The use of stem cells has been quite controversial in the last decade or so, but it’s hard for anyone to argue the benefit these cells offer when a child is in need of life-saving medical technology. Many new parents opt to have umbilical cord blood frozen and stored, but now there’s yet another way to preserve stem cells long after the child is out of diapers. Medical experts have found that stem cells can be collected from the pulp of a child’s baby teeth.

So how does this work? When a child’s tooth is getting ready to fall out, your dentist should be contacted in order to be prepared. The pulp of the tooth will be cryogenically preserved, which mean it will be frozen at extremely low temperatures that will keep the stem cells in their current state. Some studies are even suggesting that stem cells can be collected from adult wisdom teeth as well, since those teeth have essentially been with us from the beginning.

What are the benefits of collecting stem cells from baby teeth? First and probably most importantly, if your child ever develops a disease or is seriously injured, stem cells can be used to correct the damaged tissue. Stem cells have most famously been used to treat spinal cord injuries, but they can also be used to treat heart problems, diabetes and cancer.

Although nothing has been stated definitely, researchers are also testing to see whether or not stem cells can be used to grow new teeth, which if possible, would cut down on the need for dentures and other tooth replacement procedures. Another study published by the Journal of Dental Research claims that dental stem cells can also be used to produce insulin, which would be helpful in treating diabetes.

Although many of these studies are in the earliest stages, science is continuous in its exploration and discovery. Knowing what we already know about stem cells, it would be in the great interest of your child to have the stem cells collected and stored. Who knows what possibilities science can bring about!

Female hormones are notorious for making women unpredictable and sometimes a little overly emotional. While hormones can have an effect on a woman’s emotional status (and unfortunately sometimes the emotional status of anyone around her), recent studies conducted at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine have also found that hormones can also have an effect on a woman’s dental health.

Gum disease is a serious medical condition that can not only have an effect on your smile and the quality of your teeth, but your overall health as well since gum disease has been linked with such heart conditions as heart disease. But would you have suspected that female hormones could cause gum disease? Probably not, but many phases of a female’s life can trigger this problem, including puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. While hormones create changes inside a woman’s body, they also create changes inside her mouth as well. For pregnant women specifically, the increased amount of bacteria can also lead to fetal death, bone loss or premature labor.

So how can a woman avoid the chance of developing gum disease during these times of increased hormonal production? Dental experts recommend a stringent regimen of dental care that includes brushing and flossing regularly, as well as regular check-ups with their dental care provider. Although we should all be taking part in these rituals regularly, it is more important for women with hormonal fluctuations to be more vigilant about keeping up with their dental care regimen.

Dentists suggest that women who are experiencing gum disease and plan to become pregnant should see their dentist prior to having a child in order to cure the periodontal disease first and decrease the risk not only to herself but her child as well.

It seems like nowadays the costs of everything is rising, making it harder and harder to cope with costs that are unavoidable such as when you or your child need dental braces. The braces themselves can not only be costly, but the increased visits to the Waterford dentist for check-ups and adjustments can burden your wallet as well. However, some may say there isn’t a price for the amount of confidence and peace of mind that comes with knowing you have teeth that no longer cause you embarrassment, so the price may be well worth it; but that’s not to say there aren’t ways to circumvent some of the costs.

The best way to save money on braces is by having dental insurance. If your employer does not provide dental insurance, you may be able to purchase your own through an independent provider. If this is a consideration, it is very important to shop around for the best prices and for the best insurance that is going to be worth your investment. Many dental insurers do not cover the costs of braces because it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, there are some companies that will cover a portion of the cost. The cost may be covered also if your Waterford dentist declares braces a medical necessity rather than purely cosmetic in purpose.

Although it may deviate from making a profit, some Waterford dentists understand of the enormous costs undertaken by opting for braces. If you can’t work out a payment plan, your dental specialist may be able to refer you to a credible dental school where you can receive the same services, albeit in a learning environment, at a fraction of the cost. If you’re worried about receiving less-than-professional care by dental students, it should give you peace of mind in knowing that the students are constantly supervised by Waterford dentists who are experts in their field.

Most Waterford dentists provide payment plans that work with your budget in a realistic fashion. Talk to your Waterford dentist about this possibility so you or your child no longer have to deal with embarrassment or limitations.

We all know sugar is bad for your teeth. It creates harmful acids that erode the enamel on our teeth almost instantly. Dental health experts suggest brushing immediately after eating or drinking a sugary treat to clear your teeth of the acids and bacteria that cause decay. However, there are some treats, and medicines too, that can be worse for your teeth than other sugary foods and drinks.

The first is a no-brainer: soda. Soda is loaded with sugar. In fact, one serving has 11 teaspoons of sugar, not only making soda bad for your teeth, but bad for your overall health. But it’s not just the sugar that can damage your teeth. The phosphorous and citric acids also cause enamel erosion. Think drinking diet soda will be a safer option? Wrong. Diet sodas also contain these acids and also may even have more in the form of artificial sweeteners. The best bet is to stay away from soda to protect your teeth and your waistline.

Surprisingly, cough drops are also another culprit of tooth decay. Unless specifically stated, most cough drops are filled with sugar to make them more palatable to those of us who aren’t fond of the taste of medicine. While the cough drop may ease your symptoms, your teeth may suffer in return. Just like eating a hard candy, the sugar combines with the plaque on your teeth to create the perfect storm of erosion. If you opt for cough drops, look for the sugar-free kind and ease your symptoms without compromising your dental health.

Protecting our teeth should be a top priority, especially given our dental health contributes to our overall health as a whole. Protection can begin even in infancy. Many parents favor giving their child a bottle at bedtime, hoping it will soothe them to sleep. However, this habit may end up hurting their children’s newly developing teeth. Not only will the baby become accustomed to the bottle at bedtime, making it harder for him or her to go to sleep without, but it will also begin the process of decay in their newly forming teeth. More importantly, it can be a choking hazard if they fall asleep with liquid in their mouths that has not been swallowed.

For older children, sugary treats are the problem. Hard candies are loaded with sugar, but their gummy counterparts are more worrisome. The gummier the candy, the more likely it will stick around in the mouth, and become attached to teeth and creating a bacterial haven for decay. This goes for adults who enjoy gummy bears or worms as well. Dental experts recommend eating these treats (if you must) during meals. The saliva produced during your meal will help wash away the excess sugar and acids created by the candy.

In addition to sugary treats, there are other ways to protect our teeth from dangers we may not even think about. Many people have chipped or cracked teeth trying to open soda cans or chew off plastic tags on newly bought items. This should be a dental no-no. It is too easy to hurt your teeth in the process, especially since they were not designed for this purpose. Teeth are for chewing food. Period.

Engaging in sports is a pretty healthy activity, right? You get the blood flowing, the heart pumping and you’re burning calories all in an effort to stay young, healthy and in shape. However, did you ever consider that your choice of sport could have a negative impact on your dental health? Many people play sports without taking their teeth into consideration. Even a harmless game of one-on-one basketball with a friend can result in a knocked-out tooth. While we advocate staying active, we recommend purchasing a mouth guard at your local grocery store or pharmacy. These guards can be molded to fit your mouth perfectly and keep your pearly whites protected during all activities. If you play sports on a regular basis, you may want to consult your Waterford dentist about getting a mouth guard that is professionally customized.

Learning how to relax may sound easier than it is, especially to those of us who tend to tense our jaw muscles when we’re stressed. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can lead to serious dental health issues. The grinding process wears down the teeth and if severe enough, can cause cracked or broken teeth. Bruxism isn’t only bad for your teeth, but your jaw as well. The pressure can cause jaw pain, which can lead to migraines, neck pain, etc. If you have a problem with teeth grinding, your Waterford dentist will probably be able to see the damage it has caused. The best remedy is to get fitted for a mouth guard which will protect your teeth during the night. However, for daytime protection, the best solution is to learn how to relax. Consider talking to someone to get the stress out or even engage in an activity such as yoga to learn how to relax.

We are all aware the repercussions of drinking sugary drinks, smoking and not brushing and flossing enough, but what are some other habits that can be detrimental to our dental health?

Chewing ice may be one of the worst habits a person can have when it comes to teeth. This mindless habit may result in chipped, cracked or broken teeth that can be quite painful. According to dental specialists, ice chewing can irritate the soft tissue within a tooth, causing chronic and painful toothaches that may be exacerbated by imbibing hot or cold foods or beverages. Doctors have linked ice chewing to anemia, so if you’re a habitual ice chomper, you may want to check in with your doctor to see if there is an underlying health problem.

Sometimes it’s easy to tell if a person has or has had an oral piercing. They usually have a cracked or chipped front tooth to show for their devotion to piercing. Oral piercings can be especially hazardous for people who have askew bites or TMJ, which can cause the jaw to go all whacky and make you bite down in the wrong place. Just one misstep in your bite can lead to a cracked or chipped tooth. Tongue studs aren’t the only piercings that can cause dental problems. The metal from lip piercings can damage your gums and lead to tooth loss and while you may want an exotic appearance, you probably don’t want to lose any teeth over it. Furthermore, the mouth is a haven for bacteria and foreign objects such as piercings can increase the production of harmful bacteria.

Not brushing and flossing can lead to serious problems in your mouth. When food debris is left on the surface of your teeth, the blood vessels around those teeth are invaded by bacteria. These bacteria will ultimately cause inflammation which could become a long-term dental problem. However, this inflammation will not just affect your dental health, but your overall well-being. Other areas of the body can become inflamed as well, leading to serious health problems.

According to dental specialists, chronic inflammation throughout the body can cause such health issues as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and even Alzheimer’s disease. However, they do admit that there isn’t a clear determination as to whether the inflammation causes these health issues or exacerbates them. Regardless, these health problems are linked with chronic inflammation that can be caused by poor dental health.

Another serious problem associated with a build-up of bacteria in the mouth is periodontal disease. More than 80 percent of all Americans are plagued by this disease and experience tooth loss because of it. The worst part about periodontal disease is that you may not be aware of its presence until it is too late, especially if you do not visit your dentist on a regular basis.

The best way to avoid all these problems is simple: brush, floss and schedule cleanings every six months. Not only will you achieve better dental health, but you’ll have a fabulous smile to show for it. Your overall health is important enough to take a few minutes each day to make sure your teeth are cleaned of harmful bacteria. You may be surprised how much improving your dental health will improve your overall well-being!

Many people may mistakenly believe liquids aren’t as damaging as food when it comes to our teeth. Everyone knows soda is bad for your teeth, but believe it or not, so is diet soda. The phosphoric and citric acids within diet beverages can still cause tooth decay. However, diet and regular soda aren’t the only sources of tooth decay.

Sports drinks are beneficial in many ways, especially to athletes who need a way to replace electrolytes and other essential vitamins and minerals lost through sweating excessively. As it turns out, what helps in one way can unfortunately be damaging in another. Athletes who consume sports beverage have a high average of tooth loss due to excessive consumption of these sugar-laden drinks. The sugar is just like the sugar in soda, and creates acids which erode the enamel on your teeth. Dental health specialists recommend using sports drinks in moderation or switching to plain old refreshing water. Many companies now offer vitamin-enhanced water that act as a good replacement for sports beverages.

Another silent tooth killer is fruit juice. While filled with vitamins, it is also filled with sugar. Many health experts recommend eating the actual fruit instead of drinking juice. This saves on calories and also reduces the sugar intake. Many fruit juices are just as guilty as sodas when it comes to sugar content. If you must have fruit juice, try to check the label to ensure there is no added sugar. Dental hygiene experts also suggest diluting the fruit juice with water to reduce the sugar content.

Believe it or not, your smile can make you look older than you are. The condition of your teeth are tell-tale signs of your lifestyle choices, and if you engage in undesirable behaviors such as smoking and heavy drinking, or just do not put a lot of effort into maintaining your dental health, it will show in your teeth.

Think about someone you know who has a flawless smile. Every time they smile, do you notice a youthful glow about them? There’s no mistaking that their smile probably makes them look youthful and radiant. So what might that person be doing to keep their smile, and overall appearance, youthful?

The first thing you can do to keep a youthful smile is brush. Brushing is the answer to all your dental issues, in fact. But appearance-wise, brushing removes the debris and bacteria that cause decay. Avoiding the toothbrush can lead to yellowing of the teeth as well, stealing the luster away from your smile. Going hand-in-hand with brushing is flossing. According to dental experts, only 25 percent of the population flosses on a regular basis, or at least as often as they should. Dental specialists say a person should floss for about two minutes each day to achieve optimal results.

A quick way to achieve a more youthful-looking smile is through whitening. While this is a quick fix, it may at least set you on the right path. If you have a great-looking smile, you may be more inclined to engage in the behavior to keep up that stellar appearance.