Why do my kids need sealants?

            When your kid’s permanent molars begin to erupt, we typically discuss the importance of sealants. Dental sealants are placed over the deep pits and fissures of teeth to help prevent the start of cavities. These deep grooves are common areas for cavities to begin in children, and sealants have been proven to help reduce the incidence in tooth decay.

Which teeth typically need sealants?

            Usually it is only the permanent molars that need sealants, but if there is a higher risk of tooth decay we may recommend sealants on other permanent teeth. This could include incisors or premolars.

How old will they be when sealants are recommended?

            The permanent first molars typically erupt around 6 years old. Every child can vary on timing, so it may not be until they are 8 or even 9. Recommendations may also be made based on each child’s ability to tolerate the procedure.

What should they expect during a sealant?

            It is essential to keep the tooth completely dry during the procedure. Any saliva on the tooth will cause the sealant to fall off. So we protect the area with cotton and use suction to remove any moisture. The tooth is brushed clean, cleaned microscopically with a liquid, then rinsed and dried. The sealant material is then painted on as a liquid and is hardened by a strong light for about 20 seconds. If everything goes well, each individual sealant should only take a few minutes.

Do they need to wait to eat after the sealant is placed?

            After the procedure, they are free to eat, drink, brush and floss. However, we recommend avoiding sticky and hard foods for a few days. The sealant needs to ‘wear down’ into the correct spot, and this can take a few days. If they chew food that is too stick or hard, it could increase the risk of losing the sealant before it settles into their bite.

How much does it reduce their risk of cavities?

            For children who have had sealants placed, studies have shown a 70-80% reduction in the incidence of cavities in the grooves of the teeth. It is a very effective preventative measure that can be taken to help protect their teeth.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

Why is an electric toothbrush better than a regular toothbrush?

It has a two-minute timer:

The proper amount of time to brush your teeth is two minutes. Typically, the average person will brush their teeth for only 30 to 45 seconds before finishing. They stop because it feels like it has been a long time and the teeth feel cleaner than before brushing. By brushing for 30 seconds, you have only removed the macroscopic particles on your teeth. To truly clean on a microscopic level you need 30 seconds on each quadrant of the mouth. We have found that brushing for the full two minutes to be one of the biggest difference makers to improving your oral health and reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

It doesn’t wear down the gum tissue:

            When using a regular toothbrush, many people tend to brush in a ‘sawing’ motion. The toothbrush and the toothpaste have abrasives that can wear down the gums and cause recession. If the gums recede too far, then a surgical procedure is needed to restore the tissue. An electric toothbrush doesn’t require you to use a brushing motion. You can simply move it from tooth to tooth and the motion of the brush head will properly clean the teeth.

The toothbrush doesn’t get distracted (like we all do):

            When we brush our teeth in the morning and before bed, our mind tends to wander. Even if we are a little distracted, the electric toothbrush will continue to do its job. We don’t have to worry that it will scrub too hard in one area and cause recession. It should also beep or vibrate every 30 seconds as a reminder to move on to the next quadrant.

Which one is right for me?
            Talk your dentist or hygienist about all of your options. You don’t have to break the bank to get a great toothbrush. And if you aren’t sure, just ask!

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS

Chewing sugar free gum can improve your dental health

            Men’s Health magazine recently had an article titled, “This $1 Habit Could Save You Hundreds In Dental Bills.” The article discussed how chewing sugar free gum is a simple and inexpensive trick to help keep your mouth healthy and reduce your dental expenditures. So how does chewing sugar free gum promote dental health?

Chewing sugar free gum reduces the acidity in our mouth and reduces the bad bacteria present. It does so by increasing saliva production, which in turn helps to remove food from the teeth and neutralize the acid that wears away at enamel. This obviously should mean less dental work needed over time.

How long do you need to chew the gum for it to be effective? It should be at least for 20 minutes to get the maximum benefit that sugar free gum can give you. If you only chew gum for enough time to freshen your breath and quickly dispose of it, it doesn’t provide adequate time to cleanse some of the surface areas and change the acidity in the mouth.

            Does chewing sugar free gum replace brushing, flossing, or using mouth rinse? It should only be used as a supplement to the usual home care techniques. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing are the only ways to adequately clean the teeth. If you try to replace these with chewing sugar free gum, I think you could run into some serious dental issues. But chewing gum could be a great way to supplement your home care routines if you are snacking throughout the day and you do not have a toothbrush and toothpaste with you.

            Be sure you check the ingredients and labels on gum before you buy with the purpose of improving your oral health. If you are consistently chewing gum loaded with sugar, it could have the opposite effect. And definitely talk with your dentist for any other recommendations regarding your individual situation.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS 

Researchers working on fillings that regenerate tooth structure

            In both medicine and dentistry there is a focus on being preventative and less invasive with treatments. Sealants, fluoride treatments, and regular cleanings are a great way to focus on preventative dental treatment. But once a cavity has formed, our only course of treatment involves drilling away tooth structure to remove the tooth decay. Currently, researchers are working on developing fillings that “allow teeth to heal themselves.” This is a very exciting development because it could limit the number of invasive procedures a dentist may need to perform.

            The treatment that researchers have been working on would stimulate stem cells to encourage the growth of dentin. Dentin is the bony material that makes up the majority of the tooth and lies just under the hard, outer shell of enamel. These fillings would allow you to effectively re-grow tooth structure that was damaged by decay. Hopefully this could become an alternative to traditional dental fillings.

            So why would it be important to reduce the number of fillings needed or the size of the fillings performed? Typically, a smaller filling leads to a better prognosis. A smaller filling stays further from the pulp (where the nerve is found) and decreases the potential for sensitivity. And every time you work on a tooth, you risk possible sensitivity and the need for a root canal in the future. Each root canal contains another set of risks that include root fracture and tooth loss. Bottom line: if you can avoid invasive procedures on the teeth it can be beneficial to you in the long run.

            Even though we still know very little about this development, it is safe to say it will not eliminate the need for all invasive dental procedures. But every little bit helps and it can hopefully prevent a ripple affect on your dental health that could affect you for years.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS 

Sports drinks can be bad for your teeth

            Gatorade, Powerade, and a number of other sports drinks have gained popularity over the years. Their original intent was to provide hydration for athletes looking to replenish their fluids and electrolytes after training or competition. When used in this capacity, these drinks are safe and effective for people of nearly all ages. But as they surged in popularity, many began to drink sports drinks throughout the day. Misuse of these drinks can lead to other health problems like tooth decay and obesity.

            So how can sports drinks be bad for you? The purposes of sports drinks are somewhat misunderstood as drinks that provide nutrition for children or adults. The reality is they are loaded with sugar and are very acidic. This leads to an increased risk for tooth decay, erosion of the enamel, and even obesity. While it is generally understood that sodas and concentrated juices can be bad for you, sports drink don’t have the same persona. This leads people to overuse or incorrectly use these drinks, and the health concerns can quickly follow.

            One alarming area where we have found sports drinks to cause serious dental issues is with young adults going through braces or Invisalign. With braces on the teeth it is more challenging to remove the sugar deposits on the teeth. With Invisalign it is even more concerning if they drink sports drinks with the retainers in place. The Invisalign then acts as a reservoir for the sugary and acidic drink to attack the teeth. Be sure you discuss some of these factors with your dentist before you begin any orthodontic treatment.

            Sports drinks can be very beneficial when used in the correct setting for recovery following exercise. But be sure you and your child understand the proper use of these drinks and how to clean up afterwards. This can save you a lot a issues with your teeth and health moving forward.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

Why does my jaw hurt?

            The Today Show recently did a segment titled: “Why does my jaw hurt? 4 odd symptoms women over 40 shouldn’t ignore.” Obviously we believe anyone with jaw pain should visit the dentist, regardless of their age. But it is interesting that the article was directed to women over 40. Even if you are in excellent health and take good care of yourself, you are still getting older and certain risk factors increase with age.

What should I do when I first experience jaw pain?

            If the area is sore, it is possible you aggravated or sprained a muscle or ligament associated with the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). And like most acute injuries, your jaw requires rest and anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Alieve). It would also be helpful to rest the muscles by avoiding gum and chewy foods for a few days. If the symptoms do not subside within a week or two, then you should come in for a more thorough exam.

What if I have jaw pain and tooth pain at the same time?

             If both the teeth and jaw hurt at the same time, it is possible the problem could be related to the jaw or an individual tooth. You can sometimes experience referred pain because the nerves to the teeth are closely related to the nerves of the TMJ. Your first option would still be rest and anti-inflammatory medication. But if it is more than a day or two, I would recommend coming in for an exam to help determine what the cause could be.

           

What is the most serious concern if you are experiencing jaw pain?

            Jaw pain can be associated with heart attacks, but it is more frequent in women than in men. I don’t recommend going to the emergency room any time you experience jaw pain, but you need to be aware of all of the symptoms and your risk factors. So if you are experiencing jaw pain with some of the more traditional heart attack symptoms, it would be a good idea to call your doctor or 911 if serious enough.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc. 

Update on Oil Pulling:

            Here we are a few years after oil pulling first became popular. The craze has definitely subsided quite a bit but we still field some questions from time to time. In case you missed the initial trend: oil pulling involves swishing with coconut, olive, sesame, or sunflower oil for 20 minutes before spitting out. The belief is that it can help remove toxins from your mouth and body. Here is our take as dental professionals.

            We still haven’t seen any long term studies proving the benefits of oil pulling are backed by scientific evidence. Does that mean it can’t be proven effective in the future? No. But we can’t recommend anything for your oral health when we are unsure of its short and long term effects.

            There is one study the ADA (American Dental Association) referenced that compares the benefits of oil pulling to chlorhexidine rinse (a prescription strength anti-bacterial mouth rinse). This particular study found oil pulling more effectively reduced the presence of streptococcus mutans in the mouth. However, this did not investigate whether or not the reduction produced a clinical benefit to the person.

            Even if some scientific data is shown that oil pulling can help make the oral cavity healthier, it is unlikely I would recommend its use over traditional home care options. Oil pulling calls for swishing for up to 20 minutes at a time. I believe you are better suited to spend those 20 minutes using a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a fluoride mouth rinse.  You could use all of these tools using less time and have a more predictable and proven outcome.

            We will continue to follow the studies that become available involving oil pulling and their benefits. But until proven otherwise, I would recommend sticking with traditional methods.

For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.