Don’t Let Plaque Pester You

At Lehigh Valley Smiles, we encourage our patients to schedule regular dental checkups to inspire the ultimate tooth health. Even if you brush your teeth three times a day and floss on a regular basis, you still have bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria mixes with proteins and food byproducts to form a sticky film called dental plaque. When plaque builds up and isn’t promptly removed, it can lead to cavities. However, if you remove plaque regularly, you can prevent permanent tooth decay.

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth and along the gum line. It also contains bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Everyone develops plaque because bacteria are constantly forming in our mouths, but it’s easy to prevent plaque buildup with proper care. Be sure to brush thoroughly at least twice a day to remove plaque from all surfaces of your teeth and floss daily to remove plaque in between your gums where the toothbrush may not reach. In addition, limit sugary or starchy foods, and don’t forget to schedule a professional cleaning!

If plaque buildup has you down, please 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. 

Causes and Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

Exposed areas of the tooth can cause pain and even affect or change your eating, drinking, and breathing habits if the pain becomes too severe. For example, in frigid weather, the cold air could send a shooting pain through the nerve of your tooth. An excessive consumption of acid-containing foods and beverages, such as citrus juices and fruits also put you at risk for tooth sensitivity. If these examples make you think, “Hey, that’s me!” our staff at Lehigh Valley Smiles can help.

Tooth sensitivity is caused by the movement of fluid within tiny tubes located in the dentin (the layer of tissue found beneath the hard enamel that contains the inner pulp), which results in nerve irritation. When the hard enamel is worn down or gums have receded, causing the tiny tube surfaces to be exposed, pain can be caused by eating or drinking foods or hot or cold beverages. If a tooth is highly sensitive for more than three or four days, it’s best to get a diagnostic evaluation from Dr. Alan Dilsaver to determine the extent of the problem and discuss treatment options.

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.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in most plant material, including many fruits and vegetables and is therefore considered natural. In the dental industry, xylitol is widely used as a sugar substitute and in “sugar-free” chewing gums, mints, and other candies. As much as we love to see you at the office of Lehigh Valley Smiles, we’d like you to avoid sugar that leads to cavities. You can start by chewing sugar-free gum that possesses the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.

Xylitol is added to some chewing gums and other oral care products to prevent tooth decay and dry mouth. Xylitol tastes sweet but, unlike sugar, it is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. Benefits of replacing sugar with xylitol include: increased absorption of calcium in the digestive system, which is good for your teeth and increased production of saliva. Saliva contains calcium and phosphate, which get picked up by the teeth and aid in remineralization. In addition, xylitol reduces the acidity of saliva, which helps to fight acid-driven degradation of tooth enamel.

If you have questions about how to maintain your oral hygiene routine, 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.