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Soda Destruction in Kids & Teens

Soda Destruction in Kids & Teens

From ADA:  “It’s not just soda that’s contributing to an increase in tooth decay. Nationwide, students are drinking more sports drinks and fruit juices, which also contain high concentrations of sugar. The problem is with the frequency that a child’s teeth are exposed to sugar throughout the day. Nursing soft drinks significantly contributes to the development of tooth decay.

For example, if a student takes one small sip of soda, and then a minute later, takes another small sip, and then another sip—and this goes on during the course of one day—teeth are exposed over and over again to high concentrations of sugar and acid without any kind of break.

Even sugar-free soda is harmful to teeth because it contains high amounts of acid, leading to a breakdown in dental enamel. Because students typically do not brush their teeth during school hours, their risk of getting cavities increases dramatically.”

Benefits of Drinking Water:

“There are many benefits to drinking water:

  • Reduces muscle cramping and fatigue when consumed before, during, and after exercise.
  • Regulates body temperature. To sweat, you need plenty of water.
  • Helps you get well when you’re sick by controlling fever and replacing lost fluid.
  • Keeps you hydrated, alert, and energized. Even minor dehydration can cause a loss of concentration, fatigue, and irritability.
  • Prevents you from confusing hunger with thirst, which can help you control your weight.”

In the above picutre, we have both photos and x-ray images of a healthy mouth vs. a mouth that has had major decay caused by a soda drinking habit. Soda: It’s not hip to sip!

Broken Crown: Before and After

Broken Crown – Before and After

Your dentist can either repair or replace a broken crown

For a broken crown, your dentist will assess the issue and correct it right away. If the crown is still repairable, the dentist will use techniques like dental bonding to revitalize it. Yet, if the broken crown is beyond repair, replacing it will be the only option. Seeing your dentist for an evaluation will help determine which suits your case.

You can see in this picture the tooth in the middle was repaired with a beautiful new crown by one of our talented referring dentists! Materials in dentistry continue to improve function, esthetics and strength of crowns!

Normal Teeth Vs. Acid Attack

Normal Teeth Vs. Acid Attack

Not only is enamel the most highly mineralized substance in the body, but it also acts as defensive “shell” that protects your teeth from the damaging effects of acid and plaque. However, unlike your immune system that can bounce back after a crippling blow, enamel doesn’t regenerate. Once it’s lost, it’s gone forever.
 
Typically, a healthy mouth is sitting somewhere between 6 and 8 on the pH scale, with 7 being considered neutral. As you start to move lower on the scale and things become more acidic, you’re at a higher risk of causing damage to your teeth. To put things into perspective, enamel erosion begins at a pH level of 4. Common household items such as orange juice and soda come in around 3, while some “sour” candy can get as low as 2 – almost the equivalent of battery acid!
 
Whenever you consume something acidic, you expose your teeth to what’s commonly known as an “acid attack”. Lasting about 20
minutes with each exposure, acid attacks work to slowly demineralize your enamel. What ends up happening is the bacteria in your mouth
reacts with food to produce lactic acid and other harmful byproducts begin to eat away at your teeth.
 
Over time, if you don’t take proper care of your dental health, enamel will completely erode and leave your teeth exposed. 

What is Clinical Crown Lengthening?

Case Study: Clinical Crown Lengthening

Clinical Crown Lengthening is designed to expose more tooth structure prior to restorative and cosmetic dentistry and/or to improve the esthetics of your gum line. A frequently asked question is whether we can change the esthetics of a gummy smile because the teeth appear somewhat short. Your teeth can actually be of proper length and just covered with excessive gum tissue. In such circumstances, a crown lengthening procedure will correct this by exposing the shape of your natural teeth.

Crown lengthening can also be done to single teeth to “even out” your gum line and create a more symmetrical smile.

If your teeth are decayed, fractured at or below the gum line or have insufficient tooth structure for new crown retention, a “Clinical crown lengthening” procedure may be recommended by Dr. Britten to enable your general dentist to perform a restorative and/or cosmetic dental procedure.

What Are Your Implant Options?

Single Dental Implant

  • Superior To A Traditional Bridge
  • Natural Look And Feel
  • Ability To Last A Lifetime

Multiple Dental Implants

  • Bridge Attached To Implants
  • Natural Look And Feel
  • 98% Chewing Ability Restored

Implant-Supported Denture

  • High Quality Custom Denture
  • Secured By 2-4 Implants
  • Snaps In & Out

Traditional Acrylic Denture

  • Natural Look & Feel
  • Lower Cost Fixed Option
  • Leave with Teeth Same Day Of Surgery

Hybrid Teeth

  • Strong, Rigid Metal Bonded To Resilient Hybrid
  • Highly Polishable, Beautiful Aesthetic
  • Very Durable, Lightweight

Zirconia

  • The Greatest Combination Of Strength And Cosmetics
  • Closest To The Feel Of Your Natural Teeth
  • Most Durable & Long-Lasting

What Does Implant Recovery Look Like?

After a dental implant surgery patients should stick to the following diet recommendations for a good recovery. It’s important to avoid any foods that may physically disrupt the implant or cause discomfort.

  1. The first thing to take under consideration is the importance of not skipping meals, getting the nutrition your body needs is key to gaining strength, feeling better and faster. If you have a special diet requirement related to a medical condition, like for example being a diabetic, you should keep those eating habits or follow instructions that your specialist prescribe.
  2. It is best to start from soft and liquid food to then progress into solids over a few days. Keeping hydrated is key. While some doctors advise to stick only with liquids or pureed foods like ice cream, soups, puddings, yogurt, milk shakes, for the first few days, that it’s not a requirement.
  3. On the day of the surgery drinking plenty of fluids  (up to 2 quarts of liquid per day)  and avoiding hot liquids or hot food because they will promote bleeding and swelling.
  4. Extremely hot food is also something to stay away from and patients shouldn’t use a straw for the first few days after surgery.
  5. Avoiding drinking any alcoholic beverages
  6. Avoid smoking

Comfort is very important at this point, eating should not be a painful experience for the patient, so choosing the right food can vary from one person to the other but general rules still apply. Recovering patients should avoid chewing food until tongue sensation has returned and also stay away from food that may get lodged in the surgical areas like popcorn, rice, sunflower seeds, nuts etc.

Here is a list with a few examples that can help you

  • Softer fruits, such as bananas, peaches, nectarines, melons, and all berries are usually good choices
  • Avoid hard food: Go for oatmeal and soft cereals, soft bread, rice, grits, or mashed potatoes.
  • More water: Staying hydrated is vital to your immune system and overall health, and nothing will keep you hydrated more efficiently than water.
  • Fruits and vegetables: Remember to cut them into small pieces first.
  • When it comes to vegetables, cooked or steamed vegetables are better like broccoli, carrots, and squash.
  • Sauces and soups are the best way to go. Softer fruits like bananas, peaches, nectarines, melons, and all berries are good as well.
  • Protein: eggs, fish and seafood, and beans are safe, and also dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Other alternatives include couscous and quinoa, while being a wheat and grain.

More ideas for a speedy recovery:

  • Macaroni and cheese, soft bread, baked or mashed potatoes.
  • Scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, applesauce.
  • Ground beef, baked or broiled fish, broiled or stewed chicken (finely chopped).
  • Cooked cereals, such as oatmeal or cream of wheat, yogurt.
  • Juice, water, milk, coffee, tea.
  • Puddings, pound cake, milkshakes, ice cream.
  • Home cooked broth, bouillon, soups.

Gum Grafting: What You Should Know

Gum grafting is a common periodontal procedure.  This common procedure is performed with excellent results. Some of the major benefits associated with gum grafting include:

  • Reduced sensitivity – When a tooth root becomes exposed, eating or drinking hot or cold foods can cause extreme sensitivity to the teeth.  Gum grafting surgery can permanently cover the exposed root, help reduce discomfort, and restore the good health of the gums.
  • Improved appearance – Periodontal disease is characterized by gum recession and inflammation.  Gum recession and root exposure can make the teeth look longer than normal and the smile to appear “toothy.”  Gum grafting can make the teeth look shorter, more symmetrical and generally more pleasing to look at.  In addition, adjacent tissue can be enhanced and augmented during the procedure for aesthetic purposes.
  • Improved gum and tooth health – Periodontal disease can progress and destroy gum tissue very rapidly. Gum grafting can help halt tissue and bone loss; preventing further problems and protecting exposed roots from decay.

Dr. Britten has trained in the latest minimally invasive techniques of gum grafting and can often perform the entire procedure through a pinhole incision.

Implant Planning: What to Know About CBCT Scans

Implant Planning: What to Know About CBCT Scans

At Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we use 3D low radiation Cone Beam CT Scans for diagnosis and treatment planning. While it only take less than a minute, the scan supports a much higher level of patient care compare to conventional 2D X-ray films. 3D low radiation Cone Beam CT Scans allow a detailed look at existing teeth, bone, nerves, and tissue.

The 3D Cone Beam CT Scan provides three-dimensional and cross-sectional views that allow Dr. Britten to:

  • Examine the quality and density of the bone that will anchor the dental implant
  • Determine the proper treatment approach for each individual patient
  • Determine the precise placement of implants
  • Select the correct type and size of the implants
  • Avoid the nerves and sinuses.

Dr. Britten uses the best materials for implants, employing state-of-the art technology and procedures. His commitment to quality implant care has gained the confidence and earned the trust of many of patients just like you.

Proper Home Care for Dental Health!

Proper Home Care

Power toothbrushes, especially Philips Sonicare (Bestsellers | Philips) brushes, are our #1 recommendation for our patients.  They are easy to use and can remove plaque more efficiently than a manual toothbrush.  Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job holding it for at least 5 seconds on one or two teeth at a time.

Toothbrushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

  1. When using a Sonicare, place the brush at a 45 degree angle, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
  2. Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
  3. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.
  4. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Clean Between Your Teeth at least 1-2 x a day With Proxabrushes, Softpicks and/or floss:

Softpicks and interdental brushes (also known as proxabrushes) are available in many sizes and are gaining in popularity because they are easy to use, and for some patients – more effective than flossing alone!

Proxabrushes  – Proxabrushes are available on handles (similar to length of toothbrush handles) or in travel sizes.  A travel proxabrush is covered by a cap that sheaths over the brush. This form of Proxabrush is conveniently kept in ones pocket or purse, and thus is good for those individuals who want to clean between their teeth during the day, or to take to restaurants or trips.

Who Should Use Them?

  • Anyone who finds flossing difficult
  • People who don’t like to floss
  • People with exposed roots
  • Deep dental pockets
  • Areas of bone loss or gum recession
  • Areas where teeth are missing
  • Previous gum surgery which has exposed more tooth and root anatomy
  • Larger spaces between the teeth
  • Grooves and concavities in teeth and roots
  • People with braces – great around brackets and wires

Softpicks – Traditionally, floss has been used to help remove the disease-producing bacteria in between the teeth. This bacteria cannot be reached with a toothbrush alone. Bacteria between the teeth is a primary cause for most gum disease and dental decay. It is so important to clean between your teeth every day!

Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline.  Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

  1. Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
  2. Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
  3. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline.  Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

OTHER IMPORTANT ORAL HYGIENE AIDS:

GUM Brand rubbertip stimulator or Plaque Buster travel rubbertip stimulator –  These tools promote healthy and firm gums by massaging the gingival tissues and stimulating the blood flow. It is a traditional method to maintain your gums in good health. It consists of two separate parts: a comfortable ergonomic anodized aluminum handle and a replaceable synthetic rubber tip stimulator. In addition to massaging the tissue it helps to dislodge food particles and dental plaque between the teeth.

  • Point the gum stimulator toward your gums at a 45 ­degree angle.
  • Run the rubber tip of the gum stimulator in a circle for 10 seconds between each tooth. Stimulate the gums by working the rubber tip back and forth along the gum line. Besides removing plaque, it stimulates your gums and helps with blood circulation.
Compared to traditional gum stimulators that use a metal handle with a disposable tip, the Plaque Buster is an innovative, one­piece, injection­molded design with no metal to scratch the user’s teeth. The device was designed for a comfortable overall feel.
TEPE compact end tufted brush – This brush is designed for hard­ to ­reach or simply difficult ­to­ clean areas where the dental plaque buildup will become harmful to teeth or gums, such as:

  • Exposed spaces between the roots of molar teeth due to periodontitis and gum recession, keeping furcations clean
  • Complex fixed dentures, bridges or dental implants that are inherently hard to clean
  • Orthodontic appliances
  • Difficulty in cleaning the back surfaces of the last teeth at the end of the dental arch at the back of the mouth
  • Other hard ­to ­reach areas identified by your dentist or dental hygienist
GUM brand tongue scraper – The front portion of the tongue is pretty self­ cleansing, however, the back portion can often collect more bacteria. You can use a toothbrush or a special tongue scraper. Tongue scrapers come in various designs. Be gentle. Don’t go too far back and stick to the center of the tongue and not the sides which are more delicate and prone to injury. If you have a sensitive gag reflex a tongue scraper will probably work better for you.Do it daily. Just like brushing and flossing, frequency is key. Oral bacteria are constantly reproducing. Once you start doing it daily, you may find that your mouth just doesn’t seem as clean without doing it!

Implant Care – Care for dental implants is just as important as caring for natural teeth. Thorough oral hygiene is necessary to prevent diseases around implants. With proper home care and regular professional maintenance, implants can last a lifetime.

There are many different “tools” to aid in cleaning implants. Our favorite aids include the Tepe compact tuft brush and Proxysoft Bridge and Implant floss.

Oral Hygiene Products We Love

What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is generally performed to improve the health of the gum tissue or to prepare the mouth for restorative or cosmetic procedures.  In addition, crown lengthening procedures can also be used to correct a “gummy” smile, where teeth are covered with excess gum tissue.  Crown lengthening exposes more of the natural tooth by reshaping or recontouring bone and gum tissue.  This treatment can be performed on a single tooth, many teeth, or the entire gum line, exposing an aesthetically pleasing smile.

Reasons for crown lengthening

Crown lengthening is a versatile and common procedure that has many effective uses and benefits.  The vast majority of patients who have undergone this type of surgery are highly delighted with the results.

Here are some of the most common reasons for crown lengthening:

  • Restoration of damaged teeth – Periodontal disease can cause severe damage to the teeth, as can trauma and decay.  Where teeth have been broken beneath the gum line, crown lengthening can be used to prepare the area for a new restoration to correct the damaged teeth.
  • Cosmetic uses – Extra gum tissue can make teeth look unnaturally short and can also increase susceptibility to periodontal infections.  Removing excess gum tissue can restore a balanced, healthy look and improve the aesthetic appearance of the smile.
  • Dental crowns – Crown lengthening provides more space between the supporting jawbone and dental crown.  This prevents the new crown from damaging gum tissues and bone once it is in place.

What does crown lengthening involve?

Your dentist will make a series of small incisions around the soft tissue in order to separate the gums away from the teeth.  Even if only one tooth requires the re-contour, neighboring teeth are usually treated to provide a more even reshaping.  Separating the gums provides your dentist with access to the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone.

In some cases, the removal of a small amount of tissue will provide enough tooth exposure to place a crown.  In other cases, your dentist will also need to remove a small amount of bone from around the teeth.  The bone is usually removed using a combination of special hand instruments, and rotary instruments.  The rotary instruments roughly resemble the drill that is used in cavity treatment.

The teeth will look noticeably longer immediately after surgery because the gums will have been repositioned. The teeth will look noticeably longer immediately after surgery because the gums have now been repositioned.

Your dentist may secure the surgical site using an intraoral (periodontal) bandage which serves to prevent infection.  Prescriptions may be provided for pain medication, and a chlorhexidine (antimicrobial) mouth rinse will be given to help reduce any bacteria attempting to recolonize.  The surgical site will be completely healed in approximately two to three months.

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