4 Problem-Causing Bad Habits For Oral Health

We all know that sugar rots the teeth, wine and coffee can stain them, and soda can wear down the enamel. However, even healthy teeth can still become susceptible to problems caused by things we do everyday. A lifetime of bad habits, if not corrected, can lead to premature aging, affect overall health and cause permanent damage to the teeth. Learn what these habits are and how to avoid them to improve dental health.

Nail Biting

Nail biting is a habit that usually begins at childhood. Not only is the habit unhygienic, it can also lead to a number of health issues, including bacterial infections and nail deformation. Since fingernails are hard, you need to bite with more pressure to break them, an action that causes unnecessary pressure on the teeth. Over time, this habit can cause permanent damage to both the teeth and nails. How to Kick the Habit: Apply nail polish on nails. Nail polish contain chemicals that make nails smell and taste bad, so you are not likely to chew on them.

 

Toothpicks

Used correctly, toothpicks should not pose any problems at all. Unfortunately, some people poke and prod using toothpicks, causing damage to the gums and teeth. The sharp end of a toothpick can puncture the gums, causing tiny open wounds that could make the mouth susceptible to bacterial infections. The rough edge of the toothpick could also rub against the enamel of the teeth and wear it down. How to Kick the Habit: If you must use a toothpick, use it gently and carefully. Or do as your dentist advises: excuse yourself from the table, go to the washroom and use a dental floss or toothbrush to get rid of bits of food stuck between your teeth.

Chewing Ice

Chewing ice has an addictive effect on some people. The coolness of the ice as it turns from solid to liquid, the crunch as you bite down and chew on the pieces, the feeling of satisfaction as you break the ice into smaller chips all create a strong urge that makes you forget the potential harm that this habit brings. You might think that chewing ice is harmless but your dentist knows otherwise. Ice is hard and biting on it puts pressure on the teeth. Over time, repeated action could wear down the enamel of the teeth, causing more problems. How to Kick the Habit: Instead of chewing on ice, choose something softer, such as sugar-free gum. If the desire to chew is more persistent and difficult to fight off, you might have an underlying condition that causes the urges. Iron-deficiency anemia, for example, could cause people to want to chew on ice. Seek medical advise if you suspect this to be the case.

Using Teeth As A Utility Tool

Teeth are meant to bite down and chew on food, not to be used in place of tools. Many people are guilty of biting down on plastic, paper, fabric, even glass using their teeth. Teeth are strong but they are not designed to do the job of household tools. How to Kick the Habit: Avoid biting into anything that is not food. Use scissors, cutters, bottle openers and other tools instead. You could also buy a portable multi-tool that you can use to cut, tear or puncture things. Having dental exams frequently will keep your teeth in the best shape so that they last a long time. Your oral health is important to us. Family Dental Service offers a full range of dental and orthodontic care in one convenient location. We have a staff of dentists and orthodontists which allows you to get all of your dental care needs addressed in a single location. Get your dental health in tip-top shape and contact us today or give us a call at (610) 434-9660 if you have any questions.

The following article 4 Problem-Causing Bad Habits For Oral Health was originally published to Family Dental Service

Dental Dry Socket: Causes & Prevention

If the jaw bone becomes inflamed after a tooth extraction it may cause dry socket (Alveolar osteitis). This rare oral condition affects few; however, those who have wisdom teeth extracted are more likely to experience Alveolar osteitis. Knowing what dry socket is and what causes it is a good start to making sure that you prevent it.

The Onset Of Dry Socket

As soon as a tooth is extracted, a clot of blood forms, the thick blood clot coats and safeguards the bare jawbone. If the clot fails to form or is removed unintentionally or intentionally, the tooth socket will dry. This prolongs the time the socket takes to heal.

The Cause Of Dry Socket

The dentist explained that a build-up of oral bacteria often causes the clot to break down, resulting in uncomfortable oral infections like periodontitis. Nicotine decreases blood supply to the mouth, hence smokers tend to suffer dry socket. Excessive spitting or mouth rinsing can also dislodge the newly formed blood clot. Numerous other factors cause this distressing oral condition, including fluctuating hormones and a dense jawbone.

Preventing Dry Socket

If the dentist extracts a tooth he will tell you how to avoid dry socket. If you have had a lower wisdom tooth extracted you should follow this guidance. Patients are advised to rest after having a tooth removed. They should rest for a full twenty four hours. Excess activity is likely to dislodge the blood clot. It is wise to drink a lot after having a tooth removed. Yet, hot, carbonated, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks should be avoided. Drink plenty of water. Patients should eat soft foods for a couple of days to allow the socket to heal fully. The dentist will recommend eating custard, apple sauce or yogurt for forty-eight hours. You should only resume eating solid foods when you are certain it won't delay the healing process or cause facial discomfort.

Practice Good Dental Hygiene

The dentist will tell you to be thorough with your daily oral hygiene routine after a tooth is extracted. Rinse with warm salty water every couple of hours, especially after each meal, for the first seven days. Smokers are advised not to smoke for two days after having a tooth removed. Any dentist will tell you that a percentage of people will suffer from dry socket regardless. However, dental patients who follow the above advice stand less chance of getting the painful oral condition we know as dry socket.

 

If you believe that you might be suffering from dry socket or you have any other dental care questions and concerns, it is important that you schedule a dental checkup immediately. At Family Dental Service, we prioritize all of your dental health needs. Our professional and caring staff includes 2 full-time general dentists and 4 full-time hygienists in our Allentown, PA office. We also have specialists such as an oral surgeon, orthodontist and an endodontist. Call us today to schedule an appointment. Get your dental health in tip-top shape and contact us today or give us a call at (610) 434-9660if you have any questions.  

The following post Dental Dry Socket: Causes & Prevention was originally published to Family Dental

Aggressive Tooth Brushing Problems & Solutions

You’ve probably heard your dentist say that brushing regularly is a good way of maintaining proper oral hygiene and keeping dental diseases at bay. However, overdoing it can cause dental problems that could have a profound effect on your overall health. Here is some more information on this topic:

Why You Should Never Overbrush

Aggressive brushing is one of the leading causes of teeth sensitivity among Americans. This usually occurs over time as aggressive brushing wears the top tooth layer called enamel. As a result, one experiences sensitivity, which is basically the pain caused by exposure of nerve endings ensconced within the teeth’s pulp matter, when eating or drinking hot/cold foods and beverages.

Another problem caused by vigorous brushing is erosion of the gums leading to exposure of the roots that anchor teeth. Such an outcome has several health implications. To start with, it causes teeth sensitivity. Secondly and more worryingly, it increases the risk of developing periodontal diseases and cavities. If left untreated, cavities could become a source of extreme pain and make eating solid foods an impossible task. What’s more, the problem could require an expensive dental procedure, such as tooth extraction, root canal or dental filling, to fix it.

 

Risk Factors

According to the Wall Street Journal, between 10 and 20% of Americans are aggressive brushers. This group largely consists of people who are extremely concerned about their oral health as well as people who use toothbrushes that have hard bristles. It is also worth noting that some people are genetically predisposed to have receding gums, making them more prone to gum damage if they brush aggressively. Adopting a diet that consists of highly acidic foods and beverages is another risk factor associated with vigorous brushing.

Solutions

The good news for people prone to brush aggressively is they can take steps to remedy this problem. A good starting point is only using a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent premature wearing down of the enamel and gums. At the same time, it is advisable to start using toothpaste products specifically made for people with sensitive teeth. For people who brush too many times a day, dentists recommend reducing this frequency to twice daily. Moreover, the time spent brushing should be no more than two to three minutes. Other solutions include brushing gently, avoiding acidic foods, and brushing in circular motion instead of moving toothbrush back and forth across teeth.

Conclusion

Aggressive brushing can cause dental problems such teeth sensitivity, cavities and periodontal diseases. Some of the measures you can take to prevent this problem include using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Additionally, you should eat acidic foods sparingly.

If you have any dental care questions or concerns, it is important that you schedule a dental checkup immediately. At Family Dental Service, we prioritize all of  your dental health needs. Our professional and caring staff includes 2 full-time general dentists and 4 full-time hygienists in our Allentown PA office.  We also have specialists such as an oral surgeon, orthodontist and an endodontist. Call us today to schedule an appointment.


Aggressive Tooth Brushing Problems & Solutions

Wisdom Teeth: Info. For The Wise

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that, despite their name, have nothing to do with intellect or wisdom. They are named for the fact that they grow in later than other teeth. They come in later in life when individuals are presumably wiser than when the other teeth grew in as a child. Most people will get their wisdom teeth when they are between 16 and 25 years old, which is the age of wisdom. Many people visit a dentist to have the wisdom teeth removed shortly after they start erupting. When these teeth grow in, they can affect the other teeth and cause problems with the jaw because the mouth is too crowded and there is not enough room for them to grow in properly.

The Purpose Of Wisdom Teeth In The Past

Centuries ago, people would lose their teeth due to rot or trauma. Most people would lose their first tooth by the time they reached their early 20s. Wisdom teeth would replace those that fell out and fill in the empty spaces. Some anthropologists believe that the development of wisdom teeth came about through evolution due to diet, which included nuts, roots, and meat and required more power when chewing. This is one possible explanation for the existence of wisdom teeth.

Some experts believe the jaw of ancient man was significantly larger and had enough room to accommodate extra teeth. As diet changed over time, the jaw got smaller but wisdom teeth continued to grow. Third molars were no longer necessary because man was consuming softer foods and used eating implements, including forks, knives, and spoons. This is why evolutionary biologists believe the third molars are vestigial organs.

Modern scientists have found evidence that the third molars actually do appear when an individual is wiser. Studies indicate the human brain grows and develops through adolescence. Many experts believe the brain is not fully mature until the age of 25. The term wisdom tooth is accurate when considering this fact.

Reasons Behind The Removal Of Wisdom Teeth

People have their wisdom teeth removed for multiple reasons, including:

• Having them removed early in life is safer and easier than keeping them
• They serve no useful purpose
• They can cause health problems with the jaw

When wisdom teeth grow in, they put pressure on the surrounding teeth causing discomfort, pain, or more serious health complications. Individuals should consult with a dentist to discuss the best course of action when dealing with wisdom teeth.

If you or a loved one need to remove your wisdom teeth or for any other questions and concerns about your dental health, it is important that you schedule a dental checkup immediately. At Family Dental Service, we prioritize all of  your dental health needs to ensure that your oral health is in tip-top shape. Our professional and caring staff includes 2 full-time general dentists and 4 full-time hygienists in our Allentown PA office.  We also have specialists such as an oral surgeon, orthodontist and an endodontist.

Wisdom Teeth: Info. For The Wise

Gum Disease: A Far Too Common Health Problem

Gum disease is a health problem no one wants. It is detrimental to both your long-term wellness and your appearance. Luckily, with regular professional cleanings and check ups and a daily dental-care regimen, the problem is also easy to prevent.

The Bottom Line

Bleeding from the gums, halitosis and swollen gums are common symptoms of gum disease. Signs of more advanced periodontal disease include painful gums, receding gums and loosening of the teeth.

What is Gum Disease?

Two stages of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, is an earlier form of the disease, and if promptly addressed, it typically causes no permanent problems. If not promptly addressed, however, gingivitis worsens, and the inflammation spreads to the bone and ligaments that anchor the teeth in place. At this point, the disease is called periodontitis, and complications can include tooth loss and other serious problems.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. This substance is difficult to see, but it traps bacteria against the gums. Those who practice regular dental hygiene, including brushing and flossing, usually have minimal plaque. Those who often skip regular dental care, however, typically have plaque build up. This results in a large population of bacteria in the gums, and these bacteria cause significant inflammation and tissue damage.

How Do Dentists Approach Gum Disease?

Gingivitis and periodontitis are closely related, so dentists take any signs of gum disease seriously. They typically treat patients with gum disease with combination therapy. This treatment addresses both gingivitis and periodontitis.

What Is the Initial Treatment for Gum Disease?

The first thing a dentist does when treating gum disease is try to ascertain the scope of the problem. An initial work up typically begins with a thorough examination of the gums, teeth and adjoining structures. Additionally, most diagnostic work ups include dental radiographs and probing. The results of these tests help the treating dentist formulate a plan to address the problem.

What Types of Treatments Are Available?

Treatment for gum disease depends on the severity of the problem and the structures involved. Common treatments include scaling and root planing to deep clean the teeth and gums and medications to combat infections and inflammation. Depending on the extent of the disease, the dentist may also prescribe surgical interventions, such as tissue flaps and tissue and bone grafts.


For optimum health, it is best to avoid gum disease. The best way to do this is to floss daily, brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and visit the dentist regularly. Also, avoid smoking and eating and drinking very cold substances.

If you believe that you or a loved one might be suffering from gum disease, it is important that you contact a dentist immediately to set up an appointment. Family Dental Service offers a full range of dental and orthodontic care, all under one roof. Your dental health is our priority. We have an excellent staff of dentists and orthodontists which makes it very easy for you and your family to get all of your dental care needs addressed at one location. We are conveniently located in the heart of Allentown, Pennsylvania.


Gum Disease: A Far Too Common Health Problem

Root Canals: What You Need To Know

When teeth succumb to decay or infections, root canal may be recommended to prevent further damage while maintaining all of their regular functions. This dental procedure starts off with the elimination of pulp along with the nerve endings. Then the resulting cavity is cleaned, filled and sealed. Awareness of tooth anatomy will make it easier to see why this procedure could be deemed vital by an endodontist.

An Overview of Teeth Anatomy

Teeth may seem like nothing more than hard white structures from the outside but there is actually a lot more going on inside them. Beneath the enamel are connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerve endings. These are collectively referred to as the pulp. It is crucial in the development of teeth but fully formed ones no longer have to rely on them as nutrients can be sources from nearby tissues. The pulp stretches from the bottom of the crown down to the jawbone with one or more roots.

Common Cause of Root Canal Procedure

The teeth’s outer shell may be compromised and worn out exposing the pulp. When this gets infected or inflamed, having a root canal is the way to salvage the tooth.

How Root Canals Work

Many are wary of root canals as the involvement of nerve endings makes it quite a painful procedure. However, dentists and endodontists do use anesthetics to numb the area and keep patients are comfortable as possible during the entire process. Then the dentists proceed to create an entry point on the crown and extract the problematic pulp. The hollow cavity is cleaned and disinfected to destroy any remaining bacteria. The last step is to plug the hole with the appropriate dental filling and then cover things with an artificial crown. These precautionary measures prevent bacteria from re-infecting the tooth and keep off stray elements like chewed food.

Advantages of Getting a Root Canal

Even the simple yet essential act of chewing food becomes difficult if a tooth is infected. Food particles that touch the exposed pulp trigger the nerves. Getting a root canal done lets a person eat normally without pain. It keeps the teeth looking natural and pristine for aesthetics. It also allows the patient to keep things balanced by being able to chew from both sides.

Summary

The root canal procedure is the best treatment for decayed teeth with infected pulps. It helps patients regain the normal function of their mouth and protects them from further infections.

If you or a loved one has any dental health concerns, Family Dental Service offers a full range of dental and orthodontic care in one convenient location. Our professionals take your dental health seriously. We have an endodontist as well that can conduct a root canal. Call us today to schedule your next appointment!


Root Canals: What You Need To Know

Are Baby Teeth Important?

Newborn babies generally take anywhere from six to 12 months to develop teeth. Although baby teeth eventually fall out, they play an important role. Here is some more information on this topic:

Functions of Baby Teeth

Baby teeth help them chew food after weaning. Besides this, they help babies learn how to speak easily and in a coherent manner. It is also worth noting that they precede permanent teeth developing under the gums.

Dealing with Teething Problems

The process of teeth breaking through the gums can be painful and cause your baby to cry and become fussy. To make your baby’s life comfortable during this period, consult a doctor to prescribe an appropriate pain reliever. Moreover, you can rub your baby’s gums with a clean and wet pad or clean fingers. Another option would be to allow the baby to chew a teething ring.

Dealing with Thumbsucking

Although thumbsucking can help a baby go to sleep, it can cause problems such as crooked teeth later. The good news is there are various ways you can deal with this problem. If you spend most of the day with your kid, discourage this habit as much as possible. Alternatively, you could limit thumbsucking to naptime. You could also try praising your kid when he/she makes an effort to stop thumbsucking. Finally, put a sock or wrap a piece of cloth over the baby’s hand as the goes to sleep.

Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is as important for babies as it is for adults. With this in mind, clean your baby’s teeth at least twice every day using a brush with soft bristles or a clean, damp cloth. Only use a brush specifically made for babies. If you have to use toothpaste, avoid any that contain fluoride. In addition, use a very small amount of toothpaste.

Another effective oral hygiene tip is never allowing your baby fall asleep with a milk bottle in his/her mouth. Doing so exposes your baby’s teeth to ingredients such as sugar, which can cause cavities over time.

Dental Clinic Visits

It is advisable to take your baby to see a dentist as soon as the first teeth appear. This is necessary to ensure you get the right advice on topics such as oral hygiene and handling teething problems.

Conclusion

Baby teeth are important because they help kids chew food, learn how speak well, and fill in space for more permanent teeth to grow later. This means good oral hygiene is important. You can clean your baby’s teeth using a brush with soft bristles or a soft piece of cloth.

If you have a teething baby, it is important that you bring your child to a dentist. Family Dental Service can help your teething child with their dental health and set a foundation of excellent dental health for your child which will last a lifetime. Family Dental Service also offers a full range of dental and orthodontic care in one convenient location. We have a staff of dentists and orthodontists which allows all of your family to get any dental care needs addressed in a single location. We have been serving the Lehigh Valley, PA are for over 25 years!


Are Baby Teeth Important?