Never start the day without breakfast! For this meal, you’ve got several options. You can enjoy warm oatmeal with apples, cinnamon, and honey to wake up your taste buds. You may also choose to eat yogurt with some soft fruit such as oranges or banana in it. If you’re more of a hearty breakfast person, fried, scrambled, or hard-boiled eggs back a protein punch! You can also opt for pancakes—just be sure they’re soft enough for you to chew.

For Lunch: Soft Breads, Soup, Smoothies

As lunchtime approaches, reach for things like soft breads or soup. A tuna fish sandwich or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich should be easy enough to chew, but do your best to avoid meats, as they can be difficult to chew with your stitches. An exception here would be chicken soup—the meat should be soft enough to eat with minimal chewing. Smoothies are also an excellent option and can pack vital nutrients for healing! Try spinach, banana, and frozen berries blended with milk or yogurt to soothe your sore mouth.

For Snack: Avocado, Banana, Applesauce

There are plenty of fruits to eat for a snack in the afternoon or really anytime throughout the day. Avocados are full of healthy fats and are soft and perfect for easy consumption. Ripened bananas are an easy to-go snack and are mushy enough to require almost no chewing at all! Applesauce can feel cool and soothing on your mouth and is easy to eat after you’ve gotten your wisdom teeth out.

For Dinner: Pasta, Fish, Mashed Potatoes

Pasta such as macaroni and cheese is perfect when well-cooked for your post wisdom teeth removal diet. You may also choose to eat fish, as it’s usually soft enough to eat. Be sure to stay away from any fresh fish that may still contain bones, as these can poke and injure your surgical site. Mashed potatoes are also a great choice. For more plant-based options, try beans, steamed spinach, and tofu with your dinner!

For Dessert: Ice Cream and Pudding

Don’t forget about dessert! These cool foods can help stop swelling in your mouth and be a treat for after your surgery. Grab your favorite ice cream at the store and put pudding in the fridge or freezer to cool before eating. Your mouth will thank you!

Getting your wisdom teeth removed can be uncomfortable, but the procedure is simple and your mouth will easily heal within a few days. By having these soft foods at home, you can ensure that you relax, heal, and have plenty of food choices so you don’t have to go hungry. Choose these soft foods after wisdom tooth removal!

The post What Can I Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Mouth breathing, especially while sleeping, is one of the most common signs of SDB. This sign may also be accompanied by snoring during the night and fatigue during the day. Perhaps your child is easily fatigued or frequently breathes through their mouth. These could be indicative of a sleep disorder that’s making your child tired during the day!

Poor Attention Span and Behavioral Issues

Because SDB disrupts your child’s sleep during the night, he or she may be experiencing an inability to focus during the day. Their fatigue combined with a poor attention span could result in behavioral problems that become evident at home or in the classroom. Your child may also perform poorly in school on account of their lack of focus, fatigue, and behavioral issues. These are all signs that could point to SDB.

Poor Sleep Quality

Does your child have trouble sleeping? Poor sleep quality could mean that your child is actually experiencing SDB in which they stop breathing at several points during the night. Signs of poor sleep quality include headaches upon waking in the morning, snoring, and wetting the bed. Even mild snoring could indicate a problem with SDB if your child is exhibiting other signs.

Altered Appearance

If your child’s natural posture includes a forward-leaning head, this could actually be less about poor posture and more about a sleep disorder. Combine this with obesity or venous pooling beneath the eyes and you could be seeing signs of SDB. Venous pooling under the eyes may also be referred to as allergy shiners and may be evidenced by dark circles underneath the eyes. All of these signs mean you should ask your doctor for a referral to a sleep specialist.

How Your Dentist Can Help

Dentists are often the first professionals to see signs of a potential sleep disorder in children. Your dentist can refer you to a sleep specialist if he or she suspects your child may be exhibiting symptoms of SDB. After a diagnosis, your dentist can help provide the treatment that the sleep specialist recommends, including oral appliances that can help keep your child’s airway open while sleeping!

Since SDB can lead to a variety of problems including the signs mentioned above in addition to an increased risk for heart disease and premature death, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs of SDB and visit your dentist regularly for checkups. Talk to your dentist if your child has any signs of SDB. He or she can help you see a sleep specialist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment to improve your child’s sleep and quality of life!

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Medications for high blood pressure such as alpha or beta blockers and calcium channel blockers can all cause dry mouth. Some of these medications may also be used to help treat other conditions such as heart complications or even diabetes. These include medications such as Verelan, Tiazac, and Norvasc. Let your dentist know if you’re taking medication for high blood pressure or your heart!

Antidepressants or Antipsychotic Medications

These include medications that can help with depression as well as bipolar disorder or even schizophrenia. Dry mouth is a very typical symptom associated with antidepressants or antipsychotic medications. These include medications such as Abilify, Risperdal, and Seroquel. Some of these medications are also used to treat attention deficient disorder (ADD) or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) as well.

Pain Medications

Pain medications are infamous for causing a dry mouth sensation! These medications have an antisecretory effect on the body, meaning that they reduce the secretion of normal body fluids such as saliva when taken. Pain medications may be taken regularly for chronic pain or only prescribed for certain temporary conditions or surgeries. Pain medications include codeine, Demerol, and Vicodin. These are only available through a prescription and should only be taken under the guidance of a physician.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines commonly help with seasonal allergy symptoms such as a runny nosy or itchy, watering eyes. You may also experience dry mouth while taking these medications. They’re commonly available over the counter but may also come as prescription. People may take these medications regularly or only during allergy seasons. Examples of antihistamines include Zyrtec, Benadryl, and Allegra.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for a variety of bacterial infections or illnesses and can also cause dry mouth. Not all antibiotics cause this side effect—the most notable ones are antibiotics for sinus infections, pneumonia, and ear infections. Such antibiotics include amoxicillin and Zmax. It’s always important to drink lots of water when taking a round of antibiotics. Sipping water can help you to replenish your saliva throughout the day!

There are over 400 medications that could cause you to have dry mouth—these are just a few! Could your medicine be one of them? Talk to your doctor or dentist about your medications, especially if you’re experiencing dry mouth or notice a decline in your oral health. You could need treatment to ensure your mouth will remain healthy while taking your medication!

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Children generally begin to lose their teeth by age 6 and will continue to lose them for the next several years as they get their adult teeth in. If your child begins losing teeth earlier than age 4 ½, you should see a dentist to evaluate your child for any oral health problems.

Timing of Lost Primary Teeth

Generally, anytime within these years is normal, but a dentist visit can help ensure your child’s adult teeth are on their way!

Age 6-7: Lose First Tooth (Central Incisor)

The first teeth to be lost are usually the central incisors—these are the teeth in the center of the top and bottom rows of teeth, also known as the front teeth or biting teeth. Many children lose their bottom teeth first, but top or bottom teeth may be lost around the same time, which is around age 6 for many children!

Age 7-8: Lose Lateral Incisor

Also known as laterals, these teeth are the teeth neighboring the front teeth. They are usually the next to go after the central incisors and will happen with a year or around the same time as your child’s first baby teeth.

Age 9-11: Lose First Molar

The molars are those bigger teeth towards the back of the mouth that are designed for grinding up food. Your child will tend to lose these teeth a little later in their childhood years, around age 9 or possibly age 11. Your child’s adult molars should be on their way in!

Age 10-12: Lose Canines

Your child will lose their top and bottom canines around the same time, around ages 10-12. Many kids experience a gap in losing teeth between ages 8-10 after losing their incisors but before shedding their molars.

Ages 10-12: Lose Final Primary Teeth (Second Molars)

The second molars are usually the last teeth in the mouth to be shed. These are also the teeth that come in the latest during your child’s toddler years, so it makes sense that they are around for longer! Don’t forget your child’s third molars— also called wisdom teeth— will arrive around the ages of 17-21!

When Is It Too Late to Lose Primary Teeth?

Just as early tooth loss could potentially be a problem, so can late tooth loss. Visiting your dentist can help identify any problems that are present. If your child has not begun losing their teeth by age 7 or 8, you should be concerned.

Losing baby teeth can be a fun experience for children and is a great opportunity for you to talk with them about how important their teeth are to their health. The arrival of their adult teeth is a great milestone for many children, so teach them how to properly care for their teeth and visit your dentist for a checkup!

The post Sequence and Timing of Losing Baby Teeth—Is Your Child on Schedule? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Dentists can notice the signs for sleep apnea, since you may complain of headaches, dry mouth (mouth breathing while sleeping) or lethargy. You also see your dentist more often than the doctor, usually every six months or at the least every year for your checkup and professional cleaning. Be open with your dentist and talk with him or her about any symptoms you’re experiencing.

Your dentist is trained to notice the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea—and if you’re breathing through your mouth while sleeping, dry mouth could create an increased risk for cavities and even gum disease. If your dentist thinks you may be suffering from sleep apnea, he or she will recommend a sleep medicine specialist to diagnose you.

Treatment at the Dentist Office

Treatment for sleep apnea can’t happen until you get diagnosed with this sleep disorder. Once you have a confirmed diagnosis, your dentist can actually help treat your sleep apnea! Depending on your type of sleep apnea, an oral appliance may help. Oral appliances reposition the jaw and tongue to improve airflow. They’re easy to wear, removable, and only worn while you sleep.

Sleep apnea oral appliances are covered by many insurance companies as essential treatment for sleep apnea. They help to keep your upper airway open and therefore prevent the collapse of your airway while you sleep, which can cause you to stop breathing. Your dentist has undergone training to recognize symptoms of sleep apnea as well as to treat it. Talk to your health care professionals about your symptoms!

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

It’s important to know the risk factors as well as the symptoms of sleep apnea to determine if you’re at risk and if you are, when to seek a professional diagnosis of your condition. The risk factors for sleep apnea include:

 Being overweight or obese

 Age (older adults experience sleep apnea more often)

 Alcohol use or abuse

 Smoking

 Being a man (men are twice as likely to experience sleep apnea)

The symptoms of sleep apnea range from snoring, dry mouth, and fatigue during the day to irritability, a dull headache, or awakening during the night short of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, discuss them with your doctor to see if a sleep apnea oral appliance could help alleviate your symptoms!

Sleep apnea is considered a serious sleeping disorder that can increase your risk of death and lead to other serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and atrial fibrillation (AFIB). Talk to your dentist about any symptoms you’re experiencing, and ask if he or she can recommend a sleep specialist. Sleep apnea can be treated by your dentist, so don’t ignore the signs!

The post Waking Up Exhausted? Sleep Apnea Could Be the Cause appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Sedation Dentistry

If you’re anxious about visiting the dentist, talk with your dentist’s office about sedation dentistry before your visit. Sedation dentistry is the practice of using medication to help you relax during your visit. There are several types of sedation, depending upon your anxiety level as well as your preference. You may opt to be minimally sedated, meaning you’ll still be awake and aware, yet relaxed. If the thought of still being aware during the procedure makes you anxious, you may choose to be moderately sedated, in which you’ll still be conscious, but likely not remember the procedure.

If you want to be even further sedated, you could ask your dentist for a deep sedation, in which you’ll be barely conscious, or finally, just have general anesthesia done, in which you’re completely unconscious. Most dentist offices offer sedation dentistry and you’ll need to confirm and ask what types will be available to you on the day of your visit.

Advanced Technology

When was the last time you went to the dentist? If it’s been a little while, remember that modern technology has changed the field of dentistry and the dentist today likely isn’t the dentist of your childhood memories. Most of the tools the dentists use are quiet, small, and minimally invasive. Technology makes many dental procedures less invasive, such as laser treatments and quiet drills. Nearly any treatment offered by your dentist now is able to be completely pain-free! It’s always important to voice your fears to your dentist or dentist office before treatment so that your appointment will be comfortable and painless for you.

Finding the Right Dentist

Remember that while dental appointments and dental work might make you anxious, the longer you put off treatment, the more work you’ll need and the worse your oral health will be. So while it’s challenging to visit a dentist while you have anxiety, you can start by looking for the right dentist to help you. The right dentist will be someone who’s caring and compassionate, especially in regards to your dental anxiety. You might start by asking your friends and family for recommendations: dental anxiety is very common, and some people might be able to recommend a dentist they’ve had positive experiences with even with dental anxiety. There are plenty of dentists out there who see patients with dental anxiety all the time—you just have to find a dentist that you’re confident will fit your needs.

Take the time to visit different dentist offices, talk to the receptionists, ask about sedation dentistry, and even meet the dentist. Don’t delay your dental appointments because of your anxiety—remember that you can find the best dentist for you with a little research, and sedation dentistry and technology can help make your appointment worry-free!

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Yes, Gum Chewing Has Been Linked to Bruxism

Did you know that chewing on non-edible objects such as pencils or gum can actually lead to teeth grinding? This is because it encourages your jaw muscles to clench and increases your chances of grinding your teeth at times when you’re not chewing gum. When you’re chewing gum, your jaw muscles aren’t able to relax. This leads to your muscles being more familiar with the clenching and grinding feeling of constantly chewing.

When this happens, your muscles may be more adept to feel comfortable doing these things even when you’re not chewing gum. It’s important to remember that your jaw should be able to relax and not always be stimulated! This will help reduced your chances of developing the habit of grinding your teeth. Let’s look at what you can do to prevent teeth grinding.

What Can You Do?

If you often chew gum and have jaw pain, it’s time to call the dentist. You may be unknowingly grinding your teeth and causing lasting damage to your smile. While the occasional episode of bruxism won’t hurt you, developing a habit of it will. You can actually wear your teeth down, damage the roots (which can cause painful sensitivity and root damage, eventually leading to root canals), lose enamel, and you could even lose your teeth.

It’s important to know that there is treatment for bruxism. If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth, visit your dentist. He or she can inspect your mouth for any damage as well as talk with you about treatments. Besides limiting or excluding chewing gum from your life, try to relax. Don’t chew gum all the time, if at all. If you’re stressed or anxious, this can encourage you to grind your teeth as well.

Develop relaxation habits, schedule time for yourself, or exercise to help manage your stress. Your dentist may also suggest a custom nightly mouth guard if your teeth grinding is happening at night to limit the damage you do to your teeth!

If you grind your teeth, it’s a good idea to kick the chewing gum habit. Encourage your jaw muscles to relax! Visit your dentist to ensure you aren’t damaging your smile for life. Teeth grinding is a dangerous habit, and chewing gum has been linked to encouraging teeth grinding due to the constant clenching of the jaws. Stay relax and talk with your dentist about what else you can do to overcome your teeth grinding habit. Your smile will thank you!

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Eating Habits Increase Risk

One of the greatest factors influencing tooth decay in children is diet. The fact is that young people love candy, desserts, and soft drinks. Between fast food, vending machines, and sugary beverages, it’s no wonder that young people are experiencing tooth decay.

How does a diet high in sugar result in tooth decay? The bacteria in the mouth thrive in acidic conditions. Sugars create acidic conditions in the mouth. As a result, bacteria can multiply faster leading to plaque, tartar buildup, and tooth decay.

Poor Oral Care Habits Also to Blame

The average youth also struggles to stay on a good oral care schedule. We may remind our children to brush their teeth in the morning and evening when they are little, but do we keep after their routine as they get a little older and should know better? It’s no wonder that tooth decay, already prevalent in younger children, increases dramatically around age 12.

How to Promote Good Oral Care in Your Household

How can you help your children not to become a part of the statistics listed above? Here are some suggestions.

Set the Example – Let your children see you brush your teeth. If there is room in the bathroom, make brushing a family routine, and have your child brush at the same time.

Teach Technique – Your children will need your help to learn how to brush properly. Teach them how to floss as well. We are always more likely to do something regularly when we know how to do it.

Education – When we know something is beneficial, we are more likely to go out of our way for it. Train children to understand the importance of caring for their teeth.

Dietary Instructions – Replacing colas with water can go a long way toward preventing tooth decay. Kids often grab the sweetest options available, so swap sugary snacks for fruit.

With a little training and encouragement, children can have strong and healthy teeth well into adulthood. Start training young, and don’t forget to schedule regular dental visits.

The post Did You Know: Children Are at High Risk for Tooth Decay appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Learning Proper Dental Care

One of the main things a dentist will try to do with a young patient is instill a sense of the necessity for dental care. This isn’t done through scare tactics, but rather through building appreciation for good oral health, and by attempting to make dental care fun.

To that end, the hygienist will likely use a flavored toothpaste for a child, rather than the usual mint toothpaste. You can keep the fun going at home by getting toothpaste flavors that your child enjoys. You can also purchase a fun toothbrush. This will also encourage your child to brush.

As you can see, reinforcing what the dentist says will be vital. After all, you are with your child every day. The dentist only sees your child twice a year.

How to Brush and Floss

Often, it is the hygienist that actually clean your child’s teeth, and either the hygienist or the dentist will discuss the proper way to brush and floss. While children are more likely to imitate a parent, the dentist is usually seen as an authority figure, and we find that many children are more likely to absorb the information being told to them. In fact, according to a study released by the NIH, 90% of children feel more comfortable when their dentist is wearing a white coat. Perhaps this helps the child to associate the dentist with being a professional.

Learning Proper Nutrition for Oral Health

Your dentist will also likely address nutrition with a child. While a child may not want to hear that candy and soda are bad for their teeth, this is an important part of making sure that cavities don’t form. Of course, children often struggle with moderation. Again, it will be up to the parent to teach a child that one piece of candy now and then is okay, but eating an entire bag on a regular basis is a sure way to be back in the dental chair quickly! A healthy diet is key to maintaining excellent dental health, and a dentist is a great authority figure to share the proper “do’s” and “dont’s” of healthy eating habits.

In summary, your dentist will try to teach your child the foundations of good oral health. However, it will be up to you as a parent to help children develop proper oral care habits and reinforce the information they learn when visiting the dentist! With an excellent dentist in your corner, your child will have all of the knowledge necessary to keep a healthy, happy smile for a lifetime.

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Cold sores take the form of a red, sometimes large-looking, blister that is often referred to as a “fever blister”. Indeed, these sores can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and even a headache. These sores are always outside of the mouth, usually on the edge of your lip. Cold sores are caused by the Type 1 herpes simplex virus, which is different from the Type 2 herpes virus, which is also referred to as genital herpes, passed along through sexual contact. Type 1 herpes virus is highly contagious and can be passed along simply through touching the cold sore, kissing, sharing drinks or food, and any other contact with it. Once you have this Type 1 herpes virus, it doesn’t go away, but the good news is that your cold sores will come and go and are not destined to stay long.

The cold sore may be oozing a clear fluid and will likely scab over after a time. They can be pretty painful in addition to the other symptoms that they cause, but the good news is they don’t last long and should be totally gone after a two-week period. While there are some over-the-counter treatments available, the truth is that cold sores will just have to go away on their own. If your cold sore is still hanging around after two weeks, it may be time to visit the doctor!

Canker Sores—Inside

Canker sores are always inside your mouth, but their position in your mouth will vary. They could be along your tongue, on your inner upper lip, lower lip, or on the side of your mouth. Wherever they are in your mouth, they are usually pretty painful for their size. They are typically small sores that are gray, yellow, or white with a red, irritated-looking ring around it. These are usually open sores and while not contagious, can be pretty annoying. It’s not known what causes canker sores, but stress, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, food allergies, and even hormones have been thought to play a role in their existence. Like cold sores, a canker sore will need to heal on its own, and the pain usually goes away after a few days and the entire sore should be gone after a week or two. Again, if it sticks around, you’ll likely need to visit your doctor to make sure nothing else is going on. Canker sores can also cause symptoms like that of cold sores—swollen lymph nodes or a fever.

Maintaining your oral health can help you avoid a canker sore, but cold sores may be more apt to appear on their own regardless of your oral health. Minimizing sharing of food and drinks with others and monitor your canker sore or cold sore to ensure it heals on its own.

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