Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

The safety of dental x-rays is one of the most debated subjects in the field of dentistry. As far as the safety of x-rays is concerned, it’s usually the amount of radiation that our bodies are exposed to, but dental X-rays have very low doses of radiation. If you’re worried about whether you need dental x-rays, let us shed light into what dental x-rays involve, how they’re best handled and why they’re performed.

Given below are the different types of dental X-Rays:

• Bitewing Radiograph, which shows several lower and upper teeth from one side of the mouth on one small image.

• Periapical Radiograph, which shows several teeth and their roots and the jawbone.

• Complete Series is a combination of bitewing and periapical radiographs that shows all the roots, teeth and related areas of the jaws.

• Panoramic Radiograph shows all the upper and lower teeth, large portions of the jaws and other structures on one large image.

• Digital Radiograph, in which all of these types of images can be obtained digitally.

Who Needs Dental X-Rays

Dental x-rays are used diagnostically to help dentists see issues such as:

• Areas of decay

• Bone loss and gum disease

• Abscesses, which are infections between the tooth and gum

• Tumors

• Changes in the root canal

Dental X-Rays During Pregnancy

Pregnant women are mostly advised to avoid X-Rays because it might affect the health of the developing fetus. This is why it’s important to inform your dentist if you are or may be pregnant when you arrive for your appointment. However, if you have a dental emergency or are in the middle of a dental treatment plan, you can discuss the issue with your dentist and determine the best way to proceed.

Determining Whether X-Rays are Necessary

Factors that your dentist will consider include:

• Age

• Stage of dental development

• History of oral health

• Risk factors for various conditions

• Presenting symptoms

If you are looking for one of the most reputed and recommended dentists near you, then visit the professional team of AP Dental Arts in North Palm Beach.

A Guide On Improving Your Breath

When it comes to bad breath, it might be a sign of something more serious than just a bad odor! Bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors, however almost all of them are completely avoidable. Dr. Joy Eakins will discuss various factors that increase the risk of bad breath along with various tips on improving your overall breath.

Quit using tobacco.

Not only can using tobacco leave your breath smelling bad immediately after use, but the overall effect on your teeth, gums and overall oral health can actually increase your risk for chronic bad breath.

Practice better at home dental care.

We hear about how important at home dental care is all the time, yet so many Americans still neglect to properly care for their smiles. You should brush your teeth a minimum of twice a day and floss a minimum of once a day.

Rinse your mouth.

We recommend cleaning your teeth after every meal (including snacks) but if this is not possible, then rinsing with water can help. Swishing water in the mouth can help loosen debris, bacteria and plaque, washing it from the mouth.

Scrape your tongue.

Did you know that bacteria that cause bad breath can also live on your tongue? We recommend scraping your tongue at least once a day. Certain toothbrushes are made with a tongue scraper or you can invest in one specifically for that purpose. If you aren’t sure which product is right for you, our office is happy to guide you when ready to purchase.

Chew sugar free gum.

It may seem that mints after a meal would help with breath, but the sugar mostly found in mints can actually contribute to bad breath. We recommend chewing sugar free gum after your meals to freshen breath (or carry a travel size mouthwash with you).

Drink more water.

Water is an extremely important part of not only your oral health but also your overall health. Patients with dry mouth or that experience dehydration often have increased risks of bad breath, tooth decay and even gum disease. Yikes!

Get Bad Breath Treatment in North Palm Beach

If you have you tried the above tips and are still experiencing chronic bad breath, please call and schedule an appointment with AP Dental Arts today!! We’d be happy to see you and get our oral health experts to determine the cause of your bad breath.

DENTAL EXAMS AND CLEANINGS

Preventing Problems Before They Start

The health of your teeth and mouth is very important to the well-being of your entire body, and while routine brushing and flossing at home is necessary to keep your smile looking its best, visiting your dentist for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist every six months to ensure your teeth stay healthy and your smile stays beautiful.

By routinely seeing your dentist for exams and cleanings, you can:

• Prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath

• Save money by avoiding costly and extensive dental procedures

• Keep your teeth white by reducing staining from food and drinks

• Shorten the time spent in your dentist's office

• Have a smile that will last a lifetime

The Exam

During your exam, Dr Val Tsar will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. Your dentist may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Whether these X-rays are traditional or digital, the images provided will help your dentist discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.

Professional Cleanings

Your dental hygienist will begin your cleaning by exploring the surface of your teeth to determine if you have any cavities and to examine the quality of existing fillings. The dental hygienist will then perform a periodontal exam to make sure your gums adhere tightly to your teeth, and no periodontal disease or bone loss may be occurring.

Next, your hygienist will carefully clean your teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from your teeth. Then your hygienist will floss your teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride. Cleanings usually aren't painful, but if you have any anxiety about your dental exam, be sure to let your hygienist know. They may offer several sedation options to ensure your comfort. If your dentist or hygienist finds tooth decay or gum disease, they will talk to you about changing your brushing or flossing habits. In severe cases, they may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your teeth and gums appear to be healthy, your dentist will probably recommend that you continue your brushing and flossing routine as usual.

Alleviate Tooth Sensitivity

There’s nothing like the simple seasonal pleasures. What’s more enjoyable than a cup of hot apple cider on a blustery winter day, or a tall glass of ice water in the middle of a summer heatwave? Until, that is, tooth sensitivity makes that hot or cold treat no treat at all. If untimely tooth sensitivity is causing you problems, there are solutions we can offer!

Improving Brushing Technique

Careful brushing is a wonderful habit to get into, but sometimes there can be too much of a good thing. Over-energetic brushing can actually damage our enamel. And underneath that enamel is dentin, a more porous substance which allows heat and cold to reach the more sensitive inner tooth.

But, please, don’t give up on brushing! Switching to a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush and a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can make a world of difference. Dr. Val Tsar can recommend the most effective and safest way to brush, as well as suggest toothpastes designed to fight tooth sensitivity. Until you recover, now is the time to avoid acidic and sugary foods and drinks (which can also bother sensitive teeth) and home tooth-whitening products as well.

Preventing Gum Disease

When gum disease progresses, the gums can begin to pull away from the teeth. This recession exposes part of the root area, which is much more sensitive to heat and cold.  Regular checkups and cleanings can keep gum disease from developing. Gum disease that is already present can be treated, and we can discuss whether more intensive care, such as a gum graft, is advisable to protect the root area.

Treating Injuries to the Tooth

If you have a cavity, a fracture, or another injury to the tooth or nerve, sensitivity is a good sign that you should call us right away. And, sensitivity is a symptom that can disappear when we restore the compromised tooth, whether it requires a new or replacement filling, a crown, or a root canal. If your teeth are more sensitive as a result of tooth grinding or other orthodontic problems, we can identify those issues as well.

No matter the reason for your tooth sensitivity, we want to work with you to find out the cause of the problem and to find a solution for it. Call our North Palm Beach, FL office if you notice any unpleasant or painful reactions to temperature, foods or even wind and air. Whether it’s advice on correcting your brushing style or treating tooth and gum conditions, we are here to help you.

How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth at Night

How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth at Night

If you wake up with a sore jaw and teeth, you might be grinding your teeth at night. This is called bruxism. This habit might start at any age, and is usually done without you knowing in your sleep. However, it can also be done when you are awake. If you grind your teeth during the day, it is usually when you are concentrating on a task. If you grind at night, you place your teeth together and use the jaw to put pressure on your teeth. When you sleep, teeth grinding is usually just rhythmic and clenching contractions.

Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

People who grind their teeth commonly experience headaches. Other symptoms of teeth grinding include enlargement of facial muscles, TMJ discomfort, muscle aches, ear pain, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, and sleep disorders. Teeth experience abnormal mobility and wear. This can lead to teeth breaking, and even the loss of teeth.

Causes of Teeth Grinding

Anxiety and stress are main factors in teeth grinding. Also, smoking cigarettes, heavy alcohol consumption, caffeine consumption, sleep disorders, and depression can all be possible causes of teeth grinding. Bruxism is more often found in people who have sleep apnea and people who snore.

Treatment for Teeth Grinding

Is there a good way to stop grinding or clenching your teeth? Treatment of teeth grinding is mostly dependent on the cause of the teeth grinding. Your dentist should conduct a comprehensive exam and come up with a treatment plan that is personalized for you. For most people, wearing an occlusal appliance is the best way to protect your teeth from teeth grinding. Occlusal appliances can come in the form of splints, night guards, bite guards, bruxism appliances, and bite plates. These appliances are custom made for each patient, and will fit perfectly over your bottom or top teeth. Wearing an occlusal appliance will relieve and reduce your jaw pain, and will protect both your TMJ joint and your teeth. These appliances are generally worn while you sleep, and are considered the best treatment option for teeth grinding.

Other Treatment Options:

Mandibular Advancement Devices are also custom made, and are fitted over your top and bottom teeth as well. This treatment option is specifically for when a sleep disorder is the cause of the teeth grinding. This device helps to manage sleep apnea and snoring, and prevents grinding as a result.

If the cause of your teeth grinding is stress or anxiety, then practicing meditation or relaxation techniques might be helpful. Going to speak with a psychologist might also help you manage your stress more effectively.

Ending teeth grinding will require the help of your dentist or oral surgeon. After a thorough examination is done, you and your dental team can develop a treatment plan so that bruxism no longer impacts your daily life.