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Flossing - Fact or Fallacy?

3/25/2020

4 Comments

 
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​WebMD recently published an article from HealthDay asking the question, "Is all that Flossing Really Worth It." HealthDay's conclusion was probably not.  Even though the ADA has been advocating flossing since 1908, they say the evidence it helps isn't there.  Read the article here. 

Well, the American Dental Association, the 500 species of bacteria in your mouth and I disagree.  Studies are conducted every day and some of the more sensational results find their way into the news.  What people need to remember is that for a study to be scientifically sound, it has to have a large sample base (lots of people in the study) and it has to be conducted over a long period of time. (for example, periodontal disease does not occur in a short period of time).

After many years practicing as a dentist, I have seen firsthand what not flossing your teeth can do to your oral health. And if you still think flossing is not necessary, you better keep my phone number handy! Sure, I'd love your business, but I'd much rather see a healthy mouth than one destroyed by tooth decay.

Here is a great little video on how to floss properly.
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Prevent Baby's Cavities 
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Not Just Dental Check ups... Education
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4 Comments

Can Babies Get Cavities?  If So, How Can You Prevent Them?

3/13/2020

1 Comment

 
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First of all, yes, babies can get cavities as soon as their teeth being to erupt. This tooth decay can cause oral health problems even at a very early age.  How does this even happen? Have you or your caregiver ever tested the temperature of your baby’s food by tasting it and then used the very same spoon to feed your child? If so, then your child probably has had some cavity causing bacteria introduced to his/her mouth. And if you or the caregiver has poor oral health, the consequences for the child are even worse.
 
If you share spoons, drinking glasses, lick a child’s pacifier to “clean it” or even if you kiss a child on the mouth, the bacteria can be transferred to the baby’s mouth.  This “bacterial inoculation” is most critical during the child’s first 24 months, so care must be taken before the age of two to prevent this from happening.
 
What can you do?
 
1. Make sure you or other caregivers have excellent dental health and care. Many studies link bad teeth of the caregivers as a factor in the poor teeth of the child.
2. Use the “2 spoon” rule when you feed the child. One spoon for you to test the temperature and the second to feed the child.
3. Start cleaning the child’s mouth with gauze or a small clean washcloth after food intake. This is especially important when the first tooth comes in.
4. Parents and caregivers can suck on Xylitol mints (usually 2 mints 6 times a day for a total of 6 grams a day). This helps change the bacterial formation in the mouth.
 
For more detailed information, we came across this excellent article from Marshfield Clinic.  You can click here to read it.  Feel free to contact our office if you have further questions. 

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1 Comment

Ways Sports Drinks Can Affect Dental Health

3/9/2020

1 Comment

 
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You see the ads on television. A voice intones “drink Brand X for more energy!” and then you see the football players effortlessly winning their games.  We want to win. We want to have more energy. We also want to stay hydrated and they taste good!  So what’s wrong with sports drinks?

In a study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers found that the most commonly reported dental problems among athletes were tooth decay, gum disease, enamel erosion, and infected wisdom teeth. More from this article.

Tooth decay - Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that eat away at the tooth enamel. This can create holes, or cavities, in your teeth as the acid breaks down the layers of a tooth.

Gum disease - Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is a chronic infection and inflammation of the gums. This occurs when bacterial plaque builds up over time and turns into a rough, porous substance called tartar. The bacterial plaque release toxins that irritate and infect the gums.

Enamel erosion - Enamel is the hard, semi-clear outer layer of a tooth that provides protection from daily wear and tear. Enamel or tooth erosion occurs when acid wears away the enamel on a tooth, exposing the sensitive dentine underneath.

Infected Wisdom Teeth - This kind of infection can occur when a partially erupted wisdom tooth creates a flap of gum tissue next to the tooth. Food and debris can easily be caught in it, making it a hotbed for bacteria and infections. More from this article.

Sports drinks (along with energy drinks) are terrible for your teeth. Why?  Because they contain a LOT of sugar. Plus, even if they are “diet”, they have a low pH.  A low pH means acid and acid will erode the enamel right off your teeth. 
A recent article in the Journal of American Dentistry sites a study that reports 89.4% of children aged 12 to 14 regularly consume sports drinks. Of the children that drink sports beverages, 68% consume them regularly (1-7 times per week).

Please remember, the more that is consumed, the more chance of cavities, enamel erosion and obesity. So what should children drink?  Water. And remember, it will  actually save you money in so many different ways.
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  • Home
  • A Distinctive Practice
    • Your Comfort
    • Your Education
    • Your Personal Dental Plan
  • Services
    • Preventative Services
    • Restorative Services
    • Diagnostic Services
  • Toothbrush Times Blog
  • About
    • Dr. Jeneen Martin
    • Our Team
    • Investments in our Community
  • Forms
  • Contact Us