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Dentists rely on x-rays or radiographs to assess a patient’s oral health.  X-rays are essential to the early detection and treatment of not just cavities, but such serious health conditions as bone infections and oral cancer.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants and is used to sweeten sugar free gum and mints. But it is not just a low calorie sweetener – it is also a cavity fighter.

Oral cancer can develop at any time. It is important to know what to look for and to tell your dentist or physician right away if you have any concerns.

Bad breath originates in your gums and tongue. It is caused by waste from bacteria, decayed food particles and poor oral hygiene. It can also occur in people with systemic conditions such as a medical infection, diabetes, kidney failure or a liver malfunction.

When it comes to a healthy mouth, balanced nutrition is our best friend! Many people are already familiar with the negative connection between dietary sugar and cavities, but less discussed is the positive connection between a nutritious diet and a healthy mouth. Here we will discuss aspects of a balanced and nutritious diet that can help strengthen teeth and gums.

 “Baby teeth just aren’t that important.”  FALSE, I want to scream, but I don’t.  Baby teeth are very important for a growing child in many ways.

Until just recently, the medical field was not recognizing the oral cavity as a part of the human body. When you had your check ups growing up, the doctor would ask you to “open wide” and look at your throat, bypassing the mouth. Now it has become clear that the mouth is a very important part of your body.

How can you tell if you are hitting the mark when it comes to good oral care?  Generally your teeth and gums should not be painful, feel rough or sharp to your tongue, or bleed.  Your breath should be fresh for at least a couple of hours after brushing.  The best measure of how well you are doing is what your hygienist and dentist report to you at your checkups.

There are toothpastes on the market that control tartar buildup, remove stain, desensitize teeth, bleach or whiten and offer cavity protection with fluoride. The above types of toothpastes are not for everyone.

If you have dental insurance, there are three important facts you need to know.

Fact 1: No plan is a pay all plan.

Most dental insurance is designed to help with routine dental care.  Coverage varies quite a bit from insurance company to insurance company and plan to plan within each company in terms of what procedures are covered, the percentage covered for each procedure and the maximum yearly benefit.

Some people complain about the cost of dental care. With employers offering reduced dental insurance coverage, patients want to know what they can do to cut down on out-of-pocket expenses. There are several simple ways to cut costs without sacrificing your dental well-being. In fact, these tips can also help you live a longer, healthier life.