Is it better to bleach my teeth at home or at the dentist?

            More and more people are concerned with having white teeth and are worried about their teeth staining. Some are worried about coffee or red wine staining their teeth, and others are simply looking for a touch up. An initial question is whether they should try over the counter or professional whitening? Should they bleach at home over a longer period of time or try to do it in one appointment at the dentist? Below we will talk about the pros and cons of each strategy.

            A newer trend in teeth whitening is Zoom. It appeared on the market and generated a lot of buzz about same day bleaching. There are certainly a number of cases where it worked out really well and there was no post-op sensitivity, but we have found the in-office bleaching techniques are less predictable and are more likely to lead to sensitivity. The bleach concentration is significantly higher for Zoom, which leads to a higher chance of discomfort. The in-office procedure limits us because it leaves little to no opportunity to customize the bleaching process to each person. It also forces you to remain seated with you mouth open for a long period of time which can cause some jaw discomfort. The bottom line is while it can be effective, we feel there are more challenges and limitations with the in-office procedure.

            The professionally made ‘take-home’ bleaching trays are our typical recommendation. It gives us a chance to design a specific plan to your routine and comfort. We are able to choose the concentrations and intervals of bleaching to achieve good results while limiting sensitivity. If your teeth do not get sensitive and you have time to wear the trays, you could bleach as frequently as four times per day. This helps you achieve the results you are looking for in a shorter period of time. But if your teeth become sensitive, we can scale back the frequency, duration, and strength of the bleach used.

            You may also find bleaching kiosks at the mall or other shopping areas that are not run by certified dental professionals. I would recommend against using these stations to bleach your teeth. Even if you are able to achieve some results, there are still risks to bleaching your teeth that they are not capable of diagnosing or treating properly. Error on the safe side and consult with your dentist or dental hygienist before any type of bleaching (including over the counter).

            Even though there are times where in-office bleaching can be done for certain people, our first recommendation is the take home bleaching. Talk with us about your goals and concerns with bleaching, and we can help create a plan to give you the best results for your situation.

For more information, please visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

Can teeth erode?

                There are two ways your teeth can be worn away: abrasion/attrition and erosion. Abrasion/attrition is from physical trauma or grinding. Erosion is from outside substances or chemicals. Both can be damaging and cause serious long term dental issues. So what can you do to protect against these factors?

Erosion:

•        Early detection is essential. Maintain regular dental visits

•        Chewable and effervescent formulations should be avoided, especially when experiencing dry mouth

•        Use a soft toothbrush and low abrasion fluoridated toothpaste

•        Delay brushing for at least 1 hour after consuming acidic foods like citrus fruits

•        If you’re using any acidic medications or lozenges, try to avoid holding them in the mouth for extended periods of time.

•        When possible, try tablets over liquid medications

•        If you have dry mouth, continue to drink lots of water to counteract problems

•        Use toothpastes like Pronamel to help strengthen and protect your teeth if you’re at risk for dental erosion

Other ways we can wear our teeth:

•        Abrasion is loss of tooth structure due to mechanical action of a foreign element, such as a hard bristle toothbrush or a lip piercing.

o   You can protect yourself from abrasion is to identify the issue and eliminate the habit or problem.

·         Attrition is loss of tooth structure from mechanical forces of opposing teeth.

o   Typically this is treated by some type of mouth guard. In some cases it can be helped by stress reduction, behavior modification, or treating interferences causing the tissue to grind.

·         Abfraction is loss of tooth structure on the side of the tooth that is caused from occlusal (biting) forces.

o   A night guard is usually recommended to protect the teeth from more destructive forces

o   In some cases the worn areas on the side of the tooth will need to be restored with filling material to strengthen and protect the tooth

If you are ever unsure if your teeth are beginning to wear or if you are not sure whether something may cause a problem, be sure to consult your dentist to be safe.

For more information visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

Can Trendy Diets Negatively Impact Oral Health?

            It seems like every year there is a new diet trend that Hollywood stars swear by. We see the results on TV or in a magazine and we think that we have to try it. But it is important to consider how these diets can affect your overall health and the health of your teeth and gums. So before you start trying the latest diet trend, there are a few facts to consider.

            Some of the common diets involve ‘liquid cleanses’ that are designed to help you lose weight and rid the body of unwanted toxins. But it is important to consider what you are ingesting with these cleanses. If they involve lots of citrus fruits or drinks, the teeth can be negatively affected. The constant barrage of acid can wear the enamel and expose the underlying dentin. Dentin is not as durable or as strong as enamel and the teeth can continue to wear even faster than before. Not only does this weaken the tooth but it can cause sensitivity and possibly result in the need for a root canal. Toothpastes like Pronamel can help protect your teeth from the acid, but it will not work with 100% efficacy. I recommend discussing these diets and the possible side effects with your dentist before beginning a ‘juice cleanse.’ Each individual is different and you should know the pros and cons before you begin.

            But can other diets actually help your teeth and gums? There are some studies that suggest there is a connection to healthier teeth and gums to people with vegan diets. However, at the time the article was published the actual cause and effect relationship was not known. It is possible it has to do with the foods you eat or it is a result of someone just being more health conscious in general.

            While I am very supportive of finding ways to stay healthy and stay at a healthy weight, it is important to look at all the pros and cons of different diets or workout plans. You should always talk with your doctor and/or dentist before trying anything that you are unsure about.

For more information, please visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS 

Your Child’s Teeth: Helpful tips for parents

• Why are baby teeth so important?
• They help your child speak and chew normally. They also help hold spaces for the subsequent adult teeth.

• When should they have all of their baby teeth?
• Most children will have all of their baby teeth by the age of three

• Should I be worried about the spacing in my child’s teeth?
• Spaces between baby teeth are normal.

• How much toothpaste should my child use?
• Use a soft bristled, child sized toothbrush and use a grain of rice sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

• When should I begin flossing my child’s teeth?
• As soon as they have two teeth that touch.

• Teething tips:
• Gently rub your child’s gums with a clean wet piece of gauze, your finger, or a small cool spoon.
• Use a clean, chilled teeth ring and don’t dip in sugar or other foods. This can cause tooth decay.
• Talk to you pediatrician or dentist if they are still uncomfortable
• Do not use topical gels or creams with anesthetics (Orajel or Baby Orajel) to help with sore gums in young kids. In a small number of children they have caused serious reactions.

• Prevent Tooth Decay in Baby Teeth
• Clean their teeth two times per day, every day
• If they use a pacifier, do not dip in sugar or honey.
• Do not put pacifiers or spoons in your mouth to clean them before giving them to your children. Decay causing bacteria can be passed to your child.
• Do not let them sip sugary drinks regularly. Limit these to mealtimes.
• Do not put infants to bed with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices, or any liquids with sugar.
• Avoid sugary snacks and try healthy snacks.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc. 

Can yoga and other stress releases decrease stress induced teeth grinding?

            Bruxism (clenching and/or grinding of the teeth) affects millions of Americans. Some people are aware they grind their teeth and some have no idea. Regardless, bruxism can lead to severe wear on the teeth or problems with the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). Typically we recommend a custom made appliance to help protect the teeth, the joint, and even alleviate any pain associated with bruxism. But are their other holistic approaches we can try to help reduce the bruxism? Some studies suggest there is a chance.

            There are different theories and causes for why we grind our teeth. One of the more common associations is stress. Some stress is unavoidable and sometimes it comes and goes. From a dental point of view, I cannot help treat your stress. However, I can help treat the symptoms and protect your teeth and jaw. But there are other medical professionals that may be able to treat the stress. There are specialists you can work with that can help you manage stress. If that does not work there may be some medications available. If you are interested in this route, I would suggest talking with your physician first.

            Some recent studies have also suggested yoga and other forms of exercise can help reduce stress. There are times when your life is so busy and full of unavoidable stresses that there will never be a complete escape. Putting time aside to exercise can help you let go for a little or even give you the time to organize your thoughts. By managing your stress, you may also reduce the amount you clench or grind your teeth.

            At this time there is no way to predict whether or not this strategy will work for you. But if you grind your teeth and you don’t have a consistent exercise routine it doesn’t hurt to try. If it doesn’t work we can always make you an appliance to help protect your teeth.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc. 

Why are sealants so important for my child?

Why do your kids need sealants?

            Around age 6 your child will begin to see the eruption of their first adult molar teeth. Once they get closer to 12, their next round of molars will come in. Because these teeth have so many pits, fissures and grooves, they are especially susceptible to cavities. To combat the start of tooth decay, we recommend placing sealants as soon as the teeth erupt and your child is able to tolerate the procedure.

           

Purpose of a sealant:

            A sealant is a white plastic coating that is placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to help stop tooth decay. The material is closely related to traditionally filling material but is designed to flow into the deepest pits and fissures of the tooth.

Placing the sealant:

            A sealant is a preventative procedure and is not invasive. We first need to clean and dry the surface of the tooth. Any debris or saliva can inhibit the bond of the sealant to the tooth. We then place a conditioning solution on the tooth for around 30 seconds before thoroughly rinsing and drying the area. The sealant material is then brushed into the necessary parts of the tooth before becoming hardened with a special light.

How long should a sealant last?

            Some adults will still find sealants on their back teeth 10 or 15 years after their original placement. And if they are still there, there is no reason to remove them. However, due to a variety of factors, many sealants will need to be replaced every 2-5 years. A lot depends on the anatomy of the tooth and the habits of the child. We usually recommend having sealants on the molars at least until the age of 14 or 15. It has been shown to reduce the potential of tooth decay by over 70% vs. kids without sealants. 

Do other teeth need sealants besides the molars?

            Depending on the formation of the teeth or a high propensity toward developing cavities, we may recommend fillings on other teeth. Bicuspids and upper front teeth will often be sealed due to their unique anatomy.

For more information, visit us at www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc. 

What is oral cancer?

What is Oral Cancer?

            Oral cancer can be particularly dangerous because it can go undetected in its early states. This can make dentists the first line of defense in the fight against oral cancer.  As the sixth most common cancer, it account for almost 5% of all cases. Over 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer each year and results in over 8,000 deaths. If oropharyngeal cancer is included, the number increases to over 15,000 per year.

What are the risk factors?

           

            Risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol use, sun exposure of the lips, previous head and neck cancer diagnosis, and HPV. HPV can cause cancer in the back of the throat, on the base of the tongue, and the tonsils. It is estimated around 80 million Americans are infected wit HPV, but it is possible that vaccines could help prevent oropharyngeal cancer.

           

What are the warning signs?

            Oral cancer is usually painless in the beginning stages but it can become painful as it progresses. You should see your dentist immediately if you find areas of your mouth that don’t heal after 2 weeks. There are many different presentations, so it is better to be cautious.

How do dentists screen for cancer?

            Until proven otherwise, the most effective way to screen for oral cancer is a clinical evaluation. We look for irregular lumps or tissue changes on the neck, head, cheeks and oral cavity. We also use pictures and detailed notes to track any progression. While there are different rinses available, most oral pathologists do not believe they are predictable enough to use with any regularity.

How is oral cancer treated?

            Treatment of oral cancer may include surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. You physician will be the one to determine the appropriate course.

How can I prevent oral cancer?

            Abstain from using all forms of tobacco, avoid excessive sun exposure, and excessive alcohol consumption. The CDC recommends that all preteen boys and girls be vaccinated for HPV. The success of treatment is closely tied to early detection, so you should maintain regular visits to your dentist.

For more information, visit us at www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.