All posts by writeradmin

writeradmin writes blog posts on behalf of Dr. Kevin Peck
Tooth Extraction

Do I have to have an extraction?

My upper left molar that we thought needed to be capped because part of it was missing is really starting to radiate pain. The only time I get relief is when I drink something cold. Am I making a mistake just getting it capped? Should I get it extracted?

Julia R.- New Jersey

Julia,

Whether or not you get your tooth extracted is up to you. However, have you looked into saving the tooth? I tend to try to save a tooth whenever possible. Your dentist should give you the pros and cons of every option.

Generally when cold makes tooth pain go away, it is a sign that the tooth is dying inside and needs a root canal treatment. If you did that, you can take care of the pain, get a dental crown, and save your tooth.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

Oral Hygiene

Chewing gum and bacteria

Would you be willing to help me with a science experiment? I’m testing four different brands of chewing gum: orbit, trident, Big Red and extra. Will you tell me what the ingredient is in chewing gum that kills bacteria?

Albert I.- Pennsylvania

Albert,

What a great idea for a science experiment. You’ll have a more successful project if you use cinnamon flavored gums. The main ingredient in these gums that kill bacteria is cinnamic aldehyde, which is a plant essential oil that’s used for flavoring.

Here is the best way to do the experiment. Swab the mouths of a few of your friends and put their samples in petri dishes.Then have them chew a stick of gum for twenty minutes. Afterward, swab their mouths again and put the samples in another petri dish. After 24 hours check to see which gum is best in reducing mouth bacteria.

Also, you might mention that chewing any gum will reduce the bacteria in your mouth, without the ingredient you find in cinnamon gum. The gum stimulates your saliva production. Your saliva has enzymes and minerals that fight bacteria extremely well.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

You may also be interested in Mercury-free dentistry.

 

Oral Hygiene

Contagious Gum Disease

Can you tell me if gum disease is contagious?

Kathy S.- Little Rock, AR

Kathy,

No, gum disease is not in and of itself contagious. However, the bacteria the causes gum disease can be passed from one person to another. Some of the ways this happens is by the exchange of saliva that happens when you share a drink or a toothbrush with someone. Even kissing and sneezing can do it.

The key to avoiding gum disease is good oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing are essential. Visit your dental office for cleaning every six months. If you have periodontal disease, you may need to go more often for a while.

You can recognize gum disease at home by swollen and bleeding gums. If this has happened, brushing alone won’t fix it. Your dentist can best describe the course of treatment you need depending on how prevalent it is.

You may also be interested in Root Canal Treatment.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

Teeth Whitening

Inexpensive makeover

I need a way to makeover my smile that doesn’t cost a fortune. Any recommendations?

Syliva A. from Aberdeen, MD

Sylvia,

One of the more affordable ways to give yourself a quick smile makeover is to use teeth whitening. The take home method doesn’t cost a fortune and you should be able to have a white smile in just a few weeks.

Of course, it will not remedy other issues you may have with your smile, such as gaps, chips, or crooked teeth. There are other methods for those type of smile makeovers, but they generally cost more. It would help if I new a specific issue you were wanting to address.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

 

Teeth Whitening

Whitening a porcelain Crown

If I  have a porcelain crown on one of my front teeth can I still whiten my teeth?

Sandra W. from Alabama

Sandra,

You can have your teeth whitened even with a porcelain crown, however you need to be aware that it will NOT whiten the crown at all. You will want your teeth the same color. The best way to handle this, is to do teeth whitening first. Then, have your crown re-done with the lab matching the porcelain to your new level of whiteness.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Kevin and Hillary Peck.