There are several tools on the market to aid in the quest for exceptional dental hygiene, here are some dental hygiene tips that you should follow;

Chew Xylitol gum or mints after meals and before going to bed. Be sure the gum or mints are 100% Xylitol. A total of 10 -12 mints or gum daily is the recommended dosage.

Use a SOFT toothbrush. Brushing with a hard brush will damage the tissues around the teeth and cause recession. Consider the Mouthwatchers anti-bacterial toothbrush, the bristles are 10x’s thinner than any other brush on the market.

If you grind your teeth at night or during the day, see your dentist for a night guard or day guard to prevent tooth fracture and soreness of the joints.

Crunchy foods such as carrots, celery and apples help to cleanse the teeth when you cannot brush.

Fluoride rinses can help to alleviate root sensitivity and act as a barrier from acid causing bacteria that will cause tooth decay.

Use interdental (between the teeth) stimulators to rid the bacteria from under bridges and implants.

Features:

CEREC 3
The CEREC 3 acquisition unit incorporates a mobile PC that has been specially designed and approved for medical applications. The PC is equipped with a flat panel monitor, a high-precision 3-D measuring camera, and a microprocessor-controlled image capture card. The card processes the images from the 3-D measuring camera in real time.
Software

CEREC 3D Software is Windows – based and 3-dimensional. With “what you see is what you get” realism, you have the control and vision you’ve never had with any other restorative method. CEREC 3D software allows you to see the preparation and restoration from all angles. You can remove mesial and distal neighbors to ensure that proximal contacts are precisely correct.

Milling Unit

The milling unit is capable of producing single-unit restorations. The acquisition unit may be used for other tasks during the milling process. The milling unit communicates with the acquisition unit via cable or radio signals. Using radio communication allows the milling unit to be installed in a wide variety of locations: in the treatment room for easy access, in a corner or niche to save space, or in the waiting area as a fascinating eye-catcher.

The diamond burrs in the milling unit are designed for the shortest possible milling times. The conical burr allows creation of highly detailed occlusal surfaces. Performed symmetrically, the milling process ensures that the ceramic materials are machined with utmost care and precision.

As North Shore Dentists, Dr. Plotka are focused on prevention and being proactive. One of the areas of concern is injury prevention.

The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation estimates that children and adolescents lose more than 5 million teeth per year.

It is recommended that individuals who participate in athletics or who are recreationally active have a properly fitted mouthguard fabricated by a dentist. Custom made athletic mouthguards best aid in preventing tooth injury or loss. Over the counter guards are typically found to have inadequate thickness, unsatisfactory coverage for the teeth and thus do not provide the most ideal protection.

If you or a member of your family is active and participates in athletics we recommend that you consult with a dentist to ensure that one has suitable protection for their mouth.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, roughly 45 million Americans experience tooth sensitivity, a condition characterized by a tingly feeling or a flash pinch of pain affecting all teeth, certain areas of certain teeth or all of one or more teeth.

The pain associated with tooth sensitivity may occur constantly or intermittently. Intermittent tooth sensitivity can occur while ingesting hot or cold food or beverages, or when cold air hits the teeth. In some cases, tooth sensitivity pain is mistaken for root damage.

The Cause and Effect of Tooth Sensitivity

What exactly causes tooth sensitivity? Aging accounts for some tooth sensitivity. As we age, enamel (the outer tooth surface) naturally wears down, exposing the dentin (the initial inner tooth surface) and causing sensitivity. But tooth sensitivity also results from a variety of other factors, including:

• Gum recession.
• Acidy liquids (such as soda) that cause enamel wear and dentin exposure.
• Tooth grinding, in which case all teeth feel sensitive.
• Brushing teeth too hard, which may cause enamel loss and dentin exposure.
• Dental treatment such as teeth whitening, professional dental hygiene cleanings, orthodontics or tooth restorations (i.e., root canals).
• Root nerve damage, gum disease (periodontitis), or a chipped or fractured tooth.

The Dental Visit

In the end, it is best to see a dentist about sensitive teeth to determine the true nature of the sensitivity. During the consultation, your dentist uses an instrument called a spray gun to dispense air across every area of each tooth in order to locate the sensitivity.

Once it is determined that the cause does not require dental restorative treatment, your dentist may apply an in-office desensitizer, which acts as protective coating designed to thwart any hypersensitivity. The product, which has a sticky foundation, is applied by your dentist while you are in the office. In-office desensitizers may also be used to reduce discomfort during dental treatments. Your dentist may recommend additional remedies to further manage tooth sensitivity.

Tooth Sensitivity Solutions

You have many options for the management of tooth sensitivity. For low-level sensitivity, a home maintenance program can be effective. Over-the-counter fluoride rinses, gels and toothpastes can make the root nerve less sensitive or build a protective coating to cover the sensitive tooth surface. For higher levels of sensitivity, an in-office desensitizer may provide relief for many months, even years.

Sometimes, dentists recommend an over-the-counter desensitizer to supplement treatment. A soft-bristled toothbrush may also provide relief.

Again, whether you ultimately choose an in-office desensitizer or over-the-counter toothpastes, rinses or gels, the most important step is to see a dentist first to determine which tooth sensitivity solution is right for you.

If you are a smoker, your dental care needs are considerably more demanding than those of a non-smoker. In fact, cigarette smoking is a leading cause of tooth loss. Smoking also increases your risk for periodontal disease (gum disease), loss of bone structure, inflammation of the salivary gland, leukoplakia (precancerous condition) and development of lung, throat or oral cancer.

In addition to the critical risks mentioned above, other factors for smokers to consider include:

• A consistent build up of plaque and tartar.
• Stained teeth
• Bad breath
• The loss of taste and smell.

Furthermore, smoking is associated with a slower healing process following dental work, and a lower rate of success for procedures such as dental implants. In fact, smokers may not be implant candidates at all.

On a grander scale, if the current trend of smokers in the U.S. continues, smoking will kill one in six Americans by 2030, according to the World Health Organization.

Oral Health Tips for Smokers

• Schedule an exam with your physician to identify the right smoking cessation program. Inquire about a counseling service, nicotine patch or gum, nasal inhalers and sprays or non-nicotine prescription medications.
• Schedule a professional dental cleaning and oral health checkup. Inform your dentist that you are a smoker and ask to be screened for periodontal disease and other smoking-related conditions.
• Be certain to maintain a proper dental hygiene home program. Smokers have special dental hygiene needs. For example, smokers usually require professional cleaning more often than non-smokers. Treat yourself to a new a tongue cleaner, dental floss and mouthwash.
• Initiate a stress reduction program such as an exercise regimen, Pilates or a yoga class.

Smokers’ Challenges & Solutions

The challenge in quitting smoking lies in both the physical and emotional dependency caused by the nicotine in cigarettes. Nicotine is a drug equally addictive to other narcotics. The physical withdrawal from cigarettes may include headaches, nausea, cold sweats, and tremors. The emotional symptoms may include depression, irritability, nervousness, fatigue, and a lack of concentration.

Since withdrawal from smoking can be one of the most difficult challenges to overcome, the healthcare community has developed a wealth of solutions to assist you. There are state-sponsored “quit smoking” hotlines, prescription medications, and over-the-counter drugs designed to help you through the withdrawal period. There are behavioral modification programs that can be accessed through state sponsored “quit smoking” hotlines. You may have access to one-on-one therapy offered by private psychologists, therapists, counselors or in some cases, through prescription medication companies. In the end, the advantages of quitting are far greater than the risks associated with smoking.

Under certain circumstances, a direct correlation can exist between a sinus infection and a toothache. A sinus infection might be caused by an allergic reaction, an anatomical obstruction in the nasal passage, another bodily infection (like a respiratory infection) or — and here’s where tooth pain comes in — an infected maxillary tooth. In fact, a person experiencing pain in many or all teeth may have a sinus infection. The face and neck may also contain cutaneous sinus tracts that are sometimes dental in origin.

Studies have indicated that in many cases, a correlation exists between sinus infections and caries (cavities), impacted wisdom teeth, incomplete dental work, and tooth or crown fracture.

Additionally, untreated sinus infections may make it difficult to maintain dental hygiene. Sinus infections may be the culprit in cases of bad breath (also known as halitosis) as sinus drainage falls into the mouth.

Diagnosing Sinus Infections as the Cause of Toothache

In order to determine if a sinus infection is the root cause of a toothache, a dentist will typically perform a percussion test whereby he will gently tap on an individual teeth to establish where the pain is located. Pain located in all of the teeth signifies a sinus-related infection.

Treating Sinus Infections and their Effects

If left untreated, chronic sinus infections may have an effect on the teeth. In fact, people often struggle to differentiate between a sinus infection and toothache since the roots of the upper teeth are in close proximity to the maxillary sinus cavities. Seek the advice of a medical professional and possibly an ear nose and throat specialist to determine an appropriate treatment plan.

Depending upon the source of nasal discomfort responsible for causing tooth pain, treatment may include nasal drops, allergy medication, antibiotics or an ongoing regimen of nasal washes. Additionally, dental treatment may be required to repair any areas that were affected by the sinus infection.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 28,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually, with more than 7,000 of these cases resulting in death. Oral cancer may occur on the mouth, lips, tongue, gums, salivary glands, and throat (oropharyngeal).

Possible Signs of Oral Cancer

Since oral cancer often begins with an asymptomatic stage during which symptoms may not be obvious, it is often painless initially and therefore difficult to detect.

Although the following signs do not necessarily signify cancer, are not all-inclusive, and may signify other dental conditions, they may be associated with early signs of cancer. Since oral cancer treatment is usually successful when performed in the early stages, any abnormal change in the mouth, gums, tongue, or surrounding area should be evaluated by a dental professional immediately.

The signs of oral cancer may include:

• Continuous pain in the mouth
• Sores and bumps inside the mouth, including ragged, ulcerous lesions
• Difficulty moving the mouth and jaw
• Difficulty swallowing and chewing
• Soreness in the throat
• Bump in the neck
• Pronounced pain in one ear
• Undiagnosed bleeding from the tongue, gums, or cheeks
• Numbness in a specific area of the mouth or jaw

Oral Cancer Check-up, Diagnosis, and Treatment

For a definitive oral cancer diagnosis, you must see a dentist and a doctor (your dentist may refer you to an oncologist if cancer is expected). Your doctor and dentist will examine your mouth and evaluate your medical history to formulate an initial diagnostic impression and treatment plan. If the resulting treatment plan does not effectively resolve the dental condition within two weeks, a biopsy of the affected area will be performed to test for cancer.

Oral cancer is diagnosed through a confirmed malignant biopsy and a clinical evaluation to identify the stage and grade of the cancer. Cancer is present when the basement membrane of the epithelium is broken. The cancer may eventually spread to other areas of the mouth and body, resulting in secondary cancers that may yield even more serious consequences.

In order to determine the “path” of the cancer, the doctor may perform additional tests, including an x-ray, CT scan (computerized tomography), or MRI Scan (magnetic resonance imaging). Ultrasounds may be used to establish the contour, consistency and composition of the cancerous mass or masses. In the end, your doctor and dentist will develop a treatment plan based on supporting diagnostic tests.

Canker sores appear on the tongue, soft palate, insides of the cheeks or lips and base of the gums. While they have the benefit of not usually being visible, they are likely to make eating, swallowing and speaking painful.

Cause of Canker Sores

Canker sores are not viral or infectious. They may be hereditary since 30 to 40 percent of those with recurrent canker sores have a family history of the condition. According to research reported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, “Canker sores may be caused by a faulty immune system that uses the body’s defenses against disease to attack and destroy the normal cells of the mouth or tongue.”

Simply stated, their cause is unknown; however, common canker sore triggers may include:

• Stress.
• Immune deficiencies.
• Illness or infection.
• Gastrointestinal disease.
• Tissue manipulation—including prophylactic dental and gum cleanings and overzealous tooth-brushing.
• Tissue injury—for example, biting the inside of the mouth.
• Eating abrasive foods (such as potato chips, dry cereals and dried fruits), acidic foods (such as vinegar) and spicy foods (curries, chilis and hot sauces).
• Food or contact allergies.
• Although not yet proven, nutritional deficiencies—particularly a lack of vitamin B-12, folic acid or iron—may also play a role.

Canker Sore Diagnosis

If you suspect you have canker sores, you may wish to consult with your dentist first to rule out a more serious type of mouth sore. Dentists specializing in oral health conditions are in a better position than physicians when it comes to diagnosing and managing these sores—and particularly at distinguishing them from intraoral herpes, a contagious viral condition which may lead to serious problems in people with an impaired immune system.

Your dentist can also assess whether sharp tooth surfaces or wearing an appliance may be triggering canker sores.

Canker Sore Development: What to Expect

Canker sores generally start as one or two tender, inflamed red spots, round or oval in shape, measuring an eighth of an inch wide (mild cases) to more than an inch wide (severe cases). These tender spots soon expand to form sores with a thin, yellowish center and a brisk red edge or halo. The presence of canker sores makes it hard to eat, talk or perform oral hygiene. As the sores heal, the pain also diminishes.

Small canker sores or minor aphthous ulcerations run their course in 1-3 weeks and leave no scar. In contrast, larger sores or major aphthous ulcerations typically take longer to heal and may scar. Finally, a herpetiform aphthous ulcer, the most severe type of ulceration, is characterized by multiple lesions occurring simultaneously and may require palliative treatment from your dentist.

Canker Sore Treatment

Canker sores typically heal without treatment. If the sores are especially large or painful, your dentist or doctor may prescribe a topical anesthetic, a prescription tetracycline mouthwash or a corticosteroid salve.

There are a number of home remedies that may alleviate pain or shorten the duration of canker sores:

• Apply ice over the sores.
• Rinse with pediatric diphenhydramine (Benadryl). But don’t swallow the Benadryl; it can make you sleepy.
• Dab milk of magnesia on sores a few times a day, both to ease the pain and help healing.
• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.).

• Crowns and Bridges
• The elderly, young children and disabled who have difficulty maintaining dental hygiene.
• People who use mouth appliances, including dental braces and dentures.
  Smokers are more prone not halitosis and periodontal disease (another contributor to bad breath).
• People with certain medical conditions including, but not limited to, tooth decay, impacted teeth, abscessed teeth, periodontal disease, alcoholism, uncontrolled diabetes, sinusitis, post-nasal drip, allergies, throat and lung infections (such as bronchitis) and dry mouth. Dry mouth may be the result of a high protein diet, non-fibrous diet or medical condition.
• Individuals on certain medications, including, but not limited to, certain vitamin supplements, antihistamines, calcium blockers, cardiac medications, blood pressure pharmaceuticals and psychiatric drugs have been known to inhibit saliva flow or produce dry mouth, which may lead to halitosis. Dry mouth may also lead to excessive thirst and tooth decay – a good foundation for halitosis once again.
• Poor dieters who are dehydrated because of certain foods they eat may have bad breath. Foods that contribute to halitosis include diet soda, onions, spices, garlic, curry, cabbage and coffee. High protein food debris lodged between the teeth can produce halitosis as well

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Bacterial Origins of Bad Breath

Researchers have determined that bad breath typically originates during open-air interaction with bacteria in the mouth, the nose or the stomach.

There are numerous nasal triggers for bad breath. Nasal dysfunction, including a genetic abnormality in the nasal passage, may inhibit proper mucous flow. The bacteria found in sinusitis, post-nasal drip and allergies may pass from the nose to the back of the tongue where, if neglected, it can lie dormant due to improper saliva flow or poor dental hygiene.

Bad Breath Bacterial Scents
Biologists have determined that numerous types of bacteria contribute to halitosis. Interestingly, all of these bacteria are found in other types of unpleasant odors, including corpse scent (a combination of oxygen and sulfur compounds and/or nitrogen-containing gases such as cadaverine), decayed meat (putrescine), rotten egg stench (hydrogen sulfide), smelly feet (isovaleric acid), as well as feces aroma (methyl mercaptan and skatole). When bacterial plaque is not removed from the teeth, gums, or in between the teeth, it continues to grow and ultimately may lead to halitosis, tooth decay and gum disease.

To think that such scents could be emanating from your mouth is unpleasant indeed, illustrating the importance of exercising proper dental hygiene and maintaining regular dental check-ups.