Did you know? Cavities are actually quite common. While we all strive to avoid them, the reality is that 91% of people between the ages of 20 and 64 in the U.S. have at least one cavity. In fact, cavities are the second most common health disorder in the world (right behind the common cold). So, if you think you may have your first cavity, know that you’re not alone. What’s important is that you identify and address your cavity with a dentist as soon as possible. Cavities that are left untreated can lead to a whole host of dental problems that you’d probably rather avoid.

Let’s start with the symptoms of cavities. While most dentists will identify a cavity during a routine visit, you may be able to detect one in-between appointments if a tooth becomes highly sensitive or you experience sharp pain when chewing food. You may also notice bad breath (the result of bacteria in the cavity), dark spots or discoloration. Sensitivity to hot or cold liquids specifically can also be a warning sign. If you suspect any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

If your dentist confirms you have a cavity, it’s probably time for a filling. Fillings – and dental work in general – are often characterized as unpleasant, sweat-inducing experiences; however, that’s truly not the case with a standard cavity filling. Here’s how it works. Your dentist will numb the area near the filling so that you don’t feel any pain (by applying what’s known as local anesthesia). Fillings can sometimes be done with a needle, but you will only feel a pinch. You may still feel some pressure as your dentist cleans out your cavity, but this action shouldn’t be accompanied by any pain since your local anesthesia will have set in.

To fill a cavity, your dentist will clean out the opening of the cavity and fill in the hole with a material. The filling will restore the natural shape of your teeth and close off the opening. That material (the filler) can be made of gold or silver – or more commonly today, porcelain or composite, so as to match the natural color of your tooth.  Most of these fillings will last between at least 5 to 15 years, though some may last even longer if they’re taken care of well.

In terms of time spent in the dentist’s office, a filling procedure shouldn’t take more than thirty minutes from start to finish! Your local anesthesia will wear off approximately one to three hours after your procedure, which means you’ll be back to your normal routine quickly.

Note that depending on the severity of your cavity, you may need a crown, which is a cap that’s placed over your entire tooth. The cap is a more comprehensive solution required when a cavity is fairly sizable. However, your dentist will be able to walk you through the solution that best fits your needs.

If you think you have a cavity or it’s time for another check-up, schedule an appointment with Allegiance Dental Associates, specializing in caring, comprehensive dentistry! Give us a call at (410) 670-3376 or request an appointment online!

If you’re a regular brusher, flosser, and rinser, but are still looking for additional ways to protect your teeth and avoid surface stains – we hear you. Try as you might, sometimes doing everything “right” doesn’t always lead to perfectly white teeth. That’s why many are adding another tactic to their oral hygiene routine: straws! Simple and effective, straws can help move you toward the bright, healthy smile you seek.

Drinking from a straw limits the contact between corrosive liquids and the surface of your teeth. Acidic drinks like coffee, orange juice, alcohol, and soda can all eat away at your teeth’s enamel. The impact of these sweet substances can be amplified when consumed too much or when paired with poor dental hygiene.

In addition to wearing down enamel (which increases sensitivity and risk of tooth decay), using a straw to minimize contact can also help prevent cavities (as corrosive materials come in less contact with your teeth). Those that drink from a straw also find that it helps reduce surface stains, as again, the straw minimizes contact with corrosive, acidic materials. The next time you’re enjoying that glass of red wine at home, reach for a straw and rest easy.

Silly as it may seem, there are best practices for using straws. One is that it’s important to keep a straw positioned toward the back of your mouth (as opposed to allowing the tip of the straw to rest on your teeth) and avoid taking big gulps that would lead to liquid resting in the back of your mouth for more than a second or two. You should also be mindful of chewing on straws if you’ve been using them to drink for an extended period of time. Excessive biting and chewing (as unconscious as it may be) can also damage your teeth.

If you’re going to switch to straws, consider using biodegradable versions that are more environmentally-friendly, or invest in a reusable straw made of thicker plastic or glass. Throwing away every straw used with a drink can add up over time, negatively impacting the environment if not made of biodegradable material. Opting for that sturdier, reusable straw can also save you money in the long run (no need to continuously restock).

You may also want to be conscious of when and for what reasons you’re using a straw. For example, it’s probably not necessary to use a straw when drinking something like a glass of water, which can actually be good for cleansing and re-mineralizing your teeth. A selective straw routine ensures your use is environmentally-friendly. Only use a straw when there’s a reason!

Pro-tip: If you’re at a coffee shop and in need of a straw, you can use a stirrer as a makeshift straw (trust us, it works!).

To determine if switching to straws is something that could positively impact the health of your teeth, consider reaching out to a dental professional. Allegiance Dental Associates is happy to speak with you about a variety of strategies for protecting and preserving your teeth. Give us a call at (410) 670-3376 or request an appointment online!

Flowers for mom, a watch for dad, an envelope of money for your recent grad…

This year, why not give a give a gift they’ll appreciate every time they look in the mirror? Teeth whitening can be a unique, unexpected way to treat your loved ones to something special.

Think about it. Who among us doesn’t want a bright, brilliant smile? Yet, even the most diligent brushers can deal with stained, discolored teeth as a result of age and genetic background. Not to mention, the formation of plaque can naturally build up over time, and because our teeth are porous, that film of bacteria can find its way into the structure of our teeth, causing stains and discoloration.

While inner beauty will always reign supreme, having a smile that your loved one is excited to show off can instantly heighten their sense of confidence! Don’t believe it? Research has found that your smile has a direct impact on your self-confidence. That self-confidence influences how you interact with others, how likely you are to take risks and try new things, as well as how approachable you are to others. Plus, studies have shown that smiling more frequently naturally improves your mood! Why not give mom or dad that kind of long-lasting pick-me-up?

Teeth whitening can also be impactful for recent graduates on the interview circuit. Healthy, bright smiles can be viewed more favorably by those conducting interviews. A whitening treatment can give your grad that extra boost they need to go into an interview confidently and encourage the interviewer to view them as the truly competent, qualified young professional they are.

At-home whitening solutions like teeth whitening strips or mouthwash can be helpful, but for the quickest, most noticeable results, gift a whitening treatment from a dental professional. This whitening technique is done right in-office and removes significantly more surface stains than at-home whitening strips. There are typically two types of professional whitening: those that involve the use of halogen lighting to activate the carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide base (which brightens teeth by eight shades) and those without halogen lighting (which brightens teeth by five to eight shades). Consider, too, that professional whitening delivers results much faster than at-home options. Results typically come after just one whitening session, which usually takes about 90 minutes as opposed to days or weeks.

Worried that a whitening treatment might damage enamel? While there can be a risk of damage when using DIY solutions and applying them on for too long, a dentist’s professional service will safely conduct the whitening treatment. Professional practices can also minimize the risk of sensitivity by applying a protective layer before treatment begins.

Note that gums and teeth need to be healthy enough for whitening and that a whitening treatment won’t work on caps, crowns or veneers (which should already be white!).

To learn more about giving the gift of a professional teeth whitening treatment, reach out to the friendly folks at Allegiance Dental Associates today to set up a consultation for your loved one. Give us a call at (410) 670-3376 or request an appointment online!

When it comes to making environmentally-friendly choices, every little bit helps. Oral hygiene is a significant part of our daily routine, which is why thinking about ways to make brushing our teeth more sustainable and positive for the planet can make a substantial impact over time! Here are a few of our favorite ways to go green when caring for our teeth.

1)    Choose a toothbrush made of recycled material.

There are an increasing number of options for toothbrushes that are made from products like recycled plastic, yogurt containers, or cardboard. Consider brands like Preserve and Toms of Maine. These recycled toothbrushes do as good of a job as any other brand, yet have a significantly less harmful footprint on the environment!

2)    Choose a toothbrush that’s biodegradable.

Toothbrushes don’t last forever (you should be changing them out twice a year or when the bristles start to fray). However, instead of throwing them out and consigning them to eternity in a landfill, consider a biodegradable toothbrush, made from natural materials like bamboo. Though their bristles do have to be removed before they can be composted, this option ensures that the toothbrush will naturally break down over time without leaving any harmful substances behind.

3)    Buy toothpaste made from natural ingredients.

Being more discerning with your toothpaste selection is another way to make a difference. Many traditional kinds of toothpaste are made from ingredients that are taxing on the environment or which, because they’re not natural, contribute to harmful traces found in our water system (a problem shared with many synthetic prescriptions and ingredients).

4)    Turn the water off when you’re brushing.

Here’s a simple tactic that doesn’t require any extra effort: turn off the water while you’re brushing your teeth. This one’s easy to forget, but its impact can be huge over time. If you’re brushing your teeth for the recommended full two minutes with your faucet running, you’re wasting approximately five gallons of water! Multiply that by thirty days, and you could be misusing up to 150 gallons of water, in just one month! Instead, the only times you need to wet your toothbrush is upon initially running the water and re-rinse as you near the end of brushing.

5)    Use biodegradable dental floss.

Did you know? Most dental floss is made from nylon – derived from crude oil. Not only does its source have a massive carbon footprint, but this type of dental floss takes about 50 to 80 years to decompose. For an alternative, consider silk dental floss (which is sometimes sold coated in beeswax). This type of floss does an equally good job of getting into the nooks and crannies of your teeth, yet decomposes within 60-90 days.

6)    Keep an eye out for recyclable packaging.

Everything comes in a package, and more often than not, those packages are made from materials like plastic that aren’t sustainably sourced or easily broken down. Check the labels on the packaging of your toothpaste box, mouthwash bottle, or dental floss holder for indications that they’re made from recyclable materials or that they can be recycled.

If you are looking for environmentally-friendly habits to tie into your daily oral care routine, Allegiance Dental Associates is happy to speak with you about a variety of strategies for protecting and preserving your teeth and the planet! Give us a call at (410) 670-3376 or request an appointment online!