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Call: (608) 216-2613
Blog
- The Why, When, How and Where of Tongue Scraping | September 2020
- Overcoming Dental Anxiety | August 2020
- Oral Health During a Pandemic | July 2020
- How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies | June 2020
- A Healthy Lifestyle-Good for the Body and Teeth | May 2020
- Stay Safe | April 2020
- Understanding the Five Stages of Tooth Decay | March 2020
- All About Invisalign | February 2020
- Bad Dental Habits To Break | January 2020
- Filling In The Gaps: Dental Implant Basics | December 2019
- Foods That Cause Tooth Decay | November 2019
The Why, When, How and Where of Tongue Scraping | September 2020
try as you may, every attempt to reach that bugger-of-an-itch fails. Defeated, you realize the
only relief you’re ever gonna’ get is to remove each one of those layers. Where are we going
with this?!
The Tongue
We’re going inside your mouth, of course, to your tongue – this is a dental article, after all!
Because whether you know it or not, like you in the wintertime, your tongue is also “all covered
up” – buried beneath layers of bacteria, fungi, and food residue that can inhibit your ability to
taste, let alone cause your tongue to appear various shades of yellow, white, or green! Remove
the bacteria, though, and your food will once again directly interact with those taste buds, and
return to its natural hue. So how does one do that? With a tongue scraper, of course!
WHAT is a tongue scraper?
A tongue scraper is a U-shaped device designed to “scrape” the top layer of scum from your
tongue. They have been in use since ancient times, and have been made of everything from
wood to whalebone. Nowadays, they are made of more hygienic material, and come in a
variety of shapes, sizes, designs and colors.
WHY use a tongue scraper?
The residue on your tongue includes things like the cavity-inducing Streptococcus mutans
bacterium, fungi, rotting food (that’s not good), and what’s referred to as “volatile sulfur
compounds.” In other words, sulfur – that “rotting egg smell.” Talk about ew! So, as you can see,
there are several reasons why you’d want to get rid of this gunk in your mouth. Let’s tackle
them one by one:
• Reduce bad breath: ‘nuff said!
• Reduce your risk of periodontal disease and cavities: Bad bacteria contribute to plaque
and tartar on teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities. Bacteria build-up can also lead
to inflammation of gum tissue (gingivitis). If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal
disease, which means a more expensive dental visit (plus other unwanted consequences!).
Speaking of avoiding an expensive dental visit, when was the last time you came in to see us?
Come see us now if it’s been awhile, by calling in at
• Make room for good bacteria: see our article here on probiotics for your mouth
• Prevent heart disease? While the debate is still up in the air, some studies suggest there
could be a correlation between gum disease and heart disease.
HOW does one use a tongue scraper?
In general, make sure to rinse your tongue scraper before and after use. Apply the tongue
scraper to the back of your tongue and drag it forward. Then, rinse and repeat. Make sure to
get the sides of your tongue as well, not just the center!
Make sure not to press too hard or you can cause yourself to bleed. And, if you’re wondering if
you should scrape your tongue while recovering from a dental procedure, that’s a good
question … ask your dentist for the best advice particular to your situation. Still not sure how
this thing really works? The next time you’re in ask Dr. Madsen or Dr. Hirsch or one of our team
for a quick tutorial.
WHERE do I buy one?
Your first choice is, believe it or not, us, here at Madsen & Hirsch Dental Care. When you come in
for your cleaning, just ask for a free sample. Tongue scrapers are relatively inexpensive, and can
also be found at any local drugstore. It doesn’t matter the material, color, or brand – just find the one you like and get scraping!
Overcoming Dental Anxiety | August 2020
Dental Anxiety Stats
Fear of going to the dentist is fairly common, with an estimated nine to 15 percent of Americans completely avoiding visiting the dentist because of anxiety and fear. That means up to 40 million Americans are taking a serious gamble with their dental health. Putting off a basic twice-a-year cleaning out of fear leaves patients much more susceptible to tooth decay and painful infection. It’s always better to view dental care as preventative, not just reactive.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dentist
If you’re worried about going to the dentist, that might be because history and pop culture have given you the wrong idea. Before WWII made anesthetics the norm, dental procedures were uncomfortable, to say the least, but the field has come a long way since then. Modern dental offices maintain a high standard of comfort and care for patients. We have a multitude of options to offer to make you feel at ease, so that you can have your dental needs addressed while they are simple and easy to fix, rather than waiting to treatment becomes more complicated and expensive. During this pandemic, if your anxiety is directed toward being exposed to the virus, the dental office is probably the cleanest, most disinfected place you will visit. We have been experts in office infection control since the HIV-AIDs crisis many years ago. In Addition, good dental health is important for a healthy immune system.
Advice For Overcoming Dental Anxiety
If you or a family member or friend experiences dental anxiety, make sure to tell us. Your first visit to the office can be meeting the doctors and having your questions answered without sitting in a dental chair. This way you can take in the sights and sounds of the office and meet our wonderful and caring staff without having to have dental work done that day. We can discuss the use of oral conscious sedation techniques which allow you to be relaxed during your dental procedure. Here at Madsen & Hirsch Dental Care, we work hard and take the time to make you comfortable and anxiety free.
We Will Work With You!
Your care and comfort are our top priorities. If you or someone in your family struggles with dental anxiety and it’s interfering with getting needed dental care, we’d love to schedule a time for you to come to our practice so that you can get used to the facility and get to know our team. We can answer any questions you may have.
We hope to see you soon!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions
Oral Health During a Pandemic | July 2020
Brushing, flossing and homecare may seem mundane, but so is washing your hands. These “mundane” acts can help keep you healthy.
Our office prescribes Perio Protect, a homecare system to prevent and treat gum disease. Special therapeutic prescription trays, called Perio Trays®, are made just for your mouth through an easy digital scanning process to deliver medication deep below the gums to fight infections causing disease. The primary medication applied with the trays, Perio Gel® with 1.7% hydrogen peroxide, is highly effective at killing infectious bacteria and reducing inflammation.
Peroxide also kills the coronavirus. Using peroxide in these special prescription trays will not prevent you from contracting the virus, but the peroxide therapy, rinsing with peroxide or brushing with the peroxide gel may help reduce the viral load in saliva and the risk of oral transmission. For this reason, we at Madsen & Hirsch dental care are having everyone we see in the office brush with this same peroxide product at the start of your appointment.
We will get through this pandemic and our lives will return to a more normal state in due time. This experience has helped us refocus on those things which are really important. High among those things are the dental profession, which allows us to be a part of many lives, and you, our patients have made our lives fuller and better. Please be cautious and stay safe. When this is over, we look forward to us sharing a happy future together.
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies | June 2020
You are heading up North or going on vacation. Let’s say you sprained an ankle. What are your first steps? Most of us probably would say something along the lines of plop down on the nearest couch, ice the ankle, elevate it, add some compression, and see a doctor if it’s a bad sprain.
But what about a dental emergency, like a broken tooth? What’s your first step?
Don’t be surprised if you don’t know. Most of us aren’t that familiar with the recommendations. But after this post, you’ll be the go-to source if it happens.
So What, Exactly, is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any event that warrants immediate care to save a tooth, stop bleeding from the mouth, or relieve tooth or mouth pain. Some of the most common examples we see at Madsen & Hirsch Dental Care include a cracked or knocked-out tooth or a toothache.
Tips for Treating Common Dental Emergencies
We see our fair share of dental emergencies here in Madison, WI and we’re equipped to handle them all.
If you or a family member experiences any of these, call us as soon as possible, and we’ll let you know if you’ll need to see us.
Knocked-out tooth
For adults, place the tooth in the socket without touching the root; if that’s not possible, place the tooth between your check and gums, in milk, or in ADA-approved tooth-preservation solution. It’s crucial to keep the tooth wet. For children with baby teeth, come to our office as soon as possible; do not try to place the tooth in the socket.
Cracked Tooth
Rinse your mouth, and place an ice pack on your face to reduce the swelling. Wrap the tooth piece that has fractured off in wet gauze or a towel, and bring it to the office.
Toothache
Use warm water to rinse your mouth, and gently floss to remove any food.
If you note any facial swelling (which may signal infection), come to our office or your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Bitten Tongue or Lip
Clean the area with a cloth, or rinse your mouth with water. Apply an ice pack to the area. If the bleeding doesn’t slow, come to our office or go to the ER.
Tips for Preventing Emergencies
Taking the right measures can keep your teeth safe. Here are a few easy precautions you and your family can take each day:
• Use scissors or a tool, rather than your teeth, to open or cut items
• Wear a mouth guard when playing high-impact sports, like football, basketball, and soccer
• Wear a helmet when using a bike, scooter, or skateboard
• Never chew hard foods, like ice and hard candy
• Help young children keep toys and small items out of their mouths
Need More Information?
Give us a call or send us an email. Everyone at Madsen & Hirsch Dental Care is happy to answer any questions you have!
A Healthy Lifestyle-Good for the Body and Teeth | May 2020
Congratulations On Making Better Food Choices
Oral health depends on more than how many times a day you brush your teeth, it also depends on your diet! As you choose healthier foods for your body, you are also choosing better foods for your teeth.
If you’re trading chips and fruit snacks in for healthier snacks like cheese, veggies and nuts, you’ve made the right choice! A diet low in sugar and processed foods can help you trim your waistline, fend off illness and prevent cavities.
Check out the video below to learn more about where added sugar could be hiding in your diet!
We See You’re Drinking More Water… Great Job!
Perhaps before you made your goal to live a more healthy lifestyle, you would reach for your favorite soda rather than water at mealtime. Did you know that one in four Americans get at least 200 calories a day from sugary drinks like soda? Not only can frequent soda consumption lead to weight gain, it also contributes to tooth decay!
Eliminating soda from your diet, or at least consuming it in moderation, is a good way to cut back on calories and cavities. And now that you’re starting to drink more water, you’re probably realizing how good it makes you feel, especially since it is calorie-free!
Keep Up The Good Work With Regular Exercise
By maintaining a healthy weight, you are protecting yourself from health conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, to name a few. As we’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, these diseases often go hand in hand with periodontal, or gum disease. In fact, 91 percent of patients with heart disease and 22 percent of those with diabetes have gum disease.
So keep up the good work! Regular exercise does wonders for your body’s health and your smile reaps the benefits too!
One Last Tip For Our Wonderful Patients
It is widely known that almost nothing tastes good after you brush your teeth. So we recommend that you let good oral hygiene help you stem cravings!
If you’re experiencing a craving and want to avoid it, brush your teeth! Or even pop a piece of sugar-free gum into your mouth. Not only will this help your craving pass, but you’ll be less inclined to eat after making your mouth minty fresh! Added bonus? Your pearly whites stay squeaky clean. Oh and did we mention that two minutes of brushing burns around 5 calories? It’s not much, but it’s something!
Thank you for being such wonderful patients!
Stay Safe | April 2020
Coronavirus Prevention
As it works on a vaccine for COVID-19, the CDC has many recommendations on how to prevent contracting the virus, chief among them: washing your hands vigorously, using disinfectants, staying home if you are sick, and avoiding close contact with others.
Here is a complete list of CDC recommendations.
COVID-19 Symptoms
If you have been exposed to the virus, the following symptoms may appear within 2-14 days of exposure:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
Severe symptoms include the following. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face
What to Do If You Are Sick
There is a long list of precautionary measures. Above all, the CDC recommends that you stay home, stay in touch with your doctor, and avoid public transportation.
Here is a link to the CDC's complete list of recommendations.
Official COVID-19 Updates
Like we mentioned above, there is a lot of misinformation about this pandemic as news and regulations continue to rapidly shift.
Here is the CDC's main page, where they update on everything from new cases to safety practices.
Stay safe and in good health, and know that we will get through this together!
Remember that we are here to serve any dental emergencies or urgent dental needs because a healthy mouth is a necessity for a healthy immune system.
Call: 608-216-2613.
Understanding the Five Stages of Tooth Decay | March 2020
Stage One: White Spots
In stage one, the tooth begins to show signs of strain from the attack of sugars and acids, and white spots will begin to materialize just below the surface of the enamel. These white spots are representative of the demineralization of the tooth and can be easy to miss because they’re likely to occur on your back molars. A dental exam, of course, is designed to catch such cavities! Can you see why regular visits to the dentist are recommended? As mentioned previously, at this stage, the cavity can be repaired without the need to excavate the tooth. The dentist and the hygienist are trained to spot these areas and will notify and educate you about how to prevent the weak spot from progressing.
Stage Two: Enamel Decay
Stage two marks the beginning of the end for the surface enamel that is being attacked. Initially, the tooth erodes from the underside outward, so the outer enamel will still be intact for the first half of this second stage. Once the cavity breaks through the surface of the enamel, there is no turning back, and you will need to have the cavity corrected with a filling. This is why it is critical to have regular exams. When the tooth is at this stage you still may not notice the break in enamel. The filling will be small at this point if detected early.
Stage Three: Dentin Decay
If a cavity in your mouth were to progress beyond stage two without you knowing, you’d tend become aware of it when it started to hit stage three because it would probably start to cause some pain. At this level, the cavity begins to eat away at the second level of tooth material that lies beneath the enamel: the dentin. A filling can still be used to stop the onslaught of bacteria assaulting the tooth in order to prevent the cavity from reaching the tooth’s most critical component: the pulp.
Stage Four: Involvement of the Pulp
Once the cavity reaches the pulp, it’s going to hurt- A lot. Or, the tooth may be so weakened, it fractures or breaks. So if you’ve unfortunately missed all the signs to this point, instead of a small filling or a reversible spot, your tooth may become an emergency situation for you. Stage four is serious, and a root canal is the only option of treatment at this stage, save for a complete extraction. Fortunately, due to advances in dentistry, both of these procedures can be done comfortably for you, but at a much greater expense than preventive measures.
Stage Five: Abscess Formation
In the fifth and final stage of a cavity, the infection has reached the tip of the root and exited the tip of the tooth’s structure. This in turn infects the surrounding tissues and possibly the bone structure. Swelling would be commonplace and pain severe. An abscess can be fatal if not dealt with immediately. Root canal or extraction would be the order of the day should decay reach this stage. You need to call the office right away if this happens so you can be evaluated and most likely prescribed antibiotics.
As you can see, cavities don’t happen overnight. In the early stages, regular visits can stall and reverse the progression of these dastardly little devils, so it really does pay to visit the dentist at pre-selected intervals. You and your children can stay away from stage five their whole lives, and if a little bit of prodding to get them to the dentist accomplishes that, you can rest easy despite the griping. And don’t think cavities are just for kids. Older adults often end up with recurrent decay around old fillings or crowns due to inadequate oral hygiene, dry mouth due to medications, or other health factors. So remember the old adage you have often heard: Prevention is the Best Medicine.
All About Invisalign | February 2020
Invisalign clear aligner trays are usually changed weekly. They have small adjustments to them which allow them to move your teeth while you are wearing them. While they are worn all day and night, they are removed in order to eat, drink, and to care for your teeth. This is a huge benefit over traditional metal braces, which can make it hard to floss and properly care for your teeth during treatment. With Invisalign, you can remove the trays to clean them, as well as brush and floss your teeth as you did before. This allows you to keep problems such as periodontal disease at bay during your treatment.
You are a great candidate for Invisalign if your gums are healthy, you have no decay in your teeth and you have the motivation to make your smile look its best. Extensive issues such as a skeletal misalignment may be treated better with traditional orthodontics. Invisalign requires the patient to comply with the directions for treatment in order to experience the expected results in a timely manner. When patients follow the directions and are compliant, they are extremely satisfied with their smile. Additionally, patients will want to continue to wear a retainer in order to maintain the results of their treatment.
We want your treatment to reflect your unique smile, lifestyle and personality. Call us today at Madsen & Hirsch Dental Care to discuss any questions you might have about Invisalign or make an appointment for a FREE consultation by calling 608-216-2613.
Bad Dental Habits To Break | January 2020
That’s totally okay! We get it. And that’s why we’re here: to ensure your oral health is in fantastic shape.
Here are a few less-than-stellar dental habits that we often see, with some tips on how to break them.
Putting Off a Dental Visit
You knew we had to start here! If you don’t visit the dentist every six months, or if it’s been a while
since we’ve seen your smile, schedule an appointment today!
You can call us at 608-216-2613 or go through our scheduling portal HERE- to make an appointment. Staying on top of your health today can save yourself a lot of time and money down the road. Problems caught early and small are easier to treat and always less expensive than waiting till it hurts.
Not Flossing
Again, you probably figured this would be on here. And you know what, it’s for good reason.
Flossing helps prevent decay and gum recession. It’s super important!
So how can you remember to floss more? Put a post-it note on your mirror as a reminder. Invest in a flossing stick — some people find it much easier than the traditional method. Floss at the same time each day to build up a routine. You can also start small, setting a goal of once per week. After that settles in you may find yourself craving a good floss after brushing. If flossing is difficult for you or you have hard to reach area, a water flosser or waterpik may be the answer for you.
Not Brushing Long Enough
Many people simply aren’t being effective with their oral hygiene routine because they just aren’t brushing long enough. A 30second to 1 minute swipe with the brush around the mouth just isn’t good enough. You should be spending a minimum of 3-5 minutes brushing your teeth to make sure you are getting the backs, fronts and tops and bottoms of all your teeth. Keep your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the base of the gums, and move the brush in a gentle, circular motion. Using an electric toothbrush such as a Sonicare or an Oral B brush with a timer does a far better job than a manual brush. The brushing and not the toothpaste is what keeps the biofilm from organizing. Organized biofilm is what causes decay and gum disease. Use a minimal amount of toothpaste and brush longer.
Using an Old Toothbrush
When was the last time you changed your toothbrush? It’s not something you often think of, right?
The problem with using an old toothbrush its frayed bristles can end up damaging your teeth rather than cleaning them properly. Also, an old brush will accumulate bacteria, You should change your toothbrush every three to four months. A good mnemonic device is to change your toothbrush on the first day of every new season. That way you’ll never have an old brush!
Letting the Water Run
This one is self-explanatory, and it’s an easy fix. After you wet your tooth brush,turn off the tap.
That initial wetting is all the water you’ll need. Turning off the water is good for your bill and great for Mother Earth.
Filling In The Gaps: Dental Implant Basics | December 2019
How Do They Work?
Unlike dentures and bridges, which don’t feel or look entirely real and must be removed and cleaned outside of your mouth daily, dental implants are surgically affixed to your jaw. In place of the roots your native teeth have, the new tooth is held in place by a surgical screw. The crown is carefully selected to match the shape and color of the surrounding teeth, so it blends right in.
Dental implants can be used for a variety of situations, such as replacing a single, missing tooth; replace and support bridgework; and to help support removable dentures. Additionally, Drs. Madsen and Hirsch complete several other oral surgeries in conjunction with dental implants, such as bone grafting and tooth extractions. These procedures can even be done with sedation dentistry to allow you to have a positive experience at the dentist, regardless of any past fears or anxieties you may have about visiting the dentist's chair.
Who Are They For?
If you’ve lost teeth due to injury or disease, dental implants could restore your smile more effectively than other options. However, not everyone with missing teeth is a candidate. Just as with real teeth, oral health is crucial to successful implants. Before you get an implant, you need good, strong bone and healthy gums to support it, and once it’s in, you have to keep it clean by brushing and flossing. Regular dental checkups are critical in maintaining dental implant health and longevity.
But What About Braces?
If you don’t already have your implants but need orthodontics to straighten your teeth, we recommend you do Invisalign . Because implants are screwed into your jaw bone, they will not move, which can make them excellent anchors to help move your other teeth where they need to go—but only if they’re in the right place to begin with. If not, your existing implants may need to be removed and then reattached after you’ve finished with your orthodontics.
Still Have Questions? We Have Answers!
If you’re thinking about getting dental implants or know someone who is, we can answer any questions you may have about them. We’re here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams!
Dr. Madsen will be happy to answer your questions in a free consultation. Call (608) 216-2613.
We love our patients!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
Foods That Cause Tooth Decay | November 2019
Acid is what eats away at our enamel and causes cavities.
Acid can enter our mouths in one of two ways: either directly through what we eat
(citrus fruits) or as a byproduct when oral bacteria consume the sugars that we eat.
Ultimately, a simple way to identify foods that cause tooth decay is to ask whether it’s acidic or sweet/starchy
.
• Acidic foods include things like citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar, kombucha and sour candy.
• Sweet/starchy foods include things like candy, soda or sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit, bread, cereal, pasta and crackers.
The longer these things interact with your teeth, the greater the chance for tooth decay to occur.
For example, sipping on soda throughout the day, or chewing a gooey caramel treat, increases the amount of sugar that coat your teeth. Bacteria love to feast on this sugar, creating an acidic environment and putting your teeth at risk for decay.
• Conditions such as gastric reflux or bulimia can also create an acidic environment in the mouth which can be extremely destructive to tooth enamel contributing to tooth abrasion and wear.
To help protect your teeth against tooth decay:
- Reduce your consumption of sweets and refined starches
- Enjoy acidic foods in moderation or as part of a meal
- Decrease or eliminate your consumption of soda or sugar-sweetened beverages
- Swish with water after meals and snacks
- Maintain good oral hygiene to brush away plaque buildup (floss at least once a day
- and brush twice a day)
- -See your physician if you suffer gastric reflux or bulimia.
And, as always, make sure to visit us regularly so we can remove tartar buildup and assess for early signs of decay. https://rwl.io/2iVBcfy
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
