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Author: Karen Girard

Worst Behavior for Teeth

If you brush your teeth, floss and use mouth wash on a regular basis then you are on the right track to maintaining a healthy smile. While you may be practicing great oral hygiene, you could be doing a couple things that negatively impact your smile.

Toothbrush with Hard Bristles

Your gums can actually recede if you use a brush that is too hard. In fact, you can also have abrasion damage to the tooth root surface. Use a soft-bristled brush or a multi-tufted brush.

Brushing Aggressively

Although you may have the correct toothbrush, brushing your teeth too aggressively can irritate the gums. You can easily break up plaque on the teeth with some gentle whisking! Also, avoid brushing too often as brushing twice a day is sufficient.

Biting Your Nails

Nail biting is one of the most common habits and this is typically done when people feel nervous or anxious. Try to avoid biting your nails as this can wear down teeth, leading to fractures and chips.

Grinding and Clenching

When patients clench their jaws or grind their teeth, they are using an intense force which causes looseness, jaw pain and fractured teeth. A night guard is the best way to prevent grinding in your sleep.

Physical Activity without a Mouth Guard

Whether you’re playing football, soccer, baseball or any other sport, it’s crucial to wear your mouth guard to reduce the risk of broken or loose teeth.

Contact the dentists at Lindner Dental to schedule a routine cleaning! If you forgot to wear your mouth guard and fractured your teeth, we provide dental services for sports related injuries.

Why are Third Molars Called “Wisdom Teeth?”

Third molars have been referred to as “teeth of wisdom” since the 17th century and then changed to “wisdom teeth” in the 19th century. These molars appear much later than other teeth, often between the ages of 17 and 25. Linguists refer to third molars as wisdom teeth because they develop at the age that a person reaches adulthood.  They’re also perhaps a little “wiser” than when other teeth have developed. In recent years, science has confirmed that third molars actually do appear when a person is “wiser.” Research has demonstrated that the brain grows through adolescence.

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Although wisdom are generally deemed useless and often need to be removed to keep the mouth in good condition, we still have them. One of the major theories for the development of wisdom teeth is that our ancestors needed an extra set of teeth to chew food.

Some people today don’t actually have wisdom teeth. According to John Hawks, PhD, assistant professor of Anthropology at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, this could be due to the reduction in the jaw and face over the last 20,000 years.

Common Issues with Wisdom Teeth

You may need  your wisdom teeth removed if you notice the following.

  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Infection (see a dentist immediately)
  • Adjacent teeth are sore or shifting
  • Red, swollen or sore gums
  • Cysts in the gums

Often times, there isn’t a sufficient amount of room for the wisdom teeth to erupt. This can lead to food getting caught between the space of the wisdom tooth and the gum.

If you’re in need of getting your wisdom teeth checked out, contact Lindner Dental today!

How Long Does Crown Sensitivity Last?

Sensitivity after receiving a dental crown varies from patient-to-patient. Typically patients feel some sensitivity to hot or cold liquids and foods. In regards to permanent crowns, you may feel some aching when you bite or a bit of tenderness. After you receive temporary crowns, you could experience an abnormal bite or gum tissue 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.

In some instances, sensitivity comes from the surrounding teeth or the tooth that the crown bites against. It’s always best to have all teeth checked to ensure sensitivity is not coming from another tooth.

Crown sensitivity is extremely common and usually subsides within 1-2 weeks. If you’re noticing pain when you bite, the crown is most likely too high and needs to be adjusted. The dentists at Lindner Dental can easily fix this.

Dental Crown Materials

Ceramic crowns blend nicely with your natural tooth color and are generally used to restore the front of your teeth.  Porcelain-fused to metal crowns are very durable because they are connected to a metal structure. Gold alloy crowns consist of gold, copper and a few other materials. These crowns don’t wear away or fracture and they provide a strong bond to the tooth. Base metal alloy crowns consist of non-noble metals that resist corrosion and require only a small amount of healthy tooth to be removed.

 Which Crown is Right for Me?

According to the American Dental Association, the all-porcelain crown sealing ability is dependent on the filling materials and the quality of the underlying tooth. On the other hand, the other three offer good seals against leakage.

Gold and metal alloy crowns are the most durable while the all-porcelain crowns are not as strong, especially when put under pressure. Even more durable than gold and metal alloy crowns is the crown of porcelain-fused to metal crown. You should keep in mind that gold and metal crowns are best used in the back teeth due to the color. Porcelain crowns match the color of your teeth so they appear almost invisible.

Crowns can last a lifetime if they are properly cared for. Brushing and flossing twice a day is your best bet for keeping your crowns in pristine condition. Scheduling regular checkups with Lindner Dental is another great way to maintain good oral hygiene.

Lindner Dental Associates, PC Announces Winner of “I Love My Dad” Contest

i love my dad
Deanna Brooke Morrison from Manchester stands with her dad, Thomas Morrison, as they receive the Lindner Dental Associates, PC “I Love My Dad” contest prize of a shopping trip to Bass Pro Shop and dinner at the Longhorn Steakhouse.

Lindner Dental Associates, PC recently held an “I Love My Dad” contest for Father’s Day. Pediatric patients wrote why they loved their dad and the winner received the grand prize of a shopping trip to Bass Pro Shop and dinner at the Longhorn Steakhouse.

There were so many wonderful entries to choose from. Deanna Morrison age 11 wrote “My dad is #1 because he is the man of the house. Seriously, he’s the first one to say “I’ll help out.” One of the great things my dad does is cooks and helps with the grocery shopping. Without him, we wouldn’t have all that delicious food. Trust me when I say his cookies are the best! Who knows…maybe he could bring you one sometime. He always knows what Sam, Gwen and I are going to want for snacks for school.

Another reason is he always listens to what you have to say. When you need someone to talk to…who you going to call? My daddy! He makes you feel warm inside and picks you up when you are down. He can make you smile and laugh so hard your jaws and stomach could burst. He cares about everything you care about. I love my dad with all my heart and if he was your dad, you’d feel the same way. Thanks for everything dad!”

About Lindner Dental Associates, PC
Lindner Dental Associates has been providing dental services to patients of all ages since 1985. The practice provides pediatric, orthodontic, cosmetic, and restorative dental care at its state-of-the-art facility in Bedford, NH. It’s dentists have been recognized as a top dentists by New Hampshire Magazine several years in a row. The office has been chosen family favorite dentist and orthodontist by Parenting New Hampshire and Reader’s Choice #1 Dentist and #2 Orthodontist by New Hampshire Union Leader.  Visit www.lindnerdental.com for details.

How Effective Are Whitening Toothpastes?

Whitening your teeth can be achieved in two ways – bleaching the teeth or non-bleaching whitening products. When using bleach, both intrinsic and extrinsic stains will be removed. On the other hand, non-bleaching products use physical or chemical action to remove surface stains.  Whitening toothpastes are one of the most common methods of teeth whitening, but they only remove surface stains.

Most whitening toothpastes can be purchased over the counter and several have the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. These specific whitening toothpastes contain chemical and polishing agents which helps fight surface stains. When used in excess, the abrasives in the whitening toothpastes can wear down the enamel. It’s advised that patients with cosmetic composite fillings should avoid using these products as the finish or glaze can be lost.

Realistically, whitening toothpastes only remain on your teeth for a few seconds which isn’t long enough to really impact your pearly whites. If whitening toothpastes wear away too much enamel, the dentin underneath is exposed. In short, whitening strips and dental bleaching procedures are the most effective way to sufficiently whiten teeth.

Are you ready for a whiter smile? Contact Lindner Dental at 603.944.9196 for more information. We offer a wide array of services including Invisalign, Pediatric Dentistry, Infant Dental Care and more!

 

Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth

Teeth can fall out for many reasons, whether it’s a sports related injury or poor oral hygiene. Before choosing the best method to replace your missing teeth, consider which ones are missing. If you’ve lost molars, you may need a procedure that is not necessary for missing front teeth.

Below are several options you can take if your tooth is missing.

Do Nothing

If you have a missing tooth and it does not directly impact the surrounding teeth, then you may not need to replace it at all. However, if a tooth has been missing for a long time, adjacent teeth can shift and alter the bite. Additionally, you could be at a risk of bone loss depending on which tooth is missing.

Bridgework

Conventional dentistry has utilized the method of bridgework but there are several drawbacks to take note of. If the two anchor teeth are compromised, you’ll end up losing both teeth. The anchor teeth could also strip away the outer tooth structure to prepare for the bridge. Lastly, you’ll want to use a water pick to sufficiently floss because regular floss won’t get the job done.

Dental Implants

During a dental implant procedure, the dentists install a post into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. After this, a crown is then posted. While this can be a costlier procedure, you will have a full chewing surface and other teeth will not shift.

Contact the team at Lindner Dental for more information regarding tooth loss. We offer consultations and our talented dentists will provide you with the best tooth replacement options.

Electric Toothbrushes vs Manual Toothbrushes

Invented in the late 1930s, the manual toothbrush has revolutionized the way we maintain our oral hygiene. Over the last few decades, updates have been established to enhance the toothbrush’s functionality and overall effectiveness. In the late ‘90s, the electric toothbrush grabbed a lot of attention, but is it really more effective than the traditional style brush?

Manual Toothbrush           

Pros

  • Brushing only takes two minutes of your time
  • There is an endless selection including soft bristles, smaller heads, special prints for children, etc.
  • No batteries or outlets needed, making it easy to travel with
  • Free at the dentist and inexpensive over-the-counter

Cons

  • More vigorous scrubbing than electric toothbrushes
  • You have to estimate how long you have been brushing your teeth

Electric Toothbrush

Pros

  • The electric toothbrush does the work for you
  • Electric toothbrushes remove more plaque
  • Children prefer using this product as it tickles the teeth and is less work
  • Most of these toothbrushes come with a built-in timer

Cons

  • The battery needs to be charged or replaced
  • Costs significantly more than traditional toothbrushes
  • Traveling can be an issue because you need to carry around a charger
  • Electric toothbrushes break much easier

Your teeth will remain healthy as long as you maintain regular brushing with either a manual or electric toothbrush. Call Lindner Dental at 603.944.9196 to help select a toothbrush that is right for you!

Common Problems with Baby Teeth

At Lindner Dental, we understand the importance of keeping your child happy and healthy. Maintaining your little one’s oral hygiene ensures that your child won’t suffer any oral setbacks in the future. Begin by cleaning your baby’s mouth and wiping the gums with a gauze pad. When the teeth do come in, use a child’s size toothbrush and a dash of fluoride toothpaste.

Emergency Situations

Children are quite adventurous, which can sometimes lead to a small accident. When the teeth are involved your child must see a dentist or go to the emergency room.

  • Knocked out permanent teeth should be kept moist at all times. It can be kept in the mouth between the cheek and teeth or stored in a container of milk. Seeing a dentist within 30 minutes gives the tooth the best chance of replacement success.
  • Rinse the mouth with warm water when a tooth is cracked. Put an icepack on the face to alleviate swelling.
  • Use floss to remove food caught between teeth if your child is suffering a toothache. Stay away from aspirin.

Malocclusion

A bad bite is often referred to as a malocclusion. This occurs when the teeth are crowded, crooked or the jaws do not meet correctly. If this isn’t treated at an early age, it can be quite difficult to maintain cleanliness of gums and teeth.

  • Development of jaw can be negatively impacted.
  • Protruding teeth can have fractures.
  • Speech impediment can occur.
  • Some teeth might wear down abnormally.

If your child is ready for pediatric dental care, contact Lindner Dental to schedule an appointment!

Learn About Tooth Contouring & Reshaping

Tooth contouring and reshaping is a recommended procedure for those with a healthy smile and who diligently practice oral hygiene. Within a few months, you can significantly improve your smile through dental implants, but for those in need of minor adjustments, in one short visit you can experience tooth contouring and reshaping.

The Right Candidate

Ideal patients for this procedure include those with crooked, chipped or irregularly shaped teeth. While these are only minor problems, they can affect your self-esteem. Through the process of tooth contouring and reshaping, teeth can be altered in length, shape or position. Once completed, patients may notice that contouring and reshaping improved their bite.

How the Procedure Works

Once X-rays have been conducted to evaluate the size and location of the teeth, the dentists at Lindner Dental will discuss the entire process before moving forward.

This pain-free process includes the removal of a small amount of enamel with a dental drill, allowing the dentist to shape the teeth so they properly align with neighboring teeth. It is most commonly used on highly visible teeth that have trivial, yet evident cosmetic flaws.

If you are still unsure if this is the right procedure for you, contact Lindner Dental for questions regarding the tooth contouring and reshaping technique. Our team will be able to check the condition of your teeth and determine if this procedure will provide you with your desired outcome. Feel free to give us a call today at 603.624.3900 to schedule a consultation.