Clearwater Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten Shares: Is it worth investing in a power toothbrush?

Most of our patients can tell the difference in how their teeth and gums feel when they switch to a power toothbrush. Dr. Britten and his team can also typically tell when a patient uses an electric toothbrush versus a manual toothbrush – as there is usually a noticeable difference in the amount of plaque present as well as a patient’s gum tissue tone and color.

Improving oral health will improve overall health, a reason most patients will be happy to make the extra investment for a powerbrush. An electric toothbrush (our favorite professional-grade brands typically run from $150-200) is only a fraction of what it costs to complete most dental procedures. In the end, investing in a good power toothbrush, changing brush heads every 90 days, and using the proper technique will save you money!

Why choose a powerbrush?

Power toothbrushes usually have built in features with an advantage for better oral health.

Timer - Many brands feature a timer to ensure patients brush for a full two minutes, and may also have a pressure indicator to pause brushing or to let patients know if they’re brushing too hard and possibly damaging their gums. The Phillips Sonicare, one of our favorites, hesitates every 30 seconds, to help a patient distribute their brushing in all four sections of the mouth.

More effectively disrupts and removes harmful bacteria in the mouth. The sonic vibrating or oscillating of bristles from an electric brush remove sticky plaque bacteria effectively and stimulate the gum tissue, reducing inflammation. Electrics brushes operate at 30,000 strokes per minute while a manual is only 200 strokes.

Simpler technique. With a power toothbrush, all you have to do is move the brush from tooth to tooth, spending a few seconds at a time. The professional line of powerbrushes from Philips Sonicare are definitely our favorite because they can penetrate below the gum line to disrupt the bacterial environment formed by plaque. Other brands, most notably the Oral B have brush heads that oscillate in a half-circle motion to remove biofilm (plaque) from the tooth surface.

Gentle and safe at the gumline. Using a powerbrush with the correct technique will help prevent gum recession, enamel abrasion (wearing away) and tooth sensitivity from improper brushing as well as tooth decay and gum disease. Even with their phenomenal power, power toothbrushes such as the Sonicare are still very gentle on the teeth and gums. If patients have gum recession, they can just place the brush on the tooth without using a scrubbing action, which can traumatize and wear away more thin and delicate gum tissue.

Stain removal. Electric toothbrushes help with stain removal, which is attractive to patients who really want a bright, white smile. Some Sonicare models come with a “whitening” setting or even special polishing brush heads.

Helps those with dexterity issues. Elderly patients or others with dexterity issues can also benefit from electric toothbrushes. Many patients can’t move their hands the way they need to, so if they use a manual brush, they’re likely leaving plaque behind. Powerbrushes help remove plaque from the teeth for them, so as long as they get it close to where it needs to be, it’s going to remove plaque and help prevent problems.

Great for kids. Electric toothbrushes are also great options for children, especially if they have braces!

Less time brushing, with a better result! In two minutes, a power toothbrush will remove plaque and massage and stimulate gum tissue more effectively than the minimum of four minutes you would need to brush with a manual toothbrush.

For more information on the proper technique for healthy teeth and gums using a power toothbrush (and other helpful oral hygiene tips) visit http://brittenperio.com/oral-health/oral-hygiene/

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Clearwater FL Periodontist Discusses: What is plaque and tartar?

During a dental hygiene visit, patients often ask our hygienists, “Do I have a lot of plaque?” Or, your hygienist or dentist may you that during your exam they are checking your “plaque score” and give you a grade, based on a percentage. This helps them to see how you are doing with your daily oral hygiene and how they can help you improve it to prevent cavities or gum disease.  What exactly is plaque? And what can you do about it?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth and makes its way down and under the gum line. Plaque contains bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. If it is not removed by regular and effective brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar — sometimes called calculus — which is calcified (or hardened) bacteria which attaches to the enamel on your teeth, as well exposed roots and can also travel under the gum line.

Bacteria are constantly growing in our mouths, in fact up to hundreds of different strains. When plaque is not removed from near or under the gum line it will cause inflammation and irritation to the gums around teeth, leading to gingivitis (red, swollen, bleeding gums). Gingivitis is reversible.  But if gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontal disease and, possibly, tooth loss.

Tartar is a mineral buildup. The most common sign of tartar is a white, yellow or brown deposit between the lower front teeth or along the gum line.  Some people notice that they build tartar on the inside of their lower front teeth and can feel it with their tongue. While plaque can be removed with tooth brushing and interdental aids like floss or brushes that go between the teeth, the only way to remove tartar completely is to see your dentist or dental hygienist for a professional hygiene visit.

What we eat and drink remains in our mouths after we are done eating and bacteria also live on these foods - especially sugars and carbohydrates - and produce acids that can attack the tooth surface. If proper flossing and tooth brushing are not conducted efficiently every single day this leads to more plaque and tartar on the teeth.  When plaque builds up on the teeth, the bacteria can infect not only your gums and teeth, which can cause periodontal disease - an immune response by the body which will attack the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. The acids from foods or drinks in the mouth, along with acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, can cause tooth decay.

When your dental hygienist or dentist checks your plaque score, they are swiping 5 teeth in the mouth along the gum line, counting 4 surfaces (front, back and in between) for each tooth. For every surface that has plaque accumulation just below the gum line, 5 points are added to your plaque score.  A good plaque score would be under 20%, an excellent score would be 5 or 10%. This gives them a good idea of how your brushing is in between each visit, as plaque above the gum line can be removed effectively just before the appointment, but plaque sitting under the gum line has accumulated for a period of time.

To improve your plaque score and prevent tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.  Make sure to:

• Brush thoroughly at least twice a day for 2 minutes with a power toothbrush to thoroughly remove plaque from all surfaces of your teeth. You will need to brush 4 minutes with a manual brush, and probably not do it as effectively. Many studies show power toothbrushes remove plaque much more effectively than a manual brush.
• Floss daily or use other dental aids recommended by your dentist or hygienist to remove plaque from between your teeth and under your gum line, where your toothbrush may not reach.
• Limit sugary, starchy or acidic foods, especially sticky snacks.
• Schedule two to four regular dental visits for professional cleanings and dental examinations each year, depending upon the recommendations from your healthcare provider. Many patients require three to four visits a year due to a high risk for dental decay and to manage periodontal disease.

For more detailed oral hygiene instructions, visit http://brittenperio.com/oral-health/oral-hygiene/

Clearwater Periodontist Shares What is Oral Lichen Planus

If you’ve noticed a small sore in your mouth, it’s possible you have a non-contagious disease known as lichen planus. Although usually benign, it’s still a good idea to have it examined and monitored.

 The condition is so named because its lesions are similar in appearance to lichen, the algae and fungi organism often found on rocks and trees. It’s believed to be a type of autoimmune disease, in which the body treats some of its own cells as foreign and reacts adversely to them. Certain medications and substances may also cause a lichenoid reaction. Besides the inner cheeks, gums or tongue, lichen planus may also appear on other skin or mucous surfaces on the wrists, legs or fingernails.

When it appears inside the mouth it usually resembles a lacy pattern of white lines or ulceration. Gum tissues may become red and inflamed, with some soreness after brushing or eating. Although there’s no known cure for lichen planus, it rarely causes serious problems — in fact, you may not even be aware you have the condition unless pointed out during a dental exam. It may, in time, fade away.

If the lesions do become bothersome (painful, itchy or overly-sensitive), there are some ways to ease discomfort: brushing with a soft toothbrush (to minimize irritation), flossing, and avoiding acidic or spicy foods and beverages which have been known to cause flare-ups. Managing stress is also helpful, and a topical steroid may be prescribed for more severe outbreaks.

Perhaps the greatest concern with lichen planus, though, is it may resemble more serious conditions, particularly oral cancer. The only way to be certain that it is a benign condition is to perform a biopsy on some of the affected tissue. If you notice a problem, be sure to visit us for a complete examination. And regardless of whether you have the condition or not, regular oral cancer screenings, as well as limits on alcohol consumption and stopping use of tobacco, will also reduce your risk of oral cancer.

Odds are if you have a case of lichen planus it isn’t causing you any problems. If it does cause you discomfort, though, you can take steps to ease your symptoms.

If you would like more information on lichen planus and similar oral conditions, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. www.brittenperio.com

Clearwater FL Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten: Pregnancy and Gum Disease

Professional dental cleanings and routine check ups are particularly important during pregnancy.

Fluctuating hormone levels during pregnancy can cause normal, healthy gums to become red, irritated and swollen. Pregnancy Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) is the body’s exaggerated response to plaque and calculus. It can range from gums that are redder than usual, to severe swelling and bleeding of the gums. Often a routine dental hygiene visit  as well as increased oral hygiene care at home can help to keep this condition under control.

 
Sometimes a pregnancy tumor can form on the gums during pregnancy. This large uncomfortable overgrowth of gum tissue forms as a lump on the between the teeth or along the gum line and often has deep red pinpoint markings on it forms on inflamed gum tissue. These growths can occur at any time during the course of pregnancy, although they usually occur during the second trimester. These growths, while not at all cancerous, may require antibiotic treatment or to be removed surgically by your dentist or periodontist.

It is better to be closely monitored before your pregnancy if possible to catch any potential problems before they occur as well to minimize any need for dental x-rays during pregnancy. It is also important during pregnancy to stay current with your regular dental hygiene visits and examinations to catch any potential gum or tooth problems at the earliest possible time.  Although dentists will typically postpone major treatment until after delivery, emergencies do come up and need to be addressed.  Since your baby’s organs are being formed in the first trimester, this work is ideally taken care of during the second trimester to minimize any potential risk.
  
Some major studies have shown a link between gum disease and premature birth. This is likely due to the levels of elevated inflammatory chemicals in the bloodstream of a pregnant mother due to untreated gum disease.  One study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association found that pregnant women with chronic gum disease were four to seven times more likely to deliver prematurely (before week 37) and underweight babies than mothers with healthy gums.  Mothers with severe periodontal disease delivered the most prematurely, at 32 weeks. 

You can contact Dr. Todd Britten in his Clearwater, Florida periodontal practice at 727-586-2681 or visit his website at www.brittenperio.com

Clearwater FL Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten Welcomes You!

I haven't been to the dentist in a long time! What do I need to do?

Please know that you are not alone! Whether you have been away from the dentist for 6 months or 6 years, it’s never too late to get back into a good and healthy routine.  We are here to help!  Call us to schedule a thorough and educational exam appointment. 

We are grateful for the opportunity to assist you in achieving a healthy and functional smile.
Your initial exam will last approximately one hour. We will review your medical and dental history and perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums.  This will include looking for signs of periodontal disease, gum recession, tooth looseness, and missing teeth.  Dr. Britten will also check your bite (occlusion) and perform an oral cancer screening exam.

During this initial consultation we will be able to provide a diagnosis of your periodontal condition and propose a treatment plan to improve your dental health.  Occasionally, Dr. Britten prefers additional time to review his findings and “do his homework” so that he can provide the best ​recommended treatment options.  We may then ask you to return for a complimentary second consultation visit.  

Dr. Todd Britten and his talented and experienced staff are focused on providing patient-centered care, and we take the time to explain to our patients the risks, benefits, and alternative options they have with any dental treatment. Our practice is very warm and compassionate, and we are sensitive to the needs of each individual patient. Contact our Clearwater periodontal office today to schedule an appointment at 727-586-2681 or visit our website at www.brittenperio.com

Clearwater Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten talks about Custom Fitted Nightguards

 

Many people clench or grind their teeth whether they realize it or not. Clenching and grinding can be detrimental to your teeth and to their supporting structures (gum tissues and bone). It can cause wear on the biting surfaces, root defects, gum recession, contribute to gum disease and tooth shifting and mobility, and cause muscular and TMJ (joint) issues.

Most people are completely unaware that they do it, because it happens while they are sleeping. Many patients do not realize they grind their teeth and find the thought of wearing a night guard very unappealing.

Nightguards purchased online or at the drug store are not custom fitted, they are usual one size fits all or boil & bites. They can be large, unattractive, poorly fitting and may even come out during the grinding.

Your dentist is trained in how a persons' bite should function, how the teeth should come together and will take into account your specific situation and grinding pattern. Your dentist’s office will take impressions of your teeth so that the dental lab can make a might guard that is the exact match to your teeth.

Although the initial investment may be greater, a custom fit nightguard can be an extremely worthwhile investment in the long run. It is designed by your dentist to fit your teeth exactly and is much more likely than a store bought guard to prevent you from needing more expensive dental work in the future. In many case, dental insurance covers all or part of the cost.

Dr. Britten can check your teeth and bite for signs of abnormal clenching and grinding and work with your dentist to fabricate the right appliance for you. Contact our office at 728-586-2681, via email at healthysmiles@brittenperio.com or visit our website atwww.brittenperio.com with any questions or concerns you have.

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Clearwater FL Periodontist Shares: Is Periodontal Disease Contagious?

Is PERIODONTAL DISEASE CONTAGIOUS?
From Perio.org:
"Research has shown that periodontal disease is caused by the inflammatory reaction to bacteria under the gums, so periodontal disease technically may not be contagious.

However, the bacteria that cause the inflammatory reaction can be spread through saliva. This means that if one of your family members has periodontal disease, it’s a good idea to avoid contact with their saliva by not sharing eating utensils or oral health equipment.

If you notice that your spouse or a family member has the warning signs of a possible periodontal problem (bleeding, red and swollen gums, or bad breath) you may want to suggest that they see the periodontist for an exam. It may help to protect the oral health of everyone in the family."

If you have any questions, please contact us 727-586-2681 or email healthysmiles@brittenperio.com

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Dr. Todd M. Britten, DMD, M.S.'s photos

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