Tooth decay can be prevented with good oral care. It is much simpler and more affordable to prevent tooth decay than to repair a decayed tooth.  Daily cleanings, healthy eating habits, and the right amount of decay-fighting fluoride can help your child's teeth.

 

 

 

Cavities are caused by tooth decay, a disease that damages and breaks down teeth.  Untreated tooth decay can lead to pain, loss of teeth and loss of confidence.  Children with tooth pain cannot eat or sleep properly and may miss days of school.  Even worse, an abscess (pus-filled sac) from a cavity can cause serious or even life-threatening infections when left untreated.

 

 

Teeth should be brushed twice a day and flossed once a day to remove plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth. Using fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses can make tooth enamel more resistant to the acid that causes tooth decay and also helps repair areas where the acid attacks have already begun.

 

 

For good dental and overall health, be sure your child eats a balanced diet with foods from the major food groups.  Avoid cookies, candy and other sticky sweet foods as snacks.  Encourage healthy choices like carrots, crackers and water instead.

 

 

Professional dental services, such as regular cleanings, fluoride treatments and the application of sealants that prevent tooth decay, can save money and reduce the need for further dental treatment. Talk to your dentist about your child's dental needs and at what age they should start scheduling visits.

 

 

We are involved with numerous dental insurance plans for our patients.  Often times an Insurer may change the terms of a plan without informing us. This can result in frustrating circumstances for you and ourselves when services are provided.

     Please be alert to any plan changes that may occur.  Let us know of these changes as soon as you can.  We'll help in any way we can.

To start the New Year off, the ADA is revealing its newest resource for the public, ADA® Dental Symptom Checker™, which helps people make better-informed decisions about their oral health. With an intuitive interface, the application allows people to select:

 

Their gender and age

What part of their face or mouth symptoms are occurring

What type of symptoms they are experiencing

Any degree of pain that may be caused by their symptoms

After the various categories have been selected, the ADA Dental Symptom Checker provides a list of possible oral-health conditions. The Symptom Checker is not meant to diagnose or replace the role of the dentist. In fact, many of the conditions emphasize the importance of seeing a dentist or physician.

 

The ADA Dental Symptom Checker can be accessed via MouthHealthy.org, or by downloading it for iPhone® and iPad® on the App StoreSM, or Android™ devices on Google Play™.

ADA: Dental x-rays important to detect and treat oral health problems

The ADA urges patients to continue to see their dentist regularly and to talk with their dentist about the importance of X-rays and what standard safety precautions are used in the dental office. While a recent study suggests that yearly or more frequent X-rays may increase the risk of developing meningioma, the most commonly diagnosed brain tumor, the ADA reiterates its professional opinion that dentists should order X-rays when necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment. Since many oral diseases cannot be detected by just a visual or physical examination X-rays are a valuable preventive tool to help dentists detect oral health problems early. X-rays provide information about a patients’ oral health, such as early-stage cavities, gum disease, infections or some types of tumors. How often dental X-rays should be taken depends on the patient’s oral health condition, age, risk for disease and any signs and symptoms of oral disease that the patient might be experiencing. It is important to note that this latest study relied on patients’ memories of having X-rays taken years earlier. Studies of this type have shown that the ability to accurately recall information is often difficult. Therefore, the results of studies that use this design can be unreliable because they are affected by what scientists call “recall bias.” Further, the study acknowledges that some of the subjects received dental X-rays decades ago when radiation exposure was greater. Radiation rates were higher in the past due to the use of old X-ray technology and slower speed form. The ADA encourages further research in the interest of patient safety. Patient Safety The ADA recommends the use of protective aprons and thyroid collars on all patients. In addition, the ADA recommends that dentists use E or F speed film, the two fastest film speeds available, or a digital X-ray. Patients are encouraged to talk to their dentist if they have questions about their dental treatment. As a science-based organization, the ADA fully supports continuing research that helps dentists deliver high-quality oral health care safely and effectively. The Benefits of Dental X-Rays Since many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when your dentist examines your mouth, an X-ray can help reveal:

Recently our office received a copy of WebMD, while glancing through the articles I found a great one on dental phobia written by Lisa Zamosky.  I'd like to share some of her article here with you.

Does the thought of succumbing to the dentist's chair send a jot of anxiety through your body?  When it comes to triggering a fear response, few things can set people off like an upcoming trip to the dentist.

   That fear can set in early.  Threatening comments from a parent, such as "If you don't brush your teeth, you'll have to go to the dentist," can leave a lasting negative impression.  But today there's no need any longer for people to fear dental pain, modern dentistry is virtually painless.

   New dental instruments and technology have come a long way over the past few decades.  New topical anesthetics that numb the area before and injection are more profound and keep patients comfortable during injections and deep cleanings.  New, thinner disposable needles are being used to deliver anesthetic into the gums at a slower rate, easing the discomfort from the pressure of the injection.

Nitrous Oxide ("laughing gas") relaxes patients during more involved procedures.  And many offices offer iPods, headphones, and TVs that help put your mind at ease.

   Talk to your dentist or hygienist about your concerns and give them the chance to make it a better dental experience by offering you the numerous comforts they have at their disposal.

We have received our official Toys for Tots box from the Marines and it anxiously awaits our generous donations to the kids in this community.  This year they have requested no donations of stuffed animals.  We have until December 5th to over flow the box. thank you in advance for your generous giving spirit.

If you're someone who's insurance renews in October and you have unused dental benefits left.  Now may be the time to get that dental treatment scheduled in order to maximize your 2011 benefits.  

Well here we are in the midst of vacation season.  Our fearless leader, Dr. Dionise has just returned from a beautiful vacation to his family's homeland of Italy.  His trip of a lifetime was enjoyed by his family and parents together as they explored Rome, Florence, Cosenza, and their family's historical farms and homes. 

 Now that we're back in the office it's time to announce our newest venture into Invisilign orthodontics.

We've recently completed courses in these clear plastic tooth repositioning devices and are excited to incorporate them into our practice. Ask about them at your next dental appointment.

Mi Paste & Mi Paste Plus is a one-of-kind product.  The only dental product with RECALDENT, a special milk-derived protein that's a breakthrough in oral health care and completely safe, even if you're lactose intolerant.  It works by strengthening your teeth by replenishing calcium and phosphate to help maintain a normal pH level in saliva. You may benefit from using Mi Paste, ask your hygienist at your next visit.