Happy Halloween from Your ADA Dentist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G2ugaj86FI

US Study: Poor Oral Health Is Linked to Bad Blood Pressure Control

A recent study in the US reveals that people with gum disease are less likely to achieve healthy blood pressure compared to those with good oral health.

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The Single Most Important Thing You Will Ever Do in Business

The post The Single Most Important Thing You Will Ever Do in Business appeared first on ACT Dental.

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Dental Visit or Dental Experience—There’s a Huge Difference

Dental professionals don’t just care about replacing crowns or the number of dental caries they fill in one day. Above everything else, they care about their patients. That’s why dentists and hygienists from every corner of the world are looking at treatment from a “What can I do to make my patients more comfortable?” perspective. And when I say “comfortable,” I don’t mean they’re adding 1,000 fill down pillows to their waiting rooms. I mean they’re actually investing in expensive technologies, such as dental lasers, that help create ideal environments for the patient who fears local anesthesia or the unfortunate sounds that creep out of exam rooms. Just thinking about both are enough to send someone running in the opposite direction of anyone with a bright smile and precision lenses around his or her neck.

Okay, back to the whole idea of defining “comfort.” Some dentists very well could be upping the atmosphere of their practice by providing patients with down pillows—maybe even blankets, too—while they wait for their turn in the chair. In that case, is it a practice or something else?

…Let’s go with something else.

Ever heard of the term “dental spa?” It’s a real thing and many dentists are converting their once white and sterile walls into this phenomenon. Forget the lasers and other accommodating technologies for a moment, and wrap your head around the fact that there are spas and then there are dental spas—and they’re basically one and the same!

According to Consumer Guide to Dentistry, dental spas may offer massage therapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, complimentary beverages and snacks, and heated hand mitts. Can you imagine? One day patients perceive dental visits as their personal nemesis, and the next they can’t wait to go back for a paraffin wax hand treatment. It’s like the twilight zone and former beliefs about “the dentist” may never be seen or heard from again.

The dental spa—is it the solution to a decrease in oral health diseases and the key to healthier mouths in general? Only time will tell. But for now, all we know is how much patients love the experience, and if the dental spa ran for president, it would get everyone’s vote.

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Evidence-based Dentistry: Making Clinical Decisions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91LMw15om0M

Dental Services – Choosing the Best Dental Care for You and Your Family

The Different Types of Dental Care

Your smile is often the first thing individuals notice when they meet you. A bright and healthy smile isn’t only aesthetically pleasing and confidence boosting, good dental health and oral hygiene are also important for your overall health and well-being, affecting everything from your confidence to cardiovascular health.

If you’ve been a bit ashamed of the state your pearly whites (or not so white teeth), the friendly and experienced Tiger Smile Family Dentistry dentists in Baton Rouge can help.

Below are quick overviews of the dental care services offered by local dentists.

Preventative Dental Care

Just like the old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Proper dental care and regular checkups can prevent small oral issues from becoming larger (and more expensive) problems later on.

Cleanings

Professional dental cleanings are imperative to maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, removing inflammation and disease-causing bacteria and plaque that just can’t be removed through regular brushing and flossing.

Cleanings can:

• Prevent gum disease
• Remove stubborn stains
• Remove plaque build up
• Remove bacteria
• Deep clean teeth and gums
• Improve bad breath

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are a quick, simple and highly effective treatment to stop cavities in their tracks, removing decaying tooth matter and replacing it with a white composite similar in color to your natural tooth’s tone.

Children’s Dentistry

Seeing a dentist is likely the least favorite thing on your child’s to-do list. That’s why dental centers have staff and dentists who work hard to create a calming and fun atmosphere to put younger patients at ease.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the branch of dental care that deals with improving the positioning of teeth and jaws. Benefits include more attractive appearance, easier to care for and clean teeth and overall improved oral health.

Common reasons why orthodontics may need to be employed include:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite
• Misplaced or misaligned teeth
• Improper spacing
• Crowding of teeth

Common orthodontic treatments include:

• Braces
• TMJ appliances and treatments

Endodontics

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry specializing in saving teeth and helping you maintain your natural smile. Endodontic services are often the best option when a tooth has issues but still has a good chance of being saved.

Root Canal Procedure

One of the most common endodontic services is the root canal procedure. A root canal is a largely painless procedure in which inflamed and/or infected pulp tissue or other decaying tooth matter is removed and replaced, relieving pain and effectively saving the tooth from eventually needing to be pulled.

Saving your natural tooth with a root canal has many advantages including:

• Improving the ability to chew
• Retaining your normal biting sensation and force
• Maintaining the natural appearance of your teeth
• Protecting other teeth from excessive strain or wear

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry deals largely with the aesthetics of your teeth, while often also improving the form and function of your pearly whites.

At Tiger Smile Dentistry we offer a range of helpful cosmetic dental procedures to improve your look, feel and self-confidence.

Teeth Whitening

This treatment brings back whiter teeth. Different types of teeth whitening include, teeth whitening toothpaste, laser, gels, and strips.

Our dental team can turn those coffee, smoking or aged teeth into pearly whites you won’t want to wait to show off. Our quick, effective and safe professional teeth whitening services will have you admiring your new smile in no time.

Veneers

Veneers are this composite resin or porcelain shells custom molded to fit over your existing teeth, providing a natural and pleasing look without the need for tooth extractions or implants.

Veneers are often used to cover up misaligned, worn down, chipped, broken, abnormally spaced or broken teeth, offering a cost-effective and simple solution that many patients find to be an attractive option.

Dental Implants

Dental implants offer a permanent solution when a tooth is beyond saving. Implants are the closest you can get to a natural healthy tooth, allowing you to live, eat, laugh and smile just as you did when your original tooth was perfectly healthy.

Dental implant procedures have come a long way and can often be completed much quicker than in the past. Once removal of your tooth has been handled, your dentist will implant a post in your jawbone. You may be fitted with a “temporary” cap to place over the post until it is fully healed. Once fully healed, your dentist will fit on a custom-made composite tooth over the post.

Crowns

Dental crowns are “caps” shaped like your natural teeth. They are placed over your existing tooth to cover up and restore the strength, shape, size and function of your tooth while also improving its overall appearance.

Complete and Partial Dentures

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. They come in partial or complete options. A complete denture is meant to replace ALL teeth in your mouth, and generally require the removal of any existing teeth in order to be properly formed and fitted. On the other hand, partial dentures are custom made to replace some missing teeth while accommodating the remaining natural pearly whites in your mouth.

Periodontics and Periodontal Treatment

Periodontics is the field of dentistry dealing with Periodontitis, a serious infection of the gums that can damage soft tissue and destroy the bone that supports your teeth.

Luckily, this ailment is largely preventable with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits and cleanings.

Gum Recession Treatment

Aggressive brushing and gum disease can cause your gum lines to recede, leaving your teeth exposed and causing them to become loose. Other issues such as increased risk of infection and inflammation may also be present.

Our gum recession treatment services can help restore the health of your gums safely.

Oral Surgery

Our skilled, experienced and caring team of dental professionals have helped countless local patients with various oral surgery procedures, with the most common being:

• Wisdom Teeth Extraction
• Conscious sedation treatments

Tiger Smile Family Dentistry

When in search of Baton Rouge dentists, come to Tiger Smile Family Dentistry! Our family-friendly dental office offers high-quality dental care treatments and staffed with friendly dental care professionals that can’t wait to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.

From preventative care and maintenance to complicated oral surgery, our team is here to help. Call us today to set up an appointment.

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What Are Dental Crowns?

Many people have heard of dental crowns, but not many people know what they actually are – and what they do.

Interestingly, dental crowns play an important role in securing a tooth that is at risk of breaking, and they also provide numerous cosmetic benefits.

In this installment of #AskDrCurrie, we uncover everything you need to know about dental crowns.

What is a dental crown?

A crown, also known as a cap, is a covering for a tooth.

A crown is something you would put over a broken tooth, or a tooth with a large filling – because fillings only work up to a certain size. Once the filling is more than 50% of the tooth, you risk the tooth breaking. So once you reach the 50% threshold, the tooth will need a crown.

Crowns are also used to help patients that suffer from cracked tooth syndrome – covering up the tooth is the only way to fix the issue. Crowns can also be used when a patient has a root canal because the tooth is weaker.

There are also aesthetic reasons for placing a crown. For instance, a crown can be a suitable solution for a tooth that is discoloured, worn, or short.

How does a dental crown work?

Technically, you would reduce the filling in the tooth – remove some of the filling to create space for the crown to fit over the top of the tooth.

You are typically taking off about 1.5 millimeters to create space on the tooth. From there, we take a mould and send it to the lab – which is where the crown is made.

There is some interesting technology in the field of dentistry as 3D milling machines can take a digital scan of the tooth, and the machine will cut it. As of right now, those 3D milling machines are on their 3rd or 4th generation, but they aren’t quite as accurate as what is produced in a lab quite yet.

There is absolutely no doubt that everything will be 3D scanned and milled at some point in the future. But in my mind, the final crown from the 3D milling technique hasn’t surpassed traditional crown strength and fit – but it won’t be long.

You can make crowns out of porcelain, gold, zirconia. There are materials now where it will look completely natural. You can do custom shades and staining to make it totally imprecentable to the eye – exactly the same as your other teeth.

How do you know if you need a dental crown?

Dental crowns are preventative. So typically, patients don’t know they need it.

A crown is usually used to prevent a tooth from breaking. So oftentimes, people don’t believe they need a crown until it’s too late. From the patients perspective, they feel OK. So if they don’t recognize a problem, it’s hard to understand why a crown would be needed.

So here’s an analogy…

Think of a dental crown in the same context as cholesterol. You don’t feel cholesterol – but it’s there. So you change your eating habits and patterns to adjust your cholesterol levels to prevent a broader issue. You may not feel any changes, but if you make the appropriate changes it will be corrected. And why do people choose to correct it? Because if they don’t, a much bigger problem could occur.

Similarly, a crown will eliminate risk. If the patient has a tooth that is at risk and they choose to avoid having a crown placed, it could break and turn into a much bigger problem. Conversely, if a crown is placed it will prevent larger problems in the future.

What problems does a dental crown solve?

Preventing a tooth from breaking, fixing a tooth that is already broken, and it can certainly help with cosmetic – i.e colouring, shape, size.

Tooth discolouration is definitely a big reason for cosmetic procedures. It is typically caused by trauma to the tooth in younger years, and discolouration can happen gradually so it’s not noticeable at first.

What’s the outcome of having a dental crown?

On average, the process to get a crown is about 10 – 14 days.

The first appointment is a bit longer when you shave the tooth, generate the mould, and provide a temporary crown. This is important to cover the tooth and protect it.

Your dentist will make the temporary crown chairside. The patient bites into putty, the tooth is shaved, then you would inject acrylic into the crown area to provide a temporary solution.

About a week later, you have a much shorter appointment, and no freezing involved. The temporary crown is removed and the permanent is attached with cement. People can go about their day immediately – no pain at all.

What do you say to people that are nervous about the procedure?

If you are having a dental crown placed, it is being done to prevent a bigger problem in the future. So it’s important to remember that.

Having said that, some patients are generally uncomfortable at the dentist. Perhaps they do not like the sound of dental equipment, or maybe they had a negative experience at another dental practise.

At Pearl Dental, we always take great care to ensure our patients are comfortable. For some people, that means talking through the procedure and putting their mind at ease. For others, it could mean oral sedatives to help ease tension. Whatever the case may be, we support our patients to ensure they have a comfortable and pleasant experience.

For additional information, please contact Pearl Dental or give us a call at 905-637-1698.

READ MORE: What Is A Cavity?

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What Is A Cavity?

From the moment we start visiting the dentist, the goal is clear… Avoid cavities.

But what actually causes cavities? Is it simply sugar, or is there more to the story?

In this installment of #AskDrCurrie, we uncover everything you need to know about the cause of cavities, how to avoid them – and the answers might surprise you!

What are cavities?

Simply put, a cavity is a hole in the tooth.

But when most people say cavity, what they are actually talking about is dental caries – which is tooth decay. So a cavity is strictly a hole in the tooth.

There are things other than tooth decay that could result in a cavity. For instance, if a piece of the tooth breaks or fractures, or general erosion.

What causes a cavity?

When people think of cavities, they usually think of sugar. But there is another contributor to the development of cavities, and it will probably surprise you.

First and foremost, the cause of cavities is bacteria. More specifically, certain types of bacteria such as streptococcus mutans.

We all have bacteria in our mouth – healthy bacteria is part of general health. But certain types of bacteria cause cavities. You need those types of bacterias in conjunction with sugar to create cavities. So if you do not have much sugar, it is true that you will reduce your chances of getting a cavity a great deal. But bacteria is what people don’t talk about.

The bacteria that causes cavities can be passed from parents to children – so if the parents have them it’s more likely their kids will too. So it’s important for parents to keep that in mind, and take great care of their teeth as well.

How does sugar and bacteria work together to cause a cavity?

Ultimately, the bacteria and sugar have a symbiotic relationship – they need each other in order for cavities to develop.

So here is something that will probably surprise you about sugar… It’s not the total amount of sugar consumed that’s an issue, it’s how you consume it. Here’s an example…

You have twin teenagers… The first one drinks six cans of pop in two hours, and then rinses their mouth with water and brushes their teeth. The second teenage sips a single can of pop over five hours and doesn’t brush their teeth afterwards. In this scenario, the second teenager would be much more likely to cause cavities. The slow and constant drip of sipping over a long period of time will feed the bacteria.

So avoiding cavities doesn’t mean you cannot consume sugar. It means you just have to be smart about it.

So if you eat something sweet, you can brush, floss, or consume something more neutralizing like an apple or cheese. That will increase the saliva flow in your mouth and neutralize the acids that support the bad bacteria. So if you are going to consume sugar, don’t nibble for hours – just eat it.

If you have sugar free gum it will help to prevent cavities. Because it promotes saliva flow, and saliva has calcium and phosphate which is what your enamel is made of, and it helps neutralize the acids and bacteria.

Fluoride also makes your enamel stronger and much more resistant to decay.

How do you know if you have a cavity?

You don’t – it’s usually something you dentist will recognize. You don’t want to wait until you feel something – by that point it’s too late.

The dentist may take an X-Ray and recommend you put a filling in. At that stage a lot of people will be surprised… “Are you sure ia have a cavity? I don’t feel anything!”

One of the common misconceptions is that if you have tooth decay, you should feel it. But the only time you would feel tooth decay is either the problem is so big that you can feel a hole in your tooth, or the decay gets so deep that is starts to cause inflammation of the nerve and now you have a toothache.

But if you wait until it gets so big that the tooth crumbles, that’s when you need a big filling and/or a crown as well. Or, if you wait until you have a toothache you may end up needing a root canal, and then a crown.

So you won’t feel cavities, and you want your dentist to fix them before it turns into a bigger issue.

How do you avoid cavities?

Here are a few simple tips to help avoid cavities:

Limit sugar intake
If you consume sugar, don’t sip or nibble – just consume it.
You can neutralize the bacteria in your mouth with water, apples, cheese – foods that are low in acidity.
Sugar free gum is another great way to avoid cavities as it will stimulate saliva production which will help offset the bacteria that causes cavities.

Brushing and flossing is more important for gum disease, but diet and sugar intake is more important for avoiding decay and cavities.

What do you use to fill a cavity?

Fillings are made from composite resin. You can place silver fillings or gold fillings or porcelain – but composite resin is the bulk of it for sure.

It is a putty, and you condition the tooth and apply a bond so that the filling will stick. You pack in the putty and you shape it and shine a light on it. The composite resin sets and firms up under the light.

Having fillings placed could be anywhere from a 20 minute appointment to 3-4 hours depending on how many teeth were being worked on.

How long should you wait to eat after having a cavity filled?

With white fillings, the answer is right away. The old silver fillings you had to wait up to 6 hours for the material to firm up.

The only caveat is that if you have freezing, you may want to wait to ensure that you don’t’ end up biting your tongue, lip, or side of your mouth.

One of the most common complaints from a patient after having a cavity filled is that the area feels sensitive. If it was a deep filling and it’s sensitive to cold, it should go away with time – but it may take up to a few months.

If it’s an actual toothache, then the filling may have been so deep that the tooth won’t recover and then you’d need a root canal. Another potential issue is the bite could be off, so you would just need to go back to the dentist for additional polish.

What do you say to people that are nervous about having a cavity filled?

At Pearl Dental, we understand that some patients feel a sense of anxiousness when visiting the dentist. With that in mind, from the moment you walk through our doors we work to ensure you have a comfortable experience.

Our staff will listen to your concerns, answer any questions that you may have, and help you understand the options available. We are also a highly experience staff capable of handling any dental challenge that you may be facing. At the end of the day, we do our best to provide a pleasant experience to all of our customers.

For additional information, please contact Pearl Dental or give us a call at 905-637-1698.

READ MORE: What Are Dental Crowns?

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What Are Dental Implants?

When you love your smile, it can make all the difference in the world.

A great smile can provide confidence, comfort, and it can warm a room. But unfortunately, it is reported that up to 30% of people in North America are unhappy with their smile. For many of these individuals, they simply do not like to smile at all. But solutions are available, and one of the best options to create a perfect smile is dental implants.

When considering the option of dental implants, there is a lot to consider, and the research process yields a wide variety of questions…

What are dental implants, and how do they work?

How much does it cost for dental implants?

What questions should I ask the dentist to ensure I will be happy with the results?

How do I know if my dentist is experienced and equipped to successfully perform the procedure?

What questions should I ask my dentist before the procedure?

How long is the recovery time, and what should I expect from the experience?

Are dental implants permanent?

At Pearl Dental in Burlington, Dr. Daniel Currie has more than 15+ years experience helping his patients achieve the smile of their dreams through single implants, bridge implants (multiple teeth), and All-on-4 dental implants – in which a completely new set of permanent teeth are implanted in a single day.

In this installment of #AskDrCurrie, we uncover everything you need to know when planning for a dental implant procedure.

What are Dental Implants?

Simply put, dental implants are a way to replace a tooth (or teeth) that are completely missing.

If your tooth (or teeth) break, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need an implant. If the root of your tooth is preserved, you may consider a root canal, a crown, or to cap the tooth. But if the whole tooth is gone, dental implants provide a practical solution that is permanent in nature.

The dental implant procedure has existed for over 50 years, but now the procedure has become much more predictable and versatile in terms of all the ways you can use an implant.

In the past, a dental implant may have been discoloured, the sizing could be off, or it may have looked different than your other teeth. But now dental implants are completely undetectable, and it is a procedure that can be used to replace a single tooth, a bridge (multiple teeth), or all of your teeth in a single session (All-on-4 dental implants).

This allows our patients to achieve a permanent solution that they will love in a single session, with minimized recovery time.

How do dental implants work?

Basically, you place the implant in the jaw bone. Many dentists will place this implant in a portion of the jaw where there is not currently a tooth. But there is also a more advanced procedure that we practice at Pearl Dental, and it drastically reduces recovery time.

This advanced technique is to place the implant in the area where the tooth has just been removed. This procedure requires a great deal of experience to ensure the implant will be placed appropriately, and will remain firmly secured.

While the procedure requires a more experienced and adept dentist, it can save the patient 4 – 5 months of recovery time because the entire procedure is completed in a single day.

Regardless of which way you do it, the next step is osseointegration. This is a process that takes 4 – 6 months for your body to secure the implant by growing bone in and around the implant.

Who are the right candidates for dental implants?

You are a good candidate for dental implants if you have teeth that are completely missing, and you do not want to wear a denture.

Implants offer a wide variety of benefits in comparison to dentures. This includes some major benefits related to lifestyle, aesthetics, and function.

In terms of lifestyle, you will never have to worry about your teeth falling out, they will not shift when you eat, they will not affect your speech, and they don’t come out at night because they are permanent.

With regards to aesthetics, dental implants allow our patients to achieve a confidence they didn’t think was possible. They will be the right size, colour, and they will create your perfect smile.

Lastly, dentures provide functional challenges that do not apply to implant patients. After all, dentures are something you have to think about every single day. It is a consideration when you eat, sleep, or travel. So dental implants provide our patients with peace of mind to live their life without concern for their teeth, or smile.

What questions should you ask before booking a dental implant procedure?

As with many things in life, experience matters. If you are considering dental implants, it is a very personal decision and you need to be comfortable with the individual that will be performing the procedure.

On that note, here are the questions that everyone should consider when selecting a dentist to perform a dental implant procedure.

How long have you been doing this? Experience is everything, and you want to ensure the individual is well prepared for all the scenarios that may occur during the course of your procedure, and in recovery.

It is also important to ask… How complicated is my specific case? The answer you receive will tell you a great deal about the individual you are speaking with. Will it be an easy procedure, or a difficult one? And why will it be easy or difficult? Each patient has different considerations, so it’s important to understand how the dentist will approach your specific circumstances.

Here is another important question to ask during your dental implant consultation… What will be done to make the dental implant procedure more predictable? From the patients perspective, one of the most important considerations is aesthetics – they want to make sure they look great afterwards. So you aren’t simply wanting an implant, you want teeth that will look natural and great.

To achieve this outcome, it requires surgical experience, cosmetic dental experience, and knowing how to manage gum tissue. So experienced dental surgeons will be able to lean on their experience to understand what can be done to limit any uncontrolled variables, and to ensure the procedure is predictable.

You will also want to discuss post procedure care (that’s something we address below).

What is the criteria for making a dental implant decision?

There are a variety of factors that go into making the decision to undergo a dental implant procedure.

On one hand, there is an emotional component. Perhaps the patient is fed up with their dentures, and they are ready for a permanent solution. Or maybe the patient lost a front tooth and they do not like the idea of a prosthetic. So in most cases, there is a personal moment, or event, that prompts the individual to want a permanent solution that will look fantastic.

From our perspective, the goal is to highlight that we are an experienced and professional group that cares. We take great care to understand the needs of the individual, and to understand what prompted them to come in for the consultation.

It is also important for our patients to understand that they will receive great care from the team at Pearl Dental. We will provide support throughout the process, and I give all my patients my cell phone number and they can call me if they have any issues at all.

And this speaks to the previous question… What happens if there is a problem or complication after the procedure? How will that be managed? Could there be any additional costs, or will you fix any potential problems free of charge?

For us here at Pearl Dental, there are no additional costs if problems arise. We will work diligently to address any potential issues immediately. And through experience, we’ve learned to mitigate potential issues in advance through thoughtful planning. So we always think a few steps ahead, we are prepared for issues that may arise, and our patients never have to worry about additional costs.

What is the outcome of the dental implant procedure?

There are two parts to the healing process.

The first part is the immediate swelling and discomfort after the procedure. This typically lasts a few days. The second part of the healing process is the implant itself, and this healing takes place over a 4 – 6 week period.

You don’t actually feel that healing process as it unfolds, but it is happening for every dental implant patient. So it is important to avoid chewing too hard in that area, brushing aggressively, and to generally remain mindful of the osseointegration process that is taking place.

So we focus heavily on post procedure care to ensure the implant heals correctly, and that the patient is comfortable.

What do you say to people that are nervous about the procedure?

Ironically, having an implant is typically less painful than having a tooth removed.

There is a psychological component because the idea of implanting something into your mouth sounds like it would be painful. But the reality is you have less pain after having an implant replaced than you do having a tooth removed because there is a primary closure – the gum tissue is not exposed.

For patients that experience anxiety at the dentist office, we offer sedation dentistry to ease that tension. Not everyone needs it, but if your only obstacle is getting over the worry of it, sedation is a helpful solution that alleviates those concerns.

For additional information, please contact Pearl Dental or give us a call at 905-637-1698.

READ MORE: What’s The Cost of All on 4 Dental Implants?

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What’s The Cost of All on 4 Dental Implants?

If you are considering the All on 4 dental implant procedure, there are a variety of items to consider.

How do I select the right dentist, and how will I know if they are experienced?

Will I leave with a new set of permanent teeth on the day of the procedure, and how long is the recovery time?

There are certainly a lot of questions related to the procedure itself. But for many individuals, the decision to select a dentist and book the procedure comes down to your level of comfort with the dentist – and the cost. So, how much should dental implants cost?

The truth is there are a variety of items to consider. So in this instalment of #AskDrCurrie, we find out how to assess the costs of dental implants.

What dictates the cost of All on 4 dental implants?

When assessing the cost of All on 4 dental implants, it’s important to understand the true definition of the procedure.

With that in mind, the All on 4 procedure replaces a full arch of teeth with dental implants that are fixed, and they do not come out. This procedure takes place in a single day, and it takes place with nobel biocare products.

So when assessing pricing options, you need to ensure the items listed above are being satisfied. Why does this matter? Because not every dentist follows the same procedural guidelines.

Some dentists will remove your teeth, place the implants, and then set you up with temporary dentures for a period of 6 months. It will take the bone in your mouth 4-6 months for the osseointegration process to take place (the bone grows around the implant). So you are left with a temporary denture for half a year, and that can be difficult for some people.

So the true advantage of the All on 4 procedure is you get new teeth in a day – which is also why the procedure is so attractive.

So it’s important to ask the question… Will you get new teeth the same day? It’s also important to ask if the dentist is using nobel biocare products because they developed the All on 4 protocol and procedure.

On the topic of products, another consideration is the bridge itself. On the day of the procedure, an initial bridge is placed – but it is a temporary bridge. You will wear that for the initial 4 – 6 months while the osseointegration process takes place (your bone heals around the implant).

Once that healing process is complete, your final bridge is provided. We will never create a final bridge out of acrylic – it’s not strong enough. Most of the time what you’ll do is acrylic with a titanium enforced bar. Zirconia is another material that we use for certain individuals. Different materials make a difference for different people – so we always take time to assess the best options for each individual.

How do you know if the dentist / surgeon is experienced?

The All on 4 dental implant procedure is 12 – 15 years old – so it is still relatively new technology. So it’s important to understand how many procedures the dentist has completed, how experienced they are, and how they go about creating individualized plans for their patients.

Personally, I have been supporting patients with the All on 4 procedure for over 10 years, and I definitely believe that experience matters. The most skilled All on 4 dental practitioners remain very humble because they understand that every case is different, and the learning never stops. It requires surgical skill, cosmetic dental experience, and the understanding of how to manage gum tissue.

Just as importantly, it is important to help the patient feel at ease about the procedure, the recovery time, and the end result. The more experience you get, the more you realize how much you need to individualize your planning for each person. It may sound like a one size fits all treatment, but there is a lot of variation in how you carry it out – and that’s something that comes from experience.

Some people have no teeth, some have all their teeth, some are losing their teeth due to cavities. Some have gum diseases – so how we approach those surgeries will be different for each person. Experience allows you to plan accordingly. We are always working to perfect our craft, and many of the dentists that I respect the most are humble about what they do.

What do you say to people that are nervous about the procedure?

Ironically, the All on 4 procedure can be easier and less painful than wearing dentures. That surprises many people, but it’s true. Here’s why…

If you have teeth removed, the dentures sit on top of an open wound. So you have an impermanent foreign body resting on wounds – and that can be very uncomfortable.

Conversely, the All on 4 procedure acts like a bandaid to protect the wound, and you leave with a permanent solution. So someone that has All on 4 will have less pain and less discomfort than someone who wears a denture after they get their teeth removed.

Aside from that, patients have the option to be sedated for the procedure. So on the day of the procedure, we have oral sedatives to help the patient relax. But on a personal note, we also provide every All on 4 patient with a list of our other patients that are willing to talk about the procedure. The truth is that people usually fear what they don’t understand. So by talking to other patients that are thrilled with the results, they can chat about the outcome, and it tends to put their mind at ease.

Are offshore dental implant procedures legitimate?

Offshore dental implant procedures may use the same parts, and they may have the same training, but for me the biggest objection is that All on 4 is not an event. It’s important to work with a dentist that can support your long term oral health.

Aside from planning the procedure, you need someone to deal with potential complications, to guide you through the healing process, and to help you in the years to come with the long term stability of your bridge.

For instance, the first 6 months is critical. You need someone watching the implants to ensure the osseointegration process is going to plan (that your bone is healing around the implant). Because even though you don’t feel the healing process as it unfolds, it will take 4 – 6 months and your dentist should be diligent in tracking the healing process.

So I think that’s the biggest drawback of having the procedure performed abroad. If there is an issue, you can deal with it quickly with someone that you’ve established a relationship with. But if you’ve elected to have the procedure offshore, who helps you with potential issues after you return home?

At Pearl Dental, every 6 months we take the bridge off and clean the mouth, and ensure there are no issues, or food being caught. So the post operative care is really important to us.

Who pays for any potential complications of offshore dental implant procedures?

That’s a good question. One of the other considerations about All one 4 costs is potential complications.

At Pearl Dental, the entire procedure is all inclusive – and that includes dealing with any potential complications. If there are any issues, you will never receive extra bill along the way. If there are issues, we deal with it and ensure our patients are happy with the results. I also provide my cell phone number to our patients, so if there are any issues they can call me directly, and we will fix the problem.

For additional information, please contact Pearl Dental or give us a call at 905-637-1698.

READ MORE: What Are Dental Implants?

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Integrated Healthcare in Burlington

Dr. Currie and the team at Pearl Dental would like to wish our patients, Lori and Laurent Pinci, the best of luck in their new venture.

Lori and Laurent will soon be opening a multi disciplinary wellness centre in Burlington called Pillars of Wellness offering alternative and integrated healthcare services.
We’re certain the new facility will be a resounding success and fill a much needed healthcare niche for Burlington residents.

 You can find out more about the services to be offered at: https://ift.tt/2ypjhD6

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5 Ways To Get Your Kids Excited About Their Dental Visit

It’s important to get your kids excited about their trips to the dentist so that when they grow into teenagers and adults, they won’t be holding on to any fear or negative associations with dental visits. Cultivating this excitement while children are young requires only a little extra effort on your part, and the benefits will last a lifetime.

1. Do Something Fun After the Dentist Appointment. A child is likely to feel a lot more excitement about going to the dentist if he or she knows that something fun and exciting is going to follow it. Reward your child with a trip to the park or a play date with friends.
2. Develop a Relationship with the Dentist. If your child has a friendly relationship with their dentist, this can be an important step towards getting your child to feel excited about going to their dental appointment.Try using fun dialogue when talking about the dentist. Tell your child that all their hard work to keep their teeth clean will make the dentist so proud. In the time between visits, use the dentist’s name a lot when speaking with your child: “You get to go back and visit Dr. Currie soon!” Help your child to think of the dentist as a friendly, smart, helpful person, almost like a fun family friend.
3. Promote Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits to Make Dental Appointments as Easy as Possible. It is important to ensure that your child has excellent oral hygiene at home for a couple of reasons. First of all, it will avoid a negative experience at the dentist due to a child having to have a cavity filled, for example. But even more than that, a dentist will likely comment on the success of the child’s dental habits, making the child feel good about themselves and therein creating a pleasant experience.
4. Speak Positively about Going to the Dentist. Although going to the dentist can instill fear even in adults, it is best to avoid talking negatively about your past negative dental experiences in front of your child as you are likely to transfer this fear onto him or her. Instead, speak positively about it: tell your child how much you enjoy choosing a new toothbrush after the appointment is finished or about how interesting all of the gadgets are.
5. Tell your Child in Advance About Their Upcoming Dental Appointment. It is important not to spring a dental appointment on your child at the last minute as this can provoke fear and anxiety. Instead, tell your child a week or so in advance and remind the child at various points during the week. This will give you enough time to make the event an exciting one.

Get to know our expert team of friendly faces at Pearl Dental – contact us today.

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2 Options For Sedation Dentistry

For many people, the thought of having to go to the dentist can immediately provoke feelings of fear and anxiety. In fact, these negative reactions may be so strong that some people may even have dental phobia, a condition that is even more severe than dental anxiety.

Even those with more mild forms of anxiety and fear surrounding the dentist can cause people to avoid going there. However, it is a self-perpetuating system: avoiding the dentist will often lead to dental problems, which causes even more fear and anxiety.

Regular dental appointments, at least twice a year, will ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy in order to prevent cavities, gingivitis or periodontal (gum) disease.

For those who experience fear and anxiety at the thought of having to go to the dentist, sedation dentistry is a safe and easy way to relax while at the dentist. Here are two options to consider:

1. 1. Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is a mild relaxant. This involves inhaling a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen from a nosepiece. This is a great option because it does not cause drowsiness or have any other side effects. In fact, it is completely safe for people to drive home after they have had inhaled nitrous oxide. It is particularly ideal for those with short dentist appointments or for children who have a fear of the dentist.

1. 1. Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is particularly ideal for those who are undergoing a more lengthy procedure at the dentist. Oral sedation offers a stronger sedative effect, especially suited for those with acute dental anxiety and fear and for people who have dental phobia.

Patients will receive the medication one hour before their actual dentist appointment in a sedation room, which allows enough time for the oral sedative to take effect and for the patient to relax. Ensure that you schedule an appointment for oral sedation. In addition, it is important that patients make arrangements to be driven home and to spend the remainder of the day recuperating.

If you are afraid of the dentist, you can relax knowing that there are options to alleviate your fear and anxiety in an easy, painless and safe way. If you are looking for more information on sedation dentistry, contact our team today.

Pearl Dentist always has patient comfort in mind. Enhancing the dental experience from the moment you walk through the door is one of our top priorities. Get to know our team today – familiar faces can go a long way in helping with your dental anxiety.

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Can Smoking Be The Root Cause For Bleeding Gums?

Bleeding gums mainly occur when plaque has not been properly removed from your teeth, which is due to poor oral hygiene habits, including a lack of brushing and flossing. If plaque is not removed, it causes the gums to recede from your teeth. Plaque also contains bacteria which then begins to attack the tissue around your teeth. This can lead to gingivitis, the symptoms of which include inflammation of the gums and bleeding gums.

However, if left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, which destroys the soft tissue and bone that anchor your teeth to your jawbones. Gum disease that is left untreated can lead to the permanent loss of teeth.

Aside from gingivitis or periodontal disease, there are other causes of bleeding gums as well. These include brushing too hard, certain medications, hormonal changes during menstruation and pregnancy, and a poor diet, which may cause the gums to become inflamed.

Can Smoking be the Root Cause of Bleeding Gums?

Unfortunately, those who smoke may be suffering from gum disease and not even realize, because smokers have poor blood supply to their gums so they are likely to experience less gum bleeding than non-smokers. This lack of symptoms can mask an increasingly serious case of gum disease for years. Despite the lack of signs and symptoms, smokers often experience more aggressive bone loss and more frequent tooth loss than non smokers.

Why Does Smoking Cause an Increase in Periodontal Disease?

• Smoking can decrease blood flow all over the body. In the mouth this results in less nutrients to promote healing and less immune system cells to fight off infection. Decreases in blood flow are also one of the ways that smoking contributes to heart disease.
• Smoking can also decrease your body’s ability to fight infection by directly lowering the number of immune cells available to fight infection.
• Even the types of bacteria in your gums can change with smoking; smoking causing the more virulent and aggressive bacteria to proliferate.

Smoking also causes gum disease to progress a lot faster than those who do not smoke – it makes bone loss much more severe (several times more severe than non-smokers) and causes more deep pockets. It also makes the treatment of periodontal disease much more difficult because smoking does not allow for conducive healing conditions inside the mouth.

If you notice that your gums are regularly bleeding, it is something that should not be ignored. Contact your dentist as soon as possible.

Consider Pearl Dental for your appointment. We aim to enhance every aspect of the dental experience and offer treatment that is specifically tailored to you. Our team was also voted first in the “Best Dentist” category of the 2014 and 2015 Burlington Post Reader’s Choice Awards. Contact us today.

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What To Do With A Child’s Loose Tooth

The transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth is often a big occasion in a child’s life. Some children get excited at the prospect of losing their teeth, but for others it can be a scary experience. As a parent you might be tempted to help the process along by simply pulling it out. But extracting a loose tooth prematurely can actually do more harm than good. In addition to causing unnecessary pain to the child, there will be an increased risk of infection and bleeding. Most dentists would recommend that a child’s loose tooth should be allowed to fall naturally.

What a loose tooth means

Children start losing their baby teeth around the age of six. If your child discovers a loose tooth, chances are there is a permanent tooth trying to replace it. Even so, you should check with your dentist to rule out any other possible cause.

Should you yank a loose tooth?

Yanking a child’s loose tooth can be painful and dangerous. Removing it prematurely can cause bleeding and infection. Instead, encourage your child to wiggle the tooth with his/her tongue (hands are also okay as long as they are clean). That way the tooth will sooner fall out naturally.

When should you pull a child’s tooth?

Although leaving a child’s tooth to fall out naturally is the best course of action, sometimes a parent will want to pull out a child’s tooth-especially if it is dangling from the gum. In this case, it might be safe to pull the tooth out without causing any unnecessary pain to the child. Using clean tissue, hold the tooth and twist out. Alternatively have the child chew on something like an apple to encourage the tooth to fall out on its own.

Put your child at ease

If your child is anxious about losing his or her teeth then it might be a good idea to talk about the tooth fairy. Children are always excited about the prospect of getting a reward for losing teeth, hence they might actually look forward to having their teeth fall out rather than dreading it. You can also relate stories about other children. Ask your friends what their experiences were with their own children. That way it is easier to reassure your child that losing a tooth is a natural and (hopefully) painless.

Talk to your dentist

As with every health issue, it is best to talk to your dentist about any concerns. A loose tooth would also be a good occasion to visit the dentist.

The post What To Do With A Child’s Loose Tooth appeared first on Pearl Dental.

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8 Foods To Avoid If You Want To Keep Your Teeth White

We all love to have white teeth–that’s why we visit the dentist and buy white strips. But if you don’t watch what you eat, your efforts to keep your teeth pearly white might be in vain. There are certain foods that you should avoid in order to keep your teeth healthy, clean and white.

Potato Chips

Potato chips are a popular choice of snack, and while they may make your taste buds happy, they do not help your teeth. Chips contain starch and this is bad news for the enamel in your teeth if it is allowed to stay there. Tiny broken pieces can also get stuck between your gums. Make sure to brush and floss after you eat chips.

Sticky foods

Sticky foods like tootsies rolls, caramel, candy and dried fruit might feel and taste good when you chew, but they get stuck in your teeth and leave them open to bacteria. When you eat sticky foods, remember to drink some water to flush out any food that is stuck.

Coffee and Tea

Most people can’t picture life without these beverages, but the truth is they do pose a risk to the well being of your teeth. People often drink their coffee with sugar, which, of course, is bad for your teeth. Also, coffee and tea can stain your teeth. While you don’t have to dispense with these beverages, it is a good idea to drink water after you drink tea or coffee.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits are a well known source of Vitamin C, but the downside is that they are acidic which is not good for your teeth. As usual, water is the best antidote when enjoying a fresh squeeze of lime or lemon. Make sure to drink plenty of it.

Hard Candy

Candy–particularly in solid form–should be avoided. In addition to being packed with sugar, they can also put you at risk of having a broken tooth.

Ice
You would think ice is harmless because it is simply water, but chewing ice wears your teeth and it is usually not recommended. Enjoy water in its liquid form instead.

Cola

You probably already knew that cola is bad for your teeth, not only is it full of sugar, it can also stain your teeth because of the dye ingredients in it. It’s best to drink it in moderation or, as usual, drink some water.

Blueberries

Blueberries are another one of those foods that are good for your body but bad for your teeth since the colouring can cause staining. Of course you should not stop eating them, just be sure to brush after. Rinsing with mouthwash can also help.

Many of these foods can be consumed in moderation, as long as you drink lots of water and brush your teeth. That way you can still enjoy the health benefits and keep your teeth white.

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7 Major Scheduling Mistakes You’re Making Right Now in Your Practice

The post 7 Major Scheduling Mistakes You’re Making Right Now in Your Practice appeared first on ACT Dental.

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Managing Dental Health for a Patient with Dravet Syndrome

Zara Kavarana, 21 years old, has been coming to us at Dr. Michaels Dental Clinic for the last 9 year and has zero cavities, has good oral hygiene and absolute 100% attendance on all appointments.

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Managing Dental Health for a Patient with Dravert Syndrome

Zara Kavarana, 21 years old, has been coming to us at Dr. Michaels Dental Clinic for the last 9 year and has zero cavities, has good oral hygiene and absolute 100% attendance on all appointments.

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DECARE DENTAL ‘OPEN DOORS’ FOR GREATER DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE

DeCare Dental are delighted to join the project as a founding member, joining 13 other organisations committed to supporting individuals who face barriers into employment. https://ift.tt/2CfQ8gq

6 Myths About Pediatric Dentistry

If you’ve ever Googled questions about pediatric dentistry, you’ve likely found a lot of conflicting information about what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to your child’s dental health. We’re here to set the record straight on some of the most common myths about pediatric dentistry!

Myth #1: Children don’t need to see the dentist until all of their teeth come in.

An early examination gives your pediatric dentist a chance to put together a long-term dental care plan that is most beneficial for your child. For this reason, we recommend bringing your child in for an exam when their first tooth erupts.

The earlier your child is exposed to dental care and regular appointments, the more relaxed and comfortable they will be with routine visits!

Myth #2: Cavities in baby teeth do not affect a child’s adult teeth.

Untreated cavities in baby teeth can inhibit proper growth of adult teeth. Tooth decay affects the gums and roots of the teeth, which means harmful bacteria can be transferred to adult teeth that are forming. Trauma to baby teeth can also cause problems for the growth of adult teeth.

Myth #3: Dental sealants are unsafe for children.

With proper brushing, flossing, and nutritional habits, sealants reduce the risk of cavities by 80%.

Bisphenol (BPA) in sealants has been a long standing concern for many parents. According to the American Dental Association, the BPA level in sealants is not significant enough to cause health concerns, and they are completely safe for children. Sealants may not be the solution for every child, which is why our dentists will evaluate each child on a case-by-case basis.

Myth #4: Only adult teeth need to be flossed.

Just because baby teeth are permanent doesn’t mean they need less diligent care! Food particles still need to be removed from between baby teeth with floss. Brushing only removes 30% of plaque and bacteria from your teeth, so flossing is a must!

We recommend that you assist your child with flossing as soon as they have two teeth that touch. Because small children lack the manual dexterity to floss properly, a parent should help with flossing until the child can brush and floss thoroughly.

Myth #5: A little blood during brushing is nothing to be alarmed about.

One of the most telltale signs of gum disease is blood when brushing or flossing, even in small traces. A similar comparison is to consider your hand washing routine. If you suddenly saw blood, chances are you would be concerned!

With a specialized oral health plan and practicing good oral health habits at home, gum disease in children can likely be reversed.

Myth #6: There’s no real difference between general dentistry and pediatric dentistry.

Though general dentists are vastly educated in many different aspects of dentistry, pediatric dentists specialize in working with children. They study developmental stages and characteristics of children and how dentistry affects their overall health, as well as the psychological component of pediatric dentistry.

Many general dentists will refer children to a pediatric dentist because of their specific expertise and abilities.

Do you have a question about pediatric dentistry that we haven’t covered? Feel free to get in touch with us to discuss!

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6 Things to Never Do When Collecting Fees from Patients

The post 6 Things to Never Do When Collecting Fees from Patients appeared first on ACT Dental.

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World Mental Health Day 10th October 2018

There is a two-way association between oral and mental health. In one direction, the prospect of dental treatment can lead to anxiety and phobia. In the other, many psychiatric disorders, such as severe mental illness, affective disorders, and eating disorders, are associated with dental... https://ift.tt/2QF5xux

Dentists get paid with help from the ADA's Third Party Payer Concierge™

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DECARE ANNOUNCED AS OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE JR. NBA BASKETBALL IRELAND LEAGUE

There was big excitement in clubs and schools around the country this week as the first ever Jr. NBA draft in Ireland took place at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght. https://ift.tt/2IBAIUH

The Surprising Effects of Wine, Tea, and Milk on Teeth and Overall Oral Health

There’s one beverage dental and medical professionals can agree on as being the most beneficial for both oral health and overall health, and the answer is good ol’ H2O. Although most people would say it’s the most boring beverage, it’s also the most popular, with 12.8 billion gallons of bottled water sold in the US alone in 2016—that’s more than 39 gallons consumed per person1.

Water is quite beneficial to teeth, as it increases the pH of saliva, making it less acidic and more basic, thereby helping to neutralize the detrimental effects of acidic foods on tooth enamel. Additionally, water flushes away food particles and residue that cavity-causing bacteria are looking for, fights dry mouth, is calorie-free, and dilutes the acids produced by bacteria found naturally in the mouth. So we’ve established that water is good for teeth, but what about wine, tea, and milk? Probably not quite as good, right? Well, let’s take a look at some research for each.

Wine lovers, rejoice!

Studies and clinical trials show that wine—specifically red wine that contains resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol—may play an important role in managing or preventing a variety of diseases. Some of the health benefits include cardioprotective effects, chemopreventive properties, and improved glycemic control.

But what about wine and oral health? Good news: a study published in the February 2018 edition of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that red wine contains antioxidants that prevent plaque-causing bacteria from sticking to gum tissue.2

In 2014, another study published in that journal showed that red wine might help prevent periodontal disease and teeth loss by effectively fighting three out of five periodontal disease-causing bacteria strains.3 Furthermore, a 2007 study conducted in Italy’s University of Pavia showed that both red and white wine may help prevent the proliferation of streptococci, a type of bacteria associated with cavities, tooth decay, and sore throats.4 And a 2015 study published in Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, the top pharmacology research journal based in China, found that resveratrol significantly decreased blood glucose levels, markedly reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines that can cause gingivitis, and ameliorated alveolar bone loss in mice.5

By no means does this research suggest that swishing a mouthful of wine is just as effective as mouthwash, but given a choice between chugging a can of soda or sipping a glass of Chianti, wine is the way to go.

How about a nice cup of tea?

Tea is one of the most frequently consumed beverages in the world, second only to water.6 Despite its potential esthetic disadvantage of temporary discoloration of teeth, tea consumption has been shown to help improve several aspects of oral health.

A 2013 study by Araghizadeh, et al reported that green tea extract inhibited the proliferation of Streptococcus mutans, the primary bacteria responsible for causing dental caries and periodontitis.7 Green tea has also been shown to exhibit inhibitory activity on other periodontopathic bacteria as well, such as P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans, and P. intermedia.7 In 2010, a study by Koyama et al demonstrated that drinking more than one cup of green tea per day was associated with significantly decreased risk for tooth loss.8

One variety of tea in particular—oolong tea—has been shown to reduce dental caries.9 The mechanism depends on the polyphenols in the tea which inhibit the function of glucosyltransferase, an important enzyme that allows S. mutans to attach to enamel.9 Other studies reported that green tea polyphenols displayed an inhibitory effect on the growth and development of oral squamous cell carcinoma, and studies conducted on patients with oral leukoplakia, a precancerous lesion, indicated a significant reduction in the patients’ leukoplakia and precancerous cellular damage.10

To be fair, despite all these oral and dental health benefits, there are studies that indicate the negative consequences of excessive tea consumption. The key word here is “excessive.” Consuming anything in excess—even something as innocuous as water—can lead to detrimental health effects.

Milk: it does a body good… including the teeth and mouth, too.

In dental circles, milk generally gets a bad rep, due primarily to its causational relationship to baby bottle tooth decay, also known as early childhood caries. Infants and toddlers who are given milk in a bottle and then put to sleep with the bottle in their mouth are more susceptible to developing rampant caries caused by prolonged exposure to the sugar content of milk. But consumption of milk by adults, and by children who no longer use bottles, does have its benefits.

One cup of milk provides nearly 300 milligrams of calcium, which is nutrient necessary for healthy bone growth, and also for the development of healthy teeth. Teeth and bones store 99 percent of the body’s calcium, according to the National Institutes of Health.11 A baby’s teeth begin forming while the baby is still in the womb, and is a reason for expecting mothers to consume the recommended daily allowance of between 1,000 and 1300 mg of calcium per day, to allow proper tooth (and bone) development.11

Dairy also has decay-fighting properties. In a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, researchers examined the effects of whole milk, apple juice, or tap water after 20 adult participants ate Froot Loops cereal.12 The participants were told not to brush their teeth for 24 hours to allow plaque to build up on their tooth enamel to effectively test out their theory. The study results showed that milk helped to strengthen participants’ teeth and lower the acidic levels after the cereal consumption.12

According to the American Dental Association, the order in which a person eats sugary foods and milk products can also make a difference to dental health. They state that drinking milk after eating sugary foods can lower harmful acidic levels in the mouth.12 So don’t eat cookies with milk—eat cookies and then drink milk to help wash them down and help neutralize salivary pH, too.

So, which is your beverage of choice?

Water, wine, tea, or milk? In moderation, they each have beneficial effects on teeth and overall oral health. The good thing about this rather diverse selection of beverages is just that—its diversity. For many, all four of these beverages have a place in a typical daily diet: Water from the water cooler at work, from the tap at home, or in bottles when on the go. A glass or two of wine at dinner, paired with a favorite meal. Enjoyed in an ice-cold glass with a cookie for dipping, or poured over cereal at breakfast, milk is often a family favorite. And last but not least, tea is considered a more healthy option over coffee, sipped in the afternoon or before bed to help aid in rest and relaxation. Choose one, choose them all—just know that you’re not only satisfying your thirst, you’re getting a variety of oral health benefits with each cup consumed.

If you enjoyed this article then check out The Dental Geek’s look at the effects of apple cider vinegar on oral health!

References:

1. https://ift.tt/2msd3ge
2. Esteban-Fernández A, et al. Inhibition of Oral Pathogens Adhesion to Human Gingival Fibroblasts by Wine Polyphenols Alone and in Combination with an Oral Probiotic. J Agric Food Chem. 2018 Mar 7;66(9):2071-2782.
3. Muñoz-González, I et al. Red Wine and Oenological Extracts Display Antimicrobial Effects in an Oral Bacteria Biofilm Model. J Agric Food Chem. 2014 62(20),4731-4737.
4. Daglia M. et al. Antibacterial Activity of Red and White Wine against Oral Streptococci. J. Agric Food Chem. 2007, 55(13),5038-5042.
5. Zhen L, et al. Resveratrol Ameliorates Experimental Periodontitis in Diabetic Mice through Negative Regulation of TLR4 Signaling. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2015 Feb. 36(2);221-228.
6. https://ift.tt/2O4zXcK
7. Araghizadeh A, et al. Inhibitory Activity of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Extract on some Clinically Isolated Cariogenic and Periodontopathic Bacteria. Med Princ Pract. 2013;22(4);368-72.
8. Koyama Y, et al. Association between Green Tea Consumption and Tooth Loss: Cross-sectional Results from the Ohsaki Cohort 2006 Study. Prev Med. 2010 Apr;50(4):173-9.
9. Ooshima T, et al. Oolong tea polyphenols inhibit experimental dental caries in SPF rats infected with mutans streptococci. Caries Res. 1993;27(2):124-9.
10. Vijayalakshmi R, et al. Chemoprevention of Oral Cancer: Green Tea Experience. J Nat Sci Biol Med. 2014 Jan-Jun;5(1)3-7.
11. Institute of Medicine (US) Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes. National Academies Press (US). 1997.
12. Naval S, et al. The Effects of Beverages on Plaque Acidogenicity after a Sugary Challenge. J Am Dent Assoc. 2013 Jul;144(7):815-22.

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Healthier Halloween Candy Alternatives

With Halloween coming up you’re likely dreading all the candy your children will be bringing home! We’ve already given you ideas on how to moderate their candy consumption, but what if there was another way to help? Start at the root of the problem by passing out healthier treats, both for your children and the ones who come trick-or-treating! We will give you some great alternatives to sugary Halloween candy here!

Why is Sugar Bad for Teeth?

Besides candy just being bad for health in general, from weight gain to lethargy, candy is especially bad for little teeth! Eating a lot of candy leaves sugar on the teeth which often leads to cavities, and little mouths are particularly susceptible. There’s a reason doctors recommend eating less sugar and candy daily and replacing them with healthier (but still sweet) alternative treats. Whether you want to make them yourself or buy them from the store, try a few of these healthier treats this Halloween and feel better about your little superheroes health.

Store-Bought Alternatives to Halloween Candy Bags of Granola, Candied Nuts, or Trail Mix

Before you hand out bags of trail mix and nuts, make sure you mix them in with other little treats like M&Ms, raisins, or chocolate chips. This will help children still feel like they’ve gotten a treat rather than a trick! You can get these options at Walmart:

• KIND Granola
• Bear Naked Granola Bites
• Great Value Praline Pecans
• Planters Trail Mix
• Great Value Trail Mix

Make them extra cute and Halloween-esque by putting your mix into these cute baggies!

Fruit Leathers & Fruit Snacks

What kid doesn’t love fruit snacks? We recommend Mot’s for a little less sugar. As far as fruit leather, try Stretch Island as a great fruity alternative!

Marshmallow Baggies

Marshmallows are an easy treat that have a lot less sugar! Fill Halloween baggies with colorful marshmallows and send those little monsters on their way!

Candied or Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

Butter With a Side of Bread has a great recipe for candied pretzels, but you can also easily buy these from the store! Mix and match with marshmallows and other candies to make store-bought a little sweeter!

Make or Bake Alternatives to Halloween Candy Candied or Caramel-Dipped Apples

Caramel apples are a staple of Halloween! What better way to get your kids to eat a little less sugar and a little more fruit, by handing them a caramel apple? Make it even easier to eat by dipping the individual apple slices. Check out this recipe from the Idea Room.

Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie treats are a childhood favorite! Whip them up the classic way or make them extra cute by turning them into Halloween monsters!

Caramel Popcorn Baggies

Though this awesome recipe by Brit.Co uses cups, switch them out for baggies and you’ve got yourself a sweet treat that doesn’t sugar overload!

Burg to the Rescue!

Did your kids still receive a lot of candy this Halloween? Don’t fret! To really protect their teeth have them come in for a checkup within a few weeks of Halloween. We’re always happy to make sure the Halloween damage is minor at most, and we’ll help your little superheroes learn to love brushing and flossing their teeth! Visit any of our location pages or fill out the form at the top of this page to schedule an appointment with one of our awesome offices!

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5 Things to Never Do When Collecting Fees from Patients

5 Things to Never Do When Collecting Fees from Patients When you build a dental practice, you must have healthy arrangements around cash and how it’s handled and managed. It’s not all about the money—it’s about the predictability that the money provides. Maintaining a healthy relationship with your patients requires you and your team to […]

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Interview with Dubai Specialist Periodontist Dr. Rima Abdallah

Dr. Rima Abdallah is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. She joins Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic with a decade of evidence-based approach in Periodontology and Implantology.

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