What is a Complete Oral Exam?

What is a Complete Oral Exam?

by | Apr 17, 2019 | Dental

Complete / Comprehensive Oral Exam

A complete oral exam is a dental exam completed at the first visit to a dental office and every few years afterward to obtain all relevant information to make a proper diagnosis for teeth, gums and overall health. A complete oral exam takes longer to complete than a regular check-up exam, given the amount of information gathered and documented during the exam. A comprehensive oral exam is recommended every 3-5 years to verify all charting and diagnoses are current and up to date. Between complete oral exams, check up exams called “recall exams” are completed to address any concerns and examine the teeth and gums. Recall exams are great for addressing concerns and making diagnoses but have limitations compared to complete oral exams.

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During a complete oral exam, you can expect some, or all, of the following as part of the appointment:
– Create a new medical history, document any medical conditions, medications, allergies, past surgeries, etc.
– Examination of the head and neck to check tissues and lymph nodes
– Examination of the jaw joint and assess for any clenching/grinding or wear to the teeth
– Create/update odontogram charting. Charting of any missing teeth, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, chips, fractures and cavities
– Create/update periodontal charting. Periodontal charting is a measurement of the gum attachment for each tooth, indicating any areas of gum disease
– X-rays (if needed) to assess the health of the teeth and bone support
– Assessment of oral tissues and diagnosis of gum health
– Oral cancer screening
– Diagnosis of cavities or need for restorative work
– Possible referrals to specialists such as orthodontist for aligning teeth, periodontist for any gum concerns, endodontist for root canals or oral surgery for removal of teeth
– Assessment of how previous dental work is doing
– Any concerns to be addressed
– Recommendations for an at home oral health regimen
– A custom treatment plan formed based on diagnoses and individual needs

If you believe you may be due for a complete oral exam or have any questions about them, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Learn How To Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Learn How To Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

by | Mar 23, 2019 | Dental

What is bottle decay?

Cavities found on the upper, front teeth in small children are commonly known as bottle decay, nursing caries, early childhood caries or baby bottle mouth. The cavities are localized to the upper front teeth because when a baby drinks from a bottle or nipple, their tongue covers the lower teeth, protecting them. These cavities often develop before the molars erupt.

How do babies get cavities?

Like adult cavities, bottle decay is caused by a combination of bacteria + carbohydrates + susceptible tooth surfaces. When we ingest carbohydrates, such as the natural sugars found in milk, they can be used by cavity-causing bacteria to grow. This bacteria then creates plaque, which is acidic. When this acid is allowed to sit on the teeth undisturbed, it starts to break down the protective enamel layer. When this reaction often happens, such as with a nightly bottle before sleep, the enamel decays and a cavity develops. Our mouths do have some self-cleaning tricks, such as producing watery saliva, however, when we fall asleep, this saliva production slows down and if proper brushing is not done, the acidic plaque is allowed to sit on the teeth for a long period.

baby bottle tooth decay

How can I prevent decay in my children’s teeth?

Children should always go to bed with a clean mouth. This starts with wiping the teeth and gums with a wet cloth after nursing or bottles. Once the molars erupt, a soft toothbrush should be used at least twice a day to remove plaque.

The current guidelines from The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry note that fluoride toothpaste can start being used as soon as teeth erupt. For children under the age of 3, it is recommended to use a small “smear” amount of toothpaste, with adult assistance. Fluoride is the only substance that can help “heal” acid damage, otherwise called “demineralization.”

When parents are brushing children’s teeth they should lift the upper lip to ensure the toothbrush is removing all of the plaque, especially along the gum line where it tends to collect.

Children should only have water in bed with them as it does not contain carbohydrates. Night nursing, especially on-demand nursing should be reduced as early as possible to minimize cavity risk. Breast milk on its own has not been proven to cause cavities. However, if there is plaque is present on the teeth, and then breast milk is allowed to sit on the tooth surface as well, this can cause cavities over time. Increased frequency of feedings also increases the risk of cavities.

Children can start to develop cavities as soon as their teeth erupt; this is why every child should be assessed by a dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting. Dental professionals may be able to diagnose early signs of cavities and provide solutions to reduce the risk or slow the progression. Contact us if you have any questions, or would like to schedule a consultation or dental visit.

Learn About Different Tooth Cleaning Aids

Learn About Different Tooth Cleaning Aids

by | Feb 25, 2019 | Dental

Learn About Different Tooth Cleaning Aids

We are long past the time of using just a toothbrush and toothpaste at home to keep your teeth clean. Now, on the market, there are products geared to help clean anything from braces to dental implants. It is essential to make sure you choose the correct products to optimize your oral health and clean adequately between dental visits. Below is a list of several common products and what to use them for:

Toothbrush

Everybody has used a toothbrush, as it’s an essential tool to keep your teeth clean. Tooth brushing is recommended for everyone with one or more teeth, at least twice a day for 2 minutes. Toothbrushes can be split into two categories, manual and electric. Manual toothbrushes come in super soft, soft, medium and hard. Super soft toothbrushes are great for people with recession to preserve the gum line. Soft toothbrushes are most commonly recommended. Medium and hard toothbrushes are generally thought to be too abrasive on the gums and are rarely recommended. Electric toothbrushes either oscillate or sweep back and forth depending on the brand and are a beneficial alternative.

Toothpaste

The most crucial factor in choosing a toothpaste is the inclusion of fluoride in the ingredient list. Fluoride is an ingredient that prevents and halts cavities. Most toothpaste will include fluoride unless otherwise stated. Toothpaste can be geared toward antiplaque, gum health and even stain fighting. Talk with your dentist or dental hygienist about what toothpaste is recommended for you.

dental floss cleaning aid

Dental Floss

Dental floss is used to clean the in-between surfaces of teeth. Dental floss is sold as waxed or non-waxed. Waxed dental floss is ideal for tight contacts and areas where the floss may shred. Flossing is recommended at least once a day. Floss on a handle is a great alternative for children or patients will low dexterity.

Mouth Rinse

It is essential to select a mouth rinse with active ingredients. Some mouth rinses contain essential oils to reduce bacteria on gums, teeth, tongue and cheeks. Mouth rinses can be geared for anticavity, antiplaque or even whitening.

Interdental Brush

Interdental brushes are adjunct brushes used to access difficult areas of the mouth. They are often recommended for patients with braces to access between the brackets, as well as for in between teeth that have larger spaces and are susceptible to food impaction.

Tongue Scraper

A tongue scraper is meant for reducing the bacteria accumulation on the surface of your tongue. A tongue scraper can either have bristles or a corrugated plastic end. The end of the scraper will be pulled from the back of the tongue to the front to remove bacteria. A tongue scraper is a great way to reduce halitosis, (bad breath,) as a large number of bacteria accumulate in the uneven surface of the tongue.

Supplemental Aids

There are many other aids not listed here that can be used for specific areas of your mouth. Floss threaders are used to get floss underneath a fixed retainer, sulci-brushes are thin brushes that are great for cleaning around wisdom teeth, rubber tip stimulators are used to stimulate gum tissue and promote good health.

It is vital to discuss recommendations with your dentist/ dental hygienist. If you have any questions about dental aids, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Learn All About Dental Bridges

Learn All About Dental Bridges

by | Jan 28, 2019 | Dental

Many people are faced with the decision about what to do after losing a tooth. The typical tooth replacement options are dental implants, partial denture or a dental bridges. While dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, not everyone is a candidate for them. Today, we will be focusing on learning about dental bridges.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that can replace one or more missing teeth. There are two parts; the abutments and the pontic. The abutments are the teeth next to the space that will be part of the dental bridge. The pontic is the artificial tooth that will fill in the space.

Types of dental bridges:

Traditional – This is the most common type of dental bridge. It is used if there are stable teeth on either side of the missing tooth. It consists of two dental crowns on the abutment teeth with the pontic in between to fill the space. In some cases, more than one pontic may be used to replace multiple missing teeth.

Maryland – This type of bridge consists of a dental crown with “wings” on either side which are bonded to the adjacent teeth. It is usually only used to replace missing front teeth since it isn’t as strong as a traditional bridge. The limited strength is due to it only being bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth instead of the full coverage crowns used in a conventional dental bridge.

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Cantilever – Instead of two abutment teeth, this bridge only has one abutment tooth and a pontic. This type of bridge isn’t commonly used because of its instability due to it just being secured on one side.

Implant supported – Similar to a traditional dental bridge but instead of natural teeth, the abutment teeth are dental implants.

The process for a traditional dental bridge:

  • The dentist numbs the area and then prepares the abutment teeth by filing them down so the dental crowns can fit over.
  • Dental impressions are taken, and a mold is made of your teeth. These are sent to the lab that is creating your dental bridge.
  • A temporary bridge is put into place to protect the prepared teeth while you wait for your permanent bridge.
  • When the bridge is ready, you will return to have the temporary bridge removed, and the permanent one cemented into place.

How to care for your dental bridge:

It is essential to clean around and under your dental bridge daily. Plaque bacteria can cause decay on the abutment teeth, and food and bacteria caught under the pontic can irritate your tissues. Your dental professional can show you how to thread your floss under your dental bridge to keep it clean. A Waterpik or other dental tools may also be used. If properly cared for, your dental bridge should last many years.

If you have any questions about dental bridges, call us today!

How Smoking Affects Your Oral Health

How Smoking Affects Your Oral Health

by | Dec 27, 2018 | Dental

Smoking tobacco can cause many serious health issues, including fatal diseases such as cancer. Smoking can also cause significant and financially costly damage to the gums, mouth, and teeth, specifically:

Tooth staining: the nicotine and tar in tobacco rapidly stain teeth yellow. Teeth can even become brown with heavy smoking.

Gum disease and tooth loss: research suggests that smoking may cause almost 75% of adult periodontal diseases. Smoking supports plaque that leads to gum disease. When you smoke, it reduces oxygen and nutrients that flow to the gums to keep them healthy and resistant to bacteria. Gum disease also progresses more rapidly amongst smokers. As the disease progresses, teeth can be lost.

More challenges when treating oral health issues: smoking can wear down teeth and weaken jawbone through infections or decay. As a result, it may be more difficult to replace lost teeth, for instance with implants and bridges. Because smoking weakens the immune system, treating gum disease may be more difficult and slower.

Bad breath: many people who smoke find that they suffer from bad breath. This may affect confidence levels and interpersonal relationships.

Oral cancer: smoking is a leading cause of mouth cancer. Many studies indicate that people who smoke are at a significantly higher risk of developing oral cancer than people who do not smoke.

Increased sensitivity to hot and cold: when damaged gum tissue leads to receding gums and exposed tooth roots, sensitivity to hot and cold develops.

Smoking increases your risk of developing nicotine addiction, cancer (of the throat, lungs, and/or other parts of the body), heart disease and/or stroke, bronchitis, premature ageing, mouth sores, reduced sense of smell and taste, decreased immune system responsiveness, increased heart rate, difficulties breathing.

Steps to take if you smoke

Visit your dentist routinely: do not miss routine visits because these full examinations will allow your dentist to ensure your overall oral health is good and to identify any budding issues early on. Your dentist not only examines your gums and teeth, but your mouth including cheeks, tongue, and throat, particularly for early signs of oral cancer and periodontal disease (gingivitis, gum disease).

Your dentist will advise you on how frequently you should visit.

Special kinds of toothpaste for people who smoke: your dentist may recommend a toothpaste targeted to smokers, which may reduce staining on teeth. Your dentist can recommend a product.

Mouthwashes: these can be used to freshen breath but are a short-term solution.

Receive support to stop smoking: your dentist may be able to provide references to organizations or groups that can support you to quit smoking and provide recommendations for medications to aid the process.

If you or a loved one is smoking, schedule a visit for a full examination or further information on the impacts of smoking on oral and overall health and how to quit smoking.