Bloomfield Implant and Family Dentistry

PLEASE ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DENTAL PROVIDER PRIOR TO USING ANY NEW WHITENING PRODUCTS TO ENSURE THEY ARE SAFE TO USE ON YOUR TEETH. PLEASE REMEMBER: NOT TO USE THESE PRODUCTS AS A SUBSTITUE TO DENTAL TREATMENT, DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT, NURSING, OR IF YOU HAVE BRACES.

WE ARE OFFERING WHITENING SESSIONS WITH OUR HYGIENST:

1. $199 THIS SPECIAL IS A ONE TIME IN HOUSE WHITENING SESSION THAT DOESN’T INCLUDE THE PRODUCT OR TAKE HOME TRAYS.
2. $299 THIS SPECIAL IS A ONE TIME IN HOUSE WHITENING SESSION THAT INCLUDES TRAYS AND WHITENING PRODUCT TO TAKE HOME.

Our in-office whitening we use is Captivate by NUPRO, this product has been developed with strong clinical input, and these whitening treatments have been clinically tested to provide consistent and dramatic results. The Captivate by NUPRO has 36% hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent that is proven to be safe and effective on whitening your teeth.

With our professional, easy, and affordable whitening solution patients have seen up to 6 shades brighter from their natural tooth shade, however we have seen on average 2-3 shades brighter.  There is a pleasant mild mint flavor that doesn’t increase the slavery flow. On average our whitening sessions take 1-2 hours depending if you’ve had impressions taken for the trays to get your whitening done.

Our take-home whitening is Venus White Pro; it is a high-performance whitening system formulated for simple at home use. This in-home whitening kit comes in three different strengths, that your dental provider will help you choose the best strength for your teeth; it also has a mild mint flavor. The in-home whitening works at your convenience you can use it day or night, and the gel includes potassium nitrate which helps decrease sensitivity associated with whitening products. Prior to getting our take-home whitening kit you will need to come in, and have impressions taken, to make the trays for the product to go into, so you can have those nice pearly whites.

WARNING: IF YOU ARE EXPERIANCING SWELLING OF THE GUMS, PAIN, OR ANY OTHER QUESTIONABLE SYMPTOMS OCCUR DURING USE, STOP IMMEDIATELY, AND CONSULT YOUR DENTIST. DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT, NURSING, OR IF YOU HAVE BRACES.  ALL TEETH DO NOT WHITEN THE SAME.

This blog really hits home for me, since I can remember, I’ve had dental anxiety. My dental anxiety as a child was severe, one of my earliest memories of going to the dentist; I was sat in the chair was prepped for fillings, and at the last second I decided to run out of the office, ran right past my mother, and just about knocked the Novocain syringe out of the dentist hand.

I struggled a lot as child to go to the dentist on a regular basis, which also carried into most of my adult life as well. Until one day I realized shortly after having my first child that I should really try to concur my fear of the dentist, so I could set a good example for my young child.

So for me, that was in deed enough motivation for me to start going to my dental provider. Now I can honestly say that I have concurred my fear of going to the dentist, and I never would’ve thought I’d be here working in a dental office or writing dental blogs.

Some studies show that up to 75% of Americans experience some level of dental related fear and about 20% avoid dental care because of their fear.

Dental anxieties and phobias present themselves in a variety of ways. Specific fears vary person to person. Dental anxiety is more of a mild to moderate general sense of worry and apprehension when thinking of that upcoming appointment, whereas, dental phobia is a much more intense experience, with an overwhelming and irrational fear of the dentist.

Causes:

• Pain is one of the most common causes of dental anxiety/phobia in adults 24 years and older, due to see an older dental provider prior to the “pain-free” advancements in the world of dentistry.
• Feeling of helplessness and loss of control- many people develop phobias about being in a specific situation. When you’re sat in a chair at the dentist you have a sense of helplessness because you are told to sit still, and you also can’t see what’s going on very well.
• Embarrassment – the mouth is an intimate part of your body, people may feel ashamed to have a stranger look inside. Another trigger for someone with anxiety/phobias would be the physical closeness that your provider or hygienist has to get to you during procedures or routine cleanings.
• Lastly having a prior negative experience at the dentist could prevent some from returning to a provider in the future or on a regular basis.

Symptoms:

• You may feel tense or have trouble sleeping the night before you come in for routine cleaning and exam, and or dental procedure.
• You may get increasingly nervous waiting in the waiting room.
• You may feel a loss of control of your emotions while thinking of coming in for a dental procedure and or routine care, which in turn gets your anxiety going.
• The thought of coming into your appointment may make you feel physically ill.
• You may also feel a sense of panic or loss of control when dental instruments are in or around your mouth.

WE CAN HELP!

Whatever your individual level of anxiety may be our office can help. We are committed to making sure that your visit is as comfortable, quick and as easy as possible, there are a number of solutions to dental anxiety and we are here to help.

Here are a few tips to help ease your dental anxiety in our dental office:

• Communication- informing us of your dental anxieties and phobias is a great way to start communicating to us so we can give you the quality care you need, and make your experience here pleasant.
• Calming techniques- many patients find it helpful to practice controlled breathing or to find a distraction inside the room.
• Listening to music- with most procedures here in our office we do allow you to bring in your own personal music with your personal headphones, to help ease your dental anxiety and or phobias.
• Taking breaks- let us know if you would like to take a short break during your treatment by signaling with your left hand.

Oral health is important for the health of your whole body. Please don’t let fear stand in your way of great dental care! We can help you get the care you need and try and ease that dental anxiety. Call us today to schedule an appointment:  Bloomfield family dentistry (860) 242- 1044.

Many of us rely on our cup of Joe to jump-start our mornings, but did you ever stop to think about; what coffee does to our teeth?

Coffee lovers out there should take note because your morning routine might affect your dental health. Remember this rule of thumb; if it can stain your clothing it can stain your teeth…

Coffee contains this chemical compound called Tannins, tannins are naturally occurring organic substances known as polyphenols and are in other drinks like; wine, beer, fruit juices, berries, and etc. This substance causes the color compounds to more readily stick to your teeth, when the compounds stick they leave that unwanted yellowish tint to your teeth. Keep in mind it only takes one cup of day for this to happen, and for that compound to stain your teeth.

Ways to help avoid tooth discoloration:

• Try to avoid the added sugar and creamers to your coffee, because the sugar and the creamer just speed up the growth of the discoloring bacteria in your mouth.
• Drink your coffee with a straw.
• Brush shortly after finishing your morning or afternoon coffee.
• Drink water to help flush the coffee, sugars, and creamer off your teeth to help slow down the growth of the discoloring bacteria.
• You can also eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables like strawberries and lemons, because they contain natural fibers that can help clean your teeth by breaking down the bacteria in your mouth.
• Another helpful tip would be to drink your coffee in a short time frame rather than sipping on your coffee for a prolonged period of time. When you sip your coffee throughout the day you’re constantly exposing your teeth the compounds that stain your teeth.

Thank you for reading my dental health blog stay tuned in for next week’s dental blog.

Dentistry has been known as one of the oldest medical professions, dating back as far as 7000 B.C in the Northwestern regions of South Asia, extending from what today is northeast Afghanistan to Pakistan and Northwest India. However it wasn’t until 5000 B.C, that there was a description related to dentistry and tooth decay were available, it was the Sumerian text that described tooth decay as caused by tooth worms, an idea that was proven false in the 1700s.

By the 1700s dentistry had become more defined as a profession. By 1723 a French surgeon named Pierre Fauchard was credited as a father of modern dentistry, in addition to publishing his first influential book called The Surgeon Dentist, the book defined a comprehensive system for caring for and treating your teeth. Fauchard was the first dental professional that introduced the idea of dental fillings and the use of dental prosthesis, in addition to identifying that acids from sugar led to tooth decay.

1801- Richard Skinner writes the Treatise on the Human Teeth, the first dental book published in America. The book was written to explain the tooth structure and causes of tooth disorders and decay. The book also described how to extract teeth but cautioned people that they shouldn’t be extracting teeth unless they know the anatomy of teeth and the variety of instruments used and how to use them.

1825- Samuel Stockton begins commercial manufacturing of porcelain teeth, his company called White Dental Manufacturing Company.

1832- James Snell invented the first reclining dental chair.

1839- The American Journal of Dental Science began publishing articles.

1840- The first dental college opened up. The Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in the United States, Alabama led the way to enact the first dental practice act in 1841.

1859- Twenty-six dentists meet in Niagara Falls, New York, and formed the American Dental Association.

1866- Lucy Beaman Hobbs graduates from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, becoming the first female to earn a dental degree.

1867- The first University-affiliated dental institution was the Harvard University Dental School.

1869- This may surprise some of you, the first African American to earn a dental degree dates back to this year 1869.

1873- Colgate for the first time in history was mass-producing toothpaste, and just a few years later started mass-producing toothbrushes.

1877- The first pump-type hydraulic dental chair was introduced.

1883- The National Association of Dental Examiners was founded.

1885- The first female Dental Assistant was employed in New Orleans.

1887- The first successful industrial-type lab opened up in Boston, called Stowe & Eddy Laboratory.

1895- Wilhelm Roentgen, a German physicist discovers the X-Ray.

1905- Alfred Einhorn, a German chemist formulates the local anesthetic procaine, which is now known as Novocain.

1913- The world’s first dental hygiene school was opened up this year in Bridgeport Connecticut.

1917- Irene Newman receives the first dental hygiene licenses in Connecticut.

1937- Alvin Strock inserts the first Vitallium dental screw implant. Vitallium was the first biocompatible implant metal.

1938- The nylon toothbrush was the first toothbrush made with synthetic bristles that appeared on the market.

1939-1945 Now this may be a shock to most American… At this point in history, most Americans didn’t adopt good oral hygiene until after World War 2, when the soldiers stationed abroad brought back the concepts of good oral hygiene to the United States. 1945 also marks another advancement in the dental world this year New York began to fluoridate the water supply in their public water system.

1948- President Harry S. Truman signs the congressional bill formally establishing the National Institute of Dental Research, in addition to federally funding dental research.

1949- Oscar Hagger, a Swiss chemist develops the first system of bonding acrylic resin to dentin.

1950– Marks the first year fluoride toothpaste was marked.

1957- Marks an era of high-speed dentistry, this introduced high-speed air-driven contra-angle handpieces. By 1958 the first fully-reclining chair was introduced.

1960- Was the first year that your dental provider sat down to perform a technique called four-handed dentistry, which improved productivity and shortened treatment times. Lasers were also developed and approved for soft tissue work, for treatments such as periodontal disease. Also, the first electric toothbrush was developed in Switzerland after World War 2 and was introduced in the United States.

1962- Rafael Bowen developed the thermoset resin complex used in most of the modern composite resin restorative materials.

1989- The first commercial home bleaching product was marketed.

1997- The FDA approves the erbium YAG laser, the first for use on dentin, to treat tooth decay.

1998- The National Institute of Dental Research became the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research; this was done to reflect the board research base that it has come to support.

TO BE CONTINUED FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM…

“WORST” CANDY ACCORDING TO THE WORLD OF DENTISTRY:

1. Anything sticky. The stickier the candy the worse it is on your teeth, because they stick around and linger on your teeth which increases your chance for cavities. So you might want to rethink eating those Jujubes, Tootsie Rolls, and that dried fruit, etc.
2. Lollipops… You may be sitting here thinking why a lollipop? It is because while you are sucking on the lollipop your teeth are constantly being exposed to the sugar and other additives. Frequency of exposure increases your chances of harm to your teeth.
3. Gummy worms, because they have the most acidity. The acid is bad for your teeth because it wears down the enamel on your teeth, which in turn makes it easier for your teeth to become chipped or broken. The enamel also insulates your teeth, so a lack can expose the nerves in your teeth and could cause sensitivity to hot/cold.

“BEST” CANDY ACCORDING TO THE WORLD OF DENTISTRY:

1. Dark chocolate is the “best” candy for your teeth by a wide margin. Chocolate may be more effective than fluoride at fighting tooth decay, according to several studies, due to the compounds in chocolate that help harden your tooth enamel. The compounds in the cocoa beans also have an antibacterial effect that helps fight plaque.
2. Sugarless candy/gum, for example candies with stevia or candies that are safe for diabetic’s to consume. Sugarless is second best because when you eat the candy with the sugar, the sugar upset’s the PH and the bacteria in your mouth. When the PH and bacteria in your mouth is thrown off due to consuming sugar, the bacteria uses the sugar that is consumed to create acid, which in turn causes tooth decay.
3. Candy bars with a lot of nuts. When you have a candy bar with a lot of nuts, it helps to break up the stickiness in the candy that increases your chances of tooth decay. The nuts can also help break up some of the biofilm on your teeth.

MAY 18, 2017-JUNE 18, 2017

WHY NOT KICK OFF NATIONAL SMILE MONTH BY READING UP ON SOME GOOD TIPS TO KEEP YOUR SMILE HEALTHY AND READING UP ON HOW NATIONAL SMILE MONTH CAME ABOUT.

TIPS FOR THAT HEALTHY SMILE:

1. Visit your dentist provider regularly, as often as recommended.
2. Brush your teeth at least once during the day, in addition to brushing your teeth right before bedtime with a tooth paste that has fluoride in it.
3. Floss all your teeth to get into the nooks and crannies that tooth brush can’t reach.
4. Cut down on how often you consume sugary foods and drinks.
5. Change your tooth every two to three months unless it gets worn sooner, as it won’t clean your teeth properly.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL SMILE MONTH:

1979 – The first National Smile Week was held. National Smile Week is run by the British Dental Health Foundation, a UK-based charity.

1984 – ‘EAT WELL STAY BITING FIT’ was the theme for smile week in 84’, with the launch of London transport museum.

1988 – ‘YOUR DENTIST CARES’ was the theme for 88’. The National Smile Week campaign held strong through the 90’s.

2006 -Due to popularity National Smile Week turned into National Smile Month.

2009 – Marked the first time the National Smile Month ran simultaneously in the UK and USA, this campaign reached 180,000,000 readers and viewers, with the slogan ‘Brush for Health’.

2014 – National Smile Month was held in the United Arab Emirates for the first time.

2016 – Celebrated its 40 year as the largest/longest running oral health campaign. Thousands of organizations took place reaching more than 60 million people worldwide, as the campaign became the focal point for the world of dentistry.

Smokeless tobacco is tobacco that is not burned, for example: chewing tobacco or chew, oral tobacco, spit, or spitting tobacco, dip, snuff. Most commonly people that use the smokeless tobacco will chew or suck on the smokeless tobacco then spit out the juices that build up, because the nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth. Chewing tobacco and other smokeless tobacco products may be less dangerous, but the long-term effects can cause serious health problems. There is not a safe alternative to tobacco use. Even with smokeless tobacco products, they still contain nicotine and other very harmful additives.

Listed below are some of the risks associated with smokeless tobacco products:

• Tooth Decay– more often than not smokeless tobacco companies add sugars and other harmful additives to enhance the flavor, but increases the bacteria in your mouth, and will start to erode the healthy tooth enamel, in result will cause cavities, in addition to tooth decay.
• Receding gums– the smokeless tobacco products can cause the gums to become irritated which can cause the teeth to become sensitive to hot and cold, and then may cause the gums to recede. Once the gums recede the teeth have a higher risk for tooth decay.
• Cancer – just like cigarettes smokeless tobacco products contain on average over 28 cancer causing agents. Signs and symptoms of oral cancer could be but not limited to; any irritation, tenderness, burning sensation, and or a sore that just won’t heal; pain or tenderness anywhere in the mouth, and lips. Development of lumps, patches of discolored tissue in the mouth; difficulty chewing, swallowing, and or speaking.
• Addiction – even though you may be using a smokeless tobacco product, your body still may absorb as much nicotine as if you were smoking a cigarette. You also can suffer from withdrawals just like if you were smoking a cigarette, for example you could experience; cravings, increased appetite, and irritability and or depression.

So for the sake of your health and well-being say no to tobacco products, and for those of you wondering how to quit CALL (800) QUIT-NOW, for free support from a trained counselor.

1. Pain and swelling in the mouth, face, or neck.
2. “Gum’s acting up”- where your gums may be puffy, may bleed when brushing or flossing, or have a family history of gum disease.
3. Do you hide your smile? Feeling self-conscious due to a missing tooth or because you feel that your teeth may not be white enough.
4. If you have ever had any procedure performed on your teeth such as: crowns, implants, fillings. It is important to see a dental provider regularly to ensure that everything is still in good shape.
5. If you have ongoing medical issues, make your dental provider part of your team. Examples of medical issues you should inform your dental provider about may include but are not limited to: eating disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or if undergoing radiation therapy, chemo therapy, and or hormone replacement therapy.
6. If you’re pregnant. Yes it is safe for you to see a dental provider, and in some cases dental problems can actually worsen while you’re pregnant.
7. If you are having trouble eating due to difficulty chewing, and or swallowing. While you wait for your appointment try eating soft foods.
8. Having dry mouth or always feeling parched; it could be a medical issue or a medication side effect, but it is best to keep your dental provider in the loop. When your mouth has a lack of saliva it is essential to have regular check-ups. It is also good to keep in mind that in addition to brushing, flossing, that you use alcohol-free mouthwash, and to sip water throughout the whole day.
9. If you are using tobacco products. If you are a tobacco user you may already be aware that tobacco products can cause cancer, bad breath, tooth decay, and more.
10. Having jaw pain aka TMJ. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is pain and compromised movement of the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. If experiencing these symptoms it is especially important to visit your dental provider before symptoms worsen.
11. I you have spots or sores in your mouth.
12. IT’S TIME FOR A CHECK –UP EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS

Smoking weakens your body’s immune system, and makes it harder for your body to fight off gum infection. The gums are affected because smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. Once you have gum damage, smoking makes it harder for your gums to heal. You smokers out there might ask yourself what does this mean to me and my oral health.

• You have twice the risk for gum disease compared to a non-smoker.
• The more cigarettes you smoke, the greater your risk for gum disease.
• The longer you smoke, the greater your risk for gum disease.
• Treatments for gum disease may not work as well for people who smoke.
• Smoking can also lead to tooth staining, tooth loss, and in some severe cases can lead to mouth cancer.

Warning signs and symptoms’:

• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth

How can you prevent gum disease? There are special toothpastes for people that smoke cigarettes. Other ways to prevent some bad side effects to smoking include: brush your teeth  at least twice a day, floss often to remove the extra plaque build-up, see a dentist regularly and have regular cleanings throughout the year, or don’t smoke and or quit before things get to bad.

Children need to have strong healthy teeth in order to chew their food, to speak, and to have a beautiful smile that brightens up your day. Cavities are one of the most common, chronic conditions of childhood in the United States. When cavities go untreated they can cause pain and infections that could lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing and learning.

In October 2016 the CDC reports that children with poor oral health tend to miss more school days than children that have good oral health. The CDC also reported that: 20% of children aged 5 to 11 years have at least one untreated cavity, 13% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 years has at least one untreated cavity, and the children and adolescents aged from 5 to 19 years old that are of low-income families have a 25% chance of having cavities compared to the 11% chance for children and adolescents of higher-income families.

Here are some things we can do as parents and caregivers:

• Have your child visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and exams.
• Make sure your child is brushing his or her teeth at least twice a day, please keep in mind that children under the age of 6 should use a pea-sized amount of tooth paste, in addition to flossing their teeth regularly.
• Protect their teeth with fluoride. Use either fluoride toothpaste, or with an oral fluoride supplement.
• You can also speak with their dentist about dental sealant, which is put on to protect their teeth against cavities. Sealants can reduce risks of getting cavities by 81% for 2 years after they are placed on the teeth and continue to work upwards of 4 years.
• Good nutrition also plays a vital role in good oral health, with a well-balanced meal your body will get the nutrients it needs. When your body doesn’t get the proper nutrition it makes it difficult for your body to fight infections. When bacteria comes in contact with the food in your mouth there is acid that is produced and that acid attacks your teeth, that why it’s so important to always brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis.