Mouth Rinses (Mouthwash)

Mouth rinse or mouthwash is a product used to improve oral hygiene.  Antiseptic and anti-plaque mouthwashes claim to eliminate the germs that cause plaque, gingivitis and bad breath.  Anti-cavity mouth rinses use fluoride to protect teeth against tooth decay.  Mouth rinses are often categorized as either cosmetic or therapeutic.  Cosmetic mouth rinses are commercial, over-the-counter (OTC) products that help remove oral debris before or after brushing, temporarily suppress bad breath and often have a pleasant taste.  Therapeutic rinses have all of the benefits of cosmetic rinses but also contain an active ingredient that helps protect against some oral diseases.  Therapeutic rinses can also be categorized according to use: anti-plaque/anti-gingivitis rinses or anti-cavity fluoride rinses for example.  Dentists will prescribe special rinses for patients with more significant oral health problems such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, gum inflammation and dry mouth (xerostomia).

Should I use a mouth rinse?
The answer to this question depends primarily upon your personal needs.  You should be aware that while most over-the-counter mouth rinses are helpful in the reduction of tooth decay and temporarily effective at freshening breath, studies have shown that most over-the-counter mouth rinses claiming anti-plaque effectiveness are only slightly more effective in reducing plaque and lessening gum disease that rinsing with water alone.

How should I use a mouth rinse? 
Before using a mouth rinse brush and floss your teeth well.  Teeth and gums should be as clean as possible before rinsing to help provide you with full preventative benefits.  Use the recommended amount of rinse for the recommended amount of time.  Do not eat, rinse, drink, or smoke for at least 30 minutes after using rinses, as these things will reduce the effectiveness of the rinse.
Discuss mouth rinses with your dentist to see which may be right for you. 

Cosmetic Dentistry

 

What is cosmetic Dentistry and how can it improve my smile?

At Dental Associates we can perform a variety of cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of your smile - from subtle changes to major repairs. We have many options and techniques to treat teeth that are discolored, misshaped, chipped or missing. We can reshape your teeth, close spaces, restore worn teeth, or alter the length of your teeth. Common procedures include: tooth whitening, bonding, veneers, crowns and esthetic reshaping and contouring of your natural teeth.

What is whitening?
Tooth whitening is a popular process used to brighten smiles. Discoloration that occurs in the enamel can be caused by medication, coffee, tea, cigarettes, and many other commonly consumed foods and beverages.  Discoloration  can also occur simply from aging.  Whitening can be performed by your dentist in the office or under dental supervision at home.

What is bonding?
Bonding is the use of tooth colored material to fill in gaps or change the color of teeth.  Bonding can last a number of years and often only requires a single office visit.  Bonding can be more susceptible to staining or chipping than other types of restorations but is also easily repaired. Bonding can be a very conservative and cost effective way of improving your smile.

What are veneers?
Veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are cemented over the front surface of your teeth.  They can change the color or shape of your teeth.  Veneers are used on teeth that are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked.  Veneers are used to treat some of the same problems that bonding is used to treat but should last substantially longer and are not as likely to discolor over time. Veneers are also in certain situations an alternative treatment to crowns.  

Please contact us to discuss how we can help you achieve the smile you have always dreamed of.  

860.677.8666

Toothpaste

Toothpaste has many functions: it delivers fluoride to prevent cavities, freshens breath, cleans your teeth by removing dental plaque and food from your teeth, polishes your teeth and removes surface stains over time.  Overall, toothpaste promotes good oral health

What is in toothpaste?
Toothpaste is available in paste or gel form. Despite the many types of toothpaste that exist, some ingredients are common to most varieties, these include:

• Abrasives to help brush away plaque and other debris with the aid of the toothbrush.  Abrasives also polish your teeth, remove surface stains help teeth to be their whitest.
• Fluoride to make the entire tooth more resistant to decay and to promote remineralization, which makes your teeth stronger.  
• Antigingivitis agents, such as stannous fluoride or triclosan to fight bacteria in dental plaque.
• Anti-tartar agents to help prevent the formation of tartar (also referred to as calculus) on tooth surfaces.
• Desensitizing agents, such as stannous fluoride and potassium nitrate to help reduce/relieve tooth sensitivity. 
• Binding agents to keep all of the components together in a homogenous way.
• Humectant to keep your toothpaste from drying out.  
• Flavors and sweetening agents to make the brushing experience more enjoyable.  

Why do toothpastes contain abrasives?
 Like other products that are designed to clean, toothpastes contain abrasive agents to aid in the removal of surface stains from teeth.  While toothpaste must be abrasive enough to remove surface stains and dental plaque, it must not be so abrasive that it wears away vital tooth enamel.

How do I minimize the risk of tooth wear?
Wear on teeth due to tooth-brushing can be minimized by practicing proper brushing techniques, which includes using short gentle strokes in a circular motion with a soft bristle brush. 

How do I know which toothpaste is right for me?  
When it comes to choosing the best toothpaste for you it is important to think about your unique oral health needs.  Some toothpastes aim to alleviate the discomfort associated with sensitive teeth. Some help to control plaque and tartar.  Some are designed to remove stains and whiten teeth.  Because each toothpaste is uniquely formulated to perform specific functions speak with your dentist or hygienist to determine which is right for you. 

Gum Disease

    The word disease sounds scary - and it can be if you don't take care of your gums.  Here is some information about what gum disease is, what causes it and how you can prevent it.

         

What is gum disease        

      Periodontal means "around the tooth."  Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the tissues that support the tooth, meaning the bone, ligament and gums.  Periodontal disease can affect one or many teeth.  Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria found in plaque cause the gums to become inflamed, this early stage is known as gingivitis.  Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease.  In this stage the gums appear red, swollen and bleed easily.  There is usually little or no discomfort.

What causes Gum disease

      Plaque is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease.  If plaque isn't removed each day through proper brushing and flossing technique, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus (also known as tartar).  These hardened deposits trap bacteria below the gum line.  The bacteria produce toxins that irritate the gums.  These toxins cause the breakdown of fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets.  As the disease progresses, pockets become deeper as the bacteria and their toxins result in the destruction of the bone surrounding the tooth.  As bone loss worsens teeth begin to exhibit mobility.  Eventually, severe infection may develop with pain and swelling, often times requiring the removal of the tooth.  

        There are other factors that can increase the likelihood of developing periodontal disease.  The most common are: tobacco users and diabetics, both are at higher risk of developing gum disease.  

How is gum disease treated       

      In the early stages of gum disease, treatment most often includes a special cleaning called scaling and root planing, which removes plaque and tartar around the tooth and smooths the root surfaces.  Antibiotics may also be used to supplement the effects of the scaling and root planing.  In cases of mild gum disease, scaling and root planing along with proper daily oral hygiene will help to limit the progression of the disease.  Advanced cases of gum disease may require removal of portions of the gum tissue to allow you to adequately clean root surfaces at home.  

How can I prevent gum disease

       Removing plaque through daily brushing and flossing and professional cleaning is the best way to minimize your risk. You can also reduce your risk of gum disease by quitting smoking and controlling diabetes.  Talk to your dentist for a personalized plan to help you avoid gum disease.  

Fluoride and Your Dental Health

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to demineralization, a process that occurs when acids, produced by decay-causing bacteria or found naturally in certain food, attack the enamel of a tooth and cause the enamel to dissolve.  Fluoride also helps to speed remineralization, adding strengthening minerals to the enamel layer of an erupted tooth in both adults and children.

Where is fluoride found?
The primary source of fluoride is drinking water.  Tap water in most U.S. cities contains fluoride, however, some rural towns have yet to incorporate fluoridation into the drinking water.  Your dentist can help you figure out if your town has fluoridated water.  Some, but not all bottled waters contain fluoride.  Fluoride can also be directly applied to teeth through toothpastes and fluoride containing mouth rinses.  Dentists and dental hygienists can apply fluoride directly to your teeth in the form of a gel, foam or varnish.  These products contain much higher levels of fluoride than toothpastes and mouth rinses.

When should fluoride use begin? 
Developing teeth can benefit from a little fluoride.  Most municipal water supplies are fortified with adequate fluoride. (Call your local water authority to find out about yours.) If yours isn't, or if you get your water from a well, consider buying a test kit from your local health department, a hardware store, or a pharmacy. If the results show a fluoride content of less than .3 parts per million, ask your dentist whether you should give your child a supplement. (The recommended dosage per day is .25 milligrams for children under 3, .5 mg for kids 3 to 6, and 1 mg for kids over 6). You can get a prescription for a fluoride supplement in the form of drops or chewable tablets.

Keep in mind that while little fluoride is a good thing for your child's teeth, swallowing too much of it over time can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which can cause white spots to show up on your child's adult teeth.  This is why it's important not to use too much toothpaste, especially before your child learns to rinse and spit it out.

When is additional fluoride necessary?
 Additional fluoride treatment can benefit children and adults with certain oral conditions, including dry mouth, tooth decay, and gum disease.  To find out if you and your children are receiving enough fluoride or should consider fluoride treatment or supplements ask your dentist.

Dental Acid Erosion

Many people consume fruit juice, carbonated beverages and highly acidic foods every day but probably do not realize that they might be harming their teeth.  The acid in the foods we eat and drink can cause tooth enamel to wear away, making teeth sensitive, discolored and more prone abnormal wear.
What causes tooth erosion
Tooth erosion occurs when the enamel on your teeth is worn away by acid.  Usually the calcium contained in saliva will help remineralize (strengthen) your teeth after you consume small amounts of acidic food and beverage.  However, the presence of excessive amounts of acid in your mouth does not allow for remineralization.  This acid can come from many sources including:

• Carbonated drinks: All fizzy drinks, including soda (including diet varieties) contain significant amounts of acid and can dissolve enamel on your teeth very quickly.  More damage is done to your teeth as the frequency of your consumption increases.  
• Pure fruit juice: Fruit juice also contains significant amounts of acid that, like carbonated beverages, can result in extensive damage to teeth.  
• Acid reflux and bulimia: Both bulimia and acid reflux cause tooth erosion as a result of acids in the stomach entering the mouth and bathing the teeth.  

What are the signs of tooth erosion

• Sensitivity:  Since enamel, the outer layer of the tooth is wearing away, you may notice that you feel pain when you consume cold, hot, or sweet foods and drinks.  This sensitivity can increase as acid erosion progresses
• Discoloration: Teeth can become increasingly yellow in color as enamel is lost and more dentin is exposed.  
• Transparency: Your front teeth may begin to appear more transparent near the biting edges
• Cupping: Small dents may appear on the chewing surfaces of the teeth.  

What can I do to prevent tooth erosion?
Because there are many reasons why you may be experiencing tooth erosion speak with your dentist so you can have a preventive plan of action.  Here are some general things you can do to protect your teeth.

• Reduce or eliminate carbonated drinks from your diet.  Instead, try to increase your intake of water
• Drink acidic drinks quickly and use a straw so that the liquid is pushed to the back of the mouth.  Do not swish, or hold them in your mouth for long periods of time. 
• After consuming high-acid foods or drink, rinse with water to neutralize the acid, and wait at least a half an hour before brushing your teeth.
• Brush with a soft toothbrush and ensure that your toothpaste has fluoride to help the remineralization process. 

Sensitive Teeth

What is dentin hypersensitivity?
More commonly referred to as sensitive teeth, dentin hypersensitivity can be defined by sharp pains of short duration (1-5 seconds) that come from exposed dentin (the inner layer that contains the nerve of the tooth found beneath the hard outer enamel layer).  Individuals that experience sensitive teeth may find that pain can be triggered by hot, cold, sour and sweet beverages or foods, forceful brushing and flossing and even by cold air.
What causes the sensitivity? 
The inner dentin layer is composed of thousands of tiny hollow tubes that are filled with fluid.  Tooth sensitivity is caused by the movement of the fluid within the dentin tubes which results in nerve irritation.  When the hard outer layer of enamel is worn down or if the gums have receded, the surfaces of these tiny tubes can become exposed, resulting sharp pain of short duration (1-5 seconds).
How can I avoid dentin hypersensitivity? 
Dentin hypersensitivity is one of the most common complaints among dental patients.  Avoiding frequent consumption of acidic beverages such as fruit juices (particularly citrus) and soda (remember, diet soda is still very acidic even though it contains no sugar) and also limiting your consumption of acidic foods you will decrease your risk of developing dentin hypersensitivity.  Conditions such as bulimia and acid reflux can have a similar erosive effect on tooth enamel.  Additionally, abrasion of the tooth's enamel can result from aggressive use of your toothbrush resulting in dentin hypersensitivity.
I have dentin hypersensitivity, what can I do to prevent pain?
Using a soft bristled toothbrush and brushing in a circular motion will minimize enamel abrasion and thus reduce sensitivity.  Using a desensitizing toothpaste will protect exposed dentin by blocking the dentin tubes. Avoid whitening toothpastes as these tend to be more abrasive and result in further loss of enamel.  As previously mentioned, limit your intake of acidic foods and beverages.  If you are experiencing sensitive teeth tell your dentist or hygienist, they can help you know the best way to manage the problem.

Dry Mouth

What is xerostomia?
Xerostomia is a condition related to the salivary glands.  Saliva helps keep your mouth moist and helps to prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems.  When salivary glands do not work properly, the amount of saliva in the mouth decreases resulting in xerostomia - more commonly known as dry mouth. 
What causes dry mouth?
Prescription and over-the-counter medications are the most common cause of dry mouth.  Some of the medications that cause dry mouth are used to treat common medical problems such as high blood pressure, depression, anxiety and chronic pain.  Dry mouth can also be caused by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal alterations, and diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease and Alzheimer's disease.  Other contributing factors include stress, anxiety, depression and disfunction of the immune system. 
What are the signs and symptoms of a dry mouth?  
Symptoms of dry mouth may include the following:

• Increased need to sip or drink fluids when swallowing.
• Burning sensation or soreness in the mouth.
• Diminished or altered sense of taste.
• Sleep interruptions due to thirst.
• Tooth decay.
• Gingivitis.

How can my dentist help?  
If you experience any of the symptoms of dry mouth it is important to contact your dentist for an evaluation.  A variety of methods are available to help you manage dry mouth.  Your dentist my recommend using saliva substitutes, over-the-counter mouth washes, gels, and sprays.  To ease discomfort your dentist may also recommend drinking plenty of water and chewing sugarless gum along with ensuring you are brushing and flossing at least twice daily and avoiding certain mouthwashes.  In addition your dentist may suggest that you change your diet to avoid alcohol, smoking, citrus juices, dry foods and overly salty foods.  For more information, speak with your dentist. 

Bruxism

Is work or school stressing you out?  You may be taking it out on your teeth through a condition called bruxism.  Bruxism is characterized by grinding of the teeth and is typically accompanied by clenching of the jaw.  Bruxism is classified as both a habitual disorder and a sleep disorder. 

What are the signs of bruxism?
Bruxism can result in abnormal wear patterns on the top surfaces of teeth, unusually sensitive teeth, notching of the teeth at the gumline, as well as severe damage to the teeth, including fractures.  If left untreated bruxism eventually blunts teeth and can lead to facial muscle pain and Tempromandibular joint disorders.  Patients often first become aware of the condition during a routine dental examination.  Your dentist will be able to recognize the signs of bruxism.

How is bruxism treated?
There is not always a definitive cure for bruxism, but the signs and symptoms can be reduced or eliminated through specific dental treatments.  Treatments can include mouth-guards, bite adjustment and repair of damaged teeth.

Do you have questions about bruxism?  Talk to your dentist. 

Dental X-ray Controversy

     You may have recently heard about a study that was conducted which reported to show a link between dental X-rays and the development of meningiomas (a common benign brain tumor).  Numerous organizations have responded to point out the flaws of the study which render the conclusions of the study to be invalid. These organizational responses also help educate the layperson regarding the risks and benefits of dental X-rays.  We have included links to several of these articles for you to review.  We want to assure you that at Dental Associates we are committed to your overall health which includes your oral health.  We take every safety precaution possible to limit your exposure to radiation during dental X-rays.  It is our hope that if you have any question regarding your safety in undergoing dental X-rays that you would ask us. 

1.  American Dental Association Responds to Study Linking Dental X-rays and Common Brain Tumors 
2.  American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists Respond to Study Linking Dental X-rays and Common Brain Tumors
3. Academy of General Dentistry Responds to Study Claiming Link Between Dental X-rays and Common Brain Tumor

Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Oral cancer screening exams can save lives.  Follow the
above image to the oral cancer foundation website.

The month of April marks Oral Cancer Awareness Month in the United States of America. It may surprise you to learn that it has been for the last 13 years – since 1999. Another thing that may surprise you is the rapidly rising problem of oral cancer in the United States. Oral cancer cases increase each year; the best chance for survival is early detection and the best chance of early detection is awareness.

 Oral cancer is common, with roughly 35,000 new cases reported annually in the United States. The vast majority of oral cancers occur in people older than 50 years, with men being twice as likely as women to develop the disease. The most frequent oral cancer sites are the tongue, the floor of the mouth and soft palate tissues in back of the tongue, lips and gums. If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain, loss of function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurement following surgery and even death.  Scientists have found that the carcinogens in tobacco products and alcohol, as well as excessive exposure to the sun, lead to an increased risk of developing oral cancer.

 At Dental Associates we perform a thorough oral cancer screening exam during your cleaning visits every six months.  This is just one more reason to be sure that you keep your 6 month check-up appointment.  

Ways to a Brighter, Whiter Smile

Ways to a Brighter, Whiter Smile

Tooth whitening is a popular, simple procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter, and more attractive. Whitening can be used to brighten stained and discolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile. Either way, tooth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure ideal for most patients.  We offer our patients the option of home whitening or convenient in-office whitening using the Zoom! whitening system.  Both methods can give you spectacular results.  Speak with us to see which option may work best for you. 

Before and after in office Zoom! whitening