Flossing Technique

Flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene. At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, many of our patients are people who have had some of their teeth replaced and have conditions that put them at especially high risk for tooth decay. Since prosthetic teeth are also vulnerable to bacterial build-up, we want to ensure our patients know how to take care of themselves.

You’ll want to use a lengthy strand of floss and to wrap its ends around your middle fingers. This will allow you to move the floss with your pointer fingers and thumbs. Slide the floss next to each tooth and wrap it around the crown to gather up as much tartar as possible. Don’t push against your gums, but do slide the floss as deeply as it will go and use an up-and-down motion to clean thoroughly. Make sure you’re cleaning each side of each tooth, not just sliding the floss between them, and don’t forget the backs of your back teeth. As you go from tooth to tooth, unspool more floss so you aren’t just spreading food debris around. When you’ve flossed each side of each tooth, rinse your mouth.

Some people have trouble with dexterity and may benefit from using a flosser. People who have fixed bridges may also need to use a threader to loop floss under the bridge. Although there’s no solid evidence about whether it’s better to brush or floss first, people should be flossing at least once a day. Always speak with the dental hygenist at your dental office, if you have questions about how to care for your teeth.

 Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operates in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA.

 

Oral Bacteria in Aging Populations

Oral hygiene is crucial for the preservation of teeth and the integration of implants. At The Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we’ve seen a lot of people safely through the entire tooth replacement process. But as people age, their risk of oral health complications increases, which is why we wanted to provide some information about the connection between oral bacteria and overall health in the aging population.

Older Americans have higher rates of tooth decay than any population except young children. According to some estimates, 64% of them have periodontitis, which is the more advanced form of gum disease. People with periodontitis experience jaw bone deterioration, which makes their teeth likelier to come loose, migrate, or fall out. Their mouths also lose vertical dimension, causing bite problems. But oral bacteria will not necessarily remain confined to the mouth. They may enter the bloodstream through the dental pulp, an abscess in the gingival tissue, or through the lungs, and cause inflammation throughout the body. This would cause other prosthetics and replacement body parts, such as heart valves, to be at higher risk of premature failure. Oral bacteria that migrated to other parts of the body have also been implicated in rheumatism and Alzheimer's Disease.

It is certainly worthwhile for older people to maintain their regular brushing and flossing. They may want to consider electric toothbrushes and enlarged toothbrush grips. People with dry mouth may also want to use sugar-free gum to increase their saliva production and reduce their intake of sugary drinks, such as iced tea, sweetened coffee, and fruit juice. 

The Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA.

 

Denture Stomatitis

Do you notice red bumps developing on the roof of your mouth and at the corners of your lips? If so, that means you have an oral yeast infection. This hygiene problem is particularly likely to happen to people who wear dentures, which is why we at The Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania want our patients to understand how to prevent it.

The candida species of fungus are always present in the mouth and are generally harmless. But they can grow out of control when an upper denture is not removed and cleaned regularly. If a denture doesn’t fit well, it may irritate the tissue of the upper palate. But more often, yeast simply grows as much as it can in a place where there’s no saliva to wash it away or subject it to antimicrobial enzymes. Yeast can also grow in the corners of the mouth if they are perpetually damp. An infection is referred to as “stomatitis,” and although it may cause redness, patients do not always feel it.

Although people are at greater risk for stomatitis if they have diabetes or use inhalers, better oral hygiene is usually all that’s necessary to prevent it. Patients should remove their dentures each night and clean them with soap or a non-abrasive denture paste. (Fluoridated toothpaste will scratch dentures' plastic.) Patients should also brush their gums and the roofs of their mouths and scrape their tongues.

The Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA.

 

Bad Breath

Halitosis, or bad breath, can be a chronic condition. As providers of dentures, we at the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania take seriously signs of poor oral hygiene and related issues. A dentist can be a crucial ally in a patient’s fight against bad breath and the infections that are usually behind it.

Bad breath is a symptom of lots of ailments, but the odor usually comes from bacterial growth. Bacteria may be hiding in the papillae of the tongue, in gum pockets, and on the undersides of dentures or between dental bridges and the gum line. Diabetes, which damages blood vessels, increases people’s risk of gum infection. Another issues is acid reflux, which erodes teeth while also introducing foul-smelling gas into the oral cavity.

Improved hygiene will go a long way toward combatting bad breath, which can be seen as a precursor to gingivitis. Patients might also want to try using mouthwash and tongue scrapers, sucking on sugar-free candy, and if they suffer from acid reflux, refraining from red meat, alcohol, and citrus juice before bed. Sometimes the problem could be as simple as chemicals from garlic entering the lungs via the bloodstream, but consulting with us can help pinpoint the problem and ensure that oral prosthetics are in good working order.

The Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA.

 

Mouth Guard Usage

Proper use of athletic mouthguards is one of the most important parts of oral health maintenance. At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we hate to see a patient’s restorations destroyed and hope that most people won’t need their teeth repaired in the first place. Keeping safe during exercise and sports significantly reduces the odds of a dental emergency.

The better-fitted a mouthguard is, the less bulky it needs to be and the better protection it provides. Athletic stores and online retailers sell boil-and-bite mouthguards, which can easily be adjusted. These are particularly advantageous for kids and people undergoing orthodontic correction, since their teeth are rapidly shifting position. It is also possible to have a permanent, customized mouthguard fabricated, often with a dentist’s input. A properly-fitted mouthguard shouldn’t cause breathing problems.

Mouthguards are mandatory for most organized sports, and dentists also recommend them while cycling, skating, or tumbling. The mouthguard and its case need to be cleaned with each use to prevent oral infections and foul odors, after which they need to be patted dry. They also need to be kept out of high temperatures to avoid accidental reshaping.

Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA or call 215-463-4141.

 

How Gum Disease is Linked to Arthritis

The Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania are accomplished prosthodontists and often provide new teeth to people with severe gum disease. Periodontitis, the advanced form of gingivitis, can be treated, but it takes regular maintenance to prevent relapses. Recently, scientists have found evidence that it can also cause other diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) differs from some other forms of arthritis in that it is an autoimmune disorder. It causes the immune system to attack synovium, the tissue that lines joints, making the joints painfully swollen. Smoking and family history increase a person’s risk of RA, but scientists recently found evidence that it is triggered by a chemical process called hypercitrullination. During hypercitrullination, the body deforms a large number of proteins, leading to the creation of an excessive number of anti-protein antibodies. The antibodies subsequently turn on synovium cells.

The acid secreted by oral bacteria triggers hypercitrullination as a means of self-defense. Researchers also found some evidence that treating gum infections can reduce RA symptoms. As oral surgeons, our job is not only to provide periodontitis patients with prosthetic teeth, but also to educate them on cleaning their prosthetics so that they won’t suffer further decay. We hope that understanding the connection between gum disease and arthritis will motivate more people to seek treatment and to be diligent about their hygiene.

The Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA or call 215-463-4141.

 

Tooth Sensitivity

One nice thing about prosthetic teeth is that you don’t have to worry about sensitivity. But many of the patients at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania have a mix of prosthetic and natural teeth, and we want to ensure their natural teeth are comfortable, as well. If you dread biting into an ice cream sandwich, read on.

Dentin, the layer of the tooth in between enamel and pulp, is made up of small tubes. It is an efficient conductor of heat, particularly if the enamel has a cavity. The tooth roots are covered in an adhesive material called cementum that seals them in the gum pocket, but they have less enamel and are more sensitive if the gum tissue recedes. Although the outer layer of a tooth can be cracked or eroded, sensitivity is usually due to acid.

Infectious oral bacteria secrete acid after metabolizing food particles. Acid may also be regurgitated from the stomach, particularly in patients who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  Improved brushing can reduce sensitivity, but patients may want to try switching to extra-fluoridated toothpaste to provide their enamel with reinforcement. If enamel mass has already been lost, it will have to be replaced with a prosthetic.

Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA or call 215-463-4141.

 

Cleaning a Night Guard

We at the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania treat a lot of people who have suffered damage from temporomandibular joint disorder. Many of them damaged their teeth by grinding or clenching them at night. But some people have a lot of success using night guards to avoid tooth damage or protect replacement teeth. Since we want patients to be able to enjoy their teeth for as long as possible, we wanted to provide some guidance on cleaning night guards and preventing oral infections.

Wearers will remove their night guard each morning upon waking up. There are antibacterial rinses commercially available for soaking night guards in, and antibacterial soap and water work well for cleaning, too. But people still commonly brush their night guards to ensure they have removed bacterial build-up. If they do, it is important for them to avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes or toothpaste with extra fluoride, which won’t protect plastic and may even scratch it.

The protocol for maintaining a night guard doesn’t differ too much from maintaining a denture, except for one key thing: a night guard needs to be kept dry. The case it is kept in should be ventilated and should also be cleaned daily with antibacterial soap. When not in use, the night guard should be kept out of extreme heat, which could warp it. A wearer should always brush and floss prior to putting it back in at night.

The Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA or call 215-463-4141.

Pros and Cons of Electric Toothbrushes

As dentists who base our practice on removing and replacing teeth, we at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania stress the importance of good oral hygiene. Many patients who wish to care for new implants are curious about which of the many oral hygiene products best suit their needs. When it comes to electric versus manual toothbrushes, it could depend on the person’s brushing skills.

When manual toothbrushes are used properly, they provide as much protection against tooth decay as electric toothbrushes. However, manual toothbrushes also have to be used for two minutes at a time, and many people do not use them for long enough to do a thorough job cleaning. There is also a risk that a manual toothbrush could scratch a denture, although people should only ever be using brushes with soft bristles and there are manual toothbrushes specifically designed for dentures. Electric toothbrushes make tens of thousands of strokes per minute without the user needing to move their hands as much and they don’t exert pressure, so some people get better results with them. But there is also a risk of overbrushing the gums.

Besides being more convenient for people with dexterity issues, the other major benefit of electric toothbrushes is that some of them come with Bluetooth technology. This allows them to interact with apps that monitor whether a patient is skipping over spots on their teeth.  The apps work on a similar principle to chewable plaque disclosing tablets, but can be used to track the brusher’s progress over multiple brushings. This sort of technology costs much more than regular toothbrushes, but may be worth it to someone who has been unable to prevent tooth decay using low-tech means.

Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania operate in Philadelphia, Folsom, and Clifton Heights. Visit Oral Surgery PA or call 215-463-4141.

 

Caries in Seniors

The high rate of tooth decay among seniors makes it especially important for our patients to understand how to properly clean implants. According to information from the Centers for Disease Control, one in five seniors has untreated tooth decay. Since it’s not just natural teeth that are vulnerable, people need to understand why seniors have the second-highest rate of caries after children.

That caries commonly develop in seniors who had good health earlier in life implies that their increased tooth decay is due to a change in lifestyle, instead of being a generational feature. Seniors often have dexterity and motor control issues that make it difficult for them to maintain thorough oral hygiene. They also often change their diets to focus more on soft food which gets stuck between their teeth more easily and tend to be high in sugar. Lots of medications cause dry mouth as a side effect, and this makes it harder to remove food debris and fight the growth of decay-causing bacteria colonies. Other issues are that seniors may not have coverage for regular cleanings or simply forget to brush and floss.

These issues are important to take into account when assessing patients for implants, but they are also all fixable. Potential implant patients should discuss how to clean implants and dentures properly with their dentist.

Our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania at 2546 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19145 would gladly evaluate you for a dental implant.  To schedule an appointment, call 215-463-4141 or visit OralSurgeryPA.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Cleaning Fixed Bridges

Our focus on prosthetics at the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania doesn’t mean we don’t value preventive care. In fact, our patients need to know how to adjust their hygienic practices so that their replacement teeth will last them a long time. We recently discussed cleaning single-crown implants; now let’s turn to fixed bridges.

Anybody who has ever worn braces should understand the basic idea of cleaning a bridge. When the bridge rests on reshaped natural teeth with artificial crowns, patients are advised to thread a strand of floss underneath it and rub the underside of the bridge in the same way they do the sides of their teeth. The floss may be looped around using a threader, which is a flexible device which pulls floss like a needle pulls thread. Some specialty floss is manufactured with a stiffened end so it may be pulled directly.

An implant-supported bridge is cleaned much the same way, except there may be a larger gap between the gum line and the prosthetic crowns. This may afford patients the opportunity to use a proxy brush, which is also known as a Christmas tree brush. A higher-tech option is a waterpick with a tip designed for use on implants.

Dr. Ramin Bahram operates the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania at 2546 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19145. To schedule an appointment, call 215-463-4141 or visit OralSurgeryPA.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Implants and Oral Hygiene

At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we want to remind you that caring for teeth restored with dental implants is just like caring for your natural teeth. It’s important to brush, floss and maintain regular dental cleanings and checkups as scheduled. While replacement teeth can’t get cavities, they are subject to the same wear-and-tear as natural teeth. It is up to you to properly care for your dental implants, therefore, the next time you brush them you should utilize these tips.

• Start with the outer and inner surfaces, and brush at a 45-degree angle. Don’t forget your back teeth!


• Move on to the chewing surfaces. Hold the brush flat and brush back and forth along these surfaces.


• Once you get to the inside surfaces of your front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes with the tip of the brush.


• Be sure to brush your teeth gently along the gum line and don’t forget to floss!


• If you have further questions about maintaining your dental implant care routine, make sure to speak with your dentist.

 

Philadelphia, call 215-463-4141. 

Protect Yourself from Plaque

Plaque develops when food containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids can destroy your tooth enamel. As much as we love to see you at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we would like you to avoid invasive dental procedures in your future when they can be prevented at this very moment.

Plaque makes teeth feel rough and slimy, so if you lick your teeth with your tongue and feel a fuzzy buildup then you should get to the sink stat. To prevent plaque buildup, brush your teeth twice a day with a soft, rounded tip bristled toothbrush and pay particular attention to the space where the gums and teeth meet. Using tartar control (fluoride) toothpaste doesn’t hurt either. In addition to brushing, you should floss at least once a day to remove food particles. Dental plaque should be removed regularly because it can cause dental problems.

To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.oralsurgerypa.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania located in Philadelphia, call 215-463-4141. 

When a Dental Implant Fails

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. In fact, they are one of the most reliable long-term methods of tooth replacement. However, as with any other surgical procedure, there are a variety of internal and external factors that cause complications or even total failure of treatment. When this happens, the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania are here to help.

Osseointegration describes the formation of a direct functional and structural connection between a person’s bone and an artificial implant. There are two primary reasons for “later” implant failure after the osseointegration process has been successful. These include over-stressing implants with too much biting force, or inflammatory disease of the gum tissues and/or bone around the implant. Prevention plays a tremendous role in avoiding implant failure. Once the implants are placed, it’s crucial to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Make sure you have regular professional dental cleanings to help keep the tissues around your implants healthy.

If you are considering dental implants, contact us at one of our Philadelphia, PA area locations today to see if you are eligible. For more information about dental implants, visit www.oralsurgerypa.com. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consults of Pennsylvania, call 215-463-4141.