Best Dentist News – Page 7 – Information for Savvy Dental Patients

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

One common issue patients raise with their dentist is tooth sensitivity. Many experience it without knowing what causes it. In today’s post, we’d like to look at that question.

Often, tooth sensitivity occurs when the gums have receded, leaving tooth roots exposed. Tubules in the roots lead down to the tooth’s nerve. These let stimuli like hot and cold reach the nerve, creating a shock of sensation.

Gum recession is spurred by a variety of factors, including:

Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, this is the primary cause of gum recession. What’s more, it’s been estimated that a majority of American adults have some form of the disease. Gum disease can be treated or prevented through regular oral care at home and regular visits to your local dentist.

Brushing Technique

How you brush can impact your oral health. When you brush aggressively using a hard-bristled toothbrush, you aren’t doing your smile any favors. This kind of brushing can harm your gums and your teeth alike. Brush thoroughly but gently, and ask your doctor for advice on what kind of brush you need.

Teeth Grinding/Cracked Teeth

Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding is a common sign of stress. Over time, grinding will damage teeth, possibly to the point that teeth become cracked. When teeth are cracked, bacteria can gain access to a tooth’s pulp, causing sensitivity. See your dentist about treating your teeth grinding with an oral appliance.

Age

It’s not uncommon for patients between 25 and 30 to experience sensitivity. If that fits your situation, talk to your doctor about what you can do to treat your discomfort.

Is sensitivity putting a damper on your sense of health and wellbeing? Call your local dentist. Sometimes changing hygiene products is all it takes to tooth sensitivity. You don’t have to live with your discomfort. A long-term solution is possible!

Want a healthy smile? Try vitamin D!

nutrition and oral health Vitamins and minerals have been shown to have a countless number of various benefits for the human body, and some may have benefits specifically for your smile. New research has shown that vitamin D may help lower your risk of tooth decay. And because the modern lifestyle often keeps us out of the sun (the main source of vitamin D) and few of us drink vitamin D-enriched whole milk these days, vitamin D supplements may be a vital part of your oral health regimen.

According to a review of research published in Nutrition Reviews, vitamin D was linked to a possible 50% reduction in tooth decay. Vitamin D has long been known to help strengthen bone, but dentists were long uncertain about the role this nutrient played in tooth health. However, after reviewing 24 different clinical trials from the 1920s to 1980s, it is now believed that Vitamin D helps keep cavities at bay, which is great news for your smile.

How can you up your vitamin D? When you’re exposed to sunshine, your body will naturally produce vitamin D. Just 10 minutes in the sun every day is about what’s needed to maintain healthy levels, but some of us don’t even get that much. You can also drink vitamin D enriched milk, and fish and eggs are a good natural source of vitamin D. Because vitamin D isn’t found naturally in very many foods, various foods are fortified with added vitamin D, like soymilk and orange juice. Check labels to find foods fortified with vitamin D.

Besides protecting your teeth from decay, vitamin D has been linked to the prevention of cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. It can help you maintain beautiful and healthy hair, and it can reduce the inflammatory response. If you’ve been experiencing chronic fatigue, you may find that supplementing your diet with added vitamin D can help. Lots of people overlook the importance of vitamin D, but now that we know that it can help you keep your smile in shape, we may be recommending more of it at your next dental checkup.

Holiday Health Hazard

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Herpes Simplex (HSV – 1)

You’ve navigated your way around tempting Thanksgiving treats and have read articles about flu prevention techniques, but have you stopped to think about the dangers of exchanging saliva?

The Herpes simplex virus, or HSV-1, is the particular virus strand that is the cause of cold sores (also known as fever blisters). It’s estimated that over 50% of the nation has been infected with the virus. Some carriers of HSV-1 have never had a cold sore and are unaware that they’re carriers, but are still contagious. This means that although they may never be plagued by a cold sore, they still retain the ability to transmit the virus to others, where it can cause unsightly and painful sores on lips and in the mouth. These sores can last up to two weeks, be pus-filled, and eventually crust over before they disappear. The virus will always remain latent in the body, waiting to be triggered by uncontrollable outside forces such as stress or exhaustion.

But how can I get it?

Cold sores are usually spread through saliva and enter through a minuscule break in the skin. This can be achieved not only by hanging out under the mistletoe at a party, but by sharing food as well. Parents can spread the Herpes Simplex virus to their kids by drinking from the same cup of hot chocolate or sharing eating utensils.

A cold sore just appeared. What do I do now?

Fortunately, there are many over-the-counter and prescription treatments available to minimize the appearance of cold sores and their associated discomfort. Talk to your dentist or doctor when you have an initial cold sore outbreak or even if the current medication you’re taking isn’t working as well as desired.

There’s a bright side?

The good thing is that you no longer have to feel guilty about keeping your favorite holiday treat to yourself. Feel free to eat, drink, and be merry! Just remember to be safe now that you’re informed about the dangers of mistletoe.

You’ve navigated your way around tempting treats and have read articles about flu prevention, but have you stopped to think about the dangers of exchanging saliva?

Herpes simplex

The Herpes simplex virus, or HSV-1, is the particular virus strand that causes cold sores (also known as fever blisters). It’s estimated that over 50% of the nation has been infected with the virus. Some carriers of HSV-1 have never had a cold sore and are unaware that they’re carriers, but are still contagious. This means that although they may never be plagued by a cold sore, they still retain the ability to transmit the virus to others, where it can cause unsightly and painful sores on lips and in the mouth. These sores can last up to two weeks, be pus-filled, and eventually crust over before they disappear. The virus will always remain latent in the body, waiting to be triggered by uncontrollable outside forces such as stress, cold weather, or exhaustion.

But how can I get it?

Cold sores are usually spread through saliva and enter through a minuscule break in the skin. This can be achieved not only by hanging out under the mistletoe at a party, but by sharing food as well. Parents can spread the Herpes simplex virus to their kids by drinking from the same cup of hot chocolate or sharing eating utensils.

A cold sore just appeared. What do I do now?

Is there a bright side?

Hey, Dentists! Make ‘Em Laugh!

Dentists use nitrous oxide to calm mildly anxious patients.

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, has been used routinely in dental offices since 1863. It’s a safe, effective sedation option for dental patients seeking a way to control feeling overly anxious about their treatments.

Nearly 75% of American adults experience mild to severe dental anxiety. Causes for dental fears are varied, and may include:

Previous painful experiences at the dentist’s office
Dealing with general anxiety, mood, or posttraumatic stress disorders
Feeling out of control or helpless
Having low pain threshold or fear of pain
Embarrassment about the look of teeth
Phobic about needles and/or anxious about drills
Sensitive gag reflex

If you do suffer fear or anxiety about dentistry, the good news is that most dentists offer sedation dentistry. One of the most common forms of sedation is nitrous oxide, often referred to as laughing gas. Continue reading Hey, Dentists! Make ‘Em Laugh!

Use Your Current Dental Benefits Before the Year Ends

With November underway, there are less than two months until the start of 2013. Before you know it, Thanksgiving will be here, and then Christmas and New Year’s. With everything that’s coming, the last thing on the minds of most people is dental insurance. But keeping dental insurance in mind is important. Here are a few reasons why:

Yearly Maximum

Every year, insurance companies help patients by paying for a certain amount of important dental work. But this amount doesn’t rollover at the end of the year. Instead, it’s renewed. That means if you don’t use what you have now, you’ll lose it when 2013 comes.

Deductible

With a new year comes a new deductible. Often, this amount is around $50, and it must be paid before insurance companies will start covering care. Have you paid your deductible for 2012? Make the most of your insurance by reserving an appointment with your dentist today.

Insurance Fees

A new year might also bring difference premiums or co-pays. Because you don’t know what these will be for 2013 yet, it’s a good idea to see your dentist this year. That will allow you to pay this year’s fees instead.

Emergencies

Sometimes there’s nothing you can do to avoid a dental emergency. Other times, though, a regular checkup and cleaning can actually prevent an emergency from happening. Avoid a dental emergency this holiday season by using your benefits to see your dentist now, rather than later.

The New Year is on its way, but there’s still plenty of time to take advantage of your current dental insurance benefits. Call your local dentist today to schedule a visit.

Could Coconut Oil Save Your Smile?

big smile Some people love the taste of coconut, and coconut water has been a trendy drink in the last couple of years. But whether you love it on your German chocolate cake or can’t stand the stuff, recent research shows that coconut may have more than just taste benefits. Well, coconut oil, that is. According to a study from the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland, coconut oil’s antibacterial properties could spell good news for your smile and help you avoid cavities.

A team of researchers is presenting the research at the Society for General Microbiology’s Autumn Conference this year. They looked at what effect coconut oil had on the mouth when it came into contact with certain enzymes used in the digestive process. The results showed that the coconut oil reduced the growth of several strains of the Streptococcus bacteria, including a strain involved in tooth decay.

Tooth decay happens when bacteria create acids that wear away tooth enamel. One strain of Streptococcus bacteria — Streptococcus mutans — is a major player in the production of these acids.

Research had previously shown that other foods, such as milk, could possibly be used to fight micro-organisms. Researchers will now work to discover more about the interaction between enzyme-modified coconut oil and bacteria. Research has also shown a possible positive effect of the coconut oil on yeast bacteria, which could make it a good treatment for thrush (oral yeast infection).

What does this research mean for your smile? Well, for now more research is needed. These are just preliminary findings. However, this could lead to the development of oral health products that use coconut oil to help fight cavities. And for folks who like coconut (or just like all-natural healthcare products), that sure does sound pretty sweet.

Saliva’s Role in Oral Health

saliva When you think about oral health, you probably think about your gums and your teeth. After all, Americans spend about $1.8 billion on toothpaste and $775 million on toothbrushes. We’re serious about our oral hygiene habits! (And it appears we put our money where our mouths are, too!)

So, when you consider your dental wellbeing, do you think about … saliva? Most people don’t think about the role saliva plays into dental care, and how important it is for maintaining excellent oral health. It’s true! Saliva is a necessary component in preventing cavities. It clears away bacteria that cling to your gums and enamel and cause disease and infection.

Saliva is produced by … wait for it … your salivary glands, and it’s made up of 99.5% water. Big surprise, right? So, what’s the other .5%? Believe it or not, that teeny tiny part of saliva is comprise of several components, including electrolytes, mucus, glycoproteins, enzymes, and antibacterial compounds. Now, you know why saliva is the first step in the digestion process! It helps lubricate your food, making it easier to chew and swallow. Saliva also enhances your taste, not to mention your motor functions, which helps you to talk. Continue reading Saliva’s Role in Oral Health

Tooth Sensitivity and Your Smile

Every year, dentists all across the country hear complaints from their patients about tooth sensitivity. As a common oral health problem, tooth sensitivity is caused when the gums recede, exposing tooth roots. When hot or cold stimuli come into contact with these roots, a sensation is passed through the tubules in the roots directly to the nerve of the tooth, creating pain.

But, you might be wondering, what causes the gums to recede in the first place? Here are five of them:

Age – Believe it or not, aging plays a role in the level of tooth sensitivity you might experience. Research indicates that patients who are between 25 and 30 could experience more sensitivity than patients of other ages.

Brushing Technique – Depending on how you brush, you could be wearing down the enamel on your teeth, in the process exposing the sensitive dentin underneath. What’s more, brushing incorrectly can also harm the soft tissue of the gums and cause tooth roots to become exposed.

Bruxism – Bruxism is a medical term for something more simple and common—teeth grinding. Patients who struggle with teeth grinding may, over time, cause hairline fractures to develop in their teeth, making them vulnerable to hot or cold stimuli. What’s more, teeth grinding can also wreak havoc on tooth enamel, resulting in erosion of this protective barrier.

Cracked Teeth – When cracks develop in a tooth, it’s possible for bacteria to find a way inside, where it can irritate the interior pulp. As a result, teeth can respond negatively, with the end result being sensitivity.

Gum Disease – Gum disease is caused by bacteria and plaque that have built up around the teeth and gums. If left untreated, this common oral health problem will eventually result in the loss of gum tissue. As a result, tooth roots are exposed and left vulnerable to outside stimuli.

How Can I Protect My Teeth?

If you have problems with sensitive teeth, here are a few tips to keep in mind. First, try using a toothpaste brand that treats sensitivity. For many patients, this can bring the much-needed relief they’ve been looking for. Second, finish your brushing and flossing routine by rinsing with a fluoride rinse. Fluoride draws important minerals to teeth, strengthening them in the process. And lastly, visit your local dentist. By talking to your dentist and letting him or her see your smile, other recommendations can be made about how to help your smile.

What is Plaque…and What Can You Do About It?

Run your tongue over your teeth. Do they feel like they have sweaters on them? That fuzzy feeling is an overabundance of plaque. But 40ish-dude-shrug what is plaque? Why is it so bad for your teeth? And how can you get rid of it?

Let’s learn all about plaque!

Where does plaque come from?

Tiny bacteria live inside your mouth. Plaque is a sticky substance that contains these bacteria, clinging to your teeth and contributing to tooth decay.

How does plaque cause damage?

The bacteria in plaque eat sugars, creating waste products as they digest the sugars. These waste products are acids, which then break down tooth enamel and cause the dreaded cavities.

Now…how do you get rid of it?

Continue reading What is Plaque…and What Can You Do About It?

Bad Breath 101: Why You Have It and How to Avoid It

837375_98129162Sm Have you noticed friends or co-workers stand further away than necessary to talk to you? Do you receive daily offers of gum and mints? Does your dog run away when you bend down and say hello? If the answer is yes to any of these questions … you probably have bad breath, also called halitosis.

How is it possible for you to have bad breath and not know it? Your body uses a process called acclimation to filter out its own scents so you can use your nose to detect outside smells. This means your nose is used to whatever odor is emitting from your mouth. Even if you cup your hand and breathe into it, you probably won’t detect foul aromas. So, how can you tell if you have halitosis?

The easiest test for determining if your breath is rank is to ask someone. Friends or family members will probably be more than happy to render an honest opinion. Another way to test for bad breath is to wipe your tongue with a cotton ball and give it a whiff. Or go to a mirror, stick out your tongue, and see if it looks whitish. Ew! That’s accumulated bacteria, which produces the sulfur compounds that create halitosis.

Why do I have bad breath?

The most common reason people have bad breath is decaying food particles and bacterial growth in the mouth, especially on the tongue. If you have poor oral hygiene habits, the accumulation of food and bacteria will make your breath smell like you ate gym socks for lunch.

Continue reading Bad Breath 101: Why You Have It and How to Avoid It