If you lose teeth, you lose your memory

If you want to have an excellent memory when you are older, it is better to clean your teeth every day. And is that a study published in the European Journal of Oral Sciences reveals that if you lose your teeth, you will also lose your good memory.

The study, led by Patrick Hansson and Karin SunGard, involved 273 participants between 55 and 80 years old who had 22 teeth on average (ten less than a full dentition). The participants had to answer a series of memory tests.

After analyzing the results, scientists from Umea University and the University of Stockholm were able to verify that people with fewer teeth remembered less things.

The amount of teeth a person has is responsible for between 14% and 20% of the variation in memory, the authors told the Daily Mail.

People who had most of their teeth had a memory approximately 4% greater than those who did not. According to scientists, this may be because the nerve endings that innervate the jaw are connected to the hypothalamus, the brain area linked to memories.

As a second hypothesis, scientists question whether the action of chewing, which increases blood flow in the brain, could contribute to the phenomenon. Likewise, they think that the fact that people without teeth avoid certain foods could cause a little intake of vitamins, proteins and neurologically necessary calories.

Finally, the scientists conclude that brushing your teeth is a very good step to prevent dementia, since the bacteria in the mouth could well travel to the brain and cause inflammation and damage – another factor that links your mouth with your mind. Health, after all, is integral.

Orthodontic pain in adults

Does dental orthodontics produce pain in the mouth?

Orthodontics is a dental treatment that aims to correct the position of the teeth by placing devices that, through controlled pressure, achieve permanent displacements. In this way we get a configuration of our denture that improves in terms of functionality and aesthetics.

Orthodontic treatment that no pain of orthodontics, can occur after each visit to the orthodontist in which a readjustment of the dental device is made to gradually correct the position of the teeth. Said annoyance, which we insist no orthodontic pain usually lasts a few days. In addition we can classify them in two types:

  • Discomfort derived from the teeth moving: Fruit of the pressure exerted by the dental appliance of orthodontics there are patients who show some discomfort but in no case can we talk about the pain of orthodontics as something sharp and lasting during treatment. These discomfort that no orthodontic pain, usually disappear after a few days and occur mainly during chewing.
  • Disorders derived from chafing: Sometimes when introducing the orthodontic appliance (especially when it is done with brackets, the cheapest orthodontics) and this being an element that is “foreign to our body” may appear chafing that more than pain of Orthodontics must be classified as discomfort.

Is it normal for orthodontia to hurt or cause discomfort? 

It is completely normal to feel some discomfort when placing the orthodontics or after each of the readjustments that are made in the periodic reviews. Comfort is one of the factors to be taken into account when deciding between an orthodontics with brackets or invisible orthodontics. The discomfort due to the increased pressure of the appliance with the teeth, therefore you should not worry if this happens.

You should also bear in mind that these discomforts, which do not hurt the orthodontics, because they are not acute, tend to disappear with time and after 3 days from the moment of the placement of the devices or the readjustment of them should have disappeared.

Are there orthodontics that do not cause pain?

When performing an orthodontics there are many therapeutic alternatives that depending on aesthetic criteria and budget available for orthodontics in function will determine which is the most appropriate orthodontics. One of the factors to take into account when choosing an orthodontics or another is the discomfort that they cause.

Can the discomfort or “orthodontic pain” be minimized?

The discomforts are usually of short duration but in case you find them uncomfortable you can opt for these solutions that will help you cope with the so-called “orthodontic pain” during the brief days that this may occur.

  • Tension of the teeth: For this purpose, the use of an analgesic such as, for example, Paracetamol or Ibuprofen is recommended.
  • Roaders of the apparatuses: To fight them can use a special wax for orthodontics that reduces the annoyance until these are cured, which happens in a period of approximately 3 days. There are also alternatives such as invisible orthodontics that do not present this problem.

Summing up the annoyance or pain of orthodontics

As we have seen, orthodontic pain cannot be properly spoken, because it is of low intensity, it is more appropriate to classify it as discomfort. These are short-lived and disappear after 3 days. They can be mitigated during these three days and there are different orthodontic alternatives that have different characteristics in terms of “orthodontic pain”.

Keys to prevent mouth cancer

One of the recommendations is to avoid drinking very hot drinks or eating very hot foods in order to avoid irritation of the oral mucosa. Always eat food that is at a comfortable temperature for you, and that does not irritate the mucous membrane of the mouth.

The number of patients diagnosed with oral cancer, unfortunately, is growing day by day in our world. Therefore, it is extremely important to stay educated and try to apply all the rules for a healthy lifestyle and to know how to prevent this dangerous oral health condition.

In the first place, its biggest enemy is smoking. If you want to significantly reduce the chances of developing oral cancer, you must give up the bad habit. There are several very important medical studies available that clearly show that smoking is the highest risk factor for developing oral cancer.

So, it is already known that a balanced diet and one that is rich in vitamins, minerals and other valuable nutrients can do wonders for the cells of our body. While you eat healthy your appearance will be healthy and you will feel very well.

Reducing fat intake will help maintain the health of the arteries and cholesterol at extremely low levels. In order to prevent oral cancer, a diet that is rich in vitamin A, B, E and selenium is very important.

In order to avoid irritation of the oral mucosa, you should never drink very hot drinks or eat very hot foods. Always eat food that is at a comfortable temperature for you, and that does not irritate the mucous membrane of the mouth.

If you have to use braces or appliances for the teeth, make sure there is no edge that irritates the soft tissues of the mouth. Friction and tightness can be extremely damaging, so if the braces are not very comfortable for you, the orthodontist must make the necessary adjustments.

Good oral hygiene is essential. If you brush your teeth and floss regularly, you will always eliminate the harmful bacteria that cause the plaque and that can also cause other infections in the mouth. Also, if you go for regular checkups with the dentist, this will help make sure you have a healthy set of teeth and general oral hygiene.

A dentist can always detect if a rash exists and if it has a dubious prognosis, and will always be able to give you the best advice regarding your general dental hygiene.

Manual or electric brushes, which is better

Many people are not aware of how important it is to use an appropriate toothbrush. Generally, they opt for the cheapest option in the supermarket, because they think that all toothbrushes are the same, and they do not have a strong reason to invest in an electric model.

Although the use of a manual toothbrush is, of course, better than nothing, most oral health care professionals prefer that their patients use an electric toothbrush.

Many people who are recommended an electric toothbrush, want to know if the investment is really worth it. After all, not only are brushes more expensive, but you also have to buy replacement heads every few months.

Why change to an electric toothbrush?

Electric toothbrushes offer a wide variety of advantages.

These brushes do all the work for us. Many of them include a timer to ensure that the brushing lasts 2 full minutes, as well as a pressure indicator light to inform us that we are squeezing too much, and that possibly we are damaging the gums.

All you have to do is move the toothbrush from another tooth, whether you’re using Philips Sonic are toothbrushes that penetrate deep below the gum line, or the Oral-B brushes that swing from one side to another.

Since most people do not have time for mouth care, electric toothbrushes give us the opportunity to brush our teeth like professionals, reducing inflammation, eliminating plaque and minimizing hypersensitivity.

There are many dental problems that an electric toothbrush can help improve, including receding gums, the sensitivity of improper brushing, and gingivitis by not brushing your teeth.

Electric toothbrushes are also an excellent option for children, especially if they have dental appliances. Parents spend a lot of money on orthodontic appliances, but if children do not brush their teeth properly, they will end up without them.

Elderly people with dexterity or mobility problems can also benefit from electric toothbrushes. Many older people cannot move their hands the way they want, so if they use a manual brush, they are likely to leave plaque.

The electric version cleans their teeth by them, they only have to bring the head to the teeth, so that it can eliminate all the plaque and help prevent other dental problems.

Tips for choosing the best electric toothbrush

The price range of electric brushes is wide, from 20 to 200 dollars, obviously, each brush is different and has different characteristics and functions, and one version will be better for a particular oral need than another.

Most are concerned about the monetary cost. But keep in mind that electric brushes can rotate or vibrate 30,000 times per minute, while a manual model barely reaches 200 times.

Any tool that helps maintain the health of the mouth and teeth, is a worthwhile investment, since the price of an electric toothbrush, is only a fraction of what it costs a deep cleaning or orthodontics.

Many electric toothbrushes help eliminate tooth stains, which is a good option for people who really want a bright white smile. And even with this feature, these brushes are still soft with the gums.

Finding the right electric brush to our needs, which ensures a clean and fresh mouth, is the best way to understand the benefits of maintaining good oral health.

Its regular use will not only allow spatial appointments with the dentist, but we can also enjoy a healthier mouth, assessing everything that a dental care can offer us.

Some people do not like electric toothbrushes because they feel they are not as flexible as a manual toothbrush, smaller and lighter in size, very easy to move.

But the electrical options are very varied, and you can find small and light brushes, and very small heads, to clean up the most difficult areas of the mouth.

Actually, the choice of an electric model or another, depends on the oral needs you have. For example, if you have sensitive gums and teeth, it is best to opt for a soft bristle head and pressure sensor. If you want whiter teeth that have a whitening option, and if your problem is a large plaque buildup, the Sonics are the ones that remove the most plaque.

Prevention is better than cure

Although we have seen all the advantages of electric brushes, the important thing is to brush your teeth correctly, for two minutes, 3 times a day (or after each meal), without forgetting to floss, and to go to periodic check-ups with the dentist.

Meet and fight the 6 biggest enemies of oral health

The secret to having an impeccable oral health is simpler than you think.

You only have to visit the dentist at least twice a year, make a full and efficient mouthwash after meals and drink plenty of water. But for some people it is not so easy to maintain these habits, and that is where the enemies of the teeth and the mouth arise with greater ease.

Cavities

Caries is one of the most common dental diseases in the world. It originates when the bacteria in the mouth begin to convert the remains of food (which accumulate due to a failure of hygiene) into acids that erode the tooth. “The first signs of decay are white or brown spots that, if left untreated, can cause inflammation and pain.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is also quite common, gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that affects nine out of ten people. This fact is quite discouraging, since the main cause of this disease is poor brushing and poor oral hygiene.

Comprehensive dental examination

Halitosis

Bad breath affects around 40% of the population and can be caused by gum disease, stress, anxiety, an incorrect diet, low water consumption, systemic diseases or poor oral hygiene.

Thrush

Canker sores are common forms of ulcers (sores) in the mouth and are usually white or yellowish and quite painful.

Herpes

Cold sores are an infectious disease caused by a virus (HSV).

Dry mouth / xerostomia

The symptom of dry mouth (xerostomia) can be caused by a decreased salivary flow or by changing the composition of the saliva. Its causes can be autoimmune disorders (AIDS and lupus), hormonal disorders (diabetes and thyroid dysfunction), neuronal disorders (Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy), depression, the use of some medications (more than 500 medications can affect the salivary glands).

Hypersensitivity and cold

When temperatures fall, the days are shorter and our habits change, the meals are stronger, the stews are spoon-like, we eat hotter, and the snacks are sweeter and chocolate is plentiful, especially in children’s snacks.

Some people experience tooth pain simply by sucking in ambient air through their mouth, others by drinking (cold or hot) and some by drinking certain foods.

Hypersensitivity attacks any person; however, teeth whose gums are retracted (gingival recessions) are more vulnerable and teeth or teeth with large fillings or reconstructions are also prone to present greater discomfort.

Is there any way to avoid it?

The best is undoubtedly preventive, it is important not to have cavities, brush your teeth well three or four times a day, use dental floss and ultimately, take care of the integrity of the dental tissues and support them from an early age.

Visiting the dentist twice a year and applying fluoride in the growing age are good practices.

Avoid drinking drinks, broths or soups too hot; cold drinks also subject the teeth to thermal changes not very favorable, acids such as lemon, vinegar, tangerines, oranges, etc. They may be responsible for making your situation worse.

To brush your teeth with lukewarm water and to use a dentifrice rich in fluorine, potassium nitrate, potassium citrate or strontium chloride among other elements can be very useful, in the pharmacy you will find one that will help you to alleviate the discomfort.

In more serious cases, your dentist can put more durable varnishes or coatings that are sometimes necessary if the discomfort persists.

Orthodontics and oral hygiene, is your responsibility…

We all know that oral hygiene throughout life is a constant duty, teeth and gums will suffer deterioration naturally by the simple fact that the time passes as we are serving years and therefore using our chewing device several times a day if at any time you are a carrier of orthodontic appliances, the care must be greater, the orthodontic appliances are not causing cavities, however if the patient does not learn to remove the bacterial plaque that adheres to the brackets and the arches , with total security, that patient will have decalcifications, cavities and / or gingivitis.

There are times in which carries activity is greater, for example in childhood and adolescence, the youngest are big consumers of sweets, candies, chocolate cookies, industrial pastries and cereals with high sugar content, as well as ice creams and cakes .

At early ages, when parents should insist on good oral care, it is not enough to send the child to brush after eating, children teach by example, when they are young you have to use the fact of brushing your teeth as a more reason for family play.

Taking a weekly check of the oral hygiene of our children is a good method to calibrate the quality and frequency of brushing, in some children it will be necessary to establish a program of incentivized points, so that it receives a small prize every 7/10 days, provided that I have done well.

Using the plaque revealing tablet once a week for two months is a good way to get your brushing technique better and be able to understand the areas of your teeth and gums that are harder to keep clean.

Remember that the cause-effect relationship for good and bad, is very useful to teach our children all kinds of good habits, including taking care of their mouth.

Skeletal Class III, the eternal dilemma of treating it or not and with what devices.

Today we present the evolution of a skeletal class III case with mandibular deviation, slight asymmetry of it to the left. In the diagnosis we found that the deviation of the mandible could be functional due to maxillary compression and the patient is considered “bad grower” because his jaw has a body greater than normal for his age and sex (mandibular hyperplasia).

The protocol in unilateral cross bites is functional or not, is to proceed at an early age to correct the compression and if possible, the mandibular deviation, warning the parents that it can be a genetic deviation that, due to growth, can be presented again.

In cases of class III due to mandibular hyperplasia, it is also indicated to alter as little as possible the natural compensations that develop as the child grows. In many cases the case is more stable and both the deviation and excessive mandibular growth are more discreet if the position is respected that are naturally taking the teeth in jaws whose size is not compatible. A conservative treatment and respecting the biology is therefore sufficient in many cases to obtain a reasonably balanced result, it is indicated, once the maxillary compression has been corrected, to monitor the development of the dentition by means of annual visits to make control photographs and try to avoid occlusal interferences during tooth replacement.

In short, it is about monitoring bone growth and tooth replacement, trying not to alter them as much as possible. In many cases the inferior crowding is inevitable, it is important that the orthodontist or his parents do not fall into the temptation to correct it before the age of 21, since it is part of the natural compensations of class III, not to alter the compensatory occlusion is important so that the jaw stays as stable as possible.

It is advisable to review around 18 years if the wisdom teeth have space to erupt, if there is not enough space it is recommended that they be removed to avoid a bigger crowding, many professionals do not agree with this statement, in my experience, most of the patients without space who refuse to do so at the opportune moment, with the passage of time, crowding is inevitable.

In this case, the middle line remained centered at the end of the expansion and with the growth it deviated slightly again, its occlusion, even being class III molar, is acceptable and its facial aspect is very pleasant.

Class III patients with mandibular hyperplasia, who are kept under observation for so many years, can be treated once they are 21 years old and most of them are resolved with orthodontic treatment of camouflage, only a few become surgical. Orthopedics with chin rest is totally inadvisable.

Invisible orthodontic techniques

Lingual orthodontics or Invisalign

We started talking about the different methods proposed by both methods and one of the most important is that Lingual Orthodontics uses braces to achieve the correct alignment of the teeth while Invisalign uses removable aligners. In this way we can say that Lingual is a fixed method, the opposite of the Invisalign technique that is removable, being this way the only removable alternative that we find in all the orthodontics sector and those that opt ​​for this technique will be able to remove the aligners to carry out such daily actions as brushing teeth or eating.

As we have previously mentioned, both techniques fall into the category of Invisible Orthodontics, in the case of Invisalign it is easy to unite this concept since the aligners are transparent and will hardly be noticed. However, in the case of opting for Lingual Orthodontics we should know that they will be noticed even less than Invisalgn because the placement of the brackets will take place on the inside of the teeth, so they will not be visible to other people. Another advantage we find in Lingual Orthodontics is that the size of the brackets is smaller compared to the conventional technique and this translates into a much more comfortable process for the patient.

Regarding the results offered by both techniques we can highlight that both Lingual and Invisalign offer us excellent results, this being another reason why we should bet on any of these techniques. Finally we must also talk about the price of these methods and the first thing we can say about it is that the cost of Invisible Orthodontics is higher than the rest of techniques dedicated to correct the dental alignment, especially in the case of Lingual Orthodontics.

After knowing both the differences and the benefits offered by the most popular Invisible Orthodontic techniques, it is clear that we are facing alternatives to be taken into account due to their interesting offer: They respect dental aesthetics, are comfortable and assure us excellent results being compatible with patients of any age.

Incisive teeth, what are they for

The human teeth has four types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars and molars. We start with this post a serial in which we will address, one by one, those four modalities of dental pieces, their functions and their characteristics. And in this first, we will know which those of the incisors are.

Under normal circumstances, the teeth known as incisors are a total of 8, distributed equally in the lower and upper part of the denture. They are the ones that we locate in the central part of it.

They are the first teeth that come out and appear in our childhood when the milk teeth begin to erupt, and it is also normal that they are the first ones of the definitive teeth. They have only one root.

Popularly, the incisors are also known as paddles or simply shovels.

What is the function of the incisors? Each type of tooth has an assigned function; and in the case of the incisors it is clear: cut the food that we take to the mouth in smaller pieces, with the intention of facilitating its function to other pieces for the sake of an adequate mastication and subsequent assimilation of the food. That’s why they have sharp features and are the longest teeth in our teeth.

Although it is not a function that can be attributed directly to the incisors because of our condition as humans, this type of teeth, and because of its aforementioned sharp and cutting characteristics, can serve as a defense and to propitiate a bite to something or someone … if was necessary.

But, precisely, what we should not do with the incisors is to try to cut something that is not food. Or, even, within these, those that are too hard.

Aesthetically, the incisors are the teeth that make the image of the denture suffer the most as they are in the most visible part. Therefore, it is usual that their loss, especially in certain ages.

How to take care of your baby’s teeth

Healthy teeth are important for your baby’s overall health. They help your baby eat and form sounds and words. They also affect the way your baby’s jaw grows. Good oral care also helps establish good dental habits as the baby grows. A hygiene poor oral can lead to infection, illness, or other teeth problems.

The road to better health

In general, baby teeth begin to appear between 4 and 7 months of age, but each baby is different. The first teeth to come out are generally the 2 lower front teeth.

The process by which your baby gets milk teeth is called teething. When the baby starts to sneeze, you may notice that they are drooling more or want to bite things. For some babies, teething can be painless. For others, they can generate pain and make them irritable. Other symptoms of teething are loss of appetite and trouble sleeping.

These tips can help alleviate your baby’s discomfort.

  • Give your baby a cold teething ring or a cold cloth to chew or suck on.
  • Rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger.
  • Ask your doctor if your baby can take infant paracetamol (brand name: Tylenol). Do not give aspirin to your baby. Aspirin can cause Reye’s syndrome, a serious illness that can lead to death in children under 18 years of age.
  • Ask your doctor before using gels or teething tablets.

Teething does not have to interfere with breastfeeding. You can continue to breastfeed your baby as usual once teething begins.

Start cleaning your baby’s teeth and gums with a damp cloth or gauze. Do this at least once a day or after meals. Once your baby’s teeth start to come out, clean the baby’s mouth at least twice a day. When your child is between 1 and 2 years old, switch to a soft toothbrush with water. Add a small amount of toothpaste without fluoride. This type of toothpaste is safe if your baby swallows it. Brush your baby’s teeth at least twice a day. You should also start flossing between the baby’s teeth.

Aspects to consider

Always hold your baby when you give him a bottle. Do not leave the bottle in the crib. Do not let your baby fall asleep with a bottle. Milk can accumulate in the baby’s mouth and cause tooth decay.

For the same reason, do not give your baby a glass of juice or milk in the crib. Your baby can start using a training cup at around 6 months of age. Stop giving your baby a bottle when he is 1 year old. Do not let your baby walk with a training cup unless you only have water in it.

Once your child is 1 year old, give him water or milk between meals instead of other drinks. Just give juice or flavored milk at meals. The juice and flavored milk contain a large amount of sugar.

You can give your baby a pacifier, but only when necessary. Try not to use a pacifier after 2 years of age. The same age applies for babies who suck their thumbs. Prolonged use of a pacifier or thumb sucking can cause problems with the alignment of the teeth. Talk with your doctor about what type of pacifier you should use. Always use a clean pacifier. Do not submerge it in honey or other substance that contains sugar.

When to see the doctor

Your baby should see a dentist for the first time around his or her first birthday. This is important if you are at high risk of tooth decay or other problems in your teeth. You can choose a dentist who specializes in children.

Metal braces, what you should know

Carrying metal brackets has been the most traditional and conservative treatment in orthodontics for many years. Also known as fixed brackets, are the most used but also the least aesthetic. But, do you know everything about metal brackets?

Having the teeth in a correct position is fundamental not only aesthetically, but also functionally. Having crowded or widely spaced teeth makes it difficult to chew and oral hygiene routine. In this sense the metal brackets allow to correct virtually any dental problem related to the position of the teeth, bite and occlusion problems … These are the main complications that can be solved with fixed brackets:

  • Teeth that are widely spaced.
  • Dental crowding
  • Crooked teeth, accidents or birth.
  • Bite problems: bad occlusion and defective bite.

5 keys on metal brackets

The main objective of the brackets, like the other orthodontic treatments, is to move the teeth towards an aesthetic and functional position. That is, get a well-aligned smile.

  • How are the metal brackets?

These devices are made up of different fundamental parts: the arc, the ligatures and the brackets. The arch applies pressure to the teeth with the help of ligatures, which join the brackets to the arch. These ligatures can be metallic and rubber, and in many cases gums are placed to correct the bite problems. Through periodic check-ups, the orthodontist can modify the pressure as the treatment progresses. In this way, the brackets progressively correct the position of the teeth, until it is perfectly aligned.

  • Advantages and disadvantages of metal brackets

The main advantage of these brackets is that it is the most economical option to correct the smile. They are also very resistant devices compared to other orthodontic treatments. On the other hand, the main disadvantage of conventional metal brackets is that they are very visible and alter the aesthetics of the smile. This can be a problem for many patients concerned about their personal image. However, metal brackets are usually the fastest way to correct the smile, which is why it is the most economical and effective treatment. If you are deeply concerned about aesthetics, porcelain brackets are a good alternative to correct the smile while preserving aesthetics.

  • Power with brackets

Both with metal brackets and porcelain braces it is advisable to maintain a series of care with food. These treatments do not prohibit any food, but there are some that it is better to avoid.

The most harmful foods are hard and sticky foods. Nuts, chickpeas, nougat, chewing gum … This type of food is harmful to brackets and can break them. Also, if the food sticks together they favor the accumulation of bacterial plaque, which causes the development of infections.

To avoid these complications, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet. Maintaining a balanced diet is important to maintain good oral health. In the case of patients with brackets, the consumption of fruits is recommended. However, it is recommended to avoid acids such as lemon, as they can erode the enamel. It is also advisable to eat soft fruits such as strawberries, or blueberries. On the other hand, it is preferable not to cut food with your teeth. Some hard foods such as sandwiches or chocolate may damage the appliances when cut.

  • Complications with metal brackets

In most cases the treatment does not present many complications. The main urgencies with these devices are that a bracket falls down, or that the bow takes off. This can cause the gum and cheek to become clogged, causing bleeding or mouth irritation. The most important thing to avoid these complications is to follow the orthodontist’s instructions and maintain a good oral hygiene routine. In a first stage the metal brackets require a period of adaptation. It is usually the first weeks and the patient may feel friction, discomfort and sores in the mucosa of the mouth.

  • Hygiene routine with brackets

Brackets tend to generate areas of oral biofilm retention or bacterial plaque. It is therefore essential to brush your teeth after each meal, with care and gentle movements so as not to damage the appliances. To complement brushing, many dentists recommend oral irrigation. It is one of the most recommended techniques for orthodontic patients, since it eliminates the remains of embedded bacteria by means of pressurized water. Another great ally to eliminate the remains of bacteria is dental floss, although it is advisable to have a good technique to avoid damage to the brackets.

If you have any questions about the treatment of metal brackets, consult with our professionals without obligation. At the Prop Dental clinics we carry out a personalized study to adapt the orthodontic treatment to the needs of your smile.