Best Dental Answers

Nature Smiles, even in rough economic times

Melanie — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:18:47 +0000

Even in rough economic times, it is good to remember that nature and life is smiling at us. Take the time to appreciate the small gifts.

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Sensitive Teeth

Camille — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:44:51 +0000

“Why are my teeth sensitive to cold?”

As a hygienist, I hear this comment daily. There could be several reasons why someone’s teeth are sensitive to cold.

Gum recession with root exposure is the reason I see the most. When the gum tissue (gingiva as we call it in the dental office) receeds, it actually looses attachment to the crown of the tooth and exposes the root surface.

Aggressive toothbrushing. (yes that’s right, you can over brush your teeth)

I also suggest using an electric toothbrush. They are less likely to cause damage to the delicate gum tissue. There are many on the market that are good. I also like the 2 min. timer.

Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) A bite splint worn at night may help prevent damage to the enamel of the teeth. An over-the-counter splint is better than nothing, but a bite guard made specifically for your mouth by your dentist is the best option.

Genetics (what your Mom and Pop gave you) Some people are more prone to gum recession than others for inherited reasons. (one example, the lip attaches via a muscle attachment that in some people attaches higher on the gum tissue. After years of use, the pulling of the lip can cause the tissue to recess causing exposed root surfaces.

Age (years of use) Unfortunately, as we age, so does our dentition.

The above are some reasons why your teeth could be sensitive.

Cold sensitivity is the most common occurance from root exposure. When the tissue exposes dentin (or root surfaces) they have microscopic tubule openings that transmit a shock-like twinge of pain to the nerve of the tooth.

Below is a image of dentin under a microscope. The openings of the tubules are visible.

The best defense for cold sensitivity caused from exposed dentin is Fluoride. The ions in fluoride can close or constrict the tubule openings with continued daily use. Sensitive toothpast used daily for a couple weeks helps

Below is another microscopic picture of dentin after the use of a fluoride toothpaste made for prevention of senstive teeth. Notice how much smaller the tubule openings are?

I always suggest patients use the sensitive toothpaste at night before bed. You don’t want to eat or drink after using it for at least 30 minutes so the fluoride ions have time to adhear to the dentin and provide a layer of protection.

I suggest not to rinse with water after brushing, just expectorate or spit.

I also suggest that if one area it particularly sensitive, to try rubbing some paste with their finger along the area and going to sleep.

If the sensitivity does not go away, or if it gets worse, I suggest seeing a dentist.

Hot sensitivity that lingers, a dull ache, any ache that causes you to take a pain medication should cause you to call your dentist and have it further evaluated.

One last thing I want to mention,

it helps your dentist diagnose if you can tell your dentist what sets off the sensitivity.

If you are suffuring from a sinus infection and only your upper teeth are sensitive, that is important to tell your dentist.

If it only hurts when you bite into an ice cream cone or drink something really cold but warm liquids or food are no problem, then that also helps your dentist fix the problem.

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Best Teeth Whitening Methods

Melanie — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 03:56:31 +0000

It seems everyone wants whiter teeth these days.

Probably, thanks in part to the fluorescent, gleaming white teeth all the celebs have in the magazines.

From the dental standpoint, large, white, chiclet teeth are unnatural looking but who cares.
It’s the in-vogue thing right now and people are spending large amounts of money to have their teeth bleached.
There are a lot of treatment options when it comes to whitening your teeth which are mostly safe and effective. The products today bleach your teeth without harming the tooth’s enamel.
As we age, our teeth become darker in color and pick up stains from things like coffee, tea, tobacco and dark colored foods and drinks.

They also begin to wear down and can get small fracture lines that will pick up stains.

Whitening toothpastes work by being slightly more abrasive than normal toothpaste and will brush away some of these stains. Long-term use can cause some tooth abrasion so it’s best to only use them a few times a week.

One misconception people have is that they will actually whiten your teeth. They really just remove stains so your teeth will appear whiter.

At home whitening strips like Crest White Strips do work, but the concentration of bleaching product is not as strong as those you can get from the dentist. It takes longer with these and you may not get as good of results. They can also be hard to use.

I recommend drying your teeth off as best as you can before applying the strips. That helps them stick better. I’ve also been told from my Crest Representative that 85% of the carbonamide peroxide bleaching agent is absorbed within the first 10 minutes of wearing the strips. They companies suggested wear time in 30 minutes. If you absorb most of the bleach in the first 10 minutes, than don’t worry about keeping them on your teeth any longer than the 30 minutes.

By far, the best tooth whitening method is the in-office bleaching combined with trays you wear at home.

When you come into the office, impressions will be taken and molds made of your teeth.

A clear, plastic tray will be custom made of your teeth.
Then, to jump start your teeth bleaching, they will be isolated with cotton and a special material that protects your gums. Bleach is then painted on your teeth and you sit under a special light for approximately three-15 minute intervals.
That evening, you can use your home bleaching trays for about 30 minutes and your teeth should be nice, white chiclets. Every few months you can touch up your bleaching with your at-home tray.
The worst side effect of bleaching is usually tooth sensitivity. Your dentist can give you a strong flouride gel to wear in your tray that can cut down on the sensitivity.

Overall, the best teeth whitening will be from your dentist but if your short on cash you can give the strips a try. It’s not a huge price to pay for something that can take years off your looks.

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Dental Insurance Benefits

Melanie — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 22:08:54 +0000

Just a friendly reminder from your Dental Hygienists here at Best Dental Answers. If you need dental work and have insurance you probably need to check to see if you have any benefits remaining this year. Most insurance companies give you a $1000-1500 max which usually renews in January. If you haven’t used your benefits this year and need dental work, hurry and call your dentist. Don’t give your insurance company a $1000 bonus this year! Use your benefits!

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Age children lose baby teeth.

Melanie — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 20:52:06 +0000

What age will my child lose his/her 1st tooth?

Most parents have no clue when their little one will begin to lose their teeth. So here is the basic breakdown.

Typically, a child will lose their bottom front two center teeth first around 6-7 years old.
Next to come out usually are the top two front central teeth.
Then back down to the laterals (or front side teeth). This happens at about 7-8 years of age.
Soon after that, the top laterals are lost.
Once the front 8 teeth are gone there is usually a break for a couple of years before a child starts losing teeth again.

Now, every child is different and girls tend to lose their teeth sooner than boys. I’ve seen some 4 year old girls with loose teeth and some 8 year old boys who have yet to lose one.

Starting again around 10, kids will lose their back baby molars and the canines (eye teeth).
Usually, they finish losing all the teeth at about 12-13 years old.

It’s important to remember that every tooth serves a purpose and it’s not okay to leave a cavity in a child’s mouth because “it’s a baby tooth and they will just lose it anyway.” Sometimes your Dentist may recommend watching a decayed tooth if it is close to falling out but if you suspect your child has a cavity it needs to be checked.

The enamel of a baby tooth is thinner than a permanent tooth and decay can spread to the nerve very quickly resulting in pain for your child.

Each tooth holds the space for it’s permanent replacement so if one is lost early a space maintainer should be placed by a dentist to prevent the teeth from shifting. If the teeth shift enough, the permanent tooth can be blocked out.

That’s a guide to go by.

Remember, each child is different but a good clue to follow: If your child was early getting teeth as a baby they will probably lose them early too.

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Floss Dispenser

Camille — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 20:14:16 +0000

We all hate to do it, but flossing is critical for good oral health.

I just found this cute little floss dispenser and thought I would share.

It got Jason to floss, so maybe it could work for you or your kids!

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Tongue Piercing

Camille — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:56:54 +0000

Tongue Piercing is all the rage today.

As a hygienist I have to warn those of you that want or have your tongue pierced.

The biggest problem I see, is broken teeth by accidentally biting down on the metal barbell piercing.

It is better to have a plastic ball end cap then the metal ball variety.

Size does matter in oral piercings. The larger– the better chance of damage.

I also see gum recession. Many pierced patrons “play” with the metal ball of the piercing along the back of their lower teeth. Overtime, this can cause the gum (gingival) tissue to receed (pull away) from the teeth. This exposes the root surface (called dentin) which is softer than enamel.

Other problems commonly seen with tongue piercings:

Pain
Swelling
Infection
Increased Salivary Flow
Interference with Speech
Scar tissue (keloid) formation
Development of metal hypersensitivities
Damage to Nerves
Choking on loose jewelry
HIV transmission
Micro-Fractures of Tooth Enamel
Heavy bleeding if vein is punctured during piercing procedure

The American Dental Association (ADA) is Strongly Against Oral Piercings.

If it still is something you want to do, be sure to find a reputable piercer that uses the most sterile technique and equipment.

Be aware that the equipment used to hold and pierce the tongue

can abrade or fracture the anterior dentition (front teeth).

If excessive swelling or bleeding occurs notify a doctor immediately.

Avoid playing with the jewelry, touching with unclean fingers

or having too large of jewelry placed.

The good news (especially for parents of children with piercings)…

when removed, the piercing hole can close in a matter of days,

even when a very large gauge bar has been used.

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Rugby Players Headache is a Real Toothache

Camille — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 04:09:43 +0000

Rugby, hailed as “a beastly sport played by gentlemen,” may want to invite more dentists to weigh in on the sport’s reputation.

A Brisbane-area rugby player told Australian media that he competed in the physically demanding sport for more than three months without knowing an opponent’s tooth was embedded in his head.

A doctor located the tooth last week beneath the skin of Ben Czislowski’s head after treating him for an eye infection, according to the player.

The 24-year-old was playing for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls on April 1 when he and forward Matt Austin knocked heads, breaking Austin’s jaw.

“We had a bit of a head clash and I realized he’d lost some teeth, but I just assumed they were on the ground,” Czislowski said. “I never thought they were lodged in my head. I just got it stitched up and that was about it.”

Czislowski kept competing for more than 15 weeks, despite feeling lethargic and complaining of shooting pains in his head.

Last week, his doctor discovered the root of the problem, he said.

“I can laugh about it now, but the doctor told me it could have been serious, because teeth carry germs,” Czislowski said.

“I’ve got the tooth at home, sitting on the bedside table,” he said. “If he [Austin] wants it back, he can have it. I’m keeping it at the moment as proof that it actually happened.”

source

So what are you to do if you happen to knock out a tooth?

Here is a video that gives some tips on what to do if you happen to lose a tooth

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Root Canal Therapy

Camille — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 01:45:54 +0000

What is a Root Canal? What is fact or myth about Root Canal treatment?
Here is a video that explains the basics about Root Canal Therapy in a Dental Office.

VideoJug: Root Canal Therapy

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Funny Go Organic Video

Camille — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 16:15:56 +0000

Here is a funny video about going organic and eating healthy foods.

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