The reason being red wine contains two key ingredients, one an antioxidant known as proanthocyanidins, found in red wine, and dark chocolate counteracts a bacteria known as streptoccus mutans, with sticks to your teeth and saliva, and can cause tooth decay. The second ingredient in red wine is known as polyphenols, which is found in the grape seeds, and helps control inflammation due to gingivitis or infection and even periodontal disease.

 A metal bar bell, a piece of jewelry that can be up to 1.6mm, just long enough to hit and damage your teeth.  These chips can occur when eating, or when you are first talking with your new ring.   The chips can sometimes be filled with a white filling or could be as damaged as needing a root canal and crown.  This can be very expensive. 

Another area that can be damaged by an oral piercing is the gums, especially the area surrounding the piercing.  The metal (or plastic ball) rubs against the area causing the gums to erode.  This can become very painful and will cause your teeth to become loose.  This is not a quick fix. This gum surgery needs to be done by a periodontist and can be very painful, and expensive.

The third and most common danger for an oral piercing is of course, infection.  Your mouth holds bacterium, which is brought into your bloodstream by the wound, or ring.  This is why it is important not to smoke or touch your ring, especially while it is healing.

            So if this oral piercing is not something you will change your mind about, remember, make sure you go to a certified place, ask questions and ask to see their sterilization methods.  Not doing these things can lead to paralysis or death.  It sounds extreme, but do your research.

            What is a sports mouth guard and what is the importance?  A mouth guard is a piece of plastic placed in your mouth to protect your teeth from injury during athletic activity.  There are three different types of mouth guards; stock, boil and bite, and one that is made by your dentist. 

                        The first form of mouth guards, the stock guard, can be bought at most sports equipment stores, and can be worn right away.  This is the least comfortable because of the universal size and bite, and can cause very painful sores in the mouth and does not always offer the best protection on an individual basis.  These are normally not recommended for individuals with braces. 

            The second and slightly better option is the “Boil and Bite” mouth guards.  These offer a slightly better fit, because you mold the guard to your specific bite, but it is not always an exact fit.  The length of the guard may still be too large for some mouths, and can be uncomfortable if you do not bite hard enough on initial placement.

            The third and best option for a sports mouth guard is one that is created at a dental laboratory and fitted to exactly your mouth.  This offers the most protection and comfort.  Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth and those are sent to lab, just for you.

            Mouth guards should last, and proper care should entail brushing the guard and it should be placed in a ventilated hard case so that air may go through and no bacteria can grow.

            A common misconception for braces is that they are purely cosmetic.  This very untrue, in fact there are many different health reasons for orthodontics.  The primary function of braces is to move teeth to the best possible alignment, or in dental terms, occlusion.  An off bite, can lead to many oral health problems, including jaw pain.  Malocclusion is the term used to discuss the relationship between the upper and lower teeth.  Your orthodontist will mention of three classifications as defined by the Angles Classification Method: class 1, is an ideal relationship between upper and lower bite, Class II is more commonly known as an “overbite”, which occurs when your upper teeth protrude over your lower, Class III, is also known as an “under bite” is when the patient’s lower jaw is protruding the upper teeth.  Any of these classes can require orthodontia help, because of the further problem with crowding and spacing.  Crowding causes teeth to overlap, flip, rotate, or grow in the wrong position of the mouth.  This can be a problem because it can make brushing and flossing difficult, leading to tooth decay, or periodontal problems. 

            Children should see the orthodontist at around age seven, to catch any future problems that may arise, but it is not limited to just children, adults can benefit as well.  Orthodontia has been known to help correct numerous conditions, including : speech impediments, jaw or TMJ pain, difficulty chewing and eating, sleep apnea, grinding and clenching, and gum disease and tooth decay.

Sealants are plastic coatings used to shield and protect the grooved surface of the teeth. Sealants are normally placed on the back teeth, because of the difficulty children face in thoroughly cleaning the area. Sealants can last anywhere between five to ten years if cared for correctly, and should be checked at every six month check up visit, but the doctor or hygienist. Sealants should be placed early on because there are the most cavity prone years. They are a very affordable and pain free procedure that requires no drilling and is done in one visit. It requires a paint like application, and a brief light is shined on the area to harden. Your child might notice a different feeling at first but he/she will get used to it with time.