Painless Protection from Tooth
Loss
Decay is – surprisingly to some people – not the main reason for
tooth loss. In truth, periodontal disease, also known as gum
disease, is the main culprit. Our office is pleased to offer
ARESTIN™ to our patients. This powerful weapon against gum
disease comes in powder form, containing microspheres that are
so small they can’t be seen by the naked eye. These microspheres
deliver a time-released antibiotic directly to the spaces
between the gums and teeth, where the bacterial infection that
causes gum disease festers. ARESTIN kills this bacteria, saving
your teeth without pain!
Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford
298 Broad Street
Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: (203) 235-5588
DentalGroupCT.com
Many things can cause these symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Possible causes include sinus problems, toothache, arthritis, injury, teeth grinding, gingivitis or problems with your jaw like TMJ. Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam, which may include X-rays, to determine the source of the pain.Above article from: MouthHealthy.org
Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford298 Broad StreetMeriden, CT 06450Phone: (203) 235-5588DentalGroupCT.com
A few years ago, a dental newsletter published what seemed like an unusual story. A boy snagged his teeth on a basketball net while doing a slam-dunk.
A freakish accident? Not quite. After the article appeared, nearly 40 dentists wrote in with their own stories. They all told of would-be Michael Jordans who sacrificed their front teeth in pursuit of the perfect dunk.
In older children and adults, sports injuries are common. Dentists estimate that between 13% and 39% of dental injuries occur while playing sports.
About 80% of all dental injuries affect at least one of the front teeth. Damage to the tongue or cheek is common, too.
Basic Protection
Even if a tooth has been knocked out, it often can be saved if you get to a dentist quickly enough. Minor chips and cracks can be repaired. Dentists use tooth-colored materials that are nearly as strong as the original tooth. However, even "minor" injuries can cause serious and costly damage. If you enjoy sports or other high-risk activities, protect yourself. The use of mouth guards among football players, for example, is believed to prevent about 200,000 mouth injuries a year.
Depending on the sport, two types of protection are available:
- Helmets- A helmet is a must for activities that involve speed or impact. These include football, hockey, skating and bike riding. The helmet should fit correctly. It should also be appropriate for the sport you are playing.
- Mouth guards - Wearing a mouth guard is one of the best ways to prevent injury to your teeth, tongue and lips. A custom-fit mouth guard from your dentist is recommended. This type of mouth guard usually fits better than a ready-made one (found in sporting-goods stores). That means it may protect your teeth better.
If a custom-fit mouth guard isn't an option, try a "boil-and-bite" mouth guard. You can buy one in a sporting-goods store. You place the mouth guard in boiling water. Once the plastic is soft (but not too hot), you bite down on the mouth guard and mold the softened plastic around your teeth. If the mouth guard doesn't fit comfortably the first time, you can reheat it and do it again.
©2002-2013 Aetna, Inc. All rights reserved.
09/25/2013
The above article is from: Colgate.com
Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford
298 Broad Street
Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: (203) 235-5588
DentalGroupCT.com
Avoid
Dental Trauma in Sports
Did you know that 5 million teeth are knocked out each year in
the United States alone? Many sports can be dangerous without
the proper protection. We’ve found the fit of one-size-fits-all
mouthguards sold in stores to be less than ideal. They can make
proper breathing difficult while running during sports like
soccer or basketball. That’s why we offer custom-made sports
mouthguards that fit you or your child well, protect their teeth
and the soft tissues of the mouth, and can be worn for any sport
– football, soccer, hockey, baseball, basketball, and more!
Dental Group of Meriden-Wallingford
298 Broad Street
Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: (203) 235-5588
DentalGroupCT.com
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-Wallingford298 Broad StreetMeriden, CT 06450Phone: (203) 235-5588DentalGroupCT.com
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
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
