Let’s Talk about Fluoride!

Nearly all naturally occurring water sources contain fluoride - a compound that has been proven to prevent, and even reverse, tooth decay. 

Cavities are caused by certain bacteria in the mouth. When a person eats sugar and other refined carbohydrates, these bacteria produce acid that removes minerals from the surface of the tooth. Fluoride helps to re-mineralize tooth surfaces and prevents cavities from continuing to form.

There are many benefits of fluoride for almost every patient.  Here are some of our favorites:

· Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities.  It is effective systemically and topically.

· Community water fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent cavities, and is the most efficient to prevent one of the most common childhood diseases -  dental decay. (5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever in 5 - 17 year olds.)

· Simply by drinking tap water, people can benefit from cavity protection whether they are at home, work or school.  And it’s cheaper than buying bottled water.

· Dry mouth syndrome, caused by many medications, decreases the amount of saliva produced and can make an individual more prone to cavities.

· As people age, manual dexterity often times does not allow for optimal brushing habits and their sense of taste craves more sweet, sugary foods, which in turn produces more cavity-causing bacteria.

· If there is patient history of frequent cavities, this is a big help!

We offer several types of fluoride treatments.  Our preferences are fluoride varnish, applied after your regular hygiene appointment, MI Paste Plus, a take-home fluoride product that re-mineralizes teeth or we offer different prescription-strength fluoride toothpastes.  Ask for them at your next visit!  

Toothpaste 101: Pick the Right Toothpaste for Your Oral Health

Toothpaste is important to oral health because it helps remove plaque and bacterial build-up on teeth and fight periodontal (gum) disease. Most toothpastes also contain fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel and fights cavities. How do you know what toothpastes suit you the most? Let's find out. 

Expecting? 5 Tips for Dental Care During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it’s more important than ever to be a diligent brusher and flosser. Why? Because those crazy pregnancy hormones leave your mouth more vulnerable to bacteria and plaque, both of which can make your already sensitive gums (thanks again, hormones!) even more tender.

Here are more smart dental strategies to think about every day during pregnancy.

1. Brush your tongue as well as your teeth to minimize the amount of bacteria in your mouth.

2. Skip the sweets, especially when you won’t be able to brush your teeth soon after indulging.

3. Make sure you get plenty of vitamin C in your diet, which strengthens gums and reduces the chances of bleeding.

4. Consume plenty of calcium to keep your teeth (and your bones) strong.

5.Can’t brush after a meal? Try chewing a piece of sugarless gum or grabbing a handful of nuts (unless you’re allergic) or a small chunk of cheese. All have antibacterial properties.