Oral Cancer and Alcohol

Dentists are a vital part of the care team for oral cancer patients. At Chapel Street Dental in New Haven, we want to help our patients understand how to avoid this disease and how to care for themselves if they do get it, which is why we’re sharing new research linking oral cancer to alcohol.

According to the study, conducted by the American Society of Clinical Oncologists, 5-6% of all new cancer cases, including cancers of the throat and oral cavity, are attributable to alcohol. This was one of the first studies to examine alcohol separately from smoking, which was already known to be one of the most common causes of oral cancer. One of the most concerning findings of the study was that most people are unaware that alcohol raises their risk for cancer and that it interferes with the success of chemotherapy.

The study provides evidence that even moderate drinkers are at a higher risk for oral cancer. It did not matter what type of alcohol they consumed. However, the study also found that when people gave up drinking, their risk of oral and throat cancer declined to the level it had been out before they started.

Chapel Street Dental is located at 806 Chapel St, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510. To schedule an appointment, call 203-772-1000 or visit New Haven Dental and fill out a contact form.

 

National Children's Dental Health Month

Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? Each year, the American Dental Association decides on a theme for our child education programs, and this year’s is how to use fluoride toothpaste.

The most common children’s oral health problem is caries: the bacterial infections that secrete acid and damage tooth enamel, resulting in cavities. Fluoride shields teeth against acid, which is why we provide fluoride topical treatments during cleanings. It is important for children to develop a habit of brushing their teeth regularly since this will serve them well their entire lives. Although their baby teeth will fall out, pain from decay can interfere with their sleep, eating, and speech development, and make them more irritable and easily distracted.

Children, and everyone else, should brush for two full minutes during each session. They should use soft-bristled toothbrushes and be sure to brush on every tooth surface, and on the tongue. Fluoride toothpaste should be spat out after use because absorbing too much of it could cause the teeth to become discolored.

Chapel Street Dental is located at 806 Chapel St, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510. To schedule an appointment, call 203-772-1000 or visit New Haven Dental and fill out a contact form.

 

Don’t Neglect Your Tongue

Most of us have been brushing and flossing our teeth for many years. If done correctly, and practiced frequently, we should be brushing our teeth at least twice a day for two minutes and flossing at least once a day. Though our doctors at Chapel Street Dental suggest brushing your tongue, not everyone practices this method and we are here to tell you why you should.

After you’ve given your teeth a good scrub, it’s time to focus on your tongue. At a minimum, you should clean your tongue once in the morning, and once at night before you go to bed. It’s just fine to brush your tongue with your toothbrush in a circular motion, but it’s even better to invest in a tongue scraper. A tongue scraper is a tool that is made of soft, flexible plastic, that gently peels away the layer of bacteria that food leaves behind. Using one can help you keep foul odors out of the mouth and leave you with fresher breath.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral hygiene or preventive dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.newhavendentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Chapel Street Dental in New Haven, CT, call 203-772-1000.

Night Guards for Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is the term used for any regular teeth grinding or clenching of the jaw. Stress can intensify bruxism, but it is most often caused by an abnormal bite or crooked teeth.  Some teeth grinders consciously grind their teeth and clench their jaw, but some only do so while asleep and may not even realize it.  Waking up with a dull headache or experiencing pain and stiffness in your jaw are signs you may be grinding your teeth overnight, and shouldn’t be ignored.  Patients who continually grind their teeth often end up needing crowns, bridges, root canals and implants. In severe cases tooth loss can occur, and partial or complete dentures may be needed.  Chapel Street Dental offers custom night guards to help patients overcome the negative effects of bruxism.

Night guards resemble mouth guards worn by athletes, but serve a different purpose. A dentist uses an impression of your teeth to ensure a custom fit, and the night guard is manufactured in a dental lab. Wearing a custom night guard protects the surface of the teeth, and also properly aligns the jaw to improve breathing and sleep. If you think you a custom night guard could help you, please contact us.

To learn more about night guards and all the services we provide, visit Newhavendental.care for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Chapel Street Dental in New Haven, CT, call 203-772-1000.

Crowns

Dental crowns are a common way to restore damaged teeth.  The doctors at Chapel Street Dental use crowns to repair teeth that have been chipped or have a significant amount of decay.  Our natural-looking crowns fit right over a damaged tooth like a little cap. These crowns restore function to a patient’s teeth and blend perfectly with their smile. 

The process for installing a crown can usually be completed in two visits.  To prepare the tooth your dentist will remove any decay, and may need to reshape the remaining tooth to ensure a great fit for the new crown.  Once the tooth has been prepared, your dentist will take an impression of the area.  This impression is sent to a dental lab where the crown is fabricated.  Ask us about temporary options to wear while your new crown is being made.  Once your custom crown is made, the crown will be cemented into place by your dentist at a second appointment.  Our crowns blend right into your natural smile and can last a lifetime!

To learn more about restorative crowns and all the services we provide, visit Newhavendental.care for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Chapel Street Dental in New Haven, CT, call 203-772-1000.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Our doctors at Chapel Street Dental understand that accidents happen. Being informed about what to do in case one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If you or your child experience some sort of trauma to your mouth for whatever reason, please give us a call immediately. Meanwhile, in the midst of a dental emergency, utilize these tips to ensure a smooth recovery. 

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental emergencies, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.newhavendentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Chapel Street Dental in New Haven, CT, call 203-772-1000.

Soft Tissues Care in Winter

This has been a brutal winter for New Haven, and at Chapel Street Dental, we want to make sure our patients understand how to care for their mouths in cold weather. The health of the lips and other soft oral tissues are connected to dental health, so we’ve made this guide on how to avoid chapping and dryness.

One of the most important things to know is that wetting the lips causes them to dry out faster as the moisture evaporates. Long, hot showers will cause them to crack more easily and tucking them under the teeth will irritate them. If done as a habit, it could also cause the teeth to become misaligned. Lip balm works by sealing in moisture, but some fragrances and common ingredients, such as menthol, cause inflammation in some people, so it is a good idea to check the label and switch to a different product at the first sign of redness or pain.

Cold air contains less moisture, so a person who suffers from dry mouth will have worse problems in the winter. Because dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay and other oral infections, this is something that needs to be taken care of. Throat moisturizers can provide protection, as can humidifiers placed in bedrooms, offices, or other places where people have to spend long periods.

Chapel Street Dental is located at 806 Chapel St, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510. To schedule an appointment, call 203-772-1000 or visit New Haven Dental and fill out a contact form.