In Defense of Root Canals: The Unsung Hero of Dental Care
Think you might need a root canal? It’s not the end of the world, nor is it as torturous as you might think! Even though a root canal is usually the last resort for decayed teeth, when compared with other alternatives, it’s quite practical and cost-effective. Put your fears to rest by discovering the truth about this much-maligned treatment, and find out why it’s considered by many dentists to be the unsung hero of dental care.

When and Why Root Canals Are Necessary
Left untreated, tooth decay can eventually result in bacteria infiltrating the very core of the tooth, infecting its sensitive nerve tissue (otherwise referred to as “root” or “pulp”). Once the pulp has been infected, a pocket of pus known as an abscess can form and wreak havoc beyond the problem tooth itself. From swelling of the mouth, jaw and face, to bone loss and even the spread of infection into the skin, the cost of delaying treatment can compound rather quickly.
If the problem is caught in time, a root canal may be possible, allowing the dentist to clear the infected pulp without having to sacrifice the whole tooth. Keeping your natural tooth not only helps maintain proper chewing and speech, but also it requires less time and money compared to a tooth removal and implant.

Signs You Need a Root Canal
If you experience any of these symptoms, you might need a root canal:
• Acute, shooting pain when pressure is applied to a tooth
• Noticeable darkening or discoloration of the tooth compared to neighboring teeth
• Lingering tooth sensitivity, particularly to extremely hot or cold foods
• A pimple on the gums that never seems to go away
• Swelling of the gums near the problem tooth
• Continuous pain or throbbing even when not chewing or using the tooth

See your dentist to know for sure, and let him or her know about your situation when scheduling an appointment to ensure you are seen as soon as possible. Like most dental problems, it’s best to be proactive. The sooner the dentist is able to diagnose and treat the infected area the better ‚Äî and it could decrease the amount of post procedure discomfort.
What to Expect During a Root Canal

The length of time for treatment can vary widely depending on the complexity of each patient’s situation, but it’s safe to say that multiple visits are required to complete a root canal. Anesthesia may be applied, but it is not always necessary since the nerve is already dead. The first phase of a root canal involves thoroughly ridding the tooth of any infection and decayed matter ‚ usually by drilling an access hole, flushing out the pulp, and applying medication to the tooth and surrounding gums. The dentist will then seal off the area completely, or in extreme cases, wait several days for the infection to clear before sealing off the tooth.

The second phase of treatment focuses on filling the tooth. To do this, a dentist normally uses sealer paste or a rubber-like compound to fill the empty nerve canal and interior of the tooth. After the tooth has been filled, a metal post is inserted into the tooth to further strengthen it.

Restoration, in which a crown is created to cap off the tooth, is the final step of treatment. Once the custom crown arrives, the dentist covers the tooth and shapes the crown to function as optimally as possible.

Post Treatment Care
As with any lengthy dental procedure, temporary tooth and gum sensitivity are to be expected, but should go away within a day or two. If the permanent crown has been applied, you can return back to your normal routine immediately.
Root canals have a very high success rate, but it’s important to remember that there is always a possibility for the filling to become infected. To avoid complications and additional root canals down the road, make oral hygiene a top priority and schedule regular visits to your dentist.

Teeth Trauma: It’s a Sensitive Issue

You’re not imagining it. That sudden twinge of pain in one or more of your teeth can, in fact, be caused by something as simple as a blast of wind, a bite of something fresh from the oven, or (what was supposed to be) a cool, refreshing treat.
You may have sensitive teeth, and if so, the problem could be here to stay. What does this mean and what can you do about it? It depends on a number of things.

How to Tell if You Have Sensitive Teeth
First, you should determine whether the pain is truly due to tooth sensitivity, or something else entirely. A trip to the dentist will let you know for sure, but here are some things you can do to see if sensitivity is most likely to blame:

1. Take recent dental work into consideration: cleanings or invasive procedures can aggravate the teeth and gums, and result in temporary discomfort that should go away in a short period of time.
2. Check your teeth for new cavities: if the area where you experienced pain can easily be examined, grab a mirror and scan the section for visible holes or pits that could indicate an untreated cavity that may be the source of the problem.
3. Make sure existing fillings are intact: inspect prior work for any cracks, or fillings partially or completely removed. A deeper filling that has been damaged may cause nerve irritation and result in more noticeable pain.
4. Check your gums for recession: if you notice that your gums are receding this could be contributing to you sensitivity. When the porous root surface of a tooth is exposed it is more susceptible to temperature and air.
5. Assess your daily habits: if you notice that your gums are receding, this could be contributing to your sensitivity. When the porous root surface of a tooth is exposed, it is more susceptible to temperature and air.

Ways to Ease the Pain
If tooth sensitivity is ultimately the problem, there are plenty of things you can do to help manage it. Minimize your discomfort by making these changes:

• Limit intake of acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits and sodas
• Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush, and apply less pressure when brushing
• Quit using over-the-counter mouthwash; ask your dentist for a more neutral rinse
• Try toothpastes made for sensitive teeth, and see which option works best for you
• Use a mouth guard at night if you have a habit of grinding your teeth
• Brush and floss regularly to keep enamel-eroding plaque at bay
• Switch to an electric toothbrush, which is more gentle on your gums

Get Help from Your Dentist
See your dentist regularly to stay on top of the issue. Regular, professional cleanings and examinations will go a long way in keeping the problem from getting worse.

Certain in-office treatments may further ease your pain, such as:

• Fluoride varnishes: An application that strengthens and protects exposed enamel
• Fluoride foam/gel trays: An immersion of teeth in a concentrated dose of fluoride
• Sealants: A bonding material acts as a barrier and seals off the dentin of your teeth

If you’ve modified your habits, but still experience major discomfort after a period of time, ask your dentist whether these options are right for you.

Parent’s Cheat Sheet: 5 Steps to Solving the Sweets Problem

Birthday celebrations, holidays, and countless school or extracurricular activities in between children’s social calendars can seem like endless fun, until you realize they can also translate into a non-stop, cavity-inducing sugar high. This doesn’t necessarily mean, however, that your child is destined for a long list of dental problems. Use this dental cheat sheet when a special occasion arises to keep his or her smile cavity-free.

Step 1: Set Rules

Create boundaries that can help protect your child’s oral health without cutting down on the fun, such as:

• A sweets “allowance” that lets your child indulge, but in a limited fashion
• Frequent drinks of water to wash sugary particles off the surface of his/her teeth
• A full meal before dessert to fill up on nutritious foods and help curb cravings
• “Off-limits” beverages, such as carbonated sodas or fruit juices

Keeping instructions simple, yet clear can make it easier for your child to adopt these rules without any hassle, and help him or her stick to the guidelines even if you are not present.

Step 2: Teach Your Child To Choose Wisely

Not all sweets are equally damaging to teeth, so helping your child to make smarter choices can have a big impact on the amount of sugar he or she eats. Prolonged sucking on hard candies, for instance, is one of the most harmful ways to satisfy a sweet tooth because of lengthy, direct exposure of the tooth’s surface to concentrated sugar. Likewise, sticky foods that contain ingredients such as caramel or toffee are more likely to get lodged in between teeth, and chewing on them may even result in a lost filling.

If or when possible, steer your child towards cakes and cookies instead. While these desserts are still refined carbohydrates that will break down into sugar, the amount of contact with harmful acid is significantly less than with candies and other stickier treats.

Step 3: Bring/Pack Something Nutritious

Make it easy for your child to opt for something nutritious by packing a healthy alternative. Cheese, for example, is calcium-rich and can help remineralize tooth enamel. Many manufacturers now offer single-serve packages for convenience when on the go. An apple is another tooth-healthy option when chewed, its high fiber content makes it an excellent “plaque scrubber”. Even sugar-free gum can do the trick if it contains xylitol, which can help prevent the growth of oral bacteria.

Step 4: Have Your Child Brush And Floss As Soon As Possible

Ultimately, maintaining good oral hygiene is the most effective thing parents can do at home to help keep their children’s smiles healthy. If you’re always on the go, it may be worth packing a travel-sized toothbrush, but if your child forgets to brush amidst all the excitement, make sure he or she does so upon returning home.

Flossing is just as critical, and nowadays, there are many options that parents might find to be more “kid-friendly” – such as water flossers or interdental brushes. At minimum, your child should be brushing and flossing twice a day, but don’t hesitate to add another round of cleaning if he or she has had a particularly rich meal.

Step 5: See The Dentist

Last, but not least, make sure your child visits the dentist at least twice a year (or as advised by the dentist). In addition to receiving a professional cleaning, your child’s dentist can look for developing decay and gum disease, and treat it before it becomes more serious. He or she can also help ensure your child is practicing the correct brushing and flossing techniques, and provide teeth additional protection in the form of dental sealants, if need be.

Lead By Example

Perhaps the easiest way to teach your child how to protect his or her teeth is to lead by example – and doing so not only benefits him or her, but your oral health as well! Follow these tips together with your child, and consult with your child’s dentist for additional ways you can make dental care a simple and even fun experience for your child.

Are You Guilty of Committing
These 7 Dental Sins?

Brushing and flossing twice a day are two essential steps towards good oral health, but are other habits sabotaging your smile? From behavioral tendencies to choices you thought were smart or healthy…the tiniest slip-ups can be the most damaging. Double-check your daily routine to make sure it’s free of these common dental no-no’s.

1. Over-Whitening

It seems almost every type of dental product you can imagine is now available with whitening ingredients, but too much exposure to these additives can actually do more harm than help to your smile. Daily use of whitening toothpaste, floss or rinse that contains peroxide can both weaken tooth enamel and aggravate the nerves of your teeth, resulting in chronic tooth sensitivity.

2. Sucking on Breath Mints or Hard Candies

Individually wrapped or packaged in tins, their convenience may be appealing to those looking to give their breath a quick boost, but this is one shortcut you’d be wise to avoid. Almost all varieties are rich in sugar, and prolonged sucking on them is a quick and direct route to tooth decay if there ever was one.

3. Drinking Bottled Water

Water is arguably the healthiest thing you could drink, but virtually all bottled products are fluoride-free. Those who drink bottled water exclusively may be at real risk of tooth decay due to a fluoride deficiency, especially if they are not getting this enamel-fortifying ingredient elsewhere.

4. Using Your Teeth Like an Extra Pair of Hands

Despite their ability to chew through food day in and day out, teeth aren’t designed to do the job of scissors, other tools, or your bare hands. Ripping open packaging, cutting tape, or even carrying a foreign object around with your teeth is a recipe for chips, cracks, broken dental work, and, in the extreme case of an accident, tooth loss.

5. Chewing on Ice

Cool and refreshing as it is, chewing on ice (and/or icy treats like popsicles) can cost you. It’s hardness and extremely cold temperature is a dangerous combination that can cause fractures all the way to the roots of your teeth, if you bite down hard enough.

6. Nibbling on Pencils or Your Nails

Whether it’s due to nerves, concentration, or mindless daydreaming, chewing on non-food objects can do a number on your teeth. Similar to chewing on ice, biting down hard enough can cause fractures, but even without exerting a lot of force, constant grinding can shift the teeth and/or damage tooth enamel over time.

7. Frequent Snacking

Certain diets or schedules may encourage “grazing”, in which snacks and smaller meals are eaten throughout the day. No matter how healthy your food choices are, frequent snacking is still bad for your teeth. Constant contact with food exposes your teeth to harmful bacteria and plaque without rest or chance for remineralization, contributing to both tooth decay and gum disease over time. And if you snack before bed, be sure to brush before going to sleep.

Making Better Choices

Habits are hard to change, but in many cases, there are simple, even effortless ways to correct behaviors that are hurting your teeth. If you find yourself committing any of these oral offenses, ask your dentist for help. He or she can offer a number of healthier alternatives or suggestions to solve the problem for good.

How to Recognize and Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease affects approximately half of all Americans. While that’s a startling statistic, what’s more notable is that most cases are preventable. The good news is that preventative care is simple and, by taking care of your smile daily, you can ensure you don’t become part of the statistic above.

Understanding Gum Disease

When teeth aren’t kept clean, bacteria starts to grow in the mouth. Bacteria can cause inflammation and, over time, lead to the development of gum disease. Gum disease doesn’t usually cause pain or discomfort as it begins to develop, making it more difficult to recognize at first.

However, there are symptoms that eventually emerge. If they are addressed when they first appear, it is possible to treat and prevent gum disease from returning. Symptoms include:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• A receding gum line
• Loose or separating teeth (as the gums pull away from the teeth)
• Consistent bad breath
• Sores in the mouth

Prevention Begins at Home

Oral health begins at home. Here are some simple ways to take care of your gums and help prevent gum disease:

• • Brush for at Least 2 Minutes Twice Daily — Brush with fluoridated toothpaste in the morning and in the evening. Take special care along the gum line to remove any food and bacteria. If you have trouble keeping track of time, you may want to invest an electronic toothbrush with a built-in timer.

• • Floss at Least Once Daily — Floss removes food and bacteria that brushing can’t, preventing the formation of plaque and related gum health issues. If you struggle with traditional floss, you may opt for an interdental cleaner or water pic.

• Use a Mouthwash — Mouthwash, in combination with brushing and flossing, helps to reduce plaque buildup, thereby preventing gum irritation.
• Eat a Healthy Diet — Avoiding starchy and sugary foods helps to decrease plaque and the potential for gum disease.

Professional Prevention Plays a Part

In addition to diligent at-home care, dental visits are also critical to gum disease prevention:

• • Professional Cleanings — Only dentists have the tools necessary to remove plaque from your teeth, making it important to get professional cleanings every 6 months. If you suffer from gum disease, you should try to visit your dentist more frequently, every 3-4 months for cleanings.

• Common Dental Problem Correction — Improper fillings, grinding, and other common dental issues can increase the risk of gum disease. Proactively correcting problems like these will decrease the risk of gum disease.

Prevention Begins With Proper Care and Professional Guidance

Only you can provide the day-to-day care your teeth and gums deserve. However, there is only so much you can do on your own and, therefore, you should visit your dentist regularly as well.

You don’t have to be one of the many Americans currently suffering from gum disease. By taking steps to understand, recognize, and prevent gum disease, you can enjoy a healthy smile, gums included!

Bye-Bye, Buck Teeth! How to Overcome an Overbite
“Overbite”, “overjet” or simply “buck teeth”‚ Protruding teeth can go by many names, but “pretty” isn’t one of them. And they aren’t comfortable either; upper teeth that extend well past the lower teeth can often make it difficult to close the mouth, chew or speak easily.

It’s a common condition, but not one that people have to live with. In fact, there are just as many corrective methods for this dental problem as the names it has been given! If you (or a loved one) has buck teeth, get an in-depth look at what may have caused it and what you can do to prevent it from becoming a lifelong burden on your looks, oral health and self-esteem.

Causes of Buck Teeth
Buck teeth can easily be identified at a very early age, and can be due to a variety of factors including:

Genes: a person can inherit the problem if born with naturally uneven jaws
Habits: teeth can jut out after constant pacifier/thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
Crowded teeth: crookedness, facial injury and/or tooth abnormalities can play a role
The severity of the condition can vary from mild to extreme, and may gradually become worse over time if left untreated.

Treatment Options
Age and the depth of a patient’s overbite are two primary factors that can dictate the type of treatment an orthodontist chooses to correct the problem. New techniques are always being explored, but here are a few of the most common recommendations:

1. Braces
Whether metal, ceramic or clear, it’s a popular route many orthodontists take to fix protruding teeth. Teeth that are jutting out are straightened and forced closer in alignment with the lower jaw by tightening the braces over time.

2. Aligners
In mild cases of protruding teeth, clear, removable aligners may be a more comfortable and convenient option. Aligners use less force (and thus result in less pain) than braces and can be removed for added ease when brushing or flossing.

3. Surgery
Extreme cases in which the overbite is due to skeletal/jaw structure may require surgery. Patients who fall into this category are referred to an oral maxillofacial surgeon, and surgery usually involves pushing the maxilla bones (which form the upper jaw) behind, or moving the mandible (lower jaw) forward.

Surgery aside, the length of time it takes to achieve results is largely due to when the problem is treated. Younger patients whose jaws are still developing typically require less time to correct an overbite compared to adults whose jaws are not as malleable.

Benefits of Treatment
Even the mildest cases of overbite can reap significant benefits from professional treatment. Perhaps the most noticeable improvement is cosmetic in nature. Once treatment is complete, any bulging around the mouth disappears and patients may experience less strain in their facial muscles.

Being able to open and close the mouth more easily can also vastly improve speech, especially for those who adopted a slur or lisp due to an overbite. And last but not least, better alignment of the teeth can have a profound effect on oral health, making it easier to clean the teeth and minimize the risk of jaw-related disorders such as TMJ.

If you’ve been battling a case of buck teeth, get it fixed for good by finding an orthodontist near you.

Sources:
Beercroft, Matt. (2014, June 5). Overbite: Causes & Treatments. Retrieved June 17, 2015, from http://www.beecroftortho.com/2014/06/overbite-causes-treatments/

Orthodontic Disorders (2012). Retrieved June 17, 2015, from http://dentaloptionspa.com/orthodontic-disorders-aventura-fl.html

The Facts on Fillings
Fillings…Whether you need an existing filling replaced or a new cavity filled, get the facts on what your options are. Gone are the days when cast gold and silver amalgams were your only choices. With dental care advancements, other materials are also being used to fill cavities. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of the four most common filling materials.

Types of Fillings

1. Silver Amalgam Fillings: Dental amalgam has been used to fill cavities for more than 150 years. Also known as “silver fillings”, it contains a mixture of metals ‚Äî consisting of liquid mercury and a powdered alloy. Amalgam fillings have proved the test of time due to their durability, strength and affordability. Silver fillings will last at least 10 years and can withstand chewing forces.

Although amalgam has been used for years, there are both structural and cosmetic disadvantages to this type of filling. The process of creating and fitting an amalgam filling often forces the dentist to remove healthy parts of the tooth. Amalgam fillings will also expand and contract with temperatures in your mouth, which over time can result in the filling pulling away from the tooth. Additionally, silver fillings will not match the color of natural teeth and can create discoloration of the tooth surrounding the filling.

2. Cast Gold Fillings: Cast gold fillings are comprised of gold mixed with other metals to form an alloy. Unlike other filling materials that usually last 5 to 10 years, cast gold fillings last at least 15 years, if not longer. They will not corrode and are extremely durable against chewing forces. However, they do come with a price tag. Cast gold fillings are one of the most expensive filling materials and cost more than amalgam, composite resin and glass ionomer.

There are other disadvantages to gold cast fillings beside cost. They require you to visit the dentist at least twice ‚Äî initially to take a tooth impression and place a temporary filling and next to place the gold filling. Similar to amalgam fillings, gold fillings are not aesthetically appealing and will not match your natural teeth color. They can also cause discomfort; if placed next to an amalgam filling you may experience an electric current in your mouth known at “galvanic shock.”

3. Glass Ionomer Fillings: Glass ionomer is a tooth colored material that is often used as cement for inlay fillings, which lie within the cusps of teeth on the chewing surface. It may also be used for fillings in front teeth or in roots, typically for patients who have a lot of decay extending below the gum. In addition to matching the color of the teeth, glass ionomer provides protection through the release of fluoride and easily bonds to teeth to prevent leakage around the filling and further decay.

Unlike other filling materials, glass ionomer is weaker in structure. On average, glass ionomer fillings have a greater chance of fracturing and will last around five years. Additionally, the filling process with glass ionomer takes longer than with other materials because it needs to be applied in thin layers.

4. Composite Resin Fillings: If aesthetics is your primary concern, composite resin fillings are ideal. Dentists can blend multiple shades to create a color that is almost identical to that of natural teeth. Composite resin fillings are made of a plastic and glass mixture and can be used for both small and large fillings.

Not only will they match your natural teeth color, but also they bond directly to the teeth making them stronger. They also require less drilling than amalgam fillings and can be used with some other materials to provide the perfect filling for your cavity. Similar to glass ionomer, composite resin fillings will only last about five years. Additionally, the composite may shrink when placed on the tooth, which can lead to gaps between the tooth and filling, a potential hazard for more cavities.

Now that you know the facts, you will be prepared to discuss the options with your dentist. Of course, your dentist is your most valuable resource when selecting which filling material to proceed with. Based on the location and extent of the decay, he or she will determine what is best for you.

Sources:
Dental Health and Tooth Fillings. (2015, January 26). Retrieved June 8, 2015, from http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-fillings

Fillings. (2014, March 7). Retrieved June 8, 2015, from http://www.medicinenet.com/fillings/page2.htm#what_types_of_filling_materials_are_available