Q:
I have a habit of chewing ice, it feels good and relaxes me after a long day. Will this have any long term impact on my teeth? via email Saturday August 21, 2010 from Marsha.
A:
Thanks for the question! Chewing ice can be detrimental to your teeth as it is a repetitive force that is applied to your teeth. Ice a hard substance which when chewed between teeth over time can have the potential to cause small fractures on the tooth surface. These small fractures on the surface of the tooth can over time become larger until a piece of tooth actually fractures off.
As well, ice is cold thus the temperature change in the mouth may cause existing fillings in the teeth such as composite (white) or amalgam (silver) fillings to contract and when the ice is taken away to once again expand. When this happens repeatedly, the area between the filling and the tooth can become weaker and allow leakage between the tooth which has the potential to irritate the pulp and nerve of the tooth.
I would recommend trying to stop this as it can be harmful to the dentition. As well, I would suggest you seen your physician as repetitive ice chewing can be related to anemia (low iron levels), this is called Pica.
Have a great day!
Nathan Haas
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Toddler and Child Day at the Dentist at Stonebrook Dental
Tomorrow is another Toddler and Child Day at the Dentist, Saturday August 14, 2010 from 9am-2pm. Looking forward to seeing all the children and their parents for another exciting day of introducing dentistry to little ones!
We are booking for our next Child Day at the Dentist on Sat. September 18, 2010 from 9am-2pm.
Stonebrook Dental
4256 Bathurst St, Suite 405 (Bathurst Medical Centre)-just south of Sheppard Ave.
Toronto, On
M3H 5Y8
(416)636-4227
drnathanhaas@hotmail.com
http://www.drnathanhaas.com/
We are booking for our next Child Day at the Dentist on Sat. September 18, 2010 from 9am-2pm.
Stonebrook Dental
4256 Bathurst St, Suite 405 (Bathurst Medical Centre)-just south of Sheppard Ave.
Toronto, On
M3H 5Y8
(416)636-4227
drnathanhaas@hotmail.com
http://www.drnathanhaas.com/
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Braces for teeth that are crooked
Q:
For as long as I can remember my teeth have been crooked and over the years they have seemed to become even worse. I am very unhappy with the look of my smile and thinking about straightening them. I want to do the best thing possible, what do you suggest for crooked teeth? Via email Thurs. August 5, 2010 from Emily.
A:
It is hard to answer your question on a whole since I have not examined your teeth in person, but I will provide some answers below which you may explore to see what is the best option for you.
The first choice is orthodontics (braces) as these will address the alignment of both your teeth and jaw, thus providing a more harmonious bite and long term aesthetics. Orthodontics are optimally done by an orthodontist who has many years of expertise/training with straightening teeth and ensuring it is done properly. The time span for orthodontics can vary from a short period of time (sometimes less than a year) to multiple years depending on the situation that presents upon examination and x-rays.
Another choice is veneers. Veneers are thin tooth coloured shells that are cemented onto the teeth. When teeth are out of alignment, crooked or have small spaces between them, custom made veneers may be permanently adhered to individual or groups of teeth to give the appearance of straight, evenly spaced teeth and smile. Veneers are not an option for everyone and prior to going with this choice the dentist should fully examine and assess whether veneers are a good long term option for your teeth, smile and aesthetics. Veneers do not last forever, the lifespan can be anywhere from 5-10 years and then they will need to be changed to new ones.
Regardless of which route you take to straighten your teeth, please see a qualified dentist to assess the right route to go.
Great question!
Nathan
For as long as I can remember my teeth have been crooked and over the years they have seemed to become even worse. I am very unhappy with the look of my smile and thinking about straightening them. I want to do the best thing possible, what do you suggest for crooked teeth? Via email Thurs. August 5, 2010 from Emily.
A:
It is hard to answer your question on a whole since I have not examined your teeth in person, but I will provide some answers below which you may explore to see what is the best option for you.
The first choice is orthodontics (braces) as these will address the alignment of both your teeth and jaw, thus providing a more harmonious bite and long term aesthetics. Orthodontics are optimally done by an orthodontist who has many years of expertise/training with straightening teeth and ensuring it is done properly. The time span for orthodontics can vary from a short period of time (sometimes less than a year) to multiple years depending on the situation that presents upon examination and x-rays.
Another choice is veneers. Veneers are thin tooth coloured shells that are cemented onto the teeth. When teeth are out of alignment, crooked or have small spaces between them, custom made veneers may be permanently adhered to individual or groups of teeth to give the appearance of straight, evenly spaced teeth and smile. Veneers are not an option for everyone and prior to going with this choice the dentist should fully examine and assess whether veneers are a good long term option for your teeth, smile and aesthetics. Veneers do not last forever, the lifespan can be anywhere from 5-10 years and then they will need to be changed to new ones.
Regardless of which route you take to straighten your teeth, please see a qualified dentist to assess the right route to go.
Great question!
Nathan
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Sore on lip that is not healing
Q:
I have had a sore on my bottom lip for two months, the size stays about the same but over the last two months it has formed a scab a few times and then fallen off. When the scab falls off it seems to heal for a few days then it comes back again. I am concerned only because it never seems to heal and go away completely. I am 45 years old, a previous 1 pack a day smoker up until 4 years ago. Should I go see my dentist?
Via email Monday July 20, 2010 from Anthony
A:
Hello Anthony, sorry to hear about the sore on your lip. I urge you to see your dentist or physician as soon as possible to assess the lesion as any lesion within the oral cavity or the surrounding structures should heal and go away within two weeks maximum. The fact that you have been a smoker in the past puts you at higher risk for possible changes in your oral tissue due to the exposure to harmful chemicals within cigarettes.
Your dentist and physician should be made aware this has been occurring for two months and it has not went away, this will help them diagnose the lesion better. As well, they may also perform a biopsy to test the tissue to see what it is.
Good luck and if I can be of any assistance please do not hestitate to ask.
Regards,
Nathan Haas
I have had a sore on my bottom lip for two months, the size stays about the same but over the last two months it has formed a scab a few times and then fallen off. When the scab falls off it seems to heal for a few days then it comes back again. I am concerned only because it never seems to heal and go away completely. I am 45 years old, a previous 1 pack a day smoker up until 4 years ago. Should I go see my dentist?
Via email Monday July 20, 2010 from Anthony
A:
Hello Anthony, sorry to hear about the sore on your lip. I urge you to see your dentist or physician as soon as possible to assess the lesion as any lesion within the oral cavity or the surrounding structures should heal and go away within two weeks maximum. The fact that you have been a smoker in the past puts you at higher risk for possible changes in your oral tissue due to the exposure to harmful chemicals within cigarettes.
Your dentist and physician should be made aware this has been occurring for two months and it has not went away, this will help them diagnose the lesion better. As well, they may also perform a biopsy to test the tissue to see what it is.
Good luck and if I can be of any assistance please do not hestitate to ask.
Regards,
Nathan Haas
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Dry mouth due to medication's side effects
Q:
I have been on Celexa for over a year. About one month after I started this medication my mouth became very dry, upon reading the side effects for this medication it said that one of the possible side effects was dry mouth. I have found it has become worse during the year, so much at times that my tongue can stick to the top of my mouth and when I wake up in the morning my mouth is like a desert. If I continue on this medication long term, can my body become used to it and will my mouth become less dry? I am unhappy with the side effect (this seems to be the only one so far) but it has helped tremendously in other aspects so I want to continue. (via email from Riley May 24, 2010).
A:
Thank you for your question Riley. The medication you are on is a SSRI, which is commonly used for people who have depression and anxiety. I am glad to hear it is helping you! A common side effect of SSRI's is decreased salivary flow/dry mouth. I cannot tell you if this side effect will go away or not, as everyone's body responds differently to medication and I am not in a position as a dentist to answer that question.
What I can help you address is the dry mouth. Dry mouth and decreased salivary flow can put you at higher risk for developing dental cavities and possibly gingivitis/periodontitis. Salivary is important for it's ability to 'wash' the teeth. The liquid component of the saliva helps to rinse/wash the teeth of debris (food and bacteria) so they can be swallowed and not stuck on or in between the teeth. When food becomes stuck and it is not washed away then the potential for cavities to form is much higher. Saliva also has what is called amylase which is an enzyme which begins the process of digestion, specifically starches in the mouth. As well, saliva has the ability to buffer the oral cavity (decreasing the acidity level) to lower the risk of cavity formation.
Tips to help with dry mouth both to help your mouth feel better and prevent cavities
1. Drink water during the day (preferably water with fluoride in it as this will help keep the teeth strong).
2. Chew sugar-free gum after meals if you are not able to brush/floss, this will help mechanically remove food from the teeth and may increase salivary flow to help buffer the mouth).
3. Brush a minimum 3x day for 2 minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste to remove plaque from the teeth
4. Floss a minimum of 1x day to remove plaque from between the teeth
5. Use a fluoride mouthwash 1x day to help remineralize the teeth to prevent decay.
6. You can use a product called Biotene which are dental products specifically designed for those who have dry mouth, it can help stimulate saliva flow.
7. Use a humidifier at night to put moisture into the air that can be transferred to the oral cavity.
8. Use Sorbees sugar-free hard candies during the day to stimulate saliva flow. These candies were created for diabetics but they are also great for people who have dry mouth as they are sugar-free.
9. See your dentist and dental hygienist regularly for cleanings and check-ups to help prevent problems before they begin.
I hope this has been of some assistance to you.
Regards,
Nathan Haas
I have been on Celexa for over a year. About one month after I started this medication my mouth became very dry, upon reading the side effects for this medication it said that one of the possible side effects was dry mouth. I have found it has become worse during the year, so much at times that my tongue can stick to the top of my mouth and when I wake up in the morning my mouth is like a desert. If I continue on this medication long term, can my body become used to it and will my mouth become less dry? I am unhappy with the side effect (this seems to be the only one so far) but it has helped tremendously in other aspects so I want to continue. (via email from Riley May 24, 2010).
A:
Thank you for your question Riley. The medication you are on is a SSRI, which is commonly used for people who have depression and anxiety. I am glad to hear it is helping you! A common side effect of SSRI's is decreased salivary flow/dry mouth. I cannot tell you if this side effect will go away or not, as everyone's body responds differently to medication and I am not in a position as a dentist to answer that question.
What I can help you address is the dry mouth. Dry mouth and decreased salivary flow can put you at higher risk for developing dental cavities and possibly gingivitis/periodontitis. Salivary is important for it's ability to 'wash' the teeth. The liquid component of the saliva helps to rinse/wash the teeth of debris (food and bacteria) so they can be swallowed and not stuck on or in between the teeth. When food becomes stuck and it is not washed away then the potential for cavities to form is much higher. Saliva also has what is called amylase which is an enzyme which begins the process of digestion, specifically starches in the mouth. As well, saliva has the ability to buffer the oral cavity (decreasing the acidity level) to lower the risk of cavity formation.
Tips to help with dry mouth both to help your mouth feel better and prevent cavities
1. Drink water during the day (preferably water with fluoride in it as this will help keep the teeth strong).
2. Chew sugar-free gum after meals if you are not able to brush/floss, this will help mechanically remove food from the teeth and may increase salivary flow to help buffer the mouth).
3. Brush a minimum 3x day for 2 minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste to remove plaque from the teeth
4. Floss a minimum of 1x day to remove plaque from between the teeth
5. Use a fluoride mouthwash 1x day to help remineralize the teeth to prevent decay.
6. You can use a product called Biotene which are dental products specifically designed for those who have dry mouth, it can help stimulate saliva flow.
7. Use a humidifier at night to put moisture into the air that can be transferred to the oral cavity.
8. Use Sorbees sugar-free hard candies during the day to stimulate saliva flow. These candies were created for diabetics but they are also great for people who have dry mouth as they are sugar-free.
9. See your dentist and dental hygienist regularly for cleanings and check-ups to help prevent problems before they begin.
I hope this has been of some assistance to you.
Regards,
Nathan Haas
Sunday, May 9, 2010
My doctor told me to see my dentist....
Q:
I recently visited my physician for an annual check-up and to have my blood sugar levels monitored as I am diabetic (this started in my late 40's). At my check-up my doctor asked me if I visit my dentist on a regular basis, I thought it was a funny question since my he doesn't usually ask about my mouth or teeth. He told me that being diabetic can affect my teeth, I am puzzled as I have never heard that before? Can you please let me know how being diabetic can affect my teeth and why I need to see a dentist as I don't have a problem with my teeth. I haven't seen a dentist in 2 years due to negligence on my part. via email Trevor on May 8, 2010
A:
Hello Trevor, thank you for a great question. As well, I applaude your physician for telling you to see the dentist as diabetes and periodontal disease have been directly interrelated and having one can put you at higher risk for developing the other.
I have recently written an article on this very topic,The-Reasons Why Periodontal Disease and Diabetes Are Interrelated.
When I am seeing a diabetic patient (whether for the first time or subsequent visits) an in-depth screening of both the soft and hard tissue of the mouth is performed. This is to make sure that oral disease of any kind, such as gingivitis or periodontitis is well-controlled, as any exacerbation of these infections can also make managing your blood sugar difficult. As well, diabetic patients usually benefit from having shortened intervals between their dental hygiene maintenance appointments so as to remove bacterial biofilm (layers of bacteria under the gumline) and prevent an inflammatory process from developing.
To keep your teeth and gums healthy when you are diabetic it is imperative to;
1. Control your blood sugar by eating regular meals/snacks with good proportions of carbohydrates, fats and protein.
2. Taking blood sugar medications as prescribed your physician
3. Try to get daily exercise to assist with weight maintenace to help with blood sugar control.
4. Monitor your blood sugar at home to ensure they are staying within normal limits
5. Brush, floss and use an anti-bacterial rinse daily to remove bacterial plaque before it can cause inflammation.
So as you can see, keeping your oral cavity well-maintained and healthy can go a long way to keeping the rest of your body healthy, in this case possibly preventing exacerbation of your diabetes.
Please see a dentist if you can so he/she can let you know the condition of your mouth and to assist you in obtaining optimal oral and systemic health.
Regards,
Nathan
I recently visited my physician for an annual check-up and to have my blood sugar levels monitored as I am diabetic (this started in my late 40's). At my check-up my doctor asked me if I visit my dentist on a regular basis, I thought it was a funny question since my he doesn't usually ask about my mouth or teeth. He told me that being diabetic can affect my teeth, I am puzzled as I have never heard that before? Can you please let me know how being diabetic can affect my teeth and why I need to see a dentist as I don't have a problem with my teeth. I haven't seen a dentist in 2 years due to negligence on my part. via email Trevor on May 8, 2010
A:
Hello Trevor, thank you for a great question. As well, I applaude your physician for telling you to see the dentist as diabetes and periodontal disease have been directly interrelated and having one can put you at higher risk for developing the other.
I have recently written an article on this very topic,The-Reasons Why Periodontal Disease and Diabetes Are Interrelated.
When I am seeing a diabetic patient (whether for the first time or subsequent visits) an in-depth screening of both the soft and hard tissue of the mouth is performed. This is to make sure that oral disease of any kind, such as gingivitis or periodontitis is well-controlled, as any exacerbation of these infections can also make managing your blood sugar difficult. As well, diabetic patients usually benefit from having shortened intervals between their dental hygiene maintenance appointments so as to remove bacterial biofilm (layers of bacteria under the gumline) and prevent an inflammatory process from developing.
To keep your teeth and gums healthy when you are diabetic it is imperative to;
1. Control your blood sugar by eating regular meals/snacks with good proportions of carbohydrates, fats and protein.
2. Taking blood sugar medications as prescribed your physician
3. Try to get daily exercise to assist with weight maintenace to help with blood sugar control.
4. Monitor your blood sugar at home to ensure they are staying within normal limits
5. Brush, floss and use an anti-bacterial rinse daily to remove bacterial plaque before it can cause inflammation.
So as you can see, keeping your oral cavity well-maintained and healthy can go a long way to keeping the rest of your body healthy, in this case possibly preventing exacerbation of your diabetes.
Please see a dentist if you can so he/she can let you know the condition of your mouth and to assist you in obtaining optimal oral and systemic health.
Regards,
Nathan
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Dark spot on back tooth, could it be a cavity?
Q:
Yesterday when I brushed my teeth I noticed a dark spot on the biting surface of one of my lower back teeth. I have not had any dental care for a lyear due to moving and the need to find a new dentist. I have noticed this area has been sensitive to cold and occasionally when I eat stuff food that are sweet. Could this be a cavity? via email Tuesday May 4, 2010 from Henry.
A:
Hello Henry, thank you for your question. Without examining your mouth and the tooth in question I cannot specifically answer what is going on but I can give you some ideas.
A dark spot on a back tooth (which sounds like you are talking about a molar) could be a cavity. The way to determine this is by a dentist checking it with a dental explorer to see if the area is 'sticky' or 'soft'. If this area is either of the two a cavity can exist. Basically a cavity is breakdown of the enamel tooth structure (the outermost portion of the tooth) or other exposed areas of the tooth (cementum or dentin) due to prolonged increased acidity due to bacterial byproducts. Sensitivity to cold or sweets can signal that their is a deficiency in the enamel-that which protects the internal tooth structures from the oral environment. When enamel is broken down then transmission of cold, hot, sweet can be felt in the pulp of the tooth where the nerve is.
That being said, a dark spot can also exist on the tooth due to staining. If the area is not sticky or soft then simple staining exists which may or may not be able to be removed. The staining can be related to many things like coffee, tea, and consuming othe foods continuously that have 'pigment' to them. They all have the potential to stain if consumed on a regular basis. Usually though staining of a tooth does not cause any type of sensitivity.
I recommend that you see a dentist to have this area examined, as leaving may cause it to progress, become larger and thus more extensive treatment warranted.
Thank you for your question.
Nathan Haas
Yesterday when I brushed my teeth I noticed a dark spot on the biting surface of one of my lower back teeth. I have not had any dental care for a lyear due to moving and the need to find a new dentist. I have noticed this area has been sensitive to cold and occasionally when I eat stuff food that are sweet. Could this be a cavity? via email Tuesday May 4, 2010 from Henry.
A:
Hello Henry, thank you for your question. Without examining your mouth and the tooth in question I cannot specifically answer what is going on but I can give you some ideas.
A dark spot on a back tooth (which sounds like you are talking about a molar) could be a cavity. The way to determine this is by a dentist checking it with a dental explorer to see if the area is 'sticky' or 'soft'. If this area is either of the two a cavity can exist. Basically a cavity is breakdown of the enamel tooth structure (the outermost portion of the tooth) or other exposed areas of the tooth (cementum or dentin) due to prolonged increased acidity due to bacterial byproducts. Sensitivity to cold or sweets can signal that their is a deficiency in the enamel-that which protects the internal tooth structures from the oral environment. When enamel is broken down then transmission of cold, hot, sweet can be felt in the pulp of the tooth where the nerve is.
That being said, a dark spot can also exist on the tooth due to staining. If the area is not sticky or soft then simple staining exists which may or may not be able to be removed. The staining can be related to many things like coffee, tea, and consuming othe foods continuously that have 'pigment' to them. They all have the potential to stain if consumed on a regular basis. Usually though staining of a tooth does not cause any type of sensitivity.
I recommend that you see a dentist to have this area examined, as leaving may cause it to progress, become larger and thus more extensive treatment warranted.
Thank you for your question.
Nathan Haas
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