Does Fluoride Cause Spotted Teeth?

In the early 1950’s concerns about dental health among children led to controversy when it was proposed that fluoride be added to drinking water. In Grand Rapids, Michigan fluoride was added to the drinking water and studies six years later found a dramatic decline in tooth decay among the children there. The Surgeon General endorsed water fluoridation and many communities responded by fluoridating city water supplies. Dentists joined in supporting this pronouncement.

In 1955, toothpaste manufacturers jumped on the fluoride bandwagon and America began to see an array of “Look, Mom, no cavities” commercials. Today, fluoride is being added to some bottled waters and to sodas. There are fluoride supplements available for children. Mouthwash contains fluoride.

Maybe young children are getting too much of a good thing. Federal health officials believe that Americans are getting too much of the chemical. Last week the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced plans to lower the recommended level of fluoride in drinking water for the first time since the 1950’s.

Why is that? They have discovered spotting and streaking on the teeth of about 40% of teenagers. Since the condition has been seen increasing in the last thirty years, officials looked to additional research studies to evaluate the problems. What they found in reviewing research by The Environmental Protection Agency is that long-term intake of fluoride can increase the risk of bone deformities which can cripple people. Greater risks of broken bones were also suspected.

Seventy years ago it appeared that people whose water and soil contained higher levels of fluoride had fewer cavities. However, a recent report by The National Academy of Sciences found that the serious fluoridosis can occur when the chemical is added to water at the level of two parts per million. Additionally, they found that with intake at the level of four parts per million could raise the incidence of bone fractures.

Whether or not water fluoridation is beneficial has been controversial for decades. Some point to the statistics in European countries where fluoride is seldom added to the water supplies. Some say water fluoridation is forcing medicine on us.

What is clear in light of recent studies is that the dental danger occurs mostly to young children who take in high amounts of fluoride before their permanent teeth have developed and cut through. Dentists agree that the damage seen in adolescents today can be covered by tooth whitening preparations.

What remains to be seen? How will the governmental agencies’ recommendations impact change? Will communities alter their water fluoridation policies? Are we destined to experience more bone abnormalities and fractures? What will the next chapter in the fluoridation saga reveal?…

Are Fluoride Supplements Necessary?

Because of the large push in Fluoride over the past couple of decades, many children are over-fluoridated. When this happens it can cause patches of fluorosis, which can be detected by brown, yellow, or even black teeth that are starting to crumble and become pitted. These cases can range from mild to severe and are becoming more prevalent in American children. While Fluoride has some benefits in mild portions, overdoing it can cause some serious issues. This brings up the question as to how much fluoride you need to get before it becomes dangerous.

The truth is that fluoride has been used quite a bit lately and is a major reason why tooth decay has declined over the years. When it is used in appropriate fashion, it can be safe and is also very effective at preventing dental problems. In the United States, many counties have fluoride in the water and most people are exposed to it in some way or another.

The best way to use fluoride effectively is to get a small dose of it every day. This is the best way for you to reduce dental caries and make sure that your teeth are protected. This can easily be done when a person drinks water that has an optimal level of fluoride in it as well as brushes their teeth two times a day with some sort of fluoride toothpaste. If you are not at high risk for cavities and other tooth decay then you do not need to take fluoride supplements because the water and tooth brushing should suffice. If you are at high risk for having dental issues, then you might want to consider a small fluoride supplement in order to help protect your tooth enamel and let it grow properly.

The best advice is to go to your dentist and find out his or her recommendation for your personal situation. They will be able to let you know whether or not you should consider fluoride supplements or if you already get a sufficient amount ever day. With fluoride you want to make sure you have optimal levels because too little can lead to tooth decay, and too much can lead to other problems that will harm your teeth.

Along with any fluoride supplement, you will want to make sure that you are practicing good oral hygiene and that you are frequently brushing and flossing every day to take care of the main causes of dental caries.…

There’s just something about the words “dental extraction” that strike fear in the hearts of men, women and children alike. Having a tooth removed is usually the last course of action, but many times it’s necessary. If you need to have a tooth out, here’s why you shouldn’t be afraid.

Extraction Is Painless

Fortunately tooth extractions Broomfield CO are completely painless. After you’re numbed up with anesthesia, all you will feel is a slight pressure as your tooth is removed. After the anesthesia wears off in a few hours, it’s normal to feel sore but you’ll be given pain medication and best of all, you can enjoy ice cream!

Teeth Will Be More Attractive

One of the most common reasons teeth are extracted is because of overcrowding. When teeth don’t have enough room to grow properly, they end up crooked and could cause pain in the long run. Having one or more teeth removed will allow your beautiful and straight smile to shine through.

It’s a Quick Procedure

A dental extraction is one of the quickest dental procedures there is. One tooth takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. If you’re having multiple teeth removed, or there’s a complication such as curved roots or impacted wisdom teeth, expect your dentist to take additional time with you. 

Tooth Pain Will Disappear

If the reason you’re having a dental extraction is due to an infected or cracked tooth, you can expect almost immediate relief after extraction. Many people tend to put off an extraction because of fear when in reality, it’ll take away the constant pain they’re experiencing. If you’re suffering from tooth pain, see a dentist immediately.

If you’ve been told by your dental provider that you need a tooth extraction, relax. The procedure is quick, painless and you’ll be much happier when it’s completed. …

Using Toothpaste On Pimples Properly

Does toothpaste on pimples work? The answer to this question really depends on your skin type and the toothpaste you use. Some toothpastes contain ingredients that can help you get rid of pimples, while others do not, and in some cases could dry up your skin.

This method has not been medically proven however; in many cases it has cleared pimples. Toothpastes contain an antibacterial ingredient called triclosan, which is known to eliminate bacteria effectively and is a common ingredient used in products for the treatment of acne.

Remember that there are many acne remedies available on the market, so you should use toothpaste on pimples only as a last resort. It also usually requires an overnight treatment to work effectively, so do not rely on toothpaste for a crisis of emerging zits.

There are two ways in which toothpaste can help you remove your pimples. First, toothpaste can act as a mask, removing impurities from your skin but can also dry the skin slightly as it does so, which can reduce the size of pimples. Also, some toothpastes contain menthol or alcohol, two ingredients that can make your skin very dry, so you need to be aware of this.

If you want to improve your condition using toothpaste on pimples, look for a real toothpaste and not in gel form, and preferably one with minimal additives. Natural and organic toothpastes are a good choice, since they often have a very few ingredients. These are the steps to take if you decide to use this method:

Instructions

• Select your toothpaste. Most brands will do the job, but regular white paste is less likely to damage your skin. Avoid pastes with fluoride and whitening because they may damage your skin.

• Wash your face or the pimple area with warm water and baby soap, and then dab your skin dry.

• Wear gloves or use a clean facial sponge.

• Apply a small amount of toothpaste to your glove or sponge, gently covering the pimple area and also a small ring around it, with a thin layer of toothpaste.

• Allow the toothpaste to dry on the pimple and leave it for several hours, or if you prefer, overnight. Normally, you will experience some cool and refreshing feeling.

• Remove the dried toothpaste or wash it with a cling sponge or cloth. Be careful not to break the pimple(s).

• Continue with your normal skin care procedures.

The results you get after applying toothpaste on pimples may vary, depending on the toothpaste, your skin type, and the pimples.

If you really want to get rid of your pimples, other than putting toothpaste on pimples, there are several home remedies and also over the counter medications which can help; if your case is severe and has developed into acne, you should see a doctor who may recommend stronger medications.

Warning: You should avoid popping pimples, no matter how tempting it is, because you could easily make the situation worse by causing a deep infection. If those pimples are really upsetting for you, check with a cosmetician who specializes in extractions; and has received special training in handling all kinds of pimples, blackheads, and other blemishes.…

Encouraging your children to practice good oral hygiene is important no matter how old they are. It can be a challenge though because many children don’t enjoy brushing, or sometimes forget. These suggestions can get your kids on the right path and set them up for success when it comes to maintaining good oral health. 

Set a Goal of Twice a Day

Encourage your children to brush twice a day. Once in the morning after eating, and again just before bed. These are easy times for your children to remember, and they can easily be integrated into a routine, and helps build structure for the rest of the day. 

Change Their Toothbrush Often

Children have a tendency to bite down hard on their toothbrushes, even without realizing it. This can make the toothbrush wear very quickly, requiring you to get them a new one. Although you might change your toothbrush every three months or so, it is helpful to swap out brushes for your kids sooner. That way, you can feel confident that their toothbrush is still doing a proper job of cleaning their teeth, and you are doing everything possible to prevent cavities.

Make Time to See a Dentist Who Specializes in Pediatric Care 

It’s important to have your child visit the dentist once their teeth start coming in. Many parents take their child when they are a year old. If you are not sure where to go for very young children, look for a kids dentist specialist Los Angeles CA to get the help they need to take care of their teeth. 

Good dental habits start while children are young. Set a goal of brushing twice a day, and help your kids change their toothbrush when it looks worn. Go to a pediatric dentist and let them help you with your child’s oral health, so they can feel their best.…

Top Picks for the Best Whitening Toothpaste

Looking for the best whitening toothpaste for your teeth? You may have your work cut out for you. There are numerous excellent teeth whitening products that really do deliver on their promises of whiter teeth. These could range from your usual Crest Whitening toothpaste to more sophisticated gel and mouthwash combos and teeth whitening gel refills that work together to remove coffee and wine stains and reveal whiter and healthier teeth.

Criteria for Choosing the Best Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Enamel Protection

Good toothpaste should not concentrate on whitening teeth alone. It should also contain fluoride, which is your best option for strengthening your teeth’s enamel. Fluoride helps protect the teeth from the destructive acids released by bacteria that cause tooth decay. With regular exposure to flouride, the enamel becomes more resistant to bacterial acid damage.

Tartar Prevention

Tartar is the buildup of residue on your teeth and around your gums. Left untreated, it causes the yellowish discoloration that may be hard to remove with time. Your whitening toothpaste should also contain such ingredients as zinc citrate and even triclosan, a powerful antibiotic, to prevent plaque buildup.

No bleach

The best teeth whitening formulas do not contain bleach. Bleach is extremely aggressive in destroying the protective enamel of teeth. Most toothpaste contains abrasives instead, which mechanically rub off the stains caused by wine, coffee, and other stains from your teeth.

ADA Approval

The best toothpastes for whitening teeth have passed inspection by the American Dental Association. This means that it has passed safety and effectiveness tests by an independent review board. You can feel confident that your chompers are safe if you use a product with a seal from the ADA.

Top Whitening Toothpaste Picks

The top whitening toothpastes in the market include the following brands, Crest 3D White Vivid toothpaste, Colgate Total Whitening, and Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste. Crest is at top of the list since it is especially formulated for smokers, red wine drinkers, and coffee lovers. This is also gentle enough for people who previously had their teeth bleached.

The next best option would be Colgate Total Whitening. This is a crowd favorite since it is very affordable and is designed to give the gums a healthy cleaning as well. The only downside is that it is not sold in Europe and Canada.

Finally, you have the Sensodyne Pronamel Whitening toothpaste. This is formulated to produce a gentle whitening action. Most dentists recommend this product for those who have had their teeth bleached regularly.

The best toothpaste is not a particular product or brand, which is why we list several brands here. As long as it has all the components needed to keep your teeth and gums healthy as it whitens your teeth, then that is a good product for you. Of course, always make sure that the product is ADA approved for complete safety.…