If You Snack and Sip All Day, You Risk Decay!

Do you sip on sugar sweetened drinks throughout your day?  Do you snack on foods with added sugar throughout your day?  If this is you, beware!  These habits can lead to tooth decay.

 Refined sugar is added to many foods and drinks.  The worst liquid offenders are soda, sports drinks, sweet ice tea, and fruit juice.  The problem is when you sip on these types of drinks throughout your day, your teeth are constantly bathed in refined sugar.  Over time, the sugar in these drinks reacts with the plaque bacteria that is always present in your mouth.  The by-product of this reaction is an acid that is strong enough to eat through your tooth enamel.  Within 20 minutes after you eat or drink something with refined sugar, the acid production process has begun.  Soda also contains phosphoric acid.  If you frequently drink soda (even diet soda), the phosphoric acid can cause erosion to your tooth enamel; this makes your tooth enamel weaker and increases your chances of developing tooth decay. 

One can of regular Coke has over 9 teaspoons of sugar. A 12-oz. can of Mountain Dew contains 11 teaspoons of sugar. A person who drinks two cans per day consumes more than 1.5 pounds of sugar per week from Mountain Dew alone. www.floridahealth.gov/chdcollier/Documents/.../sipalldaypresentation.pdf

Eating foods high in refined sugar can also lead to tooth decay.  If you eat sugary foods during the day, you can help minimize the harmful effects of the sugar on your teeth by rinsing your mouth with water, or brushing your teeth after you eat the sweet treat. 

It is important for your dental health to avoid drinking beverages throughout your day that are high in refined sugar and acidic and avoid eating frequent sugary snacks. The best defense against sugar and acids is thorough brushing and just as important....cleaning between your teeth.  Often, tooth decay begins in between teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach.  If you don't regularly floss, the acid produced by the combination of bacteria and sugar sticks between your teeth and causes cavities to form.

Fluoride is also very beneficial in combating the effects of acid on your teeth.  Fluoride actually promotes re-mineralization of your tooth enamel making it more resistant to the destructive acid produced by sugar or consumed in soda.  Fluoride is in most toothpaste, you can even buy mouth rinse with fluoride, or your dentist can prescribe a prescription strength fluoride toothpaste.   

Mouth of a diet soda abuser

                                                                (photo courtesy of The Academy of Dentistry)

Australian Dental Association

Salivary Testing to Treat Gum Disease

       Have you been told that you have areas in your mouth with "deep pockets"?  Have you had a "deep cleaning" but despite your efforts at good oral hygiene your gums still bleed regularly?  Now there is an easy way to find out exactly which bacteria are causing your gum problems.  A company called Oral DNA Labs offers salivary testing that can identify which bacteria are triggering your periodontal (gum) disease.
     Periodontal (gum) disease is a fairly common condition.  It begins as gingivitis which is gum inflammation due to a build up of plaque on the teeth.  Dental plaque is bacteria, food particles and mucus.  Over time this plaque, if not removed, can harden on the teeth, thus becoming tartar.  The bacteria in the plaque and tartar cause the gums to be inflamed and the bleed easily.  The inflammation can spread to the ligaments and bone that hold the teeth in place.  Once this occurs, the condition is called periodontitis.  Untreated periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.
     Oral DNA Labs offers a saliva test that can identify exactly which bacteria are triggering the periodontal disease.  The test is very simple to do and can be done in our office in just a few minutes.  The patient just swishes a special saline solution in their mouth for 30 seconds then expectorates into a special vial which gets securely sealed and sent directly to Oral DNA Labs for analysis.  We then receive a detailed report identifying the types of destructive bacteria that were present in the sample along with recommended treatment protocols.
     Watch this short video from the TV show The Doctors that discusses Oral DNA testing
http://www.thedoctorstv.com/videolib/init/7581
You can also learn more by visiting the Oral DNA Labs websitehttp://www.oraldna.com/

New Oral Probiotic

          The term "Probiotic" is very common in many products available today.  Probiotics are microorganisms that may have health benefits when consumed.  They can be added to food, like yogurt, or taken alone in a capsule form.  At Clearwater Dental Associates we are excited to offer a new Oral Probiotic called EvoraPro.  EvoraPro oral probiotic works by outnumbering the undesirable bacteria in the mouth.  When the bad bacteria are outnumbered, the beneficial bacteria can flourish and re-establish a correct bacterial balance which leads to healthier teeth and gums.
      Researcher, Dr. Jeffrey D. Hillman collected bacteria samples from people with healthy teeth.
He isolated three particular bacteria that were found in every "healthy mouth" sample.  The bacteria he grouped together worked to outnumber destructive bacteria strains found in the mouth.
     The bacteria Dr. Hillman grouped together are called ProBiora3 and are found in EvoraPro. This is the only probiotic with original bacterial strains cultivated from people with healthy mouths. There are no food products that contain these bacteria strains.  By crowding out the destructive bacteria with beneficial bacteria, the plaque bacteria grow much much slower above and below the gums. Each EvoraPro tablet contains the ProBiora3 healthy bacteria strains. The patient dissolves one EvoraPro mint in the mouth per day.

How does EvoraPro fit into patients’ oral
care routine?

EvoraPro is best started when a patient has just completed a
professional prophylaxis.

• A professional prophylaxis removes both beneficial and undesirable bacteria
• Allowed to dissolve on the tongue after the patient’s oral hygiene routine, EvoraPro begins to repopulate the mouth with a healthy balance of essential probiotic bacteria
• Because EvoraPro only contains bacteria naturally found in the oral cavity, it is ideal for most patients

The healthy bacteria in EvoraPro also help eliminate the bacteria that can cause bad breath. The good bacteria found in EvoraPro also produce a low dose of hydrogen peroxide which can whiten and brighten your teeth as well.

Our New Product Line, PerioSciences

     We have a new product line called PerioSciences.  These products utilize combinations of specific antioxidants that work with the natural antioxidants in saliva.  We all have naturally occurring antioxidants in our saliva.  These antioxidants work on a molecular level to fight off inflammatory stressors that can eventually cause tissue destruction and cell death if an imbalance occurs. Our salivary antioxidant levels decrease as we age and are compromised in the presence of inflammation caused by certain stressors like bacteria, systemic conditions, medications, nicotine, dental surgery, certain materials used in dental procedures and ulcers.
     Antioxidants are large, complex molecules that are produces by the body and they are found naturally in certain foods or plants.  Antioxidants work by bonding with free radicals (unstable molecules with an unpaired electron).  When one of these unstable free radical molecules finds another molecule, it may "steal" an electron to complete the pair.  Now the second molecule has an unpaired electron, and is now then a new free radical.  This process of one molecule stealing an electron is called oxidation.  Antioxidants work to stop or retard the process of oxidation.
     Antioxidants are part of the body's innate defense mechanism and many occur naturally in your saliva.  The antioxidants in saliva are critical for fighting free radicals and oxidative stress in the mouth.  Unfortunately however, the natural levels of antioxidants in saliva may not be enough to combat the high levels of free radicals caused by oral infection, systemic inflammation or toxic substances. 
     A very common source of chronic inflammation is periodontal (gum) disease.  The natural antioxidants found in saliva are abnormally low in people with periodontal disease.  The theory behind using antioxidants in the mouth is that they will combat the free radicals and reduce the inflammation caused by gum disease.
Using the PerioSciences products can help replenish your supply of salivary antioxidants to help minimize your mouth's negative reaction to inflammation and amplify wound healing. It will also keep the good bacteria at healthy levels.
     At Clearwater Dental Associates, we have the PerioSciences products that help to treat dry mouth and sensitivity.  There are hundreds of prescription medications that cause a reduction in saliva, giving the patient a constant dry mouth.  The antioxidants in the PerioSciences help to combat the bacteria that sticks to the teeth because of the dry mouth.  This can help to reduce tooth decay which can occur as a result of dry mouth.  The antioxidant properties  can also help to stimulate salivary flow.
    If you would like more information on these products, or if you think you would be a good candidate for using them, contact our office.  We also have an "online store" link on our homepage for ordering PerioSciences.

Diabetes and Your Oral Health

November is Diabetes Awareness month so this blog post is about diabetes and your oral health.  Diabetes affects over 25 million Americans.  This disease can cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other parts of your body.  Diabetes can also affect your teeth and gums.  Oral health problems related to diabetes are gum disease, thrush and slower healing after oral surgery.

Gum (periodontal) disease is when the tissues that hold your teeth in place become infected.  If the infection progresses to the severe state, the bone is destroyed and the infected teeth have to be removed. In young adults,  if someone has diabetes, they are about twice as likely to have active gum disease.  In older adults who have diabetes, active gum disease and infection is very common.  Diabetics with poor sugar control are more likely to lose teeth due to gum disease than diabetics who have their sugar under control.  Some studies suggest that treating active gum disease may help improve blood sugar control, thus improving the overall health of the diabetic patient. 

The dentists and hygienists at Clearwater Dental Associates routinely  check for signs of active gum disease and we recommend dental treatment to treat the infected areas so the overall health of our diabetic patients can improve.

Another oral health problem related to diabetes is thrush.  Thrush is a fungal infection that occurs more often in people with diabetes.  In the mouth, thrush looks like white and red patches that may be sore or look like small ulcers.  Thrush may make your tongue feel like it is burning thus making chewing and swallowing uncomfortable.  Fortunately, there are medicines that can cure thrush within a relatively short period of time. 

If you are diabetic it may take your body longer to heal after having any type of oral surgery.  This would include having a tooth pulled.  It is important to discuss your diabetes with your dentist before doing any type of oral surgery. 

Patients with diabetes should be very pro-active with their dental care.  They should have regular dental cleanings and exams which would include evaluation of their periodontal (gum) health.  If you are diabetic and you have been told that you have active areas of gum disease or infection it is very important to treat these areas and get them to healthier, non infection state.

What is a Crown and Why Do I Need a Crown?

A crown, or "cap" as it is commonly referred, is a cover that your dentist puts over a tooth.  The purpose of a crown is to make a tooth stronger by repairing it or to improve the way the tooth looks. A crown should look exactly like a natural tooth, it should be the same size and shape as your natural tooth.
A tooth may need a crown if:

• a tooth has a cavity that is too large for a filling
•  you need to cover a dental implant
•  you have a tooth that is cracked, worn down or weakened
•  a tooth has had a root canal
• you want to cover a discolored or badly shaped tooth thus improving your smile

Crowns are made from several different types of materials. Crowns can be made from metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, composite resin or some combination of these materials.  Your dentist will make your crown so it fits comfortably in your mouth and looks like a natural tooth.  When determining the type of material to use to make your crown, you dentist will consider the location of the tooth, the position of the gum tissue and how much of the tooth shows when you smile.  You as the patient may also have a personal preference as to how you want your crown to look.

Once your dentist has determined that your tooth needs a crown, it usually takes two appointments to complete the treatment. At the first visit your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing a thin outer layer of the tooth.  This is done so when the new crown is cemented on your remaining tooth, it will fit and not be bigger than the natural tooth. After the tooth is prepared, an impression (exact mold) of the tooth is made to provide an exact model that a lab technician will use to  make your crown.  After the impression is taken, a temporary crown will be made and cemented on your tooth using a temporary cement.  You will wear this temporary crown for a week or two until the lab technician is finished making the permanent crown.  It is important to keep the temporary crown in your mouth, without it your teeth can shift then the new crown won't fit properly.  When the permanent crown is completed, the dentist will take off the temporary crown and try in your new permanent crown.  Sometimes it is necessary to make some minor adjustments to be sure that the bite is exactly correct. When you bite together the tooth with the new crown should feel comfortable and no different that your other teeth. After any adjustments have been made, then your dentist will cement the new crown on the tooth using a permanent cement.

It is important to remember that under the crown is your natural tooth and it is still possible to get a cavity on the natural tooth that is under a crown.   It is important to brush twice a day and floss daily to remove the plaque bacteria to keep the tooth under the crown and the gum tissue around the crown healthy.  As always, be sure to see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams.

Why Doesn't My Insurance Pay for This?

     Dental insurance is a benefit offered by many employers.  It actually works more like a valuable "coupon" that can reduce the cost of your dental treatment.  It is important to remember that dental benefit plans do not cover all of the cost of dental treatment.  Hopefully this post will help to clarify how dental benefit plans work.
      It is important to remember that dental benefits offered by a plan should not be confused with dental treatment that is needed.  Dental benefit plans are a contract between your employer and an insurance company.  The dental treatment you need is determined by your dentist.  Your dental coverage is not based on what you need or what your dentist recommends.  Your dental coverage is based on how much your employer pays into the dental benefit plan. 
     At Clearwater Dental Associates, our main goal is to help you take good care of your teeth and provide excellent dental care for you and your family regardless of the stipulations of a dental benefit plan.  As a courtesy to our patients, we file dental claims with the insurance company.  We ask that the portion NOT covered by insurance be paid at the time of treatment. 
     Dental benefit plans use the term UCR (Usual, Customary & Reasonable) when they refer to the maximum charge for treatment that they allow.  The insurance company will make it seem that their UCR is the standard rate that most dentists charge for their procedures, but this is incorrect. 

• UCR charges usually do not reflect what dentists usually charge
• Insurance companies can set whatever UCR fees they want, they are not required to match actual fees charged by dentists in the area where you live
• An insurance company does not update their UCR amounts to keep with rising costs.  Often, they keep their UCR amounts the same for many years.
• Insurance companies are not required to say how they set their UCR rates. 

If your dental treatment costs more than what your insurance company has set for their UCR, it does not mean that your dentist has overcharged you. It means that your insurance company has not updated their UCR amounts, or the data the insurance company is using to set their UCR rates is not reflective of the state you live in.
    
     Another confusing issue with dental benefit plans are the terms PPO, DHMO, and Preferred Providers.  PPO and DHMO refer types of dental benefit plans companies offer.  A PPO type of plan gives patients the option of going to an "in-network" or "preferred" provider or they can go to an "out of network" provider.  An "in network or preferred provider"  means that the dentist has signed a contract with an insurance company and the fees charged are pre-determined and cannot be changed.  The benefit of a PPO type of plan is that if someone does not want to change dentists, they can go to an "out of network" provider and still use their dental benefits.  The out of pocket amount owed may be more, but that can be determined before dental treatment is rendered.
     DHMO dental plans do not give the patient the flexibility of going to an "out of network" dentist.  The dental benefits can only be used at an office with a dentist who is an "in network" DHMO provider.  If a patient goes to a dentist who is NOT a DHMO provider, the insurance will not pay anything.
     All dental benefit plans come with an annual maximum.  This is the largest dollar amount that the plan will pay out during a year.  The annual maximum is decided in the contract between your employer and the insurance company.  Annual maximums are not always updated to keep up with the costs of dental care.  In the 1980's the average annual maximum was about $1000 per year, and today the average annual maximum is only about $1500 per year.

At Clearwater Dental Associates, we have dentists who are contracted with some insurance companies, thus they are "in-network".  We have dentists who are contracted with Argus, Assurant, Cigna, Delta Dental Premiere, DeCare, Metlife, Prinicpal,  and United Concordia. 

Although you may be tempted to make decisions about your dental care based on what your insurance will pay, just remember that your dental needs are determined by your dentist and the least expensive option is not always the best.

What is Bruxism?

     Bruxism is a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth.  Clenching means that you hold your top and bottom teeth tightly together.  Grinding is when you slide your teeth back and forth over each other.  Bruxism can occur at any age, from children 3 or 4 years old up to adults.  Often, parents can hear their young children grinding their teeth while they are sleeping.  Many people with bruxism wake themselves up in the middle of the night from the sound of their teeth clinching or grinding.  Sometimes people are aware that they have a bruxing problem, but often times they are not.  They may have symptoms but be unaware that the cause is due to bruxism.
     People who suffer from bruxism may have the following symptoms:

• headache
• sore jaw
• frequent headaches
• facial pain
• worn or cracked teeth or fillings
• loose teeth
• earache
• insomnia

The exact causes of bruxism are unknown but most dentists agree that stress, sleep disorders or an abnormal bite are some of things that definitely play a role.  Your dentist can determine if your symptoms are from bruxism by looking for unusual wear spots on your teeth and assessing your related symptoms.  If you have any of the above symptoms on a regular basis, it is important that you have an examination by a dentist.
     There are several different ways for treating bruxism.  Some of these include:

• stress reduction
• a protective "night guard" worn over the teeth while sleeping
• medication for pain or muscle spasms
• fillings or other dental treatment to repair any damaged teeth

Frequently, wearing a night guard while you sleep will provide relief after only a few nights.  Night guards are custom made from an impression (mold) of your teeth.  They are made of a very hard plastic or acrylic.  The night guard fits snugly over either the upper or lower teeth and prevents the teeth from touching.  This keeps the jaw muscles relaxed thus eliminating headaches and soreness in the jaw muscles.  Wearing a night guard also protects your teeth from being worn down or possibly cracked due to intense bruxing.
     At  Clearwater Dental Associates we are able to examine and treat bruxism problems.  We make custom fit night guards and we have appointments available immediately!


 
    

Belleair Area Dentist

     Are you looking for a  Belleair area dentist?  Do you need an appointment TODAY?  Give us a call!!  Clearwater Dental Associates is conveniently located just 5 miles from the Belleair area.  At Clearwater Dental Associates you can have comprehensive dental treatment all in one location.  We have four general dentists in our office and  we offer the specialities of endodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery and periodontics.
     We do all types of restorative and cosmetic dentistry including teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, veneers, crowns, dental implants, dental bridges etc...  .  It  is important to take good care of your teeth. Whether you just need a teeth cleaning or something more serious, our experienced staff works to provide you with the healthiest, most beautiful smile that modern dentistry can provide for you. Through our vast experience in the dental care industry, we try to keep your procedures anxiety-free, and even offer emergency appointments just in case a problem arises.
     We offer  " No Charge Consultations" if you are seeking a second opinion or if you just want to meet the dentist and get an idea of what dental treatment you may need.  We offer "Same Day Appointments " if you are in pain and need to be seen right away.
     After fixing any physical ailments to your teeth that you might be experiencing, the staff at Clearwater Dental Associates can also help you achieve the smile of your dreams with the latest cosmetic dentistry techniques. We offer a wide range of aesthetic, natural looking and completely safe solutions to discolored, misshapen, or missing teeth in order to help you create a new smile that will last you a lifetime.
 
 So if you are looking for a Belleair Area Dentist  that you can trust, look no further than Clearwater Dental. Call us today to schedule an appointment and get on your way to having the best smile you can possibly have.

Dental care in Largo

Even though our name is Clearwater Dental Associates, our office is very conveniently located to the Largo area.  We are just off Belcher Road just a couple of miles north of East Bay Dr. 

If you live in Largo and you are looking for a new dentist, we offer comprehensive family dentistry.  We have general dentists that do everything from routine fillings to total smile restoration using the latest cosmetic dentistry techniques. We also have specialists for endodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics and periodontics in our office and who are available to see our patients.

We offer same day appointments if you are having a dental emergency and need to see a dentist in the Largo area right away.

So if you are looking for dental care in the Largo area contact us online, www.cdadental.com  or call our office at 727-797-8800 to make an appointment.  We would be happy to see you today! 

Don't forget to visit us on Facebook!

Why Does a Tooth Crack?

A tooth that is cracked can be painful.  Sometimes, it can be hard to tell which tooth is the source of the discomfort and often the crack cannot be seen on an x ray.  Patients often ask what caused their tooth to crack.  The most common reasons a tooth may develop a crack are:

• Loss of tooth structure due to large fillings which can exert outward forces on the remaining tooth structure
• Frequent chewing on hard foods such as ice, hard nuts or hard candy
• Grinding or clenching your teeth
• Teeth that have had a root canal that have not been permanently restored and are brittle

A cracked tooth may hurt because the pressure of biting causes the crack to open. When you stop biting, the pressure is released and the pain goes away.  Even if the crack is too small to see, when it opens, the pulp inside the tooth may become irritated.  The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth where the nerve and blood vessels are located.  If the crack irritates the pulp, the tooth may become very sensitive to hot and cold.  If the pulp becomes diseased due to the crack, a root canal (endodontic treatment) may be necessary to save the tooth.

The most common symptoms of a cracked tooth are:

• Sharp pain when biting down but then quickly disappears when not biting
• Extreme sensitivity with hot and cold

Sometimes upon visual examination, the dentist can see a crack in a tooth, but the patient has no pain or sensitivity.  This means that the crack has most likely not yet penetrated the tooth enamel, but in most cases, eventually the crack will penetrate deeper into the tooth and the patient will begin to have sensitivity.

Treatment for a cracked tooth depends on the size and location of the crack.  Sometimes the crack can be repaired by replacing an old filling.  If the crack cannot be repaired by a filling, then placing a crown (cap) over the entire tooth protects the tooth from further damage.  Unfortunately, sometimes the tooth is too severely cracked and must be extracted.

A cracked tooth can become a bigger problem if it is left untreated, not to mention painful every time you bite down on something.  If you think you may have a cracked tooth, it is important to have an exam by your dentist.

Great Alternatives to Traditional Braces

One of the most common things adults say they would like to change about their smile, is to have straighter teeth.  When people think of wearing braces, they often envision a smile full of metal brackets, which for kids is not so bad, but most adults are not interested in having the "railroad track" look.  Fortunately, there are some really great alternatives to metal brackets which are available for both teens and adults.

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic correction that involves wearing clear custom fit "aligners" (trays).  The process is quite simple and painless.  First you need to have a consultation with an orthodontist who is an Invisalign provider to make a determination if you are a candidate for Invisalign braces.  Once this has been determined, the orthodontist will take a series of impressions (molds) of you teeth and photographs of you.  All of this information is sent to a special lab where your custom "aligners" are made,  this process takes several weeks.  Once your aligners are delivered to you, they are worn for 22 hours a day.  The only time they are removed is when you eat something, and of course when you brush and floss.  Every two weeks you put in a new set of trays, and about every 6 weeks you see your orthodontist for a progress check and to get your next 2-3 sets of trays. The total treatment time can range anywhere from 12-24 months.
The aligners are clear, so most people don't even realize you have anything in your mouth.  There are no sharp edges that can irritate your gum tissue, or cause injury if you are accidentally hit in the mouth.  This is great for people who play sports or musical instruments that require using a mouthpiece!

Another new alternative to traditional brackets is called Incognito Braces.  As with Invisalign, first you need to have a consultation with an orthodontist who is an Incognito Braces provider.  Once the determination has been made that you are a good candidate for Incognito Braces, your orthodontist will take impressions (molds) of your teeth and send them to a specialized lab that uses 3D technology to create custom fit brackets and wires that get cemented on the inside of your teeth.  The brackets cannot be seen when you smile, since all of the brackets and wires are placed only on the inside surfaces of your teeth. Since the brackets are on the inside of your teeth, your lips and gums won't get irritated because the brackets and wires won't be rubbing on your tissues.  With Incognito, there are no trays to remove or clean.  You still have to see your orthodontist every 6 weeks or so for a progress check. 

Our orthodontist offers consultations at no charge,  so if you are interested in determining if you are a candidate for Invisalign or Incognito, give our office a call!

Is Mouthwash Good for your Teeth?

A trip down the dental aisle in your local market can be quite overwhelming with the number of different types of toothpastes and mouthwashes  available.  Some claim to whiten teeth, while others are for preventing tooth decay or fighting plaque.  There are benefits to some mouthwashes.  Lets examine the different types of mouthwashes and their uses.

Fluoride Mouthwash
Mouthwashes with fluoride do have the ability to help reduce tooth decay.  There have been many studies over the years to prove that fluoride can strengthen and reduce the breakdown of tooth enamel thus reducing the possibility of getting a cavity.  Any over-the-counter mouthwash that specifically lists fluoride  as an ingredient can be beneficial when used regularly to help prevent tooth decay.   A specific type of fluoride, called stannous fluoride not only helps keep tooth enamel resistant to decay, but it also has antibacterial properties which help control periodontal disease.

Anti-Bacterial Mouthwash
Periodontal (gum) disease is caused by plaque from bacteria and food that sticks to the teeth.  The bacteria release an acid that breaks down the bone around the teeth and this acid irritates the gums.  Our body responds to this irritation by producing more acids to kill the bacteria, which then causes bone loss and inflamed, infected gums.  Keeping bacteria in the mouth to a minimum is the key to controlling gum disease.  Along with daily thorough brushing and flossing, anti-bacterial mouthwashes can help to lower the amount of bad bacteria in the mouth.  Listerine is an example of an over the counter anti-bacterial mouthwash.  It is now available without alcohol which eliminates the burn feeling.  There are also some very good anti-bacterial mouthwashes available only through a dentist.

Some over the counter mouthwashes claim to be "anti-plaque" but in fact have nothing in them that actually reduces bacteria. They taste good and make your teeth feel smooth, but they don't actually reduce bacteria.

If you are pregnant or have diabetes it is especially important to maintain good oral hygiene. During pregnancy, due to elevated hormone levels, women are more susceptible to developing gum disease so good oral hygiene is vitally important.  People with diabetes are more susceptible to infection due to their compromised immune system, so it is important for them to keep their mouth infection free.  Thorough brushing and flossing along with an anti-bacterial mouthwash can help reduce the harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Teeth Whitening Mouthwash
Unfortunately there is no mouthwash that can actually whiten your teeth.  Manufacturers may add a bit of hydrogen peroxide to the rinse to claim that it whitens teeth, but chances are you will not see any change in the shade of your teeth after using one of these products.  If you are interested in whitening your teeth, you would be better off using a professional product from your dentist.

The bottom line is that mouthwashes are an addition, but not a substitute for thorough brushing, cleaning between your teeth and seeing your dentist regularly.  Certain mouthwashes have their advantages depending on the needs of the individual.  Talk to your dentist about which rinse would be best for you.

Gum Disease - Fact vs. Fallacy

Get the facts about this serious infection!  

 FALLACY: Tooth loss is a natural part of aging.
     FACT:  With good oral hygiene and regular professional care, your teeth can last a lifetime.  However, if
                  gum disease goes untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. Gum (periodontal) disease is the
                  primary cause of tooth loss in adults 35 and over.

FALLACY: Gum disease doesn't affect overall health.
     FACT:   Recent research links periodontal disease to other health problems such as heart and respiratory
                   diseases, preterm or low birthweight babies, stroke, osteoporosis and diabetes.

FALLACY: Bleeding gums are normal.
     FACT:   Bleeding gums are one of nine gum disease symptoms.  Think of your gum tissue like the skin on
                   your hands, if your hands bled every time you washed them, you would know something is
                   wrong.  Other signs of gum disease include; red, swollen or tender gums, sores in your
                   mouth, gums that have pulled away from the teeth, persistent bad breath, loose or separating
                   teeth and a change in the way your teeth fit together.

FALLACY: Pregnant women should skip professional dental checkups.
     FACT:   Teeth and gums are affected during pregnancy like other tissues in the body.  In order to
                   decrease the risk of damaging the gums and tissue around the teeth, pregnant women should
                   schedule an appointment for a periodontal evaluation.  

FALLACY: Cavities are the number -one cause of tooth loss.
     FACT:    Periodontal disease is the number-one cause of tooth loss.  Gum disease is a more pressing
                    oral health concern than tooth decay.

If you regularly have bleeding gums, tender gums or loose teeth it is very important to see your dentist and have a comprehensive periodontal examination.  If you do not have a dentist, please contact us www.cdadental.com . You can read more about gum disease at:  www.perio.org 

Dental X-rays are Safe

Dental X-rays are very valuable tools which help dentists detect and treat oral health problems at an early stage.  There are many oral health problems that cannot be detected by doing only a visual examination.  Dental X-rays can show early stage cavities, gum disease, infection at the root of a tooth and some types of tumors.  Recently however, some news reports have questioned the safety dental X rays, suggesting that they can lead to a type of brain tumor called a meningioma.

The American Dental Association (ADA), reviewed this study and found that the participants were required to remember dates of dental X-rays that had been taken years earlier.   Studies have shown that the ability to recall such information is often imperfect, thus making the results unreliable.  The study also points out that some of the subjects received dental X-rays decades ago, when X-ray technology produced higher levels of radiation and patients were exposed for a longer time due to the slower speed of the film.

Despite this study, the American Dental Association maintains that dentists should continue to use dental X-rays when necessary for diagnosing and treating the patient. The ADA strives to provide guidelines for dentists to ensure that radiation exposure is as low as possible, and recommends that dentists use precautions against radiation such as protective aprons, thyroid collars, and fast X-ray processes like E or F speed films or digital X-rays. At Clearwater Dental Associates, we have been using digital X-ray technology since 2006.

It is always important to discuss procedures with your dentist before any dental procedure, including dental X-rays.  They will help you understand what is going to happen, and why getting an X-ray is the best decision for your teeth at the time.

Your Medication and Dry Mouth

Nearly half of all Americans take at least one prescription medication on a daily basis, including many that can cause dry mouth.  Because older adults frequently use one or more of these medications, they are at a much higher risk for having dry mouth problems.

More than 500 medications can contribute to dry mouth including; antihistamines for allergies or asthma, blood pressure, decongestants, pain medications, diuretics and antidepressants.  Long term dry mouth can lead to extensive tooth decay, mouth sores and oral infections.

Normal saliva production allows the teeth to be constantly bathed in a mineral rich solution that helps keep the teeth strong and resistant to decay.  Having chronic dry mouth can also make dentures less comfortable to wear because there is not a thin film of saliva to help them adhere properly to the gum tissue.  Dry mouth in denture wearers can also lead to painful denture sores, dry and cracked lips, and an increased risk or oral infection.  Dr. Donald Clem, president of the American Academy of Periodontology states, " With decreased saliva flow, we can see an increase in plaque accumulation and the incidence and severity of periodontal diseases."

If you suffer from uncomfortable dry mouth, it is very important to have regular dental visits to be sure there is no evidence of active tooth decay.  Also, be sure to carry an up-to-date medication list with you to each dental appointment.

Some ways to relieve dry mouth include;  increasing your fluid intake, chewing sugarless gum, sucking on ice chips or sipping water.  Avoiding tobacco products, limiting caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks can also help.  Often we recommend over the counter dry mouth products which may include an oral moisturizer liquid or spray.  Sometimes it is necessary to use a prescription strength fluoride toothpaste, especially if active decay has been diagnosed.

If you notice that you have dry mouth, we urge you to have an examination by your dentist to evaluate your condition and prescribe any necessary treatment.

We have a new Periodontist, Dr. Todd Britten

     We are very excited to welcome Dr. Todd Britten to CDA.  Dr. Britten is a Tampa native and graduated from Jesuit High School.  He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree from the University of Florida in 2009 and then completed a three year post residency in periodontics at the University of Florida where he served as Chief Resident.
   
Dr. Britten has been trained in the latest techniques to treat periodontal disease such as;
* Implant Dentistry and Advanced Bone Grafting Procedures
* Pre-prosthetic Surgery
* Tooth Exposures
* Traditional Periodontal Therapy

Dr. Britten is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Periodontology and the Florida Association of Periodontists.

Dr. Britten and his wife Meg welcomed their newborn son Daniel in March 2012!
 

Fantastic Seminar

Last Friday and Saturday Dr. Burton and his staff attended a fantastic seminar about how to improve  the experience each patient has at our office.  All of us at CDA strive for each of our patients to have an outstanding dental experience every time they visit our office.  If we fall short of that mark, please let us know!

Our 1st Blog!

Welcome to our new Blog page!  Check here for up to date information on denistry, dental treament and information regarding dental health.  We will update our blog regularly, so check often!  We have some great informative videos on our website, check them out!