A majority of adult patients have some recession. Perhaps you have even heard us mention it during one of your dental visits. Since it is so common, it is important to know how we decide that it’s a problem and how we determine there is nothing to worry about.
To put it simply, recession is when your gums move back from it’s normal location on the tooth (right around the neck of the tooth) and begin to expose some of your root surface. If you have 1 or 2 millimeters of recession, don’t worry. Chances are it will not be a problem as long as you take the correct precautions. If the root surfaces have been worn after recession occurred, a simple filling or crown may easily protect that root surface. If the recession is more severe, or the wear on the root is more severe, gum surgery may be an option. Our goal is simply to prevent the recession from ever getting to a severe enough point in which surgery is necessary. Here are some helpful hints on how to prevent recession from ever happening, or preventing it from getting worse.
1. Brush correctly. Believe it or not, you can actually scrub your gums away through heavy handed brushing. Keep a gentle hand, use a soft or extra soft bristled toothbrush, and replace it every 3 months. Angle your bristles 45° toward the gums and make a gentle circular motion for 2 minutes. A Sonicare toothbrush is also a very effective method of cleaning your teeth while keeping your gums safe.
2. Manage acidity in your mouth. Patients who suffer from acid reflux or who enjoy a diet high in acidity often have more recession than those that don’t. If you feel like you have indigestion often or burp more than normal after meals, you may have acid reflux that comes up into your mouth during the day or while you are asleep. This acid can be destructive to your teeth and gums. In addition, a diet containing frequent soda, coffee or juice intake, or even sucking on lemons (yes, people do this!) is highly damaging to gums and teeth. Talk with your general doctor or your dentist if you think you may be at risk.
3. Protect those pearly whites against clenching and grinding. Wearing a night guard at night can prevent wear of your teeth and also prevent gum trauma over time. Exercises and stretching techniques can help relax your jaw during the day.
Ask our staff at your next visit to discuss your risk factors for recession and the best way for you to prevent it from happening or getting worse. After all, you’re not a shark! These are the only teeth you are going to get.
May 31, 2015
At Elmbrook Family Dental, our staff is made up of people who have been on the team for over 20 years, and staff that has been with us for less than 1 year. We have been so blessed to grow so much over the years! As our team grows, the doctors recognize how important it is for us to all be there for each other on a daily basis within the office. In order to help the team members bond, they plan some great team building events throughout the year. This month, we all went to Dave and Buster’s for some great food and fun competition. Thank you Dr Brunner, Dr Taibl and Dr Tack for giving us such a fun afternoon.
May 13, 2015
Our practice is successful because of our committed patients and their wonderful referrals. We see so many of your family and friends, and are glad to be the ones to help keep their smiles beautiful and healthy. Thank you for your kindness and confidence! But, there are still many other people looking for a new dentist and they often turn to internet reviews to help them make their choice. So, if you’ve been happy with us and want people to know about your great experience, let us know! After each visit, you should receive an option through e-mail to leave a review. Haven’t been to see us lately, but still have something to share? Visit our facebook page and leave a review there. Follow the link below to visit our facebook page. Click the “Review” tab under our cover photo to write a review.
https://www.facebook.com/elmbrookfamilydental
April 27, 2015
Have you ever seen something so cute that there isn’t even a word good enough for it? Well check out this sweet little one! Our Assistant April and her husband welcomed their son into the world this month. Gabriel Nolan weighed 6lbs, 13oz and was 20 inches long. He is growing, happy and sweet as can be! Mom, Dad and Gabriel are doing well. 
April 11, 2015
How many times have you walked into the toothpaste and toothbrush isle at Target or Walmart and just stared at the wall of endless options? It can be so overwhelming as you try to make the best decision. Many of our patients ask about purchasing an electric brush because they have heard great things about them. While an electric brush MAY greatly increase your quality of oral hygiene, not all brushes are created equal. And while each persons needs are individualized, there is one brush we stand behind at our office. We gladly promote the use of the Sonicare electric brush and even sell them at our office for a great price!
Why Sonicare you may ask? Well, it is proven to remove as much as 5 to 7X the amount of plaque that a manual brush removes. It is extremely gentle on your gums and root surfaces that often show in areas of recession. It can aid in keeping stain away if you are prone to getting it, and it also has a 2 minute timer to help you complete the recommended amount of brushing time (no cheating!). It has a rechargeable battery and removable brush heads. This means that multiple family members can use the same unit. Just be sure to change the brush head for each person. They have handy color coated rings so you can tell which is yours.
Ask your Dental Hygienist for brush recommendations at your next visit to see if a Sonicare may be a good brush for you. And if you do purchase one, just remember that brush heads wear out and collect bacteria. They should be replaced about every 3 months.
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This July we said goodbye to our assistant Ashley. In May she graduated with her associates degree in Dental Hygiene. This coming August she will be getting married to the love of her life Rob here in Wisconsin. They have begun a new chapter in their lives down in Texas where Rob is now working. Who knows what their future holds for them! Currently they are easily getting used to the hot weather and great water ski lakes near their new home. She has been a part of our assisting team since June of 2011. After her graduation, she was able to help in our hygiene schedule as well. Good luck to you Ashley and Rob in your new and exciting life. You will be greatly missed.
This month we celebrated Dr Tack’s birthday. Of course we did the obvious and brought some fantastic food into the office. We can never pass up an excuse to bring in some veggies and dip… and other not so healthy snacks!