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Years of bad habits (cigarette smoking, tobacco use) and indulgence in certain beverages (soda, juice, coffee, tea) can create discolorations or stain a person’s teeth. In addition, some medications, past dental work, heredity and simply growing older can leave those once pearly whites not quite so appealing.Now you can erase years of stains and discolorations from your teeth in about one hour with the Zoom!® tooth whitening system. The Zoom! procedure is performed by a trained cosmetic dentist in the dentist’s office. The Process:- The cosmetic dentist will begin the process by professionally cleaning the teeth to remove any plaque buildup.
- The dentist will then prepare the teeth to safely receive the treatment by applying a protective cover on the gums and lips.
- A hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel is applied to the teeth and a special laser light is shined on the teeth for 15-20 minutes.
- The gel is removed and then reapplied with the light treatment two more times.
- The hydrogen peroxide acts as a bleaching agent to whiten the tooth enamel (outer tooth layer) and dentin (tooth layer surrounding the pulp).
The Results:After the three Zoom! treatments, patients will see immediate results with the teeth appearing up to eight shades lighter than before the treatment. The results are long-lasting and can be touched-up using a take-home whitening gel kits. Patients should continue practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice daily.The Risks:Dentist-supervised tooth whitening is a generally safe procedure. However, every patient will have varying degrees of tooth sensitivity that could be affected by the Zoom! tooth whitening procedure. Some patients have experienced sharp, shooting tooth pains during and sometimes after the treatments. Any patient who experiences pain during treatment should immediately alert the dentist so a de-sensitizing gel can be applied.The Cost:The cost of the Zoom! tooth whitening system will vary, but the treatments can range between $500-$1,500.In-office tooth whitening treatments such as Zoom! are a quick, easy and highly effective way to brighten your entire face and give you more self-confidence. Source: Zip…zap…Zoom! tooth whitening in one hourPrevious Posts:Latest technology For Regeneration of Broken ToothTeeth Bonding & Dental FillingsWebsite Internet Marketing: Dental Web Marketing & DesigningRelation Between Porcelain Veneers & Tooth CavityDental Implants: Teeth Loss Treatment
Dental crowns can provide you with a great option for repairing damage done to your teeth. The following questions are commonly asked to cosmetic dentists by patients at their initial dental crown consultation:What are dental crowns?A dental crown, also known as a dental cap, is used to cover a damaged tooth and restore the tooth's strength and durability. Dental crowns cover the entire portion of the tooth visible above the gum line. This is different from a filling which only covers a portion of the visible part of a tooth.Why would I need a dental crown?There are many reasons why a dentist would recommend a crown including:- Cracked teeth
- Fractured teeth
- An anchor is needed for a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth
- To cover a tooth that has had a root canal
- Fragile teeth
- Cosmetic purposes
A crown can fix a tooth that is misshapen or discolored. If you have been unhappy about the way a tooth looks, then a crown could be the answer to your problem.How does a dentist make a dental crown?A dentist creates a dental crown over the course of two dental appointments. During the first appointment, he will remove most of the outside surface of the tooth which will later be replaced by the crown. This is known as shaping the tooth. Once the tooth is shaped, the dentist will take several impressions of the tooth and other areas of the mouth. These impressions are sent to a dental technician who uses them to make a perfect fitting permanent crown. At the end of your first appointment, the dentist will attach a temporary crown to your tooth. During the second appointment, the dentist will attach the permanent crown to your tooth.Is it painful to get a dental crown?Getting a crown is a relatively painless procedure. The dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb the areas of the mouth being treated.What are the different types of crowns?There are three different types of crowns. They are:- Gold Crown
- Porcelain Crown
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crown
Which crown is right for me?This is a question for your dentist to answer. When you schedule a consultation visit, your dentist will discuss the various costs associated with a crown, the best type of crown for you, and also financing options.Source: Questions about Dental CrownsPrevious Posts:Dental Implants & Dental DenturesEnamel Stripping & Teeth DiscolorationDental Website Markeing & Dental Website DesignTooth Ache & Anti-Snoring TreatmentRoot Canal & Endodontics Treatment
Latest Dental News: Anti-Snoring TreatmentAnyone who has ever suffered from a toothache knows how painful it can be. Does it seem that for some reason, toothaches most often strike on a weekend or late at night when you can’t get in touch with your dentist? What can be done to ease this pain when your dentist isn’t available?Most often, tooth decay, abscesses, impacted teeth, gum problems, or sometimes something as simple as a piece of food being lodged between the teeth can cause toothaches. Some diseases not associated with the mouth can also cause toothaches, such as heart disease, sinuses, and ear infections. Sometimes toothaches can simply be due to temporary sensitivity. Toothache pain can range from mild to severe. It is always a good idea to rinse your mouth with water and gently floss, in case a food particle is the culprit. In the event that this does not work, there are some other remedies to try to relieve your ache until you can consult a professional.Over-the-counter pain medication such as aspirin or Tylenol is available for short-term pain relief, as are antiseptics and gels. These things will numb the area. Your pharmacist can recommend different brands and explain what they do.Through the years, home remedies for toothaches have sprung up. These remedies can be either medicinal or herbal in nature. One of the most popular toothache remedies is clove oil. You can either use the liquid form or the actual clove. Rubbing clove oil on the tooth is believed to relieve the pain from a toothache. Clove oil contains eugenol, which is a natural pain killer and an antibacterial substance.Another remedy for toothaches is to mix lime juice and asafoetida powder. Asafoetida is a spice used in Indian cooking. Soak a cotton ball in this mixture and rub it on your tooth and gum. This will help to ease your pain. You can also try adding 1 tbsp of salt to ½ cup of boiling water. Put this combination in your mouth, as hot as you can bear it. Then swish it around the problem area. You can also gargle with Listerine Antiseptic, as this has been known to bring relief as well.Another home remedy is to pour a few drops of vanilla extract on the tooth, as this has been known to ease the pain. You can even crush a clove of fresh garlic and mix it with peanut butter and apply this to the tooth. Does this sound disgusting? Maybe – but it has been known to help. Chewing on ice on the side of the mouth in pain will help as well.If the above remedies work only temporarily, a sure fire remedy is to visit your dentist. In the line of prevention, the dental community recommends brushing twice daily, flossing at least once a day, and making an appointment for a dental cleaning every six months.
Source: Toothache Remedy - A Pain In The MouthPrevious Posts:Root Canal & Endodontics TreatmentOral Cancer & SmokingDentist Website Marketing: Dental Web DesignNatural Home Teeth Whitening ProceduresTeeth Whitening: Treatment Procedures & Basic Precautions
Latest Dental News: Red wine causes significant teeth stain
Professional Teeth whitening is one of the most convenient and effective ways to shred years of your appearance. We all want radiant smiles but often stained or discoursed teeth can prevent us from having that perfect, youthful smile. Professional tooth whitening unlike other teeth whitening product kits is a dental procedure that whitens your teeth using laser advanced technology, capable of removing enamel stain. Popular whitening treatments such as zoom teeth whitening will whiten your teeth dramatically, giving you a beautiful new smile.
Most teeth whitening procedures use a high grade tooth whitening gel that is activated by a high power light laser to achieve the perfect shade. As a procedure laser tooth whitening is quick, painless, safe and most of all effective. Tooth whitening is controllable, allowing a dentist to adjust the level of whitening to meet your needs. Laser teeth whitening will improve your facial appearance by whitening your stained and discoloured teeth up to 10 shades lighter.
Tooth discoloration occurs through both extrinsic staining and intrinsic staining. Extrinsic stains are those that show on the surface of the teeth as a result of exposure to foods, tobacco dark-coloured beverages and routine wear and tear. Intrinsic stains are those that form on the interior of teeth, this is a result of trauma, aging and exposure to minerals. Teeth whitening can remove both extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains.
Teeth whitening can dramatically change the colour of your teeth, this will enhance your entire profile giving you a radiant and confidant smile. If you are looking for a quick way to dramatically enhance your smile, professional teeth whitening may be right chose for you.
Source: Take Years Off Your Appearance With Teeth Whitening Treatments
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Diabetes can lead to many complications, some of them very severe. This means that the effect that diabetes has on your teeth can often be completely overlooked. Diabetics are at a higher risk for periodontal disease (diseases of the mouth) than most people.Having high blood sugar means that your teeth and gums are at a higher risk, because germs multiply in high-sugar environments. This means that the first step to protecting your teeth is to lower your blood sugar and to maintain a constant blood sugar level. The difficulty is that if you already have some gum disease, it can be another stress that leads to high blood sugar levels. This can be an overwhelming cycle, but luckily you can stop it.Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It is present when your gums are puffy and red, and your gums can bleed when you brush your teeth or use other dental care. Gum disease, although little more than a painful inconvenience, can progress until you lose your teeth. This makes it even more difficult to maintain a healthy diet needed by diabetics.The first step to taking care of your oral health is to monitor and control your blood sugar. You will also want to tell your dentist that you have diabetes. Your dentist will be able to help you notice the initial signs of gingivitis, which can be hard to distinguish. Visiting the dentist two times a year is a good idea.Oral hygiene, like we all know, begins with brushing your teeth regularly, particularly after sweet snacks and desserts. You can also take care of your mouth by watching what you put in your mouth: chewing sugar-free gum can also help reduce your risk of gum disease. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water, to maintain a healthy saliva flow in your mouth. Smoking is a bad habit that, among other diseases, will promote gum disease. Quit smoking immediately, because it has terrible effects on most diabetic complications.Of course, brushing our teeth is not quite enough. Flossing daily should become part of your routine. Some dentists recommend using a water-pik to clean your teeth as well. Ask your dentist about what would be best for you. Certain mouthwashes are clinically proven to help prevent gingivitis: the simple 10 second act of gargling could save your teeth for the future!Preventing gum disease is about taking care of yourself now to avoid pain in the future. Gum disease can lead to hyperglycemia, or even acidosis in severe cases. You want to avoid these symptoms, because they will make it even harder for you to control your blood sugar later. Remember: if you maintain a healthy diet, good oral hygiene, and helpful habits, you will save yourself time, money, and pain. You can have and keep the perfect smile!Source: Diabetes, your Teeth, and GumsPrevious Posts:All About Dental Crowns: When & for WhomSecret Way For Teeth Straightening & Teeth AlignmentDentists in Portobello: Cosmetic Dentist in Dublin, IrelandAll About CEREC Restorations & Dental CrownsDifference Between Porcelain Veneers & Teeth Whitening
Latest Dental News: Tissue developed from stem cells are like oral mucosaIt's human nature to want to look and feel your best. For many people, diet and exercise alone is not enough. In order to reach their ultimate goal in appearance and self-assurance, they seek a little outside help. Cosmetic surgery is experiencing a surge in popularity over the last several years. The social stigma for electing to have cosmetic surgery is fast disappearing and it is becoming an accepted norm. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, cosmetic procedures have increased 59 percent in this century alone (2000-2007).One of the key components for people electing cosmetic surgery is the improvement of various medical procedures. When you go to a doctor today, the risks are constantly decreasing. As today's surgeons continue to make advancements in all types of surgery, improved anesthetics, and meticulous training, the patients can only benefit be reduced risks. Surgery in general is safer and elective cosmetic surgeries don't seem as extravagant or dangerous as they once did.Cosmetic surgery is also more accessible to more people, not just to the rich and famous. Many of the discretionary dollars available in today's society are going towards improving appearances. Since most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance, the market truly sets the prices as doctors compete for your extra funds. You no longer have to fly across the country to Aspen or Hollywood to get a find a good surgeon, there are over 6,000 certified cosmetic surgeons practicing throughout the United States.Another reason for the increase seems to be directly correlated to the number of reality TV shows depicting plastic surgery. Shows like Extreme Makeover, The Swan, and I Want a Famous Face actually seem to be a key factor in why people choose cosmetic surgery. Critics of these shows claim that they do not adequately address the risks involved, which causes people to believe that their lives will just be better because they look different.Cosmetic surgery will not help you build up your self-esteem, make somebody love you, or magically fix all your ills. Most qualified cosmetic surgeons will try to assess the reasons you want a cosmetic procedure. If you are looking for a panacea to fix life's problems, have low self-esteem, or are looking for cosmetic surgery to change your personality, a good doctor will likely steer you to an alternative option. Getting cosmetic surgery because you saw it on a reality show is not a good idea. Take some time to evaluate objectively the procedure, its risks, rewards, and your reasons for wanting it before you proceed.Regardless of why you elect to have a cosmetic surgery, you'll want to find a qualified physician who has experience in performing the procedure you want. Most physicians will have a photo library of past successes that they can show you. A good physician will also clearly explain the risks involved as well as the possible outcomes of the surgery. Every person is different and we can't all be super models. A little cosmetic surgery however, may be just the thing you need to improve your appearance to where you want it to be.Source: Cosmetic Surgery's Rising PopularityPrevious Posts:Facts & Benefits of Cosmetic Surgery & Plastic SurgeryCosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery Finance Loan UKCosmetic Surgery Liverpool: Plastic SurgeryDental & Porcelain Veneers To Fight Against CavitiesQuick & Easy Teeth Whitening Treatments For Perfect Smile
Latest Dental News: London dental team walks to raise cash for slum kidsImagine having a straighter smile without enduring years of obtrusive metal braces. Imagine being able to eat any type of food you want without worrying about getting food stuck in braces while you are working toward a straighter smile. Imagine actually being comfortable while your teeth shift into proper alignment.There is no need to imagine this near-perfect teeth straightening scenario. This revolutionary orthodontic treatment is called Invisalign®, a treatment that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to move your teeth into a perfect smile. Most Invisalign patients report that their “clear braces” are virtually invisible to other people.What types of orthodontic issues can Invisalign repair?Teeth that are not straight can make it difficult to chew food properly and even create speech difficulties. In addition, un-straight teeth can lead to other oral health issues, so Invisalign is beneficial for more than just aesthetic reasons, including:- Crowded teeth, which can lead to tooth decay, cavities and gum disease because it is difficult to properly floss and brush between the teeth
- Large spaces between teeth, resulting in teeth that tend to shift over time and possible periodontal disease
- Overbite, leading to issues with gum health and the integrity of the lower teeth, and in severe cases causing jaw or joint pain
- Underbite, which can compromise the integrity of the upper teeth or molars, and in severe cases causing jaw or joint pain
- Crossbite, leading to bone loss, gum disease or wear on the inside of the teeth
How does Invisalign work?A dentist experienced with the Invisalign treatment will map out your unique treatment plan using 3-D computer imaging technology, starting with the current state of your teeth and ending with the final outcome. An initial impression of your existing teeth structure will be used to custom make your first clear aligner and a series of aligners will follow to produce the desired result. Each aligner is worn for two weeks for at least 22 hours per day for the best results. The aligners are not worn while eating.Each series of trays provides the right amount of force to move only specified teeth in the mouth, according to your treatment plan. The amount of aligners required for each patient, and therefore the amount of time each patient will utilize the Invisalign process, depends on the severity of the orthodontic problems. Most patients average 18-30 trays.What are some of the benefits of Invisalign?- Virtually invisible
- Removable
- Comfortable
- Brushing and flossing is not hindered
Can teenagers use Invisalign?
Yes. As long as the patients have mature teeth/molars and the teeth are not severely problematic, Invisalign is an excellent alternative to metal braces. Teenage years are difficult enough without having to worry about having a metal mouth. Source: Secretly straighten your teeth with InvisalignPrevious Posts:Get Sparkling White Teeth With Britesmile Tooth Whitening
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Latest Dental News: Patients suffering from dry mouth take multiple medicationsAnyone who has ever suffered from a toothache knows how painful it can be. Does it seem that for some reason, toothaches most often strike on a weekend or late at night when you can’t get in touch with your dentist? What can be done to ease this pain when your dentist isn’t available?Most often, tooth decay, abscesses, impacted teeth, gum problems, or sometimes something as simple as a piece of food being lodged between the teeth can cause toothaches. Some diseases not associated with the mouth can also cause toothaches, such as heart disease, sinuses, and ear infections. Sometimes toothaches can simply be due to temporary sensitivity. Toothache pain can range from mild to severe. It is always a good idea to rinse your mouth with water and gently floss, in case a food particle is the culprit. In the event that this does not work, there are some other remedies to try to relieve your ache until you can consult a professional.Over-the-counter pain medication such as aspirin or Tylenol is available for short-term pain relief, as are antiseptics and gels. These things will numb the area. Your pharmacist can recommend different brands and explain what they do.Through the years, home remedies for toothaches have sprung up. These remedies can be either medicinal or herbal in nature. One of the most popular toothache remedies is clove oil. You can either use the liquid form or the actual clove. Rubbing clove oil on the tooth is believed to relieve the pain from a toothache. Clove oil contains eugenol, which is a natural pain killer and an antibacterial substance.Another remedy for toothaches is to mix lime juice and asafoetida powder. Asafoetida is a spice used in Indian cooking. Soak a cotton ball in this mixture and rub it on your tooth and gum. This will help to ease your pain. You can also try adding 1 tbsp of salt to ½ cup of boiling water. Put this combination in your mouth, as hot as you can bear it. Then swish it around the problem area. You can also gargle with Listerine Antiseptic, as this has been known to bring relief as well.Another home remedy is to pour a few drops of vanilla extract on the tooth, as this has been known to ease the pain. You can even crush a clove of fresh garlic and mix it with peanut butter and apply this to the tooth. Does this sound disgusting? Maybe – but it has been known to help. Chewing on ice on the side of the mouth in pain will help as well.If the above remedies work only temporarily, a sure fire remedy is to visit your dentist. In the line of prevention, the dental community recommends brushing twice daily, flossing at least once a day, and making an appointment for a dental cleaning every six months.Source: Toothache Remedy - A Pain In The MouthPrevious Posts:Healthy Teeth & Gums Gives You A Healthy SmileGet Sparkling White Teeth With Zoom Teeth WhiteningBright & Healthy Teeth Gives You A Perfect SmileDental Treatments At Cosmetic Dentistry Kent
Dental Implants are usually performed by a Prosthodontist. A prostodontist is a dentist whose practice is replacement of teeth and many often specialize in placing implants alone.
Here are the 3 major steps in a nut shell:
1. The area were the teeth is to be implanted is accessed. If you have a healthy jaws and bones then teeth implants will be considered.
2. Next, titanium stud is implanted in the bone.
3. Once it is well established you are fitted with dental crown.
Some dental implants are performed in a day - Where teeth are pulled out, implants placed and teeth attached all in one day. However the teeth at this stage are actually temporary teeth that are not meant for chewing anything tougher than pasta.
Around 5 months later when the titanium tooth implants has established itself well and bone has grown around it's time for permanent crowns. For people who have only few teeth to be replaced it's better to avoid chewing on that side. If you go for a total implant restoration then you need to be very careful with not eating anything harder than pizza.
There are different ways of approaching dental implants and it depends on the dental professional you choose. You will find that not all dental professionals do the immediate teeth implants. Some pull the old teeth out and put in a partial implant or denture until the gums are healed and other's place implants right away but cover the tooth implants with the gum tissue.
In the second instance you need to wear a partial denture until they open the gums and attach the abutment and then again for a short time you wear your denture or partial and about 6 months later you get your actual teeth.
Actually, the partial dental implants or dentures are quite neat and no one will ever know they are temporary.
The dental implants can take anywhere between a day to several weeks depending on your individual case. If you have infection or abscess then this may take a while. So, set aside 2-6 months depending on the quality and density of the bone receiving the implant.
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If you have or are considering getting dental implants, you may be wondering how these dental beauties compare to normal teeth.For more than two decades, dental implants have resulted in naturally beautiful smiles and a significant self-esteem boost for individuals who have lost teeth. Not only do these dental implants minimize future jawbone shrinkage and never develop tooth decay, they look and feel like your natural teeth.Stain-Resistant MaterialDental implants are made from ceramic porcelain—a glass-like surface that is very resistant to stains. As long as your porcelain dental implants maintain their glaze, you shouldn’t experience staining. But if your dental implants are polished with abrasive instruments or treated with acid fluoride treatments, your implants can become rough and therefore susceptible to discoloration. You should select a less abrasive toothpaste for daily use to prevent this, and you may need tooth whitening treatments to keep your natural teeth as white as the implant.Bonding DiscolorationsThe dental bonding materials that hold your implants in place, however, are susceptible to discoloration. It isn’t uncommon for you to experience some staining around the edges of your implants, along your gums.A professional polish at the margins along your gum line can remove the stains, making your implants look as good as ever.Care at HomeBecause it functions as your original tooth did, a dental implant should be treated with the same care. They should be brushed and flossed at least twice a day. For the first two weeks after you receive your implant, you should also brush after every meal and snack.To help minimize stains, you should limit your intake of stain-causing foods like:- Coffee
- Tea
- Berries
- Red wine
- Dark-colored soda
- Smoke from cigarettes and cigars
- Chewing tobacco
Read More:Do Implants Stain Like Normal Teeth?Previous Posts:Improve Teeth Appearance with Cosmetic Dentistry
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Everyone wants to have whiter teeth. It is rare to meet somebody who would be contented with his or her discolored teeth. Our craving for attention can manifest through the need to have shiny white teeth. The advertising industry as well as manufacturers of teeth whitening products, earn millions of dollars from this basic vanity need. This may be good or bad. Whitening your teeth can be considered as self indulgence by some people. This may be untrue especially if one uses home remedies.
In whitening your teeth, you just need to be aware of what you put inside your mouth. You always need to remember that tea, iced tea, coffee, red wine and other caffeinated drinks can stain your teeth. Vices like smoking tobacco or cigarettes can cause nicotine stains as well. Accumulation of these stains over the years are difficult to remove and would require the expertise of your dentist. So if you really want to whiten your teeth, you need to give up
smoking.
Whitening your teeth may require the simple use of fruits. The popular fruits that can do this job are strawberries and oranges. You just need to rub these fruits on your teeth. The acid in orange peel helps in removing the stains on your teeth. Strawberries have natural whitening agents and their seeds are very useful in removing stains. You have to let the fruits stay on your teeth for about 15-20 minutes. Don't forget to rinse so that the natural sugar of fruits will not cause cavities.
Whitening your teeth requires you to brush your teeth every meal to prevent any possible discoloration. Home remedies such as apple cider vinegar can be used as toothpaste. Just do not forget to rinse well. Baking soda is the most popular product commonly used in teeth whitening. You can just add your regular toothpaste to lessen the salty taste.
In whitening your teeth, you can always use the ever-reliable hydrogen peroxide. You can combine salt, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide as your alternative toothpaste which is more affordable than the commercial ones.
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During these tough economic times, many regular activities are being put on hold — and that includes visits to the dentist, as reported by Medill Reports.So how can people take care of their teeth now to avoid expensive dental procedures in the future? Chicago Dental Society dentists gave us the top ten budget-friendly ways to care for teeth at home:1) Drink plenty of water. It’s a “natural” mouthwash that can help reduce stains left by coffee, soda and red wine.2) Eat a piece of cheese. After dinner, munch on some cheddar - it can help neutralize acids in your mouth.3) Chew sugar free gum. Chewing gum increases saliva production, which helps to wash away plaque acid and bathe teeth in needed minerals to strengthen tooth enamel.4) Wait to brush after acidic drinks. After drinking orange juice and soda pop, don’t reach for the toothbrush right away. Wait at least 20 minutes to reduce the chance of enamel wear.5) Rinse with hydrogen peroxide. A small amount of H2O2 mixed with water makes a great anti-bacterial and whitening rinse after brushing. Just don’t swallow!6) Brush with baking soda, a gentle abrasive that can clean like toothpaste.7) Use a straw. Might feel awkward to drink coffee or red wine through a straw, but doing so can help minimize direct contact between your pearly whites and these staining liquids.8) Soften your toothbrush. Sensitive teeth can find relief from rough bristles by running the toothbrush under hot water before brushing.9) Avoid sugar and starches. Both sugar and carbs can feed bacteria that causes tooth decay. It’s just not the sweet stuff - a handful of crackers can have the same effect as a candy bar at feeding bacteria.10) Brush and floss. Duh.The Chicago Dental Society surveyed more than 300 members to find out how the economy is affecting dental care. More than half say their patients are putting off needed dental work. More than 40 percent of dentists report that visits for preventative dental care are also on the decline.Taking care of your teeth now can prevent expensive dental procedures in the future. And while regular dental visits do play an important role in overall care, here are some at-home remedies that will help your smile-and your wallet.Top Ten Budget Tips to Keep Your Teeth Healthy
Contemplating cosmetic surgery? If so, you're likely concerned about finding a skilled physician. A recent survey of women ages 35 to 69 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery found that 95 percent were more concerned about their doctor's training and experience than about how soon they would see results.
These tips from the society might help would-be patients in making the decision to undergo elective cosmetic procedures, from having a botox injection to cosmetic eyelid surgery.
1. Make sure your physician is board-certified. Board-certified doctors have gone through a residency and passed a rigorous exam, says Dr. Robert Weiss, society president and a Baltimore-based dermatologic surgeon. Consider whether that person is one of the "core four": dermatologist; plastic surgeon; ear, nose and throat specialist; or ophthalmologist.
2. Consider cosmetic surgery will be performed with latest and advanced technology. If it's being done in an outpatient surgery center, check to see if the facility is accredited.
"It doesn't have to be in the hospital setting," Weiss says. "A lot of times in the hospital, there's no control over the cleanup afterwards."
3. Make sure the doctor will be there. Sometimes the doctor's staff performs the procedure. Even if you're "just" having a restylane, a professional should do it, Weiss says. Some salons or spas allow cosmeticians to administer the shot and may not even have a medical professional on site when it's done.
"You have to question when the most potent toxin known to mankind is being injected by someone who could be a hairstylist," Weiss says.
4. Know what to do and expect before and after. Consult with the physician before having the procedure done.
Ideally, your doctor will give you pre- and post-operation instructions, Weiss says. If he or she does not, make sure you ask.
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