What is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that is constantly forming on the tooth surface. Saliva, food and fluids combine to produce these deposits that collect where the teeth and gums meet. Plaque buildup is the primary factor in periodontal (gum) disease, including gingivitis.

How to Get Rid of Plaque
To help prevent plaque buildup, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with an anti-plaque toothpaste such as Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste for around the clock protection against plaque buildup, and floss once a day.

Adding a mouth rinse such as Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Rinse to your routine can help against plaque buildup, without the burning sensation of alcohol. Eating well-balanced meals and brushing after snacks will reduce the formation of plaque. Visit your dental office regularly for oral exams and cleanings, during which your dental professional will scrape away any accumulated plaque with a special instrument.

Above article from: Crest.com

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

Toothbrushing 101 - By Dr. Eric Seidel

Toothbrushing 101
By Dr. Eric Seidel

 
Going to the store to buy a toothbrush can be a daunting experience.   With so many choices and so much advertising trying to influence your decision, some may find themselves wishing for the days when your only real choice was what size and color to pick.  We also now have the choice of electric toothbrushes that adds to the overwhelm.   I will attempt to simplify this subject and give you the same advice I give my own patients. 

Toothbrush selection has three main components, size, bristle type and manual versus electric.   My suggestion on size is don't go too large. Some of the hard to reach places such as the outside of the upper second molars are nearly impossible if the toothbrush head is too large.  It was thought for years that firmer bristles were required to effectively remove plaque.   However, we now know gentle but thorough brushing with a soft bristled brush is the best choice.   This not only cleans the teeth and gums but also doesn't harm these oral structures as some of the firmer bristle types can.  The debate over manual versus electric goes on, but research suggests that the benefits of a quality electric brush far outweigh its manual predecessor.   I personally use a rechargeable Sonicare brush by Philips but brands like Oral-B and Crest also have good alternatives.   I like the rechargeable variety with soft bristles but these can get pricey.   Getting one with changeable batteries will reduce the cost and still do a fine job.  The primary component that makes an electric brush more effective is choosing one with sonic technology which helps disrupt and remove the biofilm(a thin sticky layer of plaque and bacteria that forms after eating) that can lead to gingivitis and more aggressive forms of gum disease if not routinely removed. 

It is recommended that toothbrushes are changed every three months as the bristles wear out and become less effective.   If you have your teeth cleaned every six months make sure to not rely solely on your dentist for brushes as you are doing yourself and your teeth and gums a disservice for the last 3 months.   It is also important to rinse the brush and let the bristles air dry as brushes can harbor bacteria.  For this reason, sharing brushes is also not recommended and should be changed after you get over an illness.  

The most important element of brushing is the user.  It is suggested that thorough brushing for two minutes twice a day is essential.   My advice is to brush after every main meal or at least 3 times per day.  The two minutes is essential and don't forget to angle the brush so you clean the teeth and gums. 

To summarize, good technique and proper brushing time are the most important elements of brushing.   Use a small or medium brush with soft bristles only and if you are able treat yourself to an electric brush....you won't go back!  Happy brushing.

Eric Seidel, D.M.D. is a general dentist at Drs. Null, Seidel and Dental Associates and an Invisalign preferred provider.

Tartar

Tartar is a deposit that forms when plaque hardens on the tooth. Individuals vary greatly in their susceptibility to tartar buildup. For many, these deposits build up faster with age. Tartar is easily noticeable because of its yellow or brown color on teeth.

What Causes Tartar Buildup
When plaque accumulates and is not removed from teeth, it can harden and turn into tartar. Because tartar buildup bonds strongly to enamel, it can only be removed by a dental professional.

Help Prevent Tartar Buildup
While tartar can only be removed by a dental professional, you can avoid tartar buildup by removing plaque. To help prevent tartar, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice daily, preferably with a tartar-control fluoride toothpaste like many from Crest, and floss once a day with a product like GlideÆ. And visit your dental office regularly for oral exams and cleanings.

Above article from: Crest.com

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

What are the Stages of Gum Disease?

What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and the bacteria infect not only your gums and teeth, but eventually the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. This can cause them to become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.
There are three stages of gum disease:

• Gingivitis: this is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gumline. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. You may notice some bleeding during brushing and flossing. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.
• Periodontitis: at this stage, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may begin to form a pocket below the gumline, which traps food and plaque. Proper dental treatment and improved home care can usually help prevent further damage.
• Advanced Periodontitis: in this final stage of gum disease, the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen. This can affect your bite and, if aggressive treatment can't save them, teeth may need to be removed.

Read the rest of the article at Colgate.com to learn more about how to know if you have gum disease and how gum disease is treated.

 

The above article is from: Colgate.com

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

Sports Safety: Avoiding Tooth and Mouth Injuries

A few years ago, a dental newsletter published what seemed like an unusual story. A boy snagged his teeth on a basketball net while doing a slam-dunk.
A freakish accident? Not quite. After the article appeared, nearly 40 dentists wrote in with their own stories. They all told of would-be Michael Jordans who sacrificed their front teeth in pursuit of the perfect dunk.
In older children and adults, sports injuries are common. Dentists estimate that between 13% and 39% of dental injuries occur while playing sports.
About 80% of all dental injuries affect at least one of the front teeth. Damage to the tongue or cheek is common, too.
Basic Protection
Even if a tooth has been knocked out, it often can be saved if you get to a dentist quickly enough. Minor chips and cracks can be repaired. Dentists use tooth-colored materials that are nearly as strong as the original tooth. However, even "minor" injuries can cause serious and costly damage. If you enjoy sports or other high-risk activities, protect yourself. The use of mouth guards among football players, for example, is believed to prevent about 200,000 mouth injuries a year.
Depending on the sport, two types of protection are available:

• Helmets- A helmet is a must for activities that involve speed or impact. These include football, hockey, skating and bike riding. The helmet should fit correctly. It should also be appropriate for the sport you are playing. 
• Mouth guards - Wearing a mouth guard is one of the best ways to prevent injury to your teeth, tongue and lips. A custom-fit mouth guard from your dentist is recommended. This type of mouth guard usually fits better than a ready-made one (found in sporting-goods stores). That means it may protect your teeth better.

If a custom-fit mouth guard isn't an option, try a "boil-and-bite" mouth guard. You can buy one in a sporting-goods store. You place the mouth guard in boiling water. Once the plastic is soft (but not too hot), you bite down on the mouth guard and mold the softened plastic around your teeth. If the mouth guard doesn't fit comfortably the first time, you can reheat it and do it again.

©2002-2013 Aetna, Inc. All rights reserved.
09/25/2013

The above article is from: Colgate.com

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193

Tooth Anatomy

What Are the Different Parts of a Tooth?

• Crown- the top part of the tooth, and the only part you can normally see. The shape of the crown determines the tooth's function. For example, front teeth are sharp and chisel-shaped for cutting, while molars have flat surfaces for grinding.
• Gumline- where the tooth and the gums meet. Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up at the gumline, leading to gingivitis and gum disease.
• Root- the part of the tooth that is embedded in bone. The root makes up about two-thirds of the tooth and holds the tooth in place.
• Enamel- the outermost layer of the tooth. Enamel is the hardest, most mineralized tissue in the body - yet it can be damaged by decay if teeth are not cared for properly.
• Dentin- the layer of the tooth under the enamel. If decay is able to progress its way through the enamel, it next attacks the dentin ó where millions of tiny tubes lead directly to the dental pulp.
• Pulp- the soft tissue found in the center of all teeth, where the nerve tissue and blood vessels are. If tooth decay reaches the pulp, you usually feel pain.

What Are the Different Types of Teeth?
Every tooth has a specific job or function (use the dental arch in this section to locate and identify each type of tooth):

• Incisors- the sharp, chisel-shaped front teeth (four upper, four lower) used for cutting food.
• Canines- sometimes called cuspids, these teeth are shaped like points (cusps) and are used for tearing food.
• Premolars- these teeth have two pointed cusps on their biting surface and are sometimes referred to as bicuspids. The premolars are for crushing and tearing.
• Molars- used for grinding, these teeth have several cusps on the biting surface

The above article is from: Colgate.com

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193

ORAL HEALTH CARE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

ORAL HEALTH CARE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

By Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS

If you are pregnant or have an infant, you may be surprised to discover that their dental future depends on you!  This dental health issue became personal to me when I gave birth, for the first time, in January.  I went from being the dentist to the patient.  I learned how difficult it is to eat properly when subjected to strong pregnancy cravings and when I felt horrible with morning sickness. No matter how I felt, I had to remember that this was an important time to make sure I was making healthy food choices. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Guidelines, a dental cavity is defined as a common chronic infectious transmissible disease.  We usually don't think of a cavity as being a disease, but it is the most common disease in children.  Also, cavities are infectious and transmissible.  This means that the bacteria that cause dental decay can be spread throughout your family just by kissing on the mouth or sharing drinks and utensils.  There are ways of preventing the spread of this disease.  It is not only important to brush and floss your children's teeth, but it is also important for you to have impeccable oral hygiene as well.  This should start while you are still pregnant in order to decrease cavity causing bacteria.

The American Dental Association has proven that there is a link between periodontal disease in pregnant women and preterm deliveries, low birth weight babies, and preeclampsia.  Pregnant women need to see a dentist for regular cleanings every six months in addition to brushing and flossing daily.  Also, many women are affected by nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.  It is recommended that these women rinse with a teaspoon of baking soda diluted in a cup of water and then waiting an hour before brushing.  This helps decrease the likelihood of erosion of the protective tooth enamel.  These women may also tend to stop brushing all together with fear that their gag reflex will trigger vomiting.  This is destructive because brushing is essential for healthy teeth.  If this is happening, it is beneficial to rinse with a fluoride rinse twice a day in addition to brushing and not in place of it.  Fluoride should be included in toothpaste as a cavity fighter.  Also, look for xylitol products, which can be found in certain chewing gums and hard candies.  These xylitol products have been effective to help reduce cavity causing bacteria in pregnant women.  Also, it may be easier to eat many smaller nutritious meals during the day.  Sometimes food cravings cause a pregnant woman to not eat the healthiest foods, but a healthy diet is very important for not only the growth of your child, but also a healthy mouth for mom.

In conclusion, it is important for a mommy to start taking care of her own oral hygiene before baby is born.  Baby will be ready to see the dentist within six months of having their first tooth, or by the age of one to continue their dental health.  Please visit www.aapd.com for more guidelines on dental health for you and your child.

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

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193