Leading Cause of Tooth Loss Is....

Did you answer our Tuesday's Tip question correctly? The answer was FALSE - the leading cause of tooth loss is not cavities, it is gum disease.  You've heard the old adage, "Which comes first, the chicken or the egg?"  When it comes to gum disease the answer is clear.  Gum disease begins with plaque build up.  Plaque's best friend is bacteria, and bacteria's best friend is sugary, sticky or acidic substances found anything from drinks to candies.

We have all been told by our moms to brush our teeth for decades.  The main motivator behind such statements is to rid our mouths of bad breath.  After all, having really bad breath turns people off and our mom's want us to have friends, right?  Well, yes, but mom also wants to save money by preventing cavities.

The relationship between plaque and gum disease is intricate.  When teeth are cared for improperly, the breeding ground for bacteria is exponential in nature. Bacteria can reproduce quickly, and causes damage in a short period of time.  Within 20 seconds of eating sugary, sticky items, or drinking acidic juices and sodas the war on your teeth begins.  Plaque bathes your tooth in decay.  This plaque produces acid every second it is left on your precious enamel.

As plaque progresses in strength and acid content, it can embed in tiny holes on your tooth's surface, and even travel into pockets that have formed in your gums. This progression can lead to tooth decay, known as cavities, and even swollen and painful gums. If this happens, all warning lights should be going off in your mind.

If gum disease is caught early, tooth loss can be reduced greatly. There are so many wonderful treatments available today.  One of Dr. Clark's most successful treatments for gum disease is his use of laser light therapy on patients.  Read here for more information about this revolutionary tool.

Dr. Clark has seen such amazing results with Laser Light Therapy that he continues to advocate this treatment above all industry standard practices. Read about some of our success stories by clicking here.

If you have signs of gum disease which include red, swollen gums, bad breath, receding gums, deep pockets, loose or shifting teeth, please do no delay any further.  Although laser treatment can make drastic results possible, the earlier you treat gum disease the better your results will be.

Please call to schedule your consultation appointment today.  Dr. Clark would love to educate you on the the treatments that will be best for you or your loved ones.  

Call Today!

(541) 451-1440

Chewing Ice - A Hard Habit to Break

So, what was your answer to the question we posed yesterday in our Tuesday's Tip?  If you answered False, you were correct!

DentalPlans.com recently ran an article in the "why" behind the fact that chewing ice is down right dangerous for your teeth.  They highlighted a few reasons that we feel are worth repeating.

Chewing ice may harm your teeth
Your teeth are made up of enamel and dentin. According to OralAnswers.com, when you chew on ice, you're putting a great deal of pressure on your teeth and are at risk of wearing down the enamel, which can cause cracks or chips. When the enamel is chipped and dentin is exposed, your teeth will weaken and you may experience sensitivity.

It's a dangerous cycle
When you chew ice, you're creating a repetitive hot and cold cycle in your mouth, which can cause small cracks in the enamel. Not only will this weaken your teeth, but it could also cause serious problems with any fillings you may have. According to OralAnswers.com, a filling may expand faster than the tooth when exposed to hot and cold temperatures, which can shorten the life of the filling.

It could be the sign of something worse
Yahoo! Voices published an article by Kristie Leong, M.D., who said that if you constantly feel the urge to chew ice, it could be the sign of a serious condition called pica. This is a medical problem that causes people to have an urge to chew on things that have no nutritional value, such as ice or small rocks. This urge can sometimes be overwhelming and may lead to people chewing on dangerous items.

Furthermore, the doctor said that studies have shown that people with the iron deficiency anemia may be more likely to chew on ice than people who have enough iron, which is why you should consider seeing your doctor if you always chew on ice.

It can hurt your gums
Finally, bits of ice can be sharp, and you run the risk of puncturing your gums when you chew on them. Consider carrying sugar-free gum around so you'll have something else to chew instead of ice.

The bottom line?  Give chewing ice the cold shoulder! Your teeth work hard all day for you.  Giving them a little TLC by refraining from this chilly habit can make a huge difference in the long run.

Don't forget to call and schedule your consultation for Invisalign ortho treatment.  We are offering $200 off for a limited time.  Now's the time to get the smile you've always wanted!

(541) 451-1440