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.

Dry Mouth Causes

Dry mouth or xerostomia, refers to any condition in which your mouth is unusually dry. When this occurs, Dr. Alan Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles wants you to know what causes this to happen. Most often, dry mouth is the result of a decrease in saliva produced by the glands in your mouth (salivary glands), and it’s frequently a side effect of medication. Less often, dry mouth may be caused by a condition that directly affects the salivary glands.

Some of the common problems associated with dry mouth include a constant sore throat, burning sensation, trouble speaking, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or dry nasal passages. Dry mouth can range from being merely a nuisance to something that has a major impact on your general health and the health of your teeth, as well as your appetite and enjoyment of food. Treatment for dry mouth depends on the cause.

If you have questions about dry mouth and treatment give us a call, or visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information on services provided at the practice. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Gum Disease and Mouthwash

Mouthrinses are used for a variety of reasons: to freshen breath, to help prevent or control tooth decay, to reduce plaque, to reduce the speed that tartar forms on the teeth, or to prevent or reduce gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. As much as we love to see you here at Top Choice Dental it is more important that you take care of your gums and maintain a proper dental hygiene routine on a daily basis.

It is important to note that not all mouthwashes are the same and they don’t always cure gum disease. Many people use a cosmetic mouthwash to freshen their breath or whiten their teeth, but a mouthwash formulated to kill germs can do so much more for your oral health – especially if you’re showing signs of early gum disease. Because it kills the bacteria responsible for gingivitis and bad breath at the same time, an antimicrobial rinse is a great add-on to your regular oral hygiene routine to prevent or reverse gum disease in its early stages.

Dr. Alan Dilsaver can advise you whether you need a mouthrinse depending on your oral health needs. If you have questions about proper oral hygiene give us a call, or visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Do You Use a Tongue Scraper?

Do you have a white tongue or have you ever looked at your tongue and seen white film coating it? This white stuff is actually bacteria build-up, food particles, dead cells, and even fungi. The surface of the tongue is covered with papillae and taste buds, which provide an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. This is why Dr. Alan Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles suggests introducing a tongue scraper into your oral hygiene routine.

Brushing the tongue is effective in removing bacteria, just not as effective as a tongue scraper. Using a tongue scraper is the quickest, most effective, and easiest way to reduce halitosis (bad breath). These small plastic devices have a curved edge so that when you drag them across the top of your tongue, they’ll scrape off the germs and bacteria that cause bad breath as they go.

The tongue needs to be cleaned, don't neglect it in your oral care regimen. Tongue scrapers can be purchased online or at your local drugstore. If you have questions about oral hygiene give us a call, or visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Causes and Prevention of Bad Breath

 

Dr. Alan Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles wants you to have the freshest breath on the block. Each day, plaque builds up on the gums and if left untreated this can lead to severe halitosis. Halitosis is a fancy word for fresh breath and in most cases it originates from the gums and tongue. The odor is caused by wastes from bacteria in the mouth, the decay of food particles, other debris in your mouth and poor oral hygiene. 

Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes helps remove the plaque and food debris that is causing bad breath. Flossing daily helps remove particles of food stuck between the teeth. When the trapped food begins to rot, bacteria begin to release odor and cause halitosis. Brushing the tongue helps remove bacteria that build up as well.

If you suffer from a consistent case of bad breath give us a call to discuss your treatment options. If you have questions about oral hygiene give us a call, or visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Dr. Alan Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles wants you to have the freshest breath on the block. Each day, plaque builds up on the gums and if left untreated this can lead to severe halitosis. Halitosis is a fancy word for fresh breath and in most cases it originates from the gums and tongue. The odor is caused by wastes from bacteria in the mouth, the decay of food particles, other debris in your mouth and poor oral hygiene.

Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes helps remove the plaque and food debris that is causing bad breath. Flossing daily helps remove particles of food stuck between the teeth. When the trapped food begins to rot, bacteria begin to release odor and cause halitosis. Brushing the tongue helps remove bacteria that build up as well.

If you suffer from a consistent case of bad breath give us a call to discuss your treatment options. If you have questions about oral hygiene give us a call, or visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

 

i-CAT Technology at Lehigh Valley Smiles

A dental 3D scan allows clinicians to view dental anatomy from different angles. A 3D scan can help gain a better view of bone structures, such as adjacent root positions, in order to locate canals and root fractures, as well as provide the ability to more accurately measure anatomical structures. Here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, Dr. Alan Dilsaver utilizes the i-CAT Cone Beam 3D Dental Imaging System for the dental implant procedure.

The i-CAT 3D Cone Beam Imaging system is a fast, simple and completely painless procedure. Patients sit in a chair for a single 10-second scan and from that scan Dr. Alan Dilsaver can quickly see computer-generated views of the bones of the face, the teeth, and other details from any angle in 3D and in color. The patient benefits from less radiation as well as the comfortable, open environment. Aside from the physical comfort of this system, Dr. Alan Dilsaver can share a visual diagnosis with patients, making them more comfortable with their treatment plan and actively participate in their care.

To learn more about our i-CAT technology and services provided here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.

Importance of Periodontal Health

It is our goal here at Lehigh Valley Smiles to ensure that you have the healthiest smile possible. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an inflammatory condition that if left untreated may cause damage to the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth and can eventually lead to tooth loss. The dynamics of the disease are such that the individual can experience episodes of rapid periodontal disease activity in a relatively short period of time.

When you have healthy gums, your teeth are well-supported by the tissue in your gums and your chances for long-term oral health are significantly increased. Numerous research studies suggest an association between periodontitis, advanced gum disease, and other, more serious chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. That’s why by simply brushing, flossing and maintaining an effective oral hygiene routine, you can reap the benefits of avoiding pain and discomfort, saving money on procedures, staying healthy and having a nice smile.

If you notice blood in the sink when you brush, give us a call before it gets worse. To learn more about periodontal services provided here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Alan Dilsaver at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.