Custom Dental Mouthguards

Avoiding Tooth Damage While Playing Sports 
You might not know that 5 million teeth are knocked out yearly in the United States. Many sports can be downright dangerous without protection using a mouthguard. The one-size-fits-all mouthguards found in department stores don’t have a good fit. Wearing these, proper breathing can be a struggle while running in sports. However, custom-made sports mouthguards fit perfectly, protect well, and are worn for any type of sport. The American Dental Association recommends wearing a custom mouthguard for all of these sports: Basketball, boxing, football, gymnastics, martial arts, racquetball, skateboarding, skiing, soccer, volleyball, weight lifting, wrestling.

Jeffrey B. Kravitz, DDS, DICOI    
417 Water Street   
Wakefield, MA 01880    
(781) 245-7714  
WakefieldFamilyDentist.com

Dentist: Doctors of Oral Health

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by Dentists!

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Jeffrey B. Kravitz, DDS, DICOI    
417 Water Street   
Wakefield, MA 01880    
(781) 245-7714  
WakefieldFamilyDentist.com

Senior Dental Care

Caring for Our Oldest Patients 

As our bodies age over time, so do our teeth and gums. Years of plaque buildup, as well as drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, can darken your smile. Ask our team about procedures that can combat these issues. Lowered saliva flow is often a side effect from medications. There are simple products that can help alleviate this condition. Your fillings are also aging. They can begin to weaken or crack. Regular check-ups allow us to stay on top of your existing fillings. Gum disease and decay can be bigger problems with seniors. Daily brushing and proper nutrition are important for healthy gums. If your gums become red, begin to bleed, or your teeth start to loosen, contact us immediately.

Jeffrey B. Kravitz, DDS, DICOI    
417 Water Street   
Wakefield, MA 01880    
(781) 245-7714  
WakefieldFamilyDentist.com

Choosing Wisely: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About Dental Health (Part 3 of 3)

Don’t replace fillings just because they’re old 












When you have a cavity, the dentist removes it and puts in a filling. These fillings can last for many years, but some people get silver fillings removed because they don’t like the color. However, the process of removing a filling can weaken the tooth. Additionally, insurance may not cover the removal. 

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Jeffrey B. Kravitz, DDS, DICOI    
417 Water Street   
Wakefield, MA 01880    
(781) 245-7714  
WakefieldFamilyDentist.com

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

What is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a common name for dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity. If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive or painful then you have sensitive teeth.

Is Tooth Sensitivity Common? 
Tooth sensitivity is very common and it has been estimated that approximately half the population experiences tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time.

Why does Tooth Sensitivity (Dentin Hypersensitivity) Happen? 
Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by dentin on root areas exposed due to receded gums or periodontal disease. Receded gums are very common and up to four fifths of people have gum recession by the time they are 65.  

When the root of a tooth becomes exposed it does not have a layer of enamel like the crowns of your teeth. Instead the roots have a very soft covering called cementum, which once lost leaves the dentin of the root exposed.  Overzealous brushing or using a very abrasive toothpaste can also cause abrasion of the tooth's enamel surface and expose dentin. A very acidic diet - for example a diet with a lot of citrus food, pickles or sodapop - can cause tooth erosion and dissolve the tooth surface, exposing the dentin. Bulimia and GERD can also result in dental erosion and sensitivity due to acid in the mouth.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com

Jeffrey B. Kravitz, DDS, DICOI    

417 Water Street   

Wakefield, MA 01880    

(781) 245-7714  

WakefieldFamilyDentist.com

Your Mouth Is Not a Bottle Opener!

Your mother was right: Never open bottles, packages, or other containers with your teeth. You might permanently chip or crack the enamel.

Gnawing on anything else -- like pens or fingernails -- or chomping down on seeds, popcorn kernels, or ice could have the same result.

Above article from: Webmd.com/oral-health

Jeffrey B. Kravitz, DDS, DICOI    

417 Water Street   

Wakefield, MA 01880    

(781) 245-7714  

WakefieldFamilyDentist.com

Foods That Stain Your Teeth: Tea and Your Teeth

Although tea has a reputation as a healthy beverage, it may not be the best choice when it comes to keeping your teeth white. Dentists say tea -- especially the basic black variety -- can cause more stains than coffee. However, recent studies have found that even herbal teas and white teas have the potential to erode enamel and cause tooth staining.

Above article from: Webmd.com/oral-health

Jeffrey B. Kravitz, DDS, DICOI    

417 Water Street   

Wakefield, MA 01880    

(781) 245-7714  

WakefieldFamilyDentist.com

Choosing Wisely: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About Dental Health (Part 2 of 3)

Ask about all the options for calming your child during dental procedures 












Dental work can be scary for some kids. Talk with your dentist about ways to help your child stay calm. Tips for a successful dental visit can include making sure your child is not hungry before their dental appointment and scheduling an appointment at the proper time of day.

For jaw pain, try conservative treatments first 












Jaw pain can be caused by stress, arthritis or an injury. A treatment plan for jaw pain should first consist of actions like exercises and anti-inflammatory drugs.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Jeffrey B. Kravitz, DDS, DICOI    
417 Water Street   
Wakefield, MA 01880    
(781) 245-7714  
WakefieldFamilyDentist.com

Diet & Your Teeth

Learn more about the connection between your teeth and what you eat.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Jeffrey B. Kravitz, DDS, DICOI    
417 Water Street   
Wakefield, MA 01880    
(781) 245-7714  
WakefieldFamilyDentist.com

Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity

The best way to find out why a tooth is sensitive is to have dental professional examine you. They can look for the signs of dentin exposure, and run tests to determine what the true cause of the sensitivity is. Sometimes, the sensitivity is due to a cavity or gum disease - these can be treated to address the sensitivity. Other times, the cause of the sensitivity is because the enamel has been lost through abrasion or erosion, or the gums have receded, causing the roots to be exposed.

What Can Be Done?
If the sensitivity is due to a cavity, a restoration can be placed. If gum disease is the cause, the dental professional can perform a thorough cleaning of the area.

However, if the cause is from dentin being exposed, then there are a number of professional and at home treatments that can be used to reduce the sensitivity.

In Office Procedures:

• Fluoride varnish can be applied to exposed areas, strengthening the enamel and dentin
• Fluoride foam or gel can be placed into a mouth tray; you then sit with this in your mouth for 3-5 minutes, providing the teeth with a high concentration of fluoride to strengthen the areas
• Bonding agent, the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth, can be used to seal the dentin surface and provide a barrier to the stimuli that cause sensitivity

At Home:

• Use a very soft bristle tooth brush, with low abrasive tooth paste
• Brush correctly and do not over brush
• Use a tooth paste specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth
• Use a high concentration fluoride toothpaste (given to you by the dental professional) to strengthen the tooth surface

There are a number of treatments available, and your dental professional can help you find those that will work best, depending on your situation. Always seek a dental professional's help - do not try to diagnose this problem yourself. It may be the sign of something more serious, and only a dental professional can tell you what it really is.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com

Jeffrey B. Kravitz, DDS, DICOI    

417 Water Street   

Wakefield, MA 01880    

(781) 245-7714  

WakefieldFamilyDentist.com

Children's Dental Care

Proper Dental Habits for a Lifetime of Healthy Teeth

Developing good habits early, in an environment that’s relaxing and enjoyable, is necessary for a lifetime of good oral health. A child’s teeth can be very susceptible to cavities due to several factors. Children have difficulty brushing well on their own. It is important for parents to monitor their child’s daily dental care. This ensures proper cleaning and the development of solid dental habits. Younger kids tend to eat more often throughout the day, which is called grazing. This results in extended exposure to acid because every time you eat, you make acid. This can cause more cavities.

A tooth that isn’t completely cleaned will cause additional generation of and exposure to acid, further accelerating the development of cavities. Fortunately, identifying poor dietary and hygiene habits, along with an application of fluoride varnish to the mineralizing teeth, can substantially lower the likelihood of your child getting a cavity.

Jeffrey B. Kravitz, DDS, DICOI    
417 Water Street   
Wakefield, MA 01880    
(781) 245-7714  
WakefieldFamilyDentist.com

Choosing Wisely: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About Dental Health (Part 1 of 3)

Use toothpaste with fluoride for infants and children 












For children younger than 3 years, you should begin brushing a child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste in an amount no larger than a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Consider sealants to prevent decay or treat beginning cavities on the back teeth 












Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material applied by a dentist to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Jeffrey B. Kravitz, DDS, DICOI    
417 Water Street   
Wakefield, MA 01880    
(781) 245-7714  
WakefieldFamilyDentist.com

Lifestyle & Your Oral Health

Learn more about how your lifestyle can affect your oral health.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Jeffrey B. Kravitz, DDS, DICOI    
417 Water Street   
Wakefield, MA 01880    
(781) 245-7714  
WakefieldFamilyDentist.com