This is a common question heard throughout the dental office when a crown (or cap) is treatment planned for a tooth. The easy answer is NO! A root canal is not always necessary before a crown is placed. But the opposite is true for all posterior (back) teeth…a Crown is ALWAYS required after a root canal has been completed.
Stay tuned for our next post explaining when a Root Canal would be necessary before a crown is placed!
-Janna Moffre, Dental Assistant
Xerostomia is defined as dry mouth that results from reduced or absence of salivary flow. Dry mouth in itself is not a disease, rather, it is a symptom of many different medical conditions.
Xerostomia is most common in adults and prevalent in approximately 20% of our elderly population.
There are several things that can cause to dry mouth:
Although dry mouth is a symptom, other symptoms are often associated with dry mouth.
To manage these symptoms we first try to identify the cause and minimize if possible. Often little can be done to alter the cause; therefore, we try to make the patient as comfortable as possible.
The first line of defense is to stimulate saliva. This can be accomplished by several means. Sugarless gum and breath mints, especially those containing Xylitol (What is Xylitol?) are viable options. Patients must be very careful in choosing products that are sugar free. The combination of a dry mouth and added sugar or acids create a perfect combination to promote decay.
To help control decay and replenish moisture several over-the-counter products are available. ACT, Listerine Total Care Zero and Listerine Smart Rinse are all fluoride mouth rinses. These products help slow the decay rate and minimize future decay. Biotene products are directed toward dry mouth patients. Biotene comes in different mediums including a gel (Dr. Gawthrop’s favorite!), a tooth paste and a mouth rinse. This particular rinse is very viscous and helps the tissue to feel better as well as adding increased salivary flow. With dry mouth, patients want to avoid alcohol containing mouth rinses as these can exacerbate the dry mouth effect.
Dentists often prescribe a stronger fluoride toothpaste when a high decay rate is discovered. These can be specifically designed for dry mouth and offer a higher concentration of fluoride. Your dentist may also prescribe Chlorhexidine (an antimicrobial rinse) to reduce the bacteria in your mouth which ultimately can lead to decay.
For patients suffering from dry mouth, cleaning well by brushing, flossing and rinsing with a fluoride mouth rinse is a necessity. The cleaner the mouth, the less bacteria will be present.
If you are suffering with dry mouth consult your Dentist or Dental Hygienist, together we can help design a plan to relieve dry mouth symptoms and maintain a healthy oral environment to prevent decay.
Kim Powell, RDH
What is a Cavity?
Dental plaque is a thick and sticky accumulation of bacteria that can attach to your teeth, fillings, partials, or dentures if they are not routinely removed by brushing and flossing. These bacteria feed off of the sugar that you consume allowing them to grow and multiply quickly. As they metabolize the sugars, they produce acids, and over time, these acids damage and weaken the enamel. The continued acid attacks on the enamel will eventually develop into a cavity.
What is Xylitol and where can I find it?
Xylitol is a natural substance that comes from the fibers of plants. It was originally found in the bark of birch trees but it can also be found in the fibers of fruits and vegetables. It cannot be metabolized by bacteria the same way that sugar can and it is able to help prevent tooth decay because it stops bacteria from sticking to the teeth. Xylitol can be found most often in chewing gum and mints.
Chewing gum that contains xylitol can help prevent, and in some cases reverse cavities. In general, chewing sugar free gum has a protective effect because it stimulates saliva flow and helps wash your teeth. Chewing gum that contains xylitol slows bacterial growth which allows your saliva to effectively wash away bacteria and food debris. If xylitol is the first ingredient listed, it is more likely to help prevent cavities.
How Often Should I Use Xylitol?
It is recommended to use xylitol at least 3-5 times every day. It may not be as effective if only used occasionally. It is also important to chew gum or a mint containing xylitol for at least five minutes for the most favorable results.
Noelle Redding, RDH
