Per the AAPD, “Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol derived primarily from forest and agricultural materials.  It has been used since the early 1960’s in infusion therapy for post-operative, burn, and shock patients; in the diet of diabetic patients; and, most recently, as a sweetener in products aimed at improved oral health.”  In dentistry, it has improved oral health by reducing plaque formation and bacterial adherence within our mouths.  Studies have showed that using Xylitol had helped reduces cavities by 70%.

Tooth decay is caused by certain bacteria rapidly consuming sugars that are placed in your mouth.  These bacteria then produce acid within a very short time after the exposure.  When this occurs repeatedly, the acid begins to dissolve the tooth structure causing tooth decay.  Therefore, the higher the frequency of sugar consumption, the greater the likelihood to develop tooth decay.

The ability then to remove decay causing bacteria from your mouth is also important.  Brushing, flossing and rinsing are ways to remove bacteria, and the consumption of Xylitol has also become a tremendous way to fight decay.

Because of our understanding of the positive effects of Xylitol consumption we offer several products containing this sugar substitute for our patients.  It is not uncommon for us to provide our patients with Xylitol suckers or Xylitol gum after their visit.  We highly recommend Dr. John’s Candies or Spry products for all of our patients.  For more information on the products they offer, go to www.drjohns.com & www.xlear.com.

The American Dental Association came out with a statement regarding this study and believes that the results are unreliable because they are affected by what scientists call “recall bias.”  The results were based on the individual’s memories of having dental x-rays taken years earlier.  Studies have shown that the ability to recall information is imperfect and acknowledged that some of the subjects within the study received dental x-rays decades ago.  Understanding how technology has evolved and advanced only reinforces the notion that x-rays received decades ago, which utilized older imaging technology, had greater radiation exposure.  The ADA does encourage further research on this subject.

The speed at which an x-ray is taken is an important factor.  Traditional radiography captured images utilizing slower speed film.  The recommendation from the American Dental Association is to use E or F speed film, which are the fastest film speeds available.  These recommendations are for film x-rays.  Digital x-rays use computerized technology and software to capture x-ray images of your mouth that can be viewed immediately.  Because the digital x-ray exposure time is shorter than taking conventional x-rays, the amount of x-ray radiation is reduced by 90%.  Beyond converting to the latest technology in capturing digital films, we also use protective aprons in an effort to minimize radiation exposure shielding both the abdomen and the thyroid.  In addition, digital x-rays are a healthier environmental alternative as it eliminates the need for caustic chemicals in the office.  They provide more diagnostic information that enables us to identify problem areas earlier.  Dental disease may develop in the absence of clinical symptoms, therefore, dental x-rays are of utmost importance in detecting disease.  They help us detect decay between the teeth or below existing fillings, infections in the bone, periodontal (gum) disease, wisdom teeth, abscesses or cysts, developmental abnormalities, and some types of tumors.

We have promised to educate you about the preventative and restorative side of dentistry to help maintain your smile year after year and we cannot deliver that promise without the latest technology available to us today.  Digital x-rays become an integral part in helping us achieve the most accurate diagnosis, which will ultimately lead to the healthy lifestyle we intend for you to lead.

Lisa Henson, DMD

We not only worked hard at using our website as another education tool, but we worked hard at making it easier to navigate.   For questions on a list of services under General Dentistry, click here http://www.regiscourtdental.com/regular-checkups.php to learn about everything from regular check-ups to sedation dentistry.

To learn more about restoring your smile with bonding, crowns, bridges and implants click here http://www.regiscourtdental.com/bonding.php.   Or, learn more about Cosmetic Dentistry here http://www.regiscourtdental.com/cosmetic-dentistry.php.

Questions regarding your kids, click here http://www.regiscourtdental.com/pediatric-dentistry.php.

Our website is full of information about our office, doctors and practice philosophy and we want you to be more acquainted with our team and our goals.  But we also want to educate you about your oral health.  With that in mind, we feel that our website does just that.  Please take some time and look around, we hope you find it as informative as we do.

The American Dental Association (ADA) states that sucking their thumbs (or fingers for that matter) is a natural reflex for children.  As the child grows, this habit begins to serve several different purposes.  For instance, “sucking on their thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects may make babies feel secure and happy and help them learn about their world.”  Because this becomes a relaxing habit, children often suck their thumbs to soothe themselves, relax or even to help them sleep.

As your child continues to grow, so does their primary dentition.  As early as 6-10 months, baby teeth will begin to erupt.  Their primary teeth, or baby teeth, will continue to erupt up to, and sometimes beyond, age 3.  Although sucking may help with their teething, once the child’s permanent teeth begin to erupt thumb sucking may begin to cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth.

It is not just the act of thumb sucking that can lead to problems, it’s the intensity.  Those who simply rest their thumbs passively in their mouths do not pose as much of a risk.  However, those who suck their thumbs a little more vigorously are at a higher risk of causing future problems with growth.

Most children stop between the ages of two and four years old.  During that time, a pacifier would be an excellent option as a transition object to replace thumb or finger sucking.  Pacifiers also become an easier habit to break compared to sucking fingers and thumbs.

As a parent, here are a few tips to help your child stop sucking their thumbs and fingers:

1. Praise your children when the do not suck their thumbs, instead of scolding them when they do
2. Insecurity could be a cause that could bring a child to suck their thumbs or fingers.  Therefore, focus on finding out the root cause of the anxiety and provide comfort to your child.
3. For older children, get them involved in providing rewards for when they stop as a way to incentivize.
4. Your dentist or pediatrician can also prescribe a bitter medication to coat the thumb and fingers to deter you child from sucking.

Whichever method you use, remember that sucking thumbs and fingers is a very common habit performed by kids.  More than anything, supporting your child throughout the process of breaking this habit is greatly encouraged.

Consumers today may think about chewing gum as chewing candy, but per the American Dental Association (ADA), chewing gum can actually protect teeth.  However, not all gum has been created equal.  Therefore, the ADA recognizes select brands that have demonstrated scientifically how it can protect teeth.  By placing their ADA Seal on select brands of gum, they are putting out a statement that these have been selected, tested, and approved.

What does chewing gum do?

Per the ADA:

“The physical act of chewing increases the flow of saliva in your mouth.  If you chew after eating, the increased salivary flow can help neutralize and wash away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on your teeth.  Over time, acid can break down tooth enamel, creating the conditions for decay.  Increased saliva flow also carries with it more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel. Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay.”

As the American Dental Association has pointed out, sugarless gum has been known to work better compared to gum containing sugar.  To date, sugarless gum is the only type of gum that has been given the ADA Seal.  Seeing the ADA Seal will provide you with the assurance that the gum you chew has met the criteria for safety and effectiveness.  Among some of the chewing gum that contain the ADA Seal are: Dentyne Ice Sugarless Gum, Stride Sugarless Gum, Trident Sugarless Gum, and Wrigley’s Orbit Sugarless Gum.

Please remember that chewing sugarless gum DOES NOT replace the need to brush and floss two times a day.  Chewing approved ADA sugarless gum will only help neutralize and wash away the acids produced when foods are broken down.  Sugarless gum can be used to assist you in fighting decay, but there is no better way to fight decay than brushing and flossing twice daily.

So the next time you hear your children ask for a piece of gum, give them a piece of ADA approved sugarless gum and know as they chomp away, they might also be helping their teeth stay free from decay.

Per the Colgate Dental and Oral Health Resource Center, Bruxism is — the grinding and clenching of teeth. Bruxism can cause teeth to become painful or loose, and sometimes parts of the teeth are literally ground away. Eventually, bruxism can destroy the surrounding bone and gum tissue. It can also lead to problems involving the jaw joint, such as temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ).  Bruxism can be caused by a variety of factors, such as, stress, genetics, certain medications, and the mis-alignment of teeth and the way they bite together. 

How do I know if I Have Bruxism?

For many people, bruxism is an unconscious habit. They may not even realize they’re doing it until someone comments that they make a horrible grinding sound while sleeping. For others, a routine dental checkup is when they discover their teeth are worn or their tooth enamel is fractured.

Other potential signs of bruxism include aching in the face, head and neck. Your dentist can make an accurate diagnosis and determine if the source of facial pain is a result from bruxism.

How is Bruxism Treated?

The appropriate treatment for you will depend on what is causing the problem. By asking careful questions and thoroughly examining your teeth, your dentist can help you determine the potential source of your bruxism. Based on the amount of tooth damage and its likely cause, your dentist may suggest:

ü      Wearing an appliance while sleeping — custom-made by your dentist to fit your teeth, the appliance slips over the upper teeth and protects them from grinding against the lower teeth. While an appliance is a good way to manage bruxism, it is not a cure.

ü      Finding ways to relax — Because everyday stress seems to be a major cause of bruxism, anything that reduces stress can help — listening to music, reading a book, taking a walk or a warm bath.  Also, applying a warm, wet washcloth to the side of your face can help relax muscles sore from clenching.

ü      Reducing the “high spots” of one or more teeth to even your bite — an abnormal bite, one in which teeth do not fit well together, may also be corrected with new fillings, crowns or orthodontics.

The next time you visit your dentist, and have experienced some or all of these symptoms, ask to see if an appliance could be made to help reduce the symptoms of bruxism.  Save yourself the pain from grinding, clenching, which may cause headaches – and remember, none of us want to receive visits from a kick-boxing kangaroo!

The American Dental Association recommends that you, and your child, visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and routine teeth cleanings; and, we would love to see you here every six months to make sure that your smile is staying healthy!  Therefore, with some help from dentistry.about.com, here are the top 6 reasons to have your teeth cleaned!

1. To Prevent Oral Cancer

According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer, every hour of every day in the United States alone. When you have your dental cleaning, your dentist or your hygienist is also screening you for oral cancer, which is highly curable if diagnosed early.

Feel free to leave a comment or question for our doctors and staff – we hope this will be a valuable resource for our patients, their families, and friends!