Overcoming Dental Anxiety

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about overcoming dental anxiety.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901

518.324.CARE

Dental Check-ups

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Dental check-ups!

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901

518.324.CARE

Emergency Dentistry

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Emergency Dentistry!

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901

518.324.CARE

Good Food for Dental Health: Water

Water Rules
Water, especially fluoridated water, is the best beverage for maintaining your oral health. That's because fluoride helps to make teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that can cause cavities. As of 2012, nearly 75 percent of the U.S. population had access to fluoridated water, so drinking water from your own kitchen sink can help prevent dental problems. 

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901

518.324.CARE

Good Food for Dental Health: Fruits & Veggies

Fruits and Veggies Pack an Extra Punch
Fruits and veggies are an important part of any balanced diet, and they are also good for your teeth. Since they are high in water and fiber, they help to balance the sugars they contain and help to clean your teeth. Chewing also helps to stimulate saliva production, which washes harmful acids and food particles away from your teeth. 

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901

518.324.CARE

Good Food for Dental Health: Nuts

Nourishing Nuts
Nuts contain protein which help strengthen and protect your teeth. Also, chewing helps to stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleans your mouth. Remember: Not only is a balanced, nutritious diet essential to healthy living, your eating patterns and food choices play an important role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. You may eat with your eyes first, but your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901

518.324.CARE

Dental Sealants for Children

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the importance of dental sealants as a preventive dental treatment for your children!

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

Stress & Oral Health

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Stress and your Oral Health!

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

Periodontal Screening

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Periodontal Screening!

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

Tooth Cavities

Tooth cavities aren't uncommon - but with the right dental health know-how, you can help prevent them. It all starts with proper brushing, daily flossing, and fluoride. Get the details right here.

What Causes Tooth Cavities?
Cavities are holes in the teeth resulting from acid attack. They generally start in the enamel, but can spread to the softer inner layer of the tooth. Tooth cavities are caused by decay that can occur when foods containing carbohydrates become trapped between teeth, and are not completely removed with brushing and flossing. Bacteria living in the mouth digest these foods, generating acidic byproducts that can eat away at tooth enamel.

Help Prevent Tooth Cavities
Fluoride, which is found in most public drinking supplies, some mouth rinses, and Crest toothpastes, helps prevent tooth cavities by slowing the breakdown of enamel and speeding up the remineralization process. Check with your dental professional to see if your drinking water is fluoridated. If it isn't, he or she may recommend that you use high concentration fluoride treatments.

To help strengthen weak spots in tooth enamel, and help prevent the early stages of tooth decay, brush regularly with a fluoridated toothpaste, floss daily, and visit your dental office regularly for professional cleanings.

Above article from: Crest.com

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

What is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that is constantly forming on the tooth surface. Saliva, food and fluids combine to produce these deposits that collect where the teeth and gums meet. Plaque buildup is the primary factor in periodontal (gum) disease, including gingivitis.

How to Get Rid of Plaque
To help prevent plaque buildup, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with an anti-plaque toothpaste such as Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste for around the clock protection against plaque buildup, and floss once a day.

Adding a mouth rinse such as Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Rinse to your routine can help against plaque buildup, without the burning sensation of alcohol. Eating well-balanced meals and brushing after snacks will reduce the formation of plaque. Visit your dental office regularly for oral exams and cleanings, during which your dental professional will scrape away any accumulated plaque with a special instrument.

Above article from: Crest.com

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

Tartar

Tartar is a deposit that forms when plaque hardens on the tooth. Individuals vary greatly in their susceptibility to tartar buildup. For many, these deposits build up faster with age. Tartar is easily noticeable because of its yellow or brown color on teeth.

What Causes Tartar Buildup
When plaque accumulates and is not removed from teeth, it can harden and turn into tartar. Because tartar buildup bonds strongly to enamel, it can only be removed by a dental professional.

Help Prevent Tartar Buildup
While tartar can only be removed by a dental professional, you can avoid tartar buildup by removing plaque. To help prevent tartar, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice daily, preferably with a tartar-control fluoride toothpaste like many from Crest, and floss once a day with a product like GlideÆ. And visit your dental office regularly for oral exams and cleanings.

Above article from: Crest.com

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

What are the Stages of Gum Disease?

What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and the bacteria infect not only your gums and teeth, but eventually the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. This can cause them to become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.
There are three stages of gum disease:

• Gingivitis: this is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gumline. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. You may notice some bleeding during brushing and flossing. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.
• Periodontitis: at this stage, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may begin to form a pocket below the gumline, which traps food and plaque. Proper dental treatment and improved home care can usually help prevent further damage.
• Advanced Periodontitis: in this final stage of gum disease, the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen. This can affect your bite and, if aggressive treatment can't save them, teeth may need to be removed.

Read the rest of the article at Colgate.com to learn more about how to know if you have gum disease and how gum disease is treated.

 
 

The above article is from: Colgate.com

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

Sports Safety: Avoiding Tooth and Mouth Injuries

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

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

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

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

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

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

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 

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

Top Dental Symptoms: Mouth Sores

Types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia and candidiasis. They vary in their severity and causes. Mouth sores could be the symptom of a disease or disorder; infection from bacteria, viruses or fungus or result from irritation caused by braces, dentures or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling. Your dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

Top Dental Symptoms: Toothache

If your mouth or jaw hurt, it could be from a toothache. Toothaches usually indicate a cavity but they can also signal gum disease. In some cases, a toothache is a sign of an abscess or impacted tooth. A toothache should be evaluated by a dentist right away to determine the cause of the problem and prevent the tooth from dying.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

Top Dental Symptoms: Jaw Pain or Popping/Clicking in the Jaw

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

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

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

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

How to Brush

Learn the technique recommended for the best cleaning.

From the video library at Colgate.com we have a short video providing educational tips on the best method to brush your teeth.

To view this video in its original library, please visit: Colgate.com

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

How to Floss

Find simple instructions for effective flossing.

From the video library at Colgate.com we have a short video providing educational tips on how to floss your teeth effectively.

To view this video in its original library, please visit: Colgate.com

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

No More Nasties: Brushing for Kids!

With a little imagination, brushing can be fun! In this animated video, a child teaches proper brushing tips while fending off the Invisible Nasties living in her smile.

From the video library at Colgate.com we have a short video providing fun & educational tips to teach children how to brush and why they should brush.

To view this video in its original library, please visit: Colgate.com

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

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

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

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

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

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

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

Tooth Decay and Sensitivity

What Causes Tooth Enamel Damage?
What happens when tooth enamel is damaged? The exposed part underneath becomes vulnerable to decay. Cavities aren't the only problem.

Teeth with damaged enamel can become sensitive to extreme temperatures. Suddenly, eating ice cream or sipping hot coffee can be painful or unpleasant.

Above article from: WebMD.com/oral-health

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

How Enamel Protects Your Teeth

What Causes Tooth Enamel Damage?
Enamel is kind of like the shell of an egg: it protects the softer, more vulnerable part of the tooth inside.
But unlike an eggshell, the thin layer of enamel is tough.

In fact, enamel is the hardest substance in the body. It can withstand decades of biting, chewing and crunching -- with some luck and good dental care.

Above article from: WebMD.com/oral-health

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE

Grinding Teeth

What Causes Tooth Enamel Damage?
Another cause of tooth enamel damage is bruxism -- or teeth-grinding. Over time, the constant clenching and friction can wear down or fracture the enamel. In this slide, teeth grinding has ground down the upper and lower front teeth.

Bruxism is often worst when you sleep -- that's when you can't control it. Reducing stress may help. Some people wear a special mouth guard to bed.

Above article from: WebMD.com/oral-health

Dentist Plattsburgh NY

Champlain Smiles Dental Office
Airport Plaza • 762 Route 3

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518.324.CARE