Your Oral Health and Vaping
Over the last few years, vaping and electronic cigarettes have become popular. One reason for this is that there is the perception that there are fewer risks associated with them as opposed to smoking tobacco. However, many fail to realize how the chemicals in e-cigarettes can affect one’s oral health. Now, it is true the tar in cigarettes is not present in vape juice, but there are other elements that may be harmful to the teeth and gums. Is there anything harmful in an e-cigarette? An e-cigarette works by heating liquid vape juice. When it is heated, it turns into a vapor. This liquid mixture is made up of water, glycerin, propylene glycol, and flavoring. Even though vape juice doesn’t have the tar just like a cigarette does, many e-cigarettes do still contain nicotine. The good news is, that tar is the one chemical that is harmful to your oral health, and it’s been removed from vape juice. Research is still underway to learn more about the long-term effects of other substances used in vaping. So no one knows for sure. However, dental professionals at Oasis Dental in Ardmore will tell you that there are chemicals present in e-cigarettes that can impact your dental health negatively. Let’s take a look at some of the negative impacts of vaping to your oral health. Potential Hazards of e-Cigarettes Inhaling Bacteria One of the leading contributors to tooth decay that leads to cavities is bacteria. When you inhale vape juice, bacteria enter the mouth. This bacteria can settle into the divots and crevices in the teeth. Introducing these bacteria into the mouth...
Caring for Your Teeth in Cold and Flu Season
It’s the time of year everyone dreads, cold and flu season. It happens every year and you probably at least know someone who has already had the flu or a cold. You or your loved ones may have been affected. Naturally, your attention is focused on getting better and your teeth may not be foremost in your mind. However, there are a few tips your Oasis Dental team in Newton Square suggests to help care for your teeth in cold and flu season. Should I Change Out My Toothbrush? Generally, it’s a good idea to never share toothbrushes. It’s way too easy to spread germs and viruses when you share a toothbrush with someone else. It’s an easy way to prevent sharing germs just like covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Secondly, some people think you must toss your toothbrush and get a new one when you have been sick. This is not necessarily true. Dr. Spieler typically suggests changing out your toothbrush every three to six months. If you get sick and it’s inside this window of time, it’s okay to go ahead and replace it. However, if you are concerned, it’s okay to switch it out for a new one. Choosing Cough Drops If you have a sore or scratchy throat, you may reach for a cough drop for some relief. However, most cough drops and throat lozenges are made with sugar. When you hold one in your mouth for a long time, you are feeding bacteria. It needs sugar to thrive. This can lead to damaged teeth just like eating hard candies. When you...
How do Dental Implants Work?
If for some reason you are missing a tooth or more, you have a few options. Some options include a bridge, full dentures, or partial dentures. You may also consider asking your dentist if you are a good candidate for dental implants. More and more people are opting for implants over dentures because they provide a more natural replacement for teeth. Unlike dentures, they are attached directly to the jawbone. Ideal candidates for implants are in good health and have healthy gums. You’ll also need a strong jawbone to be able to support the implants. What do they look like? One of the primary reasons patients opt for implants is because they look more like their natural teeth. The actual implant looks like a screw. It is attached to the jawbone to provide a replacement for the root of the tooth you are missing. These metal posts are made from titanium in most cases since it is unlikely to cause an adverse reaction when it’s attached to the jawbone and comes in contact with the gums. The Procedure for Placing Dental Implants You can discuss the possibility of the implant procedure with Dr. Spieler who can help you determine if you are a good candidate. Once it is determined that you are a good candidate, the procedure can be scheduled. In most cases, it can be done in the dentist’s office where you’ll be placed under local anesthesia. The process may take multiple visits to the dental office in Bala Cynwyd, PA. There are three basic phases including: Placing Implants. First off, the implant is surgically...