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Everything you Need to Know About Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and Root Planing is a process of deep cleaning below the gumline that helps to treat gum disease.

Why Do You Need It?

Gum disease is caused by a sticky film of bacteria known as plaque. Plaque is always forming on your teeth. However, if they aren’t cleaned well the bacteria in plaque will cause your gums to become inflamed. When this happens, your gums will pull away from your teeth and form gaps known as pockets. Plaque then gets trapped in these pockets and can’t be removed with regular brushing. If untreated, gum disease may lead to bone and tooth loss.

If gum disease is caught early and hasn’t caused any damage to the structures below the gum line, professional cleaning is needed. If the pockets between your gums and teeth are too deep, scaling and root planing might be required.

What Happens During Scaling and Root Planing?

This deep cleaning process has 2 components. Scaling is when your dentist removes all the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) on top of and below the gumline. Your dentist can then begin root planing, smoothing out your teeth roots to assist your gums to reattach to your teeth. Scaling and Root Planing could take more than one visit to complete and may require a local anesthetic.

After Care Tips

After a deep cleaning, you may have sensitivity in your teeth and gums for a couple of days up to a week. Additionally, your gums could also be swollen, feel tender and bleed. To prevent infection and control pain or assist you to heal, your dentist can prescribe a pill or mouth rinse. Your dentist may also insert medication directly into the pocket that was cleaned. Your dentist can schedule a follow-up visit to see how your gums have healed and measure the depth of your pockets. Good dental care is essential to help keep gum disease from becoming serious or reoccur. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft brush, clean between your teeth daily, follow your diet, avoid using tobacco and visit your dentist often.

Top 5 Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

It’s estimated that over 51,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer and cancers of the throat, tonsils, and back of the tongue each year. A dentist can check for symptoms of oral cancer during a scheduled check-up. Early detection of such cancers is beneficial for treatment, but you should also know the risk factors and habits that might put you at risk.  Changing a few potentially harmful habits may help reduce your chances of developing oral cancer. Read on to find out the top risk factors.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

The sexually transmitted disease is now associated with around 9,000 cases of head and neck cancer (explicitly those happening at the back of the tongue, in or around the tonsils) diagnosed every year in the United States according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People who are diagnosed with HPV related cancer tend to be young and non-smokers. People with HPV positive cancer have a lower risk of death or recurrence even though these cancers are often diagnosed at a later stage because it develops in difficult-to-detect areas.

Gender

Men are twice as likely to get oral cancer. The American Cancer Society attributes this to higher rates of liquor and tobacco use by men and more men of younger age are being diagnosed with HPV related form of oral cancer.

Age

Most people who are diagnosed with oral cancer are 55 or older. However, according to the American Cancer Society HPV related oral cancers are now being diagnosed in younger people as well. 

Tobacco

Whether you smoke it or chew tobacco, it drastically increases your risk for oral cancer. Smoking can cause oral cancer, as well as cancer in other parts of the body. Pipe smokers are also at a higher risk of developing cancer in their lips. Smokeless tobacco, like chew, can lead to numerous issues in your mouth, the most serious being cancer of the cheeks, gums, and lips.

Alcohol

According to the American Cancer Society, 7 of 10 oral cancer patients are heavy drinkers. Heavy drinking, as characterized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is an average of two drinks per day or more for men and an average of more than one drink daily for women. If you are a heavy drinker and a heavy smoker, your chances of developing oral cancer significantly.

5 Questions to ask at your child’s Back-to-School dental visit

Some schools require a back-to-school dental exam and this is a good time to plan one of your child’s dental visits. A back-to-school dental visit will help to spot and deal with dental issues so your child doesn’t need to miss classes once school begins. This is also a good time to refocus on your child’s dental habits which may have fallen away during the summer.

Here are a few questions to ask at your child’s dental appointment:

How Is My Child’s Overall Dental Health?

The dentist will be looking at the big picture of your child’s mouth, including teeth and gums. The dentist will check to ensure that the teeth are lining up correctly, the child’s bite is in good shape and watch out for any orthodontic issues that may appear later. 

Will My Child Get a Cleaning Today?

Back-to-school is a great time to get a cleaning to make up for those times that your kids might have forgotten to use their toothbrush while busy with summer camps and activities.  However, a professional cleaning is an absolute necessity, no matter how well your kid brushes.  Even if you brush twice a day it’s not possible to get rid of all the bacteria that can lead to cavities. That’s why professional cleaning goes a long way. It expels a greater amount of cavity-causing bacteria, helps to keep gum tissues healthy, and keeps your smile bright.

Does My Child Need an X-Ray?

X-rays help your dentist understand how your child’s teeth are growing and ensure the tooth roots are healthy. They are also used to check whether there is any tooth decay between the child’s teeth. The decay process can advance quickly, so the earlier it is caught the better.

Can You Check My Child’s Mouthguard?

If your child plays sports, make sure to bring their mouthguard along so the dentist can check for wear, tear, and fit. If the child is having a growth spurt, losing teeth and getting new ones, the mouthguard might need to be replaced.

What Are Sealants and Does My Child Need Them?

Sealants can be another way to keep your child from getting cavities (but they are no replacement for regular brushing and flossing!). A sealant is a thin defensive coating (made from safe dental materials) that your dentist can place on the chewing surfaces of your child’s permanent back teeth (called molars). Once they’re on, sealants work to keep cavity-causing bacteria and bits of food from settling into the nooks and crannies your child’s toothbrush can’t reach. This helps stop cavities from forming and prevents tiny existing spots of decay from getting worse. 
Having sealants on your permanent molars reduces the risk of cavities by 80%. It’s best to get sealants as soon as your child’s permanent molars come through their gums (usually around age 6, then again around age 12). When permanent molars start coming in, parents should ask if sealants are recommended. Most sealants last for years, and the child’s dentist will make sure they’re holding strong at every regular visit.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Toothbrush

We love our toothbrushes because they are the tools that kick plaque to the curb, help keep cavities at bay (with the help of fluoride toothpaste, of course) and freshen our breath. But what else can we learn about them? Read on for some toothbrush facts.

When selecting your toothbrush, look for the ADA Seal. 

The ADA Seal of Acceptance is the gold standard for toothbrush quality. It’s how you’ll know that an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs has evaluated your toothbrush to make sure bristles won’t fall out with normal use, the handle will stay strong and the toothbrush will help reduce your risk for cavities and gum disease.

The toothbrush is 5,000 years old. 

In different forms, that is. Ancient civilizations used a “chew stick,” a skinny twig with a frayed finish, to get rid of food from their teeth. Over time, toothbrushes evolved and were made up of bone, wood or ivory handles and stiff bristles of hogs, boars or other animals. The modern nylon-bristled toothbrush we tend to use nowadays was invented in 1938.

The first mass-produced toothbrush was invented in prison. 

In 1770, an Englishman named William Addis was imprisoned for inciting a riot. He saw fellow prisoners using a rag covered in soot or salt to clean their teeth. Addis saved an animal bone from dinner and received bristles from a guard. He bored little holes into the bone, inserted the bristles and sealed them with glue. After his release, he modified his prototype, started a company and manufactured his toothbrush. The company, Wisdom Toothbrushes, still exists in the United Kingdom today.

Manual or powered? Your teeth don’t care.

You only got to brush twice every day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. (If your toothpaste has the ADA Seal, you’ll know it has fluoride.) Both manual and powered toothbrushes will effectively and completely clean your teeth. It all depends on which one you like and are more comfortable with. People who find it tough to use a manual toothbrush may find a powered toothbrush more comfortable. Check with your Dentist regarding which type is best for you.

There is no “correct” order for brushing and flossing.
Brushing before flossing, flossing before brushing—it doesn’t matter to your teeth, as long as you do both. 

Toothbrushes like to be left out in the open.

Cleaning your toothbrush is easy: Rinse it with water to get rid of any remaining toothpaste and debris. Store it upright and allow it to air dry. If you store your family’s toothbrushes all together, make sure they’re separated to prevent cross-contamination. Do not routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers, especially when the brush is wet from being used. A moist environment such as a closed container is more conducive to the growth of unwanted bacteria than the open air. 

Lifespan = 3-4 Months
Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do as good of a job cleaning your teeth. 

When it comes to choosing a brush, go soft.

Whether you use a manual or powered toothbrush, opt for a soft-bristled brush. Firm or even medium-strength bristles may cause damage to your gums and enamel. Once brushing your teeth, don’t scrub vigorously—only brush hard enough to clean the film off your teeth. Your fluoride toothpaste can do the rest of the work.

Remember 2 minutes, 2 times a day.
4 minutes a day goes a long way for your dental health. Put the time in each day to keep your smile healthy and keep up this twice-a-day habit.

Sharing is caring, but not for toothbrushes.
Sharing a toothbrush can mean you’re also sharing germs and bacteria. This could be a particular concern if you have a cold or flu to spread, or you have a condition that leaves your immune system compromised.

Bad Breath: 6 Causes

Bad breath happens. If you’ve ever gotten that not-so-fresh feeling on a date, at a job interview or just talking with friends, you’re not alone. Studies show that 50 percent of adults have had bad breath, or halitosis, at some point in their lives.

What Causes Bad Breath?

There are multiple reasons that you may have dragon breath. While most of the causes are harmless, bad breath could be a sign of something more serious. 

Bacteria

Bad breath can happen anytime because of the many varieties of breath-causing bacteria that naturally live in your mouth. Your mouth also acts like a natural hothouse that allows these bacteria to grow. While you eat, bacteria feed on the food left in your mouth and leaves a foul-smelling waste product behind.

Dry Mouth

Feeling parched? Your mouth may not be making enough saliva. Saliva is very important as it works around the clock to wash your mouth. If you don’t have enough, your mouth isn’t being cleaned as much as it should be. Dry mouth may be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems or by simply breathing through your mouth.

Gum Disease

Bad breath that just won’t go away or a constant bad taste in your mouth is a serious warning sign of advanced gum disease, which is caused by a sticky, cavity-causing bacteria called plaque.

Food

Garlic, onions, coffee… The list of breath-offending foods is long, and what you eat affects the air you exhale. While strong-smelling foods do not necessarily have a bad effect on your teeth, make sure you brush frequently to keep your mouth fresh and clean.

Smoking and Tobacco

Smoking stains your teeth gives you bad breath and puts you in danger for a number of serious health issues. Tobacco reduces your ability to taste foods and irritates gum tissues. Tobacco users are more likely to suffer from gum disease. Since smoking also affects your sense of smell, smokers may not be aware of how their breath smells. 

Medical Conditions
Mouth infections will cause bad breath. However, if your dentist has ruled out different causes and you brush and floss on a daily basis, your bad breath could be the result of another problem, such as a sinus condition, gastric reflux, diabetes, liver or kidney disease. In this case, see your healthcare provider.

Tips for Healthy Summer Smiles

Summer sun brings summer fun! Though summer vacations are great for spending quality time with your near and dear ones, they can throw you off your dental routine. 

Here are the 3 great ways to stop tooth decay during summer:

Stay on a routine

Resist the temptation to skip brushing before a late bedtime or let it slide to the next morning. It’s vital to consistently brush and floss during the summer. It also keeps the kids on track for back-to-school dental visits.

No matter how eventful the coming months become, make sure that your family is brushing twice a day for two minutes with a good quality fluoride toothpaste. Easy things like brushing calendars will help everyone to stay on track over the summer. Plus, it’s also an opportunity to spend more time together. Brushing alongside your children for 2 minutes, twice a day for the three months of summer gives you 6 extra hours together, so make the most of them! 

And don’t forget to clean between those teeth once every day. You should be flossing between any two teeth that touch. Many children don’t have the motor skills to floss until they’re over ten years old. If your child needs help, try different types of interdental cleaners or place your hands over theirs to guide them and get the job done at the same time.

Say no to sugary drinks and snacks 

As the temperature rises, it’s common for families to sip and snack during sports tournaments, festivals, or nearly any community event. Watch your family’s intake of lemonade, juice, and soda. Consider sugary drinks a once-in-a-while treat. Instead, drink water to beat the heat, or milk to drink with meals. Don’t let summer grazing damage your smile. Taking a break from snacking is also healthy for your teeth. It allows time for saliva to coat the teeth, wash away leftover food, and make them stronger.

If you discover yourself spending more time home, snack smarter, and let your kids tell you when they’re hungry rather than providing snacks throughout the day. Kids are not afraid to let you know when they want something to eat!

Make your back-to-school dental visit early 

Some schools need back-to-school dental visits for certain grades, and these check-ups can be a good way to ensure that your child’s teeth stay healthy. It’s a good plan to schedule your child’s back-to-school dental appointment early within the summer to avoid the rush and ensure you get the appointment time that works best for you. Visiting the dentist regularly can help your child’s smile stay healthy all year long.

5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Mouth

Diabetes can take a toll on your entire body, and it may increase your risk of dental disease. In fact, one in 5 cases of total tooth loss is connected to diabetes.

Controlling your blood sugar, brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist often can go a long way to help decrease the likelihood of developing diabetes-related mouth problems.

Gum Disease

Do you notice bleeding after you brush or floss? That could be an early sign of gum disease. If the bleeding becomes severe, the bone that supports your teeth may break down, resulting in tooth loss. Early gum disease can often be reversed with correct brushing, flossing, and diet. Research has shown that gum disease will worsen if your blood sugar isn’t kept in check.

Dry Mouth

Studies have found that individuals with diabetes have less saliva, therefore you could possibly end up feeling parched or thirsty. Chewing sugarless gum and eating healthy, crunchy foods can get the saliva flowing. 

Change in Taste

Your favorite flavors might not taste as good as you remember if you have diabetes. Take the chance to experiment with completely different tastes, textures, and spices to your favorite foods. Just take care not to add too much sugar to your food in an effort to add flavor as this can have a negative effect on the quality of your diet and it also can result in cavities. If you have a persistent bad taste in your mouth, see your dentist or doctor.

Infections

Diabetes affects your immune system leaving you more vulnerable to infection. One symptom common among people with diabetes is a yeast infection called oral thrush (candidiasis). The yeast thrives on the higher amount of sugar found in your saliva, and it looks like a white layer coating on your tongue and the insides of your cheeks. Thrush is more common in those who wear dentures and might leave a bad taste in your mouth. See your dentist if you think that you have oral thrush or any other mouth infection.

Slow Healing

Have you ever noticed a cold sore or a cut in your mouth that doesn’t quite seem to go away? This could be another way that diabetes may affect your mouth. Poor control of blood sugar can keep injuries from healing quickly and properly. If you have something in your mouth that you feel isn’t healing as it should see your dentist.

Root Canals: FAQs about treatment that can save your Tooth

If you have a severely damaged tooth or a genuine tooth infection (abscess), your dentist may suggest a root canal treatment. Root canals are used to fix and save your tooth instead of removing it. 

What is a Root Canal?

During root canal therapy, the pulp (or the nerve tissue on the inside canal of the tooth) is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, and then the space inside the tooth is filled and sealed. 

What is the pulp and Why does it need to be removed?

The pulp is soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves and veins, which provides blood flow to the living tooth structure.

Pulp can become damaged due to: 

·         A profound cavity 

·         Repeated dental procedures that disturb this tissue

·         A cracked or fractured tooth

·         Damage to the tooth 

When pulp is damaged, it breaks down, and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other dying pulp remnants can cause an infection, pain, swelling, and ulcers inside the tooth. If the damage is untreated, the tissues around the base of your tooth can form an abscess, a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of a tooth’s root. 

Damaged pulp needs to be removed to eliminate the infection, and to prevent it from spreading, which can put you in danger of losing your tooth totally because bacteria can harm the bone that holds your tooth in place in your jaw. Hence, damaged pulp needs to be removed to avoid infection and other more serious consequences.

Can I get this Treatment done during my regular check-up visit?

No, your dentist will need to schedule a separate follow-up appointment, or they might refer you to a dentist who specializes in root canals and similar procedures dealing with the pulp and tissues surrounding the teeth. This specialist is known as an endodontist.

What should I expect?

A root canal treatment usually takes 1 or 2 office visits to finish. Your dentist will utilize local anesthesia so you don’t feel the procedure. Root canals are used to treat seriously damaged teeth that are often already causing pain. During the procedure you won’t feel any more discomfort than having a regular cavity filled. When the procedure is finished, you should never again feel the torment you felt before having it done.

What will happen before treatment begins? 

Your dentist will take X-rays to get a clear perspective on your tooth and the encompassing bone. Then, he/she will numb the zone around your tooth so you are comfortable during the treatment. Finally, they will put a slight sheet of latex rubber over your tooth to keep it dry, and clean during the procedure, protecting the tooth from bacteria and fungus that are normally in the mouth.

What will happen during treatment?

First, your dentist will make an opening in the exposed surface of your tooth. Then, they will take out the pulp, or the tooth’s nerve from inside the tooth and in the regions of the root, known as a root canal. Then, they clean inside the tooth and the root canal. Your dentist may treat the tooth with a germ-killing drug, and fill the root canal with a rubber-like material to seal them against future contamination. Finally, your dentist will place a temporary filling on the tooth to protect it until a definitive restoration like a permanent filling or crown that can be placed at the earliest opportunity.

What will happen after root canal treatment?

Your tooth and the area around it might feel delicate for a couple of days, similar to having a cavity filled. You can request your dentist to prescribe painkillers for pain and discomfort. Your dentist may recommend antibiotics to prevent a risk of infection spread. If so, make sure to use as directed, and follow-up with your dentist if you have any problems taking it.

Your dentist will likely schedule a subsequent visit after the root canal treatment. At this visit, your dentist will take off the temporary filling on the tooth and replace it with a permanent filling or a crown to shield your tooth from further harm. A metal or plastic post may also be placed in the root canal to help make sure the filling materials stay in place. This helps support a crown if you need one.

How long can a root canal filling last?

With proper care, root canal treatments have a high success rate, and your restored tooth can last forever. Make it a point to brush two times every day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth once per day with floss, and see your dentist regularly to make sure your teeth are strong and healthy.

Pregnant? 9 Questions You May Have About Your Dental Health

Do I Need to Change My Daily Habits?

If you are brushing two times every day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth once per day, keep doing awesome! If not, there’s no better time to begin, as bad habits during pregnancy have been related to unexpected labor, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. Talk with your dentist about your daily oral hygiene routine and ask for suggestions for any improvements. 

Why Are My Gums Bleeding?

Pregnancy brings many changes to your body and hormones, which can include gum inflammation and bleeding most often between the second and eighth months of pregnancy. It often goes away on its own after the baby is born. Pregnancy hormones make your gums more susceptible to plaque which can make your gums red, delicate and sore. Brush two times a day for two minutes, clean between your teeth once every day, and talk with your dentist about what you can do to keep your gums healthy.

Do You Lose a Tooth with Each Baby?

No! This is an old wives’ tale. Losing a tooth is certainly not an ordinary part of pregnancy. If you are experiencing dental pain you might have a dental issue that is unrelated to pregnancy, and you should see your dentist. 

I’m Struggling with Morning Sickness. What Should I Do?

Sadly, morning sickness is experienced by many pregnant women. Vomiting can cause stomach acids to come in contact with your teeth, so be sure to flush your mouth to keep those acids from doing harm. You might be tempted to reach for your toothbrush right away, but if you are vomiting frequently, try rinsing your mouth with a blend of some water and 1 tsp. of baking soda, as the baking soda will neutralize the acid. 

Is It Safe to See the Dentist During Pregnancy?

Yes! Actually, your dental specialist may prescribe extra cleanings during your second trimester and early third trimester to help control gum disease. If your last dental visit was over 6-months ago or you see any changes in your mouth, visit your dentist. Let your dentist know if there are any changes in the medications you take or any chance that you have gotten any unique counsel from your doctor. Always let your dentist and dental hygienist know that you are expecting.

Help! Brushing Makes Me Gag.

If anything (and potentially everything) may make you gag, move slowly and find what works for you. Changing the kind of toothpaste used, utilizing a brush with a smaller head, or brushing at various times of the day may help. If you absolutely cannot stomach brushing your teeth, make sure you at least rinse and spit regularly, and return to brushing your teeth as soon as possible. The most important thing is to keep up your routine because you’re at somewhat greater risk for cavities, on account of corrosive acid from morning sickness, potential dietary changes, and feeling too worn out to even consider brushing.

Does What I Eat Affect My Baby’s Teeth?

Your baby’s teeth start to develop between the 3rd and 6th month of pregnancy, and eating a healthy diet while pregnant can help to make sure they develop correctly. Make sure your diet includes enough nutrients– including vitamins A, C, and D, protein, calcium and phosphorous. While you’re at it, drink a lot of water with fluoride to keep your own teeth solid.

Are X-Rays Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, dental X-rays are safe during pregnancy. Your dentist or hygienist will cover you with a protective cover that limits exposure to the abdomen. Your dental office will also cover your throat with a collar to shield the thyroid from radiation.

Is It Safe to Have a Dental Procedure?

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agree that dental fillings and crowns are safe during pregnancy, and that it is important to seek dental care promptly. It might not be comfortable to sit in a dental seat very late in pregnancy, so make sure to keep up with regular dental appointments, and plan to have any dental work in your first and second trimester, if possible. Cosmetic procedures such as whitening, on the other hand, can wait until after the baby arrives. In the event that you need emergency treatment, work with your dental office on the best arrangements for you and your child.

Erosion: Reflux, Upset Stomach, and Your Teeth

Frequent upset stomach can cause a gradual eroding of the protecting enamel on your teeth, a process called tooth erosion. This may have an effect on the physical appearance of your teeth and can also open the door to harmful bacteria that cause cavities.

How do stomach issues have an effect on my teeth?

Your stomach produces natural acids that facilitate your body in digestion of food. Sometimes, these acids travel up the throat and into the mouth, particularly after an oversized meal. Ordinarily, our saliva rebalances the acid levels in our mouth naturally, and everything’s fine. 

But for people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux or GERD, stomach acids reach the mouth throughout the day. Reflux can be especially damaging during sleep because you swallow less than normal and your mouth manufactures less saliva when you are sleeping.

Another concern is dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, which can be caused by medications, including several acid reflux medicines.  Saliva not only helps neutralize the acids caused by acid reflux, but also helps to clean away food particles and cut back on bacteria that can attack your tooth enamel. This is often why lower saliva production might increase your risk for cavities. 

What will Reflux-Related Erosion do to my teeth?

Acid reflux might wear away the enamel on the surfaces of your teeth. Your dentist can check for this at your regular dental exam.

Unfortunately, tooth erosion is permanent. If your enamel has begun to wear away, you may:

• Feel pain or sensitivity when you consume hot, cold or sweet drinks

• Notice a discoloration of the teeth

• Find that your fillings have changed

• Face larger risks for cavities over time

• Experience tooth loss

Once erosion of the enamel happens, you might need dental treatment such as: fillings, crowns, a root canal, or even tooth extraction in order to prevent pain and further risk. For cosmetic discoloration, veneers can help to restore the look of your smile. 

How to defend your teeth and obtain relief?

• Chewing sugar-free gum will encourage saliva production, which helps neutralize and wash away the acids in your mouth. Check for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the gum you choose.

• Using prescription or over the counter fluoride and desensitizing toothpaste can help to strengthen tooth enamel. 

• Avoiding alcohol and smoking and refraining from eating for three hours before bed might cut back the frequency of acid reflux episodes.

• If heartburn, acid reflux or alternative stomach issues are a part of your everyday life, work together with your dentist and physician to treat the underlying causes of your stomach troubles. 

• If you suffer from acid reflux, see your dentist frequently so that they will check that your teeth stay healthy, suggest ways to stop tooth erosion, and recommend ways to prevent dry mouth.