Winter Lip Care

With another Buffalo-area winter upon us, we at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore wanted to ensure our patients know how to protect their lips. This time of year, lips often get chapped, but damage can be prevented with the right precautions.

Our lips get dry and fragile in the winter because the cold air can’t hold much moisture. Our best bet to protect them outside is to keep our faces tightly covered and face away from the wind. But inside, we can station humidifiers around our homes and workplaces, particularly in rooms where we have to spend a great deal of time. Remember that very hot showers can dry out your skin. Applying lip balm regularly helps, particularly before bed. The only problem with that is that menthol and some other ingredients cause irritation to worsen in some people.

It’s not a good idea to keep the lips wet with saliva. This actually makes them dry out faster since saliva evaporates quickly. Keeping the lips under the teeth should also be avoided because it can cause misalignments. If your lips are dry because you have to breathe through your mouth, you may need help from an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit Advantage Dentistry and fill out a contact form.

 

Oral Cancer and Alcohol

Screenings for oral cancer are one of the most important parts of regular check-ups, and at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, we’re determined to help upkeep every aspect of our patients’ oral health. To that end, we wanted to pass along some recent findings by the American Society of Clinical Oncology linking oral cancer to alcohol.

Tobacco usage and HPV are the best-known and researched causes of oral cancer. We’ve known for a long time that smoking combined with heavy drinking is extremely dangerous, but scientists had difficulty determining the carcinogenic effect of alcohol on its own. After reviewing the available literature, the ASCO concluded that 5% of new cancers globally are caused by alcohol and that oral and oropharyngeal cancers are among the types alcohol causes. It may be that alcohol damages the soft tissue of the mouth and that the more frequently it has to rebuild, the likelier it is that some DNA will be miscopied. But regardless of the exact mechanism, it seems that even light drinking poses a risk, although heavy drinking is worse. The study also found that when people stop drinking, their risk of cancer specifically in the mouth and oropharynx declines to that of people who never drank.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit Advantage Dentistry and fill out a contact form.

 

Sensitivity with Fillings

When patients suffer from tooth decay, they know they can count on treatment at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore. Our patients’ cosmetic care is of special importance to us, and the fillings we provide are not only high-quality but also colored to match patients’ teeth. But fillings work best when we have the cooperation of well-informed patients, which is why we want them to understand what it means if a tooth with a filling is sensitive.

Before a filling can be placed, the decayed enamel has to be drilled away. This may make a patient feel sore, but only for two days, at most. However, if pain spikes when the patient bites down or if the patient is unable to close their teeth together normally, the filling may be too high and need to be contoured.

High fillings are rare, but at some point, the bonding holding the filling in will break down. Fillings typically have a lifespan of about ten years. After that, cracks in the bonding will become a refuge for bacteria, which will continue to produce decay-causing acid and cause the tooth to need retreatment. Patients can avoid that by maintaining regular visits, so we’ll catch fillings that need to be replaced early.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Diabetes and Invisalign

People with diabetes are used to paying extra attention to the health of their feet and eyes, and they need to take extra care with their oral health, as well. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, we work closely with our diabetic patients to ensure they are protected from gingivitis and periodontal disease, which they suffer from at higher rates than the general population. This American Diabetes Month, we want to raise awareness of how diabetes interacts with orthodontics.

Because braces make oral hygiene more difficult, dentists in the past were reluctant to recommend them for diabetic patients. People who have suffered from periodontitis may find themselves in need of orthodontics if their gum or bone tissue was damaged enough to allow their teeth to migrate, but braces have to be removed if the patient suffers recurrent inflammation. In modern times, however, it is rarer for blood sugar to be uncontrolled long enough to result in major dental problems. At our office, we are also certified to offer Invisalign orthodontic correction. Removable aligners do not cause any extra difficulties maintaining oral hygiene and provide us with opportunities to monitor the patient’s dental health every six weeks. They also put less force on the teeth, which is safer for diabetic patients.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Causes of Bleeding Gums

Although many people are resigned to seeing blood when they spit out their toothpaste, bleeding gums are not healthy and patients do not have to live with them. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, Dr. Seier and his staff are equipped to help patients recover from gum disease, but patients should understand their condition so they can take preventive measures.

Bleeding gums are nearly always the result of gingivitis, which is low-grade gum inflammation. This is the result of a bacterial infection. As bacteria build up in the gum pockets, they produce plaque, which clings to teeth near the gum line and hardens into tartar. Acids stick to tartar and irritate the gums. Brushing regularly helps to keep tartar at bay, but a brush with hard bristles can bruise the gums. This is why gentle, but thorough use of a soft-bristled brush is recommended.

Pregnant women are at particular risk for gingivitis due to hormonal changes. People on blood thinner medication or who suffer from dry mouth (a common medication side-effect) also are at increased risk for bleeding gums. It is especially important for these people to maintain regular appointments so professionals can clean their plaque and gum pockets.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Reducing Dental Anxiety in Children

It’s very important for children to have a friendly relationship with their dentist. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, we strive to make our youngest patients as comfortable as possible, but there are things parents can do that will help us to ensure their child’s health.

Visiting the dentist should be a familiar experience for children from an early age. We recommend that they come in for their first check-up when their first tooth comes in. But because children tend to be shy around strangers, they may need to be taught that the dentist and hygienists are new friends who want to help them not get a toothache. It is better not to emphasize to children that they need to be brave since this sends the message there’s something to be afraid of. A parent should also be honest with themselves about whether their own feelings about dental work are influencing the child.

At the office, we can explain to children what we’re going to do and give a demonstration of the instruments we use. It is better not to bring up procedures such as root canals the child is unlikely to need unless they’re really interested. Keep in mind while scheduling appointments that younger siblings are often more receptive to care if they can see an older sibling be examined first.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Flossing with Bridges

At Advantage Dentistry, Dr. Seier has successfully carried out dental restorations for over thirty years. But in order to get the most out of their new teeth, patients need to know how to adjust their oral hygiene habits. Fortunately, caring for fixed bridges is easy once patients know what tools are available to them.

Flossing is an important part of keeping the area around a fixed bridge healthy. But with no gap between the prosthetic teeth, an alternative means of getting floss over or under the bridge is necessary. Some floss manufacturers make this easy by providing floss with stiffened tips, but regular floss can be looped around a bridge with an instrument called a threader. Similar to a big, floppy sewing needle, threaders are familiar tools to anyone who has ever worn braces.

Another hygienic tool used with both bridges and orthodontics is the proxy brush, also known as a Christmas tree brush. When bridges are supported by implants instead of by pontic teeth, there may be room to use a proxy brush to dislodge debris. Other specialized tips for use on implants can also be attached to toothbrush handles and water picks.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Stains

At Advantage Dentistry, we provide patients with solutions for stained teeth. However, there are different kinds of stains, and different treatments need to be applied depending on whether a stain is intrinsic to the tooth or extrinsic. An extrinsic stain only affects the outermost layers, but an intrinsic stain could indicate a problem with the tooth’s health.

Bleaching is a useful tool for combatting extrinsic stains. It affects the teeth on a superficial level, removing evidence of dark liquids and smoke. But intrinsic stains affect the core of the tooth. They are caused by exposure to excessive amounts of fluoride or tetracycline antibiotics during the tooth’s formation or by inflammation of the pulp. Although intrinsic stains can be covered with veneers, pulp inflammation can cause pain and infection, requiring it to be removed.

Fortunately, Dr. Seier is greatly experienced in performing root canals. After the inflamed pulp is removed, it is normal for the tooth to be filled and sealed. But for cosmetic restorations, the doctor and patient can discuss whether it might be necessary to replace the entire crown.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Treating Bad Breath in Children

A pleasing smile requires a nice smell as well as a nice appearance, and at Advantage Dentistry, we help our patients to maintain both. Children have some particular challenges with bad breath (also known as halitosis) which may require a different approach than we take with adults.

Bad breath is generally caused by bacterial growth. There are several situations in which this is more likely to happen, including the patient suffering from dry mouth and nasal drip. Dry mouth is a problem for children who mouth-breathe, as well as those who are on medications for ADHD or anxiety or simply don’t remember to drink enough water during play. While a specialist may be necessary to help with breathing problems, we can recommend ways of increasing saliva flow, including sugar-free candy.

Nasal drip is a common result of sinus infections, but it can also be caused by a foreign object stuck in the nasal passages. The creviced tissues of the tonsils are an ideal spot for bacteria to grow in and most children haven’t had them removed yet. These patients may benefit from the use of non-alcoholic mouthwash. The tongue is another environment which is ideal for bacteria, so bad breath could be due to as simple a problem as the child not knowing the importance of tongue-brushing.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Acid Reflux and Tooth Erosion

As patients age, we at Advantage Dentistry work to stay in touch with them so we can respond to their changing needs. One of the changes adults experience in their oral health is the increased risk posed by acid reflux. Dr. Seier offers many options for repairing crown damage, but we want patients to know how to prevent problems before they experience pain or wear.

A patient is said to be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) if their stomach acid escapes into their esophagus at least twice a week. The esophagus commonly develops ulcers as a result, but it’s not just soft tissue that is harmed by stomach acid. Tooth enamel also dissolves when repeatedly exposed, and over time, people with GERD develop teeth that are sensitive, discolored, and misshapen enough to impact their bite function.

Changes in diet are usually necessary for controlling acid reflux. Fried meats, cheese, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, and foods and drinks which are themselves highly acidic, such as garlic and tomato juice, are all contributors, but patients should avoid eating anything in large quantities immediately before lying down at night. For cases in which acid reflux has already caused enamel erosion, we have natural-colored fillings and partial crown restorations.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Dry Sockets

We do our best at Advantage Dentistry to ensure that patients understand their post-operation instructions. By avoiding the use of straws, birth control, smoking, or tobacco products, and by rinsing their mouths by gently swirling around saltwater, they can minimize their chances of developing a dry socket. However, complications do happen, particularly when tooth extractions required cutting through gum or bone tissue, which is why we want patients to understand the procedure if a dry socket develops.

Following a successful extraction, a blood clot will seal off the socket. If this clot doesn’t form or is removed before the socket heals, the socket may dry out and infection will set in. This is a very painful process which is usually apparent two days after surgery. If they are experiencing severe pain or can see that the clot is out of place, patients should immediately seek our help. We can prescribe painkillers and antibiotics and will dress the wound with medicated paste or cloth. The wound dressing will have to be replaced every few days until the socket is healed, but the patient is usually back on course for a good recovery after this.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Losing a Permanent Tooth

While losing a permanent tooth is a painful disaster, there is a possibility that an intact tooth can be saved. Doing so will require swift action by a knowledgeable patient, which is why we at Lehigh Valley Smiles are providing this guide.

The American Dental Association recommends liquids for cleaning lost teeth and containers for transporting them. First aid kits at sporting events and other places where dental disasters are likely to occur should be stocked with these. But in their absence, patients should rinse the lost tooth off with milk or saltwater and then place it back in the socket. (If they have access to gauze, they should bite on that to keep the tooth in place.) If the tooth cannot be reinserted or the patient is unsure which way it should face, it should be kept in the patient’s cheek. The next best thing is to keep it in a container with saltwater or milk, but the most important thing is to keep it clean and moist.

Teeth have the best chance of being saved if seen by a dentist within an hour of being knocked out. However, a lost tooth is not a life-threatening injury and should not take precedence over more serious wounds. Only permanent, natural teeth can be saved; prematurely lost baby teeth will be replaced with spacers to make room for the permanent teeth, and lost implants must be replaced.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Night Guards

Advantage Dentistry offers custom night guards to help patients overcome the negative effects of bruxism. Bruxism is regular teeth grinding or clenching of the jaw. Stress can intensify teeth grinding, but it is most often caused by an abnormal bite or crooked teeth.

Some teeth grinders consciously grind their teeth and clench their jaw.  Some only do so while asleep, and may not even realize it. Waking up with a dull headache or experiencing pain and stiffness in your jaw are signs you may be grinding your teeth overnight, and shouldn’t be ignored.  Patients who continually grind their teeth often end up needing crowns, bridges, root canals and implants. In severe cases tooth loss can occur, and partial or complete dentures may be needed.

Night guards look similar to mouth guards worn by athletes but serve a different purpose. A dentist uses an impression of your teeth to ensure a custom fit, and the night guard is manufactured in a dental lab. Wearing a custom night guard protects the surface of the teeth, and also properly aligns the jaw to improve breathing and sleep. If you think you a custom night guard could help you, please contact us.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

ZOOM! Whitening

At Advantage Dentistry we receive inquiries from patients just like you about how they can whiten their teeth.  We offer ZOOM! Whitening to patients looking to treat stained teeth or whiten their natural teeth.  When surface stains penetrate the tooth enamel, they can darken the color of the dentin, the hard tissue layer of your tooth under the enamel. Once the dentin is darkened, it can make the whole tooth appear yellow. Successful whitening systems go below the tooth enamel to reach the dentin.

ZOOM! Whitening combines whitening gel with an activator light to penetrate the enamel and break up stains at the dentin layer. Once the gel is applied to your teeth, the light activates and accelerates the whitening process.  When the chemical reaction lightens the color of the dentin, the whole tooth is free to become whiter. A dentist can tell you based on the level of staining on your teeth what results you can expect from ZOOM!  Patients have left the office after an hour treatment with a smile up to ten shades whiter!

If you are interested in a professional whitening system that delivers dramatic results, contact us to find out more about ZOOM! Whitening. Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

The Dangers of DIY Orthodontics

Last February, the American Association of Orthodontists released a survey which found that 13% of their members have treated someone who attempted to use homemade corrective devices on themselves. This was a follow-up to a public service announcement last year warning people of the dangers of this, and we at Advantage Dentistry want our patients to understand why DIY orthodontics are a bad idea, as well.

Orthodontics is basically the practice of shifting living bones through each other. This is not a process which should be rushed, as the jaw bones need to rebuild themselves after the teeth have moved position. If the teeth are pushed too quickly in an attempt to reduce costs or treatment time, it is likely the jaw will be so compromised that the teeth will fall out or shift back.

Many of the devices non-professionals suggest using as wires are also simply not safe to put inside the body. Fibrous ties can rot, and without brackets, they can slide into the gum pockets. Likewise, rubber bands placed directly on teeth instead of on brackets will choke off the teeth’s blood vessels.

We strive to keep prices low for our patients. Please see us if you are bothered by misaligned teeth instead of trying something on yourself which will end up costing you much more.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Effects of Thumb Sucking

Advantage Dentistry has been a resource for many families over the years, including those who have just had their first child. Often, parents are aware that there are potential dangers associated with pacifiers and thumb sucking but aren’t sure whether or not there’s a problem, so we wanted to offer some guidance.

Thumb sucking is normal and not a cause for worry in children under the age of three. However, if the child keeps doing it after beginning to lose their baby teeth, the habit could result in misaligned adult teeth, overbites, misaligned jaws, and changes in mouth structure. This is also true of sucking pacifiers and of thrusting the tongue against the front teeth, which is sometimes a habit children form to replace thumb sucking.

If possible, parents should explain to their child why thumb sucking is a bad habit and include them in efforts to get them to stop. Sometimes there is a deeper psychological issue behind it, such as anxiety, which may require the attention of a counselor.  But anxious parents should rest assured that if a child stops thumb sucking as a toddler, their jaws can usually shift back to the right position.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

HPV-Associated Oral Cancers

Oral cancer screenings are a standard part of dental check-ups for adults, and at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, we want our patients to be aware of the medical community’s increasing concern about the link between cancers of the throat and the human papilloma virus. Vaccinations against HPV are now recommended by the Center for Disease Control for all children, but while these vaccinations look promising for some kinds of cancers, we are still awaiting further evidence on whether they work for oral cancer or are useful to adults.

The vast majority of adults get an HPV infection at some point in their lives without even being aware of it. Oral cancers caused by tobacco and alcohol are still much more common and deadly than those associated with HPV. However, HPV throat cancers tend to occur further back in the throat, in an area called the oropharynx. Patients are less likely to notice discoloration or growths this far back until their tissue has been badly damaged, at which point the cancer is more difficult to treat.

Cancers of the oropharynx also tend to occur in a younger population than the alcohol and tobacco-associated cancers in the front of the mouth. Therefore, regardless of a patient’s age or whether they smoke, if they are sexually active and feel odd sensations in their throat, they should remember their dentist as an important resource for more than just the health of their teeth.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Caring for Dentures

At Advantage Dentistry, we work hard to provide patients with quality restorations including full-mouth dentures. As part of our commitment, we want to make sure our patients understand how to care for their dentures so that their new teeth will serve them for as long as possible.

Patients should always brush their teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and that’s just as true for their dentures. Each night, dentures should be removed (this includes ones supported by implants), and patients should brush their gums and tongue before putting them back in each morning. However, the dentures themselves should not be brushed with the same kind of toothpaste as natural teeth. Lacking a naturally-produced film covering, dentures are easily scratched by minerals in normal toothpaste, and should only be scrubbed with toothpaste that is particularly made for them.

Dentures should never be allowed to dry out. They can be soaked overnight in room temperature or cooler water or in a cleaning solution as long as they do not have exposed metal parts which could rust. But they must never be placed in hot water—the material they are made of warps in high temperatures. Any deformity in a denture should only be repaired by a professional.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Gum Pocket Reduction

If a patient is suffering from the advanced effects of periodontal disease, there are some minor surgeries which may be used to reverse its damage and prevent a relapse. Chief among these is a gum pocket reduction. This procedure usually requires little preparation and can be done in the office using local anesthesia.

Gum pocket reduction targets the soft tissue immediately surrounding the teeth. In a healthy mouth, the gum pockets the teeth fit into are snug and stable. However, there is always room between the gum and the tooth for bacteria to get into, and where the resulting plaque can trap acid. As bone and soft tissue near the plaque dissolves, there is more room for bacteria, accelerating the process.

After a scaling and planing, Dr. Seier will want to close off this safe haven for plaque. Usually, a gum pocket reduction only requires that a flap to cut in the nearby healthy gum tissue, stretched across the pocket, and fastened with a suture. Sometimes a more complex gum graft may be necessary, but most likely this will only be the case if the damage is severe.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Peri-Implantitis

Implants have an incredibly high success rate and are the most frequently recommended method for restoring individual teeth. However, they do sometimes fail and need to be removed. Given the enormous investment patients put into their implants, it is a shame to see this happen. The best thing patients can do to protect their new tooth is to be on guard against peri-implantitis.

The prefix “peri” means “around” and “itis” means inflammation. If the gum tissue surrounding an implant is inflamed, it could be due to a foreign object, such as leaking dental cement, irritating the tissue. This is unlikely to be the case, however, if the implant is more than a few days old. More commonly, gum inflammation is caused by an infection or by an excessive amount of plaque trapping acid and dissolving the nearby tissues, along with the metal rod of the implant’s base.

Preventing peri-implantitis requires a patient to maintain standard oral hygiene practices, including brushing (twice a day for two minutes each) and flossing. Neither the implant nor the bone it’s fused with are immune to corrosion, so if a patient has trouble maintaining oral hygiene, it is important to request a deep cleaning. Don’t ignore the potential consequences of gum inflammation.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.