Oral Health Archives - Allyson K Hurley, DDS

June 8, 2017 by

I’m wondering if Zoom will help me. I smoke marijuana for medical purposes but I don’t want it showing up on my teeth. I’ve never smoked a cigarette in my life so I didn’t even think about the marijuana to change my tooth color. I need to get my teeth cleaned up fast. I’m in a traveling choir for the Northeast chapter of my church and I don’t want to distract people with my teeth and become known as the weed-smoking choir member. We have a pretty heavy schedule for the summer and I’m looking for a quick way to get my teeth white and keep them white. I read that Zoom will help tobacco stains, but what about marijuana? – LM

LM – Before requesting Zoom from a dentist, we recommend that you schedule an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning. Marijuana increases your risk of calculus buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. So your dentist will be concerned about how it has affected your oral health.

Your dentist will ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough for Zoom whitening. If you are a candidate for it, your teeth will need to be cleaned first. Cleaning removes surface stains and improves the effectiveness of teeth bleaching.

We recommend that you regularly get into the habit of rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth after you smoke. This can help you limit the stains, or avoid them altogether. Flossing daily is critical to maintaining healthy gums. Your diligent oral hygiene, along with regular cleaning appointments will help control the stains. Most of the stains will probably be removed with dental cleaning and polishing your teeth.

Deeply embedded stains can be improved or removed with Zoom whitening. Your dentist will let you know the results you can expect. There is limited research on the effects of teeth whitening for marijuana stains, but bleaching is an effective way to remove stubborn stains.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

April 28, 2017 by

My dentures feel like I have a toothache. I know it’s impossible and that it’s not a toothache because I don’t have any natural teeth. That’s the closest thing I can compare it to, though. This has been a problem I guess for the past 4 months or so. I’ve had these dentures for 4 years and although I have never been comfortable with them, this is the first time I’ve actually felt like I have a toothache. I got the dentures from a big denture center and not much is really getting accomplished except they relined the dentures. I’m trying to decide if I should just get new dentures. I was talking about this to one of my close friends and she suggested that maybe the dentures aren’t the problem. I’m not sure how that could be, but I do need to make some decisions. Can you give me any idea of why my dentures feel like I have a toothache? Thanks much. Bryson

Bryson – It’s normal to feel pain and discomfort after you first receive your dentures, but pain that starts four years after receiving them raises some concerns. If your sensation of pain feels like a toothache, there are a few possible causes.

Reasons You Might Feel Like You Have a Toothache in Your Dentures

There are various reasons why your pain feels like a toothache, even though you wear dentures. Some possibilities are below.

Your dentures might be too large – Uneven pressure on your gums can put pressure on gum tissue and nerves. The pain beneath the gumline can cause you to feel like you have a toothache.
The condition of the dentures – If any part of the denture is sharp or misshaped, it will put pressure on, or irritate, your gums. Nerves can be affected and increase the pain.
An accumulation of bacteria or fungi – If dentures aren’t kept very clean, bacteria or fungi can accumulate and cause an infection. If your gums are infected, the pain can resemble a toothache.
Thinning gums or shrinking jawbone – When your jawbone shrinks or if your gums are thinning, dentures can put pressure on those points and cause irritation, inflammation, and pain.
Exposure of an old tooth root – If all of your natural teeth are missing, or have been extracted, as your jawbone shrinks, an old tooth root that remains might be exposed. If your denture rubs on the area it can become irritated and sore.

Although you’re not comfortable with the results you’re getting from dental center where you purchased your dentures, you should get a second opinion. Schedule an appointment with an experienced dentist to have your dentures, gum tissue, and jawbone examined. He or she will determine the cause of your pain and recommend treatment.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

December 14, 2016 by

3 years ago I started looking online for information on porcelain veneers. When I found out how much they cost, I immediately started saving for them. I’ve saved half the cost of 8 veneers and I figured that I will finance the rest. Within the past month, I visited 3 top cosmetic dentists for consultations on the veneers. Each of the dentists told me that they would only do the veneers if I agreed not to wear my tongue piercing anymore. My tongue piercing is very personal to me. In all of my research on veneers, I didn’t come across anything that indicated I wouldn’t be able to get veneers because of the piercing. Now that I started looking for information on it though, I see that some dentists won’t do cosmetic dentistry work because of tongue piercings. Am I out of options on this one? – Mandy

Mandy – Your comments don’t reveal why you chose porcelain veneers as the solution for transforming your smile. But depending on what improvements you want to see, there might be other options.

The metal from tongue piercings can crack or chip natural teeth or porcelain veneers. A misjudgment in biting or a slip of the tongue can easily damage a tooth. That’s why the dentists you’ve spoken with are concerned. Many cosmetic dentists have a no-piercing policy for porcelain restorations. The time and money invested in a smile makeover are at risk of being wasted. If your veneers are damaged, they have to be replaced.

Again, depending on the condition of your teeth, you might have other options, including the following:

Misaligned teeth – Although porcelain veneers can quickly transform misaligned teeth, orthodontic treatment might be an option. Clear or invisible braces provide treatment without people noticing it.
Stained teeth – Stains that are deeply embedded in your teeth can be removed with teeth whitening from a dentist. In-office teeth whitening produces brilliant results in minutes.
Gum contouring – If you have a gummy smile, chairside contouring lifts the gumline and makes teeth look longer.
Cosmetic contouring – Uneven teeth can be beautifully shaped to complement each other.

If the issues with are your teeth are more complex than what is listed above, porcelain restorations might be the best option. If so, with a little more searching and persistence, you will be able to find a cosmetic dentist who will do the work for you, if you insist. You just need to be fully aware of the oral health risks and the risks of damage to porcelain restorations when wearing a tongue piercing.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ top cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

January 11, 2016 by

Both of our twins have 8 teeth each. I haven’t taken them to a pediatric dentist yet because I thought I would wait until their 2nd birthday. Last week they had a checkup with our pediatrician. Everything went fine with their physical but then the doctor started looking at their teeth. She asked if they have seen a dentist yet, and I explained why not. So the doctor explained that since their teeth have erupted, I need to schedule an appointment for her to put fluoride varnish on the twins’ teeth. How do I know if this is a necessary thing or just an add-on from the doctor? Also, shouldn’t a pediatric dentist be doing this? Thanks. Vanessa

Vanessa – Fluoride varnish is a protective coating that is brushed on the biting surfaces and sides of teeth. The fluoride penetrates tooth enamel and hardens the tooth. It’s used to help prevent or slow down tooth decay. But it may not completely prevent decay.

The process is simple:

Gauze is used to clean and dry each tooth.
Varnish is painted on the top and sides of each tooth. This only takes a few minutes.
The varnish will quickly harden.
You may be instructed not to brush or floss your child’s teeth until the next morning.
The varnish will brush off.

Pediatricians are trained to apply fluoride varnish to children’s teeth. The varnish is safe and is used by dentists and doctors all over the world.

If you are wondering if the varnish should be used on your children’s teeth, speak with your family dentist. It is possible that your dentist accepts young children as patients. If so, and your dentist recommends fluoride varnish for your children, you may be more comfortable with your dentist applying it.

Although many parents wait until age 2 to take their child to a dentist, teeth can be examined when they erupt. This method ensures proper dental care and early detection of dental issues before they progress.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

November 12, 2015 by

I just can’t taste food like I used to. The taste seems to either be faint or not there at all. Sometimes I don’t know that my taste is faint or gone until I start eating. It can last a few minutes to several hours. I don’t have sinus problems that I know of. One thing that I did notice though is that the problem started shortly after I got porcelain veneers. I am wondering if there is something about the porcelain in my mouth or the process of getting them that could have triggered my loss of taste. Is this a known problem with people who get porcelain veneers? If so why didn’t the dentist tell me about it first? This is something that would have made me think twice about getting veneers. Thanks. Danielle.

Danielle – Porcelain veneers are not related to loss or impaired taste. Although you started having problems with your sense of taste after you received veneers, the problem is related to other causes.

What causes loss of, or impaired, taste?

Some of the causes are listed below.

Ear infections and upper respiratory infections
Certain prescription medications or chemicals
Sinus and allergy issues
Hormonal disturbances
Radiation therapy of the head or neck
Trauma to your head
Poor oral hygiene
Genetics
Smoking
Age – many senior citizens experience loss of taste as they age (60+).

What should be done about impaired or lost taste?

You can get help from your medical doctor and a specialist to determine what is causing your taste to be impaired. An otolaryngologist (ENT) specializes in disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. A dentist can order tests that can help determine the cause of the issue. Your medical doctor and dentist can refer you to the right specialists to help you receive an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment. Of course, the treatment recommendations, will depend on the cause of the issue.

When you lose your taste, it can cause you to eat too much or too little. You can also use too much salt or sugar on your food, which can lead to health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Your overall health can be affected, so it’s important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley. Find out why Dr. Hurley has been voted a top NJ dentist since 2005!

August 15, 2015 by

Have you ever seen or heard of a dentist who doesn’t wear gloves when putting their hands in your mouth? My kids’ dentist doesn’t wear gloves for the exam. I don’t want his bare hands in their mouth. I have asked him twice to let me see him wash his hands when he comes in the office and to wear gloves but both times he acted like he didn’t hear me. Should I bring gloves for him to wear during my kids’ appointment? Thanks Theta

Theta – We suggest that you schedule an appointment to discuss your concern with the dentist—a time that is separate from your children’s appointments.

If you don’t receive a favorable response, you may have to consider finding another dentist for your children. Sanitary conditions are important to oral health—particularly in a dental office. Germs that the dentist and staff are not aware of can easily be transferred with oral contact. So your concern about the dentist not wearing gloves is quite valid.

If you decide to find another dentist, have a few consultations first. Take your children with you to the consultations to ensure they are comfortable with the office and staff, and ask specific questions about the sanitation standards in the office, as well as how exams are conducted.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

January 30, 2014 by

Several of my top teeth are sensitive. I have noticed this for about 2 to 3 months. I just turned 42 and my mom said she has the problem, and it started when she was around my age. I am thinking that maybe this is something hereditary that I just have to deal with. I am wondering though if this is something that I should be a dentist about. Thank you. Vanessa

Vanessa – Tooth enamel protects your teeth. The layer beneath the enamel, dentin, is susceptible to sensitivity. If the dentin in your teeth is insufficiently protected by the enamel, heat, cold, sticky foods, and acidic foods, can cause you to feel sensitivity in your teeth. For some people, even breathing in can cause sensitivity.

What can damage your tooth enamel? At times, aggressive tooth brushing is responsible. Brushing your teeth or gums too hard can damage the enamel or expose your tooth roots.

A gum infection, which can spread to your tooth roots, can also cause sensitivity. Gum disease can cause your tooth roots to become exposed and very sensitive. A tooth infection can also cause sensitivity.

Depending on the cause of sensitivity in your teeth, a dentist may recommend that you use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. If the toothpaste is not effective enough, you may need fluoride treatments from the dentist.

When gum disease is causing the problem, it can be treated. Or if your gums are exposed, gum grafting may be needed to cover your tooth roots. In cases of severe sensitivity, a root canal treatment may be needed.

Schedule an appointment for an examination, proper diagnosis, and treatment.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

December 24, 2012 by

No form of tobacco use is safe. 12 to 14 million Americans use smokeless tobacco. Finely ground tobacco is sold in pouches or cubes. It is smokeless tobacco and is often used as chewing tobacco or snuff. Snuff is pinched and placed between the inside of the lower lip and gum. Chewing tobacco is placed between the cheek and gum. It sits in the mouth to suck on and extract the juices from the tobacco. Built up saliva is spit out.

Like cigarettes, chewing tobacco contains addictive nicotine and it’s harmful to your health. In fact, in just thirty minutes of holding tobacco in your mouth, you receive nicotine equal to smoking three cigarettes.

Smokeless tobacco can create sores in your mouth, stain your teeth, cause your gums to recede (your teeth will be prone to decay), and cause your lips and gums to crack and bleed. The sugar in tobacco promotes tooth decay. Your heart rate and blood pressure can increase, and as most people know, smokeless tobacco can cause mouth and throat cancer. About 30,000 American are diagnosed with mouth cancer each year.

If you are interested in breaking the habit, speak with your doctor about how you can do it.

This post is sponsored by New Jersey cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.