Aggressive Toothbrushing is Just as Bad as Aggressive Driving!

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We know talking about gum disease is not the most exciting topic, but what is exciting is seeing the dramatic results of healing that takes place because of our multi-faceted approach to this common problem.

Gum disease can be hard to diagnose because pain is not always present.  Regular visits to the dentist allows Dr. Clark to establish baselines for your gums, enabling him to detect gum recession before it becomes catastrophic for your teeth.

While the causes of gum disease vary from genetics to tobacco use, a common cause that many don't think about is aggressive brushing of the teeth.

A simple way to control the pressure applied while you brush is to use an electric toothbrush.  These devices allow you to get a clean mouth without causing undue stress on your tooth enamel and gums.

Electric toothbrushes also make great gifts.  We have them available for purchase in our office.  We urge you to consider replacing your old toothbrush will one that will not only be better on your gums and teeth, but one that will consistently leave your mouth cleaner after each use.

Call us today to inquire about purchasing an electric toothbrush!

(541) 451-1440

Soda Not As Bad As Meth? Think Again!

US News and CBS News ran recent articles regarding the effects of soda and Meth on teeth. Would you believe that soda can have as damaging effects as Meth use does on your teeth?  The results of both are alarming.

A common ingredient found in sodas, sports drinks, some candy, and illegal drugs such as Meth or Crack Cocaine is acid.  The exposure to consistent acid breaks tooth enamel down very rapidly.  Not only do we see worn or discolored enamel as a common factor among soda drinkers, or drug users, we also see horrible pitting and eventual rotting of teeth if oral hygiene is neglected.

While illegal drugs will have a greater impact on teeth than soda overtime, the fact that damage is similar is enough of reason to discontinue soda consumption as much as possible.  We aren't saying you can't have a favorite soda on occasion, but we certainly recommend you brush your teeth after drinking soda or exposing your teeth to any acidic substance.  This will not only prevent the acid from sticking to the surface of your teeth, but it will limit the amount of sugar in your mouth which inhibits plaque growth.

Think twice the next time you reach for a soda.  Changing out even one soda a day for water can make a difference in your teeth.

Please call us if you have any concerns about your teeth.  We are here to help you prevent irreversible damage, which costs not only time, but money too!

Call to schedule a free consult today!

(541) 451-1440

Which Comes First, Sugar or the Cavity?

Did you say false?  Sounds confusing right?  

According to an article in The New York Times entitled:  The Claim:  More Sugar Leads to More Cavities, Anahad O'Connor shares that the amount of sugar you eat has less of an impact on cavities than the way you consume the sugar.

The article states, "Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria that line the teeth feed onsimple sugars, creating acid that destroys enamel. When you eat something sweet, it takes the bacteria about 20 seconds to convert it to acid, which then lasts for about 30 minutes.

That means that a can of soda is a lot less harmful to your teeth when consumed in a few minutes instead of over a couple hours with repeated sips, said Carole Palmer, a professor of public health and community service at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.

“Every time you present sugar to the bacteria, you’ll get acid formation,” said Dr. Palmer, who recently published a paper exploring dental myths in the journal Nutrition Today. “The things that are going to increase the risk of decay would not be the total amount of sugar at all, but what your feeding pattern is like. Are you someone that’s constantly sipping? Do you get one soda and keep it on your desk all afternoon? Do you get a cup of coffee with sugar and sip it all morning?”

For the same reason, many dentists advise parents not to use spill-resistant sippy cups too often, which have been linked in some studies to tooth decay in toddlers.

Dr. Palmer points out that it’s not just sugar, but anything with acid, like diet soda. One study even found that sour candy was significantly more destructive to tooth enamel than regular, sweet candy because of its acid levels.

THE BOTTOM LINE Small amounts of sugar eaten frequently increase cavities more than large amounts eaten infrequently."

While we do not advocate increasing the amount of sugar in your diet, we do encourage you to think about your consumption habits.  Exposing your teeth over long periods of time without brushing puts you at an increase for cavity production.  Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste in your drawer at work and brush after lunch.  Have sugar free gum available, preferably with Xylitol, to curb those afternoon cravings.  These small steps make a big difference over time.

Please call us if you have any concerns about cavities. The sooner you treat them, the better it is for your teeth and your pocketbook!

Call us at:

541-451-1440