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Whether you would like to learn more about how bleaching treatments work or how often to change your toothbrush, this is the place for answers!

1. What is the best way to brush my teeth?
2. How often should I replace my toothbrush?
3. What is gum disease and how can I prevent it?
4. What treatments are available for gum disease?
5. Why do teeth become discolored?
6. How do cavities develop?
7. How does bleaching work?
8. Why is it necessary to replace or save teeth?
9. How important is flossing?
10. Is restorative dentistry necessary?
11. What is tartar?
12. Why are my teeth sensitive?
13. How should I care for my child's teeth?
14. What dental problems are common among older people?
15. What are cold sores and how can I prevent them?

What is the best way to brush my teeth?

First, proper brushing requires at least 2 minutes.  Most adults don't come close to brushing that long. Dr. Hirsch recommends that to get a feel for the time involved, try brushing your teeth for the length of time that a song plays on the radio.

Use flouride toothpaste. And choose a soft-bristled brush designed for effective plaque removal. While brushing, be sure to use short, gentle strokes and clean each side of every tooth. Pay extra attention to the gumline, hard-to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns or other restorations. And for fresher breath, brush your tongue too.

How often should I replace my toothbrush?

Dr. Hirsch and his hygienist recommend that you replace your toothbrush approximately every three to four months or when the bristles appear worn. A worn toothbrush may not clean effectively and may harm your gums.

What is gum disease and how can I prevent it?

Most gum disease is caused by bacterial plaque on the teeth, which releases toxins that irritate the soft tissues/gums around the teeth. In addition, gum disease can be progressive. Unfortunately, the signs of gum disease aren’t always easy to see and are often painless. That's why the earlier it is caught, the easier gum disease is to treat.

Some signs of gum disease are:

• Gums that bleed or are red, swollen and tender.
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth.
• Pus that appears between the teeth and gums.
• Teeth that are loose or have changed position.
• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

To determine if you have gum disease, Dr. Hirsch or his hygenist will probe your teeth and gums to assess your condition. While scaling is the most common treatment, there are many prescription rinses available. Some preventative measures against gum disease are:

• Brush with a toothbrush clinically proven to reduce gum disease.
• Prescription rinse therapy is often recommended.

See Dr. Hirsch and his hygienist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.

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What treatments are available for gum disease?

The first approach usually is non-surgical intervention or treatment. This may involve a different or more extensive dental cleaning (scaling and root planing) that involves a local anesthesic. This is usually followed by a mouth evaluation one month after treatment.

Gum disease that has progressed beyond this treatment level will be referred to a periodontist and may necessitate treatments by Flap Surgery and/or Regeneration.

In Flap Surgery, the gum is lifted from the tooth and bone, and diseased tissue is removed. The infected bone also may be reshaped or a bone graft will be placed. After surgery, the gum is repositioned and sutured in place.

In some cases, destroyed tissue between teeth or roots can be partially regenerated. Once the damaged area is prepared and special membranes are inserted, new tissue can grow into this area over a period of time.

Why do teeth become discolored?

Teeth naturally darken as we age. Over time, staining may be caused by exposure to coffee, tea, soda, tobacco, and certain foods. Discoloration can also occur because of certain childhood illnesses, medications, physical trauma, etc.

How do cavities develop?

Cavities can occur when food and bacterial buildup on teeth called plaque interact, producing acids that can eat away at the tooth surface. Brushing and flossing will remove this sticky, almost colorless layer of bacteria on teeth.

Cavities are most commonly located between teeth and on chewing surfaces. While cavities most often occur during childhood, there are certain types of decay that are unique to adults such as root cavities, recurrent decay around the margins of fillings, and cavities from dry mouth.

How does bleaching work?

Teeth naturally darken as we age. Over time, staining is caused by exposure to coffee, tea, soda, tobacco, and certain foods. Discoloration can also occur because of certain childhood illnesses, medications, physical trauma, etc.

A tooth whitening system will remove discolorations with a gentle sustained release action of a peroxide material that will oxidize (bleach) stains within your teeth. Your tooth structure remains unchanged. History and research show that most patients experience some level of tooth whitening. Porcelain restorations and white fillings do not whiten with bleaching agents.

Dr. Hirsch will examine your teeth and gums to ensure good oral health. Old fillings may need to be replaced and/or decayed areas treated and filled. Dr. Hirsch will discuss with you which bleaching option would be best for your particular needs. We offer multiple choices that include a 1 hour in-office procedure, either Zoom Advanced or BriteSmile and a home tray system for you to use at your discretion.

Why is it necessary to replace or save teeth?

Whenever teeth are lost, the remaining teeth will shift and move over time.  This causes a change in the way that the upper and lower teeth meet that affects the forces on these teeth. It increases stress on the remaining teeth and creates interferences in tooth to tooth contacts that increases the likelihood for the loss of more teeth. 

Shifting of the remaining teeth creates difficulty in your maintaining them and your ability to clean them effectively.  This results in increased bacterial plaque buildup that hardens into tartar and increases gum disease and tooth decay. Loss of teeth creates irreversible changes and many more problems and expenses than treating the original missing tooth and space.  The increased stress and shifting of the remaining teeth causes chewing to be impaired.

Also, when teeth shift so that the upper teeth no longer correctly mesh with the lower ones, chewing can be impaired and this can create stress on the jaw and other teeth. Shifting can cause the mouth to sink in and the face to change appearance. The lips may thin and straighten, the chin may jut out and upward, and pouches may appear on the side of the jaw. Dentures, which can replace lost teeth do not function like your own teeth.  The best dentures are only approximately 20 - 25% as efficient and effective during chewing and eating as natural teeth.  They are a poor replacement for natural teeth but in many cases they are the only alternative except for implant replacement or implant supported appliances.

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How important is flossing?

Some adults floss daily, but most don't. If you are one of the latter, you're leaving up to 35% of your tooth surfaces untouched and unclean.

Floss everyday, because toothbrush bristles cannot reach completely between teeth. Use a high-performance, shred-resistant floss designed to slide easily and comfortably into the tightest spaces. When sliding the floss in, take care not to snap it down on the gums. Instead, move it up and down along the sides of each tooth in a "shoeshine" or "C" shaped configuration, making certain to clean below the gumline. And take a moment to check your gums for symptoms of gum disease, such as soreness, puffiness, bleeding and redness. If you think any of these signs are present, see Dr. Hirsch or his hygenist right away.

Is restorative dentistry necessary?

Restorative dentistry is a process that occurs when the dentist restores an injured, decayed, or lost tooth, returning it to its normal function. Timely treatment can be the difference between retaining or losing your good oral health.

Not only does tooth repair help improve appearance, it also can correct many structural problems such as chipped, infected teeth and decayed teeth - conditions that can ultimately lead to more serious damage unless this situation is treated early.

While injuries, such as chipping a tooth, creates the need for restorative dentistry, the most typical cause is decay. Filling a cavity is, perhaps, the most familiar restorative treatment. Other procedures include crowns and root canals. Dr. Hirsch can fully explain each procedure and determine what treatment is needed in your specific situation.

Whether a tooth is lost through damage or disease, ignoring the space it leaves can cause serious problems for your other teeth. When one tooth is missing, others may drift into the empty space, affecting your appearance and jaw movement. There are many options for replacing missing teeth, including dentures, bridges and implants. Ask Dr. Hirsch about the best choice for you.

What is tartar?

Tartar is an accumulation of mineral deposits and hardened plaque, the invisible substance that forms on everyone's teeth daily. Studies have shown that plaque can become tartar within just 24 hours. That makes tartar, particularly below the gumline, an everyday problem that threatens the health of your teeth and smile.

Tartar makes it harder to maintain good oral hygiene because its irregular surface makes cleaning more difficult. Over time, tartar can build-up to such a degree that it begins to form under the gumline. When that occurs, the plaque that accumulates in this highly vulnerable area, irritates the gums and causes gum disease that can result in the loss of the supporting bone holding the teeth in place. What's more, tartar is a cosmetic problem due to its brown or yellow color. Tartar absorbs stains very easily, especially if you consume coffee or use tobacco.

Once tartar has formed, only Dr. Hirsch or his hygienist can remove it. The process of removing tartar is called a dental prophylaxis or cleaning. During a prophylaxis, Dr. Hirsch or his hygienist uses a special instrument to clean the tooth above and below the gumline. As with many health concerns, prevention is the key. Proper oral care at home can greatly reduce tartar build-up and also help make the next dental prophylaxis a little easier.

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Why are my teeth sensitive?

If you've ever felt a painful sensation in your teeth after drinking or eating hot or cold food and beverages, you've experienced tooth sensitivity. You are not alone. It's a condition that affects one out of every four adults, often coming and going over time.

The most common cause of sensitive teeth is exposed root surfaces due to receding gums. These roots are not covered by protective enamel. As a result, thousands of microscopic channels are exposed, leading directly into the pulp, the tooth's nerve center. When heat, cold and pressure touch these channels, they direct the sensation into the pulp and cause pain.

Ignoring hypersensitivity can lead to other oral health problems. Since exposed surfaces aren't covered by protective enamel, they are more susceptible to decay and can result in tooth loss. What's more, the pain of hypersensitivity can cause you to brush poorly, putting your teeth and gums at further risk.

If you have pain, let Dr. Hirsch know. Usually it can be treated through the use of a brush-on prescription fluoride gel or an anti-sensitivity toothpaste. Be sure to follow proper oral care at home.

How should I care for my child's teeth?

Even before you can see them, primary (baby) teeth are developing under the gums of an infant. Primary teeth begin to appear at six months. Even though they eventually fall out, taking care of primary teeth is important because they reserve space in the jaw for permanent teeth to come in correctly.

Permanent teeth usually start to appear at six to eight years of age, with most teeth in place by age thirteen. Third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, typically don't appear until the late teens.

Even before your youngster's first tooth appears, wipe his or her gums with a clean, wet cloth after each feeding. This will help remove excess food and bacteria, and will acquaint your child with daily oral care.

After teeth appear, usually around six months, use a soft bristled toothbrush and gently brush your child's teeth with warm water.

By age three, your child should be able to brush alone with minor supervision. Make sure your child brushes each side of every tooth and be sure to use a toothpaste specifically formulated for young children.

Begin flossing when teeth are touching. Use an advanced, shred-resistant floss. By age eight, your child should be able to brush and floss unassisted.

Fluoride strengthens teeth and fights cavities. It can be found in many foods, community water supplies, toothpastes and mouth rinses. Be wary of many bottled waters as they do not contain flouride and should not be used by children.

A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It creates a barrier against decay that is highly effective. Ask Dr. Hirsch for further information.

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What dental problems are common among older people?

As you age, changes happen to your body--subtle things like wrinkles, graying hair, aches and pains. And it's no different with your mouth. With advancing age, you become more susceptible to conditions that can seriously affect your oral health. That's why it's important to understand these conditions and what you can do about them.

Gum disease is caused by bacterial plaque on the teeth, which releases toxins that irritate the tissue around the teeth. It is the major cause of tooth loss among older adults. Ill-fitting dentures, poor diet, poor oral hygiene and some medications can increase the severity of this condition. It's critical that gum disease is detected early because the longer it goes untreated, the worse it can get.

THE SIGNS OF GUM DISEASE

• Gums that bleed or are red, swollen and tender.
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth.
• Pus that appears between the teeth and gums.
• Teeth that are loose or have changed position.
• Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth.

Saliva flow often decreases with age and also as a direct effect of many medications. This can result in a condition called xerostomia, or dry mouth. Proper saliva flow is important because saliva contains minerals that help strengthen the teeth, plus it helps neutralize the acids that cause decay. Saliva also washes food debris off the teeth during and after eating. Along with proper oral care, Dr. Hirsch might prescribe an artificial saliva, a topical flouride rinse or a non-alchoholic mouthwash.

Cavities aren't just for kids. In fact, there are many types of decay that are especially common among adults, such as root cavities, decay around fillings, and cavities from dry mouth. Ask Dr. Hirsch if you are at risk.

To determine if you have gum disease, Dr. Hirsch or his hygenist will probe your teeth to assess your condition. While scaling is the most common treatment, there are many prescription rinses available. Ask Dr. Hirsch or his hygenistt about what's best for you, and exercise proper at-home oral care.

What are cold sores and how can I prevent them?

There's nothing minor about the pain and annoyance of so-called minor mouth irritations. While such irritations can take on many forms, the most common are fever blisters and canker sores.

Fever blisters, also called cold sores, are small sores that usually occur outside the mouth on the lip, chin or cheek areas. When fever blisters do appear inside the mouth, they usually are found on the gums or the roof of the mouth.

Fever blisters are caused by a virus called herpes simplex. This virus is highly contagious when the blisters are present. Even though the blisters may disappear, the virus stays in the body. That explains why many people experience reoccurring bouts with fever blisters throughout their lifetimes.

Many things can trigger the reoccurrence of fever blisters. These include stress, fever, illness, injury and exposure to sunlight.

Right now, there is no known cure for fever blisters; however, researchers are working to someday create vaccines to help prevent the condition.

Canker sores occur only inside the mouth, on the tongue and inside linings of the cheeks, lips and throat. They are not contagious and are usually caused by stress or direct trauma (rubbing or irritation). These sores are usually larger than fever blisters. Both types of sores can take up to 2 weeks to heal completely.

Dr. Hirsch is committed to assisting you in making the changes you need to achieve complete dental health. He has been practicing cosmetic and restorative dentistry in the Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wrigleyville, Gold Coast, Old Town and Ravenswood neighborhoods for over 25 years.