Dental Sealants Are a Simple and Effective Prevention Strategy

Dr. Benjamin Coon, D.D.S.

Dental sealants have been in common use for about three decades, and technology has advanced and improved them over the years. Sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria. They are typically applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth — the premolars and molars — where decay occurs most often. Children are especially good candidates for this preventive treatment.

The most likely place for a child to get a cavity is in the small pits and grooves in their back teeth, areas that are extremely difficult to keep clean. Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, but toothbrush bristles often cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" bacteria-causing plaque and food.

A sealant is a plastic resin that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth. It protects enamel from cavity-causing plaque and acids. While sealants aren't 100 percent effective in preventing cavities, they can significantly reduce the risk of decay, especially if a patient visits his or her dentist regularly to have worn out or missing sealants replaced.

Sealants are easy for your dentist to apply, and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. The teeth that will be sealed are cleaned first, then the chewing surfaces are roughened with an acid solution to help the sealant adhere to the tooth. The sealant is then painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes an ultraviolet light is used to help the material cure and harden.

As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Dental sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last several years before a reapplication is needed. During regular dental visits, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them whenever necessary.

Of course, the basics for tooth decay prevention include twice-daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste; daily flossing; eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks; and visiting your dentist regularly. Ask your dentist whether sealants can augment your family's prevention program.

Dr. Benjamin Coon, D.D.S.

Glenwood Meadows Dental

40 Market Street, Suite A

Glenwood Springs, CO  81601

970-947-1717

www.gmeadowsdental.com

Dental Emergencies and Accidents: the Doctor is in!

Dr. Benjamin Coon, D.D.S.

As a dentist, it is ideal to meet my patients for the first time during a routine visit for an exam or teeth-cleaning. Very often, however, the first patient-dentist contact takes place because of a dental emergency. That's okay too: like most dentists, I reserve some time in each day's schedule for emergency patients. Emergency visits are usually preceded by a phone call from the patient or family member, and this communication is extremely helpful, so I can receive as much advance detail on the emergency condition as possible.

Often, patients aren't sure if the dental problem they're experiencing is an emergency. I offer this advice: If it hurts, it's an emergency. Remember, pain is a signal that something is wrong; a problem that will not disappear even if the pain subsides. This is because even injuries that seem small can affect the living tissues inside the teeth. Any obvious damage to a tooth should be treated as soon as possible. Chips or fractures can affect the living tissue inside the tooth, causing more problems in the future. In rare instances, infection can occur and be serious enough to be life-threatening. An immediate visit to your dentist nearly always prevents the damage from getting worse.

Quick treatment is also essential for a lost filling or crown. Even if you don't have any pain symptoms, if you have lost a restorative device the tooth has lost its support and it could easily become damaged. Pieces of tooth often break off or crumble later, making even more extensive treatment necessary. If you see your dentist right away, there's a good chance he or she will be able to repair the damage more easily--and affordably. 

There are a number of simple precautions you can take to avoid accident and injury to your teeth. One way to reduce the chances of damage to your teeth, lips, cheek and tongue is to wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities that may pose a risk. Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth. And although it may seem obvious, it's important to cut things using scissors, rather than your teeth!

Accidents do happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. These are some common dental injuries, with advice on how to deal with them:

• Knocked-out tooth: Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. Put the tooth in a cup of milk and get to the dentist as quickly as possible. Remember to bring the tooth with you!

• Bitten lip or tongue:  Clean the area gently with a cloth and apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, go to a hospital emergency room immediately.

• Broken tooth:  Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Use cold compresses on the area to keep any swelling down. Call your dentist immediately.

• Possible broken jaw: Apply cold compresses to control swelling. Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency department immediately.

• Objects caught between teeth: Try to gently remove the object with dental floss; avoid cutting the gums. Never use a sharp instrument to remove any object that is stuck between your teeth. If you can’t dislodge the object using dental floss, contact your dentist.

• Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to ensure that there is no food or other debris caught between the teeth. One old home remedy for toothaches called for putting aspirin against the gums near the aching tooth; we recommend against this because it may burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists, contact your dentist.

Today, dentists have many options for dealing with dental emergencies. There are advances in pain management and ways to restore teeth. Teeth can be repaired with synthetic materials that are strong and look as good as your natural teeth. Your dentist has the training and skills to identify what the problem is and how serious it is. He or she can almost always reduce or eliminate your pain within a few minutes.

If you’re concerned about visiting the dentist because you have limited or no dental insurance, ask if the practice offers an outside monthly payment plan; most do. If the answer is yes, you can submit an application online and get an immediate credit decision—and the emergency care you need.

Dr. Benjamin Coon, D.D.S.

Glenwood Meadows Dental

40 Market Street, Suite A

Glenwood Springs, CO  81601

970-947-1717

www.gmeadowsdental.com

Toothpaste 101

 

Dr. Benjamin Coon, D.D.S.

To keep your mouth healthy between dental appointments, at-home dental hygiene habits are critical. Brushing and flossing are the foundations of dental hygiene. To integrate these good habits at home among all family members, quality toothpaste is an essential element. Selecting the right toothpaste for you and members of your family is important.

Toothpaste doesn't just polish teeth; it also removes the bacteria that cause dental plaque and bad breath. As dental plaque bacteria meet with food, they create an acid that attacks teeth and eventually causes tooth decay. A build-up of dental plaque bacteria can cause several other dental problems including gum disease. These microorganisms also produce volatile sulfur molecules which are a source of bad breath.

Toothpaste's ingredients help control mouth bacteria and fight dental problems. Most toothpastes contain detergents that create a foaming action to better remove food particles and dental plaque. Abrasives add a little extra cleaning power to help remove stains but can damage tooth enamel when used too vigorously. Breath fresheners are also commonly added to make your mouth feel clean, and added flavors keep your toothpaste from tasting bland. But the most important ingredient is fluoride, which helps prevent cavities and promote tooth health.

There are many types of toothpastes on the market. Each is designed to fit individual needs:

• Whitening Toothpaste: Teeth whitening toothpastes don't actually whiten teeth; they use scrubbing materials or chemicals to remove tooth stains.
• Tartar Control Toothpaste:  Likewise, tartar control toothpastes don't remove dental tartar, but they do help prevent dental tartar from accumulating. Dental tartar can only be removed by a dentist, so it's beneficial to start using tartar-control toothpaste after a dental checkup.
• Desensitizing Toothpaste: Tooth sensitivity often results from weakened enamel or the exposure of roots due to receding gums. Desensitizing toothpastes work by creating a barrier and blocking irritants from reaching the nerves.
• Fluoride Toothpaste:  Fluoride is important to your dental health and can be added to any type of toothpaste. Not only does fluoride strengthen teeth against dental cavities but it remineralizes teeth worn by acid and fights sensitivity. Fluoride toothpaste is an excellent choice for those who need a little extra help protecting themselves from cavities, particularly children and seniors. Fluoride toothpastes are also recommended for those without the benefit of community water fluoridation.
• Gum Health Toothpaste: Dental plaque found under the gum line can lead to gum disease. Although gum health toothpastes are not a professional gum disease treatment, they can control dental plaque and help prevent the possibility of gum disease in the future.
• Fresh Breath Toothpaste: Like many mouthwashes, fresh breath toothpastes are designed to mask bad breath but do not actually treat halitosis.
• Natural Toothpaste: For those who are uncomfortable brushing with chemicals, natural toothpastes may be an option. These contain all-natural ingredients but have varied results. Some natural toothpastes may not contain fluoride, so check the label before buying the product.
• Children's Toothpaste: These toothpastes have been developed to meet the special needs of children. As children are extremely susceptible to dental cavities, their toothpastes often contain fluoride. Younger children should only use a small amount of toothpaste to avoid ingestion and prevent dental fluorosis, and should be always supervised during brushing.
• Baking Soda Toothpaste: Baking soda has traditional significance because it was once used to clean teeth. Some prefer it because they enjoy the fresh feeling they get after brushing with it.
• Gels: Some gels contain mouthwash which may be why some prefer the consistency or taste of a gel over a toothpaste. While gels may make your mouth feel fresher, there's no proof that they clean teeth better than toothpastes. Also, many gels do not contain fluoride.

Picking the perfect toothpaste out of the hundreds available can be daunting. Look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. This symbol shows that the manufacturer has participated in a voluntary testing program conducted by the ADA to gauge the product’s safety and effectiveness.

In addition to selecting the right toothpaste, it is also important to brush properly. Here are five important brushing tips:

•  Brush for at least two minutes
• Use a pea-sized amount of paste
• Find a toothpaste for your needs; usually a soft bristle brush is ideal for both children and adults
• Tilt your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gums and use short, circular strokes. Small children without well-developed fine motor skills will need assistance with this.
• Brush at least twice a day.

Toothpaste is a significant part of your oral hygiene routine, but remember it's just one part of your oral health care regimen. Brushing must be combined with other aspects of dental care including flossing, a good diet and regular dental visits.

Dr. Benjamin Coon, D.D.S.
Glenwood Meadows Dental
40 Market Street, Suite A
Glenwood Springs, CO  81601
970-947-1717
www.gmeadowsdental.com