Monday 31 August 2015

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 5: Brush Daily, Brush Right

Brushing your teeth twice a day not only keeps your breath sweet, but also helps rid the mouth of bacteria that makes up plaque and can lead to oral infections. To brush properly, point bristles at a 45-degree angle against the gums. Use gentle back-and-forth strokes all over your teeth -- in front, in back, and on chewing surfaces -- for two minutes. If holding a toothbrush is hard for you, try an electric toothbrush. Also brush your gums and tongue.

The above article is from: WebMD.com

Gettysburg Dental Associates
Eric Seidel, DMD  |  Cleveland Null, DDS
www.GettysburgDentalAssociates.com
Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates
Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS  |  Kristin Russo, DMD
www.JustKidsGettysburg.com
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-8193
Fax: (717) 334-0884
www.gettysburgfamilysmiles.com

Post-Treatment Care & Tooth Extractions

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about post-treatment care for tooth extractions.


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

Gettysburg Dental Associates
Eric Seidel, DMD  |  Cleveland Null, DDS
www.GettysburgDentalAssociates.com
Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates
Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS  |  Kristin Russo, DMD
www.JustKidsGettysburg.com
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-8193
Fax: (717) 334-0884
www.gettysburgfamilysmiles.com

Sunday 30 August 2015

The Age of Lasers By Eric Seidel, DMD

The Age of Lasers
By Eric Seidel, DMD

As I have written before, this is a wonderful time for dentistry. Modern innovations continue to change the level and scope of services we can provide. Most of these services are also provided in a faster, more efficient and more comfortable manner. Dental lasers are a great example of one of the benefits of modern dentistry.

Although lasers and laser use in dentistry is not new, they have continued to improve and now offer a host of applications that benefit most of those who visit our office. From pediatrics to orthodontics to adult care, there is an application for lasers that benefits almost all of our patients. We use two types of lasers, allowing us to offer a vast assortment of treatments. We are able to remove cavities, often without the need for anesthesia, and with a better bond strength than using a conventional drill. We also are able to be more conservative, which is a win-win for the doctor and the patient.

Lasers can also be used for treating periodontal, or gum/bone disease, which is a condition that affects a large number of patients that we see. Without the need for invasive procedures, we can simply and effectively sanitize and debride the pocket surrounding the teeth and improve on the job even the best hygienist can do. This in no way suggests that we are replacing the need for good homecare and great cleanings at the hands of our hygienists. However, we are now able to assist them with the stubborn cases that don't resolve with convention treatment modalities. We also use the lasers for treatment of ulcers, taking away the pain associated with them while greatly improving healing time using a "laser Band-Aid". For anyone who suffers from ulcers, this is a complete game changer. We can use them for acute cases of TMJ, also helping relieve pain. They can be used in whitening procedures, to improve the results and reduce the time needed to whiten.

Dental extractions, particularly the surgical types, were often dreaded by patient and doctor alike. We now do laser guided surgical extractions which greatly reduces the amount of physical effort needed to remove the teeth and often decreases post-surgical pain and improves healing. Gum line cavities are able to be treated as we can very carefully gain access to these difficult areas and place beautiful and conservative restorations. When teeth fracture and need crowns, we can do in office crown lengthening to help us save teeth that were otherwise nearly impossible to save. People who are tongue-tied now can have an easy and simple alternative to the former surgical approach that was used. We can often just use a topical anesthetic and have them gain full function with their tongue in a matter of minutes with very fast healing times.

As is always my hope when writing an article, it is not to delve into too much detail but rather inform in a general sense and in a way that is interesting and at the same time easy to understand. However, the applications of our lasers are so broad that I felt compelled to at least share the most common uses of this constantly improving area of dentistry. Although lasers are still not able to completely replace our normal treatment methods, they now offer us great alternatives and enhancements to the work that we perform every day. One of the highlights of my day is being able to perform an otherwise scary procedure for a patient painlessly and often more quickly, and hearing the great feedback from my patients who leave with smiles on their faces. "WOW, that was easy!" So in a selfish way, technology and lasers not only improve the patient experience, but also make it that much more rewarding for the doctor as well. I encourage you to research and find out what laser dentistry can do for you.

Eric Seidel, D.M.D. is co-owner and general dentist at Gettysburg Dental Associates and an Invisalign preferred provider.

Gettysburg Dental Associates
Eric Seidel, DMD  |  Cleveland Null, DDS
www.GettysburgDentalAssociates.com
Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates
Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS  |  Kristin Russo, DMD
www.JustKidsGettysburg.com
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-8193
Fax: (717) 334-0884
www.gettysburgfamilysmiles.com




Monday 24 August 2015

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 4 : Keep Plaque at Bay

Sticky plaque -- food, saliva, and bacteria -- starts to form on your teeth after you eat, releasing acids that attack tooth enamel. Untreated plaque turns into tartar, which builds under gum lines and is hard to remove with flossing. The longer it stays on your teeth, the more harmful it is. Bacteria in plaque causes inflammation and leads to gum disease. Having high blood sugar often makes gum disease worse.

The above article is from: WebMD.com


Gettysburg Dental Associates
Eric Seidel, DMD  |  Cleveland Null, DDS
www.GettysburgDentalAssociates.com
Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates
Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS  |  Kristin Russo, DMD
www.JustKidsGettysburg.com
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-8193
Fax: (717) 334-0884
www.gettysburgfamilysmiles.com

Dental Tourism

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the risks and additional costs associated with dental tourism.


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

Gettysburg Dental Associates
Eric Seidel, DMD  |  Cleveland Null, DDS
www.GettysburgDentalAssociates.com
Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates
Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS  |  Kristin Russo, DMD
www.JustKidsGettysburg.com
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-8193
Fax: (717) 334-0884
www.gettysburgfamilysmiles.com

Monday 17 August 2015

Teeth Grinding (also known as Bruxism)

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about teeth grinding also known as bruxism.


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

Friday 7 August 2015

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 3: See Your Dentist Regularly

People with diabetes are prone to oral infections. You should get dental checkups at least twice a year. Let your dentist know you have diabetes and what medicines you take. Regular checkups and professional cleanings can help keep a mouth healthy. And a dentist can teach you the best ways to care for your teeth and gums at home.

The above article is from: WebMD.com

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

Wednesday 5 August 2015

Commonly Asked Questions from Parents

Commonly Asked Questions from Parents
By Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS


Today's article will focus on commonly asked questions by parents. We will start with, "When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?" I recommend using a finger brush to clean your baby's gums before the teeth erupt. When your baby's teeth erupt, they are subject to decay as soon as they push through the gums. Some parents of children who have early decay will tell me, "the tooth grew in that way" which isn't always true. Usually, the teeth were not cleaned during eruption and were severely decayed when they were fully through the gums. I cannot stress enough how important it is to brush your baby's teeth before bedtime and after any bottles given in the middle of the night when teeth start to erupt.

Another commonly asked question is, "when should my baby see the dentist for the first time?" The AAPD recommends that babies see the dentist by the age of one. This visit will be informative for the parent and the dentist will be able to look at your baby’s teeth and determine if everything is healthy. Your dentist will continue to evaluate your child every six months.

Some parents ask if cavities are hereditary. It is important to know that active decay can be passed to your children by drinking out of the same cup, kissing on the lips, eating off the same utensils, etc. If you have active decay in your mouth then it is recommended that you see your dentist to have this decay treated. This will also show your children that you have value for your teeth and they should as well. Brush and floss with your children to show them that you agree that oral hygiene is a priority.

Fluoride is a topic that comes up when talking with parents. Many surrounding areas have taken the fluoride out of their water supply for various reasons. The AAPD states that fluoride in the drinking water is the most cost effective way of preventing decay in communities. There is a fear that decay rates will rise without fluoride in the water supply. Talk to your dental professional about a fluoride supplement and always have the hygienist apply fluoride varnish after your child’s appointment.

“Why should you fix a baby tooth?” Many parents feel that they shouldn't have their children's primary tooth cavities fixed because the baby teeth will fall out eventually. Your child's age must be taken into account when making this decision. Many of the baby teeth won't fall out until your child is 10 to 12 years old. In many cases it's important to have the tooth fixed before it causes future problems such as space maintenance. One of the functions of baby teeth is to make space for the permanent teeth. Eating, smiling and preventing pain are some other reasons to fix baby tooth cavities.

If you have any questions about your, or your children's teeth, please ask your dental professional. They are never too busy to answer any question you may have. In the meantime, keep brushing, flossing and having your teeth cleaned every six months!

Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and a pediatric dentist and co-owner of Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates.

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