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We want you to be happy with your smile, and we’ve worked with you to make sure your teeth are their healthiest and brightest. But there is more to your smile than teeth alone! If you are concerned about smile lines, lip lines, thinner lips, or other signs of aging, talk to us. Dermal fillers might be just the solution you are looking for to provide the ideal frame for your beautiful smile.

• What can dermal fillers do for you?

As we age, we start losing the substances in our skin that keep it firm and wrinkle-free. Collagen is the protein that gives our skin structure and the ability to both stretch and snap back. Hyaluronic acid, while we don’t hear as much about it, is actually one of the most important keys to youthful skin. This compound not only attracts water, but binds it to our cells, leaving the skin plump and smooth. But over time, collagen starts to break down and lose its elasticity, and our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid.

These biological changes have noticeable effects on our faces. Permanent lines are visible between the corners of our noses and lips, small wrinkles develop above the mouth, and our lips may appear both wrinkled and thinner. A face-lift can tighten the skin and facial muscles, and neurotoxins such as Botox can prevent facial muscles from wrinkling. But these procedures can’t replace lost volume. A filler, on the other hand, actually provides the fullness the face and lips may have lost for a more youthful and natural appearance.

• How do dermal fillers work?

There are a variety of fillers available, both natural and synthetic. Dermal fillers are minimally invasive and injected under the skin’s surface. They plump lines and wrinkles, restore volume to the lips, and can reduce acne scarring or other scars by filling depressed spots in the skin. Most fillers are temporary, and designed to be safely absorbed by your body over time.

What are some common concerns about dermal fillers?

• Are they safe?

We only use approved dermal fillers, and are trained in the safe use and application of this treatment. We will describe the procedure in detail, so you will know what to expect and how to care for yourself afterward, and explain any possible side effects (although these are rare). If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have any allergies or other health conditions, or have dental work scheduled in the near future, let Dr. Meuselbach know.

• Are they effective?

We can discuss any concerns you have about specific facial conditions and what you would like to accomplish. We tell you if you are a good candidate for dermal fillers, and how they can provide you with a more youthful—and natural—appearance. Because dermal fillers are generally absorbable and temporary, the results usually last from six months to a year.

If you want your smile to look more youthful, if you’d like fuller lips, if you’d like to reduce wrinkling around the face and mouth—give our West Chester office a call! Because working together, we can make the most of your beautiful smile.

By no stretch is it rare for your gums to hurt during and after flossing. Even some bleeding is to be expected. This is especially true if you have not flossed in a long time. However, if your gums do indeed hurt when you floss, and unbearably so, there are some things you can do.

Be Gentle

Perhaps the most obvious way to combat gum soreness and bleeding is to be gentle. One of the most common occurrences of these gum problems is over-aggressive flossing. In other words, if you are too rough on your gums while flossing, either because you are out of practice or because you are in a hurry, soreness and hurting is to be expected. Instead, try taking your time and be gentle. Also, if you are just starting out, be patient and consistent, your gums will become more conditioned over time.

Use an Alternative Method

If being consistent and gentle does not work, there are other alternative methods of flossing that you can try. You can also try a water floss machine, or what is sometimes called a water pick. The device essentially shoots water into the crevasses between your teeth, and in other areas of your mouth, in order to dislodge food and plaque. These oral instruments also come with different attachments that allow you to reach many of the hard to see and reach areas of your mouth. And lastly, you can always buy floss that is not as abrasive to your gums. There is floss that comes with soft and gentle coatings that will do less harm to your gums while they are adjusting to the good oral hygiene habit you are creating.

Flossing is one of the easiest parts of oral hygiene to overlook. When you first start out, it is common that you may want to stop because of the pain it can initially cause. However, if you try one, or all, of the above mentioned methods, you will give yourself the best chance of being success with your flossing, and it won't hurt as much.

For more flossing tips, schedule an appointment at our West Chester office and askDr. Meuselbach or a member of our team!

You never know when a dental problem may arise. Unfortunately, they don’t necessarily occur during office hours. Dr. Meuselbach can provide you with the proper information and treatment options to prevent the problem from becoming worse.

Abscess

An abscess is a bacterial infection, and will normally cause pain and swelling around the affected tooth and gum area. Though antibiotics are not always necessary, you should be seen by Dr. Meuselbach as soon as possible. If left untreated, the infection may grow and cause more serious issues.

Toothache

Toothaches can have many causes. Sometimes it’s as simple as food lodged between your tooth and gums. Rinse your mouth with warm water and try flossing the area to dislodge the particle. If your gums begin to bleed, stop flossing.

Fractures or cavities can also cause toothaches as well as sensitivity to heat or cold. Please schedule an appointment to ensure a minor problem doesn’t develop into a serious one. You may require acetaminophen or another pain reliever before your visit.

If you can’t be treated right away, keep these tips in mind:

• If you have fractured a tooth, rinse the area with warm water to keep the surfaces clean. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your facial area to reduce swelling.
• A tooth that has been knocked out should be kept moist, in a clean container, until you can receive treatment.
• Do not apply aspirin directly to a damaged tooth or gum area, because this can cause tissue irritation.
• If you suspect your jaw has been broken, go to an emergency room immediately.
• If you have bitten or damaged your lips or tongue, rinse your mouth well with warm water. If bleeding continues, seek other medical attention right away.

If you experience an emergency, please contact our West Chester office and provide us with as much information as possible. This way, we can offer recommendations that will assist you until you’re able to arrive for an appointment.

Remember: procrastinating about getting treatment can turn a minor problem into a major one!

Are energy drinks bad for your teeth? Many of our patients at Robert Scott Meuselbach DDS ask us this question, so here’s the scoop.

Energy drinks have been on the rise, taking up more and more space on grocery store shelves. Drinks such as Red Bull, 5-Hour Energy, Monster Assault, Rockstar, and the like promise to jump-start your day, give you more energy, and help you feel more alert. But they also do a lot more than that. Turns out, they do a pretty good job of stripping your teeth of enamel, which is a very bad thing.

Many of these energy drinks are loaded with a lot of citric acid. In addition, they are laden with preservatives (not to mention sugar), not only to enhance flavor, but extend shelf life. While enamel loss, tooth decay, teeth sensitivity, and cavities cannot be blamed entirely on energy drinks (improper oral hygiene at home and lack of professional dental care also play a role), they can wreak havoc on the health of your teeth and gums, especially when consumed in more than moderation. Over time, energy drinks can strip enamel, which is the outer layer that protects your teeth.

What can you do?

Although Dr. Meuselbach and our team aren't recommending you drink energy drinks at all, if you must drink one occasionally, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage to your teeth.

• Drink through a straw.
• Don’t hold the drink in your mouth before swallowing.
• Rinse your mouth with water immediately after drinking this kind of beverage. Water helps both to neutralize the acid and to increase the production of saliva.
• Chew sugar-free gum immediately after, to increase saliva production.
• Don’t brush your teeth right after drinking an energy drink. Wait at least an hour instead, because the combination of the acid and brushing will further damage tooth enamel.

The best advice is to refrain from drinking energy drinks altogether. One of the best hydrators is water. Water is a natural energy-booster and hydrator, and it doesn’t contain calories.

Give us a call today at our West Chester  office if you have any questions or concerns about energy drinks and dental health. We can provide additional tips and a treatment plan to help reduce enamel loss, eliminate tooth sensitivity, and repair cavities and tooth decay as a result of drinking energy drinks.