ORAL PIERCING

September, 2012 »  

Oral Piercing —

In today’s society, we see a lot of body art being displayed on people’s faces.  We often see eyebrow rings, nose rings, and cheek piercings.  As dental professionals at Szmanda Dental Center, we are more concerned with the piercing site of the area around the lips, the lips themselves and the tongue.

Obviously, this is not just a fad, as it has been around for a long time.  We don’t want to discourage people from doing it; we want them to be aware from our standpoint, what can happen to their oral health as a side effect from this fashion and make a knowledgeable decision.

One of the main things Szmanda Dental worries about when we see a tongue ring is chipped teeth.  According to WebMD, 47% of people wearing tongue jewelry for 4 or more years have at least one chipped tooth.  This tends to happen due to continuous abrasion of the metal or plastic from the tongue ring on enamel causing small fractures.  These chips that occur can of course be fixed with fillings, but continuing to wear a tongue ring will most likely break out the filling if could break the enamel to start with.  If this happens, most likely a crown will have to be placed, which can be a costly fix.

Not only are dental professionals concerned about this, but some piercing facilities also have a growing concern.  A local tattoo and piercing shop, Expressions Ink, has in fact stopped piercing the tongue altogether due to the amount of chipped teeth they were seeing.

Other than cracked or chipped teeth, in accordance to the American Dental Association (ADA), here are other effects to consider prior to piercing your tongue:

·      Excessive drooling due to increased saliva production

·      Infection, swelling and pain

·      Damage to fillings

·      Scar tissue

·      Nerve damage (loss of taste and movement)

·      Hypersensitivity to metals

·      Injuries to gum tissue

One of the above listed items is infection.  Remember, the mouth is host to huge amounts of bacteria.  It literally is the dirtiest place on the body.  Because of this, an oral piercing has the potential of causing heart problems.  The ADA warns that oral piercing carries the risk of endocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart valves or tissues.  Bacteria can travel through the bloodstream from the piercing site to the heart where it can establish a colony on heart abnormalities.

Another popular piercing on the face is the lip area.  Although the actual piercing site heals fast, you have to be careful while healing takes place due to the risk of infection from anything such as food or liquids that come into contact with the area.

Szmanda Dental Center’s concern with a lip piercing is the wear that it can cause on gum tissue.  Constant friction with the lip ring causes abrasion of the gum tissue and eventually wears it away.  Once its gone, there’s no going back easily.  The only way to fix this is to have gum grafts done, which can add up financially.

When gum tissue is worn away, this exposes areas of the teeth that aren’t normally exposed causing sensitivity and also can cause the tooth to loosen due to poor support of surrounding tissue.

And just like tongue piercing, lip rings can chip teeth and also cause nerve damage to the tooth or the lip.

If you choose to have a facial piercing, please be sure to discuss concerns with the piercing facility you plan on having the procedure done at.  Discuss sterility, check on health certificates and licenses, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.  Any professional should be happy and willing to address your concerns.

Please also feel free to ask any questions at Szmanda Dental Center and we will do our best to address them.

Information provided by Szmanda Dental Center Staff, ADA, and WebMD.

© Szmanda Dental Center, S.C. 2012

CLENCHING/GRINDING

August, 2012 »  

Clenching/Grinding —

Are your teeth or jaws sore when you wake up in the morning?  You may be clenching or grinding your teeth at night without even knowing it.

Clenching or grinding your teeth, technically known as, bruxism, can be caused by numerous things, such as stress, caffeine and alcohol consumption, and even smoking. 

Because your jaw is in movement during the night, your body is not resting to fall into a deep sleep.  Experts say that during nighttime bruxism, the upper and lower teeth come into contact up to 40 minutes per hour and with a force of up to 250 lbs on particular teeth.  This is why you can wake up with sore teeth/jaws and can feel tired.  During normal chewing, your teeth come together for a total of 20 minutes a day with 20-40 lbs of pressure.¹ 

You can also grind or clench your teeth unconsciously during the day.  It may be mild, but if done often enough, it can lead to jaw joint problems and damaged teeth (teeth may become loose, fracture or wear down).

For bruxism (pictured at left) issues during the day, the best thing to do is be aware of it.  Catch yourself doing it and stop yourself.  Also, avoid chewing gum and activities such as chewing on pencils as this leads to jaw muscles learning the habit of clenching.  Relax those jaws!

If you suffer from headaches, a sore or stiff jaw, tenderness in the jaw joint or sore teeth, most likely you could be a night grinder.  Obviously when you are unaware of the behavior, you can’t consciously stop it.  Szmanda Dental Center recommends a bite guard or night guard to help with sleep bruxism.  This appliance is relatively inexpensive and can save your teeth from being damaged.  It’s a short appointment that requires an impression, which will get sent to a lab for the guard to be made and within a few days, you could be feeling relief from any soreness or teeth issues due to grinding.

Sometimes we even recommend something as simple as a bite adjustment done in our office to align your teeth more ideally and that can take care of minor bruxism issues.

If you suspect you might be a grinder/clencher and have questions or concerns about it, please talk to the doctors at Szmanda Dental Center.  They can take a look to see if there is any telltale signs on your teeth from bruxism or talk to you about your symptoms and then come up with a solution for your particular issue.  We are here to help you so please don’t hesitate to ask!

Information compiled from the American Dental Association, The Mayo Clinic Staff, WebMD, Caring.com and Staff at Szmanda Dental Center  

© Szmanda Dental Center, S.C. 2012  |  1

 Caring.com (Melanie Haiken)

BABY TEETH

July, 2012 »  
Baby Teeth —  



Parents sometimes feel that because their children have “baby” teeth that will eventually fall out, there is no need to fix a problem that may arise with those teeth.  The truth is that baby teeth or deciduous/primary teeth are very important.

Along with obvious reasons like chewing and talking, primary teeth also help to keep space in your child’s mouth so adult teeth that are forming under the gum tissue can erupt (teeth coming into the mouth).


If a baby tooth is missing earlier than it should be due to decay and subsequent removal, there could be an issue for the permanent tooth to erupt because drifting or tilting of the surrounding teeth can occur.  This can affect proper alignment of permanent teeth and can be costly to fix down the road with orthodontia (braces).
If a baby tooth has a cavity, it is important to have the cavity removed and a filling placed even though the baby tooth will eventually fall out.  If a primary tooth has a cavity, it can cause the permanent tooth growing underneath to become misshapen and discolored. ¹


According to Dr. Martin J. Davis of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, there are several recommendations to keep your child’s teeth healthy:

• Cut down on snacking.  Snacking increases the production of acid in the mouth, which makes teeth more susceptible to cavities.
• Stop using bottles.  Try to teach your child to not use a bottle by the age of 1.  Also, try to refrain from using sippy cups.  Anything that your child can take small sips from for a long period of time (unless it’s water) can be hard on their teeth due to the sugar content.
• Start cleaning your child’s teeth by 6 months of age or when the first teeth are showing.  Use a soft wash cloth to remove plaque.
• Brush, brush, brush.  Kids will not be able to do a good enough job brushing their teeth on their own until they are about 6 years of age, so be willing to help them.
• Fluoride.  Be sure to use a small amount of fluorinated toothpaste.  For babies, just a smear is good, for toddlers, a pea size amount is appropriate.  Also check your water for fluoride content.  If it is not fluorinated, there are fluoride drops available.
• Supervise.  When your child is old enough to properly brush by himself, watch to make sure he/she is doing it correctly.  Also, teaching them to floss when adult teeth erupt is an important habit to introduce early!

Remember, prevention is key to a healthy mouth.  Be sure to actively take part in your child’s dental habits to start them on the road to a bright healthy smile.  The hygienists at Szmanda Dental will be glad to see children and start them on a regimen of good oral hygiene.  We also invite you to bring them in with you to your appointment to familiarize them with the office before they come in for their own visit.  Every child enjoys a ride in the dental chair on mom or dad’s lap! 

Information compiled from the American Dental Association, The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry and Staff at Szmanda Dental Center. ¹ University of Iowa Health Science Relations – Dr. Stephen Goepferd. © Szmanda Dental Center, S.C. 2012

DRY MOUTH

June, 2012 »  

Dry Mouth —  

Have you been experiencing an unusually dry mouth?  Not only is this irritating, but it can also stir up trouble with your oral health.


Believe it or not, saliva helps aid your mouth in preventing tooth decay by washing away food and neutralizing plaque acids that can eat away your enamel and cause extensive decay.

Saliva also helps you to taste and swallow your food, aids digestion of food due to enzymes, and lubricates your throat and soft tissues, helping to ward off infection.

One of the main culprits that lead to a dry mouth is medication.  We have found at Szmanda Dental that numerous patients who have had healthy teeth previously and are suddenly diagnosed with numerous cavities are afflicted with dry mouth.  They had not been informed of this side effect caused by the medication they were taking.  Here is a list of common medications that can cause dry mouth:

• Antianxiety (Lorazepam, Hydroxyzine, Valium/Diazepam, Xanax)
• Anticonvulsant (Tegretol, Felbatol)
• Antidepressant (Prozac, Luvox, Wellbutrin, Sinequan)
• Antidiarrhetic (Imodium/Ioperamide)
• Antihistamine (Benadryl, Claritin, Dimetapp)
• Antihypertensive (Captopril, Serpasil)
• Anti-inflammatory (Advil, Motrin, Naproxen/Aleve)
• Antinausant (Dramamine)
• Antiparkinsonian (Akineton)
• Antipsychotic (Lithium, Thorazine, Thiothixene)
• Antispasmodic (Ditropan/oxybutynin)
• Bronchodilator (Albuterol, Atrovent)
• Decongestant (Sudafed/pseudoephedrine)
• Diuretic (Chlorothiazide, Furosemide/Lasix, Hydrocholothiazide)
• Muscle Relaxant (Norflex, Flexeril)
• Narcotic Analgesic (Demerol, Morphine/Contin)
• Sedative (Flurazepam, Temazepam, Triazolam)

If you find yourself dealing with dry mouth, Szmanda Dental Center recommends a few things to help you deal with this problem.  First of all, check with your doctor to see if your medication can be changed or adjusted.   Secondly, keep your mouth moist by constantly having water with you.  Have a bottle with you all day and keep water at your bedside.  Thirdly, chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy.  This causes stimulation of saliva production.  And lastly, we suggest brushing with toothpaste that is specifically made for dry mouth.

We carry a product in our office called Prevident Dry Mouth.  It not only has a prescription strength fluoride which helps to prevent cavities, but it is also free of sodium lauryl sulfate (this chemical creates the foaming action in toothpaste) which can be hard on oral tissue, especially tissue already compromised by dry mouth.

If you have any questions or concerns about dry mouth, please feel free to ask any of the dentists or hygienists at Szmanda Dental Center.  We are more than happy to make suggestions to improve your oral health!


Information compiled from the Mayo Clinic, the ADA and Szmanda Dental Center Staff. © Szmanda Dental Center, S.C. 2012

TEETH CLEANING

May, 2012 »  

Why Should I Get My Teeth Cleaned? —  

We’ve all heard the expression, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”  In some cases, that may be true, but not when it comes to your oral health.  The key to a healthy mouth is to take an active role in prevention.  Having your teeth cleaned two times a year can keep you on the right track for early detection of any oral problems and to prevent gum disease.

According to the American Dental Association, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.  You may think that losing a few teeth here and there isn’t a big deal, but if you end up needing to replace those missing teeth, it can be costly.  It can also cause problems with your digestive tract.  Molars (back teeth) are your main chewers and if any of those are missing, that can lead to poor chewing quality of food, which in turn can lead to digestive problems.  If you aren’t able to chew your food properly, you end up swallowing larger pieces, and that can be harder for your body to process.  Having gum disease can also increase your risk of other health problems such as heart disease and strokes (please refer to our blog article, “Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body?")

We at Szmanda Dental Center understand that there are numerous reasons and circumstances as to why people don’t come in to see the dentist regularly.  We would like to make your visit with us as welcoming and comfortable as we can, whether you may have financial concerns or anxiety about seeing us.  Catching oral problems early is what will make those issues easier to deal with.  Seeing us every 6 months for a cleaning and exam may start you on the right track to having a healthy mouth which will end up saving you money in the long run and will hopefully make you look forward to your visits with us.

Regular check-ups are essential to your oral health.  Prevention and early detection are the key components to remember when thinking about your teeth and mouth. This will help to keep gum disease in check, you will be screened for oral cancer (refer to our blog article, “April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month”), and any problems you are having will be addressed and caught as soon as possible which will prevent dental emergencies for you.  And, don’t forget to do your part at home!  Brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss once a day.

When is the last time you had your teeth cleaned and checked?  If it’s been more than 6 months, give Szmanda Dental Center a call to schedule an appointment.  We look forward to seeing your smile!

Information provided by Szmanda Dental Center Staff. 

© Szmanda Dental Center, S.C. 2012

ORAL CANCER

April, 2012 »  

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month —  

You may not have known someone with oral cancer, but the incidence of it is on the rise.  Oral cancers can affect the tongue, cheeks, lips, gums and the hard or soft palate.  In the U.S. alone, approximately 100 people everyday will be diagnosed with a form of mouth cancer and 1 person will die from oral cancer every hour of the day. ¹

Oral cancers historically would afflict people who were over the age of 40, but it is now found that HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is an oral cancer-causing agent in a younger age group.  This is the same virus that can cause cervical cancers 
in women.

Oral cancers also evolve due to chemical factors.  Those who choose to smoke, chew tobacco or consume alcohol are more likely to develop cancers of the mouth.  These types of lifestyles tend to develop oral cancer later in life due to the fact of prolonged exposure.

Another vehicle for oral cancer to strike is exposure to the sun.  Our lips, are of course part of our skin, so when you lather up with sunscreen, don’t forget a lip balm with an SPF.

According to the American Dental Association, signs to look for to detect oral cancer are:

·      A sore that bleeds easily or doesn’t heal

·      A color change in the tissues of the mouth

·      Any lump, rough spot, crust or thickening

·      Pain, tenderness, or numbness in the lips or mouth

·      Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue

On a positive note, oral cancer can now be detected easily.  By seeing your dentist regularly for exams, any changes in your mouth can be noted.  There may be areas in your mouth that look suspicious but a lot of the time, tend to be harmless, such as an area you may have bitten or burned.  Your dentist is trained to look for these things.  He or she may have you come back in a couple of weeks to recheck the area and you may or may not be sent to a specialist.  In general, if a suspicious looking area has not gone away in approximately 14 days, that would be the time to have a professional check it.  When detected early, the survival rate of oral cancer is 80-90%. ¹

Remember, there are numerous reasons to visit us at Szmanda Dental on a regular basis and this is obviously an important one.  Make sure you get on a 6 month dental hygiene schedule in which you will not only have clean teeth afterwards, but will have had an exam to check for things such as oral cancer.  Make an appointment at Szmanda Dental today!

Information compiled from the  ¹Oral Cancer Foundation, the ADA and Szmanda Dental Center Staff. 

© Szmanda Dental Center, S.C. 2012

SWEETS

March, 2012 »  

How Sweet It Is —   (part 1)

We all do it.  You’re thirsty.  Your kids are thirsty.  What’s the handiest thing to grab out of the refrigerator?  Soda.  It’s everywhere.  Even if you try to avoid it, it’s in the grocery checkout aisle, at the local pool, at work.  And of course, what goes best with your fast food burger?  That’s a no-brainer. 

Soft drinks are an American’s single biggest source of refined sugars accounting for 1/3 of their average intake. ¹   Let’s face it, it tastes good, it satisfies a craving, but essentially, there really is nothing of nutritional value in soda.

What effects does soda have on teeth?  Drinking regular soda often tends to promote tooth decay.  This happens because the teeth are coated with sugar water.  This is especially bad for frequent soda drinkers since the longer the sugar sits on tooth enamel, the worse its effect.  Sugar softens the enamel allowing cavities to form.  There is also a high acid content in soda, which causes tooth erosion.  Erosion can cause sensitivity to hot and cold things and could leave the tooth susceptible to decay. You may be thinking your chompers are safe because you drink diet soda, which contains no sugar.  Unfortunately, diet soda also has a high acid content, which, again, can cause erosion of tooth enamel.

And, let’s not forget how we all want our teeth to look bright and white.  Dark sodas are a contributor to staining of tooth enamel leaving our teeth with a not so shiny disposition.

Obviously the best thing to do is to try to avoid soda all together.  Drink something else.  We all know that water is an excellent thirst quencher and our bodies need it, a lot of it. 

But, if you can’t seem to stay away from that sugar laden little devil in a can, there are a few things that you should do to help prevent the problems that soda can cause which are recommended by the American Dental Association.  One thing, which is the most important, is to brush as soon as you can after drinking soda.  If you aren’t able to brush, rinse your mouth out with water.  Another thing you can do is to buy a fluoride rinse like ACT.  Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel.  You may even want to have a professional strength fluoride placed on your teeth at your dental visits.

Next time you have a craving for a soda, keep your teeth in mind and grab some water instead.  Your pearly whites will thank you.

Information compiled from the 1 Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Szmanda Dental Center Staff.  © Szmanda Dental Center, S.C. 2012