Dr. Basil's Ultimate Toothpaste Guide

It is common knowledge that we should all see the dentist every six months. But what should be happening between appointments? Regular brushing, flossing and using fluoride rinse are the obvious answers to keeping a healthy mouth. However, if you’re like most people, picking the “right” toothpaste can be extremely overwhelming. Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD, cosmetic dentist with dental offices in West Hartford and New Britain, offers you this handy guide.

Tartar Control Toothpaste

This particular formula is a good choice for people that are prone to tartar and are looking to prevent buildup. Tartar control toothpastes contain ingredients that are effective in breaking down plaque on the teeth before it hardens into more difficult to remove plaque. Remember, this toothpaste does not help to prevent tartar buildup below the gum line but should be used to as a preventative measure.

Whitening Toothpaste

Almost every brand offers some sort of whitening toothpaste. While some products contain harsh materials that gently scrub away surface stains, some companies use peroxide to whiten. While popular, whitening toothpastes can often cause sensitivity and is not recommended for children under the age of 18. Consult your dentist for safer, cost effective options.

Toothpaste for Sensitivity

Specially formulated toothpaste for sensitive teeth is great for individuals that experience discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods. These toothpastes are usually less abrasive and contain either strontium chloride or potassium nitrate. Why these chemicals? These compounds aid in the reduction of sensitivity by inhibiting the passageways that travels through the teeth to the nerves. Consider Sensodyne and Fluorodex as good choices. These are also recommended to be used prior to Zoom! Tooth Whitening, which Dr. Basil offers in both her West Hartford Dental Office and her New Britain Dental Office.

 

Children’s Toothpaste

It is incredibly important for your kids to have their own, specially formulated toothpaste. We suggest you start with a “training” toothpaste for toddlers, since these are designed to be safe to swallow (just in case)! Children’s Specific Toothpaste is the best choice for older kids. It is similar to adult toothpaste but typically comes in more kid-friendly flavors and contains less fluoride. Consult your dentist if you’re still unsure which brand is best!

Natural Toothpastes 

While some of these have some devoted followers, Dr. Basil recommends these only if they contain fluoride. 

A bonus note on fluoride: Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay, and promote remineralization of tooth structures However, excessive fluoride can stain the teeth, which is why kid’s toothpaste typically contains a smaller concentration.

Always make sure the toothpaste you choose has earned the approval of the American Dental Association. Remember to set a good example by brushing your teeth twice daily and encourage your children to join in on the fun!

Chemicals in Food Packaging May Damage Your Children's Teeth

According to a recent study presented at the 2016 European Congress of Endocrinology in Munich, Germany, early exposure to two chemicals often found in food packaging and fungicides may cause damage to children's teeth that can never be reversed, a new study finds.

Lead study author Dr. Katia Jedeon, of the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), and colleagues found exposure to the chemicals bisphenol A (BPA) and vinclozolin may interfere with hormones responsible for the growth of dental enamel.

BPA and vinclozolin have been identified as endocrine disruptors (EDs) in numerous studies. This means they can interfere with hormone functioning in mammals, increasing the risk of reproductive problems, cancer, births defects, and various other conditions.

BPA is used in the production of certain plastics and resins, many of which are used for food and drink packaging (especially bottles containing beverages and the resins that coat the inside of food cans) while vinclozolin is a fungicide used to protect vineyards, orchards, and golf courses.

These researchers noted that previous animal studies have indicated that EDs may be related to a condition called molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), which is estimated to affect up to 18 percent of children aged 6-9 years.   

MIH is a developmental condition in which enamel defects occur in the first permanent teeth, most commonly the molars and incisors. Such a defect is irreversible; once tooth enamel is damaged, it cannot grow back.  Children with MIH can experience heightened tooth sensitivity, particularly to cold foods and drinks, and they are at greater risk for dental caries. Their teeth may be creamy, yellow, or brown in appearance, and they may chip away easily.

For their study, Dr. Jedeon and colleagues conducted two experiments to gain a better understanding of how exposure to EDs might be associated with MIH. They first exposed rats to daily doses of either BPA alone or a combination of BPA and vinclozolin from birth for 30 days. Doses were equivalent to the average daily dose a human would be exposed to.  At the end of the 30 days, the researchers collected cells from the surface of the rats' teeth.

On analyzing the cells, they found that exposure to BPA and vinclozolin altered the expression of two genes - KLK4 and SLC5A8 - that regulate tooth enamel mineralization.

Next, the researchers cultured ameloblast cells of rats, which are cells that deposit enamel during tooth development. They found that these cells contain sex hormones - including estrogen and testosterone - that increase the expression of genes that produce tooth enamel.  Interestingly, they found that testosterone increases the expression of the KLK4 and SLC5A8 genes.

Because both BPA and vinclozolin are known to inhibit the effect of male sex hormones, the authors say their findings indicate that the chemicals may lead to MIH by blocking hormones needed for development of tooth enamel.   The study’s lead author, Dr. Katia Jedeon, stated, "Tooth enamel starts at the third trimester of pregnancy and ends at the age of 5, so minimizing exposure to endocrine disruptors at this stage in life as a precautionary measure would be one way of reducing the risk of enamel weakening."

How can you avoid BPA?

• Use BPA-free products. Manufacturers are creating more and more BPA-free products. Look for products labeled as BPA-free. If a product isn't labeled, keep in mind that some, but not all, plastics marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may be made with BPA.
• Cut back on cans. Reduce your use of canned foods since most cans are lined with BPA-containing resin.
• Avoid heat. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health, advises against microwaving polycarbonate plastics or putting them in the dishwasher, because the plastic may break down over time and allow BPA to leach into foods.
• Use alternatives. Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers for hot foods and liquids instead of plastic containers.

The Most Recognizable Accessory in Sports

In Game 6 of the NBA finals, Stephen Curry fouled out for the first time this season, and threw his mouth guard, hitting a fan in the face (he was also ejected from the game).  Curry immediately apologized, and the fan said he was very polite about it.  However, it cost the two-time MVP $25,000 as a fine from the NBA.

It turns out that Curry's mouth guard is the most recognizable accessory in sports.   Whenever he's at the free-throw line, Curry removes his mouthguard from where it's supposed to be, and chews it. It's a tad peculiar, but also unique. And, apparently, it also has a legitimate impact on his performance. So don't expect a change anytime soon (via Sports Illustrated):

“Some fan studied it. He said I shoot 2% better on free throws with it out. And I think he’s right. Because when I shoot a free throw with it in, I always go, Whoa, that’s weird. It’s where it’s supposed to be.”

 And here's what Curry had to say about it last August when he was on Jimmy Kimmel Live:

In fact one of his mouth guards is being auctioned off for charity, with a starting bid of $5,000. 

Obviously, the mouth guard is working for him — and we think wearing it every time he plays is a great decision. While many people associate mouth guards with sports like boxing and football, accident statistics tell a different story. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, two ‘non-collision’ sports — basketball and baseball — cause the most injuries to the face, jaws and teeth! Other sports that carry significant risks of orofacial injury include skiing, gymnastics, bicycling, soccer… and some two dozen more. That’s why a mouthguard is such an essential piece of protective gear for athletes at all levels.

What’s the best kind of mouth guard? The one you wear all the time! And that’s going to be the one that fits most comfortably and offers the highest level of protection. In other words, one that is custom-made just for you. There’s simply no other mouth guard that offers that degree of comfort and safety… not the “off-the-rack” ones at big box stores, not even the “boil-and-bite” types that you mold at home.  

Only dentists can offer a custom-fabricated mouth guard made from a model of your own mouth. It’s sure to fit perfectly, and it covers more of your bite than the others. It’s quite reasonable in cost — especially when you compare it to the potential cost of dental work if you don’t wear one. Mouth guards are turning up more frequently in all levels of athletic competition… and this trend is likely to continue, as more and more athletes, coaches and parents learn about the extra margin of safety they provide.  West Hartford dentist, Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD, can make you a custom mouth guard for sports, to protect that winning smile.

Do mouth guards have other benefits? Stephen Curry seems to think so. He says chewing on his “kind of calms me down, especially when I’m at the free throw line, just getting my rhythm.” We’re glad it helps — and doubly glad that when the action’s heating up, he puts it back in his mouth where it belongs!

Looking forward to a thrilling finale,

Crooked Teeth And Cavities

Many dental patients in and around West Hartford hold the belief that orthodontics only change the look of your teeth. Consequently, they think that the only reason to straighten your teeth is if you are interested in cosmetic dentistry.

The fact is that your ability to clean your teeth is enhanced when your teeth are straight and uncrowded.

When uneven teeth begin to crowd together, it becomes difficult to make important daily cleanings effective. And, when your teeth aren’t cleaned properly, problems with plaque build-up, cavities, and gum disease ordinarily ensue.

If you are curious if your teeth are crowding or if your bite is not aligned, then you need to visit your West Hartford dentist.  At the West Hartford dental office and New Britain dental office of Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD,  we can evaluate whether or not you need orthodontics.  We can treat many cases with FastBraces® (only one wire and approximately 6 months to completion) or Invisalign® nearly invisible braces.

Also, if you feel that the appearance of your teeth is an issue, ask us about a smile makeover. There are numerous revolutionary cosmetic dentistry procedures performed daily. These include teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, crowns, and more!  We are currently accepting new patients, so if you are in or around West Hartford, or New Britain, give us a call at 860-561-2121.

We can answer any questions you have about our top services, which are:

Zoom whitening

porcelain veneers

smile design

dental crowns

Invisalign® and FastBraces®

We hope to see you soon!

5 Reasons to get Mouth Guards for Sports

May is National Physical Fitness & Sports Month, and with warmer weather and longer days, it’s a perfect time to get out and exercise. While exercise is great for your mind and body, it can be harmful to your teeth without the right protection.
Here’s why your mouth guard shouldn’t be forgotten:

1. The American Dental Association estimates that about one third of all dental injuries are sports-related.
2. Using a mouth guard is proven to reduce the risk of sport-related dental injuries, preventing over 200,000 of them every year.
3. Mouth guards protect against the following types of injuries: chipping or breaking teeth, damaging dental work like crowns or bridgework, injuring lips or cheeks, and fracturing the jaw.
4. Any athlete playing a sport should wear a mouth guard, but you should be especially vigilant when playing contact sports like football, hockey, or boxing. You should also wear a mouth guard when playing a sport where another athlete or ball could hit you in the face, like basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, or wrestling.
5. There are a few different types of mouth guards available, but getting one custom-made by your dentist will provide the most comfort and protection.

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD, West Hartford dentist, and New Britain dentist, can make you a custom mouth guard to protect your smile and keep it looking great.

Why I Am Proud To Be A “Very Small” Practice

An article in this month’s Journal of the American Dental Association says the number of dentists in “very small” practices is down 9% over the last 20 years, with that 9% being evenly distributed between dental practices deemed “small” “medium” and “large.” 

As a patient, one might ask:  Is bigger better? Should I be a patient of a larger group? The truth is that bigger might seem better at first glance. But look deeper by reviewing all the advantages and disadvantages.

Certainly, a bigger practice has more dentists, and other staff.  That means more available appointment times, and more physical locations.  For the owners of the practice, it probably also means more money, as there is a profit margin on the work of every employee.

Despite this attraction for dentists like me, I will always be in a “very small” practice, and here’s why:

1.   Bigger doesn’t always mean more efficient. One of the primary selling points for large dental groups is that they create greater efficiencies. But bigger sometimes simply means more administrative overhead, more time spent in meetings, more office politics, and less time devoted to actual patient care.  It also means you might not get the same dentist or hygienist twice, and of course, some employees are better than others, and some care more than others.  It’s random.

2.  Not all dentists will share the group’s philosophy. One of the biggest complaints many doctors have after joining larger systems is that they lose control over what they believe is the best way to care for patients. Even something as basic as specialist referrals may no longer be at the doctor’s sole discretion. In many large groups, referrals aren’t made to the best provider in the area.  Instead, referrals must be made within the group or a designated network of one-hand-washing-the-other providers.  This is not in the best interest of the patient.

3.  There may be more pressure on the dentist.  Many dentists, especially those in solo practice, are simply tired of uncertainty and having to work harder just to stay afloat.  Often, joining a large system seems like a way to get off this proverbial treadmill and have more time for family and other interests. Large groups do have administrators and support staff who run some of the business aspects of the practice.  However, there are often new administrative demands placed on dentists in large groups—profit, profit, profit.  And, regardless of size, all groups face demands to increase productivity, in part because salary and bonuses (and perhaps penalties) are tied directly to productivity.

4.   The closeness of attention is simply lost.  You know that gingival pocket I might be watching?  Or the beginning of a small cavity I've been tracking?  Or your daughter's wedding that we've been getting you ready for?  In a large practice, you might not get a dentist for your appointment who had time to read the note—or if they did, could accurately compare the condition with what you presented on your last visit.

In fact, while it isn’t an exact correlation, recently Cornell University did a study of small versus large group medical practices, and found that patient care was much better in small practices, with an astounding 33% fewer preventable hospital admissions!  I remember when I was first married, my husband and I had a large HMO for our medical coverage.  Every time we had to go to the doctor, we had to educate them on the history of the reason of the visit, because every time we had a different doctor treating us.  And rarely did we think we had one who cared, or was very good. 

I will never have that kind of practice, and I will never be in that kind of practice.  I want my patients to know everyone in my practice, and I want everyone in my practice to know my patients. 

And because of that, my promise to you is I will always be “very small”—the best kind.

Top 10 Reasons for Tooth Pain

Tooth pain can range from mild and fleeting to throbbing and constant but the mechanism behind what you’re feeling is often the same: the nerves in the pulp chamber at the center of your affected tooth or teeth are responding to stimuli and sending out a warning in the form of a disagreeable sensation that something’s not right. West Hartford dentist, Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD lists the top 10 reasons your teeth might be causing you discomfort:

1. Dental Caries (Cavities). Certain oral bacteria feed on food particles trapped in your mouth and produce acid that over time can eat through the protective tooth enamel into the sensitive dentin below.  Even a small cavity should be filled as untreated cavities pose a significant threat to the integrity of the tooth.
2. Enamel Erosion. Acids in your diet and gastric acids from acid reflux (GERD) and vomiting can wear away tooth enamel.  This can add to tooth sensitivity and cause pain.
3. Gum Recession. Gums can recede over time, exposing the sensitive tooth roots. Brushing too vigorously and/or using a toothbrush that’s too hard can contribute to gum recession.
4. Recent Dental Work. Dental work can inflame pulp tissues and cause temporary sensitivity that should subside as the pulp heals.
5. Loose, Old, or Lost Filling. Fillings seal off areas of past decay. If they don’t fit right or are dislodged, air, food particles and bacteria can infiltrate and irritate exposed nerve endings.
6. Chip, Crack or Fracture. Teeth may be weakened over time due to pressure caused by biting and chewing as well as teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching. What starts as thin lines in the enamel can evolve into chips, cracks and fractures that expose nerve endings.
7. Periodontal Disease. This is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth caused by a buildup of bacterial biofilm (plaque) along the gum line that triggers inflammation. In severe cases, the infection can travel to the end of a tooth root or through accessory canals and gain entrance into the dental pulp.
8. Abscess. An abscess is a pus-filled sac caused by an infection. It can occur at the base of the tooth root or in the space between the tooth and gum.
9. Tooth Grinding (bruxism)/Jaw Clenching. Referred to as parafunctional habits, these behaviors exert extreme stress on teeth and wear them down, causing increased tooth sensitivity and jaw soreness.
10. Referred Pain. Sometimes pain originating in another tooth or outside the dental area — sinus congestion or infection for example — may radiate around the mouth and give the impression of pain for a specific tooth.

As you can see, pain is a warning of all sorts of threats to your oral health. West Hartford dentist Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD can help you identify the cause and appropriate treatment so you can feel better and protect your smile, including:

•     Professional cleanings
•     Dental sealants
•          Composite (tooth-colored) fillings
•     Night guards
•     Bonding, and
•     Periodontal treatment.