Candy that FIGHTS cavities?!

I am a dentist, I hate plaque and gingivitis, I stress proper brushing, I beg people to floss every day, and yes, I prescribe CANDY almost daily in my practice. Candy?! Is this some kind of dental blasphemy? No, believe it or not, the right kind of candy can actually promote stronger teeth and better oral health!

Streptococcus mutans is the oral bacteria responsible for causing cavities. It breaks down sugars to form plaque and acids which eat away your tooth. This bacteria has a very specific sugar diet...sucrose. Without sucrose, this bacteria has no food and no ability to cause cavities. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that is FDA approved for use as a food additive. It has quickly become the sweetener of choice for many sugar-free gums and candies. What is the first thing you notice about xylitol? It's NOT sucrose! Cavity-causing bacteria cannot digest this stuff! Research has shown that xylitol actually inhibits the growth of streptococcus mutans. Great news for your teeth, terrible news for bacteria!

Besides decreasing the bacterial colonies in your mouth, sugar-free candy and gum, like all food, will get your salivary glands going. Your saliva plays a crucial role in your oral health. Most people realize that it moisturizes food and acts as a lubricant for all the grinding and chewing that goes on in your mouth; however, there are more benefits than just that. Saliva acts as a buffer to neutralize any harmful acids that may be present in your mouth. Also, saliva contains many minerals that help strengthen teeth and restore "soft spots" to healthy tooth structure.

Let's put this all together now. Chewing sugar-free gum or eating sugar-free candy will essentially inhibit cavity-causing bacteria, neutralize harmful acids, and strengthen teeth. That's quite the resume! So, analyze your diet. If you have a high intake of sugary foods consider replacing them with some sugar-free options or using sugar-free candy or gum after consuming sugary foods to neutralize the harmful environment. Cavities can be prevented.

I am a dentist and I prescribe candy to patients.

The Age of Implants

As big advancements are continually made in health care, dentistry is no exception. Implants have revolutionized the way we practice dentistry by giving us the option to truly replace a lost tooth with a new one. An implant is essentially a titanium post that integrates with the bone, mimicking a natural tooth root. After healing occurs, an artificial tooth is then attached to this “root”. This is the beauty of implants: they are the most natural replacement of a lost tooth that you can have, period. Being made of titanium and special ceramics an implant will never decay, thus giving you not only a new tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth, but one that should be with you for life. It is easy to see why implants are an exciting restorative option.
From an oral health standpoint, there are a few considerations that must be taken into account to determine if implant treatment would be suitable for you. You need to have an adequate quantity of bone at the possible implant site. Your gums will also need to be in good health. The remaining teeth should be evaluated to see if another restorative option would suit you better. Finally, although implants have a high success rate and there are very few contraindications, your overall systemic health should be evaluated.
When facing the decision of how to replace a tooth, implants have many wonderful benefits and are a great option to keep in mind. Sometimes they are the best option, while other times a different route may be better. Our hope is to provide education and guidance on your decision. Ultimately, you need to determine two things: what’s important to you and what’s best for you. We are always more than happy to take time with you and talk about your options, desires, and concerns.

Tooth-o-nomics

The current state of the economy has made us all rethink our finances. Paying for dental health must also fit into our tighter budget. The best way to save money on your mouth is to focus on the preventative side of oral medicine. Proper home care teamed with professional cleanings and exams will equal a health smile. As dentists, we know that we play a crucial role in your oral health care. It's our job and we are very thankful to play that role, but remember, you need to be helping yourself at home as well. Your mouth is one of the most vulnerable parts of your body. It undergoes constant attack from bacteria, acids, food, and grinding forces. It is a battle that can be won, but you must be proactive. Remember the basics: brush twice a day for 2 minutes and flossing, flossing, flossing (your tongue and cheeks help clean all other parts of your teeth, but nothing cleans in between them).

Here are some other helpful hints to maintaining a healthy mouth:

- Drink water. Drink lots. Drink often.
- Limit sweets, colas, and juice to mealtimes
- Chew sugar-free gum containing Xylotol
- Use a fluoride rinse at home before bedtime. Mouth rinses (alcohol-free) can be good for bad breath, but it is a fluoride rinse that will really help keep your teeth strong. You can find these right along side the mouth rinses at most stores. Just make sure it says "Fluoride" on it. ACT Cavity Rinse is a personal favorite of mine.