Espanol
Why Your Oral Health Affects Your Whole Body
The “old ” Dr. Brown
It is so hard to believe, but I have been retired for 3 full years. They say the older you get, the faster the time goes, and I sure am finding that to be true.
Choosing Water Keeps You and Your Teeth Healthy!
For anyone looking to make some small changes in their life and diet to get healthier, both doctors and dentists agree that choosing water over other drinks can make a huge difference. The added calories from different drinks can make it difficult to shed those extra pounds and the extra sugar can make you more prone to develop tooth decay. Below we will share the calories and sugars found in some common drinks and how much sugar is too much for your family’s individual needs.
Is it Actually that Important to Floss?
From a young age, we are told to brush your teeth every day and hopefully twice a day. It is common knowledge that we need to brush our teeth in order to maintain good oral health. For whatever reason, flossing our teeth daily does not hold the same level of importance with the every person. Maybe it is harder to include into our routine, or maybe we don’t see as many commercials for floss as we do toothpaste. But by flossing just once a day, you can significantly decrease your risk of gum disease and increase the odds of achieving and maintaining good oral health.
How Can the Dentist Help with Sleep Apnea?
More people than ever before are being diagnosed with sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially serious disorder when your breathing starts and stops. Some of the initial signs and symptoms can be snoring or still feeling tired after a full night of sleep. The proper way to be diagnosed is to undergo a sleep study under the supervision of a sleep physician. From there, they can help determine whether a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or an oral appliance is needed.
Candy that Won’t Ruin Your Teeth!
We have always been taught that candy and sugars are bad for your teeth and will lead to cavities. This has not changed. Traditional sugar can definitely lead to tooth decay when not used in moderation and when homecare is not up to par. However, there is a new sugar substitute called xylitol that does not lead to tooth decay. It is an all natural substance that is commonly derived from renewable resources like corn cobs. Even more encouraging than the fact that it is does not cause cavities is that research has shown it may even help fight tooth decay.
Are Silver (amalgam) Fillings OK for my Teeth?
There has been some controversy involving amalgam (silver) dental fillings and possible issues they present to the patient or environment. Dental amalgam is a mixture of copper, silver, tin, and zinc. However, the controversy exists because trace amounts of mercury are added for strength and durability to the filling. Claims exist that the amalgam is toxic and can cause serious issues for anyone who has these fillings or may receive them. But it must be understood that the American Dental Association still supports use the use of dental amalgams as an appropriate restorative material for children and adults because there are no reliable studies that show any harm.
Is there a new way to help with sensitive teeth?
Many people suffer from sensitivity on there teeth when eating or drinking something hot or cold. If there are no cavities or other issues, we would typically recommend trying to use sensitivity toothpaste twice each day. However, we found many people do not prefer the sensitivity toothpaste over their normal toothpaste. With compliance lacking, the sensitivity would often persist. But recently Crest rolled out a new product aimed to alleviate tooth sensitivity for up to 1 month per application.
How Important are Oral Cancer Exams?
During each dental appointment, the dentist and the dental hygienist make an extra effort to screen for any signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer is a disease that occurs in the mouth or the throat. It can be found inside the lips and cheeks, the salivary glands, the gums, the tongue, the roof of the mouth, the floor of the mouth and the bone.
Should I get a Dental Implant or a Dental Bridge?
When faced with the question of how to best replace a missing tooth, the first two options discussed are a dental implant or a dental bridge. Each individual situation is unique, and our goal is to assist in making the best possible decision for your dental health.
In-Office Dental Savings Plan vs. Dental Insurance
While the Affordable Care Act mostly effects the regulations concerning medical insurance, it has affected dental insurance indirectly. With rising health care costs for employers, many have cut back on their dental benefits they offer employees. In an effort to encourage good dental health while offsetting dental insurance limitations, we have instituted am ‘in-house’ dental savings plan. It is designed for patients who have very limited options through their employer or no longer have dental insurance.