When someone thinks of the disadvantages of having dentures it is hard not to think of the stereotypical old man loosing his "champers" into his bowl of soup or having a toddler shriek with horror after finding the dentures floating in a cup next to the sink.   Whatever denture wearer fears you have, you can make sure that they do not become reality.  There are ways to prevent the need for dentures later in life by doing what it takes to keep your teeth healthy now!

1.    Proper diet full of calcium - Calcium is a huge contributor to dental health.  Calcium is just as important for your teeth as it is for your bones.  In a person of good health 99% of calcium goes straight to reinforcing bones and teeth.  The other 1% is stored in the blood and used for muscle regulation.  When someone does not have enough calcium, the body withdraws stored calcium from the bones to make sure that the blood has enough calcium to perform its function.  When teeth are robbed of necessary strength, they become brittle and weak.  Broken teeth become more difficult to fix as one ages (due to previous breaks, slower healing, etc.) and sometimes the only option is to replace the tooth with a denture. 

2.    Brushing and flossing - When you brush and floss your teeth regularly you are cleaning away the potential for needing dentures.  Cleaning your teeth is needed in order to wash away the plaque that forms on teeth.  Plaque provides a nice adherent surface for tartar.  Tartar is bad because it eats away at the enamel (or protective layer) of your teeth and will eventually cause cavities to form.  When cavities exist the strength of the tooth is compromised because a cavity is really deterioration.  Too many cavities over many years can wear your teeth down so much that there is no longer health tooth for the filling to adhere to and dentures must be worn instead.

3.    Regular dentist's visits - regular dental visits (twice a year) not only provide you with a teeth cleaning that you can not do on your own (dentists and hygienists use special tools to remove plaque above and below the gum line) but they are also important in the early detection of diseases.  Periodontal disease can be caught and treated in its earliest stages by your dentist.  As part of your individualized care, your dentist is most aware of your particular dental needs and can council you on specific things that you can do to improve your dental situation.  In addition, most insurance companies also recognize the benefits of regular preventative dental care and will cover these costs completely.  So really, there is no reason not to see your dentist as often as you should.

4.    Avoid injury use mouth guard - Many times those who wear dentures do not have to do so because of poor hygiene or excessive candy eating.  Many people loose teeth that cannot be replaced because of an accident or injury.  This is why it is a good idea to wear a protective mouth guard while engaging in any potentially dangerous athletic event.  When we are young, many of us have an attitude of invincibility.  Unfortunately, even the healthiest of teeth are susceptible to injury.  Although many times a broken tooth can be fixed, there are those time when the injury is permanent and an artificial tooth (or teeth) is needed.

5.    Do not smoke of otherwise use tobacco - If you want to get on the fast track to destroying your teeth, start or keep smoking.  Research shows that those who are long-time smokers have up to three times as many dental problems as those who do not smoke.  This includes periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease has connection with heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems and complications with low-birth weight babies.  Smoking is the worst thing that you can do if you want to prevent the need for dentures later in life.

For many people, the effects of aging, coffee, or other factors have taken a toll on the shade of their teeth. However, it's not just aging or not enough brushing that can lead to yellowed or stained teeth - food stains the teeth as well.

As a general rule, the same foods that stain your clothes will also stain your teeth. That's not to say that eating a blueberry will cause your teeth to turn permanently blue. Rather, the colors will cause the teeth to gradually darken or yellow. Some of the most common liquids and foods that stain the teeth include:

    Dark beverages. This includes sodas like colas and root beer and the two worst things for staining teeth, coffee and tea. Red wine is also an offender.
    Berries and berry juice. Included in this group is not only berries such as strawberries and blueberries, but grape juice and cranberry juice as well.
    Sauces such as soy sauce, tomato sauce and paste, and balsamic vinegar.

In order to reduce that amount of staining from your teeth, you should limit the amount of staining beverages and foods you consume. Or, you can substitute them for water and lighter foods and drinks, like grapefruit and grapefruit juice, white grape juice, ginger ale, white wine vinegar, and olive oil.

If you can't bear to give up your favorite beverages and foods, use a straw to drink darker cold beverages (never use a straw with hot drinks like coffee and tea). Always brush and floss your teeth as soon as possible after eating or drinking things that can stain your teeth. If that's not possible, chew sugar-free whitening gum.

What to do if your teeth are already stained
If your teeth are already stained from consuming these types of foods and drinks, there are a number of options you have for whitening stained teeth, including:

Whitening strips
These types of strips are good for teeth that are not severely stained or discolored. They come in a variety of brands and strengths and amount of time you spend applying them. Typically, you put them on twice a day from anywhere between 3 days to 14, with results noticeable after several days. These products contain peroxide, which will help to whiten the teeth to some degree (more than toothpaste but less than a dentist's visit). The results typically last at least six months.

Bleaching
With this procedure, the patient visits the dentist, who has impressions of your mouth taken. These impressions are then used to make a custom-made tray designed to fit your teeth exactly. From there, a bleaching gel is put in the tray and worn for an hour or two each day. Because the bleaching gel is a high concentration, results can be seen within a few days. However, it usually takes a couple of weeks to see full results. Bleaching whitens teeth about 6 shades lighter than before the process began.

There are a number of foods and drinks that discolor teeth, but with proper care or by avoiding them altogether, your teeth don't have to be discolored by food and drink.

Everything changes when you're pregnant.  You must no limit some of your formerly mundane activities, watch your diet, refrain from riding roller coasters and visit the doctor every few weeks.  Life goes on, of course.  You're pregnant, not sick (at least we hope that you're not sick).  And your teeth still need attention even when you're pregnant. 

Many women think that they should not get dental work done at all while their pregnant or that they should at least wait until the second trimester. 

However, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that pregnant women eat a balanced diet, brush their teeth thoroughly with an ADA accepted fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, floss at least once a day and schedule regular dental visits and periodic professional teeth cleanings.  Keep a regular cleaning schedule at home, as well as at the dentist's office. 

If you have not been seen for regular checkups, now is a good time to schedule an appointment.  It is often common for a pregnant woman's gums to bleed more easily during pregnancy; don't worry.  This is normal.  However, having your teeth cleaned more frequently may help with the bleeding.  Many women also experience morning sickness when they are pregnant.  With this comes vomiting and nausea.  The acids found in vomit can be very damaging to your teeth.  This is yet another reason why you should see a dentist while pregnant.  It is also important to see your dentist regularly, as gum disease has been linked to preterm birth. 

When you're pregnant, you should, however, avoid elective dental treatment such as routine dental X-rays.  If you have a dental emergency due to dental pain or an accident, an X-ray may be necessary.  If this occurs, be sure to have your dentist consult your obstetrician.  Also avoid teeth whitening treatments and bonding, especially during the first trimester.  Local anesthetic and X-rays should be used conservatively during the first trimester. 

There can be advantages and disadvantages to getting dental work done while you're pregnant.  Some insurance companies cover more dental procedures while you're pregnant than when you're not pregnant.  This may allow you to have procedures done on your teeth that you would not normally have been able to afford.  One disadvantage is that the use of pain medication while you're pregnant must be limited (no heavy narcotics for the pregnant women!).  So many women are only able to take Tylenol for the lingering pain of dental work. 

If you are worried about visiting a dentist while pregnant, simply talk to your obstetrician.  S/he will be able to calm your fears and properly inform you of the risks or benefits involved in dental work while pregnant. 

Remember that you're not the only one who needs dental care.  Your baby needs proper dental care from birth on.  Take care not to share spoons, forks and other utensils with babies.  The saliva you leave on the utensil contains bacteria that can cause tooth decay.  Also, if you bottle feed, be sure not to put your baby to bed with a bottle of juice, milk, formula or other sugary liquid.  Tooth decay can occur much more easily while these liquids stay in the mouth.  Finally, keep your baby away from second hand cigarette smoke.  Tobacco smoke may contribute to the development of tooth decay and gum disease. 

Dentists and oral health professionals recommend that you get your teeth cleaned twice a year (once every six months).  It is, however, important to point out that these semiannual appointments are not just for cleanings.  Regular dental visits also provide you and your dentist to evaluate your dental health and catch potentially dangerous infections and bacteria before more serious illness occurs. 

A tooth cleaning on a semiannual basis is important in making sure that the health of your teeth remains in good condition.  In six month's time, buildup from plaque and bacteria can usually be caught before more serious damage in caused.  For example, the buildup of plaque can form into tartar.  There is no way to remove tartar at home, a dentist or dental hygienist must use special tools to remove the plaque.  In six months, a well maintained mouth cannot build up the amount of plaque and tartar needed to cause irreparable damage to teeth.  Allowing this buildup to go untreated for an extended period of time would result in a need for more dramatic oral intervention and treatment. 

Insurance costs
Even insurance companies recognize the preventative powers of semiannual dentist visits.  Most dental companies who would otherwise only cover about 50 percent of dental work usually cover the entire cost of preventative care.  The insurance company knows that if they provide the patient with an incentive to see the doctor as regularly as necessary, they will have to pay out less in expensive dental repairs down the road.  Dental insurance is different from health insurance in that as the cost and severity of the dental work needed escalates so too do your co-pays.  The more neglectful that you are with your oral health, the more you will have to pay for it out of your own pocket. 

Periodontal and other diseases
In a study done by the ADHA it was found that 75 percent of Americans have periodontal disease and don't even know it.  In its initial stages it is reversible but if left untreated it can lead to oral cancer, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory ailments and pre-mature low birth-weight babies.  The key to this is the phrase, "if left untreated." Semi-annual cleanings are in some way like screenings for any other kind of disease or cancer that you would like to prevent.

Many of the most deadly diseases can result from an infection that started in the mouth and spread to another part of the body.  In most cases the relationship between these diseases and oral health can be treated and a disease, as a result from the mouth, can be successfully treated.  Would you miss an opportunity to be screened and treated for something that could potentially kill you?  Most would agree that however inconvenient and uncomfortable it is to visit the dentist, the consequences of not doing so are far worse. 

First clues of improper cleaning and poor dental care
If you are concerned about your dental health and have experienced any of the below symptoms, you may have reason to worry about periodontal disease.  Seeing your dentist as soon as possible can result in valuable treatment options that can not only save your smile but also your life.

    Swollen/tender gums
    Pus around the teeth and gums
    Tooth loss or loose/separating teeth
    Pain and sensitivity
    Bleeding gums
    A change in the way your teeth fit together (i.e. when you bite down or wear dentures)

Many times, parents will make the mistake of waiting until their children start school or have a full set of baby teeth before taking them to the dentist. But experts actually recommend that children visit the dentist much earlier than that.

Most dental experts recommend you take your children to the dentist when their first tooth comes in, usually between six months and a year of age. This is important for a number of reasons, the main one being prevention. Surprisingly enough, dental decay and problems can begin in infancy. Even though you can't see the teeth, they're still there - babies are born with about 20 baby teeth formed in the jaw. Your child's dentist will discuss with you the best ways to prevent decay in baby teeth, including a common condition called bottle mouth. This occurs when children are put to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. The sugars in these liquids can lead to decay in baby teeth.

On your child's first visit, the dentist will conduct an abbreviated exam while your baby sits on your lap. The dentist will teach you how to care for your child's baby teeth. This may include running a damp washcloth over your baby's teeth after nursing or bottle feeding to prevent the build-up of bacteria in the mouth and on the gums, or using a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush the baby teeth. Your child's first trip to the dentist will probably also include:

?    Providing you with a program of preventative care for your child, including how to brush and floss, as well as the importance of diet.
?    A risk assessment for cavities. Generally, children who drink a lot of juice, as well as children whose parents have had cavities, are at a higher risk. Your child's dentist will assess the risk and recommend ways to prevent cavities.
?    Information about finger, thumb and pacifier habits and how the affect your child's dental health
?    General information about the child's teeth growth and development

In addition, the dentist will answer any questions you may have.

Picking the right dentist
You will not want to take your child to your own dentist for his or her first check-up. Rather, it's important that you take your child to a pediatric dentist. A pediatric dentist is one who specializes in caring for children's teeth and preventing dental problems. They have extensive training in dental school working with children exclusively.

When looking for a pediatric dentist, ask for recommendations from friends or neighbors. Before taking your child to the dentist, ask about their policy on first visits (some dentists have an age limit and won't see children under a year). You may also want to ask how long they've been in practice and make sure they are in good standing with the American Dental Association.
Proper dental care begins in infancy. Your child's first trip to the dentist should begin before his or her first birthday and will put him or her on the road to proper dental care throughout life.

Most people are aware that they should be making and keeping regular visits to their dentist's office.  The American Dental Association has recommended that individuals receive preventative care twice a year.

A standard semiannual dental exam involves taking x-rays, receiving a thorough tooth cleaning and having your teeth examined by the dentist.  Dental examinations can reveal tooth decay and gum disease as shown in x-rays that would not have been visible to the naked eye.  Your dentist is also best suited to treat oral health issues early and thus prevent more serious problems that could result form oral neglect.   During the standard semiannual cleaning process the dentist or dental hygienist will also do a through cleaning of your teeth.  This cleaning is something that you will only be able to receive in your dentist's office.  Special tools are used to remove plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line.  Tartar that is left untreated will cause the gums to become irritated and inflamed.  Eventually this neglect will spread to other parts of the mouth and their body, causing an enormous amount of trauma.

Periodic examinations are essential and not just because of cavity detection.  Periodic examinations are needed to ensure the health of the entire mouth. A mouth that has been allowed to go unchecked over an extended period of time can become the breeding ground for a plethora of other health problems.  Infections that start in the mouth can eventually enter into the blood stream causing respiratory, heart and birth weight complications.

Among these possible infections and diseases that can result from neglecting your semi-annual dental visits is oral cancer.  Oral cancer kills nearly 30,000 Americans annually. Oral cancer is responsible for more deaths that prostate and ovarian cancer combined.  The mortality rates of oral cancer have not improved in the past 10 years and many experts are attributing this epidemic to the fact that too few people see their dentist as often as twice a year.  For whatever reason, individuals are not seeing their dentists as often as they need to despite the fact that with a simple exam oral health problems can be detected and treated early. 
According to the American Dental Association statistics, "one in ten patients have oral lesions that should be investigated, and of the one in ten who do have lesions, 2-3% are cancerous or pre-cancerous."
So you see, a visit to the dentist's office is much more involved than just making sure that you are cavity free.  It could actually save your life.  Many of the harmful diseases that can originate in the mouth can be easily treated if caught within that 6 month period.  Although for some the dentist's office is a scary place that evokes feelings of stress and anxiety, think of how much more anxiety you will feel if you find that your neglect in seeing the dentist has allowed for dangerous infections to grow and endanger your life.
Semiannual teeth cleaning and exams are just as important (of not more so) for children as for adults.  Did you know that the need for preventative care doubles from toddler age to adolescence?  Give your children a strong and healthy foundation for the rest of their lives by taking care of their oral health. 

Every time you go to the dentist it's always the same.  You walk in, tell the receptionist you've arrived and s/he hands you a stack of papers to fill out.  And they always say the same thing.  They ask for your name, personal information, address, contact information, and your medical history.  Honestly, why does the dentist care if your Grandma had cataracts in her left eye?  And why does it matter if you were once hospitalized for a concussion 4 years ago?  Why does the dentist ask all those questions about medical history?  It's not that important, is it?

Ah, but it IS important. 

First of all, your dentist needs to know your personal history (medical aspects aside) because any medical professional needs to be aware of your personal stats.  Knowing your weight, height and age tells your dentist certain things that should be expected in your oral health.  An overweight, middle aged man will have very different dental health than a young vegetarian.  Obviously, the dentist asks for things like your address and phone number for emergency and billing purposes. 

The most important reason that your dentist needs to know your medical history is in case of a medical emergency.  Imagine this: you're sitting in the dentist's chair, just about to have a minor cavity filled.  The dental assistant gives you a few shots of Novocain to numb the area that the dentist will be working on.  For a few moments everything is normal.  Then, all of a sudden, you go into convulsions, thrashing around, flailing your arms, and foaming at the mouth.  What the dentist didn't know was that you are severely allergic to Novocain.  If s/he had this piece of information, you would have been given a different form of pain killer and avoided a very dangerous situation. 

Another reason that your dentist needs to know your medical history is found in your current health conditions.  If you've recently gotten over cancer, your dental health is likely to be in a different condition than it would if you had never had cancer.  If you had seizures as a child but haven't had one in 10 years, your dentist needs to know that in case you suddenly go into a seizure again.  With this information your dentist will know how to react to each situation that may be thrown at him/her.  Without it, dangerous situations may be allowed to occur.

Fourthly, your dentist needs to know if you are or recently have been pregnant.  For example, if you are pregnant and have had morning sickness, you have probably been vomiting fairly frequently.  If this is the case, your teeth may appear in a much unhealthier state than would seem likely (it might look like you are bulimic).  The acid found in your stomach can seriously damage the enamel on your teeth.  Your dentist will need to use greater care when working on your mouth if you are pregnant. 

Finally, if your dentist needs to prescribe any pain killers or other form of medication, knowing your medical history is vital.  S/he will need to know any medications you are currently on and what they're for, so that s/he does not prescribe something that could interfere with your medicine.  Also, knowing your medical history will enable your dentist to know what types of medication you might be allergic to or what medications are the most or least affective. 

Everyone knows that you're supposed to get a yearly check-up with your family doctor to have a physical and just make sure that everything is functioning properly.  And most people actually go to the doctor every year.  What is less commonly known is that having a family dentist and having bi-yearly check-ups is just as important as seeing your family doctor.  Keep reading this article and you'll learn a few of the most important reasons why.

First of all, your family dentist, like your family doctor, knows your family.  S/he knows each member, knows their history, their personalities, their likes and dislikes, etc.  Your family dentist knows that you hate bubblegum toothpaste but love cinnamon.  S/he knows that you had a tooth knocked out in a hockey game two years ago.  Your family dentist knows if you have special requests when at the dentist.  S/he knows if you gag easily or if you are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.  S/he knows if you are highly tolerant to pain.  Your family dentist knows how much Novocain it takes to numb your nerves before filling a cavity.  S/he knows your oral hygiene habits and how to encourage you to improve them.  Like your family doctor, your family dentist is the best person to diagnose and treat any ailments you may have.

Having a family dentist eliminates all sorts of repetitious exams and questions.  Your family dentist knows your dental history.  S/he knows what kinds of work has been done on your teeth.  S/he knows how many cavities you've had filled.  S/he knows every centimeter of your mouth.  You family dentist has records of every procedure ever done on your teeth.  S/he knows what the best procedures to follow would be in each dental situation. 

Another benefit of having a family dentist is that s/he will be able to monitor the growth of your teeth (or degeneration, if you're older).  This will enable you to be prepared (mentally, physically and financially) for braces, implants, root canals, etc.  If you were to simply visit a random dentist, s/he would probably not be able to diagnose or prescribe the best treatments for your dental health.  This does not mean that this dentist is not a good one, but simply that s/he does not know you and the progress of your teeth.

One final benefit of a family dentist is that s/he knows your family's financial situation.  Perhaps money is not an issue for your family.  If that's the case, good job.  This paragraph is not for you.  But if you, like most of us in this world, have struggled for some period of time with your finances, having a family dentist who knows your family and your ability to pay will be greatly beneficial.  If you have always been a faithful bill payer, but some disastrous even occurs, your family dentist may be more understanding with your bills than a random dentist would be.

If you live in Kimberly, Wisconsin and are looking for a family dentist or simply want to change to a better dentist, Joseph C. Ferraro is the right choice to make!  Dr. Ferraro is an expert in the field of dentistry.  He is a specialist in implants and smile makeovers.  For more information, see the following paragraph.