You’ve probably heard many times a great dental hygiene routine includes brushing twice a day for 2 minutes and flossing once a day. While this is very important, there are several other ways to maintain a healthy beautiful smile. In this article, we’ll share 4 great tips on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy and to help prevent gum disease.

Upgrade to an electric toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes are typically more effective at removing plaque than traditional toothbrushes. When using an electric toothbrush you don’t have to brush back and forth. Instead, you just guide the brush over your teeth along the gum line and allow the tiny vibrations do all the work. If you notice a build-up of plaque or food particles, an electric toothbrush can be very effective in removing those particles. Electric toothbrushes are great for those with limited mobility and orthodontic appliances. Some electric toothbrushes also have a built-in 2-minute timer so that you know exactly how long to brush for! 

Make sure you’re flossing correctly

Since a toothbrush is only able to reach a portion of your tooth surface, flossing every day is extremely important. Flossing will help reach the surfaces between your teeth so that you can remove plaque and debris from those areas. However, flossing only provides this benefit if it is done properly.  Gently glide the floss up and down, rubbing it along the sides of both teeth. Do not rub the floss directly onto your gums as that can cause bleeding and irritation. Make sure to curve the floss at the base of each tooth to make a “C” shape. This will allow the floss to remove particles between your gums and your tooth. Repeat until each tooth has been properly cleaned using a new, clean section of the floss.

Rinse after flossing

We recommend flossing before you brush your teeth so you can remove any loosened debris. If flossing during the day or after meals when brushing is not possible, remember to rinse your mouth after to remove food particles.  

Don’t forget about your tongue

While you’re brushing, don’t forget to gently brush your tongue in a downward motion too. Because the surface of your tongue has tiny bumps and crevices, bacteria will hide in those areas unless it is removed. You can also add an anti-cavity mouthwash containing fluoride to your routine to help kill bacteria, strengthen your teeth and freshen your breath. 

Contact Lindner Dental in Bedford

By brushing and flossing, following these tips, and maintaining a regular 6-month dental check-up schedule you will not only improve the health of your teeth and gums but your overall health in general. Gum disease has been linked to a variety of health issues so taking care of your teeth is extremely important. If you have other questions about your dental hygiene routine, contact us at. 603-624-3900

Tooth discoloration is incredibly common and could be caused by many factors. Understanding the causes can help you to avoid or reduce the degree of discoloration. Here is a list of the most common causes of tooth discoloration.

Poor Dental Hygiene

This one is pretty obvious but failing to floss and brush your teeth daily is one of the main reasons people experience tooth discoloration. If you don’t floss or brush regularly, bacteria and food particles stay in your mouth and cling to your teeth. This causes staining and tooth decay.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco use isn’t good for your overall health and can severely impact your oral health. Tobacco users, including those who vape, are much more likely to develop oral cancer, plaque build-up, gum disease, tooth loss, root decay and more. Just like your skin, your teeth have pores. The nicotine and tar in tobacco easily absorb into these pores causing a yellow or brown discoloration. Although nicotine itself is colorless, when combined with oxygen it turns yellow and stains teeth.

Certain Beverages and Foods

Although certain beverages may taste great, they can substantially affect the enamel and natural coloring of your teeth. Examples of these beverages are coffee, tea, wine, soda, and even some juices. Even healthy foods such as blueberries, cherries, and beets can cause discoloration. Citrus fruits and juices are acidic and can erode the natural pearly white enamel revealing the yellowish dentin layer below. A good rule of thumb: If it can stain your clothes, it can probably stain your teeth. If possible, brush right after consuming any of these foods and beverages.

Aging

As we age, our tooth enamel wears down and exposes the naturally yellowish layer beneath the enamel called the dentin. More dentin is visible as we get older so our teeth appear darker.

Certain Illnesses & Medications

Some medical conditions can affect your tooth enamel which can lead to tooth discoloration. Genetic conditions such as amelogenesis imperfecta and dentinogenesis imperfecta cause improper development of the enamel and lead to yellow discolored teeth. Eating disorders can cause acid erosion of the enamel and discolor teeth.

Many medications can also be the cause of tooth discoloration. Receiving common antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline as a child can lead to tooth discoloration as a side effect. Antihistamines, high blood pressure medications, and antipsychotic drugs can also discolor teeth. While there are some medications that cause tooth discoloration, these medications may be important for overall health. Never discontinue the use of medication before consulting with your doctor.

Contact Lindner Dental in Bedford, NH

Now that you’ve read the causes of tooth discoloration, you and your dentist can come up with a plan to maintain your healthy, confident smile. While we listed the most common causes above, your dentist may discover a different reason for your tooth discoloration. If you’re looking for a new dentist in the Bedford, NH area, consider Lindner Dental! If you have any questions about our dental care, don’t hesitate to contact us. Give us a call today at 603-624-3900.

Braces or Invisalign may be a perfect solution for correcting misaligned or crowded teeth and to help improve your smile. In conjunction with the braces or Invisalign, sometimes your orthodontist may prescribe rubber bands or elastics. The rubber bands are typically used to help correct your bite. Your doctor will determine which teeth the rubber bands need to be connected to based on what type of bite correction you need. For example, if you have an underbite, the doctor will prescribe your elastics to connect to different teeth than if you have an overbite.

Benefits of Rubber Bands

Removable and Replaceable

There are many different devices and techniques that can be used to help correct your bite. One advantage of rubber bands is that they are removable. Therefore, they can be taken out to enjoy a tasty meal. In fact, the rubber bands should be replaced a few times throughout the day, otherwise they will lose their elasticity. Occasionally, if they snap you can replace them with fresh new elastics. They typically come in different colors so that you can have fun mixing and matching them!

Different sizes and strengths

Another advantage of elastics is that they come in different sizes and strengths so that your treatment can be customized to your individual needs.

Contact Lindner Dental in Bedford, NH

If you have any concerns about your smile, your bite, or misaligned teeth, please call our office for a free consultation with our board-certified Orthodontist to discuss possible treatment options. To contact our office, you may fill out a contact form or give us a call at 603-624-3900.

Tooth enamel is a hard white pearly substance on the outermost layer of a tooth.  Tooth decay develops when there is damage to the enamel.  Tooth decay is a disease that can affect both children and adults.  If left untreated, tooth decay may lead to pain, infection and even tooth loss. Below is important information on the causes of and ways to prevent tooth decay.

Causes of tooth decay

Tooth plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth. When you eat or drink sugary foods, the bacteria in plaque produce harmful acids which attack your tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth and over time the enamel breaks down leading to tooth decay or cavities. Although cavities in children are more common, changes that occur with aging such as gum recession and the breakdown of older fillings may also lead to decay.

Symptoms of tooth decay

Symptoms differ depending on the stage of tooth deterioration. At the earliest stage, tooth decay is asymptomatic.  As tooth decay progresses, symptoms can range from mild tooth sensitivity to sharp spontaneous pain without any apparent cause.  Patients may also experience pain or sensitivity after eating something sweet, hot, or cold.

How to prevent tooth decay

Practicing healthy dental habits on a regular basis will greatly reduce the chances of tooth decay. The following tips are not only important for you to teach your children, but to follow as well.

Using toothpaste with fluoride 

Proper oral hygiene means brushing at least twice a day for 2 minutes using toothpaste which contains fluoride.   The act of brushing your teeth aids in the mechanical removal of food debris and plaque.  The fluoride in the toothpaste acts an important buffer to reduce the acidity of the saliva and to re-mineralize the surface enamel.  Flossing between your teeth every day is also important to remove any food or plaque left between the teeth that the toothbrush cannot reach. 

Regular dental check

In the early stages of tooth decay, you may not have any symptoms. Therefore, regular dental visits and professional cleanings are also necessary.  At your regularly scheduled visits, your dentist will be able to detect early signs of tooth decay and in order to prevent possible complications down the road.

Avoid frequent sipping and snacking.

Consuming sugary beverages and sticky snacks significantly increases your risk for cavities and tooth decay. Sugar supplies the bacteria in your mouth with materials to create harmful acids which will eventually cause decay.  If you do have a sugary snack, it’s a good idea to brush your teeth afterward to reduce the risk of decay.

Use sealants

Sealants are thin, protective coatings made from plastic or other dental materials that adhere to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They can help keep cavities from forming and may even stop early stages of decay, although they are not substitutes for proper brushing and flossing.

Drink water containing fluoride

Whether consuming tap or bottled water, tooth decay is effectively prevented if your water includes a considerable measure of fluoride. Most public water sources contain a substantial amount of fluoride which you can easily test with a kit from your dentist. So don’t forget to drink your water! 

Visit Lindner Dental in Bedford, NH

The dentists and staff at Lindner Dental Associates have been dedicated to providing high-quality dental services to patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, since 1985. Our unique practice encompasses pediatric, orthodontic, and family dental care, as well as oral surgery, in a state-of-the-art facility. We strive to provide a comfortable atmosphere for all patients to alleviate any anxiety related to dental care. For more information about tooth decay as well as other dental issues you may be experiencing contact us today at 603-624-3900 or LindnerDental.com.

Sensitivity after receiving a dental crown varies from patient to patient. Occasionally, patients may feel some sensitivity to hot or cold liquids and foods for a period of time. You may also feel aching or a bit of tenderness when you bite. Others may experience an abnormal bite or gum tissue sensitivity. So why does this happen and how long can you expect the sensitivity to last? Let’s find out! 

What Causes Crown Sensitivity?

The remaining portion of the tooth that is located under the crown can influence sensitivity. For instance, you need to take into consideration how decayed the tooth was prior to receiving the crown. If the filling is located very close to the nerve, then you’re more likely to experience sensitivity.

When your tooth’s outer enamel is chipped, cracked, or damaged, any bit of heat, cold, or pressure transfers more quickly to the nerves at the center of the tooth resulting in discomfort. When a dentist places a crown on your tooth, they need to remove a small amount of the outer enamel. While the tooth is adjusting to the crown and to the exposure of air, heat, and cold during the procedure, the area is a lot more sensitive.

How Long Will the Sensitivity Last?

As mentioned above, it varies from patient to patient on how long the sensitivity will last. On average, patients experience sensitivity for about a week or two after the crown has been placed. The amount of sensitivity and discomfort is proportional to the amount of decay or enamel that needed to be removed. The closer to the nerve the dentist has to drill, the more discomfort and sensitivity you’ll experience. 

Tips for Minimizing Sensitivity after a Crown Placement

• Tell your dentist what discomfort and sensitivity you are experiencing. Often it can be treated by having your dentist adjust the crown to better balance your bite. Your dentist can also make adjustments based on reasons such as your crown touching first upon biting. 
• Avoid food and drinks that are too cold or too hot. 
• Use over-the-counter medications to alleviate the discomfort. Your dentist can help recommend the best one for you. 
• Be patient! Sensitivity after a crown is placed is quite common. The discomfort will gradually go away over time as your teeth and gums adjust to the dental rehabilitation and new crown.

Contact Lindner Dental in Bedford, NH

To schedule a crown placement or if you have any further questions about your crown sensitivity don’t hesitate to contact us at Lindner Dental! Our dental experts will assist you in making sure you get the best advice for helping your sensitivity and discomfort. Give us a call today at 603-624-3900 or fill out the contact form on our website and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible! 

Watch Dr. Gary Lindner’s Retirement Message to Patients!

Botox is a safe injectable medicine that has been used since the 1970s. The FDA first approved it for ophthalmological use and in the 1990s its use expanded to the treatment of cosmetic concerns. Today there are many applications in which Botox has a therapeutic effect, including treatment of migraines, strabismus (eye muscle problem), TMJ, excess sweating, overactive bladder as well as cosmetic benefits.

HOW DOES BOTOX WORK?

Botox reduces the appearance of wrinkles by relaxing the small muscles that cause wrinkles when they contract—as in frowning or squinting. This treatment cannot lead to addiction or permanent changes.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BOTOX?

Both women and men can benefit from Botox. For example, deep wrinkles between the eyebrows can lead to an “angry” look, which Botox treatment can soften. Someone who has a habit of clenching their teeth may have fuller or sore muscles; the resulting wider facial appearance can be reduced by Botox injections. Often people notice a “gummy smile” as the lip rises or a thinning of the upper lip as one ages, both of which can be improved with this treatment.

DOES BOTOX HURT?

Due to the tiny thin needles that are used, there is very little discomfort compared to any other typical injections. On occasion, anesthetics can be used but are rarely needed.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO SEE MY RESULTS?

Botox takes a few days to work and 7- 10 days for maximum results; its effects wear off in 3-4 months but can be repeated.

HOW DIFFERENT WILL I LOOK?

Patients can elect to have a very natural or a more dramatic result. There is an art to administering Botox and part of this is understanding a patient’s goals. Therefore, in each case, a plan should be developed to tailor dosages before undertaking a treatment to create the desired effect. A patient may be asked to return after a couple of weeks to analyze results and to “touch up” as needed.

CONTACT LINDNER DENTAL IN BEDFORD, NH

At Lindner Dental, it is very important to understand our patient’s motivation and preferences as to how they would like to improve their appearance or seek to relieve discomfort. A thorough assessment of each person’s wishes, unique facial structure, and level of muscle activity is the first step in any treatment we administer.

If you are interested in learning more about Botox or scheduling a consultation, please call our office at 603-624-3900. At Lindner Dental we have always loved helping our patients look and feel their best. We are so excited to add cosmetic and therapeutic Botox to the list of services we offer.

Regular dental hygiene visits and homecare are very important to prevent the development of gum and periodontal disease. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to soft tissue damage and bone loss requiring surgery to correct. For this reason, it is very important to practice excellent dental hygiene to prevent the growth of unhealthy bacteria in your mouth.

Below are several ways to avoid gum disease.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Regular oral care is vital for healthy gums. However, oral care includes more than just brushing your teeth. You also need to add regular flossing to your regimen. Flossing helps prevent the buildup of plaque in your gums which can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis, the two types of gum diseases. Rinsing with low alcohol, antimicrobial mouthwash after eating may also help dislodge food particles and clean your mouth. 

Visit Your Dentist Bi-Yearly

Along with your regular oral homecare, it is important to visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and oral evaluation.  At your dental visit, the dentist will remove plaque and tartar build-up that brushing and flossing may leave behind, and they will be able to detect potential problems such as the onset of gum disease and dental decay.

Look for Symptoms of Gum Disease

When identified early by your dentist, gum disease is very treatable. Although gum disease may have a genetic component, it can be exacerbated by tobacco use, poor diet, prescription medications and hormonal changes.  

Here are some symptoms to look for which may be an indication of gum disease or periodontal disease:

• Swollen or puffy gums
• Sensitive teeth
• Tender gums when touched
• Heavy tartar and plaque buildup
• Gums that bleed easily
• Bad breath

If any of these symptoms persist, it is important to make an appointment with your dentist right away so they can assess the situation and treat them accordingly.

Clean Your Dental Appliances

Dental appliances such as crowns, dentures, bridges, braces, retainers, and implants are often made from metal or ceramic materials. Therefore they need to be cleaned regularly.  If germs are allowed to invade, you may be more prone to gum disease or periodontal disease.

Stop Bad Habits

Eating foods that are high in sugar, late-night snacking, smoking or chewing tobacco, and consuming alcoholic beverages in excess can negatively impact your dental health and overall oral health. By avoiding these habits, you will improve your dental health and overall health.

Bottom Line

The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush twice a day and floss at least once daily to remove the particles your toothbrush can not reach. Use an anti-cavity fluoride rinse that displays the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Furthermore, try to keep your body well-hydrated, maintain a healthy diet, limit sugary foods/drinks, and make sure to visit your dentist for regular checkups every six months. For more information, visit us at LindnerDental.com or call (603)624-3900.