Author: Joe Naguski

Thought you lost a tooth for the last time when you were a kid? It could happen again to your permanent tooth. The percentage of adults that have lost at least one permanent tooth is probably higher than you think. People can lose a tooth well into adulthood for a variety of reasons, ranging from poor oral health habits leading to tooth decay to periodontal disease to getting a tooth knocked out doing a sport or some other physical activity. 

Actions You Can Take After A Permanent Tooth Comes Out To Possibly Save Your Tooth

If a permanent tooth has fallen out, there are steps you can take to attempt to save the erupted tooth. 

1. Hold / Pick Up The Tooth By The Crown – Only hold the tooth by the chewing surface, the part that sticks out and you chew with when the tooth is in your mouth. Touching / holding the tooth by the roots could potentially ruin any chance of being able to save the tooth. 
2. Sanitize The Tooth – Cleanse your fallen tooth by letting water gently flow over it, ridding it of any debris that may have attached to it. Avoid using any type of cleaning solution.
3. Preserve The Tooth – Keep the tooth in a small, clean container filled with milk or saliva. 
4. Move Quickly → Get To A Dentist ASAP – The Time Window To Save A Tooth Is 30 Minutes. It is possible for them to be saved outside of this time, but the chances start to dramatically diminish after the first 30. Once you have secured the tooth either back in your mouth or in a container, be sure to keep it protected and find the nearest dentist to you offering emergency treatment. You want to choose an emergency dentist over the emergency room because dentists will more readily have the specialization and dental tools available to be able to reattach the tooth. 

What Happens Next?

While ideally, your dentist will be able to reattach your knocked tooth, it is not always possible. From there you may be recommended to receive a dental implant or another restorative surgery where the tooth fell out. Dental implants are an increasingly sustainable technology to replace teeth that have fallen or been knocked out. If you have any further questions don’t be afraid to reach out to your local dentist for more information. 

Steps To Prevent Your Teeth From Falling Out

A good and consistent oral hygiene routine will lower the chances of a tooth falling out. Brushing every day for 2 minutes 2 times a day and flossing once a day is essential to keeping your mouth in top shape. Taking care of your teeth and gums will keep them strong and prevent extensive and expensive care in the future. While dental trauma related to sports injuries are a little less preventable, you can still help secure and shield your teeth from extensive injuries by wearing a mouthguard. 

If you have any questions or concerns please contact our office and we will be happy to help.

You may have heard from your dentist or another source that it is important to change your toothbrush out after a cold. Some say that with frequently sick individuals a toothbrush is not necessary. We recommend you should change your toothbrush after getting sick, as a safety precaution no matter the severity of the disease. Even if the likelihood is low, germs attached to the brush will sit, multiply, and migrate to create a greater chance of you contracting something again. Brushes (and brush heads) are generally cheap, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Viral Vs. Bacterial Infections and Why It Matters When Brushing

Viral Infections:

Viruses need a host to replicate themselves using the host’s DNA. If they are unable to find a host, they are unable to survive. Viruses infect a person systematically, with the virus spreading throughout the body. Examples of viral infections include influenza, measles, AIDS, and COVID-19. Though it is possible, viral infections like the cold and flu are not likely to come back due to our bodies’ capabilities of developing antibodies to viruses. Your toothbrush is less likely to be contaminated after experiencing one of these infections. It is not impossible, however, as there are multiple strains of a virus circulating. 

Bacterial Infections:

Bacterial infections are when your body becomes contaminated with harmful bacteria either on or inside you. These infections are different from viruses in that they are usually larger and able to multiply on their own. They are living organisms that are even able to make their own food and move on top of reproducing. Bacteria are usually localized to one specific area in the body. Examples include food poisoning, strep throat, and pneumonia. This type of infection is more likely to be able to reinfect you because bacteria can sit on your toothbrush for an extended period of time, even after a prescribed antibodies cycle is completed. 

One of the most important distinctions to remember between bacteria and viruses is that antibiotic drugs when used correctly will usually kill off bacteria but are unable to have an effect on viruses. 

Toothbrush Tips: 

• Avoid Keeping Toothbrushes In The Same Area – If sharing a bathroom with housemates or family members you want to keep toothbrushes in separate holders so that germs do not spread from one toothbrush to the other. 

• Never Share A Toothbrush – Sharing a toothbrush with someone is asking to transfer their germs into your system and can easily lead to sickness. 

• Change Your Toothbrush Every 3-4 Months – The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush every couple months, since the bristles start deteriorating and the effectiveness of brushing gets worse. 

• Don’t Try To Cleanse Your Brush With Mouthwash or Another Solution – This actually does nothing to protect against bacteria and could even make it more likely for them to spread depending on the solution. 

Conclusion 

The Bottom Line: We highly recommend you change your toothbrush after a cold, even if it wasn’t bad, as a safety precaution. Contact our office if you have any questions!

Grinding your teeth (technical term bruxism) at night is a harmful condition that can be seriously detrimental to your oral health. Especially since you are doing it when you are asleep, it can take serious symptoms to start showing until you are able to recognize that a problem is even occurring. Unless you have someone to keep an eye on you when you sleep, how can you tell if you are grinding your teeth at night? 

What Are Signs To Know If I’m Grinding My Teeth?

The best process to figure out if you are clenching and grinding your teeth at night is to look for certain signs and symptoms. The most telling signs of teeth grinding include headaches, disrupted sleep, increased tooth sensitivity, TMJ discomfort, and consistent jaw, ear, or neck pain, especially right after waking up. 

1. Disrupted Sleep – If you suddenly start experiencing disrupted sleep, sleep apnea, or another sleep disorder coupled with any of the symptoms that will be mentioned up next, that is a good sign that you could be grinding your teeth when you sleep. 

2. Headaches – Constant instances of head pain (predominantly starting in the temples) present after sleep is a good sign of bruxism. Be sure to tell your doctor about this issue at your next appointment so they can help diagnose the issue, whether it is from grinding your teeth or not. 

3. Increased Tooth Sensitivity – If you are grinding your teeth at night, your enamel will consistently be chipped away and eventually that will lead to your teeth becoming more sensitive than normal. You may discover this when foods you can normally eat irritate your teeth. This will be especially prevalent in colder and acidic foods. 

4. TMJ (temporomandibular joint) discomfort – TMJ disorder and bruxism are related conditions in which grinding your teeth can lead to or worsen TMJ disorder. Signs of TMJ disorder are aching pains and worsened functioning of your jaw muscles and joints. It also could be identified by a clicking in your ears. If you are experiencing issues you believe to be TMJ related, consider consulting with our partner oral surgery center Alfano Oral Surgery for high quality care to resolve your condition. 

5. Consistent Jaw, Ear, or Neck Pain – If you start consistently experiencing irregular pain in your jaw, ear(s), or neck, it could mean you are grinding your teeth when you sleep. This is due to the constant movement of your muscles in these areas as you sleep. Some toothaches can feel as though they are coming from your ear. If ear aches suddenly start occuring and are coupled with any of the other symptoms on this list, it is important to notify your dentist next time you see them. They can attempt to solve your issue if it is dental-related or identify if it is an issue related to another health complication. 

6. Asking For Help From Others In Your Household – If you do not live by yourself, the people you live with may be able to help identify if you are grinding your teeth or not. If you have a partner you sleep with, it is more than likely that they will notice you grinding because of the noises it makes. If you live with friends or family that stay up later than you do, ask them to check up on you while you sleep. If you can’t find anybody to help you discover if you are grinding your teeth, one option is to record yourself sleeping if you are comfortable with it.  

What Causes Me To Grind My Teeth? 

Teeth grinding can be the result of many different factors. Some of the leading causes include:

• Age – As young children get over their natural teething, it is a common issue to develop a teeth grinding problem when sleeping. Children usually outgrow this issue, but if it is problematic your local pediatric dentist can help them resolve the night grinding. Usually this is done by giving them a splint and mouth guard to use when they sleep. In severe cases surgery may be necessary. 

• Stress – In periods of high anxiety and stress in one’s life they can develop a teeth grinding habit. This form of bruxism is usually best solved by finding the root of the issues and trying to dissolve the underlying cause of those emotions. 

• Aggression – Individuals with aggressive and competitive traits are more likely to develop issues of teeth grinding due to the stressors placed in the individual. 

• Medications – Certain medications can cause a tooth grinding issue in individuals, namely for conditions such as depression, PTSD, and other psychiatric conditions can cause individuals to start grinding their teeth more. This is caused by the stimulation made to your brain when these types of drugs are taken. 

• Sleeping Disorders. Sleeping disorders including conditions such as sleep apnea and night terrors can be a cause of teeth grinding or even elevate it if already occurring. The stress these conditions place on you can increase your anxiety and discomfort especially during sleep. Our group is partnered with a Central PA dentist offering dental sleep medicine for individuals who suffer from sleep apnea and related issues.

How Can I Prevent Myself From Teeth Grinding?

Prevention of teeth grinding in adults is usually at the base the result of two issues. These issues may be dental-related, which we can help resolve. A lot of remaining issues involving bruxism are directly correlated to anxiety, a simple but difficult way to solve problems is to rid them of the negative emotions driving that stress. Alleviating stressors through relaxation techniques and trying to participate in activities you enjoy even for a minimal time throughout the day can make a big difference. 

Treatment:

If you discover one or more of the symptoms mentioned in this article then we recommend contacting your dentist as soon as possible. Both your dentist and the hygienists in the office are educated and trained to help give a diagnosis of what your issue is and develop a plan tailored to help solve your needs. 

At the dentist’s office, there are a variety of possible elements that could affect you if you have allergies. Common allergies can affect your sinuses, leading to pain resembling a toothache. More severe allergies related to certain foods could possibly cause an issue during your visit depending on the type of service being given. We always suggest telling your dentist any allergies you suffer from ahead of time. 

Why Allergies Can Be Affected

There are some things in the dental office you should watch out for when you have allergies. These materials & substances include: 

• Latex – Many, if not all dental offices use latex examination gloves when practicing. If you react in ways such as hives, itchiness, closed throat, wheezing, etc. it is important to let your dentist be aware of the allergy. 

• Anesthesia & Relaxants – Local anesthesia and a variety of other methods to relax patients can have different effects that may be negative. Let your dentist know if you have experienced a negative reaction to these methods in the past. 

• Medicine, Supplements, Vitamins – Any medications you may be taking along with any other supplements or vitamins could mix negatively with certain medicines your dentist might prescribe you if they felt needed to do so. Let your dentist know all of these to remove the chance of a negative reaction occurring. 

• Metals used in fillings, brackets, and other procedural materials can cause reactions in people whose body responds negatively to such substances. Be sure to know the material being used in your procedure. 

Letting Your Dentist Know Your Conditions

These types of materials are generally safe, but if you have allergies it is essential to let those be known before an appointment takes place. Your dentist is trained and ready to provide an alternative. We want the best oral care for you, regardless of condition. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call or be sure to ask us at your next appointment. 

Tooth pain is usually assumed to come from an oral related issue such as cavities, gum  infections, or fractured/broken teeth. Despite the majority of the time these problems are a result of one of the above or a related issue, sometimes a “toothache” can actually be pain stemming from a location other than your mouth. 

If It Isn’t Tooth Pain, Then What Is It? 

It is possible for you to feel pain in your teeth although no issue exists in that location. If your dentist checks out your oral health and doesn’t find anything, there could be a variety of possibilities to the true source of pain. This type of pain is known as referred pain. The types of referred pain patients can experience are related, but not limited, to: 

• Congested or Infected Sinuses

• Facial Nerve Inflammation/Pain

• Earache or Ear Infection

• Joint Pain/Trauma 

• Severe Headaches & Migraines

If The Dentist Can’t Find The Source Of Pain, What’s Next?

Any of the problems above listed could possibly be the actual reasoning for tooth pain. Most dentists are trained to be able to spot when problems reside outside of oral health complications. If for some reason your dentist is unable to identify a solution related to your oral health, they will be able to identify that you are experiencing referred pain, and refer you to see a medical practitioner. 

The source of your pain is the first step to solving it, even if that means we cannot help you, we want to help you find someone in your healthcare network that can. There are multiple experts in fields involving orofacial, atypical, and/or neurological-related pain. It is important not to ignore lingering tooth pain, as it could end up being more of a problem than you bargained for if not looked into quickly!

There is no such thing as a harmless tobacco product. Smokeless Tobacco can cause serious health problems. Just because you are not smoking it, doesn’t mean it can’t be harmful. Many types of cancers, as well as your teeth and overall oral health, are certainly not safe from the adverse effects of tobacco products. 

Types Of Smokeless Tobacco Products 

1. Chewing Tobacco – This involves products that come in the form of dried and usually flavored tobacco which the user chews on or let’s sit in their mouth. Most of the time the user spits out the tobacco juices as nicotine gets absorbed through the tissues of their mouth. 

2. Snuff – Snuff is tobacco that has been finely grounded and placed in a can or pouch. It is usually placed in one’s mouth if moist or inhaled if dry. 

3. Snus – A type of moist snuff which originated in Sweden. Instead of being in a loose container like snuff can be, it is held in small tea-bag-like pouches which are placed into a user’s mouth. It is usually seen as a more discrete version of tobacco use than most other types because the need to spit is not as present. 

4. Dissolvable Tobacco- There are many kinds of dissolvable types of tobacco products that are candy-like, being able to be held in one’s mouth, sucked on, and/or chewed on until dissolved. 

5. Heated Tobacco Products – These products include sticks, capsules, and plugs containing tobacco which operate through a heating mechanism. The heating of these devices causes a release of nicotine and other substances within the tobacco into the user’s lungs. 

What Type Of Health Risks Are Associated With Smokeless Tobacco?

Dental Disease – Smokeless tobacco can have nasty effects on your oral health especially. Cavity-causing sugars and irritants are usually contained in these products. These and the other flecks that make up the products can cause a variety of problems:

• Gum Disease
• Gum Recession
• Bone Recession 
• Bad Breath
• Teeth-Staining
• Tooth Loss

Cancer – Though not directly linked to lung cancer, smokeless tobacco is certainly linked to be a cause of other types of cancers. These include mouth cancer, throat cancer, and pancreas cancer. Smokeless tobacco also can cause leukoplakia patches which are white, blotchy patches which have a high potential to cause cancer. 

Addiction – Just like their smoking counterparts, smokeless tobacco products are highly addictive due to their nicotine content. There is no disparity between the amount of nicotine that can enter one’s system and the type of tobacco product used. 

Other Types of Risks:

• Increased probability of death from stroke and heart disease 
• Risk of early delivery and stillbirth for pregnant women who use
• Poisoning risk in children → The fragrance and appearance of certain tobaccoless products may make them be susceptible to children. When eaten by children, nicotine poisoning can cause a variety of complications including the chance of death.  

Conclusion

As you can see, smokeless tobacco products are just about as bad for you as smoking tobacco products. The harm tobacco products can do extends much farther than just your dental health. Your best course of action is to avoid these types of products altogether. If you need help quitting, do not be afraid to reach out to your doctor to see what they can do to assist you. We are here to help you receive the best dental health, whether you are a smoker or not.

Is an electric toothbrush worth it? In this article, we will break down the differences between electric and manual brushes. You can certainly efficiently brush your teeth with a manual toothbrush, but there may be some advantages electric brushes have that could make you want to opt for them instead. What’s most important is that you’re brushing your teeth every day, so be sure to choose what you are comfortable with. 

Advantages of An Electric Toothbrush:

One of the biggest advantages of electric brushes is their ability to lower the workload of brushing. Because electric toothbrushes move on their own, they are able to cover areas without you having to move much. This can greatly assist people with certain limited physical capabilities, such as someone with arthritis. Some also have built-in timers which allow you to brush for an effective amount of time compared to just guessing. 

Multiple studies show electric toothbrushes generally are capable of decreasing plaque and bacteria at better effectiveness than manual ones. This is especially true of oscillating toothbrushes. These are toothbrushes that rotate, usually with the top bristles rotating one way and the bottom the other. 

Disadvantages of An Electric Toothbrush:

The main con of electric toothbrushes is the price. Most run from $20 upward to $250. Cheaper disposable brushes can be around $5 – $10, which even then is much more than you should be paying for manual toothbrushes. Manual brushes are easily obtainable at just $1 or possibly even less. 

So, What Should You Choose?

Depending on your goals with brushing, this higher price point may be worth it to you depending on the features the electric toothbrushes have. It is important that you choose whatever brush will assist you in your needs and help you brush more. 

Contact us today at Noll Family Dentistry if you have any questions!

Due to pressure and drainage, sinus infections can commonly cause tooth pain. The upper rear teeth are especially vulnerable to tooth pain severe enough to ache due to the closeness of them to your sinuses. Usually, these types of infections affect multiple teeth, spreading from the upper level down to affecting your lower teeth as well. Compared to this, a non-sinus-related toothache usually affects an individual tooth in a more severe manner. 

How To Relieve Sinus Toothache Pain:

The effects of sinus toothaches are known to escalate due to certain types of movement, due to shifting sinus pressure. Because of this, one of the best ways to relieve pain is to limit movement. Pain may ease when sitting in a stationary position or lying down. There are also a few other remedies that you can try before opting for traditional treatment. 

Here are some things you can try to ease pain: 

• Flush Out Your Sinuses – Using premixed over-the-counter saline solution can help out your sinuses by moisturizing them and clearing out allergens in your nasal pathway. You shouldn’t be too reliant on these products, as they can cause congestion to rebound and be even worse than before if used for more than a short timeframe. 

• Drink More Fluids – Water especially is essential in relieving the severity of a sinus infection. When you are properly hydrated pressure is released and drippage will be reduced. 

• Hot Liquids and Steam – Along with water, drinks like hot tea and eating soup can help greatly comfort the affected areas. Hot showers are also very helpful in a similar way due to the steam releasing pressure and opening up your nasal cavity. 

What To Do If You Have A Persistent Toothache: 

If your tooth pain persists after trying the previous methods, we highly recommend you contact and schedule a visit with a dentist. Toothaches due to a sinus infection can last around 7-10 days, so be sure to contact them if your symptoms persist longer than this timeframe. There may be other underlying causes for your teeth pain. Your dentist will be able to identify the root of the issue and provide you with the proper treatment for your specific situation.

Contact us at Noll Family Dentistry with any questions or to schedule an appointment. We want to get you back to being pain-free as soon as possible!

Choosing a dentist can be tough. Many people will stick to the same dentist for large portions of their life. They are usually more than just someone looking at your teeth. Good dentists can forge lasting bonds with their patients. If you have been going to the same dentist for a while, when they retire, you move to a new area, or for any other reason, there is a pretty big hole that needs to be filled. It can be rough searching for a new person to feel comfortable in entrusting your dental health too. We are here to help! In this article, we have laid out some of the best tips and tricks to assist you in making the switch to a new dentist! 

Convenience – How easy are they to reach? 

Before even starting to look for a dentist, be sure to keep these 4 pieces of information in mind. They will be the biggest factors in finding the perfect dentist match for your needs. 

• How close are they to where you live? Your place of work?
• Check to see if the dentist is within your dental benefits network if you have benefits. 
• Is the dentist a member of the American Dental Association? 
• What are their office hours? How do they match up with your availability? 

The Hunt – Exploring available options 

Once you are on the lookout for a new dentist, suddenly ads targeting you will be seemingly everywhere. So, how do you search through to find the best options?

• A simple Google search such as “Best Dentist Near Me…” 
• Use online tools such as the American Dental Association’s find a dentist tool. Along with this one, there are quite a few you can find.  
• Read reviews and make your own decision based on what people have written. Everyone has a unique experience, for better or worse.
• Be sure to thoroughly go through the websites of dentists you find that might match what you are looking for. This helps you get to know them better and might ease your uneasiness of entering a new environment. 

Testing New Waters 

After you’ve narrowed it down to your top choices, most dentists allow you to have the option of talking over the phone or even an in-person consultation. Here is where you can test your comfortability with the dentist, their staff, and their office. There are a few things you can do to make it a beneficial experience. 

• Examine the office to make sure it is what you are looking for. Scenery, the staff’s personability, cleanliness, etc. are all things to keep in mind. 
• Does the dentist’s office provide emergency dentistry? 
• Make sure the dentist and staff understand your concerns and any anxieties you may have involving dental work. 
• Try to gauge if the dentist is happily working with you to provide the best care, and not just focused on a dollar figure. 

Finalizing Your Choice

Did the dentist you choose live up to your expectations? If not, don’t feel bad about trying out another one. Your overall health can be greatly affected by your oral health and care. A good dentist should be a trusted guide you can look to in times of health needs. 

We’d love to meet you, stop by Noll Family Dentistry, or give us a call at 717-243-9020. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have or help you schedule an appointment.

Thumb sucking is a prominent habit that many children have that usually diminishes as they grow older. Some may have concerns over the potential issues that could arise from their overly ambitious thumb-sucker. We’re here to give you information on when you might need to worry along with some tips to help get your child to stop if they reach that point. 

Why do Children Suck Their Thumbs?

So, why do we suck our thumbs when we’re young? The main reason is it provides a sense of comfort and security. It is a totally normal instinct that humans have before they are even born that makes us feel happy. So, there is no reason to panic over the habit. Most children stop sucking their thumb by the time they are 4 years old. 

Dangers Thumb Sucking Can Have on Teeth

Once at the point of developing adult teeth thumb sucking can become a problem. Various problems that can occur mainly stem from alignment issues. Once permanent teeth start coming in if your child continues to suck their thumb problems with alignment of the teeth could start to appear, especially if the sucking is aggressive. This is caused by the pressure applied on the gums by the child’s finger or pacifier. 

Bite Issues- One alignment issue that can occur is development of an open bite. This is when a child bites together and their teeth don’t overlap. The teeth begin to slant outward so they don’t touch when their mouth is shut. This as well as other bite problems can arise from thumb sucking. 

Speech Issues- Issues related to the child’s speaking pattern can grow serious if not addressed once adult teeth start coming in. Speech impediments and lips could possibly develop. 

Jaw misalignment – Thumb sucking and the use of pacifiers for prolonged time periods can cause an unnatural development of the jaw which can affect the alignment and present other problems.

Mouth roof narrowing – Because the roof of a child’s mouth is softer and more pliable during younger childhood, prolonged thumb sucking can actually cause the roof to narrow (almost as if it were forming around the thumb) and later problems with developing and crowding teeth.

Slanting Teeth – Teeth that are developing while a child is excessively turning to thumb sucking or the use of a pacifier can cause them to protrude or grow slanted leading to a lessened esthetic appearance, discomfort or other issues affecting their bite.

Ways to Help Your Child To Stop Sucking Their Thumb

Getting your child to regular dental visits early on can help any problems that may take place be recognized in a swift manner. Even if adult teeth don’t usually come in until a little later in adolescence the precedent can be set by forming issues within the mouth that don’t resolve themselves by that time. Here are some tips to try which can help stop the problem. 

• Ask your child’s dentist for help- If the information on this page hasn’t given you what you were looking for, consult your dentist. Our team at Noll Family Dentistry would be happy to help you if you don’t have one. 

Conclusion

In most cases thumb sucking will not be an issue and is actually a natural and healthy habit for children to have. The information provided is to help show you what signs to look out for that might possibly be harmful and to show you the steps to greatly reduce the chances of any problem occuring. 

If the above information doesn’t seem to quell your child’s thumb sucking, you can always ask their pediatric dentist for more information and guidance on what you can do to help break the habit. The most important thing to remember is that breaking a habit takes time and patience on the parent’s part and encouraging your child in a positive and helpful manner will make this process much easier on them and you!