Gum Disease and How to Prevent It

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Dr. Iofin

Have you ever had gum disease? People over 40 are much more likely to develop gum disease. There are two forms of gum disease – gingivitis being the milder form, and periodontitis being the more serious kind. This means that the disease varies from simple gum irritation to major damage to the soft tissue around the teeth and to the bones that support the teeth. So we can say, “gum disease is no laughing matter”.

Whether you develop gum disease and how serious it gets depends largely on how well you care for your teeth. All those things the dentist tells you to do – brushing at least twice a day, brushing for a minute not just 10 seconds, flossing, mouth rinse – these good habits help ensure gum disease prevention or slowing. People with diabetes, genetic disposition, or who smoke are more likely to develop gum disease. Also people who are on medications that make the mouth dry (reduce saliva) can be more prone to gum disease.

Gum disease is caused by plaque (which is made of bacteria) forming on the teeth at the gum line. It hardens and becomes tartar, and traps bacteria. Brushing will not remove tartar – only a dentist can do this with the right tools. So if someone has tartar buildup and does not visit the dentist, the harbored bacteria starts to cause inflammation around the toothline, on the gums. At the gingivitis stage, it can be reversed. If allowed to continue, peridontitis develops and the gums actually pull away from the teeth, creating spaces (pockets) that become infected. Ouch!

Symptoms of gum disease include:

-Ongoing bad breath

-Tender gums – or bleeding gums

-Pain when chewing

-Sensitive teeth

-Red or swollen gums, or receding gums

None of these symptoms should be taken lightly. If you develop one, it is time for a visit to the dentist. The treatment implemented will control the infection by doing a deep cleaning of the teeth and in most cases prescribing medication. Good follow-up care at home is essential. Just as there are special dentists called endodontists who specialize in root canals, there are also special dentists called periodontists who specialize in treating gum disease and teeth affected by too much plaque and tartar. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary – such as when the inflammation and “pockets” remain after the deep cleaning process has been done.

Your best bet in avoiding cavities, decay and gum disease are to follow your dentist’s recommendations for good oral care.

 

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Choosing a Dentist – What to Look For

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Dr. Iofin
Alex Rubinstein liked this post

Not all dentists are alike. You obviously have choices when it comes to dental care. Maybe you have not been to the dentist in a long time, or maybe you don’t care for your current dentist and would like to make a switch. Whatever the reason, choosing a new dentist is an important decision. So what should you look for and how should you make your choice?

There are many things to consider when choosing a dentist. Obviously you want their office to be in physical proximity to either your home or your workplace. Visit the office to see that it is clean and orderly. Find out what the hours are and make sure that they are convenient for your schedule.

Seven out of 10 dentists are members of the American Dental Association and this provides credibility and assurance for consumers. Members of this organization agree to abide by the high ethical standards set by the ADA.

Determine the education of the dentist – don’t hesitate to ask about their degree. You want them to be a DDS—Dr. of Dental Surgery or DMD—Dr. of Dental Medicine, which are the same degree. They should be board certified by the ADA.

You always want a dentist that takes time to explain things and has time to speak with patients. Call your potential new dental office and ask to speak with the dentist. You can make up a dental question if you like. If they seem unwilling to speak to you or don’t call back promptly, then you know they will most likely be the same way when you are their patient. Good dentists take a personal interest in their patients’ health.

Find out how they handle emergencies outside of office hours. If you crack a tooth or have serious tooth pain when their office is closed, will they see you?

You of course want to find out about fees and payments—what methods of payment do they accept? If you have insurance then you obviously need to find out if they accept it.

If possible, try and speak to some current patients of this dentist. If they do quality work, the work lasts a long time. Low-quality work will decay or fall out in a few years. Good dental work takes time to do so if patients are not with the dentist very long, this is a sign that they may be doing lower quality work. You can also ask if they are or work with an endodontist, which is a dentist who specializes in root canals, and the type of dentist you want should you ever need this procedure.

One last reminder—if you are changing dentists, make sure to ask your previous dentist to provide you with your permanent records so that you can give them to your new dental office.

 

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Keeping Dental Decay at Bay

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Dr. Iofin
Alex Rubinstein liked this post

We’ve all been there. The dentist is touching each tooth with a silver pick and poking around for signs of cavities! You always brush your teeth every morning. Occasionally you floss. What more can you do to keep dental decay at bay? Well…the food you eat, the toothpaste you use—even the water you drink can play a large role in your dental health. Wondering how to fight the good fight against plaque and bacteria? Read on and fight tooth decay!

Keep a Clean Mouth

Ever notice a coating on your teeth…an unclean feeling after eating a meal? What you’re feeling with your tongue is plaque. Plaque forms when bacteria, acid, food debris and saliva combine. Over time, plaque can dissolve the enamel of your teeth, leaving them open and vulnerable to decay and paving the way for cavities to appear.

Brushing your teeth thoroughly just twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride can greatly reduce your chances of getting a cavity.

Sugar-Free is the Way to Be

Good nutrition, especially in children, aids in preventing tooth decay. Studies suggest that those who eat whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and foods low in saturated fat and sodium are less likely to form cavities.

Did you know that some foods, including mozzarella and other cheeses, yogurt, milk, peanuts and sugar-free chewing gum are actually good for your teeth? They can clear your mouth of bad sugars and shield your enamel from plaque.

If you’ve already brushed your teeth at night—don’t reach for that midnight snack! It’s the food left on your teeth overnight that is the most likely to cause cavities.

You’ll want to avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar. Steer clear of syrups, taffy and candy and desserts—which can increase plaque, and your chances for dental decay.  Instead eat teeth-cleaning foods like carrots, celery, apples – fibrous foods. Your digestive system greatly benefits as well.

Don’t Hide From Fluoride

Found throughout the earth’s crust, fluoride is a natural mineral that can prevent cavities in two ways. These include hardening the enamel of baby teeth and helping strengthen new teeth as they emerge. Fluoride also helps harden the enamel of adult teeth that have already grown in.

Did you know that tap water contains fluoride? Tooth decay has decreased considerably since this addition. While you can still drink bottled water—don’t forget to have some tap water as well because bottled water has no fluoride.

Fluoride can also be found in toothpastes and mouth washes. If your dentist finds that your teeth still aren’t receiving enough fluoride, he may suggest a fluoride treatment. During this treatment your dentist will apply concentrated fluoride to your teeth for a few minutes.

Don’t Delay on Tooth Decay

Unfortunately, even when we try out best, cavities can still occur! If you do have a cavity that ends up needing a filling, make sure to take care of it early on. If you delay, you may end up with a badly decayed tooth and you may need a root canal.

A root canal is a treatment used to repair a tooth that is badly decayed. Endodontists specialize in this and can perform them virtually pain free. With today’s resources and technology, this procedure has become much easier for patients to bear and for endodontists to perform. So if a cavity comes, it doesn’t mean the tooth is lost.

 

 

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Tooth Pain Solution

Posted on March 25, 2012 by Dr. Iofin

We’ve all felt it— that mildly unpleasant to intense pain when we eat something or drink something and a tooth in our mouth reacts. Hot or cold foods or beverages can trigger this reaction and it is not a pain we want to live with. When you experience pain of this nature it means the root of the tooth is sensitive—probably  it is being affected by tooth decay and bacteria.

A trip to the dentist might take care of it but in some cases your dentist will recommend seeing an endodontist—a root canal specialist. These specialists work on the inside of the teeth and the roots—having taken an additional two or three years of training beyond dental school. Root canal procedures and tooth replacement can be challenging and a bit complicated and so the additional training enables them to do the absolute best job when a root canal is needed.

Some patients report excruciating pain because the tooth and roots are badly infected and in this case a root canal must be done to resolve the problem. A root canal involves removing the infected pulp inside the tooth and cleaning it out as well as cleaning out the root canals themselves to get all the decayed matter out. A filler is then used and the teeth are sealed. This has actually become a painless procedure due to advancements in methods and technologies. Endodontists perform such a high volume of root canals that they are able to do them quickly and with minimal pain and discomfort for the patient.

Anastesia has improved as well and so if you have feared root canals in the past, you can relax knowing that they aren’t near as uncomfortable as they were years ago. Patients often report that they are surprised at how minimal the pain and discomfort is when they receive a root canal today. And technology continues to advance to help reduce tooth pain. Remember the goal of a root canal is to save the natural tooth, which is always to the patient’s advantage. Nothing man makes is as good as or as durable as natural teeth. These new advancements utilized by endodontists allow more people to keep their natural teeth as opposed to having a decayed tooth extracted.

You may think that ‘painless root canal’ is an oxymoron. But the reality is that new equipment and techniques will enable painless procedures in most cases and the improvements in the sealers and adhesives used mean better, longer lasting results. In most cases a root canal takes just one visit to the dentist or endodontist and is less expensive than it used to be. The failure rate is extremely low and patients should not avoid this procedure—there’s no reason to live with tooth pain.

 

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Do You Have A Healthy Dental Diet? The Best Foods For Your Teeth

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Dr. Iofin

Your pearly whites are on the front lines in the battle against damage and decay. Know your enemies when it comes to fighting gum disease and tooth decay by exploring which foods are a healthy choice and which can have a damaging effect.

When Sugar is Not So Sweet

Ever wondered what the difference was between sugar-filled and sugar-free food? For the health of your teeth it makes all the difference in the world. Keep your smile bright and cavity free by cutting back on sweets and when possible, using artificial sugar replacements such as isomalt, mannitol, erythritol, and sorbitol. Unlike real sugar, corn syrup, honey and molasses, these sweeteners don’t contribute to the overgrowth of bacteria in your mouth. Some natural sugar is OK, but must be limited.

Crunching Cavities: One Vegetable at a Time

Other foods can benefit your dental health as well. You might have already guessed that the foods that support your overall health would be better for your teeth. Crunchy vegetables like celery that can produce more bacteria-fighting saliva; carrots that can help remove plaque; and onions, which produce powerful anti-bacterial sulfur compounds — are all good choices. Similarly, fruits like crunchy apples and pears can massage swollen gums and keep plaque at bay.

Dairy Does the Trick

What about calcium for tooth support? Did you know that some dairy products can aid in improving dental health? You can actually prevent tooth erosion and decay by consuming milk and yogurt. These low-acidity foods are also high in calcium, which strengthens teeth and bones. Sunflower seeds are also high in calcium and help build tooth enamel.

Good Old Fashioned H2O

After eating your fruits, veggies, seeds and cheese—make sure to wash it all down with a nice cold glass of water! Fluorinated water is the best option. Besides keeping all facets of your form in working order, it’s a secret weapon for healthy teeth. Whether it’s rinsing out food particles and plaque, hydrating your gums, or helping you to produce more saliva—water is a powerful protection against dental disease.

Tea is also a good source of fluoride for teeth. Unlike its sugary counterparts such as soda, lemonade, juices and energy drinks—it doesn’t have excessive amounts of sugar, which can rot teeth by stripping minerals from tooth enamel. Sipping these sugary drinks over prolonged period of time also helps to produce consistent amounts of acid. Sodas are best avoided.

The Cavity Culprits

Wondering what else you should steer clear of? Some of the worst foods for your dental health include sour candy—which has added acids to create their tartness and flavor.  Another type of food that is not tooth-friendly…starchy carbohydrates like bread and potato chips that can wedge in-between teeth and become a hardy meal for bacteria to feast on. Even unsuspecting (sugar filled) cough drops can have a negative effect on teeth.

Your teeth need nutrients just as much as the rest of you. Eating the right foods and practicing healthy habits such as daily flossing and twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste are easy ways to protect your mouth.

 

 

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Anxious About the Dentist? Three Keys to Relief!

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Dr. Iofin

Has it been six months already? That appointment reminder in the mail has set your mind running and upped your heart rate. What if I have a cavity? What if it’s painful?

For some people, going to the dentist is a small fear that they never grew out of after childhood. They don’t like the thought of going to the dental office, and they associate dentistry with anxiety. Yet good dental health is imperative. So how can one overcome being anxious over dental work?

The key to eliminating that anxiety is a mix of preparation, consultation and explanation.

Preparation

Want a dentist with excellent bedside manner? There are plenty of health review websites that allow patients to research the dentists on their insurance plans. Sometimes there are star ratings for things like:

  • Knowledge
  • Bedside Manner
  • Quality of Staff
  • Cleanliness of Office
  • Punctuality

Some websites allow written reviews that you can read. Here you’ll be able to read real stories of past patients who have had both positive and negative experiences. Knowing your doctor has good reviews and happy patients will help you to feel comfortable and self-assured during your visit. Of course, you can ask your friends or coworkers to recommend a good dentist as well.

Consultation

During your appointment, don’t be shy about letting your dental assistant and dentist know you’re anxious. This is something they come across very often in their practice and they’ll be experts at doing their part in quelling your fear. You should feel free to ask your dentist what he’ll do during the appointment, what sort of education and experience he has—and what sort of pain killing and anxiety-reducing drugs (such as Novocain, Nitrous Oxide or IV Sedation)  he uses. Learn and understand your options. Often, dentists will allow you to come in for a separate consultation before your appointment to get work done. This way they can show you the facilities, explain what happens during the appointment and give you an estimate on the price.

Explanation

Narration can be a helpful tool when it comes to anxiety. Ask your dentist and dental assistant to explain what they’re doing as they’re doing it. You’ll find that those loud noises and bright lights will be somewhat more welcomed when you know what they’re used for. Ask them to tell you when to expect pain, dryness, or pressure. Much anxiety is created from the point of not knowing what’s happening—or anticipating a pain or unpleasantness that you aren’t even sure is coming.

Root canals are especially concerning for those with “dental anxiety”. By going to an endodontist – someone who has had additional schooling and training to perform root canal procedures – some of that stress can be alleviated. Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist to recommend an endodontist if a root canal is needed.

Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be fraught with drama and trauma. You do have tools at your disposal to help you feel more in control of the situation.  Follow the three simple rules—Preparation—Consultation—and Explanation—and your next visit will be easy as (sugar-free) pie!

 

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Germs in the mouth – Keeping the mouth clean

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Dr. Iofin
Ike Anderson liked this post

We have a lot of germs in our mouth. How many?  Scientific research studies vary, but the commonly accepted range is 32 to 40 different types of germs and bacteria are present in the human mouth – much more than a dog’s mouth carries, in case you are wondering.

Germs lead to bacteria, bacteria leads to decay.  Tooth decay and gum disease are not fun things to have. So we should try to avoid these things by keeping our mouths as clean as possible. There are things you can do to reduce the amount of germs and bacteria in your mouth.

Brush, Floss, Rinse

Brush frequently—three times a day. Floss after brushing—at least once a day. Before bed or when you wake up in the morning, rinse your mouth thoroughly with a germ killing mouthwash. Also, replacing your brush every 90 days will ensure that your toothbrush is doing a good job.

Get back to nature

You can find certain elements in nature that are good for a healthy mouth. Tea tree oil prevents gum disease and you can occasionally rub it around your gum line. Do you like to drink green tea? If so, your mouth thanks you. Green tea actually has certain properties in it that remove bacteria from your mouth. Do you have plaque buildup or yellowing of the teeth? Making paste out of baking soda and a little bit of water will reduce plaque and yellowing.

Don’t be so sweet

You know this already but it is good to keep in mind—limit the amount of sugar that you eat. Sugar can lead to decay of your tooth enamel.  If you or someone you know has children and puts their child to bed with a juice bottle, this is not a good idea, too much sugar soaking into the teeth.

You may think you are okay chewing sugar-free gum. Actually the alcohol properties in the artificial sweeteners contribute to bacteria.

Vitamins and Cleaning

Do you take your vitamins every day? This is good for you too because Vitamin C is known to combat gum disease.

If you have old fillings in your mouth—old caps or crowns, you should get them checked and see if your dentist recommends replacing them. Often these become harbors for germs, plaque and bacteria.

Last but not least, when your dentist reminds you about getting your teeth cleaned, make the appointment. Every six months you should have a professional cleaning as preventive maintenance. Dentists and Endodontists (who specialize in root canals) are here to care for your teeth once decay happens. You are the only one that can care for your teeth to prevent decay… and show the world a bright, healthy smile.

 

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Teeth Knocked Out in Sports Play – What to do

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Dr. Iofin

We all hope that we would never lose a tooth. If we have children, we certainly don’t want to see them get their teeth knocked out. But—accidents do happen, especially in sports. If you are around when a friend, relative, or child has a tooth or teeth knocked out during sports play, you will be glad that you read this article.

Most people would never attempt to put the tooth back in, but that is exactly what you should do. Rinse the tooth off and gently nuzzle it back into its socket.  A tooth that has been suddenly dislodged is called an “avulsed” tooth.  Tiny blood vessels and nerves are greatly damaged when this happens. However, there is always a chance that the tooth can be saved and re-implanted if great care is taken to keep it moist and to get to an Endodontist as quickly as possible.

Think of how you can pull a plant up out of the ground with roots still attached, and if you replant it quickly, it will probably live. But quickly is the key. The same goes for teeth, and children’s teeth have a better chance of being successfully reimplanted then adult teeth. How you handle the tooth after it has been knocked out is extremely important.

Try to avoid touching the root area and only hold the tooth by the crown. Do not wipe the tooth off with a cloth or your shirt. Ideally, you should rinse it with milk but if you don’t have milk then use water. If for some reason you cannot put the tooth back in its socket until reaching the dentist office, then you should place it in some milk or salt water or it can be carried inside the mouth. What is important is that it stays wet and is not allowed to dry out.

It should go back into the socket fairly easily but make sure the tooth is facing the correct way. If you are having trouble, don’t force it—use the milk or the person’s own saliva to keep the tooth moist until arriving at the dental facility.

If possible you should see an Endodontist because they are dentists who are experienced at working with the root of the tooth and saving teeth. They are root canal experts and will consider an avulsed tooth a dental emergency, because they understand how important it is to act quickly to save the tooth. What is amazing is that tiny ligaments in the root of your tooth will naturally reattach to the gums if given the chance.

Reimplanting a knocked out tooth is not always successful, but it is always worth trying. The tooth probably won’t last as long as it normally would have, but it can last for many years and then a permanent solution can be used.

Mouth guards are designed to prevent tooth loss from happening. But often, both children and adults alike won’t bother to wear a mouth guard when they are participating in a sport or recreational activity. Mouth guards work very well and we strongly recommend their use. Watch for a future article about mouth guards.

 

 

 

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Protect Your Tooth Enamel

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Dr. Iofin
Fifth Avenue Endodontics: Dr. Iofin and Dr. Kim liked this post

Your tooth enamel may not be something that you think about very often, if ever. But we endodontists do. We think about everything to do with teeth. What exactly is tooth enamel? Well, it is a pretty amazing substance. It is the hard outer surface layer that covers your teeth and the hardest element of your body. (Tooth enamel is stronger than bone).

So it is kind of ironic that it can be so susceptible to other elements. Yet as tough as tooth enamel is, it can be eroded by foods and beverages that we consume every day. Things that are acidic or sweet, things that contain starch—these go into the enamel of your teeth, causing decay.  Food and drink that we put in our mouths causes plaque, and plaque contains bacteria…and this bacteria creates acid that weakens enamel. And once enamel is gone, there is no getting it back.

Did you know that enamel loss is becoming more common? Many experts believe this is due to our modern day diet. So what can you do to protect your enamel and your teeth? Obviously using a fluoride toothpaste protects your teeth from plaque and acid. In addition, you should avoid anything that rubs against your teeth because this can wear down your enamel. This means all you pen biters and toothpick chewers need to stop that habit.

There are special toothpastes, rinses and other products that can promote the building of enamel. Ask your dentist about sodium fluoride and which products he or she recommends. This one is obvious—but brush your teeth regularly. At least twice a day. This means that you are not giving plaque a chance to form on your teeth and so your tooth enamel will not be compromised as much.

As an endodontist, we see a lot of tooth decay. Neglected decay leads to cavities and sometimes just filling the tooth will not resolve the issue. When decay extends up into the root of the tooth, it is not only a painful situation but it must be corrected. This usually means a root canal. The good news is that new technology and methods practiced by dentists and endodontists has taken the pain out of root canals. They are now a routine procedure that is only mildly uncomfortable.

Protect your teeth, avoid too many acidic and sweet foods, and your teeth will last, as will your smile.  : )

 

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Why Use An Endodontist?

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Dr. Iofin

Have you ever had a root canal? If not, surely your family members have. We have all heard someone complain of a painful root canal they had done. It is a resisted and even feared dental procedure. But if you know the facts, there is no reason to resist, or to be afraid! Place yourself in the good hands of an experienced endodontist. With today’s equipment and methods, root canals have become hardly more than a slightly uncomfortable, mild inconvenience. Endodontists would say, “We’ve come a long way.”

Did you think that root canals take a couple hours, or more? The fact is, nowadays, we can do them in an hour. Sometimes even less. Use of digital imaging, ultrasonics, and operating microscopes have not only reduced the time it takes to perform a root canal, but the pain level as well. This helpful procedure which saves your natural, original tooth (always preferred over pulling it) has become virtually pain-free. Of course, the exact condition of your tooth and root play a role.

With more serious issues, it is wise to use an endodontist. This is because an endodontist has received two or three years of additional training beyond dental school. They treat teeth with decayed, damaged roots every day, as opposed to a regular dentist who may only do one or two root canal procedures per week. Endodontists have special training in unusual or serious cases, such as unusually small or narrow teeth, blocked teeth, teeth with failed previous root canal treatment, etcetera. You can have peace of mind knowing that your root canal is being done by a specialist.

Your endodontist is also adept at administering local anesthesia, so this will be a smooth and effective process. Once people have a root canal done by an experienced endodontist, they typically tell their friends and family that they would see that dentist again, and that “It didn’t hurt like I thought it would.” If your dentist tells you that you need a root canal, feel free to ask about an endodontist. They can refer you to an endodontist if the situation warrants, and it is not unusual (nor is it poor manners) to ask for the referral.

Keep in mind that your regular dentist often does not have the advanced tools and technologies that the endodontist has for root canals, not to mention the training. Ultimately it is your decision. But ask questions and know your options. Endodontists are also called upon for handling abscessed teeth. Get the facts and then you can make the right decision. Our office is happy to answer any question on this subject. Just call ——–

 

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