Cleaning Night Guards

We at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore are glad to see that so many of our patients wear night guards to protect themselves from tooth grinding. Besides sparing their teeth, they’re also reducing their likelihood of getting aches in their heads, necks, and shoulders. However, like dentures and athletic mouthguards, night guards can become hazardous if they are not cleaned properly.

A night guard will accumulate bacteria and fungus if it is not regularly brushed. Like teeth, it should be cleaned each morning with a soft-bristled toothbrush, although it is a good idea to have a separate toothbrush for the task. Night guards do not produce their own protective membrane and can be scratched by toothpaste minerals, so do not use toothpaste with extra fluoridation. A night guard should be dried before being put into its protective case for the day, but the case should also be washed regularly and dried. Soap and water are usually enough, but there are more specialized products. It is also important to always fully brush and floss the teeth before putting a night guard back in and to not leave it in a place where it may be warped by heat.

Dr. Thomas Balcerak 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.

 

Why Should We Floss?

You just had your routine dental appointment and perhaps our doctor at Advantage Dentistry told you to floss more. But you didn’t listen and you went home and tossed the floss right in the junk drawer. Well, you better retrieve it because we are here to tell you why you should utilize this tool that fights against periodontal disease, tooth decay, and help you keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime.

Floss removes food particles that weren’t brushed away. These food particles feed on plaque and can turn into tartar if not removed. If you’re afraid to floss because your gums are bleeding this is the number one reason to floss more and not less. Gingivitis can be reversed by flossing at least twice a day for a week straight, but remember, you’ll need to keep up the routine to keep a healthy smile.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral hygiene and dental health, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

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.

 

Drink Water for Optimal Oral Health

Having a healthy mouth depends on what you choose to put into it. Sugary beverages such as soda and juice can leave unwanted sugar behind on your teeth. Water, however, cleans your mouth with every sip, which is why our doctors at Advantage Dentistry want to explain the benefits of drinking more to benefit your smile.

Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter and a healthy amount can be found in the water that we drink. Water washes away leftover food particles that weren’t removed by brushing and flossing. Additionally, because saliva is our mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay, drinking water replenishes it while keeping us hydrated. Drinking water is not only beneficial to your oral health, it’s important for your overall health! So next time you reach for a beverage to wash down your food, go guilt-free with water.

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

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.

 

Dental Abscess

Most of us know how painful a canker sore can feel, and a dental abscess is no different. An abscessed tooth is an infection caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease, or a cracked tooth that hasn’t been treated. This infection occurs when pus builds up at the root tip in the jaw bone. Fortunately, regardless of the cause, our doctors at Advantage Dentistry can help you treat the problem and prevent abscesses from forming in the future.

By practicing proper oral hygiene on a daily basis you are already reducing your risk of developing a tooth abscess. However, if your teeth become loose or chipped, you should visit us immediately to correct the problem. Signs of a dental abscess may include deep cavities, gum inflammation, tooth sensitivity and/or limited ability to open the mouth. Dental abscess treatment may include antibiotics, cleaning the tooth, or root canal treatment depending on the severity.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental abscesses or your oral health, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

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.

 

Periodontitis

As we’ve previously mentioned, gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease that is usually reversible in its earliest stage. Periodontitis, however, is an advanced form of periodontal disease and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. As periodontitis progresses, you may notice more serious changes in your gums, such as gums that pull away from your teeth, loose teeth, or a persistent bad taste in your mouth. Though our doctors at Advantage Dentistry can treat the problem, we prefer that you take preventive measures.

The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more you increase your risk of developing periodontal disease. Healthy gums are firm and pale pink in color. If your gums are puffy and bleed easily, you should visit our doctors at Advantage Dentistry immediately, to prevent the problem from becoming worse. The best ways to prevent periodontitis, as well as gingivitis, is by practicing proper oral hygiene and brush your teeth at least twice a day. Don’t forget to floss!

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

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.

 

Choosing the Correct Mouthwash

Mouthwash or rinses are used for a variety of reasons: to freshen breath, to help prevent or control tooth decay, to reduce plaque, to prevent or reduce gingivitis, to reduce the speed that tartar forms on the teeth, or to produce a combination of these effects. Mouthwash has a few beneficial properties and our doctors at Advantage Dentistry would like to explain some of them.

• Antimicrobial agents act directly on oral bacteria to help reduce plaque, decrease the severity of gingivitis and control bad breath.


• Fluoride helps reduce tiny lesions (tooth decay) on tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay.


•  Astringent salts can serve as temporary deodorizers that mask bad breath.


• Odor neutralizers act by chemically inactivating odor causing compounds.

If you have questions about oral hygiene, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at the office, visit www.advantagedentistry.comfor more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our dentists at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call 716-877-2275.

Choosing the Correct Toothpaste

When stepping foot into the oral hygiene aisle at the drugstore, our doctors at Advantage Dentistry understand that the selections of toothpaste can be overwhelming. Should you go for tartar control, fluoride, sensitive or whitening toothpaste? When it comes to choosing the toothpaste that is best for you, it’s important to consider your unique oral health needs. Here are some options to consider while browsing:

• Anti-cavity: This type of toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride plays an active role in preventing decay, and it actively strengthens tooth enamel.


• Anti-gingivitis: If you spit blood in the sink, this is an early sign of gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Anti-gingivitis toothpaste helps reduce oral bacteria and can be very effective at stopping gingivitis in its tracks.


• Desensitizing: If you’ve ever bit into an ice cream cone and felt a sharp pain in your tooth’s nerve, this type of toothpaste will provide relief by blocking the tooth’s pain signal to the nerve.


• Tartar-control: This toothpaste does exact what it says, however, the best way to remove tartar is by scheduling a professional dental cleaning with one of our doctors.


• Whitening: This toothpaste contains chemicals that are able to help maintain the natural color of your teeth.

If you have questions regarding oral hygiene, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.advantagedentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call 716-877-2275.

Benefits of a Tongue Scraper

When we sleep, our digestive system remains awake, removing toxins from our body by depositing them onto the surface of our tongue. This causes bad breath (halitosis) which can wreak havoc on a person’s life, relationships, and self-esteem. Our doctors at Advantage Dentistry want you to achieve the freshest breath possible. This is why we recommend implementing a tongue scraper into your daily oral care routine if you haven’t already. 

Although brushing your tongue with a toothbrush is effective, overall, a tongue scraper does the job better. Almost all of our oral bacteria live on and in the deep crevices of our tongue; therefore, the scraping action of this tongue tool collects these toxic coatings. With a cleaner tongue, you are able to reduce bad breath, as well as unblock your taste buds. Removing build-up from the surface of your tongue will open up its pores and allow for greater enjoyment of food flavors. This oral hygiene practice also promotes general tooth and gum health and removes bacteria and toxins responsible for periodontal problems, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.

If you suffer from bad breath, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.advantagedentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call 716-877-2275.

Proper Flossing Technique

Patients have all sorts of excuses for not flossing their teeth, but after our staff at Advantage Dentistry shares the proper flossing technique they will not be able to make excuses any longer. The main purpose of flossing isn’t to remove food from teeth. It’s to get rid of plaque in between them. Busting out the floss everyday every day prevents gum disease and tooth loss, so be sure you are doing it correctly at least once a day.

• Wind 18 inches of floss around middle fingers of each hand. Pinch floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving a one-to-two inch length in between. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth.


• Keep a one-to-two inch length of floss tight between fingers. Use index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth.


• Gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion. Do not snap floss between your teeth. Contour floss around the side of the tooth.


• Slide floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gum line. Floss each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss.

If you have questions about oral hygiene, give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at the office, visit www.advantagedentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our dentists at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call 716-877-2275.

Brush Your Teeth Correctly

The only benefit of brushing your teeth is not just a whiter smile and fresher breath, it’s important for your overall health. When you brush, you remove plaque – a thin film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth and will cause cavities and gum disease, if you ignore it long enough. You know why you need to brush, but if you don’t do it correctly, not all of the plaque will disappear. This is why our staff at Advantage Dentistry would like to share the proper brushing technique with you.

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.


• Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.


• Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.


• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.


• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

Of course, brushing your teeth isn’t the only part of a complete dental routine. Don’t forget to floss and visit us regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

If you have questions about oral hygiene, give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at the office, visit www.advantagedentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our dentists at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call 716-877-2275.

Are You Brushing Your Teeth Properly?

Brushing your teeth is an important part of your dental care routine and our staff at Advantage Dentistry wants to make sure you are doing the job properly. While there are several methods of brushing teeth with a manual toothbrush, an electric toothbrush may be a little bit more effective depending on the severity of build-up on your teeth. Both types of toothbrushes work equally well, however, it all depends on how frequently you use them.

Using the correct techniques for twice-daily tooth brushing will help promote oral health for the long term. Keep these techniques in mind when you brush your teeth:

• Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.


• Move the brush back-and-forth gently in short strokes.


• Brush the outer surfaces, the inside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of all teeth.


• To clean the inside surface of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.


• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

If you have questions about oral hygiene give us a call or visit www.advantagedentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our dentists at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call 716-877-2275.