Just Keep Flossing

Recent recommendations and news articles have questioned the effectiveness of flossing. However, the American Dental Association and many other professional dental organizations maintain that flossing is an integral part of maintaining your oral and overall health.

Why do we floss? Plaque, harboring bacteria, is found deep between the teeth and under your gums. These are places your toothbrush can’t always reach effectively. Long term exposure to the bacteria in plaque can lead to gum disease.  Flossing is not harmful in any way and we recommend flossing at least twice a day to have the optimal effect in maintaining your oral health.

When Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

Though you may not experience discomfort, dentists often recommend extraction of wisdom teeth. This often leads patients wondering whether recommended extractions are necessary.

There are many reasons for  wisdom teeth extraction. Dentists are able to use radiographs to determine many features about both the teeth and jaw that lead to their ultimate recommendation on extraction. Here are some reasons warranting extraction:

1. If misaligned or growing crooked, wisdom teeth may force other teeth in the jaw to become out of alignment. This may lead to problems with your bite, and can also inhibit proper hygiene in the back of your mouth.

2. A small jaw may mean that, despite wisdom teeth growing in the correct position, the patient may not have enough room in the arch for all of the teeth. In this case, dentists frequently recommend extracting wisdom teeth to “make space” to position the other teeth in alignment with the arch of the jaw.

3. If there are problems (i.e. infection) in the wisdom teeth, patients sometimes develop symptoms related to the sinuses. In patients that are having sinus pressure, congestion, or pain, wisdom teeth and extraction may be recommended.

4. Keeping wisdom teeth and the surrounding gum tissue clean is often difficult because of their location. Without proper hygiene, patients may begin to experience gum and jaw bone issues, and, in some cases, cavities may form on the wisdom teeth.

If you and your dentist determine that extraction is required for either preventative reasons or because of existing infection or pathology, there is no need to panic. Wisdom teeth extraction is a routine procedure that can be done both by general dentists and oral surgeons. Typically, more complex extractions that involve teeth with multiple roots in difficult to reach locations are referred to oral surgeons.

No matter where the extraction is completed, your provider will insure that you are comfortable. The area around the teeth to be extracted will be numb, and in some cases Nitrous Oxide or other forms of sedation may be used. After the procedure patients typically feel a bit of soreness and swelling, and any discomfort can typically be managed with ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain reliever. In rare instances, your dentist may prescribe a prescription pain reliever.

If you have any doubts about why your dentist is recommending an extraction, be sure to ask him/her to explain. And, while often extractions can be delayed, know that if you have pain or swelling, you should see your dentist immediately.

Which toothbrush is best for you?

Manual brushing is dependent on the individual’s technique. With proper technique and the right bristles it can be just as effective as using an electronic toothbrush. The problem is, many people have been doing it wrong their whole life. Don’t be shy, ask your hygienist if you are doing it right.

An electronic sonic toothbrush, such as a sonicare, uses sonic waves to help clean your teeth effectively. The “sonic” cleaning action drives fluid between teeth which in turn gently and effectively removes plaque between the teeth and at gum line. A more recent feature is a pressure sensor that alerts you when you are applying too much pressure.  This helps reduce aggressive brushing, which could harm your gums. Sonicare’s clinical studies claim to removes 7 times more plaque than a manual toothbrush.

Other electric brushes also claim to leave teeth cleaner, and in some instances, whiter, than conventional brushes.  Oral B claims their electric brushes will remove 100% more plaque than brushing with a manual brush.  The Oral B brushes also come with a host of features, such as timers to insure appropriate brushing time and a pressure sensor.

Some newer electric brushes also connect via bluetooth to smartphones.  This enables you track brushing time and progress.  These features are particularly good for monitoring children’s oral health habits.  Some children-specific brushes even reward the child for brushing in all four quadrants for appropriate amounts of time.

At the end of the day it all comes down to the user. If you are an effective brusher, and you floss regularly, a manual toothbrush may be a great choice. However, for those that, brush too aggressively, have a hard time holding a brush, or would benefit from the extra features of today’s electric brushes, an electric brush may be the right choice.  Ask your dentist about a brush and brushing techniques that may be best for you.

Whitening Options for a More Radiant Smile

Over the past decade, patients have more options for whitening teeth. From in-office laser bleaching to at home whitening strips, we have listed options that can provide you with a whiter, more radiant smile. Feel free to ask our office about a whitening method for your smile at your next dental visit.

Take home trays:
The best results have been seen using this method. We would use an impression of your lower and upper jaw to create a custom tray that fits snugly over teeth. When ready to whiten at home, a small amount of bleaching  solution made, with peroxide, is inserted into the trays.   Depending on the strength of the solution, trays may be worn from anywhere to thirty to overnight.  The best results are seen when patients are following directions and wearing their trays from the time and frequency as directed by their dentist.  Typical whitening time for at-home trays is about two weeks.  However, patients can stop whitening once they’ve achieved their desired result.

In office ZOOM:
This is for the person who wants instant gratification or someone who knows they will not wear the trays every night. Zoom whitening uses a similar peroxide bleaching solution as take-home trays.  However, the solution is stronger and it is activated using a light.   Typically, dentists will also send in-office whitening patients home with custom trays in order to refine whitening to achieve the desired result.   Because the light and bleaching solution dry out the teeth, the immediate result often appears brighter than a several hours after whitening.

Over the counter whitening strips:
Whitening strips are one of the cheapest options for a brighter smile.  They do work and contain a peroxide solution that is much less potent than the at-home solution prescribed by dentists. Strips are also difficult to place and keep in the mouth.  They will provide  a minimal result.  In some cases they can cause splotching or an uneven whitening.  Strips may be a good solution for those who are seeking to simply refine their previous whitening.

Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes remove surface stains only.  Unlike the other whitening methods listed above, they do not change the natural color of the teeth.  They work by using special abrasives that remove stain or chemicals that break down the stain.

A note about whitening your smile: If you have many fillings on your teeth, be advised that fillings will not change color, only your natural tooth will be affected by the bleach.  Also, some patients may feel sensitivity to whitening gels.  In some cases, whitening systems come with a “desensitizing agent” that can be placed over the teeth prior to whitening.  Also, when patients feel sensitivity, dentists prescribe gels that are less concentrated, and patients can brush with toothpastes designed to decrease sensitivity.  If a patient experiences excessive sensitivity they will likely be asked to stop the whitening process.  For those that are not good candidates for traditional whitening options,  there are other ways to achieve a brighter smile with cosmetic dentistry.

To keep your teeth white you will need to stay away from anything that stains your teeth (coffee, wine and berries). This holds true especially when whitening as the process opens the “pores” of your teeth which makes you more susceptible to staining.

If you’re seeking a brighter smile, ask your dentist or hygienist about options that are right for you.