How To Floss And What Types Of Floss You Can Use

Flossing is just as important as brushing in order to remove plaque and food particles that are not easily reached by your toothbrush. Plaque tends to hide in between your teeth and around the gumline causing tooth decay and possible gum disease. Flossing protects your gums, teeth, and can even help prevent other diseases that stem from poor oral hygiene. To ensure proper oral hygiene, flossing is recommended to be done at least once daily in addition to your normal brushing routine.

Tips On How To Floss

• Use a strand of floss about 18 inches long and wrap the strand around your index and middle fingers giving yourself about 2 inches of the strand between them to floss with.
• With the strand held tight, slide the floss between your teeth using a back and forth motion and then continue to clean using an up and down motion.
• When moving from tooth to tooth, make sure to use a clean section of the floss.
• When at the base of each tooth, curve the floss and gently go under the gumline. If done with too much pressure or force, this can cause bleeding and bruising to the gumline.
• To remove the floss, instead of pulling it straight up out of the tooth, use a back and forth motion to remove it gently.

Different Types Of Floss:

• Waxed floss: Standard dental floss that is coated with a thin layer of wax. This kind is more resistant to breaking or fraying and tends to be easier to slide between your teeth.
• Unwaxed floss: Thin nylon yarn composed of about 35 strands twisted together to create a strand of floss. More likely to break or fray than waxed floss.
• Flavored floss: Some waxed flosses come in flavors such a spearmint, cinnamon, etc. The use of this floss is based off personal preference.
• Ribbon tape floss: This floss is broader and flatter than standard floss. This makes it better for covering larger portions of the teeth and better for larger gaps between teeth.
• Fine Floss: A finer floss is more beneficial for flossing between tightly spaced teeth.
• Whitening floss: Helps to remove stubborn stains between teeth and near the gumline.

When You Should Consider Teeth Whitening Products

Your smile is one of the first things that other people notice about you, but if your teeth are discolored, chances are you are hiding your smile instead of showing it off. Fortunately, there is a way that you can restore the whiteness of your teeth and the beauty of your smile so you won’t have to be embarrassed by it anymore. How? – With tooth whitening.

Are you wondering what tooth whitening is all about and trying to decide whether or not it is something that you want to consider? If so, keep on reading to learn more.

Why Are Your Teeth Discolored?

When talking about tooth whitening, it is important to understand why the teeth become discolored in the first place.

The teeth can either become discolored as a result of staining on the surface of the enamel, or by chances that occur inside the teeth themselves. There are three different types of tooth discoloration, which include:

• Extrinsic Discoloration: This is the type of discoloration that happens when the enamel, the outer layer of the tooth, becomes stained. There are several different foods and drinks that cause extrinsic discoloration, such as coffee, red wine, dark colored carbonated beverages, tea, hard candy, dark colored berries and tomato sauce. Tobacco products, including cigars, cigarettes and chewing tobacco can cause extrinsic tooth discoloration, as well.
• Intrinsic Discoloration: This type of discoloration happens when the dentin, the interior structure of the tooth, becomes darker or develops a yellowish tint. Intrinsic tooth discoloration can be caused by a number of factors, including:
  • Excessive exposure to fluoride in early childhood
  • You experienced trauma to your permanent teeth as they were developing when you were young
  • Your mother took tetracycline antibiotics during her pregnancy
  • You took tetracycline antibiotics prior to the age of 8
  • You were born with dentinogenesis imperfecta, a rare condition that discolors the dentin
• Age Related Discoloration: As you age, the dentin naturally starts to yellow and the enamel becomes thinner, allowing the discolored dentin to become visible. Additionally, the older you are, the more exposure your teeth have had to staining (extrinsic discoloration.) As a result, it is not uncommon for the teeth to become discolored as you age.

Types of Tooth Whitening Products

The desire for brighter, whiter teeth has lead to the development of several different tooth whitening products. In order to determine which product is right for your needs, it’s important to have an understanding of these products.

• Whitening Toothpastes: Perhaps the most popular tooth whitening product is toothpaste. Whitening toothpastes are made with mild abrasives, which essentially polish the teeth and remove the stains on the exterior surface while brushing. The popularity of whitening toothpastes is largely due to the fact that they are inexpensive and easy to use; however, while these toothpastes do offer some results, they are not significantly noticeable and they usually don’t last long. Additionally, with excessive use, they can actually damage the teeth, as the abrasives weaken the enamel.
• Whitening Strips: Dental strips are another popular tooth whitening product. The plastic strips have peroxide gel on one side, and that gel is applied to the outer surface of the teeth. Though using them is more involved than toothpaste, they do offer more noticeable results.
• Tray Whiteners: This type of tooth whitening product involves applying a whitening solution into a tray that is similar to a mouth guard. You can either purchase an over-the-counter kit, or you can have trays custom made for your mouth by your dentist. This product yields greater results than both toothpastes and strips.
• Professional Dental Whitening Treatment: A cosmetic dentist can perform a professional, in-office whitening treatment. This type of treatment usually involves applying a whitening gel to the teeth and shining an ultraviolet lamp onto the teeth, which activates the whitening agent in the gel. Professional dental whitening yields the most noticeable results in the fastest period of time; typically, a treatment takes less than an hour and one treatment can make your teeth several shades whiter.

If you are interested in learning more about tooth whitening or you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss our state-of-the-art whitening procedures, please contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

How Regular Dental Visits Help With Oral Health

Getting your teeth checked and cleaned regularly is very important for not only your oral health but also your overall health. The term ‘regularly’ varies from patient to patient. Some patients, such as smokers, diabetics, people with current dental disease, and people who are more prone to plaque buildup, are at higher risk of dental disease and should visit the dentist more often. On average, people who are not in this high risk group can schedule visits twice a year for a proper exam and cleaning. During these regular check ups, make sure to tell your dentist if you have had any changes in your health status. This is important so that they are aware of any new medical conditions or issues you are experiencing with your teeth or mouth. The exam will consist of a thorough cleaning to remove plaque followed by an examination by the dentist to check your teeth, gums, and mouth while looking for signs of disease. X-Rays are also taken to examine the teeth and jaw better. These visits are important because they:

Help To Brighten Your Teeth

Over time your teeth become discolored and dull due to stains from certain foods and drinks we consume. Tea, wine, coffee, and tobacco all cause dark stains on the teeth leaving people embarrassed of their smile. Visiting the dentist regularly can help to remove these stains providing a brighter and whiter smile.

Prevent Bad Breath

Bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and even food being lodged in hard to reach areas in your mouth. All of these things can be prevented with regular dentist visits and improved dental hygiene.

Help To Prevent Gum Disease

Getting your teeth cleaned and having plaque removed by your dentist helps to prevent gum disease and tooth decay which can eventually lead to tooth loss. Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing at home but most importantly, regular dentist visits.

Detect Problems Early On

If there are any problems with any previous dental work, the earlier it is detected the better. Early detection can deter you from experiencing a lot of pain and preventing the problem from getting worse. In addition to dental problems, the dentist can also detect other health problems through your gums such as oral cancers, diabetes, and even anemia. If detected in the early stages through a routine check up, most of these cancers and diseases can be curable.

Benefit Your Health

Poor oral health has been proven to lead to bone loss, cardiovascular diseases, types of cancer, and many other health issues, especially heart disease, strokes, and diabetes . By visiting your dentist regularly and keeping up with good oral hygiene you can help avoid these problems.

Save Money

Visiting your dentist more frequently and possibly catching these health problems in the early stages can be less expensive. Prevention will cost less than it would if you detected a health problem at a later more advanced stage. In the long run, neglecting your teeth and oral health can lead to more expenses that can be avoided by regularly visiting your dentist.

Reasons You May Have Cavities

Cavities are caused by tooth decay which is most commonly caused by the buildup of plaque on the tooth. This plaque reacts with sugars in the foods that we eat producing harmful acids that weaken the enamel which protects our teeth. This weakened enamel makes it much easier for cavities to develop. If you notice that you have a cavity, get it filled as soon as you can because if left untreated, the decay can then spread to other teeth. Cavities are most commonly caused by:

Poor Oral Hygiene Habits

This includes brushing, flossing, and even properly using mouthwash. You should brush your teeth after every meal for at least two minutes. Try to set a timer while you brush to make sure you are brushing for long enough. As for mouthwash, although it is not necessary to your daily oral hygiene routine, it is very beneficial. Use a fluoride rinse and gargle for at least 45 seconds to prevent plaque buildup and stop cavities from forming.

Sugary Food And Drinks

Again, the sugar in the foods we eat react with plaque causing harmful acids in our mouths that weaken our enamel, the hard surface on our teeth. It is suggested to brush your teeth after every meal because this reaction happens multiple times within one sitting. These sugar dependent germs can be cleaned out using a fluoride toothpaste. Often times, there is also fluoride found in water so try swapping out that soda or fruit juice for a water next time.

Acidic Food And Drinks

Unlike sugary food and drinks, acidic foods immediately attack and begin to harm the teeth. Some foods to limit or avoid due to high acidity include grains, sugar, some dairy products, fish, soda, other sweetened drinks, and high-protein foods. There are also many fruits that are highly acidic such as pomegranates, grapefruits, grapes, and even blueberries.

Issues With Dry Mouth

The saliva in our mouths helps to prevent the growth of plaque. Saliva contains certain components that help to offset the plaque acids but can also help in repairing tooth damage and decay if in the early stages. When people experience issues with dry mouth, the lack of saliva can generate tooth decay. Dry mouth is often caused by certain medications, certain medical conditions, and even smoking or chewing tobacco. If you think your dry mouth is caused by a medication you are taking, talk to your doctor about an alternate medication or an adjustment to your current prescription. Stay hydrated, visit your dentist regularly, and try chewing sugar free gum, it can accelerate saliva production by 10 times the normal rate!

Brushing Too Much

While not brushing enough is a problem, so is brushing your teeth too much. This can cause accelerated damage to the tooth enamel which in turn easily allows for decay to occur. Brush after every meal or at least two times a day but keep in mind that over brushing is also harmful to your teeth.

Reasons You Should Consider Dental Implants

Though your adult teeth are meant to last a lifetime, countless people experience tooth loss. For a long time, the only solution to replace missing teeth were dentures and bridges; however, thanks to the advances in modern dentistry, there is a more permanent solution to tooth replacement: Dental implants.

Dental implants are attached to the jaw bone, making replacement teeth a permanent fixture in your mouth. Because of their permanence and many benefits that they offer, dental implants have become the gold star standard in tooth restoration. Whether you are missing teeth as a result of decay, an injury, periodontal disease or an illness, you might want to consider dental implants over bridges or dentures.

Here’s a look at just some of the reasons why you will love dental implants.

They’re Comfortable

Unlike dentures, which can shift around in your mouth and cause pain, dental implants become a part of your jaw, which means that they won’t move around. As a result, you will enjoy much greater comfort with implants than you would with dentures

Better Speech

Dentures and bridges can slip out of place, which can cause slurring and mumbling. With dental implants, you won’t have to worry about having your replacement teeth move around, which means your speech will be much clearer.

Eat Whatever You Want!

Dentures and bridges can slip and slide inside your mouth, which can make eating a challenge, especially when it comes to tougher food that requires more chewing. Since dental implants are just as secure as your natural teeth, if not more so, you can eat whatever you want without any worries. You won’t have to shy away from your favorite foods, like corn on the cob, apples and steak.

Easy Cleaning

Food particles and other debris can get trapped in bridges, which makes cleaning them a challenge. Dentures have to be taken out and soaked in order to give them a thorough cleaning, and even then, they don’t always come completely clean. Dental implants, on the other hand, are as easy to clean as your natural teeth. You can brush, floss and gargle with mouthwash just as you would with your real teeth, which means a cleaner, healthier smile.

They’re Extremely Durable

Dental implants are far more durable than bridges and dentures. With proper care, they can last for years, or even a lifetime! As a result, you won’t have to worry about having fittings for new replacement teeth, which is not only more convenient, but also makes them a more cost-effective restorative solution.

Improved Self-Esteem

Your smile is one of the first things that other people notice about you. If you are missing teeth, you probably feel self-conscious and hide your smile. With dental implants, you won’t have to hide your smile, but instead, you can show it off with pride, which will give your self-esteem a big boost.

Greater Peace of Mind

Since dental implants are a permanent part of your mouth, they don’t shift and they never have to be taken out. This means that you will have greater peace of mind knowing that you won’t have to take them out for medical exams or traveling, and you don’t have to worry about them falling out or shifting, which means you won’t ever have to deal with an embarrassing situation.

These are just a handful of the reasons why you will love dental implants. If you are looking for a permanent and practical solution to your missing teeth, implants are an option that you are definitely going to want to consider.

To learn more about dental implants and to find out if you are a candidate, give us a call today! We will gladly answer any of your questions and provide you with detailed information regarding tooth restoration with implants.

What You Need To Know About Flossing For Oral Care

The purpose of flossing is to remove and plaque and food particles a normal toothbrush may not be able to reach. Plaque buildup is what leads to tooth decay and gum disease, so it is always important to floss daily. However, the benefits can only be seen when it is done correctly- which more often than not people do not know how to floss right. Oral hygiene is incredibly important, and flossing is a key part of it.

The Floss

Believe it or not, floss can come as a string, on a manual tool like a pick or pre-threaded flosser. It also comes in different flavors and can be waxed, unwaxed, thick or even in “comfort” floss. While the flavors are merely based on preference, the different types of floss pertain to the different types of teeth people have. The various options can be overwhelming but are actually helpful since everyone has a different smile. If you are unsure which option is right for you, consult with your oral hygienist.

The Time

There is always the question of when to floss- before or after you brush your teeth? The truth is it doesn’t really matter as long as you end up flossing. The point of flossing is to get at the stuff your toothbrush can’t so that is all that is important in the end. Whether you brush before or after you floss, always rinse your mouth out at the end of the routine. Flossing can loosen up stuff your toothbrush missed or couldn’t reach so rinsing your mouth can help flush it all out. Rinsing your mouth also may get stuff that flossing may have loosened up.

The Technique

Flossing has to be done in a precise way to create maximum benefits and minimal damage to the gum lines. Start with about eighteen inches of floss, using your middle fingers, wind the floss around your fingers and leave about two inches of floss to work with. Using your thumb and index finger, gently slide the floss between your teeth. Make sure to go slow and follow the curves of your gums to avoid irritation or even bleeding. Don’t force the floss, though; gum tissue is very sensitive and flossing too roughly can cause some serious damage. As you move from tooth to tooth, make sure you use clean sections of floss. Remove the floss from in-between the teeth by sliding downward using the same back and forth motion you started with. Keep in mind that flossing shouldn’t be painful so if it is, consult with your oral hygienist as something else could be causing the problem

Flossing is a key part in maintaining oral health and many people always forget to do it. Make an effort to remember it, even if it is a quick flossing. Also make sure to always brush your tongue too, another part of oral hygiene which is often forgotten. Bacteria in the mouth can remain in your taste buds- which is another reason to rinse out your mouth.

How to Prevent Cavities for Overall Oral Health

Tooth decay, the most common oral disease among people, is what causes cavities. Tooth decay happens when the tooth enamel is destroyed. Often this is caused by plaque, a bacteria which constantly forms on your teeth whenever you eat or drink. Not all tooth decay is the same of course and so it can be classified into two categories.

There are two types of cavities; pit and fissure cavities, and smooth surface cavities. Pit and fissure cavities are most commonly found on the molars, premolars, and front anterior teeth. These are often treated with sealants which make it less likely that fillings will be needed. Smooth surface cavities are found along the gum line or where two teeth meet. The cavities occur when plaque builds up on the surface of teeth and is left there to harden. If you want to avoid having cavities, here are 3 ways in which you can prevent them.

Toothbrush and Dental Floss

Doesn’t it seem so repetitive saying to get a good toothbrush and floss your teeth? Having a quality toothbrush means having strong bristles and proper angulation to remove any food that may be left on your teeth. If you are unsure of what toothbrush would be best to get, consult with your dentist and they can recommend a product based on your specific needs. Flossing can also prevent cavities because it can remove plaque from in between the teeth which brushing alone may not be able to do. Just avoid flossing too hard because it could make your gums bleed which may cause more problems down the road.

Fluoride Toothpaste

It isn’t just about the toothbrush- it’s about the toothpaste as well. Using a toothpaste which contains fluoride is one of the best ways to help prevent cavities. Fluoride creates a protective coating over your tooth that neutralizes the acid from cavity-causing plaque. Get recommendations from your east fishkill dentist as different fluoride toothpastes are meant for different dental problems whether its strengthening or whitening your teeth.

Fluoride Varnish

When you go to the dentist poughkeepsie for your routine cleaning (which it is very important to make and maintain those appointments) your hygienist can apply fluoride varnish at the conclusion of your cleaning. The varnish contains concentrated fluoride which is left to sit for an hour making the fluoride part of the enamel and exposed roots, preventing any acid damage. It also helps reduce tooth sensitivity and can even reverse cavities which may be forming by strengthening the enamel layer and re-mineralizing the surface of your teeth.

While cavities are highly common, it is not entirely impossible to go through life without ever having a single cavity; all it takes is consistent dental visits, good oral hygiene and overall a healthy lifestyle. While eating acidic foods and smoking can be just as harmful to your teeth, not maintaining proper oral hygiene can be just as damaging. Tooth enamel is highly valuable and important, but once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. That’s why it is so important to preserve it while you can because it cannot be replaced.

Preventing Pain Due To Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) is a disorder which involves the muscles and joints around the jaw. It is actually quite a common issue, and many people just do not realize they are suffering from it. TMJ tends to start as a clicking noise when chewing or yawning. Other symptoms can include jaw tenderness, aching pain in, or around the ear, facial aching/pain, and difficulty opening or closing of the mouth due to joint locking. It can be caused by stress, teeth grinding (which generally occurs when one is sleeping), arthritis, or even chewing gum which may overwork the muscles in the jaw. While practicing good oral hygiene is highly important to maintain and beneficial to overall dental health, it won’t prevent TMJ. TMJ is mostly caused by things within our control there are certain steps people can take to help prevent it. Here are five ways in which you can prevent TMJ pain.

Apply Heat or Cold

If you feel any sort of tenderness or pain, you can apply moist heat or cold to help alleviate some of the discomforts. The heat will help to relax and loosen up your muscles, but it is important not to overdo this otherwise your symptoms may actually be exacerbated.

Stretch and Massage the Muscles

There are certain stretching exercises to do every day which can help loosen tight muscles in the jaw. Your pawling dentist or physician can also show you how to properly massage the muscles yourself to relieve the tension that way. The problem areas to cause TMJ tend to be the neck, shoulders, and jaw, so it is also important to try and keep these areas from becoming tense in the first place.

Avoid Nervous Habits

If you have a nervous habit of biting nails, pens or even chewing gum, it is important to avoid that habit. These habits can strain the muscles even more and cause an increase in inflammation.

Consult Your Dentist

If you begin to feel any pain in this area, it is important not to ignore it. The pain could be from grinding your teeth in your sleep in which case your beekman dentist can prescribe you a splint to wear during the night. There are also dental specialists you can visit if the pain is persistent and worsening, or if an over-the-counter pain reliever does not suffice. These dental specialists will be able to help you discuss treatment options, more in-depth preventative measures, and figure out what specifically may be causing your TMJ.

Take Preventative Measures

Avoiding irritation of the muscles in the first place can be key in preventing TMJ. You can do this by taking smaller bites when eating and chewing slower. Taking small bites and slower chewing helps create less pressure on your jaw and therefore less inflammation. Also, avoid holding your phone between the neck and shoulders. Instead, hold it with your hands to avoid joint irritation. Also make sure to keep good posture, things like holding your head forward while looking at a computer all day, can be very stressful on the neck and facial muscles.

Finding Which Toothpaste is Right for You

Just like everyone has different oral health concerns and issues, every kind of toothpaste is unique in helping to treat various oral problems and issues. Toothpaste comes in either a paste or gel form and people tend to pick this merely based on a personal preference.

Generally, all toothpaste brands contain some sort of flavoring for taste and an abrasive agent like calcium carbonate to remove food, bacteria and stains from the surface of your teeth. Many toothpaste brands also contain fluoride, a natural mineral which has been proven powerful to protect teeth from tooth decay. Flouride even helps prevent damage from acidic foods we eat every day! But be careful, excessive amounts of fluoride can stain teeth which is why it is important to make sure kids use a children’s toothpaste. Children’s toothpaste contains significantly less fluoride. So besides the basics, what else can toothpastes target? Let’s find out.

Cavity-Fighting Toothpaste

All toothpaste brands can fight cavities because they remove plaque when used properly but some work better than others. As discussed earlier, look for a toothpaste that has fluoride which can protect the tooth from decay. In addition a toothpaste with fluoride is more effective in removing plaque than toothpastes without fluoride.

Whitening Toothpastes

A smile can speak a thousand words which is why people take pride in how their teeth look. Everyone wants a white smile. These toothpastes do not contain bleaches but contain abrasive agents which either polish the tooth or bind to stains and then remove them. This type of toothpaste does have the possibility of causing sensitivity have been shown to be no harder on tooth enamel than regular toothpaste.

Tartar Control Toothpaste

Tartar starts out as plaque. Tartar is a coating on the surface of teeth that everyone has. If it isn’t removed with proper oral hygiene it then hardens into tartar. If it builds up too much it eventually can lead to gum disease. To prevent this, use a tartar control toothpaste. A tartar control toothpaste contains chemical compounds that break down plaque and make it easier to remove. Studies have shown that toothpaste brands with multiple compounds work better at tartar control than those with only one compound.

Sensitivity Toothpastes

Some people have sensitivity to foods or beverages that are extremely hot or cold. A sensitivity toothpaste tends to be less abrasive and contains either potassium nitrate or strontium chloride which helps block channels to nerves in the teeth. Since every person is different, it may take more or less time than others to see real results. You can typically see results anywhere from ten days to a month. Poughkeepsie Dentists also recommend pairing sensitivity toothpaste with a soft-bristled brush to help prevent damage. When teeth are damaged you run the risk of having more sensitivity.

If you have any problems listed above and the problem becomes chronic, do not rely on just an over the counter toothpaste to be the remedy. Chronic oral problems should be taken care of by your fishkill dentist immediately.

What You Should Do If You Have Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Your oral health also affects your complete health and well-being. With regular dental care and cleanings, a multitude of oral problems can be prevented. However, from time to time, you may experience a painful problem that may creep up on you without notice.

One of the most painful oral problems is having impacted wisdom teeth. If impacted wisdom teeth are left without being treated, it can escalate into a debilitating problem. The moment you start experiencing oral pain, you should make an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist can identify and correct oral problems before they get worse and cause more painful damage. Here are five warning signs that you may have impacted wisdom teeth:

Pain in the back of the mouth
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause immense pain. You may experience a throbbing pain in the back of the mouth. An impacted tooth can also affect the surrounding molars. As the condition worsens, the pain will not only increase, but any adjacent teeth can become infected as well.

Tenderness And Bleeding Of The Gums

Impacted wisdom teeth affect your gums and can cause serious problems. If you begin to notice painful, swollen, tender or bleeding gums, during your daily oral routine, you may have impacted wisdom teeth. These symptoms can also be pointing to other types of gum disease so you should seek dental care immediately.

Swollen Jaw

A swollen jaw can be a sign of impacted wisdom teeth. You may notice that in the beginning, the pain isn’t as intense, but if you leave it untreated, the discomfort may increase. You may also have difficulty opening your mouth. Prolonged jaw aches should prompt you to seek oral care right away.

Headaches

Although there are many reasons why you may get a headache, you should pay attention to this symptom if it is persistent and you have one or two other symptoms mentioned in this article. Headaches caused by an impacted wisdom tooth often stems from the temporomandibular joint which connects the skull and jaw. A headache caused by impacted teeth may also cause pain in the face as well.

Swollen Glands

Although swollen lymph nodes could be a sign of other infections, impacted teeth can also cause swollen glands in the neck and shoulder.

Bad Breath/Unpleasant Taste

Bad breath, in general, can signify a host of oral problems. However, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms along with bad breath along with any unpleasant taste in your mouth, you should call your dentist as soon as possible.

If you think you may have impacted wisdom teeth due to one or more of the above warning signs, call your dentist for an immediate appointment. Leaving a dental problem untreated could worsen and cause further damage to your teeth and gums.