Is your tooth cracked?

Believe it or not, it’s possible to not be aware of a cracked tooth in your mouth. Many cracks are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye, or sometimes even an X-ray. To determine which tooth is cracked, dentists often ask patients where they are experiencing sensitivity to temperature as well as sticky, sweet, or sour food. They make also ask where the pain is centralized while chewing. According to the American Dental Association, cracked teeth hurt because “the pressure of biting causes the crack to open.”

Once that pressure is released, the crack quickly closes, and the person feels a sharp sensation of pain. Even further, cracked teeth can cause the pulp inside the tooth to become irritated or even damaged. In advanced cases, a dentist may have to perform a root canal to save the tooth. Treatments for cracks range from bonding to complete extraction, depending on the severity of the crack. Teeth can crack for a variety of reasons, including chewing on hard candy, nuts or ice; uneven chewing pressure; grinding of the teeth; and experiencing an accident that involves a hit to the mouth.

The ADA suggests that the most important thing to remember is that regular dental checkups help prevent tiny cracks from becoming a large problem. If you experience pain or sensitivity in a tooth, do not continue to chew on that side of your mouth. Call your True Dental Discounts dentist and have him or her identify the source of your pain. Treated early, cracks can be easily repaired without stress to your mouth or your wallet.

Solutions for hearing loss around the home

Most of us take for granted that we can talk to someone over the phone and open the door when we hear the door bell chime. But for people with hearing loss, these tasks are not so simple. Fortunately, technology has now made it possible for hard-of-hearing people to “hear” the door bell and other alerts in the home, as well as carry on a conversation over the phone. For instance, telephone amplifiers can be coupled with a person’s hearing aid to improve the person’s ability to hear a caller.

For people who still cannot hear well enough for a conversation, they can use Voice Carry Over, which is used with a telephone relay service. In these cases, the operator translates what the other person is saying by converting their words to text on a screen. When it comes to “hearing” the door bell, people can install systems that pick up the signal and cause lights to flash, fans to spin, or a small device to vibrate. The same goes for sleeping alarms, fire alarms, and more. Talk to your True Dental Discounts hearing specialist about the best options for your home to find out more information.

Are you wearing contacts safely?

It’s easy to forget that contact lenses and solutions are considered medical devices by the FDA, leading many people to become lax about caring for their contacts. In reality, keeping your contacts clean is one of the most important things you can do for your eye health. The American Optometric Association recommends contact-wearers protect their eyes by using good hygiene practices including:

• Wash and dry hands before touching contact lenses 
• Rub lenses with fingers and rinse thoroughly before soaking the lenses overnight 
• Clean the lens case after every use, and make sure it stays dry and aired out in between uses. Cases should be replaced every three months or so. 
• Do not reuse old solution to clean your lenses, and don’t use saline solutions in place of a solution recommended by your eye doctor. 
• Take out your contacts before swimming 
• See an eye doctor on your True Dental Discounts vision plan regularly for an eye examination so he can re-evaluate your vision and prescription.

Pediatric dentistry isn’t just for kids

When your children are small, going to a pediatric dentist can be a great way to relieve their anxiety about the dentist. Pediatric dentists are trained to meet the specific needs of children, which means they often have more success relating to their patients and making the process as smooth as possible. But what happens when your children turn into teenagers? According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, teenagers should continue to see their pediatric dentist through adolescence. Pediatric dentists also specialize in teen dental issues, and it is important for your teenager to continue seeing a dentist who knows his or her history.

Teenagers’ mouths are still rapidly changing, which makes it even more critical that they continue regular appointments at the dentist. In addition, adult teeth emerging from the surface are susceptible to decay, and a pediatric dentist can monitor the growing process to ensure your teen’s mouth stays healthy as she transitions into adulthood. The Academy also emphasizes the importance of instilling good oral hygiene habits in teens, who by now are making their own dietary and hygiene choices.

A pediatric dentist can help guide them in these choices and will press upon them the importance of maintaining healthy teeth. Talk to a pediatric dentist in your True Dental Discounts dental plan and ask about promoting the oral health of your teenager. He or she will become a great resource and can help ensure your teen enters adulthood with beautiful teeth.

What are veneers?

If you are unhappy with your teeth because they are chipped, unevenly spaced, discolored, or worn, you could benefit from veneers. According to the American Dental Association, veneers are “thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth.” Veneers help teeth look more uniform and restore a person’s beautiful smile. They are bonded to the teeth in order to improve their appearance and can change a tooth’s color, shape or size. In general, veneers are made from porcelain or composite resin; each has its own advantages and should be discussed with a dentist on your True Dental Discounts dental plan.

For example, porcelain veneers are better at preventing stains. It is important to remember, however, that veneers are not reversible – dentists must remove part of the enamel from your targeted teeth in order to apply the veneer. During the process, teeth are roughened to allow for a stronger bond. Although the entire process typically takes three separate sessions with your dentist, veneers tend to last between five and 10 years. Ask your dentist about the proper way to take care of your new veneers. Many experts recommend avoiding stain-causing drinks like red wine and coffee. With proper care, veneers can be a great way to improve your smile. Ask your dentist today if they could be right for you!

Communicating with your health care professional can help keep you safe

Many people who get a prescription from their doctor don't think twice before adding it to their daily routine. They might glance at the dosage, but never give a second thought to what other factors go into a good prescription. Yet, there are many personal habits and health concerns that must be addressed before committing to a particular type of medicine. The National Council on Patient Information and Education suggests that you maintain regular communication with your doctor or pharmacist about the following issues:

• Any ongoing or past medical conditions, and the overseeing doctor;
• The names of all medicines you are currently taking, including sleeping aids, laxatives, vitamins, herbal remedies, pain relievers, and both prescription and non-prescription medicines;
• Any problems you've experienced with certain types of medications;
• Any known allergies to medicines or substances;
• If you are, or could become, pregnant.

Each of these items represents an important part of your prescription health, and having open communication with your health care professional can help to ensure that you do not take a potentially harmful medication. Many people do not realize that their small day-to-day habits and their "non-medications" such as dietary supplements can impact the effectiveness of any new medication. Be sure to talk about these issues with your doctor, and, as always, show him or her your True Dental Discounts, discount prescription card to guarantee you're getting the best prescriptions for your money.

Study shows dental implants are safe substitutes for natural teeth

When a person loses a tooth, either through an accident or poor oral health, it is often replaced with a dental implant. Dental implants are made to look like a natural tooth, allowing patients to continue to enjoy the same appearance and functioning they did before the loss.

Although previous research led dental practitioners to believe that implants can disrupt the tissue and bone structure in a patient’s mouth, a study published in the Journal of Periodontology has shed new light on the implants. Researchers found that most of a patient’s bone remodeling occurred after the implant was placed and before the final prosthesis was inserted. Further, they found that the bone changed very little in the following five years.

This is significant because it solidifies the use of dental implants as safe substitutes for natural teeth. Talk to a dentist on your True Dental Discounts, dental plan if you think you may be a good candidate for dental implants; implants can restore your confidence in the way you look, speak, and eat.