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.

Your Oral Health and How Tobacco Affects It

“Smoking is dangerous to your health!” That is what’s written outside a pack of cigarettes and that message also means it affects your oral health. You could maybe easily solve discolored teeth and use mouth rinse forever if only to mask tobacco-related foul-smelling breath but what about the following other serious health issues? You see, tobacco does not only stain your tongue and your teeth but it can lead to oral cancer and several gum diseases which may not only cost your pockets a lot of burden but cost you your life as well.

Tobacco can cause serious oral cancers.

Cancer of the throat, the lips, the tongue, the mouth, the throat are among the serious effects of tobacco and the longer you have been using it, the higher the chances of you getting the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, a majority of those who acquired oral cancer used tobacco. More than half of the cases end up in death.

Smoking can lead to worse kinds of gum and jaw diseases.

Many smokers suffer from redness, irritation, swelling and bleeding of gums. This could lead to a more serious periodontal disease that may eventually damage the jawbone and cause loss of teeth if left untreated.

Do all kinds of tobacco cause oral health problems?

Yes! And it doesn’t matter if it is smoked, chewed or simply inhaled; it is just a matter of time. Given enough exposure, the risks tobacco poses would manifest in the form of decay, cavities or worse, oral cancer. In that sense, there is no safer tobacco to use contrary to some belief that when chewed instead of smoked, or when used with a pipe, the risks are not as high.

What if you are having trouble quitting your tobacco habit?

Habits are hard to break especially if you don’t get help particularly in the case of tobacco use. It has an addictive effect and quitting may be difficult. You could try gradually cutting back if quitting cold turkey is not possible. While you are in the process, it would be of great help to regularly see your dentist so that in case a disease is developing or has already developed, it may be detected and appropriate treatment may be delivered. Don’t wait until it’s too late because some treatment may not be a pleasant experience.

Here are 3 ways to help you get on the road to good oral health:

1.     Maintain a religious oral hygiene and do it properly.

Most of the components of tobacco can cause several dental problems including cavities (some tobaccos contain sugar to make them taste better). Without proper dental hygiene, they could worsen faster. Brush and floss regularly and correctly. As unusual as it may sound but you may need to have your dentist show you the proper way to brush and floss just to ensure you prolong the health of your teeth and gums while trying to quit tobacco.

2.     Naturally, you will have to kick the habit.

If you want to reduce the chances of you acquiring any of the dreaded tobacco-related oral diseases, quit as early as you can. There are many ways to help you kick the habit. Ask your dentist to give you recommendations. Despite the threat of periodontal disease, 10 years after kicking the habit, you are as good as new.

3.     Regularly visit your dentist for a dental checkup.

Early detection is your best defense against the threats of tobacco-related oral diseases most especially cancer. This can only become possible when you frequent your dentist’s office for a checkup and early treatment can go a long way in saving your teeth, your gums and your overall health.

Are you in the habit of using tobacco? It’s about time you see your doctor and dentist about it.

What is a Deep Cleaning?

What is a Deep Cleaning?

A Deep Cleaning is the most common way to treat periodontitis, or gum disease. It is a non-surgical procedure performed by your dental professional to help remove stubborn plaque and tartar form your teeth. Removing built up plaque and tartar can help your gums become healthy again and can help prevent bacteria build up in your mouth. 

Why is a Deep Cleaning Necessary?

Plaque, which is sticky and full of bacteria, tends to accumulate over time on and below the gum line. If you struggle with receding gums, this sticky plaque can put you at risk for gum disease. As the plaque builds up on and under the gum line, deep pockets can form around your teeth and introduce bacteria into your teeth that can inevitably destroy your teeth and result in tooth loss. Scaling is necessary because it allows your dental professional to clean the areas of your tooth that lie below the gum line. 

What Instruments are Used to Perform Deep Cleaning?

Your dental professional will use one of two types of Deep Cleaning tools:

• Hand-held deep cleaning instrument. This involves using a deep cleaning and curette in order to manually remove the built up plaque from your teeth. They are not able to actually see the areas of heavy plaque build up, so they use touch to identify rough patches and areas of tartar. 
• Ultrasonic deep cleaning instrument. This tool cleans tartar and plaque from your teeth using a vibrating metal tip that chips away at the tartar and then uses a water spray in order to wash the removed tartar away and in order to keep the metal tip cool during the procedure. 

What Should I Expect During My Visit?

It is possible that the entire procedure may be done in one office visit, but normally a deep cleaning is done by quadrants or halves. You will receive local anesthesia and then your dental professional will use either the hand held tool or the electric tool to remove deposits of tartar from your teeth and from below the gum line. Depending on the severity of the case, it can take anywhere from 25 minutes to an hour or more per quadrant. After your visit, you may experience some tenderness and may be numb from the anesthesia. 

Will I Experience Pain During the Procedure?

Before they start the deep cleaning process, your dental professional will numb the surrounding gums and tooth roots with a local anesthesia. You may experience a slight pinch or burn when the local anesthesia is being administered. The cleaning should not cause much discomfort. 

After Your Visit:

After your visit, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day in addition to flossing and using mouthwash will help ensure that your gums can be healthy and regain their pink and firm appearance. 

Because the deep cleaning can sometimes introduce bacteria into your bloodstream, it is important to let your dentist know if you experience any signs of an infection such as fever, swelling or vomiting. 

Keep Your Family Healthy

Keep Your Family Healthy!

Families can work together to prevent gum disease and cavities. It is important for parents to teach their children good habits that will follow them into adulthood. In between dental visits, here are some tips so that everyone from the youngest member of the family to the oldest member can do their very best to maintain great oral health.

Eat Well Together

The American Dental Association asserts that a nutritional and balanced diet is paramount to maintaining good oral health. Ensure that you and your children are eating a diet rich in calcium and protein so that your teeth remain protected, and your enamel stays strong and keeps rebuilding. Dairy products and lean meats are a great way to ensure you’re getting enough protein and calcium.

Tooth decay is commonly caused by very sugary foods and drinks. You can eat these foods in moderation, but you should try not to eat them in excess. Start your kids out on a healthy diet young, so they don’t expect to get too many sweets! If you find yourself eating a lot of unhealthy foods, as well as feeding your children these foods, try to cut back on the sweets as a family to reduce tooth decay. You can eat healthier snacks like fresh fruit, and you can drink more water!

 

The Importance of Fluoride

Fluoride helps keep our teeth from decaying. It can also help to prevent cavities in children and adults. Tap water is generally fluoridated, which means it contains enough fluoride to help prevent your teeth from decaying.

Drinking tap water rather than bottled water will save you money, as well as ensure that you and your entire family are getting a healthy amount of fluoride. If you have a home filtration system, make sure you install one that does not remove your water’s fluoride content.

Proper Brushing Technique

It is very important that you know how to correctly brush your teeth, and that in turn you teach your children how to brush their teeth. Your toothbrush should be placed at a 45-degree angle when it’s at your gum line. You should start by brushing your gum line to remove bacteria there, and then make sure you get every surface of your teeth.

Ensure that your children are brushing their teeth at least twice a day. Make sure this lasts two minutes each time!  

If your children understand how to care for their teeth from a young age, this will help prevent cavities and keep their smiles bright and beautiful. Most importantly, these techniques and habits will also follow them into adulthood!

Call our office today to schedule your cleaning or exam. A healthy mouth is a happy mouth!
(561) 855-4703. Convenient evening and early morning appointments always available. 

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.