| IF THERE’S ONE THING we can all agree on, it’s that nobody likes sensitive teeth! Tooth sensitivity can cause discomfort during daily tasks such as brushing, flossing, eating, drinking, and even breathing in a cold gush of air! If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, there are measures you can take to relieve pain and treat discomfort. Start By Visiting Your Dentist If you are concerned about sensitive teeth, seek a dental professional’s help first. Tooth sensitivity, while common, can also be a sign of something more serious. Your dentist can help identify what the underlying cause of your sensitivity is and prescribe the best treatment option for you and your smile! After an evaluation, your dentist might recommend:
A Good Oral Hygiene Routine Can Help You Avoid Sensitivity Proper brushing and flossing can prevent conditions such as gum disease which is known to cause gum recession. When gums recede, part of the tooth root is exposed, leading to sensitivity. Over-brushing or brushing too aggressively can also lead to receding gums and even enamel erosion—both of which cause sensitivity. When Whitening Your Teeth, Consult With Your Dentist Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening. To avoid or diminish sensitivity after whitening, consider using a lower concentration of whitening product and reduce the amount of time the bleach is in contact with the teeth. Always consult with your dentist before whitening as he or she can help determine the best treatment options for you. If you or someone you know has particularly sensitive teeth, there are additional steps we can take to help avoid and relieve the sensitivity caused by whitening. We Can Help With Tooth Sensitivity Although sensitivity is common, there are things we can do to help relieve and reduce the discomfort that it causes. No one should have to live with tooth pain. Call us or come in today so we can help you achieve a pain-free smile! To our wonderful patients, we appreciate you! |
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Managing Tooth Sensitivity
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
So where'd the Tooth Fairy Come Form Anyway?!
THE TOOTH FAIRY is one of many childhood fantasy figures we remember fondly. We lost our baby teeth, stuck them under our pillow, and the mysterious tooth fairy would swap our teeth out for money! What could be better?
The tooth fairy isn’t quite the same for everyone though! The legend of the tooth fairy has changed over the years and even varies widely around the world. Let’s learn a little bit more about other tooth fairy traditions!
The Tooth Fairy Legend Began With Ancient Superstitions
Before the tooth fairy went looking under our pillow for baby teeth, she used to look in the ground! In early Europe, burying or burning baby teeth was a precaution taken against witches. It was believed that if a witch got a hold of one of your teeth, they could have complete power over you!
Along with a fear of witches, children were instructed to burn their teeth so that they could have a peaceful afterlife. It was believed that if a tooth wasn’t incinerated, the person would be doomed to spend eternity searching for them.
The Vikings didn’t want to destroy baby teeth, however. They even paid for them! In Norse culture, children’s teeth were believed to bring good luck in battle, so many warriors had necklaces made of children’s fallen out teeth!
Before A Fairy, There Was A Mouse
More recently we’ve seen the development of monetary gifts as a reward for a lost tooth. But not all tooth fairies are pixies with wings… In many Latin countries the tooth fairy is a mouse named Raton Perez! He also retrieves the teeth from under a pillow and leaves money or a gift in return.
How Our Modern Tooth Fairy Came To Be
As with many American traditions, the tooth fairy has roots in European folklore. Instead of burying our teeth in the ground, we “bury” our teeth under our pillow! It is said that our modern conception of the tooth fairy came about in the early 1900s. With the help of Walt Disney’s beloved fairy characters, the idea of a tooth fairy gained popularity and became what it is today!
The Tooth Fairy Plays An Important Role For Children
The legend of the tooth fairy is likely still so prevalent because it helps comfort children when they lose their teeth, an experience that can be traumatic for some. The tooth fairy helps them see this big step as a positive experience and a sign that they are growing up!
As your trusted dental professionals, we want what is best for you and your kids. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s teeth, call or come into our office!
The tooth fairy isn’t quite the same for everyone though! The legend of the tooth fairy has changed over the years and even varies widely around the world. Let’s learn a little bit more about other tooth fairy traditions!
The Tooth Fairy Legend Began With Ancient Superstitions
Before the tooth fairy went looking under our pillow for baby teeth, she used to look in the ground! In early Europe, burying or burning baby teeth was a precaution taken against witches. It was believed that if a witch got a hold of one of your teeth, they could have complete power over you!
Along with a fear of witches, children were instructed to burn their teeth so that they could have a peaceful afterlife. It was believed that if a tooth wasn’t incinerated, the person would be doomed to spend eternity searching for them.
The Vikings didn’t want to destroy baby teeth, however. They even paid for them! In Norse culture, children’s teeth were believed to bring good luck in battle, so many warriors had necklaces made of children’s fallen out teeth!
Before A Fairy, There Was A Mouse
More recently we’ve seen the development of monetary gifts as a reward for a lost tooth. But not all tooth fairies are pixies with wings… In many Latin countries the tooth fairy is a mouse named Raton Perez! He also retrieves the teeth from under a pillow and leaves money or a gift in return.
How Our Modern Tooth Fairy Came To Be
As with many American traditions, the tooth fairy has roots in European folklore. Instead of burying our teeth in the ground, we “bury” our teeth under our pillow! It is said that our modern conception of the tooth fairy came about in the early 1900s. With the help of Walt Disney’s beloved fairy characters, the idea of a tooth fairy gained popularity and became what it is today!
The Tooth Fairy Plays An Important Role For Children
The legend of the tooth fairy is likely still so prevalent because it helps comfort children when they lose their teeth, an experience that can be traumatic for some. The tooth fairy helps them see this big step as a positive experience and a sign that they are growing up!
As your trusted dental professionals, we want what is best for you and your kids. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s teeth, call or come into our office!
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Pets Need Their Teeth Brushed Too!
DID YOU KNOW THAT FEBRUARY is Pet Dental Health Month? That’s right! Your pets need their teeth taken care of too! While their teeth don’t require quite as much attention as ours do, your pet’s teeth still need a little tender loving care to keep them healthy.
Brush Your Pet’s Teeth
Brushing our teeth removes plaque and prevents gum disease; the same goes for dogs and cats! Brushing your dog or cat’s teeth three to four times per week can prevent dental disease and extend their life. It can also save them a lot of pain and you a lot of money on veterinary visits!
Use The Right Toothpaste
It’s important not to use regular human toothpaste for your pet. Since dogs and cats can’t spit the toothpaste out, the high fluoride content can really upset their stomachs and can even be toxic. You can find toothpaste specifically made for pets that's not only safe, but appeals to their taste buds too!
Chew Toys Help Remove Plaque
Just as chewing sugarless gum after you eat helps increase saliva production and remove plaque, chew toys contribute to your pet’s dental health in between brushing sessions. Getting your pet a chew toy or hard bone can strengthen their teeth and gums as well as scrub plaque off of their teeth!
They Need Regular Checkups Just Like We Do
Biannual or annual visits to your veterinarian help keep your pet’s mouth and body healthy. When you come in to the dentist for your biannual visit, we not only clean your teeth, but check for signs of more serious conditions such as periodontal disease and oral cancer. Routine checkups for your pet are just as essential for their health.
A Healthy Mouth Makes A Healthy Pet
Sadly, statistics suggest that over 80 percent of dogs and cats have some degree of dental disease by the time they are three years old. Remember, a healthy mouth means a happy life. That goes for you and Sparky! If you have any questions about YOUR dental health, call us or come in today!
We love our patients (and their pets)!
Brush Your Pet’s Teeth
Brushing our teeth removes plaque and prevents gum disease; the same goes for dogs and cats! Brushing your dog or cat’s teeth three to four times per week can prevent dental disease and extend their life. It can also save them a lot of pain and you a lot of money on veterinary visits!
Use The Right Toothpaste
It’s important not to use regular human toothpaste for your pet. Since dogs and cats can’t spit the toothpaste out, the high fluoride content can really upset their stomachs and can even be toxic. You can find toothpaste specifically made for pets that's not only safe, but appeals to their taste buds too!
Chew Toys Help Remove Plaque
Just as chewing sugarless gum after you eat helps increase saliva production and remove plaque, chew toys contribute to your pet’s dental health in between brushing sessions. Getting your pet a chew toy or hard bone can strengthen their teeth and gums as well as scrub plaque off of their teeth!
They Need Regular Checkups Just Like We Do
Biannual or annual visits to your veterinarian help keep your pet’s mouth and body healthy. When you come in to the dentist for your biannual visit, we not only clean your teeth, but check for signs of more serious conditions such as periodontal disease and oral cancer. Routine checkups for your pet are just as essential for their health.
A Healthy Mouth Makes A Healthy Pet
Sadly, statistics suggest that over 80 percent of dogs and cats have some degree of dental disease by the time they are three years old. Remember, a healthy mouth means a happy life. That goes for you and Sparky! If you have any questions about YOUR dental health, call us or come in today!
We love our patients (and their pets)!
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Managing Tooth Sensitivity
IF THERE’S ONE THING we can all agree on, it’s that nobody likes sensitive teeth! Tooth sensitivity can cause discomfort during daily tasks such as brushing, flossing, eating, drinking, and even breathing in a cold gush of air!
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, there are measures you can take to relieve pain and treat discomfort.
Start By Visiting Your Dentist
If you are concerned about sensitive teeth, seek a dental professional’s help first. Tooth sensitivity, while common, can also be a sign of something more serious. Your dentist can help identify what the underlying cause of your sensitivity is and prescribe the best treatment option for you and your smile! After an evaluation, your dentist might recommend:
A Good Oral Hygiene Routine Can Help You Avoid Sensitivity
Proper brushing and flossing can prevent conditions such as gum disease which is known to cause gum recession. When gums recede, part of the tooth root is exposed, leading to sensitivity. Over-brushing or brushing too aggressively can also lead to receding gums and even enamel erosion—both of which cause sensitivity.
When Whitening Your Teeth, Consult With Your Dentist
Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening. To avoid or diminish sensitivity after whitening, consider using a lower concentration of whitening product and reduce the amount of time the bleach is in contact with the teeth.
Always consult with your dentist before whitening as he or she can help determine the best treatment options for you. If you or someone you know has particularly sensitive teeth, there are additional steps we can take to help avoid and relieve the sensitivity caused by whitening.
We Can Help With Tooth Sensitivity
Although sensitivity is common, there are things we can do to help relieve and reduce the discomfort that it causes. No one should have to live with tooth pain. Call us or come in today so we can help you achieve a pain-free smile!
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, there are measures you can take to relieve pain and treat discomfort.
Start By Visiting Your Dentist
If you are concerned about sensitive teeth, seek a dental professional’s help first. Tooth sensitivity, while common, can also be a sign of something more serious. Your dentist can help identify what the underlying cause of your sensitivity is and prescribe the best treatment option for you and your smile! After an evaluation, your dentist might recommend:
- Desensitizing toothpaste: This type of toothpaste is specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth and reduce pain.
- Bonding agent: This is the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth. It can also be used to seal the dentin surface and protect sensitive areas from outside stimuli.
- Fluoride: Your dentist may apply fluoride to sensitive areas. This strengthens tooth enamel and treats pain.
- Limiting acidic foods and drinks: Carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, wine, yogurt, etc. are acidic and, when consumed frequently, can remove small amounts of tooth enamel over time. Drink acidic liquids with straws to avoid contact with teeth.
A Good Oral Hygiene Routine Can Help You Avoid Sensitivity
Proper brushing and flossing can prevent conditions such as gum disease which is known to cause gum recession. When gums recede, part of the tooth root is exposed, leading to sensitivity. Over-brushing or brushing too aggressively can also lead to receding gums and even enamel erosion—both of which cause sensitivity.
When Whitening Your Teeth, Consult With Your Dentist
Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening. To avoid or diminish sensitivity after whitening, consider using a lower concentration of whitening product and reduce the amount of time the bleach is in contact with the teeth.
Always consult with your dentist before whitening as he or she can help determine the best treatment options for you. If you or someone you know has particularly sensitive teeth, there are additional steps we can take to help avoid and relieve the sensitivity caused by whitening.
We Can Help With Tooth Sensitivity
Although sensitivity is common, there are things we can do to help relieve and reduce the discomfort that it causes. No one should have to live with tooth pain. Call us or come in today so we can help you achieve a pain-free smile!
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Give Your Kids a Jumpstart on Oral Health Care!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/fdevillamil/4238327116/
In fact, maintaining your child’s dental health when they are young will provide health benefits well into adulthood as well as set them on the right track of good oral health habits!
Some Children Don’t Get The Preventive Dental Care They Need
Early childhood caries—more commonly known as a dental cavity—is the number one chronic disease affecting young children. In light of this statistic, you may be surprised to learn that one quarter of children between ages three and 18 don’t visit the dentist at all!
Although common, dental diseases like tooth decay and gum disease are quite preventable, especially when healthy habits are taught during early childhood.
Start Oral Health Regimens Early
Even before your child’s teeth have erupted, an infant’s gums should be wiped down with a wet cloth or gauze after eating to protect from bacteria.
The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday or as soon as their first tooth appears. At this visit, your dentist can teach you more about proper pediatric oral hygiene and check for cavities. As soon as your child turns two, establish a daily brushing routine.
As your child gets older, there are two specific treatments we recommend to prevent tooth decay. These treatments are:
- Topical Fluoride: By applying fluoride directly to your child’s teeth in higher concentrations than found in toothpaste or water, they will be more protected and resistant to decay.
- Dental Sealants: These are thin, plastic coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth to prevent tooth decay. Even thorough brushing and flossing can’t always get into the depressions and grooves of the molars. Sealants form a protective shield over these vulnerable areas, keeping out plaque and food. Generally, children should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as they come in.
We Care About Your Children’s Oral Health
Baby teeth set the stage for the permanent teeth to develop and come in correctly. By taking care of them and teaching their children correct habits, parents ensure lifelong dental health for their children. At our practice, we are committed to promoting preventive dental care to ensure lasting health and happiness for you and your children!
Thank you for continuing to be a part of our practice family!
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Why You Shouldn't Wait To Treat A Cavity
MANY OF US HAVE HAD at least one cavity in our lives, and if we don’t keep up on our oral hygiene, it’s likely that we’ll get a couple more as time goes by.
While cavities may be inconvenient, it’s imperative that we get them treated immediately. Early treatment of cavities prevents long-term damage to our teeth and is essential to maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile!
Cavities Are A Sign Of Tooth Decay
A cavity is a small hole that develops on your tooth when it begins to decay. Harmful bacteria is contained in the plaque that sticks to our teeth. This bacteria produces acid that eats away at our teeth and causes cavities if the plaque is not removed. If left untreated, the cavity can grow larger and cause permanent damage to the tooth.
Letting cavities fester is more common than you think. Approximately 28 percentof adults are living with untreated cavities. Because cavities are so commonplace, some may think they can leave them untreated, either to save money or spare themselves a filling. It is important to remember, however, that a cavity is considered an infection that requires prompt treatment.
Cavities Will Continue To Grow If Left Untreated
Cavities can only get worse with time. Once that harmful bacteria creates a cavity, it will continue to grow if not repaired with a filling. To further understand the damage a cavity can do to your tooth, let’s go over some tooth anatomy.
A tooth consists of three parts:
If cavity-causing bacteria is allowed to reach the dental pulp, it can lead to a condition known as pulpitis, or inflammation of the pulp. If treated quickly, pulpitis can be treated with a simple filling. If left to progress, more serious measures may need to be taken such as a root canal or tooth extraction.
Your Health And Comfort Are Our Priority
In the end, the ideal option is to prevent cavities before they even occur! At our practice, your health and comfort are our priority. We are your partners in helping you maintain a cavity-free, beautiful smile!
Thank you for continuing to be part of our practice family!
While cavities may be inconvenient, it’s imperative that we get them treated immediately. Early treatment of cavities prevents long-term damage to our teeth and is essential to maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile!
Cavities Are A Sign Of Tooth Decay
A cavity is a small hole that develops on your tooth when it begins to decay. Harmful bacteria is contained in the plaque that sticks to our teeth. This bacteria produces acid that eats away at our teeth and causes cavities if the plaque is not removed. If left untreated, the cavity can grow larger and cause permanent damage to the tooth.
Letting cavities fester is more common than you think. Approximately 28 percentof adults are living with untreated cavities. Because cavities are so commonplace, some may think they can leave them untreated, either to save money or spare themselves a filling. It is important to remember, however, that a cavity is considered an infection that requires prompt treatment.
Cavities Will Continue To Grow If Left Untreated
Cavities can only get worse with time. Once that harmful bacteria creates a cavity, it will continue to grow if not repaired with a filling. To further understand the damage a cavity can do to your tooth, let’s go over some tooth anatomy.
A tooth consists of three parts:
- The hard and protective outer layer called the enamel
- The middle layer called dentin
- The inner layer called the pulp, which contains the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves
If cavity-causing bacteria is allowed to reach the dental pulp, it can lead to a condition known as pulpitis, or inflammation of the pulp. If treated quickly, pulpitis can be treated with a simple filling. If left to progress, more serious measures may need to be taken such as a root canal or tooth extraction.
Your Health And Comfort Are Our Priority
In the end, the ideal option is to prevent cavities before they even occur! At our practice, your health and comfort are our priority. We are your partners in helping you maintain a cavity-free, beautiful smile!
Thank you for continuing to be part of our practice family!
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
How We Can Help With Sleep Apnea
https://www.flickr.com/photos/elbragon/4597107170/
Did you know that one in five adults has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with 80 percent of cases going undiagnosed? This condition can disrupt your sleep and increase your risk of severe health problems.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when your muscles relax during sleep, allowing soft tissue to collapse and block the airway. This can cause a person to stop breathing hundreds of times per night, immensely disrupting their sleep. Here are some indications of a problem:
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime drowsiness
- Irritability
- Impaired mental or emotional functioning
- Insomnia
- Excessive snoring, choking or gasping during sleep
- Waking with dry mouth or sore throat
Dentists are often the first professionals to become aware of a potential case of OSA and many are specially trained for the treatment of sleep apnea. We are just such a practice!
While the most common treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliance therapy that dentists provide is the increasingly preferred form of treatment. This is due to the high rejection rate of CPAP therapy and the fact that oral appliances are much more convenient, portable, and easy to care for.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy uses a mouth guard-like device to maintain an open, unobstructed airway while you sleep. They are typically as easy to wear as most retainers. There are two ways the oral appliance works to open up your airway:
- By repositioning your lower jaw, it keeps your throat muscles engaged as you sleep, preventing them from collapsing.
- Oral appliances can also move your tongue forward, keeping it from falling back and blocking the throat.
Our Process
If you are concerned about your sleeping patterns, mention it to Dr. Peck at your next visit. After assessing your concerns, he can send you home with a Pulse Oximeter to be worn while you sleep. This will record your sleeping patterns for Dr. Peck to evaluate. After evaluation and additional health information, Dr. Peck will determine whether or not to refer you to a sleep medicine doctor. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea by a sleep medicine practitioner, a oral sleep appliance made by Dr. Peck is a course of action you have the option to take.
Don’t Ignore Sleep Apnea
Never underestimate the power of a good night’s rest! The quality of your sleep is extremely important to your overall health and well-being. Ask us today how you can better your life by treating sleep apnea through oral appliance therapy!
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