Is bottled water the best choice for your oral health?

Posted on September 26, 2012 by dentist

You may be wondering what bottled water could possibly have to do with your teeth. The two are linked by the topic of fluoride, which has been proven to help fight cavities and protect against gum disease. Unlike tap water in about 65% of American cities today, most bottled water does not have added fluoride. This leads to the question about whether or not drinking bottled water has a negative impact on your oral health.

Bottled water is a popular choice for many people for a variety of reasons, such as taste and convenience. As consumption of bottled water has doubled over the past decade, Americans’ daily exposure to fluoride has decreased. Studies show that fluoride significantly reduces tooth decay, so many dentists suggest drinking from your community water supply instead of bottled water.

As a result of people’s desire to protect their teeth, some bottle water companies have begun adding fluoride to their products. Listing fluoride content on the label is not required by the FDA, but it is required to list if fluoride is added at all. To find out the specific amount of fluoride added, it’s necessary to contact the bottled water manufacturer for that information.

Remember that drinking fluoridated water does not make up for good dental hygiene. You should brush your teeth at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste, and visit your dentist regularly. If you primarily drink bottled water with no or little fluoride, and you aren’t receiving enough fluoride from other sources, your risk for cavities may increase. Your dentist will be able to tell you if additional fluoride rinses or drops may be helpful to keep your mouth in great shape.

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Dental Sealants

Posted on September 19, 2012 by dentist

Sometimes brushing and flossing your teeth isn’t enough. Your teeth have tiny grooves in them that are so narrow that a toothbrush can’t fit inside to remove plaque. To prevent decay in the grooves, dentists can apply a plastic coating to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. This is called dental sealant, and it acts as a barrier to prevent cavities. Sealants are easy, painless, and require no drilling. Let’s learn more about how this simple technique can put extra power behind your dental health.

How can dental sealants help?
Sealants provide complete protection from decay on the chewing surface of your teeth. Even when it’s placed over minimal decay, the sealant enables the decay to not worsen.

Who should get sealants?
The risk of developing decay begins early in life, so kids and teens are perfect candidates for sealants. Even adults may benefit from sealants. If a tooth already has a filling, then sealant is not applied to that tooth.

How are sealants applied?
The sealant is painted on the tooth enamel of the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, where it bonds into the grooves and hardens.

Why aren’t sealants used on all teeth?
The liquid plastic fills the grooves of your teeth, but it doesn’t work on your teeth’s smooth surfaces. That is why it is not used on the fronts, backs, and sides of teeth.

How long do they last?
Sealants withstand normal chewing, and usually last two to four years before a reapplication is necessary. Sometimes sealants last up to ten years! Your dentist will monitor the condition of the sealants at your regular checkups, and reapply them if chipping or wearing occurs.

Are sealants the best way to prevent cavities?
While sealants can be a great way to help you protect your teeth from decay, they are not the only solution. You must continue your daily routine of brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing. Eating healthy foods and avoiding sugary and acidic foods is also helpful, as is seeing your dentist for regular checkups.

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Sports Dentistry

Posted on September 16, 2012 by dentist

When you are active in a sport, especially those involving contact, there is often a risk of dental injury. The frequency of such injuries has led to a specialization called sports dentistry, which focuses on the treatment and prevention of oral sports injuries and associated risks. In sports, the difficulty can be maximizing the benefits of playing while at the same time limiting injuries. Sports dentistry plays a role in this by protecting athletes from harm, and knowing what to do in the event an injury occurs.

Equipment

In some sports, mouthguards are essential to dental injury prevention. Mouthguards are vital in contact sports like football, boxing, hockey, and martial arts. Properly fitting mouthguards are also key in some sports classified as non-contact, such as basketball, baseball, cycling, soccer, racquetball, and skateboarding.

Treatment

Quick and proper treatment of oral and facial injuries is important in successfully helping an athlete who has suffered a sports injury. This may be in a dental office, or treatment at the site of the injury such as a basketball court or a football field. It requires knowledge and ability to diagnose injuries without using advanced technology.

Non-dental issues

Sports dentistry involves recognizing other health-related issues that athletes may face. Sometimes injuries include concussions or neck injuries that a sports dentist can identify and refer to another specialist to obtain proper care. Sports dentists also address issues of tobacco use, especially because smokeless tobacco is common in certain sports. These dentists also are trained to recognize drug use, and refer patients for treatment. It is also not uncommon for sports dentists to spot the symptoms of anorexia and bulimia through dental examination, which are frequent problems for some athletes.

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Dental Advice for Seniors

Posted on September 16, 2012 by dentist

Most people assume that senior adults all properly take care of their teeth by the time they reach that age. That isn’t always the case though, since older people face different oral health issues than they did in their younger years. It’s important for seniors to maintain a smart oral care routine so that their mouth will stay healthy their entire lives. Here are some tips to help accomplish that goal.

Brush regularly
Seniors have a higher risk of receding gums and resulting problems like cavities and tooth loss. Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a soft bristled toothbrush, and rinse with mouthwash. Also floss your teeth daily. These tasks remove food and plaque from both your natural teeth and dentures, as well as below the gum line. Be sure to brush your dentures daily too.

See your dentist
Visit your dentist for regular checkups twice a year, whether you have natural teeth or dentures. Your dentist will check for gum disease, oral cancer, as well as clean your teeth and adjust your dentures if needed. Also, make sure you tell your dentist about any medical conditions, medications, allergies, or recent operations you may have had. This will alert him to any potential drug interactions or side effects that might affect your oral health.

Recognize warnings
Be aware of warning signs that you have a problem, such as red or bleeding gums when you brush. That can indicate an infection or other issue. Also tell your dentist if you have red or white patches inside your mouth, or sores that don’t heal within two weeks, because these may be signs of oral cancer.

Follow denture recommendations
Use the correct amount of denture cream or adhesive. If your dentures are uncomfortable or require using more than one tub of cream every three weeks, have your dentures evaluated by your dentist. An adjustment or replacement may be necessary.

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What Enamel Means to Your Dental Health

Posted on August 12, 2012 by dentist

Tooth enamel is the hard substance that covers and protects your teeth. When you hear warnings about tooth decay and cavities, it usually means the wearing down of the enamel covering your teeth. It’s important to understand the purpose of enamel and how to care for it, so that you can maintain a healthy smile.

What is enamel?

Enamel is the first layer of your teeth, and it is the visible part when you look at them. It is the hardest substance in your whole body, even harder than your bones! However, don’t let its hardness fool you. It is susceptible to acid and bacteria, and enamel can decay when exposed to these materials.

Why is enamel important?

The main purpose of enamel is to protect your teeth, which can be damaged while you are eating. It also insulates the nerves in your teeth from hot or cold foods, decreasing your teeth’s sensitivity.

What if my enamel is damaged?

Even though your enamel is hard, it can still crack or chip. It may also decay, wearing away to the point that you experience tooth pain. If your enamel is damaged, it is unable to adequately protect your teeth. If you experience tooth pain, see your dentist so you can catch enamel problems early. Your dentist may use artificial product to replace enamel, or fill cavities that are created by lost enamel. If your decay is advanced, a crown may be necessary to restore the tooth.

How can I avoid damage to my enamel?

Some foods are known to damage your tooth enamel. Dentists suggest avoiding citrus fruit and juices with high levels of acidity. Sports and energy drinks, as well as soda, are also acidic and often high in sugar. Sugar increases enamel decay, so candy and other sugary foods should be limited. Dentists advise having these foods in moderation to protect your tooth enamel.

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Professional Teeth Whitening

Posted on July 15, 2012 by dentist

Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic procedure that dentists perform today. It can have a dramatic effect on your smile at a smaller cost than other cosmetic procedures. You can whiten your teeth yourself using at-home techniques, but often professional whitening with your dentist’s help achieves the fastest and most effective results. Let’s examine the whitening options provided by most dentists to help you evaluate what might work for you.

Whitening at your dentist’s office
The dentist applies a whitening product to your teeth containing higher percentages of hydrogen peroxide than what is available in at-home kits. Heat or light may be used also. This technique produces quick, uniform results, but it does sometimes cause temporary gum irritation or tooth sensitivity.

Home whitening supervised by your dentist
A customized mouthpiece will be created by your dentist for you to fill at home with whitening gel, which contains a lower strength of hydrogen peroxide then the in-office gel. You wear the mouthpiece at home for several hours each day, and your dentist supervises the whitening with regular checkups. Although this method is convenient and less expensive than chair side whitening, it produces slower results.

Repeating the process
Whichever type of teeth whitening technique you might choose, remember that it isn’t a permanent repair to your teeth. You will need to repeat the process every year or two. The length of time between treatments will increase if you don’t smoke and avoid foods that are known to stain your teeth, such as coffee and red wine.

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Should I use mouthwash?

Posted on June 23, 2012 by dentist

When you walk down the oral health aisle of your drugstore, you will see many mouthwash products to choose from. Each of them promises to protect your teeth and freshen your breath, but how do you decide on one? And do you really need to use one at all? While a mouthwash will not solve all your oral health issues, it may be helpful in maintaining your dental hygiene. Let’s find out how.

There are three main categories of mouthwashes. Once you know what they are, you should be able to decide if one of them is right for you.

Fluoride mouth rinses
Fluoride prevents tooth decay by strengthening the enamel on your teeth, which is the hard substance that covers teeth. The stronger your enamel is, the harder it is for cavities to form. Dentists say that most people do not require fluoride mouth rinses if they are using fluoride toothpaste, as that provides what you need. However, there are some exceptions such as those with abnormally dry mouth issues. Extra fluoride is helpful in that situation, and fluoride mouth rinses are a good way to get it.

Mouth rinses for breath freshening
There are many choices of mouth washes that make your breath smell better, but most of them don’t offer any long-lasting dental health benefits. Some might kill bacteria at the moment you use it, but the bacteria reappear quickly. If you’re just looking for a quick breath fix, that is the main purpose of this product.

Anti-plaque mouth rinses
These types of mouthwashes can kill bacteria, providing a boost to your other dental care steps like brushing and flossing your teeth. Look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval on the bottle, which means that the product’s claims have been verified by independent scientific testing. These mouthwashes are made to kill different bacteria than breath-freshening mouthwashes do; anti-plaque mouth rinses can help eliminate some of the oral bacteria that cause gum disease

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Enjoy a Brilliant White Smile

Posted on May 15, 2012 by dentist

Part of looking your best is feeling like your smile is in tip-top condition. Gorgeous, white teeth radiate beauty and grace. If you don’t love your current image, you can talk with your dentist about teeth whitening options. As well, try some of these tips to put the sparkle in your pearly whites.

• Remember to smile. This simple act affects your whole body and creates a positive attitude.
• Don’t wear all white. Your teeth will look dull in comparison to white clothing.
• Try red lipstick, but avoid coral or orange shades because they can make your teeth look yellow.
• Wearing rhinestones and silver jewelry can make your smile look brighter.
• Practice good home hygiene. Brush two times a day and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
• Curb tobacco use. Besides contributing to dental problems like gum disease and increasing your risk for issues like heart disease and stroke, smoking will make teeth look yellow.
• Watch what you eat and drink. Dark foods and beverages can stain teeth, so limit your consumption of things like coffee, tea, wine, and tomato sauce.
• Protect your smile. Scheduling regular checkups and cleanings will keep your teeth and gums in good shape.
• Don’t get overzealous with whitening. If you decide to try over-the-counter or professional teeth whitening, follow the directions exactly. Too much whitening can wear down enamel and make teeth more vulnerable to staining.

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Consider Dental Implants for Lost Teeth

Posted on April 13, 2012 by dentist

Just one missing tooth can dramatically impact your life. If you don’t replace a lost tooth, the bone begins to reabsorb and shifting of the remaining teeth can occur. Your bite may change, which can set the stage for major dental problems like TMJ. Some people also have trouble eating and speaking.

Dental implants can help patients enjoy healthy, complete smiles. Constructed from titanium, implants are artificial tooth roots inserted into the jawbone and covered by prosthetic crowns. Benefits of dental implants include restoring functionality, preventing bone loss, and possibly eliminating the need for bridges or dentures.

Am I a candidate for implants?
Your dentist can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if implants would work for you. For successful implant therapy, you need good oral health and adequate bone density to support the posts.

What doe the implant process involve?
First, a surgeon will surgically place a titanium screw in each empty socket. After surgery, it will take two to three months for your mouth to completely heal. Your dentist will then place a crown over the artificial root.

Will my new teeth look real?
Absolutely. Dental implants look, feel and function the same as natural teeth. Because they are permanently secured in your mouth, you won’t have to worry about slippage or an uncomfortable prosthesis.

How do I take care of my implants?
Treat your implants like you would your natural teeth. Brush them twice a day, floss often, and schedule routine checkups. Performing these steps will help you protect your new smile.

Dental Implants at Dentistry in the Highlands Fall River, MA

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The Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Posted on March 8, 2012 by dentist

Lasers have been a part of dentistry for some time, but their application in mainstream practices has grown dramatically in the last ten years. Estimates suggest that about 15 percent of American dentists now employ lasers in their practices. Significant advancements have made laser dentistry more practical in every day use.

The word laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. With lasers, your dentist can treat a focused area in your mouth without damaging the surrounding tissues. Because the laser device generates a beam of concentrated light, the dentist can remove areas of infection or decay with greater accuracy.

Dentists use lasers for a variety of applications, including:

Cavity detection
DIAGNOdent is a specialized tool that uses laser technology to detect areas that could turn into cavities. With DIAGNOdent, your dentist can identify weak areas in your teeth and treat them before tooth decay occurs.

Soft tissue surgery
To remove diseased tissue for periodontal therapy or for gingival sculpting procedures, soft tissue lasers produce the best results. Because they penetrate soft tissue while sealing blood vessels and nerve endings, soft tissue lasers result in minimal bleeding and less pain after surgery.

Hard tissue surgery
For cutting bone and teeth, hard tissue lasers allow for extreme precision. These lasers are often used to shape teeth for bonding and to remove small amounts of tooth area for fillings or other restorations.

Imaging Lasers
Optical Coherence Tomography, a non-invasive imaging technique, provides detailed information about the inside structures of teeth and cell tissue.

Ramesh Izedian DMD Fall River, MA Dentist

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