Adults
What is the best way for me to prevent cavities in myself and in my children?
There are some very simple steps that you can take in the prevention of cavities that can save you much pain and money in the long run. Here are a few of the major ones.
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily when brushing.
- Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking. Limit the amount of sugars you and your children eat.
- Check with your dentist about use of supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth, and about use of preventive resin restorations (stronger than sealants) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from decay.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examinations.
How often should I change my toothbrush?
Most dental professionals recommend that toothbrushes be replaced every three months, or more frequently if you are an extremely vigorous brusher and you notice the bristles begin to flare out. Toothbrushes should also be replaced after you or family members have had a cold, flu, or other upper respiratory infections.Do I really need to floss my teeth?
Yes, you do NEED to floss. Brushing alone reaches only 3 out of 5 tooth surfaces. Also, the surfaces tooth brushing can't reach (the interproximal "between teeth" surfaces) are areas where periodontal diseases can most easily get started in your mouth. Some type of daily interproximal cleaning is essential for healthy teeth and gums.
Even after I brush, my mouth and teeth do not feel clean.
In order for teeth to feel clean, the plaque bacteria must be mechanically removed from all of the mouth structures. This includes the gums, the teeth, between the teeth, the cheeks, and the tongue. The best way to do this is with a soft, end-rounded, multi-tufted toothbrush, such as GUM® toothbrushes, and with dental floss. These products are designed to remove plaque bacteria from your gumlines and teeth. The amount of time spent actually brushing should be approximately 2 minutes, or long enough to brush all of the gum tissues, tongue, cheeks, and teeth. This is about the length of one song on the radio. The size of the toothbrush is very important for good oral health. GUM® toothbrushes fit most mouth sizes and are very good for overall bacteria removal. Smaller mouths may require a toothbrush with a smaller or compact head.
It’s hard for me to get in the habit of flossing every day.
For all of us, certain habits are more difficult than others to establish. Of course, the best way to establish any habit is to learn the skill when we are children. As adults, flossing is just as important as brushing. Here are some of the tips that may help: Make sure the floss is readily available...put it in the console of the car, in your briefcase, inside your daily planner, in the shower or anywhere you are. Our lifestyles frequently keep us away from home, so the dental floss in the bathroom cabinet is too far away for us to use. Floss for 21 days and then do not floss on the 22nd day. Usually patients can feel the plaque bacteria building up between their teeth on day 22. Then start flossing again on the 23rd day. Utilize floss that is easy to work with in your mouth and will not shred easily. GUM® flosses are shred resistant and clean very well between the teeth.
I travel most of the time...How can I maintain my oral care?
Always carry your toothbrush, dental floss, and other dental items with you. Sunstar makes toothbrushes especially for traveling that are compact enough for the briefcase and/or purse. The travel toothbrush, the small-sized Proxabrush® Trav-Ler® interproximal brush and GUM® ButlerWeave® dental floss make the perfect set of oral care items for those of us on the go!!!Are amalgam (silver) fillings safe?
The majority of the dental community feels that amalgam fillings are completely safe and that the risk associated with the mercury contained in these restorations is minimal. If you have any concerns about amalgam fillings your dental professional will be happy to discuss alternative restorative options.Do I need a "cleaning" appointment every six months?
All consumers are individuals, and have varied needs. The interval of six months for dental "cleaning & check-up" is a commonly recommended time frame, which may or may not be appropriate for you. If you have concerns about the frequency of your cleaning appointments you should discuss them with your dental professional. Together you can reach a cleaning schedule that is appropriate for your oral condition and that fits your busy schedule.Are routine dental x-rays really necessary?
Dental x-rays are taken to diagnose problems that may be occurring in your teeth and supporting bone that are not visible to the naked eye. If the condition is allowed to develop until it is detectable by a visual exam the problem will have progressed significantly and will probably require more extensive treatment than if it was caught in the early stages. Nevertheless, the radiation we receive from all sources is cumulative over our lifetime, so we need to be aware of exposures. Discuss with your dental professional why the x-rays are being taken and always have your x-rays forwarded if you change dental care providers.Are fluoride treatments effective for adults?
Yes. Topical application of fluoride increases the level of fluoride in the outermost surface of the tooth, regardless of the age of the tooth. While we tend to think of children as being more prone to cavities, adults still get decay. People are maintaining their natural teeth longer and root decay is a condition that is more likely to occur as we age. The key is multiple applications of fluoride with fluoridated toothpaste, possibly a home fluoride gel, and in-office treatments. Your dental professional will be able to prescribe the best home care and in-office treatment options for your dental condition.Can my teeth be whitened?
Today there are more options than ever for tooth bleaching/whitening. There are numerous over-the-counter as well as professionally dispensed whitening products. Many stains that are the result of smoking, coffee, tea and/or age may be improved with these treatments. Staining due to antibiotic use or excess fluoride are less likely to respond to these treatments. Before trying any whitening procedures, discuss your condition with your dental professional and together you can decide which treatment will achieve the results you’re seeking.
What should I know about dental treatment during pregnancy?
You should advise your physician that you are continuing routine dental care during your pregnancy (regular cleanings). There are a number of reasons why dental care is vital during your pregnancy. Tooth development in the embryo begins as early as the fifth or sixth week of intrauterine life often before your pregnancy has been confirmed. Hormonal changes during pregnancy make the gum tissue very sensitive to plaque and irritation commonly causing gingivitis. In addition, your eating habits may change, causing changes in your oral health. Normally it's best to schedule necessary visits during the second trimester of your pregnancy. Morning sickness commonly occurs in the first trimester, and during the last trimester it may be less comfortable for you to sit in one position for any length of time. If you should have a dental "emergency" (such as unexplained pain or facial swelling) during your pregnancy you should contact your dentist immediately. Also remember to inform your dentist about your pregnancy before taking any medications.
What are some of the symptoms of TMJ/TMD (Temporomandibular Joint/Temporomandibular Dysfunction)?
There are many signs and symptoms of TMD syndrome, not all necessarily present in all cases. Here are some of the most common:
- Tenderness of the jaw muscles with limitation in opening
- Pain in or around the ear that often spreads to the face
- Pain or difficulty in chewing, yawning or opening wide
- Headaches, particularly present upon awakening
- Jaws that get stuck or lock
- Earache or pain when no infection is present
- Dizziness
- Clicking or popping or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
Gum Health
What exactly is Gingivitis, and what causes it?
Gingivitis is an early form of Periodontal Disease (gum disease). Periodontal disease involves inflammation and/or infection that results in destruction of the tissues that support the teeth. This supporting unit comprises the gingiva (gums), the periodontal ligaments (hold the tooth in place), and the tooth sockets (bone). Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) is caused by the long-term effects of plaque deposits. Plaque is the sticky material that develops on the exposed portions of the teeth, consisting of material such as bacteria, mucus, and food debris. It is a major cause of dental decay. Un-removed plaque mineralizes into a hard deposit called calculus (tartar) that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and calculus cause mechanical and chemical irritation and inflammation of the gingiva. Bacteria, and the toxins produced by the bacteria, cause the gums to become infected, swollen and may bleed.
What is the main cause of gum disease?
Almost all gum disease is caused by bacterial plaque. The bacteria in plaque releases acid that is irritating and toxic to the gum tissue. This disease is progressive, and often does not have symptoms until the teeth are loose and ready to be lost. Frequently the signs of gum disease cannot be seen just by looking in your mouth.
What are some of the signs of gum disease?
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Teeth that seem to be loose or have shifted position
- Gum tissue that is red, swollen and / or bleeds easily (healthy tissue is pink, has an orange peel appearance, and does not bleed)
- Pus between the teeth and gums (healthy gums are tight around the tooth and do not bleed.)
- Various gum diseases can range from gingivitis with mild inflammation and bleeding to generalized disease with tooth loss.
How do I determine if I have gum disease?
To determine if you have gum disease, it is best to see your dental professional to evaluate the gum tissue for the beginning signs of the disease.What’s the best way to avoid gum disease?
Daily brushing and flossing and regular checkups by your dental professional will ensure your teeth and smiles last for a lifetime.
Dental Implants
Why do I need dental implants?
Fifty million teeth will be removed this year as a result of infection, gum disease or trauma (accident and injury). When teeth have been removed, several problems occur. The remaining teeth shift, rotate and become crooked, causing a bad bite and making it difficult to chew food properly. Unsightly spaces or large gaps between your teeth may cause embarrassment.
You need to ask yourself these questions:
- Do I feel comfortable when I smile, speak or eat?
- Do my dentures slip or cause sore spots when I chew?
- Do I hide my smile because of unsightly spaces between my teeth or missing teeth?
- Are my teeth loose and need to be stabilized following treatment for advanced gum disease?
- Do I regularly need my dentures relined because of bone resorption?
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are one of the greatest advancements in dentistry. Dental implants have the capability to serve as substitutes for natural tooth roots. These devices fit into the jaw bone and are considered both safe and effective to support dentures, caps or crowns and fixed bridges. These implants are not new. The ancient Egyptians utilized the implant, making their implants out of jade, sapphire and ivory.What are dental implants made of?
Implants are made of a special metal called titanium that is compatible with the bone of the jaw. In fact, this bone likes titanium so much that it actually fuses with the implant. The implant is a small post that protrudes from the gum tissue. Several of these may be placed based on the amount of space that needs to be filled. Crowns, bridges or dentures are placed on top of these implants.How do I know if I am a candidate for dental implants?
Your family dentist and dental hygienist are part of a group of specialists that form the implant team. These team members, in conjunction with the maxillofacial surgeon or other specialist, will decide if you are a good candidate for an implant.Can I get my dental implants in one dentist office appointment?
Implant placement usually takes a number of appointments over a three-month period of time. There are two surgeries involved: one to place the implant into the bone and one to uncover the top of the implant. Then the general dentist will place the prosthesis on the implant. Once the implant is complete, you can start using it immediately with no discomfort.What is the success rate of dental implants?
Implants have a 95% or better success rate. This success rate is based upon the patient's ability to provide excellent home care of the implant. Implants require immaculate plaque removal. With superior brushing and flossing, your implant can last a lifetime.
What kinds of cleaning aids do I need to clean my implants?
Several types of cleaning aids are used for the dental implant. The soft multi-tufted end rounded toothbrush is used for general gum brushing. Brushes for use in between the teeth are called interproximal brushes. These brushes look similar to miniature Christmas trees and are coated in plastic to make sure the stem does not scratch the implant post. Metal objects such as pipe cleaners, safety pins, hard brushes, or paper clips will permanently scratch the dental implant, which allows the implant to harbor bacteria and may cause infection and implant loss. If the implant prosthesis is removable, it will also need to be cleaned daily with a soft toothbrush. Flossing is best accomplished with special floss that is designed for dental implants, such as GUM® PostCare® Implant Flossing Aids.