Be Prepared For Dental Emergencies

INJURIES ALWAYS SEEM TO HAPPEN when we least expect them. Picture yourself at an outdoor gathering, having fun, when suddenly a crying child runs up to you, knocked-out tooth in hand. Would you know what to do?

Dental First Aid Saves Teeth

Knocking out or fracturing a tooth is especially distressing—just thinking about it can make you uncomfortable! But knowing what to do within the first hour after dental damage occurs can save the tooth. Here’s your plan of action:

1. Carefully recover the tooth.

Pick up the tooth by the crown, do not touch the root. If necessary, gently rinse the tooth in water or milk, but do not scrub or brush the root.

2. Don’t let the tooth dry out.

If possible, put the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place with fingers or by gently biting on gauze. If you can’t reimplant the tooth, keep it in milk (not water) or inside the cheek until you can find help.

3. Seek professional dental care immediately.

You’ll have the best chance of saving the tooth if you get to a dentist or emergency room within an hour.

Prevent Injuries Before They Happen

Accidents happen, but there are many steps you can take to prevent dental damage! These include:

~wearing a mouthguard for sports
~not chewing ice and other extremely hard foods
~using scissors to open packages, not your teeth

Teeth are strong, but they can only last a lifetime if you do your part to keep them safe and healthy!

No Matter What Happens, We’re Here For You

Part of what makes dental injury so traumatic is the thought that the damage could be permanent. We’re here to assure you that even if a tooth cannot be saved, we have the knowledge and tools to restore your smile! Should a dental emergency ever occur, see us as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading! We treasure the trust you place in our team as your lifelong dental health partners. Remember to protect your teeth!

*Image by Flickr user Melissa Wiese used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Don’t Let Dental Anxiety Keep You From A Healthy Smile

HAS IT BEEN A WHILE since you visited the dentist? Does anxiety or worry about discomfort account for your absence? If fear is preventing you from enjoying the health benefits of regular dental appointments, here’s our plea: give us a chance to change your mind!

Let Us Help You Stop The Cycle

Far too many of us get caught in a terrible cycle. Out of fear, we procrastinate dental visits until tooth pain or discomfort is severe. That procrastination results in tooth decay or gum disease. Faced with the prospect of restorative treatment, we once again avoid care, which leads to further decay and disease.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have simple, easy checkups—and dental health peace of mind after each visit?

We’ve worked successfully to restore the health of many anxious patients, and we can help you too!

At Our Practice, We Prioritize Your Comfort

We offer Nitrous Oxide and IV Sedation for your appointments that can be a great option for anxiety. We also have Netflix to watch or an I-Pod loaded with a variety of music to listen to during your appointment that are tools that help calm nerves.

Try Transferring Your Anxiety Somewhere Else!

Hey, it could help! If worrying about things is just part of your nature, try taking all that worrying and transferring it to things that make more sense to worry about. Use this video as practice.

Find Your Happy Place At Our Dental Office

We know it may sound too simple to be true, but we believe that you should enjoy your visits with us! We’ll work with you and plan a way to make you comfortable with your dental care. Give us a call, or share this message with a friend.

Thanks for trusting our practice with your dental needs.

*Image by Flickr user Holly Lay used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

How Do Your Brushing Habits Compare?

WE’RE SUPPOSED TO BRUSH twice a day for two minutes each time. How many of us actually do that? See how you measure up!

From a recent poll:

49% of men brush their teeth only once a day.

57% of women brush their teeth only once a day.

And, the average person only brushes his or her teeth for 30 seconds each time—not nearly long enough! That’s only one-fourth of the time really needed!

Brush Softer, And Take The Full 2 Minutes

Many choose to brush more vigorously to save time. Although it’s quicker, brushing aggressively can wear down tooth enamel. If you brush harder than needed, remember to brush gently but thoroughly for the full two minutes.

Think About Your Brushing Technique

For the deepest clean possible, brush at a 45-degree angle in small circular motions around all tooth surfaces. One of the biggest places for build-up is around the gum line. If neglected, gums can become swollen and infected because of plaque left behind.

Clean Your Tongue!

The tongue is the biggest bacteria host in the mouth! If you only brush your teeth, the bacteria left on your tongue transfers to your teeth, making them dirty again. Remember to clean every area of the tongue. If you experience a gag reflex when using a toothbrush, consider trying a tongue scraper. A clean tongue helps keep your teeth clean, and it helps keep your breath fresh!

We Love Your Smile

We’re focused on helping your smile look and feel its best! We’re committed to your overall health as well. Remember, brushing twice a day for two minutes each time is a necessity, not a recommendation.

Thanks for reading our blog, and happy brushing!

*Image by Flickr user Taz used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

What Every College Student Should Know About Dental Health

GOING OFF TO COLLEGE can drastically throw off a young adult’s normal at-home routine. Brushing and flossing, making healthy eating choices, and keeping up with routine appointments can become difficult for college students.

Late Night College Life Can Be Hard On A Smile

One of the biggest lifestyle changes for college students is the surge in late-night study sessions and all-nighters. To stay awake, many students consume large amounts of coffee, energy drinks, or soda. These can be super bad for teeth. Drinking plenty of water is one way to help reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay caused by the increase in acidic and sugary drinks.

At the end of these long stretches of caffeinated studying, it is important that students brush, floss and rinse before going to bed or starting the new day.

Snacking is also common during late-night study sessions which can be detrimental to oral health. If snacks are consumed, choose healthy ones. It’s better to snack on things like dairy products, fresh produce and nuts than candy, dried fruit and other sticky, sugary foods.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth come in during our late teens and early twenties. Our evaluation of patients’ wisdom teeth growth and placement can be very important for college students. Together we can determine whether or not they need to be removed and can prevent pain and discomfort that could potentially interrupt studies.

New Year, New Habits

With a new school schedule and a new lifestyle, students should be aware of new habits they’re creating. How has sugar intake changed? Is brushing and flossing routine? Are regularly scheduled hygiene appointments being kept?

During college, normal routines are disrupted, so if you’re a college student (or if you know one to remind) be sure to keep up with regular exams and cleanings. We want to help you keeping your smile happy and healthy so you can focus on what’s important–your studies!

Thank you for being part of our practice family!

*Image by Flickr user CollegeDegrees360 used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The “Musts,” “Shoulds,” And “Coulds” Of Dentistry

MANY OF OUR PATIENTS tend to wonder, “Which procedures are required, and which are optional?” We welcome this question! We understand that time and finances restrict us from doing all we wish we could, so we need to prioritize.

Many Dental Procedures Are Either “Musts,” “Shoulds,” Or “Coulds”

“Musts” include the basics of preventative care, including regular cleanings and check-ups. It may also include those procedures which protect you from pain and severe damage, like a cap on a cracked tooth.

“Shoulds” can vary greatly from patient to patient, depending on their personal risk and condition. If you’re at high risk for tooth decay, we may recommend more preventative procedures. “Shoulds” may also include aspects of a more thorough smile restoration.

Many healthy patients wish to explore “coulds” that can help them achieve a more beautiful, comfortable smile. If you’re curious about procedures that could take your smile to the next level, ask us!

Remember, Preventative Care Is NOT Optional

Many are tempted to demote dental cleanings and checkups to “could” status. However, preventative care is a “must” for a healthy mouth. We may recommend certain procedures, or more frequent cleanings and checkups, because you’re at risk for severe problems. This prevents much bigger (and more expensive) procedures down the road.

We Treasure Your Trust

We want to be a long-term, trusted healthcare provider to you and your family. That means that we’re not just here for a quick buck. It’s much more important to us to build a relationship of trust. We believe that this is the best way to provide effective care, and keep your mouth and body feeling its best. It’s also the best way that we can be a thriving practice, proud of the care that we provide.

Thanks for your trust in our practice.

*Image by Flickr user Ben Smith used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Why You Shouldn't Wait To Treat A Cavity

MANY OF US HAVE HAD at least one cavity in our lives, and if we don’t keep up on our oral hygiene, it’s likely that we’ll get a couple more as time goes by.

While cavities may be inconvenient, it’s imperative that we get them treated immediately. Early treatment of cavities prevents long-term damage to our teeth and is essential to maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile!

Cavities Are A Sign Of Tooth Decay

A cavity is a small hole that develops on your tooth when it begins to decay. Harmful bacteria is contained in the plaque that sticks to our teeth. This bacteria produces acid that eats away at our teeth and causes cavities if the plaque is not removed. If left untreated, the cavity can grow larger and cause permanent damage to the tooth.

Letting cavities fester is more common than you think. Approximately 28 percent of adults are living with untreated cavities. Because cavities are so commonplace, some may think they can leave them untreated, either to save money or spare themselves a filling. It is important to remember, however, that a cavity is considered an infection that requires prompt treatment.

Cavities Will Continue To Grow If Left Untreated

Cavities can only get worse with time. Once that harmful bacteria creates a cavity, it will continue to grow if not repaired with a filling. To further understand the damage a cavity can do to your tooth, let’s go over some tooth anatomy.

A tooth consists of three parts:
The hard and protective outer layer called the enamel
The middle layer called dentin
The inner layer called the pulp, which contains the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves
The enamel is the tooth’s first line of defense against cavity-causing bacteria. If treatment is postponed, the bacteria will eventually get through the enamel and enter into the layer of dentin, and eventually, the pulp.

If cavity-causing bacteria is allowed to reach the dental pulp, it can lead to a condition known as pulpitis, or inflammation of the pulp. If treated quickly, pulpitis can be treated with a simple filling. If left to progress, more serious measures may need to be taken such as a root canal or tooth extraction.

Your Health And Comfort Are Our Priority

In the end, the ideal option is to prevent cavities before they even occur! At our practice, your health and comfort are our priority. We are your partners in helping you maintain a cavity-free, beautiful smile!

Thank you for continuing to be part of our practice family!

*Image by Flickr user Bob G used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

What Your Dentist Can Tell By Looking In Your Mouth

DENTISTS AREN’T JUST LOOKING FOR CAVITIES at your routine checkup. A quick examination of your mouth can reveal a lot more about your oral and overall health than you think. The dentist may even discover some of your quirky habits!

Here are a few things dentists may notice when they look inside your mouth:

#1: You Haven’t Been Flossing Regularly

That quick flossing session right before your appointment may make it more apparent to your dentist that you haven’t been flossing on a regular basis. When you only floss right before your dental checkup, your gums may still be bleeding and usually look damaged and inflamed. Healthy gums, on the other hand, appear tight and pink.

#2: You Have A Sinus Infection

Sinus infections are known for causing pain and pressure in your sinus cavity, but sometimes you can even feel it in your upper teeth!

Are you unsure whether you have a toothache or a sinus infection? Luckily, your dentist can tell the difference! A simple home test is to bend over and touch your toes. If the pressure or pain increases upon bending over, it is most likely not a toothache!

#3: You Bite Your Nails

Here’s one of those quirky habits that you can’t hide from your dentist! Nail biters have leveled off, flat front teeth. This is because of the grinding that occurs between the top and bottom teeth.

#4: You Have A Vitamin Deficiency

Dentists look at more than just your teeth—they examine the health of your whole mouth! Vitamin deficiencies in particular can manifest themselves in your mouth in various ways. Here are some examples:
Sores
Changes in the tongue
Tissue sloughing off
Delayed healing
Easily bleeding gums
Burning tongue syndrome
Dentists are often the first to discover a vitamin deficiency and can help get you back on track.

#5: You Used To Suck Your Thumb

If you had the habit of sucking your thumb or finger past the age of seven, there will be significant changes in your bite and the position of your teeth. Telltale signs may remain but these can be fixed through orthodontic treatment.

#6: You Have Another Serious Health Issue

Serious maladies such as oral cancer, diabetes, and heart disease show symptoms in the mouth.

Oral cancer, for example, is characterized by unexplained bleeding, discolored patches, swelling, bumps, or even eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth. Diabetes and heart disease visibly affect the health of the gums, shown by increased swelling, bleeding and sensitivity.

We Provide More Than Just A Cleaning

Your dental appointment is much more than just a cleaning! Beyond being able to tell that you bite your nails or don’t floss as often as you should, we can also detect other, more serious health problems and help you get your health back on track.

Your overall health is important to us. Trust us to catch any warning signs that may appear in your mouth. We're here to detect any problems and help you stay healthy and happy!

Thank you for placing your trust in our practice!

Image by Flickr user Tobias Scheck used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Cavities All Of A Sudden?

SOMEONE CAN GO THEIR WHOLE LIFE without having a cavity, and seemingly out of nowhere find themselves at the dentist for a filling or two. How does this happen?

Here are some reasons your dental status might be in sudden flux:

Changes In Your Daily Routine

The stress of changes in your daily routine, like starting a new job, starting school, or starting a new habit, can adversely affect your health—oral health included. It may even be the reason for the sudden appearance of a cavity.

Stress affects us all differently, but a common side effect is experiencing a dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, there is an absence of saliva, which helps neutralize the acids in your mouth that cause tooth decay and cavities. If you're experiencing some of these changes or exercising more than usual, make sure you’re getting enough water to drink throughout the day to prevent a dry mouth.

A New Diet

Another reason for unforeseen cavities may be a change in diet. Are you consuming more acidic foods or drinks? Some common culprits are citrus fruits, tomato sauce, and sports drinks. What about more frequent consumption of sugar or soda? The amount of sugar you eat matters less to dental health as the time of exposure does. Sipping on soda all day can be worse than eating a large chocolate bar all at once.

Illness

If you have a sore throat or the flu, sucking on cough drops all day long can easily cause cavities. Chemotherapy is also a common offender and in many cases results in dry mouth, making one more prone to cavities.

Changes In Dental Habits

Are you brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and with the proper technique? This one goes without saying. Make sure your home hygiene routine is up to par.

Avoid overbrushing as it can damage your teeth and may result in cavities. If you brush more vigorously than necessary, you risk cutting away the protective enamel of the tooth, making it more vulnerable to decay.

Gum recession is also a result of overly aggressive brushing. Receding gums expose the root of the tooth that is usually below the gumline. The root does not have the enamel covering like the rest of your tooth, which protects it from cavities.

Additionally, if you’ve recently gotten braces, you may have noticed that it’s harder to floss and brush than it used to be. Talk to us about how you can improve your technique so that braces don’t interfere with your dental hygiene.

We’re Here To Help

Getting to the root of the problem is the most important thing when it comes to your dental health. We’re here to work with you in treating and preventing tooth decay, so that you can have a healthy life and a cavity-free smile!

Thank you for being our valued patient and friend!


*Image by Flickr user Jeff Djevdet used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Is Chilly Weather Hurting Your Teeth?

WE MAY FEEL the dropping temperature in our toes, but we shouldn’t be feeling it in our teeth! Some of us experience a shock of pain as we breathe in the crisp air, or sip some hot chocolate. Tooth sensitivity tends to manifest in temperature extremes, so we notice it more during the winter season.

Sensitivity Is A Cry For Help

Tooth sensitivity is fairly common, but that’s no reason to ignore it! Tooth sensitivity could be your mouth’s signal that something is wrong. For the most part, solutions are simple. And, as with most dental problems, sensitivity is best dealt with early on.

Some Causes of Sensitivity Can Lead To More Severe Problems

Healthy teeth are guarded from extreme temperatures by the tooth’s enamel layer, and by your gums. Sensitive teeth may signal receding gums as a result of gum disease or overbrushing. Sensitivity could also be caused by damaged enamel from a cracked tooth, acid erosion, or decay.

We Can Help You Find A Solution

Whatever the cause of your sensitive teeth this season, it’s important to get it checked out by a dental professional. We can help you determine the cause, and find a solution. It may be a simple change in your dental care regime. Other times, a dental procedure can relieve your discomfort.

No One Should Suffer From Tooth Pain

We believe that no one should suffer from dental problems without hope of a solution. Please talk to us if you ever have questions about your dental health. We consider it an honor to be your trusted health partner, and to keep your teeth healthy for life.

Thanks for your trust in our practice. We appreciate you!
*Image by Flickr user Jason Ippolito used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Your Regularly Scheduled Visits Are About More Than Clean Teeth

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED why it’s so important to see us every six months? From oral health maintenance to serious disease prevention, there are a lot of reasons to keep your semi-annual visits on your calendar.

Open Wide And Say “Aahhh”

So what do we look for when we examine your pearly whites? During typical checkups we examine the overall health of your teeth and gums, looking for signs of tooth decay, gum disease and checking up on the condition of existing dental work. X-rays may also be taken to ensure the health of the roots of your teeth, and to reveal things we cannot see.

Once we examine your mouth and teeth, it’s cleaning time. We do so by:
Doing an overall cleanliness check
Removing plaque and tartar
Polishing your teeth
Flossing between your teeth

After your teeth are cleaned, we’ll talk about recommendations for keeping your teeth and gums healthy until your next regular visit.

Thinking Outside The Mouth

While a clean and vibrant smile is a definite confidence booster, it can also promote sound overall health. Bacteria from untreated gum disease can spread to other parts of the body and increase the risk of heart disease and other serious conditions.

We can also spot warning signs of other conditions. Things such as vitamin deficiencies, osteoporosis and even diabetes can present symptoms in our mouths.

We Care About Your Whole Body Health

Our practice is focused on the latest treatments to create healthy and resilient smiles. In addition to helping your smile look and feel its best, we’re committed to your overall health. We want to make sure you’re as healthy as possible when you visit us!

Thank you for being our valued patient and friend!

Image by Flickr user Seth Lemmons used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Protect Your Child From Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

DO YOU EVER put your baby to bed with a bottle? It may seem harmless. But if the bottle is full of milk or juice, it may begin to erode their teeth.

Acid-Producing Bacteria Cause Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby bottles full of milk or juice are also full of sugars that combine with bacteria to produce acids. When a baby drifts off with a bottle still in his or her mouth, the fluid pools around teeth and slowly erodes the enamel throughout the night.

The result can be painful tooth decay—also known as caries—and/or the need for crowns or extractions. In addition, since children’s teeth are still coming in they’re more susceptible to decay beneath the gum line. This decay can become so severe that delicate surgery under a general anesthetic is sometimes required to remedy the problem.

Protect Your Child’s Teeth From The Start

Give your child’s teeth the best protection you can, from the start! Dental health habits should begin before your child even grows their full set of baby teeth.

Baby teeth may be temporary, but they’re essential for your child’s health and development. They help your child eat and learn to speak. They also play an important role in guiding permanent teeth as they grow in properly.

We’re Here To Help

We’re here to help you help your child during this important time of life. If you have any questions about your child’s dental health, please send them our way. You can give us a call or reach out to us on Facebook! We’re excited to join forces to make sure your child has excellent oral health.

We appreciate your trust in our practice!

Image by Flickr user Zhao ! used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original

The “Musts,” “Shoulds,” And “Coulds” Of Dentistry

MANY OF OUR PATIENTS tend to wonder, “Which procedures are required, and which are optional?” We welcome this question! We understand that time and finances restrict us from doing all we wish we could, so we need to prioritize.

Many Dental Procedures Are Either “Musts,” “Shoulds,” Or “Coulds”

“Musts” include the basics of preventative care, including regular cleanings and check-ups. It may also include those procedures which protect you from pain and severe damage, like a cap on a cracked tooth.

“Shoulds” can vary greatly from patient to patient, depending on their personal risk and condition. If you’re at high risk for tooth decay, we may recommend more preventative procedures. “Shoulds” may also include aspects of a more thorough smile restoration.

Remember, Preventative Care Is NOT Optional

Many are tempted to demote dental cleanings and checkups to “could” status. However, preventative care is a “must” for a healthy mouth. We may recommend certain procedures, or more frequent cleanings and checkups, because you’re at risk for severe problems. This prevents much bigger (and more expensive) procedures down the road.

We Treasure Your Trust

We want to be a long-term, trusted healthcare provider to you and your family. That means that we’re not just here for a quick buck. It’s much more important to us to build a relationship of trust. We believe that this is the best way to provide effective care, and keep your mouth and body feeling its best. It’s also the best way that we can be a thriving practice, proud of the care that we provide.

Thanks for your trust in our practice.
Image by Flickr user Ben Smith used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Juice Smarter: Your Teeth Will Thank You

JUICING IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR health fads right now, but how does it affect your smile?

Juices Can Be Tough On Teeth

Many juices contain high amounts of acid and sugar that can compromise healthy teeth. Frequently drinking juices with overly acidic and sugary ingredients can begin to wear away the enamel of our teeth, putting us at greater risk for cavities.

But don’t fret—you don’t need to throw away your juicer just yet! There are a variety of simple ways to make your juices healthier and still taste great.

Choose Ingredients That Strengthen Your Smile

Make your juices healthier by considering some of these options:
Add more leafy greens! Leafy greens help build strong bones and strong teeth because they are high in calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Greens won’t spike your blood sugar like sugary fruits and vegetables will.
Use fruit sparingly and when you do, be sure to use ripe fruits. Unripe fruits tend to have more acid than ripened ones.
Add a teaspoon of coconut oil. Coconut oil, amongst other amazing properties, contains antibacterial properties that are great for your teeth!
Add cranberry juice! Amongst numerous vitamins and nutrients, fresh cranberries have compounds that keep cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to your teeth. So, to add nutrients and teeth-protecting properties, simply add a splash of cranberry juice to your recipe.
Steer clear from highly pigmented foods. Fruits and vegetables that are strongly pigmented can potentially stain your teeth. Examples of these foods are: dark berries and beets.

What you put into your juices is the important thing to keep in mind when juicing. Ask yourself when adding ingredients: Does this add nutrients to my juice? Will my teeth benefit from this or not? Is there too much sugar or acid in this ingredient?

We Care About Your Whole Body Health

By being mindful and aware of the ingredients you add to your juices, you can begin making smart decisions for not only your teeth, but your overall health. If you have any questions about how the juices you enjoy affect your teeth, feel free to schedule an appointment to see us or leave a comment below!

Thank you for reading our blog and being our valued patient and friend!

Image by Flickr user Rob Bertholf used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Back To School Time? Don’t Forget Dental Checkups

TOOTH DECAY IS THE #1 CHRONIC DISEASE IN CHILDREN. It’s estimated that 40% of children have some form of tooth decay before they even reach kindergarten. Alarming, isn’t it? But SO much of the problem is preventable through routine hygiene appointments.

Don’t wait until there’s a problem—even if your child isn't complaining about discomfort. Tooth pain doesn’t usually exist until decay reaches the tooth’s pulp. At that point, it’s probably advanced and may require more extensive treatment. Good preventive treatment happens BEFORE there’s pain.

Help Set Your Child’s Great Oral Health Habits Now!

When you take an active role in your child’s oral health, you do a lot more than care for his or her teeth. You help your child develop habits that will positively shape overall health for life.

To schedule your child’s back-to-school examination, call now to request an appointment.


Have a great school year!


(Image by Flickr user woodleywonderworks used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license.)

A Toothpaste Timeline

OUR NIGHTLY BRUSHING ROUTINE wouldn’t be complete without that minty-fresh toothpaste tingle, right? But toothpaste hasn’t always been soft and minty. Years ago, it was less pleasant to use.

Toothpaste Existed As Early As 5000 B.C.

The oldest form of toothpaste known was created by the Egyptians. The powder formula included crushed rock salt, mint, pepper, and dried iris flowers. Sometimes, other abrasive materials like ox-hoof ashes, burnt eggshells, or oyster shells were added.

Would You Recognize Toothpastes From The Past?

Around 1780, burnt toast was made into powder and used as a tooth-cleaning agent. That probably wasn’t the best idea. Around 1800 soap was added to tooth powders for “cleanliness.” Not long after that, a smooth paste—the texture we’re used to today—was created for the first time.

In 1873 the first commercially produced toothpaste was sold in jars. It wasn’t until 20 years later that toothpaste was sold in a collapsible tube, similar to those we use today. After the discovery of fluoride’s decay prevention qualities, it was added to toothpaste in 1914.

Modern Toothpastes Has A Few Standard Elements

Each major ingredient in modern toothpaste makes brushing teeth easy, comfortable, effective and tasty. Here are the basic components you’ll find:
Fluoride fights off decay by strengthening tooth enamel.
Abrasives scrub the surface of the tooth without scratching or damaging enamel.
Flavors come from sweetening agents such as saccharin or sorbitol. (The ADA won’t give its seal of acceptance to toothpastes with decay-causing sugar.)
Humectants like sorbitol and glycerol trap water in the toothpaste so that when you squeeze the tube, you get a smooth substance.
Detergents give us the foaming effect we love in our toothpaste. Sodium lauryl sulfate is the one you’ll most often see.

Get The Most From Your At-Home Dental Care

The important thing to remember about toothpaste is that our toothbrushing habits and technique matter much more than the toothpaste brand we use. However, while shopping for toothpaste, look for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. This confirms that a product has met the criteria for effectiveness and safety.

If you have any other questions about your personal oral hygiene routine, talk with us about it! We love to hear from you.

Thanks for your trust in our practice!
Image by Flickr user Eli Duke used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original

The Importance of having Dental X-Rays taken

We use state of the art digital X-rays and digital camera to help with an accurate diagnosis of any concerns. Digital X-rays use less radiation to get a diagnostic picture of your teeth and they help the environment by eliminating the use of chemicals to process the film.  Dental X-rays are pictures of the teeth, bones, and soft tissues around them to help find problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw. X-ray pictures can show cavities, hidden dental structures (such as wisdom teeth), and bone loss that cannot be seen during a visual examination. Dental X-rays may also be done as follow-up after dental treatments.  

The following types of dental X-rays are commonly used. The X-rays use small amounts of radiation.

• Bitewing X-rays show the upper and lower back teeth and how the teeth touch each other in a single view. These X-rays are used to check for decay between the teeth and to show how well the upper and lower teeth line up. They also show bone loss when severe gum disease or a dental infection is present.
• Periapical X-rays show the entire tooth, from the exposed crown to the end of the root and the bones that support the tooth. These X-rays are used to find dental problems below the gum line or in the jaw, such as impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts, tumors, and bone changes linked to some diseases.
• Occlusal X-rays show the roof or floor of the mouth and are used to find extra teeth, teeth that have not yet broken through the gums, jaw fractures, a cleft in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate), cysts, abscesses, or growths. Occlusal X-rays may also be used to find a foreign object.
• Panoramic X-rays show a broad view of the jaws, teeth, sinuses, nasal area, and temporomandibular (TMJ-jaw) joints. These X-rays do not find cavities. These X-rays do show problems such as impacted teeth, bone abnormalities, cysts, solid growths (tumors), infections, and fractures.
• Digital X-ray is a new method being used in some dental offices. A small sensor unit sends pictures to a computer to be recorded and saved.  

A full-mouth series of periapical X-rays (about 14 to 21 X-ray films) is most often done during a person's first visit to the dentist. Bitewing X-rays are used during checkups to look for tooth decay. Panoramic X-rays may be used occasionally. Dental X-rays are scheduled when you need them based on your age, risk for disease, and signs of disease.

Dental X-rays are done to:

• Find problems in the mouth such as tooth decay, damage to the bones supporting the teeth, and dental injuries (such as broken tooth roots). Dental X-rays are often done to find these problems early, before any symptoms are present.
• Find teeth that are not in the right place or do not break through the gum properly. Teeth that are too crowded to break through the gums are called impacted.
• Find cysts, solid growths (tumors), or abscesses.
• Check for the location of permanent teeth growing in the jaw in children who still have their primary (or baby) teeth.
• Plan treatment for large or extensive cavities, root canal surgery, placement of dental implants, and difficult tooth removals.
• Plan treatment of teeth that are not lined up straight (orthodontic treatment).

Without X-rays, dentists may miss the early stages of decay between teeth.

*Source: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-x-rays-when-get-them  

Dental Porcelain Veneers

What are Dental Porcelain Veneers? They are a thin wafer like ceramic material that is custom made to be bonded onto a discolored, chipped, worn or mildly mal-aligned tooth. It gives excellent esthetic properties because of its translucency that mimics actual enamel of a tooth.  Most patients chose to have their six or eight front teeth prepared for Veneers, as this gives the best esthetic results.  However, a single Veneer can be done to match your other teeth.   Here are some common reasons some choose to have Veneers: 

• Permanently stained teeth (tetracycline staining, fluorosis)
• Mildly chipped or worn teeth which fillings are more likely to not hold up.
• Spaced teeth or slight mal-alignment teeth.
• You wanted to change the color of the teeth to a permanent shade without whitening. 

What is the process to complete Veneers?
Dr. Faddis would start with a complete oral examination, which would involve taking dental x-rays of your teeth.  An evaluation will be done at that time, to make sure your a good candidate to receive Veneers.  Dr. Faddis will discuss your expectations and what you would like the end result to look like.  In some cases, we will have you consult with our dental lab that will be designing your Veneers.   The shade, shape and any questions you may have will be answered prior to your appointment when the teeth are prepared for Veneers.  A dental Porcelain Veneer preparation in most cases, involves trimming 0.5mm to 0.7mm of the external surface of the tooth extending over the contact point of the tooth with its adjacent teeth.  An impression (dental mold) of the prepared tooth or teeth will be taken and sent to the dental laboratory. It will usually take 1 to 2 weeks for the Veneers to be made, then are fitted and placed with a bonding cement.  If you are interested in Veneers, give us a call for a free consultation!

What is tooth sensitivity?

 

Tooth sensitivity is the pain you may feel when you eat or drink hot or cold foods or drinks. You may also feel pain when you breathe in cold air.  Sensitivity can happen when gums pull away from the teeth or when gum tissue is lost. Gum loss can occur as a result of brushing too hard or not brushing and flossing regularly.  When gum loss occurs, the part of the tooth below the gumline can be exposed, called the tooth root. There are tiny tunnels that contain fluid and lead from the tooth root to the tooth's nerve center, called the pulp. When cold or heat touches these tunnels, the tooth fluid can excite the nerve pulp, causing pain in your teeth.  Sensitivity can also happen if the tooth's hard surface layer, called enamel, gets worn away.  Tooth sensitivity can come and go, but ignoring it can lead to other health problems in your mouth.

These factors can contribute to tooth sensitivity:

• Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles
  This can cause gum loss.
• Sugary and acidic foods and drinks
  Cola/soda, fruit juices, and sugary snacks can contribute to cavities, which may cause sensitivity.
• Teeth grinding
  This can wear down tooth surfaces.
• Dental cleanings or treatments
  Sensitivity can happen after dental cleanings or treatments like tooth whitening. It usually goes away shortly after treatment ends.

Here are some ways to help prevent sensitivity:

• Brush and floss your teeth twice a day to prevent gum loss
  Be sure to clean all parts of your mouth, including between teeth and along the gumline.
• Brush gently and use a toothbrush with soft bristles
  This will help prevent gum loss and protect your enamel from being worn away.
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks.

Quick facts about tooth sensitivity

• Tooth sensitivity is the pain you may feel when you eat or drink hot or cold foods or drinks.
• Sensitivity happens when gums pull away from the teeth or when gum tissue is lost. This exposes the tooth root below the gumline, resulting in sensitivity.
• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid hurting your gums and teeth.
• You can also ask us about special toothpastes for sensitive teeth.

Oral health: Why is it so important?

Oral health is defined as the health of all oral structures and while the usual focus lies on teeth, it is important to not neglect other oral structures such as the lips, tongue, inside lining of the mouth, roof of mouth or palate, soft palate, throat, and tonsils. Periodontal health should also be taken into consideration, as they are the supporting structures of the teeth which is crucial for adequate retention of teeth. All these play an important role in the functioning of the mouth hence need to be maintained at a satisfactory level in order to prevent problems.

The public perception of oral health

Oral health has been an important focus in recent years due to the shift for better smile and healthier lifestyle. Peer pressure force people to maintain their mouths at a socially acceptable standard and depending on the group, these ‘standards’ are very subjective and may have great variations inter-group. Some people may place an important focus on simply being able to function with their mouths while others may have greater emphasis on the appearance and impressions they give of their mouths. Besides social background, other factors such as employment can also influence their perception towards oral health. For example an individual who has never been concerned about the appearance of their smile may start becoming self conscious of their poor oral health if they landed work in public relations or similar jobs that requires professional level of client interactions.

Why is it so important to maintain good oral health? Good oral health is as important as it is in direct relationship with function and the state of its health influences our ability to perform such tasks with our mouths. These include speaking, eating, swallowing, smiling and others. Deterioration of oral health will cause impairment in at least one of those areas. The impact of this, again can be subjective depending on the individual perception towards the importance of affected function.  There is a close link between oral and general health, which cannot be refuted. Sudden oral health deterioration in individuals practicing reasonable oral hygiene can often be the first signs of underlying systemic diseases. Very often, oral changes precede medical diagnosis and the mouth is usually the first to show signs of the disease. This is especially true for conditions that affect the immune system such as diabetes and leukemia. This is because impaired healing is frequently reflected in the mouth where even the tiniest amount of plaque can cause significant gum diseases due to exaggerated inflammatory response. Such oral manifestations are hard to treat and usually behave aggressively until the underlying condition is managed. There have also been numerous evidences suggesting the link between poor periodontal health and cardiovascular diseases where the bacterium involved in periodontal diseases can be found on the plaque lining of affected blood vessels. Recent study has also shown people with poorer oral health tend to have higher mortality rates and greater risks of acquiring cardiovascular diseases than their healthier counterparts who have more teeth.  Oral health being able to influence our daily functioning and general health plays a key factor behind our social health. Most people fail to recognize this important relationship which leads to poor care of oral health. Being able to masticate and swallow properly is a form of basic need which is important to all of us. The ability to speak properly and smile comfortably is a form of interaction that molds our social life. Impairment of this can often lead to isolation and poor self esteem, sometimes causing more significant problems such as depression. Other aspects such as simply being in a pain free state is also crucial as toothaches are often rated highly when it comes to people’s inability to tolerate pain. It often creates more disturbance to daily life and affects people’s ability to work more so than other common sickness such as fever or cold.

Source: intelligentdental.com

SMILE, It's New Years Resolution Time!

It’s that time of year again, time to think about how to improve with a New Year’s Resolution. Statistics say that about half of us will make some sort of resolution- whether it be something popular like losing weight or quitting smoking- but only a few will follow through. If you are thinking of something easier and more attainable, why not pledge to have better oral hygiene? Here are some tips that can lead to a beautiful, healthy smile the whole year through:

Brushing

• Select a toothbrush that is comfortable for you. If you opt for a manual toothbrush, make sure that it is soft bristled so that you don’t damage your teeth or gums.
• Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and gently brush back and forth, making sure to brush at least two minutes total, at least twice a day. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste that has the ADA seal of approval. The American Dental Association does plenty of research on the best products for your oral health.
• Use a new toothbrush or change your electric brush head every 3 months

Flossing

• Use an 18 inch strand of floss, winding one end around your left middle finger and wrap the other middle finger about 2 inches away. As you use the floss, wind the used floss around your left finger and expose fresh floss from your right side.
• Keep the floss tight and gently go between your teeth, making a “C” shape as you gently glide the floss under your gums.
• Don’t forget to floss behind the last teeth- this disrupts any plaque forming behind them. 

Mouth Rinse

• Again, watch for that ADA seal of approval to make sure your mouth rinse is safe and effective.
• Studies show that rinsing with an appropriate mouth rinse significantly reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth. Rinse for 30 seconds each time you brush.
• Fluoride containing mouth rinses have also shown to be more beneficial than just using fluoride toothpaste alone.

From all of us at My Family Dentist, we want to wish you and your family a Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you in our office in 2012!