Question: My teeth are easily stained and although I have had them whiten it does not take long before they are back to the way they where before the whitening treatment.  Just wondering on the cost of dental veneers.

Answer: Cost of dental veneers would depend on many factors:  What type of veneers composite resin or porcelain? Porcelain veneers can range in cost from $900 – 2500 per tooth. where as Resin veneers can range in cost from $275 – 1500 per tooth.

Other factors would include such things as fees of the cosmetic dentist you go to, location where you are having the dental veneers (Costs for dental veneers and all cosmetic dentistry procedures vary widely by region of the country, specifically from large metropolitan areas to smaller towns.) and how many veneers you are wanting to have.

Many people do not receive dental benefits though their employer, and they may not know how to buy dental insurance directly.  Some people that do not have dental insurance go without feeling that the cost of dental insurance is too high and will not really save them money on their dental care needs.

However that is not the case.  The only dental insurance or dental plan that does not save you money on your dental care are the ones people have and yet still do not use.  Most dental insurance plans offer free preventive dental care, such as office visits, basic cleanings, and X-rays.  This alone can save you hundreds of dollars.

Why buy dental insurance online? The internet opens the doors to more options, an it is much easier to compare many different dental plans and plans types. You can search on line for dental insurance and take your time in finding the best dental plan that fit you and your family needs.

Question:  I had a filling done around two years ago, about two days ago I started noticing some pain like a dull ache.  Now today it is very painful.  The pain seems to come and go.  What can this be it never hurt before now.

Answer: I would advise you to go back to your dentist.  Off hand I would say it could be either a new cavity in the same tooth (which does happen all the time) or it is possible that not all the decay was removed when the filling was first done. However either way you need to see a dentist.

Dental pain is not a good sign. It is telling you something is wrong.  You do not want to wait until it become a larger issue such as infection/abcess.

Elmo and Abby Caddaby of Sesame street are reaching out to preschool children, parents, caregivers and health professionals with important oral health messages through Sesame Workshop’s latest oral health outreach effort.   Sesame Street’s Healthy Teeth, Healthy Me is a bilingual multimedia outreach initiative designed to empower children ages 2 to 5 years make healthy choices for their oral health and educate adults about the benefits of oral health care

Many people may know that fluoride protect teeth from tooth decay. Fluoride can even heal early tooth decay. Fluoride is added in drinking water of many towns and cites, ask your dentist if your water has fluoride in it. If not ask about other kinds of fluoride treatments that can help keep your child’s teeth healthy.

Although most people strive to take care of their teeth the fact is that no matter how often you brush and floss, regular dental cleaning are still required if you wish to maintain good oral and dental health.

It is advise that you  visit a dentist and receive a thorough cleaning at least twice a year.  Without professional cleanings, plaque and tartar can build up, possibly leading to cavities, gum disease, gingivitis, and other serious problems.

Close to 50 million Americans live in rural or poor areas where few to no dentists practice. Many more dentists do not accept Medicaid patients, and the shortage of dentists is only going to get worse,   Under the Affordable Care Act, 5.3 million more children will be entitled to dental benefits from Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. However little is being done by the dental profession or by the federal or state governments to prepare for it.

As if there needs to be more reasons to quite smoking, however here is just one more to add to the rest.  It is only natural that for the most part we want to look as good as possible.  Many times it is your smile helps to create a first impression.

Knowing you have a pleasant smile that helps to create a good impression will also  help to enable you to approach all manner of situations feeling relaxed and confident. This is true in social and work based scenarios but perhaps the most obvious situation in which a pleasing smile is advantageous is when   pursuing  romantic interests.

While most people are all too aware of the damage that smoking can do to parts of their body such as their lungs and heart, many are still ignorant as to the dental health implications of cigarette smoking.

Not only will tobacco use stain the enamel of the teeth, making them more gray or yellow than white, but it has also been linked to an increased risk of a huge range of oral health problems. Studies have shown that people who smoke are far more likely to suffer problems such as periodontal disease, cavities and, at the most extreme end of the spectrum, mouth cancer.

In a report published in the Royal College of Surgeon’s Dental Journal, health experts warn that excessive alcohol consumption causes mouth cancer and dental disease. According to the experts, in order to tackle this as fast as possible, screening and treatment for alcohol abuse is critical.  According to the report, individuals do not visit their general practitioner unless they are ill, whereas the majority of people visit their dentist for a routine check-up, as a result dentists have the chance to identify alcohol abuse.

Teeth whitening is used in order to provide a person with whiter brighter teeth. Many times stains from smoking, food and beverages are a main reason why teeth may not as white as we make like them.  However other reasons can also include age, genetic factors and some prescription drugs.

Tooth whitening falls into two categories:

Extrinsic: extrinsic is the removal of surface discoloration, brushing teeth your teeth is an example of extrinsic whitening which physically removes colored biofilm adhering to teeth and uncovering the natural enamel underneath.

Intrinsic: Chemical bleaching is a form of intrinsic whitening, which penetrates the surface and actually whitens the enamel. The bleaching procedure can be done with professionally prepared product either in a dental office or at home under dentist supervision. It can also be done at home using over-the-counter whitening products.

Fizzy Drinks vs Apples.  Apples may be good for the Doctor but not for your teeth.  According to studies done eating apples can be up to four time more damaging to your teeth then carbonated drinks such as soda.   Doctors are right in saying that eating apples is good, however what is bad for your teeth is the way you eat apples.  The high acidity level in apples can damage your teeth if you eat them slowly. Where as drinks most often associated with dietary erosion, particularly cola, showed no increased risk

One of the cheapest way to maintain your dental health is by brushing your teeth at least twice a day.  Therefore it goes with out saying that your toothbrush is a vital tool for the proper care of your teeth.  However, do you know the best way to take care of your toothbrush?  Here are some helpful tips.

1) Do not Share your toothbrush. By sharing your toothbrush you are also sharing bodily fluids and bacteria, increasing your risk of infection.

2) Storing: Make sure that where you are keeping your toothbrush it does not touch other toothbrushes. This will help to avoid bacteria and germs getting to your brush.

3) Keep your toothbrush in a dry well ventilated spot so that it give it time to dry in between uses.  Toothbrushes that are kept in a moist space can encourage the growth of germs.

4) Keep your tooth brush clean. You should rinse your toothbrush under warm water to eliminate excess toothpaste and other residue. When you are finished shake out the brush to accelerate drying.

5) Do not fall in love with your toothbrush.  It is important to swap your old toothbrush for a new one at least every three to four months.  Also if you been sick with a cold or flu you should also change out your toothbrush for a germ free new one.

Scientists recently presented their work at the Society for General Microbiology’s Spring Conference in Dublin. Studies done show that oral bacteria that escape into the bloodstream are able to cause blood clots and trigger life-threatening endocarditis. Further research could lead to new drugs to tackle infective heart disease

Whether you have dental benefits through an employer or you buy dental insurance independently, it is important for people of all ages to encourage routine dental checkups.  Your teeth need regular care and maintenance to prevent damage, decay and disease.  In addition it is widely publicized that improper dental care can lead to serious health risks, including heart attack and stroke.

Even though many people agree that seeing a dentist is important for your oral and dental health many people still struggle with the cost of dental care, especially if special dental procedures are required. Procedures such as fillings, crowns, braces, extractions are very expensive.

Therefore for those people that are struggling to afford the cost of a dental visit, there are affordable dental insurance options online. Having a low cost affordable dental insurance plan such as HMO insurance plan and or a dental discount plan.

Patients with congenital heart disease who have poor dental hygiene behaviors are increasing their risk of endocarditis. Teens with congenital heart disease floss, brush and visit the dentist less than their peers. But they have healthier behaviors when it comes to alcohol, cigarettes and illicit drugs. Adults with single ventricle physiology (a type of congenital heart disease) also have poorer dental hygiene practices than their peers despite having better health behaviors overall.

According to data published in 2009, over 54% of Americans drink coffee regularly. A variety of foods and drinks can lead to a less than white smile, but coffee and tobacco tend to top the list of tooth enamel staining culprits.

Recently, researchers evaluated the power of widely available tooth bleaching products and stain removal toothpastes against coffee and tobacco discoloration and further examined the susceptibility of the tooth enamel to such factors over time.   The study finds, coffee is actually more of a staining threat than tobacco. Because many people enjoy coffee drinks daily.

There are people who’s teeth are naturally yellow in color.  Not everyone is has naturally white teeth, and unless you use advanced whitening methods you can not change your natural tooth color.  Aging also has an effect on your teeth. Yellowing of your teeth is a natural aspect of aging. Food and drinks can stain your teeth and over time can make your teeth look dark or yellowish. Smoking will discolor your teeth. Poor dental and oral hygiene can also cause your teeth to yellow or to become discolored. Whatever the reasons a dentist can help to address the issue and make your teeth look naturally white again.

The Prevention of bad breath is easier then  you may think.  With the exception of chronic bad breath here are some helpful tips to stop bad breath before it starts.

1) Have good dental and oral health care habits.  Brushing and Flossing your teeth twice a day.

2) Be prepared:  If you are going to eat foods that are known to cause bad breath have mouthwash on hand, or chew on a bit of parsley after the meal.

3) Don’t forget your tongue:   When brushing your teeth brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper.  Your tongue holds bacteria that can cause bad breath

4) Keep your dental appointment:  Make sure you see your dentist once every six months or as directed by your dentist in order to maintain good teeth and gum health.  Many reasons to bad breath is poor dental health. Dental decay and gum disease can cause you to have bad breath.

5) Avoid doing things that causing bad breath:  Smoking not only causes bad breath but  can also cause many other health issues, so if you are a smoke do your best to quit.

6) Know the  foods to avoid when wanting fresh breath:  Food such as garlic, onions, cabbage, certain spices, coffee, even dairy products can cause bad breath for some people. Avoid eating food that causes you to have bad breath when you want to make sure your breath is fresh.

According to a MetLife Study that was released many parents are not following recommended guidelines for brushing, flossing, and other dental health care habits for optimal pediatric oral health.   Nearly a quarter of the parents surveyed, 23%, have been told by a dentist or hygienist that their child was at risk for tooth decay, and 47% of the parents surveyed have not spoken to their pediatrician about their child’s teeth and may not be making the connection between their child’s oral health and their overall health care.