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World Diabetes Day and Your Smile | Schnecksville Dentist

Diabetes is a condition that affects so many. If you don’t have it, you may know someone that does. It’s a disease that affects over 400 million adults worldwide, with the projection of 642 million by 2040. Unfortunately, these frightening statistics only account for the diagnosed, which could account for many more. This is a serious issue – so much so, in 1991, the International Diabetes Federation and World Health Organization created World Diabetes Day on November 14th to raise awareness of this terrible disease affecting so many of us.

I know that you’re thinking – what does diabetes have to do with my smile? But there is actually a direct link between diabetes and dental health, and it revolves mainly around sugar.

We all know that sugar isn’t good for us. Well, an overindulgence of sugar isn’t good for us. It affects our blood sugar levels, something that needs to be controlled when diabetic. But it also causes cavities, which is why we go through our dental hygiene routine twice a day. If we allow the sugar to remain on our teeth, the bacteria will feed on it while wreaking havoc on our teeth. On top of that, if left untreated, high glucose levels can cause gum disease.

Do you see? It’s like a cycle – you have too much sugar in our system, we cause our blood sugar levels to go out of whack. If our levels are out of whack, it can cause gum disease and cavities. Not only that, but immune systems can become affected by not managing your diabetes. So, if you need dental surgery, it may even take longer to heal. It’s important to take care of yourself and your diabetes.

For more information about diabetes and your dental health, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Bad Breath and What We Can Do About It | Schnecksville Dentist

If someone offers you a mint, chances are it’s a subtle hint that you may not have the freshest of breath. Halitosis is something that can be a temporary situation or something more serious. But with national days like Coffee with a Cop (October 5th), Moldy Cheese (October 9th), Sausage Pizza (October 11th), and American Beer (October 27th), it may be a good idea to talk about why we get bad breath and what we can do to avoid it.

Obviously, eating stinky foods will cause this issue, but there are times when bad breath is more than just some garlic breath. Physical conditions like issues with tonsils or your stomach, even some medications that can cause your breath to smell. If you find that your bad breath is becoming more common, check in with your doctor. Here are some other tips to preventing smelly breath:

  • Stay hydrated. If you can’t brush your teeth after a meal, drinking a lot of water can help speed up the process of cleaning harmful bacteria and debris from between your teeth.
  • Don’t drink too much coffee. It may be tasty, but coffee is a tough smell to get off the back of your tongue.
  • Avoid tobacco products. Cigarettes, pipes, and snuff can foul your breath.
  • Cut back on alcohol. Because of dry mouth, too much beer, wine, and hard liquor can make your breath reek for up to eight to 10 hours after you finish drinking.
  • Chew sugarless gum. 20 minutes after a meal can help with saliva flow, just make sure it’s 100% xylitol-sweetened to help reduce cavities.

For more information about bad breath, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Why Do We Need to Floss? | Schnecksville Dentist

When it comes to dental hygiene basics, we know there is a three-step process for optimal dental health – dental hygiene, healthy diet and regular dental visits for checkups. We may need a dental professional when something goes wrong, but it is up to us to keep up their maintenance. After all, you want to preserve your smile for as long as possible. And of all of the dental tasks we love to avoid, it’s definitely flossing, but it’s something that is just as necessary as every other step.

When we begin and end our day, it is important that we give our mouths a good cleaning, not only to get all of the food particles that may be stuck in our smile, but to keep our smiles healthy and free from issues like gum disease.

Flossing isn’t a new thing. In fact, flossing began in ancient China. They didn’t use the floss that we’ve come to know, but horse hairs. To be fair, what you use for floss isn’t point; the importance of flossing is to help aid your brushing efforts. Just like mouthwash can rinse out stuck particles, flossing gets those hard-to-reach areas in your mouth your toothbrush has trouble reaching. The cleaner your mouth is, the less chance dental issues may arise.

Now that you know the basics, here is a step-by-step guide to proper flossing: Cut yourself a piece of floss about 18 inches long and wrap both sides around your fingers. Pull it taut between your thumb and index finger and guide the floss in between each tooth in a gentle zigzag motion to gently scrub down all the spaces between your teeth.

For more information about flossing, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Caring for Your Dental Implants so They Last a Lifetime | Schnecksville Dentist

It’s been a process, but you finally have the smile you’ve always wanted, thanks to the help of your dental professional and some new dental implant prosthetics. Once you have your new dental implants in place, you want to make sure they are taken care of properly. To ensure that your new smile lasts as long as possible, here are a few simple suggestions for maintaining your implants:

Brush and floss twice a day. Just like your regular teeth, implants need to be cleaned and flossed to prevent food particles from invading your gums and implant structure. Special germicidal mouthwash and toothbrushes developed for dental implants are often prescribed to help reduce the risk of infection.

Regular dental visits. Regular dental visits are a part of normal dental hygiene. However, this is especially true for people with dental implants. Your implants will need thorough cleanings and plaque removal. Along with the cleaning, the condition of your gums, jaw and anchors will be checked.

Say no to staining. While dental implants are created to be durable and natural looking, dental implants can also stain the same as normal teeth. Steer clear of smoking, coffee, tea, sodas and wine. Not only are they bad habits to have in general, but they can also begin to stain your teeth sooner than you think.

You’re right – this does seem like the typical dental hygiene routine you’ve been doing. It is. Your dental implants are going to improve all aspects of your smile, but that doesn’t mean your entire world is flipped on its head. The better you take care of your smile, the better it will take care of you.

For more information about dental implant maintenance, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Ways to Maintain Your Dentures | Schnecksville Dentist

We get one set of permanent teeth – what we do with that set of teeth is completely up to us. Unfortunately, many have gotten to the point that requires wearing dentures. Believe it or not, but dentures are not just for the elderly. By mistreating your smile, you run the chances of dental issues that will result in a loss of teeth. Dentures will restore your smile to what you once had, but there are some things you ought to know as far as maintenance is concerned. These teeth are no longer stuck in your mouth and need a different set of rules to keeping them intact for as long as possible. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind as you get used to wearing dentures:

  • As much as possible, stand over a folded towel, or a basin of water, or carpeted floors, or basically, anything clean and soft when handling your dentures to prevent them from breaking.
  • Dentures should be placed in a glass of plain water or denture cleanser soaking solution when not being worn. Warm water is not advised as it can cause warping.
  • Dentures will have to be brushed like natural teeth to rid them of food deposits and prevent plaque build-up, as well as stains.
  • The gums, tongue and palate should also be brushed at least once every day. Preferably, use a soft-bristled brush and do this every morning, before the dentures are inserted.
  • Any breaks, chips, cracks on the dentures should be reported to the dentist immediately. So too should be any feeling of looseness. Any attempt of adjusting the dentures yourself may only result in irreversible damage.
  • Missing teeth don’t only look bad, they’re also bad for the health.

For more information about the maintenance of dentures, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Caring for Your Root Canal | Schnecksville Dentist

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No one wants to be in pain and one of the worst ones is a toothache. Unfortunately, there may come a time when you may need a root canal. And for many of us, a root canal sounds like your mouth will be in pain for a long while. But ignoring issues like tooth decay is the whole reason you’re in this predicament. It’s time to bite the proverbial bullet. Soon, you and your mouth have been treated and on your road to recovery. But you were right – it wasn’t a painless experience.

There’s no doubt that a root canal procedure can cause some of the worst temporary oral pain you could experience. But all is not lost; there are lots of ways you can temporarily ease some of the pain. If you’ve just had a root canal or are planning on getting one done soon, keep this handful of remedies in mind to help ease and sooth the pain after your procedure is finished:

  • Make sure to take the antibiotics prescribed by your dentist.
  • Relieve pain with anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen.
  • Avoid eating hard, crunchy or tough foods for the first few days.
  • An ice pack applied to the affected area can help to relieve pain.
  • Use a numbing gel, like Oragel once the anesthesia wears off.

We all want healthy mouths, but it is our job to take the time to ensure this happens. Otherwise, we may be stuck to have a major dental procedure done to repair any damage done. Sometimes, it can’t be helped, but for the most part, it’s all on us. Aren’t you glad there are ways to soothe those dental pains?

For more information about root canal aftercare, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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What You Need to Know to Keep Your Gums Healthy | Schnecksville Dentist

We may not know exactly what gum disease is, but we know we don’t want to have it. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround your teeth. Because gum disease is typically painless, you may not even know you have it. And this is why you really need to keep your dental appointments – they are the only ones that can diagnose periodontal disease.

But what causes gum disease? Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. However, other factors can contribute to periodontal disease, ranging from hormonal changes, certain illnesses, medications, genetics to poor dental hygiene and bad habits, like smoking.

Gum disease may progress without producing obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. But there are some symptoms you may want to keep in mind. If you find you have any of these symptoms over time, it’s time to check in with your dental professional:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
  • Receding gums
  • Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Changes in the way teeth fit together when biting down

Thankfully, it isn’t difficult to keep gum disease at bay. Make sure you brush, floss and rinse with fluoride every single day. Choose to eat healthy and clean. Munching on healthy snacks and chewing sugar-free gum will produce saliva, the way we rinse our mouths naturally. If you are a smoker, make an effort to stop. Not only is tobacco use bad for you overall, but it wreaks havoc on your mouth. And lastly, keep your dental appointments in order to ensure all of your efforts are doing the job.

For more information about gum disease, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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When to See a Dentist: Dental Emergency Edition | Schnecksville Dentist

Because we have no way of knowing an emergency is going to happen, it is important that we are aware of any instances that will need professional help. A pipe burst needs a plumber, a broken bone needs a doctor. If something happens to our teeth, it is important to know when we need to call in a professional. Even if damage is caused to one or more teeth, some neighboring teeth can suffer as a result and it is these issues that can only be detected by a dental exam. Here is a quick rundown of dental emergencies you may want a dental professional to tend to:

Chipped. Most times a chipped or fractured tooth can be repaired by either replacing the broken piece or by bonding a tooth-colored filling. If a large portion of the tooth is broken off, a crown will likely be required. And if it’s bad enough to expose and damage the pulp, a root canal treatment may be needed.

Loosened. A dislodged tooth is when a tooth loosened and pushed sideways. When this happens, a patient will usually require a root canal and a dentist or endodontist will focus on stabilizing the tooth.

Knocked out. When a tooth is completely knocked out of the socket it may be able to be saved if the patient arrives to the dentist in time, and the tooth is handled properly. Be cure not touch the root of the tooth, and keep it moist (either in the socket, on the gum against your cheek, or in milk).

Accidents will happen. But even if you believe your injury is minor, be sure to visit your dentist to ensure that the tooth is healthy.

For more information about dental emergencies, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Who Wouldn’t Want Whiter Teeth? | Schnecksville Dentist

We all want clean, healthy teeth but for many of us, a bright white smile is a wish list item that never really gets crossed off. Because even the best of brushers eventually have off-colored teeth. It’s just the daily wear and tear our teeth go through. Our diets and lifestyle choices can hinder our teeth being their whitest. You can brush & floss every day is great and very necessary, but your teeth won’t always keep its natural sheen. That doesn’t mean there’s no hope. There are plenty of ways to improve the color of your smile. Here are some of the more common options:

Kitchen items. You can always make your own toothpaste with a little hydrogen peroxide and baking soda at home. But did you know that strawberries and bananas can produce similar results? It’s true. So crush a couple of strawberries in a bit of baking soda or rub the peel over your teeth like a toothbrush and let those natural chemicals do the rest.

Whitening products. Over-the-counter options work by using the oxidizing agents to remove pigment on the surface of the enamel. The products are effective at removing surface stains but should be used in moderation to avoid overbleaching and wearing down tooth enamel.

In-office visits. We are proud to offer our patient ZOOM! whitening, a treatment that can either be applied by us, or customized so you can do it in the privacy of your home.

So, as you can see, there is no need to worry about dingy teeth. There is hope. Just ask your dental professional which whitening options will work best for you. And prepare for those smile compliments to roll in.

For more information about ZOOM! teeth whitening, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Getting 3D Scans at the Dentist | Schnecksville Dentist

When it’s time to visit the dentist for a checkup, the chances are pretty great that you will be getting some x-rays taken to help your dentist find any issues that may be happening but can help to foresee any issues that may arise in the future.

Cone Beam CT scans, or CBCT, is fast, simple and completely non-invasive technology. These aren’t the x-rays of the past. These 3D scans will give your dentist a computer-generated view of your face, teeth and other important details from various perspectives. By doing this, these scans provide accurate measurements useful for dental implant surgery and other oral appliances. But even more impressively, they can also detect issues in other aspects, like the following:

  • Airway sleep disorders such as sleep apnea
  • TMJ
  • Bone cancer, tumors, or cysts
  • Fractures
  • Tooth root infections, root canals, or other problems with the core of the tooth
  • Gum problems
  • Nasal anatomy, include septum, turbinates and sinuses.

With the CBCT scans system, dentists have a more complete visual guide to study their patient’s case from just about any angle they can think of. Even better is that the scan data is easy to duplicate for storage purposes and to make it easier to send out to different specialists later on. Thanks to the more accurate, high-quality, detailed visual information produced by the imaging system, dentists have all the information they could possibly need to diagnose and plan out the proper course of action. It may seem wild that your dentist will now have these ultra-cool views of your face, but they can look after your health in a more in-depth way.

For more information about CBCT scans, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.