Top Dental Symptoms: Cracked or Broken Teeth

A cracked or broken tooth can happen for a variety of reasons- brittle teeth, teeth grinding, injury. The crack may be invisible to the naked eye and even X-ray, but they can be incredibly painful and create bigger problems if left untreated. If you experience pain when chewing see your dentist. They can diagnose the cause and develop a plan for treatment.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford
298 Broad Street
Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: (203) 235-5588
DentalGroupCT.com 

Tooth Anatomy

What Are the Different Parts of a Tooth?

• Crown- the top part of the tooth, and the only part you can normally see. The shape of the crown determines the tooth's function. For example, front teeth are sharp and chisel-shaped for cutting, while molars have flat surfaces for grinding.
• Gumline- where the tooth and the gums meet. Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up at the gumline, leading to gingivitis and gum disease.
• Root- the part of the tooth that is embedded in bone. The root makes up about two-thirds of the tooth and holds the tooth in place.
• Enamel- the outermost layer of the tooth. Enamel is the hardest, most mineralized tissue in the body - yet it can be damaged by decay if teeth are not cared for properly.
• Dentin- the layer of the tooth under the enamel. If decay is able to progress its way through the enamel, it next attacks the dentin - where millions of tiny tubes lead directly to the dental pulp.
• Pulp- the soft tissue found in the center of all teeth, where the nerve tissue and blood vessels are. If tooth decay reaches the pulp, you usually feel pain.

What Are the Different Types of Teeth?
Every tooth has a specific job or function (use the dental arch in this section to locate and identify each type of tooth):

• Incisors- the sharp, chisel-shaped front teeth (four upper, four lower) used for cutting food.
• Canines- sometimes called cuspids, these teeth are shaped like points (cusps) and are used for tearing food.
• Premolars- these teeth have two pointed cusps on their biting surface and are sometimes referred to as bicuspids. The premolars are for crushing and tearing.
• Molars- used for grinding, these teeth have several cusps on the biting surface

 

 The above article is from: Colgate.com

Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford
298 Broad Street
Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: (203) 235-5588
DentalGroupCT.com 

Advanced Dental Technology

Digital X-Rays Reduce Radiation by up to 75%
Our practice is very pleased to offer digital X-rays. Using this technology, we take images of your teeth with a digital sensor and download them directly into our computer, where they are immediately available. Our digital X-ray unit makes it possible to view your entire mouth, including the upper and lower jaws. These methods result in 75% less radiation than conventional X-rays. No more waiting for images to develop and no more chemical waste to pollute the environment.

The Highest Standards in Sterilization
At the Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford, your safety is our highest priority. Therefore we take sterilization very seriously. We use a special unit called an autoclave to clean and sterilize all instruments between each use. An independent company regularly monitors the autoclave to ensure the highest level of safety and cleanliness. Our staff is trained to provide the highest level of compliance in sterilization. Your health is too important to us to take even the slightest risk.


Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford
298 Broad Street
Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: (203) 235-5588
DentalGroupCT.com 

Wine Tasters, Beware

Wine tasters may be at high risk for enamel stain and erosion.

Why? Sipping wine many times a day -- and swishing it in the mouth -- increases the enamel's exposure to damaging acids.

That is why it's better to drink a glass of wine, soda, or sweet tea with a meal instead of sipping it over several hours.

Above article from: Webmd.com/oral-health

Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford
298 Broad Street
Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: (203) 235-5588
DentalGroupCT.com 

Your Mouth Is Not a Bottle Opener!

Your mother was right: Never open bottles, packages, or other containers with your teeth. You might permanently chip or crack the enamel.

Gnawing on anything else -- like pens or fingernails -- or chomping down on seeds, popcorn kernels, or ice could have the same result.

Above article from:  Webmd.com/oral-health

Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford
298 Broad Street
Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: (203) 235-5588
DentalGroupCT.com 

Convenient & Affordable Dental Care

Your Schedule Matters to Us
When you visit the Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford, we want to ensure comfortable and efficient treatment for you so you can spend as little time away from your busy day as possible. We have designed our services and programs to focus on reducing your time and effort invested. The key to achieving these goals is personalized attention.

Here are some of the ways we can make it easier and more affordable for your family to get quality dental care.

• Sedation Dentistry – Reducing anxiety can make all the difference between a great visit to the dentist and an awful one. We offer nitrous oxide so you can not only relax through your treatment, you can drive yourself home when it’s over!
• Treatment for Every Member of Your Family – Kids and seniors have special needs. No matter what your age, we focus on the unique care you require.
• Emergency Care the Same Day – In the unfortunate occurrence of a dental emergency, we can see you the same day to ease your pain. We have a doctor on call after office hours.
• Get Comfy! – We have blankets and pillows available to make you completely comfortable during your treatment.
• Convenient Location – We are conveniently located on Broad Street with a CT Transit stop next to our office.
• Convenient Hours – We are pleased to offer late evening and Saturday appointments to accommodate your busy schedule.
• New Patient Forms – Available online for maximum convenience! Fill them out at home in your own time so you can make sure they’re complete before you arrive for your first visit.
• A Complete Range of Financial Options (with or without insurance) – We offer multiple ways to pay for your care. If you have dental insurance, we’ll help you file for maximum benefits. For your portion of the payment, we take all major credit cards and offer the CareCredit interest-free payment plan.

Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford
298 Broad Street
Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: (203) 235-5588
DentalGroupCT.com 

Top Dental Symptoms: Bleeding or Sore Gums

Bleeding or sore gums can be a sign of gingivitis, an early and reversible stage of gum disease, or simply the result of brushing too hard or starting a new flossing routine. If your gums bleed regularly, or enough to worry you, make an appointment with your dentist or physician, it could be a sign that something else is wrong.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford
298 Broad Street
Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: (203) 235-5588
DentalGroupCT.com 

Dental Care Specific for Seniors

Seniors Have Unique Needs for Their Dental Care
Right along with our bodies, our teeth and gums change as we age. Teeth can darken due to years of plaque buildup or consumption of coffee, tea, or tobacco. We have several procedures that can address these problems. If your medications have caused a reduction in your flow of saliva, we offer simple products that can help this condition. Some people have very old fillings, which may have weakened or cracked. Regular check-ups will allow us to stay on top of your existing fillings. Gum disease and root decay can be major problems in seniors. Daily cleaning and good nutrition are critical for healthy gums. If your gums become red or begin to bleed or your teeth start to feel loose, contact us immediately.

Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford
298 Broad Street
Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: (203) 235-5588
DentalGroupCT.com  

Foods That Stain Your Teeth: Tea and Your Teeth

Although tea has a reputation as a healthy beverage, it may not be the best choice when it comes to keeping your teeth white. Dentists say tea -- especially the basic black variety -- can cause more stains than coffee. However, recent studies have found that even herbal teas and white teas have the potential to erode enamel and cause tooth staining.

Above article from: Webmd.com/oral-health

Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford
298 Broad Street
Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: (203) 235-5588
DentalGroupCT.com 

Top Dental Symptoms: Sensitive Teeth

If your teeth hurt when you drink hot or cold beverages, you may have sensitive teeth. This can be the result of tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root due to gum recession. Treatment will depend on the source of sensitivity. If you’re concerned about the sensitivity of your teeth see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment options.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org 

Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford
298 Broad Street
Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: (203) 235-5588
DentalGroupCT.com