When To Call An Emergency Dentist

One of the most painful and scary times in a person's life can be with a dental issue. There are many people who look at some situations with tooth pain to be not important and something that would just go away, however, some of the situations actually signify a dental emergency. Therefore, it is better to be seen faster when the issue arises rather than wait till later, a can mean the health of your life.

Some Signs Of Emergency Dental Situations

Mouth pain and toothaches can occur in a variety and degree of pain level for each individual. Understanding and acknowledging why it is an emergency and what is not can help you not only save money but help you avoid the pain more effectively. WebMD voices, any dental emergency like an injury to the teeth or gums can be potentially serious and should not be ignored. Ignoring a dental problem can increase the risk of permanent damage as well as the need for more extensive and expensive treatment later on. The signs mentioned below are some diagnoses that you could use an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

• Loose Or Movable Teeth: There are only certain times that having a loose tooth in your life where it is acceptable, usually this starts at an early age when your adult teeth are growing in. However, as an adult, if you have a loose tooth, it could indicate there may be a tooth entry and it could cause severe pain and you should see a dentist immediately.

Some people come to assume that if their teeth appear to be in the proper condition they may not need a dentist. However, loose teeth can cause life-altering problems if not properly cared for. For example, it can cause you to stop eating or speaking and could impair the nerves that are within your jaw and over time the tooth damage will get worse. According to Forbes, the ADA study also found that: More than 30% of young adults have untreated tooth decay (the highest of any age group), 35% have trouble biting and chewing, Some 38% of this age group find life in general "less satisfying" due to teeth and mouth problems. Having this unbearable toothache resulting from decay will warrant a visit to an emergency dentist, as stated by Val Daniyar, a cosmetic dentist from Naples, FL.

• Signs Of Infection: This is also a good indicator that you have tooth damage and infection will act as a loose tooth. If you get the treatment done as soon as possible you can potentially avoid having the teeth extracted out of your mouth and avoid the infection from spreading. American Dental Association shares, the mouth is a gateway into your body's overall health.

• Bleeding Gums And Toothache: Almost every dentist requires you to floss your teeth after you brush, however, most people are not used to doing this on a daily basis. If you go to brush your teeth and your gums are bleeding, it could be an indicator of gum disease.

Almost everyone who gets gum disease, if left untreated could leave their teeth the inability to be restored properly. Gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and among pregnant women, it is correlated with lower birth weights for their babies. On another note, if you have any signs of any toothache seen a dentist is essential because there could be various indicators and other causes behind each tooth week.

• Abscess And Swollen Jaw: For people who have an abscessed tooth may not understand the severity that a can do to your well-being and health. If you have an abscessed tooth seeing a dentist right away is vital to your life.

For example, abscessed teeth are connected close to your nerve endings which are found at the roots in your teeth, which are directly connected to your brain. In addition to fevers, swollen jaws, mouth pus and more problems that can lead to life-altering habits, getting an infection drain from a dental abscess requires a treatment plan, as well as draining the entire blockage to get rid of any bacteria that is starting to grow in the mouth.

• Recurring Headaches: Headaches have been known to be caused by lifestyles and other causes, however, if you have chronic headaches it could mean that your mouth and teeth are the underlying problems that are causing the chronic headaches. Seeing a dentist can keep you the appropriate amount of treatment such as a mouth guard to help prevent grinding and constant jaw tension, which is a chronic headache cause.

In addition, if you also notice you are becoming more tired or if your mouth has a metal-like taste, this could indicate signs of infection or if one of your teeth becomes cracked. These are also indicators that can cause headaches to continue and become problematic for those who are experiencing them. Seeing a dentist right away can give you the treatment that has proven to fix these problems instantly.

When Is The Right Time To Call The Emergency Dentist?

There are many indicators to understand when the right time to call a dentist. Any of the signs mentioned above, calling a dentist this is possible can help eliminate the underlying issue sooner rather than later. Other examples are if any over-the-counter pain relievers do not help relieve any tooth pain, calling the dentist could potentially help you save your teeth and your health. If you have knocked out a tooth, for another example, a dentist has the ability to re-plant teeth into sockets professionally, avoiding futuristic problems that could occur. It is important to understand to not touch any damage to or avoid eating when a tooth is knocked out as it could damage the roots or cause the tooth to not be held be put back into the socket.

Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, if there are any signs, such as tooth pain, knocked out teeth, infections, or bleeding gums, it could mean that there are underlying issues that are the cause of the problem. Seeing an emergency dentist right away could help you save on money, time, and future problems that could affect your health and lifestyle.

Get A Healthy Smile With New Colgate Total Daily Repair Toothpaste #ColgateDailyRepair

Colgate has rolled out their latest toothpaste from their line of oral care products. Introducing, New Colgate Daily Repair Toothpaste. 

This special formula of toothpaste offers these benefits: 

• Repairs early teeth and gum damage
• Strengthens teeth by re-mineralizing weakened enamel
• Fights plaque to keep gums healthy

Helps prevent:

• Plaque
• Gingivitis
• Tartar Build-Up
• Cavities
• Bad Breath

I have been using Daily Repair for a week now and it works well, leaving my mouth feeling fresh and clean. I particularly like Colgate Total toothpaste because I experience a longer lasting freshness. Who wouldn't want that? The Colgate brand has been a part of my life since childhood. I can remember family members coming to America from Guyana (my birthplace) and referring to toothpaste as "Colgate". You can't go ever wrong with such a trusted brand!

Colgate Total Daily Repair just hit the stores this month and is available in 2 sizes-- 4.0 oz ($2.47-$2.97) and 5.8 oz ($3.47-$3.97) at most retailers nationwide.

To learn more about Colgate Total Daily Repair, you can check them out on their website and be sure to connect on Facebook and Twitter for product promotions and updates.

I received product samples for review. All opinions are 100% my own as always.

National Women's Health Week is May 10-16- Tips for staying healthy #NWHW

Did you know that Mother's Day kicks of the 16th annual National Women's Health Week? As women, especially moms, it is so important to take charge of our health. I am officially in my forties and have been staying active in keeping up with different areas that affect my overall health and well being. Regular doctor's visits, a healthy diet and exercise are a must as well as a good oral care regimen. I just went to my doctor last week to get labs done and learn the latest updates on my current health. It turns out that my vitamin D levels have dropped extremely low again. Normal levels are between 30-100 and mine was at 19. I'm so glad I met with my doctor and found this out. It explained a lot in regards to how I have been feeling lately. I can now take the steps necessary to get my levels back up so I can have the energy to do all that I have to each day. 

To inspire women to lead a healthier lifestyle, Colgate recommends women follow these small steps provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health:

1. Visit a doctor or nurse to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings. Schedule your annual well-woman visit on National Women’s Checkup Day, Monday, May 11. Use this time to discuss your health goals, concerns or questions.
2. Get active. Try to incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine. Walk or bike to work or park your car further away from your destination.
3. Eat healthy. Making healthier food choices can be as simple as using a smaller plate at meals to help control portions or choosing water instead of soda and other sugary drinks.
4. Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress. Try and set aside at least 15 minutes each day in your busy schedule to do something for yourself.
5. Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, texting while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet.

Be sure to follow Women's Health on Twitter  and Facebook for important updates and take the pledge to help take control of your health. As women, we have to be strong and present for so many people, we must not forget about ourselves. Wishing you all a very Happy Mother's Day! xo

A Milestone with a Twist

My little one has been asking me since kindergarten when I think he will lose a tooth. All of his friends have already lost a few and he was getting impatient. He went for a dental cleaning and check up at the beginning of the school year and the dentist told him he had two loose teeth. That shocked us since his teeth seemed extremely rooted and did not budge if we attempted to wiggle them. About a week ago, I noticed he had two tiny teeth emerging from the bottom (the same ones the dentist said he would lose soon). I got so nervous because neither teeth were loose. I went ahead and jiggled and wiggled with a bit of force-- It was either that or call the dentist's office. That did the trick and within a few days, he finally lost his first tooth! He was super happy that the Tooth Fairy left him a dollar under his pillow. 

By the way, in case you didn't know, the string on the tooth attached to the door trick really works. My husband was determined to get the tooth out since it looked like it was hanging by a string. Sadly, I did not get to experience what William looks like with his first tooth missing. The new tooth is halfway in already. We are working on the second one and hope to have it out in the next week.

Have you ever had the experience of your child losing a tooth after the adult tooth started growing in?

How LISTERINE has helped make oral care easier for my family #MC #sponsored

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for LISTERINE. I received samples for this review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

You might recall a post I did last week about my family's struggles when it comes to oral care and how LISTERINE products can help. I wanted to follow-up with some thoughts since using the products for a couple weeks now. First of all, I am most impressed with my six year old son. Ever since he tried the SMART RINSE, he has become more interested in taking care of his teeth and mouth. He gives no trouble in the morning and night to brush and rinse. As a matter of fact, he reminds me that he needs to rinse. I think the fact that it is so easy and to dispense, makes it an enjoyable experience for him. He feels like such a big boy pouring his rinse into a cup and being able to swish and spit without swallowing. He also makes it a point to smile and show off his pearly whites. This makes me so happy since he doesn't always brush properly to remove all of the extras that might be lingering in his mouth. The LISTERINE SMART RINSE gives added peace of mind. And I just love fresh kisses at bedtime. If you have a little one, I really do recommend this product.

I am really loving the LISTERINE® HEALTHYWHITE GENTLE Sodium Fluoride Anticavity Mouthrinse and the Gentle Gum Care Dental Floss. I like that I can enjoy the benefits of having a clean and fresh mouth, with added whitening, but without the burn of some mouth rinses. I have noticed the whitening more with using it twice a day. I will have to check my local wholesale club to see if I can buy it in a bulk size. I'm also really pleased with the Gentle Gum Care Dental Floss since it is really super gentle on my aging gums.

We plan to continue using LISTERINE oral care products to help keep our mouths healthy. Be sure to check out the LISTERINE website to find retailers of where to buy products. Check out their YouTube page as well.

Does your family sometimes struggle with keeping up good oral care habits? Do you have a favorite LISTERINE oral care product? Feel free to leave any tips or advice in the comments.

LISTERINE Healthy Oral Care for the entire family #sponsored #MC

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for LISTERINE. I received samples for this review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

We are so busy these days with school, sports, activities, work—the list goes on! One thing I have to make the extra effort with is making sure my family takes good care of their teeth and gums. It is especially hard with a very busy six year old boy. I think he is the biggest challenge of all. It’s hard enough to get him to brush properly, so when you factor in flossing and rinsing, I am almost ready to give up. My son has been using a fun new toothbrush that has a light-up timer to ensure that he brushes for a full two minutes. It has really helped and I feel like I don’t have to monitor the time anymore. He still has quite a bit of spacing between his teeth, so the only place he really needs flossing is in the back. Oh my, it’s so hard to get him to cooperate with that! Luckily, I received some oral care samples from LISTERINE® to help us out.

Did you know that they make dental floss for sensitive gums? LISTERINE® Gentle Gum Care Dental Floss offers gentle cleaning for sensitive gums and is perfect for my son since I have to assist with flossing. I don’t have to be afraid that I will tear into his gums. The floss has a cushioned feel to it.

Another area we have trouble with is having a mouth wash that he can handle. I really love the LISTERINE® SMART RINSE® featuring the Avengers on the bottle. Since my son is on a Superhero kick, this was perfect! It’s very easy to dispense and he likes the taste of it. It’s not too strong for his sensitive little mouth and he says his mouth feels fresh. He still has to swish the rinse twice since he can’t handle the entire amount at one time. His mouth is still pretty small. I’m really pleased to have products that work well for him. I hope he will continue his healthy oral care habits and eventually be a lot more independent.

Another product that my husband and I absolutely love is the LISTERINE® HEALTHYWHITE GENTLE Sodium Fluoride Anticavity Mouthrinse. I am not a big fan of overly strong, mediciney tasting mouth rinse. Not only is this rinse mild, it also freshens with a lasting effect. Being coffee drinkers, the whitening formula is perfect for us. After just a few uses, we have both seen a difference in our smile. We plan to continue using LISTERINE oral care products to help keep our mouths healthy. Be sure to check out the LISTERINE website to find retailers of where to buy products. Check out their YouTube page as well.

Does your family sometimes struggle with keeping up good oral care habits? Do you have a favorite LISTERINE oral care product? Feel free to leave any tips or advice in the comments.

FIREFLY Light-Up Timer Toothbrush- A great "treat" for Halloween

Now that we are in October, it is officially Halloween month and kids are getting geared up for some ghoulish fun. The stores are lined with sweets and treats. Parents are probably making dental appointments right now (haha). I have always been the type to give my kids both sweet and non-edible treats for Halloween. I think you would be surprised how well a non-edible treat can go over with little ones. Take for example this Firefly Ready Go Brush Light Up Timer toothbrush-- Just from the looks of it, kids will be intrigued. 

These cute little toothbrushes have a nifty light-up timer that goes for one minute increments. It starts as a green light, then yellow and ends with red. Once the light goes off, this is the perfect time for your child to rinse and then restart the toothbrush for the second minute. Which kid wouldn't want to see a flashing light while brushing their teeth? My little guys loves it so much that he volunteers to brush his teeth without being told. I say that it is a big win! Firefly toothbrushes are super affordable (way less that other brands) and come in a variety of colors and themes.

They are a great idea as a different Halloween treat for any child! Anything to get my kid to brush for the amount of time he needs is a great thing. Hmm, I think the adults in my house would love one too :)

Be sure to like Firefly on Facebook and follow on Twitter for product updates and promotions.

I received product samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 

Kiss My Face Oral Care for Kids

I received a sample tube of Kiss My Face Kids Toothpaste without Fluoride to test out. I love that the tube reads, "Obsessively Natural Kids" on top. My husband has been researching natural brands of health and beauty products, especially for little William.

I have to admit, the first time William tried this toothpaste, he didn't like it. It took him about 3 or 4 brushings for him to get used to it. He has been using it for about 6 weeks now and has no complaints. I am happy to find something that I feel good about him using. 

Kiss My Face Kids Berry Smart Toothpaste

·         Cleans teeth and gums naturally

·         Cranberry, aloe and tea tree extracts promote a healthy mouth

·         A berry flavor kids will love

·         Available with and without fluoride

·         $5.95 for 4 oz

You can find Kiss My Face oral care products at Whole Foods, Natural Supermarkets and at Kissmyface.com. I have even seen some of the product line at my local Publix supermarket.  Be sure to connect with Kiss My Face on Facebook for product updates and information. 

Have a #SweetHalloween with Crest and Oral-B

This post was created in partnership with Crest & Oral-B as part of the #SweetHalloween Program.
It's that time of year again... Halloween! Many families have already been to parties, carnivals and trick-or-treat events. Of course the candy is overflowing and kids (parents, too) are indulging. We went to a trick-or trunk event at my daughter's school and we came home with tons of candy. Can you imagine Halloween without candy? Check out this super quick and cute video of how these kids react to the Halloween "treats" they are given. 

I know I would never deprive my children of candy at Halloween, within reason. With all of the sugary confections that they partake in, Crest Pro-Health has a great line of oral care products to keep our teeth clean and healthy. Check out the goodies I received from Crest and Oral-B.

You can click here for some great money saving coupons towards Crest products.

I wish you all a very safe and #SweetHalloween :) 

Dental Tips for Children

Tooth decay affects children in then US more then any other chronic infections disease. Untreated tooth decay causes pain and infections that may lead to problems, such as eating, speaking, playing learning. Luckily there are things you can do to protect your child’s teeth. Dr Pankaj Singh, CEO of Arch Dental, answers parents’ most pressing oral health questions.

 · When should you start brushing your kids teeth? - As soon as the first tooth comes in you should be wiping down your kids mouth with a damp cloth. Switch to a soft kids size toothbrush as more teeth come in.

 · How much toothpaste should they use? What kind? – Just a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste will do the trick. Don’t use fluoride toothpaste until your kid is over 2. Stick to a pea-sized amount, kids who swallow too much fluoride before the age of 6 can have white spots on their permanent teeth! There are tons of flavors, from bubble gum to watermelon.

 · Do you need a fluoride supplement? - Probably not, especially if your water has fluoride. If you have city water, you can check your water districts billing statement for the utilities contact info. If you have well water you can have it tested at a lab; local health districts often have testing capabilities. Always check with your dentist or pediatrician about your kids fluoride needs before giving a supplement.

 · What are dental sealants? Should my kid get them? – Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from tooth decay. Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs on these surfaces. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces by keeping germs and food particles out of these grooves. They are best for permanent teeth – they should be applied shortly after the permanent back teeth come in, before they have a chance to decay. They last 5-10 years and should be checked by your dentist at your regular visit.

 · What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out? - Find the tooth and rinse it gently in milk or saliva. (Do not scrub it or clean it with soap, use just water!) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water. Get to our office immediately. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

 · What if my child has a toothache? - Call your dentist promptly. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.

Dr. Singh, Clinical Director at Arch Dental Associates 

About Dr. Singh: Dr. Pankaj Singh is an innovator, educator, author and pioneer in the field of dentistry. With experience spanning over 15 years, Dr. Singh is a world-renowned dentist who’s taking the industry by storm. The founder and Clinical Director of Arch Dental Associates, Dr. Singh specializes in dental implants, sedation and restorative dentistry, dental sleep medicine and facial aesthetics. In addition to overseeing his three premier New York dental practices in Manhattan, Huntington and Garden City, Dr. Singh is an attending doctor and serves as Attending Faculty at LIJ/NS University Hospital in the Department of Dental Medicine and Oral Surgery. He is an editor of "Journal of Oral Implantology" and on the editorial board of various other publications. He has also served as associate professor in the International Dental Program at NYU College of Dentistry and is a past board examiner of the American Board of Oral Implantology.

Brie's braces

Let me tell you something~ Teenage girls are the WORST beings on earth to photograph. No photo is pleasing to them. Then again I feel the same way about myself. Okay, well here is the updated photo of Brie with her braces. She continues to do well and I am so mesmerized by how quickly her teeth are shifting! I'm not sure if this is all in my mind but it seems as if her confidence has boosted a bit since getting the braces. I am also in such disbelief at how mature my baby girl is getting. She goes to high school next year :( I guess at least she will have straight teeth before junior year. She's so excited!

Clenching, biting and grinding at night

Some of us clench, bite or grind our teeth at night while we are asleep and are not even aware of it. I have been noticing that for the past few months I have been waking up to having my teeth clenched down tightly. It really has been even worse in the past few weeks. I don't even know why I do it. I found out that I am a clencher from a dental visit last year. The dentist asked me if I grind my teeth and I knew I didn't since my husband would know since he sleeps next to me every night. She told me that I clench since my teeth showed signs of it. Honestly, if she never said anything then I might still be completely oblivious to it. This really concerned me so I thought I would do some research of my own to get some idea of why the heck I am doing it. It turns out that it is very common and can be triggered by stress, anxiety or even restlessness. I don't have any of these problems so it still puzzles me. I was reading on Facebook the other day about a friend who grinds her teeth so badly at night that she fears she will become toothless. My daughter told me that one of her friends bites the insides of her cheeks at night and wakes up to a bloody mouth each morning. So it appears that so many people do it and I am not alone. Last night I purposely kept my mouth open a bit and tried to catch myself in the act of clenching down. I don't know if it will help me to reverse my problem but I am sure am aware of when I do it. There may come a day that I will be forced to sleep with a night guard. I think I will address it with my dentist on my next appointment that is coming up in a couple months.

Question: Do you or someone you know have a problem with clenching, biting or grinding their teeth at night? If so did you have a particular solution that worked to remedy this problem?

Brie's braces update

It has been almost 2 months since Brie got her braces and I am happy to report that things are going very well. It's going way better than we thought. She adjusted really quickly to them and feels like having them is just normal now. She has figured out what she can and can't eat and methods to make eating certain things a bit easier. The only real issue she has had so far is a bit of pain from the pressure of her teeth moving. It is amazing to see just how much her teeth have moved already! Our schedules have not been coinciding for me to snap a photo but I am sure I can pin her down some time soon and sneak one in. Brie has done really well with the extra teeth brushing and longer flossing time. It takes longer but she knows how important it is throughout this process.

On her last orthodontist visit she asked the technician how many colors she could get for her rubber bands. She was told she can get as many as she wanted. Of course she requested rainbow. My girl loves her colors!!

New Braces!

Finally, Brie got her braces! She has had them on for about 4 days now and is doing really well. I think the key is to not let other people's 'stories' influence you too much and make it a negative experience. I think it was way easier than we expected but we have a long 3 years and some oral surgery to go. She is already planning the colors of the little bands for the next 3 months and seems to like having them. I am impressed with all of the extra time she is taking to keep her braces and teeth extra clean. Thankfully she has accepted the fact that she has to give up a few of her favorite snacks and foods. She is still able to eat fairly well so let's hope it stays this way!

I will try to post a photo each month to show the progress her teeth will make.

Quick update...

Wow, it's been a while since I last posted. I have been living in the moment with the family being home so the computer has not been a priority. I took Brie to see an orthodontist yesterday for a consultation about getting braces. The doctor said she will have to wear them for 3 years because she has some interesting things going on with her chompers. One thing she has done for years is chew her tongue. How she does that and enjoys it is beyond me but it is her source of comfort since I took the pacifier away from her when she was 3 months old. She also chews when she is excited or concentrating. William is trending to be in the same boat as Brie since he is also a tongue chewer. Well Brie will be getting her braces on Thursday and she is so excited. There will be some oral surgery she will have to get in a few months that will help correct a tooth that is growing where it shouldn't. She will be going through a lot for the next few years but I am so sure it will be worth it when she has the awesome smile she will be so proud of. We are all so happy for her. Oh, they are going to cost a fortune. Seriously we could buy a car with that kind of money. She is worth it though :)

Does anyone have any advice for someone getting braces?