The Importance of Wearing Mouthguards

by Roseman Dental | Sep 13, 2021 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT

School has started and after-school activities including sports have picked back up again which means that there is an increased risk for losing teeth due to mouth injuries. When a child loses his two front teeth, it’s cute and we write songs about it. When an adult loses any of his or her teeth, it can be painful and embarrassing and have a major impact on quality of life.

Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can affect you in many ways. It can change eating from something enjoyable to a task, especially for crunchy foods like fruits and vegetables. Speaking may become more difficult, since many consonant sounds are made by your tongue touching your teeth—a simple action that becomes impossible if your teeth aren’t there. If the lost teeth are prominent, smiling and conversing with friends and loved ones can become awkward or uncomfortable. And replacing missing teeth with false ones can be costly, painful, and can take a lot of time. If implants are needed to replace teeth, we offer affordable options. To learn more about implants click here.

Protecting Your Mouth

Wearing a mouthguard can prevent injuries to your teeth, mouth, and jaw, such as having teeth chipped or knocked out. You may think that only football players or boxers need to use mouthguards, but the American Dental Association and the International Academy for Sports Dentistry recommend that you wear a mouthguard during any activity with the potential for head-to-head contact, violent falls, or any other blows to the mouth, whether on purpose or accidental. This includes:

• Acrobatics
• Basketball
• Bicycling
• Boxing
• Equestrianism
• Extreme sports
• Field hockey
• Football
• Gymnastics
• Handball
• Ice hockey
• Inline skating
• Lacrosse
• Martial arts
• Racquetball
• Rugby
• Shot-putting
• Skateboarding
• Skiing
• Skydiving
• Soccer
• Softball
• Squash
• Surfing
• Volleyball
• Water polo
• Weightlifting
• Wrestling

Minimizing Damage

While wearing a mouthguard will not prevent facial trauma such as soft tissue damage or broken facial bones, it will protect your teeth and thus, your smile. The more custom-fitted your mouthguard is, the more protection it will offer. The three main types of mouthguards are: stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards that form to your mouth, and custom-fit mouthguards made by a dentist. Stock mouthguards are the least expensive but provide the least amount of protection. For most casual athletes, a boil-and-bite mouthguard is the best choice. Those who participate in very intense or high-contact sports should consider getting a mouthguard made to fit their individual mouths. Talk to your dentist about molded designs that will better protect teeth, preventing painful and debilitating injuries.

Being active is important. Being safe while being active is just as important. Use a mouthguard to protect your teeth while you play, especially if you play hard.

Do I Have a Cavity?

by Roseman Dental | Jul 12, 2021 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT

Cavities are one of the world’s most common health problems – especially in children, teenagers, and older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 52 percent of children have a cavity in their primary teeth and 57 percent of teenagers have a cavity in their permanent teeth. Additionally, a whopping 90 percent of adults over the age of 20 have had a least one cavity.

A cavity can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Therefore, it’s essential to practice good oral and dental hygiene habits, identify potential signs, and receive proper timely treatment.

What is a Cavity?

A cavity, also known as tooth decay, occurs when the buildup of food and bacteria go untreated and turn into plaque. The bacteria created by plaque produces an acid that attacks and breaks down the enamel on the surface of teeth. When this process takes place within your mouth, it forms holes in the teeth and can cause severe complications if left untreated.

There are three types of cavities – coronal, root, and recurrent decay. A coronal cavity is the most common form of cavity and is located on the chewing surface or between teeth. A root cavity is most common in older adults. It occurs when gums recede and leave the tooth root exposed to toxic plaque. Lastly, recurrent decay happens around existing fillings or crowns where plaque can build up.

8 Possible Signs You May Have a Cavity

Cavities are often hard to spot as they can develop in the pits on the chewing surface of the back teeth. However, below are eight possible signs that you may have a cavity.

• Toothache
• Swelling or pus around your tooth
• Damaged or broken tooth
• Chewing problems – pain when biting
• Hot & cold sensitivity
• Discoloration on your tooth
• Bad breath
• Hole or pit in your tooth

While these possible signs could be indications that you have a cavity, they also relate to other oral health problems. The best way to spot and treat a cavity is to visit your dentist for regular check-ups – every six months. Your dentist will be able to conduct a thorough exam and provide the best treatment based on their findings.

How Do You Prevent Cavities?

Good oral and dental hygiene habits are the best way to prevent cavities.

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and on the gum line
• Eliminate starchy and sugary foods from your diet
• Drink water throughout the day to remove food debris and produce saliva
• Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash
• Visit your dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning and exam
• Ask your dentist about sealants – a protective coating applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth

Cavity Treatment at Roseman Dental

Nearly 25 percent of Americans have untreated dental cavities. Untreated cavities could cause severe pain and infection, as well as problems with eating and speaking. Proper, timely dental treatment is essential to your oral health and overall well-being.

Treatment depends on the severity of the decay and your unique situation. Your dentist may recommend any of the following treatments:

• Fluoride treatment
• Filling
• Crown
• Root canal
• Tooth extraction

If you notice any of the possible signs mentioned or haven’t visited the dentist in a while, make an appointment with Roseman Dental today. Roseman Dental offers affordable, high-quality dental care in Henderson, Nevada and South Jordan, Utah.

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Root Canal – Saving Decayed Teeth

by Roseman Dental | May 3, 2021 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT

Let’s face it, most people dread hearing that they might need a root canal. For decades, people have feared root canal treatment because of common misconceptions regarding them. These fears are real as identified in a survey conducted by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) where 59 percent of participants feared receiving a root canal and 53 percent of participants said they would rather have a snake in their lap for 15 minutes than partake in root canal treatment.

With over 25 million procedures conducted every year, millions of teeth are treated and saved through root canal treatment. Understanding the procedure and the benefits it provides can make all the difference in your future oral health, as well as alleviate any fears you may have.

What is a Root Canal?

A Root canal is a safe, convenient, and widely recommended endodontic treatment that relieves tooth pain and saves the natural tooth. Inside the tooth below the white enamel and hard layer (dentin) is the soft tissue (pulp). The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue – all of which help the root of your tooth grow during development. Once a tooth is fully developed it can survive through the nourishment of the tissues surrounding it, therefore no longer needing the pulp. If a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, a root canal may be recommended to eliminate bacteria from the infected or inflamed root canal of the tooth which prevents reinfection and saves your natural tooth.

Is a Root Canal Painful?

A common misconception is that root canal treatment is extremely painful. While that may have been the case decades ago, modern technology and anesthetics have aided in the precision of the procedure and ease discomfort making the procedure virtually painless. In fact, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reports that 97 percent of root canal procedures are successful and 85 percent of teeth last a lifetime following the procedure. Additionally, patients who experience a root canal are six times more likely to describe the treatment as painless compared to those who have a tooth extracted.

What is the Procedure for a Root Canal?

A root canal can be performed by a general dentist or an endodontist who specializes in tooth pulp. The procedure is relatively straightforward and can be completed in just one or two visits. The procedure consists of removing the inflamed or infected pulp from the canal of the tooth then filling and sealing the tooth to prevent reinfection. These are the steps your dentist or endodontist will take when performing a root canal:

1. Your dentist or endodontist will examine the tooth, take a radiograph using x-rays, and administer a local anesthetic. Once your tooth is numb, a small protective sheet (dental dam) is placed over the area to isolate the tooth – keeping it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.
2. An opening is made in the crown of the tooth. The inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with very small instruments – removing the damaged pulp and any pus-filled sac that is in the canal to shape a space for the filling.
3. The tooth is then filled with a biocompatible rubber-like material, called gutta-percha, to ensure complete sealing of the root canals.
4. Lastly, your natural tooth will be restored with a crown (or a crown and post) or filling to protect your tooth and regain full function.

A root canal is often compared to a routine filling. Some patients have reported tooth sensitivity and mild soreness for the first few days proceeding treatment.

How long does a Root Canal Procedure take?

A root canal can be done in one to two visits – depending on the condition of your tooth and your unique circumstances. Typically, the first appointment consists of the removal of the pulp and any associated infection. During the second appointment, you could expect your tooth to be filled with a rubber-like material and then sealed with a crown or filling to prevent further infection and restore your natural tooth to its full capability. Each appointment lasts approximately 90 minutes.

What are the signs of needing a Root Canal?

A root canal is necessary when the pulp of your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. Some of the causes for the inflammation or infection could be:

• Deep decay
• Repeated dental procedures on tooth
• Crack or chip in tooth
• Injury to tooth
• Faulty crown

Untreated inflamed or infected pulp can lead to an abscess and lead to significant pain. Identifying your symptoms might help in the survival of your natural tooth. Here are a few symptoms that could indicate the need for a root canal:

• Severe pain while chewing or biting
• Pimples on your gums
• Chipped or cracked tooth
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold – especially after the sensation has been removed
• Swollen or tender gums
• Deep decay or darkening of your gums

Advantages of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is virtually painless and provides you with a pain-free, healthy mouth. Sweeping the misconceptions under the rug, the AAE identifies the below as advantages of a root canal:

• Saves your natural tooth
• Helps maintain your natural smile
• Limits the need for ongoing dental work
• Efficient and cost-effective
• Allows you to continue to eat the foods you love

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned or have tooth pain, don’t hesitate to contact Roseman Dental. We will be able to diagnose the problem and provide you with the proper treatment.

For affordable, high-quality dental care in Henderson, Nevada and South Jordan, Utah contact Roseman Dental.

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Oral Cancer Awareness

by Roseman Dental | Apr 9, 2021 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT

Eating, drinking, speaking, and smiling – our mouths play a significant role in our overall health and well-being. We often undervalue the importance of our mouth and oral care. This is probably why oral cancers are often overlooked and discovered too late in their development.

The mouth (oral cavity) can easily be examined, suggesting that it should be easy to detect cancer of the oral cavity at an early stage. Yet, in 2020 an estimated 53, 260 new persons developed oral and pharyngeal cancers and 10,750 persons died due to this disease in the United States. Unfortunately, incidences of these cancers have increased in the last 20 years. The overall 5-year relative survival rate of these cancers in the U.S. is 66.2 percent. Only 29 percent of these cases are detected at localized stage (confined to primary site only), when the 5-year survival rate is 85 percent. This means that half of the current deaths can be prevented by starting a mechanism to detect these cancers at an early stage.

In fact, the majority of these cancers can be prevented by a life-style change. Let’s get empowered to effectively fight this dreadful disease.

Who is More Likely to get Oral and Pharyngeal Cancers?

Despite tremendous advances, medical science cannot predict the chances of getting any cancer in a specific person, but the rate of new cases of cancer (cancer incidence) in populations is known. Based on 2013-2017 data, about 11.4 per 100,000 persons get this disease every year (114 persons in 1 million population). Males contract more of these cancers.

Use of tobacco (in any form), alcohol use, and infection with human papilloma virus are major causes. However, many persons without any of these risk factors are also known to have developed cancers of the oral cavity or pharynx. Therefore, it is important that everyone in the community remain vigilant about this disease. Fortunately, since oral cancers can be detected simply by clinical examination, patients can screen themselves for any changes in their mouths and can bring these concerns to their dentist or physician for further examination of the oral cavity and pharynx. Majority of the annual 53,000 cases of cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx can be prevented.

What are Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders?

Cancers of the oral cavity are preceded by a stage called oral-potentially-malignant-disorders (OPMD). OPMDs are pre-cancerous lesions that have higher chances of developing oral cancers. OPMD can be observed ten or more years before the cancer develops. OPMD has several forms, but all can be easily seen only by a good clinical examination. Additionally, OPMDs can be cured by themselves, but one needs to be vigilant about persistent OPMDs. A Dentist or Physician will look at the same lesion after 2 to 3 weeks and will determine if the size of the lesion is increasing or decreasing. Further treatment of these lesions can prevent development of oral cancers. The treatment of OPMDs is much less invasive than treatment of cancers. All dentists are trained to detected OPMDs and early cancers. Pre-cancerous stage of cancers of the oral cavity can be detected more than 10 years in advance.

What Can I do to Prevent Oral Cancers?

Some areas in the world have established oral cancer screening programs. Under these programs, all adults are examined periodically for presence of OPMDs or cancers, generally once every three years. Repeated examinations ensure that no one with a tendency to develop OPMD is missed.

The U.S. does not have an oral cancer screening program. But patients can still protect themselves through self-examination, check-ups, and vigilance. Insurance provides for a free dental check up every six months. During your next visit, bring any concerns to your dentist and don’t be afraid to ask for clinical examination and screening for OPMD.

To prevent oral cancers:

• Conduct a self-examination at least once a month
• Visit the dentist every six months for routine exams
• Get yourself screened for oral pre-cancers and cancers
• Don’t smoke or use any tobacco products and decrease alcohol use

Check out this self-examination how-to video from checkyourmouth.org.

Have concerns with your oral health? Roseman Dental is committed to providing high-quality, affordable dental care for children, teens, and adults. Our dedicated resident and faculty dentists are ready to serve you and your oral health needs. Contact Roseman Dental to request a dental examination today!

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Article by Kishore Chaudhry, MD

Kishore Chaudhry, MD
Research Associate Professor
Roseman University College of Dental Medicine
Dr. Chaudhry has over three decades of extensive research experience. A physician by background and a senior scientist in the fields of oncology and public health, he has been recognized as a preeminent epidemiologist worldwide. His contributions to the fields of tobacco and cancer research, oral cancer in particular, have played a critical role in several health policy changes, and planning control measures. With extensive research grant experience, Dr. Chaudhry has garnered millions of dollars in grant support from various national and international organizations. Over the last two decades, he has served on several expert planning committees with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international agencies. He has published extensively in various peer-reviewed journals and authored several book chapters in the topics of cancer research, tobacco control, asthma, and health care expenditure. He is an active reviewer and serves on the editorial board of numerous peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Chaudhry has held key administrative positions in academia as well as in health sector of the Indian government. During his tenure as the Dean and Chair of the Departments of Community and Family Medicine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS, Bhopal), one of the most reputable educational institutions in India, he was instrumental in the initiation and development of multiple new programs and departments and laid a strong research foundation. The most notable role that defines Dr. Chaudhry’s research accomplishments is his journey as an accomplished researcher to being the Director Level Scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which is equivalent to the National Institute of Health (NIH). His extensive experience in multi-specialty and multi-center projects provided him the ability to work in different environments and design studies in accordance with constraints of different scientists and institutions.