A Dentist Explains the Impact of Long-Term Pacifier Use and Thumb Sucking on Teeth Development

For young children between the infancy and preschool ages, thumb sucking or using a pacifier is normal behavior. According to the American Dental Association, it’s a natural response or reflex that gives children a sense of security. It also has a calming or relaxing effect that helps induce sleep, which is why most children suck their thumbs or a pacifier when they are tired. While this behavior is a source of comfort for toddlers, however, it can prove to be detrimental to oral health. Research shows that prolonged pacifier use and thumb sucking at least past the age of 3 can cause serious dental malformation.

This is why it’s important to bring your child to a dentist serving Corning, NY or other nearby areas as soon as he or she turns 3. Some pediatric dentists may also recommend bringing them to their first dental appointment after their first birthday. Here are a few signs parents needs to be aware about. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2D4mJTi

Six Instances Where Tooth Sensitivity Should Warrant an Immediate Visit to Your Dentist

Experiencing a little tooth sensitivity after eating something cold or hot is normal. After all, a survey conducted across U.S. dental offices says that one in eight adults have sensitive teeth. But when should it be a serious cause for concern? When what you’re feeling verges on unbearable or if you’re suffering oversensitivity from more than just one tooth, it might be time to pay a visit to your dentist in Horsehead, NY or elsewhere. Tooth sensitivity might be a sign of an underlying dental issue that needs treatment such as the following.

Receding Gums

Periodontal disease, which becomes more common with age, causes the gums to recede. The condition is even more aggravated if you don’t keep up with dental care. This, in turn, exposes the root surface, making the teeth more sensitive. If you have gum disease or any other affliction that affects the gums like gingivitis, your dentist can treat the underlying disease first to get rid of the sensitivity. They may also recommend sealing your teeth as an added measure. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2I7iFFo

Four Causes of Bad Breath You May Not Know About, According to Your Dentist

Halitosis is something everyone deals with almost daily, and in most cases, it’s a temporary problem that goes away after brushing your teeth. Sometimes, however, it takes more than just brushing alone to get rid of bad breath no matter how much toothpaste you use. That creamy latte you had this morning and the garlicky meal you had at lunch might not be the culprits, but something else that has to do with your oral health. Here are some causes of bad breath that may surprise you.

Leaving Tooth Decay Untreated

Despite what many people believe, tooth decay doesn’t always result in pain, and it might very well be the reason why you have halitosis. Cavities tend to be accompanied by an odorous scent that no amount of brushing can keep at bay. Food can get lodged into those holes, triggering halitosis indirectly. Remember, dental cavities may only begin to hurt when they grow very large, affect the nerve or cause a tooth fracture, but don’t wait until then to visit a dentist serving Bath, NY for treatment. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2I7HUau

A Dentist Reveals Three Bad Habits that Could Lead to Periodontal Disease

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers gum disease as one of the biggest threats to the population’s dental health. According to their latest report, an alarming 47.2 percent of adults aged 30 years and older have periodontal disease. The study conducted by the CDC also found that 70.1 percent of adults over 65 have it as well.

Bacteria infecting the tissue surrounding the tooth is the leading cause of periodontal disease. While you may be keeping up with your oral hygiene at home, there are other ways you may be unknowingly increasing your risk of developing it. Take note of these five bad habits that could cause or aggravate gum disease.

Smoking

Along with several lung diseases and respiratory illnesses, you can add periodontal disease to the numerous consequences of smoking. People who have been smoking for a long time or smoke a lot on a daily basis are more susceptible to periodontal disease. In fact, tobacco use is one reason why periodontal disease is so hard to treat in some patients. Smokers tend to collect more tartar on their teeth, lose bone faster as the disease progresses, and develop deeper periodontal pockets. So, not only is quitting smoking good for your health, but it is also a crucial step in avoiding gum disease. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2GkYlzF

A Dentist Warns Patients About the Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

As it turns out sleep apnea is more detrimental to health than one would expect. Beyond losing some precious hours of shuteye and waking up tired, this condition may also increase your risk for developing other long-term and short-term health problems especially when left untreated. Sleep apnea is also known to make some pre-existing illnesses worse.

Even more alarming is the fact that out of the approximately 18 million Americans with sleep apnea, only 20 percent have been diagnosed and treated. This is why dentists urge their patients to look into several treatment options available, including intraoral appliances, or expose themselves to these dangers.

High Blood Pressure

If you already have high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea may cause it to worsen. Frequently waking up during the night stresses the body and causes hormonal systems to go into overdrive. As a result, your blood pressure levels also increase. Meanwhile, during your sleep, the low blood-oxygen caused by the cutoff of oxygen can also contribute to hypertension. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2rKWJvy