Category: Oral Health

Whether you have had a routine procedure or something more complex there are several steps you can take to maximize the results, prevent infection, and ease discomfort. Restrictions on eating and drinking after a dental procedure are common. So how long after a crown is cemented can you eat and drink?

At your first visit, you will have a temporary dental crown placed on your tooth.

With a Temporary or Permanent Crown: 

1. Avoid sticky or chewy foods that have the potential to grab and pull at the crown.
2. Shift the bulk of your chewing to the opposite side of your mouth.
3. Avoid chewing hard foods that can dislodge or break the crown.
4. When cleaning your teeth, slide flossing material out rather than lifting it out. Lifting the floss out could pull off the temporary crown.

Eating with permanent crowns after cementation is somewhat similar to temporary crown eating. Your dentist will tell you to be careful with temporary crowns because they’re only made of plastic, but actual crowns will also need time to harden before you can eat normally.

You only have to wait for 30 to 45 minutes after you leave your dentist’s office before eating. Just remember not to chew where your crown is even in the days following the procedure.

What’s safe to eat after crowns? 

Besides sticky and chewy foods, you may eat to your comfort level after the anesthetic is worn off. Your gum and tooth may be tender in the area that the work was done, so sometimes it’s helpful to stick to a softer diet for the first few days.

With a permanent crown, it is best to avoid sticky things for the first 24 hours. After that, you may eat, drink, and clean your tooth just like you did before. The crown and gum may be tender or sensitive for the first few weeks while the gum is healing from the work done, but soon you shouldn’t even notice that it’s there.

If you have any additional questions about your procedure or if you are experiencing abnormal bleeding, swelling, severe pain, or any reaction to medications, please do not hesitate to contact us at Noll Family Dentistry.

A sealant is a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that adheres to the chewing surface of your teeth. They’re no substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can help keep cavities from forming.

According to the ADA, sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. This is especially important when it comes to your child’s dental health. In October 2016, the Centers for Disease Control released a report on the importance of sealants for school-aged children, of which only 43% of children ages 6-11 have.

WHO CAN GET SEALANT?

Children and adults can benefit from sealants, but the earlier you get them, the better. Your first molars appear around age 6, and second molars break through around age 12. Sealing these teeth as soon as they come through can keep them cavity-free from the start.

Ask your dentist if sealants are a good option for you and your family.

HOW ARE SEALANTS APPLIED?

It’s a quick and painless process. Your dentist will clean and dry your tooth before placing an acidic gel on your teeth. This gel roughs up your tooth surface so a strong bond will form between your tooth and the sealant. After a few seconds, your dentist will rinse off the gel and dry your tooth again before applying the sealant. Your dentist will then finish the procedure with a special blue light to harden the sealant.

Sealants will often last for several years before they need to be reapplied. During your regular dental visit, your dentist will check the condition of the sealant and can reapply them as needed.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment! Feel free to call Noll Family Dentistry if you have any more questions about sealants.

Mouthwash, also called oral rinse, is a liquid product used to rinse your teeth, gums, and mouth. It certainly is a good thing to use after brushing your teeth because it usually contains an antiseptic to kill harmful bacteria that can live between your teeth and on your tongue.

Some people use mouthwash to fight against bad breath, while others use it to try to prevent tooth decay. While mouthwash doesn’t replace brushing your teeth or flossing, it’s only effective when used correctly so it’s important to understand that different formulas contain different ingredients, and not all mouthwashes can strengthen your teeth.

You can use mouthwash prior to brushing to remove any food debris and plaque build-up in your mouth to set yourself up for a good cleaning.

How to use mouthwash:

Directions may vary per brand so always make sure to follow package instructions. Generally the instructions are as followed:

• Brush your teeth first
• Pour your oral rinse using only as much as the product instructs you to use. (It’s typically between 3 and 5 teaspoons.)
• Rinse in your mouth for about 30 seconds
• Spit it out

How often should you use it?

Most mouthwash products recommend that you use them twice per day, after brushing and flossing. But you can also use it in a pinch to banish bad breath.

Also, one important thing to note is that if you’re using fluoride toothpaste, don’t use mouthwash for at least 30 minutes after brushing! Why? Because the wash will rinse the fluoride out of your mouth.

Speak to a dentist about any concerns you have about your breath or using mouthwash.

Contact us at Noll Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment or ask our treatment coordinators any questions.

Bad breath is embarrassing and worrisome. For most of us, it’s temporary. But for 25% of the population, it’s a chronic problem that can cause significant stress.

Bad breath, also called halitosis, is one of the most common reasons why people seek dental care. While in most cases, bad breath can be easily treated, it can also be a sign of a more serious problem.

So, here are common reasons:

Poor Home Care 

The primary cause is mouth bacteria. When we practice good oral home care daily, we remove that bacteria. So, when we aren’t the best brushers or flossers, all that leftover bacteria produces a foul smell.  

Poor home care can also lead to tooth decay, which is a tooth infection that can contribute to chronic mouth odors that will not go away until your teeth are repaired.

Gum Disease

Do you brush your teeth and still feel like you have bad breath shortly after? Your bad breath may be a sign of gum disease! Harmful mouth bacteria can cause a chronic infection called periodontal disease. When you have gum disease, you cannot just brush and floss the bacteria from your mouth because it is hiding under your gums where you can no longer reach. Until you treat the gum infection, your smelly breath will continue. The best way to treat gum disease is with periodontal treatment.

Dry Mouth

If your mouth always seems to feel dry, you could have dry mouth, also called xerostomia, which is a condition that is caused by a lack of saliva flow. Since saliva is a natural way to wash your mouth throughout the day when it decreases, your mouth is less clean, and malodor forms. Some causes for dry mouth can be mouth breathing, certain medications, and salivary gland problems after cancer treatment.

Smoking

Not only can the smell of cigarettes give your bad breath, but it is also the number one risk factor for periodontal disease. Smoking can also cause dry mouth. Worse yet, smoking can reduce your taste and smell, which can make it hard for you to even recognize that you have bad breath.

Diet

You know that certain types of foods like garlic and onions can cause bad breath, but did you know that low-carb or keto diets can too? It’s true.  Ketones that are produced when fats breakdown can have a strong, unpleasant aroma. 

Medications

Some medications can cause dry mouth, which you now know can cause bad breath. But did you know that some medications can actually be the reason for your bad taste or mouth odors? Medications such as nitrates, phenothiazines, chemotherapy medications, and even vitamins can alter your breath.

Medical Issues

Mouth, nose, and throat conditions like chronic sinus, allergy, and tonsil issues can contribute to bad breath. More serious health issues such as certain types of cancer, liver failure, and GERD can also cause halitosis.  

The Bottom Line

The most important thing to remember about bad breath is that good home care is your best defense. Making sure that you are brushing and flossing daily removes the harmful bacteria that causes halitosis. Visiting your dentist regularly also helps because your dental professionals can professionally clean your teeth, diagnose any more serious dental issues, and treat them effectively.  

Your dental team is always happy to answer questions and give you custom homecare recommendations to help reduce bad breath, so you feel more confident about your mouth.

Contact us today at Noll Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment!

Drinking water is always good for your health but it’s also one of the best things you can do for your teeth especially if it’s fluoridated. Our bodies are made of 60% water, and staying hydrated helps your system distribute healthy nutrients, gets rid of waste, gives your skin a healthy glow, and keeps your muscles moving.

Why water is so good for your oral health:

It strengthens your teeth

Drinking water with fluoride is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do to help prevent cavities. Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter and occurs naturally in varying amounts in water sources.

It keeps your mouth clean

Drinking juice or soda leaves unwanted sugar behind on your teeth. The cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth love to eat sugar and produce acid that wears away enamel, which is the outer shell of your teeth. Many of these drinks also have added acids to make them taste less sweet, but those acids also cause trouble by eroding away enamel.

Water cleans your mouth with every sip. It washes away leftover food and residue that cavity-causing bacteria are looking for. It also dilutes the acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth.

It fights dry mouth

Saliva is your mouth’s first defense against tooth decay. When your saliva supply runs low, dry mouth may put you at risk for tooth decay. Drinking water can help cut your risk as you and your dentist work to find the best long-term solution for you.

It’s calorie free

Sweetened drinks that are high in sugar and calories, create a perfect storm that puts you at risk for cavities and other unhealthy consequences like weight gain. In fact, studies have shown that drinking water can actually help you lose weight. So the next time you need a drink, pick water to take care of your body and your smile.

Again, drinking water throughout the day will go a long way toward keeping your smile cavity-free. Contact us at Noll Family Dentistry for any of your dental questions or concerns!

Before determining if you have a cavity or not you need to know what exactly a cavity is and what type of damage can it cause.

A cavity, also called tooth decay, is actually a permanently damaged area in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes.

Cavities are especially common in children, teenagers, and older adults but anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants! In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says close to 30 percent of American adults have untreated dental cavities.

Cavities left untreated can destroy your teeth and possibly create more serious issues.

So what are the symptoms?

Symptoms of cavities can vary. When one is just beginning, you may not have any symptoms at all! As the decay gets larger, it may cause signs and symptoms such as:

• Hot and cold tooth sensitivity
• Lingering sensitivity to sweets
• Pain when you bite down
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth
• Toothache, spontaneous pain, or pain that occurs without any apparent cause
• Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth

When should you see a dentist?

If you have any signs that a cavity is forming, it’s time to see a dentist. If it doesn’t get treated, they can get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. It can also create more serious complications, like a tooth abscess or an infection that gets into your bloodstream, which can be life-threatening..

Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay. But remember, if you experience a toothache or mouth pain, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Treatment options:

Treatment options vary on how severe the cavity may be. Some options include:

• Fillings: also called restorations are the main treatment option when decay has progressed beyond the earliest stage.
• Crowns: for extensive decay or weakened teeth, you may need a crown which is a custom-fitted covering that replaces your tooth’s entire natural crown.
• Root canals: when decay reaches the inner material of your tooth, you may need a root canal. This is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it.
• Tooth extractions: some teeth become so severely decayed that they can’t be restored and must be removed. Having a tooth pulled can leave a gap that allows your other teeth to shift. Consider getting a bridge or a dental implant to replace the missing tooth.

Prevention

Good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities. Here are some tips to help prevent cavities:

• Brush with fluoride toothpaste
• Visit your dentist regularly
• Consider dental sealants
• Avoid frequent snacking and sipping (especially with sugar)

Visit Noll Family Dentistry regularly to prevent cavities! Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.

Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter and occurs naturally in varying amounts in water sources. To help protect teeth from cavities, fluoride is also added to some dental products such as toothpaste.

Benefits for both children and adults:

Before teeth break through the gums (erupt), the fluoride taken in from foods, beverages, and dietary supplements makes tooth enamel stronger, making it easier to resist tooth decay. After teeth erupt, fluoride helps rebuild (remineralize) weakened tooth enamel and reverses early signs of tooth decay.

It is specifically important for infants and children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years to be exposed to fluoride. It becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize teeth.

When you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste or use other dental products, it is applied to the surface of your teeth. This provides what is called a “topical” benefit.

The fluoride you take in from foods and beverages continues to provide a topical benefit because it becomes part of your saliva, constantly bathing the teeth with tiny amounts of fluoride that help rebuild weakened tooth enamel.

What forms are available?

As mentioned, it is found in foods and in water but it can also be directly applied to the teeth through toothpaste and mouth rinses. Mouth rinses containing fluoride in lower strengths are available over-the-counter; stronger concentrations require a doctor’s prescription.

A dentist can also apply it to the teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish. These treatments contain a much higher level of fluoride than the amount found in toothpaste and mouth rinses.

Supplements are also available as liquids and tablets and must be prescribed by your dentist, pediatrician, or family doctor.

How can I make sure I’m getting enough?

The most effective way to ensure that you are getting enough is to brush your teeth twice each day with fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure that when you are brushing, you take the time to go over and around each tooth on all sides and along the gum line.

You can also introduce fluoride into your diet through foods such as, yams, milk, eggs, cassava, red meats, and fish, especially if it’s canned. All of these foods contain less than 0.1 milligrams in them per serving.

Having a regular dental checkup every six months is also extremely important, not just because your mouth will be professionally cleaned, but also because you should receive a concentrated fluoride treatment each time.

Contact us at Noll Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment!

It’s a fact, flossing daily helps protect against gingivitis by removing plaque and food particles, keeping your teeth and gums healthy, while giving you a beautiful smile.

So, do you floss daily?

Probably not! Well, you’re not alone because according to an American Dental Association (ADA) survey, only 16% of patients report flossing daily. 

The main reason people say they don’t floss every day is because it takes too much time but, flossing is a very important aspect of your gum health. In fact, the American Academy of Periodontology says, “Gum disease is typically caused when prolonged exposure to bacteria in dental plaque causes an inflammatory reaction. Flossing is an effective and useful way to remove the plaque, especially in between the teeth or under the gum line-places where a toothbrush cannot reach.”

Some people find flossing difficult, others say it makes their gums bleed or sore. Well, that bleeding and soreness means bacteria is causing an infection between your teeth. Flossing removes that! 

Here are a few tips to start making flossing part of your daily routine:

Create Flossing Cues

• One of the easiest ways to remind yourself to floss more is to create a flossing cue, a way to remind you to do it. This can be as simple as a sticky note on your bathroom mirror or a reminder alarm on your phone. There are even dental apps that help you set reminders such as Brush DJ. The app helps you to brush your teeth for the full two minutes to a randomly selected song from your playlist. The app entertains you with music while you brush, making brushing fun and exciting rather than boring. The app also allows you to set reminders to brush twice a day, floss, and see your dentist or hygienist regularly. Brush DJ is a free app.

Chunk Floss

• Studies in neuroscience show that one way to create a new habit is by chunking the desired one with something you already do. This action, called ‘habit-chunking’ can work for flossing too. Pick something that you do every day, dental or non-dental, and put floss there. Before you do that daily habit, floss first. By chunking, you basically trick your brain into creating a new habit without thinking too much about it.

Stash Floss Everywhere!

• If you only floss by the mirror, it may seem like a time-consuming chore, ut if you have it stashed in places like your purse, pocket, car, or by the TV, you can do it when you have any extra minute. So, stock up on floss, LOTS OF IT! 

Find the flossing product that works best for you

• Not everyone has to use string floss. Some find it difficult to maneuver while others think it is just plain slimy. If you have sensitive teeth and gums that bleed easily, choose a soft floss that slides easily and comfortably between the teeth. There are also many alternatives to string floss such as floss holders, floss picks, and water flossers.

Types of floss:

• Traditional Waxed Floss – this is the typical offering. The wax can help make it easier to get the floss between your teeth so if you have really tiny spaces this could be a good option for you.
• Non-waxed floss – The lack of wax might make the floss a bit thinner, but the absence of the wax acting as a lubricant might make it a little more difficult to thread between your teeth.
• Disposable Toothpicks – these have grown in popularity and can be a great option, whether you’re on the go or just need help getting those tough to reach back teeth. These come in large packs at most grocery stores and are great for having on hand at all times. Throw a few in your backpack or purse in case you find yourself away from the house and in need of a quick floss.
• Floss Threaders – these handy tools are especially great for individuals with braces or permanent retainers. You can take your floss and place it inside the threader and then use the threader to guide the floss where you need it to go.
• Electric or Water Flossers – these handy tools can be great for those who really can’t get into the regular routine of flossing, they use a combination of pressure and water to clean away plaque and stuck food from the hard to reach areas between your teeth. These are great options but might not clean the entire area. They can be a little more expensive and they might make more of a mess during your daily routine.

*It is always best to discuss floss alternatives with your dental professionals*

Reward Yourself After You’re Done!

• Just as individuals can form good habits, it’s also possible for bad habits to form. Help get yourself excited about flossing by rewarding yourself after you’ve done it. If you have a favorite TV show wait to watch it until after you’ve completed your flossing or mark off the number of days in a row you floss on your calendar and after 30 consecutive days allow yourself a special treat.

Take Baby Steps

• Start taking baby steps toward more flossing. Flossing a few times a week is better than not at all. It can even lead to more regular flossing later! You can even start by flossing just one tooth. Flossing just one tooth isn’t going to improve your overall periodontal health right away. But that’s not the point. The point is to make the act of flossing a habit, which will eventually lead to improved gum health. All you have to do to feel successful is to floss one single tooth at a time.  

Don’t ever feel defeated if you can’t seem to make it a daily habit. Just keep trying to do your best and know that we are always here to help you find tools and tips to clean in-between your teeth.

Keep in mind that flossing correctly is just as important as how often you do it. Here is a step-by-step guide and video by the ADA on proper flossing. 

Contact us at 717.243.9020 if you have any questions on flossing!

First things first, what exactly is a TMJ?

TMJ is an abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint. It’s like any other joint in your body, and good preventive health habits will help a lifetime of happy smiles and chewing.

The TMJ is located at the base of the skull in front of the ear structure and connects the lower jaw with the upper jaw. Unlike most joints located in the body, the TMJ is unique in its structure, composed of a rounded protrusion of the mandible that sits against an indentation in the skull, and a disc-like structure made of a soft bone called cartilage found in between the two bones.

How does the TMJ work:

• The first way is like a hinge to simply open and close the mouth, like a hinge on a door.
• The second way is a sliding motion where your lower jaw moves down and forward. This motion helps the TMJ to move backward and forward and from side to side for actions such as eating and yawning.

What can happen to the TMJ?

A variety of symptoms may be linked to TMJ disorders. Pain, particularly in the chewing muscles or jaw joint, is the most common symptom. Like any other joint in the body, it can be fractured. A fracture can swell and become sore, causing limited movement of the lower jaw and pain radiating to the head and neck area.

Other symptoms include:

• Radiating pain in the face, jaw, or neck
• Jaw muscle stiffness
• Limited movement or locking of the jaw
• Painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening and closing the mouth
• A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together

What Causes TMJ Pain?

Sometimes, pain can come from the teeth themselves, as opposed to the TMJ and surrounding ligaments.

Work or personal stress can be a source of aggressive jaw activity, according to the American College of Prosthodontists, and a general dentist, orthodontist or prosthodontist are the most qualified people to look at your teeth and determine if this is the cause.

Clenching can also cause pain, and some patients exhibit this behavior at night while sleeping.

How to treat TMJ Pain:

Pain in the TMJ is often temporary and can be treated with a combination of ice then heat to relieve the sore ligaments and muscles surrounding the joint. Over-the-counter pain medicines or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen may provide temporary relief from jaw discomfort.

Your dentist may also prescribe a clear plastic bite/night guard, fabricated to help alleviate your symptoms after a thorough diagnosis has been made.

Although rare, surgery is sometimes required. A referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is sometimes appropriate and special imaging pictures of the joint may need to be taken to determine if surgery should be a part of your TMJ treatment.

You can also try eating soft foods, avoiding extreme jaw movements and practice gentle jaw stretching and relaxing exercises.

For most people, discomfort from TMJ disorders will eventually go away
on its own. Just like keeping your teeth healthy, your TMJ should warrant regular visits to your dentist to prevent complications during a routine dental exam.

Call us at 717-243-9020 to schedule an appointment!