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

True or False? Men have better oral health care habits than women

Yesterday, on our Facebook page we posed a question, how did you do?  

True or False - Men are more likely than women to have visited the dentist in the last year?

The answer?  FALSE!  Were you right?

DentalPlans.com posted an article this week citing the main reasons why women are in the lead when it comes to better oral health care habits.

We would like to highlight some of the points shared from new research found in the Journal of Periodontology. The top reason that women exceed men in oral hygiene is because they are proactive.  They stay on top of their oral hygiene at home, and keep regular dental visits; whereas, men typically visit the dentist only when there are obvious problems, or cosmetic issues that need to be addressed.

Statistically speaking, women also brush more often than men.  Because of this, men lose an average of 5 to 12 more teeth than women before the age of 72.  The higher range of tooth loss is directly associated with smoking. Because more men smoke, they are also at a greater risk for throat, tongue, and other mouth cancers.

The fact that more men are on medications that reduce the saliva production in the mouth, such as heart and high-blood pressure pills, the bacteria that causes cavities is more abundant, and with reduced oral health care, the results are rarely positive. 

Although the statistics favor women in this battle of the mouth, they are not all conclusive; they are subject to change with the implementation of simple, daily habits.

Dr. Clark has some very effective cavity prevention treatments that really make the difference in your overall hygiene care.  Please call us today to schedule a free consultation, and find the answers that can change your oral healthcare future.

For a free consultation, call:

(541) 451-1440

Do You Need a Little Help?

Is getting your children ready for bed a continual battle?  Do they try to negotiate their way out of brushing their teeth?  Don't worry, you are not alone!

While this scene plays out in American homes every night, the trade off for giving in to their pleading will actually end up costing you, and them...a lot!

Children know how to "push the right buttons" when you are tired at the end of the day.  You are not the only parent that gives in.  Many parents have relented due the incessant arguing at bedtime over teeth brushing.

We have found that children love incentives when it comes to caring for their teeth.  There is a great website full of fun suggestions, facts, ideas and educational material that may help you win this nighttime battle.  This website also has instructional videos that you can watch with your children.  Here is a link to the website, take a look, it might give you some helpful ideas.

http://2min2x.org/kids-healthy-mouths

In the top right corner of our blog we also have a fun printable chart you can customize for your children or grandchildren.  They love to see the boxes fill in.  They can even bring in their completed charts to their next exam for an extra prize our of our prize box.  Now what child wouldn't love that idea?

Although it may be a struggle to get your children to develop the habit of good oral health care, you will always win in the end.  A healthy mouth means a healthy child.  We believe in you and know that you can set a great example for your children in taking charge of their oral health care.

If you ever have any questions or concerns about your family's dental needs, please don't hesitate to call.  We are here for you!

Call to schedule your exam today!

(541) 451-1440

Is Your Mouth Telling On You?

If your mouth could speak, what would it say? Sounds funny right?  Your mouth speaks everyday. Although that is true, what if your mouth didn't need your brain to deliver you a message?  Well, the good news, or bad, is that it can.

Every time you sit in our dental office chair, your mouth shares a wealth of knowledge with us. For example, your teeth report the type of care they've received from you over the years.  Your gums even get in on the story telling and spill their secrets as we gently clean and floss them.

What kind of story do you want your mouth to share?  The best advice we can give you is to take care of those pearly whites and precious gums by paying attention to them every day.  They hold the future of what your smile and eating habits will be.  They may appear to be giving you the silent treatment most of the time, but trust us when we say they are taking careful notes!

We all love happy endings when we read a story, don't we?  As you take care of your teeth and gums you invest in a healthy future.  Brushing twice a day and flossing once is all that you need to do to help your mouth give you the happy ending you desire.

If it has been awhile since you have been in to see us, wait no longer.  The further you delay treatment, the sadder your tale will become.  Be the hero in your story today, give your mouth the attention and help it needs and deserves.

We look forward to being part of your 

Happily Ever After story!

Call to schedule an appointment today!

(541) 451-1440

Your Gums Are Telling You Something - Don't Ignore Them!

The Academy of General Dentistry published a short article on the correlation between periodontal or gum disease and other health problems throughout your body.  Staying up on your six month appointments can save your life.

The AGD reports, "Researchers are finding possible links between periodontal (gum) infections and other diseases throughout the body. Current studies suggest that there may be a link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. In fact, some research suggests that gum disease may be a more serious risk factor for heart disease than high blood pressure (hypertension), smoking, high cholesterol, gender and age. Studies suggest that people who have gum disease seem to be at a higher risk for heart attacks, although no one is certain how this relationship works. Your oral health affects your overall health, but studies that will find exactly why these problems are linked are still underway."

So what can you do today?
1)  Consistently brush and floss, every single day.
2)  Schedule your semi-annual exam by calling us today.
3)  Listen to the warning signs in your mouth.

Dr. Clark has been able to diagnosis health issues and oral cancer before they have become untreatable many, many, times.  You owe it to yourself, and to your family to do all you can to stay healthy and happy.

Call us today to schedule your exam!

(541) 451-1440