Keep Your Teeth Safe from the Scary Sweets | Camp Hill Dentist

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It’s Halloween, the one night a week we can dress as our favorite character and wander the street looking for free candy. Could anything be better? Unfortunately, these sweet treats given out are not exactly what one would call teeth-friendly and if you don’t keep up with your daily dental hygiene steps, it could mean a scary trip to the dentist in the future. So, before you stick those delicious sweets in your mouth, take a look at the best and the worst options:

Best Candy for Teeth

Believe it or not, but chocolate dissolves quickly, which decreases the amount of time the sugar stays in contact with teeth. However, those with nuts or caramel can damage teeth.

Sugar-free gum and candies stimulating saliva production, which flushes away bad bacteria from your teeth, gums and tongues.

Worst Candy for Teeth

A good rule of thumb: The stickier the candy, the worse it is for your teeth.

Hard candy stays in your mouth for a longer period of time, drenching your mouth in sugar.

Candy corn is full of sugar that produces acid that eats away tooth enamel.

Sour candy is high in acid levels, which can break down tooth enamel, especially in children.

Jawbreakers are very hard and can actually chip a tooth.

Make sure to brush and floss your teeth after indulging in your Halloween treats. If you can’t brush right away, drink plenty of water to help loosen some of the residue left behind by Halloween candy. Brushing and flossing your teeth is a must, especially during Halloween.

If you’d like to find out more about Halloween candy, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill and all surrounding areas.

Dental Implants: Tips to Aftercare Treatment | Camphill Dentist

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You are finally getting the dental implant you’ve been needing and soon your smile will be good as new. But this isn’t a reason to become lax on your dental hygiene. In fact, if you would like your dental implant to last as long as possible, it is important that you follow your dentist’s instruction when it has to do with the days following your procedure. Here are some aftercare tips that will help ensure your dental implants heal properly:

Don’t touch. It’s vital that you refrain from bothering your dental implant immediately after having it placed. If you agitate the implant, it will prolong the healing process and could lead to additional issues.

Watch your diet. After having dental implants placed, stick to eating soft food for the first few days, then introduce harder foods as time goes on. Avoid chewing with your dental implants and swishing around liquids in your mouth for the first week.

Ice it. Your face may swell in certain places, but this is completely normal for the first 3-5 days. You can help reduce the swelling by applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area.

Proper oral hygiene. It’s important that you clean the affected area where the dental implant is placed in order for the implant to heal properly. Your dentist will prescribe you a medicated mouthwash – be sure to use as directed. It’s also very important that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Slow down. Throbbing and bleeding can occur if you do choose to exercise, and if it does you should stop working out immediately.

If you’d like to find out more about dental implant aftercare, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill and all surrounding areas.

Sleep Soundly with Your Night Guard | Camp Hill Dentist

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If you are having trouble sleeping, it is important that you see if you’ve developed a sleep disorder. And if this happens to be the case, you will be prescribed a night guard in order to get a better night’s sleep. Unfortunately, mouth guards are generally quite bulky, and it may be the bulkiness of the night guard that bothers you and your gag reflex.

For those that don’t know, a night guard is a mouthpiece that is custom-fitted to your mouth to help a myriad of dental problems and relieve the systems of TMJ or bruxism. As you become used to your new night guard, follow the following instructions:

  • Ask your dentist to start out with a thin night guard that will be easier to get used to.
  • Have your family dentist fabricate both an upper and lower night guard to see which one you find more comfortable. Find which is more comfortable and get a thicker one fabricated after you adjust to its feeling.
  • Put your night guard in right before you go to bed to lessen the chances that you’ll find it bothersome.
  • Take at least 30 days to get used to the night guard and create a habit.

Be aware that night guards are an aid for bruxism, but it doesn’t fix the dental problem. Find out why you are grinding or clenching your teeth and make changes to your lifestyle to quit the habit. Wearing a night guard won’t do anything but protect your teeth. It will not do anything for your muscles and jaw joints from working overtime.

If you’d like to find out more about night guards, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill and all surrounding areas.

Renew Your Smile with Dental Implants | Camp Hill Dentist

Dental Benefits, Dental Implants, Oral Health, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

When you have a flawed smile, it causes one to become embarrassed to show it off. So, off we go to the dentist. Dental implants are not only a great option to bring your smile back but can also serve many benefits to your oral health. It’s like having your natural smile back because they blend right in with the rest of your teeth. Need more incentive? Here are even more benefits to getting dental implants:

Comparable to natural teeth. Dental implants are natural-looking in terms of looks and durability, while also functioning just as your natural teeth would.

Can last a lifetime. Dental implants can last a lifetime, but only if you take care of them properly. You should care for your dental implants the same way you would your natural teeth.

Preserves bone. When you have missing teeth, you have empty spaces which can eventually lead to additional health problems, such as jaw bone deterioration. Dental implants are the only dental restoration that can maintain and stimulate bone growth.

Retain facial profile. When you have several missing teeth, it can result in a sad, sunken in or saggy facial profile. Replacing those missing teeth with dental implant can restore your natural facial profile.

Improved speech. Missing several teeth can cause slurred speech or pronunciation problems. Dental implants can help improve speech.

Eat regularly. Unlike like the alternative options for missing teeth your dental implants won’t being going anywhere when you bite into your favorite meals.

Confidence booster. Replacing your missing teeth with dental implants can help boost your self-esteem by restoring your smile.

If you’d like to find out more about dental implants, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill and all surrounding areas.

Keep Gum Disease at Bay with Dental Hygiene | Camphill Dentist

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Oral hygiene is extremely important to your overall health, and that includes your gums. This may sound frightening, but studies have shown that nearly 50 percent of American adults have either mild, moderate or severe gum disease, so don’t worry – you aren’t alone. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to prevent and slow the progression of gum disease. Whether you suffer from gum disease or not these following tips are helpful in preventing and slowing gum disease:

Brush your teeth. We all know brushing your teeth is very important for your oral health, so make sure to brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes. If you prefer you can brush after every meal to prevent food debris from getting trapped in between your teeth and gums.

Flossing. Flossing your teeth on a regular basis is another extremely important step to take in your oral care since floss can reach places your tooth brush can’t.

Use mouthwash. Using a mouthwash will not only give you minty fresh breath, but it can get rid of leftover food debris and plaque that was loosened while brushing your flossing your teeth.

Tobacco-free. Avoid cigarettes and chewing tobacco, as these sorts of products are not only harmful to our overall health but may contribute to gum disease.

Healthy diet. Sugary and starchy foods increase the amount of plaque. Only a healthy diet will provide the nutrients that are necessary to prevent you from developing gum disease.

Dental visits. Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups, routine teeth cleanings, or to have dental problems corrected is intricate to maintaining good dental health.

If you’d like to find out more about gum disease prevention, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information regarding dental hygiene.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill, New Cumberland, Harrisburg, York,Carlisle and all surrounding areas.

Your Bite May Need Adjusting | Camp Hill Dentist

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Do you wake up in the morning with a sore jaw? Does it feel like your jaw is lopsided when you bite? If this sounds familiar to you, then you may need an occlusal adjustment.

An occlusal adjustment is a procedure done to correct the alignment of the bite that may have been misaligned due to loose, shifting, crowded, or missing teeth. Once the adjustment is made, the result will be an evenly distributed bite that eliminates irregular pressure on one side of the mouth. Removable mouthpieces will protect the tooth surface and relax the jaw muscles once the adjustment is completed.

Signs you may justify an occlusal adjustment:

Loose or shifting teeth. One of the more common signs is increased spacing between the upper front teeth, making is difficult for your teeth to hit correctly.

Grinding or clenching teeth. This generally stress-related habit can cause an unevenly distributed and excessive biting force on several of your teeth and bone support holding your teeth to your jaw.

Headache. Headaches may sometimes accompany the grinding or clenching of your teeth and will occur in the temporal regions of your head, which is located lateral to the eyes.

Pain. One or more teeth may hurt upon eating or biting down due to the eruption of a tooth beyond the normal plane of the bite, causing one or two teeth to prematurely connect.

Tooth sensitivity. With the knowledge that one can bite with a force of up to 200 pounds per square inch, the nerve within the tooth gets irritated and hypersensitive.

If you’d like to find out more about occlusal adjustment, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information regarding dental hygiene.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill, New Cumberland, Harrisburg, York,Carlisle and all surrounding areas.

Be Proactive with Your Gum Disease Diagnosis | Camp Hill Dentist

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Prevention is a key factor when it comes to preventing any type of disease, including periodontal disease (also known as gum disease), which is why it’s important to fully understand what it is and how it occurs. Being aware of the signs and symptoms that accompany gum disease can be helpful with diagnosis in its early stages. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and noticeable signs include swollen, bleeding gums, bad breath and sensitive teeth.

While a dental professional will help resolve your gum disease, they aren’t the only ones on that team. You can help prevent gum disease from developing by practicing good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene not only helps prevent it but can also help reverse your condition. What is good hygiene? Your dentist can clear up any concerns you may have but here’s a quick rundown.

Starting with an ideal brushing regimen, which includes brushing your teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush twice a day for two minutes and flossing at least once a day. After a few months, toothbrush bristles start to wear and won’t clean as effectively, especially in areas where bacteria are more likely to buildup, especially around the gumline.

Saliva is a natural cleanser that helps wash away bacteria from both your teeth and gums. So, be sure to keep your mouth moist by drinking lots of water or by chewing sugarless gum regularly. Doing so will help stimulate saliva production and keep your mouth clean.

Lastly, following a healthy diet containing nutrient rich foods can boost your immune system, slow the progression and increase your chances of reversing gum disease.

If you’d like to find out more about gum disease prevention, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information regarding dental hygiene.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill, New Cumberland, Harrisburg, York,Carlisle and all surrounding areas.

White Teeth Doesn’t Mean Healthy Smiles | Camp Hill Dentist

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While having sparkling, white teeth is great, it does not mean you are free from dental issues. In fact, white teeth really have nothing to do with a healthy mouth and everything to do with healthy gums. Your gums are the barrier that actually help prevent inflammation that may damage your body, and periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and premature births or low-birth weight in infants.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is caused by the bacteria found in plaque. If the plaque isn’t removed by proper oral care, it will invade the small spaces between your gums and teeth. If gum disease progresses and is left untreated, it can become painful and expensive to treat. But that’s not all – gum disease can progress to many other areas of our overall health:

Heart disease. Several studies have shown that people with gum disease are very likely to have poor health, including heart attacks. So much so, it has been recommended that cardiologists ask about any gum disease issues, and that periodontists ask patients about their heart health.

Diabetes. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you are more likely to have gum disease. Those with diabetes are more likely to contract infections.

Premature births. Although studies are still ongoing, some research has found a link between premature birth and gum disease, but when treated, carries their baby to full term.

Dementia. Some studies have found that gum disease may raise the risk of dementia later on in life. Others research shows that periodontal problems may be associated with mild cognitive impairment, such as memory problems that can make daily life more difficult.

If you’d like to find out more about periodontal treatment options, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information regarding dental hygiene.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill, New Cumberland, Harrisburg, York,Carlisle and all surrounding areas.

What Can I Do About My Receding Gums? | Camp Hill Dentist

Gum Recession, Oral Health, Periodontal Disease, Pinhole Technique, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Gum recession is oftentimes one of the many early signs of periodontal disease and if ignored, it will eventually lead to severe oral health issues. If you feel that your gums are receding, it’s best for you to know what your treatment options are.

For those of you whose gums have only receded just a little bit, a deep cleaning done by your dentist is more than enough treatment. However, for more severe cases, oral surgery may be the only way to repairing your gums:

Gum grafting. One common type of oral surgery used to treat gum recession is gum grafting. This procedure is where periodontists take tissue from another area of your mouth and uses it to cover the exposed areas of your tooth and its roots. The tissue typically come from the palette of your mouth, but it may also come from a tissue bank.

Pinhole Surgical Technique. Unlike gum grafting, the Pinhole Surgical Technique, is a much more modern approach that produces natural looking results. The main difference between the two procedures is that it is less invasive – the procedure doesn’t involve any cutting or stitching. During the Pinhole Surgical Technique, a needle is used to poke a small pinhole into the patients gum tissue. A special instrument is inserted into the pinhole, where they loosen and shift the tissue to cover up the exposed root.

Of the two procedures, the Pinhole Surgical Technique is slowly becoming the more popular option to repair gum recession. While both procedures are equally effective, many prefer the Pinhole Surgical Technique due to the fact that it leads to much quicker recovery time and less chances of post-operation complications.

If you’d like to find out more about receding gums treatment options, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information regarding dental hygiene.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill, New Cumberland, Harrisburg, York,Carlisle and all surrounding areas.

Save Your Smile with the Pinhole Surgical Technique | Camp Hill Dentist

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Do you have receding gums causing your teeth to become more sensitive to cold and hot temperatures? Do your teeth seem to look longer? These are common signs of gum recession; and the adverse effects of gum recession go far beyond just cosmetics. Gum recession can lead to several problems from chronic tooth sensitivity to making your teeth more prone to tooth decay and erosion. Also, once gum recession occurs your gums cannot naturally return to their proper place.

Fortunately, there’s been fascinating advancements in the dental field that can correct and repair your receding gums. The Pinhole Surgical Technique®, also known as PST®, has been deemed the “revolutionary” technique for treating gum recession. Unlike gum grafting procedures, the Pinhole Surgical Technique is a scalpel- free, suture-free procedure resulting in almost immediate results. Additional benefits of the Pinhole Surgical Technique® include the following:

  • Minimally invasive treatment
  • Less discomfort after treatment
  • Immediate cosmetic benefits
  • Quick recovery time
  • No sutures or incisions needed
  • Multiple recession sites treated in one visit
  • Beautiful, natural looking, long lasting results

Incredible, right? It really is a revolutionary development to the issue of repairing receding gums. The gum grafting procedure is much more involved due to the sutures and a much longer recovery time. If you find that your gums have begun to recede, it is important that you seek out some advice with your dental professional. Only a certified Pinhole Surgical Technique dental professional can use this non-invasive technique, but repairing the gums before it leads to further issues is important regardless.

If you’d like to find out more about Pinhole Surgical Technique, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information regarding dental hygiene.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from New Cumberland, Harrisburg, York and Carlisle.