Sunday 28 December 2014

Get Familiar With Oral Thrush

What Is Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush, also known as candidiasis, can occur in anyone of any age, from babies to the elderly. Oral thrush is a condition that occurs when a fungus called candida albicans builds up on the lining of the mouth. The result is white lesions on the tongue or inner cheeks.

Oral thrush can sometimes be confused with leukoplakia. But leukoplakia lesions are caused by chronic irritation from rough edges on teeth, fillings or crowns, not by an organism. And leukoplakia lesions develop over time, while thrush lesions may develop suddenly. A thrush infection can spread and involve the roof of the mouth and the gums, where it can cause symptoms such as redness and irritation. See your dentist if you have any type of lesions on your tongue or in your mouth so you can determine the cause of the problem and plan a course of treatment. The goal in treating thrush is to stop the infection from spreading.

Healthy babies and children may not need treatment-the lesions may resolve on their own. Sometimes adding yogurt to you or your childís diet may do the trick and reset the bacterial imbalance caused by the excess amount of the thrush fungus.

People with HIV or other immunosuppressive illness are at increased risk for the infection to spread. If you are in this category, your doctor or dentist may recommend an antifungal medication.

To prevent thrush from occurring or recurring, follow a consistent oral health care routine, and try to include yogurt with live, active cultures in your diet, especially if you take antibiotics for a chronic condition. Frequent use of antibiotics can promote the growth of the Candida fungus because they upset the natural mixture of microorganisms in the body.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Sunday 21 December 2014

Recognizing and Treating Oral Thrush

Recognizing and Treating Oral Thrush
Oral thrush, also known oral candidiasis, is a condition that occurs when a fungus called Candida albicans builds up on the lining of your mouth.

Anyone can develop oral thrush, but babies, young children, older adults, or anyone with a compromised immune system due to an illness such as HIV are more susceptible. Conversely, candidiasis lesions can be an early sign of an HIV infection.

The main symptom of oral thrush is creamy white lesions in the mouth, usually on the tongue or inner cheeks. In some cases, the lesions may appear on the roof of the mouth or on the back of the throat.

Interestingly, oral thrush is not caused by poor oral hygiene. Thrush is caused when the naturally occurring fungi in the body get out of balance, which is why the very old, very young, and people with weak immune systems are at higher risk. Good oral hygiene, however, is an essential part of treating oral thrush. Healthy adults and children can recover fairly easily from the infection, especially if they follow a complete oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily proper flossing.

To read the entire article please visit: OralB.com

Lifetime Family Dentistry
Elena Bielawski, DDS, FICOI, FMIII
66 Maple Avenue
Collinsville, CT 06019
(860) 605-2075
LifetimeFamilyDentistryCT.com 

Friday 19 December 2014

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

What is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a common name for dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity. If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive or painful then you have sensitive teeth.

Is Tooth Sensitivity Common? 
Tooth sensitivity is very common and it has been estimated that approximately half the population experiences tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time.

Why does Tooth Sensitivity (Dentin Hypersensitivity) Happen? 
Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by dentin on root areas exposed due to receded gums or periodontal disease. Receded gums are very common and up to four fifths of people have gum recession by the time they are 65.  

When the root of a tooth becomes exposed it does not have a layer of enamel like the crowns of your teeth. Instead the roots have a very soft covering called cementum, which once lost leaves the dentin of the root exposed.  Overzealous brushing or using a very abrasive toothpaste can also cause abrasion of the tooth's enamel surface and expose dentin. A very acidic diet - for example a diet with a lot of citrus food, pickles or sodapop - can cause tooth erosion and dissolve the tooth surface, exposing the dentin. Bulimia and GERD can also result in dental erosion and sensitivity due to acid in the mouth.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com

Lifetime Family Dentistry
Elena Bielawski, DDS, FICOI, FMIII
66 Maple Avenue
Collinsville, CT 06019
(860) 605-2075
LifetimeFamilyDentistryCT.com 

Wednesday 17 December 2014

Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity

The best way to find out why a tooth is sensitive is to have dental professional examine you. They can look for the signs of dentin exposure, and run tests to determine what the true cause of the sensitivity is. Sometimes, the sensitivity is due to a cavity or gum disease - these can be treated to address the sensitivity. Other times, the cause of the sensitivity is because the enamel has been lost through abrasion or erosion, or the gums have receded, causing the roots to be exposed.

What Can Be Done?
If the sensitivity is due to a cavity, a restoration can be placed. If gum disease is the cause, the dental professional can perform a thorough cleaning of the area.

However, if the cause is from dentin being exposed, then there are a number of professional and at home treatments that can be used to reduce the sensitivity.

In Office Procedures:
  • Fluoride varnish can be applied to exposed areas, strengthening the enamel and dentin
  • Fluoride foam or gel can be placed into a mouth tray; you then sit with this in your mouth for 3-5 minutes, providing the teeth with a high concentration of fluoride to strengthen the areas
  • Bonding agent, the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth, can be used to seal the dentin surface and provide a barrier to the stimuli that cause sensitivity
At Home:
  • Use a very soft bristle tooth brush, with low abrasive tooth paste
  • Brush correctly and do not over brush
  • Use a tooth paste specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth
  • Use a high concentration fluoride toothpaste (given to you by the dental professional) to strengthen the tooth surface
There are a number of treatments available, and your dental professional can help you find those that will work best, depending on your situation. Always seek a dental professional's help - do not try to diagnose this problem yourself. It may be the sign of something more serious, and only a dental professional can tell you what it really is.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com


Lifetime Family Dentistry
Elena Bielawski, DDS, FICOI, FMIII
66 Maple Avenue
Collinsville, CT 06019
(860) 605-2075
LifetimeFamilyDentistryCT.com 

Thursday 11 December 2014

Good Food for Dental Health: Water

Water Rules
Water, especially fluoridated water, is the best beverage for maintaining your oral health. That's because fluoride helps to make teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that can cause cavities. As of 2012, nearly 75 percent of the U.S. population had access to fluoridated water, so drinking water from your own kitchen sink can help prevent dental problems. 

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Lifetime Family Dentistry
Elena Bielawski, DDS, FICOI, FMIII
66 Maple Avenue
Collinsville, CT 06019
(860) 605-2075
LifetimeFamilyDentistryCT.com 

Tuesday 9 December 2014

Good Food for Dental Health: Fruits & Veggies

Fruits and Veggies Pack an Extra Punch
Fruits and veggies are an important part of any balanced diet, and they are also good for your teeth. Since they are high in water and fiber, they help to balance the sugars they contain and help to clean your teeth. Chewing also helps to stimulate saliva production, which washes harmful acids and food particles away from your teeth. 

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Lifetime Family Dentistry
Elena Bielawski, DDS, FICOI, FMIII
66 Maple Avenue
Collinsville, CT 06019
(860) 605-2075
LifetimeFamilyDentistryCT.com 

Sunday 7 December 2014

Good Food for Dental Health: Nuts

Nourishing Nuts
Nuts contain protein which help strengthen and protect your teeth. Also, chewing helps to stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleans your mouth. Remember: Not only is a balanced, nutritious diet essential to healthy living, your eating patterns and food choices play an important role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. You may eat with your eyes first, but your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Lifetime Family Dentistry
Elena Bielawski, DDS, FICOI, FMIII
66 Maple Avenue
Collinsville, CT 06019
(860) 605-2075
LifetimeFamilyDentistryCT.com 

Friday 5 December 2014

Tooth Abscess Symptoms And Treatment

Symptoms And Treatment Of Tooth Abscess
If you have a toothache that goes beyond mild to moderate tooth pain and reaches a level of severe, throbbing pain, it could be a sign of a tooth abscess. A tooth abscess is a pus-filled lesion at the roots of a tooth, and is caused by an infection. The first sign is a throbbing toothache that won’t go away.

At first, the tooth will likely be sensitive to chewing and biting, as well as to heat and cold. You also may develop a fever, swollen lymph nodes in your jaw or neck, or swelling on your face.

If the abscess ruptures, you’ll know because of the nasty-tasting discharge in your mouth. Although the pain may recede if the abscess ruptures, you still need to be treated by a dentist in order to get rid of the infection, save the tooth and avoid complications. If the abscess doesn’t rupture, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. This is not a problem to ignore.

Treatment will likely include draining the abscess if it hasn’t ruptured. Your dentist also may recommend that you take over-the-counter pain relievers, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and take antibiotics. More severe abscesses may require a root canal to remove infected tissue, and the worst cases require extraction of the tooth.

A tooth abscess can get its start as an untreated tooth cavity, so the best way to prevent an abscess is to prevent the cavity in the first place by following a consistent oral health routine of twice daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. Regular visits to your dentist are important too, especially if you’ve been treated for an abscess. This allows your dentist to confirm that the infection has cleared.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Lifetime Family Dentistry
Elena Bielawski, DDS, FICOI, FMIII
66 Maple Avenue
Collinsville, CT 06019
(860) 605-2075
LifetimeFamilyDentistryCT.com 

Tuesday 2 December 2014

Dental Sealants Dentist

Preventive Dental Sealants Dentist Collinsville CT
Preventing Child Tooth Decay – the Easy Way!
We know children do not always brush their teeth as well as they should. The back teeth are often hard to clean, with their deep grooves. As bacteria forms and more acids make contact with the tooth’s surface, plaque forms and eventually leads to decay. Any amount of damage requires a filling or crown. We recommend an application of a dental sealant for children’s and adolescents’ permanent teeth to help preserve them for a lifetime. This is a quick and easy treatment.

Every molar is cleaned and a thin application of the sealant is given to each tooth. It is clear or white and therefore invisible. Dr. Bielawski uses a curing light to bond the application to teeth. No shots, drills, or tooth removal is necessary. It takes only a few minutes and is totally painless. This is a very effective preventative measure to help young patients keep their permanent teeth. 

 
Lifetime Family Dentistry
Elena Bielawski, DDS, FICOI, FMIII
66 Maple Avenue
Collinsville, CT 06019
(860) 605-2075
LifetimeFamilyDentistryCT.com 

Friday 28 November 2014

Causes and Treatment of Canker Sores

Cold Sores and Canker Sores Compared
It’s easy to confuse cold sores and canker sores.

Unlike a cold sore, a canker sore is not contagious, and it appears on the inside tissues of the mouth rather than the outer surface of the lip (which is where cold sores appear). A canker sore, also known as an apthous ulcer, looks like a small, round or oval lesion that has a white or yellowish center surrounded by red. They tend to be indented, like a crater, rather than raised, like a bump.

Canker sores most often appear on the inside of the cheeks and lips or at the base of the gum. Canker sores are not usually associated with bleeding gums, so if you are experiencing bleeding gums you should see your dentist to be evaluated for possible gum disease.

The majority of canker sores are mild. Mild canker sores are less than one-third of an inch long and usually heal on their own after a few weeks.

But major apthous ulcers, defined as larger than 10 mm in size, can take more than a month to heal and can cause scarring when they finally do heal. So it’s important to visit your doctor or dentist if you have a canker sore that has persisted for more than a few weeks. These large ulcers are most common in young adults after puberty, and they are more likely to recur than smaller sores. Older adults are more prone to herpetiform lesions, in which dozens of tiny lesions group together to form a large ulcer.

The exact cause of canker sores remains uncertain, but possible factors include an allergic reaction to bacteria in the mouth, a minor injury to the inside of the mouth due to dental work or poorly fitting dental appliances, food allergies or health problems, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Although most canker sores resolve on their own, if you have a large or stubborn lesion, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic mouth rinse, topical paste to apply to the lesion, or a nutritional supplement if poor nutrition may be the cause of the canker sore.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Lifetime Family Dentistry
Elena Bielawski, DDS, FICOI, FMIII
66 Maple Avenue
Collinsville, CT 06019
(860) 605-2075
LifetimeFamilyDentistryCT.com 

Tuesday 25 November 2014

Preventative Dental Care

Regular Oral Hygiene Visits Collinsville CTReducing Cavities in Kids and Adults
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps fight cavities. In very early stages, before decay can even be seen, fluoride helps to repair it. It helps your teeth resist the acid that leads to decay. So in addition to recommending use of fluoride toothpaste in your daily care, we offer application of a fluoride varnish or gel to help combat cavities. This is a painless procedure that takes only a few minutes and can have long-lasting results!

The Importance of Hygiene Visits
We want you to know how important it is to have your teeth cleaned on a regular basis by our professional hygienist. Once plaque and tartar harden on the surface of your teeth, tooth brushing will not remove it. If tartar settles in below your gumline, you risk the chance of developing gum disease. Recent medical research has identified a link between advanced gum disease and life-threatening conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. We want you to have good overall health, so please take our recommendation seriously! 


Lifetime Family Dentistry
Elena Bielawski, DDS, FICOI, FMIII
66 Maple Avenue
Collinsville, CT 06019
(860) 605-2075
LifetimeFamilyDentistryCT.com  

Saturday 22 November 2014

Tartar

Tartar is a deposit that forms when plaque hardens on the tooth. Individuals vary greatly in their susceptibility to tartar buildup. For many, these deposits build up faster with age. Tartar is easily noticeable because of its yellow or brown color on teeth.

What Causes Tartar Buildup
When plaque accumulates and is not removed from teeth, it can harden and turn into tartar. Because tartar buildup bonds strongly to enamel, it can only be removed by a dental professional.

Help Prevent Tartar Buildup
While tartar can only be removed by a dental professional, you can avoid tartar buildup by removing plaque. To help prevent tartar, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice daily, preferably with a tartar-control fluoride toothpaste like many from Crest, and floss once a day with a product like GlideÆ. And visit your dental office regularly for oral exams and cleanings.

Above article from: Crest.com

Friday 21 November 2014

What To Know About TMJ

What Are TMJ Diseases And Disorders? 
TMJ diseases and disorders are a group of conditions that cause pain in and around the jaw joint (called the Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ) and nearby muscles. Jaw problems affect a person's ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow and even breathe.

What Are Symptoms Of TMJ?
Pain is the most common symptom of TMJ; however, some people have no pain but still have problems using their jaws. Specific symptoms include:
Face pain
Pain in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including the ear
Back pain
Inability to open the mouth comfortably
Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint
Locking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth
Headaches
A bite that is uncomfortable or feels “off”
Swelling on the side of the face, neck or shoulder

Other symptoms may include ringing in the ears, decreased hearing, dizziness and vision problems.

Keep in mind that occasional discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is common and is not a cause for concern. Many people with TMJ problems get better without treatment. Often the problem goes away on its own in several weeks to months.

To read the entire article please visit: OralB.com

Lifetime Family Dentistry
Elena Bielawski, DDS, FICOI, FMIII
66 Maple Avenue
Collinsville, CT 06019
(860) 605-2075
LifetimeFamilyDentistryCT.com 

Thursday 20 November 2014

What are the Stages of Gum Disease?

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and the bacteria infect not only your gums and teeth, but eventually the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. This can cause them to become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.
There are three stages of gum disease:

  • Gingivitis: this is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gumline. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. You may notice some bleeding during brushing and flossing. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.
  • Periodontitis: at this stage, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may begin to form a pocket below the gumline, which traps food and plaque. Proper dental treatment and improved home care can usually help prevent further damage.
  • Advanced Periodontitis: in this final stage of gum disease, the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen. This can affect your bite and, if aggressive treatment can't save them, teeth may need to be removed.

Read the rest of the article at Colgate.com to learn more about how to know if you have gum disease and how gum disease is treated. 

 


















The above article is from: Colgate.com

Lifetime Family Dentistry
Elena Bielawski, DDS, FICOI, FMIII
66 Maple Avenue
Collinsville, CT 06019
(860) 605-2075
LifetimeFamilyDentistryCT.com 

Tuesday 18 November 2014

Teeth Whitening Dentist

Dazzling Smiles in Only One Visit with Professional WhiteningTeeth Whitening Dentist Collinsville CT
You’ve seen advertisements in magazines and on TV, and may have been truly impressed with the results of power whitening. Come into our office to have the same brilliant, white teeth! No longer do you have to be unhappy because of dark stains on your teeth that you thought were permanent. In just one visit, our dentists can give you the dazzling smile that you deserve!

We also offer another affordable whitening method. We make custom whitening trays in our own lab with a procedure you finish at home. With the supplies and instructions we give you, within 1 – 14 days you will see results that will make you want to smile even more! This is a safe as well as effective technique.

Extreme Whitening with the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System

KOR Deep Bleaching Teeth Whitening Collinsville CT





With today’s dental advancements, we can produce attractive results even with severely stained teeth. Teeth can be tarnished from certain medication, such as the antibiotic tetracycline.
Dr. Bielawski stays informed of all the latest dental practices, and she is very pleased to offer patients with extreme tooth discoloration the strength of KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System as a whitening method. Dr. Bielawski is among the first in our area to offer this technique to patients. You will be nothing short of amazed that even the worst stains will turn to a dazzling white. If you have only had disappointments in the past, you will be extremely pleased with the results of this treatment.


Beautiful White SmileOther Teeth Whitening Systems Have These Problems:

  • Results fade quickly.
  • Teeth get very sensitive.
  • Results are unpredictable and very often fall short of expectations.
  • You need to give up (or severely limit) the use of coffee and wine.
KöR Solves These Problems:
  • You won’t have to give up your coffee or red wine and with simple periodic at-home maintenance, your teeth will still stay white FOREVER.
  • KöR typically has very little, and often no tooth sensitivity.
  • KöR is SO EFFECTIVE it is the ONLY whitening system recognized to significantly whiten even tetracycline-stained teeth.
  • KöR’s thin, form-fitting trays are worn at night while you sleep, taking the hassle out of finding time in your busy schedule to whiten your teeth.
  • KöR is 100% safe with decades of research and millions of whitening cases.
  • KöR can be used by anyone from ages 14 – 90.