Author: forestwooddentistry

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Oral Health

How to Get Rid of Canker Sores?

How to Get Rid of Canker Sores?
How to Get Rid of Canker Sores?

The canker sore, also known as the aphthous ulcer, is one of the most common oral problems faced by every individual. They can easily be spotted in the mouth and are present in widespread distribution all over the mouth. They start as white to yellowish ulcers, and as they grow, they get surrounded by a red border.

They are small shallow ulcers, usually ranging between 0.5 and 1 mm in diameter. Irrespective of their age, they can occur in any individual at any point in time. Little infants as young as 2 years can also develop these canker sores, but they are usually evident after adolescence.

These canker sores can be painful but are not a major cause of concern for many people besides the discomfort. Dentists or professionals usually discover these canker sores during a regular checkup. They are self-healing and normally heal in a time of 1-2 weeks.

They are of a few types: simple canker sores, complex canker sores, minor canker sores, major canker sores, and herpetiform canker sores. Simple and minor canker sores are the most common and appear at least three to four times a year.

They usually last a week and are most evident between the ages of 10 to 20 years. Complex and herpetiform canker sores are less commonly seen. They are more common in patients who have previously had them. Lastly, major canker sores, as the name suggests, are bigger in size and last more than 2 weeks in an individual.

They often heal with scarring. This article outlines some of the causes, symptoms, and treatment remedies that you can use to get rid of these canker sores.

Causes and Symptoms

The exact cause of the canker sore is still not very clear. Stress or minor injury, certain foods like citric or acidic fruits, and vegetables like lemons, oranges, pineapples, apples, tomatoes, and strawberries can be common causes of canker sores. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can also trigger these canker sores.

Canker sores can be caused by the use of a sharp toothbrush, a sharp tooth surface, a dental appliance, or an ill-fitting denture. These canker sores can also be a manifestation of an underlying health issue such as lupus, or Bachet’s disease, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and AIDS.

The most common symptoms associated with a canker sore are irritation and pain. Other than these, a tingling or burning sensation may also be felt prior to the appearance of the ulcer. In severe cases, patients may also experience fever, physical sluggishness, and swollen lymph nodes.

Treatment and Prevention

Canker sores treatment can be divided into two types: home remedies and over-the-counter treatments (OTC). All of these work to reduce the pain, and inflammation, and speed up the healing of the canker sore. Initiating with the home remedies, the first and foremost thing that can be done to prevent these canker sores is to manage the possible triggers.

Aside from mouth rinses and topical products such as tubes and gels, taking oral medication such as sucralfate or oral steroid medication, nutritional supplements, and resolving the underlying health issue are all possible cures for canker sores. If anyone is facing these problems recurrently, they can be prevented by avoiding the triggering agents, avoiding irritation from gum chewing, using a soft-bristled brush, flossing daily, and avoiding the use of oral hygiene products containing sodium lauryl sulfate.

Lifestyle and home remedies: Rinse your mouth frequently using water or baking soda (mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in half a cup of warm water). Dab a small amount of magnesium a few times a day. For the time being, avoid spicy, acidic, abrasive, and acidic foods. If possible, you can also apply ice to your canker sores. Try to brush as gently as possible until the canker sore heals.

Over-the-counter treatments: Use of oral health products such as antiseptic mouth rinses, this helps reduce the bacteria in the mouth. Oral gels to numb the painful canker sore areas.

Even after all these remedies, if your canker sore does not heal, then it’s time to see a dentist. Call your dentist if a canker sore lasts more than 14 days or even longer, if it seems to get worse, if an unusual growth in size is seen, if you notice frequent outbreaks of canker sores, if they become extremely painful over time, or if they are accompanied by high fever.

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Oral Health

Best 6 Foods for Healthy Teeth

Best 6 Foods for Healthy Teeth
Best 6 Foods for Healthy Teeth

You are what you eat when it comes to the condition of your teeth. Tooth decay is caused by sugary foods like candy and carbonated drinks. For a healthy mouth, food for strong teeth in your diet is essential. Your teeth and gums are immediately impacted by nutrition.

Poor nutrition can lead to gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay. Additionally, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and preterm or underweight infants have all been linked by doctors to dental illnesses. This list of nutritious tooth-healthy foods will help you improve your diet and dental health.

What meals are the healthiest for teeth and gums?

Considering their great nutritional content and additional benefits for cleaning teeth, fresh fruits and vegetables are some of the best food for strong teeth and gums. Additionally, foods high in calcium, such as low-fat or fat-free milk, yoghurt, and cheese, as well as fortified soy beverages, tofu, canned salmon, almonds, and dark-green leafy vegetables, support healthy teeth and bones. Food particles and bacteria that cause plaque are washed away by saliva and water after chewing on crunchy meals, which stimulates salivation.

  • Yoghurt, cheese, and milk

For a variety of reasons, cheese is one of the finest meals for strong teeth. Firstly, it has a high calcium content and little sugar. Casein, a protein that is very beneficial to tooth-healthy foods for strengthening tooth enamel, is a component of it. Calcium, which is abundant in cheese and necessary for preserving bone density, is vital.

The high phosphate content of cheese also contributes to the maintenance of dental enamel by balancing the pH levels in the mouth. Chewing cheese boosts saliva production, which aids in washing away oral germs.

  • Carrots, celery, and other crunchy vegetables

Given that they necessitate a lot of chewing to clean the teeth’s surfaces, many veggies are beneficial for your teeth. Tooth-healthy foods that are firm and crunchy and contain a lot of water are excellent natural teeth cleaners because they encourage salivation, which helps to wash away bacteria and food particles.

In terms of natural dental floss, celery is probably the closest thing to reliable tooth-healthy foods. As a natural tooth cleaner, the fibrous and crunchy texture is fantastic. Carrots are one of the best cavity-fighting vegetables and are packed with nutrients. Lots of vitamin C, calcium, and keratin are found in carrots, all of which are good for your teeth.

  • Tea

The growth of microorganisms linked to gum disease and cavities is slowed by substances called polyphenols, which may be found in black and green tea. Black tea mouthwash for one minute, ten times a day, was proven to reduce plaque development on teeth compared to water mouthwash, according to research. They also lowered the plaque’s size and stickiness.

  • Pears and Apples

Can you avoid the dentist with an apple a day? Perhaps not, but it is among tooth-healthy foods that undoubtedly assist. Consuming apples or other firm, fibrous fruits like pears will help you brush your teeth and create more saliva, which can assist to balance the citric and malic acids that are left in your mouth.

  • Nuts

The benefits of nuts for your teeth are numerous. They have significant concentrations of essential elements like calcium and phosphorus. Almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews are particularly advantageous tooth-healthy foods since they work to fend off the germs that cause tooth disease.

Almonds and peanuts, for instance, both contain significant quantities of calcium, which is helpful for teeth and gums. Peanuts also include a considerable quantity of vitamin D. Walnuts include everything from fibre, folic acid, iron, thiamine, magnesium, iron, niacin, vitamin E, vitamin B6, potassium, and zinc. Cashews are believed to increase saliva production.

  • Fatty fish and meats

The majority of meats include some of the crucial elements listed above, and eating meat generates saliva. Furthermore, having more saliva is beneficial because it neutralises the acidity in your mouth and removes food particles that might cause decay.

Particularly tooth-healthy food options include red meat and even organic meats. Phosphorus, a crucial element for preserving dental enamel, is abundant in tofu and fatty fish (such as salmon).

What should you avoid?

 

  • Sticky sweets and candies

 

Choose sweets that leave your mouth quickly if you indulge in them. So avoid processed sugar-containing candy like lollipops, caramels, and cough drops. There has been a lot of advertising about chocolate’s ability to be among tooth-healthy foods, which is yet to be confirmed.

  • Starchy foods can get lodged in your teeth

For instance, potato chips and soft bread might become stuck between your teeth.

  • Soft drinks with carbonation

For children and teenagers, these beverages constitute the main source of added sugar. There is a lot of sugar in them.

Categories
Gum Gum Disease

Does Gum Disease Cause Alzheimer’s?

Does Gum Disease Cause Alzheimer’s?
Does Gum Disease Cause Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in adults over 65 years of age. This progressive brain disorder can cause memory loss, deteriorated thinking and changes in behavior. It’s one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. A cure or a cause for the disease have yet to be discovered, but Alzheimer’s research studies are finding new insights every year.

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Brushing

Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: What It Is, Benefits, & Best Brands

Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: What It Is, Benefits, & Best Brands
Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: What It Is, Benefits, & Best Brands

A new kind of toothpaste has come onto the scene, challenging fluoride’s #1 seat at the cavity-defense table. But does hydroxyapatite (HAp) really work to protect and strengthen teeth? Is it safe? Should you use it?

In this article, you’ll learn how HAp toothpaste works, why I recommend it over fluoride for optimal oral health, the benefits (including whiter teeth!), and which brands to try.

If you’re done with fluoride and ready to move onto something better and fluoride-free, this is the toothpaste for you.

(Two quick notes: One, in the studies I share within this article, toothpaste is called a “dentifrice” and cavities/tooth decay are referred to as “dental caries.” Second, when I compare HAp to fluoride, I’m referring to topical use only. As of right now, there is no alternative for fluoride in water, as HAp is unstable in water.)

What is hydroxyapatite?

So, let’s start with the burning question: What exactly is hydroxyapatite, and why is it in toothpaste?

Hydroxyapatite (HAp), in its natural form, is a form of calcium that makes up 97% of your tooth enamel and 70% of the dentin of your teeth. The rest of your enamel is actually composed of water, collagen, and other proteins.

The chemical formula for hydroxyapatite is Ca5(PO4)3(OH).

Fun fact: hydroxyapatite is also the major (60%) component of bones. In addition to toothpaste, it’s been used in osteopathic research to help strengthen bone material. It also shows promise for orthodontic restorations.

The high HAp concentration in tooth enamel is the reason it’s so strong.

Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste for Tooth Remineralization

The main draw of hydroxyapatite in toothpaste is that it helps to remineralize (rebuild) tooth structure without any known side effects.

Tooth decay grows and destroys teeth when the remineralization of your teeth outweighs demineralization. Both of these processes happen all the time in your mouth and are impacted by mouth breathing, your diet, your oral hygiene, and ultimately, your oral microbiome.

he reason most dentists make a big deal about fluoride is because it’s one of the only substances on earth that can help rebuild your teeth. They think it’s better than calcium, as it’s more resistant to acid and less likely to dissolve in the presence of low pH conditions.

I explain the significant differences between fluoride and HAp later in this article, but the biggest problem with fluoride is that it’s toxic in large doses and associated with increased risks of at least 11 medical conditions.

For the most part, the biggest fluoride issues have to do with ingesting it via water, as most people spit out their toothpaste. If your child swallows a little bit of toothpaste, it’s usually not going to be a long-term problem.

Fortunately, hydroxyapatite is biocompatible with your teeth — because it’s literally the same material as the majority of your tooth structure!

Not only is it biocompatible, but it’s totally non-toxic — no Poison Control warning needed — and strengthens teeth. In fact, it’s not just compatible with your body — it’s literally “biomimetic,” which means your body recognizes it as familiar structure that belongs there.

The best way to use hydroxyapatite toothpaste to prevent and reverse cavities is to leave it on your teeth after brushing. Translation: Don’t rinse your mouth after brushing with HAp.

How does hydroxyapatite toothpaste work?

Because your teeth recognize this compound, they absorb and uptake hydroxyapatite down to the root. This is most beneficial when we’re talking about tooth decay because HAp can reach down into the furthest area of decay to rebuild enamel on any tooth surface.

The way your teeth react to hydroxyapatite toothpaste also makes them more resistant to plaque buildup and “acid attacks”/enamel erosion that leads to tooth decay. It can even make them look “glossier.”

Categories
family dentistry

Dental Sealants: What are they, are they safe, and do they work?

3d render of teeth with inlay, onlay and crown filling over white background

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that seal over the narrow grooves found on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars).

When placed perfectly on these deep pits, sealants can prevent a significant amount of tooth decay (cavities) by protecting sensitive tooth surfaces from acid that causes cavities.

Sealants are not generally placed on baby teeth but on the tooth enamel of permanent teeth (“adult” teeth).

Dental sealants function much like sealing cracks in a driveway or on the sidewalk. The grooves in the chewing surfaces of back teeth are sealed so that food particles and bacteria will not settle within the fissures, causing cavities.

Dental sealants can be placed by your dentist, dental hygienist, or other dental professional. Some states dental boards have laws governing by whom, how, and in what circumstances dental sealants can be placed.

While I will recommend sealants at my office, I do so with very strict criteria, application techniques, and only the cleanest materials. So, are dental sealants worth it for your children’s dental health?

How are sealants applied to teeth?

Sealant placement is a relatively easy process.

  1. First, the teeth are cleaned of plaque or food particles and then thoroughly examined for tooth decay.
  2. Each tooth is dried and surrounded by absorbent material so it remains dry throughout the procedure.
  3. The tooth is cleaned with a mild etchant (acid etch solution) to roughen the tooth surface and encourage bonding of the sealant material.
  4. The etchant is rinsed and the teeth are dried again.
  5. Depending on your material of choice, a thin layer of bonding agent may be used prior to the placement of the very viscous sealant material.
  6. The sealant is painted directly onto the chewing surface of each tooth.
  7. Finally, a curing light may be used to harden the dental sealant.

The teeth must be nicely isolated so no contaminants, such as saliva, affect the bond. Ozone gas can be applied to ensure bacteria on or around the tooth is reduced or eliminated prior to sealing.

If a small cavity is detected, air abrasion or a dental laser or drill can be used to clean out the infection prior to any material placement.

Can a sealant be placed over existing tooth decay?

Technically, clear sealants can be used over small cavities to prevent major spread of the decay.

However, it’s best to treat any existing decay (or take steps to reverse it, depending on the extent of the decay) before placing a dental sealant.

How long do dental sealants last?

Depending on the techniques used, sealants can last from 3-10 years or more.

Sealants may not last as long for patients who:

  • Clench/grind their teeth
  • Have acid reflux
  • Eat a highly acidic diet

How do I care for my sealants?

Dental sealants are easy to care for and can be brushed and flossed as normal. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste using a remineralizing agent like hydroxyapatite.

They may stain with diets high in berries, coffee, teas, and red wine. Sealants may “pop” off if you are eating sticky, gummy, chewy foods. 

Do dental sealants work?

Do dental sealants prevent cavities? Yes, sealants do work to prevent cavities (tooth decay) if placed perfectly and at the right time.

Most research shows that sealants do reduce cavities, but more long term follow-ups are needed.

In a 2017 Cochrane review, researchers stated that “resin‐based sealants applied to occlusal surfaces of permanent molars reduced caries when compared to no sealant.” However, “trials with long follow‐up times are needed to research the effectiveness of sealing procedures related to different caries prevalence levels.”

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) found in a 2016 study that “Children without sealants had almost three times more cavities in permanent first molars compared with children with sealants.”

The same study stated that dental sealants can prevent 80% of cavities in permanent molars (where 9/10 cavities develop).

This study did not control for dietary patterns, dental hygiene habits, or level of dental care during the same period of time. It only controlled for sex, race/ethnicity, family income, and highest level of education by the head of the household.

Why does this matter? It’s possible that confounding variables — such as diet, dental visits, or dental hygiene habits — may have artificially inflated these numbers.

For example, children who received dental sealants may also have visited the dentist, brushed, and flossed more often. They may be the same children who do not eat sugary or highly acidic foods, which will impact cavity formation.

These statistics should be examined with a hefty grain of salt.

Who should get dental sealants?

Children who benefit most from dental sealants include those:

  • With very deep grooves in their molars
  • At a high risk for cavities
  • Who eat a diet high in processed foods, refined flours and sugars, and sugary drinks
  • With special needs that make dental hygiene and/or a healthy diet more challenging

Ideally, sealants should be placed immediately after the eruption of the first molars (around age 6) and second molars (around age 12). Sooner is better to ensure the grooves have not been affected with bacteria or early cavities.

Sealants in Adults

In general, dental sealants are not used on adults, though some sources like the CDC and ADA claim they can help prevent decay. (This has not been tested in clinical trials.)

Dental sealants for adults may not be a good idea because the tooth has been exposed to the oral microbiome for a much longer time. Complex systems of bacteria are more likely to be trapped under the sealant in a deep groove.

To place a dental sealant in an adult tooth, it is important that the grooves be drilled out, treated with ozone, and immediately sealed. This best reduces the risk of growing decay under the sealant material.

Can dental sealants be removed?

Dental sealants can usually be removed in a quick and easy procedure involving either a laser or a dental drill to carefully remove the material used.

This leaves the healthy tooth structure intact, after which it can be resealed if desired.

Removing dental sealants is done to:

  • Reseal the tooth with a ceramic sealant (which is considered “cleaner” than traditional sealant)
  • Correct chips or cracks in existing dental sealants
  • Eliminate poorly placed sealants
  • Expose buried decay that can then be restored

Once a sealant is placed, it’s generally not removed unless a dentist spots a problem or the patient (or parent) requests it for other reasons, such as to change the materials being used.

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whitening

3 Good Options for Whitening Your Teeth at Home

3 Good Options for Whitening Your Teeth at Home
3 Good Options for Whitening Your Teeth at Home

Teeth Whitening

Tooth whitening helps build your everyday confidence so that you can relate with others and it provides you with a bright smile. However, discoloration of teeth can be caused by stains on your enamel or by changes that may occur inside of your teeth. Drinking coffee, tea, wine, smoking, and poor dental hygiene can cause your teeth to stain or discolor.

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Dental Hygiene

Are Spicy Foods Good for You: The Oral Health Benefits of Hot Peppers

Are Spicy Foods Good for You: The Oral Health Benefits of Hot Peppers
Are Spicy Foods Good for You: The Oral Health Benefits of Hot Peppers

In the desert southwest, the tiny chili pepper is mighty in flavor and cultural significance. From packing heat into salsa and sauces to hanging decoratively on the walls of homes and restaurants, these bright, shiny-skinned peppers are the spice of life in Arizona.

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Dental Hygiene

General Dentistry: The Importance of Yearly Checkups

General Dentistry: The Importance of Yearly Checkups
General Dentistry: The Importance of Yearly Checkups

General dentistry is defined as the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity. Additionally, the maxillofacial area and adjacent and associated structures are treated by a general dentist.

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Brushing

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?
How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? We throw out expired foods, restock vitamins and supplements, and replace our beauty products often, but when it comes to health and beauty, it’s our dental hygiene that doesn’t get as much attention or thought as other areas of our regimen. However, there are important rules and tips you should follow for maintaining optimal dental health.

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Dental Implants

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Implant to Replace a Missing Tooth

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Implant to Replace a Missing Tooth
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Implant to Replace a Missing Tooth

Technically, a dental implant is an artificial tooth root that’s placed into your jaw to hold a prosthetic tooth or bridge. However, when most people use the term “dental implants,” they’re talking about the combination of the implant (the artificial tooth root) and the prosthetic tooth. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason and who prefer not to wear dentures.

Dental Implant are artificial tooth roots that an implant dentist places in the jawbone so it can bond with the natural bone. This screw-shaped implant acts as a strong foundation to reinforce a replacement tooth. Modern dental implants have been used for over 30 years and are a great solution for missing teeth. Dental implants are an option for people who want their replacement teeth to look, feel, and function naturally and comfortably.

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