"Look Mom - no cavities!" remember that Crest advertisement?

Are you one of the people that have never had a cavity in your lifetime, or are you the person that feels lucky to only have a few cavities at each dental visit?

So what's the difference between the "no-cavity" person and the multiple cavity person?  In general the "no-cavity" person has reduced risk factors compared to those who need a lot of dental treatment. These risk factors can include hereditary factors, dietary factors, anatomic factors and personal habits. There isn't necessarily a single reason that will put you at risk for dental problems. It is almost always a combination.

• The grooves in your back teeth, or molars, can be deep or shallow. This is determined by genes. People with deeper grooves are at a much greater risk to develop cavities in the grooves, or chewing surface of the teeth.
• You almost always get your oral bacteria from your mother. If she suffered from a lot of cavities and gum disease, you probably inherited the same troublesome oral bacteria.
• If you have reduced saliva flow, or dry mouth, you are more likely to have dental problems. Reduced saliva flow can come with age, illness, and is a side-effect of some medications.
• If you grind your teeth you are much more likely to have dental problems. Most tooth grinding takes place while you sleep. Tooth damage depends on how hard and how often you grind your teeth. Your level of stress, size of your jaw and chewing muscles can influence tooth grinding.
• Your diet also has a lot to do with dental problems. If you eat a lot of sticky, sugary foods, drink a lot of sugary drinks or consume a lot between meal snacks your dental problems can increase. The oral bacteria turn sugar into acid and that acid causes cavities. If you eat a lot of acidic foods this can cause the enamel to errode as well.

If you brush correctly and often you are less likely to have cavities. If you are a regular flossser your gums will be more healthy and you will have less cavities. You can control a few of these factors and there are things you can do to change the hereditary factors. You can have dental sealants placed to fill in the deep grooves, wear a bite splint to alleviate nighttime grinding, and control your diet.

If you are a "Look Mom - no cavities" person that is awesome. Everyone tries to be just like you! Does this mean you do not need to visit your dental office as frequently ? No, it does not. Your dental history makes you a lower risk for dental problems, but things can change and finding a problem while it is small or much better than finding it later, or too late.

• Medication changes can cause changes in your mouth. Dry mouth is a side-effect of many medications.
• Changes in your diet effect your mouth and can cause dental problems to start occuring.
• Aging. Unfortunately we all get older. Your natural saliva flow decrease as you age and medications usually increase causing changes in your oral bacteria and further reducing saliva flow. This increases your risk for tooth decay.

Moral of this story: Visit your dental office and work with your dentist or hygienist to maintain your smile which helps to maintain your overall health.

For more information visit our website.

How long will this new crown last?

We are often asked this question and in a perfect world your new crown would last for the rest of your life. However, in the same perfect world you would not have to change the oil in your car, replace your roof or mow your lawn.

 Let’s look into this further.

 If you chew every bite of food 10 times before you swallow and at each meal you eat 20 bites you have used your crown 200 times during this meal alone. Now multiply that by 3 meals per day, plus some snacks. You are looking at using your crown 600 times, at least, per day.

 Many dental restorations will handle chewing pretty easily, even at 600 times per day. It is the kernel of unpopped popcorn, cherry or olive pits, tooth picks, ends of pencils and other hard objects we tend to put in our mouths that can do in a restoration, tooth, or crown. Plus, your crown will have to tolerate temperatures ranging from 150 – 170 degrees (for hot coffee or tea) to 20 – 30 degrees (for ice cream and the dreaded ice chewing). Sometimes you may even have ice cream and coffee in the same setting causing your tooth to expand with the heat and contract with the cold in rapid succession. Your crown will also have to tolerate being attacked by acid after each meal, snack or beverage (unless you drink only water), being covered by bacterial biofilm and probably tooth grinding while you sleep.

The mouth is a pretty tough environment. So, what is a realistic expectation for the life of your crown? Well, a lot of it depends on you. If you avoid sweets and sodas, take very good care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, don’t take medications that dry your mouth, don’t grind your teeth at night, or invest in a bite splint while visiting our office regularly in an effort to find concerns while they are small, you could see your crown last for 15 – 20 years. Insurance companies for years have expected crowns to last 5 years before they would pay for a new one. Regular wear and tear will probably wear out your dental work if you live long enough, but you can make your dental treatment last as long as possible if you:

      Brush 2 – 3 times per day with a soft bristled toothbrush, or Sonicare brush.

      Floss or use a Water Flosser once per day.

      Chew sugarless gum, or eat sugarless candy, or mints after meals to stimulate saliva flow. Make sure your sugarless treat is sweetened with Xylitol.

      Avoid sugary, sticky foods and reduce any in between meal snacking.

      Maintain regular dental visits.

      Contact our office right away if you have any problems or concerns

 If you ever have any questions about your dental health contact our office. We are here to take care of you and your health!

 For more information visit our website or send us an email

Stay Healthy ~ Thyroid Cancer: Why Is It on the Rise? Could it dental x-rays be the culprit?

New diagnoses have shot up over the past decade. Here’s what you need to know.
While new cases of some cancers— including breast, lung, and prostate— are leveling off, cancer of the thyroid (an endocrine gland in the neck) is spiking; diagnoses rose a whopping 173 percent between 2002 and 2012, making thyroid cancer one of the fastest-growing types in the U.S.

“Better screening and detection may explain part of the increase,” says Robert Smallridge, M.D., chairman of the division of endocrinology at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. “Still, research suggests other factors must be at play.” One of the few known causes of thyroid cancer is radiation, and some experts believe excess exposure may be behind the increase. Smallridge is less certain. “The most common radiation sources, such as dental X-rays and airport security scanners, provide extremely low doses,” he says. For its part, the American Thyroid Association says it does not believe that routine dental X-rays, for example, lead to thyroid cancer. Still, a large cumulative exposure over a lifetime may raise your risk. Smallridge recommends always asking your doctor whether an X-ray or a CT scan is truly necessary. He also advises wearing a thyroid collar (a small lead bib that deflects radiation) before dental X-rays. The good news: Thyroid cancer is highly curable and still rare—less than 1 percent of Americans will be diagnosed in their lifetime. To further lower your odds, maintain a healthy weight and load up on vegetables.

reference: Grand Rapids Parade ~ Camille Noe Pagán

What is our office doing to keep you healthy while maintaining the highest level of dental care and diagnosis?

Our office offers digital dental x-rays, commonly called dental films. Digital films are better for you, the patient, because there is 90% less radiation than traditional films and they are better for explaining our findings because you can view the films along with us on the computer monitor. Digital films are also better for the environment, because no harsh chemicals are needed to process this type of film.

When dental films are needed a lead apron with a thyroid collar is used to further reduce any radiation exposure from occurring.

If you ever have a question about the need for a dental film, or your health in general, ask us. This is why we are here. Our goal is to serve you to the best of our ability.

For more information visit our website.

Finding dental decay with Spectra vision

Tooth decay can be extremely painful and puts the teeth at risk. Many extractions and restorative treatments are performed every single day because tooth decay has become too severe for the dentist to save the tooth. Diagnodent^® is a safe fluorescent laser that detects hidden tooth decay accurately, quickly, and in its earliest stages.

All dentists are advocates for healthy, natural teeth. Restoration devices like crowns and bridges are popular because they allow the natural tooth to remain in the mouth. Diagnodent^® accurately exposes areas of tooth decay without scratching, probing or “opening up the tooth.” This provides a greater chance of identifying, treating and retaining a natural tooth without the need for expensive and time-consuming restorations.

How can Spectra vision help me?

Spectra vision accurately exposes more caries than X-rays and examinations. In fact, this revolutionary diagnostic tool is over 90% accurate. Sometimes, caries “go underground” due to fluoridation. This essentially means that lesions that once lay on the surface of the tooth bed down, and remain invisible to the naked eye. Because Spectra vision exposes caries earlier, more treatment options are possible.

Here are some of the other benefits associated with Spectra vision:

• Allows dentists to perform treatment with greater confidence.
• Allows for the investigation of suspicious areas.
• Completely safe.
• Cost effective.
• Empirically measurable results.
• Helps reduce future dental procedures.
• More accurate than any other diagnostic tool.
• No exposure to X-rays.
• No need for invasive investigations.
• No pain or scratching.

What does the Spectra vision process involve?

The Spectra vision process is performed within the scope of a regular dental checkup. It is strikingly similar to having a laser pointer aimed at the teeth. Spectra vision is a hi-tech tool, which first scans a clean tooth surface with a laser beam. This scanning procedure serves to calibrate the instrument by providing information about the tooth structure.

The Spectra vision System is actually measuring the amount of laser fluorescence within the tooth. As each tooth is scanned, the amount of reflected laser light is recorded to produce a digital readout. If the tooth contains little or no decay, little or no laser light will be reflected back to the instrument. However, if a tooth contains caries of any significance, more laser light is reflected back. High readings (compared to the tooth originally scanned) indicate that caries are present within the structure of a particular tooth. The amount of laser light reflected back correlates with the amount of decay within the tooth.

Once the dentist determines which teeth are suffering from decay, a plan can be formulated and treatment options can be discussed. In most cases, the early detection of caries means more treatment options and a greater chance of saving the affected tooth.

For more information visit our website.

Chronic Illness is related to Mouth Germs !

What You Need to Know.

The dental profession has known for decades that the condition of a person’s mouth is directly related to their overall, general health and well-being. Now it appears that the medical community at large is recognizing and even encouraging more research into this connection. It turns out that inflammation and bacterial infections in the mouth are linked to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even pregnancy issues! Taking care of your teeth and gums is not just about having an attractive smile, it can be essential in staying healthy.

What do we know?
We know that bacterial infection and tissue inflammation are important factors in the development of gum and bone (periodontal) disease. We know that inflammation is also a major factor in the development or worsening of many chronic illnesses. Ironically, inflammation is the first response of a healthy immune system to injury, infection or irritation. It is only when the inflammation spreads or the source of the injury, infection or irritation is allowed to continue, that the entire body suffers.

Here’s why:
Blood vessels dilate around the site of an infection, often causing swelling, redness and heat. White (infection killing) cells rush to an affected area with the purpose of surrounding the bacteria and preventing their spread.
If the infection and the source of the infection is eliminated by the white cells, the situation is resolved. If the cause of the inflammation does not go away or gets worse, the inflammatory process continues.
If the inflammatory process is overwhelmed by infection, the white cells just keep trying. The body recognizes trouble in the system and continues to ignite defenses. If nothing is done about the source of an infection, the swelling, heat, and attack of the white cells will affect more than just the bacteria. Damage can occur to organs, blood vessels, joints and even nerves.
An overstressed inflammatory system also does not do its job of killing bacteria. They can spread and eventually travel throughout the body, doing even more damage.
So, if bacteria in the mouth are not controlled, which is what can happen in chronic gum and bone (periodontal) disease, the body may never shut down the “full body” inflammatory process. Why, because the cause of the inflammation, the bacteria in the mouth, continue to incite the process. It can just go on and on.
The longer bacteria and the inflammation they cause are allowed to spread from the mouth, the higher the chance for damage to the body as a whole.

What can we do?
Here at our office we have many methods of helping people control bacteria in the mouth. We actively look for and treat periodontal disease so that our patients can maintain a healthy immune system. This may include more frequent professional cleanings, or more extensively; root planing and scaling of the teeth to remove diseased tissues and bacteria. In some cases certain medicines may be recommended, and we will provide you with detailed home care instructions and help with your daily mouth cleaning routines. With the mouth germs brought under control, the body’s immune system can begin the healing process.

Even if no dentist has ever previously told you that you need gum and bone care, new conditions require new treatment. It is not uncommon for even “regular” patients to develop mouth infections from time to time and need more than “just a cleaning” such as they have had in the past. Just as a person may develop high blood pressure, having never had it in the past, so may a person develop gum and bone disease. Our bodies change and face challenges all the time.

We are here to help you maintain the health of your mouth, which in turn will make you a healthier person.

Reference: Carrington Dental News

Start care early to ensure your child’s smile rocks

What better time to think about your child’s dental health than February — National Children’s Dental Health Month?

The start to a lifelong smile begins as early as six months after your baby is born, when you might begin to see the first tooth come in.

These first “baby” teeth, or “primary” teeth, should not be ignored. Even though the baby teeth eventually are replaced by permanent adult teeth, it’s important to care for them.

Baby teeth should remain healthy and in place until they are lost naturally, since they will help your baby chew and eventually speak, as well as help the jaw develop and save room for the permanent teeth.

Remember, too, that a healthy smile helps children feel good about themselves and how they look to others. You want your child’s smile to rock.


Dental visit before first birthday

The American Dental Association recommends every child should visit a dentist by his or her first birthday. This age 1 dental visit will allow you and your child to feel comfortable in the dental office, and the dentist will check to see if the teeth are growing properly and look for any other problems or signs of early tooth decay.

You might be surprised to know that tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. It is seven times more common than hay fever and five times more common than asthma. But there are some easy steps you can take to protect your child’s teeth: Clean your baby’s gums with a moist, soft cloth or piece of gauze. As soon as the first tooth comes in, start brushing with a little water on a soft-bristle toothbrush designed for babies.

Never put your baby to sleep with anything other than water in the bottle or sippy cup. Prolonged exposure to sugary drinks, such as juice, formula or even milk, can lead to tooth decay.

Never dip a pacifier in honey or anything sweet before giving it to your baby. Be sure to talk to your dentist about your child’s fluoride needs. Infants need fluoride to help developing teeth grow strong and to help prevent cavities.

Your child’s primary teeth (baby teeth) will start to come in about the age of 6 or 7 months. Since the gums can become sore as the teeth are coming into place, your baby may be uncomfortable and fussy. When this happens, try rubbing the gums gently with your finger, or giving your baby a cool teething ring on which to chew.

Be sure to talk with your dentist about other ways to make your child more comfortable as the primary teeth come in.

It is recommended that water, rather than fluoride toothpaste, is used until your child is 2 years old. Once your child is able to spit, he or she may be able to brush his or her teeth by using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste while you assist.

Have the child spit out the toothpaste.


Permanent teeth

Your child’s permanent teeth will start to come in between the ages of 6 and 7 and will continue to come in through the teenage years — possibly even during early adult years. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily will be important habits to adopt.

Limiting snacks and sugary foods and drinks also will go a long way toward keeping the teeth healthy and cavity free.

Of course, regular checkups with the dentist are essential.

Your dentist can spot problems, such as tooth decay, and begin treatment before they become more serious and costly to treat.

Regular checkups also allow for professional cleanings and fluoride applications that will keep the teeth strong.

Your dentist may apply dental sealants to the chewing surfaces of your child’s permanent back teeth to further protect against decay. These chewing surfaces have deep pits and grooves in which food and plaque can build up and destroy the enamel surfaces of the teeth.

Rock your child’s smile by providing them with a well balanced diet, limited snacks, ensuring that they brush and floss, and scheduling regular dental checkups.

Brought to you by the 600 members of the West Michigan District Dental Society in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Montcalm and Mecosta counties. West Michigan District Dental Society dentists are also members of the Michigan Dental Association.

 

The Stats on Soft Drinks

The average World wide consumption of soft drinks is 89.8 liters per person per year.

Americans drink 49.78 Billion liters per year!

Japan drinks 21.6 liters per year.

Ireland drinks 126 liters per person per year.

Australia drinks 100 liters per person per year.

21% of all the sugar consumed in the average American diet comes from soft drinks.

 Drinking 1 soft drink per day increases a child's risk of becoming obese 60%.

One 20 oz bottle of pop has the equivalent of 42 packs of sugar.  (As shown on the left.)

Reference: Nutrition and More