How Not to Wreck Your Teeth This Christmas

With the festive countdown now in full swing, your oral health may be fairly far down on your Christmas to-do list. However, according to Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD, who practices cosmetic dentistry and family dentistry in West Hartford Center and New Britain, CT, there are some very common ways you could unknowingly damage your pearly whites over the festive period. “No one is going to spoil your fun or criticize you for a little overindulgence this Christmas,” says Dr. Basil, but she gives a few handy tips you can follow to limit the impact on your oral health.

Grazing

With so many delicious treats on tap at this time of year, it’s easy to find yourself almost continuously grazing over the festive period. According to Dr. Basil, this drip-feed approach is a major cause of tooth decay, but a simple adjustment to when you eat sugar means you can still indulge a little whilst protecting your teeth. “It’s not the volume of sugar you eat that damages your teeth, it’s how often you eat it,” said Dr. Basil. “Every time we have something sugary, bacteria in our mouths produce acids that can cause tooth decay. If you’re continually snacking, your teeth will be under constant attack. This means it’s far better if you polish off your chocolate coins in one go, or as part of a meal, rather than grazing on them throughout the day.” Brilliant – permission to scoff your festive treats all at once.

Wrapping presents

We’ve all been there; it’s Christmas Eve and you’ve left wrapping presents to the last minute. You’re hastily trying to keep the roll of paper steady with one hand whilst frantically ripping off strips of sticky tape with your teeth. However, this is a potential tooth-hazard waiting to happen said Dr. Basil: “You put enormous pressure on the edges of your teeth when you tear sticky tape, and it’s an easy way to crack or weaken teeth, or even dislodge a crown or veneer,” she says. “Invest in a tape dispenser and save yourself a potential tooth injury.”

Makeshift toothpicks

Nothing is more annoying than being unable to reach something stuck in your teeth, and this could happen at some point over the festive season with all the yuletide feasting. However, using something other than proper dental floss or interdental brushes could be damaging. “Poking at your teeth and gums with sharp improvised tools can cause bleeding and tooth injuries,” advises Dr. Basil. “Try to gently work trapped food loose with dental floss or interdental brushes. It can also be helpful to try and soften the object by swishing warm water around your mouth. If you can’t dislodge it and it’s starting to cause you pain, speak to your dentist.”

Chewy Christmas Candy

Christmas chocolate selection boxes often come with the ever-popular caramel and toffee sweets. While these are delicious, they are a tooth-hazard waiting to happen if you have any kind of dental restoration. “Toffees are extremely sticky and have the power to pull off dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, bridges, or veneers,” says Dr. Basil. “Opt for chocolates that melt and leave the mouth quickly to limit any dental damage.”

Prosecco

Christmas in your house might not be complete without thise sparkling wine, but according to Dr. Basil it packs a punch on your oral health. “Prosecco is one of the most dentally-damaging drinks if drunk frequently due to the acid, sugar and alcohol levels,” she says. “Enjoy it in moderation and make sure you limit the erosive effects on your tooth enamel by drinking plenty of water in between glasses.”

Cracking nuts

It may sound too obvious, but cracking nuts with your teeth is a bad idea that never goes out of style. “Believe it or not, dentists do see patients who thought they’d crack nuts open with their teeth. The most common result: a fractured molar,” Dr. Basil said. “Nut shells are incredibly hard and teeth are a completely inappropriate tool to open them with. Always use nutcrackers.”

Christmas Contact Injuries

According to Dr. Basil, dental accidents can happen quickly and it can be difficult to completely avoid them, but you can be mindful of potential risks. “Common dental injuries can occur from overexcited children and pets jumping up and accidently knocking into your jaw or mouth,” she says. “It’s also common at crowded social gatherings for someone to brush past you and inadvertently knock your glass into your teeth while you’re taking a sip of a drink.”

Forgetting to brush

There are seemingly limitless jobs to get done in the run up to the Big Day, and brushing your teeth is often seen as a chore that can drop down the priorities list. “Forgetting to brush your teeth on occasion is unlikely to do your teeth any harm,” says Dr.Basil. “However, if you get into the habit of not brushing regularly over the whole festive period, you could put your teeth and gums at increased risk of developing problems. Aim to brush for two minutes, twice a day. It can be helpful to brush your teeth as soon as you wake up - before you do anything else - to avoid forgetting.”

Opening bottles with teeth

Just as with nuts, never open bottles with your teeth. “After a few drinks, opening bottles with your teeth may seem like a harmless idea, but it’s obviously got the potential to cause serious dental damage,” says Dr. Basil. “When hosting Christmas parties, make sure you’ve got plenty of bottle openers handy for guests to use so that no one’s tempted to resort to using their teeth.”

Ice cubes

While blenders are ideal for crushing the ice in your Christmas cocktails, your teeth are not. “Chewing on ice can create microscopic fractures in healthy tooth enamel and can break teeth – especially if you have any fillings, crowns, or bridges,” says Dr.Basil. “For those with sensitive teeth, the cold can also worsen dental pain.”

And if you do get into trouble

Despite your best efforts to follow this advice, things happen. If you encounter a dental injury, Dr. Basil offers full restorative family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry services, including:

• TMJ Treatment
• Root Canal Therapy
• Repair of Dental Fractures
• Bonding
• Veneers
• Crowns and Bridges, and
• Dental Implants

Enjoy the holidays, and stay safe!

Dr.Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and  New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121

Flossing Has Gone Viral!

All Country Music fans (like me!) who watched the CMA’s last night saw Brad Paisley unleash a few jokes about flossing, and, in a dad-joke way, deadpan pretended he didn't know the difference between the floss dance and dental hygiene. "Garth, do you floss?" Paisley asked Garth Brooks, who promptly responded, “Yeah, dum**ss.” Carrie Underwood asked Luke Bryan, in the audience, to try and show off his best flossing dance moves, to the delight of everyone sitting near him. “How’s that supposed to prevent gingivitis?” Paisley said in mock-confusion.

Your kids may or may not be Country Music fans, but they almost certainly know the Floss Dance, made popular by a video from the Backpack Kid (Katy Perry even asked him to perform the dance with her on SNL).

The popularity of this dance is a great opportunity for parents to teach their kids about the importance of flossing their teeth (and a reminder for parents, too). So if you see your kids Floss Dancing, or a video comes on, or if you ask to see their best Floss Dancing moves, tell them some of these important flossing facts.

It’s a Couples Dance!

Brushing AND flossing in tandem, as a must-do in your daily/nightly routine is definitely more effective than just brushing on its own. Brushing only your teeth and not flossing is quite like cleaning the outside part of a bowl but not cleaning the inside! The bristles of the toothbrush can only reach so far, which means that a high 35% of your teeth's surface remains untouched - AKA a breeding and party ground for bacteria! And a pro tip: Floss first, then Brush for maximum cleaning impact.

Tartar – It’s just gross.

So basically, tartar forms when plaque has been left for too long and begins to harden. Daily and nightly flossing will help you remove debris and plaque from the teeth which ensures no tartar forms at the gum-line of the teeth. Don't give plaque a reason to think it can turn into tartar and sit on your teeth any longer!

An Unclean Mouth is a Turnoff to Other People!

Debris from food and plaque can become lodged between teeth and gums which can contain icky bacteria which in turn creates a not-so-kissable-odor! Flossing prevents these particles to get stuck which stops bad breath and also the unfortunate, unsightly and common occurrence of broccoli or poppy seeds making an appearance when you smile.

Floss is the Super-Hero your Gums Need!

Plaque can not only stain your teeth but it can also be the culprit for Gingivitis which is the first sign and step towards gum disease; inflammation and infection of the gums! The plaque builds up and begins to erode and eat away at your poor vulnerable gums! Your gummy-gum-gums are the most vulnerable point of the gums and can be saved by you! You and your magical floss can save the day!

And if you need extra help reinforcing good habits,  Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD, with offices in West Hartford Center and New Britain, CT, can help teach your kid to floss the right way—and will do the Floss Dance, too!

Keep smiling,

Dr.Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and  New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121

Halloween Candy: What To Teach Your Kids

All kids want to get an enormous load of Halloween candy but as a parent, you know that eating too much candy is not good for your child.  Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD, with offices in West Hartford Center and New Britain, CT, reminds parents at this time of the year that Halloween is a good time to teach your kids good oral health habits without depriving them of their Halloween goodies. Here are a few top tips and “tricks” you can try this Halloween season to ensure that your child has healthy teeth now and in the future.

Allow Your Kids to Enjoy their Treats in Moderation

Halloween is the one holiday out of the whole year that is just for youngsters to enjoy. We encourage the parents of our young patients not to deny your children the fun experience of Halloween because candy is a big part of it. If you take your kid’s candy away from them as soon as they get home from making the trick-or-treating rounds, it could lead to more problems. They may try to sneak candy or eat too much at one time if they can. A better idea to to let your kids have fun enjoying the goodies they collect (in moderation) as that’s part of the fun of going to parties or trick-or-treating.

When your kids come home after going door-to-door, sit down with them to go through their bag of Halloween candy together. Have them choose a few pieces (you decide how many) they’d like to eat at the time. Then, put the rest of the candy away and out of sight. Some parents choose to donate excessive candy to local charities and others freeze it so consider these two ideas if you don’t want to simply throw it away.

Halloween is a Good Time to Talk to Kids About Sweets and Their Teeth

The Halloween season is a great time to talk to your kids about candy and their teeth. Consider sitting down with your kids to remind them that eating too many sweets can lead them to getting cavities. Instead of saying that candy is “bad”, it’s better to tell your children that eating an excessive amount of candy and other sweet treats is simply not good for their teeth. This will help your kids learn that what they eat affects their oral health and that they have control over their diets.

Set a Halloween Treat Time

Instead of allowing your children to dig into their Halloween treats whenever they wish, parents should set a “treat time” to teach kids that sweets should be eaten in moderation. And, when children know they have a specific time they can enjoy their goodies, they’re less likely to think about eating candy at other times during the day.

It’s also important to remind your children to brush and floss their teeth after eating goodies. If your child is under the age of 8, you many need to help him or her brush their teeth. After this age, parents should still supervise their kids when brushing to be sure they’re doing a good job. If you make tooth brushing time a fun time for your child, he or she will be more likely to do a good job. Letting your child pick out his or her own toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is a good way to help ensure he/she will brush and floss thoroughly.

Dr. Basil and her staff here at her local West Hartford Center and New Britain dental offices want you and your kids to enjoy this fun time of the year! But we also want our patients to learn how to care for their teeth so they have smiles they can be proud of for the rest of their lives.  We care for the oral health of all members of your family.  If you have questions, or would like an appointment, call us at 860-561-2121, or contact us online.

Keep smiling,

Dr.Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and  New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121

Wake Up People: "Death Creeps In Through The Gums!"

Recently I heard an interview with comedian Sarah Silverman, where she was talking about her passion for oral hygiene, and how it affects your health.  Memorably, she said “Death creeps in through the gums!” It was a stunning image, and sadly it’s true. Studies have shown that people who brush and floss regularly live on average 6 years longer!

GUM DISEASE, GENERALLY

Gum disease is the generic term used to describe the presence of inflammation, infection, change of color and active disease conditions in the gums that surround the teeth. This condition is due to the body’s immune response to plaque biofilm and bacteria in areas that have not been efficiently cleaned on a routine basis such as through daily flossing or proper brushing.

Gum disease is known by several other names such as “Periodontal disease,” “Gingivitis,” “Pyorrhea,” “Periodontitis,” and “Trench mouth.”

THE CAUSE OF GUM DISEASE

Do you know what causes gum disease? In order to understand the etiology and factors that contribute to gum disease, it is important to first understand the anatomy of the tooth, and how the gums relate to it.

Tooth Anatomy

Each of your teeth is designed to have a natural, shallow gum pocket surrounding it. This area is called the sulcus – pocket – or if disease is present a periodontal pocket. At the base of this pocket lies connective tissue including ligaments and bone. These structures adhere to the tooth, holding it into the socket. A healthy pocket will be no deeper than three millimeters.

The Invasion Of Bacteria

Plaque biofilm is a byproduct naturally produced by our bodies. As we consume food, that food mixes with our saliva and breaks down into smaller particles. Biofilm then begins to develop and deposit itself onto the surfaces of teeth, and along the gumlines. Plaque biofilm enters into the gum pocket during chewing or by accumulation in the absence of good oral hygiene.

The Destruction Of Gum Attachment And Bone Structure

When plaque is not removed efficiently through careful flossing or brushing, your body’s own immune system begins to attack the bacteria. As the blood supply brings antibodies to attack the biofilm under your gumlines, it destroys the attached gum around the tooth in order to access the area of infection. As this attachment is lost it causes your gum pocket to deepen, destroying bone along with it. After a certain point these pockets become too deep for you to efficiently care for them through normal brushing and flossing.

Heightened Risk Factors

Certain risk factors and health conditions can also contribute to the development and severity of your gum disease.2 3 Some of these risk factors may include:

• Age
• Family history
• Tobacco use
• Diabetes
• Stress
• Osteoporosis
• Cardiovascular disease

THE EFFECTS OF GUM DISEASE

As bacteria invade the areas just under the gumlines, it causes the loss of attached support tissue. This condition ultimately leads to bone loss and tooth mobility. Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss, so early diagnosis and intervention is key for effective treatment.

Diagnosis

How do you know if you have gum disease? What does gum disease look like? While your dentist or hygienist can easily screen for the condition, it is also possible to identify it for yourself. Early stages of gum disease begin in the simple form of gingivitis, with more advanced stages leading to severe periodontal disease and tooth loss.

It is estimated that upwards of 90% of adults in the U.S. have gingivitis. The CDC finds that approximately 50% of adults have some form of periodontitis.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

A combination of signs and symptoms may be present, depending on what severity of gum disease you may have. Typically the early signs of gingivitis involve minor irritation such as bleeding or swelling of your gums.

• Bleeding – Healthy gums should not bleed. If you floss regularly and brush along the gumlines, bleeding is not normal. However, infrequent flossing may always result in your gums bleeding due to the development of gingivitis.
• Swollen, Red Gums – Gums that are red, puffy or swollen are a sign of infection. Just as if you had another area on your body that was infected, swelling and redness would occur, alerting you to the condition.
• Bad Breath – A bad taste in your mouth or bad breath may be a sign that there is biofilm or food lodged deep under your gums.
• Gum Recession – The loss of your gum attachment causes the gums to creep slowly down the root of the teeth.
• Tooth Mobility – As gum and bone loss occurs, your tooth has less stability. This may cause your teeth to shift into other positions or make them mobile.
• Sore Teeth – When limited support structures are all that is holding your teeth into place, the delicate ligaments around your teeth can become strained.
• Pus – Clear, white or yellow pus may begin to drain between your teeth and along the gumlines.

DANGERS AND HEALTH RISKS

Having gum disease doesn’t just affect the way your teeth look or feel, but it can also make you more likely to suffer from severe health conditions in other parts of your body. Research shows a direct correlation in the severity of your gum disease and the severity of other health conditions.

Health concerns that are associated with gum disease include:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Diabetes
• Erectile dysfunction
• Obesity
• Premature labor
• Low birth weight

If you suffer from any of these conditions along with gum disease, it places a strain on the body’s immune system and makes it difficult to battle a combination of conditions. Bacterial plaque from the mouth can enter into the blood vessels when gum disease is present, spreading to other areas of the body. These bacteria within your bloodstream can increase the likelihood of occurrences such as a heart attack.

HOW TO PREVENT GUM DISEASE

Gum disease is a preventable disease condition, but at times you may still find that even with proper care there may be areas in your mouth that are more prone to persistent problems than others. The most effective way to prevent gum disease is to have absolutely impeccable oral hygiene habits.

Brush Your Teeth

Brushing is something we all do, but do you do it the correct way? Using a soft-bristled brush isn’t always someone’s first method of choice, but it is the gentlest, safest way to remove plaque deposits from along the gumlines without causing tooth abrasion or gum recession.  Gently angle the toothbrush 45 degrees toward the gumlines, making short back and forth motions. You should focus on only two or three teeth at a time and apply just enough pressure that the tissue blanches, no more.

High-quality electric toothbrushes can remove plaque more efficiently from your teeth than manual brushes. Because the bristles vibrate thousands of times per second they disrupt the plaque better than a few strokes back and forth with a manual toothbrush. These brushes work best when you hold the toothbrush in place on just two or three teeth at a time, allowing the brush to do the work for you.

Although conventional wisdom may tell you to use commercial toothpastes filled with fluoride and other chemicals, you may be surprised to learn of the potential dangers that go along with these substances. Click here to learn about the dangers in your toothpaste. It’s best to use toothpaste with natural botanical ingredients that will help destroy the bad bacteria on an ongoing basis

It’s better to use toothpaste with natural ingredients that help destroy bad bacteria on a daily basis. 

Floss Daily

Brushing does not remove plaque deep below the gums or between the teeth. If you do not clean these areas, you are placing your oral health at risk for an increased chance to develop tooth decay and gum disease.

To floss properly you should:

• Use approximately 18 inches of floss, wrapped around the fingers or tied in a circle, allowing you to move to a “clean” portion as you go along
• Wrap the floss in a “C” shape around each tooth
• Glide gently up and down against your tooth, sliding under the gumlines
• Allow the floss to slide down under the gums as deep as it will go, making three to four strokes against the side of the tooth
• Come up over the gums before wrapping the floss against the adjacent tooth to prevent gum trauma

Gums that have gingivitis or periodontal disease will almost always bleed when flossed (an exception is in smokers, who almost always have no bleeding). If your gums bleed, continue daily flossing for approximately two weeks before expecting to see the bleeding stop.

Get Routine Preventive Screenings And Cleanings

Seeing your dentist and hygienist regularly can help identify areas of gum disease that you might have otherwise been unaware of, allowing for early intervention. By having your hygienist clean your teeth regularly, she is able to remove the calcified plaque deposits from your teeth (tartar) that contribute to the advancement of gum disease.

Even people with exceptional oral hygiene will usually still develop small areas of plaque calcification. These tartar deposits cannot be removed on your own and require special instrumentation and training. When tartar is removed from the tooth, it creates a healthy gum environment that helps prevent the loss of bone support. Otherwise, the tartar accumulates and harbors bacteria that contribute to gum detachment.

By seeing your dentist and hygienist regularly, you can stay on top of your oral health, and guard against your overall health and early death.

If you think you might have gum disease, at the dental offices of Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD (offices in West Hartford Center and New Britain, CT) there are many things we can do to stop it, and reverse it, including deep cleaning, scaling, and antibiotic therapy. If you don’t have gum disease, Dr. Basil can make sure you don’t get it.  To schedule an appointment, contact us online, or call us at 860-561-2121.

Keep smiling

Dr.Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and  New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121

The 5 Biggest Dental Issues for People over 50

As the average life-span continues to increase, I have some good news for you: older Americans are keeping their teeth longer than ever before and the average number of teeth people retain into old age is increasing, according to elder care researchers for the American Dental Association and The Center for Clinical Research at the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine.

But every silver lining has a cloud. As people keep their teeth longer, there are more problems that are likely to arise, which is why Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD, a family and cosmetic dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain says keeping up with regular dental visits is so important. Here are the most common problems, and what you can do about them:

Tooth Decay/Tooth Erosion

Yes, people over 50 can get cavities. You can get them on the surfaces of teeth that have never been a problem before, but you can also get them around old fillings or at the root of your tooth. This is because, as you age, the root of your tooth becomes softer and sometimes more exposed.

The Fix: Flouride.  It’s not just for kids.  Fluoride is one of the 10 most important health measures developed in the 20th century.   Almost 80 percent of people in the United States have fluorinated water, but if you don’t, you should probably add a daily fluoride rinse to your brushing habit. Or ask your doctor about a stronger fluoride prescription gel, or high fluoride toothpaste, like Fluoridex (which we use in our house). If you are starting to get cavities, even if your water has fluoride, consider a fluoride rinse. Ask your dentist if that’s right for you.

Dry mouth

Saliva protects us against tooth decay. But if you’re not producing it, your teeth may be at risk. The calcium and phosphate present in saliva prevent demineralization of your teeth. How do you know if you have dry mouth? You’ll have a sticky feeling in your mouth, trouble swallowing, dry throat, and dry, cracked lips. You may notice a metallic taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath. You may or may not feel thirsty. Dry mouth is often caused by medications, and as people age, they take more medications. It can also result from smoking or from a blow to the head that somehow damages the salivary glands.

The Fix: If you have dry mouth, you should try to stimulate saliva production. Some people just sip water all day while others find that chewing sugar-free xylitol candies or gum helps. As a dentist, I can also prescribe a prescription saliva substitute or recommend over-the-counter formulations for you to try.

Gum disease

If your gums are swollen, red, or bleed easily, you’ve got gingivitis, an early form of gum disease that can progress and be dangerous. Untreated gingivitis often becomes periodontitis, which is when the gum pulls away from the tooth and creates pockets which can become infected. If this condition develops and continues unchecked, it could cause the loss of bones in your jaw and eventually, the loss of the teeth themselves.

The Fix: The best fix for this condition is regular dentist visits. You may need to visit your dentist more frequently so that your teeth can be cleaned and your gums treated for the condition.  While I recommend twice-a-year cleanings for people in good health, it might be more a more prudent preventative step to schedule 3 or 4 cleanings a year if certain diseases or conditions are present.  People who don’t have good access to dental care are more likely to have gum disease, and of course, to lose teeth.

Oral cancer

More than 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancers this year, and more than 8,000 will die from it, according to The Oral Cancer Foundation. Oral cancer incidence definitely increases as you get older, and is very often linked to smoking and heavy alcohol use. Recently, the number of cases has risen because doctors have discovered that the Human Papilloma Virus also can cause oral cancer.

The Fix: Only about half of people who develop oral cancer survive the disease. The best hope for survival is to discover it at its earliest stages—in which case there is an 80 percent chance of surviving for five years. A comprehensive dental exam should include a check for oral cancer. Your dentist will hold your tongue and check the soft tissue in your mouth as well as your throat and jaw. If he or she does not, it’s time to find another dentist.

Tooth crowding

Are you noticing that food is getting stuck in new places in your mouth? Or that the overlapping tooth that was cute in your teens now seems to be overlapping even more? You’re not imagining it. As you age, your teeth shift, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. And that can be problematic, not because you’ll look different, but because it can make your teeth more difficult to clean, leading to more decay. It’s also of concern because misaligned teeth can lead to teeth erosion and damage to the supporting tissue and bone. Add to that the tendency of older adults to have periodontal disease, and you could end up losing your teeth even faster.

The Fix: If your teeth have really shifted, you could see an orthodontist, who may fit you with a retainer, spacer, or even braces, such as Invisalign, or other non-traditional system. This may not be necessary, but you should discuss with your dentist whether your teeth are shifting at your regular check up. If they are, it may mean only that you need to go to the dentist more regularly for more frequent cleanings.

Bonus topic: Teeth Whitening

It's not so much a problem as it is a fantastic option to keep you looking much younger!  After a certain age, there is only a certain amount of effort one can put into refining the appearance of one’s skin. But whitening your teeth is a move that provides immediate benefits to help you look younger and feel more confident.   And you can get up to 10 shades lighter in only about an hour.

If you have these or other concerns, request an appointment online, or call our office at 860-561-2121.

Keep smiling,

 

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121

What You Need to Know About Sports Guards and Mouth Guards

Mouth guards are coverings worn over teeth, and often used to protect teeth from injury from teeth grinding and during sports. Sports guards, mouth guards and mouth protectors are different names for the same thing: a device worn over your teeth that protects them from blows to the face and head. Mouth guards are an important piece of athletic equipment for anyone participating in a sport that involves falls, body contact or flying equipment. This includes football, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking — any activity that might result in an injury to the mouth.

Generally, mouth guards cover your upper teeth only, but in some instances (such as if you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw), your dentist will make a mouth guard for the lower teeth as well. Your dentist can suggest the best mouth guard for you. An effective mouth guard should be comfortable, resist tears, be durable and easy to clean, and should not restrict your breathing or speech.

If you grind your teeth at night, a special mouth guard-type of dental appliance -- called a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint -- may be created to prevent tooth damage.

What Are the Different Types of Mouth Guards?

No matter which type of mouth guard you choose, it should be resilient, tear-resistant and comfortable. It should also fit properly and not restrict your speech or breathing. The three types of mouth guards are:

• Stock mouth protectors are preformed and come ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can be bought at most sporting good stores and department stores. However, little can be done to adjust their fit, they are bulky, make breathing and talking difficult, and they provide little or no protection. Dentists do not recommend their use.
• Boil and bite mouth protectors also can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. The "boil and bite" mouth guard is made from thermoplastic material. It is placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure.
• Custom-fitted mouth protectors are individually designed and made in a dental office or a professional laboratory based on your dentist's instructions. First, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth and a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material. Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, this custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than the other types, but it provides the most comfort and protection.

Who Needs a Mouth Guard?

Mouth guards should be used by anyone -- children and adults -- who play contact sports such as football, boxing, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey. However, even those participating in noncontact sports (for example, gymnastics) and any recreational activity (for example, skateboarding, mountain biking) that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth would benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.

Adults and children who grind their teeth at night should have a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint made to prevent tooth damage.

How Long Should Mouth Guards Last?

Mouth guards should ideally be replaced after each season because they can wear down over time, making them less effective. Replacement is especially important for adolescents because their mouths continue to grow and teeth continue to develop into adulthood. Many athletes who play several sports have new mouth guards made when they go for their six-month dental checkup.

Why Use a Mouth Guard When Playing Sports?

Because accidents can happen during any physical activity, the advantage of using a mouth guard during sports is that it can help limit the risk of mouth-related injuries to your lips, tongue, and soft tissues of your mouth. Mouth guards also help you avoid chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth, or even tooth loss.

Can I Wear a Mouth Guard if I Wear Braces?

Yes. Since an injury to the face could damage braces or other fixed appliances, a properly fitted mouth guard may be particularly important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. Your dentist or orthodontist can determine the mouth guard that will provide the best protection for your unique mouth work. An important reminder: do not wear any orthodontic retainers or other removable appliance during any contact sports or during any recreational activities that put your mouth at risk for injury.

How Do I Care for My Mouth Guard?

To care for your mouth guard:

• Rinse your mouth guard with cold water or with a mouth rinse before and after each use or clean it with a mild soap and a toothbrush.
• Clean the mouth guard in cool, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly.
• Place the mouth guard in a firm, perforated container to store or transport it. This permits air circulation and helps to prevent damage. If the mouth guard is acrylic, keep it in fresh clean water.
• Protect the mouth guard from high temperatures -- such as hot water, hot surfaces, or direct sunlight -- to minimize distorting its shape.
• Occasionally check the mouth guard for general wear. If you find holes or tears in it or if it becomes loose or causes discomfort, replace it.
• Bring the mouth guard to each regularly scheduled dental visit to have your dentist exam it.

At the dental offices of Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD, with offices in West Hartford Center and New Britain, CT, Dr. Basil can fit you with comfortable, custom mouth guards for sports, or to protect your teeth from grinding or injury. To schedule an appointment, contact us online, or call us at 860-561-2121.

Keep smiling

Dr.Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and  New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121