverage you require if you decide to go this route. A group insurance plan provided by your employer for your and your family can be the most affordable. Insurance providers receive high premiums which are usually shared by both the employer and employees. Your employer can therefore arrange for cheaper rates for dental services. Sometimes it may be possible to arrange for a supplemental dental plan to cover services that your family requires. A supplemental dental policy may be paid for by your employer or you.

Conclusions: Good dental care forms an important part of the overall health of your family. It is something that should not be postponed due to financial constraints. There are many types of dental insurance plans to choose from. You can select a plan that meets your family’s needs without putting you back financially. It is an investment you will not regret.

Looking for a Great Dentist – Consider These Important Factors

While few of us look forward to a trip to the dentist, it is important for both adults and children to get regular dental care. A lack of proper dental care can have serious ramifications, not just for your appearance but for your overall health as well. That is why it is so important for every consumer to choose a dentist they can trust. Choosing a great dentist is not always easy, but it is an important part of staying healthy.

First Determine Your Needs
Before you can start shopping for a great dentist you will need to first determine what your needs are in this area. Will you be scheduling time with the dentist only for cleanings, exams and other routine care? Or will you be seeking out cosmetic dentistry to remove coffee stains or fix a chipped tooth? Are you looking for a dentist who can care for your entire family, including the kids, or would you prefer a pediatric dentist for the little ones? Do you need a root canal or other complicated dental work?

The answers to these important questions will help you determine what kind of dentist is right for you. These days there is a great deal of specialization in the field of dentistry, and it is a good idea to look for a dentist who has lots of experience in the areas that matter most to you. If you need a couple of root canals it may be best to look for a dentist who specializes in endodontics. If you have a child you is terrified of the dentist then a pediatric dental specialist may be the right choice. By taking a look at your needs ahead of time you can make an informed choice and get the dental care you and your family needs.

Are You Afraid of the Dentist?
If you have a deep rooted fear of the dentist you also have a whole different set of needs when it comes to choosing a dentist. While most dentists are equipped to deal with some level of fear on the part of their patients, some dentists actually cater to those for whom the dentist’s office triggers deep anxiety and even panic. If you are deeply frightened of the dentist it may be a good idea to seek out one of these caring professionals. . A dentist with a caring nature and a great bedside manner can help to ease that anxiety and help you overcome the fear of going to the dentist.

Choosing a great dentist is rarely easy, and it may take some time and some research on your part to find the right dental professional for your needs. Asking for the advice of family members and friends can be a great way to start your search, but it is still important for you to check out each dentist carefully. Making an appointment for a consultation is a great way to evaluate local dentists, and after you have found a dentist you can be comfortable with you will be on the road to a great smile and good dental health.

Deny Your Dentist

Let’s face it, a dentist is a businessperson. His or her income depends on the poor condition of your teeth. All the while he’s promoting the virtues of brushing, flossing and avoiding sweets for the benefit of you and your kids, his bottom line tingles with expectation when his little pick ferrets out a hole requiring a filling, a loose tooth requiring pulling, or a tooth too far gone for anything but a crown or–the gods of dental hygiene forbid–a dreaded root canal! You could say a dentist is a person with a built in conflict of interests.

Well, I don’t know about you, but I derive as much satisfaction in not enriching my dentist as I am in the pure health aspect of not presenting him with those needs. What do I care if he needs to work one more month in order to afford his Bahama vacation, a flight in his private airplane, or a new spinnaker for his boat? I’m not even going to bring up his new Porsche.

But, now, here’s the kicker. I haven’t needed a filling for years. And, the last time he decided I needed a new crown it was to replace one he put in! None of the 20-year old ones that my previous dentists installed had yet worn out but his 5-year old one was springing a leak. I sensed his inner joy even though he didn’t show it. How could he?!

So, you might ask, how do I do it? Well, now we’re getting down to the purpose of this article: to tell you how. It’s a case for discipline–the life-long variety. If that word scares you, stop reading.

What? You’re still with me? Okay, so here’s the drill, er… the idea. Everything destists tell you about brushing, flossing and tempering your taste for sweets is true, though the latter is the least of your health worries if you clean out all remnants of the sweets immediately after you chug ‘em down. That’s the key to it. Don’t allow food particles to linger. So long as you make it an absolute habit to excuse yourself before you return to work or play after a meal or a snack, you’ll forget what a cavity is.

Do it, and you’ll love the slickness of your teeth. Call it bio-feedback. Your teeth should feel to your tongue like you’re running it over a clean pane of glass. After you get used to it, you’ll reach for the toothbrush whenever it doesn’t. Gone will be the days when some part of your array of dentures feels like suede. It’s a good indicator that all’s well. It pays off in confidence.

Following this line of logic, it’s obvious that dentist are also right when they tell you to clean your teeth after every meal. That’s figuring on 3 times a day. Three meals = three teeth brushings. At least. But, hey, we’re all fallible. And to slip now and then, under the pressures of deadlines and demanding bosses, not to say inconveniences, distractions and uncontrollable situations is only human. It’s my theory, which has pretty much been borne out by the results, that there’s an order of priority if and when it comes to missing a tooth cleaning session.

The brush after breakfast is almost a given. Usually you’re at home and your routine is under control. That’s good because it’s important to clear away remnants of breakfast and the sugar in your coffee. But the really vital one is the one before you go to sleep. Note, I don’t say after dinner. I’m given to a line-up of deserts and nibbles to while the evening away and I know I’m not alone in this. I therefore reserve my final brushing just before turning the lights out, when any chance of further snacking is over. Think about it, if you don’t clean up then, you’re subjecting your teeth to the corroding power of food remnants for eight hours, on average.

The mid-day cleaning is the one to give up if you must, but don’t fall into making it routine because you’ll quickly forget all about it subject your teeth to a level of risk you shouldn’t want to live with. Not if you want to make your dentist secretly hate you for being so perfect. Just think, if all my dentist’s patients were like me, he’d have to take out a second mortgage. And, with all the money I’ve been saving by not needing to pay him for expensive work, I might be in a position to make the loan–but not because I think I owe him anything.

Shopping for Dental Insurance – Consider These Important Factors

Dental insurance is a very important, but often overlooked, part of the overall health care picture. Even if your teeth are in great shape a dental emergency could always arise, leaving you short of cash to pay for that kind of emergency care. Dental insurance is designed to take the guesswork out of dental care, and it is a form of coverage most people should at least consider.

Unfortunately shopping for dental insurance can be a confusing proposition at times. There are so many coverage options that it can be quite difficult to determine which policy will provide the greatest benefit for the lowest cost. That is why it is important to compare coverage options carefully and shop around as much as possible.

Check Out What Your Employer Has to Offer
For many people in need of dental insurance the boss may offer the best rates. That is because large employers (and some small ones) are able to negotiate group rates that are much lower than what individuals could get on their own. By spreading out the risk among thousands of employees insurers can often offer lower rates and better coverage terms, so before you head off on your own first check out what your employer has to offer.

Scope Out Your Needs
Whether you get your dental insurance from your employer or from a private health insurer it is important to first determine your needs. Are you planning to have extensive (and expensive) cosmetic dental work done, or will you be having only routine cleanings and dental exams? The type of work you plan to have done can greatly influence the type of plan that is right for you, so be sure to think carefully about what kind of dental work you may need in the coming year. If you are anticipating a lot of cosmetic dentistry it may be worth the money to pay additional premiums for a plan that covers such work at a higher rate. If all you need is routine dental care it may be best to opt for a low premium plan that excludes payments for cosmetic dentistry.

Determine What Deductible Level is Best for You
When it comes to insurance the deductible is kind of a double edged sword. . On the one hand a low deductible can greatly reduce your out of pocket costs when you visit the dentist. On the other hand those low deductibles often come with higher premium payments attached. If you are comfortable with a higher deductible you may be able to realize significant premium savings. You could then self-insure for this higher deductible by funneling those premium savings into a special savings account. That way the money is there if you need it. If you don’t those funds can accumulate to form the basis of a medical emergency fund.

What is Covered – And What is Not
No matter what type of dental insurance you are looking at it is important to determine what is covered by the policy – and what is excluded. The time to research these coverage levels and exclusions is before you buy the policy, not after you have had lots of non-covered dental work done. It is important to read the policy carefully to make sure that the procedures you are most likely to have done will be covered at a reasonable rate. And of course it is important to make sure that your own dentist will accept the insurance policy you have chosen.

Shopping for dental insurance is never an easy process, but it is an important one. If you plan to have lots of dental work done, or if you have kids, you can’t afford to be without this vital coverage.

Short on Cash – Learn How to Find Free Dental Care in Your Area

It is no secret that a trip to the dentist’s office can be an expensive undertaking. It is also no secret that many people these days are struggling to make ends meet, with many people having difficulty just putting food on the table and clothes on their backs. Given these harsh economic realities it is no wonder proper dental care can seem like a luxury at times.

The good news is that there are some steps you can take if you find yourself short on cash and in need of dental care. While forgoing a needed visit to the dentist can seem like a good way to save money, in the long run neglecting proper dental care can end up costing you a lot more. When you skip those dental checkups and ignore those cracked teeth you are not just risking the beauty of your smile. Neglected dental problems can lead to all sorts of medical complications, including some nasty bacterial infections. So if your trip to the dentist has been put off due to lack of funds, just consider these options for free dental care.

Go Back to School – Dental School That Is
Every dentist in practice today had to learn the ins and outs of caring for teeth in dental school, and dental schools can be a great place to get free dental checkups and free dental care. If you are nervous about leaving your mouth in the hands of a novice, just keep in mind that these dental students are carefully supervised by their professors and other working dentists.

If there is a major college or university in your area there may be a dental school as well. Simply look in your local telephone book under colleges or schools, search the internet for dental academies or call your local chapter of the American Dental Association. . If you are lucky enough to have a dental school in your area you may be able to get some great care at little or no cost to you.

Check Our Your Community Clinics
In many parts of the country there are local community clinics designed to help the poor and uninsured get the care they need at little or no cost. These community clinics run the gamut, often providing not just basic medical care but more advanced treatments as well. In some cases these community clinics even provide dental care, courtesy of local dentists who volunteer their services. If there is a clinic in your area why not head down there and ask about available dental services? Even if the clinic does not regularly provide dental care the staff who work there may be able to refer you to other resources who do.

See What Your Government Can Do
There are all sorts of programs available to the poor and uninsured, and some of those programs are designed to provide free or low cost dental care to children and adults who need it. If you are struggling to make ends meet you may want to check with your state welfare office, your local congressional office or other such agencies to see what kind of free dental care may be available. These government offices are also a great resource for other forms of assistance for which you may qualify, including food assistance, help with medical care and assistance finding a job.

By mining your local resources you may be able to get your dental work taken care of at little or no cost to you. There are lots of resources and programs established to help those who are struggling through these hard economic times, so don’t be ashamed to ask for help when you need it. Dental care is too important to leave to chance, so check out your local area to see where you can find free and low cost dental care.