The Challenge of the Holidays By Eric Seidel, DMD

The Challenge of the Holidays By Eric Seidel, DMD


I will be the first to admit that I leave the holidays slightly heavier than I was when they started. Making good choices that impact our bodies and our mouths is not easy in America in 2015, especially during this time of year. However, if we just indulged around Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and ate in moderation the rest of the year, we would all be in great shape, no pun intended. As I visit our local convenience stores, I cannot help but notice how they are no longer places to purchase just gas, maybe a gallon of milk or loaf of bread if you were running low, or a cup of coffee. Today, gas and small groceries are often secondary to the myriad of other things that are for sale. There are entire wall refrigerators dedicated to the sale of sodas, teas, energy drinks and other products that are not only poor health choices but are also terrible for our teeth. I've even seen "soda caves" in certain locations--whole walk-in refrigerators dedicated entirely to soda. Checkout aisles are lined with tempting dessert and snack options. It is a test of a person’s willpower to walk out with only those items that were originally intended to be purchased.


How do we navigate these temptations that constantly surround us and are often the most inexpensive options available? Any size fountain drink for $.99, super-size this, mega-size that....it truly is not easy. We are encouraged and oftentimes appear to be rewarded for getting something that is many more servings than we need. It is even difficult to buy a personal size bag of chips that is meant for one person. When you turn the package over and read the back as I did recently, it said 3.5 servings per bag. How many of us really do not finish the bag?! Imagine how many servings those huge drinks contain! Having young children of my own, I am faced with the task of trying to educate them to make good nutritional decisions that we know will help them for a lifetime. It's no easy task. When you look at the cost to our overall long-term health, however, these cheap, tempting options will end up costing us much more in the long run.


My father remains an inspiration in many facets of my life. He has amazing self-control, and when he puts his mind to something, he always carries through. He worked in elementary education for 30+ years and said their lunchroom was always filled with cookies, cakes, pies and more. One day, he did what few people can and decided that he was no longer going to have these things. I am not suggesting that this will not work, but it is not the path most people choose. As I have written previously, it is the frequency with which we expose our teeth to sugary substances that makes such a difference in the long-term health of our mouths. Every time we take a sip of soda or a bite of something containing sugars, our mouth stays acidic for the next 30-40 minutes. It is during this time that our enamel is weakening. Our saliva can and will neutralize our mouths, but it is virtually impossible if we are sipping or snacking all day. My challenge and advice for my patients is to treat anything sugary, such as sodas, teas, coffees, or energy drinks, as desserts. You may feel guilty about starting the morning with a large slice of cake, but you do not think twice about the large specialty coffee or soda. If we redefine what, when and how often we are consuming these products and categorize them for what they should be, "sometimes foods" as my kids call them, we could separate ourselves from these addictive and destructive habits that are wreaking such havoc on our dental and overall health. As an aside, we do not allow our children to drink any soda, and I would encourage any new parents to do the same from day one. They will not miss what they have never had, and they will not even ask, especially if they do not see you drinking it. For the majority of adults who are already addicted to the sugar- and caffeine-high that we get from these products, at least pay attention to how much and how often you consume them and look at them as if they were donuts or some other "sometime" snack. It will have a major positive impact on your mouth and your body! Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


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 

Dentists Are the First Line of Defense for Elder Abuse

With the American population living longer, seniors' oral health has become an important issue, as has the widespread problem of elder abuse. Every year more than 2.5 million older Americans may be victims of elder abuse, and in some cases dentists serve as the first line of defense, according to a report in the May/June 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.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 

Missing teeth?

Missing teeth?
By Eric Seidel, DMD

One of the nicest changes in dentistry is that people are keeping more of their natural teeth for a lifetime.  As recently as 1960, studies showed that a majority of seniors were missing a vast majority of their teeth.  It is suggested that by 2020 this same age group will now have the majority of their own natural teeth.  This does not suggest, however, that people are still not losing teeth at too high a rate and that tooth replacement options are not as important today as ever.  It does signal a paradigm shift that once suggested that at some point in a person's life they would almost assuredly be wearing full dentures. 

Full dentures still offer people the opportunity to function reasonably well and have an attractive smile.  It is often one of the only options we have when someone is missing all of their teeth or have teeth that are no longer savable due to extensive periodontal disease or rampant tooth decay.  However, the primary downside of a full denture is the discomfort that they can cause (as they sit directly on gum tissue) and general retention.  Eating an apple or chewing a piece of steak is not the experience is once was.  They can be aided with the use of dental implants to get a superior fit.  In some cases implants can be used to entirely replace the need for a traditional denture.  Although this is a wonderful option we now have, cost tends to be the biggest barrier to the greater utilization of dental implants.

When a person is not missing all of their teeth, we then have more options at our disposal.  Implants, fixed bridges or partial dentures are all acceptable means of replacing select missing teeth.  I have them listed in the order that I present them.  Implants are still the nicest option we have to help restore a mouth to its original condition.  A workup must be completed as not everyone is a candidate for implants.  Fixed bridges work very nicely but require healthy teeth on either side to support them and are a little more difficult to maintain.  As with dental implants, fixed bridges allow us to achieve esthetics as nice as or nicer than the original teeth.  Partial dentures are the most economical way to replace multiple missing teeth, particularly on both sides of the mouth.  The challenge with partial dentures is maintaining good long-term retention and keep the supporting teeth healthy.  Although the esthetics are good, they are not at the level of implants or bridges. 

It is our goal today to maintain teeth for a lifetime.  Although great options exist today for tooth replacement, nothing is a nice as having our own natural teeth.  When this isn't possible we review the different replacement options available and find what will best meet the needs of the individual based on expectations, function and cost.  The only detrimental option is doing nothing.  Bite collapse, periodontal issues, TMJ issues, recession and excessive wear and fracturing and loss of other teeth can all result from lack of a complete dentition.  It is my belief that with good listening and comprehensive planning that we can find a solution that will work for anyone and allow them to have a full set of teeth and a healthy and beautiful smile 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

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  
   

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  

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  
   

Emergency Dentistry

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Emergency Dentistry!

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  

Top Dental Symptoms: Mouth Sores

Types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia and candidiasis. They vary in their severity and causes. Mouth sores could be the symptom of a disease or disorder; infection from bacteria, viruses or fungus or result from irritation caused by braces, dentures or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling. Your dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193

Top Dental Symptoms: Toothache

If your mouth or jaw hurt, it could be from a toothache. Toothaches usually indicate a cavity but they can also signal gum disease. In some cases, a toothache is a sign of an abscess or impacted tooth. A toothache should be evaluated by a dentist right away to determine the cause of the problem and prevent the tooth from dying.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193

Your Mouth Is Not a Bottle Opener!

Your mother was right: Never open bottles, packages, or other containers with your teeth. You might permanently chip or crack the enamel.

Gnawing on anything else -- like pens or fingernails -- or chomping down on seeds, popcorn kernels, or ice could have the same result.

Above article from: Webmd.com/oral-health

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193

Dental Emergencies

BROKEN TOOTH
Rinse dirt from injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. Immediate dental attention is necessary.

BLEEDING AFTER BABY TOOTH COMES OUT
Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once; if bleeding persists, see a dentist.

PERMANENT TOOTH THAT IS KNOCKED OUT
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or water. See a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

BROKEN BRACES AND WIRES
If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. DO NOT remove it. Take the child to a dentist immediately. Loose or broken appliances that do not bother the child usually do not require emergency attention.

CUT OR BITTEN TONGUE, LIP, OR CHEEK
Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes and if it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room.
 
Article appeared on www.Floss.com

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

Smile Makeovers - Cosmetic Dentistry Gettysburg PA

Creating Your Beautiful Smile

A beautiful smile makes you look and feel better. Bright, well-shaped teeth can enhance your smile and build your confidence. Tooth-colored fillings, implants, teeth whitening, veneers, inlays, or crowns are options for stained, crooked, or damaged teeth. You can transform these imperfections into beautiful teeth and a pleasing smile to improve your overall image. The professional bleaching process, which is safe and fast, can give you a bright, radiant smile. You will feel good about how you look and how you feel about yourself. Our cosmetic dentistry staff in Gettysburg, PA, gives you the smile you have always wanted.

You Don't Have to Endure Damaged Teeth
Crowns are a long-term treatment for replacing missing tooth structure when there is no longer sufficient tooth remaining to support a filling. Bridges have all the qualities and characteristics of crowns and are employed to replace missing teeth. Several types of materials and combinations of materials can be used to fabricate the crowns or bridges, depending on the clinical situation.

Dental inlays and onlays are restorations used to repair rear teeth that have a mild to moderate amount of decay or to restore cracked or fractured teeth if the damage is not severe enough to require a dental crown. Made of tooth-colored materials, they can be used to replace metal fillings for a more natural-looking smile. They are more durable than metal fillings and strengthen teeth to prevent the need for more extensive treatment later.


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