St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center

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General Dentistry

What Are Dental Sealants and How Do They Work?

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Sealants are not a substitute for brushing and flossing, but they do help keep cavities from forming.

Brushing and flossing are indeed the best ways to prevent cavities, but it’s not always easy to get every little crevice and crack of your teeth. This is especially true of your molars. Our molars are uneven and rough and provide the perfect place for bits of food to hide, creating cavity-causing bacteria.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Thanks to modern dentistry, sealants can help keep those teeth clean. A sealant is a thin, protective coating that adheres to the top surface of your back teeth. Sealants are made from plastic or other types of dental materials. Sealants are not a substitute for brushing and flossing, but they do help keep cavities from forming. They may also even be able to stop the early stages of tooth decay from becoming a full-on cavity.

Dental Sealant FAQ

If you are a parent or guardian, you may have several questions about sealants and how they work. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we get asked regarding dental sealants:

  • How do dental sealants work – When it is raining outside, you put on a raincoat to stay dry. Dental sealants work the same way. A thin coating of sealant is applied to the teeth, and after it dries, it keeps cavity-causing bacteria from settling on your teeth.
  • Who can get sealants – Children, adults, and patients with special needs. We all can benefit from a little extra help. Patients with physical or mental disabilities, such as dementia or autism, often have difficulty with regular oral care routines. Sealants will add a barrier of protection to prevent cavities.
  • When should sealants be applied – While both children and adults can benefit from sealants, it’s suggested that the younger, the better. A child’s first molars appear around 6 years of age, and at about 12, the second molars break through. Sealing these teeth as soon as they emerge can prevent cavities from the start.
  • How are dental sealants applied – It is a very quick and pain-free process. The dentist will clean and dry your teeth and will then apply an acidic gel. The gel will set on your teeth for a few seconds, and then your dentist will rinse it off before applying the sealant. A special blue light will be used to harden the sealant.
  • Are there any side effects – Unless a patient has an existing allergy, there are no known side effects from dental sealants.
  • How long do dental sealants last – Sealants generally last for a few years before they need to be reapplied. At each dental visit, your dentist will check the condition of your sealant and will reapply it as needed.

Sealants are a Great Option for Kids

Studies give evidence that sealants reduce the risk of decay by almost 80%. This is especially important for your child’s oral health. According to the CDC, children between the ages of 6-11 have nearly three times more 1st molar cavities without sealants than those that have them.

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The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

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The Connection Between Oral Health and Your Overall Health

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You can protect yourself and those you care for, by learning more about the connection between your oral health and your overall well-being.

Your oral health offers insights into your overall health. Problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body. You can protect yourself and those you care for, by learning more about the connection between your oral health and your overall well-being.

Oral Health and Overall Health – How are They Connected?

Like all other areas of your body, your mouth contains a lot of bacteria, mostly harmless. However, your mouth is the entry point to your respiratory and digestive tracts, and some of the bacteria in your mouth can cause disease.

The body’s natural defenses, combined with good oral health routines, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep the bacteria under control. But, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that can lead to severe oral conditions, such as infections, tooth decay, and gum disease.

There are certain types of medications that can reduce the flow of saliva. Saliva has an essential job and is necessary to wash away food and neutralize acids, which helps protect you from harmful microbes that can multiply and lead to disease.

There have been studies done that suggest that bacteria in the mouth and the inflammation associated with periodontitis, might play a role in certain diseases. Also, conditions such as HIV/AIDS and diabetes can lower the body’s resistance to infections, making oral health issues more serious.

Conditions Linked to Oral Health

There are various diseases and conditions that your oral health may contribute. Some of these include:

  • Cardiovascular disease – While the connection is not entirely understood, some research suggests that heart disease, stroke, and clogged arteries may link to the infections and inflammation that bacteria in the mouth can cause.
  • Endocarditis – This generally occurs when fungi, bacteria, or other germs from other areas in the body travel through the blood and attach to damaged areas of the heart. Those most at risk are people with artificial or damaged heart valves or other heart conditions.
  • Pneumonia – Certain types of bacteria in the mouth can be drawn into the lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
  • Birth complications and pregnancy – Research suggests that periodontitis, bacteria that cause inflammation in the gums, can travel into the bloodstream and target an unborn baby, which could lead to premature labor and low-birth-weight babies.

To protect your oral health, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene every day. It’s also important to contact your dentist as soon as you have an oral health issue. Taking care of your mouth is an investment in your overall health!

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The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

What Causes Bad Breath? How Can You Get Rid of It?

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Studies show that approximately 85% of people with persistent bad breath have a dental condition as the root cause.

Bad breath can be embarrassing and, in some cases, can be a cause of anxiety. Also known as halitosis, bad breath is the reason why stores have shelves full of mints, gum, and mouthwashes designed to fight the problem. But those things temporarily mask the issue; they don’t necessarily address the cause.

Causes of Bad Breath

Studies show that approximately 85% of people with persistent bad breath have a dental condition as the root cause. Some of these conditions include:

  • Cavities
  • Gum disease
  • Oral cancer
  • Dry mouth
  • Mouth sores
  • Bacteria on the tongue

Covering up bad breath with using things like a mouthwash will only mask the odor if you have a dental problem. If you are experiencing chronic bad breath, you need to visit your dentist to rule out any of these underlying issues.

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

It is easy to improve your breath by keeping your teeth, gums, and tongue clean. Try these simple steps first to see if they improve your breath. If not, you may have an underlying condition you will need to talk to your dentist about helping.

  • Brush and floss more often – plaque collects bacteria, which causes bad breath. Food trapped in your teeth only adds to the problem. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day will help, and doing so after each meal will drastically reduce bad breath.
  • Use Mouthwash – It freshens your breath, but it also adds extra protection by getting rid of bacteria. Rinsing your mouth each day can stop bead breath at its source.
  • Clean your tongue – Smelly bacteria can coat the tongue and cause bad breath. To get rid of it, gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush. You can also buy a scraper. They are designed specifically to clean the tongue.
  • Avoid smelly foods – Foods like garlic and onions can be very offensive. Even brushing your teeth after eating them doesn’t help. To stop the problem, don’t eat them, or at least not before you go to work or go out with friends.
  • Stop smoking – Smoking can cause cancer, damage your gums, stain your teeth, and give you bad breath. From over-the-counter patches to talking to your healthcare provider, there are many ways to kick the habit.
  • Drink plenty of water – Drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses every day to avoid dry mouth. Drinking water will help wash away food particles and bacteria, the primary cause of bad breath.

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The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

Tooth Enamel Erosion – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Enamel cannot be regrown but you can prevent erosion from getting worse by taking care of your teeth and by getting specific types of dental treatments.

Tooth enamel is a substance on the outer layer of your teeth. It is very tough; it protects against physical and chemical damage. It is the hardest tissue in the human body, even more resilient than bone.

Every day our teeth are exposed to chemicals from what we eat and drink. As a result, our tooth enamel is prone to wear and tear. This is known as enamel erosion.

The symptoms of enamel erosion include tooth stains and sensitivity. Enamel cannot be regrown but you can prevent erosion from getting worse by taking care of your teeth and by getting specific types of dental treatments.

Symptoms of Enamel Erosion

Each person is different, so the symptoms of enamel erosion can vary. But they often include:

  • Cracks and chips in your teeth
  • Increased sensitivity to temperature, taste, and textures
  • Indentation, also known as cups, on the surface of your teeth
  • Discoloration

If the erosion is severe, you may experience pain, high sensitivity to hot, cold, spicy, and acidic food and drink. Over time, erosion can lead to complications such as:

  • Overly sensitive teeth
  • Stained, yellow teeth
  • Rough edges on your teeth
  • Fractured teeth
  • Shiny spots on the surface
  • Increased tooth decay
  • Gradual wearing, which can lead to slightly translucent teeth

What Causes Enamel Erosion?

One of the primary causes of enamel erosion is from the acids found in the foods and liquids you take in. Your saliva is always neutralizing the acid in your mouth to protect your teeth. But if you consume a lot of acidic food and drinks and don’t properly brush your teeth, over time, the out layer of enamel will break down.

In addition to the food and drink you take in, and the way you take care of your teeth, other causes of enamel erosion include:

  • Chronic acid reflux
  • Low salivary flow
  • Regular use of certain medications
  • Teeth grinding
  • Eating disorders, such as bulimia

Treating Enamel Erosion

There are a few techniques your dentist can do if you’ve experienced significant enamel erosion. The first technique is called bonding. Bonding is a dental procedure in which a tooth-colored material, called resin, is applied to damaged or stained teeth. The resin will protect your tooth and can cover up discolorations. This may be especially good to consider if erosion has discolored your teeth in the front.

For more severe enamel erosion, your dentist may add a crown or veneer to your damaged teeth to prevent them from decaying further.

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The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

What to Do if You Have a Dental-Related Emergency

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A dental problem that requires immediate treatment to save a tooth, alleviate severe pain, or stop ongoing bleeding tissue is considered a dental emergency.

Dental-related emergencies are a common occurrence for many Americans. They can be caused by many different situations, such as dental trauma.

If you are suffering from a severe dental-related emergency, you must seek immediate dental care. Specific dental emergencies cannot wait for treatment, while others may not be as urgent, and you can wait to see your dentist during regular business hours.

Oral Pain

Do you have tooth or mouth pain? Experiencing a severe toothache can be one of the worst types of pain to endure. The first step in evaluating oral pain is to determine its origin. Dental sources are the most common. However, pain issuing from nondental sources such as migraine headache, maxillary sinusitis, myofascial inflammation, nasal tissues, and ears must be considered and excluded.

Some of the most common causes of dental pain include:

  • Cavities – Also known as dental caries, cavities are a bacterial disease of the teeth. They are permanently damaged areas in the teeth that develop into tiny holes. Tooth pain occurs when the nerve in the root of a tooth or surrounding the tooth is irritated.
  • Gingivitis – This is inflammation of the gums, or gingiva. Some of the symptoms include swollen, painful gums that bleed easily. If this persists, it’s important to make an appointment with your dentist. While gingivitis is a non-destructive type of periodontal disease, if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis.
  • Periodontal disease – This is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. An acute gum infection can damage gums and can destroy the jawbone.
  • Tooth Abscess – A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that is caused by a bacterial infection. It can occur in different regions of the tooth for various reasons. An abscess can be characterized by a painful, swollen lump that’s filled with pus. There may also be swelling of the face or cheek, or tender and swollen lymph nodes under the jaw.

Dental Trauma

Dental trauma is a prevalent problem. Children are especially affected, with 1/3 of 5-year-olds having suffered an injury to their primary teeth, and 1/4 of 12-year-olds having sustained an injury to their permanent teeth.

There are many different types of injuries and problems that can result in damage to your teeth and the structures around your teeth. If you experience some sort of dental trauma, you must speak to your dentist as soon as possible. In some cases, you may need to visit an emergency room.

Some of the common types of dental trauma include:

  • Tooth Fractures – A tooth fracture involves the chipping or cracking of a tooth. This may occur during blunt trauma to the mouth, such as in a car accident or sports injury. It may also involve accidentally biting a hard substance that compromises the enamel and dentin of a tooth. Treatment depends on the severity of the fractures, but generally, bonding, dental veneers, or dental crowns may be used to repair this dental trauma.
  • Loss of a Tooth – This often occurs in accidents and blunt trauma, like the ones mentioned above. In the majority of cases, the upper row of teeth is more prone to being knocked out than those on the bottom. If it’s possible, try to retain the knocked out tooth, rinse it with clean water or milk.
  • Displaced Tooth – This is a tooth that’s not entirely knocked out but is instead shifted out of position. This may make the tooth appear longer or shorter. Physical injury is typically responsible for this type of trauma.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

4 Mistakes To Avoid Making Before Dental Work

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The following are some of the most common mistakes patients make before getting dental work.

Many people get a lot of things wrong about dentistry. Some avoid going to the dentist because they are afraid of pain. Sure, some procedures might be uncomfortable, but we have the means to ease your pain and help you relax. A discussion with a St. Louis sedation dentist could help you understand better what most dental procedures entail. On the other hand, some patients postpone getting routine work on their teeth thinking that it’s too expensive.

The following are some of the most common mistakes patients make before getting dental work.

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Avoiding the Dentist Because They Don’t Know What They Need

One of the most common reasons patients give us for postponing dental work is the idea that the treatment will take too long and they don’t have the time to accommodate it in their busy schedules. Yes, some procedures can take longer than others, but you can create a flexible plan with your dentist and a timeframe for each procedure so that you know what to expect.

Thinking That They Can’t Afford the Cost of Treatment

A lot of people avoid routine checks thinking that dental care is too expensive for them to afford it. But, think about it this way: if you postpone treating a small cavity and it turns into an abscess, then you will have to pay more for that procedure if you would have fixed the problem the moment you noticed it.

Routine checks and regular maintenance will not only help you keep your teeth healthy but also reduce the cost of treatment.

Avoiding the Dentist after a Bad Experience

Maybe you had a bad experience that determined your fear of the dentist or maybe you’ve heard about someone’s traumatic day in the dentist’s chair and now you are afraid that the same thing will happen to you. Regardless of the reason, know that the tools and options available today can make your visit as comfortable as possible. Talk with your St. Louis sedation dentist about your fear and learn how he can ease your anxiety and help you get the treatment you need.

Exaggerating the Risks of Dental Treatment

Some procedures come with a few risks, such as respiratory distress. However, if you were to weigh the risks versus the benefits these dental procedures entail, then you would see that avoiding treatment is unnecessary. Even if things go wrong, the medical staff is ready to intervene and take proper care of you. Make sure to discuss the benefits, risks, and implications of dental treatment with your dentist and make an educated decision.

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St. Louis Dentistry

Not very many people would say they are comfortable in the dentist’s chair. However, being informed and understanding how the procedure will unfold might help you feel a bit in controlling and easing your anxiety. Make an appointment today to learn more about what you can expect. Give us a call at (314) 862-7844

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