General & Preventive Dentistry Archives - Page 2 of 3

Posted on August 30, 2017August 10, 2018 by Matt Baran

When we think of probiotics, we typically think of how they can aid in keeping the stomach healthy.

But at our dental office in Wilmington, we became aware of how some probiotics can assist oral health, too. Let’s take a closer look at the research that supports the idea that probiotics can help keep mouths healthy.

What Are Probiotics?

Before we dive into learning how probiotics may be beneficial to oral health, we should first identify what probiotics are. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that have historically been noted as being good for gut health. Even though we usually associate bacteria with being bad, there are both good and bad types of bacteria. Probiotics are the good guys.

Not All Probiotics Are the Same

The type of probiotics that are most commonly discussed are ones often found in certain types yogurt and various foods. These probiotics are meant to help the digestive system and can help the body replace beneficial bacteria that the body loses after taking antibiotics. But the probiotics researched in relation to oral health are different.

Oral probiotics, which doesn’t have anything to do with how you ingest them but rather describes the area of the body they help, have been researched to see if they have an impact on oral health. Several studies support a positive correlation between specific types of probiotics and reducing the risk of gum disease, plaque, and bad breath.

Bifidobacterium & Lactobacillus

While difficult to say, the benefits of these two probiotic strains are easy to explain. Both Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are naturally found in the human body and, more specifically, in the mouths of mammals. Several studies have identified a possible positive effect of these probiotics. While not absolutely conclusive, there is strong evidence that an increase of both Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus can help the treatment of periodontal disease and halitosis, and may even reduce the risk of cavities.

Since this research is still in the early stages and no concrete claims have been made, we don’t recommend starting yourself on probiotics before discussing it with your medical team, including your dentist in Wilmington.

If you have questions regarding your oral health, whether those questions include probiotics or not, we welcome you to schedule an appointment at our Wilmington dental office.

Posted on July 28, 2017August 10, 2018 by Matt Baran

Throughout the past few years, there have been several studies that provide conflicting information on whether exercise is good or bad for your oral health.

Our dental office in Wilmington hopes that we can help clear up any confusion so you can get back to working out without worry.

The Benefits of Exercise

It goes without saying that everyone should exercise regularly to help get and keep the body healthy. No matter what your workout of choice may be, if it gets the heart pumping and increases breathing, chances are you’re benefiting from all the good exercise can do for your health. Exercise has been proven to help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes all while keeping your body weight within a healthy range. But the benefits of exercising goes beyond arms, legs, abs, heart, and lungs and can actually help keep your mouth healthy, too.

According to the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), those who exercised moderately five days a week, or at a high intensity three days a week, were at lower risk for gum disease. This is both great for oral health and whole body health since the effects of gum disease don’t only affect the mouth. Gum disease can cause a whole host of both oral health and whole body problems including bad breath, swollen, painful gums, tooth loss, certain cancers, heart disease, and stroke.

Potential Oral Health Concerns

When it comes to your oral health and exercise, it’s not all good news. While we don’t encourage anyone to stop exercising, we do want our patients and neighbors to be aware of how sometimes exercise can affect oral health.

There are essentially two common reasons exercise can cause problems in your mouth: Sports drinks and mouth breathing. Take a closer peek as to why.

Mouth Breathing

While breathing heavily is part of what makes exercise so great for the body, it’s also what can contribute to tooth decay and cavities. Heavy breathing tends to cause people to mouth breath or only breathe with an open mouth. This reduces saliva production and makes the mouth dry. A dry mouth is a perfect place for dangerous bacteria to thrive and cause decay.

Sports Drinks

Even though sports drinks do have their benefits, they’re also packed with tooth-damaging ingredients. Sports beverages are a great option to help your body recover after exercise, but between the sugar and acid, they’re a recipe for decay.

If you’re concerned that your workout routine may be negatively affecting your oral health, schedule an appointment at our Wilmington dental office. We’ll be more than happy to talk about your concerns and work with you to find the best solutions.

Posted on June 28, 2017August 10, 2018 by Matt Baran

At our dental office in Wilmington, we spend a lot of time getting people to open up and say, “Ah!”

It’s because your oral health can tell us a lot about what is going on in the rest of your body. Did you know that your tongue can also provide some pretty interesting clues about you too?

What Are You Looking At?

Your tongue is really quite marvelous and it says a mouthful about oral and overall health. It consists of eight muscles and never ever gets tired. The tongue is constantly at work. At any given moment this super strong muscle could be doing one (or more) of the following with or without you even being aware of it:

Helping break down food
Helping you speak clearly
Filtering out bad germs
Pushing saliva down the throat (even during sleep)

What Are You Looking For?

The next time you’re in front of a mirror, go ahead and stick out your tongue. Take a long look and note what you’re seeing. Are there red or white spots? Is it dark and almost hairy in appearance? Is there any redness? What you see could say a lot about what’s going on inside your mouth and inside your whole body. It’s important to keep a keen eye on anything that’s abnormal or feels suspicious so you can let your Wilmington dentist do a thorough examination. Here are some examples of what you might find and what it means:

White Patches – This could signify an overgrowth of candida (yeast) fungus. It’s common in babies and young children and is easily treated with a prescription anti-fungal rinse or pill.
Black/Hairy Appearance – Diabetes, a yeast infection, poor oral hygiene, or cancer therapies could be to blame.
White/Red Spots – These obvious spots are actually quite common. They are usually the result of worn down taste buds.
Redness – Illnesses like strep throat or deficiencies in B-12, folic acid, and iron can also cause this kind of irritation.
Bumps – Large bumps or sores on the tongue are often a sign of canker and cold sores.
Webbing or Stripes – This can signal a chronic oral lichen planus which is a chronic condition that occurs when your immune system is attacking cells.

Be on the lookout for anything suspicious or anything your tongue might be trying to tell you. Please call our Wilmington dental office and let us take a look. Together we can get to the bottom of the problem and decide what treatment (if any) will get you and your tongue healthy again.

Posted on May 22, 2017August 10, 2018 by Matt Baran

Nail biting is a common habit that affects a number of Americans including an estimated 60% of kids, 45% of teenagers, and 30% of adults.

While the likelihood of being a nail biter decreases as we get older, the truth is it is a habit that can be difficult to break and can follow you into adulthood, and not without risk. If you do still bite your nails, you may already know the whole-body concerns associated with the habit. But at our dental office in Wilmington, we also know nail biting can contribute to several oral health issues.

Nail Biting & Oral Health

According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), people who bite their nails are at an increased risk for several oral health issues including chipped, cracked, or worn down teeth, damage to the gum tissue, and bruxism. Bruxism is the technical term used to explain tooth grinding and it can bring on a whole set of unique issues including facial pain, recessed gums and sensitivity, headaches, and tooth loss. Bruxism, as well as the other common ailments associated with nail biting, are serious and would require treatment from your dentist in Wilmington quickly to help protect your mouth from further damage.

Ways to Help You Quit Biting Your Nails

Nail biting is a habit, and habits are hard to break. What can be helpful to help you succeed at stopping is to identify why and when you find yourself with your fingers to your mouth. Do you notice it’s during periods of stress? When you’re bored? Do you not even realize you’re doing it? Work to identify the times you tend to bite, then try the tips below to help you quit.

If your nail biting is triggered by stress, try to find an alternative stress reliever such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
Use a nail lacquer specifically created to help people stop biting their nails. It has a bitter taste that helps you to not nibble on your nails.
Invest in getting a manicure regularly. This can be a great solution for both men and women since we tend to care for things a bit better if we’ve paid for them.
Check out pictures of all the gross, disease-causing bacteria that tend to lurk under nails. Seeing what you could be ingesting into your body may just do the trick.

As with any habit, you may not succeed at quitting the first time, and that’s ok. Stay persistent and keep trying different methods to find the one that works best for you.

If you do happen to damage your teeth or your gums, or suspect you have bruxism, give our Wilmington dental office a call to schedule an appointment. We’ll evaluate your oral health and discuss the most appropriate treatment for your unique situation.

Posted on May 12, 2017August 10, 2018 by Matt Baran

Gum, or periodontal, charting is when your Wilmington dentist measures the pockets around each tooth to help evaluate oral health.

It’s an important step in diagnosing gum disease and determining how advanced it may be. Periodontal charting can also assist your dental team in recommending an appropriate treatment plan.

How is Periodontal Charting Done?

The process is pretty simple and usually pretty painless, too. The team at our Wilmington dental office will gently poke the six areas around each tooth to measure the pockets between the gum and tooth. You’ll hear us call out and record numbers, anywhere from 1 to 7, or sometimes more. The numbers are the pocket depth in millimeters.

What Do the Measurements Mean?

You want to hear lower numbers during your periodontal charting. Measurements between 1 and 3 are a sign that your gums are in good health. But, it’s worth noting that even if your pockets are between these ideal depths, if you bleed, it may be a sign of early gum disease. Pockets deeper than 3 millimeters could indicate a stronger likelihood of gum disease, or an advanced stage of it. Any more than 3 millimeters could mean more serious issues. Check out the ranges and associated concerns below.

3 mm – 5 mm: Gum pockets with measurements that fall within this range is usually a strong indicator of moderate gum disease.

5 mm – 7 mm: Depths between 5 and 7 is almost a guarantee of gum disease. There’s also a risk of bone loss.

7 mm+: Any gum pockets that are 7 millimeters or more is a strong sign of advanced gum disease. Periodontal surgery may be recommended.

Signs of Gum Disease

Periodontal charting is an extremely reliable way to diagnose gum disease, but there are things you can keep an eye out for in between visits.

Chronic bad breath
Bleeding gums (it’s never normal!)
Red, swollen gums
Loose teeth

Gum disease is a serious problem that can lead to tooth loss and, in turn, even more, oral health issues. Not only that, gum disease can affect the whole body as well. Recent research shows a link between gum disease and heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It’s not something to be taken lightly, so if you become aware of any potential signs of gum disease, we welcome you to call our dental office in Wilmington to schedule an appointment. We’ll be happy to help.

Posted on April 27, 2017August 10, 2018 by Matt Baran

As we near the end of April, which just so happens to be Oral Cancer Awareness Month, the team at our Wilmington dental office thought we should talk a bit about the oral health concerns associated with smokeless tobacco.

Some individuals may assume that since it’s smokeless, chewing tobacco isn’t as harmful as smoking cigarettes. However, even though there isn’t any smoke accompanying chewing tobacco, there are still health risks associated with the habit.

How Smokeless Tobacco Affects Oral Health

Just like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco is addictive, which makes quitting difficult. The longer someone uses chewing tobacco, the more they’re exposed to the dangers of it. This increases their chance of experiencing any of the numerous issues that can occur as a result:

Yellowing Teeth – Using smokeless tobacco can cause tooth discoloration, making your pearly whites not so white. While smile whitening may be able to help a little bit, staining caused by tobacco typically requires a form of cosmetic dentistry, like veneers, to get your teeth back to their white appearance.

Receding Gums – Chew can cause gums to recede and expose the tooth roots. Once roots are left open, the chance for cavities greatly increases. The roots also contain nerves, which, if uncovered, can make teeth sensitive to heat and cold.

Oral Cancer – The most serious concern of using any type of tobacco is the increased risk for oral cancer. In fact, tobacco is the top risk factor for developing oral cancer. If it’s not caught early, oral cancer can be deadly.

Know the Signs of Oral Cancer

Everyone should be aware of the signs of oral cancer because even though the risk of the disease is greater in tobacco users, the truth is, oral cancer can happen to anyone. The signs of oral cancer can easily be misdiagnosed as something minor, so if you notice any of the symptoms below, call your dentist in Wilmington as soon as you can.

A white, scaly patch on the inside of the cheek or lip
Sores or lumps in the mouth or throat
Trouble chewing, swallowing or speaking
A sensation of something being stuck in your throat

If you use tobacco of any kind, it’s incredibly important for you to see your dentist at least twice a year to keep an eye on your oral health and identify any potential problems early. Don’t have a dentist? Give our dental office in Wilmington a call to schedule an appointment today.

Posted on April 19, 2017August 10, 2018 by Matt Baran

Frenectomies aren’t all that common in adults, but there are specific instances when the team at our Wilmington dental office may recommend one to an adult patient.

But why exactly would a frenectomy be needed, and what is it? We’re here to talk all about frenectomies and the benefits behind getting one.

Anatomy 101

Let’s have a quick lesson on the mouth’s anatomy, specifically the thin, taut pieces of muscle called frena (frenum when referring to one). There are two of these little muscles that are the common culprits behind needing a frenectomy: the lingual frenum and the maxillary labial frenum. First, the lingual frenum is the tight piece of tissue that connects the underside of your tongue to the floor of your mouth. The maxillary labial frenum can be felt if you run your tongue under your top lip in front of your teeth. When either one of these muscular attachments affects proper function, a frenectomy may be recommended.

What is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a fairly simple dental procedure that removes or shortens the frenum that’s causing trouble. First, the area is numbed for comfort. Then, your Wilmington dentist will cut the frenum away from either the upper gum line or the base of the mouth. After sealing the cut with stitches, you should be all set. Some dentists can even perform a frenectomy with a laser, eliminating the need for stitches.

How Can a Frenectomy be Beneficial?

Benefits of a frenectomy can vary depending on which frenum is causing the trouble. A lingual frenum frenectomy is recommended if the frenum is too long and extends out too close to the tip of the tongue. When this happens, speaking, swallowing, and eating can be difficult. A frenectomy can help with all of those. This type of frenectomy is usually caught early and is typically performed on young children.

A frenectomy on the maxillary labial frenum is the procedure that’s usually reserved for those with permanent adult teeth. The most common complaint from individuals where this type of treatment is appropriate is a gap between the front two teeth. Usually, patients who are unhappy with a gap in their smile undergo orthodontic treatment, and that can help squeeze the teeth tightly together. However, once orthodontic treatment is complete, there’s a chance those two front teeth can separate once again. If this happens, it could mean the maxillary labial frenum is too long and is actually pulling those two teeth apart. A frenectomy can resolve that issue once and for all.

If you think a frenectomy may be appropriate for you, we welcome you to call our dental office in Wilmington. We’ll be happy to help.

Posted on March 13, 2017August 9, 2018 by Matt Baran

Having sensitive teeth can be brutal.

The sharp, shooting pain that often accompanies tooth sensitivity can put a damper on enjoying favorite foods. At our dental office in Wilmington, we don’t want any of our patients to suffer from sensitive teeth, but we understand that a lot of them do. We’d like to explain some of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity and talk about some possible remedies.

Eating Acidic Foods

Certain foods can directly affect oral health. We all know that sugary foods can eat away at tooth enamel and lead to cavities, but acidic foods can also cause some dental problems. A diet packed with acidic treats like citrus fruit, tomato sauce, and wine also causes enamel erosion and weakened teeth. Once the middle part of the tooth known as the dentin becomes exposed, teeth can become painfully sensitive.

Too Much Brushing

That’s right, your dentist in Wilmington just said there’s such a thing as too much brushing. While we encourage our patients to brush, we don’t want them to cause damage by doing it. Damage from over-brushing can be caused by either doing it too often or using a rough, scrubbing technique. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush two times a day in soft, gentle circles to protect your grin against sensitivity.

Not Enough Flossing

We typically recommend flossing about once a day, every day, and for good reason. If you only brush your teeth, you’re not cleaning two sides of each tooth which can lead to plaque buildup. Plaque that’s not removed by regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings can damage enamel and leave teeth feeling a bit sensitive.

Tooth Grinding

Grinding tooth against tooth is a great way to not only cause chips and breaks that will require restorative dentistry to fix, it’s also a top contributor of sensitivity. Grinding files down the enamel which, as we know, leaves the inside of the tooth exposed. Usually a bruxism mouthguard can be custom fitted to prevent grinding and damage that comes with it.

If you’re experiencing the pain associated with having sensitive teeth, you don’t need to continue to suffer. Call our Wilmington dental office to schedule an appointment and get relief.

Accepting patients from Wilmington, Pike Creek, Hockessin and beyond.

Posted on February 16, 2017August 9, 2018 by Matt Baran

It’s probably no surprise that the team members at our dental office in Wilmington aren’t big fans of sugar.

Too much of the sweet stuff can seriously compromise your oral health, and we’d rather see your pearly whites happy and healthy. That’s one reason why we encourage all of our patients to reduce the amount of sugar in their diets. But that’s not the only reason we’re supplying tips on how to consume less of it.

Sugar Can Be a Whole-Body Problem

Everyone knows that sugar is bad for teeth because it increases the risk for decay and cavities. But did you know that too much sugar can cause serious problems in the rest of the body too? An overconsumption of sugar can:

Contribute to severe headaches
Lead to overeating and obesity
Cause Type 2 diabetes
And be a factor in developing cardiovascular disease

Should You Eliminate Sugar Altogether?

Having a certain amount of sugar in your diet is necessary for proper body function. But how much is too much? The recommended amount of sugar someone should have on a daily basis depends on age and gender. The American Heart Association suggests a maximum daily sugar intake of 37.5 grams for men and 25 grams for women.

Sugar Reduction Tips

Cut back on the sweets. Cookies, candy, and soda are some of the biggest, most obvious sugar-packed culprits. Choose water and naturally sweet foods like fruit instead.
Read nutrition facts. Sometimes sugar can hide in some surprising foods like bread, condiments, and even sauces. If you don’t read the label, you may be unaware of just how much sugar you’re eating.
Brush up on your chef skills. Making your own meals at home allows you to control what ingredients you use and in what quantity. Home cooked meals can help your family eat healthier overall.

Following these tips can really help limit the amount of sugar you consume and do wonders to keep your smile, and your body healthy. Remember, it’s still crucial to brush your teeth every day, twice a day, floss once a day, and maintain regular visits with your Wilmington dentist.

If you do notice any signs of potential decay, or if it’s time for your dental cleaning, give our Wilmington dental office a call to schedule an appointment. We’re always happy to see new smiling faces!

Treating patients from Wilmington, Pike Creek, Hockessin and beyond.

Posted on November 23, 2016August 8, 2018 by Matt Baran

At our Wilmington dental office, one of the first things we do when meeting new patients is to go over a complete health history.

What are we looking for? Things like diabetes, heart disease, etc. Why? Because they can sometimes cause specific symptoms that affect not just your overall health, but your oral health too. Diabetes, in particular, can lead to an increased risk of periodontal (gum) disease. Here are some frequently asked questions we get about diabetes and how it affects our oral health.

“What Should I Share With My Dentist About My Diabetes?”

We love getting to know our patients in order to better understand how we can help their smile be healthy and last a lifetime.

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to share these things:

Any changes in your prescriptions or health
Your results of some of your diabetes blood tests (the A1C or fasting blood glucose)
Your need for antibiotics before and after dental treatment for uncontrolled diabetes

“How Does My Blood Sugar Affect My Oral Health?”

We understand that maintaining your blood glucose levels isn’t always easy. But did you know that keeping these numbers stable also helps oral health too? It helps reduce your risk of losing teeth, gum disease, and other problems. Your Wilmington dentist knows that the presence of gum disease may also play a role in the rise of blood sugar, making diabetes even more difficult to regulate.

“Is Brushing and Flossing Different With Diabetes?”

Keeping up with your regular brushing and flossing routine at home isn’t any different, whether or not you’re living with diabetes. It’s always important to brush twice daily and floss once — no matter what illness you may or may not have. Try using a fluoride toothpaste for added decay defense, and brushing in the morning and at night. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles that work best to clean teeth with soft circular motions.

“What About Diabetes and My Diet?”

Since patients living with diabetes are restricted from consuming sugary foods, this is extremely helpful for teeth too. Always be sure to work with your doctor to find the right kind of dietary plan to suit your needs. We always recommend making plenty of veggies, fruits, and whole grains a part of your diet.

At our dental office in Wilmington, we are always available to answer any questions you may have about diabetes and how it can affect oral health. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if you ever notice any changes in your mouth or teeth.

Welcoming patients from Wilmington, Pike Creek, Hockessin.

Take a Virtual Tour