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How can you prevent canker sores? Here are five tips.
If you’ve ever had a canker sore, you know how painful they can be. They often just appear seemingly for no reason. These uncomfortable sores are often found on the inside of the cheek or along the gumline. But they can be anywhere in the mouth. They usually heal without requiring any help from a dentist in Saugus, MA. However, there are a few steps you can take to help prevent them from occurring. The way to prevent canker sores is to find out what it is that triggers them.
What Causes Mouth Sores?
There is no single cause that leads to canker sores. They often occur following trauma to the soft tissues in the mouth such as when you bite your cheek by accident. A flare-up may occur during a time of extreme stress. For some people, eating acidic foods like strawberries, coffee, tomatoes, and citrus fruits can lead to sores. It can also occur as a result of vitamin deficiency. Some diseases can make you more susceptible to developing canker sores such as celiac disease. If you have mouth sores that do not go away on their own, discuss them with your doctor.
How to Relieve and Treat Canker Sores
A canker sore usually only lasts a few days, but it can be painful and uncomfortable. They should be completely healed in a week or two without any type of medical or dental treatment. There are a few ways you may be able to find some relief while you wait for it to heal.
- Antibacterial mouthwashes can be used as a rinse to help soothe and promote natural healing when mouth irritations are minor.
- If the sore is extremely painful, over the counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen can offer some relief from the pain.
Five Tips for Preventing Canker Sores
Since each person may have a different cause behind the occurrence of canker sores, try to identify what is causing them. If you know it is the result of trauma to your mouth or they appear after you eat acidic foods, then making changes is easy. Here are a few tips to help you reduce or prevent canker sores.
- Get adequate sleep, rest, and relaxation as emotional stress and fatigue are often associated with canker sores.
- A canker sore often occurs after you bite the inside of your cheek or your tongue. To prevent this, eat slowly, chew your food carefully, and don’t talk while you are eating.
- Avoid spicy or acidic foods if you think they are responsible for the development of canker sores. If you already have a sore, these types of foods can make them feel more painful. Avoiding acidic foods and drinks hot, spicy foods can prevent them from getting worse or more painful.
- Canker sores are sometimes the result of a vitamin deficiency. Make sure to eat a diet that includes foods high in iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and folic acid. You may also take vitamins or nutritional supplements to help prevent deficiencies.
- Oral health habits can help keep the mouth free from bacteria and can bring some relief if you get a canker sore. Brushing your teeth two times a day and flossing once daily can help your sores in your mouth heal properly.
Contact Petinge Dental
If you have questions about frequent or severe canker sores in your mouth, contact our offices in Saugus, MA to speak with Dr. Stephen Petinge, DMD. He will be happy to speak with you about possible treatment and strategies for preventing or reducing their occurrence.
Five reasons why Cavitron Ultrasound Dental Scaling can Work Better for You
Scaling is a dental procedure used by your dentist in Lynnefield, MA. It is a type of periodontal therapy that involves removing dental plaque that can lead to gum disease. Thanks to the advancement of dental technology and techniques, Cavitron ultrasound dental scaling can provide effective treatment and enhance the patient experience. There are also some distinct benefits for patients and dental professionals alike.
What is a Cavitron?
A Cavitron is a state-of-the-art ultrasonic scaling system used to clean teeth. The machine uses oscillating sound waves to produce gentle vibrations that vibrate plaque and tartar off the teeth. Once removed, a steady flow of water washes away the loosened debris. The actions reach areas that toothbrush bristles cannot quite reach. This is most beneficial in fighting periodontal disease and is an effective preventative treatment used by your Lynnefield, MA dentist.
Can a Cavitron Ultrasonic Scaler be used If I already have signs of gum disease?
When the ultrasonic scaler was first being used in dental offices, only the visible tooth surfaces were treated. Now, it is understood that they can also be used to remove calculus deposits from below the gum line too. They are capable of gently cleaning exposed tooth roots without causing damage to their softer surfaces. Ultrasonic scalers are a great tool for preventing gum disease, but they are also useful if there are already signs of gum disease.
A Cavitron Ultrasonic Scaler can help remove calculus in gum pockets that have formed. These are often seen when there are infections and inflammation of the gums. Spaces start to form when gums begin to recede or pull away from the teeth. Ultrasonic scaling is beneficial especially for those who need more frequent cleanings to help control gum disease. Treatment is typically much faster than when done manually. The Cavitron is also gentle on tooth structure. The smaller sized tips are effective for cleaning in challenging areas and help eliminate more bacteria that can lead to gum disease.
5 Reasons the Cavitron Ultrasound Scaler is a Good Choice
Ultrasound scaling is effective at removing calculus from the teeth without causing any damage to gum tissue or roots. Other ways you may benefit from Cavitron Ultrasound dental scaling include:
- The ultrasonic scaler can be used to reach areas unreachable using hand tools. Specifically, the Cavitron can reach areas between teeth and gums at 4mm and greater.
- The ultrasonic scaler uses specially designed tips that are able to get into corners and crevices for a deep clean of areas that are often missed.
- Cavitron systems do not use sharp edges so there is no scraping sound. Also, most patients find it to be more comfortable than scaling with hand dental instruments.
- Using the ultrasonic scaler is faster than when it is done by hand. This saves the hygienist and patient time.
- Since the scaling device is ergonomically sound and uses vibration for removing plaque and tartar, there isn’t any need to exert pressure on the teeth.
Because of these and many other benefits for patients and hygienists, many dental offices are choosing to use ultrasonic systems like the Cavitron.
Learn More About the Cavitron Ultrasonic Scaling System
If you have more questions or would like to know if you are a good candidate for the Cavitron scaling system, please give us a call. We will be happy to discuss the dental scaling process with you and provide you with more information. Call us today!
Is It Better to Get a Dental Implant or a Bridge?
Losing a tooth, or teeth has a significant influence on your smile’s appearance. It can also create issues with functionality like speaking and eating. This can cause problems with self-confidence. Two common solutions a dentist in Revere, MA may discuss with you are a dental implant or a bridge. Either of these treatment options can address the problem, but they have many differences worth considering. It is important to understand these two options and what they entail to be sure they meet your individual needs.
What is a dental implant?
Most people are surprised to learn how complicated the structure of a tooth is. When the tooth’s structure is removed, which includes bone, nerves, and ligaments, the surrounding areas start to deteriorate slowly. Dental implants provide a replacement for this structure. An implant involves placing a metal post in the jaw. Once it is healed, a crown is placed on top of the implant. It is then sealed in place.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
One of the main advantages of dental implants is that they help heal and maintain the gums and bone structure under the teeth. They are also useful for reducing long-term risks a missing tooth poses to the jaw. An implant can be expected to last a lifetime. The disadvantage of a dental implant is they are expensive. However, here at Petinge Dental, we offer CareCredit financing so that you can budget the cost of care over time. .. When replacing numerous teeth, your dentist near Lynn, MA will likely recommend a bridge instead. Implants also take longer to complete. Oral surgery is needed in most cases and it can take the mouth quite a while to heal after the initial procedure. To complete the entire process, it can take months.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a treatment used to fill in a gap where teeth used to be. Most of the time, a bridge is anchored to two teeth located either side of the gap. A cap is placed on the two teeth to accompany the bridge which contains replacement teeth. There are different types of bridges used to fill the gap depending on the number of teeth missing and the condition of the anchoring teeth. In some cases, there might not be teeth on either side of the gap. Then the dentist can install a cantilevered bridge that is attached to just one tooth allowing the structure to hand over the gap.
Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges
The primary advantage of a dental bridge is that they are a cost-effective solution for missing teeth. Another advantage is that they don’t require surgery like bone grafting if there has been bone loss. Bridges are also a much faster solution. The biggest disadvantage is that it can put more strain on the structures around it. This is typical if two teeth are used to secure the device. A bridge isn’t expected to last a lifetime like an implant. Bridges don’t address any concerns surrounding structural deficiencies. Long-term issues as a result of bone loss may arise even though the gap was filled. A cantilevered bridge can put a lot of stress on the single tooth used to anchor it. This can lead to problems. Bridges must be properly maintained or it can lead to the loss of more teeth.
Contact Petinge Dental
If you are missing teeth, contact your local dentist, Dr. Stephen Petinge, in Lynn, MA. Our dental professionals can perform an exam to determine the best treatment for you. Let us help you replace missing teeth with a dental bridge or an implant.
COVID-19 Pandemic – When is it Safe to Go to the Dentist?
Dentists have always followed strict guidelines to protect the health and safety of patients. Dr. Stephen Petinge, as a dental healthcare provider, will continue to follow the recommendations of the American Dental Association (ADA) the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). As your Peabody and North Boston Area dentist, we have been seeing patients to provide dental care on a case-by-case and emergency basis as needed. However, services are only offered if you are feeling well and are not displaying any Covid-19 symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent cough, or a fever.
New Check-in Policies for Dental Care During Covid-19
When you visit your Peabody, MA dentist, check-in may look a bit different than before the pandemic. We have instituted new policies and we will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office.
- We will be making hand sanitizer available to all patients in the office
- There will be no magazines or toys in the waiting area as they cannot be sanitized
- We will be optimizing appointment times to follow social distancing guidelines
- All team members will be wearing additional PPE (personal protective equipment)
Precautions Petinge Dental is Taking to Prevent the Spread of Infection
Prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, our dental office took precautions to ensure the safety of our patients as well as our dental team. We observe strict infection control measures that follow the guidelines put forth by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA). We will continue to observe these types of practices.
- Sanitizing Best Practices: Our personnel regularly cleans all public spaces in our offices. This includes restrooms, waiting rooms, and treatment rooms.
- Use of Disinfectant Sprays: We apply medical-grade disinfectants to operator rooms after each patient has been seen per the guidelines set forth by the CDC and OSHA. This includes spraying all high-touch areas like chairs, equipment, and counters.
- Protective Barriers: We place protective barriers on armrests, overhead lights, suction tips, computer keyboards, and curing lights.
- Sterilizing Dental Instruments: We sterilize our dental instruments after each patient. Protocols issued by the CDC are strictly observed ensuring dental instruments are properly sterilized.
Other Questions About Dental Care During Covid-19
Patients have many questions as we’ve watched the spread of Covid-19 in the state of Massachusetts. Here are the most common questions we hear and our answers to them.
Is it dangerous to go to the dentist during the pandemic?
Dr. Petinge and the staff at our dental office will continue to adhere to best practices when it comes to your dental care. We also follow closely the guidelines provided by the ADA, CDC, OSHA, and applicable state and federal regulations. Our goal is to make sure you and your family receive safe and compassionate care. If for some reason we are not able to safely render dental care to your or your family, we will keep you updated and informed.
Is Petinge Dental taking any extra precautions during this time?
Yes. We are aware of the seriousness of the pandemic and are doing our due diligence to prevent its spread. Our staff understands the need to stay home if they are showing any symptoms including difficulty breathing, sneezing, coughing, or running a fever. Team members who have traveled to a Level 2 or 3 region per the CDC’s classification are required to self-quarantine before they can come to work. We are also encouraging our staff members to refrain from traveling during this time.
We are also implementing screening procedures for patients. Each patient is screened when they make an appointment with us, and when they arrive at our dental office, so please understand the questions we ask are to ensure your safety, the safety of our other patients, and the safety of the dental team. We are also implementing more space between patient appointments.
Should I reschedule dental treatments?
In general, there is no need for rescheduling dental appointments for routine exams and treatment. However, if you come into close contact with someone who has traveled to a region with a large outbreak of Covid-19, if you’ve been exposed to the virus, or been around someone who is quarantined due to exposure, then you should wait 14 days for a dental appointment. If you are healthy, you do not need to reschedule your regular dental appointments. We will reach out to you if there is some other reason the appointment needs to be rescheduled.
Contact Our Offices
If you have more questions about Covid-19 and dental care, please contact our office. Thank you for your patience during this difficult time. If you have a dental concern or a dental emergency, please don’t hesitate to call us to ask how to best proceed. Once we have established and normalized new routines and begin opening the office to more than emergency procedures, we still suggest you schedule routine exams twice a year as part of your preventative dental care.
COVID-19 Pandemic – When is it Safe to Go to the Dentist?
Dentists have always followed strict guidelines to protect the health and safety of patients. Dr. Stephen Petinge, as a dental healthcare provider, will continue to follow the recommendations of the American Dental Association (ADA) the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). As your Peabody and North Boston Area dentist, we have been seeing patients to provide dental care on a case-by-case and emergency basis as needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, services are only offered if you are feeling well and are not displaying any Covid-19 symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent cough, or a fever.
New Check-in Policies for Dental Care During Covid-19
When you visit your Peabody, MA dentist, check-in may look a bit different than before the pandemic. We have instituted new policies and we will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office.
- We will be making hand sanitizer available to all patients in the office
- There will be no magazines or toys in the waiting area as they cannot be sanitized
- We will be optimizing appointment times to follow social distancing guidelines
- All team members will be wearing additional PPE (personal protective equipment)
Precautions Petinge Dental is Taking to Prevent the Spread of Infection
Prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, our dental office took precautions to ensure the safety of our patients as well as our dental team. We observe strict infection control measures that follow the guidelines put forth by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA). We will continue to observe these types of practices.
- Sanitizing Best Practices: Our personnel regularly cleans all public spaces in our offices. This includes restrooms, waiting rooms, and treatment rooms.
- Use of Disinfectant Sprays: We apply medical-grade disinfectants to operator rooms after each patient has been seen per the guidelines set forth by the CDC and OSHA. This includes spraying all high-touch areas like chairs, equipment, and counters.
- Protective Barriers: We place protective barriers on armrests, overhead lights, suction tips, computer keyboards, and curing lights.
- Sterilizing Dental Instruments: We sterilize our dental instruments after each patient. Protocols issued by the CDC are strictly observed ensuring dental instruments are properly sterilized.
Other Questions About Dental Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Patients have many questions as we’ve watched the spread of Covid-19 in the state of Massachusetts. Here are the most common questions we hear and our answers to them.
Is it dangerous to go to the dentist during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Dr. Petinge and the staff at our dental office will continue to adhere to best practices when it comes to your dental care. We also follow closely the guidelines provided by the ADA, CDC, OSHA, and applicable state and federal regulations. Our goal is to make sure you and your family receive safe and compassionate care. If for some reason we are not able to safely render dental care to your or your family, we will keep you updated and informed.
Is Petinge Dental taking any extra precautions during this time?
Yes. We are aware of the seriousness of the pandemic and are doing our due diligence to prevent its spread. Our staff understands the need to stay home if they are showing any symptoms including difficulty breathing, sneezing, coughing, or running a fever. Team members who have traveled to a Level 2 or 3 region per the CDC’s classification are required to self-quarantine before they can come to work. We are also encouraging our staff members to refrain from traveling during this time.
We are also implementing screening procedures for patients. Each patient is screened when they make an appointment with us, and when they arrive at our dental office, so please understand the questions we ask are to ensure your safety, the safety of our other patients, and the safety of the dental team. We are also implementing more space between patient appointments.
Should I reschedule dental treatments?
In general, there is no need for rescheduling dental appointments for routine exams and treatment. However, if you come into close contact with someone who has traveled to a region with a large outbreak of Covid-19, if you’ve been exposed to the virus, or been around someone who is quarantined due to exposure, then you should wait 14 days for a dental appointment. If you are healthy, you do not need to reschedule your regular dental appointments. We will reach out to you if there is some other reason the appointment needs to be rescheduled.
Contact Our Offices
If you have more questions about the Covid-19 pandemic and dental care, please contact our office. Thank you for your patience during this difficult time. If you have a dental concern or a dental emergency, please don’t hesitate to call us to ask how to best proceed. Once we have established and normalized new routines and begin opening the office to more than emergency procedures, we still suggest you schedule routine exams twice a year as part of your preventative dental care.
Is Delaying Dental Care Dangerous?
Proper oral care is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Cavities can still happen even if you have good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing every day is important, but they are most effective when done in conjunction with regular checkups and cleanings. Many people choose to skip routine visits. Some wait until they are experiencing pain or show signs of unhealthy gums before going in for an exam. Delaying dental care can lead to more serious matters, even if everything looks and feels fine to you. Routine exams can help prevent a number of problems and catch them early on if they occur. Problems detected earlier are more easily treated in most cases. Putting off seeing your Melrose, MA dentist puts you at more risk for potentially serious problems. There are some very good reasons that Dr. Stephen Petinge suggests not delaying routine exams.
Do Dental Issues Just Go Away?
Most dental problems do not go away on their own, given enough time. In fact, they tend to get worse with time. Gingivitis is one exception. If there is mild inflammation because of poor hygiene habits, it can often be reversed if oral hygiene is improved. However, infection and cavities don’t go away given time or with increased hygiene. When professional dental care is delayed, it will just become worse and more difficult and costly to treat. Cavities left untreated only get larger. Infection and gum disease continue to worsen unless the bacteria is removed, and proper medication is prescribed. Many rely on homeopathic remedies or DIY home treatments, but these only allow more time for the condition to become more aggressive. The more time that passes, the more invasive and aggressive treatments will be required. If treatment is delayed, you could lose a tooth that could have easily been saved. The best option is to visit your Melrose dentist regularly, and definitely if you experience symptoms.
No Pain – No Problem, Right?
Once a person starts to experience pain, they recognize they have a cavity, and abscess, or gum inflammation. And most people know when they have a toothache, something is wrong. But just because there is no pain, doesn’t mean there isn’t an existing problem. In severe cases, an abscess or decay can deaden the nerve so there is no pain. When you see or feel something different with a tooth, notice swelling or a cavity, schedule an appointment with your Melrose and North Boston area dentist. Don’t let the absence of pain keep you away. Regular visits are important since there are not always symptoms like redness, pain or swelling to indicate a problem. A regular exam can uncover a problem before it gets serious. By delaying dental care, you risk the need for more invasive treatments at a later time.
Delayed Dental Care Can Stretch Your Budget
As time passes, dental problems worsen. This means treatment and restoration options change too. A checkup can reveal a small cavity that can be remedied with a simple filling. But if you wait until it starts bothering you, or until your next 6-month visit, it can spread to the nerve. It can end up becoming abscessed. What could be fixed with a filling, is now a serious problem and requires complex treatment. Decay can also spread to adjacent teeth. Now a simple filling isn’t enough. Now, you may need a crown, a root canal, and more teeth filled. You could easily be looking at double the cost of what a simple filling might have been. Even with dental insurance, your deductibles can be more costly. Routine visits can uncover small problems that can be fixed early on. This saves you money, time, and your teeth.
Contact Dr. Stephen Petinge Today
Is it time for your routine exam? Contact our offices today to schedule your next visit. Let us help protect your teeth and your smile.
What You Need to Know About Vaping and Oral Health
Electronic cigarettes and vaping have become very popular over the last few years. Many people choose to switch from regular cigarettes due to their perception that there are fewer health risks from vaping than from smoking. However, what most people miss is the link between vaping and your oral health. Even though vaping doesn’t contain the tar traditional cigarettes are known to have, they still pose some health hazards to your teeth and gums according to Lynnfield, MA dentist Dr. Stephen Petinge.
Dangerous Contents of an E-Cigarette
Vape juice is placed in an e-cigarette, which heats the liquid, making it vaporize. The liquid ingredients in vape juice include a mixture of water, flavorings, glycerin, and propylene glycol. Even though vape juice doesn’t contain tar like a cigarette, most of them do contain nicotine.
Is Vaping Dangerous to Your Oral Health?
Getting rid of exposure to tar is great, but it’s not the only chemical in e-cigarettes that can be harmful to your oral health. We don’t yet know how serious the long-term effects of the other substances may be since vaping is still relatively new. However, your Lynnfield Dentist does know that some of the chemicals in an e-cigarette can have a negative impact on oral health. Here are some of the potential hazards vaping can present to your oral health.
Inhaling Bacteria
Tooth decay is often the result of bacteria that settles in the fissures and pits in the natural contours of the teeth. Tooth decay leads to cavities. When you inhale the vapor from an e-cigarette into the mouth, the teeth may be exposed to more bacteria. This can cause a plaque buildup on the teeth which can lead to more cavities. This is the case across the board, but it’s especially dangerous for those who do not observe good oral hygiene habits.
Dry Mouth
E-cigarettes contain propylene glycol, which can cause dry mouth for users. It might just seem like an annoyance, but it can contribute to other serious health problems. The saliva in your mouth acts as a natural defense. Vaping increases the temperature in the mouth, which removes some of the natural moisture. Lacking saliva in the mouth increases the chance of cavities since it’s easier for tooth decay to occur without the extra layer of protection saliva provides. Also, dry mouth can lead to chronic bad breath, painful sores on the gums, or other tissue in the mouth.
Increased Risk of Gum Disease
Your gums are more susceptible to disease with extra bacteria in the mouth. But vaping itself might damage gum tissue. You are putting yourself at a higher risk for developing dry mouth when you vape, but if you have a sensitivity to the chemicals in the vape juice, you could end up with irritated and inflamed gums. In severe cases, your gums might bleed and then recede. These are early signs of gum disease.
Tips for Those Who Choose to Vape
Studies are still underway to determine the long-term effects of vaping and the impact they may have on oral health. Without the nicotine of cigarettes, they may not be as harmful to your health, but there are still plenty of potential hazards. Those who choose to vape should be familiar with the possible risks posed to their physical and oral health. There are a few things you may be able to do to minimize the dangers to your dental health.
- Limit or avoid vape juice that contains nicotine.
- Drink more water to help replace the moisture removed by vaping.
- Be diligent about maintaining good oral hygiene habits.
- See your Lynnfield and North Boston area dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Contact Dr. Stephen Petinge
Please contact your Lynnfield Dentist if you have more questions about vaping and your oral health or need to schedule an appointment.
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