Help Your Mouth

The Mouth to Body Connection

2012-02-16T13:03:00.006-08:00

Microscopic view of bacteria on used floss

Photo Credit: Steve Gshmeissner/Sciene Photo Library

Plain and simple....if you don't floss, this is what is happening:

Bacteria forms colonies in the mouth.

The body begins a defensive inflammatory response.

Periodontal disease develops. (Gingivitis is periodontal disease. Do your gums bleed?)

This is chronic condition of infection and inflammation in the mouth.

This causes increased bacterial contamination and inflammation in other areas of the body.

There is now an increased risk of many systemic diseases.
(Examples: atherosclerosis, diabetic complications, respiratory disease, pregnancy complications,...and many more)

Flossing is not just about helping your teeth out. It affects your whole body and life.

How Much Sugar Is in a Coke?

2012-02-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

1 20 oz bottle of Coca-Cola has 65g of sugar.

1 teaspoon = 4.2 g of sugar

Put a little over 15 spoonfuls of sugar in a glass. That's how much sugar is in a Coke.

For those wondering, a 12 oz can of Coke contains 39g sugar (a little over 9 spoonfuls of sugar)

A Spoonful of Sugar Helps.....Nothing

2012-01-31T11:54:00.000-08:00

It is no secret that a high-sugar diet can lead to some devastating results for your teeth. Did you also know that sugar could negatively affect more than just your teeth? Here are just a few examples:

Sugar suppresses your immune system. Do you get sick often?

Sugar contributes to obesity.

Sugar contributes to diabetes. Diabetes prevalence is growing at an alarming rate.

Sugar contributes to cardiovascular disease.

Sugar has been linked to many forms of cancer.

Sugar intake can contribute to psychological disorders.

Sugar can decrease learning capacity.

Sugar disrupts normal bowel function.

Sugar has been linked to neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

This is by no means a complete list. More and more studies are coming to term and revealing alarming effects of sugar. The scary thing is that we are consuming more of it than we realize. Sugar is not just in sodas, cookies, and cakes. My wife and I recently partook in a diet in which no sugar was allowed. I was shocked to learn of all the normal and even “healthy” foods that I was not able to eat because of their sugar content.

The bottom line is that most of us cannot (and don’t want to) avoid sugar all together. We can, however, take a more proactive role in our health. Examine your diet. Educate yourself about what you are eating. Most likely, you will make some “eye-opening” discoveries, just like I did. Does that list above raise any flags in your mind? Are there some easy changes you can make?

30 Seconds for a Better You

2011-12-28T13:03:00.000-08:00

Need a New Year’s Resolution? What if you could add up to six years to your life, improve your cardiovascular health, help fight and control systemic conditions (such as diabetes), improve your looks and social status, and save money…all by doing one thing a day for 30 seconds? Sounds like an infomercial, doesn't it?

Well, you can! And guess what it is: FLOSSING.

Add years to your life: Studies show flossing can add up to six years to your life by ridding your mouth of harmful bacteria and toxins.

Cardiovascular health: Poor oral health is correlated with atherosclerosis, also called "hardening of the arteries," where plaque deposits form on the arterial walls and in essence clog them up. These plaques can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular conditions. You want a healthy heart? Start with a healthy mouth.

Systemic conditions: Studies strongly link flossing to better blood sugar levels control in diabetics. It has also been shown to be a possible link to reducing the risk of pneumonia, alzheimers, arthritis, and breast cancer.

Improve your looks: Nobody likes the “inflamed gums” look. And certainly, no one likes a smile full of cavities.

Improve your social status: You don’t want to be known as the guy or girl that doesn’t floss, do you? But seriously, you probably do want fresh breath. If you’re not flossing, then there is bacteria breeding and hanging out in there, which I can promise you does not smell good.

Save money: You have to spend money to save money, but I guarantee a $3 pack of floss is a lot cheaper than a filling, periodontal treatment, or further treatment for any of the systemic/cardiovascular conditions mentioned earlier.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas...(from your dentist)

2011-12-14T06:05:00.000-08:00

My wife and I recently visited New York where we were able to stand beneath the gorgeous Rockefeller Plaza Christmas Tree. If you are still in need of a few gift ideas for loved ones to place beneath your own tree, here is a list of some of my favorite things:

Oral-B ProfessionalCare Series Electric Toothbrush – Electric toothbrushes are one item that I truly do believe you get what you pay for. If you’re going to get one, it’s worth dishing out a little extra cash for a good one.

AirFloss made by Sonicare – Is it better than flossing? Probably not. Are you more likely to actually use it? Absolutely. And for all the “floss-slackers” out there, something is 100% better than nothing. This is a cool product. I use one personally. It’s quick, easy, and less messy than a waterpik.

ACT Alcohol-Free Anticavity Rinse – Great product for fighting cavities

Trident Xtra Care Sugar-Free Gum containing Recaldent – Chewing gum can actually be good for you?! YES!

Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle – Why? Because all of us need to be drinking more water! It’s good for your teeth. It’s good for your gums. It’s good for your body. Water is just very good for us and we don’t drink enough. Less Cokes….more water.

Firefly Light-Up Children’s Toothbrush – It's a toy, no it's a toothbrush. Well, it's kind of both. They have all different characters…superheroes, Barbies, Hot Wheels, etc and they light up! Your kids might actually enjoy brushing properly. Establish good habits young.

Orabrush Tongue Brush – as Orabrush says, “90% of bad breath comes from a dirty tongue”. While that number is a little debatable, there is a lot of funky bacteria on your tongue. Why wouldn’t you clean that thing off?

How Much Radiation Is in a Dental X-Ray?

2011-11-07T08:17:00.000-08:00

There are a few different factors that affect how much radiation is given off during a dental x-ray. However, with advancements in technology, especially digital systems, x-rays require very low dose radiation. Radiation dosage can be measured in units called millirems (mrem). A typical dental x-raytaken digitally exposes a patient to less than 0.5 mrem.

To put things in perspective, an average resident of the U.S. receives over 360 mrem every year from background sources. This comes from all over the place: outer space, radioactive materials in the earth, small amounts of radioactive material in foods and products that we use, even over people. Variances in lifestyle likewise cause variances in each individual's total exposure. For example: an individual who flies often is exposed to more background radiation than someone who does not.

While steps should be taken to limit x-ray radiation exposure, dental x-rays are very low dose and are crucial for proper diagnosis. Without them, much of the oral cavity cannot be viewed.

Bitewing x-ray showing cavities between the teeth that cannot be seen upon visual inspection of the mouth. Without x-rays, these would not have been detected until they were massive cavities...most likely requiring more intense treatment such as a root canal or extraction.

Why Is Fluoride Good for Your Teeth?

2011-10-25T09:58:00.000-07:00

Remineralizes and strengthens areas of weakened enamel
Inhibits the loss of minerals from teeth
Fights against bacteria colonization
Decreases teeth sensitivity

Are Baby Teeth Important?

2011-10-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, we see it too often. A child gets a cavity and the situation is ignored because “it’s a baby tooth”. Baby teeth are very important. If they were not, we would not have been created to have them

Here are 5 reasons why baby teeth are very important:

They reserve the necessary space for the permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost early, the space can collapse and create space issues for the permanent teeth.
They contribute to facial development and anatomy of the surrounding structures. (This includes the development of the permanent teeth. If an infected baby tooth goes untreated it may permanently harm the developing tooth underneath it.)
They aid in proper speech development.
They aid in nutrition by allowing proper chewing. Missing or decayed teeth may cause a child to resist eating certain foods.
They are the learning blocks for developing proper hygiene. If hygiene is not established as being important with baby teeth, then hygiene will not be important on their permanent teeth either.

Why is it hard to form effective dental hygiene habits?

2011-09-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

Answer: Lack of true feedback

Each of us has developed a dental routine that we run through everyday, but how effective is it? Most of us assume that just because we are brushing and flossing daily we are doing a good job. Are you getting any feedback (besides twice a year at the dentist)?

Your dental visits are crucial to your oral health, but in order to develop better technique and habits you need more frequent feedback and reinforcement.

Disclosing tablets and solutions are probably the most overlooked home dental product. These work by staining the plaque on your teeth a bright and easily visible color. This way you can see where you are collecting plaque and spots you may be missing when you go through your regular routine. You can then use this feedback to improve your technique.

Wouldn't you like to know if you're getting all the plaque off? I sure would.

You can buy these tablets or solutions from your drugstore or through your dentist.

Which Toothbrush?

2011-08-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

A recent study suggested that expensive toothbrushes are no better than conventional toothbrushes. The study is referring to a comparison of MANUAL toothbrushes only, not electric or battery operated ones. Although, I had a couple of “mind-snags” with the study (mostly, that the study was only performed on children of a certain age), I did agree with some of their conclusions:

1.) A conventional, simple toothbrush design is capable of being just as effective as one with more “bells and whistles”.

2.) Dexterity, frequency, and duration of brushing were much more important factors than the style of toothbrush.

I couldn’t agree more with the 2^nd statement. If you are a bad brusher, a new fancy toothbrush alone will not fix that.

So what toothbrush do I recommend? Here’s my checklist:

Get one with soft-bristles. Harder bristles often cause gum recession, tooth wear, and sensitivity.

When in doubt, choose one with a smaller head. This will ensure access to even the tighter spaces in your mouth. Also, a smaller head forces you to focus on smaller areas at a time, which should lead to a more thorough technique.
Most importantly...pick one that you like. Simple or fancy…it doesn’t really matter, but what does matter is that you actually use it! Maybe you have a hard time with your hands and you like the fancy gel-grip toothbrush…great! Maybe you love that your toothbrush lights up and plays music when you use it…perfect!

What about electric toothbrushes? Are they worth it?

As I’ve said before, if you are a bad brusher, a new toothbrush alone will not change that. I encourage people to use electric toothbrushes in two situations:

Dexterity issues – This is commonly seen in children, elderly, and/or those suffering from a condition, such as arthritis, that can cause difficulty using your hands. Anyone who is having trouble with their hands and the motions needed to brush properly could benefit from the additional motion that an electric brush would provide.
Motivational issues – This goes back to my checklist.“Pick one that you like.”If an electric toothbrush will help motivate you to brush better and more often, then “yes!”, definitely get one!

How Fresh Is Your Breath?

2011-05-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

Everyone has bad breath sometimes, and for some, they have bad breath all the time. Whether sometimes or all the time, it is never pleasant. It affects our self-confidence and can affect our personal and business relationships.

How do I know if my breath is bad?

Here are a couple of different techniques:

1. Ask someone

2. Place a spoon as far back on your tongue as you can handle. Let it dry. Then smell.

3. Lick the back of your hand using as much tongue as you can stick out. Let it dry. Then smell.

What causes bad breath?

Mouth

Bacteria and food debris that cover your tongue and teeth produce foul smelling odors
Gum disease creates pockets below the gumline where bacteria collect
Cavities can also create a foul smell
Oral infections

Diet

Certain foods are smellier than others
An unbalanced diet can cause increased prevalence of malodor
Alcohol can dry out the oral cavity creating a breeding ground for odor producing substances

Habits

Smoking
Chewing tobacco

Illness

Sinus drainage
Respiratory tract infections
Some systemic diseases, such as diabetes, has been documented to increase prevalence of bad breath

Esophagus and Stomach

Although a more rare cause of bad breath, these anatomical areas can also harbor foul smelling food and bacteria

How to fix bad breath?

Maintain proper oral hygiene

Daily brushing AND flossing. Between the teeth is a favorite hang out for odor-causing bacteria. If you want fresh breath, you need to floss!
Routine visits to your dentist. Hard tartar builds up on teeth over time and can only be removed by a dentist’s special tools. If gum disease is present a “deep cleaning” may be necessary. Also, any cavities or infections can be addressed

Brush your TONGUE

Studies show that the tongue is the #1 source of bad breath. Invest in a good tongue brush and actually use it! Orabrush is my favorite.

Avoid mouthrinses that contain alcohol

Most mouth rinses do contain alcohol, so look for one that specifically says on the label “alcohol-free”

Stay hydrated

Drink lots of water and often. This has many benefits beyond helping your breath as well.

Chew sugar-free gum

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals stimulates your saliva (your body’s natural mouth rinse) and helps clean food debris.

Adjust your diet

Avoid smelly foods
Avoid excess alcohol
Maintain a balanced diet

Even some dieting strategies, like low-carb diets, can cause bad breath.

Stop smoking and using chewing tobacco
Visit your doctor

Studies show that ~90% of bad breath cases are mouth related. If you are still suffering from bad breath after following these guidelines then visit your doctor to determine if you may have an esophagus, stomach, lung, or systemic issue that may be affecting your breath.

Sports and Oral Injury Protection

2011-03-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

Studies show that approximately 30% of children will experience a dental injury and that many of those are sports related. These injuries include: chipped teeth, broken teeth, teeth knocked out of place, and teeth knocked out completely. Treatment ranges from simple repair bonding to more complicated root canal and crown treatment. Unfortunately we also see situations where there is no option other than complete loss of the tooth. Soft tissue, such as gums, lips, and tongue, can also be abraded or lacerated.

Although contact with people and objects cannot be eliminated from sports, most oral injuries can be prevented by wearing a protective mouth guard. You have several options for yourself or your child when choosing a mouth guard. There are stock preformed mouth guards that can be purchased from a store. They are very inexpensive; however, they also offer the least amount of protection, they are typically bulky and uncomfortable to wear. I would not recommend these. Then there are "boil & bite" mouth guards. These can also be purchased at an athletic store. The user is then able to shaped the guard themselves at home after heating the guard in water. This gives a little bit more of a custom fit, better protection, and more comfort in wearing. Finally, there are true custom made mouth guards. These are made by your dentist from molds of your teeth. They are the least bulky (therefore the most comfortable), stay in place the best, and offer the greatest amount of protection. However, they are typically the most expensive of your options.

Which mouth guard is best? Well, the one that you or your child will actually wear! Many times you see kids with their mouth guards hanging out of their mouths. This is because they are uncomfortable to the child and they take every opportunity to not wear it. Comfort is a big deal to compliance. You want them to have something that they do not mind keeping in or even notice. Comfort in a mouth protector is generally one that is not bulky, does not pinch soft tissue, does not affect breathing, and has little affect on speech. Ideally, you want it to become second nature. A football player wouldn't feel right running on the field without their helmet. This is how we would love for athletes to feel about their mouth guards as well.

For a child, the "cool factor" is also essential to compliance. Common sense, but if they are self conscious about wearing one, then they will be less likely to wear it.

Clear mouth guards can be made that are hardly noticeable and on the other end of the spectrum, you can also have one made with vibrant "intimidating to the opponents" colors or even school colors. Many professional athletes wear custom mouth guards. Point this out to your child and show them pictures. When they see that their favorite athlete wears mouth protection, they will be more motivated to wear their own. Also, many athletes believe that mouth guards can actually enhance athletic performance. Do I believe this is true? I believe it doesn't matter if it's true or not...if someone believes it is helping them, then maybe it will help them! Athletes are notorious for good luck charms and superstitions; it all comes down to mind over matter and if an athlete believes they will compete better, then typically they will. So...if an athlete believes a mouth guard helps them compete...GREAT! At least they are motivated to wear one!

Mouth guards can be an expense up front, but it sure beats the cost of treatment resulting from an oral injury. Research or talk to your dentist about which option may be the best for you or your child's needs.

Side note:
Many people ask if they can use an athletic mouth guard to protect their teeth at night from grinding/clenching. Do not do this! Using an athletic mouth guard for this purpose can many times actually worsen your condition and lead to increased muscle & joint pain. If you are a grinder/clencher your dentist can fabricate a mouth piece that is specific for treating this condition.

The Truth about Kissing

2011-02-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, the obvious question on everyone’s mind is this: “Is kissing good for my teeth?” Ok, so it may not be the biggest question on your mind, but nonetheless, I’m going to give you three reasons as to why, yes, kissing can be good for your teeth!

Stimulates saliva production: Saliva is the mouth’s natural protector of teeth and gums. It rinses away food particles, neutralizes harmful acids, and carries important minerals that remineralize teeth. Countless studies show a dry mouth is more susceptible to developing cavities and obtaining oral diseases.
Builds your immune system: When spit is swapped, you are mostly only being exposed to the same bacteria that are in your own mouth already. However, your immune system will kick on and create antibodies to fight any foreign bacteria. By doing this, your body is building up its immunity to any future threats.
Scrubs your teeth: Kissing also mechanically cleans your teeth by rubbing your cheeks, lips, and tongue over the teeth surfaces. Don’t take this to the extreme though…you still need to brush and floss!

*This is intended for fun factual knowledge only. Kissing may be good for your teeth, but it can also transmit diseases that can affect other parts of your body. Remember to use good judgment. Avoid kissing if you or your love is sick or has an active mouth sore. Consult with your medical doctor if you have any other medical condition that is of some concern with kissing.

Gum Disease & Premature Births

2011-01-25T08:46:00.000-08:00

To get straight to the point: studies have shown a direct correlation between gum disease in pregnant women and premature births of their babies. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, "pregnant women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that's born too early and too small." They believe this is linked to a "labor-inducing chemical found in oral bacteria called prostaglandin." Higher amounts of oral bacteria lead to higher prostaglandin levels in the body, which can throw off a pregnant woman's natural clock for beginning labor. This of course then leads to preterm labor and birth.

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory process, most often caused by bacteria, that affects the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth. Not all periodontal disease is characterized by severe bone loss around the teeth. Gingivitis is actually a milder form of this disease.

This sounds scary and it definitely can be, but realize that this is an easily preventable situation when you maintain good home care and compliment that with professional support.

Here are some tips to store in the ol' memory bank:

If you are thinking of getting pregnant (or pregnant already), maintain your regular check ups with your dentist both before becoming pregnant and also during your pregnancy. Regular cleanings are an important step to maintaining healthy gums, as your hygienist is able to remove bacteria-harboring build up that you are not able to remove at home.
Dental xrays are very low radiation, but are typically avoided during pregnancy. They are usually only taken on a "must have" basis, in which case they can be safely administered under the protection of lead aprons. Ideally, have your routine xrays taken shortly before a planned pregnancy.
Dental treatment (fillings, etc) can be completed during pregnancy. If it is not an emergency, it is recommended to have any necessary treatment completed during the 2nd trimester. Again, ideally have a thorough exam completed before pregnancy, so any necessary treatment can be finished beforehand. Any elective treatment needs to wait until after the baby is born.
Take time for yourself. We see this with a lot of young mothers and mothers to be...their minds are consumed with the baby and they don't think to take time for themselves. Make sure you still think of you each day and give yourself time to maintain a good home regiment for taking care of your mouth.
Brushing AND Flossing becomes even more important! With hormonal changes going on, the gums respond more severely to plaque, which leads to heavier inflammation than in a woman who is not pregnant. Brushing alone is not good enough, you've got to floss as well. Most periodontal disease processes begin between the teeth.

New Year's Resolutions

2010-12-30T09:52:00.000-08:00

2011 begins in just a couple days! Challenge yourself to add a dental resolution to your new year's goals. Not only will it be good for your teeth, it's good for your overall health.

Here are some examples:

1. A better brushing technique. Read "The Best Brushing Tip Ever" below

2. Flossing...start if you're not doing it or if you are a sporadic flosser, try to increase your consistency

3. Replace sugary drinks with water. Limit those sugary drinks to mealtime and carry a water bottle with you throughout the day.

Remember, it only takes 21 days of consistency to form a new habit. Challenge yourself! Small changes can make a BIG impact!

Cranberries...the Thanksgiving Bacteria Blocker

2010-11-18T06:09:00.000-08:00

Food, food, and more food! I don't know anyone who doesn't look forward to the epic Thanksgiving feast! The turkey, of course, has always been the celebrity of the event, gobbling up (pun intended) all the media attention. However, I want to take a moment and point your eyes towards the true unseen hero of the Thanksgiving meal...cranberry sauce.

Cranberries have long held the reputation for being great for your bladder, but more recently studies have confirmed that cranberries are also great for your teeth. The juice keeps cavity-causing bacteria from being able to stick to your teeth. If the bacteria cannot stick to your teeth, then they cannot produce a cavity.

So...this year help yourself to some extra helpings of that delicious cranberry dressing. If anyone complains that you're hogging it all, just tell them your dentist made you do it.

Some side notes:

Most store bought cranberry juice mixes have a lot of sugar added which can offset the cavity fighting properties of the cranberry, so don’t over indulge in sugary bottles of cranberry juice. Natural cranberries, without sugar added, are obviously the best choice.
Natural cranberries are also high in antioxidants, which fight diseases and cancer
Cranberries are native to North America and were used by Native Americans for food, medicine, dyes, and decoration.

The Best Brushing Tip Ever

2010-11-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

When it comes to brushing, we could spend a lot of time talking about technique, how long to brush, which toothbrush to use, which toothpaste to use, etc...etc. Those things are important; however, the best advice I could ever give someone about brushing is this: Be conscious of what you're doing.

If you're like me, you are probably a multi-tasker and do other things while you brush your teeth...watch the sport highlights on tv, check my calender, clean my ears (this one takes talent). Well, in doing this, I am not really conscious of what I'm doing. I know I'm scrubbing, and then I notice the toothpaste is starting to get pretty foamy, so I assume I'm good and done. The reality is I have no idea if I've adequately brushed each tooth surface and more than likely I've missed some spots. We tend to develop routines with our hygiene habits. This includes brushing our teeth. Many people develop a routine and, unknowingly to them, they are brushing certain teeth too much and others not enough. This goes on day after day, month after month, year after year. This really adds up! Because of this routine you could be missing some spots, not just once, but for a LONG period of time! If you are not removing the plaque, then guess what, it's still on there. YOU have to get it off. It doesn't just go away.

And so, this is why the best advice I could ever give concerning brushing is: Be conscious of what you're doing. Are you cleaning every surface of your teeth? Ask yourself if you feel like you've scrubbed each part of the tooth well enough. Make sure you are cleaning the chewing surface and each side of every tooth. Do this for a couple weeks and you will surely develop a new and better routine...one that doesn't take any more time than before. It's just more effective and efficient.

Additional Thoughts:

1. When 1st trying to develop your new routine, try to focus on one tooth at a time. Don't just vaguely brush your right side then your left. You've got to be more specific and aware of what you are doing.

2. Work your way around your mouth in a set pattern. For example: work clockwise around your mouth. Top right, top front, top left, bottom left, bottom front, bottom right, done. Most of us have no rhythm or pattern. We are all over the place. Right side, left side, right side, front teeth, right side, etc. This is how we get into trouble. Jumping around like that, we have no idea what's truly been cleaned well. Be conscious of what you're doing and develop a pattern. Don't aimlessly brush. Develop a pattern that has purpose.

3. A majority of gum recession is caused by brushing without being conscious of what you're doing...a "hurried" technique that is so fast and furious it scrubs the gum tissue away. What's the number one cause of tooth sensitivity that I see in my office? Answer: root exposure caused by gum recession. Better brushing = less sensitivity.

4. Test yourself. Use a disclosing tablet provided by your dentist (I'd be happy to give you one, just ask) or a disclosing solution sold in drug stores. Both of these products are dissolved in the mouth prior to brushing and stain plaque (usually either red or blue). You then brush your teeth using your typical brushing routine. Afterwards, look in the mirror. All the spots you missed will still be stained that color. Modify your routine and test yourself again to see your improvements. (It will also show you how important flossing is.)

5. The topic of electric toothbrushes is a separate discussion, but I did want to throw in one point here. There are electric toothbrushes out there that can help you be more aware of what you're doing. This is mostly achieved with timers that notify you when you've spent enough time on one part of the mouth and it's time to move on to the next. You still have to be conscious of what you're doing though in order to develop an effective routine. Don't assume an electric brush will make up for all your brushing mistakes. If you're a bad brusher with a regular brush, you'll still be a bad brusher. You'll just have a cooler toothbrush, that's all.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION:

If you are hoping to improve on your technique for this coming New Year as part of your New Year's Resolution, set an obtainable and specific objective. Instead of setting a vague goal of "I'm going to brush better this year", set something specific for the short term. Remember it only takes 21 days straight of doing something to form a new habit! Commit yourself to a better brushing technique for the next 21 days. Soon your new & better brushing technique will feel like the natural one to you. CHALLENGE YOURSELF! YOU CAN DO IT! It's such a small thing that in the big picture can really improve your dental health, overall health, and save you some money for dental treatment.

Trick or Treat?!

2010-10-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

"A 2-pound bag of soft candy consumed in 1 minute does less damage to teeth than a single hard candy left in the mouth for 2 minutes."

I recently read this 'Factoid' quote published in a dental journal I receive. One might read this and question if this could really be true. "Is it really possible that ONE piece of candy can do more harm than an entire big bag?!" Well...the answer, surprisingly, is YES. The point that this fact is trying to get across is not "certain types of candy are worse for you than others" (although this is certainly true), but rather, cavity development is directly correlated with the amount of time that sugar touches your teeth. The longer sugar sits on your teeth, the more time bacteria has to break it down and produce harmful acids which damage your teeth.

This is crucial dental health knowledge. It is not only true for candy, but for all sugary foods and drinks. The same statement could be said about Coke. "A 2-liter bottle of Coke consumed in 1 minute does less damage to teeth than a 20oz bottle consumed in 2 minutes." Again, more contact time = more damage.

Some advice:

If you're going to eat or drink something sugary, then just do it and be done with it. Don't nibble on a candy bar or sip on a soft drink for a long period of time.

Try to consume sugary things at meal times, not snack times.

If you consume something sugary, at the very least, swish with some water to help get some of the sugar off your teeth. I stress this all the time with our patients.

Minimize sugar or try switching to sugar-free options (read our article on xylitol to see how sugar-free candy can actually be good for your teeth). Remember, without sugar the bacteria is unable to cause cavities.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Does your mouthwash help or hurt your breath?

2010-09-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

There are tons of mouth rinse products on the market…all claiming to give you kissable fresh breath. While most will temporarily mask bad breath with menthol additives, they may actually be doing more harm than good. Most mouthwash products contain alcohol, which actually dries out your mouth. A dry mouth is a much more favorable environment for odor-causing bacteria to flourish in. And so, while these mouth rinses may give you a quick cover-up, they are really just giving bad breath the breeding grounds to come back stronger than ever.

But don’t get me wrong; I am a BIG advocate for mouth rinses, especially those containing fluoride (which help strengthen teeth and can halt cavity formation). Just make sure you are choosing a rinse that states it is “alcohol-free” if you are trying to tackle bad breath.

More Energy & Healthy Mouth? I'll Drink to That.

2010-05-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

Sodas, energy drinks, and coffee are being consumed in record-breaking numbers. Our society absolutely craves energy boosts to get us through our “lives on the go”. Let’s face it…most of us are addicted to caffeine and will consume it in one way or another at some point every day!

So here’s the question: Is there a way to obtain your caffeine fix that’s actually good for you?

Actually….Yes. Ever thought about a good cup ah’ tea?

Tea typically contains more caffeine than a coke, but less than a brew of coffee. It is also sugar-free, unless you choose to add some. Tea has long been known to have many systemic health benefits including: decreasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and boosting your immune system. More recently though, tea has been linked to GREATER ORAL HEALTH.

White tea is the least processed form of tea. Basically, the leaves are picked, dried, and that’s it. Because of this, it is the most antioxidant-rich tea there is, even more antioxidants than green tea. Recent research has found that consuming white tea can help prevent cavities and periodontal disease by suppressing the growth of cavity causing microbes and interfering with the bacteria’s ability to stick to teeth. People who drank a cup of tea or two between meals were found to have lower bacterial counts and less plaque than those who did not. A caffeine fix that promotes oral health….a dentist’s dream! The other great news is that white tea is not going to cause erosion of the teeth and unlike coffee and darker teas, white tea will cause minimal to no staining of those pearly whites.

There are many options for obtaining that small boost throughout your day. Consider replacing some of your other options with a nice cup of white tea. Not only will it give you a dose of caffeine, it will promote overall systemic and oral health.

Candy that FIGHTS cavities?!

2010-03-02T13:29:00.000-08:00

I am a dentist, I hate plaque and gingivitis, I stress proper brushing, I beg people to floss every day, and yes, I prescribe CANDY almost daily in my practice. Candy?! Is this some kind of dental blasphemy? No, believe it or not, the right kind of candy can actually promote stronger teeth and better oral health!

Streptococcus mutans is the oral bacteria responsible for causing cavities. It breaks down sugars to form plaque and acids which eat away your tooth. This bacteria has a very specific sugar diet...sucrose. Without sucrose, this bacteria has no food and no ability to cause cavities. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that is FDA approved for use as a food additive. It has quickly become the sweetener of choice for many sugar-free gums and candies. What is the first thing you notice about xylitol? It's NOT sucrose! Cavity-causing bacteria cannot digest this stuff! Research has shown that xylitol actually inhibits the growth of streptococcus mutans. Great news for your teeth, terrible news for bacteria!

Besides decreasing the bacterial colonies in your mouth, sugar-free candy and gum, like all food, will get your salivary glands going. Your saliva plays a crucial role in your oral health. Most people realize that it moisturizes food and acts as a lubricant for all the grinding and chewing that goes on in your mouth; however, there are more benefits than just that. Saliva acts as a buffer to neutralize any harmful acids that may be present in your mouth. Also, saliva contains many minerals that help strengthen teeth and restore "soft spots" to healthy tooth structure.

Let's put this all together now. Chewing sugar-free gum or eating sugar-free candy will essentially inhibit cavity-causing bacteria, neutralize harmful acids, and strengthen teeth. That's quite the resume! So, analyze your diet. If you have a high intake of sugary foods consider replacing them with some sugar-free options or using sugar-free candy or gum after consuming sugary foods to neutralize the harmful environment. Cavities can be prevented.

I am a dentist and I prescribe candy to patients.

The Age of Implants

2010-02-15T09:29:00.001-08:00

As big advancements are continually made in health care, dentistry is no exception. Implants have revolutionized the way we practice dentistry by giving us the option to truly replace a lost tooth with a new one. An implant is essentially a titanium post that integrates with the bone, mimicking a natural tooth root. After healing occurs, an artificial tooth is then attached to this “root”. This is the beauty of implants: they are the most natural replacement of a lost tooth that you can have, period. Being made of titanium and special ceramics an implant will never decay, thus giving you not only a new tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth, but one that should be with you for life. It is easy to see why implants are an exciting restorative option.
From an oral health standpoint, there are a few considerations that must be taken into account to determine if implant treatment would be suitable for you. You need to have an adequate quantity of bone at the possible implant site. Your gums will also need to be in good health. The remaining teeth should be evaluated to see if another restorative option would suit you better. Finally, although implants have a high success rate and there are very few contraindications, your overall systemic health should be evaluated.
When facing the decision of how to replace a tooth, implants have many wonderful benefits and are a great option to keep in mind. Sometimes they are the best option, while other times a different route may be better. Our hope is to provide education and guidance on your decision. Ultimately, you need to determine two things: what’s important to you and what’s best for you. We are always more than happy to take time with you and talk about your options, desires, and concerns.

Tooth-o-nomics

2009-12-08T11:48:00.000-08:00

The current state of the economy has made us all rethink our finances. Paying for dental health must also fit into our tighter budget. The best way to save money on your mouth is to focus on the preventative side of oral medicine. Proper home care teamed with professional cleanings and exams will equal a health smile. As dentists, we know that we play a crucial role in your oral health care. It's our job and we are very thankful to play that role, but remember, you need to be helping yourself at home as well. Your mouth is one of the most vulnerable parts of your body. It undergoes constant attack from bacteria, acids, food, and grinding forces. It is a battle that can be won, but you must be proactive. Remember the basics: brush twice a day for 2 minutes and flossing, flossing, flossing (your tongue and cheeks help clean all other parts of your teeth, but nothing cleans in between them).

Here are some other helpful hints to maintaining a healthy mouth:

- Drink water. Drink lots. Drink often.
- Limit sweets, colas, and juice to mealtimes
- Chew sugar-free gum containing Xylotol
- Use a fluoride rinse at home before bedtime. Mouth rinses (alcohol-free) can be good for bad breath, but it is a fluoride rinse that will really help keep your teeth strong. You can find these right along side the mouth rinses at most stores. Just make sure it says "Fluoride" on it. ACT Cavity Rinse is a personal favorite of mine.