Sore Teeth After Fillings

If you ever had a cavity filled there is a high probability you may have felt some soreness after you left the dentist chair. This is because decay irritates the teeth and when it is being worked on it can get irritated even further. This irritation and soreness usually will go away with time as the tooth heels.

Sometimes though the pain after a filling doesn’t go away with time and can be triggered through a number of reasons:

sore toothA tooth has four parts namely dentin, pulp, enamel and cementum. The dentin is permeable and extends on all sides of the pulp. If the tooth decay is closer to the dental pulp, some bacteria could be present in the dentin. Because of the porous nature of the dentin, the bacteria may spread from the dentin to the filling and the tooth. This bacteria causes tooth infection which leads to sensitivity.

An inflamed dental pulp is another reason for sensitivity. Dental pulp is a component of the tooth, made up of living soft tissue and certain cells. Sometimes a cavity may cause inflammation of the pulp and this inflammation may not go away even after the cavity filling procedure. This could lead to deterioration of the teeth and thus cause sensitive teeth after a cavity filling.

Call your Gentle Dental office as soon as possible if you are experiencing long term soreness after you had a cavity filled as you may have experienced some further issues that need attention. To make an appointment call 1-888-513-7436.

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The Importance In The Way You Use Your Toothbrush

Choosing the right toothbrush can sometimes be difficult. There has become such a variety to choose from when your in a drug or grocery store. Different colors, different bristles, manual, electric, battery operated. If you feel overwhelmed you are not alone.

According to many dental experts, the problem does not lie in the toothbrush you choose. but whether you are using it correctly. In general the average consumer typically chooses a manual toothbrush with soft bristles and with a head size that fits comfortably into the mouth.  But many people don’t brush regularly, thoroughly and properly and a manuel toothbrush may not be very effective. brushing teeth

If you have excess plaque buildup, experts recommend switching to the electric toothbrush, which is more efficient in removing debris from in between the teeth. An electric toothbrush is able to cleanse the more thoroughly within a shorter time than the regular manual brush.

People with limited hand dexterity, should also choose the electric brush as it helps getting to hard to reach areas. There isn’t a big difference between the vibrating and the rotating head brushes. They usually perform the same job, only in different ways.

While it is extremely important to brush your teeth for at least twice a day for at least two minutes  you should also pay attention to brushing for the same amount of time each quadrant of the mouth. Just because one side of the mouth is clean doesn’t mean the other side necessarily is.

For help in choosing the right toothbrush for you and your family and assistance in learning how to properly brush your teeth call your local Gentle Dental dentist at  1-888-513-7436.

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“Walk The Talk” For Epilepsy This Weekend With Gentle Dental

With over 3 million Americans affected and every year another 200,000 are diagnosed with it, Epilepsy is a disorder that we can’t let go unnoticed. In Florida alone there are over 360,000 people living with Epilepsy.

But did you know that Epilepsy has a direct correlation with your oral healthGentle Dental invites you this weekend to join in the fight in finding a cure!  You can do this by checking out our “Walk the Talk” Facebook Contest, where you can enter to win a $25 Target Gift Card! It’s easy to participate. All you have to do is “Like” the Gentle Dental Facebook Page and post a picture of yourself showing your support for Epilepsy on our page. But these are your last opportunities to enter the contest!

 

Epilepsywalktalk

How to Enter:

Step 1: “LIKE” Gentle Dental on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GentleDentalFL
Step 2: Upload your photo showing your support for Epilepsy on the Gentle Dental Facebook page – see details below.
Step 3: Share the Contest with your Facebook friends.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida will be holding these final two walk-a-thons in South Florida in April, and Gentle Dental will be sponsoring the walk held tomorrow, April 21st at MacArthur Beach State Park in West Palm Beach.

  • April 21st – MacArthur Beach State Park, WPB – Gentle Dental Team will be here
  • April 22nd – Flagler Park, Stuart

 

Find the Gentle Dental booth, Gentle Dental sign or Gentle Dental employees that are walking at one of the Epilepsy events and take a picture with it/them. Or take a picture of yourself at one of this weekend’s walks. If you can’t make either walk and still want to participate in the contest, dress up in as much PURPLE you have to show your support for Epilepsy and take a photo. Then post the photo to the Gentle Dental Facebook page.

We will pick one winner at random on Wednesday, 4/25.

For more information and complete rules click here. Thank you everyone for your great support for such an important cause!

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Swimming and Dental Problems

Do you love swimming and being in water? A lot of us in South Florida do! But have you heard of swimmer’s teeth? Swimmer’s teeth is well known among dentists and is commonly seen in competitive swimmers due to the amount of time they spend training in the water.

swimmers teethRepetitive exposure to the chemicals in pool water causes yellowish to brown deposits to form on the teeth, most commonly the front ones. Also known as “swimmer’s calculus,” the deposits are similar to common plaque or tartar that forms on the teeth but tend to be much darker in color and thus give a very unsightly unique appearance.

The deposits are a combination of a protein contained within saliva as well as calcium phosphates, magnesium, fluoride and carbonates. The chemical makeup of the pool water is believed to chemically alter these slightly, leading them to deposit on the teeth.

Swimmer’s teeth is most common in teenagers. It has nothing to do with the frequency of brushing and changing your brushing habits will not change its development. It specifically relates to the amount of time one spends in the pool. Fortunately it is treatable and the discoloration is not permanent. For more information and to make an appointment with your local Gentle Dental dentist call 1-888-513-7436.

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Ways To Straighten Teeth Without Braces

Most of the time when teeth are crooked traditional braces are the most logical option. There are though other alternatives for those looking to straighten and fix teeth without typical orthodontics.

One method to fix teeth without braces is Invisalign. This innovative system uses a series of retainer-type mouthpieces which will shape your teeth. Usually, Invisalign results can be seen in a year’s time. This method works best for those who have minor teeth misalignment only. Invisalign-facetoface

Another method to fix crooked teeth is to have veneers applied to your teeth. Veneers will instantly give you a perfect smile minus all the pain of actual teeth straightening. They can be made out of porcelain or of composite material.

Cosmetic contouring is another route to take to straighten teeth, especially if it is a problem with overcrowding. The process is pain-free and involves a series of procedures that focuses on reshaping your teeth. This type of technique works on the top teeth only. There are also a lot of drawbacks to this method but it is still a viable option aside from braces.

Each one of these alternatives has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.  It would be a good idea to speak to your Gentle Dental Dentist to see which type is best for you and your family. To make an appointment call 1-888-513-7436.

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Aren’t Teeth Suppose To Be White?

You brush your teeth, you floss daily, you do what your dentist tells you. But you still have yellow teeth! Well your not alone. There is a huge number of people struggling with yellowish and stained teeth, even though they perform a strict daily dental hygiene.

yellow teethThe reason: a certain discoloration process, where the outer layer of the teeth gets stained. This type of discoloration happens mostly because of the consumption of caffeinated beverages, cola, wine and of course smoking.

Generally, dentists agree that if people would swish their mouths with pure water after the consumptions of such foods or beverages, the bacteria do not have the chance to stick onto the surface of the tooth and cause these discolorations.

But then there is a thing called intrinsic discoloration, when the dentin (the interior structure of the tooth) will get a yellowish or dark tint. This can be caused by a variety of factors including: excessive exposure of fluoride as a child or internal bleeding due to trauma to a permanent tooth. Teeth can also get discolorations because of natural, age related causes.

Gentle Dental is here to help get those teeth back to their pearly whites with a variety of different options. One options is with its Take-Home Teeth Whitening System and another is with its Zoom In Office Whitening System. For more information on these different services and to make an appointment call 1-888-513-7436.

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The Effect of Vegetarianism on Oral Health

Being a vegetarian has its advantages on many aspects of the human body including the cardiac and digestive system. It has also helped many Cancer patients revert to good health. But does vegetarianism have the same positive effect on oral health as it does in other areas of the body? Remember by being a vegetarian you aren’t getting nutrients that animal products provide.

The fact is Vegans, who generally do not consume any kind of beverage or food that is of animal origin will experience quite a few deficiencies. Their system lacks important amount of vitamins such as vitamin D or B12, calcium or riboflavin.

All these nutrients are necessary for the good functioning of the organs, for the development of the bones, the nervous system and last but not least for proper oral health which includes strong teeth & healthy gums. Vegetarianism

One of the biggest threats people who consume too many fruits and vegetables are exposed to, is dental erosion. People may experience quite often acid reflux or vomiting, and then the stomach acid returns into the mouth. This acid is the one that can cause dental erosion. Lack of Vitamin D can lead to both Periodontal Disease and burning mouth syndrome accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth.

When there is not enough calcium in your system, you might be exposed to the risk of both tooth decay and gum disease since your teeth are predominantly made of calcium.

Red meat contains iron and when you have an iron deficiency you may struggle with inflammation of the tongue. Lack of Vitamin B12 could cause mouth sores.

As you can see your diet can have a very direct effect on your oral health. Before making a drastic diet change it is recommended that you speak with your local physician or Gentle Dental dentist for a complete consultation. To make an appointment call 1-888-513-7436.

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“Walk the Talk” for Epilepsy with Gentle Dental

With over 3 million Americans affected and every year another 200,000 are diagnosed with it, Epilepsy is a disorder that we can’t let go unnoticed. In Florida alone there are over 360,000 people living with Epilepsy. epilepsy foundation logo

But did you know that Epilepsy has a direct correlation with your oral healthGentle Dental invites you to join in the fight in finding a cure!  You can do this by checking out our “Walk the Talk” Facebook Contest, where you can enter to win a $25 Target Gift Card! It’s easy to participate. All you have to do is “Like” the Gentle Dental Facebook Page and post a picture of yourself showing your support for Epilepsy on our page.

How to Enter:

Step 1: “LIKE” Gentle Dental on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GentleDentalFL
Step 2: Upload your photo showing your support for Epilepsy on the Gentle Dental Facebook page – see details below.
Step 3: Share the Contest with your Facebook friends.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida will be holding the following walk-a-thons in South Florida in April, and Gentle Dental will be sponsoring two South Florida Epilepsy Walks held on April 15th and April 21st.

  • April 14th – Crandon Park, Miami
  • April 15th – Hollywood Beach (Broward County) -Gentle Dental Team will be here
  • April 21st – MacArthur Beach State Park, WPB – Gentle Dental Team will be here
  • April 22nd – Flagler Park, Stuart

Find the Gentle Dental booth, Gentle Dental sign or Gentle Dental employees that are walking at one of the Epilepsy events and take a picture with it/them. Or take a picture of yourself at one of the walks. Or if you can’t make it to the walk events, dress up in as much PURPLE you have to show your support for Epilepsy and take a photo. Then post the photo to the Gentle Dental Facebook page.

We will pick one winner at random on Wednesday, 4/18 and one winner at random on Wednesday, 4/25.

For more information and complete rules click here.

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Dental Plaque Bacteria Can Lead To Blood Clots

Endocarditis is the term referred to as inflammation of the heart’s lining. This type of inflammation can be caused by dental plaque bacteria and if not treated can be life threatening. The bacteria can also lead to blood clots when it enters the bloodstream.

Plaque-bacteriaResearchers have discovered that the plaque bacteria is able to produce a molecule on its surface that lets it mimic the human protein fibrinogen – a blood-clotting factor. When this occurs platelets in the body is activated causing them to clump inside blood vessels. These unwanted blood clots encase the bacteria, protecting them from the immune system and from antibiotics that might be used to treat infection. This unnecessary platelet clumping can though lead to growths on the heart valves (endocarditis), or inflammation of blood vessels that can block the blood supply to the heart or brain.

This potentially very serious condition all started from some plaque on the teeths surface. To avoid all these issues it is very important to take proper care of your mouth and gums at all times. That includes brushing regularly, flossing and making regular visits to your local Gentle Dental office for checkups and cleanings. To make an appointment call 1-888-513-7436.

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Bottled Water and Tooth Decay in Children

It is not uncommon that parents show up at the dentist with their 6 or 7 year old, and the dentist finds as many as four cavities that need to be filled. This trend seems to be happening more and more and parents are stunned when they hear the news. Their kids don’t go crazy with sweets and they follow a strict oral health regimen every day. The col-pit…bottled water! bottled water

Government health officials and dentists raise the awareness that bottled water is the one that might be causing the tooth decay complications in children.  Bottled water does not contain a sufficient amount of fluoride, which tap water does so it is actually not protecting the oral health of your child.  In fact, it seems it is doing more harm than good.

For children to keep a great smile it is very important for them to brush their teeth at last twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste, visit the dentist every six months for a fluoride treatment and drink water that is fluoridated.

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that 42% of  U.S. children between the ages of 2 and 11 were found with dental cavities in their baby teeth. To make sure your child isn’t part of this statistic make an appointment with your local Gentle Dental dentist by calling 1-888-513-7436.

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