Wednesday 31 December 2014

Recognizing and Treating Oral Thrush

Recognizing and Treating Oral Thrush

Oral thrush, also known oral candidiasis, is a condition that occurs when a fungus called Candida albicans builds up on the lining of your mouth.

Anyone can develop oral thrush, but babies, young children, older adults, or anyone with a compromised immune system due to an illness such as HIV are more susceptible. Conversely, candidiasis lesions can be an early sign of an HIV infection.

The main symptom of oral thrush is creamy white lesions in the mouth, usually on the tongue or inner cheeks. In some cases, the lesions may appear on the roof of the mouth or on the back of the throat.

Interestingly, oral thrush is not caused by poor oral hygiene. Thrush is caused when the naturally occurring fungi in the body get out of balance, which is why the very old, very young, and people with weak immune systems are at higher risk. Good oral hygiene, however, is an essential part of treating oral thrush. Healthy adults and children can recover fairly easily from the infection, especially if they follow a complete oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily proper flossing.

To read the entire article please visit: OralB.com


Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 

Learn more about the importance of saliva.

Learn more about the importance of saliva.



The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

Wednesday 24 December 2014

Wednesday 17 December 2014

Saturday 6 December 2014

Tooth Abscess Symptoms And Treatment

Symptoms And Treatment Of Tooth Abscess
If you have a toothache that goes beyond mild to moderate tooth pain and reaches a level of severe, throbbing pain, it could be a sign of a tooth abscess. A tooth abscess is a pus-filled lesion at the roots of a tooth, and is caused by an infection. The first sign is a throbbing toothache that won’t go away.

At first, the tooth will likely be sensitive to chewing and biting, as well as to heat and cold. You also may develop a fever, swollen lymph nodes in your jaw or neck, or swelling on your face.

If the abscess ruptures, you’ll know because of the nasty-tasting discharge in your mouth. Although the pain may recede if the abscess ruptures, you still need to be treated by a dentist in order to get rid of the infection, save the tooth and avoid complications. If the abscess doesn’t rupture, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. This is not a problem to ignore.

Treatment will likely include draining the abscess if it hasn’t ruptured. Your dentist also may recommend that you take over-the-counter pain relievers, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and take antibiotics. More severe abscesses may require a root canal to remove infected tissue, and the worst cases require extraction of the tooth.

A tooth abscess can get its start as an untreated tooth cavity, so the best way to prevent an abscess is to prevent the cavity in the first place by following a consistent oral health routine of twice daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. Regular visits to your dentist are important too, especially if you’ve been treated for an abscess. This allows your dentist to confirm that the infection has cleared.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 


Monday 1 December 2014

Pregnancy & Oral Health

Learn more about the risks to your oral health during pregnancy.



The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

Saturday 29 November 2014

Causes and Treatment of Canker Sores

Cold Sores and Canker Sores Compared
It’s easy to confuse cold sores and canker sores.

Unlike a cold sore, a canker sore is not contagious, and it appears on the inside tissues of the mouth rather than the outer surface of the lip (which is where cold sores appear). A canker sore, also known as an apthous ulcer, looks like a small, round or oval lesion that has a white or yellowish center surrounded by red. They tend to be indented, like a crater, rather than raised, like a bump.

Canker sores most often appear on the inside of the cheeks and lips or at the base of the gum. Canker sores are not usually associated with bleeding gums, so if you are experiencing bleeding gums you should see your dentist to be evaluated for possible gum disease.

The majority of canker sores are mild. Mild canker sores are less than one-third of an inch long and usually heal on their own after a few weeks.

But major apthous ulcers, defined as larger than 10 mm in size, can take more than a month to heal and can cause scarring when they finally do heal. So it’s important to visit your doctor or dentist if you have a canker sore that has persisted for more than a few weeks. These large ulcers are most common in young adults after puberty, and they are more likely to recur than smaller sores. Older adults are more prone to herpetiform lesions, in which dozens of tiny lesions group together to form a large ulcer.

The exact cause of canker sores remains uncertain, but possible factors include an allergic reaction to bacteria in the mouth, a minor injury to the inside of the mouth due to dental work or poorly fitting dental appliances, food allergies or health problems, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Although most canker sores resolve on their own, if you have a large or stubborn lesion, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic mouth rinse, topical paste to apply to the lesion, or a nutritional supplement if poor nutrition may be the cause of the canker sore.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

Thursday 27 November 2014

How to Prevent Cavities for Yourself and Your Child by Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo

How to Prevent Cavities for Yourself and Your Child
by Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo

Most people are aware of the things they must do and avoid to prevent cavities, but I want to highlight the major points.  First of all, brushing 2-3 times a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste is a must.  After a day of eating, your teeth need to be cleaned before bedtime.  If not, all of the bacteria will adhere to your teeth and start breaking down the enamel causing cavities, or decalcification.  Please remember to also brush your children’s teeth.  Most children still need help properly brushing their teeth up to the age of 7.

    Second, flossing is needed to clean the areas of your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach.  You can floss as much as you would like, but your dentist wants you to floss every night to prevent cavities between your teeth and to keep your gums healthy.  Your children also need help flossing.  Some kids have wide gaps between all of their teeth, but these gaps close and some kids don’t have these gaps at all.  Your dental hygienist can show you how to floss your own and your children’s teeth.

    Third, fluoride is needed to keep teeth healthy and strong.  Most toothpaste has fluoride in their ingredients.  Fluoride can stop new cavities from forming and help remineralize the little ones that have already formed.  Most cities have fluoride in the water supply.  Gettysburg does not have fluoridated water.  The first step is to find out if there is fluoride in your water source.  With this knowledge, talk to your dental provider and determine if your children need a supplement during the years when their permanent teeth are forming.  This would be ingested fluoride helping the teeth that are forming.  The other fluoride source is topical.  This is the “fluoride treatment” after your dental cleaning.  This helps keep the teeth that are already in your mouth cavity free.

    Fourth, sealants are recommended for your children’s molars when they erupt.  Sealant is a material that flows into the grooves of your molars and make the area smooth thus preventing cavities from forming by making it easier to keep these teeth clean.  A child can still get a cavity in a sealed tooth.  If a person eats lots of sticky candies, or chews on ice, etc. it can break off the sealants (or parts of the sealant) letting the bacteria reach the grooves.  Your dental professional will check the sealants to make sure that the sealants are not breaking down.  At this time, your dentist will determine if the area can be sealed again, or if a cavity is already formed.  Sealants in combination with the above mentioned prevention would make sure your child stays cavity free.

    Fifth, the sugar contained in soda combines with bacteria on the teeth to produce acid that eat away a tooth’s protective enamel.  Diet soda is worse because it has its own acid that erodes enamel.  With both drinks, the acid lasts for about 20 minutes and starts over again when you take another sip.  Soda isn’t the only sugary drink.  Please limit drinking other sugary liquids like sports drinks.

    Last, and the thing that ties all of the above together are regular dental visits.  When you visit your dentist every 6 months, they are able to assess your situation and offer guidance and treatment to keep your teeth healthy. 

Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS is a pediatric dentist at Drs. Seidel and DeFilippo and Dental Associates.

Drs. Seidel and DeFilippo and Dental Associates.
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

Monday 24 November 2014

Saturday 22 November 2014

What To Know About TMJ

What Are TMJ Diseases And Disorders? 
TMJ diseases and disorders are a group of conditions that cause pain in and around the jaw joint (called the Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ) and nearby muscles. Jaw problems affect a person's ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow and even breathe.

What Are Symptoms Of TMJ?
Pain is the most common symptom of TMJ; however, some people have no pain but still have problems using their jaws. Specific symptoms include:
Face pain
Pain in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including the ear
Back pain
Inability to open the mouth comfortably
Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint
Locking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth
Headaches
A bite that is uncomfortable or feels “off”
Swelling on the side of the face, neck or shoulder

Other symptoms may include ringing in the ears, decreased hearing, dizziness and vision problems.

Keep in mind that occasional discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is common and is not a cause for concern. Many people with TMJ problems get better without treatment. Often the problem goes away on its own in several weeks to months.

To read the entire article please visit: OralB.com

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

Monday 17 November 2014

Bad Breath (also known as Halitosis)

Learn more about Bad Breath, which is also known as Halitosis.



The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

Tuesday 4 November 2014

Common Myths of Gum Disease # 6

I have diabetes. Will I get gum disease
Diabetes is a chronic disease which affects your body's ability to process sugar. The resulting high blood sugar can cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other parts of your body. Diabetes can also lower your resistance to infection and can slow the healing process. If you have diabetes, you are at greater risk of developing some oral health problems, including gum disease, so it's important that you are extra diligent with your oral health.

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

Friday 31 October 2014

Periodontics

Learn more about Periodontics, which is the treatment of the tissue (gums) supporting and surrounding the teeth..



The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

Tuesday 28 October 2014

Common Myths of Gum Disease # 5

Bad breath can be an indicator of gum disease
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can be an indicator of gum disease and other oral diseases so it is important that you uncover whatís causing the problem. If constantly have bad breath, make an appointment to see your dentist. Regular checkups allow your dentist to detect any problems as your bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your primary care physician.

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 


Amazing results with Invisalign!

Amazing results! Actual before and after photos of one of our Invisalign patients.

Friday 24 October 2014

Scaling and Root Planing

Learn more about Scaling and Root Planing to remove tartar and plaque below the gum line



The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

Tuesday 21 October 2014

Common Myths of Gum Disease # 4

Bleeding gums during pregnancy is normal
While it’s true that some women develop a condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis,” it’s not true that everyone experiences this. You can help prevent this condition by taking extra care during your brushing and flossing routine. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings to prevent this.

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

Friday 17 October 2014

Endodontics

Learn more about Endodontics, which is the treatment of the pulp and nerves of a tooth.



The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

Monday 6 October 2014

Common Myths of Gum Disease # 3

Having gum disease means I will lose my teeth
Not so! You don’t have to lose any of your teeth to gum disease if you practice good oral hygiene. That means brushing your teeth twice a day, cleaning between your teeth daily, eating a healthy diet, and scheduling regular dental visits. Even if you are diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist can design a treatment plan to help you keep it under control.

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

Wednesday 1 October 2014

Dental Assistant

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by your Dental Assistant!




The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

   

Monday 29 September 2014

Common Myths of Gum Disease # 2

I don't have cavities so I can't have gum disease
Being cavity-free doesnít ensure you are in the clear where gum disease is concerned. Thatís because gum disease is painless and many people have no idea they have it. Gums that bleed easily or are red, swollen or tender is a sign of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease and the only stage that is reversible. When caught early gingivitis can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at the dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing.

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 


Wednesday 24 September 2014

Dental Hygienist

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by your Dental Hygienist!



The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

   

Monday 22 September 2014

Common Myths of Gum Disease # 1

Gum disease is not that common
On the contrary, gum disease is extremely common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of adults age 30 and older suffer from some form of gum disease. Gum disease, an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth, is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. Plaque that is not removed with thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. 

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 


Wednesday 17 September 2014

Dentist: Doctors of Oral Health

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by Dentists!



The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

   


Saturday 6 September 2014

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

What is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a common name for dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity. If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive or painful then you have sensitive teeth.

Is Tooth Sensitivity Common? 
Tooth sensitivity is very common and it has been estimated that approximately half the population experiences tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time.

Why does Tooth Sensitivity (Dentin Hypersensitivity) Happen? 
Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by dentin on root areas exposed due to receded gums or periodontal disease. Receded gums are very common and up to four fifths of people have gum recession by the time they are 65.  

When the root of a tooth becomes exposed it does not have a layer of enamel like the crowns of your teeth. Instead the roots have a very soft covering called cementum, which once lost leaves the dentin of the root exposed.  Overzealous brushing or using a very abrasive toothpaste can also cause abrasion of the tooth's enamel surface and expose dentin. A very acidic diet - for example a diet with a lot of citrus food, pickles or sodapop - can cause tooth erosion and dissolve the tooth surface, exposing the dentin. Bulimia and GERD can also result in dental erosion and sensitivity due to acid in the mouth.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 
   

Monday 1 September 2014

Eating for Dental Health By Eric Seidel, DMD

Ever hear the phrase “You are what you eat”? This phrase also relates to the health of your mouth as well. It is important to understand the science behind a healthy mouth and gums. Eating sweets is always attributed to getting tooth decay. Although this is true, it’s a little more involved than just avoiding the cookie jar.

Our teeth, if not brushed frequently, develop a sticky biofilm called plaque. The plaque contains bacteria that use the sugars from the foods and drinks we consume to produce acid that attacks the enamel covering our teeth. After consuming food or drinks, the acidity can attack our teeth for twenty or more minutes after we are finished. Our saliva acts as a buffer system and neutralizes the acidity, but this takes some time to occur. Some foods such as sodas, teas, sports drinks and very sugary or sticky foods can really be harmful to our teeth, but most of the foods we eat including fruit and milk have sufficient amounts of sugar or acidity to harm our teeth.

Moderation is the key to most things in life. Eating for dental health is no different. It is important to avoid having our mouth stay acidic. Sipping drinks such as coffee, tea or sodas during the day creates huge cavities risk. If you are going to have a cup of coffee or tea, drink it, then rinse with water or better yet brush if you are able to. Soda and sweetened iced tea should be viewed as eating dessert and only be done once in a while, not every day. Energy drinks have created a whole new set of issues and should also be placed in the same category as soda and iced tea. Sports drinks are not much different and also should be watered down or not consumed over long periods of time.

When eating meals, rinsing after with water or brushing is always recommended. Preventing plaque buildup from forming on our teeth has huge long term benefit to the health of our teeth. Snacking or grazing creates more times when our teeth are under attack from acidity. Although eliminating snacking may not be possible, try to limit how often you do and try to choose snacks that are not sugary or sticky. Eating fruits is healthy for our bodies and gums but be aware they also contain high levels of sugar and citrus fruits contain a lot of natural acidity. I am a big proponent of sugarless gums or mints, particularly those that contain Xyliltol. Not only do they not cause tooth decay, but also help prevent it and are great after meals or snacks to help reduce cavity risk.

In summary, try to avoid any sugary snacks between meal times. Brushing, rinsing or drinking water and using sugarless gums and mints after meals and snacks help prevent cavities. Try to avoid the “sipping” habits with anything but water. Do not use breath mints, etc. unless sugarless (preferably containing xylitol). Remember that it is not only what you eat but how often that makes a difference for dental health. Constant bombardment of our teeth with acid will cause demineralization and eventually lead to cavities. A few changes in our habits can lead to a healthy mouth for a lifetime!
Eric Seidel, D.M.D. is a general dentist at Drs. Null, Seidel and Dental Associates and an Invisalign preferred provider.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 

  



Sunday 31 August 2014

Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity

The best way to find out why a tooth is sensitive is to have dental professional examine you. They can look for the signs of dentin exposure, and run tests to determine what the true cause of the sensitivity is. Sometimes, the sensitivity is due to a cavity or gum disease ñ these can be treated to address the sensitivity. Other times, the cause of the sensitivity is because the enamel has been lost through abrasion or erosion, or the gums have receded, causing the roots to be exposed.

What Can Be Done?
If the sensitivity is due to a cavity, a restoration can be placed. If gum disease is the cause, the dental professional can perform a thorough cleaning of the area.

However, if the cause is from dentin being exposed, then there are a number of professional and at home treatments that can be used to reduce the sensitivity.

In Office Procedures:
Fluoride varnish can be applied to exposed areas, strengthening the enamel and dentin
Fluoride foam or gel can be placed into a mouth tray; you then sit with this in your mouth for 3-5 minutes, providing the teeth with a high concentration of fluoride to strengthen the areas
Bonding agent, the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth, can be used to seal the dentin surface and provide a barrier to the stimuli that cause sensitivity

At Home:
Use a very soft bristle tooth brush, with low abrasive tooth paste
Brush correctly and do not over brush
Use a tooth paste specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth
Use a high concentration fluoride toothpaste (given to you by the dental professional) to strengthen the tooth surface

There are a number of treatments available, and your dental professional can help you find those that will work best, depending on your situation. Always seek a dental professional's help ñ do not try to diagnose this problem yourself. It may be the sign of something more serious, and only a dental professional can tell you what it really is.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 
 
   

Saturday 30 August 2014

Overcoming Dental Anxiety

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about overcoming dental anxiety.




The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193