"Respect is for those who deserve it, not for those who demand it."

Respect is for those who deserve it, not for those who demand it."
Everybody wants a little respect, but many don't realize that real respect is something that is earned, and
something that should not be taken lightly. Nobody demands respect until they deserve it, and often times
people who really deserve respect don't have to ask for it.
If we expect to receive respect from people in our lives we have to be willing to give it out. This means that
everyone, from your best friend, to your children, will all need your respect. We must also be willing to respect
ourselves as well, because if we don't, no one will.
As a people we have to realize that we are one, and that in order to really respect one another, we must be
willing to mutually respect one another, because mutual respect is the only respect.

How to Achieve Pain Relief for an Abscessed Tooth

An abscess is a localized collection of infection that
usually forms at the root of the tooth. Abscessed teeth are
usually caused by untreated tooth decay, a cracked or
broken tooth or filling,
or from a gum
infection, synonymous
with advanced gum
disease.
A toothache caused by
an abscessed tooth is
often very excruciating
to say the very least. At
the onset of pain from a
suspected abscessed
tooth, it is highly
recommended to see your dentist as soon as possible. A
root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue.
Failure to have an abscess treated promptly could result in
the advancement of the infection, which may invade further
into the bone and surrounding tissue. In rare cases, an
untreated abscessed tooth may cause a severe infection
that could result in death. A sad example of an abscessed
tooth causing death was the case of a young boy named
Deamonte Driver .
How to Relieve Pain from an Abscessed Tooth
Here are some ways to relieve toothache that is caused by
an abscessed tooth:
A toothache that is caused by an abscess may come and
go, but don't be fooled. The longer you wait to have the
abscess treated, more serious complications may arise. As
soon as you develop a toothache, see your dentist
immediately.

Avoid foods and beverages that are very cold or very
hot. Since the dentin layer of the tooth has likely been
invaded by tooth decay, extremes in temperature may
cause pain.
Avoid foods and beverages that are very high in sugar,
or are very acidic.
Use an over-the-counter pain relief medicine. Never
exceed the recommended dose, and check to make
sure you are able to take pain relief medications with
any of the other medications you may currently be on.
Generally speaking, a pain relief medication that is
intended to reduced inflammation works best for dental
pain, because most toothaches are caused by an
inflammation of the tissues or the inflammation of the
nerve. Never put pain relief medication on the tooth or
gum tissue, as this could burn the tissue.
Floss between the teeth that are painful. Removing the
food particles and plaque may help reduce the pain
from the toothache.
Use oil of cloves (eugenol). Eugenol, which can be
found in most health food stores, is used in various
dental materials because of its antiseptic and
anesthetic properties. Using eugenol at home may help
reduce pain from a toothache. Soak a small piece of
cotton in the oil, then blot the cotton on a piece of
tissue to remove the excess. Using a clean pair of
tweezers, hold the cotton on the painful tooth for 10
seconds, making sure you do not swallow any of the
oil.
Seal a hole in the tooth temporarily. Some pharmacies
have over-the counter temporary filling material that
may be used to seal the hole created by decay
temporarily.
Sleep with your head elevated. The inflammation of the
nerve of the tooth with an abscess is very painful, and
is often what causes the most uncomfortable pain. If
you elevate your head when resting, some of the
pressure in the area of the toothache may diminish.
Rinse with warm salt water. Rinsing with warm salt
water two to three times a day may help to relieve a
toothache caused by an abscess, if the toothache is
caused by a gum infection. Salt water works as an
antiseptic to remove bacteria from the infected area.
Readers Respond: Share the Story of Your Worst
Toothache Ever

What You Need to Know When You Have a Dental Emergency

From a broken tooth to losing a tooth altogether, a dental
emergency can happen anywhere, at any time. It is very
important for everyone to understand what needs to be
done if such a problem occurs.
Like any emergency, it is important to stay calm and
assess the situation. You should call for Emergency
Medical Services (EMS) if you feel the dental emergency
warrants immediate care and attention, but not all
problems require that. Here are the most common dental
emergencies with a link to the recommended courses of
action for each.

Dental Emergency: Broken or Cracked Tooth
What causes a tooth to break or crack can vary from biting
down on a hard piece of food, or being hit in the mouth
playing a sport. Regardless of how a tooth breaks or
cracks, chances are the nerve of the tooth will be exposed,
causing a great deal of pain and discomfort. An exposed
nerve is hyper-sensitive to temperature, especially cold
and requires immediate treatment from a dentist. Here,
you will find information on what you should do
immediately after a tooth breaks or cracks in order to keep
yourself comfortable until you can see your dentist.

Dental Emergency: A Lost/Knocked Out Tooth
Known as an avulsed tooth, having a tooth knocked out
can be very frightening, and very painful at the same time.
When a tooth is knocked out, there is a great deal of
hemorrhaging that occurs, which needs to be dealt with
immediately, bu did you know it is sometimes possible to
save your lost tooth and have it reimplanted?
Because time is of the essence when a tooth has been
knocked out, understanding how to inspect, clean, and
reimplant a tooth that has been knocked out prior to
seeing your dentist will hopefully increase the chances for
a successful reimplantation of the lost tooth.

Dental Emergency: Cut Inside the Mouth
A cut inside the mouth, also known as a soft tissue
laceration is common with most traumatic dental
emergencies because the tissues inside and around the
mouth are very delicate. Sometimes, a laceration can
occur on the outside of the mouth, depending on how the
trauma occurred.
When dealing with a laceration, it is very important to
make sure that any hemorrhaging from the wound is
controlled. Uncontrolled bleeding may lead to shock, which
may cause death if not treated immediately.

Dental Emergency: Bitten Lip or Tongue
If you have never experienced biting down on your lip or
tongue, consider yourself very lucky. Biting down on either
one of these delicate areas is very painful, and may cause
a lot of bleeding. There are times when biting on your lip or
tongue may require medical attention. Learn how to deal
with a dental emergency involving biting down on your lip
or tongue
.
Dental Emergency: Jaw Fracture and Dislocation
A fractured jaw or a dislocated jaw are both considered to
be very serious dental emergencies. The amount of force
necessary to break or dislocate a persons jaw will
undoubtedly cause significant trauma, and possibly other
serious life-threatening complications. Understanding how
to correctly handle a dental emergency involving a
possibly broken or dislocated jaw should become an
important part of every family's first aid protocol.

Preparedness is Key
Preparing for a dental emergency should become part of
your basic first aid preparedness plan. Dental emergencies
can happen out of the blue, in almost every situation
related to a potentially traumatic experience. Without
proper knowledge of how to handle a dental emergency, a
lost tooth may unfortunately become the least of your
worries
.
Readers Respond: Have You Had or Know of
Someone That's Had a Serious
Dental Emergency?

Dental Care for Seniors

Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems, such
as:
Darkened teeth . Caused, to some extent, by changes in dentin -- the bone-like tissue that
underlies the tooth enamel -- and by a lifetime of consuming stain-causing foods and
beverages.
Dry mouth. Dry mouth is caused by reduced saliva flow, which can be a result of cancer
treatments that use radiation to the head and neck area, as well as certain diseases, such
as Sjögren's syndrome, and medication side effects.
Diminished sense of taste . While advancing age impairs the sense of taste, diseases,
medications, and dentures can also contribute to this sensory loss.
Root decay . This is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. The
tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth.
Gum disease. Caused by plaque and made worse by food left in teeth, use of tobacco
products, poor-fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and certain diseases, such as
anemia , cancer, and diabetes, this is often a problem for older adults.
Tooth loss . Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.
Uneven jawbone . This is caused by tooth loss.
Denture-induced stomatitis . Ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a buildup of the
fungus Candida albicans cause this condition, which is inflammation of the tissue
underlying a denture.
Thrush . Diseases or drugs that affect the immune system can trigger the overgrowth of the
fungus Candida albicans in the mouth.
Age in and of itself is not a dominant or sole factor in determining oral health.
However, certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers, may
make brushing or flossing teeth difficult to impossible to perform. Drugs can also
affect oral health and may make a change in your dental treatment necessary.

Oral Hygiene Tips for Seniors
Daily brushing and flossing of natural teeth is essential to keeping them in good oral
health. Plaque can build up quickly on the teeth of seniors, especially if oral hygiene
is neglected, and lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
To maintain good oral health, it's important for all individuals -- regardless of age
-- to:
Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste
Floss at least once a day
Visit your dentist on a regular schedule for cleaning and an oral exam
Antibacterial mouth rinse can reduce bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease,
according to the American Dental Association.
What Seniors Can Expect During a Dental Exam
If you're a senior headed for a check up, your dentist should conduct a thorough
history and dental exam. Questions asked during a dental history should include:
The approximate date of your last dental visit and reason for the visit
If you have noticed any recent changes in your mouth
If you have noticed any loose or sensitive teeth
If you have noticed any difficulty tasting, chewing, or swallowing
If you have any pain, discomfort, sores, or bleeding in your mouth
If you have noticed any lumps, bumps, or swellings in your mouth

During an oral exam, your dentist will check the following: your face and neck (for
skin discoloration, moles, sores); your bite (for any problems in how the teeth come
together while opening and closing your mouth); your jaw (for signs of clicking and
popping in the temporomandibular joint); your lymph nodes and salivary glands (for
any sign of swelling or lumps); your inner cheeks (for infections, ulcers, traumatic
injuries); your tongue and other interior surfaces -- floor of the mouth, soft and hard
palate, gum tissue (for signs of infection or oral cancer ); and your teeth (for decay,
condition of fillings, and cracks).
If you wear dentures or other appliances, your dentist will ask a few questions about
when you wear your dentures and when you take them out (if removable). He or she
will also look for any irritation or problems in the areas in the mouth that the
appliance touches, and examine the denture or appliance itself (looking for any worn
or broken areas).

Financial Aid for Seniors' Dental Care
If you are a senior on a limited or fixed income and can't afford regular dental care,
many dentists offer their services at reduced fees through dental society-sponsored
assistance programs. Since aid varies from one community to another, call your
local dental society for information about where you can find the nearest assistance
programs and low-cost care locations (such as public health clinics and dental
school clinics). Also, check your local phone book, the internet, or your local dental
society.

Advancements in new dental technology

Advancements in new dental technology offer better solutions for traditional oral health
problems than ever before.  The trend in dentistry is utilizing technology to make dentistry more
comfortable, durable, efficient and natural-looking for the patient as possible.  Patients and their
dentists benefit from newer techniques that are less invasive and more dependable than the
years of past. Procedures that formerly took multiple trips to the dentist or required multiple
health care providers can often be performed in the comfort of one office by one qualified
provider.
There are many new advancements in dentistry that your dentist may choose to offer for an
enhanced state of comfort and improved oral health. These dental advances play an important
role in the comfort of the patients as well as the dentists, dental specialists, hygienists, and office
managers at the practice, allowing them to provide the highest standard of dental care possible.
Some technologies you may see the next time you visit your dentist may include:

CAD/CAM
Computer Assisted Design/Computer Assisted Manufacture technologies are used in various
industries to provide highly accurate design of items or materials to be constructed. In the dental
world this advanced technology allows for the design and fabrication of dental restorations that
resemble the look and feel of natural teeth. This type of new dental technology can be used for
Dental bridges, inlays/onlays, porcelain veneers, and crowns.

Laser Dentistry
The benefit of laser dentistry is that it offers a much less invasive alternative to many
procedures. The light energy that is emitted from lasers results in a shortened and almost
painless healing period. This option is commonly available for the treatment of benign tumors,
cold sores, crown lengthening, decay removal, gummy smile changes, dental fillings, tongue tie
and speech impediment improvements, nerve regeneration for damaged nerves and blood
vessels and scars, certain conditions related to sleep apnea, TMJ and tooth sensitivity.

Sedation Dentistry
Oral sedation dentistry is being utilized by more and more dentists because it is both safe and
effective. Compared to more traditional IV sedation, oral sedation requires no needles and the
patient experiences a conscious state of mind and can respond to the dentist. This is helpful for
patients who fear the dentist or avoid trips because of anxiety of sitting in a dental chair.

Dental Implants
Dental implants are perhaps the leading dental technology advancement because of their fit and
function as replacements of a tooth root. The implants integrate with the jaw bone and the
procedure can be done in almost any adult who needs missing teeth replaced. The treatment
time of this type of procedure has also been shortened as some patients can receive the crown
that attaches to the implant immediately after tooth extraction as opposed to waiting six months
after.

Air-Abrasion
Air-abrasion is a great dental advancement over the dental drill as it allows precise removal of
decayed teeth without the use of a local anesthetic. The air-abrasion system uses blasts of pellets
of air and aluminum oxide to treat tooth problems such as cavities.

CAT Scans
For dentists performing specialized procedures such as implants, 3-D imaging helps them to view
and work on the jawbone or surrounding bone structure to produce more accurate results.
Placing dental implants requires a precision touch and the CAT Scans provide dentists or
Implantologists accurate imaging of where to place the restorative devices.

Digital X-rays
Besides the benefit of reducing exposure to radiation, digital radiographs allow images to be
projected on a computer screen. This modern dental technique is also more comfortable and
allows dentists to find problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw.

Intraoral Camera
Intraoral cameras provide dentists with quality imaging equipment that can be used for patient
education, higher case acceptance, and improved patient communication. The small lightweight
cameras are used in the patient's mouth to provide clear images of one's mouth and can help in
the detection and prevention of oral health problems.

NTI-tss Device
The NTI-tss Device is used for patients who suffer from TMD and migraine headaches. The device
eliminates the need for more invasive surgery and can help with problems associated with
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) discomforts. The device can be molded to fit teeth and is
effective at reducing the pains associated with TMD.

Composite Resins
Composite Resins are used in many restorations such as bonding and veneers. They offer the
advantage over older technologies such as gold or amalgam because they are better refined to
replicate tooth colors and tooth function. Additionally they are easier to apply and more durable
than ever before. Dental professionals can apply the material directly to the tooth and mold it to
the shape and color that resembles natural teeth.

Digital Photography
Dentists utilizing digital photography can adapt a photograph for a patient so that they can
provide them with an idea of what they will look like after a complex dental procedure such as a
smile makeover or full mouth reconstruction. This is appealing to patients because they can work
with their cosmetic dentist to inform them of what they want to look like and what their
expectations are.

Men With Erection Problems Are Three Times More Likely To Have Inflamed Gums

Men in their thirties who had inflamed gums caused
by severe periodontal disease were three times more
likely to suffer from erection problems, according to a
study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Turkish researchers compared 80 men aged 30 to 40
with erectile dysfunction with a control group of 82
men without erection problems.
This showed that 53 per cent of the men with erectile
dysfunction had inflamed gums compared with 23 per
cent in the control group.
When the results were adjusted for other factors, such
as age, body mass index, household income and
education level, the men with severe periodontal
disease were 3.29 times more likely to suffer from
erection problems than men with healthy gums.
"Erectile dysfunction is a major public health problem
that affects the quality of life of some 150 million men,
and their partners, worldwide," says lead author Dr.
Faith Oguz from Inonu University in Malatya, Turkey.
"Physical factors cause nearly two-thirds of cases, mainly because of problems with the blood vessels,
with psychological issues like emotional stress and depression accounting for the remainder.
"Chronic periodontitis (CP) is a group of infectious diseases caused predominantly by bacteria that most
commonly occur with inflammation of the gums.
"Many studies have reported that CP may induce systemic vascular diseases, such as coronary heart
disease, which have been linked with erection problems."
The average age of the men in both groups was just under 36 and there were no significant differences
when it came to body mass index, household income and education.
Their sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function and their gum health
using the plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment level.
"To our knowledge, erectile dysfunction and CP in humans are caused by similar risk factors, such as
ageing, smoking, diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease," says Dr. Oguz.
"We therefore excluded men who had systemic disease and who were smokers from this study.
"We particularly selected men aged between 30 and 40 to assess the impact of CP on erectile dysfunction
without the results being influenced by the effects of ageing.
"The result of our study support the theory that CP is present more often in patients with erectile
dysfunction than those without and should be considered as a factor by clinicians treating men with
erection problems."

New Method Developed To Replace Missing Teeth With A Bioengineered Material Generated From A Person's Own Gum Cells

Scientists have developed a new method of replacing
missing teeth with a bioengineered material generated
from a person's own gum cells. Current implant-
based methods of whole tooth replacement fail to
reproduce a natural root structure and as a
consequence of the friction from eating and other jaw
movement, loss of jaw bone can occur around the
implant. The research is led by Professor Paul Sharpe,
an expert in craniofacial development and stem cell
biology at King's College London and published in the
Journal of Dental Research.
Research towards achieving the aim of producing
bioengineered teeth - bioteeth - has largely focussed
on the generation of immature teeth (teeth primordia)
that mimic those in the embryo that can be
transplanted as small cell 'pellets' into the adult jaw to
develop into functional teeth.
Remarkably, despite the very different environments,
embryonic teeth primordia can develop normally in the
adult mouth and thus if suitable cells can be identified
that can be combined in such a way to produce an
immature tooth, there is a realistic prospect bioteeth
can become a clinical reality. Subsequent studies have
largely focussed on the use of embryonic cells and although it is clear that embryonic tooth primordia
cells can readily form immature teeth following dissociation into single cell populations and subsequent
recombination, such cell sources are impractical to use in a general therapy.
Professor Sharpe says: 'What is required is the identification of adult sources of human epithelial and
mesenchymal cells that can be obtained in sufficient numbers to make biotooth formation a viable
alternative to dental implants.'
In this new work, the researchers isolated adult human gum tissue from patients at the Dental Institute at
King's College London, grew more of it in the lab, and then combined it with the cells of mice that form
teeth. By transplanting this combination of cells into mice the researchers were able to grow hybrid
human/mouse teeth containing dentine and enamel, as well as viable roots.
Professor Sharpe concludes: 'Epithelial cells derived from adult human gum tissue are capable of
responding to tooth inducing signals from embryonic tooth mesenchyme in an appropriate way to
contribute to tooth crown and root formation and give rise to relevant differentiated cell types, following
in vitro culture.
'These easily accessible epithelial cells are thus a realistic source for consideration in human biotooth
formation. The next major challenge is to identify a way to culture adult human mesenchymal cells to be
tooth-inducing, as at the moment we can only make embryonic mesenchymal cells do this.'