Is Activated Charcoal Safe to Use to Whiten Your Teeth?

            As a society, we are always looking for easier or better ways to accomplish the same thing. This has lead to countless innovations and improvements that have greatly improved our lives. Whitening our teeth and improving our smile is no different. We want the best, and we want it now. While it is okay to always be searching for progress, we must be careful not to get ourselves into a short sighted mindset. I have the same concerns for the use of activated charcoal to whiten your teeth.

            We still don’t know enough about the long term affects of using activated charcoal to whiten the teeth. For other common dental materials like fluoride, we have years of data that show its efficacy. This includes long term laboratory testing and clinical trials. The data has shown us how to properly use fluoride and how to avoid any possible complications. In the dental world, activated charcoal hasn’t had the opportunity to prove itself. Until it has been studied in more detail in its role as a whitener, many dentists may steer you in another direction.

            Instead of using activated charcoal, you can try some other whitening options that have been proven safe and effective.

• Hydrogen Peroxide: this is the active ingredient in Crest Whitestrips and can be purchased over the counter.
• Carbamide Peroxide: this is the active ingredient in many prescription strength whitening kits. Different percentages can be used based on your tolerance or need.
• Mild Abrasives: this is used in toothpastes to help reduce the build up of stain. While some toothpastes may have hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, the levels are so small that the abrasives are more effective.

Whatever you decide to do to brighten your smile or whiten your teeth, we recommend talking with your dentist first. They can talk through the risks and rewards of different treatments.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

Is flossing related to a longer life span?

            Over the past decade there has been some discussion on how oral health relates to your overall health. Before this, many people just assumed that oral health was independent of total health. Even more recently there has been media coverage related to a father who lost his life due to a dental infection. So what do we really know about how dental health affects your life span?

            Business Insider recently had an article discussing how flossing is related to longevity. They were not suggesting that flossing directly results in living longer. However, they suggest that if you are willing to take the time each day to floss your teeth and maintain good oral health, then you are more likely to do a lot of other things to take care of yourself. This could include eating well, exercising regularly, and maintaining regular visits to your doctor or dentist. They are not claiming flossing is the cause of longer life span, but is correlative.

            Every time you visit the dentist you are encouraged to floss your teeth. Everyone is, but typically few listen. We often hear the question, “Do I really need to floss my teeth?” We respond ‘yes’ and explain our reasoning behind it. But still, very few people make it part of their daily routine. However, if you are someone that is willing to adopt the recommendations of your health care professionals, then you are setting yourself up for success. The recommendations of doctors and dentist carry a lot of fact and reason. They typically know more than the average person about that particular subject. So listen to their suggestions, because it could prolong your life.

            There are many variables that can affect your life span, but taking the time each day to do some little things for yourself can make a big difference. Flossing has shown to be a good example of that. So embrace flossing, keep your mouth healthy, and see where else it can help you in life!

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS 

Can dental infections be deadly?

            There was a recent story about a truck driver who died from complications of a dental infection. When most people think of a tooth infection, they assume the worst that can happen is pain and loss of the tooth. However, the bacteria that collect and form an abscess can spread throughout the body and lead to serious problems: even death. So how does this happen?

            An abscess is a swollen area of tissue that contains an accumulation of pus. If a tooth is infected, this collection of bacteria forms under or around the tooth. It is often not visible or detectable until it grows larger. The bacteria eat away at your jaw bone and can create openings out of the bone or into different parts of the body.

            If a lower tooth develops an abscess, you are at risk for a potentially life threatening cellulitis (connective tissue infection) called Ludwig’s Angina. If the dental infection spreads down to the neck, it could obstruct the airway and necessitate surgical intervention. For anyone who is concerned that they have a dental infection, swelling, and are having trouble breathing, we recommend going to the emergency room. It will likely take the care of a critical care doctor to properly treat. Once it has become Ludwig’s Angina, it is beyond our scope to treat as general dentists.

            It is also possible for a maxillary tooth to lead to life threatening problems. If the infection produces pus, the sinuses may fill with the infection. If the bacteria then enter the bloodstream, the resulting illness can be very serious. Unlike a traditional sinus infection, antibiotics alone will not cure the dental born infection. Either root canal treatment or tooth extraction will be needed to completely remove the problem.

            We recommend taking a dental infection very seriously. It can cause you pain, swelling, and even death. By keeping regular appointments and x-rays, you can usually avoid any serious repercussions. If you ever have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call right away.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS