Dealing with Sensitive Teeth with the help of your Catonsville Dentist

March 5th, 2013

Did you know that one in eight adults has sensitive teeth? According to a new survey published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, one in eight people has over-sensitive teeth.

Dentists in the 37 United States dental offices studied asked their patients if they had recently suffered pain, sensitivity or discomfort in their teeth or gums. Of the 787 patients surveyed, 12% experienced sensitivity that was not due to another problem, such as a cavity, chipped tooth or swollen gums.

“The condition is impacting people’s lives, and they may avoid some foods,” said a research assistant professor at the University of Washington and lead study author, Dr. Joana Cunha-Cruz. “But it’s not like they are feeling pain all the time.”

Pain is often triggered by cold, hot, sweet, or acidic food and drink.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Sensitive teeth occur when tooth enamel or cementum, the tissue between the tooth and gum, wear away. This exposes small tubes connecting nerves inside the tooth to triggers outside the tooth, like the aforementioned cold, hot, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.

“It’s hard to generalize, but probably for people that are visiting the general dentist, one in eight have sensitive teeth that is bothering them,” said Cunha-Cruz.

Who is at Risk for Sensitive Teeth?

Quite simply, everyone is at risk, though certain groups are at an increased risk. These groups include:

  1. Adults between 18 and 44 were 3.5 times more likely than older adults to have sensitive teeth.
  2. Women are 1.8 times more likely than men to have sensitive teeth.
  3. Additional at risks groups include: those with receding gums and those who perform at-home tooth whitening.

“Teeth sensitivity is universal, but some people and cultures could be more at risk depending on their diet, if it is very acidic, and if they drink a lot of wine or alcohol,” said Dr. Richard Trushkowsky, associate director of International Aesthetic Dentistry at New York University.

Are you one of the 1-in-8 adults suffering from sensitive teeth? If so, Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland can help.

If you have any questions about Sensitive Teeth or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Sources:

1 in 8 Adults have Sensitive Teeth WebMD

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Tips for Preventing Gingivitis from your Catonsville Dentist

February 27th, 2013

Gingivitis is the precursor to periodontitis, better known as gum disease. In the earliest stages of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque buildup, which causes the gums to become inflamed. Luckily, at this stage, the teeth are still held firmly in place and there is no irreversible bone or tissue damage. However, if gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to gum disease.

Fortunately, it gingivitis prevention is almost entirely under your control.

Tips for Preventing Gingivitis from your Catonsville Dentist

Daily Routine:

  1. Be sure to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, taking 30 seconds for each of the four quadrants of the mouth.
  2. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and your gums. Just like your teeth, these two areas can harbor bacteria.
  3. No oral health routine is complete without flossing. Floss between every tooth, all the way down to the edge of the gum line at least once a day. 
  4. Finally, use an ADA-approved mouthwash.

Of course, regular dental visits (every 6 months) are also a part of a good oral health routine. At Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, we set a very high standard for our care and we are very proud of the treatment that we have assembled.

“We are a team of caring health professionals who provide unparalleled dental excellence and treat our patients as members of our family.”

If you have any questions about Gingivitis or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Sources:

How to Combat Gingivitis WebMD

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Obesity linked to Gum Disease, according to 2003 Study

February 20th, 2013

According to a 2003 study published in the Journal of Periodontology, gum disease (periodontitis) is more common in obese young adults. Gum disease is an infection of the gums, bone, and tissues that surround and support the teeth. Gum disease exposes your teeth and their roots to bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Gum disease is also one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults.

Head researcher Mohammed S. Al-Zahrani, MDM and colleagues analyzed the frequency of gum disease in more than 13,000 adults over the age of 18. The results were shocking…

  1. 14% of those analyzed had gum disease
  2. Obese individuals between the ages of 18 and 34 were 76% more likely to have gum disease

Are you at risk for Gum Disease? There is only one way to find out: visit your dentist!

Leikin & Baylin Dental Care: Your Catonsville Dentists

At the very least, you should visit the dentist at least twice a year. During these visits, not only will your dentist or dental hygienist clean your teeth, but they will also look for the warning signs of gum disease.

At Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, we provide unparalleled dental excellence and treat our patients as members of our family. We offer high quality, comprehensive dental care. We set a very high standard for our care and we are very proud of the treatment that we have provided for you.

If you have any questions about Obesity & Gum Disease or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Sources:

  1. Obesity Leads to Gum Disease WebMD
  2. News release, American Academy of Periodontology. Journal of Periodontology, May 2003. WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: “Gum Disease.” WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: “Obesity.”

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Guest Blog: Diabetes and Oral Health

February 12th, 2013

By Dave Howe

You can read more of Dave’s posts at www.toothbrushsubscriptions.com/blog

______________________________________

Diabetes sucks. Plain and simple. There are complications that arise from the condition that include heart disease, increased risk of stroke, and kidney disease. Research shows that indeed those with diabetes are at increased risk of contracting gum disease, both gingivitis (early stage gum disease) and periodontitis (serious gum disease). Developing research also suggests the relationship between gum disease and diabetes is a two-way street. Not only does diabetes leave one more susceptible to gum disease, but indeed gum disease can lead one down the path to diabetes. As follows: significant gum disease can affect blood glucose control, which may contribute to the development of diabetes.

For those with Diabetes

Prevention is the name of the game. Make sure to control your blood-glucose levels properly. And make sure to keep a strict, significant and technically proper dental hygiene regiment. This is the only way to fight against the risks to your oral health associated with diabetes. Further, it’s critical to speak with your dentist about your condition. Those with diabetes have special dental needs that your dentist and dental hygienist are well equipped to treat. Keep your dentist informed of your condition and any changes to your health. Keep the dentist informed of any and all medication that you take. And if you need dental procedures that are not an emergency, it’s best to wait until your blood-glucose levels are normal.

Consult with a Professional

To learn more about the correlation between diabetes and oral health consult with a professional. Your dentist and your family doctor should both be able to give you significant and tailored information that will help you stay healthy. Augment their information with your own research – like you are doing now.  Finally, if you encounter any of the following symptoms it is best to consult with your dentist as soon as possible:

  • Bleeding gums when you brush or floss. This bleeding is not normal. Even if your gums don’t hurt, get them checked.
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums.
  • Gums that have pulled away from teeth. Part of the tooth’s root may show, or your teeth may look longer.
  • Pus between the teeth and gums (when you press on the gums).
  • Permanent teeth that are loose or moving away from each other.
  • Changes in the way your teeth fit when you bite.
  • Changes in the fit of partial dentures or bridges.

If you have any questions about Diabetes & Gum Disease or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

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The Truth about the Five Second Rule

February 6th, 2013

You have been patiently watching the microwave for the last 3 minutes as your piece of pizza slowly spun, cooking all the while. In the meantime, your mouth began to water. You want nothing more than to take a big bite of that cheesy goodness. Then, as you remove the pizza from the microwave, the unthinkable happens. The plate slips and the pizza falls on the floor. Thank goodness for the Five Second Rule, right?

Wrong!

According to a study conducted by the Hygiene Council, the kitchen floor has more bacteria (830 per square inch) than the trash can (411 per square inch). But that is not the only reason that the five second rule is a farce. The popular rule was first debunked in 2003 when high school student Jillian Clarke, an intern at the University of Illinois, coated tiles with E. coli bacteria and dropped gummy bears and fudge-stripe cookies onto the surface for 5 seconds.

The result: Bacteria did jump onto the food in that short amount of time. Sorry!

There is some truth to the five second rule, however. In 2007, scientists at Clemson University in South Carolina applied “salmonella soup” to tile, wood and nylon carpet and dropped bread and bologna on both. They tested how long it took bacteria to climb onto the food.

The result: The longer the contact with the floor, no matter what the surface, the higher the transfer of germs.

Still, bacteria found its way onto the bread and bologna, even in just five seconds. Both foods picked up between 150 and 8,000 bacteria. This number was magnified 10 times when the food was left on the contaminated flooring for a full minute.

So do yourself a favor. Next time you drop a piece of food on the floor, throw it in the garbage…not your mouth.

If you have any questions about Oral Health or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Source:

  1. Does the Five Second Rule really work? HowStuffWorks.com

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Eating Right is the Secret to White, Healthy Teeth, says WebMD Article

January 29th, 2013

Brushing and flossing alone is not enough to give you those pearly whites you so desire. According to a WebMD article, Foods for Bright Teeth and a Healthier Smile, the secret to whiter teeth is a “tooth-friendly diet.” Several nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin D, and calcium are essential to good oral health.

Foods to Avoid

Foods to Choose
  1. Sugary Drinks
  2. Candy
  3. Highly-Sweetened Snacks
  4. Starchy Foods
  5. Sugary Breakfast Cereals
  6. Coffee
  7. Tea
  8. Red Wine
  1. Water
  2. Sugar-Free Drinks
  3. Sugar-Free Chewing Gum
  4. Citrus Fruit
  5. Fish & Flax
  6. Cocoa

Good oral health starts with brushing and flossing, but also includes your daily diet. Everything you put in your mouth has some level of effect on your oral health.

Regular Visits to the Dentists at Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland

At Leikin & Baylin Dental Care, we offer high quality, comprehensive dental care. We are a team of caring health professionals and we have set a very high standard for our care. We pride ourselves on the fact that we provide the highest quality comprehensive dental care around.

One more tip. Avoid snacking.

“If you snack all the time, you expose your teeth again and again to foods that can erode enamel,” says Anthony M. Iacopino, dean of the University of Manitoba Faculty of Dentistry.

If you do snack, opt for food that is less likely to cause tooth decay.

If you have any questions about Oral Health or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Source:

  1. Foods for Bright Teeth and a Healthier Smile

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Oral Care Tips: How to get the most out of your Visit with the Dentist

January 23rd, 2013

As a general rule of thumb, you should visit the dentist at least twice a year (every six months). But is this enough? What do you do when something happens in between your visits? How do you make the most of your visit with the dentist?

These are all good, valid questions. After all, two dental appointments a year is not a lot. So it is up to you to make the most out of each and every visit.

Oral Care Tips: How to get the most out of your Visit with the Dentist

  1. Make a Checklist: You will undoubtedly have oral health questions come up in between your dental visits. So be sure to write these questions down so you can address them with your dentist. Have you noticed jaw pain when you wake up in the mornings? Have your gums been bleeding when brushing your teeth? Have you experienced tooth pain when drinking hot or cold beverages? These are all concerns that you should keep track of to address with your dentist.
  2. Medical History: Make sure you update your medical history. Believe it or not, certain diseases, like diabetes, can directly affect your oral health. Also, be sure to list any medications you may be taking. Some drugs have side effects, like dry mouth, that can affect your oral health.
  3. What can you do better? Be sure to ask your dentist what you can do better in between visits to improve your oral health.
  4. Go to Leikin & Baylin Dental Care: At Leikin and Baylin, we are a team of caring health professionals who provide unparalleled dental excellence and treat our patients as members of our family. We offer high quality, comprehensive dental care. We set a very high standard for our care and we are very proud of the treatment that we have provided for you.

If you have any questions about Oral Health or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Source:

  1. Tips to get the most out of your dental visit WebMD

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How Do I Know if I Have a Cavity? FAQs answered by your Catonsville Dentist

January 14th, 2013

A cavity occurs as the result of tooth decay, which is the destruction of the tooth structure because of plaque buildup.

When foods containing carbohydrates are left on your teeth for an extended period of time, bacteria living in your mouth begin to digest this food, turning them into acids. Then, the acid mixes with the bacteria, food debris, and saliva to form plaque. It is this plaque that eats away at your tooth enamel, creating cavities.

How Do I Know if I Have a Cavity?

Symptoms of cavities include:

  1. Visible holes in your teeth
  2. Toothache
  3. Sensitivity to hots and colds

If you believe you have a cavity, the only way to know for sure is to visit your local dentist, like Dr. Leikin and Dr. Baylin here at Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland. We offer high quality, comprehensive dental care. We set a very high standard for our care and we are very proud of the treatment that we have provided for you.

“We are a team of caring health professionals who provide unparalleled dental excellence and treat our patients as members of our family.”

Despite being almost entirely preventable, cavities are the most common infectious disease among children. And, for the first time in 40 years, instances of cavities in children are the rise!

In addition to offering unequaled dental excellence, Dr. Leikin and Dr. Baylin also offer pediatric dental care, ensuring your child feels as comfortable as possible. We make going to the dentist fun for your child!

If you have any questions about Cavities and Oral Health or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Source: Dental Health and Cavities

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Smoking and Oral Health: Could Tobacco be the cause of your Gum Disease?

January 8th, 2013

Do you have constant bad breath (halitosis)? Are your teeth yellowed and discolored? Do you constantly battle plaque buildup and tartar? Do you have gum disease? Do you smoke?

The fact is that tobacco and your smoking habit could be the cause of the above oral problems. But that is just the beginning. Smoking can also increase your risk for leukemia, increase the loss of bone in your jaw, lower the success rate of dental implant procedures, and increase your risk for developing oral cancer.

Why is Tobacco so harmful?

Smoking tobacco products, like cigarettes, pipes, or cigars, interferes with the normal function of gum tissue cells and affects the attachment of bone and soft tissues to your teeth. This increases smokers’ risk for gum disease and other oral health problems.

Just in case you were wondering, smokeless tobacco products, like snuff and chewing tobacco, are just as bad for your health, containing 28 chemicals known to increase your risk for oral cancer. And a Journal of the American Dental Association study showed that chewing tobacco users were four times more likely than nonusers to develop tooth decay. So do yourself and your teeth a favor and kick the habit.

Ask your dentist or doctor for recommendations on how to quit.

If you have any questions about Tobacco and Oral Health or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Source: Smoking and Oral Health WebMD

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The Warning Signs of Gum Disease

January 3rd, 2013

What is Gum Disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease exposes your teeth and their roots to bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Gum disease is also one of the leading cause of tooth loss among adults.

What are the Warning Signs of Gum Disease?

  1. Your gums bleed easily
  2. Your gums appear very red and tender
  3. Your gums are swollen
  4. Your gums are pulling away from your teeth
  5. Your teeth feel loose
  6. Your bite feels as if it has changed
  7. You notice puss in between your teeth
  8. You suffer from chronic bad breath
  9. The fit of your dentures has changed

If you notice any of the above warning signs of gum disease, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup on your teeth and along your gum line. If this plaque is not properly removed, it will harden into thick deposits known as tartar, which can lead to chronic infections and inflammation.

How is Gum Disease Prevented?

  1. Good Oral Hygiene: The best way to prevent gum disease is to keep good care of your teeth. Brush at least twice a day, floss once a day, and pay close attention to what you eat and drink.
  2. Regular Visits with your Catonsville Dentists can make all the Difference: At Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, we are a team of caring health professionals who provide unparalleled dental excellence and treat our patients as members of our family. We offer high quality, comprehensive dental care. We set a very high standard for our care and we are very proud of the treatment that we have provided for you.

If you have any questions about Gum Disease or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.

Happy New Year from everyone here at Leikin & Baylin Dental Care!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Source: Gum Disease – 8 Warning Signs of Gum Disease

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