Q: I'm caring for an elderly, infirm parent. Any tips for me on their dental care?
A: Here is how to brush someone else's teeth: Make sure the lighting is good in the room you choose, it does not need to be a bathroom. Wherever your parent feels comfortable is the right place. Wash your hands and put on sanitary, disposable gloves. Stand or sit so that you have a good view of all of the teeth. Put only a small amount of toothpaste on the brush. Brush all surfaces of each tooth and angle the brush. Brush gently at the gum line (this is an area that is particularly susceptible to decay in this type of patient) front and back. Gently brush the tongue after you've done the teeth. Help them to rinse with plain water.
Consider, with your parent's consent, of course, whether a power toothbrush might make the work easier and more efficient. Arrange for a professional checkup at least twice a year, Chips Dental Associates is happy to make arrangements for these patients in either of our offices. You can also speak with us about making special arrangements for having a home-bound relative seen.
As a Chips Dental Associates patient, you have access to our preventive program for adult patients. This involves regular applications of a highly concentrated topical fluoride varnish that has been shown to reduce the rate of decay. Many times cavities found in this aging population can be managed with a fluoride releasing material that will also reduce the rate of decay. The doctors at Chips Dental Associates have special training in the use of these and other modalities of treatment specifically targeted at this segment of the population.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates, LLC.
For more information or questions visit www.chipsdentalLLC.com
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Periodontist
Q: What is a periodontist?
A: A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. The word itself comes from the Greek roots, "peri," meaning around, and "odont," the word for tooth. Periodontistry is one of several areas of dental specialty that require two to three years of training beyond the education required for a General Dentist. Since some 75 percent of tooth loss is due to gum disease and the deterioration of the tooth's support system, the periodontist is a critical part of our oral health care system.
If periodontal disease is caught early, there are many non-surgical ways to treat it. The periodontist, general dentist, or hygienist may be able to scrape plaque from tooth roots to reduce the amount of bacteria in these areas, which when combined with regular care can help to keep your periodontal disease stable. If the disease is more advanced, surgical techniques, including bone grafting, may be used to replace lost bone. It is important for your periodontal status to be stable to be a candidate for dental implants.
In the best of worlds, you'd like to not need the services of a periodontist, the best way to avoid that is to visit Chips Dental Associates regularly and observe a sound regimen of home care by brushing and flossing regularly.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates, LLC.
For more information or questions, please visit www.chipsdentalLLC.com
A: A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. The word itself comes from the Greek roots, "peri," meaning around, and "odont," the word for tooth. Periodontistry is one of several areas of dental specialty that require two to three years of training beyond the education required for a General Dentist. Since some 75 percent of tooth loss is due to gum disease and the deterioration of the tooth's support system, the periodontist is a critical part of our oral health care system.
If periodontal disease is caught early, there are many non-surgical ways to treat it. The periodontist, general dentist, or hygienist may be able to scrape plaque from tooth roots to reduce the amount of bacteria in these areas, which when combined with regular care can help to keep your periodontal disease stable. If the disease is more advanced, surgical techniques, including bone grafting, may be used to replace lost bone. It is important for your periodontal status to be stable to be a candidate for dental implants.
In the best of worlds, you'd like to not need the services of a periodontist, the best way to avoid that is to visit Chips Dental Associates regularly and observe a sound regimen of home care by brushing and flossing regularly.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates, LLC.
For more information or questions, please visit www.chipsdentalLLC.com
Monday, May 10, 2010
What is the Pulp of the tooth?
Q: What is the pulp of the tooth?
A: Inside every tooth, protected by the casing of enamel, is a mass of tissue that holds the nerves and blood vessels that are essential to the health of the tooth. People generally refer to the pulp as the 'nerve' of the tooth because it's extremely sensitive and painful when exposed. Through tiny openings in the tips of the roots of the teeth, the vessels and nerves in the tooth connect with the arteries, veins, and nerves of the jaw, and on to the circulatory and nervous system of the body. The pulp brings nutrients that help with the ongoing formation of dentin, the highly calcified material that accounts for about 75% of the bulk of a tooth.
If the pulp becomes infected and dies, the dentin will not get the nutrition it needs. It will gradually dry up and the tooth will become brittle. If the dead pulp is not removed through a root canal therapy procedure, the tooth may turn yellow, gray, or black. Once a root canal therapy procedure is complete, since the tooth is without a nervous system or blood supply, it is a necessity to protect your tooth with a crown or 'cap' that helps to strengthen this tooth. The crown, once placed, reduces the risk of tooth fracture after a root canal therapy significantly. Without having the crown placed, your tooth would be at very high risk of fracture and may possibly need to be removed if it fractures. One of the goals of a good oral hygiene program is to prevent decay of the enamel and dentin that protect the pulp.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates, LLC.
For more information or questions, please visit www.chipsdentalLLC.com
A: Inside every tooth, protected by the casing of enamel, is a mass of tissue that holds the nerves and blood vessels that are essential to the health of the tooth. People generally refer to the pulp as the 'nerve' of the tooth because it's extremely sensitive and painful when exposed. Through tiny openings in the tips of the roots of the teeth, the vessels and nerves in the tooth connect with the arteries, veins, and nerves of the jaw, and on to the circulatory and nervous system of the body. The pulp brings nutrients that help with the ongoing formation of dentin, the highly calcified material that accounts for about 75% of the bulk of a tooth.
If the pulp becomes infected and dies, the dentin will not get the nutrition it needs. It will gradually dry up and the tooth will become brittle. If the dead pulp is not removed through a root canal therapy procedure, the tooth may turn yellow, gray, or black. Once a root canal therapy procedure is complete, since the tooth is without a nervous system or blood supply, it is a necessity to protect your tooth with a crown or 'cap' that helps to strengthen this tooth. The crown, once placed, reduces the risk of tooth fracture after a root canal therapy significantly. Without having the crown placed, your tooth would be at very high risk of fracture and may possibly need to be removed if it fractures. One of the goals of a good oral hygiene program is to prevent decay of the enamel and dentin that protect the pulp.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates, LLC.
For more information or questions, please visit www.chipsdentalLLC.com
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Importance of Mouth Guards
Q: Why are mouth guards important for athletes?
A: For athletes engaged in certain high-contact sports like hockey and football, the benefits of wearing a mouth guard are obvious. Dental injuries can be permanent and, in some cases, though, they are costly.
The American Dental Association advocates the wearing of mouth guards as the most effective defense against sports-related dental injuries. They cushion blows that might otherwise result in chipped or broken teeth and severe lacerations to the lip or tongue. Additionally, the ADA notes that athletes at all levels, organized or unorganized, recreational or competitive, are at risk for dental injury. Even individual recreational activities like skating and gymnastics can expose a person to a mouth injury.
Ideally an athlete should be wearing a mouth guard during any physical activity, from riding bikes to playing football. The standard "boil-and-bite" type mouth guard offers the minimum protection required to help prevent dental and other injuries, but are not the most effective and can be uncomfortable to wear. The most comprehensive protection and comfortable fit is achieved by a custom made mouth guard. These are made from an impression or mold of your teeth taken at Chips Dental Associates. The dental laboratory technician can then manufacture a mouth guard just for your teeth. It will stay in on it's own and does not obstruct breathing. Although these are more costly than those available in the sporting goods store, they more than make up for the added costs with added protection. As mentioned before, if it prevents one dental injury, it has paid for itself.
Mouth guards also play a role in minimizing the occurrence or severity of concussion. Some experts maintain the shock absorption quality of a mouth guard can take the sting off some blows that cause concussion.
Chips Dental Associates, LLC is committed to helping our community protect their teeth and reduce the risk of concussions. We have partnered with local schools to provide custom mouth guards for student athletes at a reduced fee. If you are a student or parent from a local school, please contact our office for more information.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates, LLC.
For more information or questions, visit www.chipsdentalLLC.com
A: For athletes engaged in certain high-contact sports like hockey and football, the benefits of wearing a mouth guard are obvious. Dental injuries can be permanent and, in some cases, though, they are costly.
The American Dental Association advocates the wearing of mouth guards as the most effective defense against sports-related dental injuries. They cushion blows that might otherwise result in chipped or broken teeth and severe lacerations to the lip or tongue. Additionally, the ADA notes that athletes at all levels, organized or unorganized, recreational or competitive, are at risk for dental injury. Even individual recreational activities like skating and gymnastics can expose a person to a mouth injury.
Ideally an athlete should be wearing a mouth guard during any physical activity, from riding bikes to playing football. The standard "boil-and-bite" type mouth guard offers the minimum protection required to help prevent dental and other injuries, but are not the most effective and can be uncomfortable to wear. The most comprehensive protection and comfortable fit is achieved by a custom made mouth guard. These are made from an impression or mold of your teeth taken at Chips Dental Associates. The dental laboratory technician can then manufacture a mouth guard just for your teeth. It will stay in on it's own and does not obstruct breathing. Although these are more costly than those available in the sporting goods store, they more than make up for the added costs with added protection. As mentioned before, if it prevents one dental injury, it has paid for itself.
Mouth guards also play a role in minimizing the occurrence or severity of concussion. Some experts maintain the shock absorption quality of a mouth guard can take the sting off some blows that cause concussion.
Chips Dental Associates, LLC is committed to helping our community protect their teeth and reduce the risk of concussions. We have partnered with local schools to provide custom mouth guards for student athletes at a reduced fee. If you are a student or parent from a local school, please contact our office for more information.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates, LLC.
For more information or questions, visit www.chipsdentalLLC.com
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