Q: How much does diet affect dental health?
A: Your decisions about what you eat affect not only your dental health, but your overall health as well. So here are some things to consider when planning your meals. There are lots of products on the market designed to whiten teeth. In addition, there are some foods that will do it naturally. Apples, oranges, carrots, celery and high-fiber greens like broccoli, lettuce, and spinache contribute to teeth whiteness. That's because they require lots of chewing, which stimulates saliva production and inhibits stain-producing bacteria.
Fruits, vegetables, legumes - peas and beans - and nuts are good for general health and therefore good for your mouth. Milk and cheese are good sources of calcium, which helps keep bones strong and healthy. Studies have found that eating fresh cranberries interrupts the bonding of oral bacteria before they can form plaque. If you crave sugary or high carbohydrate food, it's better to eat them as part of a meal rather than alone. The saliva you produce while consuming a meal will help neutralize the acids those foods will generate before they can damage enamel. Talk with the Drs. Chips about good dietary choices.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates, LLC.
For more information or questions visit www.chipsdentalLLC.com
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Denture Replacement
Q: How often do dentures need to be replaced?
A: When properly cared for, dentures will last a long time. Even with good care, however, they will need professional care and possibly replacement over time. Your mouth naturally changes with age. The ridge of your gums can atrophy or shrink, as can the jaw bones. As these changes occur, dentures can become loose fitting. Loose dentures can lead to sores and infection. They can also make chewing difficult and change your facial features.
The Drs. Chips can explain to you the difference between relining, remaking, and rebasing your dentures as needed. To make a rebased denture, the Drs. Chips will use the teeth from your existing denture and make a new base. Naturally if you break or otherwise damage a denture, it may need to be replaced. Though they are sturdy enough in your mouth, the danger with dentures is handling them outside the mouth. When you are removing your dentures, you should lean over a folded towel. A drop of even a few inches onto a hard surface could damage a denture. Regular visits to Chips Dental Associates are important for denture wearers. You want to make sure that your dentures are in good condition, your mouth is in good condition and have oral cancer screenings done at regular intervals.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates, LLC.
For more information or questions please visit www.chipsdentalLLC.com
A: When properly cared for, dentures will last a long time. Even with good care, however, they will need professional care and possibly replacement over time. Your mouth naturally changes with age. The ridge of your gums can atrophy or shrink, as can the jaw bones. As these changes occur, dentures can become loose fitting. Loose dentures can lead to sores and infection. They can also make chewing difficult and change your facial features.
The Drs. Chips can explain to you the difference between relining, remaking, and rebasing your dentures as needed. To make a rebased denture, the Drs. Chips will use the teeth from your existing denture and make a new base. Naturally if you break or otherwise damage a denture, it may need to be replaced. Though they are sturdy enough in your mouth, the danger with dentures is handling them outside the mouth. When you are removing your dentures, you should lean over a folded towel. A drop of even a few inches onto a hard surface could damage a denture. Regular visits to Chips Dental Associates are important for denture wearers. You want to make sure that your dentures are in good condition, your mouth is in good condition and have oral cancer screenings done at regular intervals.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates, LLC.
For more information or questions please visit www.chipsdentalLLC.com
Monday, February 8, 2010
Start Dental Care in Infancy
Q: When should a child first see a dentist?
A: The American Dental Association recommends that a child see a dentist within six months after the eruption of the first tooth. Bear in mind that the first teeth to erupt, primary or "baby" teeth, are as important as the permanent teeth that follow. Generally primary teeth start showing up between the ages of six months and a year. Not only do the teeth help a child chew and speak, they are placeholders for the permanent teeth that are developing under them.
Baby teeth can develop cavities, just as permanent teeth can. Once an infant's diet contains anything other than breast milk, the new teeth are at risk for decay, sometimes called early-childhood caries or baby-bottle tooth decay. A visit to Chips Dental Associates with a toddler is also an opportunity for a parent to get a demonstration from the Drs. Chips on how to care for your child's mouth and how to show the child what to do. The Drs. Chips can also assess whether a thumb-sucking habit is having a harmful impact on a child's teeth. Also the sooner your child starts becoming comfortable in the dental office environment, the easier it will be for him or her as they age. Talk with the Drs. Chips about your child's dental health.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates.
For more information or questions, visit www.chipsdentalLLC.com
A: The American Dental Association recommends that a child see a dentist within six months after the eruption of the first tooth. Bear in mind that the first teeth to erupt, primary or "baby" teeth, are as important as the permanent teeth that follow. Generally primary teeth start showing up between the ages of six months and a year. Not only do the teeth help a child chew and speak, they are placeholders for the permanent teeth that are developing under them.
Baby teeth can develop cavities, just as permanent teeth can. Once an infant's diet contains anything other than breast milk, the new teeth are at risk for decay, sometimes called early-childhood caries or baby-bottle tooth decay. A visit to Chips Dental Associates with a toddler is also an opportunity for a parent to get a demonstration from the Drs. Chips on how to care for your child's mouth and how to show the child what to do. The Drs. Chips can also assess whether a thumb-sucking habit is having a harmful impact on a child's teeth. Also the sooner your child starts becoming comfortable in the dental office environment, the easier it will be for him or her as they age. Talk with the Drs. Chips about your child's dental health.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates.
For more information or questions, visit www.chipsdentalLLC.com
Monday, February 1, 2010
Danger of Sports Drinks
Q: Are these so-called sports drinks okay for kids' teeth?
A: Sports drinks, some researchers say, serve a beneficial role in some circumstances. Consumed during or after an intense workout of an hour or more, a child may take in more fluid with a sports drink than if offered water alone. But the fact is that most sports drinks are essentially sugar water with electrolytes added. Kids don't really need supplemental electrolytes, they get plenty in food. Sugary sports drinks are very tough on teeth as well.
It will vary by brand, but generally one 20-ounce bottle of a sports drink contains about 10- teaspoons of sugar and 130 calories. Research has shown that when sipped over a long period of time, sports drinks can do more damage to enamel than a carbonated cola product. Any sugary drink will have a corrosive effect on enamel, especially if it is sipped through the course of a day. The American Dental Association continues to recommend that we drink 8 to 12 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. If the water is fluoridated, it also helps to prevent tooth decay. Ask Drs. Chips for tips on diet - drinks and solid food - that are most conducive to oral and general health.
For more information or questions visit http://www.chipsdentalllc.com/.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates.
A: Sports drinks, some researchers say, serve a beneficial role in some circumstances. Consumed during or after an intense workout of an hour or more, a child may take in more fluid with a sports drink than if offered water alone. But the fact is that most sports drinks are essentially sugar water with electrolytes added. Kids don't really need supplemental electrolytes, they get plenty in food. Sugary sports drinks are very tough on teeth as well.
It will vary by brand, but generally one 20-ounce bottle of a sports drink contains about 10- teaspoons of sugar and 130 calories. Research has shown that when sipped over a long period of time, sports drinks can do more damage to enamel than a carbonated cola product. Any sugary drink will have a corrosive effect on enamel, especially if it is sipped through the course of a day. The American Dental Association continues to recommend that we drink 8 to 12 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. If the water is fluoridated, it also helps to prevent tooth decay. Ask Drs. Chips for tips on diet - drinks and solid food - that are most conducive to oral and general health.
For more information or questions visit http://www.chipsdentalllc.com/.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Early Signs of Periodontal Disease
Q: How can I tell if I'm getting gum disease?
A: By the time you suspect you may have gum disease, also called periodontal disease, the condition may be well advanced. The only way you would know in the early stage of the disease is if you visit Chips Dental Associates and our hygienist or the Drs. let you know. At the outset, there is normally no pain or other symptoms. Only a dental exam can determine if the disease is present. As it advances, gum disease can make the gum tissue separate from the teeth. This creates pockets in which bacteria can settle. Once entrenched, the disease attacks the tissue and bone that support the teeth. Advanced cases of periodontal disease can severely loosen teeth.
The good news is that periodontal disease is eminently preventable. Regular brushing, flossing and visits to Chips Dental Associates can greatly reduce your chances of developing periodontal disease. Women, incidentally because of the various changing phases of life, are at greater risk for gum disease. From the onset of menstruation through the teenage years, pregnancy and menopause, a woman's hormonal changes affect her oral health. The reason is that hormones impact the bacteria that grow on the teeth and in the mouth. Come in and speak with the Drs. Chips about the best practices to avoid gum disease.
For questions, more information, or appointments visit http://www.chipsdentalllc.com/
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates, LLC.
A: By the time you suspect you may have gum disease, also called periodontal disease, the condition may be well advanced. The only way you would know in the early stage of the disease is if you visit Chips Dental Associates and our hygienist or the Drs. let you know. At the outset, there is normally no pain or other symptoms. Only a dental exam can determine if the disease is present. As it advances, gum disease can make the gum tissue separate from the teeth. This creates pockets in which bacteria can settle. Once entrenched, the disease attacks the tissue and bone that support the teeth. Advanced cases of periodontal disease can severely loosen teeth.
The good news is that periodontal disease is eminently preventable. Regular brushing, flossing and visits to Chips Dental Associates can greatly reduce your chances of developing periodontal disease. Women, incidentally because of the various changing phases of life, are at greater risk for gum disease. From the onset of menstruation through the teenage years, pregnancy and menopause, a woman's hormonal changes affect her oral health. The reason is that hormones impact the bacteria that grow on the teeth and in the mouth. Come in and speak with the Drs. Chips about the best practices to avoid gum disease.
For questions, more information, or appointments visit http://www.chipsdentalllc.com/
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates, LLC.
Monday, January 18, 2010
The Dental Emergency
Q: What do I do if I have a dental emergency?
A: The time to prepare for a dental emergency is now, before it happens. In any of the following instances, call your dentist as soon as possible.
If you or your child knocks out a tooth, retrieve the tooth and hold it by the crown, not the root. If it's dirty, rinse it off but don't scrub off any tissue fragments that may be on it. If possible put the tooth back into its socket in the jaw. If not, put it in a container with milk or "save a tooth" solution. Water is not the best choice for putting your knocked out tooth in as it breaks down the remaining periodontal ligament cells which are important for ensuring that the tooth will reattach.
For a toothache, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Floss the problem area to make sure a piece of food (such as a popcorn kernel) is not lodged against the tooth. Do not put aspirin against the tooth or gum, this can actually burn the tissue. Call Chips Dental Associates for an appointment as soon as possible.
If you break a tooth, again, rinse the area with warm water to keep it clean. Use cold compresses in this situation and in any other instance of trauma to keep swelling down. You should keep Chips Dental Associates's phone number (724-443-5710 or 412-364-7144) in a visible spot along with other emergency numbers. The next time you visit us, ask us about materials - like gauze, beeswax, topical anesthetics, and save a tooth solution - that are good to have at home in a dental emergency kit.
For more information, appointments or questions, visit us on the web at http://www.chipsdentalllc.com/.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates, LLC.
A: The time to prepare for a dental emergency is now, before it happens. In any of the following instances, call your dentist as soon as possible.
If you or your child knocks out a tooth, retrieve the tooth and hold it by the crown, not the root. If it's dirty, rinse it off but don't scrub off any tissue fragments that may be on it. If possible put the tooth back into its socket in the jaw. If not, put it in a container with milk or "save a tooth" solution. Water is not the best choice for putting your knocked out tooth in as it breaks down the remaining periodontal ligament cells which are important for ensuring that the tooth will reattach.
For a toothache, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Floss the problem area to make sure a piece of food (such as a popcorn kernel) is not lodged against the tooth. Do not put aspirin against the tooth or gum, this can actually burn the tissue. Call Chips Dental Associates for an appointment as soon as possible.
If you break a tooth, again, rinse the area with warm water to keep it clean. Use cold compresses in this situation and in any other instance of trauma to keep swelling down. You should keep Chips Dental Associates's phone number (724-443-5710 or 412-364-7144) in a visible spot along with other emergency numbers. The next time you visit us, ask us about materials - like gauze, beeswax, topical anesthetics, and save a tooth solution - that are good to have at home in a dental emergency kit.
For more information, appointments or questions, visit us on the web at http://www.chipsdentalllc.com/.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates, LLC.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Cracked Teeth
Q: Can a tooth crack?
A: Though tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, and teeth do pretty tough work, a tooth is absolutely capable of cracking. A crack can develop suddenly. For instance, let's say you chew on a popcorn kernel, a pencil, an ice cube, hard candy-any of a number of really hard objects-if you hit it at the right angle, you could crack a tooth. Also, teeth are under tremendous pressure, given their roles as food processors and the grinding you may put them through. Over time, they can weaken and crack even without chewing on any of the hard objects mentioned above. In fact, if you have a tooth that is overly sensitive to hot and cold, it may be cracked.
Cracks can vary in length. If a crack is above the gum line, a piece of tooth may break off. Drs. Chips may be able to treat it with a filling or a crown. If the crack extends down into the root, Drs. Chips may reccommend a root canal or periodontal surgery. Generally there is no guarantee, regardless of the work that is done, that a cracked tooth can ultimately be saved. Call Chips Dental Associates and schedule an appointment today to discuss any questions you might have about cracked teeth.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates.
For more information or questions, please visit us on the web at http://www.chipsdentalllc.com/.
A: Though tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, and teeth do pretty tough work, a tooth is absolutely capable of cracking. A crack can develop suddenly. For instance, let's say you chew on a popcorn kernel, a pencil, an ice cube, hard candy-any of a number of really hard objects-if you hit it at the right angle, you could crack a tooth. Also, teeth are under tremendous pressure, given their roles as food processors and the grinding you may put them through. Over time, they can weaken and crack even without chewing on any of the hard objects mentioned above. In fact, if you have a tooth that is overly sensitive to hot and cold, it may be cracked.
Cracks can vary in length. If a crack is above the gum line, a piece of tooth may break off. Drs. Chips may be able to treat it with a filling or a crown. If the crack extends down into the root, Drs. Chips may reccommend a root canal or periodontal surgery. Generally there is no guarantee, regardless of the work that is done, that a cracked tooth can ultimately be saved. Call Chips Dental Associates and schedule an appointment today to discuss any questions you might have about cracked teeth.
Brought to you as a community service by Chips Dental Associates.
For more information or questions, please visit us on the web at http://www.chipsdentalllc.com/.
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