Toggle navigation

17 Lafayette St Norwich, CT 06360-3407(860) 886-2497

  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Request an Appointment

  • Home
  • Meet Our Team
    • About the Doctors
    • Our Staff
  • Office
    • Online Payments
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

My Blog

Posts for: March, 2020

Stay Ahead of Gum Disease Re-Infection with Periodontal Maintenance

By Norwich Family Dental Associates
March 24, 2020
Category: Oral Health
Tags: periodontal disease   dental cleaning  
StayAheadofGumDiseaseRe-InfectionwithPeriodontalMaintenance

If you've undergone treatment for periodontal (gum) disease, you know how involved it can be. After several sessions of plaque and calculus (hardened plaque deposits) removal, your swollen, red gums finally begin to regain their healthy pink color.

But with gum disease, the battle may be over but not necessarily the war. If we don't remain vigilant, there's a high chance you'll experience a re-infection.

That's why periodontal maintenance (PM) is so important for gum disease patients after treatment. Plaque, the thin film of bacteria and food particles responsible for the infection, can grow again on your tooth surfaces as it did before. You'll have to practice diligent, daily brushing and flossing to curb that development.

But it's also important to keep up regular dental visits for advanced cleaning to remove hard to reach plaque and calculus. For most people that's usually twice a year, but for gum disease patients it could be up to four times a year, especially just after treatment. And there's more to these visits than cleaning.

Since our goal is to reduce the chances of re-infection as much as possible, we'll thoroughly examine your teeth, gums and any implants for signs of disease (we'll also include an oral cancer screening). We want to assess the health of your teeth and gums and to see how well you're doing hygiene-wise with plaque control.

If we find signs of gum disease, we'll discuss this with you and schedule a new round of treatment. The sooner we initiate treatment, the better your outcome. In some cases, we may perform procedures that make it easier to access and clean areas where plaque tends to build up.

Overall, we want to prevent the occurrence of any future disease and treat it as soon as possible if it re-occurs. Keeping up diligent PM will help ensure your gums continue to stay healthy.

If you would like more information on after care following periodontal (gum) disease, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.


0 Comment(s) Permalink

Answers to Common Questions About Root Canal Treatments

By Norwich Family Dental Associates
March 14, 2020
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: root canal treatment  
AnswerstoCommonQuestionsAboutRootCanalTreatments

A root canal treatment is a commonly known but often misunderstood procedure. Contrary to popular belief, these treatments aren't painful — in fact, they often stop a toothache. More importantly, a “root canal” can give a tooth on the verge of loss another lease on life.

Still, if you've never experienced a root canal treatment before, you probably have questions. Here are the answers to a few of the most common.

Why do they call it a “root canal”? This is the popular shorthand term for a procedure that removes diseased tissue from a decay-infected pulp, the innermost part of a tooth and the actual root canals themselves. Root canals are the narrow, hollow channels that run from the tip of the root to the pulp and are also involved in the procedure.

Why do I need one? Once infected, the pulp's bundles of blood vessels, nerves and other tissues become diseased. This often results in a painful toothache that can also suddenly disappear once the nerves within the pulp die. But there's still a problem: If we don't clean out the diseased and dead pulp tissue, the infection could spread through the root canals to the bone and endanger the tooth's survival.

What happens during the procedure? After deadening the tooth and surrounding gums with local anesthesia, we enter the pulp through an access hole we create. Using special instruments we remove the diseased tissue and shape the root canals to seal them with a filling material called gutta percha. Sealing the access hole is then necessary to prevent re-infection. Later we'll cap the tooth with a porcelain crown to restore its appearance and add further protection against fracture or cracking of the tooth.

Who can perform a root canal treatment? In many cases a general dentist can perform the procedure. There are some complex situations, however, that require a root canal specialist with additional training, expertise and equipment to handle these more difficult cases. If your tooth is just such a case it's more than likely your general dentist will refer you to an endodontist to make sure you get the right kind of care to save it.

If you would like more information on root canal treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Root Canal Treatment: What You Need to Know.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink

What You Can Do About Bad Breath (Unless You're a Famous Actress Pranking Your Co-Star)

By Norwich Family Dental Associates
March 11, 2020
Category: Oral Health
Tags: celebrity smiles   bad breath  
WhatYouCanDoAboutBadBreathUnlessYoureaFamousActressPrankingYourCo-Star

Hollywood superstar Jennifer Lawrence is a highly paid actress, Oscar winner, successful producer and…merry prankster. She's the latter, at least with co-star Liam Hemsworth: It seems Lawrence deliberately ate tuna fish, garlic or other malodorous foods right before their kissing scenes while filming The Hunger Games.

It was all in good fun, of course—and her punked co-star seemed to take it in good humor. In most situations, though, our mouth breath isn't something we take lightly. It can definitely be an unpleasant experience being on the receiving end of halitosis (bad breath). And when we're worried about our own breath, it can cause us to be timid and self-conscious around others.

So, here's what you can do if you're concerned about bad breath (unless you're trying to prank your co-star!).

Brush and floss daily. Bad breath often stems from leftover food particles that form a film on teeth called dental plaque. Add in bacteria, which thrive in plaque, and you have the makings for smelly breath. Thorough brushing and flossing can clear away plaque and the potential breath smell. You should also clean your dentures daily if you wear them to avoid similar breath issues.

Scrape your tongue. Some people can build up a bacterial coating on the back surface of the tongue. This coating may then emit volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that give breath that distinct rotten egg smell. You can remove this coating by brushing the tongue surface with your toothbrush or using a tongue scraper (we can show you how).

See your dentist. Some cases of chronic bad breath could be related to oral problems like tooth decay, gum disease or broken dental work. Treating these could help curb your bad breath, as can removing the third molars (wisdom teeth) that are prone to trapped food debris. It's also possible for bad breath to be a symptom of a systemic condition like diabetes that may require medical treatment.

Quit smoking. Tobacco can leave your breath smelly all on its own. But a smoking habit could also dry your mouth, creating the optimum conditions for bacteria to multiply. Besides increasing your disease risk, this can also contribute to chronic bad breath. Better breath is just one of the many benefits of quitting the habit.

We didn't mention mouthrinses, mints or other popular ways to freshen breath. While these can help out in a pinch, they may cover up the real causes of halitosis. Following the above suggestions, especially dental visits to uncover and treat dental problems, could solve your breath problem for good.

If you would like more information about ways to treat bad breath, please contact us or schedule an appointment. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine article “Bad Breath: More Than Just Embarrassing.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink


April (3) February (3)
Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2021
      • February (2)
        • It's Time to Show Your Gums Some Love
        • Don't Avoid Dental Care While You're Pregnant
      • January (4)
        • This Laser Procedure Promises Big Benefits for Gum Disease Treatment
        • Too Old to Straighten Your Smile? Not If You're Like These A-List Celebrities
        • Topical Fluoride Could Boost Your Child's Avoidance of Tooth Decay
        • Smoking Could Increase the Risk of an Implant Failure
  • 2020
      • December (2)
        • How to Ensure Your Child's Teeth and Gums Stay Healthy Now and Later
        • Listen to Ellen DeGeneres: Don't Think You Can Get Away Without Flossing!
      • November (3)
        • Age Doesn't Have to Stop You From Straightening Your Smile
        • The Kind of Tooth Pain You Have May Identify the True Problem
        • Here's Why Smoking Can Be Hazardous to Your Dental Health
      • October (3)
        • Dakota Johnson and Her Missing Tooth Gap Sparks Online Debate
        • Transform 'Smile Zone' Teeth With Composite Resins
        • 4 Ways Saliva Protects Your Mouth Against Disease
      • September (3)
        • Wisdom Teeth Bear Close Monitoring for Future Dental Health
        • Why Kathy Bates Chose This Alternative to Braces and so Might You
        • Direct Veneers Offer a Quick and Affordable Alternative to Traditional Veneers
      • August (4)
        • Your 'Toothache' Might Signal a Problem Other Than in Your Mouth
        • 2 Kinds of Orthodontic Retainers That Can Protect Your New Smile
        • NHL Iron Man Keith Yandle Suffers Dental Trauma on Ice
        • Practice Daily Hygiene to Avoid Gum Swelling While Wearing Braces
      • July (3)
        • Replace Your Teeth in Stages With the Help of Dental Implants
        • This Oral Appliance Could Help Solve Your Sleep Apnea Problem
        • Pop Star Demi Lovato Pops Out Jay Glazer's Tooth
      • June (3)
        • What Really Happens During a Root Canal Treatment
        • Here's the Scoop on Your Upcoming Root Canal
        • Sedation Can Help a Child Receive Needed Dental Care Now and in the Future
      • May (3)
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
        • 3 Things You Should Do to Protect Your Teeth Later in Life
        • Porcelain Veneers Could Change Your Smile and Your Life!
      • April (3)
        • You May Need an Endodontist for a Tooth With Interior Decay
        • Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
        • Facial Nerve Pain Can be Controlled
      • March (3)
        • Stay Ahead of Gum Disease Re-Infection with Periodontal Maintenance
        • Answers to Common Questions About Root Canal Treatments
        • What You Can Do About Bad Breath (Unless You're a Famous Actress Pranking Your Co-Star)
      • February (3)
        • The Case for Moving Just a Few Teeth Orthodontically
        • 4 Supposed Health Dangers in Dental Care That Aren't Dangerous
        • Removing One or More Teeth Could Improve Orthodontic Outcomes
      • January (3)
        • NBA Player's Injury Points Out Need for Mouthguards
        • No Matter When the New Decade Begins, Be Sure You're Partnered With Us for Your Dental Care
        • You May Need Something Other Than Ointment to Clear up This Facial Rash
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • You can Get Relief from Facial Pain
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • New "Behind the Teeth" Braces Could Give You the Advantage of "Invisibility"
      • November (3)
        • More Than Indigestion: How Acid Reflux Could Harm Your Teeth
        • Chronic Mouth Breathing Could Create Conditions for a Poor Bite
        • Bruins' Zdeno Chara Breaks His Jaw During 2019 Stanley Cup
      • October (3)
        • Your Quest for a Dental Implant Might Be Interrupted by Bone Loss
        • Celebrate World Smile Day With More Attractive Teeth
        • That Scalded Feeling Isn't in Your Head - It Could Be Burning Mouth Syndrome
      • September (3)
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
        • New Minimally Invasive Techniques are Improving Tooth Decay Treatment
        • The Before, During and After of Root Canal Treatments
      • August (3)
        • You Need a Dentist to Remove Tartar From Your Teeth
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • If Appropriate, Antibiotics before Implant Surgery Could Reduce Infection Risk
      • July (3)
        • Even All-Natural Fruit Juice Could Increase the Risk of Tooth Decay
        • Tooth Type and Condition can Affect Root Canal Therapy Effectiveness
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
      • June (3)
        • Jaw Joint Disorders may be Connected to Other Health Problems
        • Getting a New 'Tooth in a Day' Will Depend on Your Bone Health
        • 3 Tips for Successful, Safe Home Teeth Whitening
      • May (3)
        • How Shawn Mendes and Miley Cyrus Got Their Stellar Smiles
        • Keep an Eye on Your Family's Fluoride Intake
        • Your Teenager not Ready for an Implant? Here's What We Can Do Instead
      • April (3)
        • Catch Root Resorption Early for Best Chances of Saving Your Tooth
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
        • If a Root Canal Can't be Done, this Procedure Might Save Your Tooth
      • March (3)
        • Good Reasons for Choosing Clear Aligners for Orthodontic Treatment
        • Think You're Too Old for Orthodontics? Read This
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
      • February (3)
        • Understanding the Aging Process Leads to More Effective Orthodontics
        • You May Need Your Dentist's Help Easing the Pain of Severe Canker Sores
        • Not Jazzed About Wearing Braces? Consider Clear Aligners Instead
      • January (3)
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
        • Lingual Braces Offer a Less Visible Alternative to Traditional Braces
        • Dental Implants Better than Ever thanks to Ongoing Tech Advances
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Take Extra Dental Care Precautions While Undergoing Orthodontic Therapy
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
        • Advanced Equipment and Safe Practices Ensure X-Ray Safety for Children
      • November (3)
        • Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
        • Avoid Implant Failure by Watching Out for These Mouth Problems
        • Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
      • October (4)
        • 3 Factors That Could Affect the Success of a Root Canal Treatment
        • Sedation Can Help Create a More Positive Dental Experience for a Child
        • No Need to Fret Over Implant Surgery
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • September (3)
        • What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
        • 3 Ways to Take the Jitters Out of Dental Visits
        • A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment
      • August (3)
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
        • How to Treat the Problem of Teeth that Never Developed
        • Advances in Dental Health that may be Waiting for us Just around the Corner
      • July (3)
        • What Happens in a Root Canal Treatment and How it Can Save Your Tooth
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
        • Be on the Alert for Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
      • June (3)
        • 3 Areas to Watch to Avoid Excessive Tooth Wear
        • Caps, Gowns and Smiles for High School Graduation
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
      • May (3)
        • Sealants Could Protect Your Child's Teeth From Future Problems
        • Not a Fan of Using CPAP for Your Sleep Apnea? Consider an Oral Appliance
        • Root Canal Awareness Week: A Time to Learn How Teeth Are Saved
      • April (2)
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
        • Bone Loss: the Hidden Consequence of Your Missing Teeth
      • March (2)
        • Instill Good Dental Habits in Your Child as Early as Possible
        • 3 Tips for Helping Your Kids Develop Great Tooth-Friendly Habits
      • February (2)
        • How Tara Lipinski Protects Her Teeth from the Daily Grind
        • 3 Things You May Not Know About Orthodontics
      • January (3)
        • You may Need Orthodontic Work Before Getting a Dental Implant
        • 3 Reasons Why Smoking Doesn't Mix with Dental Implants
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Stop White Spots Before They Appear While Wearing Braces
        • Your Age Won't Necessarily Decide Against Straightening Your Smile
      • November (2)
        • 4 Tips for Avoiding Dental Disease While Wearing Braces
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
      • October (3)
        • Help Your Kids Have a Healthier Halloween
        • Tackling Dental Plaque
        • Why Dental Care is Even More Important When You're Pregnant
      • September (2)
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • An Orthodontic Retainer: Insurance Well Spent for Keeping Your New Smile
      • August (2)
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
        • The 3 Top Causes for Tooth Sensitivity
      • July (3)
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • Your Dentist may have the Solution for Your Sleep Apnea
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
      • June (2)
        • Screw or Cement: Which is Best for Attaching Your Implant Crown?
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
      • May (2)
        • Consider Clear Aligners Instead of Braces for Your Teen
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
      • April (2)
        • Pediatric Dentists Specialize in Dental Care for Children and Teens
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • March (2)
        • Even if a Root Canal Won't Work, This Procedure Could Save your Tooth
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
      • February (2)
        • Don't Let Your Loose Tooth Become a Lost Tooth
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
      • January (3)
        • Get an Early Start Treating Root Resorption Before it's Too Late
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • Chronic Jaw Pain Could be Related to Other Inflammatory Conditions
  • 2016
      • December (1)
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • November (2)
        • Correct a Cross-Bite by Widening the Upper Jaw with an Expander
        • A Royal Fix
      • October (2)
        • Reduce Sugar Consumption - for a Healthier Mouth and Body
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
      • September (3)
        • Artificial Sweeteners can Boost your Dental Health
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • 4 Things to Give Your Child a Head Start on Good Oral Health
      • August (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • Do you need Simple Tooth Removal or Surgery? It Depends on a few Factors
      • July (2)
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Winning the War on Gum Disease Requires Post-Treatment Vigilance
      • June (2)
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
        • A Child's Damaged Tooth may require a Different Approach than an Adult's
      • May (2)
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Replacing a Missing Tooth isn't Just About Improving Your Smile
      • April (2)
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
        • Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
      • March (3)
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Watch for these 4 Signs of Gum Disease
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
      • February (2)
        • 4 Things you Should do if Your Child Complains of a Toothache
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
      • January (2)
        • Anchorage Devices Provide More Accuracy, Less Treatment Time for Braces
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • Treating Dry Mouth is Important for Maintaining Good Oral Health
        • Lamar Odom Rebounds From Dental Anxiety
      • November (2)
        • Changes in Bone Structure can Affect Denture Fit
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
      • October (2)
        • Implant Placement in the 'Smile Zone' Requires Extra Attention
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
      • September (2)
        • Bitewing X-rays: Your Questions Answered
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
      • August (3)
        • Get Relief from Cracked Corners of the Mouth
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
        • 5 Tips to Keeping a Healthy Mouth During Your College Years
      • July (2)
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Welcome to Our Blog

Tags

  • celebrity smiles (57)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • oral hygiene (18)
  • oral health (17)
  • chipped teeth (1)
  • cosmetic dentistry (5)
  • x-rays (2)
  • pediatric care (1)
  • dental implants (12)
  • bad breath (2)
  • dentures (1)
  • dental anxiety (2)
  • dry mouth (1)
  • wisdom teeth (4)
  • orthodontic treatment (20)
  • anchorage devices (1)
  • porcelain veneers (2)
  • crowns (2)
  • toothache (2)
  • gum disease (8)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • periodontal disease (3)
  • dental injury (8)
  • mouthguards (5)
  • tooth extraction (1)
  • pediatric dentistry (8)
  • tooth decay (4)
  • teeth grinding (2)
  • artificial sweeteners (1)
  • teeth whitening (3)
  • sugar (1)
  • nutrition (2)
  • bonding (1)
  • palatal expander (1)
  • orthodontics (7)
  • braces (11)
  • jaw pain (1)
  • root resorption (2)
  • loose teeth (1)
  • chipped tooth (2)
  • apioectomy (1)
  • clear aligners (4)
  • sleep apnea (3)
  • snoring (3)
  • sensitive teeth (1)
  • veneers (2)
  • retainer (4)
  • dental emergency (1)
  • pregnancy (2)
  • plaque (1)
  • halloween (1)
  • retainers (2)
  • adult braces (1)
  • smoking (2)
  • oral heath (1)
  • bone loss (1)
  • missing teeth (1)
  • thumb sucking (1)
  • root canal (1)
  • sealants (1)
  • tooth wear (1)
  • bone grafting (1)
  • tooth pain (2)
  • root canal treatment (9)
  • dental care (1)
  • athletic mouthguards (1)
  • sedation dentistry (1)
  • diabetes (1)
  • lingual braces (2)
  • canker sores (1)
  • extraction (1)
  • apicoectomy (1)
  • dental implant (6)
  • bridge (1)
  • fluroide (1)
  • tmj disorders (1)
  • dental cleaning (2)
  • facial pain (1)
  • dental exam (1)
  • nerve pain (1)
  • dental injuries (1)
  • fluoride (1)

Categories:

  • None (1)
  • Oral Health (82)
  • Dental Procedures (92)

Our Location

17 Lafayette St
Norwich, CT 06360-3407
(860) 886-2497

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday:8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday:8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday:8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday:8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday:Closed
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Offices
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Dentist Website Design Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map