This portion of the website is dedicated to providing important answers to questions that you may have had outside of the dental office. Browse through and click on the specific topics that you may find interesting and learn more about your dental health. We are here to help, so if you have any questions, send us an email at info@portcreditdental.com

COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS
What causes my jaw to pop when I open?
My mouth feels very dry. Is it because I'm getting older and I'm not producing enough saliva?
What causes cavities?

INFORMATION FOR SENIORS
Bleeding gums
Sensitive teeth
Dry mouth
White or red patches, swelling or sores in mouth or lips
Red, inflamed mouth
Loose teeth
Loose, uncomfortable denture

DENTAL SEALANTS
What is a Sealant?
How are sealants applied?
How long will a Sealant last?
Who should receive Sealants?
Will Sealants replace fluoride?
How Do Sealants fit into a preventive dentistry program?
Why is sealing a tooth better than waiting for decay and filling the cavity?

GUM DISEASE
What are the early warning signs of gum disease?
How can I prevent gum disease?
How often should I visit the dentist for a cleaning and check-up?

BABY BOTTLE DECAY
How do I prevent my child from getting Nursing Bottle Decay?

ORAL HEALTH FOR CHILDREN
When should my child first see a dentist?
What can I do to care for my child's teeth?

PORCELAIN VENEERS
What are porcelain veneers?
What can porcelain veneers do for my smile?
How long will veneers last? Do veneers require special care?
Why is it that porcelain veneers look so natural?

TOOTH WHITENING
What is it and how does it work?
Is it safe?
How long will the treatment take and are there any side effects?

CROWNS AND BRIDGES
What is a crown and when is it used?
What are the different types of crowns to choose from?
What procedures are involved?
What is a bridge and who should get one?

IMPLANTS
How long does the treatment take and how long will it last?

ROOT CANAL THERAPY
What is a root canal?
Why do I need root canal therapy?

WOMEN'S DENTAL HEALTH
What every pregnant woman should know!
Menopause
Oral contraceptives

DENTAL EMERGENCIES
Knocked out teeth
Broken tooth or filling
Loose cap (crown)
Toothache
Swelling
Bleeding

BRUXISM (TOOTH GRINDING)

What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the technical term for grinding and clenching that wears down teeth and may cause facial pain. People who grind and clench, called bruxers, unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times, such as in their sleep. People usually aren't diagnosed with bruxism until it is too late because they don't realize they have the habit. About one in three people suffer from bruxism, which can easily be treated by a dentist.

When someone has bruxism, the tips of their teeth appear flat. Teeth are worn down so much that the enamel has rubbed off, exposing the inside of the tooth, which is called dentin. When exposed, dentin may cause the tooth to become sensitive. Bruxers may also experience pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) –the jaw- that may manifest itself as popping and clicking. Tongue indentations are another sign of clenching.

Stress and certain personality types are at the root of bruxism. Anger, pain and frustration can trigger bruxing. People who are aggressive, competitive and hurried also may be at a greater risk for bruxism.

What can be done about it?
During a regular dental visit, the dentist automatically checks for physical signs of bruxism. Grinding due to stress can only be cured by removing the stress trigger. If grinding continues, a nightguard may be prescribed to prevent ultimate damage to the teeth.

Treatment for popping and clicking jaw bone is only observed and initiated only when pain is associated with these indications.

COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS

What causes my jaw to pop when I open?
There is a disk that separates the jaw bone from the base of the skull The primary cause of the "popping" occurs when you open your mouth too wide and the jaw bone "pops" off the disk or pad. Treatment is not required unless pain is associated with the pop or the jaw locks.

My mouth feels very dry. Is it because I'm getting older and I'm not producing enough saliva?
Saliva production decreases with age .Various medications can also affect saliva production. In order to slow the process, one must exercise the gland. Chewing sugarless gum, chewing your food thoroughly, or occasionally having a sugar-free piece of candy can accomplish this. Artificial saliva can also be prescribed if necessary.

What causes cavities?
Tooth decay is caused by plaque in your mouth reacting with sugary and starchy deposits form food. This reaction produces acid, which damages the enamel over time and weakens the tooth.

INFORMATION FOR SENIORS

Bleeding gums- If you've just started to floss, a little bleeding is normal. But if you bleed regularly when you brush, or bleeding persists for longer than three weeks, you may be in the early stages of gum disease.

Sensitive teeth- Teeth can be sensitive to hot, cold, sweets and chewing. Sensitivities can appear suddenly or gradually. They generally indicate underlying problems- such a s root decay.

Dry mouth- A side effect of many medications and also an indication of age. Dryness may aggravate dental problem, so mention it to us. Chewing sugarless gum, chewing your food thoroughly or having sugar-free candy in moderation may reduce the process. Ask your dentist about artificial saliva.

White or red patches, swelling or sores in mouth or lips- these may stem form nutritional deficiencies, they may indicate serious problems, or they may be completely harmless. It takes a professional to tell. Meanwhile, never place an aspirin on a mouth sore, since it may irritate the tissue.

Red, inflamed mouth- several causes are possible. It may be the dentures that don't fit or that stay in your mouth overnight. It may be a nutritional deficiency. Another possibility is a temporary syndrome common in women called “burning mouth syndrome”.

Loose teeth- this usually indicates advanced gum disease. See the dentist if this should be the case.

Loose, uncomfortable denture- Dentures occasionally need relining or refitting to accommodate changes in the mouth. If you delay this, you risk tissue damage. Have your dentures checked regularly.

DENTAL SEALANTS

What is a Sealant?
A dental sealant is a thin plastic film painted on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. They have been shown to prevent cavities. As long as the sealant remains intact, small food particles and bacteria that cause cavities cannot penetrate through or around a sealant.

How are sealants applied?
The surface of the tooth is cleaned and rinsed off. An etching solution or gel is applied to the enamel surface of the tooth, including pits and grooves. After 15 seconds, the solution is thoroughly rinsed away with water. After the site is dried, the sealant material is applied and allowed to harden by using a special curing light.

How long will a Sealant last?
Sealants should last five years, but can last as long as 10 years. However, sealants should not be considered permanent. Regular dental check-ups are necessary to monitor the sealants' bond to the tooth. If a sealant becomes worn, more sealant material can be applied on top of it.

Will Sealants replace fluoride?
No, fluoride is necessary to prevent decay as well. Fluoride works best on the smooth surfaces of teeth. The chewing surfaces on the back teeth have tiny grooves where decay often begins. Sealants keep bacteria out of the grooves and together, sealants and fluoride act to prevent tooth decay.

How Do Sealants fit into a preventive dentistry program?
A complete preventive dental program includes the use of sealants, fluoride, plaque removal, careful food choices, and regular dental care.

Why is sealing a tooth better than waiting for decay and filling the cavity?
Sealants help maintain sound, intact teeth. Decay destroys the structure of the tooth. Each time a tooth is filled or a filling is replaced, additional tooth structure is lost. Appropriate use of sealants can save money, time and discomfort associated with dental treatment procedures.

GUM DISEASE

Severe gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums and surrounding tissues also known as periodontal disease. It is the major cause of adult tooth loss. The causes of this chronic infection are numerous. Bacterial plaque is a sticky, colorless film that forms on the teeth. It eventually hardens into a rough substance called tartar. Toxins released by these bacteria begin to irritate the gums and eventually the bacteria start to breakdown the fibers that adhere the gums to the teeth and thus creating a periodontal pocket. The progression of this disease causes the bacteria to go deeper in to the gums and moves down to the bone destroying it. If left untreated, the tooth becomes loose and may fall out or requires extraction.

Genetics and diet are also key factors of this disease. Diets deficient in essential nutrients will decrease the body's ability to combat infections. Smoking is also also a culprit to gum irritation and diseases affecting the body's immune system, such as AIDS and leukemia, as well as patients with diabetes that is uncontrolled have difficulties warding off infection and thus gum disease is more difficult to control.

What are the early warning signs of gum disease?
Red, swollen gums that bleed when brushing and flossing, gums that pull away from teeth, bad breath, changes in the way the teeth com together are all signs of gum disease. It is advisable to see your dentist since there may not be any early symptoms and the disease may spread to the point where the tooth cannot be saved. Therefore it is recommended to get frequent dental exams.

Early intervention involves scaling and root planing-removing plaque and calculus around the tooth and below the gum line where the root surfaces are cleaned. More serious cases involve minor surgery, which requires cutting the gum tissue, and removing the hardened plaque build-up and remodeling the surrounding bone.

How can I prevent gum disease?
Your dentist can design a program of home oral care to meet your needs by performing a periodontal exam. Through brushing, flossing and professional cleanings, one can control the level of plaque that is the culprit to this disease.

Your dentist may decide to refer the patient to a specialist if the gum disease requires surgical intervention. Both the dentist and the periodontist will work together to formulate treatment that is best suited to your needs.

How often should I visit the dentist for a cleaning and check-up?
Prevention is a vital component to everyone's hygiene regimen. Patients should visit their dentist regularly, sometimes as frequent as 3-4 months, for a preventive checkup for a comprehensive diagnosis. He or she is trained to catch small problems before they become major concerns. In between visits, brush at least twice a day and floss daily.

Manual soft bristle brushes are the least expensive and most dependable brushes around. Many patients can benefit from an electric toothbrush for better manual dexterity. Small, narrow brushes called proxy brushes are best to cleanse the recesses in the teeth and should be used with care. Rubber tips and wooden tooth picks are usually recommended by your dentist, so talk to your dentist about which brushes are best for your individual needs.

BABY BOTTLE DECAY

How do I prevent my child from getting Nursing Bottle Decay?
To protect your child, do not let them take a bottle that contains milk or juices to bed with them. Instead, give them plain water at sleep or nap time. It is recommended that children be taken off the bottle by 12 months of age and be taught to drink from a cup.

If you notice brown spots on you child's teeth, see your dentist for treatment. Read on about your child's dental health in the section Oral Health for Children.

ORAL HEALTH FOR CHILDREN

When should my child first see a dentist?
It is recommended to see a dentist six months after your child's first teeth come out. The first visit is meant to familiarize the child with the dentist and the practice. The appointment usually lasts between 15-30 minutes and a gentle, but thorough exam of the teeth, bite, gums and tissues are done and a gentle cleaning is done if indicated.

Usually subsequent appointments are scheduled every six months for your child.

What can I do to care for my child's teeth?
Soon after birth, you should begin to clean their mouth. Gently brush or wipe all around your baby's gums with a soft cloth. Until around three years of age, begin brushing with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of non-fluoridated toothpaste. After three years of age your child can brush with a pea-sized amount ot fluoride toothpaste.

Your child should be receiving fluoride from the community water supply in an ample amount. Talk to your dentist if there are any concerns with fluoride intake and see if your child is in fact receiving the right amount. Lead by example and allow your child to watch you brush your teeth, this will reinforce the importance of good oral hygiene.

To avoid baby bottle tooth decay and misalignment due to sucking, try to get your child off of the bottle by one year of age and monitor sucking of pacifiers, fingers and thumbs. Your child should not have bottle of milk or other sweetened liquids at sleep time.

PORCELAIN VENEERS

What are porcelain veneers?
Veneers are very thin porcelain shells that are custom made and permanently bonded to the front surface of each involved tooth. Veneers are strong and natural-looking that many dentists consider the techniques "cloned enamel". This durability and natural beauty has caused a revolution in cosmetic dentistry.

What can porcelain veneers do for my smile?
Porcelain veneers are often used to change the colour of dark and stained teeth. Veneers can also close gaps and spaces, brighten one tooth or entire smiles, block out stains and even correct uneven, chipped or worn teeth. Crowded and rotated teeth can also be perfected. In many cases certain undersized teeth can be made larger and lengthened as well.

How long will veneers last? Do veneers require special care?
Clinical experience has shown that veneers will look beautiful and natural for years, and in many ways veneers are stronger than tooth enamel. Porcelain is hard, non-porous and will not stain or wear with normal tooth brushing. Patients with veneers do not have to change normal eating habits.

There will be a period of adjustments for approximately a week or two after the veneers are placed as you get used to your new teeth. Maintenance involves brushing and flossing daily.

Why is it that porcelain veneers look so natural?
Veneers look more natural than any other kind of restoration. Many dentists mistake a veneered tooth for a natural tooth. The porcelain reflects light from within, as does natural enamel and the colour and shape is designed by esthetics experts to look exactly like a natural tooth.

It usually takes two appointments to veneer teeth. Adjustments may be made to the involved teeth during the first appointment. After an impression is taken, your custom made veneers can be made to the new colour and shape desired. The veneers are then permanently bonded to your teeth during the second appointment.

Feel free to ask questions and request to see a porcelain veneer sample on your next visit.

TOOTH WHITENING

What is it and how does it work?
There are many teeth whitening systems available , however all of them differ in terms of their safety and effectiveness. The professional whitening system provided by your dentist involves custom fit trays and whitening gel that is dispensed inside the tray. They can be worn during the day or overnight, whatever works best for you.

The active ingredient in most of these professional whitening systems provided by your dentist is carbamide peroxide. This is a "buffered" form of hydrogen peroxide meaning it is more stable and has a longer shelf life, and has been used by dentists for over 50 years as an oral antiseptic.

As saliva comes into contact with the carbamide peroxide gel, it breaks down the gel forming water and oxygen. The theory is that the oxygen breaks down the stain molecules on and within your teeth. (footnote:Bleaching with 10%Carbamide Peroxide;an 18-month study" Bruce W. Small, AGD Impact, March-Apr.1995) When you brush your teeth and rinse out your mouth afterwards, these broken molecules are washed away.

Is it safe?
Yes, many studies have proven that it is a safe product. Carbamide peroxide has been used by dentist as an oral antiseptic, for cavity prevention , and a tooth whitener and there are 50 years of studies to back up its safety (The color atlas of tooth whitening, Dr G. Mclaughlin and Dr.G. Freedman,1991 ). Also, people have been using hydrogen peroxide, in the dentist's chair, for whitening since the 1960's.

Electron microscope examinations on extracted teeth have shown that there is no change to the structure of the tooth as a result of whitening with carbamide peroxide including no change to the any composites, crowns,etc. Please speak to your dentist about this and any other concerns that you may have about treatment.

How long will the treatment take and are there any side effects?
For most patients, treatment takes two weeks. However, the professional whitening system will only whiten your natural teeth. Composite fillings, bridges, crowns, veneers etc. will not become whiter; they will remain the same shade. Therefore, tooth whitening should be done prior to any placement of tooth coloured restorations to achieve that smile you've always wanted!

The store-bought products that are for tooth whitening purposes should be used with caution. The method of tooth whitening in these products are such that they are not custom fit and can cause gingival irritation, and are less effective. Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity during treatment. For most people, this is mild and will disappear as the treatment progresses. If the sensitivity is moderate to severe, a fluoride gel is recommended to reduce the level of sensitivity. Ask your dentist about this.

CROWNS AND BRIDGES

What is a crown and when is it used?
A crown is a full coverage cap that covers a tooth to strengthen or improve the appearance of the tooth. The reasons for placing a crown on a tooth is to support a large filling when there isn't enough tooth structure, protect a weak tooth from fracturing, to cover a dental implant and to also cover badly shaped or discolored teeth. The goal is to create a crown that looks like the natural tooth.

What are the different types of crowns to choose from?
Crowns are made from a number of materials including gold alloys or nonprecious alloys, porcelain or ceramic, acrylic or composite resin. Combinations of these materials may also be used. Commonly used are porcelain attached to a metal shell for strength and esthetics. All ceramic or porcelain made crowns are more esthetically pleasing however may lack in strength.

What procedures are involved?
Usually at least two visits are necessary. The dentist will prepare the tooth by removing the outer portion of the tooth to accommodate the thickness of the crown. An impression is made to provide an exact model of the prepared tooth and this is sent to the laboratory for fabrication of the crown. A temporary "acrylic" crown is placed in the interim while the permanent crown is made.

When the permanent crown is ready, your dentist will put it in place and make the necessary adjustments. When both you and your dentist are satisfied with the crown, it can be permanently cemented in place.

What is a bridge and who should get one?
A bridge spans over one or more natural missing teeth, thereby bridging the gap between two teeth. Bridges are fixed prostheses whereby they cannot be taken out of the mouth like removable partial dentures. In some cases when the space is too large, your dentist may recommend a removable partial denture or an implant-a titanium metal post that is surgically imbedded into the bone and capped with a crown as an abutment.

IMPLANTS

Dental implants are a great way of replacing of missing teeth. Implants are titanium metal posts that are surgically placed into your jaw making them permanent and stable. After an appropriate amount of healing, the implant is restored usually with a crown. The advantages of implants are that they act as natural teeth and preserve the jaw bone. They are also advantageous in that they avoid altering neighboring teeth and are easy to clean.

Implants are made of a prefabricated screw that is compatible with body tissues and act as an artificial tooth root.

How long does the treatment take and how long will it last?
The process takes four to seven months to complete due to the lengthy healing time after the implant is placed. Once the screw is surgically implemented into your jaw bone under local anesthetic, the healing process can take up to six months and the fitting of replacement teeth another two months.

Implants vary in success rate depending on its' location and function. Generally, implants placed in the front of the lower jaw have the highest success rate of about 95 percent whereas those placed in the sides or the rear of the upper jaw is 85 percent.

Talk to your dentist about whether you are a good candidate to receive implants.

Link To: Dental Implants i
Everything Dental Implants, from American Academy Of Cosmetic Dentistry to Washington Dc Cosmetic Dentistry.

ROOT CANAL THERAPY

What is a root canal ?
Each tooth contains nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels collectively called the pulp.

Root canals are very small. Each tooth has at least one but some may have multiple canals.

The pulp may become infected due to a deep cavity or a fracture. When this happens, it allows bacteria to creep in and the canal can die. Pain may be felt in the tooth and your dentist will diagnose the problem based on the symptoms you are experiencing. However, root canal treatment may be indicated where there are no symptoms of pain in the tooth . Your dentist should fully inform you of the need for a root canal.

Why do I need root canal therapy?
When a tooth is infected due to the nerve, it will not heal itself and without the appropriate treatment the infection will spread and the pain will worsen. Rather than extracting the tooth, if given the option, it is best to have root canal treatment to preserve the original tooth in your mouth.

The infection is cleaned out of the tooth and permanently filled to prevent recontamination. The dentist may prescribe a metal post to be inserted above the canal filling and finally, a crown is normally placed to strengthen its structure. See your dentist should you have any further concerns.

WOMEN'S DENTAL HEALTH

What every pregnant woman should know!
Some women experience gingivitis that can get more severe as they progress more into their pregnancy. Due to hormonal changes, an expectant mother is more susceptible to plaque accumulations that result in swollen and bleeding gums. Consult your dentist if you notice any changes in you oral health during your pregnancy. Your dentist may recommend more frequent dental cleanings and will reinforce home care instructions.

Many dentist will opt to treat the pregnant patient until the second trimester or until after the pregnancy, if possible. Should there be a dental emergency, emergency treatment is usually done and a consult between your dentist and your obstetrician is recommended.

Menopause
Some women experience dry mouth, changes in taste and burning sensation when going through menopause. Hormonal replacement therapy may cause your gums to become red and swollen. Speak to your dentists about any concerns that you may have with your dental health during menopause.

Oral contraceptives
Gingivitis may occur during long-term use. The effectiveness of certain antibiotics will decrease with the use of oral contraceptives. Also, after a tooth is extracted, women on birth control pills may be more susceptible to developing dry socket. It is very important to inform your dentist of all the medications that you are currently taking.

DENTAL EMERGENCIES

Knocked out teeth
Immediate care is required and call your dentist for an appointment should a tooth be completely dislodged from the mouth. Place the tooth immediately under your tongue, between the cheek and the gums, or immerse the tooth in a container of milk to bring to your dentist.

If the tooth becomes loose during the injury, support the tooth with a moist tissue and see your dentist immediately for treatment.

Broken tooth or filling
If more than 1/4 of the tooth is broken due to an accident (usually a front tooth), this will require emergency treatment. If a filling is fractured, the rough edges that may be irritable to the tongue can be smoothed off by your dentist and a temporary filling is provided if necessary for immediate care.

Loose cap (crown)
The crown should not be left off the tooth for longer than a few days should it come off completely. If you are unable to see your dentist right away, a small piece of sugarless gum can be placed in the crown to keep it in place temporarily.

Toothache
Never place aspirin directly on the tooth or the gum, since it will make the situation worse. If possible, rinse with warm water and see your dentist for treatment.

Swelling
This requires immediate care by your dentist. It may indicate an infection. Apply a cold pack to the outside of your face(20 minutes on and 20 min. off) and rinse with warm salt water.

Bleeding
Any persistent bleeding should be observed by a medical professional. It may be due to a recent extraction of a tooth or dental surgery if it occurs in the mouth. Apply pressure via a tea bag or gauze and see your dentist immediately.