What is an ABSCESS all about anyway?

Sources

American Dental Association: “Oral Piercing and Health”

Academy of General Dentistry: “What is oral piercing”

Posted in Community Service News, Gums, Mouth Body Connection, Tooth Talk
Tagged bacteria, cheek piercings, chipped teeth, dentist, infection, lip rings, nerve damage, oral piercings, recession, tongue rings
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May 24, 2015

Guidelines for Antibiotic Pre-medication

Wendy Parker RDH

Guidelines to Follow

How do I prevent heart disease?

With an increase in antibiotic resistance, the American Dental Association has revised their guidelines for Antibiotic Pre-medication prior to dental appointments. Their goals are aimed at those who are at the greatest risk and to prevent any risks of infective endocarditis (an infection around the heart)

In years past, the following medical conditions have needed to routinely pre-medicate with antibiotics for dental procedures:

mitral valve prolapse
rheumatic heart disease
bicuspid valve disease
calcified aortic stenosis
congenital heart conditions such as ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

However, after careful consideration and studies, here are the latest guidelines for pre-medication prior to dental procedures, according to the ADA:

The current guidelines state that use of preventive antibiotics before certain dental procedures is reasonable for patients with:

prosthetic cardiac valve or prosthetic material used for cardiac valve repair
a history of infective endocarditis
a cardiac transplant that develops cardiac valvulopathy
the following congenital (present from birth) heart disease:^a
- unrepaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including palliative shunts and conduits
- a completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or by catheter intervention, during the first six months after the procedure^b
- any repaired congenital heart defect with residual defect at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or a prosthetic device (that inhibit endothelialization)

If you do not fit into these categories, you do not need to premedicate unless otherwise indicated by your physician.

If you do fit into the above categories, and are currently taking an antibiotic when you are going in for dental procedures, it is recommended that your dentist select an antibiotic from a different class than the one you are currently taking. For example, if you are taking amoxicillin and you need to pre-medicate for a dental prophylaxis, you should be prescribed clindamycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin.

The other catch to taking antibiotics, is REMEMBERING to take them. If you’re like me, I will forget things if they are not written down! So, if, by chance you do forget before coming in, no worries! The ADA states that if antibiotics are not administered before the procedure, they can be administered up to two hours after the procedure and still have the adequate amounts in the blood to still prevent infective endocarditis.

If you have any questions or concerns about where you fit in these categories, don’t hesitate to mention it to your medical doctor, dentist, or hygienist. We are here to help and keep you healthy, from head to toe!

Heart Disease and Stroke Diabetes Osteoporosis Pregnancy Complications ...

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/antibiotic-prophylaxis

Sources:

http://www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/volume-28/issue-1/columns/staff-rx/new-premedication-guidelines.html

Posted in Mouth Body Connection
Tagged ADA, antibiotic, cardiac transplant, congenital heart disease, dental procedure, dentist, dentistry, heart healthy dentistry, infective endocarditis, pre-med, pre-medication, prosthetic cardiac valve
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May 17, 2015

What type of Floss is right for you?

Andra Mahoney BS RDH

What type of floss is right for you?

Several months ago, Wendy wrote a great article on the necessity of flossing ( https://dentistrydonedifferently.com/2014/05/19/flossing-do-i-have-to/). Now that you have accepted that flossing is an integral part of your oral health, let’s pick out the right floss for you! There are a plethora of different types of floss, so you are bound to find the one that fits your wants and needs.

Let’s first examine your basic floss:

There are two main types of floss: String and Tape.

String is the most common type of floss, and what everyone thinks of when they think floss.

String floss comes in nylon or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Nylon floss is the most common string floss. It comes in all different types of flavors and thicknesses. It even comes waxed and un-waxed. The wax is added to the floss to help fit through teeth with tight contacts.

PTFE floss is a lot like a plastic string. It is a monofilament, which means it’s not made from multiple fibers so it will not rip, shread, or tear. PTFE floss is newer and people seem to like it because it is strong! It also comes in many thicknesses and flavors, though it is not waxed because it is made to glide between teeth. Because of its strength, I recommend not snapping the floss between your teeth. It can very easily hurt the gum tissue if it is pulled too hard.

Dental Tape is becoming more and more common nowadays. It is very similar to, but wider than, string floss. Many people with sensitive gums like tape floss because they find it more comfortable when flossing below the gum line. It is also a great “starter” floss because it is thinner than regular nylon floss.

Advanced Types of Floss:

Spongy or Super Floss is ideal for cleaning braces, bridges, and wide gaps between teeth. Super Floss has three unique components—a stiffened-end dental floss threader, spongy floss, and regular floss—all work together for maximum benefits. It allows you to floss under appliances, cleans around appliances, between wide spaces, and removes plaque under the gumline.

Floss Threaders come in two different types. One looks like a large, thin, sewing needle. The plus side of this type of threader is that you can thread any type of floss and pull it through. It makes it easy to use whatever floss you have lying around the house. The down side is you have to thread the floss each time you use it.

A little bit easier is the floss threader that is kind of like a shoe string. It has a built in threader tip attached to the floss, so there is one less step than the other floss threader. Both threaders are great for any appliance: bridges, braces, lingual bars, etc.

Other Options:

Floss Picks are great for flossing hard to reach spaces or when you’re on the go. You don’t have to be in a bathroom to floss! A few tips to remember, never reuse a floss pick. The plaque bacteria that is removed by the flosser isn’t always seen. You do not want that bacteria to be reintroduced into your mouth. Which brings us to tip two, use four flossers in one flossing session. One for the upper right, upper left, lower left, and lower right (each side is measured from the last molar to the midline between your front teeth). When using standard floss, you use about 18 inches. A flosser has about one inch of floss. You do not want to transfer the bacteria from one side of the mouth to the other. So after you have used one, toss it, and grab another. Flossers are very inexpensive and come in multipacks.

Powered Flossers are very useful for older people who find it hard to manipulate string floss into their mouth. A disposable tip is placed on the end of the powered flosser and when the button is depressed, the floss gently vibrates back and forth. Just place it between your teeth and floss away! As with the floss picks, please do not reuse the disposable ends of the flosser.

Interproximal brushes are helpful to those who have wider spaces between their teeth. Two options are soft picks, which are like rubber toothpicks.

And the other interdental brushes are like small pipe cleaners.

The difference between the two comes down to preference and how wide the space is between your teeth. Both options come in various sizes. These are also one time use items that come in a pack.

Extra Helpers:

Rubber Tip Simulators are not a type of floss, but they are handy in plaque removal. They are mainly used for cleaning under operculums. An operculum is a small flap of gum tissue. It is usually found in the back of the mouth by the last tooth. It can occur naturally or come about from a tooth that has not fully erupted into the mouth.

As seen in the picture, the right side is a normal tooth, and the left has an operculum. Plaque can get under this flap of tissue so it will need to be cleaned. Just take the rubber tip stimulated and swipe gently under the tissue.

WaterPiks work wonderfully in addition to your floss! Please remember, do not substitute waterpicks for brushing and flossing. Unlike flossing, waterpicks do not remove plaque. They are effective for people who have orthodontic braces, which may retain food in areas a toothbrush cannot reach, people who catch food between their teeth, or people who are looking for extra help with their gums.

Brief Overview:

Large gaps between your teeth? Try dental tape or Super Floss.

Not much space between your teeth? You may find that a waxed floss is easier to slide into those tight spaces.

Want less mess? Look for disposable flossers or floss in pre-measured strands.

Braces or bridges? A spongy floss is a good option, but any floss can be used if you have a floss threader.

As you can see there are a lot of options out there! But do not fear! A study from the University of Buffalo stated, “Believe it or not, researchers have compared different types of dental floss to determine whether some are more effective than others to clean teeth. The bottom line is that they are not. Any type of floss will help promote clean teeth by removing food particles and bacteria.”

Just remember that when it comes to dental floss, flossing every day is the most important choice you and your family can make.

(microscopic image of used dental floss)

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.oralb.com/topics/choosing-the-best-dental-floss-for-you.aspx

Sources:
http://www.oralb.com/topics/all-floss-types-work-well-when-used-daily.aspx

http://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/flossing3.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-p-connelly-dds/dental-floss_b_1643933.html

Posted in Gums, Health, Oral Hygiene
Tagged Cavity, dental hygiene, dentist, floss, floss picks, floss threader, hygiene, hygienist, interproximal brushes, oral hygiene, PTFE floss, smile, super floss, teeth, tooth, waterpik
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March 29, 2015

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Sharma Mulqueen RDH

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Early detection is key with oral cancer. When found early, oral cancer patients can have an 80 to 90% survival rate. Unfortunately 40% of those diagnosed with oral cancer will die within five years because the majority of these cases will be discovered as a late stage malignancy.

Oral cancer is particularly dangerous, because the patient may not notice it in its early stages. It can frequently prosper without producing pain or symptoms. As a result, Oral Cancer often goes undetected until it has already metastasized to another location.

Who does oral cancer screenings?

Most oral cancer screenings are done by a Dentist or Hygienist. It is very important at all of your dental appointments you have a screening completed.

When should I have my first oral cancer screening?

More people are being diagnosed with oral cancer than ever before. But surprisingly, research shows this increase is not due to the traditional risk factors of drinking, smoking and using chewing tobacco. Rather oral cancer is now being found in a younger population of men and women because due to their exposure to the HPV (Human Papillomavirus). That is why the Center for Disease Control recommends that all patients over the age of 17 be screened annually for oral cancer.

What types of screenings are there?

A routine “recall” exam usually includes a visual search for lesions and abnormal structures in the oral cavity with palpitations on neck, throat, tongue and cheeks.

The Identafi system uses the Identafi Multi-Spectral Fluorescence and Reflectance technology to enhance visualization of mucosal abnormalities such as oral cancer or premalignant dysplasia that may not be apparent to the naked eye. Unlike other fluorescence technologies and dye systems, the Identafi is Multi-Spectral with three distinct color wavelengths, making it easier to distinguish lesion morphology and vasculature.

The VELscope^® Vx system is an adjunctive device which means it must be used together with and as a supplement to the traditional intra and extra oral head and neck exam. Unlike other adjunctive devices used for oral examinations, the VELscope^® Vx does not require any dyes or prolonged testing procedures. In fact, a VELscope^® Vx exam can be performed during a routine hygiene exam in about two minutes at your dental office.

Dentists, Hygienists, Periodontists, Oral Surgeons, Primary Care Physicians and Otolaryngologists now have the technology to detect morphological and biochemical changes which may lead to oral cancer and potentially save lives, thanks to the Identafi® and VELscope^® Vx systems.

Where do I go if there is any concern with my screening?

You will be referred to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons where they will check for lesions and abnormal tissue structures and perform a biopsy.

Oral Surgeons are not front-line detectors, because their patients are typically referred by dentist and other medical professionals as a primary source for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.identafi.net/tools

Source:

http://www.dentalez.com/products/stardental/identafi/

http://www.velscope.com/velscope-technology/overview/

Posted in Community Service News, Health, Mouth Body Connection
Tagged alcohol, chewing tobacco, dentist, HPV, human papilloma virus, hygienist, Identafi System, Oral Cancer, oral cancer awareness, oral cancer awareness month, Oral Cancer Screenings, smoking, Velscope
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March 1, 2015

What Is Calculus Exactly?

Wendy Parker RDH

Ever heard your hygienist use the words, “build up” or “calculus” while they were cleaning your teeth? Ever wondered what that was, exactly, or what they were talking about?

Growing up, most of us heard about plaque and the importance of removing it daily, but nowadays we hear about bioflim and calculus. What is this all about? Well, my friends, read on and you’ll find out.

In the dental world, dental plaque has been changed to the term “Biofilm.”It is a more accurate term than plaque. It is more than just the soft fuzzy stuff on your teeth. Biofilm is everywhere in our surroundings and can form on just about anything. Ranging from clogged drains, to slippery coated rocks, and in your mouth. Biofilm is bacteria’s home. Millions of bacteria stick together in biofilm which adheres to surfaces in moist environments. Biofilms excrete a slimy glue-like substance that sticks to all kinds of materials, including your teeth! Dental plaque IS the yellowish biofilm that builds up on teeth and is composed of a complex baterial community that causes gingivitis, in the mild form, cavities, and periodontal disease, in the more advanced cases.

Typically, you can remove this biofilm, a.k.a. plaque, with your fingernail in the early stages where it still feels like the soft fuzz-like feeling on your teeth.

However, within 48 hours, if undisturbed, it begins to harden and causes gingivitis (inflammation of the gum tissues).

If still undisturbed, about 10 days later, it becomes calculus (a.k.a. tartar), which is difficult to remove. But don’t worry, we know a few good hygienists that can take care of that for you!

If, by some chance, the calculus stays there for a long period of time, the bacteria that is making it’s home in your mouth, then begins to affect the surrounding tissues, causing periodontal disease (bone and gum disease).

So now that we KNOW what and how we get biofilm and calculus, how do we get rid of it? The solution is something that we already know and that we have been hearing from the beginning of time. There is no new shocking treatment, but it’s simple…you have to disrupt the bacteria from forming in your mouth and the best way to do this is to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and see your dentist/hygienist regularly. If you wear some kind of appliance at night, like a nightguard or retainer, be sure you are brushing it and soaking it regularly. Be sure to let us help you with any issues or needs you have to keep your smile working for you!

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patient-education/articles/what-is-biofilm

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_plaque

http://www.dujs.dartmouth.edu

http://www.meadfamilydental.com

www.johngoodmandds.net

www.clipartbest.com

Posted in Gums, Health, Oral Hygiene, What is...
Tagged Biofilm, calculus, dentist, gingivitis, hygienist, periodontal disease, plaque, smile, tartar, teeth, tooth, what is
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February 8, 2015

Dental Fears

Becky Larson RDH

I once had an elementary school teacher who would scream if she heard the word “dentist.” About 75% of the population has some form of dental anxiety while about 5-10% of the population has an actual dental phobia. There are various degrees of dental anxiety/phobia, some even requiring psychiatric help. Those who experience this fear of going to the dentist will often avoid dental appointments until they are in extreme pain. I think we all realize that sometimes going to the dentist is just not fun. However, some signs that you may suffer from legitimate dental anxiety/phobia include trouble sleeping the night before a dental appointment, nervous feelings that increase in the dental office waiting room, crying or feeling physically sick when thinking about the dentist, and/or panic attacks or difficulty breathing when at or thinking of the dentist.

So what causes dental anxiety or dental phobia? Some common reasons for experiencing dental anxiety are fear of pain, fear of injections, fear that injections won’t work, fear of anesthetic side effects, fear of not being in control, embarrassment, and loss of personal space. The key to dealing with any of these fears is to talk to your dentist. If your dentist is aware of your fear(s) he/she can suggest ways to make you feel more comfortable when in the dental chair. Some helpful strategies include:

Having your dentist explain procedures in detail prior to and during treatment
Topical anesthetic and/or closing your eyes during injections
Establish a “stop” signal when you want your dentist to stop or give you a break
Nitrous oxide prior to treatment
Prescription pre-medication (such as Halcion)
Sedation/general anesthesia

At our offices we do offer intravenous sedation techniques for dental treatment. With these techniques, sedation drugs are administered through an IV in the patient’s arm or hand. While the patient is sedated, they will still be still be conscious and able to respond to dental staff. They will also be able to breathe on their own.

Recognizing dental fears and finding ways to cope with them is extremely important to your dental health. Regular check-ups and cleanings can help prevent recurrent decay, which in turn can reduce the amount of time and money you spend at the dentist.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/easing-dental-fear-adults

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_phobia

http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-Basics/Checkups-and-Dental-Procedures/The-Dental-Visit/article/What-is-Dental-Anxiety-and-Phobia.cvsp

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=dnetal+anxiety&FORM=HDRSC2

Posted in Health, Mouth Body Connection, Tooth Talk
Tagged Alameda Dental Care, Dental Anxiety, Dental Fears, Dental Phobia, dental sedation, dentist, hygiene, mouth, North Stapley Dental Care, Shalimar Family Dentistry, teeth, tooth
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January 20, 2015

What is a Dental Implant?

Amanda Orvis RDH

A dental implant is a titanium post used to replace missing teeth and support dental prosthetics. Implants are surgically guided into the jaw bone and integrate with the bone to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge and/or denture.

Success or failure of dental implants can depend on a few factors. Smoking is one of the number one causes of implant failure. Smoking can slow down the healing as well as act as an irritant to the tissue and bone surrounding the implant. Certain prescription medications can affect the integration of the implant with the surrounding bone as well. Stress to the implant due to clenching and/or grinding, also known as bruxing, can also be a significant factor on the success or failure of the implants. All of these potential issues will be discussed during your implant evaluation appointment.

Individual tooth replacement

For an individual tooth, an implant is selected and placed into the site of the missing tooth. The implant is given 3-6 months time to heal and integrate into the surrounding bone so that it becomes permanently stable. Once the implant has integrated with the surrounding bone the implant is ready to be restored. An impression is taken to allow a custom crown to be fabricated. Once the crown is fabricated, an implant abutment is placed into the implant and secured by a screw. The crown is then cemented in place on top of the implant abutment.

Implant supported bridge

An implant supported bridge is a group of teeth supported by two or more dental implants. The process of placing an implant supported bridge is very similar to the individual implant placement discussed above. To begin, implants are selected and placed into the sites of two or more missing teeth. The implants are given time to heal and to integrate with the surrounding bone. Once the implants have integrated with the surrounding bone the implants are ready to be restored. An impression is taken to allow a custom bridge to be fabricated. Implant abutments are placed into the implants and then secured with screws. The implant abutments will act as anchors to support the floating teeth between the implants known as pontics. The bridge is then cemented in place on top of the implant abutments.

Implant Supported Denture

Implant supported dentures can be made to be removable or permanently fixed into the mouth. Removable implant supported dentures can be disconnected from the implant abutments with finger pressure by the wearer. To enable this, the abutment is shaped as a small connector, which can be connected to an adapter on the underside of the denture. A permanently fixed implant supported denture is secured in place by your dentist with screws. Even though dentures are placed, it is still import to note that you must visit with your dentist at least once a year to have your tissue and implants examined.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

https://www.google.com/search?q=dental+implants&rlz=1T4GGNI_enUS478US479&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=rdJqVJ6MK8XNiAKv9YCQCQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=2133&bih=952&dpr=0.75#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=eMm4N-kgaUlBlM%253A%3B3WWM7H1IqnqHuM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.elkgrovesmilecenter.com%252Fthedentalsitecontent%252F887%252FImage%252Fdental-implants-scenarios.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.elkgrovesmilecenter.com%252FServices%252FElk-Grove-Village-Dental-Implants%252F2390%3B700%3B190

https://www.google.com/search?q=parts+of+a+dental+implant&rlz=1T4GGNI_enUS478US479&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=zdFqVKW1F8bAiAL3ooCQCw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=hx7UArv80aA4QM%253A%3B9CZitcw3Pnhl3M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.orlyvilla.com%252Fparts-of-a-dental-implant-250x.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.orlyvilla.com%252Fapps%252Fvideos%252F%3B250%3B188

https://www.google.com/search?q=implant+supported+bridge&rlz=1T4ADRA_enUS397US398&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=p4tjVM-nPI-sogTz8ILQCw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1440&bih=708%20-%20facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=ky4WogzaSbnB7M%253A%3BzRnYA9mCT4yCFM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.longislandperio.com%252Ffiles%252F2012%252F01%252F3-unit-implant-bridge_ti-abutments_tcm261-41493.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.longislandperio.com%252Fdental-implants%252#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=BaJFRVOs6xP5WM%253A%3BWRT69acQ4lnnqM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.foralifetimeofsmiles.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2013%252F07%252Fimplant-supported-bridge.gif%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.foralifetimeofsmiles.com%252Foral-surgery%252F%3B400%3B164

https://www.google.com/search?q=types+of+implant+supported+denture&rlz=1T4ADRA_enUS397US398&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=JY1jVJDkCNLSoATo-YDQBg&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1440&bih=708%20-%20facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=o0SUhE97Ov1DRM%253A%3B9ZakGA12S_8WBM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Floulyprostheticdentistry.com%252Fuploads%252F3%252F2%252F4%252F8%252F3248400%252F6261953.jpg%253F318%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.loulyprostheticdentistry.com%252Fdental-implants

Posted in Gums, Health, Oral Hygiene, Tooth Talk, What is...
Tagged dental, Dental Implants, dentist, hygiene, Implant retained denture, Implant Supported Bridge, mouth, smile, teeth, tooth
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November 21, 2014

What Is Laser Dentistry?

Peggy Storr RDH

Just as in other areas of medicine, lasers are increasingly becoming more common in dentistry. Lasers are instruments that produce a very narrow but intense beam of light. The light can remove or shape tissue. While lasers have been used in dentistry since 1985, its estimated that only 6% of dental offices utilize lasers. With improvements in technology and as the cost of lasers decrease, a greater number of dentists and hygienists will feel confident in incorporating lasers into their treatments.

How are lasers used in dentistry?

Hard Tissue (or Tooth) Laser Procedures

Cavity detection: Lasers provide readings of by-products produced by tooth decay
Tooth preparation for fillings- dental lasers may soon eliminate the need for anesthetic and the dental drill.
Tooth Sensitivity-lasers may be used to seal tubules located on the root of the tooth that are responsible for sensitive teeth.
Help treat infections in root canals

Soft Tissue (or Gum) Laser Procedures

Reshaping of gum tissue to expose tooth structure if needed to place a filling
Reshaping gum tissue to improve the appearance of a gummy smile
Remove inflamed gum tissues and aid in the treatment of gum disease
Removing muscle attachments causing “tongue-tie”
Removing benign tumors from gums, palate, sides of cheeks and lips
Reducing pain and minimize healing of cold sores
Treat pain and inflammation of temporomandibular joint disorder

While lasers do not yet replace the traditional dental drill, or the instruments the dental hygienist uses to scale teeth, improvements in laser technology will soon offer quicker, more effective and more comfortable procedures than in the past. This is good news for all especially those of you are anxious at the thought of visiting the dentist!

Want to learn more? Visit us at

www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/laser-use-dentistry

www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/volume-21/dental-lasers

Lesley Ranft, The Future of Dental Lasers, Retrieved from http://www.Consumer Guide to Dentistry

Lesley Ranft, Laser Dentistry: Enhancing Dental Treatment with Lasers, Retrieved from http://www.Consumer Guide to Dentistry

http://www.Know Your Teeth.com/infobites/abc/article What is Laser Dentistry? http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/laser/

www.dentistrytoday.com300

Posted in What is...
Tagged Alemeda Dental Care, dental laser, dentist, dentistry, gingiva, gums, mouth, North Stapley Dental Care, Shamilar Family Dental, teeth, tooth
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November 7, 2014

Sugar

Arianna Marsden RDH

With all the candy that has come into our homes as a result of trick or treating, now seems like a great time of year to review strategies for preventing cavities. Cavities are caused by acid-producing-bacteria that are present in our mouths. Bacteria consume the sugars in the foods we eat and produce acid. This acid produced by bacteria in our mouths softens the hardest outer layer of our teeth, the enamel, and causes tooth decay or cavities. Some of the best ways to prevent cavities are to eat sugars in moderation, limit the amount of time our teeth are exposed to acid, and practicing proper oral health habits.

In order to prevent cavities, it’s important to eat sugars in moderation. The sugars being referred to be not just the sugars found in candies and soda, but also natural sugars such as those found in fruits and nuts! Bacteria are not picky about the type of sugar they like to eat, and will produce enamel-softening acid even from something as healthy as sugar in an apple. Keep in mind that while fruits are important for a healthy diet, how frequently these sugars are consumed plays a big part in their capacity to cause cavities. This is why it’s important to limit the amount of time our teeth are exposed to acid.

When sugar is eaten, acid-levels in the mouth spike for a period of about one hour before they are neutralized again by the saliva. The longer sugar is in contact with our teeth, the longer bacteria have a chance to produce acid. Sticky candies, like sugared fruit snacks, caramels, or lollipops should be avoided, because they tend to stick to the teeth for a longer period of time.

Another factor that causes acid-levels in the mouth to stay high is grazing on candy throughout the day. This grazing-style of eating prevents the saliva from being able to neutralize the acid levels in the mouth, as they are continuously spiking from the intake of sugar. This high acid-level environment is the perfect storm for causing cavities, but there are some strategies we can use to assist our saliva in neutralizing the acid-level in our mouths. Drinking a glass of water, or thoroughly brushing teeth after eating sugar are great for neutralizing acid. Chewing a piece of sugar-free gum for about 20 minutes after eating has also been shown to stimulate saliva flow and quickly neutralize the acid-level in our mouths.

We should be brushing our teeth at least twice a day, with a soft toothbrush and a small, pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Flossing at least once a day is critical for removing plaque bacteria from between the teeth. Brushing and flossing removes plaque bacteria from our teeth, and fewer bacteria present in our mouths means less potential acid that can be produced. Fluoride has been demonstrated to dramatically reduce the damage caused by cavities, and when used properly, is a great strategy for preventing cavities.

Fluoride in our toothpaste and water at home can help prevent cavities, as well as professional fluoride treatments provided at the dentist’s office.

Being selective about the types of candy that we are giving to our trick or treaters, when and how much candy we are eating, and being especially conscientious about our oral health practices will be helpful strategies in preventing cavities this holiday season.

Want to learn more? Visit us at