Dental Visits are Important

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the importance in visiting the dentist.

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 

Sugarless Gum

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about sugarless gum.

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  

New Years Resolution 2016: Hit the gym and fix that smile.

New Years Resolution 2016: Hit the gym and fix that smile.

By Richard J. Moses, III, D.M.D.

 It's that special time of year again. Time to make some New Years resolutions and promise not to break them! Aside from the annual decision to truly become a regular at the local gym, I am planning on sitting in my own chair this year. Braces is what we are talking about. That famed adolescent arsenal of torture devises known as orthodontic treatment. As it has been said before; braces, they're not just for kids anymore.

Straight teeth, a better bite, and a sweet smile might improve your oral health. That glowing smile might just make you feel better as well. What better resolution to go hand and hand with that new physique than a beautiful smile to sport.

The truth is, there are large numbers of adults undergoing orthodontic treatment and for good reason. Why would any self respecting adult subject themselves to an adolescent right of passage? Simply put, things have changed. Just as we don't have to use those "corded" phones anymore, orthodontic technology has improved as well. Orthodontists now have many options available for the adult seeking an enhanced smile. Along with the traditional silver metal braces, we also have self-lighting braces which may decrease how often you have to visit the orthodontist. That may mean less missed work or more time at the gym. On second thought, maybe missing a little more work and spending a little more quality time with your super cool orthodontist seems like a better idea. I'll leave that choice up to you. If sliver metal is not your cup of tea, we also have esthetic options such as tooth colored braces and clear aligners which are removable. Some orthodontists even offer braces that are placed on the tongue side of your teeth to hide them from prying eyes. To match these high tech braces, we also have high tech wires. Newer materials may allow a more gentle tooth movement and some wires will even move your teeth based on the temperature inside your mouth!

Better materials can't account for the entire reason that adults are seeking the care of an orthodontist. Some just couldn't afford treatment as a child while others had treatment but didn't wear their retainers and have had some relapse. Whatever the reason, orthodontic treatment is relatively affordable now. Consider that this is an investment that can and should last for the rest of your life with good care and retainer wear. Second, most orthodontists offer a wide range of payment options to fit your needs. This can range from zero down with no interest payments to discounts and courtesies with lump sum payments. We want you to have that smile you have always wanted and for it to be affordable.

This all sounds good, but you don't want braces for "five years" again! Once again, orthodontists have an option for you. Most treatments take less than two years and some can be completed in a matter of months! Want the complete make over? We have a comprehensive option that could include everything from jaw surgery to just full braces or clear aligners. Want only the upper or lower teeth straightened, limited treatment may be for you. Just need a "touch-up", a removable appliance or set of removable clear aligners may suit you well. Maybe you have a missing tooth and need something limited to make that implant fit. Whatever your needs and desires may be, there's a great chance that your local orthodontist has something just for you!

Richard J. Moses, III, D.M.D. is a dual trained orthodontist and pediatric dentist at Gettysburg Dental Associates & Just Kids. He specializes in child and adult orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

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 

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 

Occlusion: What's the big deal?!

Occlusion: What's the big deal?! By Eric Seidel, DMD 

The term occlusion is used widely in dentistry. There are differing schools of thought on how to achieve it, what is ideal and why it is the essence of quality dentistry. There is one thing everyone agrees on: if occlusion is ignored if can cause the breakdown of the teeth, gums, bone, TMJ and even the failure of restorations and crowns that we use to protect teeth.

What is occlusion? Essentially, it is how our teeth come together. Malocclusion, or a "bad bite", is when this relationship is flawed and often destructive. The importance of trying to achieve an ideal bite is often ignored as it is easier to look at the mouth as a tooth by tooth system and discuss where a filling is needed here or a crown there, rather than spending the time to evaluate the entire bite system and create a plan that will correct the malocclusion that plagues so many people. One of the first things we do during a new patient or emergency examination is to evaluate the bite. It gives us an instant understanding of what the individual is facing when trying to become dentally healthy. After their initial emergency or chief concern is addressed, we always revisit the topic of occlusion and what we have available to be able to improve our patient's short and long term dental health. These can include equilibration, or readjustment of the existing bite to get both sides to meet more equally, especially during function. Nightguards are a good idea for anyone that shows signs of bruxing (grinding) or clenching and helps offset the damage that can occur to the teeth and gums while sleeping. Amazingly, most patients are unaware of their bruxism but the signs are very easy to recognize and hard to ignore. Invisalign or braces are an even better way to create ideal occlusion. Through an uprighting and repositioning of the teeth we can get them to function the way they were intended. This improves the health of the mouth during function and during rest. However, if a person is a bruxer a nightguard or retainer is still required at the end of treatment.

Choosing to do nothing results in recession, bone loss and broken or cracked teeth, fillings and crowns. TMJ issues can also result from poor occlusion. Whenever a restoration (filling or crown) fails the first thing that should be evaluated before redoing it is what caused it to fail in the first place. Most often is isn't the bagel they bit into or the gum they were chewing. These were simply the "straws that broke the camel's back". The fillings or crowns were weakened from a repeatedly destructive bite and simply broken during very routine use. Dental materials have improved greatly and are also rarely the problem if placed properly and used for their intended applications. It is important to learn from history and decipher what is the root cause of any failure. Much can be learned from these moments if the proper tests and time are taken.

I should have entitled this article "Occlusion: The Biggest Deal". I would encourage you to have your bite evaluated and see the advances that modern dentistry can provide for your long term dental health. You will be pleasantly surprised how simply, easily and painlessly we can make a profound difference in your dental health.

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 Visits are Important

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the importance in visiting the dentist.

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

Sugarless Gum

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about sugarless gum.

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

Healthy Choices Equal Healthy Teeth By Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo

Healthy Choices Equal Healthy Teeth
By Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo

It is commonly known that nutritious foods keep our bodies healthy, but these foods also keep our teeth strong and cavity free. It is important to feed your family a well balanced diet from all food groups. Many children today receive too many heavily sugared, fatty meals that make them heavy and lethargic. These same foods commonly cause tooth decay. As a pediatric dentist, I commonly get asked about good snacks to send for school. I tell them crunchy foods like carrots, apples and celery help clean the teeth naturally. These foods are a better choice for a snack as opposed to raisins, fruit snacks and chocolate, which can cause cavities. Stay away from processed foods, like chips, and choose more natural fruits and vegetables. Now that it is getting warmer, many areas have farmer’s markets, which highlight fresh produce.

What about drinks? With spring and summer sports coming up, it is important to discuss sports drinks. Many parents are not aware that sports drinks can contain large amounts of sugar and acids. When consumed, these drinks break down the enamel layer of your child’s teeth and cause tooth decay. Juice is another tricky option. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children from the ages of 1 to 6 should only consume 4-6 ounces of juice a day. Juice should be limited to mealtimes and diluted with water. Soda should never be an option for children. Read the label and find a sport drink that has low or no sugar. Water is a better option for you and your family and should be the only thing consumed after nighttime brushing. And, never let a child take anything but water to bed with them. Doing this will only lead to cavities and pain for your child.

I also get questions about children chewing gum. I always recommend giving gum with xylitol sugar. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry approves the use of xylitol to help reduce tooth decay and the prevalence of the bacteria that cause cavities. Tooth decay is a bacteria that can be passed around families like the flu. A mother with cavities can pass her bacteria to her child through her saliva. Along with getting regular dental cleanings and treating the tooth decay, a mom can chew xylitol gum to help keep her intra oral bacteria controlled. Look on the ingredient list of the gum package to make sure that xylitol is listed first. It is commonly found in health food stores, but is starting to be found in more popular brands of chewing gum.

Find a dental home for your family with a dentist that you trust. Talk about healthy food options for your family and stress brushing and flossing every day. A healthy mouth is the first step to having a healthy body.

Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS is co-owner of Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates

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

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  

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  
   

Top Dental Symptoms: Sensitive Teeth

If your teeth hurt when you drink hot or cold beverages, you may have sensitive teeth. This can be the result of tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root due to gum recession. Treatment will depend on the source of sensitivity. If you’re concerned about the sensitivity of your teeth see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment options.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org 

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: Cracked or Broken Teeth

A cracked or broken tooth can happen for a variety of reasons- brittle teeth, teeth grinding, injury. The crack may be invisible to the naked eye and even X-ray, but they can be incredibly painful and create bigger problems if left untreated. If you experience pain when chewing see your dentist. They can diagnose the cause and develop a plan for treatment.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193

How Enamel Protects Your Teeth

What Causes Tooth Enamel Damage?
Enamel is kind of like the shell of an egg: it protects the softer, more vulnerable part of the tooth inside.
But unlike an eggshell, the thin layer of enamel is tough.

In fact, enamel is the hardest substance in the body. It can withstand decades of biting, chewing and crunching -- with some luck and good dental care.

Above article from: WebMD.com/oral-health

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193

For The Sake Of Your Heart-Clean Your Teeth

Perhaps, you have heard that conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, being  overweight, being physically inactive, and having a family history of early heart disease exposes one to the risk of having a heart attack.

While certain risk factors cannot be changed, it is important to realise that you do have control over many others regardless of your age, background, or health status. Protecting your heart can be as simple as taking a brisk walk, taking healthy vegetable soup, maintaining a healthy weight and regularly but properly brushing your teeth.

Read the entire article: http://www.floss.com/for-the-sake-of-your-heart-clean-your-teeth.html
 
By:Brian Ssenoga
Full Article and embedded video appeared on www.Floss.com

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