DIY Orthodontics on the rise

            If something breaks around the house, many of us will go to YouTube to see if there is a video that explains how to fix it. For many things this can be very helpful, but for others it can lead to bigger and more expensive problems. There has also been a recent trend where people have been trying to straighten their teeth with DIY orthodontics. In theory it may seem like a great idea, but the repercussions of incorrect use can be very damaging.

            To straighten their teeth, people are using potentially dangerous objects. These include paper clips, fake retainers, rubber bands or string. Even if you get the physics of tooth movement to work, most people fail to understand that moving teeth is a biological process. It involves bone that dissolving and rebuilding as teeth are moved into new positions. If not done at the proper intervals or with forces placed in the correct direction, you can cause serious problems.

What are some of the problems you could cause doing DIY orthodontics?

• You can cause the teeth to become too loose and lead to tooth loss.
• You can tilt the teeth into bad positions that will to tooth sensitivity or need gum surgery.
• You can create food traps that will lead to staining, gum disease, or cavities.
• You can create improper forces on the teeth that lead to fractures.
• You can create problems and pain in your jaw joint. 

The bottom line is you are likely to cause painful and expensive problems by attempting DIY orthodontics. In the long run, you would have been better off paying for the expertise of the orthodontist or dentist to diagnose and treatment plan your case properly. So do yourself a favor and leave the DIY projects to things that are much more straight forward and don’t have major repercussions.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

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

Does your toothbrush need to be replaced?

            The Today Show recently discussed six common household items that likely need to be replaced more regularly than we usually do. They discuss more frequent replacement of mattresses, running shoes, kitchen sponges, bath towels, eye makeup, and your toothbrush. For our purposes today, we will discuss when to replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head for electric brushes) and why it is important.

            Many people only replace their toothbrush when they come in for their semi-annual cleaning and exam. It is easy and convenient to do because we always send you home with a new toothbrush. However, every six months is usually not frequent enough. We typically recommend a new toothbrush every three or four months. As the brush head becomes frayed it is less affective, and for most brushing styles this is a good time frame. If you are ever unsure how often you should replace yours, we recommend you bring in your toothbrush for us to examine.

            Toothbrushes can be a mechanism for bacteria or viruses to spread. After having a cold or the flu, we recommend replacing your toothbrush. Even though your body should have developed resistance to that particular type of illness, your family may still be susceptible. If you share a toothbrush holder, a sink, or even bathroom with anyone else it is a good idea to start fresh after you are feeling better.

            If you check your toothbrush and the bristles are dramatically flared, don’t hesitate to get a new brush. It is a few extra dollars but can save your teeth, gums, and protect your family’s health in the long run.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

How does stress affect your teeth?

            We all deal with stress. The causes may vary, but perception is reality and we will always deal with some form of stress throughout our lives. So we need to find healthy ways to deal with or manage our stressors. If not, it could lead to health problems like irritable bowel syndrome, excessive sweating, hair loss, insomnia, fatigue, and teeth grinding.

            Research has shown a strong relationship between stress and teeth grinding (bruxism). This doesn’t mean that everyone will grind their teeth when they become more stressed, but there is an increased risk. If the bruxism is not controlled or the teeth are not protected, it can lead to headaches, jaw pain, and fractured teeth. Since we cannot control the stress in your life, our goal is to protect the teeth. The best solution is a custom made night guard.

            There are a variety of ways to make a night guard. It can be made to fit over the top teeth or the bottom teeth. It can cover all of the teeth or only a few. We recommend discussing the pros and cons of each appliance with your dentist to determine which one is best for your situation and comfort level. However, we strongly discourage the use of over the counter night guards. While they may provide a barrier between the teeth, they are more likely to cause joint problems than a custom made guard.

            A final theory on stress, health, and grinding your teeth: new studies indicate a relationship with bruxism and sleep apnea. The theory is people grind their teeth when they sleep because they have trouble breathing. If you have sleep apnea, then grind your teeth, then wake up tired with a headache, the chances of you being stressed is increased. If you have any concerns you may be snoring or sleep apnea, we recommend getting a sleep study to ensure you are being treated properly.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS 

5 More Things to Know About Your Toothbrush

1. Toothbrushes should be left out in the open. It is not difficult to clean your toothbrush. Rinse it after brushing with tap water and then remove any remaining toothpaste or debris. Store the brush standing upright to allow it to air dry. If you store near other tooth brushes, do your best to make sure they are separated to prevent contamination between them. Unless you are traveling, try not to store them in closed containers. A moist environment is more favorable to bacterial growth.

2. The lifespan of a toothbrush is only 3-4 months. Many people only replace their brushes (or brush heads for electric toothbrushes) when they see the dentist for their cleaning and exam. That is usually every 6 months. A toothbrush that is worn or frayed is less effective. You should also replace your toothbrush after you have been sick to prevent cross contamination.

3. When choosing a toothbrush, always go soft. It doesn’t matter if you use a manual or electric toothbrush, you should not pick a brush with firm or medium strength bristles. A firm toothbrush can damage your gums or tooth. Remember: you only need to scrub hard enough to clean the film off of your teeth. Let the fluoride toothpaste do the rest. This can save you a lot of time and money in the future.

4. 2 minutes, 2 times a day. If you take the time to brush your teeth with correct technique and for the right amount of time, you will see a big improvement. Think of this time as an investment in your smile and a way to save yourself money in the long run.

5. Don’t share your toothbrush. Sharing a brush can lead to sharing germs and bacteria. This is one situation where sharing isn’t a good thing to practice or preach.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

5 Things To Know About Your Toothbrush:

1. Be sure to look for the ADA seal of approval when selecting your toothbrush. The ADA stands for the American Dental Association and is the gold standard in toothbrush quality. It is the most predictable way to know if your toothbrush will hold up to normal wear and tear, and if it will work effectively when brushing with proper technique.

2. The toothbrush was invented over 5,000 years ago. Ancient civilizations used variations of a ‘chew stick’ to remove food from their teeth. Originally, it wasn’t much more than a think twig with one end frayed. Over time, they developed to have stiff bristles from animals on one end. The modern toothbrush, which has nylon bristles, was invented in 1938.

3. The first mass-produced toothbrush was invented in prison. In 1770, an English man cleaned the teeth of fellow prisoners using a rag covered in soot or salt to clean their teeth. It eventually developed into a toothbrush with bristles, and after his release from prison he started a company to manufacture his toothbrush. The company still exists in the United Kingdom today.

4. Manual or Powered Toothbrush? When your toothbrush is used properly and for the right amount of time, either type of toothbrush can work well. But if you are unsure whether you actually brush for the full 2 minutes, you should use a timer or a brush with a timer. If you have been told you brush too hard, then I would use an electric brush to avoid the scrubbing motion. Bottom line: an electric toothbrush is the safer play.

5. There is no correct order to brushing and flossing. We often receive questions about whether you should brush or floss first. It usually doesn’t matter if you are using proper technique. But if you have larger spaces between your teeth that tend to catch larger pieces of food, I may recommend flossing and clearing the larger debris before brushing.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

Trendy Diets May Negatively Affect Oral Health

          Over the years we have heard about all of the different types of crash diets to help lose weight. There has been the Atkin’s diet, a juice cleanse, and now the Paleo diet. I am not here to tell you what diet you should or should not try. However, it is important to see how some of these could affect your oral health. You don’t want to finish a round of dieting and have a mouth full of cavities to show for it.

            When you think of dieting, you think of eating less food. Obviously the goal is to lose weight by ingesting fewer calories each day. However, by eating less you can change the amount and the content of your saliva. Decreased saliva flow increases your risk of tooth decay. So if you are dramatically cutting back on how much you are eating, be extra careful in taking care of your teeth and gums.

            Juice cleanses have become popular over the past few years. It involves drinking a concoction of different fruits, vegetables and other things that are loaded with vitamins. When they are loaded with acidic fruits, this can be very damaging to the teeth if not handled properly. The acidity can erode the tooth structure and lead to sensitive teeth. There are toothpastes available to protect your enamel (Pronamel) and it is important to drink plenty of water after ingesting the different juice mixtures. This will help to wash away some of the acidity from the teeth. And you don’t want to brush your teeth right after ingesting a citrus drink. The tooth is more vulnerable to erosion right after exposure and should be given at least 30 minutes before brushing with an abrasive tooth brush and toothpaste.

            We don’t want to talk you out of dieting, but just be sure to know how it could affect your oral and overall health before starting a program. And for more information you can visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

ADA, Federal Agencies, and Dentists Still Encourage Flossing

            A few months ago a study was released questioning the efficacy of flossing your teeth. Because of this, many people began to think that ‘science’ doesn’t support flossing. However, the Department of Health and Human services, the American Dental Association, and others have “reaffirmed the importance of interdental cleaning.” So what is the truth behind all of this?

            A periodontist is a specialist of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. When it comes down to it, they are the authority in how to take care of the gums. Their group still strongly supports the importance of flossing and cleaning between the teeth. A toothbrush is absolutely essential in cleaning your teeth and gums every day, but it cannot access all of the areas in between the teeth. And even though there are plenty of studies that support the use of floss and interdental cleaning, many dentists and periodontists say the reason they support flossing is because of what they see in their offices every day. Flossing improves the health of their patient’s gums.

            Traditional flossing isn’t the only way you can clean in between your teeth. Even though I believe it should be a part of every person’s home care, there are other tools to clean in between the teeth. For people that have larger gaps between their teeth, gum recession, or dental bridges, the use of ‘soft picks’ can be helpful. These tools look like rubberized tooth picks with small rubber barbs to help clean the gum tissue. And there is a product called Super-Floss that is effective for cleaning under bridges. It is a much thicker type of floss that can remove more food and debris than traditional floss.

            The bottom line is you should floss every day. The improvement in the health of your gums will be worth the extra couple of minutes it may take you. And if you stop to see what has been hiding in between your teeth all day, it will be extra motivation!

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

What should I know when buying dental supplies for my family?

            When you walk down the ‘oral care’ aisle at any store, the number of options can be intimidating. There are so many different brands and variations of similar products. Hopefully we can help simplify the process.

What kind of tooth brush should I buy?

• Do yourself a favor and get an electric tooth brush with a 2 minute timer. It will reduce the chances of tooth decay, gum disease, gum recession. Chances are it will save you thousands of dollars during your life.
• If you absolutely can’t stand an electric brush, make sure it is a soft bristle brush.
• The expensive brushes are great, but you don’t have to buy the most expensive brush to get a solid brush. However, remember that you get what you pay for and if it only costs $10 it probably is inexpensive for a reason.
• Use a different brush or brush head after you are sick. You don’t want to increase the risk of spreading anything bad to your family.

What kind of tooth paste should I buy?

• Look for the ADA approval on the box. If it has that, it has been put through a serious screening process to earn it.
• If you use sensitivity toothpaste, you should use it twice a day and every day. It is more effective when used consistently.
• If you want whiter teeth, toothpaste isn’t going to make a huge difference. Whitening toothpaste is more abrasive and reduces surface staining but does not whiten like bleaching your teeth can.
• Use a flavor that you like. It will make it more likely to brush consistently and for long enough.

What kind of mouth rinse should I buy?

• Only let your children use mouth rinse made for adults if they can consistently spit it out after using. But there are some rinses specifically designed for kids.
• I usually recommend alcohol free because it is less abrasive to your gums.
• Use a mouth rinse with fluoride. It reduces the potential for cavities.

Like anything else, if you are not sure what product may work best in your situation then just give us a call. We are happy to walk you through the different choices in more detail.

For more information visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

“I want to quit tobacco”

            Many people who have become addicted to using tobacco products want to stop. But as they can attest, that is much easier said than done. Everyone has been educated on the risks associated with tobacco use, but we want to reiterate how it can affect your dental and overall health. And we can also offer couple of tips on quitting tobacco.

Why should I quit using tobacco?

• Your mouth will be healthier. Quitting can lower your risk for receding gums and bone loss in the jaw bone surrounding the teeth.
• You will look and feel better. The stains created from smoking cannot be completely cleaned through brushing at home. Quitting will reduce stain and brighten your smile.
• You will set a healthy example. Chances are you are a role model to someone. Sometimes its children and sometimes it is a peer. By quitting you may inspire someone else to do the same.

Tips to Quit:

• Make a list of personal reasons for quitting and keep it in a place that you will frequently see.
• Set a date to quit in the future and do everything you can to stick to it. Try to find a time during the year that is ‘low stress.’
• Get help: ask your physician, family, friends and anyone else for their support in quitting.
• Find a healthy substitute. When you have a tobacco craving, try sugar-free gum or sugar-free candy. There is a sugar substitute called xylitol that has been shown to actually fight tooth decay.
• The four D’s:
• Delay- the craving will pass in 5-10 minutes
• Drink water- it gives you something to hold and put in your mouth
• Do something else- distract yourself by being active
• Deep breathing- this will help relax you.

We know it sounds a lot easier than it actually is, but hopefully you can use some of this information to help you or someone you know quit using tobacco. For more information go to www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

CDC Reports Benefits of Dental Sealants for Children:

           Dental sealants are placed over the pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth. Their goal is to protect those surfaces from the start of tooth decay. As soon as the permanent molars erupt, we typically recommend placing sealants. Depending on how susceptible each individual’s teeth are to cavities, we may even recommend sealants on the premolars as they erupt. Below we will discuss some of the advantages of dental sealants.

            ADA News reports that sealants can prevent around 80% of cavities in school aged children. However, 60% of those children did not receive dental sealants according to the CDC. The same report also found that if you did not have sealants, you had 3 times as many cavities as those who did. The resulting dental work totaled around $300 million that could have been prevented had some 7 million low-income children been provided sealants.

Because this is such a large problem, many local organizations have out-reach programs that offer free dental services to underprivileged children. A major focus of these programs is preventative dentistry. Along with fluoride treatments and home care instructions, sealants are an important part in breaking the cycle of early on-set tooth decay.

Are there any concerns or health related consequences with dental sealants? The only concern brought to our attention has been the presence of BPA (bisphenol-A) in the sealants. There is some concern BPA could be related to some health issues. But the ADA states that the potential exposure is minute and less than simply breathing air or handling a receipt. The sealants are made from a similar compound as composite (tooth colored) fillings, and there have not been any side affects to these fillings related to BPA.

Dental sealants are a good option for nearly every child as their permanent molars begin to erupt. They are non-invasive and can greatly reduce the potential for cavities. Be sure to ask us if you have any questions or concerns about your child and sealants.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

Antibiotic Overkill

            For many, conventional wisdom tells them to take antibiotics when they don’t feel well. They have been told they can go to the doctor or ‘Little Clinic’ to get a prescription for antibiotics. This will eventually make them feel better. But in many cases the antibiotics are taken after they already feel their worst, and the progression of the illness allows them to start feeling better shortly thereafter. So naturally we credit the medication for curing the ailment. In reality, the body is naturally fighting the disease and curing what ails you. But the whole experience makes you feel the antibiotics were the correct choice.

Why is it a problem to just take antibiotics regardless of the issue?

            Antibiotics are designed to attack bacterial infections, not viral infections. So if you have a cold or the flu, antibiotics will not help you get better. But the more serious issue is what it can do to your health in the long run. By taking antibiotics too frequently, your body can develop immunity to those types of antibiotics. So when an infection arises and those antibiotics are truly needed, they may not be as affective. This can make treatment more difficult and the disease more dangerous.

Some statistics that show how big of a problem antibiotic resistance has become:

• Over 70% of illness causing bacteria are resistant to at least one type of antibiotic.
• It is estimated over 50,000 deaths can be contributed to antibiotic resistance in the US and Europe in 2015.
• If the problem persists, scientists are projecting that number to rise as high as 10 million by 2050.
• The primary reason for this trend is over prescribing antibiotics.

How is this related to dental health?

            Don’t let dental infections grow too large or go too long before treatment. If you wait longer than recommended to treat an abscess then you may need to take even more antibiotics.

With cold and flu season quickly approaching, don’t be surprised if more and more health care professionals are hesitant to prescribe antibiotics if they are uncertain of the underlying problem.   

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

www.DentistWestChester.com.

American Dental Association confirms dental amalgams are safe

            There is much debate concerning the safety of using dental amalgams to restore tooth decay. These fillings are made from a mixture of mercury, silver, and other metals. The obvious concern is over the mercury content. A new study out of the University of Georgia confirms that while these fillings can contribute to higher levels of mercury in the blood, the levels are still well below the established safety thresholds set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Lets examine the findings more closely and see how that may affect you and your future dental treatment.

            After examining the findings of this study, the ADA acknowledges while there is a “statistically significant difference in circulating levels of mercury, all the levels observed were within the lower 95% confidence limit set forth as safe by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences.” What does this mean? They are basically saying it is not something they are worried about. Even though the levels are slightly higher, it doesn’t appear to affect your overall health.

            What are our thoughts on amalgam fillings? I certainly understand and empathize with the concern over mercury exposure. But if you eat a lot of fish, you are exposing yourself to the potential of elevated mercury levels in your bloodstream. So we obviously do our best to avoid the use of amalgam fillings, but we do not recommend all amalgam fillings be replaced without cause. This causes additional trauma to the tooth which could lead to future sensitivity and more complex treatment.   

            There are a few situations where we may recommend the use of amalgam fillings. It is usually on a back tooth where keeping the area dry and isolated is challenging. Without total isolation from saliva, tooth colored fillings do not last as long. Amalgam fillings work more predictably when dry, but have a better prognosis than tooth colored fillings when saliva contamination is possible.

            If you have any concerns about the type of fillings you already have or will need in the future, your best bet is to have a discussion with your dentist. We can help walk you through the pros and cons of whatever option you are comfortable with.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

Self-Repairing Fillings:

            Scientists in London are working on the development and release of a new type of tooth filling. It is known as bioactive glass and is designed to block cavities and repair bacterial damage. The implications of this are exciting because it can help fillings last longer and slow down the spread of cavity around existing fillings.

            The new fillings are made from bioactive glass composites and release fluoride, calcium, and phosphate. These components are all needed to form tooth mineral. This could be really helpful since bacteria can work against your tooth at a microscopic level. So if there is the smallest of openings that cannot be detected visually, it can be a point of entry for a cavity. If the filling materials could help close those microscopic gaps, it could strengthen the filling and make it last longer.

            Another application could be reducing the potential for tooth sensitivity and future root canals after a filling is placed. To remove tooth decay, you have to drill into the tooth and create a clean margin where cavity no longer exists. By doing this you get closer to the nerve of the tooth. If the filling material can help create an additional barrier of new tooth structure between the filling and the nerve, it lessens the chances of sensitivity.

            There hasn’t been much testing on its effectiveness to incipient cavities, but there is hope that these fillings can help stop cavities before they begin to progress too deeply. An incipient cavity is tooth decay that hasn’t yet penetrated the outer tooth layer of enamel. If bioactive glass composites can be placed over the cavity without any drilling in an effort to help heal the tooth, it could make dentistry more proactive and less invasive. 

            We are always looking for a way to be more preventive and less invasive in providing dental care. Advancements like bioactive glass fillings wont be available for a few years, but we are excited about the possibilities they may offer.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

Skipping Regular Dental Visits May Affect Your Overall and Dental Health

            Many people see their dentist and dental hygienist more often than their primary care doctor. If you have fairly good oral health, we typically recommend semi-annual professional cleanings and exams. If you have active periodontal disease or a history of periodontal disease, then we may see you even more frequently. But why is it important to stay regular with your dental visits?

            Having your teeth professionally cleaned a few times a year helps to prevent bone loss and gum loss around the teeth. Persistent loss of either can result in pain or even tooth loss. Even if you have excellent home care, there are certain areas that cannot be adequately maintained. For example: many of us build calculus on our lower front teeth. This calculus is a hard collection of bacteria that cannot be brushed or flossed away. If it is not routinely cleaned, it may lead to cavities and gum disease. The dentist or hygienist have specialized instruments that can clean and polish these areas to prevent any unwanted progression.

            During each cleaning appointment, we complete an oral cancer screening. Much like visiting the dermatologist, we look for any areas that may be new or changing. This could be areas that are red, white, or ulcerated. There are some areas you can see and examine at home, but there are a lot of areas that you are unable to identify. If we find an area of concern, we will measure the area and take a picture. A few weeks later we will follow up to see if anything has changed. If we become very suspicious of a particular area, we may refer you to a specialist for a biopsy and diagnosis. Even though these areas are not extremely common, it is important to identify as early as possible to improve the prognosis.

            The most commonly known reason that we recommend frequent visits is to check for tooth decay. The earlier we identify a cavity, the better the prognosis. A small filling can become a really big problem if not addressed quickly. This may lead to bigger fillings, crowns, root canals, or even tooth loss.

            If you have questions regarding how often you should have a professional cleaning and exam, feel free to call us and ask any questions you may have. You can also visit www.dentistwestchester.com for more information.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

E-Cigarettes and your mouth

            E-cigarettes use a battery powered heating element to deliver nicotine and flavorings to the user. It is also commonly known as ‘vaping’. They refer to these as vaping instead of smoking because they produce a vapor instead of burning. They are continuing to gain popularity, especially among the millennial generation. Part of their rise in popularity is because E-cigarettes have been touted as a safer option than traditional cigarettes, and there is some truth to that. However, the long term affects are still mostly unknown.

             One advantage e-cigarettes have over traditional cigarettes is they contain much less nicotine than traditional cigarettes. While that is an obvious advantage, nicotine is still a highly addictive substance in that amount. The side affects that are associated with nicotine use include depression, anxiety, and irritability.

            Traditional cigarettes can stain your teeth, cause gum disease, and even lead to oral cancer. E-cigarettes are less likely to cause staining, but the nicotine still has the ability to interfere with your saliva. This can lead to dry mouth, increased bacteria, and increased risk of tooth decay.

            There is also concern that e-cigarettes can serve as a gateway drug to using traditional cigarettes. Many young people perceive e-cigarettes to be much milder and less addictive. However, once they are addicted to the nicotine the potential risk of cigarette use greatly increases.

            While e-cigarettes are likely healthier than traditional cigarettes, I am in no way advocating for their use. There may be some advantages in using them to assist in quitting smoking, but I would recommend talking with your medical doctor before trying anything on your own.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

College students and cavities

            Unfortunately, we have seen college students with a great dental history come home after a few years away at college with some new cavities. So what changed during their time away at school? Let’s look at a few things that can contribute to developing new cavities.

            A common cause of the increased decay rate is from an influx in sodas and sugary drinks. This may include regular soda, diet soda, energy drinks, and even sports drinks like Gatorade. When used in moderation, it is typically not a big problem. But the constant exposure to the sugar or acid will weaken the enamel and result in cavities. Even diligent brushing twice per day can’t eliminate the harmful affect of long term exposure to sugar and acid. This information is important for students know when they are up late cramming for a test. Like anything else, moderation is the key.

            Other issues responsible for an increase in tooth decay are candies, mints, and fruit snacks. Students that snack on these while studying have constant exposure of sugar. This repeated exposure will lead to tooth decay. Unfortunately, brushing cannot reach between the teeth to eliminate all of the harmful affects of the sugary snacks. I am not recommending that all of these snacks should be completely removed from you diet. Once again, it is all about moderation. Following a snack or candy, finding a way to brush would be ideal. However, it is understandable that everyone isn’t going to bring a toothbrush and toothpaste with them to the library. So if you are unable to brush, I recommend drinking water to help cleanse the teeth or chewing sugar free gum. Then be sure to brush when you get home.

            We hope a few minor changes can make a big difference. Our goal is to educate students early so they don’t have to learn the hard way!

Please feel free to contact us with any questions about you or your child, or visit us at www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

Dental Myths

Dental Myth: If it doesn’t hurt, you don’t need to fix it

Cavities can be tricky. They can be difficult to diagnose in certain areas and it can be challenging to predict how large they will be. After a filling is completed, it can be just as difficult to predict whether or not the tooth will become sensitive. And there are still many people out there who think that a cavity or a crack on a tooth doesn’t need to be fixed until it breaks or becomes symptomatic. Let’s talk about some of the risks in waiting for a tooth to hurt.

            The deep grooves and fissures of the teeth are the most common areas for us to find cavities beginning to develop. We use clinical exams, a dental explorer, and even specialized cameras to identify problem areas in their earliest stages. If we waited until you had sensitivity to hot or cold drinks to diagnose and treat the areas, the tooth decay would be beyond its incipient stage. And the deeper the cavity, the higher the risk of sensitivity and possible root canal treatment. By maintaining regular cleanings and exams, it allows us to help diagnose and treat these areas early and improve your prognosis.

Dental Myth: If I can’t see the cavity, it isn’t that big.

            Many cavities can grow quite large and even infect the nerve of the tooth before they are visible. A cavity can begin as a microscopic opening in the enamel (outer layer) and spread into the dentin (inner layer). It can then quietly grow larger within the tooth, and sometimes infect the nerve without any symptoms. In these situations, we rely on x-rays to help us diagnose and treat the cavities. Regular exams and x-rays are sometimes our only way to find these areas before they grow into much larger and more expensive problems.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS