Choosing Wisely: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About Dental Health (Part 3 of 3)

Don’t replace fillings just because they’re old 

When you have a cavity, the dentist removes it and puts in a filling. These fillings can last for many years, but some people get silver fillings removed because they don’t like the color. However, the process of removing a filling can weaken the tooth. Additionally, insurance may not cover the removal. 

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

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

Choosing Wisely: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About Dental Health (Part 1 of 3)

Use toothpaste with fluoride for infants and children 

For children younger than 3 years, you should begin brushing a child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste in an amount no larger than a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Consider sealants to prevent decay or treat beginning cavities on the back teeth 

Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material applied by a dentist to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

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

How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?

Learn what the American Dental Association's answer is to the question: "How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?".

 

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

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

To Floss or Not to Floss..

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about flossing and if it is good or not! Kind of reminds me of coffee, some studies say is good for you and others say it isn't.

Our dental office believes that flossing is beneficial to a person's general oral health. Our staff is trained to address the issues of proper flossing to our patients on an individual need basis. We promote many different tools used to effectively and safely clean between the teeth.

If you are concerned with the recent news reports, please give our office a call to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to review your concerns and make sure you are properly caring for your teeth.

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

Oral Care During the Holidays: Sugar-Free Countdown to Christmas

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Sher Warkentin

Maintaining good oral care during the holidays can be tough with the bombardment of sugary sweets all season. Counting down to Christmas with an advent calendar is a fun activity for your kids, but if they are filled with chocolate and sweets, it won't be so great for their teeth. Check out these simple sugar-free ideas to fill your countdown instead.

Holiday Activity Fun
Fill your child's countdown with special moments that they will cherish all year round. For each day of the month come up with a fun holiday activity that you can do together as a family. Some ideas include: watching a holiday movie, going ice skating, building a snowman and looking at Christmas lights. Write down the activity on a slip of paper and tuck one note into each day of your advent calendar.

A Puzzling Treat
Give your child a fun challenge with a customized puzzle. Draw a picture or write a special message on a blank puzzle. Break the pieces apart and place one puzzle piece in each day of your advent calendar. Every day your child can add the pieces together until they have a completed puzzle revealing a special holiday message or fun activity to do together.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Sugar-Free Trinkets
• Story-A-Day

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

3 Things All Athletes Should Do for Their Teeth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

Dentist Dr. Thomas Long has seen firsthand what can happen when “the puck stops here.” In addition to seeing everyday athletes in his private practice, Dr. Long (a former college hockey player himself) is the team dentist for the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes.

No matter what sport or skill level, Dr. Long says athletes need to take care of their teeth both on and off the field. “Most athletes are careful about what they eat and their workout routine. Part of that routine should include taking care of your mouth and teeth every single day,” he says. "It would be a shame to miss practice or a game because you are in the dentist's office receiving treatment or recovering from a dental surgical procedure.”

Here, Dr. Long shares his playbook for a healthy mouth. 

• Make a Mouthguard Part of Your Uniform
• Sideline Sugary Sports Drinks
• Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat

To read the entire article, including more detailed information on the three steps listed in Dr. Long's playbook for a health mouth, please visit MouthHealthy.org.

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

Dental Mouthguards

Preventing Tooth Loss from Injury

It is a little known statistic, but nearly 5 million teeth are lost every year because of athletes who have no or inadequate protection to teeth while playing sports. We provide custom-made mouthguards that will fit properly and give the necessary protection. The mouthguards you buy in the store are all one size. They are neither secure in fitting over your teeth nor do they provide adequate defense against injury and trauma.

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

Custom Dental Dentures

Secure Dentures for Confident Smiles

When traditional dentures are your best option, we use modern advancements in dentistry to design dentures that will fit like they should. This improvement will allow you to eat whatever you like without the worries of slippage and clicking. Let us make your meals more enjoyable with properly fitting dentures.

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

Girl's Sports Mouth Injuries

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about mouth injuries due to sports.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

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

Dental Laser Scanners

The Laser Scanner Finds Ultrasmall Cavities Years Earlier

If you have had dental check-ups at regular intervals and found at one appointment you had a large cavity, you may be wondering how it became so large so fast. Most likely the cavity was there, but wasn't noticeable on X-rays or with visual examination. 

Dr. Bielawski uses the laser scanner to find a cavity when it is in the beginning stages. It pinpoints the problem earlier so the proper treatment can be given sooner. Some cavities are even reversible if identified early, and Dr. Bielawski will place them "on watch" instead of immediately placing a restoration. 

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

Dental Digital X-Rays

Lower-Radiation X-rays

With digital technology, you can have X-rays of all your teeth with 75% less radiation than traditional methods. By placing a digital sensor in your mouth, we can view the images of your teeth immediately! There is no waiting time for X-rays to develop and no chemicals needed to process them. This is easier on the environment and means less time in the dental chair for you.

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

Dental Mouthguards

Protect Your Teeth While Playing Sports

Don't become a part of the staggering statistic of tooth loss due to injury and trauma while playing sports. About 5 million teeth are knocked out each year because of no or inadequate protection for the teeth. The mouthguards purchased in stores do not fit properly or give enough protection. We recommend and can provide a custom-made mouthguard that will protect all your teeth for any sport. 

The American Dental Association recommends the use of custom mouthguards for these sports: acrobatics, basketball, boxing, field hockey, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey, rugby, shotputting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weight lifting, and wrestling.

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

Children's Dental Care

No More Nasties: Brushing for Kids!

We Care About Kids!

We look forward to seeing the youthful, happy smiles of our kids. We want them to feel relaxed and delighted to be at their dentist's office, and we provide these amenities for their enjoyment:

• Coloring Books
• Pillows & Blankets
• A Special Stuffed Animal
• Surprise Toys & Balloon Animals
• No-Shot, No-Drill Dental Fillings

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

How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?

Learn what the American Dental Association's answer is to the question: "How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?".

 

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

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

Dental Sealants for Children

A Treatment to Reduce the Occurrence of Cavities

As children's teeth are more susceptible to cavities, we advise a quick and easy treatment that will help them keep their teeth for a lifetime. The back teeth are difficult to clean with all the grooves and contours. With one thin application of a dental sealant, these teeth can be protected to greatly reduce the chance of decay setting in.

Each molar is thoroughly cleaned and one thin coating of this mineralizing sealant is applied. It is not noticeable, being clear or white in color. To bond the sealant to the tooth's surface, Dr. Bielawski uses a curing light. This is the entire procedure that takes just minutes and does not require a shot, drilling, or tooth removal. It is an easy preventative technique that takes just minutes, but can provide adequate protection to help children and adolescents keep their adult teeth for a lifetime.

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

Dental Gum Disease

Gum Disease Can Mean Tooth Loss

The major cause of tooth loss is gum disease. Common signs are bleeding gums from brushing or flossing and shifting or loose teeth. There may not be either of these symptoms until the problem is advanced, but the sooner treatment begins the better. If you wait too long, surgery may be necessary; otherwise, there are nonsurgical methods that work quite well to reverse this infection. 

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

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 1 : 4 Signs You May Have a Problem

Diabetes puts you at risk for dental problems. It impairs the ability to fight bacteria in your mouth. Having high blood sugar encourages bacteria to grow and contributes to gum disease. You may have gum disease if you have:

• Gums that are red, sore, bleeding, or swollen, or that pull away from your teeth
• Loose teeth
• Chronic bad breath
• An irregular bite or dentures that don't fit well

The above article is from: WebMD.com

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

Scaling And Root Planing: Professional Plaque Removal

Perhaps you’ve been neglecting a good oral health routine. Or, you’ve done your best, but you’ve developed plaque and tartar buildup. A regular routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing is an important part of regular plaque removal for everyone. But if you have risk factors that have caused a buildup of plaque on your teeth and gums to harden into tartar, your dentist or dental hygienist may suggest scaling or root planing your teeth to remove the buildup. If left untreated, severe tartar buildup along and under the gum line can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, which may increase the risk of gum disease.

Scaling and root planing are common nonsurgical techniques that may prevent the need for more serious procedures, such as periodontal surgery or a root canal.

Here’s what to expect if your dentist or dental hygienist recommends these techniques:

• You won’t feel it. You’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb the area.
• Scaling: Your dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the areas both above and below the gum line.
• Root Planing: Your dentist or dental hygienist uses special tools to smooth rough spots on the tooth roots. This process not only removes bacteria and helps reduce plaque buildup, but it provides a smooth surface for gums to reattach to the teeth.

After a scaling and root planing procedure, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions and maintain an oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. If your gums are sensitive after the procedure, try a spongy floss, such as Oral-BÆ Ultra FlossÆ, to help prevent painful flossing.

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 

Oral Warning Signs Can Indicate Serious Medical Conditions

Regular dental exams not only help to decrease a patient's risk of oral diseases, such as cavities and periodontal (gum) disease, but they may also help to diagnose other, sometimes life-threatening, medical conditions.

 

Dentists are able to assess a patient's overall oral health and may recognize symptoms of serious diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and eating disorders, which often manifest as signs and symptoms inside of the mouth. Click here to learn more.

Above article from KnowYourTeeth.com

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

Girl's Sports Mouth Injuries

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about mouth injuries due to sports.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

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