Sunday 31 August 2014

Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity

The best way to find out why a tooth is sensitive is to have dental professional examine you. They can look for the signs of dentin exposure, and run tests to determine what the true cause of the sensitivity is. Sometimes, the sensitivity is due to a cavity or gum disease ñ these can be treated to address the sensitivity. Other times, the cause of the sensitivity is because the enamel has been lost through abrasion or erosion, or the gums have receded, causing the roots to be exposed.

What Can Be Done?
If the sensitivity is due to a cavity, a restoration can be placed. If gum disease is the cause, the dental professional can perform a thorough cleaning of the area.

However, if the cause is from dentin being exposed, then there are a number of professional and at home treatments that can be used to reduce the sensitivity.

In Office Procedures:
Fluoride varnish can be applied to exposed areas, strengthening the enamel and dentin
Fluoride foam or gel can be placed into a mouth tray; you then sit with this in your mouth for 3-5 minutes, providing the teeth with a high concentration of fluoride to strengthen the areas
Bonding agent, the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth, can be used to seal the dentin surface and provide a barrier to the stimuli that cause sensitivity

At Home:
Use a very soft bristle tooth brush, with low abrasive tooth paste
Brush correctly and do not over brush
Use a tooth paste specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth
Use a high concentration fluoride toothpaste (given to you by the dental professional) to strengthen the tooth surface

There are a number of treatments available, and your dental professional can help you find those that will work best, depending on your situation. Always seek a dental professional's help ñ do not try to diagnose this problem yourself. It may be the sign of something more serious, and only a dental professional can tell you what it really is.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 
   

Saturday 30 August 2014

Overcoming Dental Anxiety

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about overcoming dental anxiety.




The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

Monday 25 August 2014

Understanding Tooth Sensitivity

Learn more about tooth sensitivity by watching this video from Colgate.com.

Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: Discover the causes, prevention and treatment of sensitivity.



The above video was found on both Colgate.com and Colgate's YouTube Channel.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 
   

Sunday 24 August 2014

Dental Check-ups

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Dental check-ups!




The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

Sunday 17 August 2014

Emergency Dentistry

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Emergency Dentistry!



The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

Monday 11 August 2014

Thumb Sucking: A Blessing or a Curse? By Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS

Thumb Sucking: A Blessing or a Curse?
By Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS 

Much to my dismay I am the mother of a thumb sucker. I know what you are thinking; in the grand scheme of things this is not really a big deal. However, to a pediatric dentist, it can be heartbreaking. I spend my professional days giving advice to parents about this very issue. At the child’s first visit, which should be by their first birthday, I always ask if they have a thumb or pacifier habit. I talk about a habit being “ok” until the child is around three years old and to “not worry” until then. I do stress that a pacifier is easier to transition from because it is easier to throw away a pacifier, and not a thumb! Realistically, most children do stop before any damage is done, but since I specialize in children’s dentistry, I see many children who are still addicted to their thumbs as late as their early teens. What do you do at that point? Well, by this time, the damage is done. Prolonged thumb and pacifier sucking does cause damage often happening as the permanent teeth erupt. It is always a good idea to cease the habit before this happens to help lower your orthodontic bill. Thumb sucking can also cause a malformation of the palate leading to a tongue thrust. This is where parents will see the dreaded “buck teeth.” When this happens, a trip to the orthodontist is needed for a consult. They can make an appliance that will prohibit your child from sucking their thumb while fixing the damage that the thumb has caused. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has this to say: “Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants; most stop by age 2 and it should be discouraged after age 4. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems. Dentists can suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb sucking habit. ” And, of course, “Never dip a pacifier into honey or anything sweet before giving it to a baby ” (aapd.org).

Is there a positive aspect of thumb sucking? My little one is an awesome sleeper and self-soother. I have a friend who swears by her thumb-sucking children and let’s me know how lucky I am. This, of course, I know. I understand that thumb sucking is not the end of the world. Experiencing milestones with my daughter only allows me treat your children better. And for that, I am especially thankful. I will not only be able to treat your children, but also sympathize with what you are going through stage by stage. Should you worry about thumb sucking? Maybe, come see me and we will get through this together.

Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS is a pediatric dentist at Drs. Null, Seidel and Dental Associates and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

 

Sunday 10 August 2014

Good Food for Dental Health: Water

Water Rules
Water, especially fluoridated water, is the best beverage for maintaining your oral health. That's because fluoride helps to make teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that can cause cavities. As of 2012, nearly 75 percent of the U.S. population had access to fluoridated water, so drinking water from your own kitchen sink can help prevent dental problems. 

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 


Sunday 3 August 2014

Good Food for Dental Health: Fruits & Veggies

Fruits and Veggies Pack an Extra Punch
Fruits and veggies are an important part of any balanced diet, and they are also good for your teeth. Since they are high in water and fiber, they help to balance the sugars they contain and help to clean your teeth. Chewing also helps to stimulate saliva production, which washes harmful acids and food particles away from your teeth. 

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193