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Q: Ouch! My teeth are sensitive! What can I do to prevent/treat this?

A: Is the cold winter air sometimes causing a painful experience for you? If so, you may have a common problem known as "sensitive teeth."

Cavities and fractured teeth can cause sensitivity. But if these problems have been ruled out by your dentist, then worn tooth enamel, a cracked tooth, or an exposed root may be the cause.

Teeth have three layers. The outer layer, which is the strongest substance in the body, is the enamel. Underneath that is dentin. The dentin contains microscopic tubules that lead to the third layer of the tooth, the pulp or nerve. When the enamel of the tooth is worn away, the dentin and its tubules are exposed. This allows heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to stimulate the nerves and cells inside the pulp. This is what causes a "sensitive response."

Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing gum recession and sensitivity. Brushing incorrectly, or even over-brushing can cause these problems. Ask your dentist or hygienist if you have questions about your oral hygiene practices.

Sensitive teeth can, however, be treated in most cases. Desensitizing toothpaste is one way in which this is done. Toothpastes such as Sensodyne, and Crest Sensitive, contain an ingredient called "Potassium Nitrate" which actually help to block the transmission of fluids through the dentinal tubules.

If desensitizing toothpaste does not help, there are also in-office techniques that can be done. One very effective way is fluoride treatments. This helps to strengthen the enamel covering of teeth which also helps reduce the transmission of sensations.

There are also materials that can be bonded to the root surface of the tooth to "seal" the sensitive areas.

In cases where hypersensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, endodontic (root canal) treatment may be recommended.

If you are experiencing sensitivity, please call our office at any time to schedule an evaluation. Grand Avenue Dental Care (262)673-7826.

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Q: What do I do if a family member or myself has a dental emergency?

A: In a dental emergency, how you handle it can mean the difference between saving or losing the tooth. One should always be prepared for a dental emergency whether through a sports activity, or any other trauma. In order to be prepared, the WDA offers the following tips for how to handle some common dental emergencies:

  • Knocked-out tooth – It is important to retrieve a knocked out permanent tooth, hold it by its crown, and rinse off the root of the tooth if it’s dirty. Do not touch the root; the root is usually darker than the crown. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, put the tooth back in the socket. The mouth is usually numb after that kind of trauma, so it will not hurt to put the tooth back into the socket. It is the safest place to transport the tooth, even if the dentist has to remove it and replace it again. If that isn’t possible, or the child is too young to keep it there, put the tooth in a container with cold milk or cold water (not contact lens saline solution) and contact your dentist immediately.
  • Broken tooth – Rinse the mouth with warm water to keep the area clean. Use cold compresses on the area to keep the swelling down and get to a dentist’s office quickly. Bring the tooth fragment with you.
  • Bitten lip or tongue – Clean the area gently with a cloth and then apply cold compresses to reduce the swelling. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, go to a hospital emergency room immediately.
  • Objects caught between the teeth – Try to gently remove the object with dental floss and avoid cutting the gums. Do not use a sharp instrument. If you are not successful in removing the object, go to your dentist.
  • Toothache - Infection of the tooth or gums can cause a severe toothache. Call your dentist if this occurs. Untreated symptoms can worsen or persist, and tooth loss can occur.
At Grand Avenue Dental Care our doctors are on call on weekends and holidays. You can obtain their numbers on our answering machine outside of office hours at 262-673-7826. We are always happy to serve your dental needs!
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Q: - How can adults benefit from in office Fluoride treatments?

A: - To answer this question, it is first necessary to explain the decay process.  Our saliva, in healthy conditions, has a pH level of about 7, which is neutral like water.  In order for a cavity to start, this level needs to drop to a more acidic level, and sugar needs to be present.  When we eat or drink anything acidic (eg: soda, juice, etc.)  the pH level in our mouth drops.  Cavities on a root surface can occur in a pH level of 6.5.  Cavities on the enamel surface of our tooth can occur in a pH level of 5.5.  Many sodas have a pH level of 2 or 3, which isn’t much higher than that of battery acid.  With each acid attack our mouth endures, it takes our saliva 20 minutes to reach that neutral level again.  This means that for every sip of something acidic we drink, it takes 20 minutes.  The longer our teeth are exposed to such substances, the longer it takes for our saliva to neutralize again.  Obviously the addition of sugar in any form will increase this risk of decay as that is what the bacteria that cause decay feed on.  Many people think that drinking diet soda is “better” for their teeth, but it still has a very low pH level, and will drop the pH in our saliva for long amounts of time.  Adding any type of carbohydrate to that equation will make it as risky as just drinking a regular soda.  Soda is just one example of an acidic beverage.  Coffee is also very acidic, as well as some bottled waters, and  juices and fruits.

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth.  It also reverses early tooth decay.  Fluoride also helps speed up remineralization (which is when the tooth surface recovers from an acid attack) as well as disrupts acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults.

People are now living longer and retaining their natural teeth longer.  Because of this it is necessary to take good care of them.  Many older adults experience problems with gum recession which exposes the root of the tooth, which as previously stated decays at a higher pH level than the enamel of the tooth.  Many older adults also take medications which can dry the mouth out (xerostomia) which also increases the risk of decay.

Other people at higher risk of decay are those that have gum or periodontal disease due to more root being exposed; those going through head/neck radiation, those with crowns, bridges, or braces, and also diseases that cause a dry mouth.

Living in an area with well water, or only consuming bottled water, also increases ones risk of decay as neither contains fluoride.

The benefits of a topical in office fluoride application can last up to four months after your appointment.  It also reduces risk of cavities by 44%.  Preventing cavities can save a lot of money in the long run, as well as preserve your teeth for life!  Ask about getting a fluoride treatment at your next visit!
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Q: Why are baby teeth important? Don't they fall out anyway?

A: Your child's primary, or "baby" teeth are very important to take care of because:
  • They serve the important function of eating, speech, and esthetics (self image).
  • Your child will have some of them until they are 12 years old, sometimes longer.
  • If a primary tooth is lost early the back teeth may move forward into the empty space and create future orthodontic problems.
  • If a primary tooth has a cavity it can cause the child pain and discomfort, and can also lead to infection which can cause impairment of their general health.
  • Beginning good hygiene habits with primary teeth will teach your child to take care of their permanent teeth as well!
So how can you keep your child's mouth healthy?
  • Avoid high sugar foods and drinks-when they do consume these things avoid long exposure time and immediately brush or rinse off of teeth.
  • Brush your child's teeth at least two times daily as soon as the first tooth erupts (usually around 6 months of age). Toothpaste containing fluoride should not be used until your child can safely spit it out.
  • Help your child brush as long as you can-children do not have the manual dexterity to brush and floss properly on their own until they are 12. So as long as they will allow you to help the better!
  • Begin flossing your child's teeth daily as soon as they have two teeth that touch (usually around 2 years of age).Flossers can be used, or you could have your child lay on a couch with their head in your lap.
  • Do not allow your child to go to bed with a bottle! Sugary liquids pooling around their teeth at night can cause severe decay! (This includes formula/milk/breast milk.) Also be sure to brush their teeth or wipe their gums after their last nightly feeding for the same reason.
  • The use of pacifiers should be stopped by the age of 2 to avoid orthodontic problems.
  • Giving your child plenty of tap water will ensure they are getting enough fluoride to keep their teeth strong. If you have well water you can contact the county resource department to get a kit to check the fluoride content. Check with your pediatrician or dentist if fluoride supplements are needed.
  • The ADA recommends your child be seen no later than 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth (usually around 1 year of age). This will allow your child to develop a good relationship with their dentist, and catch any problems in very early stages.
If you have any questions about your child's dental health, or to schedule an appointment today call our office at 262-673-7826.
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Q: Why is annual oral cancer screening necessary? I thought only people that used tobacco products were at risk?

A: Approximately 35,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2010.  This is the fourth year in a row in which there has been an increase in the rate of occurrence.  The two main causes are tobacco and alcohol use, and the other is through exposure to the HPV-16 virus (human papilloma virus version 16).  This is the same virus responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers in women.

While some people think that this cancer is rare, one person every hour of every day dies from it.  When found early there is an 80% to 90% survival rate.  But unfortunately most are found as late stage cancers which raises the death rate to 45%.

For decades this cancer affected 6 men for every woman and the majority were over the age of 40.  Due to the use of smokeless tobacco used at a younger age, and the spread of the HPV virus, this has shifted the risk group to younger females.

HPV related oral cancers appear to occur on the tonsillar area and the base of the tongue.  The HPV virus was found in 72% of patients newly diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer in a recent study published by the New England Journal of Medicine.  The new cervical cancer vaccines (i.e.: Gardasil) will also have an impact on head and neck cancers.  This vaccine is now being encouraged in males as well as females.

Today anyone old enough to have engaged in sexual behaviors which are capable of transferring this virus needs to be screened annually for oral cancer.

At Grand Avenue Dental Care we screen annually for oral cancer beginning at age 14.  We use a highly specialized light called Velscope as part of our exam.  This enables us to catch cancers in their earliest stages, which of course increases the survival rate.

Call today to set up your appointment (262)673-7826.
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Q: How does diabetes affect oral health?

A: It's estimated that up to 20 million people have diabetes, but only two-thirds of these individuals are diagnosed. Studies have shown that diabetics are more susceptible to the development of oral infections and periodontal (gum) disease than those who do not have diabetes. Oral infections tend to be more severe in diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients. And diabetics who do not have good control over their blood sugar levels tend to have more oral health problems. These infections occur more often after puberty and in aging patients.
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Q: What is a composite Resin (white filling)?

A: A composite filling is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth
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Q: I don't understand laser dentistry. What exactly is that?

A: A laser is an instrument that produces a very narrow, intense beam of light energy. When laser light comes in contact with tissue, it causes a reaction. The light produced by the laser can remove, vaporize or shape tissue.

Dental Lasers can be used to :
  • correct speech problems caused by a tontue-tie, which prevents normal tongue movement
  • uncover partially erupted wisdom teeth
  • remove decay from a cavity and prepare the tooth for a new filling
  • remove muscle pulls, as seen in orthodontic patients
  • manage gum tissue during impressions for crowns
  • remove swollen tissues caused by medications
  • perform biopsy procedures
  • remove inflamed gum tissues and reduce the amount of bacteria within a periodontal pocket
  • remove or reshape excess gum and gone tissue during crown lengthening procedures
  • treat abscessed gums and infections in root canals
  • reduce the discomfort of canker and cold sores
  • activate whitening chemicals that are used to lighten teeth
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