Exposing teeth to soft drinks, even for a short period of time, causes dental erosion—and prolonged exposure can lead to significant enamel loss. Root beer products, however, are non-carbonated and do not contain the acids that harm teeth, according to a study in the March/April 2007 issue of General Dentistry, the AGD’s clinical, peer-reviewed journal. That might be something to consider during the next visit to the grocery store. How much soda do you drink in a day?
Tooth Erosion: Root Beer May Be “Safest” Soft Drink
October 13th, 2009Mouthguards and the Importance of Keeping them Clean
October 13th, 2009Most people, kids included, have experienced the “weekend warrior” syndrome, where you think your body is invincible to injury and that you do not need protective gear such as helmets for your head and pads for your knees, shins and elbows. In particular, teeth are often forgotten. Although the dental profession unanimously supports the use of mouthguards in a variety of athletic and recreational activities, consumers remain resistant to and ill-informed of the importance and advantages of wearing a mouthguard during their weekend activities. Have you ever worn a mouth guard during sports activity?
Fractured teeth, neck injuries and abrasions in the mouth, also known as sports-related dental injuries, are ever present among athletes. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, sports-related dental injuries account for more than 600,000 emergency room visits each year.
One may assume that mouthguards should serve as a preventive measure. In some 200,000 cases annually, mouthguards have been known to avert oral injuries and cut the risk of concussion by 50 percent. However, while a mouthguard may be popular for its ability to prevent the injuries that may temporarily and sometimes permanently disfigure a person’s appearance, what many may not be aware of is the importance of proper maintenance, cleanliness and care to prevent disease transmission and infection.
According to a study that appears in the September/October 2007 issue of General Dentistry, the AGD’s clinical, peer-reviewed journal, mouthguards harbor large numbers of bacteria, yeasts and molds that can possibly lead to life and/or health-threatening infectious/inflammatory diseases.
“Everything that a microorganism needs to survive, including food and water, can be found in a mouthguard,” says Thomas Glass, DDS, PhD, lead author of the study. “While mouthguards appear solid, they are very porous, like a sponge, and with use, microorganisms invade these porosities.”
“These concerns are similar to using an infected toothbrush repeatedly or using silverware that has not been cleaned properly,” says AGD spokesperson Bruce Burton, DMD, MAGD, ABGD. “Although a mouthguard is recommended to prevent permanent damage to the mouth and teeth, we know it also has the potential to be a reservoir for bacteria that can cause gum infections or the bacteria that help promote tooth decay.”
There are warning signs that can alert athletes that he or she may be suffering from a contaminated mouthguard. Those include “difficulty breathing, wheezing, diarrhea and nausea to the point of vomiting,” says Dr. Glass.
As a high school football coach for 25 years, Dr. Burton witnessed many poor habits athletes practiced when handling their mouthguard. “Chewing on the mouthguard until it no longer serves the purpose of protecting the dentition is one poor habit,” says Dr. Burton. “In addition, some athletes throw the mouthguard in with dirty, sweaty gear and never clean it.”
Mouthguard maintenance:
• Brush teeth before wearing a mouthguard.
• Never share a mouthguard with teammates.
• During sporting events, have a backup mouthguard.
• Purchase disposable mouthguards.
• Clean mouthguards before storing them.
Common Dental Problems – Video
July 30th, 2009This tv clip features Dr. Bill Dorfman, a nationally-recognized cosmetic dentist on the show “The Drs”. Watch to learn more about common dentistry problems and how you can avoid them.
Tooth Loss
June 21st, 2009Original Article Published by: Academy of General Dentistry
In the United States, 20 million teeth are extracted each year. The consequences of tooth loss can have devastating effects on overall health and self-esteem, yet fewer than 10 percent of patients seek information prior to the loss of a tooth. Because of fear, lack of knowledge or finances, many people wait until pain sets in before seeking a solution. By then, it is often too late.
Many people assume that tooth loss is an inevitable result of age. However, most factors that contribute to tooth loss can be controlled much earlier in life. Poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing and flossing daily, cause decay and gum disease that can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Consuming foods and beverages that are high in sugar, carbohydrates and acid content can cause irreversible damage to the teeth and gums. Bad habits such as smoking and chewing tobacco can also be culprits. Overall, many people are simply not informed about how the process of losing a tooth begins and the traumatic consequences it can have on a person’s overall health and well-being.
Tooth Loss and Social Problems:
Tooth loss has physical, social and psychological consequences including physical pain, shifting of teeth, social embarrassment, anxiety, self-consciousness, speech problems and emotional pain and distress. The good news, though, is that these problems can be avoided by learning about tooth loss and talking to your general dentist Visiting the dentist for cleanings twice a year and improving oral hygiene habits are steps you can take to prevent future problems from developing. In fact, ongoing advances in the field of dentistry have made it possible to retain our teeth well into our 70s, 80s or even 90s. If tooth loss is unavoidable, options for tooth replacement are available in the form of implants or dentures, which can effectively restore your smile and self-esteem.
Studies suggest that once a person has fewer than 28 natural teeth, their quality of life declines with each tooth loss. This correlation between oral and overall health gives us all the more reason to take care of our teeth. Maintaining a healthy mouth not only leads to a brighter smile, but it can also ward off heart attacks or strokes, assist in the management of blood glucose levels, potentially keep away some forms of cancer, and possibly help manage arthritis. n the long run, there is more at stake than just your teeth and gums � a healthy smile leads to a healthier life.
Sensitive Teeth? Check Your Toothpaste
June 21st, 2009Original Article Published by: Academy of General Dentistry
Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity when using tartar-control toothpaste, but the good news is that when they stop using the toothpaste, the sensitivity goes away.
“Dentists and hygienists often recommend that patients use tartar-control toothpaste, particularly after a cleaning, to help prevent the build-up of tartar, which can lead to gum disease,” says Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson William Kuttler, DDS. “But after using tartar-control toothpaste, about 10 to 20 percent of patients complain of tooth sensitivity, so we suggest they stop using it.”
“For those with tooth sensitivity, the recommendation is to avoid tartar-control toothpaste and use a regular fluoride toothpaste instead,” says Dr. Kuttler. “But for those who do not have sensitivity, tartar-control toothpaste tremendously reduces the build-up of tartar. However, check with your dentist. You may not need a tartar-control paste.”
Ingredients found in some whitening toothpastes can also result in tooth sensitivity, which affects approximately 40 million adults in the United States.
Seniors’ Oral Health: How to Keep Your Teeth for a Lifetime
June 21st, 2009Original Article Published by: Academy of General Dentistry
It’s a common myth that senior citizens are destined to lose their teeth, reports the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). There is no reason seniors cannot keep their teeth for a lifetime, since tooth loss is simply the result of an oral disease – not the aging process.
The elderly, who make up the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, are healthier and have kept more of their natural teeth than prior generations. But there’s still room for improvement. Many seniors do not visit a dentist even once a year – one of the key preventive strategies in ensuring that teeth last a lifetime.
“Seniors often take long absences from seeing the dentist,” says AGD spokesperson Nick Russo, DDS. “Sometimes they stop caring as much because they’re not out in the public very much, and they think oral hygiene doesn’t matter.”
Family members should encourage seniors who are disabled or have trouble getting around to seek dental care, Dr. Russo says. Seniors planning to enter a nursing home should inquire about on-site dental care.
Regular dental visits are especially important for older people since many suffer from dry mouth, which slows down the flow of saliva. Saliva plays a major role in preventing tooth decay by rinsing away food particles and neutralizing harmful acids. Dry mouth often comes with old age, but can also be caused by medications like antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants and diuretics. Dry mouth can often be treated by a dentist.
Along with regular dental visits, seniors should floss daily and brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. They should also ask their dentist about fluoride rinses and gels, since studies show that seniors who brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste or use a fluoride rinse or gel regularly have fewer cavities. Seniors are most likely to get cavities where old fillings have chipped or where root surfaces are left unprotected by receding gums.
Other suggestions for keeping teeth for a lifetime: snack in moderation and avoid snacks with sugars and starches, and alert the dentist to any change in medication.
Following these preventive measures should help prevent seniors from having to wear dentures. But even seniors with no teeth still need to visit the dentist regularly, since many aspects of oral health, such as adjusting ill-fitting dentures and oral cancer screenings, can be handled at routine dental visits.
Morgantown Dental Group
June 21st, 2009Become a part of the Morgantown Dental Group family.
It’s no secret that a healthy, radiant smile can improve your appearance, self-esteem, and both personal and professional relationships. At Morgantown Dental Group, we’ve provided excellence in dentistry since 1927. Serving the greater Morgantown area for over 80 years, our patients have come to expect only the best in dental care and treatment.
In a town that is constantly growing and changing, our dentists and staff have not changed their commitment to providing you and your family with the latest and most advanced cosmetic, restorative, and periodontal treatment available. Call today to schedule your appointment to become a part of the Morgantown Dental Group family.
