My Blog
Archive:
- 2017
- July (6)
- The Simple Bitewing X-Ray is a Game Changer for Maintaining Dental Health
- Porcelain Veneers: A Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
- 5 Things you can do to Improve Your Child's Future Dental Health
- Loose Adult Teeth Require Immediate Attention and Treatment
- The Benefits Of Dental Crowns
- You Don't have to Suffer from Irritating Canker Sores
- May (5)
- Protect Your Child's Long-Term Dental Health with Regular Office Visits
- Could Dentures Be Right for Me?
- Get a Dental Exam as Soon as Possible if you Suspect Gum Disease
- Look at Your Options for Saving a Tooth First Before Replacing it
- Artificial Sweeteners are By and Large a Safe Alternative to Sugar
- March (6)
- Attention to Detail Crucial to a Beautiful Smile Supported by Dental Implants
- Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
- Why Are Porcelain Veneers Effective?
- Be Sure to have These 3 Essentials Covered Beforehand for Veneer Success
- Conscious Sedation can Help Ease Your Child's Dental Visit Anxiety
- All Gum Disease Treatments Have the Same Goal - Removing Bacterial Plaque
- 2016
- November (6)
- Start Early with Your Baby's Dental Care
- Ensure the Best Outcome with the Right Care for a Teen's Missing Tooth
- Dental Implants can Replace Your Whole Tooth, Not Just What You See
- Reduce Your Oral Cancer Risk with Better Diet and Lifestyle Choices
- Teaching Your Child Good Oral Hygiene Habits
- Follow These Common Sense Steps When Your Child has a Toothache
- July (5)
- Though not Always Seen, it's Still Important to Replace a Missing Back Tooth
- 4 Reasons Saving Your Child's Decayed Baby Tooth is a Good Idea
- Antibiotic Resistance Requires Action - and a Change of Attitude
- Thumb Sucking And Your Child's Developing Smile
- Winning the War on Gum Disease Requires Post-Treatment Vigilance
- March (6)
- 4 Advantages to Using Composite Resins for Restoring Teeth
- Persistent Jaw Pain After an Injury Needs Immediate Attention
- Watch for these 4 Signs of Gum Disease
- Support Your Child's Teeth Development with Proper Hygiene and Dental Care
- 3 Ways Your Dental Hygienist Improves Your Oral Health
- The Benefits of Dental Implants
- 2015
- December (5)
- Sleep Apnea and Behavioral Problems in Children: How Your Dentist Can Help
- Did You Know? February Is National Children's Dental Health Month!
- Replacing a Back Tooth May Help You Avoid Future Dental Problems
- Is Dental Treatment Safe During Pregnancy?
- Treating Dry Mouth is Important for Maintaining Good Oral Health
- 2014
- September (6)
- New Partial Dentures More Comfortable and Durable Than Older Models
- New Guidelines Issued for Administering Antibiotics Before a Dental Procedure
- Bone Grafting can put Implants Back on Your Options List
- 5 Oral Health Care Tips To Remember This Summer
- Removing Bacterial Plaque is Critical to Halting Advancing Gum Disease
- Early Detection is Critical to Surviving Oral Cancer
- August (5)
- Our Arsenal of Weapons in the War Against Gum Disease
- Overcome Oral Cancer With Screenings and Lifestyle Changes
- Taking Precautions Before, During and After Implants Will Help Ensure Success
- Home vs. Professional Teeth Whitening - Weighing Your Options
- Preserving or Restoring Teeth - Both Paths Lead to Better Oral Health
- 2013
- October (6)
- Health Risks of Oral Piercings
- Cancer Treatment and Oral Health: What You Should Know
- Treating Thumb Sucking Now Could Reduce Orthodontic Treatment Later
- Patients in Syracuse Seek Veneers to Mask Dental Blemishes
- Loose Teeth - A Sign of Trouble That Requires Quick Action
- Implant Overdentures: a Marriage of Options for Lower Jaw Tooth Replacement
- 2012
- August (7)
- Can Thumb Sucking Harm Your Child's Teeth?
- Testing Your Knowledge: Do Your Children Have Good Oral Health?
- Enhance Your Smile Through Teeth Whitening
- How Do Dental Implants Help Preserve Your Youthful Appearance?
- Are Dental Implants Okay For Teenagers?
- Questions You Should Ask Before Getting Porcelain Veneers
- Your Dentist May Be Able To Help You Stop Snoring
Tags
- celebrity smiles (2)
- oral hygiene (34)
- oral health (70)
- dentures (12)
- common symptoms (9)
- dental hygiene (2)
- tooth decay (14)
- root canal (3)
- smile makeover (6)
- veneers (9)
- cosmetic dentistry (19)
- teeth grinding (2)
- night guards (1)
- floss (1)
- snoring (3)
- sleep apnea (3)
- tooth wear (1)
- pediatric dentistry (30)
- fluoride (3)
- prepless veneers (2)
- sensitive teeth (5)
- bleeding gums (2)
- periodontal disease (13)
- gum disease (28)
- sinus pain (1)
- baby teeth (2)
- medication (2)
- aspirin (1)
- thumb sucking (7)
- dry mouth (3)
- tongue scraper (1)
- bad breath (3)
- snoring and sleep apnea (4)
- dental implants (28)
- power bleaching (1)
- teeth whitening (10)
- fun dental facts (1)
- nutrition (8)
- local anesthesia (2)
- age one dental visit (2)
- first dental appointment (1)
- x-rays (3)
- periodontal (gum) disease (3)
- diabetes (4)
- gingivitis (1)
- inflammation (1)
- sedation dentistry (1)
- oral sedation (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- sinus surgery (1)
- oral cancer (8)
- sealants (1)
- tooth colored fillings (2)
- fillings (4)
- dental health tips (1)
- dental emergencies (1)
- dental injury (8)
- dental emergency (7)
- mouthguard (4)
- mouthguards (4)
- chipped tooth (2)
- bonding (1)
- tooth bleaching (1)
- tmj (2)
- tmd (2)
- dental fillings (1)
- braces (1)
- orthodontics (2)
- bridgework (2)
- toothache (3)
- overdentures (1)
- loose teeth (5)
- Syracuse (2)
- Dental Veneers (1)
- crown (2)
- blood pressure medication (1)
- cracked mouth (1)
- bleaching (1)
- discolored teeth (1)
- stained teeth (1)
- dental injuries (1)
- gum recession (2)
- tooth sensitivity (1)
- plastic surgery (1)
- brushing teeth (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- smoking (1)
- partial denture (4)
- tmj disorders (2)
- mouthrinse (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- air abrasion (1)
- Child Health Care (1)
- blood pressure medications (1)
- medicine (1)
- pregnancy (3)
- teething (1)
- blood thinners (1)
- oral surgery (1)
- wisdom teeth (1)
- crowns (5)
- gluten (1)
- tooth erosion (1)
- tooth pain (3)
- infection control (1)
- bridge (1)
- cold sore (2)
- root planing (1)
- medications (1)
- restorative dentistry (2)
- jaw pain (3)
- composite resins (1)
- dental care (1)
- chewing tobacco (1)
- dentistry (1)
- mouth sores (1)
- antibiotics (2)
- tooth replacement (2)
- missing teeth (1)
- facial pain (2)
- artificial sweeteners (2)
- oral appliance (2)
- night guard (1)
- Oral Hygiene Routine (1)
- Brushing (1)
- Flossing (1)
- missing tooth (1)
- x-ray (1)
- toothpaste (1)
- pain management (1)
- trigeminal neuralgia (1)
- Dental Procedures (1)
- root canal treatment (2)
- dental exam (1)
- canker sore (1)
- porcelain veneers (1)
Categories:
 |
  |
Dentist Blog
When it's time for your child to visit the dentist (we recommend around their first birthday), you may want them to see your family dentist. But you might also want to consider another option: a pediatric dentist.
The difference between the two is much the same as between a pediatrician and a family practitioner. Both can treat juvenile patients — but a family provider sees patients of all ages while a pediatrician or pediatric dentist specializes in patients who haven't reached adulthood.
Recognized as a specialty by the American Dental Association, pediatric dentists undergo about three more years of additional post-dental school training and must be licensed in the state where they practice. They're uniquely focused on dental care during the childhood stages of jaw and facial structure development.
Pediatric dentists also gear their practices toward children in an effort to reduce anxiety. The reception area and treatment rooms are usually decorated in bright, primary colors, with toys and child-sized furniture to make their young patients feel more at ease. Dentists and staff also have training and experience interacting with children and their parents to help them relax during exams and procedures.
While a pediatric practice is a good choice for any child, it can be especially beneficial for children with special needs. The “child-friendly” environment is especially soothing for children with autism, ADHD or other behavioral/developmental disorders. And pediatric dentists are especially adept in treating children at higher risk for tooth decay, especially an aggressive form called early childhood caries (ECC).
Your family dentist, of course, can presumably provide the same quality care and have an equally welcome environment for children. And unlike a pediatric dentist who will typically stop seeing patients when they reach adulthood, care from your family dentist can continue as your child gets older.
In the end it's a personal choice, depending on the needs of your family. Just be sure your child does see a dental provider regularly during their developing years: doing so will help ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
If you would like more information on visiting a pediatric dentist for your child's dental needs, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Why See a Pediatric Dentist?”
Over the last century and a half millions of people have had a tooth cavity filled with “silver” amalgam. Perhaps you’re one of them. The use of this effective and durable filling has declined in recent years, but only because of the development of more attractive tooth-colored materials.
At the same time there’s another issue that’s been brewing in recent years about this otherwise dependable metal alloy: the inclusion of mercury in amalgam, about half of its starting mixture. Various studies have shown mercury exposure can have a cumulative toxic effect on humans. As a result, you may already be heeding warnings to limit certain seafood in your diet.
So, should you be equally concerned about amalgam fillings — even going so far as to have any existing ones removed?
Before taking such a drastic step, let’s look at the facts. To begin with, not all forms of mercury are equally toxic. The form causing the most concern is called methylmercury, a compound formed when mercury released in the environment combines with organic molecules. This is the form certain large fish like salmon and tuna ingest, which we then ingest when we eat them. Methylmercury can accumulate in the body’s tissues where at high levels it can damage various organ systems.
Dental amalgam, on the other hand, uses elemental mercury. Dentists take it in liquid form and mix it with a powder of other metals like silver, tin and copper to create a pliable paste. After it’s placed in a prepared cavity, the amalgam hardens into a compound in which the mercury interlaces with the other metals and becomes “trapped.”
Although over time the filling may emit trace amounts of mercury vapor, it’s well below harmful levels. You’re more likely to encounter “un-trapped” mercury in your diet than from a dental filling. And scores of studies over amalgam’s 150-year history have produced no demonstrable ill effects due to mercury.
Although it now competes with more attractive materials, amalgam still fills (no pun intended) a necessary role. Dentists frequently use amalgam in less visible back teeth, which encounter higher chewing pressures than front teeth. So, if you already have an amalgam filling or we recommend one to you, relax — you’re really in no danger of mercury poisoning.
If you would like more information on dental amalgam fillings, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Even though baby teeth are not meant to last forever, they serve some very important functions for the time they are around. Healthy baby teeth allow your child to bite and chew food, articulate sounds correctly during speech, and, of course, to smile! They also help guide the permanent teeth, which will one day replace them, into proper alignment. So it’s important to take good care of them while they’re here. Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about pediatric dentistry.
Can I get my teeth cleaned while I’m pregnant?
Yes — and you should! Both the American Dental Association and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that women keep up with their regular schedule of dental cleanings and exams during pregnancy. Not doing so can allow disease-causing oral bacterial to flourish, which can be a health risk for both the expectant mother and her fetus.
Do infants need their teeth brushed?
Yes, it’s important to start a daily oral hygiene routine as soon as the first baby tooth appears — usually sometime between six and nine months of age. Use a very soft-bristled child-sized toothbrush and just a smear of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice). When your child turns 3, increase the amount of fluoride toothpaste to the size of a pea.
When should I take my child in for her first dental appointment?
The answer to this one may surprise you: All children should see a dentist by the age of 1. Early dental visits get children accustomed to having their mouths examined and their teeth cleaned. Establishing this healthy habit early will go a long way toward promoting a lifetime of good oral health.
Should I worry that my child sucks his thumb?
That depends on how old he is. Thumb sucking is a normal, comforting habit for babies and toddlers. Most outgrow it by the time they are 4. But kids who don’t are at increased risk for orthodontic issues later on. If your child seems unable to break the habit, let us know; we can give you more detailed recommendations at your next appointment.
What can I do to prevent my children from getting cavities?
Make sure your children have an effective daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing at least once per day. If they are too young to do a good job by themselves, help them complete these important tasks. Keep their sugar consumption as low as possible; pay particular attention to beverages — soda, sports drinks and even 100 % natural fruit juices can all promote tooth decay. We can offer individualized advice on fighting cavities, and even provide fluoride treatments and dental sealants for extra protection against cavities. So don’t forget to bring your child in to the dental office for regular exams and cleanings!
If you would like more information about caring for your child’s teeth, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Treating advanced periodontal (gum) disease takes time. If you have this destructive disease, it wouldn’t be uncommon for you to undergo several cleaning sessions to remove plaque from tooth and gum surfaces. This built-up film of bacteria and food particles is primarily responsible for triggering and fueling gum disease.
These cleaning sessions, which might also involve surgery and other advanced techniques to access deep pockets of infection, are necessary not only to heal your gums but to preserve the teeth they support. With these intense efforts, however, we can help rescue your teeth and return your reddened and swollen gums to a healthy, pink hue.
But what then — is your gum disease a thing of the past?
The hard reality is that once you’ve experienced gum disease your risk of another occurrence remains. From now on, you must remain vigilant and disciplined with your oral hygiene regimen to minimize the chances of another infection. You can’t afford to slack in this area.
Besides daily brushing and flossing as often as your dentist directs, you should also visit your dentist for periodontal maintenance (PM) on a regular basis. For people who’ve experienced gum disease, PM visits are more than a routine teeth cleaning. For one, your dentist may recommend more than the typical two visits a year: depending on the severity of your disease or your genetic vulnerability, you may need to increase the frequency of maintenance appointments by visiting the dentist every two to three months.
Besides plaque and calculus (tartar) removal, these visits could include applications of topical antibiotics or other anti-bacterial substances to curb the growth of disease-causing bacteria in your mouth. You may also need to undergo surgical procedures to make particular areas prone to plaque buildup easier to clean.
The main point, though, is that although you’ve won your battle with gum disease, the war isn’t over. But with your own daily hygiene maintenance coupled with your dentist’s professional attention, you’ll have a much better chance of avoiding a future infection.
If you would like more information on preventing and treating gum disease, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Periodontal Cleanings.”
What your dentists in Syracuse, New York want you to know about oral hygiene
It’s easy to neglect your smile, but if you do, the consequences can be huge. Your smile is your biggest asset. Your smile helps you look your best, and helps you enjoy a healthy diet of the foods you love. If you neglect your smile by not keeping good oral hygiene habits, you may end up with tooth pain or lost teeth. Dr. Nancy Yeates and Dr. Karen Lawitts in Syracuse, New York want to share how you can keep good oral hygiene habits. They proudly serve residents of Syracuse, Dewitt, and Jamesville, New York and they can help you too!
The goal of keeping good oral hygiene habits is to remove plaque thoroughly and frequently. That’s because plaque contains millions of microscopic bacteria. These bacteria work to destroy tooth enamel, giving you a mouth full of tooth decay. The bacteria also inflame your soft tissue and gums and infect the bone that supports your teeth.
The bad effects of plaque bacteria can be minimized by adopting excellent oral hygiene habits. Fortunately, good oral hygiene habits are easy, and won’t take much time out of your busy life. Just remember to:
Brush your teeth regularly, including after eating and before you go to bed. A soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste are your tools of choice to clean your teeth. Brush gently, in a circular motion. You don’t need to use a lot of pressure when you brush. Clean each tooth surface thoroughly and don’t forget to brush along the gumline.
Floss once each day, preferably before you go to sleep. Use a single piece of floss or floss picks if they are easier. Floss in between each tooth, wrapping around each tooth as you go. Wrapping the floss ensures the floss touches the tooth surface completely.
If you wish, you can also use a fluoride mouthrinse after you floss, before you go to sleep. The fluoride will help to strengthen your tooth enamel.
When you keep good oral hygiene habits, you are doing a lot to ensure you will enjoy your smile for life. For more information about oral hygiene and dental care, call the experts, Drs. Karen Lawitts and Nancy Yeates, serving the residents of Syracuse, Dewitt, and Jamesville, New York. Call today!
This website includes materials that are protected by copyright, or other proprietary rights. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use, as defined in the copyright laws, requires the written permission of the copyright owners.
