Surviving with Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth occur when the outer layer of the teeth (called enamel) is worn down and the middle layer (called dentin) is exposed. The dentin is a porous layer that, when exposed, leaves the nerve endings inside the tooth open to cold, hot, touch, and air sensations. Sensitive teeth may occur due to normal aging, injury, or grinding (also called bruxing). Improper brushing can also expose the dentin and create sensitive teeth.
After dentin is exposed, there isn't really a way to reverse the effects but there are some techniques to reduce the pain associated with sensitive teeth. A soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing more gently will help keep gums from receding further. Using toothpaste that is specially formulated for sensitive teeth may also help as it will block the nerve endings from exposure. It may take several weeks for the sensitive toothpaste to take effect. During that time, try to avoid extreme temperatures for food (extremely hot or extremely cold foods). If you have ongoing problems with teeth sensitivity, be sure to talk to you dentist about other options.
Source: http://smilestationdental.mydentalvisit.com/newsletterReader?aid=359553
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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Monday, August 25, 2014
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
News You Can Use
Some Healthy Treats May be Harmful
Many people want to eat healthier but may not have the time to prepare healthy snacks so they turn to pre-made, packaged snacks that claim to be healthy. The problem is, these healthy snacks might not be what they claim.
While "healthy" versions of snacks such as fruit purees or cereal bars may have less fat or calories than alternatives, they tend to have high sugar content. The amount of sugar mixed with the acidity level of these snacks create an unhealthy environment in the mouth. The acidity wears away at the enamel while the sugar invites decay-causing bacteria.
An example of the high sugar content is the fruit purees that are popular as on-the-go snacks for kids may include up to 11 grams of sugar or more per serving. Snacks that are labeled "organic with no added sugar" are still high in sugar content. Fruits contain natural sugars but also contain quite a bit of water which is why they are healthy snacks (the water and fiber from the fruit makes you feel fuller). When the fruits are pureed or dehydrated, such as raisins, some of the water is removed and the sugars are concentrated.
The high sugar content in these snacks may be detrimental to a child's overall health as well as oral health. Consuming these snacks once to several times a day may greatly increase the child's overall sugar consumption without parents knowledge.
Doctors and dentists recommend reading food labels before giving a child certain snacks, looking for high sugar or acid content. Doing research on recommended snacks may be beneficial as well.
Source: http://www.dentistrytoday.com/todays-dental-news/8643-new-snack-may-be-harmful-to-childrens-dental-health
Source: http://dentistrytoday.com/todays-dental-news/10648-some-healthy-treats-may-be-harmful
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Many people want to eat healthier but may not have the time to prepare healthy snacks so they turn to pre-made, packaged snacks that claim to be healthy. The problem is, these healthy snacks might not be what they claim.
While "healthy" versions of snacks such as fruit purees or cereal bars may have less fat or calories than alternatives, they tend to have high sugar content. The amount of sugar mixed with the acidity level of these snacks create an unhealthy environment in the mouth. The acidity wears away at the enamel while the sugar invites decay-causing bacteria.
An example of the high sugar content is the fruit purees that are popular as on-the-go snacks for kids may include up to 11 grams of sugar or more per serving. Snacks that are labeled "organic with no added sugar" are still high in sugar content. Fruits contain natural sugars but also contain quite a bit of water which is why they are healthy snacks (the water and fiber from the fruit makes you feel fuller). When the fruits are pureed or dehydrated, such as raisins, some of the water is removed and the sugars are concentrated.
The high sugar content in these snacks may be detrimental to a child's overall health as well as oral health. Consuming these snacks once to several times a day may greatly increase the child's overall sugar consumption without parents knowledge.
Doctors and dentists recommend reading food labels before giving a child certain snacks, looking for high sugar or acid content. Doing research on recommended snacks may be beneficial as well.
Source: http://www.dentistrytoday.com/todays-dental-news/8643-new-snack-may-be-harmful-to-childrens-dental-health
Source: http://dentistrytoday.com/todays-dental-news/10648-some-healthy-treats-may-be-harmful
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Dental Did You Know
The History of the Tooth Fairy and Other Tooth Loss Rituals
While the tooth fairy is usually categorized with Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and other mythological children's figures, she may not have been around as long as most of us think.
Cultures around the world have had rituals surrounding what to do when a child looses a tooth but it wasn't until the early 1900's that the tooth fairy was introduced into those rituals. Previous rituals included:
While the tooth fairy is usually categorized with Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and other mythological children's figures, she may not have been around as long as most of us think.
Cultures around the world have had rituals surrounding what to do when a child looses a tooth but it wasn't until the early 1900's that the tooth fairy was introduced into those rituals. Previous rituals included:
- Burying the tooth
- Hiding the tooth where animals cannot get it
- Placing it in a mouse hole near a hearth as an offering
- Throwing the tooth into the sun
- Throwing the tooth into a fire
- Throwing the tooth over a house or other building
- Throwing the tooth between the legs
- Placing the tooth in a tree or on a wall
The predominant ritual for when a child looses a tooth was and still is to leave it where a rat or mouse can get to it in hopes of getting money or a treat in exchange for the tooth. The mouse/rat was chosen due to its powerful teeth and cultures believed giving the baby tooth as an offering to the mouse would ensure the child's adult tooth would be as strong and resilient as the mouse's.
During the early 1900's, the mouse ritual was combined with the more recent idea of the "good fairy" in Western Europe and the United States. Researchers believe the fairy replaced the mouse as a way of easing the child through the first scary transition. While adults may not see losing a tooth as a scary experience, it is arguably the first large rite of passage in a person's life which may be seen as traumatic.
The tooth fairy may be relatively new to the realm of children's mythological creatures but she has received a warm welcome. Some researchers record 97% of parents having positive or neutral feelings towards the tooth fairy.
Source: http://www.salon.com/2014/02/09/dont_tell_the_kids_the_real_history_of_the_tooth_fairy/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
Like us on Facebook!
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Dental Did You Know
CDC: Cigarette Smoking Continues Decline, Prevalence of Other Tobacco Use Stable
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking has declined over the past five years but other forms of tobacco use have not. The CDC reported that 21.3 percent (one out of five) of U.S. adults use tobacco products "every day" or "some days". That statistic was increased to 25.2 percent (one out of four) when including the modifier "rarely". The data was reported from the 2012-2013 National Adult Tobacco Survey.
The "every day" or "some day" cigarette smoking was 18 percent, down from 19.5 percent that was reported during the 2009-2010 National Adult Tobacco Survey.
That being said, the CDC reported no change in the use of other tobacco products. The statistics were as follows: cigars, 2 percent; regular pipes, 0.3 percent; hookahs/water pipes, 0.5 percent; e-cigarettes, 1.9 percent; smokeless tobacco, 2.6 percent.
January 2014 marked the 50th anniversary of the first Surgeon General's Report on Smoking and Health that reported an overwhelming majority of deaths caused by tobacco are due to cigarettes and other combusted products. The decline of adult cigarette use is promising but the continuity of other tobacco products is still a cause for concern.
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
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Monday, July 28, 2014
Dental Did You Know
Water Fluoridation
I have previously posted on the importance of water fluoridation for adults and kids here and here but the benefits expand beyond good oral health. The infographic below outlines the financial benefits of water fluoridation as well as the health benefits.
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd., Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
I have previously posted on the importance of water fluoridation for adults and kids here and here but the benefits expand beyond good oral health. The infographic below outlines the financial benefits of water fluoridation as well as the health benefits.
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd., Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
News You Can Use
Chewing Ice
One of the most common habits that people do without even realizing it is chewing ice, especially during the warm summer months. While it may seem harmless, chewing ice can be very detrimental to your teeth and overall oral health.
Chewing ice can wear down tooth enamel, or the hard outer layer on teeth. Once tooth enamel is worn down, it cannot be replaced and leaves teeth open to fracture or decay. Additionally, chewing ice may increase the risk of having issues with restorations such as fillings. The exposure to variations of hot and cold temperatures in the mouth cause the filling to expand and contract which may damage it and/or shorten the lifespan of the filling. The action of chewing ice may also damage gums as ice may have sharp edges that puncture or scratch.
There are several healthier alternatives to chewing ice depending on the chewer's reasons for chewing ice. If the chewer is seeking refreshment, smaller ice slivers are recommended whereas if the crunch is what the chewer seeks, replacing ice with apples or carrots may help.
If a patient has a hard time not chewing ice or craves it, he/she should inform their dentist as this may be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.
Source: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/ADA/2006/article/ADA-07-Chew-On-This.cvsp
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
One of the most common habits that people do without even realizing it is chewing ice, especially during the warm summer months. While it may seem harmless, chewing ice can be very detrimental to your teeth and overall oral health.
Chewing ice can wear down tooth enamel, or the hard outer layer on teeth. Once tooth enamel is worn down, it cannot be replaced and leaves teeth open to fracture or decay. Additionally, chewing ice may increase the risk of having issues with restorations such as fillings. The exposure to variations of hot and cold temperatures in the mouth cause the filling to expand and contract which may damage it and/or shorten the lifespan of the filling. The action of chewing ice may also damage gums as ice may have sharp edges that puncture or scratch.
There are several healthier alternatives to chewing ice depending on the chewer's reasons for chewing ice. If the chewer is seeking refreshment, smaller ice slivers are recommended whereas if the crunch is what the chewer seeks, replacing ice with apples or carrots may help.
If a patient has a hard time not chewing ice or craves it, he/she should inform their dentist as this may be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.
Source: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/ADA/2006/article/ADA-07-Chew-On-This.cvsp
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
News You Can Use
Retainer Care
Retainers are often utilized after removing orthodontic braces to help in reducing teeth movement after treatment. They typically are a clear plastic material or the traditional acrylic and wire Hawley retainer. Both retainers are effective if worn according to directions but, because they are removable, they may be easy to misplace. Here are some tips for keeping them clean and safe from misplacement.
1. Keep the retainer case near for easy storage when the retainers are not
being used. If you wear retainers only at night, try keeping the case in
the bathroom or near your bed. If you wear retainers all the time except
for when eating or brushing your teeth, carry your retainer case for easy
storage of the retainers.
2. Do not wrap the retainers in a tissue or napkin. They may be thrown
away if wrapped up as such.
3. Do not put them in your pocket as they could be easily broken
4. Keep retainers from direct sunlight as the heat may warp the retainer
5. To clean retainers, brush with a toothbrush (a separate one than the one
used on your teeth) and a small amount of toothpaste. Denture cleaners
or cleaners specifically designed for retainers can also be used. Do not
put in boiling water as the high heat may warp the retainer as well.
Source: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Popular-Topics/Orthodontics/article/Wearing-and-Caring-for-Your-Retainer.cvsp
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Retainers are often utilized after removing orthodontic braces to help in reducing teeth movement after treatment. They typically are a clear plastic material or the traditional acrylic and wire Hawley retainer. Both retainers are effective if worn according to directions but, because they are removable, they may be easy to misplace. Here are some tips for keeping them clean and safe from misplacement.
1. Keep the retainer case near for easy storage when the retainers are not
being used. If you wear retainers only at night, try keeping the case in
the bathroom or near your bed. If you wear retainers all the time except
for when eating or brushing your teeth, carry your retainer case for easy
storage of the retainers.
2. Do not wrap the retainers in a tissue or napkin. They may be thrown
away if wrapped up as such.
3. Do not put them in your pocket as they could be easily broken
4. Keep retainers from direct sunlight as the heat may warp the retainer
5. To clean retainers, brush with a toothbrush (a separate one than the one
used on your teeth) and a small amount of toothpaste. Denture cleaners
or cleaners specifically designed for retainers can also be used. Do not
put in boiling water as the high heat may warp the retainer as well.
Source: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Popular-Topics/Orthodontics/article/Wearing-and-Caring-for-Your-Retainer.cvsp
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
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