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