Blog of Cawthra Dental
Learn All About Dental Crowns
Sometimes referred to as a “cap,” a dental crown is perhaps the second most commonly used dental restoration behind a dental filling. Crowns are incredibly versatile and can improve a tooth’s durability, longevity and appearance. There are a wide variety of reasons why a dental crown may be recommended.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a full coverage cap, typically made of porcelain but can also be made from metal, gold or ceramic, that gets fitted and bonded on top of your natural tooth and root. A crown encircles the entire tooth, covering the top, front, back and sides down to the gum line. A dental crown will look and function like your natural enamel.
Are dental crowns necessary?
Due to the versatility of dental crowns, they are recommended and used for various reasons.
To improve the appearance of a tooth or teeth
Like dental veneers, dental crowns can change a tooth’s shade, shape and size, improving its appearance. Crowns are often used in “smile makeovers” to give you the smile of your dreams.
For tooth chips/cracks/fractures
When a tooth has been damaged in some way, a dental crown may be recommended to add stability.
For teeth with large cavities or failing fillings
If a cavity gets close to the nerve of a tooth, sometimes a dental filling just won’t cut it, and a crown will need to be used. Teeth with large cavities and dental fillings are also more fragile and prone to breaking.
For teeth with root canal treatment
If a tooth has been restored with root canal treatment, the nerve of the tooth is essentially “dead,” causing the tooth to be more fragile and susceptible to breaking. A dental crown will be recommended to add stability and prevent the tooth from breaking.
What is the dental crown procedure?
Because a dental crown gets bonded on top of your natural tooth and root, some of your enamel will have to be polished away to make space for the crown. Any decay and old filling material will also be removed. Impressions will be taken once the tooth is polished down and sent to a lab, where the crown will be fabricated. It will be made specifically for your mouth to act and function like your natural tooth. While the permanent crown is being made (which typically takes a week), a temporary crown will be placed. After a week, the permanent crown will be fit in, bonded on and adjusted as necessary.
How to care for a dental crown
Be sure to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Teeth with crowns can still get cavities around the margins, so be sure to brush and floss it just like your other teeth. You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent gum inflammation and cavities. The life span of a dental crown is around ten years, but it could be longer when proper oral care is provided.
If you have any questions about dental crowns or believe you may be a candidate for one, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Why You Shouldn’t Forget To Clean Your Tongue
In addition to brushing, flossing and mouthwash, did you know that cleaning your tongue daily is also part of a healthy oral care routine?
Your tongue is a muscle that does lots of work when it comes to speaking and eating, and it requires routine cleaning, just like your teeth and gums.
The top of your tongue is a rough surface comprised of thousands of tiny taste buds called “papilla.” When observed under a microscope, these taste buds give your tongue the texture of hills and valleys, and bacteria can quickly accumulate in the crevices. Even if you do an excellent job at brushing and flossing, the bacteria from your tongue can travel to other parts of your mouth, possibly contributing to gum disease and cavities.
Here are the signs and symptoms of bacteria on your tongue:
- Persistent bad breath or halitosis
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Decreased or subdued taste
- A white or cream-coloured coating on the tongue
Cleaning your tongue using your toothbrush:
The first option for cleaning your tongue is to use your toothbrush. You can use the bristles of your toothbrush to scrape from the back of your tongue to the front. Do this several times, and rinse the toothbrush between each scrape. Some toothbrushes may also have a rough surface on the flip side of the bristles. If available, you can use this surface to scrape the tongue instead of the bristles.
Cleaning your tongue using a tongue cleaner:
Your second option for cleaning your tongue is to use a tongue cleaner. This dental tool is separate at most drug stores, explicitly designed to clean your tongue. Some tongue scrapers have bristles, while others are comprised of corrugated plastic. You use a tongue scraper, like your toothbrush, to clean your tongue. Drag the tool from the back of your tongue to the front several times, rinsing in between. You will be shocked at what you might be able to see come off your tongue!
If you have any questions about cleaning your tongue or how to do it, we encourage you to contact us to book an appointment today.
What To Know About Mouthwash
Mouthwash is an antiseptic-based rinse used to kill harmful bacteria in your mouth. While it can help kill oral bacteria, it is essential to understand the limitations of mouthwash.
Mouthwash cannot manually remove all plaque from your tooth, gum and tongue surfaces, and not all mouthwash can fight against gum disease or dental decay. Therefore, the use of mouthwash cannot replace the need to brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily. Not all mouthwash is created equal. Some have better and more medicinal ingredients than others. Be sure to look for a mouthwash that is either approved by the CDA (Canadian Dental Association) or the ADA (American Dental Association.)
When to Use Mouthwash
As stated above, mouthwash cannot remove all plaque from your teeth and gums. It can only help kill bacteria. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth first to remove as much bacteria manually as possible.
If you use a toothpaste containing fluoride, wait 30 minutes before using mouthwash to ensure the fluoride takes full effect. Also, be sure not to rinse your mouth with water after using toothpaste. After 30 minutes, you can use mouthwash. You don’t need to fill your mouth with mouthwash. A few teaspoons are enough if the liquid can access all tooth surfaces and tissues.
Swish the liquid back and forth fur the duration of the rinsing time. Be sure not to swallow any of it! Rinse the liquid for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then spit the contents into the sink.
You can use mouthwash as part of your morning or evening routine or in a pinch if you don’t have access to a toothbrush or have enough time to brush and floss your teeth. General guidelines are to use mouthwash once to twice per day and that it does not replace the need for brushing and flossing.
Does Mouthwash Work?
Mouthwash helps as an antiseptic to help kill bacteria, but since it cannot remove bacteria colonies on your teeth or gums, it plays a small role in preventing gum disease. If the mouthwash contains fluoride as an active ingredient, it can help to prevent cavities. It may be that people who use mouthwash also take better care of their teeth, so it’s difficult to prove in a study that the simple use of mouthwash helps to prevent gum disease.
Mouthwash Considerations
It is crucial to avoid swallowing mouthwash, particularly when it contains fluoride or alcohol. Alternatively, there are many brands of mouthwash that do not contain alcohol, which also helps reduce the “burning” sensation that we usually remember when we think about mouthwash.
Children should be monitored while using mouthwash until they are trusted not to swallow– around 6.
In short, mouthwash can be a supplemental aid to help with a complete oral hygiene routine, but it likely doesn’t help significantly prevent gum disease or gum inflammation. If the mouthwash contains fluoride, it can help with preventing cavities. Mouthwash works best when used in conjunction with adequate brushing and flossing. Please call us today to book an appointment if you have questions about mouthwash.
What You Need To Know About Dental Fluorosis
There have been many debates and mixed opinions on the use of fluoride in recent years. Mixed opinions range from whether or not it should be in the municipal water supply and consumed systemically, and also whether it should be used topically at the dentist or in products such as toothpaste. Although fluoride has ample benefits, it is toxic when ingested in significant amounts.
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been proven to reduce cavity risk in children and adults by strengthening the outer layer of our teeth, called the enamel. Fluoride accomplishes this by making the structure more ridged. Fluoride has been added to many municipalities’ water supply in low doses to help reduce the cavity risk of entire populations. It is also added to products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash, to be used topically to achieve the same outcome.
What is dental fluorosis?
Dental fluorosis occurs when there is too high an intake of fluoride. Too much fluoride can cause brittle teeth and bones by altering the integrity of the organic structures in our bodies. Dental fluorosis can be caused by too high an amount of fluoride in the drinking water or by swallowing products that contain fluoride, such as toothpaste. Fluorosis typically affects the adult teeth because a child will begin using products containing fluoride around three years old until the adult teeth start erupting.
Fluoride in municipal water
Adding fluoride to the municipal water supply started when it was observed that natural drinking water in Colorado contained higher amounts of naturally occurring fluoride, and the surrounding communities had lower rates of cavities. At first, many municipalities added too much fluoride to the drinking water, leading to many cases of fluorosis. Since then, fluoride has been reduced to a level that will not cause fluorosis.
Signs of dental fluorosis
The teeth will appear discoloured and have white, yellow, or brown notches. These discolorations can range from mild to severe, depending on the level of fluorosis. The enamel will be rough, pitted and not smooth. Teeth with fluorosis will be more susceptible to chipping, breaking and wear.
Preventing dental fluorosis
Drinking water is safe to consume in most municipalities, as the fluoride content has been greatly reduced. Children should be monitored while using products containing fluoride until at least the age of 6 to make sure they aren’t eating or swallowing it.
Treating dental fluorosis
Treatment may be required to repair the teeth’ surfaces, including dental bonding, veneers or dental crowns.
If you have questions about dental fluorosis, we encourage you to contact us today.
Most Common Oral Conditions
Let’s review the most common oral conditions that patients experience, the signs and symptoms associated with these conditions, and ways to help prevent and treat these conditions.
Cavities
Cavities are one of the most common dental conditions in children and adults. They are holes in the tooth’s structure caused by bacterial accumulation called plaque. Cavities can occur on the biting surfaces, gum lines or between the teeth, leading to infection and tooth loss if left untreated. Cavities are treated with dental fillings, which are used to fill in and replace the decayed tooth structure. To prevent cavities, maintain good oral hygiene and use toothpaste containing fluoride. Also, be sure to limit your exposure to sugars.
Gum Disease
Another prevalent oral condition is gum disease. Gum disease starts out as gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums. When left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, an infection of the bone and ligament surrounding the teeth. Signs and symptoms of gum disease include bleeding/ tender gums, bad breath, gum recession and loose teeth. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are vital to preventing gum disease.
Staining/Discolouration
Tooth staining and discolouration can happen for many reasons and sometimes occurs with time and age. There are two types of staining, external staining (caused by dietary choices such as coffee and tea or smoking) and internal staining (caused by factors such as health, trauma and past dental work.) Internal staining can be removed at a simple dental cleaning and is easier to prevent. To remove internal staining, whitening products containing hydrogen peroxide should be considered. Prevent staining by maintaining good oral care, rinsing your mouth after coffee, tea and red wine, and quitting smoking.
Chipped Teeth
A chipped tooth occurs when a portion of the enamel, and sometimes even the underlying structure called the dentin, chip off due to trauma. This may occur for many reasons, such as a blow to the face, clenching or grinding or biting on something hard. Chips are challenging to prevent but can usually be fixed with dental fillings.
Impacted Teeth
The most commonly impacted teeth are the wisdom teeth. These are the 3rd molars that tend to erupt around 18 years old if there is space for them. If no room exists for these molars to erupt, they are considered impacted and may need to be extracted. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infection and even cavities on neighbouring teeth.
Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common oral condition experienced by most patients at some point. It isn’t always possible to identify why sensitivity occurs, but it can be related to aggressive brushing, gum recession, tooth erosion, or wear. The best course of action is to use sensitivity toothpaste twice daily for prevention.
If you have any questions or concerns about these common oral conditions, we encourage you to contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
How Peg-Shaped Teeth are Treated
Peg-shaped teeth, often referred to as “peg laterals,” are a dental condition that affects the size and shape of the upper lateral teeth, which are the second from the centre. It occurs when the teeth do not fully form and erupt smaller in size and sometimes pointier. It may affect both or just one of the upper lateral teeth. The condition may be mild, not affecting the size of the tooth very much, or severe, causing a large discrepancy in size and shape.
Treatment for peg-shaped laterals will depend on size, shape, cost of treatment, recommendation by your dentist and your preference. Listed below are treatment options for peg-shaped teeth.
No Dental Treatment
Of course, the first option we will discuss is no treatment. If a patient isn’t concerned with the appearance of these teeth and there is no functional problem, they can certainly be left as is.
Dental Bonding
If the peg laterals are large and strong enough, your dentist may be able to use filling material to bond to the front, edge and side portions of the teeth to build them up and modify their appearance. This is a very cost-effective solution but may not last as long as a more permanent solution such as dental crowns or veneers. Bonding may chip and wear with time and need to be touched up.
Dental Veneers
A veneer is made in a dental lab and is created to precisely fit your teeth and preferences, changing the tooth’s size, shape and colour. A small portion of the tooth’s outer structure is sanded down, and the veneer is bonded to the front surface. Veneers are a more permanent and lasting solution than dental bonding, but they will also be more expensive. In addition, there has to be enough natural tooth structure to bond the veneer, and if there isn’t, a crown is the only option.
Dental Crowns
A crown is the best solution for a peg-shaped tooth’s structural integrity, function, aesthetics and longevity. It is a full coverage cap that gets cemented onto the tooth once it is sanded down. Like a veneer, it is fabricated in a dental lab suited to your mouth to your specifications. Because it is the best and most lasting option, it is also the most costly.
Call us to book an appointment today to discuss the treatment of your peg-shaped teeth.
Oral Health Effects of Eating Disorders
What we eat and drink can affect the health of our teeth and mouth. Eating disorders cause nutritional deficiencies that affect the soft or hard tissues of the mouth and teeth. An eating disorder can sometimes exhibit the first symptoms in the mouth. These effects may be temporary or even permanent, given the severity.
Early detection of an eating disorder may help and make the recovery process easier and more successful. Having the correct information and receiving guidance from your dentist and dental hygienist through recovery is essential.
Gums and oral tissues are more likely to bleed easier with inadequate nutrition. You may experience swollen salivary glands, and your mouth may become drier.
The key nutrients from a balanced diet that promotes oral health are B vitamins, iron and calcium. Low calcium can lead to tooth decay as well as gum disease. Vitamin B aids the body in the absorption of calcium. Low iron levels may cause mouth sores, and low niacin levels contribute to canker sores and bad breath. Overall lack of vitamins can cause dry mouth, dry cracked lips and gingivitis.
In cases of bulimia, which entails frequent vomiting, stomach acids more regularly bathe the teeth, leading to enamel loss and wear. This will cause teeth to become thinner and more yellow in appearance. They may change in shape, become shorter in length, appear more translucent at the edges, and become more brittle and prone to chipping. This process is called erosion. Eroded teeth will feel more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. They will be more likely to need fillings and even root canals in the future. Be sure not to brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes after vomiting, as this can lead to further damage to the teeth. Rinse your mouth with water to reduce acids.
Purging behaviours can cause trauma to the soft palate (back of the mouth), such as redness, cuts and scratches. This may be a telltale sign to your dentist or dental hygienist, as this area of the mouth rarely receives trauma. Another sign of frequent purging is redness or scraps from the teeth on the knuckles.
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums as much as possible is vital, including regular dental visits and daily brushing and flossing. Your dentist and dental hygienist can help you to maintain your oral hygiene throughout the treatment process. Fluoride treatments may help prevent tooth decay and sensitivity. If you are experiencing a dry mouth, a salivary substitute may be recommended.
If you are struggling with an eating disorder or have questions about eating disorders and oral health, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What You Need To Know About TMJ Disorders
TMJ is the abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint. This joint is near your ears and connects the upper jawbone to the lower jawbone and your skull.
A TMJ disorder occurs when the joint causes pain or has a reduction in movement. TMJ disorders may be caused by several combined factors, including age, arthritis and genetics. In most cases, TMJ disorders are temporary and can be alleviated with treatment, while surgery is an option as a last resort.
Symptoms of a TMJ Disorder
- Pain, swelling or tightness in the jaw
- Ear aching
- Difficulty or pain when fully opening the jaw
- Locking of the jaw joint
- Pain when biting and chewing
- Clicking or grating sound when opening jaw or chewing
Causes of a TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joints move in sliding and hinge-like motion. There is cartilage covering the bones and a small disk that aids in movement. Erosion of the disk, if the disk moves out of alignment, damage to the cartilage or the joint can all cause a TMJ disorder. Sometimes there is no known cause of TMJ disorders.
Risk Factors for TMJ Disorders
The most common risk factors for TMJ disorders include age, arthritis, jaw injury and long-term clenching and grinding habits.
Diagnosis for TMJ Disorders
The most appropriate way to diagnose TMJ disorders is for your dentist to look, feel and listen to your jaw when opening and closing. In addition, your dentist will check your jaw motion range and try to identify sites of pain. Further diagnostic tools include x-rays, CT scans and even MRIs.
Treatment for TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders often go away on their own, depending on what causes the issue. If you experience symptoms that persist, there are treatment measures that your dentist and doctor can recommend. Standard treatment measures include:
- Medications such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. It is best to keep the use of these medications for a limited time and not rely on them.
- Certain antidepressants used in small doses can actually help with bruxism and sleeplessness.
- Muscle relaxants can help relax the jaw muscles and prevent bruxism.
- Use a night guard to help remove the pressure on the teeth and jaws from bruxism.
- Physical therapy includes stretching/strengthening the jaw muscles and ultrasound, heat and ice.
- Massage therapy helps take pressure off the jaw muscles and reduce muscle stress.
- Corticosteroids or Botox helps relax the facial and jaw muscles.
- In severe cases, surgery on the TMJ may be necessary.
If you experience a TMJ disorder, be sure to talk with your dentist and doctor about the symptoms you may be experiencing associated with it. If you have any questions about TMJ disorders, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What You Should Know About Bruxism
Teeth clenching and grinding are nocturnal habits in both children and adults. The medical term for this is “bruxism.” During teeth grinding, the jaws clamp down, and teeth shift back and forth. With teeth clenching, the jaws forcefully clamp over an extended period. Both clenching and grinding can cause extensive damage to the teeth and surrounding structures.
Risk Factors for Bruxism
Although this condition is extremely common and can affect anyone, some risk factors include:
- Age, children have a higher rate of grinding, while adults have a higher rate of clenching
- Stressful personality or stressful life events
- Certain medications or substances such as alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and psychiatric medications
- Health conditions such as Parkinson’s, epilepsy and ADHD
Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism
- When children grind at night, is it likely that a parent or guardian will hear the grinding noise
- Waking up with headaches
- Sore jaw and cheek muscles
- Pain with opening the jaw, clicking or cracking with opening and closing
- Teeth sensitivity
- Teeth wear, chips and fractures
- Worn down or shortened lower front teeth
How to Stop Daytime Bruxism
Unfortunately, stopping yourself from clenching or grinding your teeth during the day takes focus and mindfulness. Bruxism may be brought on by periods of stress, intense emotion, caffeine or alcohol. Be sure to reduce smoking, caffeine and alcohol consumption, reduce stress levels, and be aware to stop when you notice you have started. At night, a guard will be necessary to break the habit or provide cushioning between teeth.
What is a Night Guard?
There are several different varieties of night guards to help protect your teeth from wear. The main versions are a moderately soft plate that fits on the upper arch, a guard with a bite pad on the front to prevent the back teeth from touching, and a guard made with balls and clasps to avoid any teeth from biting down against each other. All night guards will protect your teeth, jaw and surrounding structures from damage and prevent pain. Talk with your dentist about which type of guard is best for you.
How is a Night Guard Made?
Impressions are taken of your upper and lower teeth and then sent out to a lab. The lab will fabricate the guard to fit precisely to your teeth and mouth, taking about a week to make. They are usually covered by dental insurance.
If you have any questions about bruxism or night guards, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What You Should Know About Baby Bottle Caries
Your toddler’s baby teeth, though temporary, are still prone to tooth decay. Early childhood caries, commonly known as baby bottle caries, often affect young children’s upper front teeth.
Most people don’t realize that healthy baby teeth contribute to healthy permanent teeth. Therefore, you must address any signs of tooth decay as early as possible and help your child develop good oral hygiene from an early age. Strong baby teeth are also necessary for your child to chew and speak properly.
Why do baby bottle caries happen?
There is no single cause of tooth decay, though one of the most common causes is prolonged exposure to sugar, which is prevalent in many drinks. However, sugar is not the only culprit. Tooth decay is primarily caused by bacteria, which can be passed from you to your child. For example, if you put their pacifier or spoon in your mouth. Using a bottle as a pacifier to appease your infant can also result in the appearance of caries.
How do I prevent baby bottle caries?
It is always a good idea to bring your young child to your dental office for a consultation and quick check-up when their first teeth are coming out. You may also want to ensure they receive the right amount of fluoride as a preventative measure against tooth decay.
There are also a few things that you can do at home, like brush the newly arrived teeth with an appropriate toothbrush and a very tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste. You can increase the amount of fluoride for children aged 4 to 6, though it should not exceed the size of a small pea-sized amount.
As mentioned above, to prevent sharing your saliva with your child, you must refrain from licking their spoons or putting their pacifier in your mouth. We also recommend that you only pour milk, breast milk or formula into their bottle, and avoid using the bottle to give them sugary drinks or juice or dipping their pacifier in sugar or another sweet substance. You can also gently wipe your child’s gums with clean gauze or cloth after they are done eating. While it may be challenging for some children, they should finish their bottles before their naps or bedtime.
What can I do to treat baby bottle caries?
The enamel of your child’s baby teeth can be repaired with fluoride, which means that if you and your dentist take the appropriate steps and come up with the right treatment plan, in some cases, reverse the effects of tooth decay. This treatment could be as simple as your dentist recommending that you use specific fluoride toothpaste or a treatment at the clinic that can help remineralize your child’s enamel.
If the tooth decay is advanced and quite severe, stainless steel crowns may be recommended for the affected tooth or teeth. Lastly, your dentist will recommend changes to your child’s diet, which is an effective way to fight against tooth decay.
