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Dentists

All articles tagged with #dentists

Floss First, Then Brush: Dentists Explain the Optimal Dental Routine
health1 month ago

Floss First, Then Brush: Dentists Explain the Optimal Dental Routine

Dentists say flossing before brushing is generally the best order because it removes debris between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, allowing fluoride from toothpaste to cover more surfaces for stronger enamel and healthier gums. If you floss after brushing, do it thoroughly—consistency matters more than order. Nightly flossing helps maintain oral health and may reduce risks to overall health, with traditional floss being effective and alternatives like floss picks or water flossers also useful. Regular dental visits remain essential for long-term oral and overall health.

Dentists Reveal Top 6 Foods and Drinks to Avoid for Healthy Teeth
health1 year ago

Dentists Reveal Top 6 Foods and Drinks to Avoid for Healthy Teeth

Dentists warn that certain foods and drinks can harm dental health, potentially leading to cavities and tooth fractures. Citrus fruits, ice, sticky candies, bread, crackers, soda, energy drinks, and coffee are particularly damaging due to their acidity, sugar content, or hardness. To promote good dental health, dentists recommend consuming crunchy vegetables, apples, celery, and cheese, which can help clean teeth and neutralize acids. Additionally, maintaining oral hygiene through brushing, flossing, and using pH-alkaline rinses or xylitol gum can further protect teeth.

"Revamped Guidelines for Dental Pain Management Emphasize NSAIDs"
health2 years ago

"Revamped Guidelines for Dental Pain Management Emphasize NSAIDs"

Dentists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine are advocating for a shift in pain management, emphasizing the use of acetaminophen and NSAIDs as the first line of treatment for young dental patients instead of opioids. New guidelines from the American Dental Association support this approach, aiming to reduce the risk of opioid misuse and overdose, particularly among adolescents. The focus on over-the-counter medications and the elimination of just-in-case opioid prescriptions reflect a broader effort to address the impact of opioid use on individuals and families.

The Controversial Rise of Infant Tongue Surgeries
health2 years ago

The Controversial Rise of Infant Tongue Surgeries

The popularity of tongue-tie surgeries for infants has surged in recent years, driven by pressure on women to breastfeed. Lactation consultants and dentists have aggressively promoted the procedures, even for babies with no signs of genuine tongue-ties, despite limited evidence of their effectiveness. Serious complications are rare but can include pain, difficulty eating, and airway blockage. The tongue-tie boom has raised concerns among pediatricians, who warn of over-diagnosis and unnecessary procedures. The tongue-tie industry operates with little oversight, with few regulations for lactation consultants and dental boards rarely suspending dentists' licenses.

The Controversial Practice of Tongue Tie Surgery on Infants
health2 years ago

The Controversial Practice of Tongue Tie Surgery on Infants

Dentists and lactation consultants are increasingly promoting "tongue-tie releases" as a solution for breastfeeding difficulties, despite limited evidence of their effectiveness and potential risks. The procedure involves cutting the tissue that attaches the tongue to the bottom of the mouth, and sometimes also the tissue connecting the lips and cheeks to the gums. While some families report positive outcomes, pediatricians have expressed concerns about the over-diagnosis and overuse of tongue-tie releases, with some babies experiencing serious complications. The tongue-tie industry operates with little oversight, and the lack of regulation allows for the proliferation of potentially unnecessary procedures.

"Expert Guide: How to Identify Mouth Cancer Symptoms"
health2 years ago

"Expert Guide: How to Identify Mouth Cancer Symptoms"

The shortage of dentists in the UK has led to a rise in mouth cancers being detected too late, according to the charity Oral Health Foundation. Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection, but 90% of NHS dentists surveyed last year were not accepting new adult patients. Mouth cancer has a high cure rate if caught early, but unfortunately, half of new diagnoses in the UK are detected late. It is important to be aware of symptoms such as unhealing mouth ulcers, persistent lumps or swelling, red or white patches, numbness, loose teeth, and chronic sore throat. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, and HPV can increase the risk of mouth cancer, but almost half of cases are preventable.