Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
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FAQ's
What is Plaque?
Plaque is the accumulation of bacteria, microorganisms and their products which sticks to the tooth surfaces. Dental plaque is soft and easily removed by brushing and flossing the teeth. Accumulation of plaque can lead to gum disease (gingivitis) and periodontal disease, as well as tooth decay.
What is Calculus (Tartar)?
Calculus is dental plaque that has mineralized. Calculus can form when plaque is not removed from the tooth surfaces. This plaque becomes old and eventually forms into calculus. Calculus can form above or below the gumline. The bacteria that sticks to calculus can cause gum disease (gingivitis) or periodontal disease. Calculus cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. A dentist or dental hygienist checks for calculus formation when you visit the dental office. It is removed with special instruments designed to adapt to the tooth surface affected without causing trauma to the soft gums.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Some common features associated with gingivitis are red and swollen gums, and the presence of bleeding while brushing and flossing. The cause of gingivitis is the bacteria in dental plaque. This disease is reversible with good oral hygiene practices.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease affects the periodontium (the supporting structures of the teeth). The cause of this disease is multifactorial, but the presence of bacteria in plaque certainly plays a major role. The supporting periodontal structures begin to breakdown. This can mean that part of the bone that supports the teeth or the ligaments that hold the teeth securely in place are destroyed. This disease process is generally not reversible and may require treatment from a dental professional specializing in periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can develop as a result of poor daily plaque control (e.g. brushing and flossing). However, not everyone with poor brushing and flossing techniques will develop this condition. It is wise to visit your dental hygienist or dentist regularly in order to detect early stages of the disease and to prevent further damage.
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is the destruction of the tooth enamel, dentin, and / or cementum and may involve the tooth pulp.
How does a Cavity Form?
The formation of a cavity is due to many factors. For example, the tooth itself plays a role (how strong it is); the mouths ability to cleanse itself (your flow of saliva); diet (frequency and selection of sugary foods); the bacteria in your mouth (good or bad); and the length of time the tooth is under attack by the bacteria in your mouth.
Heredity: may play a major role in how susceptible you are to the formation of a cavity, for example:
- tooth structure, size and shape of the tooth may be passed down through generations. This includes deep pits and grooves which are ideal "plaque traps", and therefore, are susceptible to decay
- there may be a higher risk of cavities forming if your parents also had a large number of cavities
- teeth that are malpositioned in the mouth, that are hard to access with your toothbrush or floss may also provide an ideal breeding ground for the bacterial dental plaque.
- the absence of fluoride during tooth formation and following tooth eruption can increase the incidence of cavities. fluoride promotes strong tooth development and remineralization of the tooth
Saliva: has a protective function in the mouth, for example:
- a good flow of saliva washes away food and bacteria that sit on the teeth and gum tissues
- salivary flow helps to neutralize the acids produced by bacteria from plaque, thus a good flow helps reduce the chances of a cavity formation
Diet: a well balanced diet from each of the four major food groups is essential for your oral health, as well as, your overall health.
- avoid frequent consumption of high sugar foods, especially sticky foods
- the longer the time the food stays on your teeth, the greater the chance of forming a cavity. If you do have a sugary snack, it's best to brush your teeth soon after
- select between meal snacks that are low in sugar concentrations such as white milk, fresh fruits, raw vegetables, dark breads and whole grain and enriched cereals
- sugar free candies, gum and other snacks are an option
Time: the actual amount of sugar eaten in one sitting is not as important as when and how often you choose a sugar containing food.
- the consumption of high sugar foods is best if eaten with a regular meal. This will confine the sugar exposure to one sitting. It's best to eat the whole chocolate bar at once instead of at different periods throughout the day
Bacteria: the mouth harbors many types of bacteria that are considered to be normal in the human mouth.
- bacteria, in a healthy mouth tends to live in balance, but for reasons yet to be truly identified, that balance can be tilted and oral disease may result
Fluoride: fluoride provides many benefits. It is found in many products such as toothpaste, mouthrinse, fluoridated drinking water and periodic topical fluoride treatments applied by your dental professional.
- it aids in the development of sound enamel
- it helps reduce enamel solubility and increases enamel resistance to acid attack
- it prevents demineralization (the white spot phase of the beginning stages of a cavity)
- it enhances remineralization of beginning stages of a cavity. Fluoride may arrest further development of a cavity by depositing the fluoride mineral called fluoroapatite
Fluoride used in addition to daily brushing and flossing helps to reduce the chances of a cavity.
Signs of a Cavity Formation
The first sign of a cavity forming may be a white spot, which in time may turn brown.
If it is a white spot, low concentrations of fluoride applied frequently can arrest further development.
If the white spot phase progresses, further breakdown of enamel will occur. At this point, a visit to your dental professional is necessary. The cavity may be restored with a filling.
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Good Habits to Help Prevent Cavities
- regular visits with your dental professional on an appointment schedule that he/she recommends based on your own needs. Regular visits will ensure you have the benefits of preventive care and early diagnosis, as well as, treatment for any dental problems. Guidance about home dental care can also be provided to avoid future problems
- diet plays an important role. Minimize the frequency of sugary foods, thus reducing the amount of acid produced. Select snacks that are less cavity causing, such as fresh fruit, plain yogurt and raw vegetables
- the use of fluoride will help decrease the risk of cavity formation
- good plaque control. Maintain a strict and regular home care routine to minimize plaque growth
- it is recommended that you consult your dental professional before using any commercial products. You want to make a selection based on the effectiveness of the product and your own personal needs
Remember A Healthy Mouth Enhances Overall Health
Here Are Some More Of The Most Commonly Asked Questions
What are the effects of tobacco use and dentistry?
Many of us have smoked during our lives. Some of us have been lucky enough to quit the use of tobacco products but there are others who still struggle with banning the addiction from their lives. We know how hard it is to quit and desire to offer information and assistance to our patients. Plus, any of our staff will be happy to discuss the risk of smoking with our patients as it applies to dental health.
Why do corners of my teeth break off?
Teeth break for several reasons, namely, a traumatic injury due to a hard or foreign object in your food, severe clenching or grinding (Bruxism) and/or the presence of large amalgam (silver) fillings. Amalgam fillings, as they have been done in the past, weaken the remaining tooth. Present amalgam fillings have less of a tendency to contribute to tooth breakage if they are bonded.
Are amalgam fillings safe in that they contain mercury?
According to the American Dental Association, they are safe to use. Amalgam fillings do not contain free mercury; therefore according to the ADA, they impart no health risk and need not be removed unnecessarily.
Are tooth colored fillings as strong as silver fillings?
Using present day techniques and materials, a properly done tooth colored filling (bonded composite) will wear almost as well as a silver filling. In addition, bonding to the remaining tooth, strengthens the tooth rather than weakening it. Newer composites, which require 2 appointments and are laboratory processed, are even more wear resistant. Almost all of the fillings that I do now are bonded composites.
Are gold fillings still used?
Absolutely. Where esthetics allow, gold is still one of the best restorative materials. Unfortunately, it is a costly material to use. Where cost is not a factor, it is recommended, especially in the 2nd molar areas.
I clench my teeth, especially while I sleep. What can I do and is it harmful?
Clenching and grinding (Bruxism) are habits that develop early in life. It is our way of relieving stress. Unfortunately, the habit can take it's toll on our teeth, our muscles and our temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ). Bruxism is common in a great majority of the population. Symptoms range from broken teeth to temporo-mandibular dysfunction (TMD). A change in life-style may or may not help. An oral appliance, worn at night, may help to relieve symptoms. Each patient must be evaluated individually.
Is home bleaching safe and can I safely use store bought bleaching systems?
After almost 10 years of prescribing home bleaching, numerous clinical studies have shown home bleaching to be safe, as long as the bleaching is done under the care of a dentist. We make a bleaching tray (called a stent) to exactly fit your teeth. It does not cover the gum tissue at all. The bleaching gel is 22% carbamide peroxide, which can be irritating to the gums. It can also cause temporary tooth sensitivity if not used correctly. Since the bleach is in the form of a gel, there is little chance of swallowing the bleach. Store bought bleaching systems have you make the stent by heating a block of tray material and then having you bite into it. There is nothing to prevent the bleach from sitting on your gum tissue. The bleach used in store bought systems is more fluid and can be easily swallowed.
Can A Tooth Be Replaced? (Prosthodontics)
You can diligently floss and brush your teeth and still lose a tooth to gum disease or an accident. If this happens, the tooth or teeth should be replaced in order to restore your smile, regain your chewing and prevent other teeth from shifting to an undesirable or less functional position. There are three main types of artificial teeth and each one is designed for a particular situation. They are dental implants, removable dentures and fixed bridges. A DENTAL IMPLANT is made by surgically placing one or more small metal posts beneath the gum into the jawbone. In a few months, when they are attached to the surrounding bone, they are exposed and have the artificial tooth or teeth attached to them. A REMOVABLE OR PARTIAL DENTURE replaces all or some of the lost teeth in the arch with one appliance. The denture is held in place by clasping some of the remaining teeth - or by suction where none of the natural teeth are left. A FIXED BRIDGE is a replacement that is cemented to the adjacent teeth and cannot be removed.
What is a Crown/Cap?
A crown or cap is a cover that fits over a properly prepared tooth that has been damaged by decay or accident, or is badly stained or shaped. A crown can be made of acrylic, metal, porcelain, porcelain and metal, or resined metal. All-porcelain crowns look more like your natural teeth, and therefore are usually used for front teeth, while porcelain with metal underlay has more strength and is good for crowns in the back of the mouth. Sometimes all-metal crowns are used for back teeth because of the metal's strength.
What is the best way to brush?
How well you brush your teeth is more important than how often you brush. Remember it's the spots you miss where the problems start. Here are five tips to improve your brushing: Take the time to carefully and gently clean each tooth, ideally twice a day. The average person brushes for less than 35 seconds. A good brushing takes at least two to three minutes. QUICK TIP: Keep brushing for as long as a song. Be gentle, particularly when cleaning where the gums meet the teeth. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, and gently work the bristles back and forth using short strokes. Don't forget to brush your tongue, too. Use a soft toothbrush, which is less likely to damage your teeth and gums. Choose a size and shape that enables you to easily reach every tooth. Be sure to change your toothbrush frequently. Every three months is recommended - more often if you've been ill. QUICK TIP: New season - New toothbrush. Remember to floss too since no amount of careful brushing can clean between your teeth!
Is there a good diet for a healthy smile?
Here are three things you need to ensure good dental nutrition:
A HEALTHY DIET Strong teeth need a variety of foods from each of the basic food groups including whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, lean meats or alternatives, and dairy products.
ESSENTIAL VITAMINS AND MINERALS In particular, calcium and phosphorus, and vitamin D are needed for strong teeth and bones, as well as vitamins A and C for healthy gums. Eating a varied and healthy diet will provide the essential vitamins and minerals needed for your teeth and gums to stay healthy and strong.
SMART SNACKING While everybody knows that eating sweets is bad for your teeth, what you may not know is that the amount of sweet food you eat is not as important as the length of time your teeth are exposed to sweets. This means that you should avoid eating sticky sweets like toffee or hard candies like mints, because they stay in your mouth longer. It also means that eating sweet snacks between meals is much worse than with a meal, because at mealtime the increased flow of saliva helps protect your teeth by washing sugars away. Choose something without sugar like nuts and seeds, peanut butter, cheese, plain yogurt, or popcorn for your between meal snacks and save your sweets for mealtimes.
Should I floss or not if I brush well?
Let's face it - many people are still not flossing. This is a big problem if you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life. Flossing at least once a day cleans between the teeth and under the gum line where your toothbrush can't reach and where most cavities and gum disease start. If you're not flossing, you're missing 35% of every tooth. If you haven't flossed recently, it'll take a while before flossing becomes an automatic part of your daily routine.
QUICK TIP: Floss every night before you brush, for maximum benefit. But soon your teeth won't feel clean without it. Don't worry if at first flossing causes slight bleeding, but if the bleeding continues for more than ten days, contact your dentist. Here's how to floss: Carefully ease the floss between the teeth, right down to the gum line. Gently wipe plaque from both sides of adjacent teeth. The goal is to arc the floss in a "C" shape following the contours of each tooth.
QUICK TIP: Beginners should start with waxed shred-resistant floss because it slides between the teeth more easily.
Are My Gums Healthy?
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Why? Because it occurs at an age when cavities are usually a thing of the past, and the initial symptoms often go unnoticed.
HERE'S WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
Gums that bleed when brushing; red, swollen or tender gums or persistent bad breath. Periodontal or gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, ligaments and bone that support the teeth and anchor them in the jaw. The bacteria, which act mainly on certain carbohydrates in our diets, are normal inhabitants of the mouth, living in a thin film called plaque. If plaque is not removed, it may eventually harden into tartar, a hard mineral shell that irritates and erodes healthy gum tissue. This early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If left untreated, pockets begin to form between the teeth and gum tissues and may erode the tissue, which attaches the tooth to the jaw. This stage is called periodontitis. Gum disease can be treated at all stages, but more importantly, it can be prevented.
HERE'S HOW: Brush twice a day, floss daily, eat a balanced diet, and visit your dentist regularly - ideally every six months - for a preventive checkup and professional cleaning which is essential in the prevention of gum disease.
Is A toddler's toothless grin charming?
Not always. Nursing caries in baby's first teeth occurs when babies habitually fall asleep sucking on a bottle. The sugar in whatever they're drinking (cow's milk, juice, formula or sugary drinks) turns to acid, dissolving tooth enamel. Breast-fed babies are also susceptible if they constantly fall asleep with breast milk on their teeth. Early signs of nursing caries include white spots/tooth discoloration. If the process continues, rampant decay and discomfort to the child results. Children need their baby teeth to chew and to learn to speak properly. Fortunately, you can protect your baby from nursing caries. Don't let your baby go to bed with a bottle unless it contains plain water. Never let your child use a bottle as a daytime pacifier because all-day sucking is as bad as nighttime nipping. Clean baby's mouth and teeth after meals and breastfeeding. Finally, if you suspect your child has nursing caries, contact your dentist immediately.
Can I Improve My Smile?
Are you self-conscious to smile because your teeth are chipped, discolored, or poorly spaced? Cheer up, your dentist may be able to apply a porcelain laminate veneer to your teeth and give them a whole new appearance. Veneers are strong, thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the teeth, making them stronger. They are used to repair chipped, decayed or stained teeth and for closing gaps between teeth. With a bit of contouring, veneers can also rectify crowded or overlapping teeth. If your teeth have discolored with age, a veneer may improve their appearance. Veneers can also be used for cosmetic reasons instead of crowns, which are more often used for badly damaged or decayed teeth.
HERE'S HOW IT'S DONE: Typically, the front and edges of the tooth are selectively removed and the veneer replaces the removed surface. Veneer preparations frequently require the use of local anesthetic and, depending on color and shade, may take two or more appointments for completion of the procedure. Ask your dentist if veneers can help improve your smile.
Dr. Patrick A. Palma
620 Commercial Street Mingo Junction, Ohio 43938
Telephone : 740 - 535 - 0600
Fax : 740 - 535 - 1920
Copyright © 2005 [Dr. Patrick A. Palma]. All rights reserved.