Breaking Bad Brushing Habits

Brushing your teeth is something you (hopefully!) do every day, twice a day, which means the habit can become so ingrained in our daily routine, that it can be easy to just go through the motions and get sloppy, which can lead to poor brushing habits. And you guessed it! That leads to cavities, gum disease, and a host of other oral health problems that Krengel Dental tries to protect you against.

Here are some common bad brushing habits and how you can break them:

1. Not brushing long enough. Most people bush their teeth for only a minute, but experts say you need at least two minutes to eliminate the entire bacterial film in your mouth. Nowadays many electric toothbrushes are timed. To ensure you are getting to two minutes, time yourself. You may need two cycles of the automatic setting.

2. Only Paying Attention to One Side Right -handed people tend to clean the right side of their teeth better and left handers the left side. Make sure you are giving equal attention to both sides no matter which hand you brush with. And don’t ignore the gum line because that’s where the most tartar and plaque buildup.

3. Using a side-to-side motion. A side-to-side or sawing motion can actually hurt the enamel of your teeth. Instead, use a circular motion.

4. Being too aggressive. Be gentle but energetic while brushing. Having a heavy hand can again damage the enamel or irritate your gums.

5. Using the wrong toothbrush. You should use a toothbrush with soft bristles with a head that fits into your mouth and can reach back to those hard-to-reach places. Having a toothbrush that is the right size and with a comfortable handle will make you more likely to use your toothbrush regularly and use it properly.

With these helpful tips, we know you’ll be better equipped to tackle that plaque and protect your teeth! Visit West Bloomington’s Kengel Dental if you need a refresher on how to brush. We’re glad to give you a few pointers! 

Common Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry

In addition to preventative oral health care, Dr. Krengel offers a full range of dental services, including cosmetic dentistry. When you are happy and excited about your teeth, it’s easy to take good care of them. Cosmetic dentistry brings together science and art to create a mouth that functions as it should while being comfortable and beautiful.

Cosmetic dentistry includes crowns and composite filling that match existing teeth, but also includes whitening, veneers, and laminates. If you have chipped, stained, discolored, unevenly spaced, or slightly crooked teeth, whitening, veneers, or laminates can give you the smile you have always wanted!

Here are some common questions about cosmetic dentistry we have answered for you:

Does Bleaching Damage the Teeth?

No. When carbamide peroxide, the active whitening agent, contacts water, hydrogen peroxide is released which whitens the teeth. Bleaching does not soften, demineralize or weaken the teeth.

Do Over-the-Counter Bleaching Products Work?

There is some evidence that over-the-counter bleaching products do whiten teeth, however, many of the products are too abrasive and can damage the teeth with extended use or misuse. Supervision by your dentist is always the safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth.

What Are Porcelain Veneers and Why Are They Used?

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material which are bonded to the front of the teeth. This procedure can be an ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth by masking discolorations, whitening teeth and/or reshaping a smile.

Tips for Overcoming Your Fear of the Dentist

Does thinking about going to the dentist strike fear in your heart? Do you keep rescheduling your upcoming dental appointments? Not only is ignoring dental visits and routine checkups and cleanings bad for your oral health, it’s not necessary when you come to Krengel Dental! We have created an office where you can relax. One of our top priorities is to keep our patients relaxed and pain free. We make sure that you’re properly numbed and comfortable before a procedure.

If you’re still having fear of the dentist, here are some tips that can help:

Tip #1: Ask your dentist to explain what is going to occur during your visit. Dr. Krengel is always happy to answer any questions you may have!

Tip #2: Talk with your dentist about your past experiences and fears. Open communication is important.

Tip #2: Ask you dentist about tools or sedation option to help you relax and calm your nerves.

Tip #4: Complete dental work over multiple visits. Begin with just an exam to make you feel comfortable with your surroundings at Krengel Dental.

Tip #5: Bring a friend or family member with you to your dental appointment.

Tip #7: Listen to music to help relax.

We have computers and satellite radio in our rooms so that you can choose to listen to music or watch movies on headphones or aloud. We know that for some people a trip to the dentist can seem like the worst hour of the year and we strive to change that and be the dental office you look forward to.

Above all: Relax! Our service is fast, friendly, and gentle. We also welcome questions so please feel free to call or connect with us online.

Top 4 Reasons to Visit Krengel Dental

It’s been estimated that half of all Americans do not visit the dentist regularly.  It’s important to make sure you’re visiting the dentist every 6 months for a routine cleaning and checkup. If you’re part of that statistic, here are some reasons why regular dental visits are so important.

1. Catch Problems Ahead of Time

Dental problems can get severe quickly if they aren’t treated right away. Cavities, damaged fillings, and other dental problems may require intensive procedures such as a root canal down the line if they aren’t treated and prevented with regular dental checkups. By visiting the dentist regularly, you can prevent costly and invasive procedures later.

2. Prevent Oral Cancer and other health problems

Here at West Bloomington’s Krengel Dental, we screen regularly for oral cancer during standard dental cleanings. The Oral Cancer Foundation reports that one American dies from oral cancer every hour but the disease is highly treatable if diagnosed early. Dental exams can also detect other health problems you have, such as gum disease or oral health problems that can affect your overall health, such as heart disease.

3. Keep Your Smile Healthy and White

Regular dental cleanings are essential to keeping your smile white and healthy! A dental cleaning removes plaque, debris, and stains that even brushing your teeth regularly can’t do. You still need to keep brushing in between visits!

4. Visit the friendly staff at Krengel Dental!

Our top priority is to keep our clients relaxed and pain free and we make sure you’re comfortable before every procedure, even just a routine cleaning. We have computers and satellite radio in our rooms so you can choose to listen to music or watch movies on headphones or aloud. We want your trip to the dentist to be something you look forward to! 

The Dos and Don’ts of Toothbrushes

A toothbrush is an important tool in your daily oral care regimen. You may not think too much about your toothbrush, except when you pull it out of its container to use it; but actually, your toothbrush in an important instrument. How well you use it, its condition, and how you take care of it affects your oral health. In turn, your oral health impacts the overall health of your body. 

Do you know the dos and don’ts when it comes to your toothbrush? No need to worry! For those who need a refresher, Dr. Krengel has put together a handy list:

Do: Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months as recommended by the American Dental Association.
Do: Replace your toothbrush earlier than 3-4 months if the bristles become frayed with use. A toothbrush with worn bristles will not effectively clean your teeth and could cause damage to your gums.
Do: Replace your toothbrush each time you are sick.
Don’t: Attempt to clean your toothbrush in the dishwasher or microwave. This will damage your toothbrush forcing you to get a new one!

Don’t: Share your toothbrush.

Do: Use a toothbrush that properly fits the size of your mouth. Choose a small head, for example, to be able to reach your back teeth. 
Do: Rinse your toothbrush after each use.
Don’t: Store your toothbrush in a closed container. This can cause the growth of germs on your toothbrush.
Do: Store your toothbrush standing upright allowing it to air dry.
Don’t: Store toothbrushes together. This can cause the spread of germs.
Do: Store toothbrushes separated from one another.

Do: Contact West Bloomington’s Krengel Dental for a cleaning and oral checkup. There are some things even your toothbrush can miss and we’re here to help!
Do: Follow the guidelines listed above and enjoy your healthy, beautiful smile! 

The BEST foods and drinks for your teeth

We’ve focused on the food and drinks that are bad for your teeth, but what about the ones that support healthy teeth and gums? Here’s how eating right can help you fend off plaque, gum disease, and gingivitis and keep your gums healthy and your teeth strong!

1. Milk

Your teeth get stronger and healthier when your drink milk, just like your bones. Milk contains calcium, which helps protect your teeth against gum disease, and keeps your jawbone strong and healthy.

2. Salmon

Salmon is a great source of Vitamin D, which is critical in oral health care since it allows your body to absorb and use calcium, a nutrient that protects your teeth and gums from disease. The Vitamin D found in salmon makes it easier for your teeth and bones to get the full power of calcium from the foods you are eating.

3. Strawberries

Strawberries are full of Vitamin C which is required for production of collagen, a key protein that maintains your gum strength and integrity. Just a half a cup of strawberries delivers more than 70 percent of your daily value of Vitamin C! Also, strawberries have a mild bleaching action and can help to remove superficial stains. Be sure to rinse your mouth out after eating strawberries since they are very acidic and acids can erode tooth enamel.

4. Water

Water helps wash away food debris and keeps your saliva levels high. Saliva is your mouth’s best defense against tooth decay because it contains proteins and minerals that counteract enamel-eating acids. Saliva is made up of 95 percent water, so stay hydrated! Water is also a great substitute to sugary drinks, which can damage your teeth and promote decay.

5. Tea

Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins that reduce the body's inflammatory response to the bacteria that cause gum disease. A study found that a daily cup of green tea significantly lowered Japanese men's risk of developing gum disease. The polyphenols in black tea can also help destroy the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath.

6. Yogurt

Yogurt has probiotics, which are believed to aid in the protection of your gums. 

How to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity

When you take a sip of an ice-cold drink or a piping hot coffee, do your teeth hurt? The worst is when you breathe in air and your teeth ache in pain. And good luck with an ice cream cone! Sensitive teeth are not only painful but they can also interfere with your daily life and affect what you can and cannot eat and drink.

The reason for the pain from sensitive teeth is exposed dentine (the inner substance of the tooth which is covered by enamel). Your enamel, especially where the tooth meets the root at the gumline, can get quite thin, exposing the dentine. Dentine contains tunnels linked to the nerves on the inside of the tooth and when the dentine is exposed, these nerves are very easily stimulated, resulting in pain.

Some common causes of sensitive teeth are: acid erosion, gum recession, gum disease, tooth grinding, tooth bleaching, or a cracked tooth or filling.

Here are some ways to reduce tooth sensitivity:

1. Switch Toothpastes

There are several brands of toothpaste on the market, such as Sensodyne, that are designed to help you if you have sensitive teeth. They contain an active ingredient called potassium nitrate to help block the tiny tunnels in the dentine that connect to the nerves. Switching toothpaste is a great place to start if you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity for the first time.

2. Rethink the Way You Brush

You should always use a soft toothbrush and you should never brush too vigorously. Hard brushing can actually wear away your enamel, increasing the sensitivity of your teeth.

3. Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks

Exposure to acidic foods and drinks such as fruit juice, soda, red wine, oranges, and sour candy can do major damage to the enamel on your teeth, causing sensitivity. Limit your daily intake and brush after you eat these foods.

4. Talk to your Dentist

If you’re not having luck with desensitizing toothpaste or changing the way you brush and eat, contact West Bloomington’s Krengel Dental. Dr. Krengel can go over procedures that can minimize sensitivity. If you grind your teeth, which wears away enamel, your dentist can fit you for a mouth guard. Changing toothpastes and the way you brush can’t replace damage done by gum disease, acid erosion, or a cracked tooth, so if you are unsure what is causing your tooth sensitivity, don’t hesitate to contact Krengel Dental! 

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures For Your Teeth

There are many techniques and options to treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen or missing. From subtle changes to major repairs, Krengel Dental can perform a variety of procedures to improve your smile. Using cosmetic dentistry procedures, your dentist can reshape your teeth, close spaces, whiten, and even restore your smile. When you are happy and excited about your teeth, it’s easy to take good care of them. Cosmetic dentistry brings together science and art to create a mouth that functions as it should while being comfortable and beautiful. It can give you the smile you’ve always wanted!

Here are some common cosmetic dentistry procedures and how they can help your smile:

Bleaching/Whitening

Discoloration of the teeth occurs in the enamel and can be caused by coffee, tea, cigarettes and improper brushing technique. Discoloration also comes with age. Bleaching is a common and popular chemical process used to whiten the teeth. Many people bleach their teeth to make stains disappear and improve their smile with a whiter shade.

Bonding

Bonding is a tooth-colored material used to fill in gaps or change the color of the teeth. Bonding only requires a single office visit to Dr. Roy Krengel in West Bloomington and lasts several years. If your teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice for your teeth. It can also be used to close spaces between teeth.

Crowns and Veneers

Crowns, also known as caps, cover a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and appearance. Crowns are more expensive but have the longest life expectancy of all cosmetic restorations.  Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic placed over the front teeth to change the color and shape of your teeth. Veneers are often used on teeth that are chipped or have uneven surfaces

Contouring and Reshaping

Contouring and reshaping of the teeth is a procedure used to correct crooked teeth, chipped teeth, or irregularly shaped teeth. It is used to alter the length, shape, or position of the teeth. It also helps correct small problems with your teeth, such as bite.

Which cosmetic dentistry procedure is right for you? Come visit us in West Bloomington and find out your options!

Which Toothbrush to Choose: Manual vs. Electric

Our earliest memories of both dentists and their offices usually center on the toothbrush. Whether it was your dentist telling you how important it is to brush everyday, showing you how to brush on the model teeth, or the free one you got to take home when your visit was over. And with good importance, since the toothbrush is a tool we use everyday (twice a day, hopefully!).  Brushing is what helps prevent tooth decay, cavities, and a host of other dental problems. But you can’t start without the proper brush. There are two kinds of brushes: manual and electric.

Manual: Many people choose manual toothbrushes because they are more cost-effective and more readily available. They are also easier to travel with and put less pressure and your teeth and gums. If you choose a manual toothbrush, choose one with soft, nylon bristles. A softer brush is always preferable to one with hard bristles. Also use one that is smaller than you are used to. Smaller toothbrushes are easier to manipulate around the cramped confines of your mouth, in the spaces of any missing teeth, or if you have trouble reaching the back of your mouth where your molars are.

Electric: Electric toothbrushes might not be as cost-effective, but they have a variety of features to help you brush your teeth more effectively, such as timers to let you know how long you’ve been brushing for (a recommended two-three minutes) and they rotate for you to stimulate your teeth and gums.  If you do opt for an electronic toothbrush, choose a model with rotating-oscillating bristles. They appear to be better than manual brushes or electric brushes that rotate in only one direction.

Verdict: Choose the one that feels best for you and that you will enjoy using. Every toothbrush, manual or electric, will keep your teeth clean if you know how to use them and use them often.

Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of the Dentist

It has been estimated that 9% to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of anxiety and fear. That's about 30 to 40 million people. In a survey by the British Dental Health Foundation, 36% of those who didn't see a dentist regularly said that fear was the main reason. Some common reasons for dental phobia and anxiety are:

• Pain- there are many causes of dental anxiety and phobia. Many people are scared of the pain that they might encounter at the dentist.
• Feelings of helplessness and loss of control- When you’re in the dental chair, you have to stay still. This may make you feel like you can't see what's going on or predict what's going to hurt. It's common for people to feel helpless and out of control, which may trigger anxiety.
• Embarrassment- People may feel ashamed or embarrassed to have a stranger poking around in their mouth, or they may be self-conscious about how their teeth look.
• Negative Past Experiences- anyone who has had pain or discomfort during previous dental procedures is likely to be more anxious the next time around.

Here’s why you shouldn’t fear the dentist:

We’re Here to Help

We’re not here to hurt you! When you come visit us, our main goal is to help you achieve overall oral health and make sure that the proper procedures are being performed so that you can have a healthier mouth, gums, and teeth. Going to the dentist means you are entrusting your oral health to a professional.

Regular Dental Visits are a Necessary and Vital Part of Maintaining Your Overall Health

It’s recommended that you visit a dentist twice a year, or every 6 months. If you’re scared of the dentist, odds are your visits will be much less frequent. It’s important to overcome that fear because regular dental check-ups play an integral part in maintaining not only your oral health, but also your overall health. Regular dental visits prevent the build-up of plague and prevent things like tooth aches, cavities, bad breath, and many other oral and health issues. Break the fear and do what’s right for your teeth and your body!

 It Could All Be In Your Head

Dental phobias and anxiety stem from a variety of things. From a psychological standpoint, this fear could result in a “conditioned” response. Perhaps you had a bad experience when you were a child so now every time you have to go to the dentist, you experience anxiety. Dental anxiety or fear of the dentist usually prevents people from optimizing and maintaining their dental health. To overcome this, identify the issue that is causing your anxiety and address it with your dentist. A good relationship between you and your dentist, with good communication, is the key factor in overcoming dental anxiety. You should feel comfortable discussing anxieties with your dentist and should be confident that he or she will do everything possible to reduce your anxiety. 

The Most Common Dental Problems

1. Bad Breath

Bad breath, also called halitosis, is the most common dental problem. You might not think of bad breath as a “dental” problem but 85% of people with persistent bad breath have a dental condition to blame, such as gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth, or bacteria on the tongue. Brushing your teeth, tongue, and using mouthwash are great places to start but if you suffer from chronic bad breath, visit a dentist to rule out any other dental problems.

2. Tooth Decay

We touched on tooth decay in our last blog post. Behind the common cold, tooth decay is the second most prevalent disease in the United States. It occurs when plaque forms on our teeth and combines with the food we eat to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Prevent tooth decay by brushing twice a day, flossing, and going to regular dental checkups.

3. Gum Disease

Gum disease, scientifically known as periodontal disease, is quite possibly one of the most serious dental problems because it is commonly linked to heart attacks and strokes. Gum disease is an infection in the gums surrounding the teeth and is one of the main causes of tooth loss among adults.

4. Oral Cancer

The Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that someone in the US dies every hour from oral cancer and that there over 300,000 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed every year, worldwide. This serious and deadly dental disease that affects the mouth, lips, or throat, is highly curable if diagnosed and treated in the early stages.

5. Mouth Sores

Mouth sores, such as canker sores, fever blisters, cold sores, and ulcers, are bothersome but they don’t usually last more than two weeks and disappear on their own. Contact your dentist for medication and treatment.

6. Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity means experiencing tooth pain or discomfort from sweets, cold air, hot or cold drinks, or ice cream. Some people’s teeth are so sensitive that they hurt when they brush or floss. There are certain toothpastes to help control tooth sensitivity and your dentist will know what to do to help.

7. Unattractive Smile

This is not technically a “dental problem” and is definitely not as serious as the others on this list but people who are unhappy with their smile consider this a dental issue and it’s one of the major reasons why patients seek dental treatment. With today’s dental technology, a beautiful smile is within reach! Whether it’s teeth whitening, dental implants, or cosmetic dental work, your dentist can give you the smile you’ve always wanted! 

Tooth Decay: How to Prevent it and Spot it When it Occurs

If you’re reading this, you most likely have had or know someone who has had a cavity. Cavities are so common that they affect approximately 90% of the population. 

To prevent cavities, you have to start at the root of the problem (pun intended): tooth decay.

Tooth decay is the process that results in a cavity. It occurs when bacteria in your mouth makes acids that eat away at a tooth. It can cause many problems from pain to infection and even tooth loss if not treated properly.

Causes of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is caused by a combination of bacteria and the food you eat. Bacteria are always forming on your teeth and gums through plaque. When you eat, the bacteria feed on the sugars in the food you eat and turn to acids. That’s enough to make you rethink your decision to eat candy! The acids then attack the teeth for 20 minutes or more after eating. Over time, these acids destroy your tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay does not usually show any symptoms until you have a cavity, making it that much harder to diagnose yourself! When you get a cavity, the symptoms are:

·      Toothache (usually from infection)

·      Bad breathe

·      White, gray, brown, or black spots on the teeth

·      Loose fillings

·      A broken tooth or a tooth that is sensitive to pressure

How To Prevent Tooth Decay

You can easily prevent tooth decay by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly,  seeing your dentist for teeth cleaning and checkups, and avoiding foods that are high in sugar.

How To Treat It

Treatment for tooth decay depends on the severity of the case.  Come see us if you think you are displaying symptoms of tooth decay. You may need fillings or, in severe cases, a crown or root canal. In the most extreme cases, tooth removal may be necessary.