Have no fear this Halloween. The dentist is your friend, and the endodontist is your greatest ally in keeping your natural teeth for life.
Dr. Alan S. Law, D.D.S., Ph.D., board-certified endodontist (local to Minneapolis, Minn.) and president of Chicago-headquartered American Association of Endodontists, joined us today to share why root canals are nothing to fear, and he shared a few tips in case you crack your teeth on too many sweets this Halloween. Here’s more from him:
Think root canal treatments are scary? Today’s procedure is not your grandmother’s – or even your mother’s. State-of-the-art equipment and maximum pain control and comfort result in an experience that is virtually painless.
It’s a scary world out there, but with this knowledge, you can have one less fear.
To keep your teeth in tip-top shape this Halloween and holiday season, make sure you’re brushing and flossing after all those sugary treats. If you happen to overindulge and crack a tooth — know that an endodontist is here to help.
According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), the organization that represents specialized dentists known as endodontists who save natural teeth and relieve tooth pain, our natural teeth are meant to last a lifetime. But cases of cracked teeth and dental related injuries have surged throughout the pandemic– and it may be due at least in part to pandemic-related stress wreaking havoc on our oral health. In fact, instances of bruxism – or tooth grinding – are up as well.
Here are the top six things patients need to know about cracked teeth:
1. How does one crack a tooth?
A crack can occur from injury or general wear and tear caused by grinding or clenching ones’ teeth – a symptom of stress. While cracked teeth are not completely preventable, you can take some steps to make your teeth less susceptible to cracks by not chewing on hard objects such as ice, unpopped popcorn kernels or pens. Protective mouth wear, such as a mouthguard, can also be worn to mitigate the damage teeth grinding can cause.
2. How will I know if my tooth is cracked?
Cracked teeth show a variety of symptoms, including unpredictable severe pain when chewing, or pain when your tooth is exposed to hot and cold food and beverages. In many cases, the pain may come and go, but it’s vitally important to seek care right away.
3. What if my tooth is chipped?
Chipped teeth account for the majority of dental injuries. Most chipped teeth can be repaired either by reattaching the broken piece of tooth enamel or by bonding a tooth-colored filling or crown in place, but treatment should be sought as quickly as possible. Find an endodontist as soon as possible after the injury to treat your chipped tooth and to keep it from worsening.
4. Is it safe to seek dental care during the pandemic?
Seeing a dentist for routine, oral healthcare or a specialist, such as an endodontist, for dental emergencies or complex treatments is safe. According to a study from the American Dental Association Science & Research Institute and Health Policy Institute, the COVID-19 infection rate among dentists has remained lower than other health professionals. Endodontists and other dentists are following all CDC, American Dental Association (ADA) and AAE guidelines to ensure patient safety, health and well-being.
5. Should I go to the hospital if I experience a cracked tooth or other dental emergency?
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, it’s best to avoid the emergency room or an urgent care facility and to seek care from an endodontist right away. Avoiding the hospitals helps free them up to treat patients with COVID-19 and prevents over-burdening local health systems. If you are experiencing severe dental pain or dental infection symptoms (e.g., bleeding, swelling) contact an endodontist immediately or go to findmyendodontist.com to find a local endodontist.
6. Where can I go to learn more about cracked teeth and other oral health related matters?
To learn more about safe and effective treatment options and concerns about oral health, visit aae.org/patients.
The AAE is headquartered in Chicago and represents approximately 8,000 members worldwide. Endodontics is one of 12 dental specialties formally recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAE, founded in 1943, is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care.
The overall concept here is: Root canal treatments are nothing to fear. Dr. Law is here to dispel all fears of this procedure. He will also provide some general tips in case your viewers crack their teeth on too many sweets this Halloween.
To find an endodontist in your area: aae.org/patients/findmyendodontist
General patient info on root canal treatment: aae.org/patients
THIS SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ENDODONTISTS.
October is National dental Hygiene Month, so it’s a good time to think about your daily oral care routine and the positive impact a beautiful smile can have on your life.
Joining us today is a celebrity dentist who knows a lot about beautiful smiles.
Dr. Catrise Austin is known as the “Queen of Smiles” by her A-List clients, and she is teaming up with Listerine to share her smile workout plan.
For more information visit, LISTERINE.COM.
THIS SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY LISTERINE.
Here to celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month, we have Dr. Carol McKown, pediatric dentist at Village Dental at Saxony. Dr. Carol has come up with the 10 biggest mistakes or “oopsies” she has seen parents make with their children’s teeth in her 35 years of experience treating infants, children, adolescents and children with special needs.
1. Gummy Vitamins:
Giving your child gummy vitamins = OOPSIES!
2-3 grams of sugar in each one which is the same as a Starburst candy
Switch to a crunchy vitamin
2. Goldfish:
Thinking goldfish is a dental healthy choice = OOPSIES!
Pretzels, chips, animal crackers are all fermentable carbohydrates that break down to sugar!
Limit the frequency you are allowing your child to consume these snacks especially with Quarantining and children E-learning at home
3. Juice/Sport Drinks:
Giving your child juice or sports drinks all the time = OOPSIES!
30 grams of sugar or more in each bottle of sport drinks
Limit juice to only 4 oz or less per day and only consume during meal-times
Don’t fill their sippy cups with any expect WATER in between meals!
4. Bottle to Bed
Allowing your child to sleep with a bottle of milk = OOPSIES!
Milk including breast milk has lactose, a natural sugar, that if left on teeth for an extended period of time can lead to severe tooth decay.
Start weaning 12-18 months
Water only in bottle in their beds if they need a bottle to self soothe
5. Toothpaste Overload:
Putting a big swoopy swop of toothpaste on your child’s toothbrush = OOPSIES
A small grain of rice or smear of fluoridated toothpaste for children under 4
A small pea sized amount for children 4 and over
Some toothbrushes have a blue indicator on the bristles for the amount of toothpaste recommended
6. Tying Shoes:
Letting your toddler brush by themselves = OOPSIES
So many parents think that their 2-3 year olds can brush by themselves and do a thorough job…
Not really an age issue when they can brush by themselves, more a dexterity issue
We tell children “it can be done by YOU when you can tie your shoe” When children have the dexterity to tie their own shoes, that is when they have the dexterity to brush properly and do a thorough job.
7. Flossing:
Not flossing your child’s teeth because they are just “baby teeth” = OOPSIES!
Start flossing when ANY two teeth are touching, a toothbrush cannot clean in between teeth
Especially when the back molars are touching
Majority of the cavities I see are from not flossing
8. Age 7 orthodontic visit
Many parents do not realize the importance of getting an orthodontic evaluation by age 7 = OOPSIES
Majority of children will not need treatment at age 7, but getting an orthodontics evaluation will identify any growth and development issues and will help you and your child plan for what will be needed in the future
Our office has an amazing orthodontics named Danielle Godley where all consultations are completely complimentary.
9. Mouthguards
Many parents think their children only need to wear a mouthguard for sports like Hockey, Football, and Rugby = OOPSIES!
Your child should wear a mouthguard for ALL contact sports including basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, lacrosse, wrestling, Taekwondo, gymnastics,
Mouthguards also reduce the potential of concussions
10. AGE 1 Dental Visits
So many parents think they should wait until age 3 for their child’s 1st dental visit… OOPSIES!
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, The ADA, and the American Academy of Pediatrics ALL recommend your child sees the dentist by Age One!
The age one visit is THE most proactive step a parent can do to lower the potential of their child getting early childhood caries.
Bringing your child to the dentist at an early age will allow them to see that our office is a safe environment and will create a positive experience for future visits. An age one visit is the best way to prevent tooth decay. The goal for every pediatric dentist is to PREVENT decay before it begins! Research has shown that if a child has four preventive visits by the age of 3, early childhood caries is greatly reduced. At this first visit I will do a quick, but thorough exam that will detect any potential concerns and help educate you and your child on oral hygiene instructions and healthy eating habits. Dependent on your child’s need, the I may recommend a cleaning and/or fluoride. So just remember, Get it done by age one, it’s the most proactive step a parent can do prevent cavities for their child!
For more information visit, saxonydental.com.
THIS SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY VILLAGE DENTAL AT SAXONY.