Many people do not see a dentist on a regular basis. They go only when they have a problem. We call this “crisis treatment” as opposed to “preventive treatment.” While these patients may feel they are saving money, it usually ends up costing much more in both dollars and time. The reason for this is that most dental problems do not have any symptoms until they reach the advanced stages of the disease process. A simple example is tooth decay. We often hear, “Nothing hurts…I don’t have any problems.”

But tooth decay does not hurt! Until, that is, it gets close to the nerve of the tooth. By that time, root canal treatment followed by a post, buildup, and crown are often necessary, instead of the filling which could have been placed several years earlier when the cavity was just beginning to form. Your dentist can usually detect a cavity 3-4 years before it develops any symptoms. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a huge cavity and who has never felt a thing! This is why regular checkups are important – so why not schedule yours today?

You can certainly minimize the number of cavities you get. Always spend two to three minutes brushing your teeth. It takes that long to get rid of the bacteria which destroy tooth enamel. Do not brush too hard. It takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and plaque. Floss at least once a day. It is the only way to get bacteria from between your teeth.

Watch the sugar you eat. There is sugar in candy, fruits, crackers and chips. These are the foods that the bacteria in your mouth like best. Be mindful of foods like raisins and peanut butter that stick to your teeth. They can provide a constant supply for the bacteria eating into your teeth. Try to minimize the times during the day when sweet items are eaten and clean your teeth afterwards.

If you cannot brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water—which can help to remove food from your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can also help. Chewing stimulates the flow of saliva which acts as a natural plaque-fighting substance.

Do not forget your regular dental visits. Good dental habits will go a long way toward a no-cavity visit.

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and in water. Some natural sources of fluoride are brewed tea, canned fish, cooked kale and spinach, apples, and skim milk. Some city water contains fluoride, so by drinking tap water you will acquire fluoride. If your drinking water does not have fluoride, supplements are available.

The lack of exposure to fluoride places individuals of any age at risk for dental decay. Fluoride is important to dental health because it helps prevent tooth decay by making the enamel outer portion of the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria in the mouth.

Studies have shown that children who consumed fluoridated water from birth had less dental decay. Fluoride can reverse early decay.

Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about whether you’re getting the daily amount of fluoride you need.

Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting bone structure, which if left untreated, can cause permanent jaw bone destruction and possible tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, low birth weight babies and pre-term delivery, respiratory disease, and prostate cancer. An advanced stage of periodontal disease exhibits inflamed gums pulling away from your bone and teeth. Other signs of periodontal disease include:

• Bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Loose teeth or teeth that have moved
• Sensitive teeth
• Pus coming from around the teeth
• Pain on chewing
• Tender gums
• Bleeding gums

Treatment of early periodontal disease can be performed in-office. However, advanced stages may require surgery. Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated successfully by seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly and following recommended care plans.

If you choose to whiten your teeth, the length of time you can expect it to last will vary based on your daily habits. If you smoke, drink red wine or coffee, or consume other acid-containing foods regularly, your bright smile may begin to yellow more quickly than you expect. In general, good results from a teeth whitening procedure can last from many months to a few years depending on the condition of your teeth and the whitening system used. Even though the results can fade, occasional touch-ups can be done to regain luster.

Ask our experienced staff at about the long-term benefits of teeth whitening.

Commercial whitening toothpastes vary greatly in their ability to whiten teeth. They work by removing surface stains from the teeth with the use of mild abrasives. However, unlike professional whitening, some whitening toothpastes do not alter the intrinsic color of the teeth. Toothpastes that are effective in removing stains can also destroy tooth enamel in the process. These toothpastes use harsh abrasives. With repeated use, harsh abrasives begin to damage tooth enamel and can contribute to increased tooth sensitivity. If you would like to try a whitening toothpaste, consult with your dentist first.

Smokeless tobacco may be smokeless, but it isn’t harmless. These are some of the potential hazards:

• Tooth abrasion from grit and sand in tobacco can scratch teeth and wear away the enamel.
• The constant irritation caused by chewing tobacco can result in gum recession and other permanent damage to periodontal tissue.
• Increased tooth decay can result from sugar that is added to smokeless tobacco.
• Tooth discoloration and bad breath are common with long term use.
• Nicotine blood levels are similar to those found in cigarettes.
• A diminished sense of taste and smell caused by tobacco use can lead to unhealthy eating habits.
• Cancer can be caused by all forms of smokeless tobacco.

Watch out for some of these danger signs:

• A sore that does not heal
• A lump or white patch
• A prolonged sore throat
• Difficulty in chewing
• Restricted movement of the tongue or jaw
• A feeling of something in the throat

Pain is rarely an early symptom. All tobacco users need to see their dentist regularly.

A mouthguard can prevent injuries to your face and teeth. Most people benefit from wearing a mouthguard when playing any sport. You should wear one whether you are playing professionally or just on weekends. Do what you can to preserve your smile and your health. The best mouthguards are custom-fitted by your dentist. This is especially important if you wear braces or fixed bridgework.

Commercial, ready-made mouthguards can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. They are relatively inexpensive but they are also less effective. In either case, rinse your mouthguard with water or mouthwash after each use. With proper care, it should last for several months.

About half of women who are pregnant experience a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. This condition can be uncomfortable and cause swelling, bleeding, redness or tenderness in the gum tissue. This is a result of increased hormonal activity during pregnancy and often resolves shortly after the baby is born.

A more advanced oral health condition called periodontal disease (see above) may affect the health of your baby. Studies have shown a relationship between periodontal disease and preterm, low birth-weight babies. Studies have shown a relationship between periodontal disease and preterm, low birth-weight babies. The likely culprit is a labor-inducing chemical found in oral bacteria called prostaglandin. Very high levels of prostaglandin are found in women with severe cases of periodontal disease. Consult with your dentist and hygienist about these conditions and we will give you the tools you need for healthy teeth, bone levels, and gums during your pregnancy.

While those patients who wear dentures no longer have to worry about dental decay or gum disease, they may have concerns with ill fitting appliances or mouth sores. Annual visits to the dentist (or sooner if soreness is present) are recommended. During these visits an oral cancer screening and head and neck exam will be performed. Also, we will evaluate the fit of the existing appliances. Regular visits can help you to avoid more complicated problems down the road even with a denture.