If you have gum pain, swollen gums, or increased tooth sensitivity, particularly along the gum line, you may be experiencing gum recession. This oral health problem can lead to other issues down the road, including increased tooth decay, sensitive teeth, and even tooth loss. So what exactly causes receding gums, and how is it treated? Your dentist in Hyde Park is here to help.

Gum Recession: 101

Let’s first dive into what gum recession is so we can better understand how it affects oral health, what can cause it, and how it’s treated. Gum recession occurs when gum tissue starts to pull away from teeth, exposing teeth roots. Without this protection covering the roots and the inner workings of the teeth, it’s highly likely that tooth sensitivity will increase. Additionally, teeth are at greater risk for decay, cavities, and eventual tooth loss. But that’s not all. Once gum tissue is gone, it’s gone, and there’s no growing it back. However, your dentist may have treatment options available to help with gum recession.

Gum Recession Causes

There are a whole host of things that can cause gums to recede, and the cause can vary from person to person and include:

• Gum Disease
• Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
• Grinding and Clenching
• Trauma

It’s best to talk with your dentist in Hyde Park to determine the main cause of your specific case so they can recommend the best gum recession treatment for you.

Treating Gum Recession

Just like there is no singular cause of gum recession, there’s also no singular treatment that’s right for everyone. Your treatment plan will be custom created just for you based on how severe your recession is. Treatment options can include:

Scaling & Root Planing: The most common type of gum recession treatment is done right in your dentist’s office and is called scaling and root planing. This procedure is similar to a dental cleaning, but the difference is both the tooth and the roots are cleaned during a scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing helps remove plaque and tartar buildup from up under the gums and from the roots of teeth. You will most likely be numbed for this treatment to help keep you comfortable and relaxed.

Antibiotics: Another treatment option that is often paired with scaling and root planing is the use of an antibiotic. The antibiotic helps remove any bacteria that may still be hanging around.

Surgical Treatment: More advanced gum recession may require more advanced dental treatment. Thankfully, there are several surgical techniques that dentists can use to help combat gum recession. This treatment option is not appropriate for everyone, and it’s important to note that just because you have gum recession, it doesn’t mean you’ll need surgery. The best way to find out how to treat gum recession is to talk with your dentist in Hyde Park.

Receding gums may sound scary, but try not to worry. Besides having several treatment options to choose from, there are also things you can do to prevent gum recession from happening in the first place, and most of them are easy. Make sure you brush and floss every day and make sure you’re brushing using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, small circles. Lastly, see your dentist in Hyde Park twice a year to further protect your oral health.

Usually you’ll find your dentist in Hyde Park spending most of their time talking about teeth. But today, we’re switching it up a bit and focusing on another important area of oral health — the tongue. This amazing muscle helps us speak, chew, and swallow, but did you know that our tongues can also help your dental team identify oral health problems- or even other whole-body problems? Say “Ah!” and let’s take a look at some ways our tongues can be the window to overall health.

A Bright Red Tongue

Tongues are usually a nice shade of pink — this indicates a well-hydrated and healthy tongue. But there are also times when patients look in their mouths to find a bright red tongue. The color can be so dramatic that it can appear as if you just ate a red popsicle that stained your tongue. A red tongue is often referred to as strawberry tongue and can indicate a vitamin B-12 deficiency or an iron deficiency. Occasionally, a red tongue may also be a sign of a fever, strep throat, Kawasaki disease, or erythroplakia. Erythroplakia may increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer, so any tongue redness that doesn’t go away warrants a call to your dentist in Hyde Park.

Scalloped or Wavy Edges

If it’s been a while since you’ve last looked at your tongue, you may now notice changes in its texture, particularly a scalloped or wavy appearance along the edges. This is usually nothing to be concerned about but can be a sign of other problems. Scalloped or wavy edges often result from the tongue being pushed up against the teeth repeatedly. This can even happen during sleep! This change in tongue texture can also be a sign of teeth grinding, sleep apnea, TMJ disorder, or vitamin deficiencies.

A Black, Hairy Tongue

As gross as this sounds and as scary as it can be, usually a black, hairy tongue isn’t anything to worry about. This condition can be caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking or chewing tobacco, drinking too much alcohol, dry mouth, or changes to yeast or bacteria in the mouth. Also, the “hair” you see isn’t actually hair but rather a buildup of skin cells on the papillae (the tiny bumps naturally found on tongues). When too many cells take over the papillae, they can appear long and hair-like as opposed to small bumps. This condition can resolve on its own.

Painful Sores or Bumps

As we’ve mentioned before, all tongues have tiny bumps called papillae. Those are normal and are no cause for concern. However, when a new bump appears and is accompanied by pain or soreness and doesn’t go away, you should visit your dentist in Hyde Park. New lumps that don’t go away over the course of two weeks may be a sign of oral cancer. Oral cancer can be treated, but treatment is often more successful when the cancer is caught early. Call your dentist as soon as you can to get it checked out.

Your tongue can say a lot about your overall health, and it shouldn’t be ignored. Keep a close eye on your tongue in-between your dental appointments and be sure to talk about any changes you may notice with your dental team.

More than 3 million Americans get the common cold every year. That’s a lot of sneezes, running noses, and coughs that many of us will treat with over-the-counter medications. Even though these medications can help us feel a little bit better and relieve us of our symptoms, even temporarily, there are some reasons why your dentist in Hyde Park recommends using cough and cold medicine carefully.

Risks of Cold Medicine on Oral Health

It’s easy to load up on cold medicine, especially when it helps stop a cough or unstuff a nose. After all, there’s no reason you should have to suffer through your cold when there are medications out there that can help you feel better. But some of the most common cold medicines contain some ingredients that can put your smile in danger. Most notably, the sugars and alcohol found in many over-the-counter cold remedies.

The Dangers of Sugars

Most medications that help with cold symptoms contain sugar. This is because, without it, medicine can taste pretty bad. But as everyone knows, your dentist in Hyde Park really doesn’t like sugar, which includes those found in medications. Sugar is one of the top contributors to tooth decay. When we eat sugary foods, suck on cough drops, or take liquid cough medicine, the bacteria in our mouths feed on the sugars. These bacteria release an acidic byproduct that can wear away tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the outside protective layer of teeth that protects it against decay. Without it, teeth are at increased risk for decay and cavities.

Alcohol

The other common ingredient found in many cold medications is alcohol. Even though there’s not much of it, alcohol in medicine can still be a concern for your Hyde Park dentist. Alcohol can easily cause dry mouth. Normally, dry mouth is alleviated naturally by saliva. A healthy mouth typically produces between 0.5 and 1.5 liters of saliva each day. This saliva helps neutralize acids and wash away bacteria. But those with dry mouth produce much less saliva which means those dangerous bacteria and acids are left behind and can increase the risk for tooth decay.

Reduce the Risk

We understand that asking you to avoid medicine during a miserable cold is, well, miserable. So we’re certainly not suggesting that you don’t take medicine at all. What we do recommend, however, is that you take medicine at the right time and the right way to reduce its oral health risks.

Try taking the medication as a pill instead of a liquid. Many medicines are available in both liquid and pill form. Pills or capsules will lower the teeth’s exposure to sugar and alcohol and reduce the risk of decay.

Take medicine, and then brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth AFTER you take cough syrup, rather than before, can help remove the sugars and alcohol from your mouth and teeth.

Eat something with your medicine. Eating food increases saliva production which will help wash away sugar and alcohol.

If you do happen to catch a cold, try these tips to not only feel better but also protect your teeth in the process.

When you walk down the oral health care aisle at your local supermarket, it can quickly become overwhelming. There are just so many different types of toothbrushes, tubes of toothpaste, bottles of mouthwashes, and packets of floss to pick from. How in the world are you supposed to pick the best products for you? Don’t worry, today the team at our Hyde Park dental office is here to help narrow your options for one of the most important tools in your oral hygiene toolbox — floss.

Flossing can sometimes be overlooked as a crucial part of your oral health, but the truth is, flossing every day is incredibly effective at lowering your risk for cavities and gum disease. This means that you need to choose a type of floss that you will use regularly and properly. Let’s take a closer look at the three most common types of floss recommended by your dentist in Hyde Park.

Traditional Floss

The most common type of floss is the traditional string floss found in those little, compact containers. This time-tested original can work really well for many people as it’s what they first learned to floss with, so it’s comfortable to use. However, those who may have trouble using their hands or fingers may not be able to reach around each tooth or back into the molars. This is when an alternative option should be considered.

Floss Picks

Floss picks are those little plastic tools that have a small piece of floss threaded between two posts. They’re pretty inexpensive and can be just as effective as traditional floss if used properly. However, while some people may find floss picks easier to use, others find just the opposite. So essentially, there’s no real right or wrong answer when it comes to which is better. The best way to decide is to try both options and see which is easier for you to use. Keep in mind, floss picks only use a small section of floss so you may need to use a few flossers each and every time you floss.

Water Flosser

A newer and more high-tech flossing option that’s making its way into bathrooms across the country is electric water flossers. These tools are highly effective at removing plaque and bacteria, and many studies suggest that they may be the most effective of any flossing device. But they don’t come without a few potential cons. Water flossers need to either be plugged in or charged, so they aren’t incredibly convenient. They’re also larger in size so storage and traveling may pose a few complications. Lastly, they can be pricey, although they do last a long time and reduce waste.

What matters most to your dentist in Hyde Park isn’t necessarily which type of floss you use, but rather that you floss regularly and properly. If you’re finding that flossing is challenging and you’re looking for a better solution, we welcome you to call our dental office in Hyde Park. We’re always happy to help find the best tools for each one of our patients.

Fluoride is one of the best ways to keep teeth strong, healthy, and protected against decay. But what is fluoride? Who needs it? How much do they need? We know you have questions, but don’t worry… the team at our dental office in Hyde Park is here to answer them.

What Is Fluoride?

Tooth decay is a serious problem among both children and adults, and one of the best ways to prevent it is by using fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral found in nature. However, it’s also often added to water which provides an easy way to make sure we’re all getting enough of it. Fluoride helps harden the enamel so our teeth are super strong and protected against bacteria and acid. Fluoride can even help strengthen teeth before they erupt, making it pretty important for kids.

Where Do We Get It?

Fluoride comes in two forms — systemic and topical. Systemic is any form that’s ingested into the body, including fluoride found in water and fluoride tablets. Topical refers to the stuff your dentist in Hyde Park applies to your teeth during dental visits. Chances are if your drinking water is fluoridated, and you’re using a toothpaste with fluoride, you’re probably getting enough systemic fluoride. However, if you’re prone to cavities or decay, or have sensitive teeth, your dentist may recommend using topical fluoride to keep sensitivity at bay and further protect your enamel.

Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Fluoride?

When it comes to fluoride, there is such a thing as too much. Dental fluorosis is one of the main concerns that can result from the overuse of fluoride. Mostly affecting children under 8, dental fluorosis is caused by too much fluoride over a prolonged period of time before adult teeth have erupted. Sometimes you may notice pitting and staining, other times fluorosis can cause almost invisible white spots. You can reduce the risk of dental fluorosis by monitoring how much fluoride is in your water and choosing a different source for kids under 8 if yours has more than 2 mg/L. It’s also important to note that, while highly unlikely, too much fluoride can be hazardous. Even though it’s extremely difficult to expose yourself to dangerous levels of fluoride, you should still follow a few rules of thumb such as:

• Keeping fluoride supplements out of the reach of children
• Avoiding flavored toothpaste to discourage swallowing
• Following your dentist’s recommendations for the right amount of fluoride for you

If you have more questions regarding fluoride, we welcome you to call our Hyde Park dental office to schedule a visit. We’re always accepting new patients and are here to help our neighbors get and keep healthy smiles.

You can buy almost anything online nowadays, including dental veneers. But are these affordable, clip-on, temporary veneers really worth the cost savings? Join our dental office in Hyde Park as we shed some light on this increasingly popular craze in this week’s blog.

What Are DIY Veneers?

DIY veneers are dental appliances that someone can temporarily glue or snap over their natural teeth. The goal is to give the user an improved appearance by covering up any imperfections that they don’t like in their smile. There are two main types of DIY veneers — one that requires molds of your teeth to make and one that does not. Anyone can order these veneers online without the need for a dental appointment.

The Problems With DIY Veneers

Even though DIY veneers may be attractive because of their relatively low cost, there are definite disadvantages with buying and using these appliances. Let’s take a look at some of the most concerning problems of DIY veneers.

Not Custom – Any dental treatment that does not require you to see your dentist in Hyde Park before undergoing treatment should raise a red flag. Every person’s mouth is unique, their teeth are unique, and their treatment should absolutely be unique as well. If it’s not, like DIY veneer appliances, there’s a good chance the treatment will not give patients the result they’re looking for. Additionally, many appliances that are worn in the mouth without oversight from a dentist can be very uncomfortable.

Unrealistic – Despite the fact that some brands of DIY veneers require molds of your teeth in order to produce the veneers, you still don’t know what you’re going to get. There have been many examples of patients getting DIY veneers only to have them look incredibly unrealistic. Either they’re way too white, the teeth are way too big, or the overall proportion is way off.

Bite Problems – One important thing that DIY veneers do not take into consideration is the bite and jaw position of the patient’s mouth. If the appliance doesn’t fit correctly, patients have a tendency to shift the way they move or rest their jaw. This can put abnormal stress on the jaw joint which can lead to pain and issues with the TMJ/TMD joint.

Temporary – As we mentioned above, DIY veneers are only designed to be a temporary fix. This means only a short-lived improved appearance. Sometimes maybe even for only a few hours.

If you’re looking to get a whiter, straighter, more beautiful smile, we highly recommend you start by scheduling an appointment at our dental office in Hyde Park. We offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry solutions to fix any concerns you may have, and all of our work takes your entire mouth and overall health into consideration before we begin treatment. If dental veneers turn out to be the ideal solution for you, we will design beautiful, permanent, custom veneers that will transform your smile, not only for a short time, but for every day of your life.

Your dentist in Hyde Park agrees that there is nothing more beautiful than a smile that’s healthy, confident, and straight. These days, there are more and more ways to fix your smile. We thought we’d take some time to address the surge in do-it-yourself or at-home smile straightening. Let’s talk about why DIY orthodontics is not the best idea for you and your smile.

Promises, Promises

Everywhere you look today from TV to online ads there seem to be new DIY aligners popping up every day. The truth is mail-ordered braces, or at-home aligners, are starting to become something of a fad. They make grand promises of straightening your smile quickly and without any appointments with a dental health professional like your Hyde Park dentist. Check social media: people across the country are raving about their results, and there are plenty of reviews out there, too. It seems like these orthodontic solutions are the end all, be all of straightening teeth. The truth is, DIY orthodontics is  NOT a miracle fix, and you need to be wary of the claims and promises these companies make.

Help Yourself

It’s important to understand that when you’re straightening your teeth, you’re moving bones and repositioning your bite. That’s a big deal, especially when you don’t have your dentist or orthodontist supervising the progress. To get ideal results for you and your smile, you really should have x-rays in the beginning and someone by your side to review how your bones are moving and your smile is changing. With mail-order orthodontics, you send in a mold of your teeth and hope for the best. You might find it’s not the same as having a comprehensive treatment plan monitored by a dentist or specialist. It’s like driving a car, but you only know how to ride a bike. The results can be dangerous!

We’re All Different

Just because you can go online and order some clear aligners for your smile, doesn’t mean you’re going to get the straight smile you’re promised. Everyone has a different bite and smile. Sometimes clear aligners just won’t work. If you’re one of these people who won’t see results from aligner therapy, you won’t know until you’ve already wasted time and money on your smile. (You might also do some unnecessary and unwanted damage to your teeth.) The companies selling the clear aligners won’t tell you that the product might not be the best fit for you. Some of the not-so-hot reviews for mail-order orthodontics say that people felt like their teeth were worse after they started treatment. This could be attributed to aligners that didn’t fit right or placement issues that needed to be addressed by a dental health professional.

We hope you’ll schedule an appointment at our dental office in Hyde Park so we can talk about the right way to straighten your smile. There are plenty of options out there, and we have the tools and technology to assess what will work best for you. You can have a straight smile that’s cheap and fixed fast, but it’s best to leave it up to the professionals, and, as they say on TV, don’t try this at home.

From kids to adults, there’s no shame in getting your game on. It’s a great way to get your daily exercise and spend time with friends or family. (And a little competition never hurt.)

With any sport, we run the risk of spraining an ankle or breaking a wrist. But you also run an even bigger danger of damaging your teeth. No one wants that! Especially your dentist in Hyde Park.

Oral injuries from sports can range from a simple bump on the lip to requiring major dental surgery to repair a smile. (Hello, hockey players!) Over the years, we’ve seen a lot of broken, chipped teeth due to sports. Here are some of the most common culprits when it comes to wreaking havoc on smiles.

#1 – Football

As the gridiron game starts to heat up this month, you should know that it’s not so hot for your smile. You can probably imagine that any sport requiring tackling is going to cause an injury or two somewhere along the way. Make sure you and your kiddos are equipped with a custom mouthguard. They offer added protection to your bite when you’re fighting hard on the field. You don’t want tackles taking out your teeth.

#2 – Basketball

This court can be harsh on teeth. Not everyone wears mouthguards to protect their smile when playing basketball, but there are so many opportunities for damage to your teeth. This is true, especially as we grow older and continue in the sport. Just picture it: an elbow flailing here and there or a ball headed straight for the kisser. Basketball has the potential to do some serious damage to your teeth.

#3 – Martial Arts

Sports such as martial arts, mixed martial arts, boxing, and others can also spell trouble for your teeth. There’s no denying that these sports are full-contact and sometimes literally mean hitting someone directly in the face. Oral injury is occasionally imminent. But it can be avoidable if you remember to wear a custom mouthguard courtesy of your Hyde Park dentist.

#4 – Stick and Bat Games

Think of a sport that you need a bat or a stick to play; we’ll wait. (Hint: Hockey, baseball, lacrosse, cricket, etc.) There’s an increased risk of getting smacked in the face with a stick or bat when you’re on the field or the ice with these sports. Just like all of the other sports we’ve discussed so far, it’s important to protect your smile with a mouthguard, especially if you’ve had extensive cosmetic work.

#5 – Skateboarding

Sure, Tony Hawk has a great smile. But we’re willing to bet he’s wiped out once or twice and his smile was right in the middle of it. Skateboarding can be fun and exhilarating just like a halfpipe, but if you’re not careful, your teeth can end up damaged. Chipped, broken, and knocked out teeth are common skateboarding injuries that we’ve seen (in children and parents).

At our Hyde Park dental office, we’re all about preventing damage and decay to your teeth. After all, we want your smile to last a lifetime. However, if you find yourself with a dental emergency with a sports injury, know that you can always count on us. Please call our office to learn more about how we can accommodate you and your family should a dental emergency arise. We’re always here to help you feel better and have a healthy smile!

Your dentist in Hyde Park knows how incredibly unnerving a trip to have your teeth checked or cleaned can be for some patients. If this sounds like you, it’s essential to know that you’re not alone. Besides the fact that millions of Americans struggle with anxiety about seeing the dentist, you’ve got an extended family at our office who cares about your comfort and happiness.

We thought it might be a good idea to devote a blog to different ways you or someone you care about can alleviate your dental anxiety and relax in the chair. There are a few things we tell our patients that are sure to work for you too.

#1 – Talk it Out

No matter what age you are or where you’re at in life, one of the most significant, most effective ways to overcome dental anxiety is to talk to us. Communication with your Hyde Park dentist will help to lower your stress levels associated with dental visits and make you feel less anxious about scheduling an appointment with us. Your dentist treats patients every day who are not too excited about having to sit in the dental chair, even for as something as routine as a cleaning. We have the right tools and training to make sure you’re always feeling comfortable and at ease.

Remember, starting with the first phone call if you’re a new patient, share your questions and concerns with our dental team. We can adapt to fit your needs and your schedule, to make seeing the dentist an experience that’s stress-free (and dare we say, enjoyable).

#2 – Relax and Breathe

It may seem a little silly having your dentist remind you to breathe, but so many people tense up when they’re at the dentist. Sometimes when we do this or we’re feeling anxious, we hold our breath and don’t breathe properly. This decreases oxygen levels and can further increase your feeling of anxiety or panic.

Whether you’re on your way to the office for an appointment or if you’re getting ready to sit down for treatment, you can always practice deep, meditative breathing. It’s easy! Just try focusing on your breath. Keep taking steady, slow inhalations and exhalations. When you develop a more rhythmic breathing pattern, you’re able to focus on that more than your feelings of dread from having to see the dentist. Focusing on our breathing helps dramatically reduce stress levels.

#3 – See Your Dentist in Hyde Park Regularly

It may seem a bit strange, but the best way to avoid the dentist is to see your dentist regularly. If you can overcome your anxiety and get through regular, routine checkups and cleanings, then there’s a good chance you’ll be able to avoid more extensive, time-consuming procedures in the future.

Also, remember this if you’re in the chair having work done: it’s OK to have a signal to stop and take a break if you’re uncomfortable. This puts you in control of the procedure and alerts your dentist if you need a time out for a minute or two.

We hope these tips can help provide you some relief from your dental worries and anxiety. Like we mentioned earlier, please don’t hesitate to call our Hyde Park dental office and explain your feelings to us. There’s a solution for every patient, for every smile! We’re happy to help you find what makes you comfortable.

October is known for a lot of things, but it’s the one month set aside each year to give a little bit of extra love to all of the immensely talented, caring dental hygienists out there. There are so many of them across the country whose work goes unnoticed or even underappreciated each day. So we’re here to pull back the curtain and shed some light on the life-changing services they provide.

Take a few minutes with your dentist in Hyde Park to give three cheers for dental hygienists and everything they do to keep you and your smile healthy.

Cheers #1 – Celebrate Their Love For Smiles

You have to admit it; someone who chooses dentistry as a career must really love teeth. If you ask any dental hygienist, we’re sure their answer will be very similar. Most dental hygienists take special classes and graduate with different training, degrees, and certifications. They don’t merely learn how to clean patients’ teeth and then send them on their way.

The American Dental Association will tell you that dental hygiene is no easy job. Hygienists are responsible for: – Carefully examining teeth and the entire mouth for anything suspicious – Taking a patient’s oral health history, blood pressure, and pulse – Assessing your oral health needs and goals – Taking precise x-rays and oral photos – Educating patients about the best ways to care for their smile at home – Clearing away harmful plaque and tartar from teeth to avoid decay. To get that up close and personal to smile each day takes a special dedication and a person who genuinely cares about their patients. Your Hyde Park dentist will be the first to give any dental hygienist a huge high five for all the work they do!

Cheers #2 – They’re Making History

Fones School of Dental Hygiene first opened its doors in 1913, paving the way as the first school of its kind dedicated to educating dental hygienists. National Dental Hygiene Month first started being recognized in October back in 2009 courtesy of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and Wrigley gum. Together, both organizations saw the need for more Americans to put a heavier emphasis on keeping their teeth healthy.

This year, there’s even more to celebrate as the ADHA is partnering with Walgreens and LISTERINE® to promote further the benefits of good oral health and the incredible, life-changing work done by dental hygienists across the nation. There’s even a new, #DoTheSwish campaign happening at participating stores where you can snap a selfie with specially-marked LISTERINE® mouthwash displays for a chance to win some sweet prizes!

Cheers #3 – It’s an Excuse for a New Toothbrush

While we genuinely appreciate all that dental hygienists do for patients, this is also a good time of year to take a look at your toothbrush. Is it starting to look a little scary? It might be time for a replacement if your bristles are frayed or breaking.

Having the right toothbrush is going to help keep your mouth and gums healthy, in turn, making your dental hygienist happy. That’s what we want this month and every month of every year! This holiday marks the perfect opportunity to celebrate the fantastic, fabulous work dental hygienists do to keep mouths healthy across the country, from big cities to small villages.

Are you need of a teeth cleaning? Contact our Hyde Park dental office today by phone or online to schedule a time with your amazing dental hygienist. Don’t forget to thank them for all they do for you and your smile.