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Tooth Sensitivity

November 15, 2011/in Educational Materials/by Dr. Widick

Teeth can be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, very sugary or acidic foods and drinks and vigorous toothbrushing. This kind of sensitivity is often called “dentin hypersensitivity”. Your dentist or hygienist can recommend a treatment or products that can help overcome the problem.

What is dentin hypersensitivity?

This term refers to the painful sensation that results from exposed dentin in your mouth.

Dentin is the tissue that makes up the core of each tooth. Above the gumline, dentin is covered by a protective coating of enamel. When enamel is worn away or decayed, dentin eventually becomes exposed and receptive to sensations which cause painful nerve responses. Dentin exposure and pain can also occur when roots are exposed, as the result of gum recession.

What are the main causes of sensitive teeth?

  • Over-zealous brushing with a hard toothbrush and/or an abrasive toothpaste.
  • Periodontitis (or gum disease) can contribute because it may expose the roots of the teeth.
  • Your diet will also play a role – frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and carbonated (including diet) drinks, can chemically dissolve enamel over time, resulting in exposed dentin
  • Abnormal wear on tooth surfaces, which often result from stress – like chronic clenching or grinding of teeth, nail biting and chewing on hard objects, can wear away enamel to expose the dentin

How do I avoid sensitive teeth?

Maintenance of healthy gums is the best way to protect tooth dentin from exposure. The seal made between healthy gums, teeth and underlying bone provides protection by keeping highly sensitive root surfaces covered.

Proper brushing and flossing are the basis for a good oral care routine.

However, overly vigorous brushing, with a hard-bristled toothbrush and/or an abrasive toothpaste may wear tooth enamel and can cause gum recession.

What products are available to alleviate the symptoms of sensitive teeth?

A desensitizing toothpaste should be used with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Sensitive toothpastes reduce the pain of sensitive teeth normally after only a few days of use, and continued protection is provided by regular use.

What is available for more severe sensitivity?

Your dentist may recommend in-office treatments or dispense special home care products for you to use.

Provided as an educational service by Oral B Laboratories.

Preventing Tooth Decay

November 15, 2011/in Educational Materials/by Dr. Widick

The reason we brush and floss is to remove plaque, a colorless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Plaque is one of the main causes of tooth decay. Dentists use the word “caries” to describe tooth decay. 

How does plaque cause tooth decay?

The bacteria in plaque react with sugar in the foods we eat to produce acids that can attack and weaken tooth enamel (the hard, protective covering on our teeth), opening the way for cavities to develop.

What is a cavity? 

A cavity is the space inside a tooth that remains once decay is removed. There are three different places where a tooth can experience decay.

Decay on the biting surfaces of the teeth occurs when plaque becomes trapped in the grooves. This is most common in children because they often miss these areas when brushing. 

Decay between the teeth occurs when plaque is left to build up on these hard to reach surfaces. These areas cannot be reached by a toothbrush alone and may develop if you do not floss, or clean between your teeth, regularly.

Decay at the root surfaces of the teeth occurs if you have suffered gum recession or bone loss, often associated with gum disease, or periodontitis. It is also more common as you get older because gums have started to recede. If plaque is left to build up on the exposed roots of the teeth, which are not protected with enamel, then cavities will quickly develop.

How can I prevent cavities from developing?

Fortunately, you can easily prevent cavities from developing if you practice a proper oral care routine. Here is a checklist of must-do’s:

  • Brush thoroughly twice a day, with a soft bristled toothbrush – preferably in the morning and before bed
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste – fluoride is proven to help prevent cavities
  • Clean between your teeth daily to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach
  • Eat a healthy diet and avoid frequent snacking on sugary foods and drinks
  • Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly – at least once every six months, for a cleaning and exam
  • Dentists recommend that you change your toothbrush at least every three months or earlier if the toothbrush looks worn, because research shows that a new toothbrush can remove more plaque than one that’s three months old

Provided as an educational service by Oral B Laboratories. www.OralB.com

Oral Care and Braces

November 15, 2011/in Educational Materials/by Dr. Widick

Caring for Your Teeth and Gums During Orthodontic Treatment

If you’ve decided to have orthodontic treatment, you’ll know what an important step you’re taking towards improving the look of your teeth. And if you’re already wearing your braces, no doubt you’re looking forward to the day they come off— to reveal your new smile! But the benefits of orthodontic treatment go way beyond looks. Crooked or crowded teeth may cause uneven wear of tooth surfaces or jaw problems that may lead to complications later in life. They can also be difficult to clean properly, which makes them prone to tooth decay and gum disease.

So, while you’re wearing braces, remember that the success of your treatment is affected by how well you care for your teeth and gums. Good oral care at home involves effectively removing plaque from your teeth, gums and braces every day. Not only will it keep your treatment time on course, but it will also contribute to the continued health of your teeth and gums.

A Quick Guide

  • Brush thoroughly at least three times a day (and especially after eating).
  • Use fluoride toothpaste with a softbristled toothbrush specially designed to clean around your braces.
  • Clean between teeth daily to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
  • Use a fluoride mouth rinse at least once daily to help prevent cavities.
  • Eat a well balanced diet— but avoid sticky or chewy foods that can damage your braces and increase your risk for cavities.
  • Continue to visit your dentist and hygienist for regular checkups.

Provided as an educational service by Oral B Laboratories. www.OralB.com

Flossing and Gum Disease

November 15, 2011/in Educational Materials/by Dr. Widick

Interdental Care for Healthy Teeth and Gums

You know that brushing your teeth every day can help you avoid cavities. But that’s not enough to keep your teeth healthy. You may be surprised to learn that most tooth loss in adults is not caused by tooth decay– it’s caused by gum disease. Gums cover and protect the bone that supports your teeth. This bone is like a foundation that supports a building— it the foundation becomes weakened, the building may fall down, even though there’s nothing wrong with the building itself.

Similarly, if the gums are not cared for, the bone underneath can become infected and damaged. You can lose your teeth if the bone is not strong enough to hold your teeth in place— even if you’ve never had a cavity in your life!

A Quick Guide

  • Brush your teeth— twice a day, for at least two minutes.
  • Clean in between teeth daily before brushing— morning or night, it’s up to you.
  • Bleeding gums may be a sign of gum disease and should stop after a few days of regular interdental cleaning. If bleeding persists, consult your dentist.
  • Follow your interdental cleaning plan— ask your dentist to identify the areas of your mouth that you should pay special attention to.

Provided as an educational service by Oral B Laboratories. www.OralB.com

Oral Care for Kids

November 15, 2011/in Educational Materials/by Dr. Widick

Oral Care for Kids – Start Early, Start Right— The Fundamentals of Oral Care for Kids

Healthy teeth are key to a healthy childhood: kids need them for chewing, speaking clearly, and having a bright smile. And thanks to advances in dentistry and oral care products, today’s children are more likely than ever to grow up with strong, healthy teeth. As a parent, you play an important role in your child’s dental health: in fact, good oral care begins with you.

It is especially important to keep your child enthusiastic and motivated about caring for his or her teeth. So whether you’re teaching your children how to brush properly or taking them to the dentist for a checkup, remember that it’s up to you to set a good example. And don’t forget to praise your child afterwards for clean teeth and a healthy smile!

A Quick Guide

  • Your child’s first dental visit should be between the eruption of the first tooth and his or her first birthday.
  • Brush your children’s teeth until they are around three years old, then start encouraging them to join in. Supervise their brushing until age eight.
  • Children under age four should use a simple brushing technique— such as a small, circular brushing motion.
  • Choose a children’s toothbrush with a small brushhead and soft bristles.
  • Use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Teach your child to rinse and spit out any toothpaste left after brushing.
  • Flossing should start when two teeth touch and supervision is needed until at least the age of 10.

 Provided as an educational service by Oral B Laboratories. www.OralB.com

Pregnancy and Oral Hygiene

November 15, 2011/in Educational Materials/by Dr. Widick

Ensuring Healthy Teeth and Gums— For You and Your Baby

When you’re pregnant, you know how important it is to take special care of your body. However, you should also know that pregnancy is a time to take extra special care of your teeth and gums. That’s because hormonal changes in your body during pregnancy can increase your chances of developing gum disease.

So while you are pregnant, make sure you practice good oral hygiene, which means brushing and flossing every day. By combining this routine with a healthy, balanced diet and regular dental visits, you will not only help avoid dental problems of your own, you will also contribute to the healthy development of your baby.

A Quick Guide

  • Brush thoroughly at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline.
  • Eat a well balanced diet, rich in calcium; this will help you and your unborn baby get all the nutrients you both need and help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  • Keep your dental office informed about your pregnancy and any changes in medication.
  • Continue to visit your dentist or hygienist for regular checkups.

Provided as an educational service by Oral B Laboratories. www.OralB.com

Teeth Whitening

November 15, 2011/in Educational Materials/by Darrin Widick

Everybody wants a beautiful, bright smile – it helps give you confidence and adds to your overall appearance. Many people hesitate to smile because their teeth are stained or discolored. This section provides information about the types of bleaching products available that whiten teeth by a chemical process as well as the options available to best naturally whiten your teeth by removing stains.

What are the causes of tooth staining and discoloration?

Tooth staining maybe caused by eating certain foods and drinks and using tobacco. These stains are on the surface of the teeth. 

Teeth can also darken as a result of injury, or from the natural aging process. And, while it is less common, some prescription medications, if taken when the teeth are forming, have been shown to cause staining of the tooth structure itself.

How does bleaching (or whitening) work?

Bleaching is a process of whitening teeth by applying a chemical solution directly to the teeth. The enamel on the exposed crown of the tooth is bleached. In addition, removing stain from the tooth surface can restore the teeth to their natural whiteness.

What should I avoid to keep my teeth as naturally white as possible?

Stains on the surface of the teeth will reduce the natural whiteness. Regularly indulging in the following will increase the risk of staining on your teeth:

  • Tobacco
  • Coffee and Tea
  • Red Wine
  • Curry
  • Soy
  • Fruit Juices
  • Cola drinks

What are the different ways to bleach my teeth?

There are many options available today for bleaching your teeth. Here are two options that are administered by your dentist. 

  • The dentist applies a bleaching solution directly to the stained teeth. The applied solution is activated by heat (alternatively, this process can be activated by a combination of heat and light). After the solution is rinsed off, whiter teeth are revealed. This process can take about an hour, and six to eight teeth can be bleached during one appointment.
  • The dentist custom-makes a bleaching tray to fit top and bottom teeth. Under his or her guidance, you are provided with a bleaching solution to use at home with the trays. They need to be worn for about two hours per day (they can be worn at night) and this process takes a variable amount of time depending on the product – ranging from one to six weeks.

There are also home bleaching kits available for purchase at retail stores. Some of them are used in a similar way to the second option above. These are less expensive because the bleaching tray is a standard size, not custom-made to fit your teeth precisely. Other forms of home bleaching are available. Always ask your dentist for advice before undertaking any home care treatments.

Is bleaching suitable for everyone?

Start by speaking to your dentist. He or she can tell you whether bleaching procedures would be effective for you. However, it is possible to bleach teeth that have undergone root canal treatment or other restorations.

Are there any side effects to bleaching?

The bleaching solutions contain peroxides which bleach the tooth enamel. In some cases, this has been shown to cause sensitivity or other reactions. If you do choose an at-home bleaching product, be sure to keep your dentist informed of what you are doing and contact him or her immediately if you suffer any adverse symptoms.

What other whitening products are available?

Other whitening products include bleaching strips and solutions that are painted on the teeth. In addition, toothpastes and toothbrushes work by removing the stains on the tooth surface, restoring your teeth to their natural whiteness.

Whitening toothpastes contain a mild abrasive to help lift stain from the teeth. And some have polishing agents that provide further stain removal. Check with your dentist before using a whitening toothpaste to ensure that it is the right product for you.

Provided as an educational service by Oral B Laboratories.

Senior Oral Care

November 15, 2011/in Educational Materials/by Darrin Widick

With advances in dentistry and oral care products, and a more widespread understanding of what it takes to look after teeth and gums, more people are keeping their teeth as they get older. However, older adults often face additional dental problems, which is why it is more important than ever to maintain a high standard of oral hygiene.

How does prescribed medication affect my teeth and gums?

As you get older, the amount of saliva that you produce tends to decrease. In addition some medications, or illnesses, may cause a reduction in the amount of saliva present in your mouth. This is called “dry mouth” or xerostomia, which can cause an increased risk of tooth decay.

Saliva is the mouth’s built-in defense against the development of harmful plaque because it washes away the acids that are produced when plaque interacts with sugar, in the things you eat and drink. Less saliva inhibits this process and, therefore, puts your teeth at greater risk for decay.

Dry mouth can also cause an increase in gum problems.

You can overcome “dry mouth” by using artificial saliva products which can lubricate the mouth during, and after meals. In addition, your dentist may recommend a range of home care products that will make your teeth more resistant to decay.

How does a lifetime of brushing affect my teeth and gums?

As you get older, the chances are that your gums will start to recede – this makes the teeth appear longer. This process will start to expose the root of the tooth, which can cause an increased risk of tooth decay, called root caries and can cause dentin hypersensitivity.

A thorough daily oral care routine, which includes brushing and flossing, plus regular fluoride treatments, administered by your dentist, can help make your teeth more resistant to decay and can help alleviate the pain associated with sensitive teeth.

How will a change in my diet affect my oral health?

Often, as you get older, your eating and drinking habits alter, which may involve an increased consumption of sugary snacks and drinks. Try to keep frequent snacking to a minimum since this will reduce the amount of times your teeth come under attack from plaque acids, thereby reducing the risk of tooth decay.

Provided as an educational service by Oral B Laboratories.

Oral Hygiene

July 8, 2011/in Educational Materials/by Dr. Widick

Oral Hygiene – Good Oral Hygiene Today, Healthy Teeth and Gums for Life

You know, there’s nothing like the fresh, clean feeling in your mouth after you’ve brushed and flossed your teeth to make you feel good. But cleaning your teeth properly does much more for you than help keep your smile bright and your breath fresh.

The reason we brush and floss is to remove plaque, a colorless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Plaque is one of the main causes of tooth decay and gum disease.

So making a habit of practicing good oral hygiene can really pay off— but in more ways than you might first think. You are not only keeping your teeth and gums in good shape, you’re also contributing to your overall health and well-being.

Quick Guide

  • Brush thoroughly twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Clean between teeth daily to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
  • Eat a balanced diet; this helps keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  • Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
  • Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles begin to look worn out.
  • Visit your dentist and hygienist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and examination.

FAQ

  • How does plaque harm my teeth and gums?
  • Am I at risk for gum disease?
  • What can I do to avoid cavities and gum disease?
  • How do I know that I am brushing my teeth properly?
  • Brush up on brushing
  • What about power toothbrushes?
  • Using a power toothbrush
  • Is brushing twice a day enough?
  • How should I be cleaning in between my teeth?
  • How do I clean around crown and bridge work?
  • My teeth have wide gaps between them; do I still have to floss?
  • I have sensitive teeth; what can I do about this?
  • What should I look for in a toothbrush?
  • Is there anything else I can do?
  • What gets checked at a checkup?

Q. How does plaque harm my teeth and gums?

A. The bacteria in plaque react with foods we eat to produce acids that can attack and weaken tooth enamel (the hard, protective covering on our teeth), opening the way for cavities to develop. Plaque can also irritate the gums, leading to gum disease, which, in its early stage, is called gingivitis.

Q. Am I at risk for gum disease?

A. Yes, gum disease can affect you at any age; however, it most often affects adults. In fact, about three out of four adults over age 35 have gum disease now or have had it in the past. Fortunately, with regular dental visits and proper oral care every day, gingivitis can be prevented or reversed, because no permanent damage has been done.

Left untreated, gingivitis may progress to a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis, in which the bone and gums that support your teeth become damaged. Once periodontitis develops, the damage can’t be reverse— only a professional treatment program and improved daily oral care at home can keep it from getting worse.

Q. What can I do to avoid cavities and gum disease?

A. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is simple if you get into the habit of cleaning them properly every day and visiting your dentist regularly.

  • Brush thoroughly twice a day, preferably in the and before bed. Every time you brush, you remove the plaque that is constantly forming on your teeth. If you allow plaque to build up, it can harden into tartar (also called calculus), which can then only be removed by your dentist or hygienist.
  • Use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is proven to help prevent cavities. In addition, fluoride mouth rinses are available.
  • Clean between teeth daily to remove the plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach.

Q. How do I know that I am brushing my teeth properly?

A. Proper brushing is the first step to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. It takes at least two minutes using a recommended technique to do a good job of brushing your teeth. You should spend 30 seconds brushing each section of your mouth (upper right and left, lower right and left).

Q. Brush up on brushing:

A. There are many ways to brush your teeth. Here’s one frequently recommended method:

  1. For the outer tooth surfaces, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline.
  2. Use gentle, short strokes, moving the brush back and forth against the teeth and gums.
  3. Use this same motion to clean the chewing and inner tooth surfaces.
  4. To clean the inner front tooth surfaces, hold the brush upright and use gentle up-and-down strokes with the tip of the brush.
  5. Don’t forget to brush along the gumline, and make sure you reach those teeth right at the back.
  6. And while you’re at it, give your tongue a brushing— it’ll help keep your breath fresh!

Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles begin to look worn out. Studies have shown that a new toothbrush removes up to 30% more plaque than one that’s three months old— which is good news for your teeth and gums.

Q. What about power toothbrushes?

A. For more effective toothbrushing, new power toothbrushes that incorporate advanced technology are available. The brushing action of power toothbrushes is very different from ordinary manual toothbrushes, as it does the job of brushing for you— just be sure to guide the brushhead to all parts of your mouth.

Q. Using a power toothbrush:

A. Refer to the brushing instructions supplied with your power toothbrush. Here’s an example:

  1. When using a power toothbrush, make sure you guide the brushhead slowly from tooth to tooth, following the curve of the gum and the shape of each tooth.
  2. Hold the brushhead in place for a few seconds before moving on to the next tooth.
  3. Don’t forget to reach all areas, including the inner and chewing surfaces, and behind your back teeth.
  4. Direct the brushhead along the gumline. It isn’t necessary to press hard or scrub. Simply let the brush do all the work.

Q. Is brushing twice a day enough?

A. Brushing is important, but it’s only part of the program. It is important to clean in between your teeth daily— to get to the areas beyond the reach of your toothbrush. Did you know if you don’t floss, you’re leaving as much as 40% of your tooth surfaces untouched and uncleaned. A two-step process of brushing and interdental cleaning is key to helping maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout your life.

Q. How should I be cleaning in between my teeth?

A. There are many different ways to clean in between your teeth. For example, by flossing:

  1. Take about 50 cm of floss and loosely wrap most of it around each middle finger (wrapping more around one finger than the other) leaving 5 cm of floss in between.
  2. With your thumbs and index fingers holding the floss taut, gently slide it down between your teeth, while being careful not to snap it down on your gums.
  3. Curve the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape and gently move it up and down the sides of each tooth, including under the gumline. Unroll a new section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.

Q. How do I clean around crown and bridge work?

A. You should brush and clean between your teeth as you would normally. However, food and plaque are more likely to get trapped along the edges of a crown and under a bridge. Therefore, careful cleaning around these restorations is essential every day.

Bridges prevent you from using a normal flossing technique, so choose a threading floss that has a stiffened end allowing you to thread it through the gap between the bridge and gums. You should also consider using an irrigation device. This uses a pressurized stream of water to clean around restorations.

Q. My teeth have wide gaps between them; do I still have to floss?

A. Even if you have widely spaced teeth, plaque still forms between them and below the gumline— areas your brush can’t reach. In addition to flossing, your dentist or hygienist may also recommend using an interdental toothbrush. This toothbrush has a very small tapered or cylindrical head with fine bristles, ideal for removing plaque between wider-spaced teeth.

Q. I have sensitive teeth; what can I do about this?

A. Teeth can be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, or to very sugary or acidic foods and drinks. This may be due to gum recession, where softer parts of the tooth have been exposed. Your dentist or hygienist can recommend a treatment or products that can help alleviate the problem.

Q. What should I look for in a toothbrush?

  • Choose a toothbrush with a brushhead design that helps you to get to the hard-to-reach places of your mouth.
  • Your toothbrush should also have soft bristles that are gentle on your teeth and gums.
  • You might also want to consider trying a power toothbrush. Look for modern designs that are safe and gentle to use. Many incorporate advanced technology that allows them to remove plaque more effectively than ordinary manual toothbrushes.
  • Pick a toothbrush with a comfortable handle. Many have non-slip grips which make them easy to use even if wet.

Q. Is there anything else I can do?

  • Keep sweets and sugary foods to a minimum. Instead, choose sugar-free foods for snacking. Good choices include vegetables, fresh fruits, bread, and plain popcorn.
  • Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
  • Cut down on carbonated soft drinks. Many— including diet sodas— contain acids that can damage tooth enamel.
  • If you can’t brush right after eating, a piece of sugar-free gum is a good substitute. That’s because chewing gum increases your saliva, which is the mouth’s built-in defense system against the development of harmful plaque.

Q. What gets checked at a checkup?

A. While checkups can vary, your dentist will most likely examine your teeth and gums for any visible problems. He or she may also take x-rays to make sure there aren’t any hidden problems. Your dentist or hygienist may also professionally clean your teeth to remove hardened plaque (tartar) from above and below the gumline, as well as polish them (also called a prophylaxis) to remove hardened plaque and stains from the tooth surface.

You should plan on seeing your dentist and hygienist twice a year for checkups. And don’t forget: your dentist and hygienist can also provide expert instruction on brushing and flossing.

Provided as an educational service by Oral B Laboratories.
www.OralB.com

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