Tag Archives: sensitivity

Keeping Your Teeth For a Lifetime

KarenK

Karen Kelley RDH

Keeping Your Teeth For a Lifetime

Our dental practice has more over 50 year olds than under 50.  As aging adults, we need to be aware of certain things that can keep us from retaining our teeth our entire lives.

download (3)

Judith Ann Jones, DDS, a spokesman on elder care for the American Dental Association and director of The Center for Clinical Research at the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine spoke about 5 things that are especially important to the over 50 crowd.

Tooth Decay:  Contrary to what many people believe, adults keep getting cavities!  I’m always surprised when people are stunned to learn they have a cavity as an adult.  Areas of the teeth that have never had a cavity can decay, but  areas  where we see more problems are where an old filling is leaking and at the base of an older crown.  The best prevention is brushing well each day along the gumline.  An electric toothbrush is very helpful in accomplishing this as well as the use of fluoride.  An over the counter fluoride rinse nightly is great and in our office we have special prescription strength fluoride that is wonderful for cavity prevention as well as help with sensitivity.
 download (7)

Dry Mouth:  Keeping Your Teeth For a Lifetime We see so many people with this problem.  “Saliva protects our teeth.  The calcium and phosphate present in saliva prevent demineralization of your teeth”, Jones says.  Many drugs cause dry mouth as well as some diseases and as we get older, we are on more medications thus we see this commonly in older adults.  This is a difficult one to deal with for those affected.  The best thing is to drink lots of water, use saliva substitute and try xylitol products.  Also, if you smoke, stop, it just makes your mouth drier.

images (3)

Gum Disease:  If your gums are swollen, red, or bleed easily, you have gum disease.  If left untreated, gum disease (gingivitis) will become more serious and will cause deterioration of the bone that holds the teeth, we call this periodontitis.   If this condition continues without treatment, it can cause the loss of the teeth.  The best way to prevent gum disease is to clean your teeth well each day with brushing, flossing, and use of interdental cleaners like soft picks or go betweens. And of course, seeing your friendly dental hygienist as often as recommended.  We can remove the mineralized bacteria from your teeth that you can’t remove with brushing.

download (6)

Tooth Crowding:  “As you age, your teeth shift”, according to Lee W. Graber, D.D.S., M.S, Ph.D., Past President of the American Association of Orthodontists. And “that can be problematic, not because you’ll look different, but because it can make your teeth more difficult to clean, leading to more decay.  It’s also of concern because misaligned teeth can lead to teeth erosion and damage to the supporting tissue and bone”, Graber says.   “Add to that the tendency of older adults to have periodontal disease, and you could end up losing your teeth even faster.”   If your teeth have really shifted, and you find you are having a difficult time keeping your teeth clean and food keeps getting caught in certain areas, ask our doctors about orthodontics.  We offer Invisalign to our patients and we’ve had patients in their later years choose to straighten their teeth.  I just finished with my invisalign treatment.  I had braces when I was a teenager but my teeth had shifted and I was experiencing these problems I just mentioned.  I decided to do Invisalign.  It’s easy to do and my teeth are so much straighter.   They are now in the correct alignment and my teeth and gums will be healthier.   If you choose not to do orthodontics, more frequently exams and cleanings may be necessary.

download (4)

Oral Cancer:  According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, more than 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancers this year, and more than 8,000 will die from it.  “Oral cancer incidence definitely increases as you get older”, Jones says, and “is very often linked to smoking and heavy alcohol use.”   Jones also said, “Only about half of people who develop oral cancer survive the disease.”   If discovered early, there is an 80 percent chance of surviving for five years.  When we do your periodic exams when you come in for your cleaning, you will be checked for oral cancer.  We also offer Velscope, Identafi, or Oral ID technologies to help in finding oral cancer earlier.

download (5)

Keep brushing, flossing and smiling!  We want to help you keep your teeth healthy your entire lives!

images (2)

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.shalimarfamilydentistry.com

http://www.northstapleydentalcare.com

http://www.alamedadentalaz.com

http://www.dentistingilbert.com

Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/28/common-dental-problems-_n_5844434.html

https://aga.grandparents.com/

Tooth Sensitivity

KatieM

Katie Moynihan RDH

Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth is one of the most common concerns among dental patients. Tooth sensitivity occurs due to enamel loss or gum recession which exposes the underlying dentin structure of the tooth. The dentin layer of your tooth is found underneath the enamel and contains several tiny tubes which run from the nerve to the outside of the tooth. When exposed, these tubes are highly sensitive to temperature changes, sweets, or mechanical forces. Not to mention very painful!

Untitled

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by several factors. Aggressive brushing can wear away your enamel at the gumline leading to gum recession and exposed tooth root. Another cause of sensitivity can be from continuous grinding of the teeth to the point that the enamel is completely worn down to the dentin layer. Cracked teeth or worn fillings can create passageways to the nerve of the tooth. Periodontal disease, or severe gum disease, can contribute to sensitivity because the gums around the teeth break down and lead to gum loss and bone loss.

Untitled

Untitled

There are several ways to help reduce tooth sensitivity either at home or at the dental office. The type of treatment will depend of what is causing the sensitivity.

At home treatments include:

  • using a soft or extra-soft toothbrush while brushing gently in order to avoid toothbrush abrasion at the gumline (take a good look at your toothbrush…if the bristles are pointing in multiple directions, you’re brushing too hard!)
  • using a toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate, which penetrates the exposed dentin and soothes the nerve endings
  • using a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the tooth and exposed dentin
  • using MI Paste (available at your dental office) to block dentin tubule openings
  • limit acidic foods and drinks because they can remove small amounts of enamel over time

In office treatments include:

  • application of a fluoride varnish – helps seal the tubules and rebuild exposed dentin
  • application of a fluoride foam – provides a high dose of fluoride to help strengthen teeth
  • bonding agents can be placed at the gumline if necessary to seal exposed dentin and reduce sensitivity
  • restorative treatment if needed to correct the tooth that is causing the sensitivity
  • periodontal treatment if needed to keep gums healthy around the teeth

A mix of potassium nitrate and fluoride is your best solution for desensitization. Some products which include these active ingredients include Sensodyne, Pronamel, Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief, and Colgate Prevident 5000 Sensitive. These products must be used on a regular basis for at least 30 days before any therapeutic benefit will take place. Whitening and tartar control toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients that can damage tooth enamel and may be too harsh for those with sensitive teeth. The application of a fluoride varnish is always available in-office at your request. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, feel free to ask us which desensitizing agents will work best for you!

Untitled

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.shalimarfamilydentistry.com

http://www.northstapleydentalcare.com

http://www.alamedadentalaz.com

http://www.dentistingilbert.com

Sources:

http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_33.ashx

https://us.sensodyne.com/faq.aspx

http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/tooth-sensitivity/article/treatment-options-for-tooth-sensitivity

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth

What is a Dental Crown?

JW9(sm)

Julie West BS RDH

A dental crown is a manufactured covering that fits over a prepared tooth to protect it from decay or fracture or to protect a tooth that has had root canal treatment. A crown may also be used to replace a tooth that is discolored or poorly shaped due to chipping or defects during formation.

crowns

Typically, the process of getting a crown involves two visits that are two weeks apart. The first visit consists of the dentist removing any decay that may be present and using a dental handpiece to shape and prepare the tooth for a crown to fit over top. An impression will then be taken of the prepared tooth structure. Your dentist or dental assistant will then make a temporary crown that will serve to protect the tooth over the next two weeks while your permanent crown is being made at a dental lab. At your second visit, the permanent crown will be tried in to ensure the color and fit are ideal. If both are satisfactory, the crown will be cemented to the prepared tooth surface.

Sensitivity after a crown is placed is common and may take several weeks to subside. Over the counter pain medication may be used to handle any discomfort. Contact your dentist if the pain persists or gets worse.

Patients should be aware that crowns, like natural teeth, may not last for life. The longevity and durability of your crown is affected by several factors including: your diet, oral homecare with brushing and flossing daily, and the type of material the crown is made out of. Please ask your dentist or dental hygienist if you have any questions.

http://www.marlboroughdental.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CROWNS.jpg

image source: bendfamilydentist.com

 

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.shalimarfamilydentistry.com

http://www.northstapleydentalcare.com

http://www.alamedadentalaz.com

 Sources:

What is a Root Canal?

KO6A0990-Edit

Andra Mahoney RDHBS

So the Doctor has told you that you need a Root Canal Treatment.  What does that mean?  Why is it necessary? And where do you go from here?

Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp (soft tissue inside your teeth containing blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue) becomes inflamed or diseased.

anatomy-of-a-tooth

 http://culpepperdds.wordpress.com/for-patients/basic-tooth-anatomy/

 During root canal treatment, your dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in treating the insides of teeth) removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed.

 

blood cell types

 http://www.dentistsonwashington.com/root-canals/

 If the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result, and your tooth may have to be removed.

Causes of an infected pulp could include:

  • A deep cavity

Deep-cavity-before

http://blog.distinctive-smiles.com/wp-content//Deep-cavity-before.jpg

  • repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
  • injury to the tooth (even if there’s not a visible crack or chip)
  • a cracked or broken tooth
    Broken Tooth 

http://www.mcardledmd.com/what-it-means-to-have-cts.html

 

If you continue to care for your teeth and gums your restored tooth could last a lifetime. However, regular checkups are necessary; a tooth without its nerve can still develop cavities or gum disease. Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile.

perfect-smile

 http://faceandjawsurgeryblog.com/wp-content/uploads/perfect-smile.jpg

 

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.shalimarfamilydentistry.com

http://www.northstapleydentalcare.com

http://www.alamedadentalaz.com

 

References:
   http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/r/root-canals

Fluoride: It’s not just for the kids.

KO6A0990-Edit
Andra Mahoney BS RDH
 
When someone says fluoride, most of us automatically think children. While it is true that fluoride is an important part of our children’s oral health, it is also a necessity for adults as well. Adults, just like children, get cavities. So adults, just like children, should receive fluoride.In fact, there are many age related problems that increase our need for fluoride.Some examples include:

  • Eating disorders
  • Drug or Alcohol abuse
  • Lack of regular professional dental care
  • Poor Oral Hygiene
  • Exposed root surfaces of teeth, recession
  • Decreased salivary flow, resulting in dry mouth
  • Poor diet
  • Existing fillings
  • Tooth enamel defects
  • Undergoing head and neck radiation therapy

I’d like to address recession and dry mouth specifically, since those are very common problems.

Recession- Recession is when the gums have receded below the crown of the tooth, exposing the root to the tooth. 

IMG_0074      IMG_0076.

This creates two main problems. First, the roots of the teeth do not have enamel, they are covered by cementum.

IMG_0073

As we all know, enamel is the hard material that protects the surface of the tooth. Enamel is 70 times stronger than cementum. This, unfortunately, means that the roots of the teeth are more prone to decay than the crowns of the teeth. The best recommendation for recession and the prevention of decay is fluoride. Make sure you are using a soft bristled brush with soft brushing (to prevent further recession) in combination with fluoride toothpaste. Also, you may received fluoride treatments at your dental appointments. The most beneficial would be fluoride varnish. Your hygienist is able to apply this for you at each appointment. The varnish coats the tooth in a protective layer of fluoride to aid in the prevention of decay.

The second problem that recession creates is sensitivity. When the root is exposed tiny little tubules open up on the tooth and the chances for sensitivity increase. This makes eating or drinking cold or sweet things painful. You will often notice a sharp zing when the area of recession comes in contact with cold or sweet items. The best recommendation for sensitivity due to recession is fluoride. Sensitivity toothpaste, such as Sensodyne, contain an increased amount of fluoride (as opposed to regular toothpaste) to assist in the prevention of sensitivity (and decay).

IMG_0077

Fluoride varnish is also helpful as it coats the tooth and temporarily closes the tubules decreasing the sensitivity. 

IMG_0075

Xerostomia–

The last topic that I wanted to address is dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. Many adults take medicine and the most common side effect of many medications is dry mouth. A decrease in saliva increases your risk for decay. Saliva is important in washing away bits of food, neutralizing acids created by bacteria, as well as containing minerals that help prevent tooth decay. If you are having problems with dry mouth, try rinsing with a fluoride mouth was or a saliva substitute.

  IMG_0079    

All these reasons and many more show the importance of fluoride use for adults. If you have any other questions about the other problems that fluoride can help with, feel free to make an appointment with us and we’ll answer all your questions! 

 

Want to learn more? Visit us at http://www.northstapleydentalcare.com/

 

References:

Fluoride Treatments in the Dental Office ADA: http://www.ada.org/sections/scienceAndResearch/pdfs/patient_72.pdf

Can Fluoride Help Adults? Colgate: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-at-Any-Age/Adults/Adult-Maintenance-and-Care/article/Can-Fluoride-Help-Adults.cvsp

Recommendations for Using Fluoride to Prevent and Control Dental Caries in the United States CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5014a1.htm

Pictures:

http://www.drneal.com/pages/library/images/clip_image002.jpg

http://worcesterdentalimplants.com/_ah/editor/images/DSC_0258.JPG

http://www.vaughns-1-pagers.com/local/sunnyvale-dentist/tooth-anatomy.gif

http://www.beffadental.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/imbvarnish_brush1.gif

http://www.m.sensodyne.com/?redirectfrom=www.sensodyne.us+R-https%3a%2f%2fwww.google.com%2f

http://pics2.ds-static.com/prodimg/380812/300.JPG

 

Toothpaste

Kara

Kara Johansen BSRDH

The dental isle in the grocery store can be very overwhelming. Rows and rows of toothpastes, mouth rinses, and floss. We are here to help make that isle less confusing.  In a previous post Julie West BS RDH wrote about mouth rinses, thanks Julie! So here is the breakdown of toothpaste.

What is the purpose of toothpaste?

There are 4 reasons to use toothpaste. 1. Fluoride 2. Bacterial Plaque reduction 3. Tartar Inhibition 4. Desensitization. Here is the breakdown of each type of toothpaste.

Fluoride-

  • Fluoride has been the greatest public health venture in the United States. The most rampant form of disease in children is dental decay. Fluoride can cause a 20-30% decrease in decay (451, Wilkins). The fluoride remineralizes areas of decay that are in the beginning stages. When your dentist says they are going to “watch” a tooth it means that the he/she understands the decay can remineralize with good oral hygiene, great nutritional habits and fluoride use.
  • Here is a tip: switch up your oral hygiene routine.
  1. Mouthwash
  2. Floss
  3.  Brush for 2 min with fluoridated toothpaste.
  4. Walk away. Do not rinse after you brush. You want the fluoride to stay on your teeth and remineralize that weak spot that the dentist is watching.
  • Fluoride also helps with: tooth sensitivity, deceases tooth loss, promotes less frequency of periodontal diseases, overall bone health and bacterial reduction.

Bacterial Plaque Reduction-

  • There are different products in toothpastes to decrease the amount of bacteria in the mouth. Some of these products are: Triclosan, fluoride, Chlorhexidine, peroxide and bicarbonate, sanguinaria, and essential oils.
  • Brushing and flossing is the best way to reduce the majority of cavity causing bacteria in the mouth. Plaque is like pancake batter, it is sticky. Mechanical Removal will have the greatest affect on decreasing plaque levels in the mouth.

Dental plaque

http://mpkb.org/home/pathogenesis/microbiota/biofilm

Tartar Inhibition

  • The goal of these toothpastes are to reduce the production of tartar. These toothpastes however, do not have any effect on existing tatar. The toothpastes is meant to reduce the amount of tartar initially created. The only true way to get rid of tartar is mechanical removal by your dentist or hygienist. Come for you cleanings, they would love to help you out with that part. If you don’t love the scrapping do you part at home, brush with an electric toothbrush and floss two times per day.

pp002

http://colgate-sensitive-pro-relief.colgateprofessional.com.hk/patienteducation/Plaque-and-Periodontal-Disease/article

Desensitization

  • Sensitive teeth are no fun. Cold, hot , sweet foods or drinks, and mechanical forces can cause sensitivity.
  • How did I get sensitive teeth? This can be caused by multiple factors. The most common is tooth root exposure. When the gums recede a part of the tooth called dentin is exposed. It is a much more porous structure and sensitivity happens frequently.
  • pated_GingivalRecessionWithExposedRootDentine
  • colgateprofessional.com
  • When you are seeking out a toothpaste for sensitivity look for the active ingredients. Flip that tube of toothpaste over and take a peek. Potassium Nitrate calms down the nerve that is more sensitive with exposed dentin.  Sodium and stannus fluoride strengthen and occlude the more porous dentin.  A mix of Potassium Nitrate and fluoride is your best bet for desensitization.
  • MI Paste RECALDENT (CPP-ACP) has been found to help with sensitivity. Like fluoride it blocks the small porous openings of dentin. You can get a prescription for it from your dentist.
  • Other Products: Sensodyne, Pronamel, Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief, etc. Scan the dental isle.

images

http://www.recaldent.com

sensodyne-group-products-page-10_9_2013

pronamel-packshots_nonew-mock

us.sensodyne.com/products.aspx

Colgate-Sensitive-Pro-Relief-TP-triBox

http://www.colgatesensitiveprorelief.com.sg/products/toothpaste

What is in my toothpaste?

Cleaning and Polishing 20-40%

  • An abrasive is used to clean and the polish smooths the surface of the tooth. These agents help to decrease the adherence of stain and plaque buildup.
  • Possible agents: Calcium carbonate, IMP, dicalcium phosphate, hydrated aluminum oxide, and silica

Detergents 1-2%

  • Detergents make your toothpaste foam and are surfactants. They lower the surface tension, loosen stains, foam, and emulsify debris.
  • Possible agents: sodium laurel sulfate, sodium cocomonoglyceride sulfonate
  • Sodium Laurel Sulfate can cause sloughing of the tissue, make one more prone to canker sores and decreases healing time of mouth sores for some people. Patients who experience this should avoid Sodium Laurel Sulfate. Sensodyne does not use sodium laruel sulfate, this product would be a good choice for you.

Binders 1-2%

  • Binders keep your the solid and liquid ingreadients together

Now the next time you walk down the dental isle hopefully you will know exactly what type of toothpaste is perfect for you and your needs. If you have more questions ask your dentist or dental hygienist.  Watch out for the next post on what type of floss to choose, its going to be a duesy. Happy brushing and don’t forget to floss.

 

Sources:

GC America Professional Dental Site. Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from http://www.mi-paste.com/faq.php

Wilkins, E. M. (1994). Clinical Practice of the Dental Hyginienist: Seventh Edition. Media, PA: Williams and Wilkins.