Have you ever had a tooth cavity? Hurts...right?!

Have you ever had a tooth cavity? Hurts...right?!

Most people will be unaware of a cavity forming in their tooth.  The earliest signs of a cavity will be a small chalky white spot on the surface of their tooth. This is where tooth enamel is demineralizing and is referred to as a white spot lesion, or "micro cavity".

In some cases, at this early stage, cavities can be reversible, but left untreated, the white spot will quickly progress and turn brown. This is indicative of the demineralization process and in some cases can rapidly occur.

At this point, your tooth enamel and dentin become destroyed and the cavity will be more noticeable. The affected areas of the tooth change color and become soft to the touch. 

Once the cavity reaches the nerve, most people will know they have a cavity!

What are the signs of a cavity?

• pain or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
• sensitivity to sweet drinks
• toothache
• tender when biting down or applying pressure to the tooth
• bad breath

Below is a photo montage that shows the rapid progression of a tooth cavity.

How to prevent tooth cavities

Some of this goes without saying.... proper hygiene is a huge factor.

• Oral hygiene - daily brushing and flossing!
• Change your diet! Cut down on sugary drinks, eat foods high in calcium
• use a fluoride toothpaste
• Visit your dentist twice a year for routine preventative dental exams

Always remember that your oral health directly affects your overall health. A good dental routine will help make you have a healthy smile!

Cavity Prevention: Toothbrush, Floss & Red WIne?

Cavity buster!

I just read an article that made me happy! I know that there are health benefits to drinking red wine that include fighting heart disease - but did you know that researchers have found that red wine helps fight off bacteria that can cause cavities?

WOW!

Apparently, from the article provided by the American Chemistry Society, researchers grew cultures of bacteria most responsible for common dental diseases as a biofilm. They tested under realistic conditions by dipping the biofilms in different liquids for several minutes. They tested red wine, with and without the alcohol, red wine including grape seed extract and water.

The comparison produced amazing results!
Red wine either with or without the alcohol as well as the wine with grape seed extract were the most effective at getting rid of the bacteria. Good news for the 60-90% of people globally who encounter dental issues.

Tonight i plan to brush my teeth, floss and enjoy a nice merlot….not necessarily in that order ;-)!

For my established patients and perhaps new patients, i can't stress enough the importance of a regular dental checkup which includes a thorough teeth cleaning. Please refer to my dental hygiene page on my website for more information and schedule an appointment with Heather!

Chocolate Toothpaste? Are you serious!

I just read an article about P&G's Crest toothpaste line marketing to kids and making new toothpaste flavors that include chocolate. So is this a good idea or a bad one?

First of all - why do we have to persuade our children with chocolate toothpaste to brush their teeth at all? They should be taught early on about dental hygiene and simply taught to brush their teeth as a daily routine.

Second -are they giving kids a message that chocolate is "healthy"? Because - for the most part - it is not a healthy choice for the long term health of your teeth. Chocolate is made from sugar and leaves bacteria on your teeth. After i eat chocolate i want to brush my teeth to rid the sugar from my mouth! They just don't feel clean.

On the other hand…if that's the only way you can get your child to brush their teeth - then i guess it can't be so bad

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-01-24/p-and-gs-chocolate-toothpaste-innovation-or-desperation

what do you think?

reducing sugar - can everyone agree that it causes tooth decay?

I just read an interesting article that suggested a global initiative to reduce sugar in processed foods.

Is this possible? 

Now that children are used to such incredibly sweet foods including sugary and brightly colored yogurts, cookies, cereals and "healthy snacks", how will their taste buds react to a reduced sugary version?

The full article examines a study done by The Newcastle University which was commissioned by the WHO and published today in the Journal of Dental Research.

When traveling to Europe and eating packaged food, you can really taste the difference....America provides food that is over the top sweet. We "amp up" the levels in taste, while adding massive amounts of sugar. This is absolutely terrible for your teeth and produces tooth decay, not to mention affecting the longevity of your teeth.

As always, if you must drink sodas and eat such sugary food, please brush your teeth and use a mouthwash. If you are unable to use a toothbrush, rinse your mouth with a drink of water. And don't forget to come twice a year for a regular dental examination!