Toothpaste (dentifrice)

     

Toothpastes are gels, pastes or powders that help to remove plaque, a film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums after eating or drinking. Dr. Anna Lee says, "they come in different flavors, such as bubble gum, fruity, wintergreen, spearmint and others." Some toothpaste contains ingredients that help to reduce tooth sensitivity, gingivitis, tartar, bad breath and remove surface stains. However, the most important ingredient in the toothpaste is fluoride.  Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel to prevent tooth decay.  All ADA-Accepted toothpastes contain fluoride.

The American Dental Association conducts extensive laboratory tests on toothpastes to determine the toothpaste’s fluoride content, how it is released and its effectiveness on tooth enamel to prevent tooth decay.

Guide to dental care products: Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Floss & Mouth Rinses

With so many dental care products on the market today, patients often ask which toothpaste, toothbrush, floss or mouth rinse is best or right for them. The recommendation is to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Dr. Anna Lee says, "it means that the dental product has been objectively evaluated for safety and effectiveness by an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs."

ADA Recommendation for Children’s Toothpaste

 Did you know?

An updated new ADA guideline was published in February 2014 to promote fluoride toothpaste use on young children.  "ADA recommends the use of small amounts of fluoride toothpaste on children under age", says Dr. Anna Lee.

 2.  The ADA advises a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice on a child’s first teeth, and then a pea-size quantity can be used for children between 3-6 years old.

Why a Crown Restoration after Root Canal Treatment?

·      Strength-Teeth that have had root canal treatment can be fragile because a large amount of tooth structure is removed during the process. A crown restoration provides strength that resists further fracturing of the tooth.

·      Good Seal-Crown restoration provides a good seal to prevent leakages and recurrent decay.

·      Durability-Strong and resistant to fracture and wear.

·      Longevity-five to fifteen years+. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of wear and tear the crown is exposed to and how well the patient follows good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing daily and seeing your dentist as recommended.

If you have further questions regarding the different types of crowns that are appropriate for your dental needs, please contact Dr. Anna Lee at 626-335-5114 or visit our website at www.annaleedds.com

Dr. Lee & staff wish you and your family a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year 2015!

A Tooth’s need for Root Canal Treatment vs. Crown Restoration

Teeth that have been seriously compromised by cracks, breakage and presence of tooth decay may cause the pulp (living tissues) to be inflamed or infected.  The pulp contains the living tissues, such as the nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues. "They supply the nutrients and sensations (hot & cold) to the tooth," says Dr. Anna Lee.

Cracked teeth or teeth with deep decay allow bacteria to enter the pulp. Bacteria can cause an infection inside the tooth.  Infection builds up at the root tip, in the jawbone and forms a "pus-pocket" called an abscess. An abscess can cause damage to the bone surrounding the tooth.

Symptoms of inflamed/infected pulp can be pain when chewing food, biting pressure and sensitivity to temperatures (hot and cold foods).

Dr. Lee states, "a Root Canal Treatment is needed to remove the inflamed/infected pulp of the tooth."  The canals are cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. A full coverage crown restoration is usually the final restoration for the tooth.

Why Not do a Filling? Because …

 Broken tooth/filling-placing a large filling on a broken tooth may add more stress onto the tooth and cause it to break and be irreparable.

Cracked tooth-a crack can be above or below the gum line. A crack above the gum line can be restored with a crown restoration. A filling cannot restore the crack. "A crack below the gum line may mean the need for root canal treatment or possibly extraction," says Dr. Anna Lee.

Large filling-replacing a filling on a tooth that is larger than the original filling may cause it to break or fracture.

Tooth decay-depending on the size or location of the tooth decay, a filling may be the choice of the restoration. If the filling breaks or fails, a crown restoration is the appropriate treatment.

Teeth that have had root canal treatment can become weak and brittle, meaning they can break easily. Restoring the tooth with a filling is usually a temporary treatment. A crown restoration is the final treatment.

Why do I need a Crown?

A crown restoration may be needed in the following conditions:

·      broken tooth

·      cracked tooth

·      broken filling

·      large filling

·      tooth decay

·      tooth after root canal treatment

Not sure if a crown is the right fit for you. Contact Dr. Anna Lee today for more information.