Stress and Quarantining Leading to Tooth-Wear and Cavities

 

Stress and quarantining brought on by the pandemic are definitely rough for our mental well-being. Now dentists (including me) are seeing more evidence that our oral health is suffering too. We are seeing more patients who are experiencing cavities, tooth decay, sore jaws and cracked teeth.

People have been skipping their dental appointments and staying home because of the pandemic, which means they are falling behind on their regular checkups. People have also been doing a lot more stress-eating throughout the day, so I’m seeing more patients come in with cavities. We are also seeing a lot of teeth grinding happening from stress too. Add to that an increased consumption of sweets and carbs and then not going to your regularly scheduled dentist appointment for your cleaning can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums.

I was just having a conversation about this with a specialist who was consulting on one of my patients. He theorized that brushing and flossing are down as good habits slip and social outings decline. People with tooth pain delayed going to the dentist, hoping it would go away, which is a bad idea even if there weren’t a pandemic happening. According to a study released by Guardian Life, 1 in 5 adults have visited a dentist office amid the pandemic, even though 2 in 5 adults said they’ve had dental issues since March. The same study said 25% of U.S. adults won’t be comfortable going to the dentist by the end of this year.

Some people are afraid to go to the dentist’s office because of COVID-19. However, you should know that dentists are the most prepared medical field to deal with airborne diseases because we’ve been fighting airborne diseases our entire careers. We are now screening everyone who comes into our office. We don’t allow people to congregate in the waiting room. We are spacing out our appointment times to make sure our patients and staff are safe. We employ suction in all procedures, and we have high HEPA filtration, with high volumetric flow rate to filter out virus sized particles—and then the filtered air passes through an electric field as an added measure. We make sure the exam rooms are cleaned thoroughly in between each patient.

Dentists’ offices following good practices are safe, so there is no need to skip your dental appointments and fall behind on your oral health. During the entire pandemic, there have been no cases of COVID-19 linked to our office (and we don’t know of any dentist offices that have been transmission hubs).

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, and you’d like to learn more about the services offered at my offices, visit www.DoctorBasil.com.  To schedule an appointment contact us online, or call us at 860-561-2121. My offices are located in West Hartford Center: 10 North Main Street, Suite 220;  or in New Britain: 411 Osgood Avenue.

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

How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?

Whether you were in a major accident or looking to repair long term wear and tear, you may be looking into dental implants. Dental implants are anchored into the bones supporting your teeth, and to which either a single tooth, or even compatible dentures, can be mounted.  There are many questions and concerns around dental implants, the biggest of which may be how long does a dental implant last?The answer is not as simple as it may seem. Dental implants are a significant operation that needs to result in a dentition that is both aesthetically pleasing and mechanically functional.  This requires a lot of care and maintenance to keep going.

Let us delve deeper and see how caring for dental implants can impact their longevity.

How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?

Dental implants, when you care for them and maintain them well, should last a lifetime. There are limits to everything, but even with average care, a dental implant can last up to 25 years or more.

As with your teeth, the key to a dental implant lasting comes from proper maintenance, but there are other reasons for failure as well.

Reasons for Failure

Often, when your dental implant shows signs of infection, it is a failure on one or all of these 4 factors. Keeping up with these elements can make sure your mouth stays happy and healthy.

1. The Patient’s own Hygiene Regimen

Brushing and flossing remain the strongest ways to help prevent damage and decay in your mouth. Dental implants don’t change this, and many implants fail far too soon when people neglect their basic dental practices.

Keeping a consistent regimen of cleaning and care can go a long way, but even that cannot prevent other issues from arising.  It's also strongly recommended to have a professional cleaning at least every 6 months. 

2. Biting and Chewing

Many people do not consider how or what they bite into and chew to affect their teeth health. The obvious issues come from biting into hard items over and over. The more rigid and jagged the item is, the more it will dig and scrape into your dental implants.

Grinding your teeth is also another common but hidden issue most people have. This can be a result of stress, poor eating habits, or even jaw misalignment.

3. Implant Quality and Location

Sometimes the problem can be the implant itself. If the implant comes from cheaper materials or not made to a certain quality, it can break down fast. Installation can be a key factor. If an inexperienced dentist put your implant in wrong, it may break down fast.

Even a quality implant in an awkward location can reduce its overall lifespan. The teeth in the back of your mouth receive a good deal more pressure than those in your front, so implants back there can wear down faster.

4. The Introduction of Damaging Substances

The introduction of damaging substances can also contribute to implant failure. The biggest two are smoking and drinking. Any tobacco product can wear away at the gums and teeth, leaving them open to disease and failure. Even extra amounts of cleaning may not be enough to keep up.

Drinking may have more subtle impacts, but heavy amounts of alcohol can still wear down tooth and gum health, leaving your implants vulnerable.

My Philosophy

I am certified in multiple implant products, and I consider myself to be quite experienced in the field of dental implants.  Personally, I choose to involve an Oral Surgeon for the implantation of the anchor of the system I choose, as they specialize in procedures altering the bones of the jaw and mouth.  We work very closely, because as the cosmetic dentist, I am the one who designs the finished prosthetics and your overall smile architecture, making sure your teeth align properly and functionally.

I perform this service in my West Hartford Center dental office and my New Britain dental office.  If you have missing teeth or you are currently wearing traditional dentures but would like implant-supported dentures, contact us online, or call us at 860-561-2121.

With a better understanding of how long a dental implant lasts, you can make an informed decision on whether a dental implant is right for you. The good news is that if you maintain a healthy oral lifestyle, dental implants will be a fine addition that will last you a lifetime!

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 Latest TikTok Challenge To Ruin Your Smile

Social media users are back at it again promoting unsafe do-it-yourself dental procedures. Following several viral teeth whitening hacks (including dangerously abrading layers of enamel with charcoal powder, and mixing baking soda and liquid hydrogen, both of which I am warning you are dangerous), there is a new trend going around the TikTok social platform—using a nail file on your teeth. 

Sadly, many people on TikTok have been filing down their uneven teeth with nail files. “I’m going to file my teeth down with a nail file because they are not perfect, I have some ridges, and we’re balling on a budget,” explains one user before filing her teeth down. 

The trend has me (and other dentists) extremely concerned.  The process is unsafe.  Please be warned that it could cause extreme damage to your teeth.  Filing down your teeth will remove the tooth enamel. Enamel is the outer hard layer of the tooth structure, which protects the dentine and nerve of the tooth, and protects against decay.  If you file too much enamel away, you risk tooth sensitivity and even worse, nerve inflammation and irritation, and pain. This can then lead to further complications and need for dental intervention.

This damage will be permanent because unlike your nails which will grow back tomorrow, tooth structure does not regenerate.  This is precisely why we instruct patients on how to avoid unintentional tooth structure erosion.  Filing the teeth is nothing but intentional tooth structure erosion!

To anyone who is considering filing down their own teeth, I urge you to question why your teeth are uneven in the first place—a problem which won’t be solved through filing.  If you file them and you think they look pretty good, but you didn't solve the original problem, what are you going to do in a few years when they're uneven again and your teeth have even less (or no) enamel?  You will have already destroyed your enamel you can never get it back and it may even destroy the tooth.  A dead tooth means extensive and expensive treatment if you want to keep it.  Or, you could just have a gaping hole in your smile where your incisors should be.

If you are unhappy with the appearance or health of your teeth, the best thing you can do is see a professional.  A dentist will conservatively contour and define the edges of your teeth using high end dental tools, and also can protect the edges with a layer of bonding. 

No one should do any at home dental treatment themselves. Always seek professional advice, even for something like tooth polishing. We are equipped with the tools and the knowledge of tooth anatomy and biology to know exactly what to do safely. 

If you feel like you might have an issue with the look of your smile, don't try to do it yourself; you'll just make things worse.  Give my office a call 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

Studies: The Link Between Oral Hygiene and Severe COVID-19

I am writing this article today to let you know some important information about the connection between Periodontal Disease (“PD”), and the risk of severe COVID-19 complications.   Knowing PD is associated with severe COVID-19 could help identify risk groups and establish pertinent recommendations.  It can also help you take proactive steps in an effort to reduce the risk to you in case you become infected with COVID-19.

A recent study reported by the National Institutes for Health (NIH), indicates that there is a connection between PD and severe COVID-19.  Another study published in the British Dental Journal (BDJ), concludes the same.

Periodontal disease (PD), or commonly called “gum disease” is characterized by red, sensitive, receding and/or bleeding gums.  PD is actually a group of diseases involving an inflammatory response in your body, and a microbial imbalance starting in your gums, which could lead to diseases throughout your body.  Many studies have shown that a number of diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney disease, are associated with PD.  These studies demonstrate that the underlying cause of all these diseases is sustained systemic inflammation, which is really your body’s immune response to these bacterial insults that have invaded your bloodstream, however the exact mechanisms have not been established completely.

Interestingly, these same factors have been widely associated with progression or severe COVID-19. Inflammatory factors and imbalances in your bacteria levels affect your overall health, according to these studies.  Sadly, however, assessment of oral health history including periodontal status in COVID-19 patients has not been reported.  

This makes complete sense, as disease severity has been attributed to many patient-related medical risk factors. In one of the largest cohort studies to date on 5,700 patients who entered the New York hospital system, Richardson et al. (2020) found that the top risk factors of people with severe COVID-19 symptoms included diseases associated with inflammation, such as hypertension (56.6%), obesity (41.7%), and diabetes (33.8%).   Because of the increase in the severity of COVID-19 symptoms associated with patients who have preexisting inflammatory conditions, anti-inflammatory medications used to treat chronic/autoimmune inflammatory diseases have also been used to treat those with COVID-19.

Other studies have shown that periodontal treatment can lower overall systemic inflammatory markers. If inflammation can be lowered with periodontal treatment, can this type of oral care play a role in decreasing host susceptibility to COVID-19?   In addition to common inflammatory pathways, the British study has suggested that oral disease may exacerbate COVID-19 severity via two additional mechanisms.  Oral bacteria have been implicated in aspirational pneumonia and an increase in viral respiratory infection. Furthermore, respiratory diseases, such as those caused by COVID-19, predispose patients to bacterial superinfections that complicate disease treatment. Oral bacteria have been implicated in those bacterial superinfections.

Can dental treatment decrease the likelihood of developing these superinfections?  Because it is so new, controlled studies examining common inflammatory and pathogenic pathways between periodontal disease and COVID-19 need to be performed to determine the final answers—but if you are concerned that you may have gum disease, a dental professional can help.  But I definitely think so.

Important Tip: Daily tooth brushing and flossing can prevent and even reverse the earliest form of gum disease, called gingivitis.

Left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. The gums pull back from the root of the tooth, creating a tiny pocket that gradually widens. Eventually, the infection and inflammation attack the tissue that holds the tooth to the jawbone, which can cause the tooth to loosen and possibly fall out.

A dentist or hygienist can treat periodontal disease by cleaning the teeth above and below the gum line, a procedure known as scaling and root planning (SRP). They use manual scalers or ultrasound devices to scrape away hardened plaque (tartar). 

Neither procedure requires sedation, and can be performed in both my West Hartford Center dental office and New Britain dental office.

Signs of gum disease

Any of these signs can be a clue that you have periodontal disease:

• swollen, red, or tender gums
• gums that bleed easily
• pus between the teeth and gums
• bad breath
• buildup of hard brown deposits along the gum line
• loose teeth or teeth that are moving apart
• changes in the way dental appliances fit.

If you have any of these issues, contact my office for a checkup. Your loved ones will be glad you did.

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

Your Smile is the Ultimate Status Symbol

The old saying goes, "You're never fully dressed without a smile."  But it now seems it's not so much about the quality of the smile as it is about the quality of the teeth.

According to a top social scientist, where we now stand in society is becoming increasingly dependent not on our education or our upbringing - but on the state of our smiles.  Malcolm Gladwell, the author of David and Goliath, says teeth are becoming the new benchmark of inequality.  According to the writer, those with bad teeth are also given a lower chance of success - because they are denied certain entry-level jobs.

In a recent interview he said: “That's kind of the way we're moving as the gap between the fit and the unfit grows.  The teeth thing and the obesity problems are the same: they are symptoms of the same set of inferences that are being drawn. I think those kinds of physical characteristics - that's completely the next wave of discrimination.”

These comments follow an increasing trend of celebrities and reality TV stars paying to have work done to their teeth. The range of work includes tooth whitening using bleach, veneers and even dental implants (in which titanium posts are surgically placed into a person's jaw).  Getting better teeth has become a luxury rite of passage.

“Got a bag and fixed my teeth/hope you hos know it ain’t cheap,” rapped Cardi B in “Bodak Yellow.”  That's her in the picture.  If you’re lucky,  it starts in your teens, when your parents shell out money for pricey orthodonture that you hope gets removed in time for senior pictures. But it doesn’t end there. In Hollywood, on Instagram, and pretty much everywhere, if you see someone with perfect, gleaming, straight white teeth, there’s a good chance that they’re made by a cosmetic dentist.

Experts point out that while those with  money can pay to give themselves sparkling Hollywood smiles, those from poorer backgrounds can not afford to give their teeth the same treatment.  “Teeth are the new boobs,” says Cassandra Huysentruyt Grey, founder of Violet Grey on Instagram.

Grey argues that “teeth jobs” — in which patients get a new set of pearly white veneers — are similar to what boob jobs used to be. “Teeth can really change your look, like boobs. They’re also sexual — your mouth can be very sexy and affect your sex appeal and confidence.” And like most boob jobs, veneers aren’t covered by insurance.

Unlike your average boob job, the “tooth” job is meant to convey wellness as well as attractiveness. Huda Kattan, founder of Huda Beauty, says, “There has been a shift in the last few years with wellness and beauty becoming one and the same. People are a lot more savvy about how overall health plays into confidence — and confidence for me is what really makes people stand out and be seen.”

The word “clean” feels sexy and attractive right now. People are so conscious of what they’re putting into their bodies, and your teeth don’t lie.   The healthiest people want to eat antioxidant-rich blueberries, drink beet juice, and sprinkle turmeric into their smoothies, but they don’t want any of it staining their teeth.

We associate full, glossy, unstained teeth with good health, and see broken and damaged teeth as a sign of poverty and unhealthy behavior, like drug use. Smoking yellows teeth. Sugar increases the amount of plaque that a dental hygienist must scrape off and the likelihood for tooth decay. On Orange Is the New Black, meth addict Pennsatucky is ridiculed for having broken, jagged teeth. Maintaining white teeth can almost feel like a moral imperative, but it’s undoubtedly also a class issue.

A poll conducted recently by VisionCritical also found that people see whiter teeth as an indication of wealth. The survey showed that people with whiter teeth were thought to earn $20,000 more on average than they actually did.  Sparkling teeth also made them look up to five years younger and improved their employment potential by 10 per cent, results showed. 

The bottom-line is that people classify you in a matter of moments based on your characteristics, and your smile is a huge part of that.

There many effective cosmetic dentistry procedures available that can produce considerable results. Complete smile transformations combine various procedures to transform your smile. These are the same procedures used by cosmetic dentists that serve the Hollywood A-list.

A common and cost-effective procedure is teeth whitening. There are a variety of ways this can be done. Many drugstores sell over-the-counter whitening strips and gels. Your cosmetic dental practice can recommend an effective one, or they may offer in-office bleaching. This is the quickest way to whiten your teeth, sometimes in less than an hour.

If you suffer from missing teeth, most West Hartford cosmetic dentists will recommend dental implants. A dental implant is placed directly into the jawbone. This provides strength, natural appearance and function, and comfort. It can also guard against the bone recession that is common with a missing tooth.

Veneers, which are custom-made for each patient, are designed to cover the front of the teeth. These are useful for patients who have broken or chipped teeth, stained teeth, or gaps between teeth.

Bonding, enamel shaping, gum contouring, and invisible braces are other important procedures that can be employed by your cosmetic dentist to help your teeth look their best.

I’m Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD, an award-winning general and cosmetic dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and New Britain, CT.  If you are looking for premium dental care in the Greater Hartford area, I hope you’ll give us a call 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

12 Signs You Need to See the Dentist ASAP!

It’s a New Year, and good news, your dental benefits have renewed!  

Think about the last time you visited your dentist. Has it been a while? You're not alone. While 77% of adults say they plan to visit the dentist within the next year, less than half actually do.  Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can go a long way to support your overall health.  

If you’ve read some of my previous articles, you’ll know that many studies have found a link between gum disease and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and dementia.

The American Dental Association (and I) recommend that you see the dentist at least every six months for a cleaning and preventative checkup.  If you have oral health issues, the longer you wait, the worse and more expensive they may become. Your dentist can help identify issues and treat them before they become more advanced. 

If you're experiencing any of the following 12 signs, it's a good idea to make an appointment right away:

1.  You have pain or swelling. From a toothache to sensitive teeth, pain or swelling in your mouth, face or neck could be a sign of a serious underlying issue. Seeing your dentist right away can help speed up diagnosis and keep your mouth healthy and pain-free.

2.  You have puffy or bleeding gums. This can be a sign of gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums around the teeth. It can progress to periodontitis, which can lead to loss of the tissue and bone that support your teeth.  It's essential that you have your teeth cleaned regularly to arrest the progression of your gum disease.

3.  You are hiding your smile. 1 in 4 adults avoid smiling due to the condition of their mouth and teeth.1 Whether you're self-conscious about a missing tooth, or want a brighter, whiter smile, your dentist can help you choose the treatment that will work best for you.

4.  You have had past dental work. If you have a filling, crown, dental implants or dentures, it's important for your dentist to make sure they're still in good shape. That way, you don't have to have the work redone — and spend less time in the dental chair!

5.  You have ongoing medical issues. Our teeth can be affected by chronic medical issues and treatment. Your dentist can help you take care of your teeth by making recommendations specific to your medical condition.

6.  You are pregnant. Some dental problems can get worse with pregnancy. Changes in hormones and eating habits can lead to gingivitis and an increase risk of tooth decay. Don't miss your regular checkups, even while you're pregnant!

7.  You have trouble eating. It's not normal to have difficulty chewing or swallowing. Not only does it keep you from enjoying your favorite foods, but it can be a sign of something more serious.

8.  You have dry mouth. When your mouth doesn't produce enough saliva, it can lead to tooth decay. Your dentist can recommend ways to restore moisture to your mouth to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

9.  You use tobacco or you vape. If you vape, smoke or chew tobacco, you could experience anything from bad breath to xerostomia, to oral cancer. Talk to your dentist or doctor and come up with a plan to stop vaping, smoking or chewing and help protect your mouth and body from further damage.

10.  You have jaw pain. Hearing pops or feeling pain when opening or closing your mouth, chewing or when you first wake up a sign that something maybe wrong with your jaw. You may also want to see your dentist for an uneven bite, which can affect how you chew.

11.  You have sores or spots in your mouth. While they vary in severity and cause, it's important to see your dentist if you have any mouth sore that lasts for one week or longer. Mouth sores could be a sign of disease, infection or irritation.

12.  You haven't had a checkup in over 6 months. Even if you don't have symptoms, regular checkups are important to help prevent, identify and treat problems before they become more advanced.  If it’s been longer than 6 months since your last checkup, contact us today!

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