Post Wisdom Teeth Foods

Getting your wisdom teeth removed doesn't have to mean a recovery of only eating pudding. In fact, it’s important to make sure your body is still getting the protein and nutrients it needs for quicker healing. Here are some soft-food ideas for your post-surgery diet:
Muscle Milk or protein shakes. These are great options for getting the extra protein you need, but in liquid form! Try a few flavors to give yourself some variety during recovery.
Mashed potatoes. This is a great option for lunch or dinner because it’s a bit more filling.
Mac ‘n’ cheese. Small bites will be your friend, so this might be a better option toward the end stages of your healing process.
Popsicles. Natural fruit popsicles are a great treat because of the cool temperature. Plus, they can help curb any sweet-tooth cravings.
Hummus. Creamy hummus is another great source for protein and can even be eaten with small pieces of pita bread, as it can become gummy while you’re eating it.
Ice cream or sorbet. Your mouth will thank you for this cold treat, plus, who needs to be told twice to eat ice cream!
Soup. Clear broth soups will likely feel best, but as you heal more and more, eating chunkier soups is OK, too.
Remember, while you’re healing, avoid straws and foods that require a lot of chewing!

TMJ

 (TMD) happen as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. These disorders are often incorrectly called TMJ, for temporomandibular joint.

What Causes TMD?

The cause of TMD is not clear, but dentists believe that symptoms arise from problems with the muscles of the jaw or with the parts of the joint itself.

Injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck, such as from a heavy blow or whiplash can cause TMD. Other possible causes include:

• Grinding or clenching the teeth, which puts a lot of pressure on the TMJ
• Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket
• Presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ
• Stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth

What Are the Symptoms of TMD?

• Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide
• Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
• Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth (which may or may not be accompanied by pain)
• A tired feeling in the face
• Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite -- as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
• Swelling on the side of the face

Other common symptoms of TMD include toothaches, headaches, neckaches, dizziness, earaches, and hearing problems.

Basic Treatments for TMD

• Apply moist heat or cold packs. Apply an ice pack to the side of your face and temple area for about 10 minutes. Do a few simple stretching exercises for your jaw (as instructed by your dentist or physical therapist). After exercising, apply a warm towel or washcloth to the side of your face for about 5 minutes. Perform this routine a few times each day.

• Eat soft foods. Eat soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, soup, scrambled eggs, fish, cooked fruits and vegetables, beans, and grains. In addition, cut foods into small pieces to lessen the amount of chewing required. Avoid hard and crunchy foods (like hard rolls, pretzels, raw carrots), chewy foods (like caramels and taffy), and thick and large foods that require your mouth to open wide to fit.

• Take medications. To relieve muscle pain and swelling, try nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve, Motrin), which can be bought over-the-counter. Your dentist can prescribe higher doses of these or other NSAIDs or other drugs for pain, such as narcotic pain relievers. Muscle relaxants, especially for people who grind or clench their teeth, can help relax tight jaw muscles. Anti-anxiety drugs can help relieve stress that is sometimes thought to aggravate TMD. Antidepressants, when used in low doses, can also help reduce or control pain. Muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety drugs, and antidepressants are available by prescription only.

• Wear a splint or night guard. Splints and night guards are plastic mouthpieces that fit over the upper and lower teeth. They prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming together, lessening the effects of clenching or grinding the teeth. They also correct the bite by positioning the teeth in their most correct and least traumatic position. The main difference between splints and night guards is that night guards are only worn at night and splints are worn full time (24 hours a day for 7 days). Your dentist will discuss with you what type of mouth guard appliance you may need.

• Undergo corrective dental treatments. Replace missing teeth; use crowns, bridges, or braces to balance the biting surfaces of your teeth or to correct a bite problem.
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• Avoid extreme jaw movements. Keep yawning and chewing to a minimum (especially with gum or ice) and avoid extreme jaw movements such as yelling or singing.
• Don't rest your chin on your hand or hold the telephone between your shoulder and ear. Practice good posture to lessen neck and facial pain.
• Keep your teeth slightly apart as often as you can to relieve pressure on the jaw. To control clenching or grinding during the day, place your tongue between your teeth.
• Learning relaxation techniques to help control muscle tension in the jaw. Ask your dentist about the need for physical therapy or massage. Consider stress reduction therapy, including biofeedback

  More Controversial Treatments for TMD

  When the basic treatments for TMD listed above prove unsuccessful, your dentist may suggest one or more of the following:
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). This treatment uses low-level electrical currents to provide pain relief by relaxing the jaw joint and facial muscles. This treatment can be done at the dentist's office or at home.
  • Ultrasound. Ultrasound treatment is deep heat that is applied to the TMJ to relieve soreness or improve mobility.
  • Trigger-point injections. Pain medication or anesthesia is injected into tender facial muscles called "trigger points" to relieve pain.
  • Radio wave therapy. Radio waves create a low level electrical stimulation to the joint, which increases blood flow. The patient feels relief of pain in the joint.

  TMD Surgery

  TMD surgery should only be considered after all other treatment options have been tried and you still have severe, persistent pain. Because surgery is irreversible, it is wise to get a second or even third opinion from other dentists.
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  There are three types of surgery for TMD: arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, and open-joint surgery. The type of surgery needed depends on the TMD problem.
  • Arthrocentesis. This is a minor procedure performed in the office under general anesthesia. It is performed for sudden-onset, closed lock cases (restricted jaw opening) in patients with no significant prior history of TMJ problems. The surgery involves inserting needles inside the affected joint and washing out the joint with sterile fluids. Occasionally, the procedure may involve inserting a blunt instrument inside of the joint. The instrument is used in a sweeping motion to remove tissue adhesion bands and to dislodge a disc that is stuck in front of the condyle (the part of your TMJ consisting of the "ball" portion of the "ball and socket").
  • Arthroscopy. Patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for TMD first are given general anesthesia. The surgeon then makes a small incision in front of the ear and inserts a small, thin instrument that contains a lens and light. This instrument is hooked up to a video screen, allowing the surgeon to examine the TMJ and surrounding area. Depending on the cause of the TMD, the surgeon may remove inflamed tissue or realign the disc or condyle. Compared with open-joint surgery, this surgery is less invasive, leaves less scarring, and is associated with minimal complications and a shorter recovery time. Depending on the cause of the TMD, arthroscopy may not be possible, and open-joint surgery may be necessary.
  • Open-joint surgery. Patients undergoing open-joint surgery for TMD also are first given a general anesthesia. Unlike arthroscopy, the entire area around the TMJ is opened so that the surgeon can get a full view and better access. There are many types of open-joint surgeries. This treatment may be necessary if:
  • • The bony structures that comprise the jaw joint are deteriorating
    • There are tumors in or around your TMJ
    • There is severe scarring or chips of bone in the joint
  Compared with arthroscopy, open-joint surgery results in a longer healing time, and there is a greater chance of scarring and nerve injury.

 

Baby Teeth - how to take care of them

Baby teeth may be small, but they're important. They act as placeholders for adult teeth. Without a healthy set of baby teeth, your child will have trouble chewing and speaking clearly. That's why caring for baby teeth and keeping them decay-free is so important.

You should start cleaning your baby's teeth as soon as the first tooth  erupts, usually around the age of 4 months. Use a piece of gauze moistened with water to wipe plaque from your baby's teeth and gums. You don't need to use toothpaste, but try to clean your baby's teeth twice a day.

Once your baby has several teeth, you might try using a small toothbrush with just two or three rows of very soft bristles. Ask your pediatrician whether to use toothpaste, and what type of toothpaste. If you live in an area where the water is fluoridated, he/she might advise against using toothpaste that contains fluoride. If your water isn't fluoridated, he/she might prescribe fluoride drops or tablets and recommend fluoridated toothpaste. Either way you should know that fluoride can be toxic to children if ingested in large quantities.

Keep toothpaste out of your child's reach, and use only a half-pea-sized drop when brushing. Encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste rather than swallow it.

You should brush your baby's teeth until he or she is old enough to hold the brush. Continue to supervise the process until your child can rinse and spit without assistance. That usually happens at around age 6.

 

Keep on the lookout for any signs of decay -- brown or white spots or pits on the teeth. If you or your pediatrician notices any problems, take your child to a  dentist for an exam.

Even if there isn't a problem, your child should go for his or her first dental visit by age 1. The dentist can give you advice about:

• baby tooth care
• teething
• fluoride
• thumb sucking

Let's All Eat Cheese

According to a study published in the May/June 2013 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), consuming cheese and other dairy products may help protect teeth against cavities.

The study sampled 68 subjects ranging in age from 12 to 15, and the authors looked at the dental plaque pH in the subjects' mouths before and after they consumed cheese, milk, or sugar-free yogurt. A pH level lower than 5.5 puts a person at risk for tooth erosion, which is a process that wears away the enamel.  "The higher the pH level is above 5.5, the lower the chance of developing cavities," explains Vipul Yadav, MDS, lead author of the study.

The subjects were assigned into groups randomly. Researchers instructed the first group to eat cheddar cheese, the second group to drink milk, and the third group to eat sugar-free yogurt. Each group consumed their product for three minutes and then swished with water. Researchers measured the pH level of each subject's mouth at 10, 20, and 30 minutes after consumption.

The groups who consumed milk and sugar-free yogurt experienced no changes in the pH levels in their mouths. Subjects who ate cheese, however, showed a rapid increase in pH levels at each time interval, suggesting that cheese has anti-cavity properties.

The study indicated that the rising pH levels from eating cheese may have occurred due to increased saliva production which could be caused by the action of chewing. Additionally, various compounds found in cheese may adhere to tooth enamel and help further protect teeth from acid.

"It looks like dairy does the mouth good," says AGD spokesperson Seung-Hee Rhee, DDS, FAGD. "Not only are dairy products a healthy alternative to carb- or sugar-filled snacks, they also may be considered as a preventive measure against cavities."

Why did the anesthetic not work at my dental appointment

Listed below are a few of the most common causes of local dental anesthetic failure:

1. Delivery Technique

Placement of the local anesthetic

The most common cause of not getting numb is when the dentist has missed the spot where he/she intended to deposit the local anesthetic.

Not waiting long enough for the local to work

The tooth has not been allowed enough time to go numb.

Giving the local too fast

Some local anesthesia techniques may not work as well if the local is given too quickly.

Choice of local anesthetic

Lidocaine or Septocaine with epinephrine works best for most situations. But if for some reason it does  not work for you, a different  anesthetic can be used.
If you have certain medical problems, an epinephrine-free solution might be preferred, such as Carbocaine.

Not giving enough local anesthetic

Sometimes it just takes a greater amount of local anesthetic to achieve profound numbing.

2. Anatomical Variation

Local anesthetic is usually effective if it is given in the right spot and has enough time to take effect. It works by blocking the nerve supply to the area being treated. 

However, there is huge anatomical variation between people. Some people have such an unusual anatomy that the “standard” dental injection does not work.

3.Infection/Inflammation

Local anesthetic is very pH sensitive. It requires a basic pH in which to work properly. Any time there is an area of acute infection and/or inflammation the pH drops and the environment becomes acidic, causing the anesthetic to not work well.

4.Fear/Anxitey

When a person is fearful or anxious, the local anesthetic may not work as well as when you’re relaxed. The hormones related to anxiety can prevent local anesthetic from working properly in some people. The actual neurophysiological mechanism by which stress hormones prevent the anesthetic from working properly is still unclear.

Does Teeth Whitening Harm My Enamel?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), both over-the-counter (OTC) and whitening products you buy from the dentist are mostly safe and effective. However, the ADA recommends a dental consultation before self-treating in order to avoid making any existing problems with teeth and gums worse.

In addition, the ADA also acknowledges that whitening agents can cause irritation to the gums and tooth and sensitivity which usually goes away shortly after treatment ends.

Another consideration before whitening is whether or not your teeth will respond to whitening strips or another method of bleaching. Dentists can look at tooth discoloration and recommend the best whitening method. Gray and brown tinged teeth won't respond well, and sometimes not at all, to whitening strips, while yellow-stained tooth surfaces likely will improve with bleaching

One other important consideration is how well consumers follow the application recommendations and instructions when using whitening strips. If applied incorrectly or pushed into the gums, extreme sensitivity and soreness may result. Using the strips too often and for too long also can damage tooth enamel and lead to underlying tissue damage below the gums.

Some dentists report that individuals can overuse whitening products  When used in excess, however, teeth can become porous and enamel can break down.  Teeth can even become almost translucent rather than white, so heeding the recommendations of a dentist and the instructions for the product is advisable.

Diabetes and Dental Care

Whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is key. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of: 

• Tooth decay (cavities). Your mouth naturally contains many types of bacteria. When starches and sugars in food and beverages interact with these bacteria, a sticky film known as plaque forms on your teeth. The acids in plaque attack the hard, outer surface of your teeth (enamel). This can lead to cavities. The higher your blood sugar level, the greater the supply of sugars and starches — and the more acid wearing away at your teeth.
• Early gum disease (gingivitis). Diabetes reduces your ability to fight bacteria. If you don't remove plaque with regular brushing and flossing, it hardens under your gumline into a substance called tartar (calculus). The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gum tissue. In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. This is gingivitis.
• Advanced gum disease (periodontitis). Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis, which destroys the gum tissue and bone that support your teeth. Eventually, periodontitis causes your gums to pull away from your teeth and your teeth to loosen and even fall out. Periodontitis tends to be more severe among people who have diabetes because diabetes lowers the ability to resist infection and slows healing. An infection such as periodontitis may also cause your blood sugar level to rise, which makes your diabetes more difficult to control. Preventing and treating periodontitis can help improve blood sugar control.

To help prevent damage to your teeth and gums, take diabetes and dental care seriously: 

• Make a commitment to managing your diabetes. Monitor your blood sugar level, and follow your doctor's instructions for keeping your blood sugar level within your target range.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brush in the morning, at night and, ideally, after meals and snacks. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your gums. Consider using an electric toothbrush.
• Floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing helps remove plaque between your teeth and under your gumline.
• Schedule regular dental cleanings. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings.
• Make sure your dentist knows you have diabetes. Every time you visit your dentist, remind him or her that you have diabetes. Make sure your dentist has contact information for your doctor who helps you manage your diabetes.
• Look for early signs of gum disease. Report any signs of gum disease including redness, swelling and bleeding gums to your dentist. Also mention any other signs and symptoms, such as dry mouth, loose teeth or mouth pain.
• Don't smoke. Smoking increases the risk of serious diabetes complications, including gum disease. If you smoke, ask your doctor about options to help you quit.

Managing diabetes is a lifelong commitment, and that includes proper dental care. Your efforts will be rewarded with a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.