tooth decay Archives - Health Beat

3 Common Causes of Toothaches

Posted on February 22, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Most people experience toothaches at various points in life due to a variety of causes. During childhood, they may be a sign that new teeth are growing in to replace baby teeth. Later in life, a toothache could be an indicator of dental crowding or the growth of a wisdom tooth.

However, there are other very common reasons that toothaches may occur, some of which may even lead to more serious health issues if left untreated. Some of these potential causes include:

Cavities: Tooth decay, indicated by the presence of cavities in your teeth, is the most common cause of toothaches. 90% of all adults aged 20 or older having experienced at least one cavity during their lifetime. Cavities can occur at any age and generally appear due to poor dental hygiene, particularly a failure to brush and floss or visit a dentist for regular cleanings.

Gum Disease: Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, affects nearly half of all adults aged 30 years or older in the United States. It typically involves infection and inflammation of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth; its early stage, gingivitis, causes the gums to become swollen and potentially bleed. Similarly to cavities, gum disease is best prevented through good dental hygiene habits such as daily brushing and flossing as well as annual dental cleaning appointments.

Teeth Grinding: Bruxism, also referred to as teeth grinding, is a condition that affects up to one third of all adults during the day and one tenth at night during sleep. Bruxism is a habit of clenching or gnashing the teeth together, which can potentially lead to jaw conditions, headaches, and tooth damage. A dentist may recommend splints and mouth guards to keep the teeth separated and prevent damage, particularly if you grind your teeth while sleeping.

If you are experiencing persistent toothaches, don’t assume they will go away on their own; they may be signs of a condition that can become more serious. You can schedule an appointment for an exam or teeth cleaning with a dentist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine by calling (718) 206-6980.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Jamaica Hospital Offers Dental Sedation To Help Patients With “Dental Anxiety”

Posted on November 4, 2020 by Michael Hinck

It is estimated that 10% – 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to anxiety or fear. The source of “dental anxiety” may be due to a previous traumatic event or it could be fear of pain or injections. Regardless of the reason, this delay in care can often lead to further complications including increased tooth decay which can lead to tooth loss.

For those with anxiety caused by going to the dentist Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offers mild to moderate dental sedation for a variety of procedures including tooth extractions. The service is offered to most adult and pediatric patients.

Patients who are interested in receiving dental sedation first need to schedule a pre-operative consultation. During the consultation providers will determine if sedation is appropriate. A customized anesthesia plan will be made for each patient. While sedation is safe for most, patients with a history of asthma, certain cardio-vascular disease or who are obese may not be eligible.

On the day of the appointment, the team will review the procedure and anesthesia plan with the patient and family. The IV anesthesia is administered by a trained oral surgeon and dental hygienist. After the injection, the patient will enter a “twilight” or light state of sedation. The patient’s heart, blood pressure and a pulse are monitored during the entire procedure to ensure patient safety. Most procedures last between 30-45 minutes. At the conclusion of the procedure, patients are released to a previously identified escort over 18 years of age.

Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Dentistry has been offering this safe service since July of 2019. The hospital’s team of qualified oral surgeons and dental anesthesiologists have a great deal of experience with dental sedation, performing approximately 20 procedures for children and adults every month.

Patients at Jamaica Hospital’s Dental Center are very appreciative for this service as it has helped them overcome their fear of going to the dentist.

If you would like to learn more about dental sedation service at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-6980 to schedule an initial consultation.

The Benefits of Choosing a Pediatric Dentist for Your Child

Posted on November 23, 2018 by Michael Hinck

If you were to look in a textbook for a description of a pediatric dentist, you would read a definition that states “the branch of the dental healing arts that focuses on the condition of children and associated structures of the oral cavity.” However, if you ask a pediatric dentist to define what they do, you will get a much different answer. The truth is a pediatric dentist is so much more and there are many benefits to having a pediatric dentist treat your child.

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a pediatric dentist is their gentle nature. Going to see the dentist can be overwhelming for many adults, so imagine how a young child must feel. Pediatric dentists are aware of these common concerns and because they have the training and skills to manage them, they are best suited to make your child feel comfortable and at ease once they are in the dentist’s chair.

While having a dentist who makes your child feel comfortable is important, it is equally as important to make sure that the person taking care of them is well qualified; this happens to be another advantage of selecting a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists receive an additional two years of formal training to focus on the growth and development of a child’s oral cavity, from birth through the teenage years. Since pediatric dentists specialize in caring for children’s teeth, they are naturally better equipped to address the many potential problems that may occur, such as a delayed loss of baby teeth or the development of cavities and tooth decay.

Pediatric dentists take a holistic approach to providing care to children and work with parents to identify environmental factors that may contribute to poor dental health, such as dietary choices and the potential risks associated with habits such as thumb sucking, teeth grinding or the use of a pacifier. These interactive opportunities serve to empower the entire family to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Statistics indicate that pre-school children are getting more cavities than ever before, with one out of every four children having one by the age of four. In addition, children miss more time from school due to tooth aches than they do from the flu. Due to these alarming facts a pediatric dentist will practice developmentally-based dental care by focusing a great deal of time during your child’s initial visits on teaching them about good dental habits, such as how to properly take care of their gums and teeth.

The pediatric dental team at Jamaica Hospital is dedicated to treating all children, from the time their first tooth erupts through their high school years. They believe the world is a happier place when it is filled with smiling children and they take pride in maintaining those smiles.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Pediatric Dental Center, please call 718-206-6980.