For anyone who has worn braces (which is most of us), learning that you have to wear a retainer after braces is not a pleasant thought. The process of wearing braces is often a long and strenuous one. Orthodontist visits go by month after month, leaving your mouth sore and in pain for days. These painful days give small bits of hope that eventually you will have a perfectly straight smile.

When that glorious day finally comes of getting your braces off, you feel on top of the world with your new smile and you’re ready to go out and conquer the world. However, for almost everyone, there is one more item of business to complete before you can go do that conquering: wear a retainer. Wearing a retainer ensures that all the hard work you did to get a beautiful smile doesn’t go to waste.

A commonly asked question after getting braces off is, “How long do I have to wear my retainer?” 

Well, that depends.

Do You Have to Wear a Retainer Forever?

The amount of time you will have to wear a retainer after braces depends on the plan your orthodontist gave you, the condition and progress of your teeth, and the type of retainer you have.

Some orthodontists choose to give patients a permanent or bonded retainer. This type of retainer is typically glued to the back of your front six teeth with a powerful mixture so most people never have to replace it. A permanent retainer is convenient since you don’t have to take it in and out of your mouth everyday. Although it has its benefits, orthodontists traditionally recommend using a removable retainer instead.

Over 58 percent of orthodontists actually prefer removable retainers over permanent retainers when a braces treatment is complete. For the first 4 to 6 months after braces are removed, retainers should be in constantly, except during meals and cleanings. 

Once the time designated by your orthodontist has come, most recommend transitioning the time of wearing the retainer to at night only. After a certain amount of time, your teeth will not be as likely to move so you can slowly start wearing your retainer less. The best thing you can do to keep your teeth in place for a long time is follow the instructions of your orthodontist. 

The Consequences of Not Wearing Retainer After Braces

While braces are on the teeth, the wires and rubber bands hold the teeth and jaw in place, but once those are removed, the teeth are free to move again. The purpose of a retainer is to prevent your teeth from moving back to their original position after braces are removed. This is why most orthodontists recommend wearing retainers 24/7 when braces are first removed so you can preserve your new smile.

Most of the time, you won’t be able to tell immediately that your teeth are moving if you don’t wear your retainer. Overtime, the results will become obvious and at that point, further orthodontic treatment may be required. Those tiny movements each day can add up to drastically change your smile that you worked so hard to obtain.

Achieving a beautiful smile is not always easy. In fact, it requires dedicated effort and maintenance. Getting your teeth straightened and aligned can take a significant amount of time whether that’s through braces, invisalign, dental implants, or wearing a retainer. Through these resources, dentists and orthodontists are able to help patients achieve the smile of their dreams.

Just like how we should regularly visit the dentist and get our teeth cleaned, we should also wear our retainer after braces as part of our teeth maintenance routine. Dentists are able to repair broken, rotten, and damaged teeth through different resources like crowns, fillings, root canals, and more, but it helps their job be easier when we keep our teeth aligned by correctly wearing retainers.

How to Care for Your Retainer

Permanent Retainers

Caring for a retainer after braces is fairly simple but does take a good effort to adequately keep them clean.

For permanent retainers, the cleaning process is a little more rigorous. First and foremost, brushing your teeth twice a day helps keep your teeth clean from food and germs that have collected in your mouth. Brushing can also be a way to get surface level particles off of the surface of your teeth and retainer.

The next major way to keep your retainer clean is to floss, but not the traditional way. Because a permanent retainer is across multiple teeth, you won’t be able to floss regularly and get above the retainer to your gums. Floss threaders are a helpful and easy way to guide the floss and get it through small crevices up to your gums. Water picks can also be an effective way to get around the retainer.

Scheduling regular visits to the dentist for professional teeth cleanings is the best way to ensure you get thorough cleanings. With the equipment and training in a dentist’s office, professionals can remove plaque and tartar buildup that you just can’t always get on your own. Frequent visits can also help you avoid developing major problems that require intense dental treatments. 

Removal Retainers

Cleaning a removable retainer is a bit different than maintaining a permanent retainer after braces. The first thing you should do is keep your retainer case clean. Your case is what holds your retainer when it’s not in your mouth, so you want to keep it sanitary. Remember to always put your retainer in its case when it’s not in your mouth to prevent losing it.

Cleaning the retainer itself is important, as well. Orthodontists often prescribe cleaning methods that can involve soaking your retainer in denture-cleaning products and brushing it everyday. To avoid getting your retainer dirty, make sure you take it out when you eat and drink beverages other than water. Leaving it in when you eat and drink can cause material to get stuck and build up in between your teeth and the retainer.

Wearing Your Retainer is Worth It

Remember that it is worth it to be diligent about wearing your retainer after braces are off. Keeping that beautiful new smile intact for the rest of your life can come from just a few short months of diligently wearing your retainer.

From singing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to receiving prizes at the dentist’s office, dental care for children is often more interesting that it is for adults. It also has a unique set of hurdles and challenges, but these don’t have to take caregivers by surprise. By exploring this list of common questions about dental care for children, we aim to make the process more accessible.  

When Does a Baby’s Teeth Come In?

Teething is a painful process for everyone involved. A baby’s first teeth don’t usually come in quietly, but afterwards, children adapt fairly quickly. Parents should start looking for their child’s first teeth around six months. It is common for the central incisors (the two lower front teeth) to come through first, followed by the upper central incisors. The rest of the teeth don’t usually follow a pattern, but it is common for all 20 to have surfaced by the time the child is two or three.

How Do I Care for My Baby’s Teeth?

The best dental care for children younger than three is to use a toothbrush specifically designed for infants. These have small heads and soft bristles, so they are gentle with the baby’s gums and tongue. At least once a day—usually at night—brush the teeth that have emerged gently to remove any plaque-causing bacteria. 

Where Did the Tooth Fairy Come From?

It is common, at least in the United States, for parents to encourage their children to leave their dislodged baby teeth under their pillows for the tooth fairy to buy. While this tradition isn’t particularly relevant for dental care for children, it is good for their emotional health if they have fears about losing their teeth.

The origins of the tooth fairy are pretty obscure, made even more so by the fact that so many cultures have their own variant (in France, for example, Le Petite Souris, a little mouse, apparently comes and collects the teeth). Human fascination with lost teeth spans nearly as long as history itself, so we may never know how our fae friend came to be. 

Is Thumbsucking Bad for Children’s Teeth?

Thumbsucking and pacifier use, while beneficial for distraught volume levels, work in opposition to good dental care for children. Thumbsucking has been linked to crooked and crowded teeth and problems with bite. Parents should do what they can to help their children break such a habit before it ruins their teeth. If the proclivity remains after permanent teeth have arrived, an orthodontist or dentist may need to recommend a corrective appliance. 

When Should Parents Introduce Toothpaste?

When a child is still in infancy, brushing with water is sufficient for cleaning new teeth. Parents should start introducing children to the use of toothpaste around the age of three to avoid too much fluoride in the children’s systems. When toothpaste enters the picture, parents should supervise brushing and only use a pea-sized amount.

Is Fluoride Safe for Children?

The effects of fluoride include stronger bones and teeth. However, when too much fluoride is ingested, the reverse is true. The effects of fluoride are compounded in children, so part of dental care for children is maintaining the levels they are exposed to. Waiting to use toothpaste and supervising brushing are good tools in a parent’s arsenal. 

Are X-Rays Safe for Kids?

The amount of radiation received during a dental x-ray exam is extremely small when proper precautions like high-speed film and lead aprons are used. Pediatric dentists are also especially cautious to ensure that dental x-rays present no harm to children. Poor dental hygiene is more likely to be harmful than x-rays.

Is Anesthesia Safe for Kids?

Occasionally, dental care for children may require general anesthesia or sedation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) monitor such procedures rigidly. Every time a child is sedated, at least two people must be present who have life support training: a dental anesthesiology professional and an independent observer. 

Is Dental Work for Children Necessary in Baby Teeth?

They’re just going to fall out, right? Why go through the trouble of filling them in the event of cavities? Thorough dental care is necessary even in temporary teeth because no one tooth is a closed system. The health of every aspect of the mouth affects all other aspects. In order to prevent infection, pain, gum disease, rot, further cavities, and premature tooth loss, baby teeth should be treated with the same amount of care as are permanent teeth.

The ability to breathe through both the mouth and nose is a truly remarkable one. However, these two kinds of breathing are not created equal. Despite the fact that one method is more natural for some people and the other more natural for others, the problems of mouth breathing are well documented. If you struggle to breath effortlessly through your nose, we recommend taking steps now to change that.

What Causes Mouth Breathing?

The cause of mouth breathing is specific to the individual. Sometimes the condition is temporary, the result of nasal congestion that is the symptoms of having a cold, enduring the flu, or suffering from allergies or hay fever. In such cases, the problem can often be reversed by taking nasal decongestants or antihistamines. These and prescription nasal sprays can reduce inflammation and congestion so you can breathe normally through your nose. 

In other cases, breathing through the mouth may be the result of years of habit. When this is true, breaking the habit is obviously easier before the practice becomes entrenched. An Ear Nose Throat (ENT) specialist can be a helpful resource to know if any other issues are contributing to the compulsion to breathe through your mouth. Such professionals often have helpful therapies to recommend. 

Mouth breathing in children is commonly caused by swollen adenoids and tonsillitis. Allergies also play a key role. If your child’s tonsils or adenoids are inhibiting their ability to breathe naturally through their nose, address such issues early on, before the habit can become too deeply rooted.

Is Nose Breathing Better for Teeth?

Nasal breathing has been shown to be the healthiest and most effective way to breathe. Breathing through the nose aids in healthy anatomical development, especially in the upper airway and skeletal and dental structures. The nose functions as a filter that removes dust and other particles from the air going into the lungs. This allows cleaner air in healthier volumes to circulate through the respiratory system.

On the other hand, breathing through your mouth reduces the sinus’ ability to add moisture to the air you breathe in, drying out the mouth. This shifts the pH levels in the mouth, cultivating a more corrosive environment. Reduced saliva production makes it more difficult for the body to flush away bacteria and toxins. 

As if those problems of mouth breathing were not enough, the condition can also lead to real structural issues like temporo-mandibular disorder of the jaw joints, malocclusion, myofascial pain, periodontal disease, impacted teeth, and bruxism-related fractures and wear on the teeth. Other issues surrounding the upper airway include enlarged adenoids and tonsils, snoring, headaches, difficulty sleeping or disturbed sleep.

The Symptoms—Further Problems of Mouth Breathing

The problems of mouth breathing don’t usually jump immediately to oral structural damage. More mild symptoms can help indicate that there is a problem, even if you are unaware of breathing through your mouth while unconscious. These are some of the other common symptoms of mouth breathing:

• Snoring
• Restless sleep
• Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
• Dry mouth in the morning
• Dry or chapped lips
• Increased incidence of colds
• Increased incidence of sinus and ear infections
• Inflamed gums (gingivitis) or gum disease
• Crowded teeth
• Tooth staining
• Tooth decay
• Cavities 

Are the Problems of Mouth Breathing Reversible?

The unfortunate news is that some of the worst problems of mouth breathing are irreversible or at least take a lot of dental work to correct. This is true of rampant tooth decay and disorders involving the jawbone. Fortunately, other effects of mouth breathing can be turned around if they are caught early enough.

Particularly if the sufferer is a child, detecting mouth breathing early on (before the worst effects have kicked in) goes a long way to correcting it and reversing the effects. Mouth breathing is a habit, which means it can be broken with sufficient practice. Begin during the day when you can consciously choose how you breathe, and make sure your nose is clear.

As you shift into making sure you breathe through your nose at night, you might need to make sure you are propped up sufficiently in bed for you to breathe freely. This may mean adding or removing pillows or trying a different kind. As you work to find the right solution for you to avoid the problems of mouth breathing, consult with your doctor and dentist.

The fluoride question, whether or not it is safe for children and adults alike, is not always easy to find the answer to. We’ve collected the current data on the subject in order to paint a clearer picture. 

What Is Fluoride?

This fluoride question is an easy one to answer. Fluoride is a mineral, found naturally in small amounts in soil, water, and some foods. As the nutritional requirements of fluoride have not been established, there is not currently a Recommended Dietary Allowance. When fluoride is ingested, most of it is absorbed in the gut and subsequently stored in the teeth and bones. Excess fluoride that is not absorbed is excreted in urine. The effects of fluoride, good or ill, are felt most profoundly in children. 

Where Is Fluoride Found?

Fluoride is naturally occuring, and is found in unexpected places. People can consume it in foods that absorb it from the soil, things like coffee, black tea, raisins, oatmeal, potatoes, and the shells and muscles of shellfish.

Most people are exposed to fluoride in their toothpaste and drinking water. It may be in the water naturally, introduced by the bedrock or loose soil, or added on a city-specific basis. The EPA has a current enforceable drinking water standard of 4.0 mg fluoride per liter, though they recommend a non-enforceable concentration of 2.0 mg/L to be on the safe side as regards children.

In addition to toothpaste, fluoride is sometimes an ingredient in mouthwash, dental varnishes, gels, and restorative materials. As these are applied only to the exterior of teeth, they do not contribute significantly to the total intake of fluoride, unlike vitamin supplements and pharmaceuticals. Fluoride can even be found in industrial emissions and pesticides.

Is Fluoride Good or Bad for the Teeth?

This is the most significant fluoride question, is fluoride safe for teeth. The answer is entirely dependent on the amount of fluoride involved and the method of exposure. Sometimes called nature’s cavity fighter, fluoride is an excellent resource for strengthening tooth enamel. It remineralizes enamel, preventing cavities and other tooth decay. In this way, it can extend the lifetime of teeth.

Teeth are not the only beneficiaries. Fluoride can strengthen the skeleton in general. This helps minimize the risk of skeletal fluorosis, a sometimes crippling condition that causes tenderness and pain in the joints. 

Why Do People Avoid Fluoride?

There are some people who consider fluoride questionable, refusing it at the dentist office and protesting its addition to the city water supply. This hesitancy stems from the conflicting data about fluoride which is widely available. For all its benefits, fluoride is toxic if ingested, proportional to the amount consumed. 

Perhaps the most common downside of excessive fluorination is dental fluorosis, affecting the appearance of the teeth. Too much fluoride in the system can cause discoloration in the form of white spots in the enamel or even pitting. Children under eight are most at risk. 

In its most severe toxicity, excessive fluorination can lead to skeletal fluorosis. The condition, though rare, has terrible symptoms. In addition to bone loss, fluorosis can cause tenderness and weakness in the joints, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Again, this will only occur if fluoride is ingested in excess, and it is more likely if the fluoride is allowed to accumulate in a person’s system. 

Most fluoride questions affect children more than adults. This is because their bones and teeth are still forming, and fluoride concentrations, no matter what they are, are more significant considering their small body weight. Children younger than eight are at increased risk of overexposure, which can lead to pitting, discoloration, and other cosmetic dental problems.

Monitor Your Fluoride Intake

If you have fluoride questions, it is better to err on the side of caution. It is wise to know how your city handles fluorination to know how much you are regularly exposed to. If your tap water’s fluoride levels are low, your dentist may recommend that your or your children take fluoride supplements. In taking these, make sure you follow the prescribed dose exactly. 

If your regular fluoride levels are high, your dentist may recommend that your children drink bottled water (this includes making baby formula with water that is not from the tap). No matter what your fluoride levels, it is highly important that you prioritize regular dental visits, especially for young children. Begin within the first six months after the child’s first tooth emerges or after the child’s first birthday (whichever comes first).

It is also important to remember to monitor fluoride ingestion at home. Young children, especially younger than six years old, have difficulty managing their swallowing reflex, and the primary source of fluoride intake for a child—in addition to water—is swallowing toothpaste. Wait until children are two years old before using toothpaste with fluoride. While the child is small, parents should supervise tooth brushing sessions, keeping the dollop of toothpaste pea-sized per CDC recommendation. Make sure children spit out the paste and rinse out their mouths well.

If you have further fluoride questions, you can always ask your dentist.

We in the United States tend to make an idol of white teeth, seeing them as the foundation of a beautiful smile and spending millions of dollars as a nation to achieve the effect. But is white a tooth’s natural state? Is it more common to have white teeth or are human teeth naturally yellow? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think.

The Natural Color of Teeth

When we see people with brilliantly white teeth, often the first response, however unconscious, is to marvel at how healthy such teeth are. On the other hand, thanks to anti-smoking commercials and adaptations of Charles Dickens novels, we tend to associate yellow teeth with poor oral hygiene. But are these generalizations fair? Is it fair to assume that yellow teeth are unhealthy and white teeth are in their prime?

All About Structure

The answer to this question is founded on the structure of our teeth. Teeth have three basic components which are layered. The heart of the tooth is the pulp. Here the nerves and blood vessels and tissues give life and nourishment to the rest of the tooth so it can function properly. Ordinarily, the pulp of the tooth has little to do with its color, but if the pulp cannot do its job, the tooth will turn black and die.

The middle layer of the tooth is called dentin. It is strong, naturally yellow, and exists primarily to give the tooth its structure. Lastly, the layer most readily seen is called the enamel. The enamel is a hard coat that is designed to protect the rest of the tooth. It is naturally white and shiny and a bit translucent, which allows a bit of the dentin to show through. 

A Matter of Genetics

The trouble with the question “are teeth naturally yellow or white” is that there is no one answer that applies to humanity in general. All teeth follow the same basic structure, but the hue of each layer and (perhaps more importantly) its thickness is entirely a question of genetics. Contrary to popular belief, naturally yellow teeth are not necessarily a sign of poor oral health. They may simply be an indication of naturally thin enamel and more dentin showing through. 

Do Teeth Naturally Yellow Over Time?

With that in mind, it is true that yellowing may be caused by external factors. The most common is age. Our teeth take a lot of heat over the course of a lifetime, and the natural wear and tear of using our teeth causes the enamel to break down, exposing more of the dentin and making teeth appear more yellow or cream-colored. 

And for all that can be said for genetics’ role in the color of teeth, it is not always the overriding force. There are lifestyle choices that can seriously affect the hue of your chompers, whether by damaging the enamel or by staining it. These are some of the most common culprits of unnaturally yellow teeth:

• Chewing tobacco and smoking
• Bruxism (grinding your teeth)
• Brushing with DIY whiteners like activated charcoal, lemon juice, or baking soda
• Brushing too vigorously
• Brushing with a firm-bristled toothbrush
• Drinking staining liquids like wine, coffee, tea, and dark-colored sodas
• Eating candy
• Eating acidic foods like balsamic vinegar, citrus, and tomatoes

While braces are often blamed for making teeth yellow, the orthodontia itself isn’t at fault. Braces make thorough brushing more difficult, and the bacteria left behind can cause irregular teeth staining. You can avoid this by brushing your teeth and braces very well.

Achieving a Whiter Smile

While you can love your smile no matter what color it is, we’ve got a few suggestions for pearlier and whiter pearly whites if that is your goal, even if your teeth run more naturally yellow. Start with these lifestyle adjustments and then consider professional teeth whitening services:

• Quit smoking and tobacco use.
• Give staining foods and drinks a pass.
• If you really can’t stay away, at least chase all troublesome food and beverages down with plenty of water. 
• Take regular care of your teeth and gums, including gentle brushing at least twice a day (try a soft-bristled toothbrush) and regular visits to your dentist.
• Ask your dentist about using a nightguard if you grind your teeth

If the damage to your enamel is too severe for regular whitening services to be effective, do not run to DIY tooth whitening instead. As mentioned above, doing so poses major risks. Dental veneers may be a better solution. Ask your dentist for recommendations.

There is much that is misunderstood about dentures. Too often in the media dentures are portrayed as nothing more than a punchline. However, dentures are a remarkable tool that improve quality of life and inspire people to have the confidence to smile again. If you think the right dentures are appropriate for your situation, nothing should stop you from getting the dentures you need.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable appliances that act as temporary tooth solutions in the event of tooth loss. They range in size to match the extent of the loss, from replacing one tooth to a full set of teeth. While it is common for dentures to replace all of one’s teeth, especially in the golden years, they have far more applications. In fact, they don’t have to be the solution you choose for the rest of your life. 

What Are Dentures Made of?

Throughout the history of dentures, many different materials have been considered to construct them from. We have come a long way from the days when dentures were made chiefly of wood. Current dentures have a two-part structure to mimic natural teeth: the gumline inset and the teeth themselves. 

The supporting structure component rests against the gums and keeps the dentures in place. It is usually made either of a flexible polymer or an acrylic resin. It is designed to look like natural gums. The teeth components are also usually made of acrylic resin which is quite tough though not as durable as natural hard tooth tissue.

Conventional Dentures 

Conventional dentures are usually what comes to mind when people think about dentures. Their purpose is to replace teeth for the long run, though no set of dentures is as long-lasting as dental implants. They are typically good for five to 10 years. Before conventional dentures can be worn, the mouth and bones within it must have a chance to heal.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures require no such waiting period. In fact, their purpose is to give people the functionality of natural teeth while their jaws recover from tooth extraction procedures. These dentures are not designed to last longer than the recovery period (usually no more than six months). 

Immediate dentures can be refitted relatively easily to accommodate for changes in the mouth associated with healing. This can include gradually subsiding swelling in both the jaw and gums. When the healing process is complete, immediate dentures can be disposed of in favor of conventional dentures or a more permanent solution like dental implants. 

The Benefits of the Right Dentures

When you have the right dentures for your mouth, your quality of life increases impressively. Dentures counteract the common effects of tooth loss, including sagging facial muscles and an exaggerated appearance of age. Dentures fill out the cheeks and profile, making their wearers appear healthy as opposed to gaunt.

The right dentures are custom designed to fit your mouth and can make speaking easier and inspire a renewed sense of confidence. Your dentist will design your dentures to mirror natural teeth, including color matching if you still have natural teeth. This helps make the transition to wearing dentures easier.

Living with Dentures

Just because you find the right dentures for you, doesn’t mean they won’t feel strange at first. It will take time to adjust to your new dentures, perhaps a few weeks until you feel used to them. Your facial muscles will need to learn how to hold them in place, so during that adjustment period they may feel loose or even irritate the inside of your mouth. 

Understanding the Right Dentures Care Routines

Dentures need to be taken care of properly if they are to last. All teeth should be cleaned twice a day—this includes dentures, dental implants, and even real teeth. In this way you preserve good oral hygiene and stave off infection and decay. 

When your dentures are not in use, you should rinse them well and store them in a safe place submerged in warm water. Avoid hot water even if you are concerned about bacteria because temperature extremes (on either end of the thermometer) can cause your dentures to warp or crack. Letting your dentures dry out will lead to the same result.

Giving your mouth a break from your dentures allows your muscles to relax, and taking out your dentures when you sleep protects them from being dislodged, damaged, or lost. As you adjust to your dentures, follow-up regularly with your dentist to make sure your mouth is healing properly. If your dentures are damaged or stop fitting correctly, contact your dentist.