Author: kkothuri

EVERY TUBE OF TOOTHPASTE with the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance has the same two things in common: it is sugar-free and it contains fluoride. Fluoride is a key building block in our tooth enamel. The sugary or acidic things we eat and drink pull minerals out of our enamel, and we can build it back up by brushing with fluoride toothpaste. This is also why trace amounts of fluoride are added to our drinking water.

Naturally-Occurring Fluoridation

Water fluoridation started in Colorado Springs, where the water naturally contains a lot of it. At these high levels of fluoride, local dentists started noticing that many people had brown stains on their teeth despite having no tooth decay. They called it “Colorado brown stain,” and today we call it fluorosis.

The Right Level of Fluoride

Dentists wondered if there was an amount of fluoride that would offer the same benefits of preventing decay without causing stains. They first tested it in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and found that childhood tooth decay dropped by a shocking 60% with only a few mild cases of fluorosis and no other adverse effects. It was such a success that water fluoridation took off across the country, and it is still regarded as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.

Bring Us Your Fluoride Questions!

If you have questions about how fluoride helps keep teeth strong, we’d be happy to answer them! Much more important than fluoridated water is brushing with toothpaste that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Make sure you’re using the right tools to protect your teeth!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE not the only people at risk of gum recession, even though that idea is where the expression “long in the tooth” originated. Some people are unlucky enough to be genetically prone to gum recession, but there are several avoidable factors that contribute to gum recession (in kids as well as adults!).

#1: Overbrushing

Anyone brushing hard enough to leave their toothbrush bristles bent outward is probably overdoing it. When we’re brushing our teeth, we’re cleaning living tissue, not floor tiles! We need to be gentle. Use soft-bristled brushes and don’t use excessive pressure. Likewise, don’t snap the floss directly onto the gums! Gently work it down the side of one tooth instead.

#2: Gum disease

As it progresses, gum disease can wreak havoc on the supporting structures around the teeth, making it a major cause of gum recession. The best defenses are limiting sugar intake and keeping up with oral hygiene habits, along with regular dental appointments.

#3: Bruxism

A grinding habit puts a lot of pressure on the teeth and gums and can cause damage over time. Lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy, and meditation can help break the habit.

The Dentist Is Your Best Ally

If it’s been a while since your last dental appointment, a great way to get to the bottom of any gum recession you’ve been experiencing would be by scheduling a dental exam. We can take a look at your gums and recommend strategies for improving their health and stopping gum recession in its tracks.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

OF COURSE WE SMILE when we feel happy, but there’s evidence to show that the link between smiling and happiness might go both ways — the simple act of smiling can make us feel a little better! Even a fake smile releases endorphins (the feel-good hormone), so it might be worth smiling in the face of a rough day; it might just improve.

Endorphins: The Body’s Stress-Reliever

That simple endorphin boost from smiling gives us a lot of other benefits far beyond a mood boost. Endorphins reduce pain and relieve stress because they function a lot like painkillers. Unlike painkillers, however, they don’t cause side effects!

The Effects Aren’t Just Short-Term!

Over time, endorphins can have cumulative positive effects on our health. The simple habit of smiling more can lead to long-term health benefits such as increased resilience against illnesses and a decreased risk of getting cancer. The better we are at managing our stress, the fewer stress-induced mutations our cells will go through, making cancer less likely.

Studies show that people perceive smiling faces to be younger and more attractive, but a lifetime of regular smiling and the benefits it brings can actually contribute to living longer. And it’s easier to smile confidently with healthy teeth and gums!

The Dentist Is Your Ally for a Healthy Smile

The dentist is your biggest ally when it comes to having a smile you’re happy to show off. Make regular cleanings and exams a priority so that you can get that deep clean feeling and stay ahead of any problems that may come up.

We always have a smile for our patients!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

ANYONE WHO SWIMS or scuba dives frequently could encounter some unique dental issues if they aren’t careful. Let’s take a closer look at the big ones.

Chlorine’s Effect on Teeth

The longer teeth are exposed to acidic chlorine ions in pool water, the more likely they are to develop brown or yellow stains. These are called swimmer’s calculus. As good as chlorine is at keeping a public pool sanitary for all swimmers, it can become acidic enough to affect tooth enamel. Swimmers can minimize this effect by swimming with their mouths closed as much as possible and drinking plenty of water to rinse traces of pool water off of their teeth.

Scuba Divers With Dental Work

Scuba divers have a different set of concerns, particularly “tooth squeeze” or barodontalgia. That feeling of pressure building up in the ears when diving to the bottom of the pool is very similar to what happens inside each tooth, especially teeth with untreated cavities or ineffective dental treatment. The pressure can build to such a degree that it can even fracture teeth, which is why we strongly encourage divers to visit the dentist before starting a new diving season.

Divers often also deal with ill-fitting scuba mouthpieces, which can lead to jaw strain and even TMD symptoms. We recommend getting a custom-fitted mouthpiece to protect the teeth and jaws.

Still Wondering About Dental Health and Water Activities?

If you have any lingering questions about maintaining your dental health while enjoying water activities, don’t hesitate to reach out! Remember, besides the fun and splash, wet surfaces around pools pose a slip hazard that could lead to dental injuries. Stay cautious and protect your smile while you dive into summer fun!

Wishing all our patients a wonderful and safe summer!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

DENTAL ANXIETY KEEPS millions of people from seeking dental treatment every year, and it affects kids too. Parents can help their kids develop a positive mindset about the dentist by following a few simple tips:

1. Start Early

As soon as a child has their first tooth, they can benefit from seeing the dentist.

2. Play Pretend

For young children, some imaginative play can help this new experience seem less intimidating. Take turns with them playing the role of the dentist and the patient.

3. Explain to Older Kids

Kids will be more comfortable when they understand the situation, so if they’re old enough, simply explain what dental visits are like and why they’re important for their teeth.

4. Prioritize Dental Hygiene

If kids already understand how brushing and flossing keep their smiles healthy, they are more likely to appreciate what the dentist can do for them.

5. Come Meet the Dentist Ahead of Time

Instead of diving straight into the dental exam and cleaning, schedule a meet-and-greet so that the dentist won’t feel like such a stranger!

6. Be There for Them

The easiest way to make the first few dental appointments less scary is by coming along and being present in the exam room to offer support and encouragement.

We Look Forward to Meeting You and Your Child

Making that first visit a good one for your child is critical. It gets out ahead of potential dental anxiety, builds a foundation for a lifetime of trust in the dentist, and makes prioritizing their dental health much easier. Please bring us any questions you have about your child’s dental care.

We’re excited to help you make the first checkup fun for your child!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

GUM DISEASE, TOOTH DECAY, and other oral health problems don’t set in overnight. That’s why it’s so important to have regular checkups and to be diligent with daily oral hygiene habits. If it’s been a while since the last trip to the dentist, here are the top 5 signs it’s time to schedule a quick visit:

1. Persistent Tooth Pain or Mouth Sores

Pain is the body’s alarm system, so don’t ignore it! Tooth pain rarely goes away on its own and can become much worse without treatment. A mouth sore that isn’t healing on its own could also be a sign of infection or disease.

2. Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums could be the result of an overly aggressive flossing or brushing technique (this is why soft bristles are best), but it’s rarely a sign of good gum health. Most likely, it’s a symptom of gum disease and should be checked by a dentist.

3. A Problem With Old Dental Work

If an old filling or crown becomes too worn out, damaged, or falls off, get to the dentist quickly so that it can be repaired before infection has a chance to set in.

4. A Medical Condition

A serious medical condition like diabetes or an eating disorder can impact oral health. So could a new prescription.

5. Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath isn’t just a source of embarrassment, it’s often a sign of a more serious problem like gum disease or tooth decay. Bring that problem to the dentist for help!

And a Bonus Reason…

One more sign you’re due for a dentist visit is that it’s been longer than six months since your last one! There’s no need to wait until you’re experiencing symptoms to visit the dentist. Maintenance on a car is easier to do than repairs, and the same is true of our teeth.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

TEETHING CAN BE upsetting for babies and their parents alike! We’re here to help with a few simple teething tips:

1. Learn to spot signs of teething.

Typically around the six-month mark, the first teeth will begin to emerge. A teething baby may show behavioral changes that are actually teething symptoms, such as decreased interest in breastfeeding, excessive drooling, refusal of foods they normally like, difficulty sleeping, or general irritability. They might also become more interested in chewing or sucking on things.

2. Recognize what ISN’T a sign of teething.

Sometimes parents misidentify other symptoms as having to do with teething, when it could be an unrelated illness. A runny nose, fever, or diarrhea could be signs of a viral infection. Consult a pediatrician if they get worse.

3. Try different soothing techniques.

Continue breastfeeding if possible, and provide something safe to chew on like a teething toy, but be cautious when choosing teething toys. Make sure they do not contain PVC, BPA, or phthalates — all compounds that potentially cause harm if ingested by a child. Some toys can be chilled to provide extra relief, and some can be fastened to the child’s clothing.

Bring Us Your Teething Questions

If you’re stressing over your child’s teething symptoms, don’t hesitate to get in touch! This is a strange new experience for both you and your child, and we’re here to help. Also keep in mind that as soon as the first tooth appears, it’s a great time for baby’s first dental visit.

Your child deserves the best, including the best of dental health treatment!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

THERE’S A GOOD REASON dental health professionals warn their patients not to chew ice. This habit can cause serious and permanent damage to teeth and gums, so what makes it so addicting in spite of the dangers?

A Mental Condition

Compulsive ice eating is called pagophagia. Sometimes it’s a symptom of pica, a psychological disorder in which a person feels compelled to eat large quantities of non-food items, such as dirt, clay, hair, or ice. A nutrition gap could be responsible.

Compensating for Iron Deficiency?

Recent studies suggest a link between anemia and compulsive ice eating. The theory is that chewing ice makes up for the lack of iron (which we need to carry oxygen to the brain) by stimulating blood flow to the head. It’s an interesting workaround but doesn’t address the root cause. Iron supplements would be more effective, without the drawbacks to dental health.

The Damage Ice Can Do

What can ice do to our teeth and gums? The same thing it can do to pavement over repeated freezes and thaws. The problem isn’t how hard ice is, but how cold it is. Tooth enamel is very brittle and can easily fracture due to so many dramatic temperature changes from the contact with ice. The gums are also in danger. The ice numbs them, so it’s hard to notice if they’re getting sliced and damaged.

The Dentist Is Here to Help

If you’re struggling with an ice chewing addiction, the dentist can help, and so can your general physician. It’s important to discover the cause, treat any existing damage, and prevent additional damage by fighting the habit!

We’re here to help you leave the ice-chewing habit behind!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

MINIMIZING THE RISK of childhood tooth injuries starts with knowing the most common causes of those injuries. Babies and toddlers are most likely to injure themselves by slipping in the bathtub. Non-slip mats are a great precaution! Projectiles like balls and frisbees can easily cause injuries, so make sure to discuss safety and not aiming at anyone’s head. Hard playground equipment can also be a hazard so extra care should be taken.

Make a Plan in Case of Accidents

Sometimes accidents happen even when we’re being careful, and having an emergency plan is a great way to prepare. Step one of any plan is not to panic. Make a calm assessment of the situation. If an adult tooth is knocked out, try to put it back in the socket. If that isn’t possible, store it in cold milk, but either way, get straight to the dentist. That will give us the best chance of replanting the tooth. Make sure not to touch the root, and don’t try to clean it or store it in ice.

Maintain Healthy Habits

Healthy teeth are harder to injure, which is one more reason to make good daily oral hygiene habits a big priority. That means daily flossing and twice-daily brushing!

The Dentist Is Your Best Resource

We want to make sure our patients (and the parents of our youngest patients) have all the information they need to make wise decisions and take informed action when it comes to tooth injuries. If you have any questions about how to make the environment around your child safer for their smile, let us know. We’re happy to help.

Thank you for making us your partner in lifelong oral health!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.