What Is a Cavity?

You hear the word all the time, and maybe you’ve had one or two depending on how much of a sugar lover you are. But how much do you really know about cavities? Dental cavities, also known as caries, are holes in the outer layers of a tooth called the enamel and dentin. Most often, Dr. Alan Dilsaver will remove your dental cavity with a filling; however, to prevent this from happening, cavities may be prevented easily by brushing and flossing properly.

Dental cavities are common, affecting a large portion of the population. Small cavities may not cause pain, and may be unnoticed by the patient, while the larger cavities can collect food, and the inner pulp of the affected tooth can become irritated by bacterial toxins, foods that are cold, hot, sour, or sweet, causing toothache. The number of cavities can be reduced by proper nutrition, good oral hygiene, fewer snacks in between meals, the use of oral or topical fluorides and topical sealants. Professional treatment depends on how bad the cavity is.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at Lehigh Valley Smiles, visit our website www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Diet and Dental Health

Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to tooth decay; therefore the foods you eat and how frequently you eat them can affect your general health and the health of your teeth and gums. Dr. Alan Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles can’t monitor your every dietary move, but he can suggest tips to keep in mind when choosing your meals and snacks.

Almost all foods, including milk and vegetables contain some type of sugar; however, they are a necessary part of a healthy diet because many of them also contain important nutrients. The best food choices for the health of your mouth include cheeses, chicken, or other meats, nuts, and milk. These foods are thought to protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus needed to remineralize teeth (a natural process by which minerals are redeposited in tooth enamel after being removed by acids).

Calcium-fortified juices, milk, and other dairy products are rich in calcium and vitamin D and help promote healthy teeth and bones, reducing the risk of tooth loss. Cheese unleashes a burst of calcium that mixes with plaque and sticks to the teeth, protecting them from the acid that causes decay and helping rebuild tooth enamel on the spot.

To learn more about the services we provide at Lehigh Valley Smiles, visit our website www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

The 2-Minute Brushing Rule

When we hit the snooze button in the morning, two minutes flies by like lightning, when we are waiting in traffic, two minute seems like an eternity. At the sink, two minutes is the time you need to spend brushing your teeth in order to clean them adequately and reduce plaque. At Lehigh Valley Smiles we want you to understand why you should follow the 2-minute brushing rule.

Most people don’t even come close to brushing two minutes and if you don’t brush your teeth long enough, you may not be getting your teeth clean enough. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily establish the basics of good oral hygiene. Brushing helps to clear particles of food from the teeth, but a brush can’t reach between teeth, which is why flossing is also necessary. To make the two minute mark seem like less of a lifetime, split the mouth into four quadrants. That way, it should take about 30 seconds each quadrant. The proper position of the brush head should be along the gum line, half on the gums and half on the teeth, pointing the bristles at a 45-degree angle. Don’t forget to brush every part of your mouth, including your tongue!

To learn more about the services we provide at Lehigh Valley Smiles, visit our website www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Pregnancy and Your Teeth

The surge in pregnancy hormones can cause your gum tissues to exaggerate a normal reaction to plaque, a sticky colorless film of bacteria that covers your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed daily, it can eventually harden into tartar and may increase your risk of gingivitis. If you are pregnant, or suspect you’re pregnant, you should visit us at Lehigh Valley Smiles right away.

Pregnancy hormones can cause your gums to swell and become inflamed, making them bleed more easily when you brush or clean between your teeth. You can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean, especially near the gum line and you should brush with fluoride toothpaste whenever possible. If morning sickness is keeping you from brushing your teeth, change to bland-tasting toothpaste during pregnancy. Rinse your mouth out with water or a mouth rinse if you suffer from morning sickness and have bouts of frequent vomiting.

If you are pregnant, please inform us the next time you schedule an appointment. To learn more about the services we provide at Lehigh Valley Smiles, visit our website www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.